Brendan Ferguson| Marlin Chronicle
THURSDAY 10.31.19 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU ||
Marlin’s soccer strikes gold The men’s soccer team earned their biggest win of the season as they upset Washington and Lee, ranked fourth in the country. BY MEGAN SHERMAN mrsherman@vwu.edu
The Virginia Wesleyan men’s soccer team upset the nationally fourth-ranked Washington and Lee University on Oct. 19. The Marlins won the game 1-0 off of a goal from freshman defender Matthew Goldberg. “It was an unbelievable feeling, being that that was my first-ever college goal. After the goal I was praying the rest of the game that we wouldn’t get scored on,” Goldberg said. Goldberg’s goal came off of an indirect free kick. Sophomore Matt Campbell took the free kick and landed it in perfect position for Goldberg to head it in during the 51’ of the second half. As Goldberg had the lone goal, Campbell had the lone assist on the contest. This was Campbell’s second assist of the season. The Washington and Lee Generals began the game shooting as VWU sophomore goalie Griffin Potter logged a save within the first two minutes of play. Potter logged six saves on the game and earned another shutout, his second of the season. While Goldberg’s goal came at a clutch time, the
win was not possible without the dominant defensive performance. “The goal definitely was exciting, but I think defensively as a whole the guys did a great job with it, helping each other out. If guys got beat there was always a second defender there or a third defender there, which was huge for us,” head coach Chris Mills said. As a unit, the Marlins have shut out their opponents on five separate occasions, four of which were conference games. In the game, since playing one of the top teams in the country, the Marlins defense played low pressure in order to contain the Generals offense. Resultedly, the Generals six shots were all well-defended by the defense.
SEE GOLDBERG Pg. 8
Brendan Ferguson|Marlin Chronicle Goldberg racing down the field against Lynchburg.
Wesleyan prepares for state elections
Who’s Laughing Now?
BY CONNOR MERK ccmerk@vwu.edu
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, voters in Virginia will head to the polls to vote for candidates for the House of Delegates, State Senate and other local positions depending on their locality. The polls will be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Virginia
Democratic Party hopes to take control of both chambers. Republicans have held control of the House of Delegates since 2000 and the State Senate since 2012. Senate District 7 was held by Frank Wagner (R) since 2000, but he resigned
BY TONY TANN
The BFD Media| Courtesy
tdtann@vwu.edu
Marlins Vote| Courtesy
Wesleyan students on campus who are registered to vote will be voting in the House of Delegates District 83 and State Senate District 7. The candidates for House District 83 are Nancy Guy (D) and Christopher Stolle (R). The candidates for Senate District 7 are Jen Kiggans (R) and Cheryl Turpin (D). This is a very important election for both political parties. The Republican Party is hoping to have a rebound after the past several elections that have shown a decline of its members in the State Senate and House of Delegates. The
1Front.indd 1
to accept an appointment to the Virginia Lottery. This district is a swing district, which means there are similar numbers of Democrats and Republicans, so the vote could go either way. In the 2016 election, President Trump squeaked out a win in this district by roughly 400 votes. Money is a major component of elections, and The Virginia Public Access Project offered a profile on this district, which showed that Kiggans (R) had raised $699,663 and Turpin (D) had raised $1,164,193 through Sept. 30.
SEE ELECTIONS Pg. 2
Gotham City is burning, failing and far from an ideal hometown. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the poor to find a job and live amidst rampant lawlessness. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is trying hard just to be okay and to keep his job – being a party clown. He lives with his mother, who calls him Happy, and he desperately tries to live up to this nickname. A bullied, isolated Arthur wants to spread joy and dreams of making it as a stand-up comedian. But Arthur is severely troubled and is prescribed several medicines to keep his “bad thoughts” in check. In attempts to “be normal”, Arthur pretends to be happy while grasping at straws to keep afloat mentally. However, a series of happenings trigger Arthur’s descent into his madness and Arthur unapologetically embraces the chaos in his head. When Arthur ceases existing in two worlds at
once – the world in his mind and the real world – is when he truly becomes the Joker. Joker is intended as a standalone film—part of DC Films’ decision to move away from the shared-universe approach of their prior franchise films (aka, the Marvel model). So, it has no relation to the Justice League films that came before. That freed Director Todd Phillips to create his own darker, gritty version of this iconic character, with a comparatively modest budget of $55 million. There’s no real origin story for the Joker in the comics—not a definitive one, anyway—so Phillips and screenwriter Scott Silver were able to cherry-pick the canonical elements they needed and make up the rest. (In Batman: The Killing Joke, for instance, the Joker is a failed comedian.)
SEE JOKER Pg. 10 10/30/2019 10:55:18 AM
2 Thursday October 31, 2019 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
News
Virginia Election Preview ELECTIONS CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 Christopher Stolle (R) is the incumbent for House District 83 and has represented the district since 2010. In 2017, Stolle won this district with 56% of the vote. According to The Virginia Public Access Project, Stolle had raised $548,764 and his challenger Nancy Guy (D) had raised $462,013 through Sept. 30. The amount of money pumped into both of these races shows that both parties view them as competitive and a key part of their strategy. As Director of Wesleyan Engaged, Dr. Brian Kurisky has taken up the role of hosting candidate forums for students and faculty to attend. “Thus far, we have hosted Nancy Guy and Christopher Stolle [both candidates for the House of Delegates District 83] and Jennifer Kiggans and Cheryl Turpin [both candidates for Virginia State Senate District 7],” Kurisky said. “We have also hosted Phil Hernandez [candidate for the 100th House of
“ If you’re registered to vote, take the time to read up on the issues, read up on the candidates, and make a decision that you feel best benefits you... These people will make decisions that will affect you. ” Dakota Felkins-Beach Delegates District].” The polling destination for students is Ebenezer Baptist Church. Wesleyan Engaged is hoping to have a shuttle running to Ebenezer. “The announcement will be made the week prior to the campus,” Kurisky said. “If a shuttle van is running,
passengers will be picked up and dropped off at the Marlin mural outside the entrance to Batten.” President of Marlins Vote Dakota Felkins-Beach has led the group to invite candidates from several legislative districts to speak on campus. “We are really inclusive and stay nonpartisan. Getting the candidates out here to tell the students their issues gives them face time with the students,” Felkins-Beach said. “We have also set-up different registering-to-vote events, so we try to stay really politically active, so students can meet their candidates, understand the issues and be prepared to vote.” Felkins-Beach believes that control of the state legislature is completely up for grabs. “We have a big movement to flip the state which hasn’t been done since the 2000s,” Felkins-Beach said. “Also, there is a big chance that many people will turnout to the polls to keep the state [legislature] red.” He advises registered students to learn about the candidates and the positions they represent. “If you’re registered to vote, take the time to read up on the issues, read up on the candidates and make a decision that you feel best benefits you because even if you are not necessarily from here, you do spend the majority of your time here because you are a student in this area,” Felkins-Beach said. “These people will make decisions that will affect you throughout your four years here, so it is really important to read up and make an educated choice.” Important Virginia Department of Elections information is that Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of photo identification (photo ID) at the polls. Examples include a valid Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card, valid United States Passport, valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia).
