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STUDENT LIFE KSC Gives Back to community SPECIAL SECTION
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» SEE PAGE C1
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY SOPHIA HART
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY STAVRO NASHI
The student voice of Keene State College
Vol. 67, Issue #11
Thursday, dec. 11, 2014
[ KeeneEquinox.com ]
BRIEF
Students question identifying Pumpkin Fest witnesses
Pondside IV is given new life with its first design photos
DAVID WALSH
News editor emeritus
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY PERKINS+WILL
This is a conceptual rendering of the building. The view is looking southwest from Wyman Way toward the main Hub. The hub is clad with curtain wall and metal panels. The residential wings are clad with traditional campus brick and each bedroom has an operable window.
Designers at Perkins+Will released two renderings of the new first-year residential hall SKYLER FRAZER
News editor Pondside IV is:
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This information is from Jay Kahn and the project team at Perkins+Will. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO PERKINS+WILL
Skyler Frazer can be contacted at This is a conceptual rendering of inside the building. The view is from the third floor Hub lounge looking sfrazer@keene-equinox.com north toward Wyman Way. In the middle of the image is a series of communicating stairs and openings
» CAMPUS SAFETY, A2
that connect each floor, separated by vision glazing.
Keene State College hosts a community forum to discuss what will come from Pumpkin Fest MACKENZIE CLARKE
equiNox staff -
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DAVID WALSH / NEWS EDITOR EMERITUS
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A Keene citizen voices his opinion at the forum on Dec. 2.
Index >> Section A: News ...................1-3 Opinions ............4-5 Student Life ......6-10
Section B: A&E .................1-4 Nation/World..5-6 Sports...............7-10
Top Headlines >>
- : A4 Freedom of choice - : A10 Students give back to Keene - : B1 Composers express creativity - : B10 Alumni talk about ex-coach
» FORUM, A2
Follow Us >>
facebook.com/kscequinox @kscequinox
Contact Us >> Newsroom: 358-2413 Executive Editor: 358-2414 Advertising/Business: 358-2401 Newsroom: Questions? Contact jcoughlin@keene-equinox.com or bricciardi@keene-equinox.com
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ThursdAy, dec. 11, 2014
[ KeeneEquinox.com ]
CAMPUS SAFETY Report log
Week of: Dec. 7 Monday, Dec. 1 1:09 a.m. Pondside 1: Emergency notification 6:39 p.m. 23 Appleton Street: Suspicious circumstances Thursday, Dec. 4 7:34 p.m. Young Student Center: Female student with a head injury. 9:51 p.m. Randall Hall: Nonemergency medical situation in the hall 10:26 p.m. One Butler Court Residence Hall: Noise complaint past quiet hours. 11:30 Carle Hall: Odor investigation Friday, Dec. 5 12:02 a.m. Owls Nest 7: Alcohol Violation.
DAVID WALSH / NEWS EDITOR EMERITUS
A student expresses her feelings regarding the fate of Pumpkin Fest and the riots at the forum held on Dec. 2 in the Mabel Brown Room.
“To me this is about binge drinking and how it gets carried away, now we’ve gotten to the point where something has to be done.”
(Cont. from A1)
7:43 a.m. Tisdale Apartments 1-8: Possible overdose
-LARRY PHILLIPS N.H. STATE REPRESENTATIVE
11:25 a.m. Bushnell Apartments: Oil on a stove caught fire.
years. he said. -
8:21 p.m. Fiske Hall: Assisting the police department
rather than plan for another festival.
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10:02 p.m. Sidewalks: Blue light misuse 10:19 p.m. Spualding Gym: Blue light misuse 12:48 p.m. Zorn Dining Commons: Female passed out by the omelette station.
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else.
again.
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Saturday, Dec. 6
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12:46 a.m. Sidewalks: Noise complaint of people walking on the sidewalks
eration. the right thing to do to keep police force and
1:59 a.m. Randall Hall: Odor of marijuana in the hallway 8:26 p.m. Huntress Hall: Assisting KPD with locating a male student who used a fake ID Sunday Dec. 7 2:09 a.m. Carle Hall: nonemergency medical situation
did not receive a response man added. Crossman
she did explain the policies that govern the investigation process. “No system is per-
explained
that
- Crossman also stated they -
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170 Were Found Responsible for 235 Violations of the KSC Code of Conduct*
39 Probations
18 Fines 14 RESTITUTIONS 9 Suspensions
2 Expulsions
anonymity in the process.
6:37 a.m. Pondside 2: Noise complaint
1 Withdrawal with a suspension mation from a report that is -
in a report and there are
Crossman explained. Crossman explained this is to maintain fairness for
*Updated as of 12/2/14 PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
said.
- redact names also.
11:49 p.m. Bushnell Apartments: Odor investigation
is handled very similarly to
dent. “We do try to respect the pri-
9:43 p.m. Zorn Dining Commons: Bluelight activated when Dining Commons elevator got stuck with two people inside. They were out when the officer arrived.
MacKenzie Clark can be contacted at mclark@keene-equinox.com
SANCTIONS INCLUDED:
(Cont. from A1)
3:24 a.m. One Butler Court Residence Hall: Noise complaint past quiet hours
7:46 p.m. Carle Hall: Female resident stating that she is being harassed.
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est of the person providing the information so that they
added that the investigation
ment to identify as many people involved in the riots
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David Walsh can be contacted at dwalsh@keene-equinox.com
A recent statement from potential sanctions or even explained.
Crossman stated. Crossman said that the
and alcohol policy violations
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News / a3
[ KeeneEquinox.com ]
Students and Keene community celebrate the holiday season in many ways
HANNAH SUNDELL / EQUINOX STAFF
Keene State College Office of Diversity and Multiculturalism participates in festive activities on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
HANNAH SUNDELL / EQUINOX STAFF
Tables display some of the many cultural holiday items, like a minora.
HANNAH SUNDELL / EQUINOX STAFF
Students and members of the community make treats for friends and family members.
Diversity and Multiculturalism host Multicultural Holiday Celebration on campus JESSE REYNOLDS
“A lot that goes on during Kwanzaa has to do with family and core values,” Leek said before introducing
Equinox Staff
“At midnight what I used to look forward to were the tions that her family practices.
- there are seven candles that are lit, each of which has a different meaning. She said the seven candles represent The event brought KSC students and faculty from unity, self-determination, collective work and respona variety of different cultures together to share their sibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and traditions, while also learning about others’ cultural faith. She also talked about the celebrations of Kwanheritage. Students and faculty from different parts of zaa, which often include lots of singing, dancing, drumthe world talked about holidays they celebrate in their ming and “of course, fun.” tant event because Keene has such a diverse population. of Christmas traditions relative to their country of “A lot of these celebrations are about being festive origin. and connecting with one another, caring about one said the event is meant to celebrate students’ religious and cultural differences, but to also bring them together despite these differences. “At this time of year, so many different cultures have celebrations,” Clark said, “so we thought, ‘Well, we have such a diversity here at Keene State of things that people celebrate at this time, so we just thought, why don’t we all learn from each other?’”
think there’s this whole idea about enlightenment, like how can we all come together to be enlightened and I think part of that is sharing our different traditions.” her religion Sikhism and how it ties into the celebration
been imprisoned. Kaur said she traveled to Amritsar shared the empowering holiday of Kwanzaa with the audience.
too and the children would go outside to play,” she said. KSC students Sandra Kayira and Georgina Temeng both talked about Christmas traditions in different
days worth of oil burning for eight days. She also talked her hometown.
other foods we take for granted in the United States are a holiday treat for families in these countries. They said, “You can fry anything in the world in olive oil and also talked about the strong emphasis on community during the holidays and how everyone comes together to celebrate and enjoy each others company. is about hope and believing that good things can come out of even the worst situations. KSC student Stepha- huge block parties that can often last all night. She said nie Gonzalez introduced Christmas to the crowd with people get to enjoy their favorite foods that they othera short retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as explaining the usual Christmas traditions of decorating religious traditions her family followed. the tree, hanging stockings and giving gifts. Gonzalez “At midnight the church bell would ring,” she said, also told the audience about a tradition in El Salvador, “and all the families would walk to the church for mass, where her mother grew up. or if they missed it they would go early in the morning.” “They would have a little plant and they didn't have much, so they would give fruits as gifts, but other than that it wasn’t very different from American traditions,” in a couple years. KSC student Gianpaolo Colasacco Gonzalez said. said he enjoyed the celebration and learned some new - things at the same time. tural Student Support, talked about what Christmas “It’s really fascinating to hear about everything that in Guatemala is like. Garcia said Guatemalans actu- goes on with different holidays, different religions and
“It’s like a week span — you celebrate, you party, you eat really good food and you pray everyday,” Kaur said. She said people pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth - experience and a good time. a celebration of African American culture in the 1960s, and prosperity, not only for their own good fortune, but but has now evolved into a non-religious cultural cel- for their neighbors’ as well. and a blend of herbs and spices. Garcia said after the Jesse Reynolds can be found at ebration that can be enjoyed by all people. meal is when the real fun begins. jreynolds@keene-equinox.com
SoundoFF Brendan Ackerman Sophomore Safety Studies
“I drink eggnog, decorate the tree and go sledding,” because, “Sledding is a timeless classic and eggnog is delicious!”
“How do you get in the holiday spirit and why?”
Emma Simpson Freshman Psychology
“I wrap presents for friends and family. I also decorate and listen to music,” because, “It makes me feel happy! ”
Jill Bower Senior History
Olivia Pucciarelli Freshman Secondary Education and English
“I listen to Christmas music with “I listen to holiday music and decorate,” because, “It’s very festive friends and hang home-made ornaments on the tree.” and makes me happy. ”
Compiled by: Tim Smith
Myles Dumas Senior Computer Science and Math
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229 Main Street Keene, N.H. 03435 bricciardi@keene-equinox.com Circulation 2,00 Newsroom: 603-358-2413 Ads/Bus. Office: 603-358-2401 Executive Editor: 603-358-2414 Fax: 603-358-2407
OpiniOns / a4
Mission... 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 amongst student journalists.
[Keene-Equinox.com]
EDITORIAL
Thursday, dec. 11, 2014
Freedom of choice required to live on campus. The Residential Life tab on the keene.edu website argues that living on campus helps ease the transition into col-
possibilities. The Equinox does not necessarily disagree with the fact that younger and newer students should experience living on campus, however we believe that as paying students, we deserve the choice to decide what we want to do in terms of living, no matter what year we are. As students, ultimately our job here at school is to get an education and eventually earn a degree. While the school may want to suggest what they believe to be the best options for academic, social and overall success, the decision should be in the hands of the students themselves. It is no surprise that the cost of living on campus isn't cheap. The college needs to understand that, for many, money is extremely tight and living on campus is not always the most feasible option. This is this is not always the case. ments where they end up paying less than they did when they were forced to live on campus. With living on campus comes certain responsibilities. Students who live on campus are expected to have some kind of a meal plan. The cost of meal plans, as you can imagine, is also quite expensive. Many students would prefer cooking for themselves because they may not enjoy is a more economical option. The circumstances vary from student to student. For some, living on campus may be a great experience, but for others, it may be a burden whether it be socially, economically or any other reason. The Equinox We agree that living on campus can provide a sense of community for newer students — it can expose them to resources on campus and help dent. Dorm living is a major adjustment for many. Going from living in a home to living in a dorm with hundreds of other students can make for countless issues. Distractions are inevitable. Neighboring rooms may blast music when a student is trying to study in the comfort of their own room and bathrooms are shared among many and are often left unkept. We understand that there are people of authority enforcing rules and regulations in residence halls, however, many of these instances are going to happen regardless. allows students to get a taste of the real world and what it's like to live on your own. Students become exposed to what it's like to become an adult and manage for themselves. Living on campus can certainly still take a toll on your wallet, however we are arguing that when it comes down to it, the student should be allowed the choice to decide how they are going to spend their money here in college. Allowing all students the freedom to live where they want to would, without a doubt, present many challenges. Many students will most likely make some risky decisions that might out to be a great one. The matter of the fact is, the school should not be able to dictate the way we as students live our lives while in college. College is a time for growth, error and discovery. When we are stuck within strict boundarhindered.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KYLE BAILEY
STAFF COMMENTARY
Student encourages others to speak their minds ARLINE VOTRUBA
Equinox Staff You know that eerie feeling at the end of the day when you are lying in bed, eyes wide, recapping an earlier conversation during which you refrained from saying the things that were racing in your thoughts? There was a lot happening and you feared the repercussions of blatantly speaking your mind to the one you were conversing with. Perhaps you were afraid of their judgments. Maybe you felt that what you had to say might have hurt their feelings. There is a chance you held back what you wanted to say because it made you feel too vulnerable, but the truth is that making ourselves vulnerable in this manner is one of the best parts of life. The ability to communicate verbally is what separates us as humans and allows us to grow and experience things on a level unmet by other living creatures. encourage you to be brave and allow yourself to say exactly what it is you are thinking. Often it goes that people hesitate to speak the words that are
THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College
To contact the Equinox, e-mail bricciardi@keene-equinox.com
Jake Coughlin Administrative Executive Editor Bethany RiCCiaRdi Managing Executive Editor
news editoR
Copy editoRs
Skyler Frazer
opinions editoR
Ali Ondreicka Max Blanchette
Sabrina Lapointe
MultiMedia diReCtoR
student life editoR Taylor Thomas
a&e editoR Caroline Alm
spoRts editoR Kendall Pope
photo editoR Kyle Bailey
Connor Morrell WEBMASTER Sean Crater GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Philip Bergeron SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Diana Pimer BUSINESS MANAGER Kenny Sullivan
building up, spinning through their mind, with the fear of how others will respond.
Do not refrain from vocalizing your thoughts or concerns, because we live in a country where we are granted the freedom to say whatever we wish. Take advantage of that privilege and never hesitate to say a word.
it is never wrong to let people know how you feel. It is worse to hide those inner comments than to share them, because those people around you are not mind readers. The thing of it is, when you feel compelled to tell somebody something, Quit hiding your truth in order to satisfy others. the desire never dissipates, and it only torments your thoughts with regret Your soul does not function properly when it is constantly facing disuntil you let out what you had been meaning to say. crepancies between what is happening within and what you are expressLiving with regret is never the wise option. ing outwardly. a sensation of peace in our hearts when the day is done. While going through the rapid transition from high school to college, a lot changes that you may never have anticipated. The best way to keep a conscience clear in regards to a relationship is Your relationships with old friends, coworkers and family are now dif- to know you gave your all by being honest and saying whatever it was you ferent as you begin to mature. needed to. Entering the adult world puts more pressure on you to act responsibly, and what I am saying is that you must be responsible for yourself in Arline Votruba can be contacted at expressing your truth. avotruba@keene-equinox.com
faCulty adviseR Rodger Martin, Journalism faculty (rmartin@keene-equinox.com ) Julio DelSesto, Journalism faculty (jdelsesto@keene.edu)
Ads Manager: Anna Glassman (860) 817-1442 Arline Votruba, Joseph Stallcop, Jesse Reynolds, Mackenzie Clarke, Jill Giambruno, Amanda Lashua, Claire Hickey, Allie Baker, Matt Bilodeau, Hannah Sundell, Tim Smith, Jacob Barrett, Mary Curtain, Brogan Wessell, Hannah Rettig, Matt Allen.
Copyright Š 2014: 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.
Editorial Policy 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 358-2414. The Equinox business office is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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[Keene-Equinox.com]
COMMENTARY
Obesity as a temporary state, instead of a disease DIANA PIMER
that. Females have more fat than males, but BMI does not acknowledge this. The older a person gets, the more body fat they tend to have, but for BMI this does not matter. -
sOcial MEdia dirEctOr condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally. This is how the Merriam-Webster Diction-
Additionally, in most cases, a disease cannot be helped. Aside from medical treatment, most diseases cannot be treated by lifestyle changes. An excess of fat occurs when energy in (calories) exceeds energy out (exercise), so when too many calories go into the body and not enough exercise is performed, fat builds up within the body. Obesity can often be reversed by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. In some cases, such as genetic obesity, these choices may not always make someone lose 100 pounds, but they will help the person become healthier. It is apparent that obesity is an issue in America and the actions being taken to solve this issue look promising. However, saying that these people have a disease is not going to help them get healthier. The term just lingers in the mind and de-motivates. Obesity is something that can be overcome and Americans need to be
above. This is how organizations such as Centers for Distwo are related — obesity, which is otherwise described as having an excess amount of body fat, is a condition that prevents the mind and/or body from working normally. extra fat can have. These range from increased blood pressure and cholesterol to having an escalated heart rate when doing simple tasks. It is obvious that this condition is not ideal and that it has become an extreme cent of Americans were obese in 2012. This number has plateaued over the last couple of years, but is much larger than previous years. However, America is working to solve this issue. Last year, the American Medical Association adopted ten new policies, one of which was that obesity
down. Not everyone who is obese became that way because they sat on the couch eating potato chips for ten years. Life experiences, like pregnancy, stressful jobs and much more, all take a toll on the human body and sometimes weight gain happens. America needs to keep an open mind and help people feel better about themselves. Obesity is not a disease. Not only can it be reversed and helped by lifestyle changes, but deeming someone as obese is vague in itself. Obesity is a temporary state that can be changed. It may be easier for some and more
will help change the way the medical community tackthree Americans,” AMA board member Patrice Harris,
“The AMA is committed to improving health outcomes and is working to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes, which are often linked to obesity.” PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Something needs to be done — people need more help with battling obesity. But is deeming that they overweight. In today’s society, the two are thrown overweight when using the BMI calculation, because it just in need of a little help. nition, some may say obesity is a disease. However, it BMI categories: underweight, normal, overweight and is based solely on height and weight. should not be considered one. For starters, the term Diana Pimer can be contacted at obese. It does not take many factors into consideration. obese is ambiguous and the same goes for the word dpimer@keene-equinox.com - Muscle weighs more than fat, but BMI does not know
STAFF COMMENTARY
COMMENTARY
Mental Health Unit helps student find peace Holiday eating cycle with no guilt JOSEPH
EquinOx staff "Here’s our policy on restraining patients. We haven’t had to do it in years, but due to policy, we have to inform you of it just in case." I shuddered inside. If you’d ask me during graduation where I’d be during the second month of college, you could get a variety of responses — receiving a restraint policy after being admitted to the Mental Health Unit of Cheshire Medical Center, however, wouldn’t be one of them. dent at Keene State College. For years I was
of espresso. Then, the collapse. The feeling of everything falling apart and knowing that help was too far away. I had known that if I continued on untreated, I would not survive to see Halloween. It was then, after almost breaking down in the counseling center and a quick trip to the ER, I found out I was being admitted. So there I was, on ater lobby, with a Bipolar 1 diagnosis and a release date that was a week away. When people think of a psych ward, the image that pops in their head is usually one of two possibilities. known as that place where people that have
in a friend group that was the most unique. I wasn't a complete weirdo, but even as I began to make friends during my transition here, others’ descriptions of me usually fell along the lines of, "he's just Joe." That's why, when I started getting into really strange states of mind, people just
to themselves in peace, while the nurses are constantly giving out medication and keeping people in line. The second is an asylum, where patients are strictly disciplined with harsh punishments and a few whom are incredibly violent and frightening. In reality, a psych ward is essentially like a rehahave periods of time with no energy at all bilitation center with more interesting — I couldn't do anything. Other times, I felt patients. There are however, a few subtle as if I could take on the world and would make damn sure nothing got in my way. in a maternal manner in making sure you Being in the most exhausted and hopeless get dressed and showered every day. You mood you could ever imagine, I reached out also have a list of contraband items you to the counseling center. After a referral to can't bring in, ranging from the obvious the medical center, I found out there was a (shoelaces), to the debilitating (cell phone). two-week waiting list and I had suddenly The most interesting though, was the runswitched over to feeling extremely wired and energetic, as if I had downed a gallon up at least one person's order, which got to
the point of someone receiving a roast beef
ANNA GLASSMAN
ads dirEctOr
you can meet some of the most amazing walks of life and levels of recovery, we all seemed to mesh extremely well. It wasn't all a piece of cake though; a bipolar patient came in experiencing severe mania, which, outside of testing our patience, also taught me the severity of my condition. For possibly more years than I can recollect, I had been struggling with an unknown ailment, one to which I often attributed to health or personality. With fear of mental illness stigma, lack of proper healthcare and just an ignorance of its symptoms, many people wasting years of their life, or worse, having it cut too short. Though receiving a hefty load of makeup work and having to deal with multiple doctors and medical adjustments, I left the Mental Health Unit with many new things — like a great support group of people including fellow patients, friends and family. The most important, who I am and though I might not be your life, excellence isn't measured by how long you were on top, but how you climbed up from rock-bottom. Perfection never made for interesting stories anyway. Joseph can be contacted at opinions@keene-equinox.com
During the holidays, dining room tables are invisible under the sweet scents of cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, day specialties. Every year Thanksgiving and other winter festivities lead people to overindulge. The multiple rarities lining a holiday table commence the cycle of gorging oneself past capacity and resolving never to do that again when 12 a.m. arrives on New Year’s Eve. It is in the spirit of the season to eat foods that are only present one time of year. However, the splurge leaves many pounds seem to have spontaneously clung to their bodies the next day. Doorley said that, for her, every year is the same — she overeats and resolves to avoid the pattern after the new year. “I usually feel regretful about how much I ate,” Doorley said. While the fear of blowing one’s healthy the tongue may taint the joy of the holidays, according to WebMD it is not possible to gain weight overnight.
