Oct. 26th, 2023

The Marlin Chronicle VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

$2M grant plan misses mark THURSDAY 10.26.23 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU

BY KARA HOPKINS knhopkins@vwu.edu

Faculty and students have opposing opinions on how the grant of $1,921,806.41 that Virginia Wesleyan University received should be allocated over the next five years.

The Strengthening Institutions Program grant was awarded by the Department of Education,

and its eligibility requires a large student population of low-income and first-generation students.

The university plans to use these funds to support these groups of students, as well as the entire student body.

To achieve this, administration created the “Bridging, Connecting, and Building Student Success” program (BCB), which

plans to construct a college environment that allows growth and success, while improving graduation and retention rates.

In hopes of strategically approaching student retention, a portion of the grant money will be dedicated to data collection and the new software in place to achieve this. They will collect this data from the Oracle Student

Management System.

Oracle Technology is already implemented within Virginia Wesleyan in the software of the Human Resources and Finance departments, but this company is engineering the Oracle Student Management Program for the university in addition.

One proponent of this program is designed for faculty to better

assess student’s academic performance. Administrators will use academic data to identify students who are struggling, and contact advisors or counseling services to improve the college experience for the individual student.

The other objective of the

See GRANT Page 3

Companion animals heal lives, hearts From college students to retired veterans, the community shares the impact of emotional support animals and service animals on their lives.

BY ISAAC FICK ihfick@vwu.edu

Students have noticed an uptick in ESAs and service animals on campus. These animals can be a great source of support, and with their increasing presence on campus, it is important to take a closer look at how exactly they are impacting the college community.

In the 2023-2024 VWU student handbook, an emotional support animal (ESA), or companion animal, is described as “a pet owned and used by that individual to

manage a disability.” This management to assist a pet owner is commonly brought out through the animal’s calming presence, not necessarily the animal’s ability to perform specific tasks.

Companion animals assist individuals in their day-to-day tasks if they should find that they require that assistance. Having a companion animal on campus is an opportunity that the university itself supplies.

As stated in the 20232024 student handbook, “Virginia Wesleyan

recognizes that the assistance of service or companion animals may be necessary for some individuals to gain access to programs, services, and facilities or to better manage their particular disability.”

The process for acquiring a companion animal on campus is outlined in the student handbook, in the section titled “Students Seeking Accommodations.”

Senior Elias Kenworthy,

See ESA Page 2

Baylee Brown|Courtesy Murphee, a service dog belonging to sophomore Baylee Brown, runs through the trails on campus without the red service dog vest he usually wears in public.

Athletic Hall of Fame honors alumni efforts

BY SYDNEE WASHINGTON sawashington2@vwu.edu

Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Eurydice, played by junior Annie O’Shea, takes center stage for a dress rehearsal.

‘Eurydice’ comes to life

BY DANIELA ANGELES GALVAN dangelesgalvan@vwu.edu

As a poignant retelling of the classic Orpheus and Eurydice myth from a modern perspective, “Eurydice” is coming to Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 26 and running until Sunday, Oct. 29. With a beautiful soundtrack, amazing actors and an elevator that pours rain from the inside, “Eurydice” promises to be a spectacular theatrical performance.

As the visionary force behind this remarkable endeavor, Professor of Theater and Chair of the Department of Political Science Dr. Sally Shedd provided a compelling glimpse into the upcoming production of “Eurydice” written by Sarah Ruhl.

“What sets this production apart is

Inside Look:

that Eurydice takes center stage, her voice finally resonating with the depth and complexity it deserves,” Shedd said.

While other renditions often relegate her to a peripheral character, Ruhl’s adaptation places Eurydice’s character at the forefront of her own story. It introduces a creative, artistic approach to storytelling, revolving around the relationship between a daughter who has lost her father and her journey through the underworld.

Ruhl infuses the production with her poetic prowess. Her personal connection to the play, stemming from the profound loss of her father to cancer, adds an emotional authenticity that resonates deeply.

“This show is Sarah Ruhl’s love letter to her father,” Shedd said. “Eurydice” serves as a medium for the conversations Ruhl

See EURYDICE Page 4

Every year, Virginia Wesleyan University takes the time to commemorate those who have greatly impacted Wesleyan athletics. Whether that be stellar athletic performances, innovative coaching or monetary contributions, these deeds do not go unnoticed. Established in 2007 by the Board of Trustees, the Athletic Hall of Fame ensures that these paragons are never forgotten and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

The induction ceremony takes place during the week of Homecoming, in the midst of a celebration of school spirit, during which the athletic community gathers to celebrate and support one another.

Those inducted into the Hall of Fame

See ALUMNI Page 7

VWU Flickr|Courtesy President Scott D. Miller honors Marissa Coombs with plaque for track and field.

‘Cancel culture’ or forgive and forget?

How to prevent midsemester burnout

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Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle

this year include benefactor William Shelhorse, who played a major role in the construction of Virginia Wesleyan’s 400-meter track and field complex; track and field All-American and ODAC record holder, Marissa Coombs (Class of 2018); 2016 NCAA National Champion for men’s golf, Evan Cox (Class of 2018); volleyball All-American and VWU’s all-time leader in kills and attacks, Kala Guy Herman (Class of 2013); softball All American, VWU Career Home Runs leader, ODAC Career RBI and Walks leader and NCAA Division III All-Time Walks leader Cassetty Howerin (Class of 2018); and record-breaking NCAA Champions, the highly decorated 2018 Softball team.

The night starts off with a quaint

Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle

VB Bites: Cat Cafe Page 10

Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle

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Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

News

Alumni advocates for autistic adults

BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu

VWU alumna Meghan Ashburn ‘08 returned to campus on Oct. 21, along with co-author Jules Edwards, to share insight on their compiled book that touches heavily on the experiences of autistic adults. In light of this, students spoke on the experiences of autistic adults navigating higher education.

Senior Oliver Chauncey-Heine, president of the Disabled Student Union, said, “People think that I can’t be autistic because I’m verbose. Or that because I’m autistic I’m not capable of a college education. You’d think the two would cancel each other out; I’m not an alien, I’m just autistic.”

First-year Liam Castellano also shared their input on frustrating stereotypes.

“Some of the misconceptions I see are that adults with autism are inherently immature or childish or have a lack of intelligence,” Castellano said.

As for how colleges can cater to diverse learners, Castellano said, “Some of my favorite projects that I’ve ever worked on in school were those where the teacher provided different options for different types of learners. This applies to neurotypical people too. Different people learn in different ways and work better in different situations.”

Castellano said that students benefit from having multiple methods to exemplify their learning “present or prove their knowledge.”

In the book, “I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World,” author Meghan Ashburn spoke in depth on

how the typical school system structure is not conducive to inclusivity.

Relating to Castellano’s sentiment, Asburn wrote in the book, “Instead of talking about [neurodiversity] as a deficit, we should approach the topic as a difference. All of us learn differently.”

She wrote that it is unnecessary to make a spectacle over extra areas of need because someone has a disability.

In Castellano’s experience, VWU offers this kind of support and inclusivity. “I think VWU as a whole… is also very accepting of different people of different backgrounds with different strengths and abilities,” Castellano said.

Ashburn echoed this statement. Having graduated from Virginia Wesleyan after struggling to find her footing at several other higher education institutions, Ashburn commented on the support systems that make this school favorable to diverse learners.

Jules Edwards and Ashburn, the coauthors of “I Will Die on this Hill,” expressed how impersonal the disability services are at other institutions, approaching support efforts like a checklist of requirements rather than responsiveness to individual needs.

Ashburn said the ideal structure for accommodations in education will be “person-centered,” and VWU has exemplified this. “I think that other colleges will have a lot to learn from this model,” Ashburn said.

However, the university experience is not entirely smooth sailing for those on the spectrum. Chauncey-Heine pointed out examples such as sensory issues caused by music blaring in the dining hall or the

Laila Jones |Marlin Chronicle Co-authors Jules Edwards and Meghan Ashburn open the event with a discussion.

ESA CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 who has a dog, Blue, on campus, shared his perspective on having an ESA. Kenworthy described acquiring an ESA on campus as a simple process. “It’s just a form or a note from your doctor/ therapist that says why you need it,” Kenworthy said.

Blue helps Kenworthy in more ways than one.

“Bluey helps me begin the day,” Kenworthy said. “He makes me get out of bed to take him out, and then I am able to go to my morning classes that I usually couldn’t make myself get up for.”

Kenworthy expanded on the benefits of ESAs that extend beyond the owner. “ESAs

are good for everyone in the community. People miss their pets and it’s so lovely to see everyone get excited about a dog,” Kenworthy said.

When it comes to ESAs, not all students who live on campus exclusively see the benefits.

Senior Alyssa Lane conveyed her support for ESAs on campus, while also acknowledging areas of concern. “I believe emotional support animals provide an important and necessary service to students,” Lane said.

Lane expressed her issue not with the presence of ESAs on campus, but with problems that can arise due to more specific factors, such as inadequate training. “My problem is the number of minimally or completely untrained animals on campus,” Lane said.

Elias Kenworthy |Courtesy Blue prances around Honors Village at sunset.

struggles in explaining executive function issues to professors. There will always be areas of improvement, but neurodiverse students continue to have the space to pursue their goals at VWU. Ashburn elaborates on the systems in place that have facilitated this environment. She said students often need simple modifications such as extra time for assignments or a different testing location, and requiring an extensive process to enact an elaborate disability support plan may only amplify the stigma around these services.

VWU’s approach to accommodations played a big part in her success here.

Ashburn wrote in the book that after an eight-year journey to get her bachelor’s degree through four different colleges, she graduated magna cum laude.

