02-12-2010 by The Gatepost

At the movies: Crazy Heart

Last-second

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hero

T he G atep

T he Inde pendent Weekly Student Ne wspa per of Framingham State College Since 1932

find us online at www.thegatepost.com volume

78 l number 16

e b r u a r y

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Hemenway renovations, construction postponed to 2015

By Roya Bahrami

Assistant News Editor

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Meghan Earle and Tyler Duay enjoy the sunset from the College Center.

Chiller repairs stalled until 2015 By Shaeleen Perrault Staff Writer The chiller unit outside the Hemenway Hall Annex is broken and Dr. Dale Hamel, senior vice president of administration, finance and technology, does not anticipate FSC having the funds to fix it until 2015. The chiller unit was installed when the Hemenway Hall Annex was built in 1974, according to Warren Fairbanks, director of facilities and capital planning, and provides air conditioning to the building. Fairbanks said, “The chiller in Hemenway Annex has been a problem for a number of years. In the spring of 2008, we could not get it to run because of a failed pump. We rebuilt the pump, and in mid-July of 2008, the chiller was operational. It ran until mid-September of

2008 and then failed again. It has not been operational since that time.” Hamel explained that fixing the chiller unit does not simply mean buying a new one. Part of the requirement for fixing it will be to upgrade the electrical system of Hemenway Hall. Hamel added that merely to repair the unit would not be an option because it is “way beyond its useful life.” According to Hamel, the expected cost to fix the chiller unit is over $3 million dollars. He broke down the cost as follows: $200,000 for the structure, $1 million for the cooling plant, $200,000 for air handling, $200,000 for piping, $400,000 for electrical work, $400,000 for other costs and indirect costs, including contingency reserves, in the amount of $600,000. Administrators have pursued

many ways to fund this project, but have not been successful. “Unfortunately, because of the economic status, the state has reduced planned spending,” Hamel said. The plan now is to include the chiller replacement in the larger Hemenway Hall construction project, which is expected to cost approximately $50 million dollars. The chiller project will be one of the first phases of the renovation. The lack of air conditioning in the Hemenway Hall Annex is causing anxiety among faculty members as the summer months approach because computers and summer school students in labs will endure the heat without air conditioning. Dr. Kristin Chon, chair of the physics and earth sciences department, explained that al-

Chemistry majors Erica Engelson and Steven Syria are among the many FSC science majors who have experienced less-than-desirable conditions during their labs in Hemenway Hall and Annex. A lack of space, equipment and organization in the labs has cost important class time while professors fixed malfunctioning equipment or searched for materials during their chemistry labs. Engelson said, “I took Instrumental Analysis [last] semester and my professor had to fix a couple of the instruments - we delayed a

couple of our labs because of it. Then, we had to make up all the labs during one lab period. It was kind of a hassle.” Syria said, “When I was taking Inorganic [Chemistry], my lab professor had trouble trying to find the things that he needed.” Though plans to renovate science facilities in Hemenway have been in the works for several years, construction has been postponed until 2015 due to the state’s current fiscal condition. According to Dr. Dale Hamel, senior vice president of administration, finance and technology, the -Continued on page 5

We at The Gatepost would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Dr. Doug Bloomquist, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, who passed away Thursday morning.

-Continued on page 4

My FSC love

Lobbying for labs

Men’s lax is back

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The Gatepost

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Gatepost Interview

Police Logs Friday, February 5, 2010 22:22 Narcotics investigation - Corinne Hall Towers. Report of odor of marijuana. Unfounded. Tuesday, February 9, 2010 01:39 Psychiatric emergency - F.S.C. Police Station.

February 12, 2010

Mary Grassetti Education Department

By Amanda Lefebvre Staff Writer

GP: What courses are you teaching this semester?

GP: What is your educational background?

Thursday, February 11, 2010 15:18 Medical - Hemenway Hall. Report of one person passed out.

