Ramapo News March 11, 2010

A&E: Body Image Monologues ~ page 8

SPORTS: Lacrosse! ~ page 13

THE RAMAPO NEWS

Fired Cook Asks Sodexo To Rehire Him THURSDAY, March 11, 2010

A publication by the students for the Ramapo College community

By KERI ANN FLACCOMIO Staff Writer

Sodexo food services operating at Ramapo College terminated Haitian cook Lyonel Dieujuste in December on the grounds that he is not authorized to work in the United States, according to a company statement.

Several co-workers, fellow union members and members of the Ramapo community claim that Dieujuste was fired unlawfully and support his efforts to be reinstated.

Dieujuste worked as a cook at Ramapo for seven years. He was elected among his coworkers as a shop steward—someone to come forward and speak with management about any concerns that might arise, he said, Tanya Aquino, a spokesperson for Service Employees International Union, CTW, CLC—the union to which Dieujuste belongs—said in a recent interview that Sodexo was looking for excuses to fire the leaders who make sure promises in employee contracts are upheld.

“So often the level or standard is set much higher for a shop steward like Lyonel,” Aquino said.

She added that “as leaders, they are unfairly made examples of” when outspoken about

photo courtesy of cleanupsodexo.org

Former Sodexo employee, Lyonel Dieujuste, in a video produced by a grassroots organization trying to get the former Ramapo cook his job back.

workers’ entitlements such as rights to health insurance and paid time off, as well as being treated equally with a level of respect and having a voice, all as outlined in contract.

Jeff Dannhardt, general manager of dining

services, and David Carreras, operations manager for resident dining, declined to comment on the issue. Both referred to a statement released by Sodexo’s public relations department.

“Employees are privy to privacy regula-

XL No. 17

tions,” said Dannhardt, “so we certainly don’t comment on employee and personnel issues.”

The official statement from Sodexo said that “Mr. Dieujuste’s authorization to work in the United States expired on February 19, 2004” and that the company informed him “many times over the course of his employment” of the necessity to obtain reauthorization of legal documentation allowing him to work in the United States.

In addition, the company states that Dieujuste was told he “could consult with his union representatives if he needed help completing the required immigration paperwork.”

The statement further states that Sodexo sent Dieujuste a certified letter allowing him six months to produce the documentation, and that he was terminated on Dec. 1, 2009—six weeks before the earthquake in Haiti—for failure to produce this paperwork by the deadline.

Sodexo said this was in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits a company from continuing to

see FIRED COOK on page 6

ʻLady Ayeʼ Speaks Out About Her Eating Disorder

By AMY FEZZA Staff Writer

Ilise Carter discussed both her personal experiences with body image and her profession of sword swallowing for the Women’s Center Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign.

Carter used stories and demonstrations to keep the small audience engaged.

“I was at the Body Image Monologues the night before and heard about this event. It sounded so interesting. I’m curious to see how she will intertwine body images with sword swallowing,” senior Steph Young said.

“Lady Aye,” Carter’s stage name, is Carter’s idealized alter ego.

“Lady Aye is equivalent to Bruce Wayne. I am able to do things through her that the real Ilise is not able to do,” Carter said.

Both a burlesque dancer and a sideshow performer, this was Carter’s first time speaking in front of an audience about her eating disorder.

“I’m really honored that you guys asked me to come and thought that I had enough to say. Please bare with me this is my first time speaking to an audience,” Carter said.

Carter started off her discussion by admitting that she had never wanted to be a sword swallower, let alone a performer, until she was 30 years old. She explained to the audience that people should act on their aspirations.

“You should be very passionate about everything. Keep it up, but temper it. Keep the idea of ‘long term’ in the back

photo by Michael Jagendorf

Ilise Carter, or “Lady Aye,” swallows a sword.

of your mind. You’re going to have a long life, twists and turns will come,” Carter said.

Carter was born and raised in New York City and came from a smart, yet dysfunctional, family. Her brother had a personality disorder, and she feels her relationship with him contributed to body image issues that lasted years.

“I was always the weird kid in class, I was the loner,” Carter

said.

Throughout her teens, Carter believed that if she weren’t skinny or pretty, she would never be accepted or successful in life. This mindset led her down dangerous paths such as under eating, purging, crash diets and overeating during her teenage years and mid-twenties.

Carter felt that if she continued this way, she would be successful.

“I was smart and I knew for girls, that was unattractive,” Carter said.

Carter went on to study film at American University on scholarship. She studied there for two years. During college, Carter struggled to find her identity.

“I went nuts! Piercings, new hair color every week, I tried it all,” Carter said.

But these experiences weren’t enough for Carter; she still felt depressed about her body.

“If only I were thinner, I would be happier,” Carter said.

After college, Carter showcased her talents by working with esteemed director Ron Howard. At the same time, it was hard for her to be recognized as a female film maker, even with her connections. This added to Carter’s self-esteem issues.

Her experience on Sept. 11, 2001, caused he to realize that life was too short to keep beating herself up over this.

The 9/11 attack made her realize how lucky she was to be alive and that she needed a major life change.

“I was married to being a filmmaker, but I knew I needed to do something else that was going to set me on the right

see CARTER on page 6

Chilean Earthquake Rocks World Still Recovering From Haiti

Page 2 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

By KRYSTA DANIELS Staff Writer

Chile’s 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27 forced Chile's President, Michelle Bachelet, to declare that the country is in a “state of catastrophe.”

The quake struck Offshore Maule at 1:34 a.m. Eastern time, and its depth was 21.7 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey. This considerable depth greatly affected four cities: Talca, Chillan, Concepcion and capital city Santiago. Thirty cities and towns were also badly damaged, leaving more than 500,000 homes uninhabitable.

Many students at Ramapo took to social networks such as Facebook to post prayers and offer condolences to those lost in the earthquake in Chile.

“It’s like the world were coming to any end. Too many bad things are happen at once,” junior Diana Galvez said.

It was 3:34 a.m. in central Chile when the initial earthquake struck. In Concepción, the death toll was an estimated 74 deaths, which quickly rose to several hundred. The director of Chile’s emergency management office said that more than 1.5 million people were displaced by the quake.

President Obama spoke briefly last Saturday, expressing his concern for the country and said that the United States would offer aid in rescue and recovery efforts. Obama also sent out an immediate press release.

“Earlier today, a devastating earthquake struck the nation of Chile, affecting millions of people,” Obama said in the release. “This catastrophic event was followed by multiple aftershocks, and has prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean. Earlier today, I was briefed by my national security team on the steps that we're taking to protect our own people, and to stand with our Chilean friends.”

“I was just in shocked, I felt bad for those

people,” junior Maholy Torres said.

“Extremely bad for them, I put myself in their shoes and I wondered what have done to other countries in South America.”

Chile is known for their frequent earthquakes. It was also home of the most powerful earthquake ever recorded, a 9.5-mgnitude quake in 1960. Chile is not the only country that recently faced serious natural

Megan Stamer said.

Approximately 1.5 million homes in Chile have been damaged. Most of the collapsed buildings were of older design, including many historic structures.

According to Gabriel Prudencio, a Concepción representative from A Roof for Chile, help is on its way for the damaged homes.

photo courtesy of Flickrʼs creative commons

The 8.8 earthquake in Chile has made more than 500,000 homes uninhabitable and has displaced more than 1.5 million people.

disaster.

At 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, emergency sirens in Hawaii signified an incoming tsunami. As many as 100,000 Hawaiian citizens evacuated their homes.

“When I heard that the tsunami was going to hit Hawaii after the earthquake in Chile hit, my reaction was ‘What is going on?’ I was in shock because so many terrible things were happening at the same time or very close in time. I felt helpless and didn’t know what I was going to do,” sophomore

A Roof for Chile is a volunteer organization that plans to use part of their raised revenue in a national telethon this upcoming weekend to fix 30,000 tiny prefabricated houses during the next four months. In the short term, the organization plans to provide emergency solutions while new houses are built.

Many Ramapo students asked the difference in severity between the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. The earthquake in Chile was more severe, yet the death toll in Haiti

was higher. The death toll in Chile is approximately 708, a fraction of Haiti’s.

The reason why Chile’s death toll is not as high as Haiti’s is because Chile is wealthier and was better prepared than Haiti was.

Because of Chile’s history of earthquakes, the country has strict building codes and a robust emergency response.

In contrast, Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and has many poorly constructed buildings.

The biggest factor influencing the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti is their locations.

The Chilean quake was at its epicenter, 21 miles underground and 70 miles from the nearest big city, Concepción. The energy from the earthquake was far away from the center.

The Haiti quake was a mere eight miles underground, right on the edge of Port-auPrince.

Chile knows how to begin rebuilding. The United States has taken their needs into consideration. But will others countries help Chile the same way Haiti received help?

“It seems unfair to me that none of these places hit are local to us, so they aren’t going to get the support they need,” senior Nick Passaro said. “Other countries are going to be getting support from the US based on the fact of if they owe money to the US or not.”

CORRECTION: In the Feb. 18 issue, Maya Poran should have been quoted as saying, “Dominant conceptions of sex are framed by heterosexuality.

Many believe that penile/vaginal penetration, or intercourse, is the only ʻrealʼ form of sex. This conception of sex influences people of all sexual orientations in relation to their sexual behavior, and how they conceive of their sexual behavior.”

