The Equinox 11.9.17

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THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College

Vol. 70, Issue #11 Thursday, November 9, 2017

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Scholarship funds disrupted

Staff turnover delays the process of endowed scholarships ABBYGAIL VASAS PIHSR

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There may soon be light at the end of the tunnel for students who applied for Endowed Scholarships at Keene State College this past year and still haven’t heard back.

Students have been waiting a long time to hear the results of their applications. KSC senior Megan Weltler said she had not heard anything since the summer. “My mother emailed them and they told her in August that it should be a couple weeks,” Weltler said. She added she needs to hear about her scholarships because, “There’s a tuition payment coming up, so that would be really, really stress-relieving.”

Over 600 applications for Endowed Scholarships were sent in during the application period of March first through April first. According to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Steven Goetsch, there is usually a Financial Aid Scholarship Committee; however, there was also some turnover in financial aid staff. Also, a new interim director of financial aid was recently hired. “She has 40 years of experience… she’s helping find a permanent director,” said Goetsch.

KSC alumna Sarah Chase, who had previously worked on the committee but left to attend graduate school, was asked

by Goetsch to briefly return and help review the applications and award the scholarships. “The overall process of awarding scholarships may seem quite easy, however, before I can award an endowed scholarship to a student, I must review numerous amounts of criteria,” said Chase.

Goetsch explained that Endowed Scholarships are set up by donors using a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Goetsch said the use of MOUs “allows donors to prescribe how the scholarship is awarded.”

When Chase reviews applications, she said she must consider their grade point average (GPA), major, financial information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and read each individual essay to make sure the student meets the requirements set by the donors.

Although the task of awarding scholarships may be timeconsuming, Chase said, “I applaud students who try to find any outlet which will help them finance their education.”

Goetsch and staff members in the Financial Aid Office sent an e-mail to students on Oct. 27, which said, “The Financial Aid Office has been working diligently on awarding the Endowed Scholarships to qualifying students. Within the next several weeks, we will be concluding the process.”

Goetsch estimated, “about 90 or 95 percent have been awarded by now.” He also said the goal is to have all of the scholarships awarded by the end of next week.

When Weltler heard that she could receive her scholarship shortly, she said she was excited, but added, “I heard that a while ago; I’m skeptical.”

KSC junior Abbey Hoye said she was glad that the issue is being resolved, but said, “I wish that the checks could have come sooner… it’s frustrating that the application says they will be rewarded over the summer and then no one heard anything until October.”

Goetsch encourages students to check their emails and the Financial Aid website for updates on the scholarships.

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Equinox Staff

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“The overall process of awarding scholarships may seem quite easy, however, before I can award an endowed scholarship to a student, I must review numerous amounts of criteria.”

Abbygail Vasas can be contacted at avasas@kscequinox.com

Sarah Chase KSC alumna LUKE SWEENEY / EQUINOX STAFF

Hurricane Maria hits home for KSC community SIMON BURCH

Equinox Staff The recent string of hurricanes has been out of the news cycle for a while now, but there are still those grappling with the effects of these devastating storms. In Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, the death toll from Hurricane Maria has risen to 51, according to the Associated Press.

This is because more than two-thirds of the island is still without clean water, and a third remain without power.

The effects of these storms can sometimes feel far away, but there are those in our own town who are still facing the consequences of this hurricane. Keene State College Athletic Director Kristene Kelly was born and raised in Saint Croix, a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Kelly said people often forget about the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they desperately need help. Hurricane Maria nearly destroyed Kelly’s childhood home as it swept over the island. Luckily, no one on Saint Croix was killed by the storm, but Kelly said her mother’s house no longer has a roof, the windows are shattered and water has invaded the home completely.

Kelly said her mother had to be evacuated from the island because she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and pneumonia the day before the hurricane hit. She was evacuated via Mercy Flight to Atlanta. Kelly said her sister was forced to call her two days after the storm hit from the “nonexistent roof of [her] mother’s house,” because cell service is so poor on the island. Her sister was also forced to withdraw from classes she was taking to get her master’s degree online.

Kelly said power is expected to be out on the island until Christmas, and Kelly said her family has been having to take “bucket-baths.” Kelly said she was overwhelmed by people asking how they can help when they found out about the plight of her family. She has started a small drive for essential materials, such as flashlights, food, water and hygiene supplies, that she plans to send to her sister. Kelly joked, however, that she knew “all the stuff my sister’s going to get she’s going to give to other people.”

Isabell Wilson Soto is a student at KSC and a former resident of Saint Croix. She has been waiting to get into contact with her most of her family since the storms. Wilson Soto said she has gotten into contact with her sister and knows she is okay, but is still waiting to hear from her father and

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Section B: Section A: News .....................1-3 A&E .......................1-4

A4: Take suicide seriously before it’s too late A8: Pub Crawl B1: KSC Concert Band captivates B8: Hootie’s Nocturnal Knockout

Opinions ................4-5 Time Capsule............5 Student Life ...........6-8 Sports.....................6-8 Associated Collegiate Press

brother.

Wilsom Soto says her grandparent’s houses are totaled, much like Kelly’s family. She said it’s been hard not being able to call anyone to check on them, but knows she must focus on her schoolwork. She said knowing her family would want her to succeed in school has “pushed her harder than anything else.

Food, water and other necessities, Wilson Soto said, is the biggest way people can help right now. She said the Virgin Islands need all the aid they can get to help rebuild from the storms. Wilson Soto and Kelly both said that people often forget about the Virgin Islands, and they want to remind people that they are U.S. territories, and they need help.

Kelly said she was in the process of organizing a possible trip or aid drive to Saint Croix through the Office of Student Involvement in hopes of providing some of the much-needed relief to hard-hit families. The Office of Student Involvement declined to comment for this article.

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News / A2

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Students simulate the challenges of poverty KATHERINE GLOSSER

Equinox Staff

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Poverty is often a difficult and painful topic to bring up. Many people have lived through it, yet there are many people who do not know enough about it.

Keene State College’s Service Learning and Internship Coordinator Karen Balnis said New Hampshire has the lowest poverty rate in the country.

Even so, there is still poverty. According to globalissues. org, almost half the world lives on less than $2.50 a day.

The University of California (UC) said the poverty rate in the U.S. in 2015 was 13.5 percent or 43.1 million people.

In order to bring awareness to this issue, Balnis and KSC student and President of Habitat for Humanity Riley Beliveau held a poverty simulation in the L.P. Young Student Center’s Mabel Brown Room.

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, about 23 people came to the simulation to get a better understanding of what it’s like to live in poverty for a month.

Every 15 minutes of the activity equaled a month of the simulation. Twenty-six volunteers helped out the event, by running the booths in the simulation to playing different roles in keeping it realistic.

Each participant was assigned to a family and had to play a character they were given. Every family was complex and unique and had their own set of obstacles, which included disabilities, age and health issues.

Everyone started out with a certain amount of money.

There were 14 booths that each participant went to for certain services: The Trust National Bank, a food market, a pawn shop, a utility company, a child care center, a health clinic, mortgage and realty and even a police station. To add a more realistic atmosphere, they even had a few criminals doing illegal activities, such as stealing from family houses and buying and selling drugs.

Balnis said she hoped that the simulation would be a valuable learning experience, rather than a game.

“I hope that students realize that even though this is a simulation, it’s not a game and we are really trying to relay the knowledge through this experience that poverty isn’t a game; it’s very challenging and it’s very challenging for people to get out of poverty,” said Balnis.

Balnis, who has worked with people from low income programs in the past, said she first got involved with the poverty simulation last fall.

She said she is hoping to do more poverty simulations in the future.

Sociology Professor and Assistant Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Margaret Walsh brought her students to the simulation for the first time this year. Half of her Introduction to Sociology class came to the event and she said the other half of her class will come to the other simulation, which is being held in a few weeks.

Walsh also volunteered at the simulation by running the Community Action Agency booth, where one of the services was to help participants who have been victims of theft and other incidents.

Walsh said she was happy with how seriously the participants took the simulation.

“I was surprised and impressed how quickly people began to take this role-playing exercise seriously,” said Walsh. “It wasn’t a game, it was something that they quickly began to understand because they were running out of the funds they needed to get through the month for themselves and their families.”

Overall, half of the participant families got food at the market, the bank booth found they had debts piling up each week and only one application process for Social Services was successful.

All, but one family, were affected or involved in criminal activities, and many students had their children taken away.

KSC sophomore Luke Gorham came to the simulation as a requirement for his class, Health and Society.

Gorham said in the simulation, he had to sell all of his furniture to come up with the money amount he needed.

Overall, he said his simulation experience was worth it.

“I think it was worth it because it’s always nice to have a hands-on experience when you’re learning the concepts or whatever because it’s one thing for [my professor] to tell us it’s tough and [another] for us to learn about it,” said Gorham. “But when you really get to experience being stressed out and not having enough, it’s a different type of learning [and] more applicable.”

Balnis said another poverty simulation will be held in the Mabel Brown Room of the L.P. Young Student Center on Nov. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..

Balnis said snacks will be provided at the end of the simulation.

She is hoping to have two more of these poverty simulations next semester.

INFORMATION RETRIEVED FROM THE 2016 U.S. CENSUS

Katherine Glosser can be contacted at kglosser@kscequinox.com

KSC fraternity required to take precautionary measures ALEX FLEMING

Equinox Staff Keene State College fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) is leading the way in opioid-related risk management with its insurance rule concerning the life-saving drug Narcan.

According to TKE President Simon Jablakow, TKE and their liability insurance mandates that they have at least two doses of the drug Narcan, a nasal spray made for emergency treatment for an opioid overdose, in their fraternity house at all times.

Jablakow said the rule is in place because of the current drug climate in New Hampshire and the rest of the country.

The opioid epidemic has been getting a lot of national attention recently, but TKE has had this rule in place for 10 years.

Jablakow said the mandate has been in the fraterni-

ty’s insurance policy since TKE was re-founded in 2007.

“We’ve always just had it,” Jablakow said.

TKE Risk Management Officer Chris Howell said KSC provides TKE with “a decent amount” of Narcan.

As Risk Management officer, Howell is essentially chief of security at the TKE house. “My job is to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible…I’m the ultimate bouncer,” Howell said.

Howell said it is his responsibility to draft the list of people who work the door and stairs during a TKE social.

He said he also has the power and responsibility to remove anyone from a social who is acting out of place or dangerously.

Howell said he likes the rule. “Having Narcan on you can never really be a bad thing,” Howell said.