Grassetti: I began pursuing a college education when I was 38-years-old and the mother of three young children. I graduated from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) in 1995 with an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. After graduating from STCC, I was accepted to Mount Holyoke College as a Frances Perkins Scholar and earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1998. In 2001, I earned an M.Ed. in science education. I successfully defended my dissertation on Dec. 2, 2009 and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Education on Feb. 1, 2010.

Grassetti: I am teaching Early Childhood Curriculum Science Methods and Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Methods.

Lauren Byrnes

News Editor Amy Koski

Assistant News Editors Roya Bahrami, Lindsay Chase, Rakel Hjaltadóttir and Sara Mulkeen

Arts & Features Editor Matthew Bushery

Interim Arts & features editor Tom O’Brien

Assistant Arts & Features Editors Pam Barberio, Spencer Buell, Amanda Lefebvre

INTERIM ASSISTANT ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR Krysta Davis

SPORTS EDITORS Nenia Corcoran and Josh Primak

Assistant Sports Editors Jeff Mandeau and Chris McCabe

Opinion Editor Staff

PHOTO EDITORS

Matt Bennett, Tom Higgins, Josh Kruger, Drake McCabe and Matthew Mikaelian

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ONLINE EDITORs Liz Anders and Jen Perrin

Administrative assistant Betty Brault

Advisor

Desmond McCarthy

General Staff

Bryan Dagley Nicole Dygon Erika Kruger Kelsey Loverude

100 State Street, College Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 www.thegatepost.com gatepost@framingham.edu

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Grassetti: Currently, I am working with some students in my math methods course to publish an article in the journal Teaching Children Mathematics. I think that it is important for classroom teachers to be involved in scholarly work as such work often affects their teaching practice. My current research is focused on the development and impact of social mathematical norms in novice elementary teachers’ classrooms.

GP: Why did you want to become a teacher? Grassetti: I am fascinated with the learning process, especially with how children’s understanding of mathematics develops. Being a teacher gives me firsthand experience with the process of learning.

Amanda Lefebvre/The Gatepost

GP: What is best experience you had in college?

Grassetti: For me, attending college was such an awesome experience. I was 38-years-old with three small children at home when I started college. Most importantly, I “Students hold the door for you here at FSC, learned how to navigate GP: What’s the most and that is a very good sign. ” challenging part about academia so that when your job? my children were ready for college, I knew how - Mary Grassetti Grassetti: At this point, to help them. Parents are the most challenging aspect such an important piece of my job is just getting of the college puzzle, and familiar with a new school and campus setting. I learned how to put the puzzle together before my children were ready to apply and attend college. I am happy GP: Please give a brief summary of your resume. to say that all three are successful college graduates.

Mary Grassetti

Grassetti: Before coming to FSC, I was the Chair of the Education Department at Holyoke Community College. Previous to that, I was a lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst teaching mathematics methods courses in the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies. Additionally, I was the coordinator for the University Without Walls Teacher Preparation program. And, before that, I was a math and science classroom teacher in grades five, seven and eight.

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GP: What do you like most about working at FSC? Grassetti: Students hold the door for you here at FSC, and that is a very good sign. And, the campus is absolutely beautiful. GP: Do you have any hobbies? Grassetti: Yes, I am a runner - I run about 20 miles a week. I absolutely love running in the winter as it always makes me feel so refreshed. Now that my dissertation is completed, I hope to take up the game of golf beginning this spring.

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The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

Page 3

Fun Around FSC

Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Shana Cohen selling her homemade jewelry in the College Center.

Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Below: Lauren Michaud, Idalina Gomes and Kaitlyn Gonfrade; winners of the Make It Work fashion competition. Erika Kruger/The Gatepost

Top Right: A student dances with a dragon costume.