Instead, it cites weight gain as a process of “prolonged over eating.” A San Antonio Nutrition Consultant, every once in a while. “What we have to learn is that we are giving ourselves permission to do this and as soon as it’s over, we should go back to the eating plan we normally follow,” Reeves said. Enjoying the mashed potatoes with serts is a part of experiencing the joy of the holidays. It is acceptable to indulge during your holiday celebration as long as the healthy eating habits reconvene the next day. The feeling of weight gain stems from bloating after consuming high quantities of food. Daphne Sashin wrote on the WebMD website, “That’s not because you gained body fat, but because of water retention from extra salt that was in the food you ate,” Sashin said. This year enjoy the holiday treats without guilt. Make a resolution early this year: to enjoy yourself and get back on track the next day. Anna Glassman can be contacted at aglassman@keene-equinox.com
COMMENTARY
Heavy emphasis on grades can be damaging to students SABRINA LAPOINTE
teachers and professors, I have always noted one commonality: the emphasis on grades. With that said, I fully understand that teachers and professors do not have the freedoms they might want in terms of how they conduct their classes. There are certain laws and regulations in place that prevent them from eliminating grades altogether. So, essentially, because of the way the system is run, we are stuck. Grades can vary in certain states of educational systems however the standard grading system in the U.S. ranges from an ‘A’ being exceptional/outstanding to an ‘F’ representing failure. I have always had a natural curiosity about how I would approach my education if grades were taken out of the picture. Some would argue that grades provide an incentive for students and this is certainly true. However, I would argue that when there is such a strong emphasis on achieving that desired ‘A’ I am more likely to play it safe and do what it takes to meet requirements to get that socially desirable grade, instead of just letting my natural curiosity take its own course. When doing any assignment, students wonder in the back of their mind what grade they will receive when they hand in the assignment. Instead of being creative and taking educational risks, they are more likely to stick strictly to what the syllabus or what the instructions for the assignment demand. Students are then shaped by their teacher or professor’s own
Instead of looking for the right answer students should be looking for answers that make the most personal sense to them. Obviously, this cannot be the case for every subject. Subjects that are more black and white, such as mathematics, do not have as much freedom when it comes to forming your own individualized answer. However, most other subjects do have this kind of freedom. Schooling is a part of nearly all of our youth and even goes into adulthood for many of us as well. It is something that should serve as a tool to equip us with the necessary knowledge for success in our futures. It should also provide a foundation of basic knowledge that every person should have. I believe the heavy emphasis on grades takes away from the overall learning itself, the motive is not about absorbing as much as possible but absorbing the knowledge in the way that will eventually get you to that A.
I have had just about every type of teacher what they believe will impress the teacher the that exists. Despite my many experiences with most. When grades hold as much weight as they
Sabrina Lapointe can be contacted at slapointe@keene-equinox.com
OpiniOns EditOr Filling in the correct bubbles, reaching that 2,000 word count and meeting graduation requirements seems to be the bulk of our focus as college students. Exam after exam, paper after paper, exhaustion kicks in just weeks into the semester. At what point did school become solely about achieving that desired ‘A’? Students shift their focus from genuine interest in a subject to making sure their name is printed in that Dean’s List in the local paper. At the end of a class, each student earns a letter grade. I would Author of the book "The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Kohn talks extensively about the negative impact grades have on students. “First, their [students] interest in the learning itself is diminished. Second, they come to prefer easier tasks — not because they’re lazy, but because they’re rational. After all, if the point is to get an A, your odds are better if you avoid taking intellectual risks. Third, students tend to think in a they learned more quickly — when grades are involved,” Kohn said. Kohn hits the nail on the head here. As a student approaching my senior
do in terms of determining your overall academic success, they take away from the learning experience itself. Instead of just being excited to learn, especially at the college level, the concern of getting high grades precedes concerns about your growth as a person. To hold each individual student to the same -
PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
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[Keene-Equinox.com]
sTudenT Life / a6
KSC students resolve to start the new year with new goals STEPHANIE MCCANN
Student Life editor emerituS With fall semester coming to a close and the excitement of winter break upon the Keene State College community, students have already begun to look forward to what the future will bring. Ushering in the New Year, students will have a fresh start with a new semester, new classes, new opportunities and a chance to come up with some New Year’s resolutions to begin 2015 with a bang. KSC Senior Jack Anderson provided insight on why he thinks people make New Year’s resolutions. “I think people see it as a time to make some changes in their lives. It’s a new year and a time to rethink everything that happened over the past couple of months,” Anderson said. Anderson continued, “It’s so hard, though.” “We’re so young that sometimes we don’t think it’s time to really change anything about ourselves yet. We need to experience more,” Anderson explained. Sophomore Sydney Feinstein said that she thinks New Year’s resolutions have to do with change as well. “People have [New Year’s resolutions] to change what they either don’t like about themselves or what they think they can do better in the future,” Feinstein said. “It could be as simple as changing habits like biting your nails or working out or becoming a better friend – you just have to yourself,” Feinstein continued. Feinstein already has her New Year’s resolution picked out for 2015 and she said she can’t wait to begin. “I’m going to try to lose weight,” Feinstein said. “I’ll be going to the gym and eating healthier. It’s exciting because it’s something I actually want to accomplish,” she explained. She said she knows she’ll stick to her goal because she has to pay her own money for the gym at home and does not want her membership to go to waste. Feinstein laughed, “The membership is so expensive that I know I’m going to have to force myself to go all the time. That’s a good incentive I think.” PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR However, Feinstein said she does not want to begin her goal now. olution, there is no point in starting now,” lution to Feinstein’s in 2014. said. Feinstein said. “I was going to the gym more and work“It was going really well in the beginNew Year, though. If it’s a New Year’s resSenior Brett Dootson had a similar reso- ing on getting better at cardio,” Dootson ning and I was really in shape, then I
“I’m excited to come up with a goal again for this year.” - BRETT DOOTSON KSC SENIOR
started to fall behind a little closer to March and April, but ended up getting back on track with everything in the summer,” he explained. important to set a goal for yourself every year and see what you can accomplish.” Anderson said he sees a lot of people who make New Year’s resolutions, but don’t follow through with them. “It’s probably because we’re college students and everything is always rapidly changing in our world that maybe we don’t want to give ourselves just another thing to change with a resolution,” Anderson said. Anderson continued, “I personally have not made one yet for 2015 and I’m not sure if I’m going to.” Junior Nicole Guerrera said that she thinks New Year’s resolutions are a positive goal for students to try to set. “Everyone needs something to try to work for,” Guerrera said. Guerrera continued, “That’s why we set goals – to try to accomplish them.” “It’s just another chance for us, as students, to think of something we want to accomplish and then work towards it,” she said. Guerrera said she does not know what she wants to have as her New Year’s resolution for this upcoming year. “In the past I’ve actually been able to go through with the goals I’ve set, so I’m pretty proud of that,” Guerrera said. In the end, students agreed that the point to make a goal is for the purpose of change. “I’m excited to come up with a goal again for this year,” Dootson said. He continued, “We all need that type of motivation to want to work toward something bigger and change things in our lives.” “That’s what these resolutions are all about,” Dootson said. Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@keene-equinox.com
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[Keene-Equinox.com]
Local ski and snowboard mountains offer discounts to KSC students TAYLOR THOMAS
Student Life editor As the air gets colder and snow starts to accumulate, Keene State College students still have options for enjoying the outdoors all winter long. KSC is within an hour and a half of six ski and snowboard mountains that all “Not only is this something that you’ll never be able to do at the same price ever again for what you get, but it’s a great allaround experience,” KSC Ski & Snowboard Club President, Chris Kouroyen said. “To get the same season pass for someone who is not of college age is much more expensive, so it’s substantial savings,” Kouroyen continued. With or without going through the Ski & Snowboard Club, KSC students can get discounted ski passes. According to mountsnow.com, The Double Down Pass to Stratton and Mount Snow is $369. The 4.0: The College Pass to Killington, Mount Sunapee, Okemo Mountain and Pico Mountain is $379, according to killington.com. According to the Killington and Mount Snow websites, The 4.0 Pass is only available to college students and The Double Down Pass is available to anyone 18-26-years-old. After that, the price for are anywhere around $700 to $3 thousand dollars more than the cost of the college passes. However, the Dec. 15 deadline to lock in these prices is approaching. These two passes, which are valid every day of the season, also come with other deals. The Double Down Pass includes two free ski lessons and two passes for friends at a reduced price, among other perks. The tickets for college friends and 15 percent off lessons, along with other discounts. These deals encourage people who may not have had the opportunity to try skiing or snowboarding many times before to get the pass or tag along with a friend who has the pass. Rory Bogel, the treasurer of the ski and snowboard club, said he had never tried skiing or snowboarding before college. Bogel is from Connecticut and is a four hour drive from the mountains. “I never bothered [to try skiing or snowboarding]. I had no one to ski with, my family and friends didn’t ski,” Bogel said. However, he said his friends convinced a year of skiing, he switched to snowboarding and said he loves it. “The mountains around here (besides Granite Gorge) are all big resorts, and really accommodate different skill levels,” Bogel said. Bogel and Kouroyen agree that these two passes offer great deals for KSC students regardless of their skill level. “With the pass you get the best bang for your buck, especially considering most of the mountains it’s like eighty dollars for a one-day pass,” Kouroyen said. tain on the same pass, the pass is already cheaper than paying for individual oneday lift tickets. Kouroyen said the Ski & Snowboard Club goes on four overnight trips, two to
PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
Mount Snow and two to Stratton, along with carpooling to the mountains on Fridays and weekends. [a.m.], but sometimes we get lazy too and go out at eleven [a.m.] for a few hours. It’s all about what you want to make of your pass. If you only want to ski two hours once a week then you’re still saving money by getting a pass,” Kouroyen said. Not only do the mountains offer discounts to students, but the mountains are only 45 minutes to an hour and a half away from campus, according to Google Maps. “Keene is a central location of about half a dozen mountains,” Kouroyen said. “It’s pretty great what Keene has to offer for the ski community,” he continued. Closer ski and snowboard mountains also offer deals to KSC students. Granite Gorge is only a nine-minute drive from campus and Crotched Mountain is 50 minutes. For a full day college-pass to Granite Gorge it is $32 and after noon tickets are $25. The 20-trail mountain also offers a season pass to KSC students for $99. Crotched mountain has Midnight Madness deals for college students on Friday night for
-RYAN CATHCART KSC SENIOR
$39 and all day lift tickets Wednesday for $29. Midnight Madness is when the mountain offers lighted night skiing from 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. Ryan Cathcart, a KSC senior, has had a season pass all four years of college and snowboarded at all six mountains closest to KSC. Last year he had the 4.0 Pass, but this year he has The Double Down Pass. “I like any pass, they’re all great deals,” Cathcart said. Cathcart said there are so many reasons he loves skiing and the opportunities these ski passes give him. He said there is a freedom in snowboarding that he doesn’t see in many other things. “There’s no one telling you what to do or where to go. Its just you and the mountain and you can do whatever you want to
enjoy it,” Cathcart said.
minded people and enjoy the outdoors. Jacob Pastor, secretary and public relaity of being able to go whenever he wants, tions for the Ski & Snowboard Club, said and use it as a stress reliever. he recommends everyone to at least try out “You can have a stressful week, but if skiing or snowboarding. “When you’re a freshman you think you day out of the week to get on the moun- have all this time in college, but by the tain it’s going to take you away from every- time you’re a senior you might realize you thing else that’s going on,” Cathcart said. missed out,” Pastor said. Cathcart also commented on the imporPastor continued, “You want to pack in tance of being active, even in the winter. as much as you can in college, and getting “In the winter we experience intense outside, enjoying the outdoors, and meettemperatures and it’s important to get ing new people is really important.” yourself out from being locked inside for so long on end. People are indoors for Taylor Thomas can be contacted at months at a time and it really starts to have tthomas@keene-equinox.com an impact on their psyche,” Cathcart said. He said skiing and snowboarding is Read about other students taking advantage a great way to socialize and meet like- of these deals on B10
(Cont. from A10)
around different organizations during this stressful time," she said. One of the more noticeable attractions was the wooden holiday card that Marketing and Communications table, run by Mark Reynolds, was making on a wooden and student assistance. "Really nice attendance," he spoke of the immense amounts of people that had come through. "[It] helps the spirit and community at KSC,” he continued. Hootie the Owl, the KSC mascot, made appearances during the event, and while the subject of attention for many attendees, one student was not too enthusiastic. "The owl mascot kind of scares me," VicKSC. She believed that the event seemed "very promotional, but it’s fun." All in all, the Winter Celebration was seen as a success, with Ferrell reporting already given away one thousand travel mugs, the chocolate fountains had gone through eighty pounds of chocolate and the Marketing and Communications table
Joseph Stallcop can be contacted at jstallcop@keene-equinox.com
HANNAH RETTIG / EQUINOX STAFF
KSC students enjoying the one of the chocolate fountains at the Winter Celebration.
HANNAH RETTIG/ EQUINOX STAFF
KSC student organizations showcase their work to others in the Student Center.
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[Keene-Equinox.com]
thurSdAy, dec. 11, 2014
Student studying in Botswana sees different perspectives on his journey BRAEDEN CUMMINGS
on wood.)
University of Botswana
loads of people everyday that have this I am studying abroad in Gaborone, perception of who I must be because I am Botswana. Gaborone is a city with a popu- white and from America. lation of 200,000 residents; it is a modern western countries. No, there are not elephants outside my dorm room. I have running water for the most part. There are cars driving on the road. No, I do not have Ebola and neither does anybody else in this area. Yes, this city is in Botswana, a country in Sub-Saharan Africa, but I am not by any means studying abroad in “Africa” in the sense that some perceive the whole continent as one thing. There is poverty, there are huts without are also new businesses, healthcare, inventive there are at least two positives here in Botswana. To paint the whole continent with one color and one idea of wild animals, disease, view that westerners have adopted. Traveling here with an open mind and being ready to be challenged has helped me gain the most from this entire journey. I have been studying at the University of Botswana this semester. well as participating in an internship position at a game reserve outside of the city. The education system is quite different and I would describe my experience at school as being the hardest easy semester yet. I have made friends with people all over the world, from Germany to Japan and from England to Zimbabwe. This has been the most diverse group of people I have ever been around my whole life and I love every minute of it. Being a white male from the USA has given me a slight boost in my place in society here. It is assumed that I am rich, that I have met celebrities and that I live in Los Angeles.
up with stating their case about who they within our society. Standing out and being a minority here is something to consider very carefully before attempting studying here. The culture is different here and some of the harassment females may encounfemales enjoy this courtship method. As a female planning to study aboard here, be prepared to have catcalls and stares accompany you everywhere you go. you are different. You are interesting to people here. Try
home. ulation. You may be assumed to be a Motswana (person of Botswana) and people will treat you as such, sometimes Setswana language and expect you to understand it word for word. Race and gender issues aside, this is a very peaceful country in an optimal location for travel. I have visited many places in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and I plan on reaching Zimbabwe and Zambia in the Do not be afraid to travel. campsites, public transport and friends to I have learned a lot during my travels around southern Africa and cannot express them all in words. Keep true to yourself but be prepared to have a changed perception, and be trustworthy to others but be cautious around some.
must be able to accomplish this in all areas a target to begging and theft, which I per- of your life. Peace and love from Botswana.
PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
Delta Phi Epsilon hosts annual holiday celebration AMANDA LASHUA
eqUinox staff College sorority Delta Phi Epsilon found time during the chaotic season to host their annual holiday celebration. Room of the L. P. Young Student Center. ing enthusiasm among possible members for the spring recruitment period, Gigi Gubitosa, vice president of recruitment for Delta Phi Epsilon, stated. Chelsea Day, president of Delta Phi Epsilon, said,“This is our annual holiday party that is open to any girl who is interested in joining the sorority or fraternity life here at Keene State [College].” just mingle with the new girls. It’s something we do every year so it isn’t something second year in a row. “Last year I started this present game and we’re going to do it again this year,” Gubitosa said. “Basically what happens is everyone sits in a circle while Christmas music is play-
“My [Resident Assistant's] girlfriend, Allison, was really helpful in my decision to rush; she pointed me in the direction of Delta Phi Epsilon when I decided I wanted to
Phi Epsilon, Gubitosa said, therefore the turnout of about ten possible sisters was exciting. who can’t sign up to rush until spring semester. Having this event in between the two different rushing seasons gets them ready for the spring and its another way of getting them involved,” Gubitosa explained. TIM SMITH / EQUINOX Delta Phi Epsilon hosts their annual holiday celebration to celebrate the holiday season and meet potential new members. day party which swayed them to rush and join in the spring,” Gubitosa said.
STAFF
meeting the new girls who show up. “I love to see the outcome of how many people show up. I love seeing the energy -
down those stigmas and those perceptions that people have because we aren’t any-
Amanda Lashua can be contacted TIM SMITH / EQUINOX alashua@keene-equinox.com Sorority sisters and interested students play games, decorate cupcakes and socialze Dec. 3 in the Mountain View room.
STAFF
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[Keene-Equinox.com]
Students share their standpoints on snow JILL GIAMBRUNO
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“My favorite part about snow? Just being in it.” - MATTHEW MCDOUGAL KSC SENIOR
Jill Giambruno can be contacted at jgiambruno@keene-equinox.com
PHILIP BERGERON / GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
(cont. from A10)
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“Being able to immerse myself in a completely different culture is a reward itself. I’m really blessed for all of the opportunities that I have been given...” - KATIE REED KSC JUNIOR
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Claire Hickey can be contacted at chickey@keene-equinox.com
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TAYLOR THOMAS / EQUINOX STAFF
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Classmates deliver donated items to businesses in Keene, New Hampshire.
