Nov. 16, 2023

Women’s Soccer surges into NCAA Tournament THURSDAY 11.16.23 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

BY COLETTE KEARNEY cmkearney@vwu.edu

After finishing the regular season undefeated in conference play, the Virginia Wesleyan Women’s soccer team secured the No. 1 seed for the ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) tournament. The team went in with a simple goal, to win and lock up the automatic spot to go to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament. The past three seasons, the Marlins have been in the final, but last season they lost to the University of Lynchburg in penalty kicks on home turf.

As the No.1 seed, they hosted the entire tournament. Senior midfielder Julia Marrone commented on the importance of having the opportunity to host the entire tournament. “Traveling isn’t always ideal before a big game, especially when you have a long bus ride, which is often mentally and physically draining. Hosting the tournament helped eliminate that for

See NCAA Page 8

McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle The Marlins began the ODAC Championship Tournament at home against the Hornets of Shenandoah University on Oct. 31.

First-years take on ODAC Tournament

BY MARIA VITTORIA CHESSA mchessa@vwu.edu

McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle Keynote Speaker Dr. Angela Reddix presents at the MBC Opening Ceremony.

Business Conference sets records, inspires community connection

BY PHOEBE COX pecox@vwu.edu

With the end of the semester approaching, Virginia Wesleyan students and faculty can always expect the Marlin Business Conference to be in full swing. This fall’s conference occurred from Nov. 13-16. The conference is a requirement for the MBE 301: Principles of Management class.

Professor of Management, Business and Economics Dr. Frank Futyma has been teaching MBE 301 since Spring 2021, making this fall’s conference his sixth. Futyma’s role is to assist and guide students as they make decisions about how the conference will proceed, giving and teaching them the skills necessary to be successful.

“The Marlin Business Conference is a Wesleyan tradition,” Futyma said. “It is events, such as the Marlin Business Conference, that help to differentiate VWU from other colleges and universities.

Having a conference every semester gives MBE 301 students the opportunity to take part in a real-world project.”

For the class, students are assigned

Inside Look:

The fall sports season at Virginia Wesleyan University reached a crescendo with the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams, along with the Women’s Volleyball team, showcasing their talents and tenacity in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament.

The ODAC tournament is a highly competitive postseason event that brings together collegiate sports teams from member institutions within the conference.

Designed to determine a champion in various sports, including soccer and volleyball, the tournament showcases the pinnacle of athletic achievement within the conference.

First-year Stephanie Koblish on the Women’s Soccer team was excited to be a part of the action for the first time.“The ODAC tournament was super competitive and fun to play in. We took it game by game and gave it our all,” she said.

Teams compete in a series of elimination

the project of fundraising for, planning out and successfully putting on the week-long conference. Comprising a variety of keynote speakers, debates, panel discussions, student competitions and workshops, the Marlin Business Conference provides opportunities for attendees to network and get exposed to what Futyma refers to as “new business and technology trends.”

With the purpose of teaching students the skills of business organization and management, a student Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief of Staff are chosen by the class. Since fundraising to make the conference financially possible is done entirely by the students, committees are also formed to get certain tasks done.

Junior Joslyn Woodard, the Chief of Staff for this fall’s conference, commented on the fundraising done.

“We worked extremely hard this year to fundraise for the conference,” Woodard said. “We actually broke records this year with our fundraising total due to the hard

Military community speaks on accomodation

See MBC Page 4

See MILITARY Page 3

rounds, culminating in a final match or game where the ultimate champion is crowned. The ODAC tournament serves as a crucial platform for teams to demonstrate their skills, determination and teamwork, providing a thrilling spectacle for both athletes and fans alike.

The Women’s Soccer team was crowned champions of the ODAC conference.

Koblish’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she delved into the heart of the ODAC tournament.

The team’s strategy was clear: trust in their abilities and approach each match with unwavering determination. The hard work invested throughout the season reached its zenith as they clinched the ODAC title, a testament to their collective effort and skill.

For Koblish, this ODAC tournament held special significance as her first important tournament with the team. Despite feeling nervous, she reveled in the overwhelming excitement of participating in a big

See ODAC Page 7

BY CECILIA CANDELARIA crcandelaria@vwu.edu

Given its military ties, it would only make sense for Virginia Wesleyan to provide abundant resources for its affiliated community members.

Not only is the world’s largest Naval Base fifteen minutes away from campus, but Virginia is the state with the secondhighest concentration of military citizens in the U.S., making up over 10% of our population.

For the military population, funds that come from the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the

Students living in hotels share stories

Cards fly on the field for Marlin athletes

Crash course for college online dating

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Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle

Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle

Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle

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Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

News

Caffeine keeps students buzzing

BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu

With the new coffee machine in the dining hall, the Keurig installed by SGA in the 24/7 Study, Starbucks as a longtime staple in the Harbor Grille and the Lighthouse’s free coffee that runs dry by the end of the work day, the claim that college students run on coffee has substantial grounds, no pun intended.

Senior Alyssa Lane said, “I started drinking caffeine when I was in college. I probably have about four cups of coffee a day now.”

Even long-time consumers of caffeine have found a greater need for it upon entering college.

Sophomore Kyla Robberecht said, “I’ve been drinking coffee since I was about 10, and I get migraines without it.” College

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle Celsius energy drinks are for sale in the Coastal Market.

has only upped her intake.

“Coffee is my blood at this point,” Robberecht said.

Most coffee consumers don’t enjoy the drink just for its taste, but rather the caffeine boost.

Coffee is not the sole source either.

Energy drinks, such as Celsius, line the Coastal Market shelves.

Lena Rudolph, Coastal Market supervisor, said that the market has energy drink regulars, and students who come in to get two or three cans of Celsius at a time.

“We’re always filling the case back up,” Rudolph said.

Celsius has capitalized on this target audience, launching a college student ambassador program. Their website says, “Join our team of college ambassadors and LIVE FIT on your campus! CELSIUS is on the look-out for college students who can spread awareness on all things CELSIUS across their campus, and on social media!”

The site includes a series of quotes from the college ambassadors about how Celsius pumps them up for the gym during the day and keeps them awake for homework all night.

This goes to show that, for many college students, a world without caffeine is unthinkable.

Caffeine consumption remains prevalent regardless of student status, but the demanding schedules of college students play a part in driving this particular demographic to rely on it.

Senior Alexis Bailey said that her caffeine intake began when she started AP classes in high school. “I had way more work and I needed to be up later,” Bailey said. “I needed the caffeine to keep me going.”

It is not uncommon for students to turn to caffeine to cope with the demands of their schedule.

Long, exhausting days drove sophomore Alec Gordon, a Biology major, to start drinking caffeine regularly.

Gordon described how on a typical day, he wakes up at 5:30 a.m. for lacrosse practice and finishes classes around 4:30 p.m.

Beyond this, Gordon is left with additional responsibilities such as

Lily Reslink |Marlin Chronicle Students form a line at Boyd Dining Hall’s new Nescafé coffee machine for freshly made drinks. homework and lifting in the gym.

Gordon elaborated on the timeconsuming responsibilities that come with being in college. “It’s making you have to stay up later.

It’s making you have to wake up earlier. It’s making you have to go from your normal eight hours of sleep down to three or four,” Gordon said.

“Coffee is my blood at this point.”

Kyla Robberecht Daily, Gordon said that he consumes one “high density caffeinated beverage” and then an additional cup of coffee to cure his afternoon slump.

“I drink it to stay awake so I can do what I need to get done,” Gordon said. Without such a demanding schedule, Gordon said he would probably be less inclined to have as much caffeine.

Gordon also offered a biology perspective, explaining how the body may reach a point where it resists caffeine, and needs more

for the same effect.

As for additional problems that the overconsumption of caffeine may pose, Bailey said, “Lack of sleep is always a big issue when you’re relying more on caffeine than you are on sleep.”

She brought up how this reliance could even become dangerous for those driving.

Junior Max Byrd mentioned heart problems as another potential concern.

Ultimately, Bailey and Byrd both said that they could get through a day without caffeine, but not everyone can do so quite as easily.

Beyond just college students, this phenomenon of caffeine dependence is recognized by psychiatric specialists.

According to an article from addictioncenter.com, “The American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not currently identify Caffeine addiction as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD); however, it does recognize Caffeine withdrawal as a clinical condition.”

The DSM-5, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, includes several

caffeine-related diagnoses: Caffeine Intoxication, Caffeine Withdrawal, Other CaffeineInduced Disorders (e.g., Anxiety and Sleep Disorders) and Unspecified Caffeine-Related Disorder.

Caffeine continues to play an enormous role in society today, especially with its range of uses and effects.

For example, not everyone uses caffeine to stay awake.

Toren Greenfield-Tuthill said that he uses coffee as a stand-in for ADD medication. Without it, Greenfield-Tuthill said, “I won’t be able to focus.” While he said that he could get through a day without it, he would find it very hard to be productive.

Senior Rob Lindsay also spoke on the focus benefits caffeine provides him. “It’s becoming a necessity, which is a little bit of an issue,” Lindsay said. Like Gordon, Lindsay also said that he would most definitely drink less caffeine if his schedule was less busy.

In terms of caffeine’s longevity, Lindsay said, “It’s been here for centuries,” so it’s bound to stick around for a lot longer.

Students stay active despite busy schedules

BY COY CAMISCIOLI clcamiscioli@vwu.edu

Exercising in college can be quite difficult for students. Having to balance classes, hours of homework and a job while trying to mix in some exercise can cause a lot of stress. VWU students share the different forms of exercise that they make time for.

Matthew Taylor|Courtesy Students gather in the Aerobics and Dance Studio to practice martial arts.

The general exercise recommendation for teenagers and young adults is around 150 minutes per week, assuming that it is at a moderate intensity. 64.3% of college students meet that recommended amount of exercise, according to a study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.

As former president and active member of the Martial Arts Club, senior Matthew Taylor gave insight on balancing school with staying active. “Every Sunday we meet in the dance studio and have informal training sessions along with other sessions throughout the week,” Taylor said.

Time management is something a lot of college students struggle with, and lack of exercise becomes a direct result of it.