Jen Kiggans|Courtesy Left to Right: President of Marlins Vote Dakota FelkinsBeach joins State Senate District 7 Candidate Jen Kiggans (R) and fellow Virginia Wesleyan student Juwon Seaborne.
New Halloween Petition Resident A small movement is stirring to change the date when Halloween is celebrated.
assistant fired BY ALEX POWERS ampowers@vwu.edu
Alex Powers|Marlin Chronicle BY CONNOR MERK ccmerk@vwu.edu
The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) previously had a petition to change Halloween’s date from Oct. 31 to the last Saturday in October. Instead the HCA is looking to create a National Trick or Treat Day, which will take place on the last Saturday of October. This petition is on the website Change.org and has over 150,000 signatures. Their vision for National Trick or Treat Day is for families across the country to be able to participate in community parades, neighborhood parties and opt for daytime trick-or-treating. The issue of making it a federal holiday is not mentioned in the petition, but the organization plans to send the petition to the President of the United States. Several of the statistics that HCA claims to back up their movement are that 3,800 Halloween-related injuries each year; 82 percent of parents do not use high visibility aids on their costume; 65 percent of parents do not discuss Halloween safety with their children; and 12 percent of children 5 and under go trick-or-treating without the supervision of an adult. Freshman Hannah Carmona would support the
change because then kids wouldn’t have homework on Halloween night. “Kids and parents always stay up late and are miserable at school and work the next morning,” Carmona said. “Having Halloween on a Saturday would help this issue.” Halloween dates back to the Celtic farming festival Samhain. The holiday marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. As the crops died, farmers believed there was a day when spirits could rise from their graves. During Samhain, Celtic people would dress in disguise to fool and ward off the spirits, hoping to protect their land through the upcoming winter. In the eighth century, Christians sought to transform the pagan holiday. Pope Gregory III declared Nov. 1 to be the feast of All Saints’ Day. The night before became known as All Hallow’s Eve. During the medieval period, children and poor people would practice “souling,” where they went door-to-door asking for donations or food in exchange for prayers honoring the person who answered the door. Modern Halloween traditions and folklore first came to America in the 19th century with the influx of Irish immigrants. The practice of carving and decorating jack-o-lanterns is an Irish custom that honored the souls stuck in purgatory.
On Friday, Oct. 10, junior Miranda Ward received the news that her employment as a resident assistant was terminated. This came after the publication of a news story that featured Ward in the Marlin Chronicle’s last issue, which appeared on newsstands on Thursday, Oct. 9. The issue included a news story, beginning on the front page, detailing issues regarding the compromised green roof in Smithdeal Hall. Ward served as resident assistant to the second floor of Smithdeal Hall, the floor which was vacated to accommodate the necessary leak and roof repairs. No official written cause for termination has been cited. Several other RAs have lost their positions reportedly from policy violations this semester. Ward declined to comment.
Bing Images|Courtesy A variety of Halloween candies awaits to be devoured.
EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! Check out these stories and more on the go! Visit www.marlinchronicle.vwu.edu 2News.indd 1
10/30/2019 11:27:56 AM
News
3
Thursday October 31, 2019 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Virginia Beach Beautification Project Improvements to the infrastructure and general cleanliness of the oceanfront are grabbing attention from the area’s denizens.