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY Jill Giambruno can be contacted at jgiambruno@keene-equinox.com KSC students enjoy coffee and homemade treats while supporting the KSC Gives Back event held in the Gazebo in
downtown Keene.
SOFIA HART
TAYLOR THOMAS / EQUINOX STAFF
Senior Jack Anderson plays guitar at the KSC Gives Back event.
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Student Life Where in the world is the owl? Find out on A8!
Thursday, dec. 11, 2014
Find out how to stay active this winter on A7
sTudenT Life / a10
Keene State College Gives gives Back back [Keene-Equinox.com]
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY SOFIA HART
KSC’s Persuasion course developed the KSC Gives Back event after the negative stigma the riots created surrounding the college. Students hope to show the community the respect they have for the town.
Students use class to plan event to reconnect KSC with the community JILL GIAMBRUNO
Equinox Staff Despite the rain and cold weather that plagued Keene, New Hampshire on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, students from Keene State College kept their spirits up lege that was set by the riots surrounding this year’s Pumpkin Fest. The event, called KSC Gives Back, took place at Central Square in Downtown Keene. From noon until 2 p.m., about 100 students showed up to offer their support and help give back to the community. came about in a communications class offered at the
school called “Persuasion.” dents went in groups, bearing gifts to local businesses “This is our collaborative end of the semester project,” up and down Main Street. “We have a lot of people going around bringing a lot about media and communication through media.” coffee and treats to local businesses and we’re going to According to Hart, the class hadn’t planned on hosting the event until after Pumpkin Fest happened. back to them. We’re also going to The Red Cross, Planet Hart said, “We wanted to give back to the commu- Aid and the Community Kitchen to bring donated items nity in response to all of the negative stigma that sur- to them as well,” Hart said, outlining the event. rounded the school [after Pumpkin Fest]. We wanted Emily Silegy, a junior at KSC, said the group was to create an event to show that we really do respect the working to “rebrand” the image of KSC. town and we really do want to rebuild the community “We used the RIOT acronym [Respectful Intelligent that we live in.” Owls Together] and we’re hosting this event to repaint Hart said the KSC Gives Back event was inspired by “Culture Jam,” which is the idea of taking a negative as well as a lot of other people, are all on board.” stigma and turning it into something positive. Silegy, who is a Keene native, noted how the comOver the course of the two-hour long event, stu- munity reacted to the aftermath of the riots.
“I’ve seen a lot of negative stuff from the community and how they feel,” Silegy said. Silegy continued, “I think this event is a really great way to show that we care. Going around to local busiimage we want to project of our school.” For KSC Senior Logan Bernard, KSC Gives Back was all about students showing how much they’re involved with the town. “We want to come here and show the town that we do care — show them that Keene State [College] isn’t just a bunch of disrespectful kids,” Bernard said. Bernard continued, “We’re going to the food kitchen to offer baked goods and coffee, and to donate things like non-perishable food items and donated clothing.
Winter Celebration gets students in the holiday spirit JOSEPH STALLCOP
Equinox Staff As the fall semester of 2014 comes to a close, many of the last projects and even the unpredictable weather can take its toll on Keene State College students. The Winter Celebration however, aimed to change that by giving students a short festive break from the madness. Jennifer Ferrell, director of Student Involvement and organizer of the 2014 Winter Celebration, described the event as, "An effort to come together at the end of the semester as a campus community and celebrate each other, the end of the semester and the start of the winter season." "It’s really just a fun way to get together," she spoke of the event, which is in its tenth year. "Eat a lot of sweets, have some fun, play some games and see how creative and warm our community really is," she advised. With two chocolate fountains surrounded by a variety of dipping choices, hot chocolate, cotton
the past, said his reason for coming back was because it was "fun to come in here and smile with music playing." "These chocolate fountains get me every time," he mentioned before walking towards the crowd that had gathered around the fountain. Amy Donovan, a KSC junior, praised the Celebration as a great "de-stressor." "I think it's very festive and puts you in the holiday spirit," she said while chatting with friends. While many show up for the free food and prizes, the Winter Celebration is also a chance for the many organizations on campus to get students' attention. Phoebe Buckman, a sophomore and member of the organization Active Minds, was helping out at her group's table, which was giving out information about stress and mental health stigma. "There's a lot of people coming, HANNAH RETTIG / EQUINOX STAFF and it gives groups a chance to KSC students look at a student organization table for Owl Nation during the Winter Celebration. reach out to people," she mentioned about the event. candy and even a s'more making ment and the L.P. Young Student the day. "It's nice to hang out and browse station, all free from sponsorship Center, the Winter Celebration Matt Derrickson, a senior at - gathered large crowds throughout KSC who has gone to this event in » WINTER CELEBRATION, A7
» KSC GIVES BACK, A9
Students stay busy during winter break CLAIRE HICKEY
Equinox Staff As winter break approaches and many Keene State College students pack up their bags to return home, some students have other plans on how to spend their time off. Instead of taking time to semester, some students, like KSC Senior Natalie Riddel, have chosen to take part in other activities. Riddel will take part in Alternative Break International [ABI]. gram allows students to choose a location, some national and one international, to travel to for a service trip in which students work for an organizer for a cause speRiddel said the type of work ABI partakes in is very important to her. “I’d heard such good things
» WINTER BREAK, A9
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Turn to B4 to try our newest crossword puzzle!
Check out what students are listening to this week on B2!
Arts & Entertainment events on B2!
Thursday, dec. 11, 2014
a&e / B1
[Keene-Equinox.com]
Student composers get creative
TIM SMITH / EQUINOX STAFF
Keene State College music students perform composed pieces incorporating instruments such as the trumpet, saxophone, bassoon, violin, guitar, piano, marimba, tuba, trombone and clarinet.
HANNAH SUNDELL
Equinox Staff
Sam Irvine. Ginsberg explained the process that leads up to the
From marimbas and bassoons to a “Laptop Sym- a work throughout the semester and perform it at the phony,” students were able to perform and show their end of the semester, so these composers have been music compositions on Saturday, Dec. 6 in the Recital very busy.” Student composers Dane Haupt-Renaud and Sam Elaine Ginsberg, professor of music at Keene State Irvine worked with Ginsberg throughout the semester College, enjoyed the performance, on their pieces. “I helped them in the compositional “I think it went very well, there were a lot of pieces process,” Ginsberg said. and a lot of work went into these pieces,” Ginsberg Ginsberg continued, “My approach is, I work with - the students, what they want to write and I help them dent-composed work of the night, created by student make it better. When they come in with an idea, when
Meet Shannon Mayers, Redfern Arts director JACOB KNEHR
workshops and involvement with Redfern productions so the performances don’t just disappear. Shannon Mayers, director of “It was important to me to not just have ‘here’s a show’ and State College, contributes to the community by promoting all art there’s one workshop attached and performances in and around to it and there’s no connection to the KSC campus. the community or other departMayers’ goal is to help build ments,” Mayers said. relationships and creativity with both the Keene community and manager at the Redfern, said, KSC students. Mayers said she “She’s [Mayers] very passionate became the director of the Red- about what she does. She really
Contributing WritEr
Since her hire, Mayers’ focus the Redfern. She tries to educate has been to bring the Redfern to people and bring things that the a new level. Mayers has brought a variety of artists to the Redclasses and majors.” students and the Keene commuMayers said that audience nity. Mayers said she is working members and students can actuon a project called Creative Col- ally talk to and be involved with lections, which is a guide to out- the artists. Creative Collections reach and engagement for the lists all of the events that the Redperformances she brings to the fern does with all of their events campus. Her goal is to create
work with the Redfern in putting the event together. This is to show that the programming of events goes beyond just a show. “The goal is to make the artists very accessible to our community. stated. Mayers said she strives to create events students can participate in and be a part of. She has brought performing artists to different classrooms so students can receive a one-on-one experience with the performers. Mayers said that her support students at KSC. She hires students for crews, ushers, marketamong other positions. Mayers grams on campus for events, including Residential Life. In the past, she’s also worked with Hol-
» REDFERN ARTS DIRECTOR. B2
Sam came in and said he wanted to write this brass ensemble piece, I was very excited. He already had a beginning and then we decided in the middle of the piece, he was stuck and didn’t know where he wanted to go, I said, ‘How about if you put in a fugue?’ and
Ginsberg’s other student, Haupt-Renaud, had two pieces in the program, “Trio for Flute, Oboe and Keyboard” and “Homage in Bach.” One he worked on over the summer with Ginsberg and the other he completed over the current semester, explained Ginsberg. “Bach in Homage” is inspired by Composer Johann what a fugue is,’ and pretty soon his piece turned into Sebastian Bach’s piece “Two Part Invention No. 4,” a fugue,” Ginsberg said. according to the program. Haupt-Renaud describes Irvine’s piece was entitled “The Inner Light,” which his piece as one that “Takes Bach’s original theme to the brink of madness, juxtaposing it against itself in a variety of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic contexts.”
» STUDENT COMPOSERS, B2
Dance and choreography majors showcase their ability to express and evoke emotion through movement ALLIE BAKER
Equinox Staff For a lot of dance and choreography majors, this performance was the premiere of not only a semester-long project, but what they hope to turn into a career. plenty of time before The Department of Theatre and Dance presented the Choreography Showcase 2014 on Friday the 5. People crowded the back walls and moved formances. The Choreography Showcase is a night that gives dance majors and minors a chance to dance, present a choreographed piece, or both. The Department of
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY MICHAEL PORTRIE
Students had to audition at the beginning of the semester in order to be featured as a dancer in any of the pieces.
designed for juniors and seniors to oversee an original dance piece. The showcase allows for their dance to come explained the process as “tricky.” alive with professional lighting and music system in front “We have an open audition, and from there perform of friends, family and professors. - ing for practices and thankfully the dancers I wanted had schedules that worked out,” Brown said. also performed in one or multiple other pieces. Not includBrown choreographed the show’s closing piece, ing choreographers, 24 dance majors and minors partici- “Rebound,” to composer Zoe Keating. Each dancer wore pated in the show. Eleven senior choreographers and one gray ankle-leggings with bright-yellow tops. The piece junior choreographer were presented.
» CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE, B4
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ThursdAy, dEc. 11, 2014
[Keene-Equinox.com]
Freshman Management
Biology
Number 99
Clean Bandit
Justin Murray Freshman Undecided
Kalvin Croto Compiled by:
(Cont. from B1)
Arts parliament. She gave the residents free tickets to a show called “Spanish Harlem,” so the students could experience the art for themselves. CommuniFantl said, “She’s [Mayers] recognized the ability that not just the performance in making people feel connected to what we do and how some of that is possible through other programs. So I think she’s really focused on engagement as a tool.” Along with her position as director of the Redfern Arts Center, Mayers said she is also the building manager for the Redfern. She provides upgrades for the Redfern building and works to market the arts of the Redfern. Mayers is in charge of keeping equipment such as musical instruments in good shape for students who study in the Redfern, along with the building, as much as possible. Mayers explained that the technology for theater changes constantly, but she does the best she can so students who study theater and dance get the best learning experience possible. A student commented on how the Redfern provides students with services. “The Redfern has a lot of great practice rooms and they all have grand pianos and stands, so you can pretty much get music anywhere in there. Everything is really available to you,” Lauren Lecraw, KSC junior and music major, said. Mayers is also a member of the board for Arts Alive, which advocates art in the Monadnock region. Mayers has been in performing arts since she was 17-years-old, performing in high school plays
Chemistry/Physics
and being a part of theater camp from an early age. Mayers attended college at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, where she received her undergrad in performance studies. Mayers started in theater, but later found her passion in performing arts. After graduating from Northwestern, she toured across the country in a van through New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia and Massachusetts for guest directing summer stock, which are real theater performances every week during the summer season that showcase a variety of performing arts including professional theater, musicals and light opera. In 1992, Mayers pursued her graduate studies in directing at the University of Texas in Austin. Mayers stayed in Texas for six years, working in the performing arts center as event stage manager and event coordinator for the college. In 1988, Mayers
“She’s [Mayers] very passionate about what she does.”
(Cont. from B1)
-HANNAH SCHECK REDFERN BOX OFFICE MANAGER
street from where the World Trade Center was. “It was intense in the beginning because they were still rebuilding when I got hired in March of 2002. They were still rebuilding the World Financial Center while I was there. I still have my hard hat from that,” Mayers said. After working in the World Financial Center, Mayers went to work at Queens College in New York in arts administration and stage management where she created art programs for the college. In 2008, Mayers went to John Jay College in New York where she started a presenting series for the criminal justice department. Mayers said that she loved working in universities because of the students. The series she created was called Art of Justice that involved programming events dealing with criminal and social justice. Mayers saw the job listing for director of the Redfern Arts Center at KSC and applied in March of 2011. Mayers said that she was very interested in the pro-
education major enjoyed performing. “It went really well, there are a lot of good pieces and a lot of good players,” Raabe said. He said his favorite student compositions were, “Waltz in the Midnight Sun,” written by Jameson Foster and “The Inner Light,” by Sam Irvine. “They were all really great,” Raabe said. He performed in Foster’s piece. ensemble and music education major echoed Raabe’s sentiment. “There were a couple little hiccups, but I thought overall it sounded really good,” Mahoney said. She performed in Irvine’s piece.
a production manager in Hunter College’s performing arts center. Mayers began teaching across New York City in middle and high schools about Shakespeare including Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. “I was getting a taste of everything and really getting interested in arts administration, still very much wanted to direct, still very much wanted to teach, so I had all these balls juggling in the air,” Mayers explained. Mayers worked in children’s theater where she directed “Children of a Lesser God,” a play about a hearing teacher falling in love with a deaf woman, three times. Mayers became interested in deaf the- was inviting and would be a nice place to work. ater and learned sign language as an intern at the Mayers received the job and continues to bring art to Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one the Redfern and the community.
concert, but were not composers. Upperclassmen in the music department typically compose while other students and faculty perform — sometimes composers did both. Scott DeMeo, a music major and a junior watched the concert. His favorite piece from the night was composed by KSC student Justin Young, entitled “Hildaland (The Vanishing Island).” “I think it went pretty well, it was a long program, but it went by pretty quickly, which is usually a good thing. I like that there was a lot of variety, especially with the laptop piece they performed. I thought it was a nice way to end the season as well,” DeMeo said.
Jacod Knehr can be contacted at jacob.knehr@ksc.keene.edu
Hannah Sundell can be contacted at hsundell@keene-equinox.com
deaf. In 2002, Mayers got a job at the World Financial Center in their free arts program. This was across the
KSC Movie Channels Check out these titles playing this week!
Don't miss local upcoming events Events starting December 12 through January 30
Putnam Theater
Draft Day
January 30 Friday
Neighbors
December 11 Thursday
Colonial Theatre
The Signal Whitewash
December 12- 18 Friday No Film
Fritz
The Place to Eat Folksoul Ensemble Ensemble Friday, December 12
December 5- December 12 -Channels 31-37-
December 12
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STAFF COMMENTARY
“Birdman” flies off the screen and soars into Academy Award territory “Come Oscar season,
- MATT BILODEAU EQUINOX STAFF
aged to do what other directors have only dreamt about. If you look closely, you’ll see that “Birdman” is meant to look like one continuous shot. MATT BILODEAU
Equinox Staff For the longest time, I have always praised the talent of Michael Keaton. From “Mr. Mom” to “Batman,” he has displayed that his range is spread across the board. To this day, he remains my favorite incarnation of Batman. Something about his down-toearth persona, makes me relate to him all the more. Lately, he’s been used as a supporting actor that is all about to change, as “Birdman” may just be one of the best performances of his career, if not his best. In his glory days, Riggan Thomson [Michael Keaton] was mainly known for his role as the masked superhero Birdman. Once he left the franchise, he faded into obscurity. To make up for what’s left of his career, Riggan decides to adapt a Raymond Carver short story for the stage. If this wasn’t enough, he has the added pressure of his unstable daughter [Emma Stone], an unorthodox actor [Edward Norton] and the voice of Birdman in his head. All this culminates to Riggan’s inner journey to discover who’s really in charge, himself or Birdman. As if the hype wasn’t high enough, “Birdman” seek it out immediately. home with a few golden statues.
actors will go through these long takes with massive amounts of dialogue and not break a sweat. has to be talent involved and my god there is. his name to the forefront again and this is it. Here, he plays a character that is dealing with problems from all kinds of angles and how he interprets them. From time to time, he’ll have sporadic outbursts where he lets Birdman get the best of him. With Riggan, you never know what his next move is. When he has to work alongside Edward Norton’s character, it’s understandable to see why he’s losing his mind. Norton does whatever he wants on-stage and doesn’t care who he’s harming in the process. He even goes on to hit on Riggan’s recently rehabilitated daughter without a forethought. Emma Stone’s role is to show how strained her relationship with her father is between the two of them. Like Riggan, she too is highly unpredictable. Now imagine all of this story and character never stops and you have “Birdman.” As simple as everything sounds, there are multiple moments throughout where I was enchanted by what was occurring on-screen. There will be times where reality doesn’t seem to exist and yet, it works tremendously. I urge everybody to rush out to see “Birdman” at the nearest possible convenience. You won’t regret it. With other such releases as “Whiplash,” forward to the rest of this year.
tried, but nothing stuck out to me as wrong or the happiest person on the planet. out-of-place. Rating: A+ out any bumps in the road. One contribution can mainly be attributed to the cinematography. Matt Bilodeau can be contacted at mbilodeau@keene-equinox.com
SARAH MORRISON / EQUINOX STAFF
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Seasons Greetings Crossword Puzzle SIDE NOTE:
puzzle, each clue is related to a person or character in a The answers of actors or There are no duplicate
STAFF COMMENTARY
Anna Kendrick film “Happy Christmas” leaves a lot to be desired MATT BILODEAU
Equinox Staff To me, the Christmas season is the best time of the year. Between visiting family and friends, it gives you a sense of unity and togetherness. I love the overall feeling of joy that surrounds the holiday. But while I enjoy this time of year, I understand that there are get through. The stress of shopping and family can be so overwhelming to the point where it’s too much. “Happy Christmas” shows this aspect in a very natural way. After a recent break-up, Jenny [Anna Kendrick] moves to Chicago Swanberg] and his wife Kelly [Melanie Lynskey]. They welcome Jenny into their home with open arms. Unfortumake a good impression. To make up for her drunken night, Jenny tries to connect with Kelly on a personal level and develop a friendship. But in the end, does it matter or will she end up going back to her old ways?