“Planning is really important, so I make a major point of looking ahead as to what

times are available, along with where the space will be available,” Taylor said.

When asked about the stereotype of college students not exercising, Taylor said, “I think it’s a true stereotype for a good amount of students. I try to stay active, but I can definitely see how neglecting exercise can be easy.”

One solution is to make exercise more fun, therefore increasing the likelihood of sticking to it, is to find a person or a group of people to train with.

“Martial arts is definitely one of those things where training in a group makes it more fun,” Taylor said.

A study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine concluded that working out with a partner improves performance and increases the time spent working out.

However, exercise does not have to be with others. Some people prefer to exercise alone to clear their minds and be in full control of their workout.

Josh Ryan|Courtesy First-year Josh Ryan does goblet squats in the Batten Student Fitness Center.

First-year Josh Ryan explained why he prefers to work out alone. “You can really focus on yourself more and accomplish your own personal goals. Being able to have time to yourself to improve and decompress is important,” Ryan said.

Ryan is an active weightlifter and focuses on bodybuilding now more than ever. “I started weightlifting when I was 14 years old because I wanted to get better at baseball,” Ryan said.

Now, weightlifting has become a constant in Ryan’s life. “Ever since, I have become addicted to bettering myself and seeing the progress that comes from working out,” Ryan said.

External motives are often a major factor in working out, and in Ryan’s case, baseball was that factor. Eventually, working out in the gym became an enjoyable hobby for him, as is the case for many others.

First-year Milo Schuehle talked about how his preferred form of exercise developed into a beloved hobby.

“I like to rollerblade a lot. I used to do it for exercise and to learn tricks, but now it is a hobby of mine to get from place to place,” Schuehle said.

Roller skating is not an easy activity, and it can be tough to start at first. “Each skate weighs about five pounds, so it is a great calf workout,” Schuehle said.

As for how Schuehle got into rollerblading, he said, “It started over quarantine when I was not able to go out much and I would roller skate for about seven hours a day.”

Soon, roller skating became easier for Schuehle. “I was so bored and tired of being inside and I eventually learned how to do tricks,” Schuehle said.

Most student exercise levels were negatively affected during the COVID-19

McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle First-year Milo Schuehle rollerblades through V4 to relax and exercise.

Pandemic, but Schuehle saw the period of time as a chance to enjoy the time by himself and become a better skater.

“I like to skate alone because I can put my headphones in and really focus, as opposed to skating with friends and falling more frequently,” Schuehle said.

Exercising can be done in many different forms. It all depends on finding the best personal fit, whether that is playing a sport with a group of people or going for a run alone.

According to the National Institutes of Health, physical activity levels decrease when students make the jump from high school to college.

To mitigate that, students should find activities they enjoy and make time for them, especially since exercising is beneficial to physical and mental health.

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News

Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

'Trust is a two-way street' for police, communities

Norfolk State University professor, Master’s Program Coordinator and member of several Norfolk organizations focused on justice and eliminating bias explored the relationship of trust between law enforcement and communities.

BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu

In the talk entitled, “Elusive Trust: Unconscious Bias between Police and the Communities They Serve," Dr. Robert Perkins took listeners through the guiding questions: “Why do so many communities not trust the police?” and “Why do so many police not trust the communities they serve?” in a talk hosted by

the Robert Nusbaum Center on Nov. 2.

“Trust is a two-way street,” Perkins said. To emphasize the extent of harm that mistrust can cause, he showed a slide of victims of police brutality and a slide of officers killed on duty.

In light of this discussion, VWU students speak on the relationship of trust between police and communities.

“The relationship between communities and police is a fragile one. I believe the solution is education. There is lots of work that needs to be done.”

Senior event attendee James Johnson

Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle NSU professor Dr. Perkins presents his annual lecture covering the conflict between bias and trust.

“I think one of the main reasons that police and the communities they

“Many communities don't trust the police because of

serve do not have a mutual trust in each other is due to implicit biases that each

the structure and how their imagined purposes are different

group holds towards each other. Bias guides our lives, whether we like to admit

from their actual purpose. The first police force in America was

it or not. As for when it comes to the community, cops always have to make split

the slave-catching force and their purpose essentially hasn't

second decisions, and at the end of the day, they want to go home and see those they

changed. Their purpose is to protect the rights of property owners,

care about, just like the rest of us. Either choice a cop can make will be a lose-lose

not protect citizens or prevent crime. The United States has the

situation in some cases.”

largest incarcerated population per capita in addition to the highest

Sophomore event attendee Zachary Heldibridle

recidivism rate globally, and prison labor accounts for billions of dollars in stolen wages in railroads, manufacturing, and other fields.

The system is not broken, it is working exactly as designed.”

“I believe so many communities don’t trust the police because of the

Sophomore and President of Students Against Continued

recurring issues of police brutality that affect all groups, especially people of color

Homelessness (SACH) Aidan Foley

… Communities also focus on whether or not the actions of police incorporate justice and legitimacy instead of being racially motivated or turned into another George Floyd situation. Vice versa, police also don’t trust the communities they serve based on the way the community acts. The mentality of a lot of police officers reflects the way they are going to treat their community. … I also believe so many police officers don’t trust the communities they serve because of the media. … They can see lots of hate towards them even if they weren’t in the situation because of the continued violence and hate to others in different communities."

“After the death of George Floyd, many communities have had little trust in the police and its systems. Not all cops are good cops. Not all cops are cops for the right reasons. Some police may also have biases based on someone's race or appearance which may make them act or react in a certain way. There is a mistrust between the two. Policing does not work unless there is a common trust.”

Sophomore and SACH representative Isaac Nathaniel Samuel

Minds converge to discuss economics of sustainability

BY ELLIOT FYLSTRA egfylstra@vwu.edu

Virginia Wesleyan handles millions of dollars in various endowment practices, and decisions regarding them have a profound impact on the university’s future. On Oct. 25, VWU hosted the Intentional Endowments Network Fall Forum to discuss where this money goes. Speakers at the forum also explained ways these funds go toward benefiting students.

The conference focused on balancing returns with institution values, especially those pertaining to the environment.

The topics discussed ranged from university investment to diversity and inclusion practices.

“There was great passion in the room about pushing investment policy to support sustainability and social equity,” junior Jessica Wilson said, who holds the role of Co-Lead in the IEN. The Intentional Endowments Network’s goals are stated as to “leverage the immense assets of educational institutions towards creating a sustainable economic landscape.” In total, higher education controls almost $650 billion in endowments, giving them power to promote sustainable businesses.

Miller spoke on how this holds up at VWU. “Environmental principles embedded in all policies on campus, standing the test of time,” Miller said. Recent endowments, meaning donations to the university, have increased financial aid and established stronger academics.

Around $120 million dollars are currently managed in VWU’s portfolio. During the investing process, IEN members helped guide the college with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles.

VWU Communications|Courtesy The IEN Fall Forum hosted Ali Bayler, VWU Portfolio Manager; President Scott D. Miller; VWU Trustee Gary Bonnewell '79; and VWU senior Rowan Stuart in Brock Commons, seated on a stage.

ESG principles help mitigate the consequences of short-term investing. By fully researching company’s choices within these guidelines, institutions can make investments that reduce climate change and inequalities.

Rob Andrejewski, University of Richmond’s Sustainability Officer, said, “The new language such as ESG is complicated, but allows us to communicate ideas in a clearer manner.” Even for non-business majors, learning common words surrounding sustainability can promote its use in every industry.

“I learned how to view environmental stewardship less as a static concept and more as a continually ongoing process,” Andrejewski said. As new data is released and new studies are conducted, investors will need to adapt.

External organizations bring resources to the VWU campus to promote ESG and sustainability practices.

Brown Advisory donated $50,000 for the student investment portfolio. The results of these funds can be seen in Clarke Hall through resources that offer students hands-on experiences with finances.

Wilson spoke on how understanding investment is not exclusive to higher-ups. She said that individuals can take direct action by making environmentally responsible decisions about their own investments. “You are helping shift capital to drive the sustainability transition,” Wilson said.

Wilson said her biggest takeaway from the forum was that ESG funds do not have to limit profitability.

“Funds that exclude oil companies or that have a required minimum of minorityowned businesses are just as competitive,” Wilson said.

However, she said that both the public managers with the power to make those decisions require better awareness of this “to push forward sustainability and equity.”

President Miller’s Nota Bene, published Oct. 30, praised the IEN Forum and said, “Virginia Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a national leader in ESG investing. Hosting the IEN Fall Forum at our campus reaffirms our dedication to sustainable endowment management.”

Sophomore and Criminal Justice major Madison Hayes

MILITARY CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 VA Yellow Ribbon Program usually result in the cost of schooling being zero.

Increasing accessibility to higher education for those in the military adds to the skills gained during service to help them curate an ideal career and lifestyle.

VWU provides options to make education affordable and accessible, whether they have retired or are currently serving.

In last year’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, retired Gunnery Sergeant Cory Franklin shared his experience receiving an education at the university.

Franklin said, “I believe that the arts at Virginia Wesleyan helped me to decompress; they supported my transition from military life.”

Along with the annual Veterans Day ceremony, held on Nov. 10 this year, VWU recognizes troops through the Military Honor Tree on display at the Batten Student Center plaza desk. The tree has a basket of ribbons of assorted colors next to it. Tying the ribbon to the tree represents respect toward someone in the military or in a military family.

The white ribbon pays respect to someone who lost their life in service, the blue honors a person who is currently serving, the yellow represents general support of veterans, the black is in memory of someone who was a POW or MIA, the red is for students who are serving or have served and the purple honors Purple Heart recipients.

In terms of the university’s support, students shed light on what they found beneficial and what the school could improve on. Abi Carlson spoke on how the institution has supported her.

“VWU did a great job helping with the financial aspect… communication between the university and my family to be able to use the benefits from the military was so easy, and definitely made the transition to

college less stressful,” Carlson said.

Beyond financial support, Carlson said, “I do think it would be so fun if VWU continued to build on that, and offer more services. It really makes a difference to have that kind of support available.”