Howell said while he doesn’t think anyone in TKE would ever have to be treated with Narcan, in a fraternity, you never know who could stumble into an event.

“All kinds of crazy people end up in our house,” he

said. “We got to deal with it.”

Howell and Jablakow both rejected the assumptions that a rise in the availability of Narcan will lead to people disregarding the dangers of opiates; Narcan could give them another chance if they overdose.

“There’s the position that Narcan extends the life of a drug addict who’s just going to keep overdosing and causing a burden to society, but I feel that’s kind of unfair,” Jablakow said. “Addiction is a more lifethreatening, life-changing experience than most people understand.”

“I understand that people may think that [Narcan] might give you a free pass to go that extra mile and take that drug because you’ll possibly be saved but nobody knows we have it,” Howell said. “It would just be an emergency situation.”

Howell said if someone were to overdose at a TKE event, his course of action is to run upstairs, grab the Narcan from his safe and administer it.

KSC Coordinator of Fraternity/Sorority Life and

Student Leadership Brandon Mathieu said he could get behind expanding this mandate to all Greek life at KSC. “I’m all about taking the next step that our social Greek organizations are doing everything they can to be on their A-game in terms of risk management and policy procedure.”

Jablakow said he thinks KSC could benefit from having regular programs that teach what Narcan is and how to apply it in a safe manner.

Mathieu said that the Greeks do an annual event called “Day of Clarity,” which promotes education and awareness around substance and alcohol abuse.

He said two years ago, the event had a Narcan training open to all KSC students.

Mathieu said the next “Day of Clarity” is scheduled to happen sometime in the spring semester.

Alex Fleming can be contacted at afleming@kscequinox.com

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News / A3

Thursday, November 9, 2017

WKNH welcomes a popular KSC figure

LUKE STERGIOU / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Interim President of KSC Dr. Melinda Treadwell spoke to senior Rachel Blumberg during her first radio show with WKNH.

Treadwell begins radio program featuring KSC community members COLBY DUDAL

Equinox Staff

ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN

Managing ExEcutivE Editor Keene State College’s radio station WKNH has recently paired up with Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell to give her a weekly program on the station. Treadwell said her show, Campus Corner, will take place weekly on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.. Treadwell said the show will include either a student, staff or faculty member on each program.

Treadwell revealed that on the show, she and her guests will have conversations about what people are doing around campus, what people are learning about and doing in the classroom and, overall, what is happening in the KSC community.

“My hope is it’s a multi-benefit. Number one, I get to meet more people in the [KSC] community. They get to meet me. We’re really going to talk about why we came here. It’s mostly for the individual sitting with me to talk about what they’re excited about at Keene State in the program they’re studying in,” Treadwell said.

Treadwell mentioned the opportunity to begin a radio show happened

when Program Coordinator from the Continuing Education Department Lori Rogers emailed her after a campus meeting suggested the radio program to Treadwell when she had expressed wanting to talk with the community and let them know what is going on.

Treadwell has had one show so far with KSC senior Rachel Blumberg.

Blumberg said on the show, she and Treadwell talked about her double major of film production, the internship she had in Los Angeles over the summer and managing for the band Gray Haven.

“It was just a conversation with her and she was genuinely interested in the things that I’ve been doing. It was really easy to talk to her. It was like I wasn’t on the radio,” Blumberg said.

Blumberg said she got the opportunity to be the first guest on Treadwell’s show because of her major and academic experience.

“Eight people were contacted and I responded first, so I was able to get the first slot,” Blumberg said.Treadwell said she is thrilled to be hosting a radio program because she loves to meet new people.

The staff at WKNH said they are also glad to have Treadwell hosting her own show on the station. General Manager of WKNH and junior at KSC Peter Dubois said, “It is a good way to talk about issues that people have. Her basis is to get to know the community more and have a normal

STUDENT ASSEMBLY GRACE PECCI

opinionS Editor On Nov. 7, 2017, Student Assembly came together to discuss the 2019 Fiscal Year Budgeting Process overview with Keene State College Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell and University System of New Hampshire’s (USNH) Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs Catherine Provencher.

Treadwell discussed her new model of a “Conservative Pragmatic Budget.” For the 2019 school year, Treadwell said the enrollment at KSC will be down by about 200 students due to the loss of a large senior class and the smaller sizes of the classes now.

To make up for it, Provencher explained that there will be a 2.5 percent increase in tuition and fees.

However, even with the price increases, Provencher explained that there still will be less revenue due to the fact that there will be less students.

From here, Provencher said that her and Treadwell have been discussing plans of putting fees towards the KSC’s Counseling Center, the Center for Health and Wellness and Athletics and Sports Recreation. Provencher

said that they aim to combine the fees for The Counseling Center and the Center for Health and Wellness. This way, if one or the other needs funding, there will be two budgets to pick from, but one revenue stream will be funding it.

Provencher also said that they are possibly going to do this with the fees from Sports and Recreation as well.

Treadwell said that they need to think about making sure they support the learning experiences KSC has to offer.

The budget is coming out of cost containment, according to Treadwell, but it is also happening at the same time while they are in negotiations with staff about compensation for their hard work and salary increases.

Provencher posed a question for the student assembly: “For the future, what if there were no mandatory fees and there was only tuition to pay?”

Treadwell said if Student Assembly opposes fee increases, they can write a letter that would go to the board saying that they don’t agree.

For the Nov. 14 Student Assembly meeting, Treadwell said she will have three budgets for them, and for the Nov. 28, the

final four. For the Nov. 28 meeting, she will also be bringing the possible price for attendance at KSC and what they are looking at for tuition, room and board and fees.

Provencher also discussed the student activity fees with Student Assembly. She said they now need to budget the student activities fee. Provencher also reminded Student Assembly that even with the student activity fees, there will still be fewer students paying it due to lower enrollment for 2019.

Once Treadwell and Provencher finished their statements, Student Body Vice President Sarah Dugas led the Student Assembly to move on.

Student Government Advisor Brandon Mathieu urged the Student Assembly to ask questions to each group that will be presenting to them about increased fees.

Student Body President Kenadee Cadieux was the only one to report, and she reminded the Student Assembly that the Open Forum with Melinda Treadwell is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Grace Pecci can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

conversation.”

There is no other means than radio to have discussions. Even television doesn’t lend itself to the back-and-forth discussion that radio does.”

Dubois said that Treadwell is doing a great job at making connections with the students, staff and overall community here at KSC. “Treadwell really tries to make a connection and already knows my name and many others,” Dubois said.

Senior and General Manager of WKNH Nicholas Busby said Treadwell was a natural during her first show with the radio. “Usually people are nervous about being in front of the microphone, but for her, it was like a normal conversation.”

Advisor of WKNH Diana Duffy said when Treadwell had asked her about hosting a show, Duffy knew that it would be a really good opportunity for her.”

Colby Dudal can be contacted at cdudal@kscequinox.com Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

KSC looks at future compost opportunities KATHERINE GLOSSER

Equinox Staff Reducing waste has become a goal for many, and Keene State College is no stranger to that. From the Ban the Bottle campaign, to the newly accessible composting bins at the Zorn Dining Commons (DC), KSC has already begun a series of actions in reducing waste that goes into landfills.

According to Interim Recycling Coordinator Matthew Bacon, 17 tons of waste was found in the compactor bins last month.

Bacon said the 2013 trash audit, which analyzes and measures the trash people throw away on campus, found 90 percent of the trash was compostable material. The compost is used by the grounds crew on lawns, gardens and the greenhouse, which is located in the Putnam Science Center. Bacon said the type of compost they are currently using is called vegan compost, which has no proteins, such as meat or dairy.

Industrial compost, on the contrary, is compost with proteins, and it cannot be mixed with vegan compost because it will contaminate it. Because of this, industrial compost is typically put into landfills. Composting is a lengthy process and takes at least 90 days to make. In order to ensure the composting material stays usable, yard waste, such as leaves, is mixed into it. The compost, which is in a windrow, is tilled so no plant life takes form.

Bacon proposed to expand their composting program to include industrial compost, however, he wasn’t the first to do so. Bacon said KSC’s former Recycling Coordinator Heather Greenwood proposed the idea in 2013, but it was unsuccessful when it was piloted the summer of that year.

Bacon proposed it again, and last month the plan was approved, meaning there will be even less food going into landfills. Bacon said the equipment necessary for collecting industrial compost will be arriving in November. Since the idea was approved, Bacon has another composting goal he is going to set forth. “Now that we are going to be able to compost everything organically, the next step after the [DC] is put into place, is actually [residence] hall composting” said Bacon.

Bacon said he is hoping to bring compost bins to residence halls in 2018.

KSC senior Alexandra Sholtes does not compost, but said it is a good idea. She felt the expansion was a step in the right direction. “We are founded on sustainability and we pride that we are sustainable, and I think this is a great step to helping Keene [State College] stay sustainable and to cut back on our waste,” said Sholtes.

Expanding what can be made into compost will not only help the gardens and the lawn on campus, it will also help the greenhouse. KSC Biology Lab and Greenhouse Manager Katie Featherston has been composting for 40 years. The courtyard garden clean-up she facilitates relies on the compost. “I’m really impressed with how much composting we already do here, it’s good. It’s a lot more than a lot of other schools,” said Featherston.

While there are no compost bins in the residence halls yet, Bacon is encouraging students who want to compost their food to bring it to the composting trash can in the DC. He also encourages students who need advice on what to do with their compost or leftover food to contact him at his email or at his office in the Joslin House basement.

Katherine Glosser can be contacted at kglosser@kscequinox.com

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OPINIONS

Opinions / A4

Thursday, November 9 2017

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Take suicide seriously before it’s too late Americans who die by suicide every day

105

Suicide is the ___ leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages

10th

Every ___ seconds, someone commits suicide in the world

40

Americans ages 18+ who are affected by Depression each year

20-25%

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SEBASTIEN MEHEGAN / MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR // ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN / MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR // GRACE PECCI / OPINIONS EDITOR

Information retrivied from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Suicide Awareness and Voices of Education.

Our approach to handling suicide and mental health issues is important “I want to kill myself.” “I’d rather jump in front of a car.” “I want to die.” Phrases similar to these are thrown around in casual conversations too often and it needs to stop.