For the most part, “Happy Christmas” was a charming little but she wants somebody to hold onto, yet she’s missing what’s right memorable. in front of her. The synopsis above represents On a lighter note, “Happy Christsome of the character development rather than an actual plot. Most of Every scene is only enhanced by the grain that engulfs the screen. narrative to guide it along. Instead, most of the scenes revolve around the production itself. When you see improvised conversations. Joe Swanberg’s real basement, you’ll This makes it sound like it’s want to live there yourself. Going coming from the heart, instead of down there makes you feel like you a script. Sometimes that’s a good have just stepped into a time capand a bad thing. In the category of sule. positives, Joe Swanberg’s baby is Honestly, from here, I can’t tell perhaps the funniest person in the you that much more without ruining everything. The runtime clocks Baby Jude looks at the world and out at about eighty-two minutes and does whatever makes him happy. it moves quickly. Joe Swanberg and Melanie LynsWhile I wish I could have used a key also built a great relationship. bit more humor, there was enough to Together, they’re both very innocent keep me interested. “Happy Christand it’s easy to see why they love each other. throughout, but has enough charm I have nothing against Anna to warrant a recommendation. Kendrick, but some of her monologues weren’t all that interesting. Rating: BShe’s not bad, but leaves more to be desired with her character. Although, I did appreciate how Matt Bilodeau can be contacted at there was some subtlety to her mbilodeau@keene-equinox.com
York to be present. choreographed by senior Caitlin Sanford and “The Final Moments” choreographed by senior Brianna began without music — simply the four female danc- Magowan. Webber said she enjoyed being in multiple ers deliberately exhaling together. Once the primarily pieces as preparation for when she takes the choreogviolin soundtrack faded in, the girls moved across the raphy course. stage to the instrument’s plucks. (Cont. from B1)
At times the dancers seemed to help one another; one girl would be rapidly moving her arms and another girl would come to her side and ease her fervent movements. When the music ended the girls continued to move slowly in a circle, audibly exhaling together fading out the performance. Brown said she was impressed with her dancers. “I was nervous, but that’s probably the best run they’ve ever done,” Brown said, “You could tell they were enjoying being in the moment.” Brown elaborated by saying her dance was about strength and joy and the true emotions that come out of that,” Brown said. Amid the crowd were Brown’s
to approach it next semester,” Webber said Also in “In Flight” with Webber was senior and dance minor Lynsey Beatrice. Beatrice said she enjoys the minor because she still has the opportunity to dance. “I didn’t want to be a major because I didn’t want to hurt myself. I’m a little bummed I’m not a major, but I love that I am still able to dance and be asked to be in pieces,” Beatrice said. raphy Showcase enabled dance students to perform what they enjoy for friends and family. For some, it’s even a glimpse into their future. Allie Baker can be contacted at abaker@keene-equinox.com
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY MICHAEL PORTRIE
SEAN CRATER / WEBMASTER
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South African aid group describes hostage talks
HANI MOHAMMED / AP PHOTO
In this Tuesday, April 16, 2013 photo, Luke Somers, 33, an American photojournalist who was kidnapped over a year ago by al-Qaida, uses a camera during a demonstration demanding the release of Yemeni detainees in Guantanamo Bay prison in front of the U.S. embassy in Sanaa, Yemen. Somers and a South African teacher held by al-Qaida militants in Yemen were killed Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 during a U.S.-led rescue attempt, a raid President Barack Obama said he ordered over an “imminent danger” to the reporter.
Two men were killed Saturday during a U.S.-led rescue attempt CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
AssociAted Press
“If they say they didn’t know, they didn’t know,” he said.
“We were just completely unaware of those developments and had to act hastily,” the ambassador said in a telephone interview with the AP. He
and an “exchange of information” about the hostage took place two weeks JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The government in Yemen, a U.S. ally, was release of a South African hostage before he died in a U.S. raid on al-Qaida because he was not authorized to speak to the media. militants, the head of the aid group said Monday. The comments by Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, came city of Taiz in May 2013. She was released in January after negotiations by to be close to being freed even as another hostage with him, American Luke Somers, appeared to face imminent execution. disaster relief in Somalia and other countries. The two men were killed Saturday during a U.S.-led rescue attempt. The U.S. ambassador in South Africa said the United States did not know that Sooliman and his organization believed the South African hostage money, according to Sooliman. Eventually, a deal was reached under was to be released Sunday under a deal struck with al-Qaida. “At all times, the Yemeni government was informed about our actions on the ground,” Sooliman said in an interview with The Associated Press. U.S. Ambassador Patrick Gaspard said in South Africa that American “We didn’t do anything in isolation from them.” Sooliman said he had considered the possibility that Yemeni authori- between the militants and Gift of the Givers, and that it was “not altoties were talking to American allies about the case, but said he did not gether clear” to him that the South African government was aware of the want to “delve” into speculation and took the Americans at their word. talks.
down the track.” The U.S. decided to carry out the raid because the militants had threatened to kill Somers, Gaspard said. same space as the American photojournalist Luke Somers,” the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria said in a statement. Washington views al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula as the most dangerous branch of the terror group as it has been linked to a number of foiled or botched attacks on the U.S. homeland. The U.S. has conducted country’s military. Civilian casualties in the strikes have angered many. recently killed in a drone strike, Sooliman said. This year, Gift of the Givers received reports from people claiming to Somers, the American hostage, were put together by their captors “at the last minute” before the raid.
UAE: Stabbing of U.S. teacher New Delhi bans Uber after alleged rape by driver a ‘lone terrorist act’ KATY DAIGLE
AssociAted Press
AYA BATRAWY
said. ASSOCIATED PRESS Police released video last week of CCTV footage showing the alleged attacker DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — shrouded in the full black veil commonly The woman accused of stabbing to death worn by women throughout the Gulf Arab an American teacher in a public restroom at an Abu Dhabi mall last week was car- old Ibolya Ryan, who had previously lived rying out a “lone terrorist act,” a security in Colorado, was killed. The UAE, home to Abu Dhabi and the Sunday. “Nothing so far suggests that the itself on being a safe haven in the turbulent accused has links with terrorist organiza- Middle East. It is part of the U.S.-led coalition conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Ryan had two 11 year-old twins living and evidence show that the Emirati woman, who also planted a bomb outside an Amer- with her in the UAE and a 13 year-old ican doctor’s home, learned how to manu- daughter who lived in Vienna with the children’s father. He described his ex-wife in comments to the UAE news agency as “a with terrorist organizations. The homemade bomb was located and beautiful person with a pure heart.” Candlelight vigils for Ryan were held defused by police shortly after the stabbing. The suspect’s foreign targets appear to over the weekend in Abu Dhabi and on Sunday in Dubai.
NEW DELHI (AP) — The Indian capital on Monday banned taxi-booking service Uber after a woman accused one of its drivers of raping her. the announcement as the 32-year-old suspect appeared in a New Delhi court. held for three days for police questioning company employee after being hired to ferry her home from a dinner engagement on Friday night. The court also ordered
Press Trust of India. The case, almost two years after a young woman was fatally gang raped on a bus in the capital, has renewed national anger over sexual violence in India and demands The government rushed through legislation last year to double prison terms for rape to 20 years and to criminalize voyeurBut activists say much more needs to be done, including better educating youths
and adding basic infrastructure such as The service, which uses private cars street lights and public bathrooms. rather than licensed cabs, promises a The CEO of San Francisco-based Uber, quicker response time that is often less than 10 minutes. Drivers respond using do “everything to bring the perpetrator to their own Uber-provided smartphones justice and to support the victim and her mounted on the dashboard and follow a family in her recovery.” GPS map to an exact location. Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the government “strongly condemns would work with the government to estab- this dastardly act” and pledged justice in lish clear background checks that are the case. “currently absent in their commercial transHe said the 26-year-old victim had portation licensing programs.” fallen asleep during the ride home. When It was not immediately clear if Uber she woke up, she found the car parked in itself performed any background check, a secluded place. The driver then threatnor was it clear whether Yadav would ened her, raped her and then took her home around 1 a.m. Saturday. Trust of India they were working to verify Police arrested the driver Sunday night Yadav’s claims that he had been acquit- in his hometown of Mathura, about 160 ted of rape charges in 2011, after spending kilometers (100 miles) from the capital, seven months in jail. PTI did not give any after he had abandoned the Uber-regisfurther details or name the police source. The New Delhi ban is a blow for Uber, been brought to Delhi for forensic examiwhich has courted acclamation and con- nation, Singh told parliament. troversy around the world with a service Dozens of angry protesters rallied outbased on hailing taxis from a smartphone side the home minister’s house on Monday app. It has faced restrictions in other coun- morning to demand more action to ensure tries after licensed taxi operators claimed women’s safety. the service was competing unfairly.
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Passage of time makes proving Cosby claims tough ANTHONY MCCARTNEY
AssociATed Press
sations range from claims of being groped to being
AP PHOTO / JOHN MINCHILLO
In this Nov. 6, 2013 file photo, comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Stand Up for Heroes event at Madison Square Garden in New York. Legal experts say any case centering on decades-old sexual assault allegations against Cosby would face hurdles.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL AP TOP 25
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL AP TOP 25
The AssociATed Press
The AssociATed Press
The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll,
The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' women's college basket
Royals visit the U.S.
AP PHOTO / SETH WENIG
VERENA DOBNIK & JENNIFER PELTZ
AssociATed Press
discrimination was cited in the
gifts and helped children deco olds, who were embellishing pic
Criminal probe after gas evacuates 'furries' event DON BABWIN
AssociATed Press
as he recalled the crowd being herded into the
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Weekly Yoga Challenge ANNA GLASSMAN
Ads director
Eight-Angle Pose or Astavakrasana
(Cont. from B10)
usually advise students to get the double down pass. “We advise students to get the double down pass because Stratton has reached out to us and they have given us a discount that we can give to our members and along with anyone who wants one. The discount lowers the price of the season pass,” Pastor said. Although others may have their own opinions on which mountains are the best, Pastor said that among KSC students, Mount Snow, Killington and Okemo seem to be the most popular. Brogan Wessell can be contacted at bwessell@keene-equinox.com
KYLE BAILEY / PHOTO EDITOR
Check out more details on the Double Down and 4.0 pass in Student Life on A7!
1. Start seated with your legs stretched out straight in front of you. Flex your toes towards your torso and sit up tall through the crown of your head. 2. Grab the right big toe with your right arm, lifting the leg straight up in front of you. Sit up straight through the crown of the head, keeping the belly to the spine and maintaining a straight lower back.
5. Now, grab your foot with your left hand and extend your knee back behind you while wrapping the knee around the shoulder. your shoulder.
3. Exhaling, bend the right knee back toward your shoulder, maintaining the height in your torso. 4. Place your right foot in the bend of your elbow and forearm on your left arm and knee in the bend of your elbow and forearm on the right arm. Zipping in your belly and staying tall, rock the leg left and right to loosen the hip.
lift your straight left leg off the ground as well keeping a strong core. 8. If you are ready bring your right left foot into your leg wrapping the ankles around one another. 9. Bending through chaturanga arms (yoga push up arms) extend the crown of your head forward feet strongly out to the right.
(Cont. from B10)
game, but I feel like on Sunday I watched Brady hit one of his alltime highest levels of intensity. Never have I ever seen him scream and yell and celebrate and borderline scare me as much as he did this past week. I personally believe that this was a product of all the balls bouncing in San Diego’s direction. It seemed like no matter what the Pats did, either the refs or ing against them, but Brady never It’s like the man absolutely thrives on adversity. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Tom Brady is the most competitive athlete I have ever seen. This Sunday was an impressive win in the face of adversity for the Pats and I look forward to their playoff run starting in just a few weeks. I think this team can go as far as they want as long as they keep up the kind of passion I saw last AP PHOTO/DENIS POROY night. I’m picking the Pats as my New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, talks with San totally non-biased favorite in Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle after the Patriots beat the the AFC, especially if they retain San Diego Chargers 23-14 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in San Diego.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS / MEG LACEY
Anna Glassman can be contacted at aglassman@keene-equinox.com
Broncos. boro and take a win from the PatriI don’t see a single team in the ots at home. AFC that I think could go into Fox-
Jake Coughlin can be contacted at jcoughlin@keene-equinox.com
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STAFF COMMENTARY
Super bowl predictions JACOB BARRETT
Equinox Staff
Up next, Pittsburgh will face off against the Colts at
The American Football Conference is full of teams who are in playoff contention and with the season coming to a close in just a few weeks, teams are making
Andrew Luck and company should be able to come
I believe that New England and Denver will pick
Despite having exceptional offensive weapons, their
Andrew Luck is on top of his game and leading the
With that, the Patriots will go head-to-head against BalBrady and the Patriots are undefeated at home this year and play two of their last three games in Foxbor-
This would be a tough match-up for New England, but with an improved secondary and a healthy Rob
with the return of Julius Thomas from an ankle injury, on this one — bringing the Patriots to their second The only other area I see changing in the AFC play-
Manning is almost always lights-out in the regular season, but his brilliance seems to fade once January
lowed by two away games against San Francisco and While Phillip Rivers is having arguably one of the And now a trip to Arizona for a chance at the Lomoffense will be able to out-gun a Manning led offense or The Colts face the Patriots in the house that Kraft The only other win they are favored to pick up, at least in my mind, is from an injury mangled 49ers led of his young career, he has yet to notch a win against the by the struggling Colin Kapernick, who lost to the now The Patriots are too good at home, in fact they are The Ravens will come out on top in this matchup, as Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has thrown
The NFC is a toss-up, but chances are, the Patriots
intense pressure that will be put on Dalton by Balti-
Jacob Barrett can be contacted at jbarrett@keene-equinox.com
( Cont. From B10)
amazing ability to see a pera person who would never expect themselves to be something — but he can see it before they can and he pushes you towards that
“Alumni are very proud of the program and being part of it and running under Pete ...” -MAGGIE FITTER KSC ALUMNUS
person at all and the reasons for his
When asked what exactly is an acceptable coach-to-athlete relaThe student-athlete continued tionship, Director of Athletics John to say that the current cross coun“You know, people start to Ratliff said, “I think a relationship try team originally thought the get these ideas that are way more built on respect both ways is probainvestigation was going to be over extreme than they really are and bly the bottom line … Coaches have in two weeks and they would have Pete was an awesome coach and to maintain professional boundar-
Yet as three weeks turned into four weeks and now months later, the team started to get the feeling the outcome was not going to be
- teach that, but I think they should know what that is and we added that into our student athlete evaluWhen asked if she heard rumors
“We also all know that in these case that happened last year, she we can get an idea, because that aware of why they are made, we said, “Gino got dismissed and Pete was never part of our evaluation just assume that they were made got dismissed so people put the for the good of the school and the two together, but they are two difRatliff continued, “It is up to a good of the team and the well-being coach to know what that boundary is and if a student athlete feels like something to be said about our something has happened they have system and what has changed about what is an acceptable rela- hired coaches that know what that tionship between a student and Another Class of 2013 alumni ship between a coach and studentplayed a really big role in all of our know, you make one bad call and you put your hand on their shoul- the biggest support systems that you have and especially in college of the matter with Coach Thomas and Charlie Beach [former softlots of people on the team — is that ball coach] is that these are people a really positive impact on all of us, who have been coaching for a long, In the recent year, along with he was always going to support us long time and I think that someadding a new section in the stutimes when a person has been in a dent athlete handbook, an addition had an opportunity to be trained by position for too long the line gets to the coach evaluation sheet has added asking student athletes to comment on whether or not a coach Kendall Pope can be contacted at maintained professional boundarkpope@keene-equinox.com
THE EQUINOX
ATHLETE of the WEEK
The Equinox Athlete of the Week will be featured online this week!
AP PHOTO/MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ
Go to www.keene-equinox.com to check out Owls swim and dive team member Caitlyn Shea!
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, California on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014.
Keene State College athletic team records
Men’s Basketball
Men’s and Women’s Swim & Diving
OVERALL
CONF.
HOME
AWAY
STREAK
7-0
1-0
5-0
2-0
Won 7
1
vs. Colby Sawyer Box Score
1
vs. UMass Boston
2 OT Total Box Score
1
2
37
18
91
Keene State College
52
55
107
Colby Sawyer
44
10
83
Mass Boston
44
53
97
Women’s Basketball OVERALL
CONF.
HOME
AWAY
STREAK
5-2
1-0
2-1
2-0
Won 4
1
vs. UMass Boston Box Score
1
Keene State College
20
Mass Boston
32
2 27 26
Name
Total
Keene State College 36 29
MIT Invitational
vs. Rensselaer Total Box Score
1
2
Total
47
Keene State College
24
30
61
58
Rensselaer
27
37
61
KYLE BAILEY / PHOTO EDITOR
Lucas Hamel takes the ball to the net in a game aginst Lyndon State.
Event / Time
Bobby McDowell
200 back / 1:52
Amber Long
200 fly / 1:01
Ryan Boraski
50 free / 45.53
Diana Pimer
200 IM / 2:13
Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1:00 pm
Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 1:00 p.m.
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Women’s basketball team stays positive
KYLE BAILEY /
PHOTO EDITOR
The women’s basketball team watch intensely and cheer on teammates on the court during a game against UMass Amherst on Saturday, Nov. 18.
With two losses at the start of the season the Owls remain calm and respond with four consecutive wins MARY CURTIN
Equinox Staff
was enough to get her ready to be the best she could be with her time on
Another season means another opportunity for success. Keene State College’s women’s basketball team is setting goals to make success a reality. The women’s team ended their 2013-14 season at .500, with With new faces and many familiar ones, nearly every player is deter-
transition into [this year’s] season.” Keith Boucher is in his 25th season as head coach of the women’s team.
With four wins and two losses the team has created a saying to keep their heads up after a loss. them,” Santagata said. Coach Boucher said he lives by his simple philosophy and gives his -
The practices so far this season consist of upbeat drills, scrimmaging simple but that’s about it. Winning, ultimately, is striving to do your best in everything you do every day.” The Owls will be tested in their conference and non-conference games, The team goes through a long and arduous season, playing some of the
a good balance of veterans and younger players. But overall, there is no big difference. Hopefully just a year older and a little wiser,” Boucher said. USM in overtime. This season’s team has three seniors; Christan Wojtas (guard/forward), For games like this, the women’s coach, Keith Boucher, tells his team Nikki Stacy (guard/forward) and Courtney Roberts (forward). ready than they are, but if we are not mentally prepared and focused, or emotionally in the game, we will not be able to rise above our opponents,”
Mary Curtin can be contacted at mcurtin@keene-equinox.com
Meet the players
BRIDGET KEATON
PoSition: forward Hometown: Beverley, Massachusetts
KELSEY SANTAGATA
PoSition: forward
Hometown: Stanford, Connecticut Anything by Drake
“Money Baby” by K Camp Favorite food: Donuts
Favorite food: Mac and Cheese
would it be?: Volleyball Biggest accomplishment: Making it on the Keene State basketball team as a walk on.
PoSition: Gaurd
Hometown: Hudson, New Hampshire “Lose Yourself” by Eminem Favorite food: Spaghetti and Meatballs
The Heat”
Step Brothers”
Favorite athlete: Maya Moore
Favorite athlete: Diana Taurasi
Coach Carter” Favorite athlete: Larry Bird
SANDI PURCELL
would it be? Lacrosse Biggest accomplishment: of college.
what would it be? Football Biggest accomplishment: Scoring 1,000 points in high school. PHOTOS BY KYLE BAILEY / PHOTO EDITOR. INTERVIEWS DONE BY JACOB BARRETT / EQUINOX STAFF
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Check out women’s basketball on B9!
Athlete of the week on B8!
&
Yoga challenge on B7!