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Below: Students hang out in the sun on the Larned Stoop. Erika Kruger/The Gatepost

The Gatepost

Page 4

Chiller repairs stalled until 2015

-Continued from page 5

though the equipment in her department does not depend on the temperature to work properly, “people are temperature dependent.” Margaret Carroll, chair of the biology department, said not having a working air conditioner “means that in the summertime, it actually becomes too warm to run a lot of laboratory equipment - because most laboratory equipment has a certain ambient range in which it can function, and when the temperature goes over that, you have to shut the equipment down, or the equipment could be damaged.” Biology professor Dr. Eugene Muller, although sympathetic to the administration’s dilemma, is still frustrated by the broken chiller unit. “I am really glad I am not Dale Hamel,” he said. “I am the victim who’s trapped. Not just myself, but others.” He described one affected program in particular that the school funds over the summer in which high school teachers come to FSC to learn biotechnology. Muller said they “come in August and do experiments in the tropical forest of ‘Flamingham.’” Muller also explained that materials used for some of these experiments are temperature sensitive. Some materials need a stable temperature in order to solidify, but due to the heat, they can’t. “It’s like trying to make Jell-O in hell,” Muller said.

“It’s like trying to make Jell-O in hell,” on some procedures in Hemenway labs. - Dr. Eugene Muller

He added that part of the path to tenure and promotion for a science professor is the research the professor does. “I am not a poet,” Muller said, “I need a climate where I can perform my experiments.”

Another biology professor, Dr. Amanda Simmons, said not having a working chiller unit this summer “means we can’t do research in the building over the summer, unfortunately.” Dr. Sarah Pilkenton, a chemistry professor, explained

Dr. Eugene Muller that certain instruments in the department have a “standard operating temperature” in order to “operate under specifications.” She said at times, this equipment has to be shut down due to the heat - meaning that faculty and students alike are unable to use the equipment. An “equipment malfunction” occurred in the summer of 2009, Pilkenton said. The computers inside Machine Specifications (MSPEC) crashed and had to be completely replaced. There was a service contract for the equipment, so all the costs were covered. However, Pilkenton explained that while temperature was not proven to be the cause of the problem, she believes it was a contributing factor. Chemistry professor Louise Bodack said the broken air conditioner limits faculty research in the summer because the instruments are temperature sensitive. “We need to be able to produce data that is reproducible.” On the other hand, the live animals in the building will not be subjected to the heat this summer as they were last

February 12, 2010

summer. Dr. Aline Davis, associate professor of biology, said, “There will be an independent air-cooling unit installed in the animal facility this spring which will prevent any temperature issues with animals in the facility this summer.” Steve Whittemore, president of SGA, said from a student’s perspective, “a tremendous amount of lab work depends on the use of temperature control settings, such as heat and/or air conditioning. So in reality, not having the ability to turn on the air conditioning can actually affect lab results if temperature is essential. Poor lab results can hinder a student’s performance not only in lab, but in class as well.” Some students are not affected by the lack of air conditioning. Emily Clark, a sophomore biology major said, “I didn’t even notice that there was a broken air conditioning unit, so I haven’t been affected by it at all.” Kaitie Murray, a sophomore biology major said, “As a biology major, I spend most of my of my time for classes in Hemenway Hall and personally, the air conditioning unit not working is not a big deal for Josh Kruger/The Gatepost me. Sure, it would be nice to have it work. However, it has never been intolerably hot where the air conditioning is necessary.” Jean-Francois Jacquier, a senior psychology major, said, “To be honest, I didn’t notice a difference or know about the broken air conditioning unit. Hemenway’s always been a cold building.” Muller said, “I feel sometimes when I work in this building I’m working in a developing nation.”

High school teachers taking summer

biotechnology classes “come in August and do experiments in the tropical forest of ‘Flaming-ham.’”