The book signing hosted by Virginia Wesleyan allowed Ashburn to return to the university that helped make the book possible. There, both authors welcomed a range of supporters who listened as they reminisced about the writing process, read excerpts and answered questions.

Chauncey-Heine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the authors and hear their experience. As an autistic student, Chauncey-Heine said it made them “feel really heard.”

In the opening discussion, Ashburn said, “Everyone wants to do what’s best for the autistic people in their lives, but everybody has a different idea of what ‘best’ is.”

Ashburn and Edwards explained their goal of using this book as a platform to discuss diverse perspectives, particularly from people with autism.

The book discussed how the typical archetype for autism consists of young white boys.

Edwards wrote, “Autism as a diagnosis exists based on the research of young white boys from affluent and well-connected families.” Referencing data from the CDC, she said, “There are enormous disparities in identifying autistic people of color and autistic girls and nonbinary people.”

As an adult woman of color with multiracial children, Edwards explained how belonging to certain intersecting identities can prevent an autism diagnosis from coming as naturally. This proved true in her own life.

For herself, a diagnosis did not take place until age 32 as she recognized signs in herself that aligned with the research she did for her sons.

Since the diagnosis process often begins in childhood, exploring autism diagnoses as a college-aged adult and beyond can be quite unconventional. Edwards said it is not uncommon for a diagnosis journey to begin by resonating with posts online. “I

According to Lane, training is a necessity for safety. “Untrained animals, especially dogs, can be a hazard to other students, other animals and themselves, which ultimately defeats the purpose of an ESA,” Lane said. “It would be better for everyone, including the animals themselves, if the registration required some kind of basic training certificate or demonstration of basic commands/potty training.”

As stated by the 2023-2024 student handbook, “A service animal is an animal properly trained and documented to assist an individual with a disability.”

Service animals are different from companion animals due to their documented ability to “assist” someone, which is considered a step further than managing a disability.

These animals are capable of performing tasks their owners may not be able to do on their own, such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf and even detecting medical emergencies.

This assistance can be the difference between life and death for individuals with more severe disabilities.

Due to the much-needed aid service animals provide, along with their behavioral competence, they can be brought to any public location.

Sophomore Baylee Brown has a service dog named Murphee.

Brown described her experience of having a service dog on campus as being easy and unproblematic.

“The school generally has been really, really wonderful,” Brown said.

The university has made adjustments to accommodate the needs of her service dog. “We had

Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards |Courtesy think one of the pathways for adults finding out that they’re autistic or neurodivergent in any form really, these days, is relatable memes on the internet,” Edwards said.

Edwards spoke on the feelings of inadequacy that can pop up for those who lack a diagnosis in which they can attribute their struggles. “Something that’s really common is autistic people are unnecessarily hard on ourselves,” Edwards said, especially for individuals who receive a diagnosis later in life.

“Once you get a diagnosis as an adult, you get this whole new lens and you look back on your life and things click,” she said.

While Edwards said not everyone is inclined to seek clinical diagnosis, it creates helpful context for some. “It helps people go through the process of accepting themselves and their past and their history and building a better future for themselves,” Edwards said.

There is no one way to be autistic, nor is there one way to be an advocate.

As for college students, “[College] is an incredible opportunity for neurodivergent students and neurotypical students to just kind of learn not just the academics, but how to be inclusive and how to be good people,” Edwards said.

Ashburn said to help make a better world, “keep the dialogue open, and keep an attitude of curiosity.”

“In my culture, in Ojibwe, there’s this word called mino-bimaadiziwin, and it means live in a good way, or live a good life,” Edwards said. She described how this mindset can act as the foundation for everyday living.

“Every day you make decisions about how you want to show up in the world, and you want to make decisions that are good for not only yourself, but the people around you and the people who come after you,” Edwards said.

Kelly Jackson |Courtesy Nusbam Center Director Kelly Jackson enjoys interaction with a service dog at the “Mutts With A Mission” campus event. my class removed just because it was way too hot in there and he started to overheat,” Brown said.

Brown shed light on how having a service animal enhances her life. “He keeps me sane pretty much,” she said. “I feel like he also keeps me responsible because if he isn’t properly taken care of, then he can’t properly take care of me.”

When it comes to learning more about service animals, Brown said, “If you have questions, come ask. It’s not rude. Just don’t pet.”

Bobby Klepper, a retired member of the Virginia State Police, Vietnam-era veteran and former Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, came to campus to share the story of his connection with his service dog, Recon. This Nusbaum Center hosted this session on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Klepper described how his traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupted his day-to-day life. “I started to withdraw. I wouldn’t

go out with friends, we used to go out every Friday night and Saturday, all the neighborhood.

We’d all get together and hit the bars. And I couldn’t do that,” Klepper said.

He shared how his injuries complicated what were once simple tasks. With Recon, Klepper expressed how he has regained a sense of independence.

“Now, I’m not embarrassed to lean up against the wall to pick something up. He picks it up, he picks up his leash, he picks up his blanket. I don’t have to do these embarrassing things where I fall over,” Klepper said.

Klepper placed emphasis on the importance of service animals for everyone. He encouraged those who are interested to consider becoming a part of the dog training process.

“If you want a check in the box of your life that you really helped somebody, you made a difference, then think about being a puppy raiser,” Klepper said.

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News

Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

New VA laws evoke reactions

GRANT CONTINUED FROM PG. 1

Recently passed bills show the scope of state legislation.

BY ROWAN STUART rwstuart@vwu.edu

How well do Virginians know the law?

While most Americans may claim to know what constitutes crimes, Pew Research Center reported that only 3% of adults say they understand the law. The law is a constantly changing landscape, from as high as the federal to as low as the town council. The state of Virginia is no exception. As such, here are a few recently passed, 2023 laws citizens may have been unaware of in Virginia.

Hailey Benders |Marlin Chronicle software is to create an easier advising session for students. This will serve as a new WebAdvisor for the student body, and combine the handbook information and registration process. This means students will be able to see when classes are offered on the same program that they sign up for them.

Dr. Loren Loving Marquez, the associate vice president of Academic Affairs, spoke on the topic of registration. “Students will have a map in front of them,” Marquez said, which will make registration less tedious.

This grant will also work to expand on current practices. The university will add extra tutoring services to assist students with coursework and additional faculty to regulate these tutors.

As part of the plan, the grant will provide funds for supplemental counseling staff to offer emotional support in conjunction with the Learning Center, creating a split-time position between the two. This means a counselor will be in the Learning Center to assist with students while they are studying or testing, as well as working in the Counseling Center in the Batten Student Center.

The end goal in the Bridging, Connecting, and Building Student Success plan is to improve retention and graduation rates. According to the Virginia Wesleyan University website, the current retention rate for first to second year students is 62%, and the graduation rate totals 48%. This leaves room for substantial improvement.

The BCB plan was submitted within the application for the grant. This means that under contract, Virginia Wesleyan is required to use these funds for the purposes described. This does not stop students from having critiques on how the university plans to use the funds.

Students feel that it is important for the university to increase retention and graduation rates, and they agree with portions of the plan. However, some have voiced that they think administrators missed the mark on effectively increasing these rates.

In regard to the plan set by the university, Jessica Wilson, a junior and the Co-Lead in the Intentional Endowments Network, said, “One of the first steps is to address existing problems with retention, for example the mold in the housing. It’s hard to improve when you don't have that groundwork.”

According to Wilson, the university may be misidentifying the factors that lead to students leaving. She suggested that the university focuses on the first issues the students face, such as housing complications, and not strictly rely on data

for improvement ideas.

“It’s investing money in data research, and I’m wondering if that’s the best way to go about it,” she said.

The software may also be seen as restricting the student’s well-being to their grades, which are not often the best indicator that a student is struggling. While many students who experience mental health issues may reflect that in their academic performance, others learn to adapt and excel in classes while struggling.

Wilson spoke on this topic. “I feel like grades are not representative of the experience that the student is having,” Wilson said.

“I feel like grades are not representative of the experience that the student is having.”

Jessica Wilson Edward McDonald, senior and Student Government Association (SGA) president, said, “I already see some kinks in the system, especially when you are relying on an algorithm.”

Finances are also a large issue that causes students to transfer. While Work-and-Learn services are offered currently, sometimes these are not enough for students to manage with increasing housing costs.

Ashton Dodrill, a student who attended VWU for his first year and then left the university, said, “One of the biggest reasons why I left VWU is because I couldn’t afford it. I had to work all the time in order to pay for my schooling. It was a struggle to keep my grades up and just enjoy myself,” Dodrill said.

Students have expressed that they want better representation of their needs in the financial decisions that Virginia Wesleyan makes.

“Administrators make really good choices,” McDonald said, “but I think including the student perspective would help with communication and perception issues that they have with the student body.”

Have your voice heard on campus issues by connecting with SGA representatives.

Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle Information from www.vwu.edu shows student retention rate statistics.

medical assistance. The information that bystanders provide could make the difference between a brief hospital trip and a tragedy. Bill HB1572 looks to reduce the chances of this occurring by making it a Class 1 misdemeanor to lie to emergency personnel.

As for its real life application, if you were standing at a bus stop and a person who you knew was allergic to bees was stung and upon an ambulance arriving, you tell the crew that this person was not stung by a bee but rather they gained from the heat so that they wouldn't get an EpiPen, you are criminally liable.

The language in this bill is exceptionally important, as it is only when this activity is engaged in both willingly and knowingly.

This means that an omission of fact is not subject to any penalty underneath this law. If another student were to leave a pot on the stove and that resulted in the fire department coming, you would be under no penalty if you said nothing to the fire department.

Victoria Haneline|Marlin Chronicle Worried about that free trial to Apple TV charging an account when it is inevitably forgotten? Thanks to HB1517, upon signing up for a free trial to watch a movie, the company must notify customers that the trial is running out if the trial lasts longer than 30 days. This is in place so that customers will be warned of a charge before it reaches their account.