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New Honors Society Will Be Open to Underclassmen

By MICHELLE HA Staff Writer

A new college honors society is currently in the works. Ramapo students are responsible for its development.

The pending Ramapo chapter acknowledges students who excel academically. The organization fosters leadership, encourages connections with the community and helps to further education. Membership is lifelong.

Last Thursday, the college honors program invited students to attend their information session and to apply for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). The NSCS is for first-year students and sophomores only.

“Beginning members will have more of a chance to take advantage of all the chapter’s opportunities.”

-Melissa Crowe, Founding Member

Members must have a GPA of at least 3.4 and rank in the top 20 percent of their class.

photo courtesy of ramapo.edu

Ramapo students are currently developing a new college honors society.

Students do not have to be part of the college honors program to apply for NSCS. According to its chapter constitution, the NCSC promotes high standards throughout the collegiate experience. The organization provides scholarships, encourages learning through community service and promotes appreciation of higher education. In addition, they provide opportunities for personal

growth, as well as leadership development.

Senior Melissa Crowe is the founding member of NCSC at Ramapo.

“I was interested in starting this chapter on campus because I thought that it would be a nice way to give students an opportunity to become more involved. I am hoping that it will be a link between society, because it is less defined than a business administration

Thursday, March 11, 2010

honors society,” Crowe said.

Crowe wants to attract students who are interested in influencing society.

“Normally, you would have to go by society’s guidelines, but this is something you can develop for yourself,” she said.

NSCS has chapters at 245 colleges and universities nationwide. Each chapter is run by students and has a faculty or administrative advisor.

Currently, the Ramapo chapter needs an advisor and core executive board for next semester. There is a $75 membership fee, which includes dues.

Rising juniors and seniors should apply now if they are interested in joining, because next semester the organization is limited to freshmen and sophomores only.

“As beginning members, students will have more of a chance to take advantage of all the opportunities the chapter has to offer rather than a member that joins down the road,” Crowe said.

This is also a chance for networking.

Members get a chance to meet other chapter members. For more information, please contact Melissa Crowe at mcrowel@ ramapo.edu.

Students Sing Their Hearts Out to Raise Money Colleges Against Cancer Hosts a Ramapo Version of ʻAmerican Idolʼ

By JILL GRIMALDI Staff Writer

Colleges Against Cancer hosted “Karaoke for a Cure” on Monday to raise money for the organization’s Relay for Life team.

Students were invited to donate money in exchange for a spot on the karaoke list. A student could sign him or herself up or a friend to sing.

“If someone’s name ends up on the list they have to come up here, otherwise we will publicly shame him,” sophomore Colleges Against Cancer member Brendan Flanagan said.

This proved true when joking chants of “loser” continued until a table of students, who were reluctant to take the stage, got up to sing “A Moment Like This.”

During each performance, students were encouraged to donate to the two judges; if they donated to the “bad judge,” Flanagan, they were voting to remove the performer from the stage. If they donated to the “good judge,” Kait Haitz, they were voting to keep the performer on stage.

Flanagan spent most of the night channeling his inner Simon Cowell, but he made a disclaimer in the beginning.

“Please don’t take me seriously tonight. I have to say this, but I don’t mean any of it,” Flanagan said.

photo by Jill Grimaldi

Cait Bragg and Ariel Vollero sing “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

When each performer finished, he or she was critiqued by the two judges and either asked to return to the stage for another song or asked to leave the stage, depending on which judge was given more money. If asked to leave, the performer could return to the stage if they paid for another slot.

During a performance of “The Time Warp,” singers were cut off and forced to leave the stage early into the song. Such a significant amount of money was given to Flanagan, who thanked the performers for “making it so easy for people to donate to

[him].”

“I thought your dancing was going to be the most personally invasive part of your performance,” Flanagan said about students Francis Boitz and Pat Driscoll.

The two performed very close to both judges.

“Then your singing invaded deeper into my ear lobe than I even knew existed. But your seductive dancing earned you quite a few singles, so you may have a career ahead of you somewhere,” Flanagan said.

All of the singers took Flanagan’s pseudo-hurtful comments in good spirits, generally joking about how hurt they were before signing up to sing again.

“It was really hurtful and I shed a tear, but I know that it will make me a better singer in the future,” Boitz said, in response to Flanagan’s comments. “I’m going to get back up there and show him that I took his advice to heart, I’ll prove him wrong.”

“We came out tonight because we’re part of the Relay for Life planning team and it’s for a good cause,” said first-year students Cait Bragg and Ariel Vollero, who sang “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

Bragg and Vollero performed the song from memory due to a karaoke machine malfunction.

Later that night, Bragg and Vollero joined Shannon Kelly in singing “Honky Tonk

Badonkadonk.” Kelly also sang “Big Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” as well as “I’ll Stand By You.” The latter song earned her a standing ovation and a positive response from both the good and bad judges.

“Since the ‘judging’ was just for show, really, it wasn’t terribly difficult [to be the bad judge]. I just had to try and be as mean as possible,” Flanagan said. “Some of the performers were so spectacular, however, that I couldn’t even keep my act with a straight face and had to congratulate them.”

Other song choices included “The Thong Song,” “If I Were a Boy” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” The event raised $145 for the Colleges Against Cancer’s Relay for Life team.

“It was a great success! We had an excellent turnout, we raised a decent amount of money, and everyone had fun,” Colleges Against Cancer President Laura Hahn said.

Hahn would also like to encourage other relay teams to host their own fundraising events.

“Something as simple as this can make such a difference.”

Relay for Life will take place from March 26-27, starting at 5 p.m. in Bradley Center.

Page 4 The Ramapo News

Roving

Reporter

Thursday, March 11, 2010

“If you were in charge of Ramapo, what would you do?”

Question and Photographs by Erica Buchman

“I would let people go into the housing process in groups of two, rather than four.”

-Christine Gaugler Freshman

“I would make the amount of hours a person has per class equal to the amount of credits they receive.”

-Eddie Szabo Junior

“I would make the cost of textbooks included in the tuition so they don't cost extra.”

-Wendy Hartmann Senior

“I would try to promote understanding for cultural Greek organizations on campus.”

-Larissa Forik Senior

“I would reach out to urban areas and familiarize them with Ramapo College.”

-Sakia Dandrige Junior

Always Greener: Goinʼ Green For St. Patty

By BRYAN KAMINSKY Staff Writer

St. Patrick’s Day is next week and Ireland is going green. In honor of the holiday, members of 1STEP (Students Together for Environmental Progress) and the Irish American Club sponsored “Show Your Green Late Night” for the second year in a row on Wednesday.

“It was started when members of 1STEP realized the color similarity with our movement and the Irish pride displays around St. Patrick's Day. From there, we contacted the Irish American Club to co-sponsor and with their tremendous support, we had a very successful event [last year’,” said Brendan Flanagan, member of 1STEP. The week-long St. Patrick’s celebration in Dublin, the country’s capital and largest city, will be sustainable.

Other parts of Ireland are practicing sustainability as well. Since Jan. 1, 2009, any houses sold or rented need to have a BER Certificate. These certificates are provided to tenants, regardless of age, by their landlords. BER Certificates are valid for ten years if there aren’t any material changes made to the houses or dwellings. They are carried out by specially trained BER assessors and register with Sustainable Energy Ireland.

According to the BER Certificate leaflet, it is based on “the characteristics of major components of the dwelling (wall, roof and floor dimensions, window and door sizes

and orientations) as well as the construction type and levels of insulation, ventilation and air tightness features, the systems for heat supply (including renewable energy), distribution and control and the type of lighting.”

The leaflet also mentions that it “covers annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, calculated on the basis of a notional standard family with a standard pattern of occupancy.”

A major benefit of the certificate is that prospective buyers can see the energy performance of a dwelling they are thinking about buying before a purchase.

Renewable energy accounts for 12.2 percent of Ireland’s electrcity supply. It will reach 40 percent by 2020.

In 2002, Ireland adopted the Sustainable Energy Act (2002) as part of its National Development Plan. Sustainable Energy Ireland was also created as the nation’s energy regulator for Ireland. The goal of their efforts is to improve energy efficiency, reducing the environmental impact of energy production and use and advancing the development and competitive deployment of renewable energies. Renewable energies include hydropower and wind, geothermal and solar energies.

On April 14 and 15, Sustainable Energy

Ireland will host their 2010 Energy Show.

According to a brochure, “The Show highlights the vast range of technology and services available to energy practitioners. It is a concrete demonstration of the diversity of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions being supplied and in fact demanded by an increasingly informed business sector.”

The brochure also mentions “renewable energy accounts for 12.2 percent of Ireland’s electricity supply, up from 9.4 percent in 2007. It will reach 40 percent by 2020.”

Also, as part of their efforts, Ireland reduced their total electrical generation from 18.8 percent to 6.1 percent and coal consumption from 41.7 percent to 27.6 percent between 1990 and 2004. With the reduction of coal consumption, Ireland chooses to use natural gas and their natural gas electrical generation increased from 26.7 to 44.8 percent.

According to global-greenhouse-warming.com, in regards to coal versus gas, “high efficiency natural gas-fired power stations can produce up to 70 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than existing brown coal-fired generators, and less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of the latest technology black coal-fired power stations.”