Bing Images|Courtesy BY ALEX POWERS ampowers@vwu.edu
Atlantic Avenue, down on the oceanfront of Virginia Beach, is getting upgraded. Residents in the resort area of the beach spot are taking initiative to improve areas of the city. As the Virginian-Pilot reports, this group has been successful in some of its recent lobbying efforts. The group has secured the removal of the signs prohibiting foul language as well as free parking along the curbs of Atlantic Avenue. This trend looks to continue, with the latest ask being for financial support in cleaning up more of the city. The Pilot adds that the group looks to snag a piece of the pie in the city’s 2020 budget for beautification projects beyond those already supported in the area. Prioritizing beautification efforts is no new endeavor for the city of Virginia Beach. Even prior to this resort area group’s engagement, the city has seen expedient in its cleanup projects. Last spring, Virginia Beach saw the inaugural iteration of Pharell Williams’ Something in the Water music festival come to town. In the days following the event, the city orchestrated rapid and efficient clean-up projects. This was to ensure the city remained free of waste and in harmony with its environmental surroundings, per CBS 3 News. Beyond major events in the city, the Hampton Roads area has made community cleanup a staple of its identity. The region plays host to the Chesapeake Bay, the Elizabeth River, and several popular beach vacation spots. Thus, an emphasis is placed on maintaining the area, tying the city and its people to the broader natural environment. One of the many Virginia Wesleyan students to frequent the local beaches, junior Anthony Wilson, described the role Virginia Beach plays in his life. “I just like the beach, I like being around people, there’s more sights to see, more restaurants, more stuff to do in general.” The widespread appeal of the oceanfront is not lost on Wilson either. He noted, “it is one of the more family-friendly and cleanest beaches that I’ve been to.” The city’s new improvements are icing on the cake for Wilson. When asked about the prospect of beautification along the Avenue and throughout the city, his regards were satisfied yet optimistic. “It’d make it a more inviting space for different groups of people, who might not have been able to go before.” He added, “It’s already known as one of the most family-friendly beaches, but...it might make the crowds around the bar
area clean up a bit...around 21st Street.” Indeed, proposals from the resort area group include sprucing up storefronts. In addition to addressing spray-painted street markers, pavement imperfections and flower gardens, beautification goals also include the presence of local businesses. As an alternative to raised taxes, the Pilot notes proposed “vibrancy grants” that would incentivize improved aesthetic and maintenance efforts from the businesses. As any issue where money is at stake, there has been some pushback over the resources necessary for the group’s beautification initiatives. Juniors in Earth and Environmental Science studies, Kayleen Meinen and Andrew Taylor, weighed the project’s value. Both students noted the importance these efforts could have on the city’s appearance. Meinen put it plainly. “I feel like it makes the area more enjoyable because you’re not as distracted, if it looks gross it can be distracting,” she said. “[The efforts] keep a good public image.” Taylor broke it down further. “A lot of people look at aesthetics over functionality,” he said. “Functionality is important, but if it doesn’t look good, why am I gonna come [to the beach]?” As far as the money is concerned, Taylor brings up a fair point about the long-term financial implications. “This is technically a tourist city...so looking better can usually attract more tourists. The point is to bring in money to make the city better.” However the city decides to move forward with these efforts, both Meinen and Taylor agree the the Virginia Beach is an important aspect of the Wesleyan community. Given their areas of study, and VWU’s reputation as “Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences”, both students emphasize the beach identity as a “huge” component of the Marlin identity cultivated here. As is to be expected from many Virginia Wesleyan students, Wilson does not anticipate these efforts to impact his role in the coastal community too much. The beautification efforts will have a much bigger impact on the city itself than on someone like Wilson. As a result, his plans remain largely unchanged by the news of a city clean-up. “The beach is a big enough draw as is, but with that said, the nicer it’s made, I’d definitely be more apt to go more often.”
Shooting at MacArthur Center Mall A shooting at the popular shopping mall in Downtown Norfolk earlier this month had a big impact on some students.
BY MARKAYSHA BRYANT mrbryantt@vwu.edu
On Oct. 14, 2019 two people were shot at MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia. The Virginian-Pilot reported that there were two victims, a 56-year-old woman, who police confirmed was an innocent bystander, and a 23-year-old man who was a part of the altercation. Neither of the victims had life-threatening injuries. The two suspects were Molek Alcantara, 23, and Daquan C. Reed, 22. Teah Lorenzi, a junior at Virginia Wesleyan University, happened to be at the mall at the time of the incident. “One of my teammates and I went to the mall the day of the shooting to finish some homework,” she recalled. It was almost 8:30 p.m. and we were sitting in the Starbucks common area, located on the first floor, when we heard 3 shots just down the hall from us.” Lorenzi described the mania of the events. Everyone in the mall started running, so we… ran into Dillard’s and out of the back doors.” Alcantara and Reed both fled the scene before police arrived, but they were eventually arrested in Atlanta by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. According to the Pilot, “The shooting was reported about 8:20 p.m. The two suspects were walking through the mall when they ran into the 23-year-old man and the three ‘exchanged words,’ after which one of the suspects shot the man.” The next day, the two students returned to MacArthur Center to gather the belongings that they left from security. “In the moment I was scared, but I would definitely go back to MacArthur eventually, my teammate and I both agreed that we wouldn’t let that experience bother us in the future or make us scared to come back,” Lorenzi said. The mall was locked down for an hour while the police investigated the scene. News Channel 3 confirmed that police stated that the shooting was an isolated incident. “I do feel safe at the mall… I was working alone when I saw some people run past the store and I heard someone scream something about gunshots. I went to hut and lock the gate and then I sat in the back of the store … the odds of this happening again are probably very slim, I don’t think security was very good though, they did shut down the gates so drivers couldn’t leave, but there was nothing that stopped people from leaving the doors,” said a Virginia Wesleyan University student, who is also employed at MacArthur Center. The next day, Macarthur Center released a statement saying, “Our highest priority is the safety of our shoppers, tenants and employees. Our security teams are on-site 24
3News.indd 1
Bing Images|Courtesy MacArthur Center Mall experienced a shooting incident on Oct. 14. hours a day, seven days a week, and in partnership with the Norfolk Police Department, they respond immediately and appropriately as required. As you know, we don’t share security response procedures or protocols; however, we do initiate additional measures as needed, some of which are visible to the public while others are not. Thank you to the Norfolk Police Department for their support and partnership.” Since the shooting, Molek Alcantara has been charged with malicious wounding and gun crimes, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Daquan Reed has been charged with being an accessory to the crime.