A couple of weeks ago, a former student at Keene State College killed himself. Then, only five days later, a current KSC student killed himself as well. As members of the Keene community, it is shocking when something like this happens so close, but it also brings awareness that suicide is happening constantly and needs to be taken seriously.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states 44,193 Americans die from suicide every year and for every suicide, 25 others attempt. On average, there are 121 suicides per day. With statistics like these, it’s easy to wonder how it’s gotten like this and if it will get worse.

Suicide is an issue that often times will get swept

THE EQUINOX

under the rug because it can be uncomfortable to discuss. This is mostly due to the stigma that lies on not only suicide, but mental health in general.

KSC Licensed Mental Health Counselor Brenda McEachern said, “One of the hardest parts is that there’s always been this stigma about suicide and depression and having it be connected to weakness.” It can be hard for those who do really need help to reach out because of this stigma. Even in the classroom itself, it’s hard to deal with mental issues. Telling a professor, “I can’t come in to class today because I’m feeling really down,” isn’t necessarily an excuse most will take for someone skipping their class. But depression, anxiety and any other mental health issues can be just as debilitating as having the flu or strep throat.

Having a mental health issue does not make someone weak. Instead of focusing on the struggles someone has, we need to focus on helping them, so that suicide

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doesn’t seem like that person’s only choice.

Suicide is an issue that is not meant to be taken lightly, especially with jokes that have no real intent or comments that belittle the issue itself. When people joke about wanting to kill themselves or lie about it just to get someone’s attention, it not only takes away from those who actually have killed themselves, but it also makes it difficult to tell whether someone is just having a bad day or if they actually need help.

The glorification of suicide has a heavy impact as well, especially for those who have attempted before or have suicidal thoughts. Glorification can happen through movies, TV shows, articles or even just conversations.

For example, TV shows such as the Netflix original “13 Reasons Why,” which focuses on the reasoning and the way a high school girl committed suicide, do not help those who are suicidal. Shows like these can

be triggering. By painting suicide in a light that shows how many people will mourn you, it doesn’t get people thinking about the real issue at hand - that suicide is a permanent decision to a temporary problem.

KSC offers many different resources to help those who are feeling suicidal. For those who don’t feel comfortable talking with adults at the Center for Health and Wellness, programs such as Active Minds, an organization that works to bring awareness to various mental health issues and Student Support Network, a program that trains students to notice when their peers are in distress and to support them.

While there are many options out there for students in need of help, each one of us can do our own part by offering our support, speaking up when we feel that a student isn’t safe, and be more respectful towards mental health issues.

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Thursday, November 9, 2017

STAFF COMMENTARY

Police on campus won’t change students’ safety IZZY MANZO

Equinox Staff

GRACE PECCI

opinionS Editor It’s kind of upsetting that I have to write this article, seeing that it’s in response to Virginia State University (VSU) amping up their police presence on-campus in the wake of two shootings. This next part especially shouldn’t have to be said: the shootings happened within a week of each other. VSU has now implemented normal everyday clothing for police officers, as well as additional lighting and security cameras, according to WTVR-TV. I want to preface this by saying, Keene State College gives me absolutely no reason to think that someone getting shot on campus is inevitable. I personally feel pretty safe, but at the same time, I also feel like it’s important to know what to do during an emergency and what Campus Safety can do. KSC’s Assistant Director of Campus Safety Leonard Crossman said that Campus Safety’s protocol is a multi-step process, with the first step being to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by loving thy neighbor and watching people’s behavior.

Should there be an emergency, the most important thing is to de-escalate the situation before it can get any worse.

“If something were to happen here, there’s a couple different things that need to happen. You need a response to stop someone to do what they’re doing. We work with [the Keene Police Department] to be that response,” said Crossman.

Campus Safety also has sirens that will go off and is able to send mass text messages and e-mails to alert people that there’s a threat on-campus.

“We also have the ability to secure every building, just right here in our office. We have a computer system that can lock any building. If someone is in the [Putnam] Science Center, we can isolate the person,” Crossman said.

If Campus Safety officers are out, they’ll also take care of evacuating people and making sure that everyone ends up in a safe place. While we hopefully will never have to see this plan come to life, it’s some wellplanned-out thinking that will hopefully prevent the KSC campus from becoming another statistic.

I’ve seen Campus Safety patrolling around Appian Way before, so it’s not like the idea of seeing someone in uniform on campus is foreign to me, but the thought of having more of a police presence is interesting. Maybe it’s because I, being over dramatic, picture police officers in full-out riot gear like we’re straight out of some

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dystopian, 1984-esque novel.

It’s probably because seeing any kind of police presence at school, before I came to KSC, has never been something I had to deal with, and thinking about it suddenly becoming amplified is jarring. It’s like when I found out that some schools have metal detectors installed--that was an eye-opener.

I still don’t think I should have to write this article because this shouldn’t be an issue. It obviously shouldn’t take a genius to tell you that gun violence is a problem, and it’s gotten to the point where two unrelated shoot-

ings happened at the same college within seven days of each other. To me, that’s absolutely insane.

But I digress. Amping up security doesn’t fix the bigger issue of gun control in the immediate aftermath or in the long-run, but it can at least deter any more incidents from happening and act as a kind of security blanket for students who are understandably tense about the situation.

I still hold true to my word that I feel safe on campus, but I’m also not speaking to you as a student living on a campus where getting shot at now sounds like a very

real possibility. Having more of a security presence around KSC, VSU or any college isn’t the most ideal solution because the problem shouldn’t exist in the first place, but since it does it’s the best Campus Safety can do to protect us.

Izzy Manzo can be contacted at imanzo@kscequinox.com Grace Pecci can be contacted at gpecci@kscequinox.com

STAFF COMMENTARY

Sexual assault at work needs to be handled better LISA RUSSO

Equinox Staff For the past year, I have been working in an environment where I loved my job, working with my coworkers and the paycheck every week. With all these great things going on at my job, I had met a coworker to whom I connected with personally. Eventually, I began an intimate relationship with him, and it was great while it lasted. However, it ended horribly, but because I would be gone for a couple months due to coming home at the end of the spring semester, I felt things would be okay. Fast forward to the beginning of this semester, things between me and him were okay. We had once more become intimate for a short time. It didn’t affect working together on shifts. This would soon change.

On Oct. 17, I received a message from a female coworker telling me that this same male coworker had begun telling people about my body in intimate detail. I was shocked and completely embarrassed that I was involved with him. I started blaming myself for this, instead of blaming him. Naturally, I had reached out to him with the information given to me. He admitted to talking about my body to the other male employees. At this point, I was so upset, I was finding myself on Googling, “sexual harassment at work” or “women’s rights in the workplace.” It was scary that I was looking up these things, but I did not know what else to do. I considered just quitting and not even telling anyone for fear nothing would be done. But with the support of my friends and family, I reached out to a manager at my job to explain the situation.

After a week of tossing and turning in bed, not knowing what to say, I went to work early and asked to speak to a manager. I sat in the lobby, anxiously waiting for my manager to come talk to me. My manager then approached me and sat across from me. First he asked to see the messages between me and the male coworker. After a couple of minutes, he handed my phone back to me and simply started with saying that the relationship has to end and I agreed. He then proceeded to tell me how he has to treat

everyone fairly including this coworker.

At this point, I felt a heaviness in my chest and frankly wanted to cry.

He continued with this defensive response by bringing up my actions and how they needed to be correct and right before I go and report something someone else does. Then ended with telling me that I can’t play both sides.

I said okay, because at that point I had no idea what to say. He nodded his head and ended the conversation with saying he would call our boss and talk to him. He went back to work and I sat in the same position not sure what to do.

It was a horrible experience, because I was supposed to work with this male coworker that night and was not given the option whether I wanted to or any sort of temporary resolution to this. I was going to quit, because I felt completely shamed and blamed for something my male co-worker had done.

A couple of days passed and I went up to my boss and asked to speak to him quickly. I walked into his office and said that I needed to change my shifts because the male coworker made me uncomfortable. The response I received from my boss surprised me. He told me he would not change my shifts because he would instead be changing my male coworker’s shift, and that he would have that conversation with me the next time I come into work. I left his office feeling empowered and validated.

A week passed until my next shift. The day started normally and I was nervously awaiting my conversation with my boss. After an hour or two, he called me into his office. He started with affirming my feelings and concerns by telling me I did not have anything to worry about. He then told me he was going to speak with the male coworker, he was writing him up and if he does it again, he will be terminated. After hearing those words from my male boss, I felt safe again. I voiced my feelings of worry and he listened.

I was being heard and not blamed. It was an amazing experience to have with my boss. Although I was happy I was being heard and validated from my boss, I just wish that I had the same reaction from my manager, who did the complete opposite. It made me sit back and wonder: Did my manager

care at all or was he trying to push it under the rug? I also thought about the many stories women share of when they were sexually harassed at work and how the response they were given was the one my manager gave me. I think I am truly lucky to have a boss who cares about me as a person and as a coworker, and did the right thing, not only for his company, but for me as a woman. I hope that more women are taken seriously and validated when they report sexual harassment instead of being met with hostility and defensiveness.

Surrounding this whole situation was the newly shared #MeToo campaign, which is one of the reasons I am now choosing to share my story.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is wrong. A female employee should never have to feel unsafe around male coworkers. I know what it is like to feel safe at my job and then to have that safety taken away from me. Recognizing that I am not alone in what I experienced makes me feel safe yet disheartened. I will never truly understand why more employers do not take action. Although I’d like to think that I work in a place where I am respected, I deep down know that if my boss did not take action to protect me, I would be in a position where I could possibly file a lawsuit against the company as so many other women have. This makes me feel that the business itself is much more important than a report of sexual harassment. However, I choose not to take a pessimistic approach towards my boss’s decision, but rather an optimistic one because now it is on that male coworkers’ file and if he ever does get reported again, he will be terminated. Knowing that one fact does make the situation less heavy. Although I do plan on putting my two weeks in before this semester ends, I will know that I took steps to protect myself and do what I needed to do to stop the sexual harassment at work. I hope my story inspires other women and men to step forward and report their experiences.

Lisa Russo can be contacted at lrusso@kscequinox.com

STAFF COMMENTARY

Pokémon Go helps to get Keene State College students moving LINDSAY GIBBONS

Equinox Staff

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY COLTON MCCRACKEN

Just as Pokémon evolve, gaming is taking some huge strides with the development of Pokémon Go and getting people off the couch and moving.

Since its launch in July 2016, Pokémon Go, a free-toplay, Global Positioning System (GPS) augmented game has encouraged people to get off the couch and get moving. From middle school students to college graduates, tens of millions of people have swarmed the streets, phone in hand, in an attempt to find and capture these virtual beasts, possibly helping to fight the ongoing obesity epidemic.