“I think it's a step in the right direction, but still a ways off. While natural gas is better than oil or coal, it still is a pollutant that’s harmful to the environment,” said Flanagan in regards to Ireland using natural gas as their main source of energy.

Also, between 1990 and 2004, renewable energy increased from 1.9 to 2.6 percent.

Companies, including Airtricity and Hibernia Wind Energy, have been developing wind power.

As of December 2005, there were 50 wind farms operating that could power 300,000 homes with 500 megawatts of energy combined. Since then, more wind farms have signed agreements to link high or low voltage amounts of energy to the power system.

Ireland is also using hydropower to generate energy. Hydro schemes have been built on the Shannon, Erne, Liffey and Lee rivers, at mini-hydro stations and at landfill gas generating plants in the cities Cork and Dublin.

“I think Ireland's setting a fairly good example. Their cut-backs on oil are starting to ensure their own energy independence and a more environmentally-conscious mindset. If you've ever been to Ireland, you know it would be a waste of money to invest a lot of money into solar technology over there, so their opting for wind is suitable,” Flanagan said.

Green Fact of the Week:

Ireland uses the renewable energies of wind and hydropower to generate some of their countryʼs electricity.

Irish Open Mike Night Urges Sorority Sponsors Womenʼs Day which involved the media’s impact on

By ANGELA Di MARI Students to Celebrate St. body image.

Staff Writer Shane Hoff, a Women’s Center publiPatrick’s Day Early Sigma Sigma Sigma hosted Ramapo’s cist, headed “Queer Eyes,” which dis-

Page 5 The Ramapo News

By HUMA MUNIR Staff Writer

Sigma Tau Delta and the Irish-American club hosted an Irish Open Mic event on Tuesday night, which featured Irish poetry and literature.

The aim of the event as a whole was to educate attendants on the history of Ireland in lieu of St. Patrick’s Day. “We figured in honors of St. Patrick’s Day we would hold an event that brings

“It is a great way to showcase students’ work. It is a great way to just get everyone together. You have people with great personality [here] so it’s really entertaining.”

-Zai t oi n C asey , l i t erat ure m aj or

the literature community together and hopefully some non-lit majors as well,” President of Sigma Tau Delta Gretchen Kaser said,.

The event was divided into two parts.

“We dedicated the first half of our open Mic to reading the work of famous Irish poets,” Brendan Flanagan said, a sophomore literature and International studies major.

The second half of the event was open for students to read literature, poems or

Thursday, March 11, 2010

other creative work. Students picked up books of Irish literature that included passages from short stories and poems written by William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Seamus Heaney.

Most of the poems were related to the history of Ireland or Ireland’s struggle for independence.

One of the students at the event played “Dawning of the Day” on a harp. Blind Irish harpist Thomas Connellan composed the tune in the 1600s.

The melody was used to sing a poem written by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh, called “On Raglan Road.”

The event also featured famous Irish jokes. One of the jokes was, “Ever laughed so hard a shamrock fell out of your nose?”

Some of the poems had very distinct themes such as greed, while another spoke of discovering one’s place in the world.

“It is a great way to showcase student’s work. It is a great way to just get everyone together. You have people with great personality [here] so it’s really entertaining,” Zaitoin Casey said, a literature major.

“The people were willing to go up there and read their own work. Honestly, I think that was the best part,” Casey said.

The Irish-American club plans to hold other events this week in the honor of St. Patrick’s Day. “We would like to thank the IrishAmerican Club for their support tonight,” Flanagan said.

first Women’s Day on Saturday. Ellen Brody, a senior and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, came up with the idea for Women’s Day. Her high school, which had a large female population, held a similar event. Female students and moms had a “girls’ night out.” Brody felt the event would be a positive experience for Ramapo, uniting women across campus.

“A lot of times on campus we see women, but we can’t have a connection,” Brody said.

Brody worked with Kat McGee, Assistant Director of Student Development and Coordinator of the Women’s Center, and the two started to plan in October.

Brody used word of mouth to advertise for the event. Women’s Day was free, but Sigma Sigma Sigma accepted donations for Shelter Our Sisters.

The aim was to “empower woman knowledge across the spectrum,” Brody said.

Kay Fowler, Professor of Gerontology, gave the opening speech, during which she explained how the concept of body image has changed over the course of many years. She told the audience to find beauty within.

The first half of the day involved open discussion between a panel and the audience. One topic was “Race and Beauty,” directed by Maya Poran, which discussed the role race plays on beauty ideals.

“Beauty in the Eye of the Camera” was another topic, headed by Director of Student Development Mandy Restivo,

cussed the queer community’s definition of beauty, and Josh Erochard, an associate of the Women’s Center, lead the “Men and Body Image” discussion.

Sigma Sigma Sigma members Nicole Catalano and Colleen Converse discussed “Perception vs. Reality.”

“In the heterosexual community, we see women have more pressure to have a healthy fit body,” Hoff said during in his lecture.

This is just a generalization, he clarified. He feels that there is more pressure for a gay man to maintain a fit physique than as a lesbian. His discussion focused on how this affects not only the queer community, but also the transvestite community.

“I hope to educate and end stereotypes,” Hoff said.

Nicole Cat, a sophomore and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma expressed her interest in the event because she thinks it is important for women in the Greek community to reflect on these types of issues.

“One of the biggest issues among girls in general is that we focus on what we look like and how we appear, whether we realize it or not. I feel that Greek women have leadership on campus and can make a difference to those who want to join or to girls that believe the stereotypes of Greek life, she said. “ I actually believe we can make a difference not only to other people but for ourselves by being aware of the power each of us have regardless of our looks.”

Dialogues and Music Festival Unites Study Abroad Students Non-Governmental Organization Activitists Give Presentations on a Range of Issues

By S AMMY ULLRICH Staff Writer

Study abroad students in India had the chance to experience the February Dialogues and Music Festival at the Fireflies Ashram, which took place Feb. 17-20.

This four day event was held annually by the Fireflies Associate in a city just outside of Bangalore, in the south of India.

Each year, the Fireflies Dialogue invites a group of experts to share their presentations on a specific topic to an audience of students and participants. This year’s dialogue, “What is the good life?”, focused on climate change at the local level and featured experts from various fields of study to speak about environmental issues.

An expert of this year’s presentation was Associate Professor in Environmental Studies Ashwani Vasishth.

“A number of excellent presentations were brought out from activist NGOs working on a range of issues from sustainable agriculture to social development, in response to the pressures being generated by global climate change,” Vasishth said.

photo courtesy of Ben Levy

Several Ramapo students studying in India atttend weekend events

Several Ramapo students studying in India attened the weekend events. Among them was Christian Siochi, a Ramapo senior, who gave his feedback on the dialogues and music festival.

“As an American student, it was difficult to sit through these lectures as each ‘expert’ repeatedly preached that my country is the main source of all the ecological issues the

world faces today,” Siochi said. “The Music Festival, however, was incredible.”

The four day event concluded with an allnight World Music Festival. The festival ran from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. and attracted music lovers, hippies, tourists and Bangalore citizens alike.

Participants of the Roukema Center’s Study Abroad Program, Ramapo student

Kyle MacCloud and Bridgewater State student Haylet Sabella were invited to participate in the festival.

“They did an excellent job of rounding out the all-night festival, which drew an overcapacity audience of about 3,000 youngsters from all over the Bangalore area,” Vasishth said.

The music at the festival varied from classical Indian music to modern hip-hop/reggae bands to solo artists who played the guitar.

The Ramapo students that attended this festival were able to connect with some of the bands and local people in Bangalore.

“The next day we went into the city to a coffee shop and were able to recognize some faces, which made Bangalore feel more like ‘home’ because of our familiarity and friendships built with people living here,” Siochi said.

This weekend event was an experience that the students will be sure to remember.

“The Music Festival was amazing to say the least and has thus far been my favorite experience on the Fireflies campus,” Siochi said.

Fired Cook Asks Sodexo to Rehire Him Page 6 The Ramapo News

Continued from page 1

employ someone who is not authorized to work in the United States.

Sodexo officials did not return repeated calls seeking comment.

In a telephone interview, Dieujuste disputed the date provided by Sodexo for his termination, saying that he was approached about the paperwork on Dec. 3, 2009 and terminated on Feb. 2, 2010.

Aquino said it is “a matter of using the rule when they want to,” claiming that other immigrants continue to work for the company without the proper authorization.

Aquino said that, after Dieujuste was fired, “[The union was] outraged, and that’s why we immediately started coordinating with Lyonel’s co-workers and students on the Ramapo campus.”

Believing that Dieujuste was fired unjustly, the union filed a grievance—the first level of a dispute mechanism that these workers have in their contracts—and is moving to file for arbitration unjustly, the next step in the process. Union members created a Web site to tell Dieujuste’s story and to circulate a petition for his reinstatement by Sodexo.

“Within two days we had over 300 supportive comments,” Aquino said, “so it really took off like wildfire when people started hearing what was going on.”

Thursday, March 11, 2010

According to the site, some of Dieujuste’s co-workers allegedly “told him they felt discriminated against for being black or speaking Spanish.”

In a video interview posted online, Dieujuste said that he told management, “We are not going to take it anymore. You have to change the way you manage. You have to understand this is not your house.

This is a company we’re working for. You can’t run it like you run your house.”