This unfortunately does not mean that a customer won’t be charged. However, it gives consumers a timely reminder that may save them a quick buck under threat of penalty to the company who fails to notify.

Consumer protection proves especially important to communities of college students, as every penny counts when paying for college tuition. ODU senior Daniel Tekleab is pleased with the effects this bill can have for students.

“The law holds companies ethically responsible since it would be wrong to take something without their understanding or explicit consent,” Tekleab said. With this kind of free trial plan the accountability falls to consumers, so go ahead and start that trial. Even if it’s forgotten, there is a chance to remember to cancel before losing tomorrow’s lunch money.

Carey Seay|Marlin Chronicle Worried about the new neighbor’s drones and what they’re planning on doing? According to HB1583, it is now a prohibited activity to use an unmanned aircraft to spy on any dwelling.

This law serves as a deterrent to any would-be nosy neighbors looking to take advantage of a cheap drone with a camera.

This includes people using drones to view such places as houses, mobile homes, places of work and classrooms. Individuals who engage in this prohibited activity are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The maximum penalty of a Class 1 misdemeanor is a $2,500 fine and 12 months in jail.

“This is fantastic,” Jocelyn Woodward, a VWU junior, said. “When I was younger a drone was watching us practice, which as a kid made me feel very uncomfortable.”

The VWU student body may not be directly affected by this issue, but privacy off campus is important and this law serves as an extra backdrop to Wesleyan’s policy around drones. Still there are benefits felt by the students. In the event a student violates the no drones on campus policy written in the student handbook or uses the drone for mal-intent if granted through a special event, they can now be held criminally liable for the harm they may have caused.

High stakes can cause stress, especially when someone is in need of intense

Carey Seay|Marlin Chronicle “Overall, I think it’s a good thing,” junior Christian Palmasano said. “False fire alarms, for instance, are rampant right now, partially due to people who think it is funny to pull them.” Palmasano is not alone in his concern for the harm some would-be pranksters can pull. It is encouraged that students continue acting morally as this bill only affects those who choose to lie and put others in harm's way.

But not every bill is about what people can do to harm one another, some actually make it easier for people to help each other.

Bill SB1086 provides assistance to those who wish to donate organs.

The bill offers varying times for recovery in which an individual may be granted after donating an organ. This leave is unpaid, however it protects an employee’s benefits where they continue to be covered through the duration of their leave. They also must be paid any compensation from before their leave and must be reinstated upon their return. This mainly serves to protect organ donors from retaliatory action that their employers can take and protect their employment in their absence.

The bill has drawn criticism from some in regard to the idea of this leave being unpaid. First-year pre-med student Sammy Blythe said, “I mean it’s okay, but organ donation is incredibly important, and I feel paid leave would help encourage more people to go through the process.”

It is beneficial for VWU students to remain up to date on the law. Just because most adults in the U.S. don't understand them doesn't mean students need to join them. View these laws and more on the Virginia LIS website to stay up to date.

Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle

4 Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

The

MARLIN CHRONICLE Editor-in-Chief Rhian Tramontanta rjtramontana@vwu.edu Managing Editor Carey Seay clseay@vwu.edu News Editor Lily Reslink lbreslink@vwu.edu Community Editors Victoria Haneline vfhaneline1@vwu.edu Carey Seay clseay@vwu.edu Opinions Editors Samantha Silvia sgsilvia@vwu.edu Madelyn Yale mgyale@vwu.edu Sports Editor Colette Kearney cmkearney@vwu.edu Weekender Editors Mikayla Moscatelli mamoscatelli@vwu.edu Sasha Saxon ansaxon@vwu.edu Photography Editor Ross Winner rawinner@vwu.edu Illustrations Editor Mars Johnson ibjohnson@vwu.edu Online Editor Josh Pepper jjpepper@vwu.edu Copy Editor Kirkland Butler kwbutler@vwu.edu Engagement Editor Kylea McCarel ksmccacrel@vwu.edu Marketing Directors Andrew Steiner alsteiner1@vwu.edu Rowan Stuart rwstuart@vwu.edu Advisor Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu

“Eurydice” poster for VWU performance.

VWU|Courtesy

EURYDICE CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 yearned to continue with her late father, exploring themes of loss, love and enduring connections beyond the constraints of time and space.

Kaela Townes, a rising talent in the VWU theater department, is excited to make her debut as Big Stone, one of three stones that serve as a Greek chorus in the play.

“We are the inanimate objects that are supposed to have no feelings in a show that is all about feelings,” Townes said. “The names, Big Stone, Loud Stone and Little Stone, are all ironic, challenging our perception of what a stone can be.”

“Eurydice” provides an opportunity for audiences to see these emotions portrayed in a larger-than-life manner, allowing them to connect with the characters and find healing in the emotional journey the play offers.

“Everyone will relate to love and loss at some point in life,” Townes said.

This play is also a tapestry of lyrical language, filled with imagery that touches the soul. Still, it reaches audiences’ hearts in a powerful way.

“It is not dense or pretentious but rather elegantly simple,” Shedd said. This allows the audience to immerse themselves in the beauty

“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

story shows his journey to the underworld to retrieve his wife after her passing. He is a musician, while she leans toward reading and philosophy,” Cralle said.

One cannot overlook the visual and auditory splendor of the production. The set design seamlessly blends classical elements with modern sensibilities, culminating in a truly exquisite masterpiece. A standout moment involves Eurydice’s descent into the underworld inside an elevator, while rain pours from the inside.

Cralle shares their excitement about this unique element, which adds to the allure of the show.

“It is going to be cool. The door is something we open ourselves, and there’s a big shower head in the middle that rains on us,” Cralle said.

With her extensive experience and unwavering passion, Shedd has meticulously crafted a production that is set to be a remarkable exploration of love, loss and the enduring connections that link us to our past. “Eurydice” offers an immersive journey through the depths of human emotion in a captivating experience that will leave audiences spellbound and enriched.

Tickets for “Eurydice” are available for purchase at www.vwu.edu/the-arts-at-virginiawesleyan/theater-productions.php and free for Virginia Wesleyan faculty and students.

With the approach of the end of the semester, many students are facing large work loads. Here’s some ways to prevent and manage burnout.

egfylstra@vwu.edu

The Marlin Chronicle Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757.455.3311

of the words. Ruhl’s remarkable storytelling has the power to transport you into a world that is both familiar and entirely new.

Sophomore John M. Post plays the Nasty Interesting Man and the Lord of the Underworld.

“In the first movement, I play the Nasty Interesting Man who interacts with Eurydice, setting the stage for their unique connection.

As the Lord of the Underworld, I take on a villainous and comedic role, offering a fresh perspective on the classic story,” Post said.

Post encourages audiences to experience the production, highlighting the exceptional talent and commitment of the cast and crew.

“You’ll never see anything like it again. The experienced cast handles themselves with grace and class,” Post said. “I’ve never been part of anything like it and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

This production has a unique quality that distinguishes it from previous interpretations of “Eurydice.” One of the innovative additions is a captivating soundtrack that plays throughout the performance.

“When I read the play this spring, I heard music. I heard some of these songs in my head, or music that I was familiar with, so we’re using that to heighten the narrative,” Shedd said.

Sophomore Jordan Cralle plays the character of Orpheus.

“Orpheus is Eurydice’s husband, part of the

How to prevent mid-semester burnout

BY ELLIOT FYLSTRA

The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 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.

Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Junior Annie O’Shea and sophomore Jordan Cralle at rehersal for “Eurydice.”

As the midterm season passes, students are facing stress and burnout with the continuation of the second half of the semester. If students find themselves overwhelmed, there are many strategies and resources to alleviate the feeling.

During this time of increased stress, students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by the Student Counseling Center.

“The counseling office is available to all students free of cost. There is no copay or insurance needed,” Director of Counseling and Student Health April Christman said.

Students can make an appointment by email to studenthealth@vwu.edu.

Through the counseling office, students have also been trained by the Green Bandana project to offer peer support to any student. Those with green bandanas on their bag are open to talk to anybody seeking help and will guide students to additional resources.

“The best way to prevent a crisis is to address it when it’s not a crisis,” Christman said. Being aware of stress reactions and seeking help before they develop into a crisis is the best plan for students to follow.

With the rise in homework and upcoming finals, there are many measures students can take to reduce stress.

“Don’t procrastinate on assignments; spread them out and use your time wisely so all your assignments aren’t due at once,” senior Dorothy Yanku-Palmer said, “Give yourself brain breaks between assignments.”

Spacing out homework leaves more time for leisure and club activities, both of

which are important.

This sentiment is repeated by Henry Handley, senior and president of VWU’s branch of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

“No matter how busy you are, make sure there’s a relaxing activity or something fun.

Never cancel that, so you’re not always doing work,” Handley said.

First-year Sophie Engelberts suggests ending each day with a recollection of the day’s positive experience. “Try to do something that makes you happy every day, even if the whole day feels bad,” Engelberts said. “Don’t go to sleep until you have made a happy moment.”

One of the day’s positive experiences may be from club events, such as those organized by NAMI. The group hosts a mental health education and discussion meeting once a week, along with events. These events include mental health check-ins, Valentine’s Day candy grams and smashing plates to relieve stress.

Handley said the club aims to “emphasize and discuss mental health.”

Knowing when to skip activities can also be important f o r

maintaining a balance.

“Be okay with setting boundaries and saying no to invitations so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Prioritize yourself over the group’s peer pressure,” first-year Gabrielle Barnett said. It’s up to students to prioritize their time wisely, which may mean choosing to stay home and work.