Players, referred to in the game as “trainers,” must walk around to find different Pokémon in their region. In order to find bigger and better Pokémon, the trainers need to explore their area.

The more you walk around, the more likely you are to find these critters, gain more expertise, and “level up.” Reaching Pokestops, catching rare and exotic Pokémon and hatching eggs are all tasks that require walking--lots and lots of walking.

Is chasing Pokémon really a part of the solution to this worldwide epidemic? According to researchers at John Hopkins University, it’s possible. In a study done in 2015, it was found that only five percent of adults get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily. However, with the release of Pokémon Go, people are more likely to get up and get moving. Daily users range from nine million all the way up to 21 million. It turns out that the quest to be the very best may be great news for your health.

“Playing the game is a lot of fun and it has been a catalyst to get people moving,” said clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, Matt Hoffman. “I’ve spent an hour or two at a time venturing around the community to find Pokestops. And, to hatch one egg, a trainer must walk anywhere from 1 to 6 miles. There is no doubt about it, I am exercising more as a result of playing this game, and I am enjoying it.” So while individuals are getting much needed exercise out of the game, it doesn’t really feel like exercise—a little like hiding broccoli inside a smoothie.

The App can also help to build a sense of community between college campuses. Since Pokémon Go is a

relatively non-violent game, it can help to bridge the gap between college campuses and their surrounding community. By exploring the community, the App can help incoming first-years at Keene State College learn more about their community. It can lead students to areas that they hadn’t previously thought to explore, or areas they didn’t even know were there. It can also help first-years meet more people in their community, as they come across other groups also searching for virtual critters.

While Pokémon Go is creating so many positives for the Keene community, it’s important to hunt for the creatures safely. “Remember, you should never play Pokémon Go while driving,” Hoffman said. “It’s also important to avoid dark, isolated areas—there have been accounts of trainers being robbed and attacked.” So while catching as many Pokémon as possible is by no doubt important, it’s equally important to play the game safely. So be cautious, travel in groups, and go catch ‘em all!

Lindsay Gibbons can be contacted at lgibbons@kscequinox.com

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Think about the film at KSC st udents the choice between either film production or critical analysis, although in recent years there has been a rise in students opting to pursue a double major in both. While production is a NICK CHASSE bit more hands-on, it teaches students how to create film Equinox Staff and work with it, and critical studies focus on the theories surrounding film as well as the stylistic choices and For many incoming first-year students plot points. at Keene State College, it can be a bit overDuring a tour for potential film students, Associate whelming declaring a major right out of Professor Jiwon Ahn stated that she felt great pride in the high school. With so many different fields flexibility the department offered as it often overlapped to pursue, it can be hard to learn what with the graphic design, journalism and communication each department has to offer in regards to schools. Ahn believes that, “All students should be able course requirements as well as concen- to become film majors.” trations.

Having taught at New York University and DartKSC’s film mouth College, Ahn said that one of the things she d e p a r t m e n t enjoyed the most was the freedom this college gave her. offers One thing that stood out to her among other institutions was the focus KSC’s film department recognized in media education, saying she had met many people who had overlooked it. If necessary, the school is able to provide any and all equipment Even if they aren’t students may happy, as long as require,

“

they feel something [from my film], I’ve succeeded.

although many often prefer to use their own personal equipment.

KSC senior and film major Colin Acker said he enjoys that film allows him to entertain people and make them happy. “Even if they aren’t happy, as long as they feel something [from my film], I’ve succeeded,” Acker said.

His favorite thing about the department itself is the camaraderie and the others he has met who share his passion for film.

Fortunately for him, the department also houses a large collection of original films and copies of manuscripts, allowing students a large variety to work with.

With most classes taking place in the Media Arts Center (MAC), senior students are given the ability to utilize edit studios to work on capstones. For film students, capstones generally involve making a short film where they apply all their knowledge they have accumulated over the years, which in turn is then premiered in the Colonial Theatre in April that year.

Non-film students are encouraged to check out the Film Society, a club that operates the Redfern Arts Center’s Putnam Theater that airs films each week for anyone to attend. Their sister club, Keene State Media Productions, uses their own equipment to hold demonstrations that allow students to participate and connect with other individuals who share the same interest in the field.

“Everyone has different reactions and then you’re able to converse on why,” said Acker.

Nick Chasse can be contacted at nchasse@kscequinox.com

Colin Acker KSC senior

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR

Poems by Isabel Isabel Tisdale is a sociology major who found her love of writing after a fourth grade poetry project. Since then, she spends her time writing poems and creative nonfiction as a way of self- expression.

i began to fear the feeling of being full. felt flowers sprout in my belly, but could not figure out how to get them out. i wanted to be covered in beautiful things, let them bloom from my skin and turn myself into a garden. maybe then i could see my veins as roots and curves as tulips. my eyes would become sunflowers and my lips strawberries, sweet and easily consumed. i opened wide, expecting vines to escape and grow around my limbs. instead only a whisper emerged, for i was too timid to roar.

Her inspirations include Rupi Kaur, Christopher Poindexter and Warsan Shire.

She uses her life experiences to write poetry, with a strong emphasis on the use of motifs,symbols and imagery.

it.

THEME THIS WEEK: Thanksgiving AMERICA APPLE CANOE CENTERPIECE COLONISTS

COOK CORNUCOPIA CRANBERRIES DRUMSTICK HARVEST HOME MAYFLOWER NOVEMBER

LAST WEEKS SOLUTION

KSC Word Search

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13 young students share their voices ERIN MCNEMAR

Equinox Staff It takes a lot of courage to stand up on a stage and sing, putting yourself in a vulnerable position at the judgement of others. There are numerous people that could not even imagine willingly receiving attention like that. However, many Keene State College music students welcome the idea.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the KSC music department held its “Freshmen and Sophomore Voice Major Recital” in the Redfern Art Center’s Alumni Recital Hall. The audience was mostly composed of families of those who performed, but nevertheless the students were able to present pieces they had been working on in lessons with their voice teachers.

The event showcased a total of 13 first-year students and sophomores who performed individual songs, with the exception of one duet performed by soprano singers Laurel Mendelsohn and Sarah Ames.

Vocal Instructor Julie Ness, who was one of four professors working with the students involved in the recital, explained what goes into deciding what music should be performed by each individual. “You have to look at where they are at in their vocal development. Where they are, not only developmentally, but also where they are as a musician,” Ness said.

Ness continued to explain that another important factor was figuring out how comfortable a singer is performing in a different language. “It’s something that all of the singers here are learning about, and if you’re a freshmen then you aren’t as accustomed to singing in Italian or French or German. If you’re a sophomore, then they should feel a little more comfortable. You should have had a little more time with studying the diction of the pieces and being able to translate the meaning of the pieces, and then also express the meaning of the song, even if it is in another language,” Ness elaborated.

While majority of the songs were performed in English, there were a presentation of music performed in foreign languages such as German, Spanish and French, highlighting the musical maturity of those students.

Along with learning music in a different language, students studying voice at KSC work on developing an array of other skills. Sophomore Tyler Martin, who performed Michael Head’s “When I Think Upon the Maidens,” expressed some of the difficulties of learning a new piece of music.

“Probably just multitasking between things like lyrics and actually singing pitches.” Martin also explained how his professor helped him move past some of these difficulties by working with him on this music. “I’ve had some troubles this semester, but also some good times. Dr. Carberg was really helpful with it.”

Martin addressed his happiness with being able to work through those troubles and having a successful performance.

In the audience to see him perform was Martin’s mother, Kim Martin.

Kim conveyed her enthusiasm to see her son perform as well as acknowledged the improvement she has seen in her son’s confidence since coming to KSC. “It was amazing. It’s really amazing to see how much growth there’s been in the past two years since he has been here. It’s always amazing to see him up there looking so confident,” Kim said.

The recital lasted for about an hour, with many smiling faces leaving Alumni Recital Hall afterward.

Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com

LUKE STERGIOU / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Students lend their voices at the Freshman/Sophomore Voice Recital

Students head to Sundance Film Festival in January MERIDITH KING

artS & EntErtainmEnt Editor

JACOB PAQUIN / EQUINOX STAFF

Megan Lummus, recipient of the Sundance Film Festival Internship, holds film equipment.

Every year in Park City, Utah, over 40 thousand attendees gather for the largest independent film festival in the United States, the Sundance Film Festival. This year, from Jan. 18-28, two Keene State College Film students, Kevin Aruilio and Megan Lummus, have the opportunity to intern at the festival for its 10 days.

Aruilio, a senior film and production major, said he literally handed in his application hours before it was due, and felt honored to have been chosen. He is most excited to “just get there.”

“Just knowing that it’s a big deal and knowing that I’m doing something bigger than anything I’ve done [is exciting],” Aruilio said.

Aruilio said he has never traveled alone, and said that is something he has some trepidation towards, but he is excited for what he will learn.

“I feel like if I don’t do it, I won’t learn and I feel like this is the perfect thing to learn from,” Aruilio said. “I guess I am just excited, but also scared, but being scared is

normal.”

Debra White-Stanley, a film associate professor at KSC, remembered the first day she had Aruilio in her Introduction to Film Analysis class. “He was always so bright and so thoughtful in his responses, and yet he would always be shy on what he had to say,” White-Stanley said. “I remember paying special attention when he had something to say, and making sure that he got it said and trying to give power to his voice, trying to acknowledge his voice.”

Lummus, sophomore majoring in film production and theatre directing, will be working with companies that distribute the film for the festival. Lummus said she appreciates the storytelling aspect of filmmaking, and always loved to write but got interested in film through a high school film class. “Something about it just drew me in and I absolutely loved it,” Lummus said.

“That year I was like, ‘This is what I want to do with the rest of my life.’ I know I want to make films and I want to tell stories.”

Lummus said she also really enjoys the medium of film and how impactful it can be on people.

Both Lummus and Aruilio are hoping

to gain experience and networking connections from the internship. “A huge part of the industry is networking,” Lummus said. “So being able to meet people who are actively in it and to make those connection that we can use after graduation [is important].”

KSC Assistant Professor to the film department Jo Dery said she also felt excited for Lummus and the opportunity. “Megan is an excellent student. She came to Keene State knowing exactly what she wanted to do,” said Dery. “She is very in touch with her ambitions and really good at setting a goal and taking steps to achieve it. I’m really excited for her!”