Sports
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thurSday, dec 11, 2014
[Keene-Equinox.com]
Student athletes past and present speak-out on coach’s dismissal
Students shred at local mountains BROGAN WESSELL
has been skiing since he
Equinox Staff the
cold
weather
and
“The Ski and Snow- since I was either three els to Stratton and Mount - don’t know how I got ular for students in the
KENDALL POPE
SportS Editor
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After 28 seasons with the is a great business and with your Owl’s cross country and track
and I guess it just started -
has also earned NCAA Northeast
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twenty years ago until he took the
the ones in the area offer deals and discounts for -
saying this is great business — he when school is in session and when there is good -
“There’s no doubt about it that
break I will usually go
actually really interested in it
shares an interest in snow to snowboarding because
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- that when he wants to go skiing he would usustarted when I was four- ally go to Mount Sunateen after I went on a ski
- friends
“There would be days when I quite sure what she wanted to do
snowboarded
ing as a graduate assistant at West
started skiing there in the Rice said that she tries to cally work with her snowboarding so that she can
“I try to get out to the
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cool and actually feels like
class I usually go to Stratstudent he said he was nothing “I usually go with a few
issues with running — his door -
snow about four days a Rice added that she goes
Mahan added that he has also been able to take
basically all students at Keene get are either the
“If you had good work ethic then he was willing to work with
This year she said that she would be working as
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- at all of the locations that days Rice said that she the weekends she goes
wasn’t the best at working out but When asked why she did beginning of the season there’s an ways where I would fare better in -
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one-day and the KSC Ski
When asked why he thought
» SNOWBOARDERS , B7 KYLE BAILEY / PHOTO EDITOR
wasn’t there and I was just think- “We all had a choice on where we wanted to go to college and we When asked why she thought
Patriots ‘shock’ chargers
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JAKE COUGHLIN
They scored a adminiStrativE - touchdown off of a out a doubt a no-joke ExEcutivE Editor quarterback and that Sunday night was Fortunately enough a good night for New Also
ation and unfortunate that the
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fortunately
All the cards fell in
a win to stay ahead of that they could secure
She continued to describe her
while watching on Sunday night was the
I also knew that needing a win and to close the deal and
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The Chargers are relentless efforts of the
» GAME BEHIND THE GAME, B7
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» RESPONSES, B8
Template 022308 JJP
Special Section
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
Extra! Extra! Extra! “After his [George Dilboy’s] platoon had gained its objective along a railroad embankment, Pfc. Dilboy, accompanying his platoon leader to reconnoiter the ground beyond, was suddenly fired upon by an enemy machinegun from 100 yards. From a standing position on the railroad track, fully exposed to view, he opened fire at once, but failing to silence the gun, rushed forward with his bayonet fixed, through a wheat field toward the gun emplacement, falling within 25 yards of the gun with his right leg nearly severed above the knee and with several bullet holes in his body. With undaunted courage he continued to fire into the emplacement from a prone position, killing 2 of the enemy and dispersing the rest of the crew.”
-GEROGE DILBOY'S MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION HOMEOFHEROS.COM
BETHANY RICCIARDI Managing ExEcutivE Editor Today, Medal of Honor recipient George Dilboy would be called a professional soldier. By the time he shipped out to France as part of Keene’s Yankee Division contribution, he was only 22, yet had already fought in three wars in three different countries. While girls or new car models and moving pictures likely preoccupied most adolescent males, Dilboy liked fighting. He added a year to his real age to fight for the first time in war. In the early 1900s he was 16 when he first stepped onto the battlefield, according to Arlingtoncemetery.net. Born Feb. 5, 1896 in the town of Alatsata, Greece, for about 14 years Dilboy lived with his brothers Demetrios and Nicholas and his sister Marianthi and went by his Greek name, “Georgios Dilbois.” In 1907 his father, Antonios Dilboy, left him for America. He settled in Keene, New Hampshire, where he waited for his son to meet him years later. While he waited, he worked at Boston General Hospital. The hospital is also where George Dilboy’s siblings would later work when they came to America, Alatsata.net stated. Antonios Dilboy moved to Somerville, Massachusetts
not long after coming to the United States. In 1912, George packed his bags, said goodbye to his hometown of Alatsata and sailed to Boston as his final destination. After a year of living in New England, “Dilboy returned to mainland Greece, after adding a year to his age, to successfully fight for Greece as a volunteer in the Greek Army in Thessaly during the First Balkan War of 1912,” according to Arlingtoncemetery.net. Dilboy fought in his second war right after his first. The website also stated Dilboy remained in Greece to successfully fight in Macedonia in the Second Balkan War of 1913. It wasn’t until the war was over that Dilboy returned to his immediate family in Somerville. This wasn’t where he settled down though; battle was still in Dilboy’s future. But for now, he put down his gun and picked up his books. He went to school and worked a summer job in Keene, New Hampshire for a few years before volunteering for his third war in the U.S. Army, in the Mexican Border War in 1916-17, according to Arlingtoncemetery. net. In the Mexican Border War, Dilboy obtained an honorable discharge. He did return home to his father, but not for long —
and for the last time ever. His dedication brought him to re-enlist from Keene, New Hampshire in the U.S. Army to fight in France in the Great War in 1917-18, where he was killed at age 22. After surviving numerous wars, he died a hero in the Battle of Belleau Wood. The Battle of Belleau Wood was the first large-scale battle fought by the American soldiers in WWI, it began northwest of the Paris-to-Metz road. “In late May 1918, the third German offensive of the year
USED WITH PERMISSION OF STAVRO NASHI
penetrated the Western Front, within forty-five miles of Paris. U.S. forces under General John J. Pershing helped halt the German advance,” History.com stated. On June 6, General John Pershing ordered a counteroffensive. Their mission was to drive the Germans out of Belleau Wood. Under General Games Harbord, Americans led the attack against four German divisions positioned in the woods. Under order, soldiers covered the land while still trying to take cover for their lives. But by the end of the first day, the U.S. suffered more than 1,000 casualties. Using machine guns, artillery and gas, by June 26 Americans prevailed, but at the cost of nearly 10,000 dead, wounded or missing in action, History. com stated. Dilboy led the attack in the Battle of Belleau Wood in WWI and continued to fire at the enemy despite being seriously wounded. His bravery spurred him to kill many of the enemy and dispersed the rest of the machine gun crew, according to “Carved in Stone: The Story of George Dilboy,” by George Dilboy’s cousin, Richard Rozakis, who now lives in California. “Dilboy was mortally wounded during the battle
and became the first GreekAmerican to be awarded the Medal of Honor,” according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.gov). George Dilboy was, “One of the ten great heroes,” who “died in the battlefield of France with superhuman heroism and valor,” Pershing said, according to“Immigrant Minds, American Identities,” by Orm Overland. Now buried in the Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery, Dilboy’s gravestone reads his death date of July 18, 1918, reports Arlingtoncemetery.net On that day, he fought till death to protect his fellow Doughboys. Dilboy’s courage to fight led to his legacy as the only New Hampshire resident honored with the Medal of Honor for WWI. Ultimately, Dilboy’s demise and his remains required attention from three U.S. Presidents over five years and became an international incident. United States PresidentWoodrow Wilson, in the name of Congress, signed authorization to award the Medal of Honor to George Dilboy, Private First Class, of the U.S. Army, Company H, 103rd Infantry, 26th Yankee Infantry Division. Wilson presented Dilboy’s father with the Medal of Honor, saying, “In January of 1919,
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taking recognition for Dilboy’s courage and valor, on the Boston Commons, The Medal of Honor was presented to Dilboy’s father, Antonios Dilboy, whose parental role was recognized, “Your boy was born in a foreign land and, like you, he spoke the Greek language and with you came to his adopted country. You taught him of Flag and what American citizenship means. You made him appreciate blessings afforded to all aliens. You told him it was the greatest honor on earth to be chosen to defend with his life the freedom that you enjoy and you so developed his character and instilled into him this pride in your adopted country that no American boy excelled this boy in the supreme sacrifice he made,” he continued, “He was almost superhuman; he achieved things supposed above the limit of mental and physical endurance. His act cleared the way for his platoon to break through; that he died a splendid example,” wrote Andrew T. Kopan Ph.D. in “Defenders of the Democracy: Greek Americans in the Military,” about the Boston ceremony. Dilboy was one out of 124 soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor in WWI, the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s website. Dilboy’s leadership was recognized. Right, left, right, left. Step-by-step Dilboy’s fellow Doughboys didn’t want to lose sight of him. They shadowed his lead and “The American doughboy Army followed Dilboy's example and drove the Germans out of Belleau Wood and all the way back toward the German lines, as part of the Second Battle of the Maine, which saved Paris and the war for the Allies,” Arlingtoncemetery.net stated. George Dilboy’s Medal of Honor citation explains what happened next. “After his [George Dilboy’s] platoon had gained its objective along a railroad embankment, Pfc. Dilboy, accompanying his platoon leader to reconnoiter the ground beyond, was suddenly fired upon by an enemy machinegun from 100 yards. From a standing position on the railroad track, fully exposed to view, he opened fire at once, but failing to silence the gun, rushed forward with his bayonet fixed, through a wheat field toward the gun emplacement, falling within 25 yards of the gun with his right leg nearly severed
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
“He was almost superhuman; he achieved things supposed above the limit of mental and physical endurance."
the hero’s funeral was said to have been witnessed by 17,000 mourners as his flagdraped casket was placed in -ANDREW T. KOPAN PH.D the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, AUTHOR OF “DEFENDERS OF THE DEMOCRACY: GREEK AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY" The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, when rampaging Turkish soldiers ransacked the church during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1923, the American Flag on Dilboy’s coffin was desecrated. Rozakis stated, “The coffin was overturned and the bones of the Greek-American hero were scattered by the Turkish attackers. President Warren G. Harding was outraged. A soldier who fought for this country, not to mention multiple times, was being disrespected beyond the president’s belief. Harding sent the U.S.S. Litchfield to Alatsata, Asia Minor in September 1922 to recover the body remains. Harding also demanded an apology from the Turkish government.” Harding received that formal apology and Dilboy’s remains were collected and a Turkish guard of honor delivered his casket, draped once again in an American flag. Soon after, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge presided at his final burial when his parents in Chios requested his remains be transported to the United States. He was then sent to an American landing party from the U.S.S. Litchfield. On Nov. 12, 1923, Dilboy reached his final resting place at the Arlington National Cemetery, according to their website. With full military honors, he lies buried at section 18, site 4574. Dilboy’s legacy is remembered with plaques placed in Keene, New Hampshire and the Massachusetts State House in Boston. There are also statues of the young soldier in front of Somerville City Hall and at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois. Since 1953 Somerville’s Dilboy Stadium bears his name. The Somerville Museum exhibit of 2006-2007 also honored George Dilboy. In addition to the landmarks and the book, “Carved in Stone: The Story of George Dilboy,” there is Edward Brady’s book titled “Georgie! My Georgie!” written about the hero, George Dilboy. “He was almost superhuman; he achieved things supposed above the limit of mental and physical endurance,” Andrew T. Kopan wrote, quotUSED WITH PERMISSION OF STAVRO NASHI FROM HIS WEBSITE HTTP://GREEKODYSSEY.TYPEPAD.COM/MY_GREEK_ODYSSEY/ ing President Wilson at the George Dilboy was the only solider from New Hampshire to receive with the Medal of Honor. Medal of Honor Ceremony. above the knee and with several rest of the crew,” homeofheroes. His body was later taken to Dilboy wasn’t from this counbullet holes in his body. With com stated. his birthplace in Alatsata on the try, but he learned to adapt and undaunted courage he continYet, four years later Dilboy’s Aegean Sea across from Chios, appreciated the Flag and what ued to fire into the emplacement remains were first buried at the Greece, upon his father’s request. American citizenship was. “That from a prone position, killing 2 Aisne-Marne American CemIn Dilboy’s cousin, Rich- he died a splendid example,” of the enemy and dispersing the etery at Belleau Wood, France. ard Rozakis’ book, he wrote Kopan said.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
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The diary of WWI veteran Arcade Joyal SABRINA LAPOINTE OpiniOns EditOr
Joyal waking up feeling so sore and cold that he would take a swig of whiskey as a remedy to warm up. Throughout the diary a recurring practice for Joyal was using alcohol as a coping technique.
lines. Aug. 10 1918, "We visit a French woman that was set free by us in the drive and hear her story." When he wasn’t hanging out getting drunk, he enjoyed Paris nightlife. Enjoying himself appeared a necessary break Liffol-le-Grand from the harsh living conditions he had been enduring. No amount of beers or Shortly after this practice in the women could cure Joyal from the grim trenches came the real deal. The entire realities of the war, but it was worth a 26th Division arrived in Liffol-le-Grand shot. which is located in Northeastern France. From there they boarded a transport The Verdun Front train and headed in the direction of the frontline. Relieved, they eventually The Verdun Front where the Battle of reached their destination of Crouy, France Verdun was fought, unknowingly became on Feb. 6. Joyal’s last chapter in his ongoing nightThis small French town had been taken mare of war. It was Oct. 13 when his and retaken several times and was now in division was told they would be enterthe hands of the 26th Division. In doing ing Verdun. “Get ready for a hike to the so, this was their first real entrance to the Verdun front. Didn’t like to go there.” Great War. Roughly one week later casual- It was only day two of being in Verdun ties within the platoon began. On Feb. 13 when heavy German bombardment came he recorded, “Went out that night and dug dangerously close to killing Joyal. While trenches, under shell fire one man killed his journal entries appear that he is cool, and three wounded in our platoon.” calm and collected, Joyal lived in a constant state of fear. Oct. 25, “A heavy bomToul Sector bardment killing a few men. I have close calls.” Military life was unpredictable. Joyal All of the violence and terror came to never knew where tomorrow would take an abrupt halt on Nov. 11. Around 10:30 him. The next stop in his journey was a.m. Joyal and his fellow men halted their moving into the Toul Sector, which is actions. “Go over the top at 10:30 a.m. and a comune in Northeastern France. Joyal fight orders not to shoot no more.” Joyal’s and his company spent most of their heart filled with so much emotion, he did days drilling throughout the sector. He not even know how to contain himself. also spent a vast majority of his time dig- Joyal now realized there may finally be an ging graves to bury his fellow soldiers. ending to the madness. The same men he had bonded with the There is no doubt that Joyal quesday before, he now buried. On April 30 tioned his survival during the war. There he experienced a heartache, losing many were many instances where he wondered men he had grown to know and love. “The whether or not he would ever see Keene same work, we have a funeral for twelve again. Finally, on March 28, 1919, Joyal soldiers, very sad.” Joyal was a man of and the 2nd Battalion boarded the U.S.S few words in his diary but sometimes that America. It was a day of heavy rain, but was all that it took. Shortly after, the Toul this did not stop Joyal and his fellow Sector was destroyed when it was hit with soldiers from their pure excitement. “Left artillery bombardment by the Germans. camp at 7 a.m. reached the part at 2 Joyal was sent in to find the wounded and p.m. Aboard the U.S.S. America at 3 p.m. help bring them back to health. On June sailed at 7 p.m. Rained all day everybody 8 he recorded “A heavy bombardment, I happy.” carry wounded all day, very tired.”
Chateau Thierry Front His legacy and contributions to the Great War will live on forever in the pages of his small diary archived at the Cheshire County Historical Society. Joyal was next sent to the Chateau Thierry Front, which turned out to be a battle in the war. For a few days everything fell silent. The silence was shattered on July 1. “A heavy gas bombardment sleep in small holes in the ground. Six of our men seriously gassed.” Conditions continued to leave Joyal and his company weary and feeling helpless. Nearly starving, Joyal yearned for nothing more than to be back home with his family in safe little Keene, New Hampshire. July 22, "Still pushing, nearly starved, three days without eating.” With a battle life of constant fluctuation, August seemed a month of ups for Joyal. The majority of time during this month was spent fooling around with French woman, practicing his pick-up
Journey back home
Fast forward to April 3, homesick is an understatement for Joyal. “Passing away the time on the water watching the wave. Looking for land, none in sight everybody anxious to get home.” Two days later on April 5, his journey would now end. Land was in sight. “On deck at 6 a.m. looking for land. Seen land at noon, docked at Boston at 2 p.m. a very good welcome lasting all day and all night.” Years after his return home to Keene from the war, he married Mary Joyal and together they raised their two sons Lawrence and Richard and daughter Rita. Joyal did not live the remainder of his life in Keene, however. He instead moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts where he continued working as a shoemaker. He eventually retired in the late 1960s. When Joyal died, he was buried in his home of Keene. Nearly 40 years later, his legacy and contributions to the Great War will live on forever in the pages of his small diary.