First-year Milo Schuehle echoed this standpoint. “VWU allows their students to use their benefits, despite it being a private school,” Schuehle said. “Other private schools would hesitate to let me use those benefits, because the consensus is that if you go to a private school, you can afford to be there.”

Schuehle had a similar suggestion as Carlson. “It’s nice they appreciate our veterans. It would be better if they reached out directly to our friends and family who served,” Schuehle said.

McKenna Howenstine |Marlin Chronicle A student places a ribbon on the Military Honor Tree at the Batten Student Center Plaza.

Senior Caleb Tascione said, “It’s a good chunk of money off my tuition, they make it more affordable for military families.”

The common denominator in the student’s answers is that the university’s support is positive for financial aspects, but the morale support aspect could improve.

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Thursday November 16, 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

Cars & tampons: sustainability on campus VWU practices sustainability through used cars and biodegradable disposable goods, while weighing use of electric vehicles.

BY CAREY SEAY clseay@vwu.edu

From new security vehicles to coffee grind composts and biodegradable tampons, VWU always aims to lead a sustainable and safe example. As a part of VWU’s Environmental Guiding Principles, the University is committed to serving the coastal environment it is a part of by leading with sustainability, stewarding campus resources and promoting environmental responsibility in students.

According to the Principles, “The ongoing sustainability efforts of the University reflect a larger commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility through environmental stewardship and education.”

This commitment to the environment is reflected in various initiatives the University implements to foster sustainability within, and beyond, the Marlin community.

“Ultimately, we want to go green,” Senior Vice President Keith Moore said. “But safety is number one because when it comes down to it, you’re here to learn, but your safety is primary.”

In an attempt to “go green” while promoting safety, VWU has recently added a newer, somewhat more sustainable vehicle to its security fleet. The vehicle previously belonged to a retired fire marshal, so it came to VWU already equipped with all the necessary equipment. This vehicle replaces the previous two vehicles that made up the fleet, both of which had between 200,000 and 300,000 miles on them.

As administrators were in the process of locating a new vehicle, the Student Government Association (SGA) suggested that the vehicle be eco-friendly. However, the lack of charging ports and limits of the budget did not allow for the new vehicle to be hybrid or electric.

“We cut our fleet in half, so that is more economical and better for the environment. But looking into the future, we are looking to add charging stations to new construction,” Moore said. “I’m working with Dominion Power right now and have been for about four months on adding stations to new construction. Right now, we know that demand is not something that is there quite yet, but it’s heading that way.”

When it comes to purchasing security vehicles, VWU usually looks for public safety companies or departments that are selling used vehicles.

This has partly played a role in the fact that the new security vehicle is not electric or hybrid, despite SGA’s suggestions.

“We typically

buy vehicles from another company, but the electric vehicles haven’t trickled down to us yet,” senior, member of VWU’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and President of SGA Eddie McDonald said. “We’re still buying vehicles that were bought five or six years ago that weren’t electric, so I would expect the next set of vehicles to be electric.”

Although VWU claims to have big plans to make advancements for electric vehicles in the future, these plans are not evident in their recent actions.

“If VWU would like to go above and beyond with their environmental standards, this addition of a non-hybrid or electric vehicle is not exactly the way to do it,” senior and Marlins Go Green President Cecelia Aten said. “Having a newer vehicle and only one vehicle is more of the bare minimum that VWU can do when trying to support a more environmentally friendly security fleet. The direction that the world is moving, involving environmentalism and sustainability, expresses the need for VWU to change their security fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles.”

The need for advancements may come even sooner, as electric and hybrid vehicles become more and more popular.

“As fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular, universities are beginning to add charging stations,” Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, said. “Virginia Wesleyan University is looking into options for adding charging stations, anticipating that residential students and visitors will need charging stations in the future.”

In the meantime, VWU aims to lead a sustainable example in other facets of the campus community. Student-led organizations, such as SGA and Marlins Go Green, make it their priority to leave a positive environmental footprint. “[Sustainability] is always a focus of what we’re doing in SGA,” McDonald said. “I think Marlins Go Green has done an amazing job too, especially with the composting.”

Marlins Go Green partners with Sodexo to compost leftover food and give back to

Marketing Directors

SGA|Courtesy Security officers recieve a gift from SGA. the environment. The organization stresses the importance of recycling and encourages students to utilize the recycling bins in the 24/7 Study area and under the stairs in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center.

Similarly, SGA follows initiatives in an attempt to make our campus more sustainable.

One of these initiatives can also be found in the 24/7 Study lounge, where SGA has set up a free coffee station for students. Rather than providing single-use plastic cups, the station is stocked with biodegradable cups—a small but effective difference. SGA has also been researching vendors that provide eco-friendly and sustainable menstrual products. The organization hopes to provide students with these products in the near future.

Although there is still work to be done, VWU has recently taken the steps to become more sustainable and eco-friendly, as well as safe.

If you have ideas to make our campus greener or just want to lend a helping hand, keep up with the SGA and Marlins Go Green Instagram pages, @sga.marlins and @ marlinsgogreen, respectively.

Andrew Steiner alsteiner1@vwu.edu Rowan Stuart rwstuart@vwu.edu Advisor Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle

MBC CONTINUED FROM PG. 1

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.

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

“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution.

Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.”

--Scott D. Miller, Ph.D President

work. We did concessions for many sports games and ran very successful car washes as well as other things.”

The theme for this year’s conference was “Creating Opportunities through Technical Innovation.” Senior Emily Moody, the CEO, explained the process behind how the class came up with this title by brainstorming in small groups before coming together to find threads between all their ideas.

“Everything is so digital now, especially with things like ChatGPT and AI. We decided we wanted to focus on the technology of the business world because it’s so prevalent in today’s society,” Moody said. “The biggest purpose of the conference is to create opportunities and looking at the technical side of that is what we wanted to highlight.”

A particular highlight for each conference is the opening ceremony with its featured keynote speaker. Dr. Angela Reddix was invited as this semester’s keynote speaker. Reddix is a community leader, philanthropist, threetimes bestselling author and founder of two organizations: ARDX, a professional services management and consulting firm, and Envision Lead Grow, an entrepreneurship program for young girls.

“At the beginning of the semester, we always have a meeting with President Miller to talk about the conference, and he had Dr. Reddix in mind,” Moody said.

Moody expressed her excitement in having the opportunity to hear from this prominent woman.

“Dr. Reddix is very impressive. She’s worked really hard for what she’s done,” Moody said.

“She is a leader and a fantastic, self-made entrepreneur.”

Another exciting part of this semester’s conference was Tuesday night’s event at The

HIVE, Virginia Beach’s Business Resource Center in Town Center. Moody touched on the importance of involving the business community outside of Virginia Wesleyan through events like this.

“Being able to go off-campus and involve other people in the community, not just our campus, is something that I think is really cool,” Moody said.

The Marlin Business Conference not only “is helping students learn new skills, but also teaches them how to go out in the business world,” Moody said. Involving the business world via the HIVE is one such way it accomplishes just that.

The Marlin Business Conference presents opportunities for those involved in business, both on and off campus. Students are given valuable opportunities to hear from and talk with many successful business people, and the possibility of securing a future job or internship is not unheard of.

McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle LEFT: Senior and MBC CEO Emily Moody presents the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the conference on Nov. 13.

RIGHT: Attendees at the opening ceremony of the business conference fill the room.

The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Thursday, November 16

5

Mobile Marlins make moves Traffic and car troubles are some of the daily struggles faced by commuter students, but VWU is here to help.

BY CHLOE BOOHER crbooher@vwu.edu

College room and board prices are expensive, and being a local student has its perks. Mobile Marlins are students that are able to enjoy the college experience while living in the comfort of their own home. These students can take advantage of the many amenities that students who live on campus also have.

On the second floor of the Jane P. Batten Student Center, commuter students are provided a space where they can store their lunches. The room has a full fridge, toaster oven, Keurig, microwave and a small coffee table; there is also an extra seating space outside the room if needed. Lockers can be found in Birdsong Hall for student athletes who commute and don’t have cars. These students can obtain key cards from security to use the 24/7 Study during nights and weekends.

Considering this year’s large number of first-year students, the amount of commuters on campus has also increased.

Micah Lister is a first-year student who lives near the Norfolk International Airport. Lister has a 15-minute commute to school.

“It’s good to be close to home because I help my parents with my younger siblings,” Lister said. “If I need somewhere quiet and the library is not open, I can usually go to my house.”

Some students who were previously commuters have moved into on-campus housing as Residential Assistants (RA), or to live with friends in an attempt to avoid a longer commute. On the other hand, some students decide to become commuters as a result of finishing their undergraduate degree and beginning their masters

program.

Emma Janney is currently completing the Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd) program. Janney lived on campus during her years as an undergraduate, but is now a commuter.

“I live in Newport News, and my commute can be between 30 minutes to two hours depending on traffic and the closures affected by the bridge tunnel,” Janney said.

Sophomore Molly Brennan currently works as a RA, but was a commuter during her first year at VWU. Brennan is from Suffolk, and had a 30-minute commute to campus.

“I usually got up two hours before I had to be at school to allocate for traffic and everything because I had a lot of morning classes,” Brennan said. “Sometimes I would leave two hours before my classes had to start and I would still get there late.”

Students who live on campus are required to buy parking passes. The same goes for commuter students.

“When I was a commuter last year, it was $150, and it’s the same this year being an RA,” Brennan said.

Unfortunately, students sometimes run into car troubles and have to find other ways of getting to school, such as asking for a ride from friends or parents, calling an Uber or riding a bike.

“Second semester of freshman year I had to drive my family car, which didn’t really inconvenience me other than the fact I had to show them my ID since I didn’t have the parking pass,” Brennan said.

There are many pros and cons to living on campus, especially in regard to social life and productivity.“I met some great friends on campus and got super involved with different clubs and departments on campus,” Janney said.

“Once I made friends and started to have more connections on campus, I began enjoying my time on campus more and

more. There are ample cons because of the commute to and from, especially as a student in the MAEd program completing practicum hours.”

Some students are consistently late by 5 or 10 minutes just because of traffic, which is something that can’t be controlled. This has caused students to wake up extremely early.