“This is tremendously constructive, for both Megan and Kevin,” White-Stanley said. “I am just tremendously pleased that these two students took advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, move ahead pro-actively, and will have this wonderful chance to get to meet other people and see how things are done in the world of film.”

Meridith King can be contacted at mking@kscequinox.com

Chock Full O’ Notes The Bandstand RUBBER

A Quick Bio Rubber is a funk/rock alternative fusion band formed in Keene. The trio focuses on original and liveimprovisation music that offers a unique experience for every performance; striving for every show to be different from the last. We’ve played dozens of shows in living rooms and basements throughout Keene since our formation in August of last year and find it important to embrace the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) music culture that exists in our small city — we wish to continue the tradition of playing unique and independent music for our friends and fans as well as keep the music scene alive for future Keene State College student. Rubber is currently working on a single at Keene Record label, Moss Toss Recording as well as continuing to organizing future shows with both Keene and out-of-town touring bands.

Members: Marc Apesos - Bass Brendan Poor - Guitar / Vocals Adam Bouchard - Drums Genre: Alternative/ Fusion Location: Keene, NH Where to find us online: Instagram - @rubberthebandnh Facebook - www.facebook.com/pg/rubberthebandnh Upcoming Events: 11/13 — Single Release To Be Annouced (TBA) - EP Release Party

ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN / MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR

KSCs Chock Full O’ Notes performed at their Fall Invitational, with special guest St. Anselms’ Hint of Lime, a Capella group. The two groups performed a total of seven songs between them. This was the groups first concert of the year.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBREY PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

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KSC Concert Band captivates MERIDITH KING

artS & EntErtainmEnt Editor

COLTON MCCRACKEN / EQUINOX STAFF

Top: KSC Concert Band performing on the Main Stage at the Redfern Arts Center in their Fall Concert “Grace.” Bottom Left: Derrick Hegeman, in a Euphonium Feature. Botton Right: Micayla Mahoney conducts the Concert Band.

The Keene State College Concert Band filled the Main Theatre of the Redfern Arts Center with music last Thursday night, Nov. 2, for their Fall Concert, “GRACE.” Conductor and Music Director Dr. James Chesebrough was accompanied by assistant conductors, senior students Amy Buonpane, Micayla Mahoney and Emma Nelson. The concert also featured euphonium soloist Derrick Hegeman, and welcomed Composer in Residence and guest conductor, Josh Brennan.

For Buonpane, Mahoney and Nelson, this was their last performance with Concert Band, as they will pursue student teaching next semester.

“I felt it went really well. We’ve been working all semester on it. We picked our pieces at the end of last semester, so it’s been a long time coming,” Buonpane said.

Nelson also agreed that the concert went very well.

“It felt amazing. I wasn’t nervous at all. It felt like a second home,” Nelson said. “I’m very happy with how it went.”

First-year Cailyn Brochey played in the Percussion Ensemble in the performance, and said she was excited to continue her involvement with Concert Band next semester. “[It’s been] super fun. Everyone is really welcoming, and they make it really welcoming to be here,” Brouchey said of her first experiences in the KSC Concert Band.

Brennan, who composed the piece “Odin” that was performed, conducted the piece in a truly interactive way. Between rhythmic stomping of the audience used to represent reinforcements of the ‘army,’ and shouting war cries between the ensemble and the audience, the piece was a unique experience. The intense music of the piece also helped to represent a ‘battle.’

“I was trying to think of another way to make those ‘reinforcements’ a thing. I got the idea to make the audience DO something,” Brennan said. “It makes everybody feel another way about [the music] when they are a part of it.”

Brennan said he composed the piece before he graduated from KSC in 2015, during his junior year, and that it felt good to be back. To prepare for the performance, Chesebrough said Brennan worked with the Concert Band twice over FaceTime and once in-person.

KSC student and attendee of the show Hannah Love said she was very happy with how the performance went.

“It was amazing. The music was beautiful. I shed a few tears it was so great,” Love said, laughing. “Very well written and even better played. All the conductors were amazing; they put in so much effort and work, I’m really proud of all that they did.”

Love said the piece “Into the Raging River” was her favorite piece performed throughout the night.

Chesebrough contributed the success of the night to the hard work and practice put in by the students.

“The standout for me were the three young women who conducted,” Chesebrough said. “I was happy for them. If I said I was proud, I am proud, but I am proud because they are such good musicians and [the Concert] went so well for them.”

Meridith King can be contacted at mking@kscequinox.com

‘Company’ to come to KSC RACHEL VITELLO

Equinox Staff Clear your schedule from Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Saturday, Nov. 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m. for the musical “Company.” The Tony Award winning show will be held in the Main Theatre of the Redfern Arts Center and will be put on by Keene State College’s very own Department of Theatre and Dance.

Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance, and director of KSC’s “Company” Kirstin Riegler, said, “Stephen Sondheim, to me, is probably the most influential human in the art form of American Musical Theatre. He has complex music, the lyrics are tricky and also the style of the show is not your typical start from beginning to end book show.”

“Company” is a comedic musical that was originally produced in 1970 by Stephen Sondheim and is based on the book written by George Furth.

The main character, Bobby, is a longtime bachelor who is learning about the ups and downs of being in a committed relationship from his married friends. On the day of his thirty-fifth birthday, he begins to question his single lifestyle through a series of comedic scenarios.

“It’s a concept musical,” said Riegler. This means it does not follow a chronological order or a delineated plot.

Many people have had a hand in making this show come alive. The scenic designer for the show, faculty member Joseph S. Blaha, said, “I’ve been working on

making the scenery a good palette for [the cast] to be present in the show,” Blaha said.

However, the set will not be exactly like the original adaptation of the musical. Production Manager and KSC Lecturer Keith Stevens said, “Even though this is a stripped down version of the show, it’s still pretty big.”

Along with the set design, costumes are another important aspect of any show. Costume Designer and KSC Lecturer Mary Robarge said, “My part is the last element to get added to sort of round out the characters...It’s exciting to see it come together, because all of a sudden you see these people start to become ‘who they are’ on stage.”

One of the people who will be embodying these costumes and set designs is KSC senior and dance major Jennifer Riley. Riley will be the role of Kathy in the play, who is one of Bobby’s three girlfriends. She designed two of her own dances for the show.

“I took different approaches with the two dances I choreographed...While both the numbers tell a story, I took a more literal approach with ‘Drive’ than I did with ‘Tick Tock,’” said Riley.

“We have not cut any dialogue out, we’re doing it as it’s written,” said Riegler.

The show will be performed true to the original version, but with one distinct alteration. Riegler said, “Usually actors leave stage, but for my concept no actor leaves stage.

That’s kind of my different spin on it.”

The certain flare that KSC is adding to the musical

places emphasis on the cast on the show. “I think what Kirstin has put together is really highlighting the performers and the students in a way that they are all present completely…Whenever you’re seeing a scene present, the rest of the cast is right there behind them…it’s all eyes on everything,” said Blaha.

Riegler said that one of the reasons she chose “Company” to be performed by the department is, “to challenge them [the cast]…it isn’t easy to be doing the show we’re doing, and they’re tackling it pretty well.” Riegler also said she is “excited for the audiences of Keene to see a show that isn’t your typical ‘book musical.’”

Rachel Vitello can be contacted at rvitello@kscequinox.com

GERALD ALFIERI / EQUINOX STAFF

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STUDENT LIFE

Student Life / B1 Thursday, November 9, 2017

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Pub Crawl Seniors get to hang out and hit the town MATTHEW KAHLMAN

Equinox Staff Seniors from Keene State College went bar to bar to celebrate the end of their first senior semester with their teams and friends on Sunday, Nov. 5, from noon to 6 p.m. for Fall 2017 Pub Crawl.

KSC psychology major Shannon Dwyer is in charge of setting up Pub Crawl. “[Pub Crawl] is an event for seniors to get together as a class and end the semester to relax and enjoy each others time,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer said Pub Crawl has been going on for around 10 years now and is something some of the seniors look forward to. There is only one problem. The senior class has around 1,230 students according to the KSC Class of 2018 Facebook page. But only about 490 students can participate in the Pub Crawl.

“There are people that are upset because the event is a first-come, first-served deal,” Dwyer said. “Which I totally understand because it is a senior event for the end of the semester.”

Dwyer said she made a schedule of what team will be at each bar and at what time. “Since there are six bars and seven teams, each team will get an hour break,” Dwyer said. “[Pub Crawl] also cannot be associated with KSC because the college does not want to promote binge drinking,” Dwyer said.

The owner of Cobblestone Ale House Jerod Plifka said he has owned the bar since March of 2017. “The college kids enjoy [Pub Crawl] and look forward to it,” Plifka said.

“The students do a lot for me, so I have to give back,” Plifka said most of his business comes the college kids.

“It can be a little scary being responsible for so many people,” Plifka said the liquor commissioner came around to check for over serving or underage drinking. Bouncers

were at the door checking ID’s.

“Legally I can fit 45 inside [the bar] and 16 on the patio,” said Plifka.

Plifka said the reason Cobblestone has a limit of 45 people inside is due to the fact the front door needs to be pulled inward to exit, which is a fire safety issue. Plifka said he is working on fixing the door. Plifka estimated this fix could almost double the inside limit. But he did not know if he would have enough time and money to get it done before Sunday.

When one of the managers of Twenty One Bar & Grill was asked why Twenty One wouldn’t be participating in Pub Crawl, they said they had no comment.

KSC senior Tyler Croteau participated in the Pub Crawl.

“I had a few friends that asked me to join, so I joined the Facebook group for the purple team and luckily we made it into the crawl,” Croteau said. Each team participating in Pub Crawl is represented by a color.

How Pub Crawl works, according to Croteau, is even teams of 70 students rotate from six bars every hour. The bars that participated in the crawl are Lab’n Lager Food & Spirits, Kilkenny Pub, Cobblestone Ale House, Scores Sports Bar & Grill, The Pour House and Penuche’s Ale House.

“A lot of people were upset that the large portion of the class wasn’t able to get onto a team,” Croteau said. “It has got to be hard to coordinate something that big with that many college seniors.”

Croteau said he was excited he got to spend time with his friends and peers. Croteau said, “It was nice to see everyone and just hang out with people I’ve spent the past four years with.”

Matthew Kahlman can be contacted at mkahlman@kscequinox.com

SEBASTIEN MEHEGAN / MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Diwali comes to Keene State College PRIYA CHHETRI

Equinox Staff On Nov. 1, the chemistry faculty at Keene State College celebrated Diwali, an annual Indian celebration of lights.