10/30/2019 11:09:05 AM
4
Community
Thursday October 31, 2019 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
The
MARLIN CHRONICLE Editor-in-Chief Megan Sherman mrsherman@vwu.edu
LGBTQ+ panel shares rainbow of perspectives
Managing Editor Tony Tann tdtann@vwu.edu News Editor Alex Powers ampowers@vwu.edu Community Editor Nicholas Mundy namundy@vwu.edu Sports Editor Austin Edmonds acedmonds@vwu.edu Weekender Editor Tony Tann tdtann@vwu.edu Photo Editor Layne Nooner lnnooner@vwu.edu Illustrations Editor Alex Powers ampowers@vwu.edu Online Editor Nel Hart nlhart@vwu.edu Copy Editor Tara Truax tmtruax@vwu.edu Business Manager
Nicholas Mundy|Marlin Chronicle
A panel of two students and two staff members fielding questions from students on the LGBTQ+ community. BY NICHOLAS MUNDY namundy@vwu.edu A panel of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, and + signifies a desire to be inclusive) members gathered in Blocker Auditorium to discuss their own unique points of views towards their own community and mental health. On Thursday, Oct. 17, two current students and two current employees of the university spoke about their own experiences regarding their sexuality. The members of the panel included India Khanna ‘21, Carter Bernaquez ‘23, Brandon Bassham and Corey Overstreet, who work in Residence Life. The event began with the floor being opened for questions from the audience. Each question
could have been asked directly to an individual or asked generically to everyone. When asked about when each of them became open about their sexuality, each of the four ranged from 17 to 19 years old. This correlated mostly with the beginning of their college academic career. Bassham explained that, “It was a lot easier when I got to college.” One student said that the change of scenery made it less difficult: “It would be easier to come out,” Bernaquez said. Overstreet mentioned that he came out when he was 18 years old and described it as feeling like “I am free.” One question posed by the audience was if
they felt like they needed to tell people about their sexuality. Khanna answered why she felt like she didn’t have to tell anyone. “ I am not for coming out. I don’t owe you that.” Each member of the forum explained that the first step to coming out is accepting it within yourself, and that one of the most challenging things is coming to terms with it for yourself. When did you feel like you are apart of the LGBTQ+ community? Khanna believed feeling part of the LGBTQ+ community only comes after you accept it within yourself.
Alumna warns of human trafficking dangers
Megan Sherman mrsherman@vwu.edu Advertising Manager Jasmine Demir jkdemir@vwu.edu Adviser Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu
Jeanie Mahon|Marlin Chronicle Alumna Kate Cooper informing the students and faculty about the danger of human trafficking and The Samaritan House.
BY KARLEIGH WARREN kawarren1@vwu.edu The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University. Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:40 p.m. in Batten 217. Signed submissions are welcome, but subject to the discretion of the editor. Letters are not edited for content, but may be edited for length and mechanics. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff of The Marlin Chronicle or Virginia Wesleyan University. The Marlin Chronicle Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757.455.3311
“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution. Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.” --Scott D. Miller, Ph.D President
4Community.indd 1
Human trafficking is commonly thought of as simply kidnapping. Many people may think of the movie “Taken” when asked what human trafficking is. Katie Cooper, a Virginia Wesleyan University alumna and anti-human trafficking supervisor at the Samaritan House of Hampton Roads, came to the Blocker auditorium on Oct. 17 to inform students and adults about the facts and myths of human trafficking as well as safety. The Samaritan House is a non-profit organization that works with survivors of domestic abuse, homelessness, and trafficking. Cooper said, “The wide range of cases that we deal with helps us not miss victims.” Human trafficking can be defined in three concepts: force, fraud and deception and coercion or intimidation. Physical restraint, false promises and threats are all signs that an individual is being trafficked. Human trafficking can happen anywhere, especially in Virginia due to the many interstate highways, large air and sea ports and the high tourism rate. Virginia is ranked 15th in the United States in reported cases of human trafficking. While 80 percent of victims are women, the Samaritan House recognizes the male victims and strives to serve all people. The average age of a trafficked victim in the United States is 13 years old. The Samaritan House states that human trafficking is often the result of the compounding vulnerabilities in a victim’s life. The populations that tend to be more vulnerable are youthful runaways and homeless, children in foster care, individuals fleeing violence or natural disasters, individuals who have experienced trauma and foreign nationals seeking a better life. Although foreign nationals can be vulnerable targets, Virginia
victims are primarily United States citizens. There are many myths that surround the idea of human trafficking. Transportation is not required in a human trafficking case. Some cases may even occur within their own home. Another myth is that physical restraint and force is required. Victims can be mentally restrained as well. Although many think that in order to be a victim of human trafficking they must be kidnapped, it is important to know that there can be initial consent. Traffickers may give a false promise of money to the victims money or even begin a relationship with them. The fact is, initial consent does not matter. Whether a victim gives consent in the beginning or not, the manipulation and trafficking can escalate. Traffickers groom their victims in order to gain complete control over their identity and individuality. They will remove the victims from familiarity and support structures, perform physical and sexual assault that comes with blackmailing and keep the victim in confinement and torture them. Other ways traffickers will groom their victims are by renaming and branding them. They will coach them in how to talk, walk, dress, eat and sleep. In order for the victims to be sold to others, the traffickers will force them to watch pornography as a way to intstruct. The big question is: why is this happening? The easy access to the Internet has made the sale and purchase of an individual for labor and sex easier and faster. People can be sold multiple times which allows the trafficker to gain more profit, which is the primary reason for human trafficking. Hotels, construction sites, restaurants and truck stops are just a few places where human trafficking can take place.
Victims may feel as if it is impossible to escape their traffickers. Reasons that they may feel this way are, isolation, debt, fear, confinement, threats to loved ones and shame or self blame. Sophomore Maura Bridges attended the event for her Social Work class. Understanding and realizing when someone is a victim of human trafficking can be difficult at times. “Look for the red flags and indicators in any situation,” Bridges said. Red flags and indicators to look out for in a victim are little to no personal belongings, lack of knowledge of their whereabouts or frequent movement and no identification. Those who look malnourished, are branded and look as if they have endured physical abuse could potentially be victims of human trafficking. The Samaritan House provides services such as emergency housing, case management, children’s center of excellence and victim advocates. Sophomore Lexi Thomas said she is now more aware of her surroundings and has an understanding of what to look out for. “I am willing to go out and do more about human trafficking. I want to help in anyway that I can.” For those who are looking for ways to help, volunteering is welcomed at the Samaritan House and encourages those to give as much as they can to victims such as clothing, food and more. Other ways to help are to be aware, education and donations to the programs. Katie Cooper stated that the most important thing a person can do is to educate themselves and support each other. In order to report a possible human trafficking case, call the Samaritan House at (757) 631- 0710 or if in immediate danger call 911.
10/30/2019 10:59:38 AM
The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Thursday, October 31, 2019
5
Scary stories to tell at the drive-in Students celebrated the spooky season by gathering on Rose Lawn in a classic style for a viewing of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.”