“It’s definitely nice not having to wake up at the crack of dawn for a 10 a.m. class, and I don’t have all of that time spent in traffic anymore, which was frustrating,” Brennan said.

All things considered, commuter students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by numerous organizations and clubs on campus. Like all other students, Mobile Marlins should join clubs, make friends and reach out for help.

Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle

Free breakfast, room service in a hotel dorm

BY VICTORIA HANELINE vfhaneline1@vwu.edu

Several Virginia Wesleyan students live in a Comfort Inn roughly a five-minute drive from campus, and have for the entire semester. Northampton Housing, as Virginia Wesleyan University labels it, is off-campus overflow housing, where students are located when there are no available living spaces on campus.

“That’s a temporary space,” Director of Residence Life Elyse Rosen said. She said that the housing usually contains about 25 students at the start of fall semester and is usually empty by spring. According to Rosen, Northampton Housing is where students are placed if they missed their deadline to apply for housing or signed up for it themselves.

The hotel has been used as off-campus

Ross Winner|Marlin Chronicle

housing since 2014.

“A lot of schools tend to use this method just based on admission rates,” Rosen said, explaining that schools have overflow housing due to difficulty determining exactly how many students will be using campus housing every semester and fewer students in the spring.

“We didn’t really find out where it was until like a week before school,” junior Amalia Houff said. She said it felt like the notice was last minute and that she didn’t know what housing she was applying for.

Houff, who said she was asked by the school to be a temporary Resident Assistant for the hotel until the students were moved back, found the lack of communication an issue in other aspects.

“I was never given anyone’s information,” Houff said. Houff was worried that if there was an issue that needed her assistance, people wouldn’t know how to contact her.

In addition, she said that communication around moving out was also an issue.

“I was told we were supposed to have everybody out of the hotels by October 19,” Houff said. At the time of her interview, November 3rd, Rosen estimated the number of students living there to be six.

Junior Andrew McMullen said he was late to class several times because of the drive, which takes about five minutes but can take longer depending on traffic. Houff

said the drive was anywhere from five to 15 minutes.

“Everything you do on campus, from classes to clubs to even something as arbitrary as eating lunch is accompanied by this decision,” McMullen said. He finds it inconvenient to drive back and forth between the hotel and campus every day, sometimes more than once.

If a student were walking to campus, it would take over 20 minutes and involve crossing a major road.

“If a student is walking, it’s not ideal,” Rosen said. However, she said that all students still in the housing had a car. In addition, she said that transportation would be provided if necessary, such as in the event of a breakdown.

Students found other consequences of the drive.

“You feel pretty isolated from everyone else on campus,” Houff said. She said she felt like it was difficult to spend time with her friends. Houff said that she missed out on opportunities because she wasn’t physically on campus.

Virginia Wesleyan requires four-year residency on campus unless the student lives in Hampton Roads or meets one of a few other exceptions, such as marriage. The university website states this is because “it is in the residence halls that students find opportunities for cultural, educational, social, and recreational enrichment.”

“I think it varies based on the students and the level of engagement that they want to incorporate,” Rosen said about the possible difficulties of community engagement. She mentioned a student who was very involved with the community while living in Northampton Housing.

Some students, she said, signed up for this housing every year.

“The cons outweigh the pros,” McMullen said about living in Northampton Housing.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t pros to living there.

“The room itself is arguably better,” McMullen said. The room has a larger bed than the beds provided by campus, and it is cleaned every other day. A complimentary breakfast is provided.

“There aren’t any people at three in the morning yelling outside,” McMullen said.

He also liked that the room was cleaned.

“We have our own air condition unit and stuff which is really nice because I like to have my room freezing cold,” Houff said.

Most students that live on campus have no control over the heating and cooling of their room.

Houff said “I think I would,” when asked if she would move back to campus.

“I wanted to be at a school like this for the community,” Houff said.

“That’s part of the reason why I chose a small school,” Houff said. “All of my friends live on campus.”

Multifactor Authentication adds levels of security

BY CALEE LUKOWSKI crlukowski@vwu.edu

Aside from homework, tests, projects and extracurricular activities, Microsoft Authenticator can make doing basic tasks on Blackboard seem like jumping through hoops. The new two-step verification for Microsoft Authenticator requires students and faculty members to have the Microsoft Authenticator app on their mobile devices.

This has proven difficult for some people for a multitude of reasons, while others don’t necessarily mind the two-step authentication process.

The Microsoft Authenticator app is a safe and secure way to protect Microsoft accounts and information. This type of secure login is used by many schools and companies to ensure the security of the accounts of their users.

Now that Microsoft Authenticator is slowly doing away with text message verification, the app used for two-step authentication is becoming a must-have.

The dual authentication process is designed to be incredibly simple. With the app on a mobile device, students and faculty members can simply type in a provided code to access their accounts.

The two-step authentication is advertised as more secure than simply typing in a password. As one would expect, this gives the sign in process a second wall of security.

The Microsoft support website said, “Twostep verification helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your Microsoft account. It uses two different forms of identity: your password, and a contact method.”

First-year Gabrielle Barnett says she likes the extra security this dual authentication process provides.

“I don’t have to worry about people breaking into my school account,” Barnett said. “Since I have a lot of private information on there, and I feel like my passwords are relatively easy to guess, I like that.”

“It’s becoming the standard wherever you work.”

Dr. Stephen Hock, associate professor of English Occasionally, students and faculty members have experienced situations where they can’t use the Microsoft Authentication app.

Junior Kaitlyn Duswalt was without a phone for two weeks when she broke it earlier this fall. Luckily, Duswalt had already opted to have her accounts automatically authenticated for seven days. After the first seven days, however, Duswalt had to do something to be able to access her accounts.

There was a relatively easy solution, thankfully. Duswalt simply had to contact the Malbon Center for Technology to explain the situation. The solution from

there was to have Duswalt’s authentication account transferred to her boyfriend’s phone temporarily.

This, of course, proved to be inconvenient when the two were separate during the day and Duswalt needed the code for authentication. Duswalt would have to email her boyfriend when she needed the code for authentication, which wasn’t the most reliable form of communication.

Duswalt said the entire process was easy enough, but it was ultimately “kind of annoying. I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Dr. Stephen Hock, associate professor of English, has a different problem when it comes to using Microsoft Authenticator.

Hock does not own a mobile phone and, therefore, is unable to use the Microsoft Authenticator app to complete the two-step authentication process.

Hock has two ways of successfully using the two-step authentication. One method is to have the Microsoft Authenticator programmed to call a landline. This is useful only when there is access to a landline. For when there is no landline, another method must be used.

For this type of situation, Hock has a small USB flash drive, provided by the Malbon Center for Technology, that acts as a key to the Microsoft Authenticator. It’s as simple as plugging the drive into a computer and entering a security code.

Since beginning to use these methods last year, Hock has not encountered any major problems to make the process inconvenient. Even in situations that are not generally taken into account by large corporations, such as Microsoft, there are

some solutions available for problems that may arise.

While the dual authentication process may seem like an inconvenience to many students and faculty members, even without having to jump through hurdles, Hock said, “It’s becoming the standard wherever you work.”

This is certainly becoming more and more relevant as new technology is replacing the innovations of the past.

Carey Seay|Marlin Chronicle

Opinions

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Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

How to increase student involvement

BY DOROTHY YANKU-PALMER dpyankupalmer@vwu.edu

I have been a student at VWU since 2020 and I have seen student activity events with very little student involvement as well as student activity events with a lot of student involvement.

Reasons I have heard for students not coming are because it is too

Dorothy Yanku-Palmer|Courtesy

overstimulating with noise and crowds, they did not see it being advertised, they have class or simply they do not have the time to come to it.

Some of these include dances, the belly flop contest, sometimes trivia nights, and a handful of other activities.

The events on campus that tend to get larger student involvement are midnight breakfast, the annual Christmas tree lighting and the Carnevil Halloween event.

These events tend to be during times when there are no classes or sporting events and are advertised by word of mouth as well as by flyers all around campus.

Events that also get larger turnouts tend to have incentives, because people love having the chance to win stuff for free, as well as getting free items just for showing up.

I have had many different ideas to help to get a lot more involvement from students for lots of events.

One of which can be having an event held longer or twice in one day, or having it last longer to give students multiple options of when they can come.

Another option is to have both the

regular event and that same event but make it adaptable for those who get overstimulated or overwhelmed at the regular events.

Being able to have adaptable activities and events on campus, allows all students who want to attend to have that opportunity to go without having to worry.

Another way that can help to get more student engagement is to have students provide ideas for events that they want to see as well as have the student body vote on polls for events they want to see done.

Some other ways to help promote more involvement at events are to advertise the VWU Student Engagement as well as the Off the Hook social media accounts more to the students.

Lots of students either do not have social media accounts or they did not know that there were social media accounts advertising these events.

I believe that the Office of Student Engagement is doing anything and everything that they can think of when it comes to trying to spread the word when events are coming up.

I also believe that with time, these events will gain more engagement from the students and that hopefully there will

be more events that are suited to more people.

Ultimately, in time it would be awesome to see students more involved in the events on campus, but in order to do so there also needs to be some changes like mentioned above.

Giving students the capability to give input on what they want to see on campus is probably the best way to achieve higher student involvement.

At the end of the day, it is extremely important to keep in mind that the student community is very broad, and you may not be able to please everyone.

If an event is able to reach at least half of the community, then I say that is an incredible start.

Will I see any of this in my time remaining on campus, probably not, but I hope that there is change and evolution with the events on campus later down the road.

Dorothy Yanku-Palmer is a senior special education major. In her freetime, she enjoys hanging out in the Batten Student Center and is a part of several clubs on campus. She can be contacted at dpyankupalmer@vwu.edu.

‘There is no reason to abstain from voting’

BY JONATHAN MURDOCH jrmurdoch@vwu.edu

I am Jon Murdoch, a Senior at Virginia Wesleyan University.

I proudly hold the positions of President of Young Democrats, Secretary of Marlins Go Green and the Membership Director of Hampton Roads Young Democrats.

It is my belief that politics are the best way to create meaningful change in the world we live in, and, as a result, I am invested in America’s political systems.