Dieujuste said that shortly after he complained to management about working conditions, he was questioned about his paperwork. He claims that he went to his lawyer and produced the paperwork, but was still fired. Dieujuste said he was terminated because “I really picked up a fight with him.”

“If these people have a heart they will understand how much this job means to him.”

-Cassandra Wynn, third-year student

After the earthquake in Haiti, the Obama Administration granted an 18-month Temporary Protected Status to eligible undocumented Haitian workers who were in the United States as of Jan. 12, 2010.

Carter Swallows Sword for a Cause Continued from page 1

path,” Carter said.

Carter had an array of jobs before finding her passion, and it was not until she was a music promoter that she discovered what she was meant to do.

Through this short-lived career, Carter came across many burlesque and sideshow performers. Carter was eager to give the profession a shot.

“I embraced the fact that I am a freak and realized that this could be something

photo by Michael Jagendorf

Carter builds suspense before performing her sword swallowing talent.

that I would love,” Carter said.

Through her profession, Carter claims that she is now able to see what beauty is, as she is surrounded by “true” shapes of women.

“The female body comes in a lot of shapes and I was finally able to realize that,” Carter said. “This was a profession where I knew I could celebrate myself.”

Throughout the last three weeks, issues concerning eating disorders have been addressed by numerous events on campus.

“The Body Image Monologues covered many topics, from eating disorders to self mutilation, to gender norms,” Jill Grimaldi, program coordinator at the Women’s Center said. “ Carter explained that her career is not a cure for her body image issues, but it has helped her to make self-image improvements.

“Life will hand you things and you don’t even know it. If an event allows you to be yourself whether it’s being smart, funny, or loud, embrace it and use it, it can make you happy,” Carter said.

Carter became “Lady Aye” by the end of her discussion, stepping away from the podium. A human blockhead with sharp nails and an etiquette lesson with family silver were shoved up her nose. Solid swords were shoved down her throat. All of which were a spectacle for Aye’s brave audience.

But the Sodexo statement said that although Dieujuste has applied for TPS and employment authorization, “the United States government has not approved these applications.” The company’s statement added, “Therefore, by law, Sodexo cannot employ Mr. Dieujuste.”

Dieujuste wants Sodexo to commit to his reinstatement upon his receiving TPS. “They asked for the paperwork,” he said, “then the earthquake happened, so I thought they going to let me come in working, because the president granted TPS to stay for 18 more months so I could provide for my family. Everybody knows about it, so why they try to hide it?”

Students and alumni at Ramapo are upset

by Dieujuste’s termination and have been extending their support for him “Lyonel is a great guy and a hard worker,” David Dabney said, a Ramapo alumnus from the class of 2008. “I built a strong bond with him during the 3 years I was at Ramapo. The man worked like a dog for Sodexo, so many hours for so little pay to support his family.”

“If Sodexo was really concerned with not hiring illegal workers,” Dabney added, “they would have checked his paperwork when he was originally hired. It seems, then, that Sodexo is only concerned with a worker’s legality when it gives them a reason to

fire someone who is protesting for fair treatment in the workplace.”

“If these people have a heart they will understand how much this job means to him,” Cassandra Wynn said, a third-year student majoring in International Studies. “I worked with Lyonel for a little while and he was a really nice guy. He deserves this job and his reason for the job is even more important.”

Ramapo alumna and first-generation West Indian American Marisa Hurtault “was shocked to hear that this happened at Ramapo as [the college is] a very diverse and open community.”

“It is a shame,” Hurtault said, “that such kind workers from different backgrounds have been treated as second-class citizens.

My hope is that if Lyonel is not reinstated that the College drop this food provider.

Such behavior and abuse should never be tolerated.”

Dieujuste is requesting to be reinstated for the 18-month TPS period so that he can help his family survive the tragedy in Haiti and rebuild.

“They play the game with people like me who don’t really know much about the system,” he said.

A petition to reinstate Dieujuste is available online at www.cleanupsodexo.org/lyonel.

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Atrium Still Serving Up the Same Old Stuff

What You Can Do for Ramapo: Run for SGA

Campus views are the sole opinion of their respective authors, submitted to The Ramapo News and in no way reflect the views of either The Ramapo News or Ramapo College of New Jersey.

By JOEY LEWANDOWSKI Co-Editor-in-Chief

For my first three years at Ramapo, eating at the Atrium was a luxury.

I had the Ultimate meal plan for the past three years, which meant I spent most of my meals at the Pavilion or the Birch.

With only $50 in flex, I had to carefully choose how to best spend that money.

I also knew that whenever I started to get tired of whatever the Birch was serving up, I could always take a short stroll to the Atrium and mix things up by eating chicken fingers or a buffalo ranch chicken sandwich.

Everything changed once I started eating at the Atrium three or four times per week.

To say that I’m tired of what they offer is an understatement. When I wander into the Atrium, I know exactly what’s going to be there and I know I want none of it.

My first problem is that while they offer a fair selection of choices, hardly anything is ever different. There’s never anything new at the Sky Ranch Grill – they’ll only have hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches and chicken strips. Sub Connection offers a new sub every once in a while, but the bulk of their menu never varies.

Showtime mixes things up for lunch every day, but the choice there is still limited. I work at the Center for Academic Success every Tuesday and Wednesday during the day, so I wind up getting food at the Atrium on those two days every week. Every Tuesday, though,

is sushi day at Showtime – and I don’t eat sushi.

Showtime varies things up on Wednesdays for lunch, and more often than not it’s something good. Whether they’re serving up nachos, chicken and potatoes or some sort of pasta, they usually offer something tasty.

There’s another problem with Showtime, though – it’s not open for dinner. Once Showtime closes, there’s no variation in what you can eat. Day in, day out, the same boring, monotonous menu reigns supreme.

There’s one very simple solution toward drastically improving the overall quality of the Atrium: keep Showtime open later.

The Atrium is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 7 p.m. on Fridays. Why not keep Showtime open until 7 every night?

I know that there will be more costs in terms of buying more food and paying more chefs to stick around longer. But I also know that I would be far more inclined to spend my Ramapo dollars there if I knew there was the possibility of having something new and different to eat.

Beyond the lack of general eating options, though, a bigger problem emerges: there is a distinct lack of healthy eating options. Aside from the salad bar, whole wheat bread at Sub Connection and grilled chicken at the Sky Ranch Grill, there’s not much as far as healthy eating goes.

Fried foods? Check. Healthy foods? Not so check.

Even if you want to get a grilled chicken sandwich, there’s no wheat option there – it’s plain white rolls or bust.

Things should be simpler, and they should be healthier.

Dining Services encourages student feedback. One person saying Showtime should stay open later or vary their menu might not do anything. But with enough feedback, they have to at least considering mixing up their schedule or their menu.

So if you feel like I feel, fill out a form and demand change. I know I will.

Got an opinion?

Come and be heard.

Monday and Wednesday nights in SC-218

By TOM NG SGA President

If you are frustrated with campus, looking to make a change at Ramapo or simply think you can write better editorials about on-campus happenings than me, now is your chance!

The Student Government Association is holding elections for all of its elected positions for the 20102011 school year. As a member of SGA since my first year, I have had the privilege of working with other motivated students, faculty, staff and administrators to help make Ramapo a better place. For me, this has been a defining aspect of my college career, and with elections right around the corner, this opportunity is becoming available to all Ramapo students.

Positions opening include SGA president, vice president, school senators (five open spots), senators at large (ten open spots), class council representatives and a commuter caucus representative.

Each one of these positions has different responsibilities and a different role in the Student Government Association. The president oversees the organization, sets its vision and serves as the official spokesperson of the student body to administration and the Board of Trustees. The president also holds veto power over all SGA legislation. He or she also runs for election with a vice presidential candidate, whose position entails spearheading club outreach initiatives and holds the tie-breaking senate vote.

Speaking of the senate, they are the major legislative body of the SGA and hold most of the voting rights of the organization. The senate is divided into two groups: school senators and

senators-at-large.

School Senators are representatives elected by each of Ramapo’s five academic schools, with liaisons to school deans. These liaisons represent the best interests of their school.

Senators at large are elected representatives of the general student body with liaisons to departments regarding student affairs. Together, they approve SGA legislation, resolutions representing the official position of the Student body on issues and, in the past, have selected the student trustee and governor.

Open positions include SGA president, vice president, school senators, senators at large, class council representatives and a commuter caucus representative.

Class council representative positions are also open for the classes of 2011, 2012 and 2013. These elected representatives work to unite their class through events and outreach programs for their class (including Senior Send-off for seniors).

Similarly, the commuter caucus representative serves as representative of commuters, and works toward uniting commuters and advocates for their specific interests.

Each of these positions have eligibility standards. To be considered, you must have a 2.5 GPA, be in good academic and social standing with the college and have ascertained a designated amount of petition signatures prior to campaigning. However, it does not require any prior SGA experience, meaning anyone can be an official voice of the student body.

Petitions are available in the SGA office (SC-223) for any student interested, and questions can be directed toward Noelle Nocera at sga@ramapo.edu.

The beauty of student government is that there are a variety of populations on campus that can be represented. If you are interested, you can help fill this important role on campus.