BY DALTON POWERS dmpowers@vwu.edu Virginia Wesleyan University’s campus hosted several Halloween events this past weekend. Student organizations sponsored several of these events, such as Phright Night, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha; Mask-Off, hosted by Phenomenal Women and The National Society for Leadership and Success; and a Halloween Crafts and Movie event hosted by Zeta Phi Beta. The Wesleyan Activities Council (WAC) also hosted a drive-in movie event showing the film “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” which seemed to be the big ticket item of the weekend. Office of Student Activities employee Aliah Banks described the legal steps that needed to be taken before the event. “With any event, you want to make sure that you are calling people, so that you can get a good vendor. The university actually works really well with local vendors, so we typically use the same vendor. Matrix Entertainment provided the screen, and we also talked to Swank Motion pictures for renting the movie. Once those contracts get signed, and it all gets approved through Dr. Moore, we have a very seamless process to doing it just because there are things that we have to follow to make sure that everything with the contracts are being met, especially things that deal with writers, and things of that nature. After that, it just kind of takes the planning of the event,” Banks said. “For this particular event, for the drive in, I actually had to call Virginia Utility, Miss Utility to make sure that when we’re doing any staking in the ground that we do not hit any power lines,” Banks said. “We also have to work very well with our Virginia Wesleyan facilities to make sure that any power boxes are unlocked, and things of that nature. It is a very extensive process trying to plan an event.” The drive-in event was held on Rose Lawn, beside Bray Village. “In that parking lot, there are two specific spaces that have a ramp of sorts onto the lawn. So we’re going to have two people standing over towards the Smith Drive side of Rose Lawn so people know how to correctly enter the lawn because I don’t want anyone messing up their cars,” Banks said. “We also have 20 spaces reserved in case you don’t want to drive on the lawn.” Since “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is a new film still in theaters, Banks shared that there are certain licenses that are required to show it, which the university obtained through Swank Motion Pictures. There is also quite a bit of liability insurance that both the university and Swank Motion pictures had to sign “to make sure that if anything goes wrong, everyone has coverage,” Banks said. Safety was also a big issue with an event like this, since students were driving vehicles around on a dark field. “Safety precautions on and off the lawn were taken care of far in advance; that stuff was taken care of this summer by Kate Couch before she left,” Banks said.
People like Banks who spent so much time and effort to make an event like this happen are often the most excited about the event. Banks said that for her, the most exciting part of the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” event was the snacks, and she had truly ordered a lot of snacks at the event. “I think it’s cool that it’s like an actual drive-in, so you can actually sit in your car and listen to the radio transmission rather than you having to sit outside of your car and listen to it that way,” Banks said. “We’re [also] going to leave enough room in front of the cars for students to have blankets and things of that nature. It’s literally like a 1950’s drive-in, and the screens are going to be larger than life.” Students felt that the event “was definitely fun and different,” according to Taija Everson. “People who don’t really like party kind of events would really enjoy this as a chance to get out and involved on campus,” junior Ariana Ciciulla said. “I had a fun time [and] the food was good. I’m not big on scary movies, but movie wise it wasn’t too bad,” Spencer Weinstein said.
Dalton Powers| Marlin Chronicle Marlin students watching “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” on Rose Lawn.
wn.
Spotlight Alex Powers '21
Computer Science, Mathematics, Political Science
Q: What did you do? A: In spring 2019, I interned at NATO’s Innovation Hub in Norfolk. I researched and organized a number of projects related to challenges that NATO faces. This past summer, I interned with Verified Voting, a non-partisan, non-profit organization advocating election security in Philadelphia. My work focused on election security. Q: What was your most memorable moment at NATO’s Innovation Hub? A: Sitting in on a debriefing about electromagnetic pulse (EMP) risk and recovery technology. This meeting included ways for damage control, prevention, and recovery, complete with simulated scenarios to examine NATO defense strategies. It was incredible to participate in such a complex conversation about the future of NATO defense and security. I learned more in that meeting than I had in hours of reading about EMP. Q: What was your most memorable moment at Verified Voting? A: I worked on a statistical analysis that looked at straight-party ticket voting in Pennsylvania counties. The president of Verified Voting shared my results with Governor Wolf. To see your work help important officials to make decisions is rewarding. In the end, $90 million was allocated for securing the 2020 elections in Pennsylvania. This was a really cool moment. It’s gratifying to see how my work had an impact.
Q: What did you find most surprising about your internships? A: It was valuable to apply a variety of things that I learned both in and out of the classroom to something real. Internships are important for applying learning and getting real-world experience. They are a great complement to the academic side of the preparation. Q: How did the internships help you professionally? A: They helped me to develop research, time management, organization, and leadership skills. I also learned to work independently and collaboratively. I found that I really enjoy the challenge of projects. I also like work that requires an interdisciplinary approach. Q: What advice would you give to other students who want to undertake an internship? A: When considering an internship, find something that gets you excited. Ultimately, you’re trying to get a quality work experience and insight into what you want to do professionally. So, it’s a good idea to pursue your interests.
Want to intern at the NATO Innovation Hub? Applications for spring 2020 internships are due November 15, 2019.
For more information on internships, undergraduate research, and study away, contact The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery. 5Community.indd 1
Powers at the Netroots Nation Conference, Philadelphia, PA, July 12, 2019
10/30/2019 11:01:47 AM
6Ad.indd 1
10/30/2019 11:04:35 AM
The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Lattuca snags 6th ODAC Runner of Week
Lattuca runs at the CNU Invitational where he won ODAC runner of the week for the sixth time.