When asked to provide my input on the current voting process, my answer is, “It’s complicated.” Here is my explanation for why: In order to have the best society to live in, everyone in that society must be involved in the lawmaking process.

However, this is not realistically possible, as most people are busy with their education, occupations and families.

So, as a compromise, there is a general consensus that the community appoints an individual to advocate on the behalf of the community at large in order to do so.

This process is generally referred to as the Electoral Process, where members of a given constituency place their confidence in an individual to do the best job possible for the community.

This is a bedrock of liberal democracy and a genuinely good thing to have in America.

However, this is never perfect. This ideal, where elected officials work on behalf of their constituents, can only be reality when the entire community places their votes.

Elected officials, who care about their own job security, will appeal to those who will keep them in power, otherwise known as the people who will vote.

In other words, if an individual does not vote, elected officials will not listen to their concerns, commonly leading to these officials passing measures that can be remarkably unpopular.

Over time, people that have been barred from voting have been enfranchised.

This has been enshrined in our Constitution, through the passage of the 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments.

Now, all American citizens, provided you are over 18 years old and have not committed a felony (in some states for some crimes), are able to vote.

Voting erases the barriers restricting the right to choose your representation.

Rights are only powerful when exercised.

But when key parts of the American people, such as college students and people of minority backgrounds, fail to uphold their civic responsibility to vote, it becomes an issue sourced from inaction by individuals, rather than from the government setting the rules.

The reason for this inaction will always be up to debate.

Some will claim that it’s an active result of measures meant to limit access to the ballot box, while others will claim that people are too lazy to vote overall.

Nonetheless, the issue driving a massive amount of problems comes from voter inaction and voter apathy from the constituency, rather than the laws acting as a barrier to voting.

However, laws can be passed to motivate people to vote. These can be potentially solved by the following actions: 1. Provide a benefit to those who have cast a ballot.

• For example, $20 per election • Similar to Australia’s method of mandatory voting, but with an incentive instead of a punishment.

2. Provide a mail ballot for every voter in every election.

• Prevents people from not being able to vote by lack of transport or by employment cases where their job harms voting availability.

3. Increase the value and accessibility of election information • Provide easy to access examples of candidates; provide details on their stances and record on major issues.

• Make this information known to all voters through PSAs.

Jonathan Murdoch|Courtesy Murdoch with Virginia Senator and Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Kaine.

All elections are incredibly important, as they dramatically impact everybody’s daily lives.

Whether it is about your individual freedoms, community projects or the environment as a whole, the results you see in government are the direct result of your vote.

Despite it not being perfect, there is no reason to abstain from voting.

Jonathan Murdoch is a senior business major. He is the current president of Young Democrats and is the secretary of Marlins Go Green. He can be contacted at jrmurdoch@vwu.edu.

Crash course for online dating

BY EMMA WEHR elwehr@vwu.edu

With worries over maintaining a normal school-life balance, preserving good mental health and dealing with FOMO comes the unexpected joy of online dating.

As we all know, college life is hectic and overwhelming at times, leaving littleto-no time for traditional dating methods.

Online dating apps provide a convenient and accessible way for people to meet and interact with potential partners.

While using such apps has drawn criticisms for seeming superficial and inauthentic, many students use online dating apps as a way to connect and explore romantic relationships.

From eHarmony and FarmersOnly

Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle

radio ads to swiping right on Tinder and creating voice memos on Hinge, online dating apps and their consumers have certainly changed over the past 20 years.

In the past, college aged students would gather their courage and venture into the party scene with the hopes of having a good time and possibly meeting their life partners. Now, we live in a digital age where most if not all college students have grown up with access to modern technology.

Online dating allows individuals to easily meet new people while maintaining a certain level of anonymity and dealing with less stressful indirect rejections.

Dating apps are increasingly inclusive and provide safe spaces for finding partners with similar identities including, but not limited to, age, career, ethnicity, gender and religion.

This digital romance revolution has had a profound impact on and off campus quads, so, for dating experts and amateurs alike, here are a few helpful tips.

Before downloading a dating app, think about what you aim to get out of the experience.

Making new connections is always lovely, but beware that entering a relationship with the wrong intentions only leads to feeling disappointed and heartbroken.

Once you are confident in your

decision, make a profile that speaks to you and be direct with what your dating goals look like.

While dating apps prioritize ensuring user privacy and data security, it’s important to also be aware of releasing personal information online.

While it’s okay to discuss your favorite food from the dining hall or your dream picnic date in the Wesleyan Woods, don’t ever release private information such as your home address, important passwords, social security number and more.

Giving away your phone number is optional, but always stay vigilant about possible scams.

Online dating apps are extremely accessible to everyone, including hackers or those with the intent of unethical data usage.

Once you get a hang of a life filled with awkward small talk, dining hall dates and other romantic misadventures, remember to not let the excitement of dating consume all your time and energy.

If you are catching yourself swiping right more than studying hard, maybe it’s time to put the phone down and take a break.

Remember that the college experience is fun, but academics still come first.

Don’t let the pressure of entertaining a mediocre partner ever interfere with your studies.

On a final note, the experience of love in the digital age is fulfilling, frustrating and fabulous all in one and the convenience of connecting with possible partners in your own home is unmatched.

Explore relationships at your own pace and ensure that you have a balance between your social life, academics and personal time. Be safe online and enjoy swiping away!

Emma Wehr is a junior chemistry major. She is found performing onstage in Wesleyan Theater productions and on the field on VWU’s field hockey team. She can be contacted at elwehr@vwu.edu.

Emma Wehr|Courtesy

7

Sports

Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Cards fly on the field for Marlins

BY KARA HOPKINS knhopkins@vwu.edu

Attendees go to sports events for the action, and there’s no better action than watching a red card go up in the air.

Josh Condit, junior and defender for the Men’s Soccer team, received a red card on Oct. 14 in a game against the University of Lynchburg. During a play, he elbowed a player, which led to a stare-down, lasting about ten seconds. In the heat of the moment, Condit slapped the opposing player.

“I guess I gave him a little love tap on the face,” Condit said.

After this, the player hit Condit back harder, and ran away. A video of the moment shows Condit snapping back from

Hailey Benders|Marlin Chronicle

the hit. Condit then ran after him on the field.

The referee administered a red card to the Lynchburg player, and then to Condit.

“I think it was fair, but it also wasn’t. I think the other guy deserved it more, but I guess I started it,” Condit said.

The punishment for this card made it so Condit had to sit out the rest of the ongoing game and the following game.

Emma Acanfora is a junior forward for the Women’s Soccer team. In a game against Randolph-Macon College on Oct. 4, she received a yellow card.

This card was administered because Acanfora raised her voice at the referee after a call she did not agree with. The referee had called a foul on VWU, while Acanfora felt that it should have been on Randolph-Macon.

In regard to the actual card, she felt it was justified since she did yell.

“Was the card fair? Yes. The call before it? No,” Acanfora said.

While there was no consequence for this single yellow card in soccer, if a student receives five in a single season, they have to sit out for a match.

Junior Lauren Hedspeth is a member of the Field Hockey team. In a game against Washington & Lee on Oct. 14, Hedspeth received a green card. In Field Hockey, a green card means the player is suspended from playing for two minutes. With one minute left in the game, the ball hit her foot as she was carrying it.

From the young age of seven years old, her training in field hockey taught her to continue to play out the game until the whistle blew, and was in the motion of hitting the ball when the referee blew the whistle for the foul. In field hockey, the ball may not touch a player’s foot, only the stick. The referee carded Hedspeth continuing the play despite it hitting her foot, requiring her to sit the game out for two minutes. This meant that she was out for the end of the game, and during one minute of overtime.

“I think the referee did not take into account that it was raining and windy, and there was one minute left in a tight game.

There was obviously a lot of adrenaline and I just didn’t process the whistle,” Hedspeth said.

She believes the call to be a misunderstanding, and an unfortunate one at that. When carded, field hockey players cannot swap out, and must continue a man down.

Shannon Gaffney is a junior on the Field Hockey team as well. She is one of the four captains, and in her match on Oct. 7 against Eastern Mennonite University, while she was acting as the speaking captain, she was carded.

Another experienced player, Gaffney started playing the sport at nine years old, so this card was a shock to her.

While in a corner set play, the team performed an illegal substitution. While Gaffney knew this was illegal, she did not

know that the card goes on the captain.

She was administered a green card, and had to sit out the game for two minutes.

The initial feelings were ones of confusion, because she did not understand how she was involved in the play, but the referee stated that the blame goes on the speaking captain.

Despite confusion, Gaffney composed herself well after clarification.

She said, “When I receive a card, I always say; calm down, and be smarter.”

While players can become annoyed with referees during matches when they are carded, VWU student athletes understand the importance of this crucial game element and offer advice for those who do receive cards.

“Keep respectful no matter how frustrating it is,” Hedspeth said.

Acanfora and Condit both spoke on how referees are set in their ways, and it is often best not to argue with them.

“They are probably not going to change their minds, so once the call has already happened, it’s a done deal,” Acanfora said.

And speaking from his experience with receiving a red card, Condit said, “Just walk off the field. The referee is not going to change his mind.”

The main takeaway from these athletes, however, is to be respectful.

“If you can argue it, do it respectfully so that the referee will be more willing to take your side of things,” Hedspeth said.

Student Recap: Marlins fall to ODU

BY ROWAN STUART rwstuart@vwu.edu

“Before the season I see a team ready to compete, no matter who the opponent is,” first-year basketball player Paul Anderson said. With competition on their minds, the Marlins charged into the season opener basketball game against the Monarchs of Old Dominion University, a DI school, on Monday, Nov. 6.

The Marlins found themselves facing ODU in front of a crowd of 5,371 at the Chartway Arena in Norfolk located on ODU’s campus.

The Marlins started off strong when ODU failed to take the jump, but faced a quick turnaround when the Monarchs came for an offensive rebound. This set up the Monarchs to take five points putting the Marlins at a deficit. The Marlins did not let up and their persistence paid off with senior Jordan Crump scoring the first points of the game on the Marlins side, floating in a three pointer jump after receiving an assist from Omari DeVeaux. The game continued to look up for the Marlins as Chaunce Jenkins was fouled by ODU. DeVeaux put in one of two free throws.