ARTS

&

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

The Body Image Monologues Hit Hard in Sharp Theater

Thursday, March 11, 2010

photos by Stef Mauro

The performers delivered powerful monologues that captivated the audience members. There were several different performances, all covering different and relatable body image themes.

BY TARA LAFEMINA Staff Writer

Bare Confessions: The Body Image Monologues had a tremendous turnout at Sharp Theater. An audience filled with students, parents and seniors overflowed the seats waiting to enjoy a show directed, written and preformed by students.

The monologues were written by various students throughout the campus. They covered topics that either affect us individually or someone close to us. The profits were donated to The National Eating Disorder Association and The Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign at Ramapo.

Bare Confessions was composed of students reciting monologues with minimal props. The acting was real; one could tell the passion the students had in the play. In between each monologue dancers moved the props; they were also in the background of monologues to further bring life to what was being said. In between some monologues students read facts that illustrated the severity of body image problems.

Sophomore student director Jill Grimaldi felt that this type of show was important for the Ramapo community.

“I have always felt that the promotion of positive body image was a very important mission, and this show only cemented that further,” Grimaldi said.

Bare Confessions had the audience’s attention from the beginning with a monologue about gender and its limitations in modern society. They tied in how gender pronouns are not becoming so cut and dry. How people should not just wake up in the morning and do what society wants of us, we should defy the rules.

Other monologues covered topics such as assuming just because someone is skinny, they have an eating disorder.

This monologue was done by a male, even though this is

generally not a topic that is perceived as a male problem.

The monologues covered topics such as the skinny girl with the perceived perfect body. It showed the hypocrisy of society regarding eating disorders and how common they are.

The girl with the perfect body is loved by everyone until she gains weight and is happier with herself. Then everyone wants her to lose weight, as that is the only way she would be perfect.

“The show is really good. I think what they are doing is definitely effective. By putting themselves up there like that, it’s inspiring,” said freshman Allison Cabot.

Bare Confessions has inspiring monologues where people come to terms with loving their bodies. The cast of Bare Confessions was able to bring light to tough issues while still getting laughs. Such as the girl that put the mirror in front of the toilet. It is not a common situation; to many it seemed a bit absurd. The monologue felt real enough, the audience could not help but feel happy when she started to love her, “flabby belly, uneven chest and pale thighs.”

By the time intermission rolled around, the audience was already buzzing. Everyone had the same opinion about how good Bare Confessions was.

“The show is really good. I think what they are doing is definitely effective. By putting themselves up there like that, it’s inspiring,” said freshman Allison Cabot.

Act 2 continued with a women should have curves. That the expectations society puts upon us are unrealistic and

how women with curves are, “waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.”

Bare Confessions had monologues about how men could also have eating disorders. A football player with an eating disorder is not something we would typically connect together. Bare Confessions made the audience aware that eating disorders could affect anyone, even if it is hard to believe.

A monologue about fad diets shed light on how ridiculous the concept is. A cast of three sat around writing letters to the founders of numerous diets. The games the diet industry plays and the lack of nutrients in these diets were a focus. They added in how hardly even 5 percent of people on fad diets make the weight lost last. The monologue showed how desperate some people could be, enough that they would live on a cabbage soup diet.

Bare Confessions ended with the entire cast coming to the stage. The struggles and breakthroughs came together.

It ended on the note of how a girl just wanted someone to notice her. How if you take the time to just say hello to someone, you could be saving their life.

The cast of Bare Confessions was treated to a standing ovation and positive feedback from everyone.

Grimaldi was pleased with the performance stating, “The show went better than I could have ever imagined; it was amazing to see how many people came out to support us and I was so proud of all of the actors, crew, and other people involved for producing such a beautiful show.”

Kristen Schaal Struggles Despite Help from Others Page 9 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

By MATT THOMPSON Staff Writer

As soon as Kristen Schaal took the stage at Ramapo College, I didn’t know what to expect. She was an oddball and had an unconventional way of trying to make the audience laugh. Did it work? Let’s take a look.

There were three acts to the stand-up comedy on Friday night. A Ramapo student opened for Kristen Schaal, cracking jokes about getting past an ex-girlfriend.

Although this may be an unfavorable opinion, I thought this was the best comedy of the night. He was natural and nervous, feeding off the crowd.

For someone who isn’t a full-time comedian, he was quite good. Kurt Braunolher followed him performing skits with Schaal for the rest of the night.

Kurt didn’t peak my interest as he resorted to unoriginal jokes, like saying “Ramapo” in a screaming voice and playing a hillbilly song after every joke. Once he left, I was relieved. Little did I know, he’d be back and annoying as ever.

Kristen Schaal was suspect at best. She provided the main entertainment for the night and bumped onto stage in a big whoopee cushion outfit, resorting fake farting sounds to gain approval from the crowd. If you have to do this, you are clearly not a funny person.

She then switched to a giant “queef” outfit on stage, which was just embarrassing and uncalled for. After this, she finally changed into her real costume for the night, a mildly normal dress.

She rode solo for awhile performing skits such as banging “talking” pots, lids and spoons together, insinuating sexual contact. Her joke was that she was the one who was the odd person out. One of her next jokes was giving the Ramapo students “pick up lines” for the future.

This was a whole other level of awful, as they were

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

completely unoriginal.

One of her last solo acts was giving a preview of her Law and Order SVU audition for the following Monday, where she pretended she was overweight and ate a big chocolate cake. Picture a little chubby kid pigging out with chocolate all over his face and that’s what was going on here.

Kurt entered the stage and started performing skits with Kristen. They showed a clip on the big screen of some-

thing called “Penelope and the Pets,” which was annoyingly showing Kristen running around with a bunch of fake stuffed animals.

They also played a “Law and Order” clip with Kurt edited in a grandma’s suit at the end, he kind of just pops up as if it’s a bad advertisement online.

One of the skits that happened to be original (but still not funny) was pretending that Alexander Bell didn’t invent the telephone but Pocahontas did.

She “used it” to call John Smith and engage in the “first ever” phone sex conversation, which goes direly wrong.

One of the last segments was Kurt picking two Ramapo students in the crowd to “win a date” with Kristen. They fought for her services, throwing spoons at each other while painting a picture in Kristen’s image.

Credit goes to the student who actually went up there as he held his own against Kristen Schaal. He did a good job keeping conversation amongst the obvious nervousness. This segment was rather entertaining, although I still didn’t find Kristen to be funny.

The final skit consisted of Kurt stomping his knee while reciting “Kristen Schaal is a horse,” while Kristen galloped around the stage like a maniac. Whose idea this was, we’ll never know — but it was just plain stupid.

I gave this performance a “D” because I didn’t like Kristen Schaal. I wouldn’t recommend it, but maybe this just isn’t my type of humor. If you laugh more in a normal day than when you attend a comedy show, you know something is wrong.

OVERALL GRADE: D

Burtonʼs Alice in Wonderland Dazzles Audiences

By JULIANNA ILARIA Staff Writer

Tim Burton presents us with one of the most anticipated films of the year, his take on the old Disney classic, “Alice in Wonderland,” starring Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the

photo courtesy of Disney

White Queen.

Alice Kingsleigh is the daughter of Charles Kingsleigh (Marton Csokas), a wealthy man who planned to find profitable shipping routes through the world in the 19th century. However, many years afterward, Charles has passed away, like almost every parent in any old fashioned Disney movie.

Alice misses his playful attitude and creativity (it was said that he would think about six incredible, impossible things before breakfast!) and cannot stand the staleness of all those around her.

The opening scene of the movie is in a garden at Alice’s surprise wedding proposal party. Hamish (Leo Bill), the son of one of her father’s business partners, is asking for her hand, once Alice finds out she is not pleased, she can not wrap her head around the idea of conforming to who he wants her to be as a person.

However, Alice soon grows distracted seeing a rabbit with a waistcoat nearby seconds before the her wedding ceremony, and rushes after the strange creature to try to see what it is. Following it, she finds her way to the trunk of an old tree and, you guessed it, she falls down a hole.

This is what leads to the discovery of Wonderland, which in fact isn’t even called Wonderland at all, but rather, Underland.

But these are not the only differences. The film does not embody all the ideas of the original “Alice in Wonderland” in the slightest. The whole story is set to anticipate Alice’s return to Underland (she’s been there as a child) and Frabbulous day, the day in which, according to this ancient scroll, Alice must return to slay the Jabberwocky.

When Alice first arrives no one recognizes her, deeming her “the wrong Alice,” but eventually everyone realizes that she is the right Alice and she must save herself and all the characters she has come to love.

A low point of the film would be the running time.

The movie, a little shy of two hours, seems to take really long to get into the story and main idea of the film, and therefore it has a rushed ending to try to cram everything into the desired time allowance.

In addition, the back-story between the queens is reminiscent of the relationship between the sisterly witches from “Wicked” and therefore falls short of originality.

The movie’s excellence lies in its cinematography, editing and costume/makeup design. All characters are certainly dressed to impress, in eccentric costumes and hours worth of time sitting in makeup chairs.

Wasikowska shines as Alice; her beauty is not distracting, instead her plainness is rather enchanting to see for a change. Although she is portrayed as “curiouser and curiouser” she does a good job of balancing the weight of her innocence and curiosity, yet at the same time level headedness. She is simply a girl who is searching for the playfulness left in life, trying to escape this “normalcy” or polite way of being that everyone around her has planned out for her.