- Dr. Eugene Muller

Want to get published? Join The Gatepost! Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. CC 410 SGA co-sponsors SUAB’s events for remainder of semester We at The Gatepost

By Amy Koski News Editor SGA granted SUAB’s co-sponsorship request for upcoming events and decided on the FY 2010 budget for the Design and Development Club at the meeting Tuesday. SUAB requested SGA co-sponsor “upcoming events” in the amount of $3,683. President Rachel Keir said SUAB has already planned and budgeted for their Sandbox event, Family Fun Day and bingo prizes, among other costs involved in holding these events. SGA allocated an amount not to exceed $3,683. FSC’s Design and Development Club requested a budget of $800 for FY

2010. The $800 will be used for sewing machines, fabric, clothing labels, thread and scissors. The club planned to purchase two lower-end sewing machines with the $200 allotted for the purchase of the machines, but SGA President Steven Whittemore recommended the purchase of machines of higher quality, as it would be in the club’s “best interest not to get one that’s going to last a year.” SGA allocated $800 from SGA’s unallocated line to the Framingham State College Design and Development Club for FY 2010. SGA accepted the constitution of SHRM, the FSC Student Chapter of the

Society for Human Resource Management, as amended for the first time. Senior Sam Alley said the club is a good experience for business majors , as the group will attend a conference in Philadelphia to participate in a competition concerning “depth of knowledge” in the field of human resources with other chapters of SHRM. In other news: l All club and group budgets are due Friday, Feb. 12 by 4:00 p.m. There will be no deadline extensions. l Interviews for Dr. Robert Martin’s replacement will begin in March. l There will be no senate meeting on March 9.

would like to wish President Flanagan a healthy and speedy recovery from his recent surgery!

The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

Students, faculty dissatisfied with Hemenway lab conditions

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commonwealth of Massachusetts has been forced to reProblems with temperature, air flow and a general labs, so we actually really need more space. In addition to duce spending in all areas, including a $650 million de- lack of space and equipment in Hemenway Hall and An- that, the students outside of class time need some time to crease in the five-year capital spending plan - the source nex have caused frustration for both faculty and students. work in the rooms, so it hurts them in that respect.” of funding for this project. Members of the campus community agree that renovatThe condition of the food laboratories in Hemenway Hamel said, “Unfortunately, we were one of the casu- ing FSC’s science and technology facilities is essential in has also been an issue for faculty and students. Schwartz alties of that reduction along with many other agencies. bringing FSC up to par with other colleges. said, “As far as our food labs, we would love to do some [However,] it isn’t just higher ed. This is stateupdating, because as you know, a kitchen wide with the need to push projects out further has changed a lot in the past 30 years, so than when they were originally planned. … Each we’d love to have that. Of course, we make year, they will update the five-year capital spenddo as well, [but] we really need the elecing plan with reconsideration of what projects get tricity updated. That is really a problem added or moved around.” because we are always blowing fuses and According to Hamel, the Academic and Scithings like that. It’s just awful.” ence Facilities Project will cost $51.7 million Dr. Margaret Carroll, chair of the bioland will provide new and up-to-date classroom ogy department, addressed infrastructure and lab space and equipment, updated HVAC and problems within the Hemenway building temperature control systems and a new “chiller” and their impact on biology classes and that will service the entire renovated Hemenway labs. She said, “The building was not concomplex and possibly May Hall. structed with modern laboratory equipment Hamel said the renovations to Hemenway in mind, and so many pieces of equipment Hall and Annex will be completed in three phases require too many pounds per square inch when the project gets back on the state’s five-year to actually be held on the fourth and fifth capital spending plan. According to Hamel, “The floors of this building.” first phase is the replacement of the chiller. According to Carroll, two specific pieces “The second phase would be the addition of of equipment - a minus-80 freezer and a renew space and current planning as proposed by frigerated chromatography cabinet - are “a the consultant hired by DCAM [Department of little too heavy for almost anywhere up on Capital Asset Management], which has undertakthe fifth floor,” and are currently housed in en the study to create new teaching labs for what closets that can withstand the weight of the Drake McCabe/ The Gatepost will likely be the chemistry and biology departequipment. A lab in Hemenway Hall. ments. Carroll said there are air flow issues and “The third phase would be essentially the renbuilding vibrations that affect the biology deovation of Hemenway Hall itself - both the infrastructure, Dr. Janet Schwartz, chair of the consumer sciences partment. “Air flow in the building needs to be addressed which will be a benefit to all departments in Hemenway, department, said changes to Hemenway will improve the it really needs to be improved. There are a lot of vibrations access issues and then other renovations to space.” facilities students use for food labs as well as labs for biol- in the building, which means that a lot of equipment in the According to an update sent out by Hamel on Jan. 20 ogy and chemistry. Hemenway Annex wing doesn’t function well because of regarding the upgrade of academic and science facilities Schwartz said, referencing the food and nutrition ma- the vibrations. When you look under a microscope, you project, there jors in her department, can see how much are four possible “Our students have to vibration there is, locations for the take many courses in biso it’s difficult addition to Heology and chemistry. We sometimes to use “The building was not constructed with menway. wet mounts under modern laboratory equipment in mind, and would love to have betThe first ter biology and chemis“Our labs look like they’re from the fifties.” a microscope.” so many pieces of equipment require too many option for adtry laboratories because The lack of air ditional space pounds per square inch to actually be held on our students take so conditioning in - Dr. Kristin Chon the fourth and fifth floors of this building.” would require many of those courses.” Hemenway Hall the demolition In the past five years, has also caused - Dr. Margaret Carroll of Crocker Hall according to Schwartz, problems for the and the erection student enrollment in biology departof a new buildthe food and nutrition ment. Carroll ing in its place. and fashion design and said, “There’s no The other location options, called 2a, 2b and 2c, would retailing majors has increased, so classroom space has be- air conditioning in this building, which means that in the be strategically placed additions to Hemenway Hall and come tight in many courses and labs required for these summertime, it actually becomes too warm to run a lot Annex. Location 2a would be across from Larned Hall, lo- majors. of laboratory equipment, because most laboratory equipcation 2b would be built in front of the current Hemenway “In nutrition, it went from 90 students to 155 students ment has a certain ambient range in which it can function. Hall and location 2c would be an addition off the back of in five years … [and] in fashion design and retailing, we When the temperature goes over that, you have to shut the Hemenway Annex. now have 235 majors. We have problems scheduling the -Continued on page 6