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and I did nothing but enjoy myself. Went down to the city and went to the movies. Very rotten." Now at age 20, Joyal was By his own admission, Arcade J. Joyal looking for any excuse to blunt the realiliked to drink and liked to party but ties of the war. He distracted himself with didn’t like burying his fellow soldiers in a outside festivities like drinking and girls to try to escape this new lifestyle. faraway battlefield in France. He was a French-Canadian man born Camp Bartlett Aug. 3, 1897 who emigrated with his family to Keene, New Hampshire while Next stop after Camp Keyes was Camp still a toddler. Like many Keene residents 100 years ago, he worked in a mill — in Bartlett in Westfield, Massachusetts. Joyal Joyal’s case, he made shoes. His shoemak- was in the 26th Division, which later ing experience did not leave him prepared became known as the "Yankee Division." for the combat service that he would soon The division was comprised mostly of endure. In fact, the same year he became New England men and was where Joyal an American citizen is the same year he had his first exposure to combat training. enlisted in the American army at age 19. Joyal found himself less than impressed Described as “frail and pale,” nonetheless, with this kind of drill. Aug. 14, 1917, "We he heeded the nation’s call for soldiers start to drill on the fighting stuff. We had when America entered World War 1. That to Bayonet drill all day long and I am sick same year Arcade Joyal also became a U.S. of it." Joyal would mope and complain about citizen. Like most soldiers Joyal undoubtedly having to "drill all day long.” Yet Joyal shipped out with the usual clothing, pro- still resorted to his old trickster self. Joyal tective gear and weaponry. But tucked had approached his Captain for a pass away somewhere was a three-inch by and was denied. He instead went home seven-inch book with blank pages waiting on a "French leave” which essentially was to be inked by short journal entries about the same thing as being away without the day-to-day life of war. Joyal’s mother leave. Aug. 19, 1917, “Ask the captain for had sent him off to war with kisses, hugs a pass and didn’t get it and went home on a French leave, had a good time.” The and a diary to keep. On August 6, 1917, he recorded, “Went captain however was no fool and quickly to the city of Concord and had a good caught on to Joyal's games. But with the time. We can’t go in a bar room but we get right words and his sneaky smile, he drunk just the same.” Despite the tedious appeared able to talk himself out of trouroutine of drill and preparation that lead ble. up to the war, Joyal never failed to sniff U.S.S. Saxonia or sip his way toward a good time. He especially had a good eye for where the September 1917, rolled around and nearest bar may be. As the diary proceeded, Joyal’s daily life the weather was warm and breezy, but would fluctuate from easy-going, relaxed the living conditions awaiting Joyal were days, to days where he could see a fellow another story. Conditions on the U.S.S. soldier take his last breath. Sept. 3, 1917, Saxonia were harsh and many men felt was a lighter day in the life of Joyal. He sick to their stomachs, not only for seagot to satisfy his sweet tooth and enjoyed sick reasons, but because of some of the the simplicity of doing nothing.“Nothing things their poor eyes unwillingly had to do today. We stay around camp to sign to see. On Oct. 6, 1917, he recorded, “Still the payroll. Everybody is happy today, ice nothing in sight am sick of seeing water. cream for supper.” After a few months We see a man floating in the water with passed, it was now February and life his head off.” The 26th Division was now en route to wasn’t so sweet anymore. Relaxing with friends and ice cream would soon give La Havre, France. Arriving in this foreign way to burying them on the battlefield, country was, a culture shock to Joyal. and in turn Joyal began to bury his prob- Being exposed only to Quebec and Keene, lems with booze. This was now Joyal’s life Joyal was now intrigued by interesting and although it may not be ideal, it was looking European things. On Oct. 20,1917, he wrote “We ride all day in the funny his life nevertheless. looking cars without anything to eat.” This was yet another adjustment for the Camp Keyes Canadian born, small New England town First stop Camp Keyes in Concord, man. Late in 1917, Joyal experienced an New Hampshire. July 25, 1917, "Left Keene at 6:30 a.m. arriving in Concord at 2:30 unforgettable first in terms of his military p.m. An awful looking place. Went right involvement. It was the dead of winter, to work and put up our own tents." This December to be exact, when Joyal experilate July day was Joyal's beginning of his enced life in the trenches. Although conditions made him weary journey in the Great War and there was no turning back. While setting up his own and tired, it prepared him for what was to tent, Joyal realized what was in store for come. On Dec. 3, 1917, he recorded, “Our himself. Inadequate living conditions and first time in the practice trenches. We being in charge of himself was an adjust- hike to Neucheateau and back taking our ment for this small-town young man. July dinner and supper with us.” Being from Canada did not make win29, 1918, “Got out of bed at 5 a.m. and went to work at 7 a.m. I sawed wood all day. I ters in France any easier for Joyal, especially when they consisted of being in wish I never joined the army.” Aug. 3, 1917, "Today is my birthday the trenches. Living in the trenches left
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The diary of a WWI veteran who served in the 326th Infantry Battalion SAMUEL DOUGLASS Equinox Staff
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In the process of securing French hillside 128, over 500 American soldiers lost their lives. George Loukides was 18 years old and one of the few men to walk away unscathed from the carnage that bloodied that French hillside during the St. Mihiel Offensive. Most were not as lucky as Loukides. Two local Keene residents lost their lives that same day — Philip B. Reid and Merritt E. Partridge. Today, the deep red poppies planted at the base of that same hill stand among the unending rows of crosses for every American who fought and lost their life that day on the frontlines. For George Loukides, that French hill led him to Plainfield, New Jersey, where he ran a penny-candy store for decades until he wended his way to Keene during his retirement years to visit regularly with his daughter, Mary Michaelides. In this year of the WWI centennial, she keeps her father’s memory alive with an assortment of war memorabilia and a diary he kept during his war years. The diary, which was found days after Loukides' death, offers insight into Loukides' war experience. Although Loukides never spoke of the war after returning, Michaelides, who now resides in Keene, remembers vividly how her father had a strong dedication to his duty as a soldier. “Even though he was dying he felt it was his duty as a soldier to attend the parade through the cold rainy day.” Michaelides said about the 1980 Veterans Day parade. This undying sense of duty carried Loukides throughout the French country in numerous battles. One hundred and eighty miles east of Paris there is a rolling green hill in northern France bordered by the flowing LaMeuse River. At the base of this hillside, soldiers from the American Expeditionary Force fought and lost their lives nearly a century ago at the battle of St. Mihiel. Today at the base of that same hill stands St. Mihiel American Cemetery. A circular chapel stands in the center of the 4,000 white crosses that row the expansive cemetery grounds. Inside the circular chapel stands a tall American eagle, enveloped within a garden of blood-red poppies. At the base of the eagle reads a promise from General John J. Pershing carved into the granite: “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” American Battle Monuments Commission stated. Pershing, the General of all American armies, commanded 550,000 men on the front lines of France. Months before the great battle of St. Mihiel, Pershing was responsible for the deployment of the 82nd Division onto the western front, according to American Battle Monuments Commission official history. Among the young men within the 82nd was a young 18-year-old Greek man by the name of George Loukides. The diary of George Loukides provides an enduring look at the glory and evils of the forgotten Great War. George Loukides left his home vil-
lage Mytilene, on the Lesvos Island in Greece to satisfy his desire to see the world, Michaelides stated. After paying steerage on a ship to Canada, Loukides was not satisfied with his newfound job working in a mill. Loukides seized the opportunity to become an American citizen by enlisting in the army in exchange for citizenship. Shortly after enlisting, Loukides found himself in the American Expeditionary Force, assigned to the 326th Infantry Battalion of the 82nd Division. The treasured diary, originally translated from Greek, holds numerous entries during George Loukides' time on the front lines. On Aug. 3, 1918, he found himself for the first time on the frontline. After two months of training and traveling between French villages, Loukides faced real danger as a soldier. “The enemy discovers our location and trains strong artillery fire on us for one hour I am wounded slightly by shell fragments.” Not thinking much of the injury, Loukides decided to remain with his division as he started the march towards the village of Maineville on Aug. 6. The French army had been trying to dislodge the Germans from Saint Mihiel since early 1914. According to American Battle Monuments' archives, although surrounded on three sides by Allied troops, the Germans held the high ground and the bridges over the LaMeuse and Moselle River. The French relied on the American Divisions to turn the tide on the Mihiel Offensive to regain control of the key Verdun-Toul railroad. St. Mihiel marked the first United States solo offensive a, true proving ground for the United States military. Awakened around five in the morning, the 82nd division was called to the front-line offensive of St. Mihiel. It was the 12th of September and it had not stopped raining for the past five days. Loukides, with the rest of his comrades, marched from the safety of Marbache into one of the greatest battles of World War I. Loukides wrote, “We all wanted to destroy the enemy. We had grown tired of the wretched life that we had spent for five months in the trenches and had lost our comrades to the shells and airplanes of the enemy. Finally the hour came. It was five in the morning — the signal for the attack was given. All of us surged forward. The German machine guns mow down our ranks but are not able to stop are assault.” All day on Sept. 14, Loukides and his comrades trekked forward through knee-high mud as machine gun fire cut down many of his friends. Throughout the day, the 82nd was bombarded by heavy explosive rounds and mustard gas canisters. All day through to Sept. 15, the division pushed forward, suffering drastically high casualties. The time had come to cross the knee-high water of the La Meuse River to secure the German machine gun fortifications. As Loukides described it, “. . . but what happened fording the river is indescribable. The enemy fired at us from all directions with machine guns and artillery. Shrapnel was whistling over us like
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Pictured above are George Loukides' various identifications, including his Florida driver's licence [top right] and his VFW membership card [bottom right].
rain and bullets were mowing us down. The river was dyed with the blood of my company.” Loukides lost both his lieutenant and three commanding officers while trying to cross the La Meuse river that day. A short time after the attack began, the troops were ordered to retreat to defensive positions held on the southern banks of the La Meuse river. A friendly artillery barrage commenced dislodging German soldiers from their defensive positions. “The artillery ceases firing and we rush forward with fixed bayonets — a shell exploded with asphyxiating gases in front of me. From then I don’t remember where I was transported because I was almost dead.” Loukides awoke in a hospital bed two days later in the 27th military hospital in the city of Angers. He immediately found comfort in the French nurses who tended to him. “While I slept in my dream I often saw the wretchedness of the trenches . . . I awake in a fine clinic bed. Here life is beautiful because you see the beautiful young ladies of the hospital taking care of you with a sweet smile on their beautiful little lips.” A week later Loukides was able to start the march back to his division. The 82nd‘s push ended with the securing of hill 128, defending the hill for several days, according to the division’s history. By this time, Loukides had returned to the division to discover that only 100 out of his 250 comrades remained. “Most of them however remained forever in that godforsaken river.” The 82nd division was relieved from the front lines the following week due to the severe casualties obtained during the offensive, according
to the Official History of 82nd Division American Expeditionary Forces. For Loukides though, war in France proved not all about carnage, but also about amor. The 82nd division reached the City of Cadillac by the first of March. Loukides found for the first time that not all of France was as unpleasant as the wretchedness of the trenches. Here in Cadillac, Loukides worked as a cook for the officers in his company. One of the French households allowed the army to use their kitchen, where Loukides first laid eyes on Mademoiselle Eugenia Baraud, a young blond woman whose house Loukides prepared the officers' meals in. For two months, Loukides and Eugenia were inseparable. “Here life was beautiful we had dances every day . . . She was so beautiful that I fell deeply in love with her and she told me with words and actions had fallen in love with me.” The final diary entry came with Loukides' departure from Cadillac. “At last the day of separation arrived. One morning my captain told me to get ready for departure. Eugenia was there at that moment. When my captain left, both of us wept because fate was to separate us very soon. I comforted her, saying that I would return after I was discharged. The hour of our separation arrived. The miserable Eugenia adorned me with flowers that we picked together in the garden, made me drunk with her kisses and drenched me with her tears. But the voice of my captain forced us to part forever. 'Attention,' shouts the captain and we begin our march. I kissed her for the last time and left. I never saw her again." but I will never forget her, the beautiful French woman.”
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
WWI / C5
SKYLER FRAZER News editor A spy? A rival? A spurned lover? A jealous neighbor? City Banker Charles Rich was the easiest person to blame. The morning after Dr. William K. Dean was murdered outside his Jaffrey farmhouse, Rich was seen around town with a black-eye. The banker blamed a kick to the head by his horse for the injury. He claimed the horse just grazed his face, avoiding serious damage. Some citizens of Jaffrey, New Hampshire weren’t convinced.
The Murder
The Aftermath What is clear is that the murder of a prominent doctor, a gentleman farmer, a married man who moved to bucolic southwestern New Hampshire for his retirement rocked the town of Jaffrey. According to Mark Bean, author of The Murder of William K. Dean: By person or persons unknown, “Neighbors stopped talking to each other. Catholics wouldn’t walk on the same side of the street as Protestants. Workers in the mills and factories
suspected their bosses were involved in a was a “ladies man” and some people in friends that he didn’t feel right having CONTIUBTED PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE JAFFERY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
William K. Dean [pictured above] was murdered Aug. 13, 1918. The case was never solved.
cover-up conspiracy. Everyone was frustrated and angry that answers were not forthcoming.” Citizens were demanding answers from the government and wanted the murder solved, especially if it involved spy activity, as some suggested. Ever since the United States became involved in WWI citizens became fearful of German spies, especially in the mountainous regions of the Northeast. Their fears were well-founded given that citizens in Jaffrey, Keene, Peterborough and surrounding areas reported flashing lights from Mt. Monadnock. Some people suggested these flashes were other German spies trying to communicate with each other. “Mt. Monadnock was visible for great distances. Some people said it was the first point of land a ship would see coming into Boston harbor,” Margaret Bean said at the Amos Fortune Forum, “The Dean Murder Mystery” in 1989. “Lots of responsible people were sure they saw signal lights, but there were others who wouldn’t take them seriously,” she said. Rumors had been swirling around Jaffrey weeks prior to the murder that someone living on Dean’s property was a German spy. A “Mr. Colfelt” had come to Jaffrey and rented a house from Dean on his property, upon a recommendation from Rich.
Suspects As a child, Dr. Dean was a playmate with the Prince of Siam [now Thailand]. His father, Rev. William Dean was a missionary to China and the family spent years in Siam. Dean was a retired doctor by the time he made Jaffrey his home. He and his wife bought an old farm in town and soon after built a house on the property. They were married for 38 years when he was killed and had no children. At first, police suspected Mrs. Dean of the murder. Margaret Bean, a historian and author who is an expert on the Dean murder, said William
town suspected his wife was jealous. This idea was quickly dropped, as she had become very sick before her husband was murdered. In fact, she died just over a year after he did. The police decided she was not physically capable of such a crime. The documents provided in the case indicate, there is no way a sick old woman could carry her 200 pound husband the length of two football fields and dump him into a well with a weight attached. Mrs. Dean died just over a year after he husband was murdered. Rich was the next, most obvious suspect. He was born in Vermont and later graduated from M.I.T. He taught school in New Hampshire before becoming a banker. The huge bruise on his face made people question his involvement and the fact that Rich was Protestant and Dean was Catholic only added to the speculation. The successful businessman was not well-liked in town, so he was an easy target. According to Margaret Bean, however, Rich and Dean were great friends in the past and played golf together regularly. A mysterious “Mr. Colfelt” was the next suspect who was introduced to Dean by Rich in 1917. Laurence Colfelt and his wife rented a house in Jaffrey in 1916, not too far from the Dean’s farm. Colfelt never worked and never mixed with the town much. He and his wife were always very distant from town. The Colfelts left, but came back later that year and rented a house from Dean. At a forum in 1989, Margaret Bean said, “They came in October [1917] and stayed through the winter. That was strange. Lots of people came in the summer, but who would stay through a New Hampshire winter?” Then, in June of 1918, the Colfelts abruptly left Jaffrey. Rumors were moving around town that Dr. Dean gave Colfelt 24 hours to get off the property. This was never confirmed by the doctor himself, but Dr. Dean did tell some of his close
Colfelt on his property just sitting around in a time of war. Colfelt rarely left his property and never worked while he was living at the Dean’s. Bean described Colfelt’s rental on Dean’s property as, “The house had a beautiful view of the mountains. Good place to send signals from.” After the Colfelts left Dr. Dean’s house they moved to Temple, New Hampshire. Colfelt was never heard from in Jaffrey again.
The End The New York Times added to the speculation of espionage over a year after the murder when they reported the visits of former German Ambassador Count von Bernstorff. Bert Ford, an investigator for the Boston American, reported that Bernstorff and other Germans held mysterious meetings in the region in the fall of 1916. Bernstorff was also supposedly present on a trip with Charles Bean marking trails in the area. Bernstorff and other Germans hired Bean to help them procure maps and mark trails, “only after he assured the men that he did not speak German,” the New York Times reported. Perhaps Bernstorff was working with Mr. Colfelt. Perhaps they were sending signals to German soldiers, planning landing spots on the tops of some of New Hampshire’s highest mountains. Perhaps Dr. Dean found out about Mr. Colfelt and Ambassador Bernstorff’s spying activities and plans. That is why he evicted him from his property so quickly. If this was the case, of course Dean had die. He knew too much. Maybe Mrs. Dean wasn’t as sick as she let on. Maybe she killed her husband after being fed up with his “ladies man” tendencies, as described by Bean. Why did she say “Billy is in deep water,” when she hadn’t found his body yet? Maybe it was Rich after all. Nearly a century later, the murder of Dean still hasn’t been solved. But, like most good mysteries, anything is possible.
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
“Billy is in deep water,” Mrs. Dean said to officials after she called authorities when she couldn’t find her husband. William K. Dean, 63, was murdered the night of Aug. 13, 1918, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. His body was found the next morning in a rainwater cistern or well about 200 yards from the house he lived in with his wife, Mary. The Keene Evening Sentinel wrote a story describing his body the day it was found. “His hands bound, his scalp battered from some blunt instrument, burlap and blankets tied over his head, and a stone weighing about 20 pounds attached.” Photographs showed his face was badly beaten and bruised. His arms and legs were still bound the morning after he was murdered, a rope still tied around his neck. Lacerations were still visible on his face and scalp when he was put in his casket and laid to rest. The Sentinel followed up its story a few days later with more details, reporting Mrs. Dean said her husband went out the night he was murdered to milk the cows. She said he took his milking pail, which was never found at the crime scene. It was also reported by a friend that Dr. Dean received a threatening letter sometime before he was killed, but traces of the letter was never found, according to investigators. Before the wonders of forensic science made famous in CSI, the police had little evidence aside from the body. Eight months later, The Cheshire County Grand Jury gave a verdict. William K. Dean was, “murdered by person or persons unknown,” according to court documents transcribed, edited and published by Bean. While the crime remains an unsolved mystery, theories and suspects persist to this day.