As a result, I give this film an “A-” rating, for the fact that it was an awesome film, a great attempt at a remake. Depp, as usual did an excellent job, but the congrats go to Wasikowska, a newcomer, for her memorable debut. She was a perfect fit as Alice. However there were some parts that just left me a little disappointed. Perhaps it was because this film was hyped up so much, but I expected an out of this world experience. Excellent film overall .

OVERALL GRADE: A-

The Grand Lux Café Offers an Affordable Selection Page 10 The Ramapo News

By AMANDA VALENTI Staff Writer

The Grand Lux Café is located in the Garden State Plaza in Paramus. They offer a wide range of American cuisine, some with a hint of ethnic flair.

Only about 15 minutes away from the college campus, it is a great night out with a beautiful ambience.

Sconces light the entrance while gold accents every aspect of the inside. The different rooms feature alternate styles and ceilings. Seating is comfortable with velour and marble table-tops.

There is a dish for every palate at the Grand Lux Café.

The wait staff will explain a little history about the café when customers are first seated. They will always ask whether or not you have been to the Grand Lux so repeat customers do not hear the history again.

The menu offers a wide range of prices from under $5 to more than $20. A large drink menu is also available from wines to martinis.

The buffalo chicken bites are featured as

Thursday, March 11, 2010

one of the items around $5. Mini fried balls of chicken, buffalo sauce and cheese OVERALL GRADE: A+ are presented in a cast iron bowl with é homemade blue cheese for dipping.

The fresh oven-baked pizzas are delicious. The dough is light and crispy with toppings like cheese, tomato sauce, Thai peanut chicken and vegetables.

They also offer delicious Chinese nachos with cheese, rice and a peanut sauce. It comes with a drizzle of cream wasabi sauce on top to add a little kick.

These nachos will make any customer’s mouth water with the first bite. The crunchy chips and the spicy cream burst with excitement. Each bite is different and more delicious than the last.

Specialty drinks can cost around $13, such as the chocolate espresso unused martini topped with cream, coco and espresso.

Servings at the Grand Lux are too large for even two people to share sometimes.

At times it can be a little pricey, so sharing an appetizer and a main meal is a great way to keep the bill to a minimum.

The Grand Lux is well known for their over-the-top dessert menu. Some deserts are special made for customers. Those need to be ordered 30 minutes prior.

They also feature over-sized slices of chocolate cake and carrot cake. Boxes of cookies or fresh cookies filled with ice cream are also a favorite.

There is a dish for every pallet at the Grand Lux Café. The bill might be a litphotos courtesy of Creative Commons tle high, but the quality of the food will The Grand Lux Café offers good food and a quiet atmosphere. not disappoint.

Miss Ramapo Delights

By MELIS S A VELOZ Staff Writer

Sigma Delta Tau, a national sorority on campus, hosted an event called Miss Ramapo 2010 on thursday, March 5, 2010 which was set to start at 9:30 pm, but really began at 10pm after getting the audience comfortable as well as settling everyone down.

Miss Ramapo 2010 was held at Friends Hall by the Student Center. This event featured eight male contestants from different organizations dressed as females.

The concept was males competing in a beauty pageant, in order to attain the honor of being called Miss Ramapo 2010.

In order to win this beauty pageant they had to face a number of challenges: 1. The competition itself, 2. A swimsuit/lingerie portion, 3. Talent portion and last but not least the formalwear/question portion.

Throughout the competition the SDT hostesses Christine Barker (president of SDT) and Kim Fitzgerald (vice president of SDT), would announce a total of 10 raffle prizes in which each person who attended would be automatically enrolled once they paid the $5 fare to get in.

The contestants who participated were as follows: Kevin Quintilian “Miss Ivana

Bangem,” Joseph Gellman “Miss Angelica Applebottom,” Brian Amabile “Miss Material Girl,” Vinny Grillo “Miss Winnie Wonderful,” Eric Scheetz “Miss Erica Hotlegs,” Brian Ceragno “Miss Newbooty,” John Guagliardo “Miss Lady Guaga,” Steven Minucci “Miss Stevie Sweetheart”.

In the end the judges - SDT alumni Susan Dillulio, Alexandra Wal (Theta Phi Alpha’s president), Christina Hartung (Delta Phi Epislon) and Ashley Helble (Sigma Sigma Sigma) chose the first second - and third place winners, who were as follows: “Miss Angelica Applebottom” in third place, “Miss Lady Guaga” in second place and, last but not least Miss Ramapo 2010 was “Miss Newbooty.”

Overall the outcome of the event seemed pretty organized as well as fun and entertaining. This event featured hostesses, judges and a very entertaining DJ who helped set the atmosphere right!

Many Ramapo students came out and over 75 percent of the proceeds of this competition went to Prevent Child Abuse America, so it in turn was very successful.

If you want to be as cool as Joey Lewandowski and Charlie LaPlaca...

Then YOU should write for the Ramapo News!

The Ramapo Newspaper wants you.

Written by Morgan Balog

Meyer’s Music: Lil’ Wayne Goes to Jail and T.I. Gets Out

Page 11 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

By SHARON MEYER Staff Writer

Headlining all music news sites right now is Lil’ Wayne and his jail sentence that finally sent him away away in cuffs.

No worries though, the rapper has left a plethora of music and videos for fans to enjoy while he is “locked up” as Akon may put it.

One of the videos released today for Lil Wayne and Eminem’s “Drop The World,” which can be viewed on numerous websites after a Google search.

As one of Hip Hop’s superstars goes to jail, T.I who was released from jail early on good behavior is coming out with his new single “I’m Back,” The track lacks originality not just in the title but in the actual song as well.

Getting past all the Lil Wayne hype, remember a band by the name OK GO, a band famously known for their treadmill video, where they choreographed a routine involving several treadmills and their colorful yet well dressed selves.

If not, you may have been missing out. OK GO has used their creativeness along with 20 very talented engineers to create their newest video, “This Too Shall Pass.”

“In what again looks like one take, the band sings their tune while the world’s most complex Rube Goldberg Device whirls, spins, crashes, fires, hammers, and in perfect unison with the song,” said a music blog off Yahoo.com.

This is not the first video for “This Too Shall Pass,” but definitely more entertaining and creative then the first.

To see the Rube Goldberg Machine version visit Youtube. You can also check out the original video for the song, along with their other videos, all of which are original and creative.

photo courtesy of Google

Lets flash back, remember D’Angelo’s and his famous video where he exposes his ‘ripped’ bod? Well if you have wondered what he has been up to lately, “authorities say R&B singer D’Angelo was caught in Greenwich Village trying to pay $40 for sex with an undercover cop posing as a prostitute” as reported by Billboard.com. He was arrested early Saturday morning. Maybe he and Lil Wayne can be roomies.

So far the Hot 100 charts have kept the same artists in

the top 5, including the Black Eyed Peas “Imma Be,” Young Money’s “Bed Rock,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Ke$ha’s “TiK ToK,” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Hopefully we will see new faces in the upcoming weeks.

While on the subject of Lady Gaga, her fan sites are buzzing and speculating about plans for a 3-D DVD and concert. If you have purchased her deluxe edition of Fame Monster then you must already know that she included a pair of 3-D glasses with the explanation that they would come in handy, “for things happening soon,” according to MTV news.

Gaga knows how to keep the fans holding on, and with this new wave of 3-D madness, no one should put it past her to pull something like this off.

Gaga is also in store to deliver her much anticipated video for her song, “Telephone,” which fans are desperately waiting for. The video is now scheduled to premiere tonight at 11:30 on E! News, according to MTV.com Ending on a different but definitely cool note, a new platform for unsigned bands and artists has emerged.

Sounds2buy.com is “a new professional platform for unsigned bands and musicians to sell and promote their music, according to music-news.com.

Music has become an art form that is less about the fame and fortune and more about finding ways to make it a decent living. With this website, “Musicians are using the site to expand their current audiences and to sell their songs online, offering the rare opportunity to make some cash from their art,” said music-news.com.

The future is looking bright for unsigned artists.

Johnny Cash, The Man in Black, Strikes Again

By JOHN FRAZE Staff Writer

Johnny Cash is a legend. So legendary in fact, that he is still releasing music years after his death. His most recent release, American VI: Ain’t No Grave, is a slow, refined work that is clearly late Cash, in touch with his spiritual and religious side. The works contained on American VI were recorded only months before Cash’s death in late 2003, in the same session as American V: A Hundred Highways.

American VI: Ain’t No Grave is a perfectly organized compilation of songs for Cash to have recorded so close to the end. Each and every song echoes the impending big sleep with an air of confidence and satisfaction. Especially

known for his cover of Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt, Cash is well-versed in making the music of other’s work with is talents. All of the songs on American IV, one original and nine covers, are perfectly carried by the wise country singer.

“Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)” is a song written by Claude Ely. The song guests Avett Brothers Scott on Banjo and Seth doing footsteps. The song is a cover of an old religious tune, an eerie piece featuring dragging chains and church bells behind Cash’s voice and the light instrumentals. Cash sings in the song “Ain’t no grave can hold my body down.” He surely predicted the future.

Redemption Day is a Cheryl Crow song. The light guitar and organ provide a vehicle for Cash’s voice to carry Sheryl Crow’s lyrics on, lyrics that feel so natural coming from Cash that it may as well have been his own song.