KSC Postdoctoral Research Associate in the chemistry department, Manpreet Kaur, who is from India, celebrated Diwali. The celebration was held on the first floor of the Living Learning Commons (LLC) at KSC. “Diwali is a festival of lights, so it signifies the triumph of the good over evil. It is usually celebrated with lots of sweets, lots of festive colors, lots of lights and fireworks and fire crackers,” said Kaur.

Kaur came to KSC from India last year as a post-doctorate in chemistry, and has been a resident of the LLC. Kaur said there are many religious myths and stories behind why the Diwali festival is celebrated in India.

“There are various mythological stories associated with [Diwali]. Some of the Hindu stories go back to Lord Ram coming back from the exile in the forest I guess, there are different stories I am not sure, because I am not too religious,” said Kaur.

» DIWALI, B2

BENAJIL RAJ / EQUINOX STAFF

Students put the final touches on their rangoli designs made out of sand and candles.

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STUDENT LIFE / B2

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Getting a job after college with a liberal arts major ALYSSA SALERNO

StudEnt LifE Editor Picking the right major right out of High School can be as hard as it is stressful for a lot of students. Questions race through students’ minds as they try to juggle what they love to do with the amount of money they are spending on higher education. Students also have to think about getting a guaranteed job once they graduate, and if they get a position, how much money they will make from this job.

Keene State College is one of the many Liberal Arts Colleges in the country. It offers 41 areas of study, and a majority of those are not considered Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs.

Sometimes though, once a student has picked their major, their parents express concern about their child’s choices for the future.

Junior Erika Kucks is a theater major with an acting specialization. “I’m at a Liberal Arts College and everyone has different interests, [acting] just happens to be mine… My dad said I was going to be a starving actor and if that’s what I’m going to be then that’s what it’s going to be.”

Kucks has changed her major a few times since coming to KSC and most recently was an elementary education major. She said she needed the change because her major did not make her happy.

“It does worry me and I get stressed about what’s next after college,” said Kucks. “But I think I have so many opportunities.”

Sophomore Rachel Maragnano is a film production major and went through a similar situation with her parents. Maragnano said the way she was able to get them to come around was by having a dinner with her professors and talking about what film production looks like in class and what her options are after college.

“They’ve been kind of excited since then. My mom is also really nervous about it, because she thinks no one can get a job from [film production], but it helped them see that a lot of our film graduates do go on to get

good jobs.”

Maragnano said that no matter what the major, “you can definitely show [parents] that what you are doing can actually be important work.”

KSC Academic and Career Advisor Beverly Behrmann said that students shouldn’t worry too much about finding a job that exactly fits their major, as long as they are able to market the skills they have learned during their time in college.

“I hear from recruiters all that time that your major isn’t necessarily important--it’s your experiences.

It’s your skills that you bring to the table,” said Behrmann. She said that these “transferable skills” are what employers look for in students that makes them employable.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified four must-have career ready competencies for college graduates. They include critical thinking and problem solving skills, professionalism and work ethic, teamwork, leadership and communication skills, as well as computer skills.

The Office of Academic and Career Advising offers a wide range of options for students to learn about how to market themselves to employers. On top of that, many events they hold throughout the semester is to get students to work on their resume and get them connected with potential employers, they also offer oneon-one resume help.

“I understand the stress and anxiety a parent may have about their child getting a degree and not knowing what to do with it.. But if a student is pushed into something they don’t want to do, there is a potential there for them to fail,” said Behrmann. “If they do something they really love...And they are able to express what they have learned, I’m going to value that as an employer. I’m going to see that you have taken your experiences and you can translate them to the real world context and that’s what is important.”

Alyssa Salerno can be contacted at asalerno@kscequinox.com ANNA HEINDL / EQUINOX STAFF

Helping students adjust to college IZZY HARRIS

Equinox Staff The transition from high school to college is never easy, but with the help of Keene State College’s Casey Justice and Matt Schmidt, that transition gets a little easier.

Casey Justice is the Director of Transition and Parent Programs at KSC. The office of Transition and Parent Programs was created in July of 2016. Justice said the program targets “everything from when a student first inquires about attending Keene State, all the way to graduation.”

A big focus of the program is first year orientation. The orientation in June “is the time to help students socialize with other students that

they will live with and be around from their class, select courses and work with Academic and Career Advising,” said Justice.

Eric Walsh is a senior at KSC and an orientation leader. “I think [orientation] gets [students] more familiar with the resources that are on-campus and helps them make a couple friends...Knowing a few people can make the difference between leaving and staying,” said Walsh.

During the June orientation, students fill out a survey about fears they have with coming to school.

Justice said the most common fears are “time management, requesting tutors, financial implications of attending, roommates, social[izing], anxiety, homesickness and academic performance.”

Later on, “We then outreach to

all of the students based on their survey results, and help direct them towards other support student services,” said Justice.

Walsh said when he saw a student having a tough time, he would, “Talk to them as a friend, just in a non-subtle way to understand. We can really relate well. We were all students.”

Matt Schmidt is a Transition Case Manager at KSC and works alongside Justice to help students transition.

Schmidt said that his main goal is helping students embrace selfadvocacy and take advantage of the resources around them.

When a student is facing an issue, Schmidt said, “I let them know I’m there for them and assess the degree of the concern.”

If the situation is urgent or emer-

gent, Schmidt will personally walk the student to an office where they can get immediate help. “I’m not a clinical psychologist, but I will direct them to further professional assistance,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also takes part in an online parent class that are held Thursdays at 7 p.m., different directors and leaders across campus join the call to inform parents of different services on campus. “It is an open line of communication and that is successful,” said Schmidt.

A common difficulty parents face after sending their child off to school is, “the independence their students now have,” said Justice. “The amount of hands-on [resources] that families had in [kindergarten through twelfth grade] K-12 is not as readily available in a college setting.”

Justice said a goal of the Transition and Parent Programs is to be able to work with families to make sure they feel prepared to have conversations with their students.

Walsh said Justice will “do anything for any student struggling or not struggling. She is someone that will go that extra mile for anybody.”

As for Schmidt, Walsh said he is “the best listener I know, he is non-judgmental and that goes a long way with students who are struggling. He is very passionate about helping kids in the right direction.”

DIWALI Cont. from B1

Kaur said that to celebrate a Diwali on campus exposes students to Indian cultures that they do not see on television.

“They don’t see these kind of things on television, all they see are Bollywood movies and songs, so this will be a good way for them to get to know India a little better,” said Kaur.

“This particular celebration of festival is exposing people to things that we don’t really see on a day to day basis,” said a firstyear student, Elizabeth Abrevaya, during the celebration.

Some students were engaged in making rangoli designs on the floor, creating a couple of flower ornaments using different colored sands. Kaur said that rangoli is made during the celebration

of Diwali in India. Traditionally, a rangoli is usually made with chalk and rice powder in India, but here she substituted them with colored craft sand, said Kaur.

KSC first year student, Sarah Smith said, “I don’t know much about Diwali but it was fun. I liked the sand painting and tried my best with others around me.”

Kaur said that she felt some vibes of Diwali from her home in India and it made her happy to experience the celebration here in Keene.

“It does make me feel happy and makes me feel a little like I am at home because I am doing things that I would be doing in India,” said Kaur.

Priya Chhetri can be contacted at pchhetri@kscequinox.com

Izzy Harris can be contacted at iharris@kscequinox.com

BENAJIL RAJ / EQUINOX STAFF

IZZY HARRIS / EQUINOX STAFF

Students working on their rangoli designs for a Diwali

Casey Justice and Matt Schmidt help students transition from high school into college.

THURSDAY

nov. 9 Movie Time L.P. Young Student Center - 6 p.m.

FRIDAY

nov. 10 Veterans Day College Closed

The Million Dollar Duck Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m.

Ashuelot Concerts Presents Samara Piano Quartet Redfern Arts Center - 7:30 p.m.

Music Video Night - L.P. Young Student Center 10 p.m.

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

celebration.

This Week at KSC

WEDNESDAY

nov. 15

TUESDAY

nov. 14

MONDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

nov. 11

nov. 12

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

nov. 13 Crafternoon L.P. Young Student Center - 2 p.m.

Faculty Enrichment Grant Recipient presentation - Redfern Arts Center - 2:30 p.m.

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m.

Game Night L.P. Young Student Center 6 p.m.

Career Speaker Series Rhodes Hall S203 - 6 p.m.

Courageous Conversations L.Young Student Center - 7 p.m.

“Whistle at Eaton Fall” Screening Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m.

KSC Study Night Mason Library 10 p.m.

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m.

Crafternoon L.P. Young Student Center - 2 p.m.

LinkedIn Wordshop Rhodes Hall - 5 p.m.

Woodshock Redfern Arts Center - 7 p.m.

Company Redfern Arts Center - 7:30 p.m.

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STUDENT LIFE / B3

Thursday, November 9, 2017

STAFF COMMENTARY

What’s the Hoot?

Fishing Club

A Day in the Life of a Transwoman

GREG J. SHAWINSKY

fiShing CLub ViCE PrESidEnt I started the Fishing Club in 2015 and recruited about 30 members. The first year, we would have weekly meetings in the Putnam Science Center where we would talk about our individual fishing experiences and compare pictures of fish we had all caught. Whoever had caught the biggest fish that week would pick a prize like a lure or a Fishing Club shirt.

As a club, every two weeks we go on a fishing outing on a weekend. Normally groups of four to five people will come. Some spots that we frequent are Silver Lake in Harrisville, various parts of the Connecticut River, Franklin Pierce Lake and some other cool spots.

Currently, Austin Metcalfe is President, Joe Campbell is our Outing Coordinator, Fletcher Loomis is our Treasurer and I’m Vice President. We have a slightly smaller club this year, but we would like it better to have a handful of committed members, rather than a bunch of semi-interested students. However, everyone is welcome to join no matter how much or how little fishing experience.

Our next outing will involve us trail riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) into Pisgah State Park to get to some Bass fishing at the ponds deep into the forest.

You want a jacket like that?

VIVIAN VALENGAVICH

Equinox Staff I experienced my first moment of real longing to be myself in a rue21 with my family, my sister whining about something or other to my mom and my dad waiting for them to be finished.

All while I stared at a gorgeous coat, a feminine, dark gray peacoat, exactly my style and my size. I looked around for a price and just looked at it for a time, before my mother was behind me and said, “What are you looking at?”