The Marlins kept a tight game, with ODU putting in shot-for-shot keeping each other close. ODU was put on their toes after coming into the game with a dangerous

degree of over confidence demonstrated in their reflection. An article from Harry Minium on the ODU Athletics website said the ODU team was “taller, stronger and faster than Wesleyan.”

Despite continued pressure, VWU was at a disadvantage against the hustle being put out by ODU. As the Marlins energy started to fade, ODU widened the gap.

Not satisfied with the change in pace, VWU called a time-out with 12:26 left in the first half. The team huddle clearly had the intended effect with the Marlins charging back into the half with senior Eric Rowland making an offensive rebound setting the stage for grad student Miles Wallace to assist junior Amarion Wilson.

Shocked by the newfound energy, ODU quickly called a time-out of their own. In their huddle ODU players were urged by Head Coach Jeff Jones to “hit the Floor to retrieve the ball.” Thankfully for the Marlins, their enthusiasm didn’t let up and they kept the Monarchs at bay, closing the gap and making the game ever more intimate.

That was until a foul made on Crump aided by an official TV time-out messed up the Marlins flow. Instead of swimming back in to take the lead, the Marlins found themselves maintaining the current amount of points on the board. Once a foul was committed by Marlin sophomore Khai Seargeant, the Marlins found themselves

starting to drown, letting up several layups and free throws, putting the Marlins in the deep end for a 40-26 deficit to make up in the second half.

Invigorated by halftime, the Marlins went into the next half swinging hard.

Not a single shot was scored outside a free throw for the first two minutes of the second half.

Led by first-year Braden Justice, the Marlins proceeded to go shot-forshot for the first quarter of the second half before an official TV time-out gave the Marlins a chance to take a much needed rest.

Coming out of the TV time-out, the Marlins appeared to be playing a more defensive game against the calculated ODU strategy.

The Marlins, thrown off by the change of pace, applied the same intensity they had at the beginning of the game, leading to a series of fouls committed by the Marlins.

This gave the ODU Monarchs the opportunity to increase their lead further with a few quick

ODAC CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 participating in a big tournament.

“I was beyond excited to go into the tournament with this team,” Koblish said.

The support of her teammates played a crucial role in settling her nerves, allowing Koblish to contribute effectively to the team’s success. The transition from regular season matches to the intensity of tournament play was not without its challenges, especially for a first-year like Koblish.

“Being a freshman, I was definitely a little overwhelmed because it was my first time playing in a big tournament with the team,” she said. However, as soon as she stepped onto the field, the nerves dissipated, and the weight of the moment lifted as the team played their hearts out.

The whistle blew, signaling their victory in the ODAC final, and Koblish felt a profound sense of relief. Furthermore, playing on their home field brought an additional layer of significance to the Women’s Soccer team’s triumph.

Koblish recounted the season’s unbeaten streak at home, emphasizing how it contributed

Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Sophomore Hannah Smith and senior Emma Claytor go for the block in a home game against Guilford College on Nov. 7. to a boost in confidence. “It was great playing at home,” she said. The comfort of familiar surroundings and the support of their fans created an environment where success felt natural.

The team’s goals for the tournament were straightforward.

Koblish said, “Our goal was to stay focused and play to our best ability as a team.” Their hard work and determination culminated in winning the ODAC, a result that filled Koblish with immense pride.

Looking ahead, she emphasized the need to maintain the same work rate and mentality for the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The Men’s Soccer team advanced until the semifinals.

First-year soccer player Josh Vincent reflects positively on the season, emphasizing the significant progress the squad has made. He notes that the team has set a real milestone for the program, indicating a promising future.

The camaraderie and hard work put in by the players has contributed to a successful season, setting the stage for their tournament endeavors.

Vincent describes the ODAC tournament as a great experience, and appreciated the pivotal role every team member played.

Despite falling short in overtime during the semifinals, Vincent expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate.

free throws that put the Marlins at a now 24-point deficit.

With the new pace of the game and an increasing score to make up, the Marlins called a time-out to further adjust their strategy.

The next five minutes of the game were intense but uneventful as the Marlins fought viciously to make up the points and the Monarchs kept a tight defense trying to keep them out.

The Marlins persistence paid off with a series of quick layups that brought the team into the final minutes and final scoring opportunities. But the ODU defense did not let up. The Marlins found themselves increasingly squeezed for time and, with one final three pointer, the Marlins were at a loss with a final score of 57-71.

Even in the loss, the Marlins are optimistic for the future. “The area of our team is how everyone believes in each other,” Anderson said. With that outlook, the Marlins continue their season to keep working upwards.

“As many would say, we deserved more, but that is the way the game goes sometimes, and we look to make another great effort next year,” Vincent said.

For Vincent, the ODAC tournament marked his first significant foray into postseason play. “I was so thankful to have made it with my team,” he said.

Looking ahead, Vincent eagerly anticipates participating in the tournament throughout his four years at VWU. Participating in a tournament was a thrilling experience for him. He noted the hard work and effort put in by each team member on and off the field, emphasizing the bonds forged through shared challenges.

While the ultimate goal was to secure a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament, Vincent acknowledges the unpredictable nature of sports and appreciates the journey and camaraderie that define the tournament experience.

Playing away from home presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Vincent acknowledges the adjustments required, but also emphasized the sense of unity that comes from facing challenges together.

The support and encouragement of teammates and coaching staff

James Hill|Courtesy Sophomore Khai Seargeant goes for a free throw against ODU on Nov. 6. contributed to creating a homeaway-from-home atmosphere, fostering resilience and teamwork on the road.

Vincent shared that the primary goal for the tournament was to win and advance to the NCAA. While acknowledging that not everything goes as planned in sports, he remains proud of the team’s efforts and accomplishments throughout the season.

Vincent expressed satisfaction with the progress made and looks forward to building on this success in the upcoming years, aiming for an even greater impact.

The VWU Women’s Volleyball team has also been having a remarkable season. As first-year Avery Lewis said, “It’s the best season the team has had so far.”

The team’s journey in the ODAC tournament has been exceptional, securing a coveted spot in the final. Unfortunately, the team lost the final to Washington & Lee University. “Losing when you’re that close always hurts,” Lewis said.

The ODAC tournament has been a memorable chapter in the fall sports season for VWU’s Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams and Women’s Volleyball.

Sports

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Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

Athletic Department behind the scenes Athletics interns discuss the benefits and joys of the office.

BY ISSAC FICK ihfick@vwu.edu

Behind the glass doors of the Athletic Department, there is a constant hustle to make all the events, games and advertising look effortless.

Much of what the athletic department does may go unseen. Behind the scenes of the athletics department, and outside of students’ direct experiences, there are many people who hold up the department.

Interns within the Athletics Department shed light on their experiences and perspectives working with Athletics.

Crosson Miller, a junior Sport and Recreation Management major, plays on the Men’s Lacrosse team and works as an intern under the Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Andrea HooverErbig. He provided insight into his role and responsibilities within the department.

“My specific tasks have included setting up TowneBank Arena, running scoreboards, visual display boards, tracking substitutions, live-stat tracking, filming for virtual streaming, running sideline balls, meeting opposing teams and showing them to our facilities/ locker rooms and crowd management,” Miller said.

Miller plans to continue his career in sports following this internship. “I am hoping to get a career in coaching and/ or professional sports gameday ops. This internship allows me to get valuable experience and knowledge in my desired field,” Miller said.

He encouraged anyone to go after a career that they feel passionate about. “Everyone I have talked to in the Athletics Department is extremely passionate about their jobs.

They care about things like community outreach, sport specific ‘X’s and O’s’ and being genuine friends with others within the department,” Miller said.

Miller spoke about his positive experience while a part of the department. “My favorite part of my internship so far has been the new connections I have made and people I’ve interacted with,” Miller said.

He also shared the importance of meeting new people and how it has added value to his overall experience. “Getting to hear their experiences and stories from their careers so far has been extremely helpful,” Miller said.

Miller also spoke highly of the connections he has made and the people he has interacted with in the department. “Overall, the Athletics Department is caring and compassionate about themselves, their supporters and their community, and I think it shows,” Miller said.

Josh Heller, a 2023 alumnus of VWU, is a graduate intern under the Director of Communications, Tyler Costello.

Heller said that he acts as Costello’s second man. His job responsibilities include “updating our website, updating player rosters, sending the rosters to other schools, writing.” In addition, Heller said, “I manage the

soccer games, typically what that entails is, I do statistics and I make contact with the other team and get their rosters before the game.”

Heller shared the value of his internship. “I think that my internship is good for anyone that’s interested in sports, like if you’re a person who is dedicated or knows a lot about sports,” Heller said.

Adding to that, Heller believes there are other ways an internship could be valuable, especially at VWU. It may be especially valuable “if you have any writing ability, and interact with people whether that be parents, colleagues, people who work at Virginia Wesleyan,” Heller said. He also mentioned it’s a way to see what the Athletics Department is like.

Heller expanded on this.

“Without the coaching staff, the management, the Director of Communications and the Director of Athletics, you essentially wouldn’t have a way to communicate the message and what’s really happening in these games,” Heller said.

“Any big accolade or achievement, or really any stat that happens just kind of goes out the window and no one would really get the significance, so I’d say that’s a big positive to working in the Athletics Department,” Heller said.

Costello mentioned the importance of interns and the help they provide for every game. “At Virginia Wesleyan, it is important for me to have extra help at games because every extra person I get at

the

Scoreboard

the

Schedule

Colette Kearney |Marlin Chronicle Intern Crosson Miller films a Men’s Basketball home game against Salisbury University on Nov. 10. the athletic event has the potential to become better,” Costello said. “If I am able to consistently have my interns and workers be hired in the sports industry, then I have done my job well.”

Another 2023 VWU alumna who has ties to working with the Athletic Department is Shirell Washington.

“What I took out of working in athletics is that it’s different from a typical 9-5, you get to bond with others who work in athletics and build lasting relationships,” Washington said.

The hard work of the Athletic Department may be unseen, but it’s never unappreciated, especially by those who have had the chance to work there.