Sports Information|Courtesy
BY JORDAN WILSON jmwilson@vwu.edu
Junior cross country runner Skyler Lattuca can’t be stopped. Lattuca has done it not once, not twice, not three times, but now up to six times he has won ODAC runner of the week. He has won four times already this year, the first one was on September 3, 2019. The second time was on September 17, 2019 and the third one was on Oct. 08, 2019. The most recent one was last week on Oct. 15, 2019 as a result of him placing first out of 56 runners at the CNU XC Invite on Oct. 12. In his junior season thus far, Lattuca has not placed lower than fourth place. “I mean, when I got it the first time last year, I thought it was really cool. At this point I’m not sure how it feels now because it’s nice to be recognized and all, but its not exactly true. There are a bunch of other guys that are constantly running, it’s just that we’re all on different schedules. So I just happen to be running
while all these other guys aren’t” Lattuca said on his feelings towards winning the ODAC runner of the week. What makes Lattuca so special is that “he is a team player. Running is an individual sport and when you are as good as Skyler it is easy to focus on yourself and not worry about the team. Skyler is just as concerned about the last guy on the team as he is about himself. I think that team element, and the leadership he shows, speaks volumes to Skyler’s character,” Track and field coach Joshua Wilkes said. If people ever wondered how much cross country runners run, here are some answers. According to Lattuca, their week consists of a lot of running. Mondays and Wednesdays they tend to run 10 miles while 5 of those 10 being hard work opposed to mileage. On Saturdays they run 17 miles straight trying to stay under 7 minutes for each mile.
Lattuca’s personal record on the 8k is 25 minutes and 12 seconds. A crazy fact about that is that Latucca ran the whole 8k with his shoes untied. “My shoes were flopping around the whole time so without that happening I think I can achieve my goal and break the school record. Which is only about 15 seconds faster than my personal record,” Lattuca said. That is not the only goal Lattuca has set for himself. “I’m trying not to jinx it but I would really like to win the ODACs. At this moment I am projected to beat the competition by about 25 seconds but that’s just a projection,” Lattuca said. Lattuca is on pace to meet both of his goals. According to Wilkes, every race Lattuca has ran in resulted in him winning ODAC runner of the week.
Women’s Swimming Sets Three Records
7
AT A GLANCE Swimming Nov. 9 @ Lynchburg, Sweet Briar, HampdenSydney 1:00 P.M. Nov. 16 vs. Salisbury 1:00 P.M. Nov. 23 @ Richmond, Va SwimRVA 12:00 P.M. Nov. 24 @ Richmond, VA SwimRVA 10:00 A.M. Women’s Soccer Nov. 2 @ Lynchburg* 1:00 P.M. Field Hockey Oct. 31 vs. Randolph Macon* 6:00 P.M. Nov. 2 @ Roanoke, VA 1:00 P.M. Volleyball Nov. 1 vs. Averett @ CNU 4:30 P.M. Nov 2 vs. Salisbury @ Newport News, VA CNU Quad @ CNU 12:00 P.M. Cross Country Nov. 2 @ Salem, VA ODAC Championships Nov. 16 @ Memphis, TN NCAA South/Southeast Regional 12:00 P.M.
The Marlins shoot off the starting podium to begin the event.
Sports Information|Courtesy
BY MILES CHRISTIAN mmchristian@vwu.edu
The Women’s Swimm Team opened up its season with a 6th place finish at the ODAC Relays, hosted by Washington & Lee. With a large freshman class, Coach Mike Ginder used the relays to evaluate everyone’s strentghs and weaknesses. The team finished with a total of 39 pts and also broke three school records during the day. The trio of Kiersten Lee, Chloe Dewberry and Amanda Waller were a part of all three broken records on the day. That trio, with the help of Kara 7Sports.indd 1
Young, broke the first record in the 400yd freestyle relay with a time of 4:06.45. This time broke the record by almost 24 seconds, crushing the original time. The same foursome went on to break the second record of the day, which was the 200-yd freestyle relay. The team finished with a time of 1:53.59, which was the first sub 2-minute relay in school history. Lee, Waller and Dewberry later teamed up with Lizzy Ross in the 200-yd medley relay finishing with a time of 2:06.08.
This was 7 seconds faster than the original record. Ginder was not surprised by the outcome of the records and hopes to build off of that momentum. “I had a feeling we might break some records that day…although there’s only four people on the relay we have about six that can switch in and out and be just as effective, so I know it’s going to be a fun year” Ginder said.
Men’s Basketball Nov. 9 vs. Pfeiffer 4:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball Nov. 12 vs Salisbury 5:00 P.M.
10/30/2019 11:15:23 AM
8
Sports
Thursday October 31, 2019 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
GOLDBERG CONTINUED FROM PG. 1
Mills also wanted to clarify that despite Goldberg’s timely first goal of the season, he is also an important defensive asset. “He’s done a great job just locking guys down, and when he’s getting in situations where he is the only defender he’s done a great job of just containing guys and winning the ball which has been huge for us, so as a freshman he’s done everything that we can ask for and even beyond that,” Mills said. As the team concluded their regular season with a win at Bridgewater on Oct. 29, the team will qualify for the ODAC tournament, and again face Washington and Lee on Nov. 3. Overall the team is led in goals scored by sophomore Scott Signorelli with 8, while Potter has logged 73 saves on the year. “I think seeing that we beat the number four team in the country, we realize we can beat anybody going forward. We are confident as a team that we can get into the ODAC tournament and make some noise the rest of the year,” Goldberg said.
Sports Information|Courtesy Freshman Matthew Goldberg pushes upfield with the ball against nationally-ranked-4th Wash. and Lee.
Jamie Hooper|Marlin Chronicle Junior Tim Fisher swings the ball around the key in a scrimmage.
Brendan Ferguson|Marlin Chronicle Freshman Bianca Atkinson dishes a pass during a scrimmage vs. Regent.
Women’s Basketball Season Preview BY MILES CHRISTIAN mmchristian@vwu.edu
After a heartbreaking overtime loss in the ODAC Quarter finals last year to Randolph Macon, the women’s basketball team hopes to come back stronger. With nine incoming freshmen, the Marlins have a relatively young team, after losing five seniors from last year’s team, including the all-time leading scorer in program history, Jayla Harris. The freshmen aren’t the only new faces for the team, with a new head coach, Liz Hudy, who has lots of expectations for the team. With such a young team there’s always new things to be learned and mistakes to be made, but Hudy hopes to cut those mistakes out as soon as possible. “We’re going to be young this year, but we hope to make those adjustments as quickly as possible” Hudy said.