Suddenly my thoughts clouded and my mind went blank, anxious to tell her right there in the store. “Just at the peacoats,” I hurriedly said, looking down from them and turning away. “Would you want a jacket like that? I saw them in men’s clearance at WalMart the other day.”

The words burned my soul as she said them, knowing she had good intentions but even so I couldn’t stand to hear the words. “No no, it’s alright, I was just looking. They’re nice, but not really me,” I responded, having collected my thoughts since her jarring question.

After that time, my experience in clothing stores changed, glancing at the women’s section, needing to begrudgingly nod at pants and shirts I hated, all the while wishing I could just go over and be myself for once.

Finally I took matters into my own hands, and did a little shopping myself.

Sneakily, I asked my parents for some money, not having a job at the time, and said it was for McDonald’s with my friends, who came and got me and helped me look

for clothes at the store.

“Something small and simple, but girly and my style. Something easy to hide, but something I can still use…” Ideas rattled in my head as I flicked through WalMart, rue21 and Kohls websites where I could buy things discreetly and still get something nice.

Finally it struck me, and after some digging I found the perfect thing: thigh high socks, gray and black, exactly what I’d wear, and cheap too for a five-star review.

I ordered them so quickly, I nearly entered the wrong name when putting in my card information, so excited to finally feel right after so long of everything being wrong.

As time went on, I finally got to be myself through and through, and it is very obvious today.

I never got the peacoat, but once in awhile I’ll wear the socks, and remember the time when I finally decided to be me, even just a little.

Back when I only recently knew I was trans, it was so hard for me to really express myself. I didn’t know where to begin or who to ask for help, I was so nervous no one would want to.

If someone you know asks you for some help exploring their gender identity, even if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, be supportive of them and help them find someone who is, it can mean the world to someone.

Vivian Valengavich can be convacted at vvalengavich@kscequinox.com

Eating with The Equinox Nana’s Split Pea Soup ALYSSA SALERNO

StudEnt LifE Editor Ingredients: 1 pound of dried split peas 8 cups water 1 large onion, chopped 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 ham bone with ham Carrots (as many or a little as you like) chop them into bit sized pieces Directions: Boil the peas in the water for a few minutes and then turn the burner off. Let the peas sit in the water for an hour or two.

Add the onion, celery, pepper, and the ham and bone.

Bring to soup to a boil then reduce heat and let it simmer for an hour or until the peas are soft.

Add the carrots and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.

Tips: The longer you cook the soup the more the peas will soften so you can play around with how long you cook it.

Stir the soup every 20 or so minutes so the bottom of the pan does not burn.

You can freeze whatever you are not using immediately.

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STUDENT LIFE / B4

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Take a hike or a leisurely walk A guide to the state parks in Cheshire County

MARLOW

ALYSSA SALERNO

Student Life editor

ALSTEAD

Otter Brook State Park - 10 minute drive from campus

GILSUM

WALPOLE SURRY

Great for sightseeing and walking, but not so much for hiking. There is a beach up the road past the dam that is nice for laying out in the sun.

There are a lot of good places to explore here. You can walk out on the dam itself or walk to the end of the road and down to the water. Wear sneakers though, there is a lot of tall grass. Good for all people regardless of hiking experience.

STODDARD

SULLIVAN

Monadnock State Park - 35 minute drive from campus

NELSON

WESTMORELAND

Otter Brook State Park KEENE

CHESTERFIELD

ROXBURY

This is a serious hike. Do not start the hike at noon unless you bring a flashlight because you will be hiking down in the dark. Give yourself a solid five or six hours to complete this hike. It’s a long one, but it is so worth it, the views are breathtaking. Good for people in moderate shape, if you are not you will make it to the top with a little determination but you will be sore the next day.

HARRISVILLE

Rhododendron State Park - 25 minute drive from campus

DUBLIN

Pisgah State Park

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area SWANZEY

HINSDALE

Monadnock State Park

MARLBOROUGH

TROY

WINCHESTER

JAFFREY RICHMOND

Rhododendrom State Park FITZWILLIAM

This state park has a few hiking trails but honestly it is mostly leisurely walks. When the flowers are in bloom, parts of this park are fragrant and absolutely beautiful. There are a ton of different trails so you never have to take the same on twice. Good for all people regardless of hiking experience.

Pisgah State Park - 40 minute drive from campus This park has a little bit of everything. You can hike, walk in a leisurely way, have a picnic, bring your dog, the options are pretty endless in New Hampshire’s largest state park. There are some great sight seeing opportunities at the pond and you can even canoe there. Check out their website for other recreational activities that they allow. Good for all people regardless of hiking experience -- check the trail maps before heading out, there are a few longer more difficult hikes

Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area - 15 minute drive from campus

RINDGE

Short but moderately difficult hike (you will be fine, you are as healthy now as you will ever be.) Beautiful views of the gorge. Not necessarily a waterfall but lots of cascading water. It’s a very short but rewarding hike and will clock you in at less than a mile of walking. Good for all people regardless of hiking experience.

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR

Alyssa Salerno can be contacted at asalerno@kscequinox.com

Humans Of KSC What are you looking forward to for the winter? When do you predict the first snowfall to be?

“

“

Wearing boots... Duh! But for snow, I hate snow. I like Christmas music, I’ve already started listening to it… I think the first snowfall will be right after Thanksgiving because that’s when it should be, but it’s been so warm!

“

I am looking forward to skiing, I hate winter period but I like skiing! I predict the middle of December to the end.

Probably looking forward to skiing the most this winter. I’ve skied my whole life. I’m from Vermont so I’ve been skiing since I was three or four.

I’ve actually been a skiing instructor the last two years. And I think it will snow within the next two weeks. The very end of the following week.

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Advertisements / B5 Thursday, November 9, 2017

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Thursday, November 16th Zorn Dining Commons 4pm 8pm

Roast Turkey with traditional stuffing and gravy

Corn Mashed Potatoes Cranberry Sauce Dinner Rolls and Corn Muffins Special Vegan Dish Pumpkin Pie Apple Crisp Vanilla Ice Cream Apple Cider Pizza, Deli, Salad and Grille will serve their usual fare.

keenestatedining.SodexoMyWay.com

Interested In...

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Get where you need to go in a warm, comfortable bus!

MONDAY - FRIDAY City Express runs 8:00am-5:00pm Campus/Community Shuttle runs 7:30am-7:30pm

Stops at 7 on campus locations:

Keddy/Campus Safety • Library • Student Center Winchester Lot • Butler Court • Art Center • Fiske Lot

Off campus stops:

Target • Starbucks • Market Basket WalMart • Olympia Sports and more!

Join The Equinox!

Get your name out there.

KSC students and staff ride free with ID All City Express vehicles are ADA accessible and are equipped with easy to use bike racks. For more information or a complete schedule, visit cityexpress.org or call 352-8494. TTY use 711.

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Sports / B6

Thursday, November 9, 2017

RECAP

Field hockey dominates their way to the top CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor Keene State College battled it out in field hockey last Wednesday against Plymouth State University (PSU).

The Owls came out with a 5-3 win, improving their record to 13-8.

KSC first year Nina Bruno and sophomore Jensyn Dandeneau led the Owls in goals, each having two goals of their own in the game.

Bruno put away the Owls first goal in the first three minutes of the game (3.39 mark), scooping a ball off the board into the goal.

PSU’s offensive player Maddie Kabasakalian was able to tie up the game at the 9:32 mark.

However, the Owls quickly earned back their lead before the end of the first-half at the 22:45 mark when Dandeneau was able to beat PSU’s defense and put the ball past the goalie.

After half-time, Dandeneau put her second goal of the night into the net, curling a fastball into the net at

the 35:55 mark.

Within five minutes, the Owls put in another goal after Bruno received a pass from Dandeneau, putting it past the goalie for her second goal of the game.

With KSC at a 4-2 advantage, PSU worked hard to find a scoring opportunity and was successful at the 53:23 mark.

The game went on with only a one goal difference, but the Owls pulled through and sealed their victory with three minutes left on the clock.

Senior Kendal Brown released a rocket of a shot that easily found its way into the net, giving the Owls the 5-3 win.

KSC went on to play in the finals of the Little East Conference (LEC) championship and snagged the title with a 9-0 win over Westfield, naming them the champions of the LEC. Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

SOMEONE / PHOTO CREDIT

Sophomore Erica Chareth hustles past a PSU defender in last Wednesdays game. The women’s team went on to win the Little East Conference (LEC) championship on Saturday against Westfield.

KSC Athletes of the Week PROMISE KPEE Senior MEN’S SOCCER

IID SHIEKH-YUSUF Junior MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Promise Kpee was awarded Athlete of the Week after the forward scored a brace in the Owls’ regular season finale against he University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

LUKE STERGIOU / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Iid Shiekh-Yusuf was named the Athlete of the Week after he placed fourth overall at the Little Eastern (LEC) Championships held at Keene State College, his time being 25:53. The men’s cross country team came in second place overall.

JAKE PAQUIN / EQUINOX STAFF

Athletics FUN FACT

Did you know that the Keene State College men’s baseball team visited Jaffrey Grade School two weeks ago in order to interact with young students and talk a little bit about baseball. @KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

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Sports / B7

HOOTIES Cont. from B8

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Diving into regular season Luke’s

Kickin’ Column

ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN / EXECUTIVE EDITOR

First-year student Jesse Cormier, who caught a T-shirt, said it was very exciting.

Cormier said that he enjoyed being picked for a contest.

He said that his initial attraction to the event was the Hootie’s Rewards Points for the night. Hootie’s Rewards Points can be used to win prizes if you collect enough of them by attending on-campus events.

Later, a race involving both the student audience and both teams players was held.

The objective of the race was to wrap the team’s athlete like a mummy.

After that, musical chairs was held with around a dozen students competing. Mid-way through the game, the event’s DJ Dominique Pascoal announced that the students were playing for a prize of a new 32-inch TV. Other prizes of the night included a Fit-Bit, a tablet and a $50 gift-card to Walmart.

Hardy had a friend who was chosen for musical chairs and said it was fun watching him almost win a TV. First-year student Grace Zangrilli, who was a cheerleader in high school, said that watching both the cheer team and the dance team was a lot of fun.

She later said that she was impressed by their skills and she thought the team brought good energy to the event.

Zangrilli also said that the best part of the night was watching another student, sophomore Nate Flyzik, make a half-court shot to win a thousand-dollar scholarship.

She said that she “was really happy for him,” but joked that she wished she could of had the chance to win the money.