Even at home, students can practice making boundaries.

“Balance studying and relaxing in a healthy way. Don’t study in bed, use your desk as a study space to create separation,” Engelberts said. “I won’t study in pajamas to set a mental boundary, and then I can put on my comfy clothes as a reward.”

Giving breaks and rewards for studying can make it both more effective and more enjoyable, like a final reward after a long study session.

“It’s nice to get fresh air after doing homework. It’s very helpful to reset,” first-year Juliette Coffey said.

If you’re having trouble managing your schedule, there are plenty of on-campus resources. Reaching out to a professor or fellow student to discuss struggles is the first step. It’s difficult to carry everything alone, and there are always Marlins willing to help.

Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle

The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Thursday, October 26

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BY VICTORIA HANELINE & CAREY SEAY vfhaneline1@vwu.edu & clseay@vwu.edu

ACROSS 7. Grants wishes 9. From a novel by Mary Shelly 10. Turns to stone in sunlight 11. Known for potions and curses 12. Based off burial practice in ancient Egypt 13. Known for hoarding gold 14. Cannot cross running water

DOWN 1. Feeds on the brains of humans 2. Left on earth for unfinished business 3. Has a weakness to silver 4. Can be summoned if you know its true name 5. Ability to disguise itself as a human 6. Graveyard-haunting corpse 8. A demon’s hunting dog

Completed crossword provided on the Marlin Chronicle Instagram @marlinchronicle

Career Fair alters methods to attract students

BY PHOEBE COX pecox@vwu.edu

The Career, Volunteer and Internship Fair occurred in the hallway of the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18 and Thursday, Oct. 19. The fair was a time for students to learn about and take advantage of various opportunities. Employers from a variety of Hampton Roads businesses were present to communicate and engage with.

From the Chesapeake Bay Police Department and Norfolk Public Library to Dollar Tree and Sinclair Communications, an assortment of full-time and part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities and experiential learning programs were offered to the student body.

With employers at their respective tables from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on both days, students could come prepared and dress to impress for specific companies, or they could simply have a conversation while walking through the hallway on the way to class.

Occurring once every fall and once every spring semester, the Career, Volunteer and Internship Fair is an important part of each school year.

Having the Career Fair on two different days allows for more student involvement and relevant interactions between employers and potential employees, even if there is not an even amount of student traffic. “[Employers] said they were able to have meaningful conversations, so it was quality over quantity,” Director of Career Development Alice Jones said in reference to past fairs. The amount of students reached is important, but even more important is the value of connections able to be made.

After deciding upon the dates to have the fair, Jones explained how she uses the job platform Handshake to notify companies about the fair. Through this online program, the businesses are able to sign up for a spot at the fair as well as find out any future career events they can get involved with at Virginia Wesleyan.

Something different about this semester’s fair was that volunteer opportunities were more widely advertised

when marketing the event, and they were showcased more by employers.

“It [the previous fair] was just a career fair beforehand.

We added ‘volunteer’ so that there would be more interest,” Jones said.

Another recent difference about the fair is its location: it is now held in the hallway of Batten instead of in the CMAC. This has had the dual effect of making the event more casual in addition to bringing in more foot traffic.

Jones expressed the nervousness she had about people arriving to the fair dressed in sweatpants, shorts, flipflops and sports practice uniforms instead of the expected professional attire.

“I mentioned it [to employers], and basically what people said was they thought that their conversations they had with people were more important,” Jones said. “They weren’t really focused right now on how people were dressed.”

Overall, being able to talk with and engage more students was more important to the employers than the formality of the event. Although business dress is always appreciated, the site of the event consequently does not require it.

The value of offering career, volunteer and internship opportunities through events like this is rooted in the push for work-based learning. Jones emphasized that ensuring students are given the information and time to talk with employers who can provide that kind of learning is important.

“There’s a real push in the state to have students be able to have those [work-based learning] opportunities,” Jones said. “So I think us making time here at Virginia Wesleyan gives students an opportunity to connect with employers that they might otherwise not ever consider and opportunities that they might not even see.”

In conclusion, Jones said, “I think that the ultimate goal is for people to have a good education but also to be able to translate that into meaningful work or some kind of meaningful career, whether that’s graduate school or a job right after graduation.” Taking advantage of opportunities found at events like this is one step in achieving that ultimate goal.

Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle TOP: Students speaking with employers at Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation booth at the Career Fair.

BOTTOM: Sophomore Anna Greenleaf at the fair.

PKT brothers fundraise, volunteer

BY AIDEN CROGHAN accroghan@vwu.edu

On campus, the Virginia Beach chapter of the national fraternity Phi Kappa Tau will be fundraising for a program associated with the fraternity, in which the fraternity donates money to the SeriousFun Children’s Network.

The SeriousFun Children’s Network sends children with serious illnesses to summer camps.

“We essentially just fundraise money as a part of our philanthropy program, and all that money goes to the SeriousFun Children’s Network,” senior James Johnson, PKT membership orientation officer, said. “In the past we’ve done Pie at Phi Tau and fruit throws and smaller events like bake sales to raise money for the SeriousFun Children’s Network.”

In an effort to branch out in philanthropy, PKT is planning a charity run. “This year we’re hosting a charity 5k, and we’re kind of playing off the words SeriousFun, like a fun run, so it’s a serious fun run,” Johnson said.

The summer camps themselves attempt to provide kids with experiences similar to those that kids without illnesses get to experience, and to take the emotional burden of the illness off of their shoulders.

Junior Stephen Schneider, the vice president of PKT on campus, previously held the office of philanthropy for PKT and talked specifically about why he was interested in fundraising for the SeriousFun Children’s Network.

Instagram @vbphitau|Courtesy Senior James Johnson, membership orientation officer, volunteers at a garden in Virginia Beach.

“I appreciate how our philanthropic efforts support not only such a unique experience, but an experience in which individuals of our fraternity and community can become involved with numerous volunteering opportunities,” Schneider said.

Schneider was adamant that philanthropy is an important part of PKT nationwide. “Being able to see the product of your efforts and of the efforts of brothers nationwide and what we are supporting is truly amazing and definitely made me interested in being a part of fundraising for SeriousFun,” Schneider said.

Schneider shared his excitement for the organization’s upcoming charity 5k.

“We are looking to make this a big event to involve both the campus community and our local community outside of VWU,” Schneider said.

The 5k will be open to people off campus to encourage a higher turnout, but students on campus are just as invited to participate. “Our event leader, James Johnson, has reached out to running organizations in the local area as well as local school teams to invite them to the event, so we are hoping for a positive turnout,” Schneider said. “It will be right here on campus so our students won’t have to go far at all to participate, and it is open to both walking and running so there’s no pressure on anyone!”

The SeriousFun Run will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19 for any students looking to have some fun while giving back to something bigger.

Opinions

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Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

‘Cancel Culture’ or forgive and forget?

BY KAINAAT TREHAN ktrehan@vwu.edu

Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle The word ostracize finds its roots in the Greek word ostracon, which is a piece of pottery usually broken off an earthenware vessel. These broken pieces had great political significance in Athenian society; Athenian citizens would cast their votes during the political procedure of deciding whether to banish a member of their society, by writing the name of that person on ostracon. If found unfavorable, the person would then be exiled from society for ten years. This procedure inspired the use of the contemporary term ostracism.

Dating back to 5th century BCE, the phenomenon of ostracism is, therefore, not a recent one. However, one may find various contemporary interpretations of this old Athenian tradition in our modern society.

A relatively recent manifestation of ostracism has been observed through the modern phenomenon of cancel culture.

Loosely interpreted, cancel culture encourages one or a group of people, especially those who are structurally unfavored, to express disapproval or boycott someone for their scornful actions or speech.

Avid crusaders of cancel culture often view social media as a platform to practice justice for the citizens, especially the marginalized citizens of the Land of the Free. It is amazing to

observe how effectively and efficiently this phenomenon fires up citizens and mobilizes them to deliver justice.

For instance, three years ago when Robert Unanue, the CEO of Goya, the largest owner of Hispanic food brands in the United States, tweeted: “We’re all truly blessed... to have a leader like President Trump who is a builder,” he received severe backlash. Given the hostile view of the Trump Administration towards Hispanic communities, #Goyaway and #BoycottGoya began trending on social media.

Kanye West, affectionately known as Ye, is probably one of the most notoriously “canceled” celebrities of our times. From losing lucrative deals with Adidas and Gap to losing agents and getting his honorary degree rescinded, individuals and organizations have utilized various ways to hold him accountable for his anti-Black sentiments, expressed by wearing “White Lives Matter” tees to fashion shows, and his anti-Semitic comments.

Such examples have well reflected the impact of this call-out culture or accountability culture, as some moderates would say. People feel empowered to live in a society where they know that they will find support in their pursuit to publicly shun someone and hold them accountable for their disturbing actions, especially if such perpetrators are powerful elites of the society.

However, it is not guaranteed that the people or organizations canceled are always going to be elites or part of the 1% club. Take a look at this case covered by NPR, for instance: Dr. Greg Patton, a Communications professor at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, offered a Mandarin word as an example of filler words to his class. Unfortunately, the Mandarin equivalent for the English filler word like, nei-ge, sounded like the N-word to many of his American students.

As a result, Dr. Patton became the victim of the cancel culture and was replaced by another instructor.

Although it is understandable to expect Dr. Patton, a white American, to have been more conscious about his diction, this episode not only cost him his employment but also his reputation, which takes one a long way in academia.

It is cases like this that expose us to the dangers of cancel culture: namely, musclememory generated responses. I say this because, on a normal day, this example would have indicated the breadth of Dr. Patton’s knowledge in his subject.