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Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
How Keene coped with War during 1917; told by the Keene Sentinel DIANA PIMER Social Media director
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Three days after the United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, 15 Keene men, most of them seniors at Keene High School, had signed up for the U.S. Navy and were ready to ship out the next day. According to the April 9, 1917 Keene Evening Sentinel, the students were all in their teens, but “full in their patriotism.” A week before the declaration of war on Germany, the Keene militia looked to add bodies to their unit to maximize peace strength. State militias, or military forces, were formed by the National Guard starting in 1914. As war approached, more men were needed for New Hampshire’s branch. Man. Married. Of good strength. 18 to 45 years old. These qualifications were given by the Adjutant General of New Hampshire, the senior military officer who commands the state’s military forces. While 150 of these men were being recruited, “a patriotic mass meeting rallied in Keene.” Citizens came out to support President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to go to war. The meeting took place at City Hall, which stood in the same location it currently does — 3 Washington St., exactly where Central Square meets Washington St. at the end of Main St. in downtown Keene. For the Keene residents left behind, the first year of America’s involvement in the war produced a home front defined by sacrifice and civic or financial contributions. Next door to City Hall, at 16 Central Square, was the Keene Gas & Electric Co. The company was the first to start supporting President Wilson and the declaration of war. “Join the Plant a Garden Army,” an advertisement read. “Do your part to prepare the country against disaster. A garden full of good things to eat makes you secure against advances in price by many food necessities.” In May, Wilson appoi nted Herbert Hoover director of the Food Administration Act, an effort to ration food, increase its rate of produc-
tion and equally distribute it to citizens, troops and allies. Throughout the month, Keene residents supported the act by making “comfort kits” for the troops and planting seeds in gardens to produce more food. Citizens were asked to increase crops and save food, seed, labor and land. The Keene Evening Sentinel exhorted citizens to the fact, “the whole nation is awakening to the fact that there is a shortage of food; the starvation is possible and even probable unless immediate measures are taken to conserve what we have and to produce more.” On May 10, 1917, the City of Keene held another mass meeting about “food production and safety of the city.” The city held the meeting to ensure there would not be any starvation during the time of the war, when prices would significantly increase. In a time when a loaf of bread was 5 cents, a box of chocolate candy was 39 cents and a half pint of potatoes was 25 cents, the people of Keene showed many levels of sacrifice. Sacrifice food, sacrifice money, or sacrifice a life; these were the options Keene residents faced in June 1917. Various ways to make these sacrifices were provided. However, for those who gave a life, June 5 was a special day — a day many residents would not forget. At 7 a.m., church bells rang in Registration Day. A large American Flag was raised as a number of men registered. In accordance to the Selective Service Act of 1917, all male inhabitants aged 21 to 31, alien or citizen, had to register. The federal government needed to increase the number of men in a national army for America’s entry into the war. By 2 p.m., 576 Keene men had registered for the draft. By June 6, 792 men had done their civic duty. The City of Keene had the most men register in Cheshire County, with Walpole a distant second with 205 men. As these men offered their lives, other citizens offered their money. While
citizens tirelessly planted seeds and picked crops, all local banks were advertising for people to also purchase Liberty Loans, war bonds used to support America’s efforts in World War I. According to FederalReserveHistory.com, citizens bought loans that would be paid back to them after the war. The money was used by the government to help fund America’s military efforts. By June 6, $200,000 worth of Liberty Loans had been purchased by Keene citizens. Buying a Liberty Loan was how citizens showed their patriotism for their country. Also, they could purchase a five-by-eight foot American flag from the Keene Skirt Company, or they could donate dollars to the government. The month of July brought draft messages to Cheshire County. During this time, registered men were actually drafted into the war and for Keene, their draft numbers stayed small because on July 21, the first draft day for Keene, citizens were informed that only four Keene men were drafted into the nation-wide army of 687,000 men. All registrants were given a number, and numbers were picked randomly for the draft. “The smallness of the number was a surprise, but a very welcome one,” a Keene Evening Sentinel article said. The first man drafted, Guy T. Tacy, would start a trend for the rest of the month of a select few men being chosen. Three days later, it was announced that Keene gained a small draft quota again; with Cheshire County having the smallest numbers in the state. In total, by the end of the process on July 25, 2,300 men from the County were drafted. At 6 a.m. the next day, a record-breaking crowd gathered on Main St. and Central Square. They were sending off the soldiers to “somewhere in France.” Summer, today, still brings times of happiness and camaraderie. In 1917, times were no different. On Aug. 16, the Red Cross organized a patriotic concert at Normal Hall, a Keene State College academic hall at the time,
at 8 p.m. Admission was 25 cents, all proceeds went to making comfort kits and gifts for the soldiers. These included toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils, thread, soap, mirrors, jackknives, combs and handkerchiefs. According to the Keene Evening Sentinel, “there was a small audience but the concert was a success.” Along with a 28-person chorus, soloists performed well-known songs to boost spirits. Perhaps the most anticipated song of the night, “The Star Spangled Banner,” was performed by soloist Annie Chadon. She also performed a popular song at the time, “Sweet and Low.” Other soloists included Alvira Casillo, who sang patriotic songs and “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” and Marion Parker with “Blue Bells of Scotland.” As the singers faced a supportive crowd, the members of the First New Hampshire Regiment, who were not even in battle yet, faced tough conditions at camp. Stationed in Concord, food was scarce and the men needed to clear away stumps and brush in order to create a base camp. They performed tough training, including digging trenches, and lacked uniforms to wear. “Many had to work in their ‘Sunday clothes’ which were all they had.” However, according to an early August edition of the Keene Evening Sentinel, conditions were beginning to brighten up, partially as a result from the citizens back home in Keene. The concert helped the Red Cross order 200 more comfort kits for the troops. On Aug. 21, they were sent to soldiers in New Hampshire camps. In September, another movement to comfort and support the soldiers began. The camps were requesting books and magazines, so that the soldiers could continue reading. The material would help speed the lonely hours, and the goal was to provide them with a library. “Books Banish Blues,” a Sept. 22 ad read. On Oct. 12, cablegrams said, “Keene men were safe in Europe and began to
have a sense of security.” Despite this, the soldiers were still in need. October weather brought a cold, rainy and windy atmosphere to Keene. The month also brought the second Liberty Loan efforts. According to the Museum of American Finance, when businesses were initially advertising for Liberty Loans, they were working for the federal government’s First Liberty Bond Act. October brought the Second Liberty Bond Act, which was organized because the first did not raise enough money to fund the war efforts. The government tried again with advertising likely to get most citizens’ attention. One October ad from the Liberty Loan Committee of New England read, “Can You Sleep Tonight knowing that young Americans across the water are hurling their living bodies against steel bayonets for your protection that they are facing poison gas and liquid flame to keep America safe, fighting that our women may not be the playthings and our homes the plunder of autocratic militarists and You Have not Bought a Bond [Loan]?” Loans were sold at $1 a week and could be purchased at any local bank. On Oct. 26, the banks stayed open late to accommodate Liberty Loan purchasers on the final day. On Oct. 29, it was reported the Liberty Loan total for Cheshire Country was $738,450. A total of 2,578 people had donated. Keene had the highest donation of the county, totaling $545,750. Marlborough was second with $47,550. While the Second Liberty Loan Act came to a close, citizens were still asked to support the war. On Nov. 9, a community meeting was held at City Hall. According to an article from this day by the Keene Evening Sentinel, the goal was to “show appreciation for your boys.” Participants at the meeting discussed the Red Cross’s efforts to give every soldier a Christmas present. Six days later, the deadline for donating to this cause resulted in over
$1,000 raised. Nonetheless, there was even more efforts of conservation and support. The Food Administration Act was on-going, and the federal government had volunteers make public demonstrations about conserving food and increasing patriotism. Irene Weed, the Hoover food demonstrator for Keene, said there needed to be extended effort to conserve fats for the war on Nov. 26. Some local businesses were in full support, as a restaurant called BON TON’s ad read, “meatless and wheatless days.” The restaurant worked with local hotels to have a few of these nights every week where people did not eat meat and made bread with other grains. The efforts from the citizens were appreciated by the soldiers, however, the worst of the war had yet to come and support was a continuous need. Capt. Walter C. Ellis of Co. H, affirmed this in a letter home to his wife. He wrote, “If it were not for the Y.M.C.A., letters from the boys over here would be few and far between. They are doing a great work for the boys and should receive the hearty support of the people over home. Their huts are furnishing the only places where the men can get warm, and they are giving away all the paper and envelopes.” The Keene Evening Sentinel then added, “Have you helped your bit yet?” While the soldiers were thankful, they remained in need. As the year came to a close, the support continued. The Keene Red Cross held a dance to further help the soldiers. Attendance rose to a record-setting number for any Keene dance, and proceeds went to the Keene soldiers. While the new year would bring new battles, the amount of support needed from hometown Keene remained the same. Citizens would still be asked to sacrifice food, money and more. Some would even sacrifice their lives. In fact, it would be another seven months before Keene residents learned news about the first battle death of one of their own.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
WWI / C7
City of Keene circa 1918; The Sentinel in review of WWI DYLAN MORRILL Contributing Writer
The War Raged On March 7, 1918 — Baccarat, France. Dirt flew up in the air, as the ground thunderously shook, forcing hundreds of American soldiers crouched in bunkers to take cover. The 165th Infantry Regiment of New York was getting hit hard by German artillery shells. When the dust settled, 22 men were dead. The rest of these young men were surely left dirty, bloody and traumatized. While no Keene boys were fighting in Baccarat, exactly one week later, all of Keene's ministers from all of its clergies were comfortably seated on a stage at City Hall — which is in the same location as it is today — geared up for a patriotic address from Dr. Cyrus Townsend Brady, of New York — a prominent journalist of the day. Brady riled up the attendees about both the importance of direct participa-
In September of 1918, in a building on Central Square in Keene near where Luca’s Mediterranean Café and Market now stands, employees with the Keene Gas and Electric Company made the decision to publish a poem that they received from a soldier at Camp Lewis, in Washington D.C. The poem, which was just one of dozens of patriotic pieces produced for the paper by the company throughout 1918, read as follows: “I know how to peel the festive spud. And how to string the bean, to wash the clothes, cleans the pans, and on the mop stick lean. So, if I never get to France and never lose my life, I’ll know enough of housework, to make a darned good wife.” tion in the war effort and religion. Seated in the peaceful and clean City Hall, hundreds of Keene residents heard advice about how to support the Doughboys across the pond. The Sentinel described the event: “[Brady’s talk] was an unusually inspiring eloquent and wellconceived plea both for increasing patriotic endeavor and more consistent religious life and service among the people.” About a week after Brady’s speech, Germany began its final and most violent push. This outburst, which lasted approximately one month, came to be known as the Spring Offensive. Germany struck hard in the cold of March, 1918. A British historical site, historylearningsite.co.uk, reports on the Spring Offensive — explaining the Germans advanced over France firing about 3,000 artillery shells every minute. Days after the offensive began, more than 250,000 American troops were injected into the conflict. But these troops were made impotent due to the American General John J. Pershing’s refusal to allow American troops to be led by foreigners. Still, by mid-April, Germany’s fortunes had switched entirely. Historylearningsite.co.uk reports: "The French Army let the Germans advance knowing that their supply lines were stretched to the limit. Then the French hit back on the Marne and a massive French counter-attack took place. Between March and July 1918, the Germans lost one million men.” Back in Keene, in early April — in the heat of Germany’s Spring Offensive — an important telegram from Washington D.C. arrived at the Keene home of 26-year-old Sergeant Wilbur L. Mayo, who was serving in Europe. The telegram informed Mayo’s family that he had been injured, but the family rejoiced when
they read the injury described as “slight.” A similar letter from Washington D.C. arrived on the same day at the home of Private John E. Minatt of Winchester — who served in the same company as Mayo. Minatt’s family was not as lucky as Mayo’s — his injuries were described as “severe.” Around the same time that these two letters arrived, the Sentinel published an article with the headline: “Robert Morgan Taken by U.S. Marshall for Failure to Register.” The article described that Morgan — like all men aged 21 to 31 in April, 1918 — was required to register for the draft, but he did not. The article does not mention a punishment but it does say: “Morgan was to be allowed by the federal authorities to enlist in the navy which he was anxious to do.” Morgan — a man who did not want to register for the draft — was now reported as “anxious” to enlist after spending time in police custody. Flash forward to Main St. in Keene, 2014. The restaurant Thai Garden at 118 Main St. is filled with waiters, cooks and bus-boys working hard during any early afternoon to ensure preparations are made for the daily dinner service. Now go back to the year 1918. That building at 118 Main St. where Thai Garden now stands was the headquarters of the Keene Fruit Company. In the summer of 1918, the workers at the Keene Fruit Company were collecting fruit pits. The U.S. government had just issued a nationwide call for fruit pits to be used to make gas masks. How can fruit pits be used to make gas masks? A February 2012 article in The Atlantic magazine explains how fruit pits were used for gas masks in World War I. “During World War I, the Germans blindsided the Allies with chlorine gas, a hellishly toxic chemical weapon. Once in
the body, the yellow-green gas tortured and killed at the same time, causing asphyxiation, convulsions, panic, and a slow death … It was something to be feared, but as American chemist James Bert Garner discovered in 1915, it could be subdued with activated charcoal, made from natural fibers such as those found in peach pits.” The Keene Evening Sentinel reported in September about the government’s plea for fruit pits: “Managers of hotels and restaurants throughout the land will direct their kitchen staffs to see to it that these heretofore worthless but now very essential pits and shells are not thrown into the garbage can.” While opportunities to help the war effort such as saving fruit pits would arise, the most accessible — and most publicized — way for Keene residents to contribute to the fight was something called the Keene War Chest. The Keene War Chest, started in April of 1918, was a fundraising organization that dispersed money to various groups helping the war. In other words, instead of donating to several organizations, donate to one. The Sentinel explained: “In many places this plan is said to have prevented confusion, done away with a lot of hard work and placed the perplexing and frequently recurring question of war contributions up on a business-like and simple basis.” Updates about the amount of money raised — and sometimes full-length articles — would frequently appear in the Keene Evening Sentinel until the war ended on Nov. 11. To Keene residents confused about how to help the war effort, The War Chest represented an obvious example of easy contribution. Many residents contributed a piece of their paychecks. One four-day drive in June raised more-than $12,000. While Keene residents were ponying up cash for The War Chest, the U.S. Marines suffered unprecedented losses. In early June, the German advance was halted at Belleau Wood, France. Days later, General Pershing and the Marines he led, struck back. After about 20 days of fighting the marines took control of Belleau Wood, France. Nearly 10,000 marines were injured, 1,811 fatally. While these Americans risked their lives in dirty, hot, debilitating warfare, the citizens of Keene gathered at Keene Normal School — now Keene State College —f or the yearly commencement ceremonies. Keene Normal School — unlike other colleges
across the country — had not experienced a significant drop in attendance. The Sentinel report about the 1918 commencement ceremony read: “An unusual feature of commencement week at the Normal School in Keene, and quite in keeping with the time, was the pageant entitled “the Triumph of Democracy … The Normal glee club, concealed until the close gave the songs that featured the pageant and there were piano and orchestral accompaniments.”
No More Golfing In 2014, if one were to drive on Bradford Road in Keene they would run the risk of getting struck by a golf ball. Bradford Road is directly abutting the green of the first hole of Keene Country Club’s golf course. In June 1918, 21 years after its founding, The Keene Country Club was commandeered by the government and turned into a one-week State Guard encampment. For citizens of Keene, golfing could wait; there was a war to win and soldiers to train. The Sentinel reported on the first day of the week-long camp: “All four companies reported promptly at camp this morning. Co. K of Keene was the first at the ground, reaching there at 9 o’clock. Co. I of Charlestown and Co. M of Concord followed closely and their tents were soon pitched. Company L: of Nashua detrained at noon and made a quick march to the ground where they found the other companies enjoying their noon meal. Each company had about its full enlistment of sixty men.” A week before soldiers — living in canvas tents and eating war rations — took the place of golfers at the Keene County club Keene High School, on June 21, graduated the Class of 1918 at a ceremony at City Hall. The Sentinel’s article about the graduation provided the full valedictorian address. The address closed by saying: “So with the memories of yesterday and hopes for tomorrow, the class of 1918 bids farewell to teachers and schoolmates, farewell to each other and to Keene high school.” About a month-and-a-half after the graduates participated in their commencement ceremony, sad news arrived at the Pearl Street home of 22-year-old Private Frederick J. Hickey of Keene. The letter, which was written by Major William H. Blanchard of the 103rd Field Hospital, was addressed to Hickey’s mother.
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By January 1918, The Red Cross was asking Keene residents to knit helmets for American soldiers serving on the cold, wintry battlefields of Europe. Residents were advised to use No. 2 needles and one-and-a-half hanks of yarn. A few weeks after The Red Cross’s plea for knitted helmets, The Sentinel published the examination results of several draft registrants. A total of fifteen men — from nine towns around Keene — were cleared to fight for the stars and stripes. Accompanying the names of those men, were the names of five men that the examination board deemed “physically deficient.” A month after The Sentinel published those helmet-knitting instructions, Keene residents participated in yet another direct role by producing what The Sentinel called “foot mittens” for American troops. The Sentinel article about the local production of these “foot mittens” — which included directions — explained that Keene resident Mrs. Walter T. Nims headed the project. “Foot mittens” were to be dropped off at Chase’s Book Store in Keene. Like the articles about Foot Mittens and Draft Registrants, the majority — or very close to the majority — of articles in The Sentinel in the year 1918 were about the war, the Doughboys fighting it and ways to help. Articles covered diverse topics, from grand war assemblies in Keene, to stories from the front, to examples of local wartime resilience.
A Soldier’s Poem
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PARTRIDGE, MERRITT E.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
the FirSt deMOnStratiOn OF the eFFeCtiVe
Merrit e. PartridGe died SePt. 14, 1918 while FiGhtinG at the Battle OF Saint Mihiel. Saint Mihiel waS One OF the FirSt SOlO aMeriCan OFFenSiVeS. in the Battle, u.S. exPedi-
REID, PHILIP B.
williaM GOrdOn and Celedia BealS were the ParentS OF Grant h. GOrdOn. their SOn GOrdOn waS a PriVate and died july 18, 1918 in FranCe. he waS One OF the FirSt Men tO die in wwi FrOM keene. the GOrdOn-BiSSell aMeriCan leGiOn POSt nO. 4 On COurt Street iS naMed in hOnOr OF hiM.
PhiliP B. reid iMMiGrated FrOM Canada in 1893 at the
Military taCtiCS that Greatly
nOn-StOP FOr FiVe dayS.
tiOnary FOrCeS CauGht the
united StateS FrenCh, BritiSh and GerMan SOldierS. PartridGe leFt Behind hiS jOB at COlOny Mill ManuFaCturinG and hiS hOMe On 120 elM St. tO FiGht and GiVe hiS liFe
GerManS in retreat. the
On the BattleField alOnGSide
attaCk waS MOre SuCCeSS-
7,000 FellOw aMeriCanS.
iMPrOVed the
rePutatiOn with
aGe OF FiVe yearS Old aCCOM-
thiS OFFenSiVe were hindered
Panied By FiVe SiBlinGS, hiS
By knee-hiGh Mud, whiCh
CharleS C. reid and ParentS GeOrGe and lOuiSe reid. aFter liVinG in keene FOr 23 yearS, PhiliP enliSted in the arMy in 1916 at aGe 28. PhiliP lOSt hiS liFe On the FirSt day OF the Saint. Mihiel OFFenSiVe.
GerMan SOldierS tOOk ad-
the day the Battle Started it had already Been raininG
aMeriCan
Ful than exPeCted and waS
unCle
Many aMeriCanS PartiCiPatinG in
VantaGe OF By ShOOtinG the
aMeriCan SOldierS. he leFt Behind a hOuSehOld SlOwed
OF FaMily MeMBerS inCludinG
lOuiSe B. reid, Father GeOrGe B. reid and FiVe SiBlinGS. hiS MOther
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
RUSSEL, CHARLES
IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW ON ROW, THAT MARK OUR PLACE, AND IN THE SKY, THE LARKS, STILL BRAVELY SINGING, FLY, SCARCE HEARD AMID THE GUNS BELOW.
CharleS ruSSel leFt in 1916 at the aGe OF 19 yearS Old FrOM hiS Father’S hOMe in walPOle, new haMPShire tO enliSt in the u.S. arMy in keene new haMPShire. he leFt hiS wOrk aS a BriCk MaSOn tO jOin the FiGht in FranCe. he
AUSTIN H. CAREY
Sec18
GRANT H. GORDON
JOHN MCCRAE, 1872 - 1918
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auStin h ayward Carey waS BOrn M ay 2, 1883 in CheShire COunty. he waS raiSed in CheSterField, new h aMPShire By hiS iriSh Father, GilMan C. Carey, and SCOttiSh MOther, M ary rOSanna CurtiS. auStin’S MOther
WE ARE THE DEAD; SHORT DAYS AGO WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW SUNSET GLOW, LOVED AND WERE LOVED, AND NOW WE LIE IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
died juSt BeFOre he leFt FOr the SerViCe.
at aGe 35, SerGeant Carey waS killed in aCtiOn On july 18, 1918 durinG the Battle OF aiSneM arne OFFenSiVe in Belleau, FranCe. auStin h. Carey leFt Behind hiS wid -
alSO leFt liFe On hiS FatherS FarM neVer return hOMe.
he lOSt hiS liFe On july 29, 1918 durinG the aiSne-Marne
TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE! TO YOU FROM FAILING HANDS WE THROW THE TORCH; BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH! IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
Owed Father and ten SiBlinGS.
OFFenSiVe alOnG the weStern FrOnt.
where the aMeriCan FOrCeS PuShed the
GerManS tO
retreat Out OF the
Marne Salient.
Poem as published on http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/flanders-fields
JAMES H. BISSELL
SHARKEY, HENRY W. henry w. Sharkey liVed On 225 Pearl St. in keene, new haMPShire. BOrn tO Canadian iMMiGrant ParentS ray d. Sharkey and Mary Sharkey in 1899, he waS the FirSt and Only Child hiS ParentS COnCeiVed. at the aGe OF 17 henry lied aBOut hiS aGe tO enliSt in the arMy tO FiGht
FranCe. he waS a PriVate in the 26th “yanu.S. exPeditiOnary FOrCeS. he lOSt hiS liFe at the Battle FOr aPreMOnt FOreSt On aPril 12 1918. the Battle reMainS FaMOuS in
kee” diViSiOn OF the
FOr the SaVaGery OF ClOSe quarterS COMBat within the trenCheS.
that SaMe year hiS Father waS widOwed, when hiS wiFe died GiVinG Birth.
SILAS F. BALDWIN On M ay 21, 1896, SilaS FarnSwOrth Baldwin waS BOrn in the tOwn OF GraFtOn, VerMOnt. h iS Father waS williaM Parker Baldwin OF CheS ter, VerMOnt and hiS MOther waS rOSaline M ay FarnSwOrth OF rOCkinGhaM, VerMOnt.
1918. jaMeS h. BiSSell waS killed in aCtiOn durinG
JAMES J. GRIFFIN jaMeS j. GriFFin waS BOrn in walPOle, new haMPShire. On the OCt. 7, 1897. hiS MOther waS Mary Catherine rattray and hiS Father, Frank j. GriFFin.
jaMeS harOld BiSSell waS BOrn in keene, new haMPShire On May 6, 1893. hiS Canadian ParentS were CharleS h. BiSSell OF dOVer, VerMOnt and aBBie e. BaSSett OF winCheSter, new haMPShire. while CharleS wOrked aS a Chair Maker, aBBie waS a hOuSewiFe in their hOMe lOCated
keene ward 1. in jaMeS’ early 20S, he reGiStered FOr the 26th inFantry diViSiOn. he SerVed aS a COrPOral OF COMPany C when he died On july 19, in
the VerMOnt FarMer and hiS wiFe MOVed their FaMily tO k eene ward 3 in 1910, lOCated juSt BlOCkS away FrOM Central M arket CO. where SilaS waS a Clerk. like Many yOunG Men OF the tiMe, SilaS reGiStered FOr the 26th i nFantry diViSiOn OF the u.S. arMy durinG wOrld war i. StartinG On SePt.
wOrld war i Battle aiSne-Marne CaMPaiGn On the weStern FrOnt in the City OF reiMS, FranCe. the Veteran waS Buried in wOOdland CeMetery On BeaVer Street in keene. when the SurViVinG SOlthe OF
dierS returned aFter war in
1919, a GrOuP OF VeteranS OPened aMeriCan leGiOn POSt 4. tO reCOGnize the FirSt twO keene SOldierS tO die in wOrld war i, POSt 4 waS naMed GOrdOn-BiSSell and iS lOCated tOday at 797 COurt Street, keene.