The ODAC has a rich history of competitive women’s basketball and Hudy wants to stay competitive and put themselves in a good spot for the conference tournament. Junior Forward Sierra Coleman said, “Coach Hudy is big on fundamentals and sees a lot of potential in us.” The team hopes to improve its team chemistry as a whole and hope to be one of the top teams in the ODAC. “I think people are going to underestimate us because we have so many freshmen, but we’re going to surprise some people.” The Marlins hope to improve on a 1412(11-7) season. They play in 21 regular season games 12 of them at home and 9 of them away. The Marlins will open up their season on Nov. 12 at home against Salisbury.
Brendan Ferguson|Marlin Chronicle Junior Makenna McSweeney busts out in a dribble.
8Sports.indd 1
Men’s Basketball Season Preview BY MEGAN SHERMAN mrsherman@vwu.edu
The Virginia Wesleyan men’s basketball team seeks redemption for their early exit in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) quarterfinals last year, and they have all the pieces they need to do it. In the ODAC preseason poll, the team tied for second with Randolph-Macon and only fell behind the first-place Guilford by five points. “Tim Fisher is definitely going to be a really big piece for us; All-Conference guy. Lamont, when he comes back, also another All-Conference guy. They’ll both be very very important for us for this year,” sophomore Evan Tebay said. Fisher enters his junior season and will again protect the paint as the Marlins main big man. Lamont Steward, on the other hand, faces a little adversity as he tore his ACL in the postseason of last season around springtime. His return to play around December will be crucial as he was an All-ODAC First Team member last season and the team’s leading scorer with 15 points a game. In Fisher’s sophomore season, he earned a spot on the ODAC All-Conference Third Team while averaging 13.2 points per game and 8.5 rebounds a game. His consistent ability to score around the basket complements his jump shot as he shot 49.4 percent from the field. When Fisher gets the ball, there is statistically a 50 percent chance that he will score the basketball. Despite his offensive success, Fisher said that the real strength of the team this year will be their depth. A lot of players have the ability to score, and especially from three. The Marlins return three-point sharpshooter Corey Pelham. Pelham is also a junior this season and showcased his hot hand in his freshman and sophomore seasons. In his career at Virginia Wesleyan,
he has shot 37.7% from three. Pelham will not be alone behind the three point line this year as sophomore Jordan White should contribute as well. He saw limited time as a freshman because of the amount of upperclassmen guards, but he was still able to sink 17 threes and shoot 30.9% from three in the process. Tyree Golston, a dynamic scorer, also has a consistent three-point shot; he finished last season with a 38.2 three-point percentage. In addition to returners, the team landed a key transfer from Emory and Henry. Daniel Spencer will play only one year at Virginia Wesleyan, but even for just one year he will make a major impact. Spencer snagged a spot on the All-ODAC First Team last season, as well as averaging 18.3 points per game. Spencer can play a guard or a post, which opens a lot of opportunities for scoring as it allows head coach Dave Macedo to get more shooters on the floor if Spencer shifts to a post position. The largest loss to their roster that the Marlins suffered from last season was graduating senior Keijon Honore. Honore averaged 32.3 minutes per game and 9.5 points per game. His leadership abilities and passing ability will be hard to replace, but Tebay and freshman Miles Wallace will be able to handle it between the two of them. “Kei was definitely a really big piece for us last year, very vocal leader. People followed him last year so, that voice is gone, and I’ve been trying to fill that void… so just making my voice known and having the guys follow me has been a big thing for me,” Tebay said. With an arsenal of scorers returning, the Marlin team will be a force in the ODAC. The team plays their first game on Nov. 9 versus Pfeiffer.
10/30/2019 11:16:28 AM
October 31 2019
THEHALLOWEEKENDER
PAGE 9
SPINE TINGLING TELEVISION
Gene Lambey & Alex Powers | Marlin Chronicle BY VALERY CARABALLO vecaraballo@vwu.edu
Peel your head to the corner of the room as you see your worst childhood monsters still lurking in the shadows. Will they creep into your closets the rest of your life? Have we lost our minds hiding from the dark? The Haunting of Hill House is a psychological horror show that will definitely have your skin crawling. The story is a modern reimagining of the Shirley Jackson novel of the same name that follows siblings who, as children, grew up in what would go on to become the most famous haunted house in the country. As adults, they are forced back together in the face of tragedy and must finally confront the ghosts of their past. Some of those ghosts still lurk in their minds, while others may actually be stalking the shadows of Hill House. As you are introduced to the characters in the show, you begin to learn how the monsters in their corner never left and as a result affected their lives, but will it end them? The question throughout the show will remain, are the monsters real? Does trauma follow addiction? This show alone will be a traumatic horror watch, making it a top show recommendation. Your feet have pulled you downstairs as you hear your mother in the distance, when you walk into the room you see her rip an adult tooth right out of her
mouth with a knife.The show Marianne is based on the nightmares of a writer who only stopped having these very real terrors when she began to publish it.Now her worst fears have come to life for a friend of hers causing the possible possession of her mother. Choose to follow Emma’s nightmares, in hopes Marianne won’t be in yours. Your fears lay at the bed of your feet in arms width of your traumatizing past. Creep into the basement where you’ve flashed your light to jars of human body parts and trails of blood on each table. The corner of each room gives a sudden feeling as though you’re being watched. Has each American Horror Story kept you up? You had been warned you would die in there. Enter each episode with the same bravery the twins thought they had. The new show Creepshow is a continuation of Stephen King’s Stories giving two horror stories in each episode. Your hands have reached into the inside of your doll house and though you loved dolls , a severed head was not expected. Some stories will slightly haunt your images of something as simple as where you place your toys. The horror show of your childhood has returned and begun to traumatize your children too. As the
static from the television fills the house with what was seen to be just a loud noise, your monster can enter your reality. The first episode will raise the question, do we let our monsters make all the choices or do they scare us so much we have to? While each episode is different, the psychological effect is what breaks the audience. Channel Zero brings stories like these and new terrifying ones each season. You will constantly look over your shoulders to piece together the other night. Did you provoke him? Did you let him in your house? Each episode of Two Sentence Horror Stories will bring different scenarios and characters to the screen. The traumatized characters will push you to fear with them while each suffers different kinds of pain. Leaving an episode for a wide variety of audience, it makes everyone just a little bit more afraid of being home alone. Though we have not been as interested in scary TV shows, they all have the same intention. A fear that tricks the mind is what defines horror. You can’t fear what you see without the thought of having to look over your shoulder. Do we lack the need to scream?