In this manner, acts of canceling people may be viewed as responses to subtle moral panics, consequently robbing society the opportunities to deliberate, as evidenced by the response this episode received from Chinese nationals. In an article, the BBC noted that many people of Chinese origin expressed that Dr. Patton’s resignation was marked as a way to discriminate against Mandarinspeaking individuals; “It was ‘clearly an academic lecture on communication’ and the professor was ‘describing a universal mistake commonly made in communication,’” CC Chen, a student at the USC, said. This common and universal mistake is so cruel that it did not even spare Yao Ming, a professional basketball player from China, who got in trouble for using a word that has been a part of his vocabulary for years, while playing for Houston Rockets in the NBA. This case clearly shows that, when implemented rather carelessly, the act of canceling someone has the potential to not only hurt an individual but also be demeaning for a certain group of people. When broadly examined, such ramifications could be viewed as infringing on the freedom and rights of certain groups. As reflected in a comment from a Sina Weibo user, a Chinese microblogging site: “Is it now forbidden to speak Chinese in the United States?”

This comment echoes one of the findings of a Pew Research Center study, which reflects the disparity in the understanding of cancel culture among Americans: “[Cancel culture is] trying to silence someone that does not have the same

belief as you. Basically, [it’s] taking their First Amendment rights away. It violates the affected people’s civil rights.”

Despite the fact that this understanding may be popularly considered a traditionally Republican view of the phenomenon, it may be surprising to some that former President Obama also spoke out in an interview against this expanding culture of calling people: “If I tweet or hashtag about how you didn’t do something right or used the wrong verb then I can sit back and feel pretty good about myself, cause, ‘Man, you see how woke I was, I called you out.’ This idea of purity and you’re never compromised and you’re always politically ‘woke’ and all that stuff…You should get over that quickly. The world is messy; there are ambiguities. People who do really good stuff have flaws.”

So, what is cancel culture? For one, it is a pretty impressive tool to mobilize support about something you are passionate about, from all across the world within minutes. But like other things that involve passion, it is an equally dangerous tool that can quickly become the bane of public discourse. If utilized cleverly and consciously, it is a signal of social notions and phenomena that any prudent citizen of the world should pay heed to and deliberate upon.

Kainaat Trehan is a senior political science and international relations major involved in Ethics Bowl, and has been a part of several VWU theater productions.

She can be contacted at ktrehan@vwu.edu

Kainaat Trehan|Courtesy

Too Cool for Costumes

How old is too old to put on a costume and trick-or-treat for Halloween?

BY NICK D’ANTONIO npdantonio@vwu.edu The leaves are starting to fall, and sweatshirt weather has begun.

As we near the end of October, a holiday that is regarded as one of the most enjoyable times of the year creeps ever closer; and with it, the traditions and events that it provides.

The most popular event of Halloween is the practice of trick-or-treating, which is founded on the idea that children will dress in costumes and visit houses in their neighborhood and impress the house owner with the outlandish display. The house owner then rewards the individual with candy or another form of treat, symbolizing that they enjoyed the visit from the child and

Nick D’Antonio|Courtesy

are happy for them to be enjoying the season.

In recent years, this idea has evolved with the emergence of young adults that are fascinated by the hobby of dressing in such an expressive manner. This idea of expression manifested itself into large gatherings where people of common interests would convene and replicate the dress of a favorite character or symbolic figure on the chosen topic. Such events are referred to as Comic Book Conventions, many of which promote the idea of guests adopting the persona of a character that they choose.

You may be inclined to ask how this pertains to the practice of trick-or-treating and where these ideas coincide.

Many regard trick-or-treating as a child-oriented event, leaving high school and college students that enjoy the festivities of this holiday wondering why they cannot participate. The argument is founded on the idea that all individuals who wish to participate in the ceremony should be accepted regardless of age, due to the notion that all ages can enjoy the festivities harmoniously.

In theory, the proposition does seem quite appealing.

On the other hand, many parents are skeptical on the safety aspect of this change, as it is a common practice to allow elementary-aged children to walk with friends or a sibling around the neighborhood during the evening to nighttime hours.

With safety as a priority, I believe that a middle-ground could be found in the proposition that parents or adults must accompany their children and adults must wear costumes that allow the face to be seen.

This would allow all who wish to participate the opportunity to do so without posing a threat to the

children that the event was originally intended for.

Another possible option to resolve this issue would be the separation of times in which the trick-or-treating occurs. Having an earlier time for the children to participate and acquire their candy would allow them to go to bed or be safely in their houses before the older participants begin their adventure.

Arguments can be made in either direction on the notion of what age is acceptable for this occasion due to the many aspects that need to be considered before a verdict is achieved.

Safety and fun are the two most important factors that are being considered, but are not the only issues that need to be addressed.

The observance of Halloween happens to fall on a Tuesday this year, which could result in schedule conflicts, as it takes place during the work week and employers may not support the idea of having their workers report to the job in costume as a direct result of trick-or-treating events.

With the increase of Halloween lovers active in neighborhoods and surrounding areas, it would not be out of the question to have police notified about the participation of adults in the evening hours beforehand to maintain a worry-free atmosphere where parents do not need to feel afraid for their children and everyone in the community may feel welcomed to participate.

Nick D’Antonio is a senior biology major with a minor in marine science. He is involved in Fishing Club, Esports and Soccer Club. He can be contacted at npdantonio@vwu.edu

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: What’s in a name? I am writing in response to Rowan Stuart’s recent article on the Communication major’s name change this year to the more inclusive and descriptive Media and Communication. Along with this name change, the department wants to get the word out about who we are, what we do and how our graduates fare. Far from being limiting, the study of Media and Communication teaches students to develop their abilities in producing and interpreting oral, written and visual messages. In our classes, students make films; write for various forms of media; do qualitative, quantitative and socio-critical research; investigate media theories and audiences; explore media texts; and gain important hands-on training through internships. These skills open many doors and lead to exciting careers. Matt Ryan and Amari Agee are filmmakers in Los Angeles.

Mary Toves is a creative director for Disney. Aaron Clark does sports communication for the Chicago Bears. Elice Cuff is a senior director of media relations for country music in Nashville. Beth Clarke is a higher education consultant. Amy Mallett is manager of corporate communication for Virginia Natural Gas. Alana Peters is marketing manager for Buzz Franchise Brands. Our graduates, such as Brandon Elliot, are typically among those recognized each year by the university’s alumni awards. They

pursue work in public relations, advertising, marketing, social media, corporate communication, university relations, sports media, the visual arts and other creative areas. A Media and Communication degree provides a good foundation for graduate work in any number of fields. Kirsten Powell is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the prestigious Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California. Lily Kunda is finishing a Ph.D. in radio-TV-film at The University of Texas at Austin, where she specializes in Black and gender issues; she served as national graduate school representative for the Popular Culture Association. Sara Erlichman completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in mass communication at the University of Kansas and Pennsylvania State University respectively and, after working for a time at Ketchum Public Relations, just landed a visiting professor’s position at Methodist University. No question, our students are happy with the myriad opportunities our program offered and are thriving. As you register for classes, remember that we are now listed under M for Media and Communication. We invite you to check us out.

Kathy Merlcok Jackson, Ph.D. Professor of Media and Communication

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Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Diaz brings passion, energy

BY CHLOE BOOHER crbooher@vwu.edu

Shyenne Diaz, a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan, plays as a forward for the Women’s Soccer team. The Virginia Beach native is also a Criminology major and last season ranked second in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) in goals and was the top freshman. Diaz made the USC Second-Team All-Region team, was named ODAC Rookie of the Year and was voted first-time all-ODAC. “I think she found a way to score both left and right footed, she scored off a head ball against Guilford,” Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeffrey Bowers said.

“Shyenne has an amazing personality that gives the team the ability to express themselves for who they are,” Tori Green, a junior on the team, said. “She is one of the players that brings us all together as a team and supports us in all of our lives on and off the field.”

During the 2022 season, Diaz played in 25 games and was a starter for 23 of those games. She scored 13 goals, 6 of them game-winning goals, and had two assists.

“On the field, I try to always give my 110 percent no matter who we play against because as long as you’re doing the best you can then that’s all that matters,” Diaz said. “Same thing off the field, when we’re

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle Sophomore Shyenne Diaz on field during game against Shenandoah University. at practice I try my hardest or else what’s the point of practicing if you’re not trying to get better.”

Diaz receives a lot of motivation from the people in her inner circle. “My mom, teammates, friends, coaches and siblings really motivate me on the field to always do my best,” Diaz said.

Bowers has been head coach of the team for 24 seasons. This is his second year as Diaz’s coach. He has guided the Women’s Soccer program to six undefeated ODAC

seasons. He is one of the highest winning coaches in the Division III ranks, sitting tied for 19th with 325 career wins.

“Shyenne is great, brings a lot of energy and has a great personality. It’s infectious, she’s always smiling and having fun and loves soccer. It brings a great love and passion for the game,” Bowers said. “I think we’ve seen her grow and improve throughout the year. In every game we go to, she’s going to be a focal point for the team’s defense.”

Green has gotten to know Diaz both on and off the field. “Shyenne is a very kind person and talks to everyone on the team. At first glance off the field she is a shy person, but once you get to know her she is one of the funniest players on the team,” Green said. “On the field, she puts everything she has out there and never gives up. She runs for the ball even if it’s about to go out. I can see on and off the field how passionate she is about soccer.”

Charlotte Gantt, a sophomore, has played alongside Diaz. “Shyenne is a great teammate on and off the field. She is very kind and so funny and a Stud on the field,” Gantt said.

At the team’s game against Randolph on Oct. 14, the team won 6-0. Diaz scored two goals with assists from first-year Stephanie Koblish and senior Adrianna Gunther.