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February 12, 2010

The Gatepost

Hamel: Hemenway project delayed due to state’s economic condition -Continued from page 5

equipment down, or the equipment could be damaged.” Dr. Sarah Pilkenton of the chemistry department addressed several issues that she and other faculty members have encountered while instructing labs in Hemenway. According to Pilkenton, lab space has been a major concern for the chemistry department. “For our upper-level courses, there are three hoods available for student use. In modern labs, two students would share a hood. Now in our [chemistry] labs, we only have two functioning hoods.” In a laboratory, hoods are glassed-in countertops used for special chemical experiments in Inorganic Chemistry and other upper-level science courses. According to Pilkenton, in one particular lab room, one of the hoods is used to store hazardous waste, and another hood is not functioning. Therefore, only four students at a time can effectively perform an experiment for their lab using the two functioning hoods. This causes a long wait for students in labs of 20 or 30 to perform their lab experiments. In regards to the temperature and airflow problems within the building, Pilkenton said the “temperature issue is a major concern” in Hemenway, and without air conditioning, some of the analytical equipment used in the labs will not function efficiently. Pilkenton added that equipment must be kept shrouded because of the dust in the building. Pilkenton said some equipment has malfunctioned in the chemistry labs. “This summer, we had a major problem with the computer inside the MSPEC [atomic spectrometer], which crashed and had to be completely replaced. Luckily, there was a service contract, so the replacement was covered.” Dr. Kristin Chon, chair of the physics and earth sciences department, also believes the lack of air conditioning is a serious concern. “Fortunately, in physics and earth sciences, we don’t have labs that are temperature dependent - we have people who are temperature dependent. I know chemistry, for example, has had problems. For us, obviously, there’s nothing that is temperature dependent, but I just don’t teach in the summer.” According to Chon, the layout of the classrooms and labs in Hemenway is not effective when employing modern teaching methods. She added, “Our labs look like they’re from the fifties. … The layout of the physics labs is just not conducive to learning in the style that we like to teach. It is conducive to professors standing and talking at the students and the