NCAA CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 us,” Marrone said.

The tournament began with the quarterfinals on Oct. 31 when No.8 seed Shenandoah University came to Foster Field at the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex. The lone goal came late, and it came from first-year Janessa Lowe in the 86th minute.

Having won the first game, next came No. 4 seed Bridgewater College in the semifinal, which took place on Nov. 3.

This game was a more decisive game for the Marlins with a 2-0 victory.

This set up the final between the Marlins and No. 3 seed, Washington and Lee University. The hero in that game was Marrone who scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute. “First and foremost, I want to give credit to my teammates, especially Alaina Alston, who fought to get a tough 50/50 ball loose and drop it right in front of me,” Marrone said.

When Marrone saw the ball go into the back of the net, she couldn’t believe it. “The excitement and relief I felt to be able to put us on the scoreboard first was something I will never forget,” Marrone said.

Despite numerous scoring opportunities made by the Generals, senior goalkeeper Rachel Quigley was able to save them all and crown the Marlins champions. Miller, Quigley and sophomore Sheyenne Diaz were named to the ODAC All-Tournament team and grad student defender was named most outstanding player.

Next came the NCAA tournament, where the Marlins were drawn as hosts.

The first game the Marlins played was against Montclair State University out of New Jersey. Letting up an early goal, the Marlins came storming back to take the lead with goals from Diaz and Miller before the game finished in a tie.

Without any goals in either overtime period, the game came down to a penalty shootout. Montclair State missed their first four kicks, while VWU only made one of their first four. It came down to Gunther who made it for the Marlins, booking a date with the defending national champions, the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, in the regional final.

This is the second year in a row the Marlins have played the defending national champions in the NCAA tournament. Last season the Marlins defeated the 2021 National Champion Christopher Newport University to advance to the final four.

Despite a heavy dominance of possession from Johns Hopkins in the first half, the score remained 0-0 going into the start of the second half before goals from Miller and Diaz. The Marlins took down the defending national champions 2-1.

“It was definitely an amazing accomplishment for the team. We put in so much hard work and dedication, and it showed on the field,” senior defender Rachel Wilson said. Senior goalkeeper Ashleigh Lockard echoed similar words to Wilson, “If any team can beat a defending national champ, it’s this team,” Lockard said.

The Marlins booked a date with No. 1 seed CNU on Nov. 18 in Newport News, Virginia.

“We’re all excited to play CNU again.

We are not the same team we were when we played them in preseason,” Wilson said.

It has been Marrone’s goal all year to make an impact on her coaches and team.

“I love this team and everything we have accomplished together over the past four years and feel so blessed to have played a role in our success,” Marrone said.

McKenna Howenstine |Marlin Chronicle Sophomore Grayson Yeager stands on the field during a game on Oct. 31.

Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

THEWEEKENDER

PAGE 9

Itching to be inked: local tattoo review

BY SYDNEE WASHINGTON sawashington2@vwu.edu

A tattoo a day keeps the doctor away. If you are a tattoo fiend or would like to begin your tattoo journey, there are plenty of shops in the area for you, many of which Virginia Wesleyan students have visited and can attest to.

About 20 minutes away from Virginia Wesleyan is Supreme Styles Tattooing. It is a smaller shop, so it is easy to miss; however, it is filled with very talented artists, one in particular being Antonio Almazan, the owner of the shop.

Almazan has been tattooing for over 10 years. He specializes in black and gray tattoos, and he enjoys doing black and gray portraits.

Almazan is also very experienced with working on darker skin tones, a skill that not many artists share. His work is versatile as he has completed many different styles ranging from graphic to portraits and even cyber sigilism–the intersection of technology and mysticism.

“A lot of tattoo artists are closeminded. I pride myself on being open to whatever is brought to me,” Almazan said. His prices are on the lower end of the tattoo pricing spectrum. His normal

pricing is $150 an hour, but he often runs specials as well. He is currently offering a Christmas tattoo special of $250 for 4 hours.

Fine line tattoos are currently growing in popularity, and if you would like to indulge in this delicate style, then junior Jenna Waters knows a shop that would be perfect for you. She recommends Ancient Art Tattoo, which is about a 20-minute drive from Virginia Wesleyan.

“The shop is so eclectic, like you walk in and the walls are just covered with everything from tattoo sheets to funny pictures and taxidermied animals. Even the bathroom is completely clown themed. It’s amazing,” Waters said.

She received her first tattoo at this shop, and has been to other shops since then to bring her tattoo tally to a whopping 28.

“None could really compete with the artistry, price and overall ambiance of Ancient Art. Now it is my go-to shop, the only one I really go to in Virginia Beach, and the first place I think of when people ask me where they should get their upcoming tattoos done,” Waters said.

Her favored tattoo style is a small fine line, with a lot of details.

“I’ve had a lot of trouble with

@electricumbrellatattoo|Instagram Artwork tattooed by Jason Adkins, the owner of Electric Umbrella Tattoo, a local shop with great ratings.

going to artists and them saying it will fade in a strange way or blend together at smaller sizes, but this shop has always found a way to accommodate my preferences without sacrificing the integrity of the tattoo,” Waters said.

Ancient Art Tattoo shop is also a more affordable option in comparison to other tattoo shops.

“I’d say they’re definitely on the cheaper side, especially if you get more than one at once, which I would recommend at any place you go to,” Waters said.

“I got three small ones, two maybe quarter sized and one like two and a half inches big, and it was $180 and detailed. Another time, I think I got two mediumsized finger length ones for around the same price.”

If you are into new school or illustrative tattoo styles, Connor Greenleaf, a brother of sophomore Anna Greenleaf, recommends Studio Evolve Tattoo off of Independence Blvd.

“My experience was very good, it is a very welcoming environment, and each artist has either a whole room to themselves or one other artist in the room, so it is not like a normal walk in tattoo shop, it is a studio,” Greenleaf said.

From this studio, he has gotten a griffin in black and gray scale as well as Arcanine from Pokémon and Farosh and the Light Dragon from The Legend of Zelda in the aforementioned styles.

One of the artists he chose is no longer at the studio; however, two of his tattoos, a black and gray piece and a color piece, were done by Thora Metzger, who still tattoos at the studio.

Tattoo flash is the concept of kitschy ready-made designs and is done by some artists, so if you’re into small pieces, let them know.

Otherwise, the artists at this shop specialize in custom work. Give them an idea and they will design a tattoo for you that you will love.

“The artists that I have gone to at this shop were Thora Metzger and Mark Wroblewski, and both of

Donna Moscatelli|Courtesy An intricate floral outline designed to cover up a past tattoo. Done by artist Lucy Lou at Studio Evolve Tattoo. them were very open to me asking to make changes to the design,” Greenleaf said. “With this shop, you will not get the initial design until the day of your initial appointment. If you redesign the tattoo, they may schedule you for a different date to start the piece.”

If Metzger is not available or does not fit your tattoo style, there are over 18 artists that specialize in most tattoo styles, Greenleaf said.

If these tattoo shops do not intrigue you, there are a ridiculous amount of highly rated studios in the area. The Collective Tattoo & Body Piercing, Electric Umbrella Tattoo, Artisan Body Piercing and Tattoo, Temple Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio, Red 5 Tattoo, Cleveland Street Tattoo and Sandbridge Tattoo have left their mark on VWU students, locals

and Virginia Beach tourists.

Sasha Saxon|Marlin Chronicle

Vegan desserts for your sweet tooth

BY DANIELA ANGELES GALVAN dangelesgalvan@vwu.edu

REVIEW In the heart of Virginia Beach, there’s a sweet spot that beckons to all dessert lovers, and it goes by the name of “My Vegan Sweet Tooth.” Founded by the dynamic duo Rob and Tonya Deveau, who have shared over 25 years of marriage, this vegan bakery has become a delightful landmark in the Hampton Roads area, captivating not only vegans but anyone with a penchant for delectable treats.

The story of My Vegan Sweet Tooth is one of familial inspiration. Encouraged by their children, the Deveaus transformed their home-based baking experiments into a full-fledged business in 2010.

By May 2015, the aromatic doors of their storefront swung open, revealing a home for plant-based dessert enthusiasts. Today, the bakery stands tall, having doubled its capacity, infiltrated local shops, and earned its stripes as the best Vegan Bakery in Virginia Beach and one of the top-notch bakeries in the United States.

What sets My Vegan Sweet Tooth apart is not just its commitment to veganism, but also its dedication to supporting local businesses. Nestled within its cozy confines are offerings from various local vendors.

From Crunchy Hydration’s infused carbonated water to Krave Juice’s fresh-pressed juices and Eco Maniac Company’s earth-friendly reusable straws, the bakery is not just a purveyor of sweets but a curator of a community of quality products.

But My Vegan Sweet Tooth is more than just a haven for sweet-toothed patrons; it’s a haven with a heart. The bakery operates with a noble goal – to provide delicious, vegan baked goods to all while channeling tips and donations toward local animal shelters and charities. It’s a place where indulgence meets altruism.

During a recent visit to the bakery, I had the pleasure of meeting the charming staff, including Shift Lead Charity and Kat. Charity, a fitness and animal lover, exuded warmth and enthusiasm, recommending their signature caramel apple donut as a must-try for the season. Her suggestion was spot-on; the donut was a perfect blend of rich flavors, embodying the warmth of autumn.

Kat, a student with a passion for sociology, philosophy and culinary arts, provided exceptional customer service.

As a token of their hospitality, I received a complimentary donut, a testament to their commitment to making every visit memorable.

The tasting experience was nothing short of delightful.

The dirty chai donut, with its unique herbal undertones, showcased the bakery’s commitment to creative flavor profiles.

The chocolate brownie cupcake, though intense for my taste, would undoubtedly satisfy any chocolate

Daniela Angeles Galvan |Marlin Chronicle From top to bottom, Daniela Angeles Galvan sits in front of a display case of pastries; a close up of the dirty chai and caramel apple donuts; VWU junior Kaela Townes enjoys her trip to the bakery.

connoisseur. The red velvet cupcake, a classic done right, embodied the essence of a perfect red velvet treat.