Gantt also scored a goal, as well as senior Kailyn Yeager and first-year Cailey Johnson. The final goal of the game was scored by senior Breacian McClenahan with an assist from junior Miranda Conroy.

The team returns to the field Saturday, Oct. 28 against Hollins University for their last regular season game. The game will happen at the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex. They then host the first round of the ODAC tournament on Oct. 31; the time is yet to be determined.

Morgan’s Message inspires conversations

BY AVERY BELISLE agbelisle@vwu.edu

At Virginia Wesleyan, student-athletes are an integral part of the community and are consistently recognized by their peers, teachers and families for positively representing their school on the field and in the classroom. It is most certainly a status to be proud of and hold close to one’s heart; however, the amount of hard work and pressure that comes with that status may introduce unique challenges to college students.

Morgan’s Message, a non-profit

Morgan’s Message|Courtesy

organization, was created to acknowledge the emotional struggles that student-athletes may feel because of these challenges and make sure that physical and mental health are equally prioritized in athletics.

Morgan’s Message was introduced to the campus by Mackenzie Kerns during her time as a player on Virginia Wesleyan’s Women’s Soccer team. While in her senior year, she approached Ryley van der Velde, the head coach for the Women’s Field Hockey team, about founding a chapter at Virginia Wesleyan.

Kerns was met with immediate support from both faculty and students. Since the creation of the Virginia Wesleyan Chapter of Morgan’s Message and the consequential creation of the Morgan’s Message club on campus, the implementation of the organization’s values in campus athletics has been seamless and beneficial.

“This collaboration started a fantastic conversation about mental health within our athletics department,” Van der Velde said. “The pressure on student athletes can be intense. They’re juggling their education, new friendships, relationships, their families and the pressure to perform within their sports teams. Morgan’s Message lets them know they’re not alone with their struggles and emotions.”

“It is for sure a good idea,” Ole Behrmann, a first-year on the Men’s Tennis team, said. “These are good programs to have on campus, especially because I personally know a lot of athletes that

struggle with [mental health] issues, and it’s important to be able to talk about [those struggles].”

Being able to talk about one’s mental health struggles with coaches, therapists and like-minded peers can greatly improve one’s state of mind. The way that programs like Morgan’s Message fight against the stigma associated with these discussions can pave the way for healthier, more open dialogue in these discussions.

Van der Velde further promotes the benefits of open discussion and communication about one’s mental health issues. “I encourage all athletes to share their struggles and their stories. Even just the act of sharing these emotions can take a huge weight off of their shoulders,” Van der Velde said.

Morgan’s Message, however, is not like all programs promoting open discussion and fighting this stigma associated with mental health; the group works to provide a safe space to conduct stressful conversations and help athletes engage within these spaces.

“Morgan’s Message means more than just realizing there is a problem, but taking action to solve any mental health challenges someone may face,” Everett McCloskey, a junior on the Men’s Soccer team, said.

Because of the organization’s proactive approach, its effects stretch further than just within the athletic community on campus.

“Morgan’s Message helps students at VWU by [providing] people to talk to when

students are going through something, or just to [make them] feel like someone is always there for [them],” McCloskey said.

To directly contribute back to Morgan’s Message as a whole, Virginia Wesleyan has hosted a variety of dedication games, ranging from Volleyball to Field Hockey games. These dedication games give university chapters a chance to promote the values of Morgan’s Message in an environment that attracts many students.

Often at these games, athletes will don themed jerseys, ribbons and wristbands.

On occasion, athletes give sideline introductory speeches.

There is a reason organizations like Morgan’s Message keep appearing, and some of the world’s most famous athletes, like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps, have more frequently opened up about their experiences with mental illness and struggle in their careers: the pressure applied to high-level athletes is unique and can be relentless.

“Parents are often pushing their kids to be better in their sport and keep telling them ‘you have this and only this, do better,’” Alec Gordon, a sophomore on the Men’s Lacrosse team, said. “Friends and teammates can also apply this pressure. It can sometimes make students adopt this mentality of ‘getting better at any cost.’”

These organizations and student-athletes are working to fight a pressured mentality and help athletes realize the importance of their mental health on and off their teams.

ALUMNI CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 reception, a time for inductees to reconnect with former classmates and teammates and form new friendships within the athletic community.

Inductees are able to bring as many guests as they would like to share this once in a lifetime opportunity with.

Once the reception ends, President Scott D. Miller delivers a speech to kick off the night, followed by the presentation of awards to each honoree.

Those inducted individually have the opportunity to say a few words, reflecting on their accomplishments and relishing their moment of glory.

Team inductions are slightly different, as they designate a spokesperson, but the moment is just as gratifying.

For Marissa Coombs, being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame was the end goal, and after a distinguished career, it was nothing less than expected.

“I remember talking with Coach Krista after my first trip to the NCAA DIII championship meet and how I was the first female athlete in program history to make it to that level,” Coombs said. “I knew how important it was for Women’s Track and Field then and did expect it after graduating.”

Nonetheless, this expectation does not take away from its fulfillment and her gratification.

“It feels really rewarding to be acknowledged for my achievements by being inducted into the hall of fame alongside some incredibly talented athletes,” Coombs said.

“I’m really honored to be inducted, I worked really hard during my four years running, and I have incredibly fond memories from being on the team.”

Coombs is thankful for the recognition in the Hall of Fame. “I’m really just so grateful, and I hope that it can give other athletes on the teams inspiration to

try to pursue big goals as well,” she said.

For some inductees, such as Maddy Glaubke, a member of the 2018 Softball team, the induction came as a surprise.

“I did not expect to be inducted. That was not the goal for me. My goal was to play alongside my teammates and win each and every game until the very end,” Glaubke said.

She also commented on the bittersweet nature of the award.

“College pulls all your friends in different ways once you graduate, so it was so great to see them again,” Coombs said. “Dr. Miller presented us the award, and one of the seniors, Amanda Archer, gave a speech. Her speech brought back so many memories in the little time we had and made me appreciate all the memories we made.”

The Athletic Hall of Fame is more than just an award for athletic excellence.

It is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work.

VWU Flickr|Courtesy Evan Cox accepts plaque from President Scott D. Miller beside father, Brent Cox. It is the realization of lifelong goals and dreams.

It fosters new relationships and revitalizes the old. It rewards good character and promotes community service.

Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Tina Miller (Class of 1988) commented on the importance of the Hall

of Fame. “I think it is a tremendous opportunity to honor trailblazers, record setters and people who are outstanding athletes. It also reflects positively on the current program itself,” Miller said.

It also works to shine light on those who work behind the scenes, such as the benefactors who

generously donate their time and resources to give athletes the means to accomplish their goals.

“Without these kind benefactors, the fields that you see out there that have their names in honor of them, would not be there,” Milligan said.

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Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

New faces strengthen team

SportsHead

BY COY CAMISCIOLI clcamiscioli@vwu.edu

The Virginia Wesleyan Men’s and Women’s Swim teams have their eyes set on a successful season after winning two meets last weekend against Randolph College and Saint Mary’s College. The success has not come overnight, as the additions of many key freshmen and the recently hired Assistant Director of Men’s and Women’s Swimming Cassondre Wilburn have really boosted the team.

“Many of us are already achieving personal bests and it is so early in the season,” first-year Declan Keener said.

When asked about his goals for the rest of the season, Keener said, “Hopefully our relay teams break a few records, and, personally, I hope to break the 100 and 200 Freestyle records.”

Having first-years with dedicated mindsets has a direct correlation to the leadership from the coaching staff and the captains.

“There are always challenges when being a captain, especially with having 25-plus swimmers seeing each other every day,” junior captain Sarah Verbeck said.

Verbeck has worked to be a support system for the younger swimmers. “Everybody has their off days and I like to know what’s going on with everyone so that they have someone to talk to,” Verbeck said.

Director of Men’s and Women’s Swimming Kristian Ramkvist stressed that his door is always open, but it is also important to have other people on the team to talk with.

“There are many times when it is good that you can just go to your captain. It is important that the team, especially the younger swimmers, feel comfortable speaking with their captains,” Ramkvist said.

Another key part of the team’s success so far has been the addition of Assistant Director Cassondre Wilburn.

“She is absolutely amazing. Cassondre has really helped motivate the team and is very encouraging as well,” Verbeck said.

Keener shares similar opinions on the matter of Coach Wilburn. “Overall, she has been great. It has been very helpful to have her in the weight room with us, guiding our lifting,” Keener said.

It is not the first time that Ramkvist and Wilburn have coached together, but it has been a few years. Wilburn was recently coaching both club and high school swimmers, but always felt that she worked better with older swimmers.

When Ramkvist made the call, Wilburn knew that it would be a perfect opportunity for her to excel in the sport.

“I was very adamant about who I wanted to bring onto the team to help coach. She knows how to talk with people and deal with them, especially with a background of spending two decades in the police force,” Ramkvist said.

When asked about the adjustment to coaching the swim team, Wilburn said, “The team has been great accepting

Emily Uzzle|Marlin Chronicle

BY COLETTE KEARNEY cmkearney@vwu.edu

Nora Bahns|Courtesy Assistant Coach Cassondre Wilburn and junior captain Sarah Verbeck converse at the wall during practice. me to the family, and they have realized that I do know the sport and understand how to condition in the weight room.”

Wilburn stated that the dedication of the team has stood out, especially as a new coach. “They do it for the love of the sport. There are not any scholarships awarded at the D3 level, so they are truly a part of this team as a family,” Wilburn said.

The dedication and care for the team is stimulated by Ramkvist’s work. “It helps to have Kristian create new goals for every practice and an effective seasonal plan,” Wilburn said.