students taking notes, and that’s it. Teaching has come a long way from the seventies when that was the norm, and now it’s getting the students actively involved. Those classrooms are passive - not active - classrooms.” Chon also addressed the lack of space for her department. She said, “Our geology lab room - we have one room and it’s small, and we have so much stuff in there. Storage is inadequate, space is inadequate - it’s just inadequate.” Students are also aware of Hemenway’s condition and how it has affected their classes. SGA President and biology major Steve Whittemore said students are frustrated during long and crowded science labs. “When you go in for a lab, it takes the full three hours because there’s not enough [space or equipment] for the students. … At the end of a three- or four-hour lab, especially the chemistry labs, you just want to be out of there.” Whittemore said temperature and air flow issues in Hemenway are a concern for students. “A lot of times, temperature can control your lab results. If you’re in a room that’s too hot, it can alter your results, or if it’s too cold, it can alter your results. It’s difficult not to have some sort of air control [in the building].” Freshman fashion design major Amanda Brooks said, “It seems like there isn’t enough space in the classrooms. I know there were a lot of seniors that wanted to take Advanced Apparel Construction, but they couldn’t because there weren’t enough seats and there aren’t enough [sewing] machines for everyone.” Stephanie Leger, a sophomore food and nutrition major, said, “We don’t have a lot of equipment, so we have to share with other classes sometimes. A lot of the classrooms are cold.” David Armstrong, a junior food and nutrition major, said, “I think the rooms are often too crammed and they never seem to have enough electrical outlets if your classes need a laptop. Those [classes that are held in Hemenway] are usually the biggest classes, too.” Despite the delay in construction because of the state’s current fiscal situation, faculty, administrators and students are optimistic about Hemenway’s renovations. Hamel said, “[2015] is the hope, I guess, at this point. I mean, it’s still very uncertain because of the fact that they only commit to the projects that are in the very next year, the upcoming fiscal year. … You want to be on the fiveyear plan, but nothing’s for sure until you’re on that next year’s spending plan. … As things change over time, they

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Come pick up a form in the SGA office and nominate the person you feel should be recognized for their hard work at Framingham State College.

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F E Z X R F D K V Y S S Y R E D R I G B

reserve the right to make modifications. That’s the current planning horizon. It could be earlier. It could be later.” Schwartz said, “I think that the education we give is excellent, and it could be so much better with better facilities. We would like to offer our students a little bit more contemporary facilities, especially in the kitchen labs. I’m sad about [the construction being pushed to 2015], but I certainly understand the situation.” Carroll said, “We were really looking forward to this [the renovations], and we’ve been able to function all right in this building so far, so I guess that is what we will continue to do - to handle the building as it currently stands. We are all resigned to the fact that the state is in a terrible fiscal situation and so unfortunately, as with many other things, there’s just not going to be the money to do this renovation as soon as we’d like.” Pilkenton said, “We’re happy the college is considering building a new science facility and we can completely understand that’s been pushed out by the current economic climate.” However, because the renovations to Hemenway Hall and Annex will only affect chemistry and biology classroom and lab space, other departments in the building like the physics and earth sciences department - will not benefit from the project to the extent that the chemistry and biology departments will. Chon said, “I’m actually hoping the Hemenway project isn’t going to do anything for our department. I’m hoping that we can find some outside grants or something to re-do our labs or at least new furniture. … So really, at this point, the Hemenway project is not going to help us at all.” Chemistry major Erica Engelson said, “I don’t know if [the condition of Hemenway] deters people [from studying the sciences]. I think it just frustrates the majors … and the professors, too.” Some students, like David Armstrong, were not aware of the delay in renovations for Hemenway. Armstrong said, “I didn’t know [that the renovations were delayed] but it doesn’t really help me at all because I’m not going to be here then.” Whittemore said, “I think they don’t have much choice. Just with the state of the economy right now, we’re all feeling a financial crunch, and I think there’s not much to do about it. I’m sure if they could do it right now, they would, but ... with the new residence hall coming on line, and with the building of that being underway, they just can’t do it.”