Zangrilli said she thinks events like these help to bring students together on campus and said she was pleasantly surprised to see all the school spirit her fellow students had.

Simon Burch can be contacted at sburch@kscequinox.com

Are you interested in writing for Sports or The Equinox?

LUKE STERGIOU

Senior PhotograPher

Toronto Defeat New York to Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

“

The transition to college sports has been a “very different experience.

Kim Theleen First-Year Swimmer

LAURA ROMANIELLO / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The KSC Owl men and women swimmers post a perfect 3-0 record in their season opener of regular season.

Owl swimmers post perfect weekend opener EQUINOX STAFF

The Keene State College Swim team had an impressive debut to their season on October 21, 2017.

The Owls hosted Franklin Pierce University, St. Michaels, and Colby-Sawyer College.

Fourteen out of sixteen events went to the Owls in their dominant season opener.

Senior Hope Walsh helped lead the Owls to victory, winning both the 1,000 and 500-meter freestyle.

Katie Brandeberry helped earn four wins for KSC, winning the 100 backstroke, and the 100 free.

Brandeberry also took part in the 400-meter free relay and the 200meter medley relay.

Walsh said the Owls were more than ready to get in the pool after a long training season. She says after training twice a day nearly every day for the past weeks it was time to “show everyone what I can do,” and said the whole team felt the same way.

Walsh said the meet was longer

than usual because they had to face more than one school. But she said the team had prepared for the extra length and came out ready which helped them to be successful. Walsh also said that this year's swim team is very close and that everyone is always cheering each other on.

The men’s swim team also had a very successful season opener.

Sophomore Kyle Shadeck led the way for the Owl's, winning three individual events, as well as taking part in the 200 medley relay. Eric King also won three events for the Owls, the 50 free, 100 free, and the 200 free.

Walsh said part of this year’s success comes from the rigorous training program that the swimmers stick to. She said the Owl’s coaching staff pushes the team, although they are also understanding of the pressure surrounding student-athletes.

Walsh said Head Coach Chris Woolridge has worked hard this season to make sure the athletes

are healthy physically and mentally, so they can perform to their fullest potential.

Walsh also said that herself and the other seniors on the team try to lead the way for the younger swimmers. She said it's about being a good teammate and leading by example. Walsh said that "we've been through it, we know the standard," and because of that, it is important to help show younger athletes how to be successful. She also said that the freshman class has been doing particularly well this year, noting that freshman year is the hardest year.

First-year swimmer Kim Theleen said the transition to college sports has been a “very different experience.” Theleen said that the team was very welcoming however, and she is getting used to the rigorous schedule. Theleen said that her first college meet was a fun experience and made easier by the coaching staff. She added that Coach Woolridge helped her relax before her first race and told her

that they were “just going to see where she’s at and go from there,” which helped to take some of the pressure off.

Theleen also said that she is not normally a very outgoing person and had a bit of a slow start “getting to know everyone,” but has since gotten acclimated with her new teammates. She said the new training schedule is very hard compared to what she did in high school but knows that it will pay off.

Theleen said the coaching staff has been working hard to get all the swimmers to their best form.

She said she's been focused on improving her form and getting faster. Theleen also said that the whole team is looking forward to the meet against Roger-Williams which was postponed to January earlier this year.

Unfortunately Coach Chris Woolridge was unavailable to comment on the teams start to the season, but has high praise from his athletes

BRIEF

Field and Volleyball Hockey Playoffs Caroline Perry

802-522-4738

Women’s field hockey played an outstanding game against Westfield State University in the Little East Conference (LEC) championship game, winning 9-0 for the LEC championship tournament title. It was their fifth overall LEC champion title. The women’s volleyball team came up short in their fight for the LEC tournament champion title, losing 3-0 against the University of Massachusetts Boston.

On Nov. 5, Toronto Football Club (FC) beat New York Red Bulls on away goals after a emotional and tense match that ended 2-2 on aggregate to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Toronto FC are looking for redemption after last year’s failure to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup despite reaching the finals.

On the other hand, New York crashed out of the playoffs, proving once again that the team still has a long way to go if the MLS Cup wants to be lifted in New York.

Despite the New York Red Bulls being down 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg, from kickoff the team looked very strong.

The team put pressure on Toronto very early on, and it looked like they wanted to win this game.

Red Bulls manager Jesse Marsch even put in 18-year-old Tyler Adams into the starting lineup to bring a little spark into the midfield.

Jamaican Defender Kemar Lawrence had a great game, making several vital tackles, keeping pressure on Toronto and helping the Red Bulls obtain a clean sheet on the road.

But unfortunately, that was not enough for the Red Bulls.

This match had high stakes and even higher emotions.

Tackles and yellow cards were abundant, as both teams had a lot to fight for.

The Red Bulls did not want to crash out of the playoffs, and Toronto wants to redeem their 2016 MLS Cup final loss.

During the first half, Red Bull’s mid-fielder and captain Sacha Kljestan pushed Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore, which increased the tension between both teams even more and a brawl between both teams ensued.

This tension carried on through the rest of the match.

Even after half-time began, a brawl ensued again in the tunnels which included managers and players from both teams.

After the second-half began, news was broken that both Kljestan and Altidore had received red cards, meaning both teams were playing with ten men.

The Red Bulls scored an awkward goal in the 53rd minute, deflecting off a Toronto defender, making the score 1-0 and 2-2 on aggregate, giving the Red Bulls a little break and confidence.

Even though the Red Bulls kept the pressure up, and newcomer Adams dominated the mid-field, it wasn’t enough.

The game ended 1-0 after 90 minutes but 2-2 on aggregate, meaning Toronto FC advanced to the Eastern Conference Final on away goals.

The Red Bulls once again crashed out of the playoffs.

Toronto FC play Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the team is still looking to redeem themselves from last year.

Despite not having star player Sebastian Giovinco, as he is suspended due to a yellow card, Toronto FC are in good form to bring the MLS Cup to Toronto for the first time in club history.

Luke Stergiou can be contacted at

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Hootie’s Nocturnal Knockout

ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN / MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR

The Owl Nation came together to spread some school spirit at Hootie’s Nocturnal Knockout last Friday. At the event, students were given the opportunity to win many prizes by participating in games.

KSC students come together for night time activities at the Spaulding gym SIMON BURCH

women’s basketball team. Members from the crowd were then chosen to join a few players in a shooting competition in which Over 300 students attended Hootie’s contestants had to make a variety of shots.

Nocturnal Knockout on Friday, Nov. 3. The KSC first year student Victoria Overko event featured Keene State College’s men said she enjoyed seeing the women’s team. and women’s basketball teams, cheerleadShe said it was fun to see the athletes and ing team and dance team. other students “messing around.” Overko The night began by introducing the joked that she came to the event “for the

Equinox Staff

free stuff.”

Hootie’s Nocturnal Knockout also featured a “Human Hungry-Hungry Hippos” game, where players who were on a square scooter were slid around by a partner and tried to capture dodge balls with laundry baskets.

The men’s team was then introduced, along with the coaching staff.

The men’s team had a skills contest from which three players were chosen to face-off.

These players then participated in a dunk contest.

The player who won made both an offthe-backboard and a 360 behind-the-head dunk.

First-year student Devin Hardy said watching the dunk contest was great and

had been his favorite part of the night.

Hardy said he was invited by some friends, thought the event was a lot of fun and that he would go again.

Throughout the night, event organizers were shooting T-shirts into the audience and quite a few scrambles occurred throughout the night in the pursuit of the T-shirts.

» HOOTIES, B7

Mind You Matter KSC senior promotes mental health CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor Mind You Matter; only three words, but so much meaning behind them.

For Morgan Kathan, “Mind You Matter” is much more than just a phrase, it’s very much a legacy and foundation for a vital cause.

Kathan, a senior at Keene State College as well as a member of the women’s soccer team, has created a fundraiser for The Jed Foundation.

The Jed Foundation primarily focuses on helping provide support for individuals, as well as promotes positive mental health.

Jed helps evaluate and strengthen schools in fields such as mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.

They also offer numerous support systems and encourage individuals to reach out (jedfoundation.org).

Kathan has created a personal way to fund-raise money for the foundation, creating the “Mind You Matter” phrase on her own.

Her slogan portrays the message that your mind can be your biggest enemy, but it is vital be able to look past everything else and remember that you truly matter.

She is creating her own bracelets and selling them for six dollars a piece, keeping one dollar herself in order to be able to buy more materials each week.

Each bracelet has four strands of string. Green: From the Earth we grow, Blue: With the sky as our limit, Yellow: Our souls shine bright, and Red: Here’s to life. To love and to live it.

For Kathan, this cause truly hits home.

“I deal with mental illness on my own. I know a lot of people who have personally struggled. I’ve lost a couple of friends as well, and so it just felt right to support such an amazing cause,” said Kathan.

Kathan has faced numerous struggles in her own life.

She is a strong individual, but she wasn’t always that way.

Her struggle with mental illness started in high school when she started losing confidence.

Kathan’s journey through her struggles has lasted for around six years.

In that time, she had sought out help for borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, manic depression and anxiety.

“It’s a hard topic. So finding this foundation and doing something like this not only means a lot to me, but it’s really just a step forward in the right direction,” said Kathan.

Kathan’s cause has already connected with so many people, her earnings being at $1,000 and increasing.

Kathan’s friend senior Mikaela Lonigro believes that the brace-

let really hits home and supports a great cause.

“I saw her video on Facebook and it really touched me because a lot of kids feel like they don’t matter and don’t have someone to talk to. People are taking their own lives when they shouldn’t be,” said Lonigro.

Lonigro, having suffered from depression herself, knows how important it is to have support and access to help.

“It’s important to know that your mind does matter because it can truly take over at times. This video really helps spread awareness,” added Lonigro.

Junior Panthavy Pradachith also saw Kathan’s fundraiser as a great way to raise money for a vital cause.

But he praised Kathan’s creativity and personal touch even more so.

“It represents her and her personal experience. For her to come out and do that is great, not a lot of people could do that on their own,” said Pradachith.

For Kathan, this fundraiser has in many ways created a movement at KSC. Her bracelets have brought people together and shed light on an issue that many often overlook.

With so much darkness in the world, it is nice to see such a bright flame in the Owl Nation.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR

KSC senior Morgan Kathan creates her own mental health fundrasier with her original slogan “Mind You Matter.” Kathan is creating hand made bracelets and selling them for six dollars a piece.

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