DRESS TO IMPRESS
BY MAKIAH ELLIS mellis@vwu.edu
Ditch the cat, bunny and devil ears and angel halo; it’s time to get creative. As Oct. 31, 2019 approaches everyone is trying to be creative to come up with the best Halloween costume. Most people find it more convenient and affordable to make their own costumes, rather than going to their local Party City. This year, the costume game has advanced to a whole new level. Standing out results in dressing up as something totally uncommon. From cringy costumes that will bring the laughs to group costumes that everyone will want to be a part of, this year is all about the creativity. If you plan on having a 2019 Halloween costume that no one else will have or a clever costume that will make everyone do a double take, these ideas will check all of the costume contest boxes. There are two types of people in this world: people who plan their outfits three months in advance and people who wait until the last minute to purchase or make a basic costume.
9Weekender.indd 1
Brendan Ferguson | Marlin Chronicle Most people base their costumes on whatever the trend is of the year, from kids wanting to be their favorite Disney character to adults mimicking the latest movies. This year, 2019, the most popular costumes are the Joker, Pennywise, US, Black Panther and Wonder Woman. People choose to use the main characters in movies to dress up as because they can pick a specific scene that stood out to them to pick as a costume. For example, the movie “US” is a great movie to use as a group costume amongst a family to be creative. Some people even go as far in being inventive and dressing up as popular memes trending on social media or their favorite celebrity. One thing that creative people are doing is making outfits from not only movies and TV shows but from social media. People are beginning to copy well known memes on social media, such as Twitter, TikTok, and even really old vines. Taking this route may be the smartest if you want to go cheaper or just want to
show your friends a new and unique outfit. Now is your chance. Halloween is the time of the year when people get to dress up as anyone they would like to be. People put in hard work and creativity studying DIYs to try to come up with the best costume of the year. YouTube has become a great source for their DIY uploads from vloggers to expand people’s creative minds. “The only reason I would dress up on Halloween at this age is if I’m going to a costume party,” junior Dominique Coleman said. Costume parties are a great way to get adults out of their shells for the ones who don’t usually dress up. People contemplate a costume that will catch the eyes of all the trick-or-treaters or win the costume contest at the Halloween party. Either way, dressing up in a costume on Halloween is hundreds of years old and people still choose to today.
10/30/2019 11:17:45 AM
theHALLOWEEKENDER
October 31 2019
the clown prince of
Page 10
Blockbusters
JOKER
bingesequence.com| Courtesy
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 When arthur laughs, it’s as if the laughter
medical purposes, a sort of tourette’s syndrome,
“political.” The city was already a pressure cooker of simmering tensions, just waiting for a match to light it all up—much like arthur’s precarious psychological state. It’s not an understatement to say this film belongs to joaquin phoenix, whose masterful
and the peal of mirthless hysterics comes abruptly
performance transforms the narrative
world on live tv in the film’s final act.
it alarms children, and on stage during arthur’s
unremarkable tale of hard knocks driving a
made—and how our own lack of empathy for those
pounds for the role.
infrastructure and rising economic inequality,
is being ripped from his lungs. It seems to rattle
through his whole body and his eyes look pained,
as if he might be sobbing instead. It’s a condition, according to a little card that he must carry for
and uncontrollably. It happens on the bus, where hopelessly bad attempts at stand-up comedy. might seem absurd on paper
What – the classic comic
book villain’s maniacal laughter explained in this manner
– works inexplicably well in situation.
The repeated piercing of his fragile illusions ultimately drives arthur over the edge, particularly since he is no longer taking his medications.
His violent outbursts start out as self-defense, then shift into revenge against those who ridiculed and humiliated him—until he finally succumbs completely to madness, igniting riots throughout gotham city in the process. It’s not arthur/joker deliberately leading gotham city into chaos; he says repeatedly that he’s not
into something more than a competent-buttroubled man to violence.
He even dropped 52 Seriously, just give him the best actor oscar already. (Phoenix has been nominated three times and never won.) I remain a huge fan of heath ledger’s joker in the dark knight, easily one of the best portrayals of a fully developed joker on-screen. And i am reluctant to compare the two performances, mostly because, for much of joker, phoenix is playing arthur fleck, the repressed, introverted,
just in broad strokes but also via the tiniest
of mannerisms. Arthur practices some awkward dance while attempting to calm down after an
encounter with subway thugs, for instance, which eventually turns into the joker’s theatrical
flourishes when he introduces himself to the
Seeking to explore how such monsters are
less fortunate, augmented by a crumbling social
contributes to their creation—does not excuse or condone their horrific acts.
Perhaps what people
find most unsettling about joker is that it holds up an unflattering mirror, reflecting our own
indifference and complicity, whether intentional
mentally ill man who gradually descends into
Joker is a stunning film as a whole, so The story, the dialogue and joaquin phoenix’s performance are the highlights of the film. Knowing what you
ambiguous as to whether arthur becomes the
it is interesting to learn more about how the pure,
violent anarchy. actual joker.)
(The film is deliberately
That journey is portrayed not
or not.
we’d say watch it for everything.
already know about the joker from previous films, unanchored chaos came to be.
Happy Halloween 2019 from the marlin
Chronicle
10Weekender.indd 1
10/30/2019 11:41:47 AM