“For the Good Times,” written by Kris Kristofferson, is a song about enjoying life. Cash’s finely aged voice and his proximity to the big sleep really give this song a lot of power. “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” is a song written by Tom Paxton. It is yet another song that can’t help but be applied to the end of Cash’s life, wondering where he’s bound at the end.

“Satisfied Mind” is a Red Hayes/Jack Rhodes original.

The lyrics “How many times have you heard someone say, if I had his money I could do things my way, but little they know that its so hard to find, one rich man in ten, with a satisfied mind” are a bit of advice from a rich man to enjoy life regardless of your financial situation. I Don’t Hurt Anymore is a Don Roberston/Walter E. Rollins tune and is yet another celebration of happiness. While the previous song was used to offer advice for happiness, this song is an exclamation of happiness.

“Cool Water” is a Bob Nolan song. The song is a conver-

sation between the narrator and Dan, two men who just want water, in a desert. To put the song into the context of Cash’s life, a good old God loving man, would be to make it a metaphor for the afterlife.

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream, an Ed McCurdy piece, is truly a dream sequence musically. The most instrumentally - rich song on the album, filled with guitars, piano, light percussion and organ, is truly a soothing piece.

Aloha Oe is a song written by Queen Lili’uokalani, and is easily recognized as ‘that cliché Hawaiian dancing song’ from movies. Despite this setback, the song is truly gorgeous. The ever - heartbreaking slide guitar and Cash’s deep, old voice singing in a Hawaiian tongue are a true delight to the ears.

“1 Corinthians 15:55” is the only Cash original on the album. It’s an upbeat, religious ode to what the Man sees coming. “Hope springs eternal/Just over the rise/When I see my redeemer beckoning me” is the chorus of the song.

Cash, through all his trials and tribulations was still hopeful even in the end. “1 Corinthians 15:55” is an impressive finale for the Man in Black.

John R. Cash would have been 78 years old on Feb. 26.

Don’t ever forget the Man in Black.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Page 12 The Ramapo News

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

RAMAPO SPORTS

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Roadrunners Lacrosse Plans to Step it Up This Season

By MICHELE McKENNA S taff Writer

The women’s lacrosse team is entering their fifth season at Ramapo College. After a couple of bumpy seasons and three changes in coaching staff, the team has had its ups and downs, but this spring is likely to be their break-out season.

“This year’s team is the strongest team that we have put together,” Coach Concetta Valerio said.

This is Valerio’s second year at Ramapo, and she has turned the team around. The lacrosse program started in 2006 and has changed staff three times. Valerio took the team from a 1-10 record in 2008 to a 4-10 record last season.

“Coach Valerio is a young coach, but she knows lacrosse and she knows us,” senior defensive player, Jourdan Chiavaro said.

“I got into lacrosse because of Coach Valerio,” junior, Christina Urciuoli said. “Looking at this season compared to last season there is a huge improvement already.”

According to Valerio, there were several games last year that just slipped from their grip. This year, they plan to take those games.

“One of our biggest rivals is Kean University, which is where coach played and graduated from,” Chiavaro said. “We lost to them last year 13-15, so we are certainly looking to destroy them this year.”

The Ramapo lacrosse team has high hopes for this season. This year will be the most experienced team Ramapo has seen with 17 returning players out of the 24 on the roster.

“We’re striving for over a .500 record and we also want to make it to the Skyline Conference playoffs this year for the first time in Ramapo lacrosse history,” Chiavaro said.

“Our goals are to improve on everything we worked on last year and of course to win more games,” Valerio said.

As the team visualize playoffs in their future, they are busting their butts in the meantime to get there. The team has been practicing three hours a day, six days a week since winter break.

“Being a young program, it has been very tough competing in the NJAC with programs that have already established themselves as a lacrosse powerhouse,” Valerio said.

Although it is tough to compete with more experienced teams, Ramapo is working on all their skills to prep them for the big games.

“I’m looking forward to the games against the teams that we may have lost to by one or two goals last year,” Urciuoli said.

“We need some strong leadership to pull the team together,” Valerio said. “I am looking forward to see how we come together when the pressure is on.”

Women’s lacrosse started their season on Tuesday with a 15-1 victory over the College of St. Elizabeth.

The Roadrunners came out extremely aggressive, scoring goals as early as the first 15 seconds of the game. The score was 10-1 after the first half and the scoring spree continued for Ramapo into the second half. Everyone got a piece of the action with six assists, 30 shots, 15 goals and one save.

There is no doubt that the women’s lacrosse team is serious about seeing success this season.

“The great thing about this team is that every one of us brings something different to the team talent wise, skill wise, and knowledge for the game,” Chiavaro said.

photo by Stef Mauro

The Roadrunners hope to learn from past mistakes and make the Skyline Conference playoffs.

Star New York Athletes Linked to HGH Investigation

By ANDREW GOULD S taff Writer

Just when the talk of performance enhancing drugs in baseball began to fade, a Canadian doctor linked to star athletes is being investigated for smuggling human growth hormone across the border.

New York baseball stars Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes have been interrogated in an investigation of Doctor Anthony Galea, who serves as their personal doctor.

Galea was arrested in October after his institution in Toronto was searched. HGH, which simulates growth and allows athletes to get stronger and heel faster, is legal in Canada but illegal in the United States.

MaryAnne Catalano, an assistant to Galea, was caught trying to smuggle drugs across the border for Galea. She is now cooperating with investigators to relieve herself of any criminal charges and has claimed that Galea has no medical license to operate in the United States.

None of his clients have admitted to using HGH, and they do not seem to be concerned about their involvement in the investigation. Rodriguez previously admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs prior to his successful 2009 season with the Yankees. After finally winning a championship and getting the preverbial monkey off his back, Rodriguez will now have to deal more questions surrounding his connection with Galea.

Reyes and Beltran both missed significant time last year in

a season where the majority of the Mets stars were on the Disabled List. Beltran, upset with the Mets doctors, received

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was interviewed by the FBI.

treatment from Galea and recommended him to Reyes.

Reyes also has to deal with thyroid concerns that create another setback for his return from an injury-plagued 2009 season. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormone, and an imbalance in Reyes’ thyroid has been producing superfluous hormones.

The condition has prevented him from playing in spring training and has cast a cloud of doubt on his ability to play this season. While there has been no proof that this imbalance could be a side effect of HGH, it cannot be considered out of the question.

Another patient of Galea is Tiger Woods, who was speculated by some people of performance enhancing during his absence from golf. Woods received plasma-replacement therapy, an operation in which someone’s blood is removed, spun, and reinserted. Reyes also received this operation. The procedure is highly controversial, but not illegal.

Galea resigned from his position as team doctor of the Canadian football Toronto Argonauts after holding the job for six years. Galea also serves as a doctor for former Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado, Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street, and Olympic swimmer Dana Torres.

Delgado remains unsigned after only playing 26 games for the Mets last year after undergoing hip surgery. Street, who recorded 35 saves last year as the Rockies’ closer, is currently dealing with an inflammation in his right shoulder. At age 31, Torres won three silver medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Now Presenting the 27-Time World Champion New York Yankees

Page 14 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

the season to start as they always do in their spring home of Tampa Bay. The infield diamond remains a familiar sight for Yankees fans. First baseman Mark Teixeira, second baseman Robinson Cano, short stop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and catcher Jorge Posada will all be starting at their positions for the Yankees this season.

By KEVIN JOHNSON Staff Writer

The New York Yankees come into the 2010 season as the defending champions for the first time since 2001.

General Manager Brian Cashman did not rest at the end of the season and enjoy what the team had accomplished, but rather asserted the Yankees as a major player in the off-season.

After taking advantage of free agency in 2009 with the signings of Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, Cashman remodeled the team this season with trades.

The Yankees made it apparent that major changes would be made with the acquisition of outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers. Granderson is expected to replace Johnny Damon, who ironically signed a oneyear deal with the Tigers.

Last season, Granderson totaled a career best 30 home runs, with 27 of them going to right field. Granderson’s left-handed swing is a perfect fit for the Yankees as their new ball park saw 237 home runs, the most ever in the history of both Yankee Stadiums.

Another key loss from the 2009 season is Hideki Matsui, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Matsui performed well in 2009 despite the fact that his frail knees caused him to spend the season as a designated hitter. Matsui won the honor of World Series MVP with New York in 2009, but now looks to continue his career close to his home in Japan.

The Yankees also re-acquired some familiar faces with the trading of outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Atlanta Braves for Pitcher Javier Vázquez, and the signing of first baseman Nick Johnson.

Johnson was a member of the Yankees from 2002 to 2003, and was eventually traded for none other than Javier Vázquez. Vázquez also had a short stay in New York as he was traded in 2005. Vázquez is coming back following an

“The Yankees look to be the team to beat once again in 2010, but the American League East is filled with talented teams.”

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

It is a contract year for Yankee Captain Derek Jeter.

impressive 2009 season in Atlanta where he struck out 238 batters and finished the season with a 2.87 ERA. Both players hope to make New York a more permanent residence this time around.

Veteran outfielder Randy Winn signed a one year deal with the Yankees, marking an end to Cashman’s remodeled team.