Ramkvist is in his second year as director of Men’s and Women’s Swimming and has many achievable goals for the team on the rise, including personal ones for each swimmer. “Looking at the improvement from before my first year to where we are now has been incredible, and it is going to continue trending up,” Ramkvist said.

The team’s goals are centered on personal work and effort at meets. “We look to keep moving up in the conference and I had a goal that all of our records would be broken after my first two years here,” Ramkvist said. “It looks like that is something that will happen, and we will continue to improve.”

“The support so far has been amazing. We have a team that is moving up in the ranks and getting better every day, so we would love to continue having people showing out to support us,” Ramkvist said.

The Men’s and Women’s Swim teams will return for a home tri-meet on Friday, Nov. 3, against Sweet Briar College and Hampden-Sydney College at the Batten pool.

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When Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022, people were quick to take to social media and express their thoughts on Russian and Belarusian athletes and allowing them to compete in their respective sports. It was not until a month later that World Aquatics, the governing body of international water sports, decided Russian and Belarusian athletes would be banned from competing at the 2022 World Championships that took place in Budapest, Hungary. Despite the fact that World Aquatics made the decision on March 8, it was not announced until March 23.

It wasn’t until Sept. 4 that World Aquatics announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be allowed to compete at World Aquatic events if they adhered to specific rules. For starters, they need to be in compliance with all regulations given out by World Aquatics. They are not allowed to be in a contract with their countries militaries or any agency for national security. Additionally, they may not support the war in Ukraine, either from the start or now. This includes both non-verbal and verbal forms of support. They are to not participate in any pro-war demonstrations or wear any symbol of support for the war.

Along with these rules, there are others, one being that qualifying needs to be done outside Russia or Belarus. No flags from the two countries are allowed, same with the national anthems. Uniforms need to be approved by World Aquatics, and they need to be plain white. Lastly, the athletes are not allowed to do interviews with the media.

In my opinion, it is not worth it for the Russian and Belarusian athletes putting their lives at risk just to compete. Russia especially has been known for arresting their citizens who are against their government. Russian athletes are dependent on their government for funding and if they announce they are anti-war, they’re going against their government and putting themselves and their families at risk. I think it is better if World Aquatics does not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete for the safety of the athletes who are truly anti-war.

Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

THEWEEKENDER

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Elevation 27 breaks stage boundaries

BY CECILIA CANDELARIA crcandelaria@vwu.edu

REVIEW

Cecilia Candelaria|Marlin Chronicle Voodoo Glow Skulls, an American ska punk band formed in 1988, performs with brothers Frank, Eddie and Jorge Casillas and longtime friend Jerry O’Neill.

Marco Molino|Courtesy From left to right, Virginia Wesleyan students Evelyn Weaver, Marco Molino and Baylee Brown taking a photo with the Winser, who opened for the show.

Elevation 27 is a popular attraction in Virginia Beach, and not just because it’s a bar. If anything, the bar is secondary to the main attractions: live music and shows.

Elevation 27 gives patrons a more chill version of the concert experience, and for a much lower price than what typical concert venues normally charge. Usually the tickets are $15-$20, and almost never exceed $30. That makes this place the perfect site for college students on a budget to enjoy a musical performance and a fun night out with friends.

Typically, when someone thinks about a concert, the first few things that come to their mind are diehard fans lined up outside and wrapped around a large venue, exhausting and overbearing security guards checking every nook and cranny on you and whatever bag you brought along and everyone rushing to the front and cramming together so they can get a decent view of whichever artists are performing. Elevation 27 is different from the typical concert, though.

Junior Marco Molino recently had the opportunity to watch the rock band The Happy Fits perform at Elevation 27. They said it was a super laid-back experience, and the staff and overall ambiance of the area was not overbearing whatsoever.

That may be because smaller artists, local musicians, tribute/cover bands or bands that just aren’t mainstream generally perform here. But according to Molino, that just makes it that much more exciting.

When seeing The Happy Fits perform at Elevation 27, Molino and their friends were able to meet the music group. “It was super cool and personal. The band was awesome to talk to,” Molino said.

Because the venue is smaller than that of the typical concert, sometimes opening acts stand with the crowd and watch the main act play their set, or vice versa.

This experience happened for Molino and their group of friends that night. Molino recalled some of the opening performers catching their eye in the crowd.

Just because Elevation 27 is a smaller, locally-based venue, that doesn’t mean the quality of the music or fun differs from any other typical place you would go to enjoy a live performance on a night out with friends.

These shows still offer the same pristine sound quality and fun visual effects, such as lights and lasers with an assortment of colors, that provide attendees a satisfying experience.

The only thing about this setting that may deter people, is the lack of seating. Since Elevation 27 consists of a spacious bar with a stage, there aren’t very many places to take a seat when you’re feeling tired.

However, since the atmosphere is so easygoing, you probably won’t be exhausted to that point throughout the night during the gig.

Usually the venue hosts performances by non-mainstream musical artists. The typical genres of music performed here are punk/ska punk, metal and rock. Occasionally there are rap, R&B or pop performances, but not as often as the other few genres.

A few shows that are coming up with an expected popular turnout are Beach Floyd, a Pink Floyd cover band playing on Oct. 20, Carnifex on Oct. 25, a performance called “Beyond The Grave” on Halloween and Emo Night on Nov. 4. Between, before and way after these dates there are countless other events happening that may interest students!

The Elevation 27 website clearly lists everything you need to know about the show right on your screen, including date, time, ticket costs and age requirements, so there is no need for deep searching to find details.

Keeping age requirements in mind, sometimes there are restrictions for people under 18 or 21, but the majority of the shows are for people of all ages to enjoy! I definitely recommend Elevation 27 to anyone of any age looking for an exciting yet low-key way to spend the evening.

‘Pet Sematary: Culinary cultural exchange Bloodlines’ Italian exchange student reviews a popular Virginia Beach Italian restaurant.

BY MIKAYLA MOSCATELLI mamoscatelli@vwu.edu

REVIEW

As the Halloween season approaches, adrenaline enthusiasts are on the hunt for new skin-crawling scary movies. If you have an appreciation for revisited classics, “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is perfect, however it is only available to stream on Paramount+. The 1989 and 2019 versions are available on Max and Paramount+ as well.

Between the three movies, the integral character Jud Crandall is played by three different actors, since the original and remake are 24 years apart and Bloodlines shows his backstory.

In the “Pet Sematary” movie, the original and remake, we are introduced to Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne and John Lithgrow respectively), an elderly man who was born and raised in Ludlow, Maine. In this quaint town, they fear the pet cemetery–an ancient Indigenous site–where individuals have buried animals and, in certain cases, family members.

Anything buried in the cemetery has a nasty habit of coming back to life, as an evil, vengeful version of their past selves. While Crandall is perceived as a worrisome old man in the older version, in the most recent rendition, Jud Crandall (Jackson White) is brought to life as a younger man. On the verge of fleeing his hometown with his girlfriend, only an unfortunate accident prevents Crandall from leaving. The movie follows Crandall and his friend Manny Rivers (Forrest Goodluck) as they go through a living nightmare.

Fighting to end what should have never been started, the boys start their journey by going to the church, the origin of the issue, to uncover buried secrets. They find out the ominous truth surrounding their town and face an almost insurmountable threat. Little does Crandall know that this wouldn’t be that last time.

In a total attitude reversal, by the end, Rivers decides it is time to leave and start over in another place while Crandall decides he needs to stay in town, just in case. This riveting movie sets the context and disheartening tone for the events that follow. “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” rounds out the series, making it a smashing hit to add to your spooky season set.

stephenking.com|Courtesy The cover of Stephen King’s book, ‘Pet Sematary,’ the inspiration for the 1989, 2019 and 2023 horror films.

Maria Vittoria Chessa|Marlin Chronicle A group of international and local Virginia Wesleyan University students, in the lobby of Aldo’s Ristorante.

BY MARIA VITTORIA CHESSA mchessa@vwu.edu

REVIEW

Aldo’s Ristorante, located at 1860 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, offers a dining experience that walks the fine line between Italian and American dishes. As an Italian student at Virginia Wesleyan, my visit to Aldo’s left me with mixed feelings.

While the food was undoubtedly delicious, I couldn’t help but feel that it didn’t quite capture the true essence of Italian cuisine. The flavors are definitely appealing, but the search for authenticity leaves something to be desired.

I had the pleasure of dining with a diverse group of international students hailing from all corners of the world.

The evening was a true intersection of cultures, forming a melting pot around our table with students from Japan, Spain, France, Korea, Germany and America.

This global mix added an intriguing layer to our dining experience, as we all brought our unique perspectives on Italian cuisine to the table.

It was a delightful opportunity to engage in lively conversations about our respective perceptions of Italian food.

Each of us had our own preconceived notions about what Italian cuisine should be, shaped by our cultural backgrounds and prior culinary experiences. For some, it was all about pasta and pizza, while others had a deeper appreciation for the regional nuances of Italian cooking.

Aldo’s menu features a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, many of which are executed with care. However, just by looking at the ingredients, I can tell you that for some, only the name is authentic.

The flavors are rich and the ingredients are fresh, reflecting a commitment to quality. I played it safe and I enjoyed a delicious pizza margherita, which is only $8 on Mondays. The flavors were harmonious, and I couldn’t help but savor every bite. It really reminded me of Italy.

My friend Yuna Matsuura, an exchange student from Japan, ordered Aldo’s fettuccine Alfredo. While she appreciated its richness, I couldn’t resist mentioning that what she was having didn’t quite align with the authentic fettuccine Alfredo we make back in Italy. It was a small moment of cultural education and a cross-cultural exchange.