12, 1918 waS the wOrld war i Battle OF Saint Mihiel OFFenSiVe, FOuGht Between the aMeriCan exPeditiOnary FOrCe and FrenCh trOOPS. while SerVinG aS a PriVate OF COMPany h in the 103rd inFantry diViSiOn, SilaS F. Baldwin waS killed in aCtiOn On FranCe BattleGrOundS at 22 yearS Old.
WWI / C9
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
LEO A. DESILETS leo a. Desilets was Born in septemBer 1897 in harrisville, new hampshire anD 21 years later entereD the 103rD u.s. infantry 26th Division in wwi on Jan. 21, 1918. that Day was the last Day his parents leDger Desilets anD alma rourke woulD ever see him again. Before going off to war Desilets liveD in keene, new hampshire Before entering the service anD workeD at the colony manufacturing mill. he was rankeD as a corporal anD killeD in action, never return-
ing to his house on
the foresteD area, But
unmarrieD in
283 west st. in keene. he DieD chateau thierry, france on July 18, 1918. his life was taken in the Battle of Belleau in the aisne marne Defense. the Battle starteD late may 1918. u.s. marines unDer general James harBorD leD the attack against the four german Divisions positioneD in the wooDs
DenDorff was DetermineD to Deny the
anD By the enD of the first Day suffereD more than
1,000 casualties. for the next three weeks, the marines, BackeD By u.s. army artillery, launcheD many attacks into
german general erich luamericans a victory. the germans attackeD the u.s. forces with machine guns, artillery, anD gas. finally, on June 26, the americans prevaileD But at the cost of nearly 10,000 DeaD, wounDeD, or missing in action. toDay, a park locateD on the corner of islanD anD winchester st. is DeDicateD to leo a. Desilets anD another keene citizen solDier, freD J. hickey in honor of their sacrifices.
FRANK L. BROOKS
HAROLD M. FIELD
on July 13, 1898, frank levi Brooks was Born in saint regis falls, new york. his father, elias aDlore Brooks, was a sawmill laBorer while his mother, emma Belle Besaw, was a washerwoman. a couple years after moving to keene, frank registereD for the 103rD regiment infantry of the 26th yankee Division. Brooks Became part of company h as a private in the summer of 1917. in fact, the 26th Division was
harolD m. fielD was Born in northfielD, massachusetts June 3, 1895 with Blue eyes anD Brown hair. By 1915 he liveD on 200 elm st. in keene, new hampshire. two hours away his mother mrs. hannah fielD liveD in farmington, new hampshire. fielD’s attestation papers for the canaDian overseas expeDitionary force stateD he was not marrieD when leaving for war. testation
an atpaper was the first
france. Brooks anD the rest of
canaDian expeDitionary force (cef). in many cases, these may Be the
the unit were among the first
only surviving recorD of the
solDiers to see action against
enlistment of many
germans. on July 18, 1918, frank l. Brooks DieD from a Bullet shot By a german sniper During the Battle of aisne-marne offensive in Belleau, france. in actuality, Brooks was one of the 44 men from the 103rD regiment who DieD that Day. the 20-year-olD was BurieD near the northeast Division of wooDlanD cemetery in keene.
solDiers who fought in
Before entering the
the earliest group to arrive in
the
CONTIBUTED PHOTO / JORDAN CROWLY
A framed photo of "Keene Heros Killed in France" depicts the photographs of the men who were killed in service in WWI.
LABOUNTY, NELSON A.
american solDiers whose sacrifice contriButeD in the victory that leaD to pushing
there remains to this Day a 42 acre plot of lanD roweD By crosses with small ameri-
HENRY J. BERGERON
can flags at the foot of a rolling green
Belleau, northern france. the aisne-marne cemetery commemorates those american solDiers who fought anD lost their lives in the Battle of Belleau wooDs in 1918. here lies the remains of 2,300 hill in
Despite checking several resources, no information was founD on the worlD war i solDier, henry J. Bergeron.
HICKEY, FREDERICK J. in 1916, freDerick J. hickey liveD on 172 pearl st. with his father Joseph B. hickey. every morning they Both woulD work their JoBs at
keene gas anD electric locateD on west st. hickey was 20 years olD when he enlisteD to fight in the great war. as part of the 26th “yankee Division,” he saw lots of comBat on the front lines within
germans Back across the marne river. among these valiant solDiers was nelson a. laBounty a keene resiDent who maDe the the
hill where his BoDy remains toDay.
having keene, laBounty left BehinD his 16 year- olD sister rose m. laBounty anD parents antye anD rose laBounty. grown up in
MARK J. GILBERT
MILO M. DAMON
main street is now
erick lost his life During an
full of stores left
artillery Barrage while on
anD right, stackeD
marne Defensive front on July 18, 1918, at age 22. his remains lie within the monaDnock view cemetery, a
on top of each other
Born august 5, 1896 in cheshire county was milo marcus Damon. he liveD in the town of troy with his father, marcus victor Damon of fitzwilliam, mother, ella lavina knapp of wilmington, vermont anD two siBlings. Damon anD his family moveD to keene warD 2
short Distance of a mile anD a half from his previous home, where his father woulD now walk to work alone.
anD even BehinD one another. in
war one. he workeD as a motor mechanic in keene Before he left to serve for his new country. he signeD an oath on may 18, 1916 that he will Be faithful, DefenD anD oBey. the papers stateD fielD attenDeD a Baptist or congregationalist religious Denomination. killeD at fampoux, france in 1918, his remains now lie in northfielD franklin county, massachusetts in the center cemetery.
ultimate sacrifice while storming the same
france. after two years of Battles among the front lines freD-
the
canaDian worlD
1915, wwi veteran mark J. gilBert was a clerk in keene, new hampshire. he liveD on 32 emeralD st. Before he entereD the service.
when he was four years olD.
in 1908, he lost his olDest Brother, george. ten years later, mr. anD mrs. Damon lost their 22-year-olD son on septemBer 28, 1918 after he was killeD in action During the
Battle of troyon sector in lorraine, france.
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Document a solDier signeD
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C10 /WWI
BRIAN CLEMMENSON Contributing Writer
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Barry Faulkner was busy building his reputation as a painter of patriotic murals and the occasional landscape when World War I broke out. Faulkner could afford such creative pursuits. He was born in Keene in 1881 to a wealthy family who owned the Colony Mill from 1815 to 1953 — when Faulkner’s father, Francis Faulkner, purchased the mill. Faulkner grew up in the Keene neighborhood surrounding School Street. There he parlayed his artistic talents and gifts into significant contributions to America’s winning war effort as one of the original designers and creators of what many would recognize as the camouflage pattern of the American military. His WWI artistic gifts became his patriotic contribution. Faulkner’s palette often reflected the local colors of browns, beiges and greens so endemic to southwest New Hampshire. In Faulkner’s recollections titled “Camouflage” on camouflage, he recalls how he and friend Sherry Fry met in New York City to promote using camouflage in the war promoting use of browns, beiges and greens colors as a military tactic. In mid-August 1917, Faulkner and his friends enlisted as the first eight members of the “newborn Camouflage Corps,” and he recalled, they were known
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
“Then came a wild scramble to get to Sedan first, for there were rumors that other American armies were converging upon it."
-BARRY FAULKNER CAMOUFLAGE CORPS
as camoufleurs. According to Faulkner’s autobiography "Barry Faulkner; sketches from an artist's life" the official unit name was Company A of the 40th Engineers. Faulkner started out as a Sergeant, promoted twice during the war and honorably discharged as a first lieutenant. The camofleurs corps sailed for France on New Year’s Day 1918. He described his cammo buddies as, “a mixed bag of all talents,” including electricians, cowboys, movie technicians, stage carpenters, cartoonists, illustrators, architects, sculptors and painters. When Faulkner and the corps arrived in France, the men found themselves working on the front lines where infantry soldiers were seeing all the horrors in the trenches. According to Faulkner’s recollections, the corps at night were brought out to the front line in ammunition trucks loaded with ammo. “The enemy kept the crossroad under heavy fire and it was an exciting scramble to get through them, for a direct hit would have blown us all to mince meat,” Faulkner said in his recollections. Faulkner described the how the camofleurs were working
(Cont. from C7)
It was published in the Keene Sentinel on August 6: “Dear Mrs. Hickey: Your son, Private Frederick J. Hickey, Co. G, 103d infantry, died this evening at 6:30 o’clock . . . There is nothing that can be said to tighten your great loss, but we feel that you should know everything possible was done to save his life and that he died among friends.” Hickey’s parents, a week prior to this fatal message, had received a message written by their son on the front. He said in that letter than he was in good health and spirit.
Charlie Chaplin Still Plays The Majestic Theatre and the Scenic Theatre in Keene—both now defunct— had an advertisement in the Sentinel for a Charlie Chaplin film. The advertisement read: “Special Prices Today and Tomorrow.” A ticket was 15 cents. In mid-September Bellows Falls resident Edward Leene was visiting Keene—
on the same front lines with all the blood and gore of war. Some nights a battle raged, the corps worked under covering fire from their comrades so they would not be shot and killed. “We built our camouflage at night in the front line, over small mortar positions,” Falkner recalled. Faulkner and the Corps were responsible for shielding American artillery and ammunition from getting blown up by enemy artillery like the Fourth of July fireworks. Those protective shields are now known as camouflage, a tactical cover that prevents equipment from being destroyed by enemy bombardments and fire by masking those items with the colors of nature — the same colors Faulkner used in his New England landscapes. It appears from his recollections, Faulkner was an individual who did not really like the attention. He did not like to be higher or better than those around him. In his recollection Faulkner described his change in military status, “as not pleasant.” When Faulkner became an officer he missed being just like his other comrades, many of whom were sergeants. Faulkner
his home-town—after spending about a year fighting for the 120th Field Artillery. The Sentinel article reads: “Lieut. Leene received orders to return to the United States and left France about Aug. 28 and is to report at Camp Meade, Md., where he will be an instructor in the artillery service until further orders. He was on his way home a few hours after getting his orders, which were entirely unexpected.” Days after this article was published, on Sept. 25, the U.S. Military and France initiated the Meuse-Argonne Offensive along the entire western front. Approximately 1.2 million Americans fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which ended when the Germans signed the Armistice of Compiegne on Nov. 11. American forces suffered heavy losses during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive while making great strides toward defeating Germany. The battle, claiming 26,000 American lives, was the most deadly for U.S. troops in World War One. “On the key to victory in the Argonne, however, there was no disagreement. The iron general (Pershing) confessed it on Armistice night in Paris. ‘The men were willing to pay the price,’”
rode in a sidecar and had his own driver. Another aspect Faulkner missed was his interactions with those below him. “I missed the companionship of my fellow sergeants and my enlisted friends,” Faulkner said in recollections. In April of 1918 Faulkner was transferred to the Third Division and left many friends behind. Upon being transferred to the Third Division Faulkner had much of his work destroyed as the Germans launched a vicious attack. Faulkner recalls how “their was no trace of his handsome camouflage.” While the Camouflage Corps were brought in to be the visual concealment experts for the U.S. Army when in Europe, they learned new tactics of from their enemies. Faulkner had the opportunity to study German camouflage after U.S. troops launched a counterattack and crossed into the Marne River. Once the American troops crossed the river, Faulkner was able to get a good look at the German captured guns, which were covered by their version camouflage. When Faulkner was observing the enemy camouflage he
writes Thomas Fleming in his 1993 article in Military History Magazine titled: Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I While thousands of miles away, war raged on. In Fitzwilliam on Sep. 20, a heavy rain made activities at the annual Town Fair difficult. Some afternoon activities were canceled at the event, which ended with an evening of dance in the town hall.
Peace At Last At the end of September an alarming letter reached the home of Corporal Chester L. Kingsbury of Keene. The letter was from a friend of Kingsbury’s stateside who said that a friend of his had told him that he saw Kingsbury’s name on the list of those killed in action. The family nervously hoped that the letter was misinformed. For days they waited for word from their possibly deceased relative until news finally got home that Kingsbury was alive. Kingsbury’s friends were wrong. An advertisement for the Liberty Loan Committee of New England ran in The Keene Sentinel on Oct. 3. In big bold letters at the top of the advertisement
noticed one profound difference: German camouflage was simpler. The camouflage was also more effective as the Germans used a lot of trees to hide their camouflage. Faulkner described the German camouflage in his recollections, “A wired-in duckboard walk led to the guns which sat, in an enclosure of wire and no man was allowed to step outside these boundaries. The strong point in their method was camouflage discipline.” The purpose of not allowing a man to step out of the boundaries was to make sure that positions could not be spotted from the air. If a position was spotted, enemy artillery would destroy it. Shortly before the Nov. 11, 1918 Armistice ending WWI, Faulkner recalled there was no movement for three weeks. By the end of the way, Faulkner and his men were getting closer to the checkpoint of the Sedan River, which was where American lines were going to be established. “Then came a wild scramble to get to Sedan first, for there were rumors that other American armies were converging upon it,” Faulker wrote. The objective was to get over the river with a new bridge that was built by American troops. However, before Faulkner and his unit could get there to begin their next work the war was over at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. When the news came about the Armistice, Faulkner and his unit
was the question: “how much would the Kaiser Tax your business?” The rest of the advertisement read:“What is left of business in the invaded districts of France and Belgium? What will be left of business here if we fail to crush the sinister power of Prussian militarism? How much would you have left after paying the taxes and levies imposed by victorious Germany?” But the citizens of Keene, and the rest of the country, would not have to pay these hypothetical taxes. The war ended at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11. The front page of the Nov. 11 edition of the Sentinel had the largest headline of the entire year—four inches tall and spanning the whole page were just three words: “Peace At Last.” The subhead read: “Germany Surrenders Signs Armistice.” For Keene residents, the end of World War didn’t just mean “Peace at Last,” it meant that everything could go back to normal. Fruit pits were no longer needed. Neither were “foot mittens,” or helmets. Just like the doughboys sailing back home, the residents of Keene could finally sleep easy. The Great War was over.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
WWI / C11
Keene memorializes those who served in WWI “The answer starts with an uncomfortable truth: Although it ended in victory, World War I proved to be more of a traumatic experience than Americans were prepared to deal with. In just 19 months, the United States lost more than 116,000 men in the War to Make the World Safe for Democracy; many more would die in later years slowly and painfully, from the lingering effects of bullets, shrapnel, poison gas, and what was then called shell shock.” “WHY DON’T AMERICANS REMEMBER THE WAR?” BY RICHARD RUBIN SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE OF THE ATLANTIC, PAGE 91
JORDAN CROWLEY Contributing Writer
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It was 11:11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918, when the First World War became history. Ultimately free from clouds of chlorine gas, explosions of bullets and bombs, excruciating pain of mustard gas, amputations of trench foot infections and launching of grenades — World War I veterans were once greatly appreciated by Americans. As surviving soldiers returned home during 1919, communities across the country responded in celebration of World War I ending. Parades were held, speeches were given and memorials were dedicated to those who risked their lives on French battlefields. Such recognition extended to tangible affirmations in American cities and villages. In fact, author Richard Rubin noted in his oral history of World War I veterans, that there are more World War I memorials than any other war before. But a few years later, the United States encountered an economic recession: The Great Depression. Citizens were refocused on economic survival and, within ten years, World War II pushed World War I to the back burner of history. As Richard Rubin wrote in the prologue of his history, The Last of the Doughboys, “Those statues and monuments and plaques and memorials commissioned back in the 1920s, though — they were big and elaborate, well made and well placed. They are still there, still everywhere, still striking and arresting and as legible as the day they were cast or chiseled.” It is ironic, then to consider the apparently few World War I remembrances in Keene. An imposing statue of a Civil War soldier is located in Keene’s Central Square. Indeed, finding World War I monuments in Keene can be a challenge. After the surviving soldiers returned to Keene post-war, a group of veterans opened American Legion Post 4. It was named after James H. Bissell and Grant H. Gordon, two veterans from the 26th Infantry Division who were killed in
the Battle of Aisne-Marne Campaign in Reims, France. Today American Legion Gordon-Bissell Post 4 is located at 797 Court St. Nearly 100 years later, members of the American Legion held a ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014. Roughly 50 veterans, families and friends joined together in respect for both living and deceased veterans. Speeches were given, followed by a buffet style luncheon. Located in the entryway of American Legion was a glass showcase that held several award certificates and trophies. Lining the walls of the main room were plaques and photos of Keene veterans from past wars. In the corner, hung pictures of 13 of Keene’s heroes who died in France, including Gordon and Bissell. Keene’s World War I soldiers also share a slender sliver on an obelisk, located at the Keene Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department of 312 Washington St. Andy Bohannon, Director of the Keene Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department, explained that a pond was replaced with a war memorial in late 1980s. One side of the memorial, dedicated to the First World War, is inscribed, “In Flanders Fields the poppies grow. Between the crosses row on row.” Another war memorial is found at Ashuelot Park and honors Fred Hickey and Leo Desilets. These were two of Keene’s veterans killed in action in Chateau Theirry, France. The Hickey-Desilets Park is located about a half mile from Keene State College and along the Ashuelot River, where Island St. and Winchester St. intersect. A plaque indicates that Keene’s Italian Club maintains the memorial. This past fall at Veterans Day time, it had two small American flags flanking it. It was easy to miss; half of it was obscured by the crumbling leaves of autumn. As Richard Rubin wrote in his prologue of The Last of the Doughboys, “On the field of American memory, World War I occupies the slim No Man’s Land between the archaic and the modern.”
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / ROSE KUNDAINS
(Cont. from C10)
turned around and headed to their corp headquarters. Faulkner and his unit left France one month after the Armistice, as the Camouflage Corps unit was now considered not vital to staying in France after the Armistice. Many of the surviving camaofleurs had long distinguished artistic careers after the war. Two of the original eight never made it home. The commanding officer, Colonel Howard Bennion moved on to an executive job at Edison Corporation. Others resumed their duties of creating masterpieces in the form of painting and sculptures. Faulkner will be remem-
bered for many of his great paintings and murals. However, what Faulkner and camouflage corps accomplished is something that is now a common military practice. After the war Faulkner returned to the U.S. and continued working on his own pieces. Faulkner resumed working on murals and mosaics that ranged from patriotic events, famous places and to local places in Keene, New Hampshire. Faulkner’s pieces included a mural of the Keene National Bank and a mural of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that is on display at the National Archives. Faulkner died at the age of 85 on Oct. 27, 1966, at Elliot Hospital, now Elliot Hall at Keene State College.
C12 /WWI
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
"You taught him of Flag and what American citizenship means. You made him appreciate blessings afforded to all aliens. You told him it was the greatest honor on Earth to be chosen to defend with his life the freedom that you enjoy and you so developed his character and instilled into him this pride in your adopted country that no American boy excelled this boy in the supreme sacrifice he made.�
-WOODROW WILSON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
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Cyan Magenta Yellow Black USED WITH PERMISSION OF STAVRO NASHI FROM HIS WEBSITE HTTP://GREEKODYSSEY.TYPEPAD.COM/MY_GREEK_ODYSSEY/