Beyond the delectable offerings, the store’s ambiance adds to the overall appeal. Despite its unassuming exterior, the vintage interior exudes warmth, making visitors feel right at home. The cozy atmosphere, coupled with the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods, creates an irresistible allure.

For those unable to savor the treats in person, My Vegan Sweet Tooth offers delivery services. However, due to their popularity, they kindly request a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for all orders and seven days for cake orders, with 14 days advance notice for cakes. It’s a small inconvenience for the taste of perfection.

On their website, My Vegan Sweet Tooth offers a delightful glimpse into their weekly donut schedule, featuring flavors like Cosmic Brownie, Apple Cider, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Maple Braid, Coconut Cream and many more! This rotating menu adds an exciting element, ensuring each visit is a unique and flavorful experience.

It’s not just about sweets at My Vegan Sweet Tooth; their savory offerings are equally noteworthy. Indulge in perfectly cooked tapas, broccoli soup and breakfast sandwiches that promise a culinary journey of exquisite flavors. The bakery also guarantees tasty chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cookies and biscuits, creating a symphony of sweet sensations for every palate.

And let’s not forget the beverage selection! It is cool to enjoy delicious cider or good wine at My Vegan Sweet Tooth. Get your meal started with great iced coffee, chocolate frappé or tea, enhancing your overall dining experience.

What’s even more impressive is the bakery’s commitment to community partnerships. My Vegan Sweet Tooth collaborates with local charities such as “Grateful Meadows,” “The Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” “Poplar Spring (Animal Sanctuary)” and “Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge,” reinforcing its dedication to making a positive impact beyond its doors.

Overall, My Vegan Sweet Tooth is not just a bakery; it’s a destination for those seeking a sweet escape into the world of vegan delights. With its commitment to quality, community and compassion, this establishment has rightfully earned its place as a cherished spot in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re a vegan, a dessert enthusiast or someone with a sweet tooth and a heart for supporting local businesses, My Vegan Sweet Tooth beckons, promising an experience that transcends the ordinary.

They are located at 3916 Virginia Beach Blvd, with their hours of operation being Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can find them on instagram @myvegansweet2th and through their website at myvegansweettooth.com.

PAGE 10

Thursday November 16, 2023 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu

THEWEEKENDER

Communities gather at Commonwealth walls, allowing sunlight to filter through and patrons to explore outdoor seating. “There’s a lot of outdoor seating with a couple fire pits–really sets the tone to relax after a long week at work,” patron CJ Hall said.

“Commonwealth is located blocks from the beach with indoor and outdoor seating, incredible food, live music, games, friendly staff and great beer. It’s family friendly, dog friendly, a great place to go with friends and a great pit stop before or after a beach day,” graduate student Abby Mahoney said.

Since the establishment opens at 8 a.m. every day, they feature a simplistic breakfast menu with grab-and-go, handheld options convenient for surfers and commuters alike. The brewery closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sundays, which gives their more prolific evening food and beverage menus time to shine.

Virginia Wesleyan senior Haley Sutton frequents Commonwealth with her friends. “The IPAs at Commonwealth are always stellar, especially my favorite the Wapatoolie! And if you don’t like IPAs they have great options for lagers, goses, sours, and slushes for those who don’t enjoy just beer,” Sutton said.

Because Commonwealth creates their own craft beers, they serve a wide variety of brewed libations to satisfy every connoisseur, even gluten-free and vegan Foamies– Hayley Sutton|Courtesy fruity hard seltzers.

According to Weekender editor and VWU junior Mikayla Current VWU senior Hayley Sutton and her VWU alumna Moscatelli, the Oni One wood fired pizza is a family friend enjoying drinks at Commonwealth, outdoors. hit with cups of charred pepperoni, gooey mozzarella,

BY MIKAYLA MOSCATELLI & SASHA SAXON parmesan and fresh basil. Their pizza menu has a decent mamoscatelli@vwu.edu & ansaxon@vwu.edu range, from the bright Bianca pie with whipped ricotta, confit garlic and lemon to the rich Appolonia featuring caramelized onions and olives. “The pizzas are amazing, If your Friday night is normally spent too close to and I never leave there without getting one of their giant strangers at a bar and sipping an overpriced drink, then pretzels,” Sutton said.

However, since dishes like their Nashville Hot Chicken Commonwealth Brewery can elevate your experience. sandwich struck out, lacking the spice its name promised, Located 13 minutes away from Virginia Wesleyan’s patrons might be best off purchasing their popular pizzas, campus and only a few blocks from Chic’s Beach, its or appetizers and drinks. location is central to students’ social hotspots.

“The two drinks I had were both smooth and true to the According to their website, Commonwealth is a small flavors they said.

I got the Mimosahhh which was a great business, founded in 2015 by Natalie and Jeramy Biggie seltzer, probably one of the best I’ve had on tap,” first time as a passion project. The restaurant resides in a historic patron Emily Davis, an acquaintance of Moscatelli, said. fire and rescue station, which allowed its owners to take Unfortunately, every small business has its struggles advantage of an unconventional space. Where firetrucks maintaining boundaries.

“The staff maintain a toxic once parked is now home to the clink of beer glasses and relationship largely due to the unreasonably long hours the happy chatter of customers. they are scheduled to work, unfair pay, and the negative The very open eating area is outfitted with lived-in environment created by the leadership within the wooden picnic tables and cafe tables to accommodate company,” Mahoney said. smaller parties. Glass garage doors serve as temporary

Customers have had different experiences with the staff.

“The workers are super laid back and good people. They always have good suggestions when looking for a new beer to try. One of the cooks is my roommate and always talks about how he enjoys the people at work too,” Sutton said.

While Commonwealth Brewery might have to improve their working standards, the quality of their products does not seem to be affected nor does their culture or ambience.

In fact, they contribute heavily to their neighborhood community by offering programs such as a local running club, Common Grounds– an annual camping and craft beer festival–and many weekly events at the restaurant or even off-site locations.

Altogether, this affordable local dining option offers students another establishment in which to enjoy food and drinks.

Mikayla Moscatelli|Marlin Chronicle The Chi Chi, a Gose style beer, made with notes of dragonfruit, pineapple, asian pear, toasted coconut, vanilla and lime zest.

REVIEW

Mikayla Moscatelli|Marlin Chronicle The family favorite Oni One wood fired pizza with its crispy pepperoni cups and charred crust from Commonwealth Brewery.

A night club with something for everyone

BY AVERY BELISLE agbelisle@vwu.edu

Only a five-minute walk from the calm waves and soothing sand of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the pulsing music and electric atmosphere of Peabody’s attracts the attention of many partygoers and concert enthusiasts. A hotspot for themed parties, local DJs and local bands, it’s a must-see in the Virginia Beach area.

There are various concerts catering to all sorts of music tastes, ranging from ‘90s cover bands to EDM DJs, the club has an event for everyone. The concerts are usually included in a cover charge of about $15-20, which is cheaper than what most concerts at other venues tend to run.

Peabody’s also strives to create an exciting space to celebrate certain holidays, such as a costume party and contest on the night of Halloween, or a Disco-themed party for New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the club is one of few in the area which holds “18+ Nights” (usually Friday-Sunday) to cater to those usually left behind in the usual 21+ policies in similar establishments. This makes it an especially ideal option for many college students vying to check out the concerts or the atmosphere in a safe environment, which is often highly age-restricted in the United States.

“I like the fact that, even though you still can’t drink, they allow those under 21 into the club, so you can still get the experience,” Callum Collinson-Rogers, an exchange student currently attending Virginia Wesleyan, said. “It was a very intimate atmosphere and everyone was nice… I definitely enjoyed the music, too, as a drum and bass fan.” CollinsonRogers was also able to attend the night of an EDM concert, and was surprised to see

even the spotlighted DJs joining the party on the dance floor after their segment was over, making the whole experience much more personal.

Peabody’s creates the feeling of a safe

who are primarily college students.

The club is also known for being an amazing spot to plan and throw a party.

Although it primarily specializes in bachelorette parties, Peabody’s can cater

Melina Cabral|Marlin Chronicle Former Peabody’s employee and current VWU senior, Melina Cabral, sells Jell-O. environment for many attendees. There is tight security, with staff and security guards scattered throughout the club with clear views of the dance floor and bathrooms. Attendees don’t feel watched by the staff, but it’s sufficient to make many guests feel comfortable to let loose and enjoy the atmosphere in a typically intense environment. This is especially important for many younger attendees,

for parties from 5-700 people, making it an ideal venue for birthday parties, receptions and other special events. There are sectioned-off VIP areas throughout the club for smaller parties, which offer an intimate and slightly private, yet still inclusive space.

For bigger events, it’s possible to rent out the entire area and employ Peabody’s state-of-the-art sound and lighting

equipment, decor, staging, etc. It’s perfect for spreading the infectious energy of the club to special events.

Dancing doesn’t pique everyone’s interest, and Peabody’s finds a way to cater to that as well. Anyone is able to grab some friends and reserve one of the few billiards tables in the club. The tables are strategically placed near windows with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Attendants are also able to order food off of the surprisingly large menu to enjoy while they play billiards, or just sit and chat in their dining area. It’s the perfect place for someone who wants to enjoy the upbeat company and awesome music, but doesn’t want to jump onto the dance floor.

However, the iconic high energy and packed dance floor can be largely reliant on the day of the week, or even the event of the night; a club, even with a great setup and attentive staff, is only as good as its attendants.

“When we arrived, there was nobody, but that continued throughout the night. It was a Thursday, and I guess people don’t really go on Thursdays,” Lara Koenigsdorff, an exchange student, said. “We didn’t really like the music, so, without the people, it wasn’t really fun.”

Weekends, of course, are busier nights with a larger, more energetic crowd.

“With a small venue like this, I didn’t expect much,” Erik Jangenmalm, an exchange student, said. “But the energy of the crowd and a packed dance floor more than made up for it, and it delivered a really fun night!”

To get the most out of a night at Peabody’s, it’s most important to go on a weekend. Patrons should look out for concerts showing favorite music genres or take friends to an exciting theme night.

Landon Crooks|Marlin Chronicle