A similar revelation awaited my American friends when they were relishing a dish they believed to be “chicken parm.” To their astonishment, I had to gently explain that this particular dish, as they knew it, doesn’t quite exist in Italy. This light-hearted divulgence left them disappointed with its origin, but not the dish itself.

The highlight of the night, for me, was the lasagna ordered by my friend Melina Medjake, an international friend from France. It was a masterfully crafted dish, rich

in flavor and layered with delightful textures. However, for those seeking an authentic Italian experience, there is a strong Americanization that takes place on the menu.

Benedetta Nitti, another Italian exchange student, said that one way to enhance the authenticity of Aldo’s would be to introduce Italian staff or waiters.

As an Italian, meeting Italians in a restaurant is always a pleasure, and their presence would add a touch of genuine authentic charm. For Americans, it can enhance the immersive experience of dining in an Italian restaurant.

The atmosphere at Aldo’s, while welcoming and pleasant, didn’t quite transport me back to Italy–albeit a tall order. The restaurant’s decor creates a comfortable and relaxed setting, suitable for a wide range of diners, but it does not fully capture the charming intimacy of an Italian trattoria.

That said, what truly stood out during my visit to Aldo’s Ristorante was the exceptional service. The staff was incredibly accommodating and customer-focused. They displayed a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that diners had a positive experience. As per Italian culture, I appreciate the value of service that makes you feel like a welcomed guest in someone’s home, and Aldo’s staff certainly accomplished that.

One particular instance that highlighted their commitment to customer satisfaction was when my friend from Germany, Clara Reining, who happens to be vegan, was having trouble finding something that she could eat. The waiter provided her with a few options that weren’t on the menu and prepared a custom meal for her. “It made me feel understood,” Reining said.

Aldo’s Ristorante is a place that offers a delicious culinary journey that bridges the gap between Italy and America. The food is of high quality and pleasing to the palate, even if it may not fully embody the true Italian cuisine.

For those who love both Italian and American flavors, this might be the ideal dining destination, as it marries the best of both worlds. Nonetheless, as exchange student Erik Jangenmalm said, “I would definitely go back.”

Maria Vittoria Chessa|Marlin Chronicle A order of cheesy lasagna and wood fire roasted peach cobbler, topped with spiced butter and ice cream.

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THEWEEKENDER

Thursday October 26, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Local businesses make paws-itive impact

BY SASHA SAXON ansaxon@vwu.edu

REVIEW A haven exists for dog-lovers to savor beverages and socialize both themselves and their pets. If your family dog stays at home or you want to give your emotional support dog a field day, Pups and Pints combines a pristine dog park with a quintessential backyard bar.

In addition to a dozen local brews and cleverly named puppy pun cocktails, their prolific menu features affordable shareables: flatbreads, finger food, sandwiches, gourmet hot dogs and classic American football fare on Sundays.

Pups and Pints offers dog owners total relaxation. Daycare service operates during the week and trained officials monitor the off-leash–fenced–park with water elements. For human customers, the indoor sports bar spills out onto a manicured patio with fire pits, plenty of seating and lawn games such as cornhole and jumbo Jenga.

One of the co-owners, Christina Sims, a Virginia Beach native and owner of a veterinary practice, helped open this establishment earlier this year. Since then, it has developed a fair share of regulars and ushers in newbies every week.

Regardless of whether a customer brings a dog with them, everyone is welcome to play badminton and chat with friends on the bench swing or at the bar. As Sims said, “You can come with a dog or without! You just have to like dogs.”

When Sims met her business partner, they “immediately hit it off and started brainstorming ideas to make an amazing place that offered a peaceful, safe environment where you could bring your family and most importantly your four legged family member,” said Sims.

This simple idea evolved to help animals and their humans overcome anxiety developed during the COVID-19 quarantine, when socialization was low and COVID-19 puppies were a surging trend.

In doing so, Pups and Pints brought life into the neighborhood. Sims said, “I feel like our establishment gives added beauty and enriches the community surrounding us.” Sitting on two square acres, the

building “sat for over ten years with boards covering [its] windows and behind chain link fencing because vandals broke into [it],” Sims said.

Now, revamped, Pups and Pints is an extension–the community’s backyard.

On their Facebook page, a slew of scheduled events can be found. Given the huge outdoor space, Pups and Pints has more than enough room for collaborative bourbon tastings, Barktoberfest with vendors, live music with temporary stages, charity fundraisers and dog foam parties.

During my visit, Sim’s mission statement was echoed by my fellow patrons who were extremely willing to let me photograph and engage with their dogs.

Customers ranged from those on full family outings with the family pet, to two friends grabbing drinks and just watching puppies play. The bar and kitchen staff were uber friendly, eager to connect me with management, and quick with service.

Despite the many tasks of owning a thriving business, Sims stepped away from the office to make time for her customers.

When asked about her favorite menu items, Sims stated that she loved their tacos, but that their signature drinks, like the Fancy Frenchie–a fizzy peach libation– were as much of a hit as their fried chicken sandwich with mac and cheese.

The fry flight that I ordered came with battered, crisp fries and five lucious sauces.

Regardless of what item you might order, all food is prepared to order.

For Virginia Wesleyan students interested in visiting, it is a genuinely fantastic place to gather with friends around the fire pit and sample the new fall cocktail menu, all while meeting dogs. Additionally, Yappy Hour features heavily discounted drinks and food specials, Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pups and Pints is open Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For dog owners interested in using the offleash facilities, the fenced park and daycare services, the puppies must be registered on the Bar-K Park app–this enables animals to show proof of vaccination. These services do come with fees since they require the attention of employees for the safety of the animals and equipment.

Sasha Saxon|Marlin Chronicle Pups and Pints patrons of all ages enjoying a sunny Saturday afternoon, socializing their pets on the lawn and even at the outdoor bar while grabbing a bite to eat.

Calee Lukowski|Marlin Chronicle Owner Julie Easterbrooks and a few of Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe’s adorable cats.

BY CALEE LUKOWSKI crlukowski@vwu.edu

Cat cafes are a growing industry across the country. These unique cafes offer customers the chance to meet with cats from local shelters in a relaxed environment.

Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe in Chesapeake is celebrating its three-year anniversary this month. With a calm and peaceful environment, the Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe is a wonderful place to find a future furry friend.

The cats at Kitty Kingdom range from kittens to full-grown cats. The cafe partners with three local shelters to get these fluffy felines adopted to good homes. The cafe also provides patrons with a menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as some snacks.

The co-owner of Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe, Julie Easterbrooks, designed the space with nature in mind. The walls are a beautiful green hue, with naturalistic artwork, done by Beverly Mayfield.

Easterbrooks had the freedom to find her passion in fused glass, which rolls over into the overall decor of the cafe. The entire place is much more personal than a shelter could ever be.

Easterbrooks came into this profession in a nontraditional fashion. She attended Virginia Wesleyan University to study the liberal arts and then pursued a few different career paths. Eventually, she went back to school and became a phlebotomist with the American Red Cross, where she met her husband and co-owner of Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe, Jim Easterbrooks.

Both huge animal fans, Julie and Jim got the idea for a cat cafe after visiting a similar establishment in Nottingham, England.

“We walked into a cafe in Nottingham and within 15 months this place was launched,” Easterbrooks said.

Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe is one of only three cat cafes in the 757 area, and is willing to work with many shelters at one time to maximize exposure with hopes for greater adoption numbers.

The cat cafe partners with three local shelters: Garfield’s Cat Rescue, SCATinc and Lil Roar Cat Rescue. The cats are transported to Kitty Kingdom where they live full time, with one room for adults and one room for kittens.

The cats are housed at Kitty Kingdom with no charge to the shelters, but the shelters get 100% of the adoption fees.

There is enough room for up to 40 cats to be housed comfortably at one time.

One Google reviewer said that the cafe was “so much better than adopting directly from a shelter.” The cafe offers

patrons the opportunity to interact with the felines in a deinstitutionalized setting. This allows people to see more of the cat’s true personality with humans and other cats.

The Easterbrooks utilize the internet and social media to advertise the many amazing cats and kittens housed at Kitty Kingdom, with hopes of finding adopters who could be interested. While the adult cats are popular, the real draw in for possible adopters are the kittens housed at Kitty Kingdom. Many adopters are lured in by the promise of kittens and soon realize that the adults may be a better fit for their families.

The cats and kittens are well cared for by the team at Kitty Kingdom, who sometimes go as far as taking the felines to the vet to get spayed and neutered or to get any necessary vaccinations. A review on Google said, “The cats here are all very well cared for and you can tell the employees are knowledgeable and genuinely care about the cats.”

The cats are not confined, even at night, unless they need to be for health purposes.

Kittens, for example, are confined “for their safety” and “because they need the extra ability to get food and nutrition,” Easterbrooks said.

The cafe is run by a minimal staff and volunteers. Everyone is dedicated to helping these felines find forever homes.

“We do this because we can,” Easterbrooks said. Kitty Kingdom is certainly not a place where people are only there for the payout. The entire atmosphere speaks to the amount of time and effort volunteers put in because they care about the futures of these animals.

Easterbrooks also talked about how proud she was to have created something so wonderful. With an amazing support system built up of staff, friends and her husband, Easterbrooks was able to build a legacy that she can be proud of.

“I’m proud of doing something as opposed to, you know, just staying in a fantasy land,” Easterbrooks said.

Kitty Kingdom Cat Cafe is certainly something to be proud of. The cafe has had 787 adoptions in the three years since it has opened, and that number just keeps climbing.

The next step for Kitty Kingdom is to partner with a local veterinary clinic to make getting the cats the proper medical attention easier.

Like any good business venture, there are plenty of ups and downs. “The cats have taught me I’m not God. I can’t control everything,” said Easterbrooks, “through the storms, we are still here.”

Kaitlyn Duswalt|Marlin Chronicle