Spring training has finally arrived, and is the last step before the regular season. The Yankees are preparing for

Right fielder Nick Swisher is the only starting outfielder that remains from last season. Curtis Granderson will start the season in center field, and Randy Winn is likely the starting candidate for left field. Brett Gardner is expected to fill in for all three positions throughout the season.

The starting pitching staff is also mostly familiar from 2009. The projected starting rotation is Sabathia, Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Vázquez.

The bullpen for New York remains mostly intact from last season. Mariano Rivera remains the closer for the Yankees entering his sixteenth season with the team. After missing most of the 2009 regular season, Damaso Marte established himself as a solid reliever in the playoffs for the Yankees by retiring the last 12 batters he faced.

The Yankees look like the team to beat once again in 2010, but the American League East is filled with talented teams.

After an eventful offseason, the Yankees look to defend their title from 2009.

Ramapo’s Newest Club is Rockin’ and Rollin’ to the Medal Stand

By JILL GRIMALDI Staff Writer

Matt Ratajczak and a couple of his climbing friends founded the Ramapo Rock Climbing Club this semester, after they noticed that there was an interest in climbing on campus.

“We have a rock wall on campus, there are a bunch of climbers on campus, might as well start a club,” Ratajczak said. He is president of the club, which currently has about a dozen members. Out of those members, five have actually competed.

The rest of the executive board includes Vice President Brian Schiavone, Secretary Sean Cotter, and Treasurer Chris Faust.

“I’ve been rock climbing since my freshman year at Ramapo, about two and a half years now, and it’s about time a team was formed,” member Ali Melillo said. “It’s exciting to see other individuals as passionate about the sport as me, especially because I work at the rock wall on campus and for about a year it was kind of uncared for.”

So far the team has only participated in one competition, at West Point on Feb. 27. At that competition junior Ali Melillo came in third in Women’s Beginner, Dennis Shapov came in first in Men’s Intermediate while Nick Fern came second and Matt Ratajczak came in third in Men’s Advanced.

“We were by far the smallest team there by only entering five climbers, so I had no idea

what to expect from our team,” Schiavone said. “It turned out that four out of the five climbers who entered the competition had actually medaled within their skill bracket!

We did much better than I expected, and it will be cool to find out how well we can do in future events.”

The club has no official coach. “We’re all each other’s coaches,” Ratajczak said.

Despite having to coordinate twelve busy schedules, the team manages to meet about three days a week at either the Bradley Center rock wall or at the Gravity Vault on Route 17 in Upper Saddle River.

“It’s very important to climb as much as possible,” said Ratajczak “Preferably at least three times a week, to maintain and develop good hand strength.”

The team has two more competitions coming up in March and April; they are hoping to qualify for nationals in Texas this May. “[Rock climbing] is a sport that anyone can do and I look forward to seeing how far our club will go,” vice president Schiavone said.

“This club is for people of all skill levels, and it is awesome to be part of one of the fastest growing sports.” Treasurer Chris Faust and member Ali Mellilo feel similarly about the club.

“Climbing is a lot of fun, and is a great workout,” said Faust. “We are excited to grow as a team and as individual climbers.”

Melillo said, “I appreciate everything the team is doing to ensure that I can work hard-

er and improve until then.”

There are no tryouts; students of all skill levels are eligible to be a part of the club or team and are able to join and begin training to compete at any time.

If you are interested, join the club’s Facebook page or come down to the Bradley Center Rock Wall on weeknights from 6 to 9 p.m.

photo courtesy of Jodi Inzalaco-Ratajczak

Despite only forming in the fall, the Ramapo Rock Climbing Club is already garnering medals.

Mets Hope for Success After Injury Plagued ‘09

Page 15 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

By JAKE EDINGER Staff Writer

After a very disappointing season last year, the New York Mets look to rebound in order to regain legitimacy in the National League. Many of the Mets starters who were plagued by injuries last season look to have a success full and healthy year.

Jose Reyes, who serves as the catalyst for the offense, is back after his season was cut short due to an injured hamstring. The Mets poor offensive production last season was partially due to the relocation to Citi Field, which is more of a pitcher’s ballpark, but also because it is hard for a team to score runs without an offensive catalyst like Reyes. Reyes will definitely help boost the Mets’ run production.

“The entire franchise, from the players to manager Jerry Manuel and General Manager Omar Minaya, is under pressure due to last year’s poor performance.”

The Mets also addressed their offensive woes by signing outfielder Jason Bay from Boston. Last season, Bay batted .267, with a career high 36 home runs and 119 RBIs. Bay will protect third baseman David Wright, who was targeted by pitchers last year due to lack of lineup support.

Bay will also drive in runs for the Mets. Having played in the National League before, he already

photo courtesy of Creative Commons

The Mets will look to their ace Johan Santana to lead them beyond last seasonʼs problems and into the postseason.

knows many of the pitchers.

Outfielder Carlos Beltran doesn’t look like he will be available to play until May due to concerns with the health of his right knee, which has plagued him

recently in his career and caused him to lose a lot of playing time last year.

Beltran’s return will provide a spark for the Mets and will also be a leader for them as they look to make a run at the playoffs.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect from last season was the lackluster play of David Wright, who saw his home run totals drop from 33 in 2008 to ten in 2009.

Wright had a .307 batting average, ten homers and 72 RBIs last season, and look for the totals to increase in 2010. In this past off-season, Wright has hit the gym and bulked up in order to improve his once respectable home run totals.

The Mets pitching staff also was hit with injuries and bad play. Starting pitcher Johan Santana was injured late in the season. John Maine was injured most of the season and Oliver Perez’s erratic pitching led to many concerns about the shape of the starting rotation.

The Mets’ success this season can be directly linked to the success of their starting pitching, which needs to perform in order to put up a fight against the powerful Philadelphia Phillies.

The entire franchise, from the players to manager Jerry Manuel and General Manager Omar Minaya, is under pressure due to last year’s poor performance.

If the Mets do not produce this season, look for a full organization cleanse including the firing of both Manuel and Minaya. I predict the Mets will have more success than last year, maybe even contending for the Wild Card spot in the National League.

Softball Team Has High Hopes For This Season

By MARIS S A TORR Staff Writer

The snow has finally melted. Spring is in the air, and that means it is time to break out the bats and balls because softball season is upon us once again.

When the last out was made last season, the Roadrunners walked away with 26-11 overall record, while they were 11-7 in the NJAC. “We’re disappointed about the way we finished,” said head coach Ben Allen. “We had an outstanding trip to Florida. Once we got back here, there was a lack of focus and the ability to get things done at crunch time wasn’t there. We were 16-11 when we got back from Florida. Ninety percent of those losses were the second game of a double-header. To me, that’s just not focusing. We definitely have to improve on that.”

Looking ahead to this season, Allen, who has produced an overall record of 317-132 in 11 seasons at Ramapo, is optimistic.

“I think we can put our pitching up against anyone in the conference,” Allen said. “I’m very optimistic for this year, but we are a young teams, playing probably be the toughest schedule we’ve had.”

He’s right. They will be facing off against many of the teams ranked in the top 25 in the nation.

“We have a very young team. We lost two seniors from last year. For us to be successful, of course we’ll need timely hitting and we’ll need to play good

defense,” Allen said. “I think every time our pitching will keep us in the game.”

Allen also recognizes that his new infield is inexperienced.

“We will be depending on some young freshman.

I’m starting a whole new infield, which is not easy.

If we don’t play well in the infield, it’s going to be a problem,” he said. “A lot of it is going to be mental preparation, but they’re talented or else they wouldn’t be here.” Not everyone on the team is new though.

“We have a very young team. We lost two seniors from last year. For us to be successful, of course, we’ll need timely hitting and we’ll need to play good defense.”

- Ben Al l en, head coach

“We have five all-conference players returning. It’s a big plus for our line-up,” Allen said. Deanna Giordano made NJAC First Team All-Conference as a pitcher. Outfielders Brittney McKeon and Katie Donnelly also made NJAC First Team, while outfielder Danielle Rothenberger and catcher Stephanie Malgeri made Second Team All-Conference.

Captains Kate Donnelly and Deanna Giordano were

also hopeful about their team this season. “We’re expecting everyone to step up in big roles. We have 11 incoming freshmen and they’re all very good. We have a brand new infield with them and we’re hoping that they can step up. We’re expecting the same from the returners, to play their part in their roles.”

“Last year, we were 10-0 in Florida, which has never been done before at Ramapo. We’re hoping to have the same success. We’re going to work harder.

We didn’t do as well as we’d hoped when we came back, so we want to make sure that we stay focused throughout.”

“I think we definitely have a shot,” Giordano said.

“We have a lot of big talent and good chemistry.

We’re really connected.”

Ramapo was selected to finished third in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and received three first place votes. Last season, they placed fourth in the NJAC. The Roadrunners will kick off the season in Florida as usual. They will face off against six different teams over the course of this weekend in Panama City. Then, they will travel to Kissimmee to go up against six other teams Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of next week.

After they return from Florida, they’ll have a double header against the College of Staten Island away in New York on Wednesday, March 24. Their first home game will be a double header on Wednesday, March 31, against Farmingdale State College.

RAMAPO SPORTS FOR THE WIN!

Lacrosse looks to build on their opening day victory.

Freshman Samantha Litchfield looks to the goal in the Roadrunners 15-1 victory over the College of St. Elizabeth on Tuesday.

photo by Stef Mauro