Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. LI, No. 4
September 18, 2019
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Potentially hazardous algae appears in Lake Ceva
The NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring will observe the water.
By Len La Rocca News Editor
The Mercer County Division of Public Health advised the College on Friday, Sept. 13 that a potentially hazardous algae bloom has naturally occurred in Lake Ceva. People have been advised to have no contact with the water until it is confirmed safe by the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, harmful algae blooms can contain threatening toxins that can sicken or even kill humans or animals who have made contact with the water. “There should be no contact with the water including, but
not limited to, swimming, wading and water sports,” said Dave Muha, the associate vice president for communications, marketing and brand management, in an email that informed the campus community of the algae. “Fish caught in these water bodies should not be eaten. Pets and livestock should not contact or swallow the water.” While some algae blooms are not hazardous, Muha stated that
Jennifer Somers / Photo Editor
they are at levels quantified at or above the New Jersey Health Advisory Guidance levels. This accumulation of algae can create a thick film covering the surface of the water, causing low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, according to the NJDEP Division of Water Monitoring and Standards. The blooms can be especially harmful to the aquatic organisms that
inhabit Lake Ceva. Having any contact with hazardous water can result in exposure to toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested, inhaled or contacted by the skin or mucous membranes, according to the NJDEP website. These toxins can also accumulate in fish and shellfish which can cause illness when either are consumed. Cyanobacteria is the most common bacteria found in algae blooms in freshwater bodies like Lake Ceva. It develops a blue-green colored algae resembling pea soup or spilled paint, according to the NJDEP algae bloom fact sheet. Factors such as excessive sunlight and slow-moving water raise the likelihood that an algae bloom will occur, according to the EPA. Rosedale Lake in Pennington, New Jersey was also temporarily closed this past July due to cyanobacteria causing a harmful algae bloom, according to hyperlocal news site Patch.com. According to Muha, Lake Ceva will be monitored by the NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring until they advise the College that the water is safe again.
Students promote substance use disorder awareness By Richard Miller Opinions Editor
For many students, college brings a lot of firsts — living on their own, buying and cooking for themselves or the first time they go to party. For the latter, they may be exposed to alcohol or drugs, which can lead to substance use disorder and leave students wondering where to turn to for help. The College’s Collegiate Recovery Community works to provide a safe space for those who have been affected by substance use disorder, as well as motivate and support those in recovery and reduce the stigma on campus. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Associate, a 2014 study showed that of 12.4 million college students, over one-third engaged in excessive binge drinking. Additionally, substance use disorder continues to be one of the most serious public health issues for young people in the U.S., the results of which can lead to negative health, social and economic consequences for adolescents and their families. Founded in 2016, the CRC started with just a few allies of and students in recovery who wanted to convey the message that
INDEX:
Nation & World / page 5
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people are not alone. “As cliché as it may be, (the message ‘you are not alone’) is what we strive to stress,” said John Brezina, a senior clinical psychology and counseling major, the CRC’s vice president of advancement and an ally of recovery. “You will always have people here who have your back, and you will accomplish anything and make all kinds of personal progress with us.” Throughout the academic year, the CRC hosts many different substancefree events on campus, including themed parties, Narcan training sessions and its newly founded All Recovery meetings, which provide students with an open space to talk about their struggles. “Recovery comes in all shapes and sizes, and for many different reasons,” said Samantha Allen, a senior marketing major, president of the CRC and an ally of recovery. “Each person is recovering from something, and that isn’t always due to a substance use disorder. Recovery, to me, means supporting each other, building healthy boundaries and asking for help when it is needed. Each member of the CRC is vital to a successful recovery community.” Editorial / page 6
Opinions / page 7
The CRC hosts weekly meetings in the Recreation Center. Over the past few years, the CRC has seen a growth in its members, many of whom are either students in or allies of recovery. “(In just this past year,) the growth has been exponential, astronomical,” Brezina said. “Funny enough, I actually teared up Features / page 9
showing up to the last CRC meeting, because I was in absolute disbelief of how many people I saw in the room.” With September being National
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Arts & Entertainment / page 12
Sports / page 16
Lions’ Plate Quinoa salad makes for an easy meal-prep.
“K-12” album review Melanie Martinez returns to spotlight
Women’s Tennis Team wins 37th NJAC title
See Features page 11
See A&E page 12
See Sports page 16