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The Gatepost

Hamel: Hemenway project delayed due to state’s economic condition -Continued from page 5

Valentine’s Day Word Search

KEY TO SUCCESS AWARD NOMINATION FORMS

Come pick up a form in the SGA office and nominate the person you feel should be recognized for their hard work at Framingham State College.

F E Z X R F D K V Y S S Y R E D R I G B

W E S O J X L A I B E W M C B K Y P J B

By Lindsay Chase Assistant News Editor

ARROW CANDY CHOCOLATE CUPID DIAMONDS FLOWERS HEART JEWELRY

KISS LOVE PINK RED ROSES SWEET VALENTINE

X A Q R S C Z F N Z J X X P W S E I I F

R B I O R P J N W S K B K G Z J L T V T

The Gatepost

Page 8

February 12, 2010

ARTS & FEATURES

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

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FSC students finding the loves of their lives right on campus I By Lauren Byrnes Associate Editor n line at the commuter caf, while waiting for the shuttle, or huddled between the aisles of books at the library, it is easy to meet just about anyone at FSC. A bit more challenging is the task of finding a serious commitment in a college environment. However, many former undergrads met their significant others at FSC, and amidst the stresses of college life, have managed to “make it work.” Alums Angel Seto, an English major, and Marc Long, a sociology major, met at FSC. The couple graduated in 2009 and they are still dating after almost three years. Seto remembers the first time they met while living in Larned Hall during her junior year. “We were in the elevator together, and to avoid the awkward conversation, I … [said], ‘Oh, I think we went to high school together for a year’ just to make conversation, and we just started talking,” she said. They officially began dating in 2007. Long said he was drawn to Seto’s smile and their love of the same music. The couple worked together at SUAB while they were at FSC. While Seto was President of SUAB, Long was concert coordinator. “We were very professional. … We were able to separate working in a club together versus living together and dating,” Seto said. Seto’s favorite trait of Marc’s is that he’s a “genuinely nice guy. … He’s just so friendly to everyone … and he treats me really well. … He spoils me - not only with gifts, but just being nice and doing surprisingly cute little things like bringing me lunch randomly.” Long said, “What I love most about Angel is how nonjudgmental she is and how she'll do anything for the people that she loves.” The couple said they enjoyed their time together at FSC. “We both really loved the campus and the school and had a great time while we were here,” Long said. “The best thing was probably being able to see the person you were dating all the time and be able to really form that connection with the person, rather than see them so infrequently if you were going to different colleges,” he said. Seto believes they are fortunate that their families only

live 20 minutes apart, and they’re able to see each other nearly every day. “We want to be together all the time. … I think living together so early in our relationship definitely made us realize how much we love being with each other,” Seto said. Alums Emily Smith, an English major, and James Coelho, a biochemistry major, both graduated from FSC in 2007. Smith said they first met during her freshman year of college, in 2003. “We both lived on the same floor in Larned Hall and we met through mutual friends. We were acquaintances throughout the years and didn’t start dating until March, 2007. We actually started officially dating the night of the semiformal we attended that spring at FSC in 2007,” she said. Smith said the two began talking in early 2007 and quickly realized how much they had in common. “He was the first nice guy I [had] met in a while, so that was a good change!” she said. Coelho said the best thing about dating Emily while being at FSC was how often they were able to see each other and spend time together. “But, it never seemed like a lot because we were always running around campus with classes, clubs and other activities,” he said. Smith said the most memorable time they shared at FSC was in spring, 2007 when they started dating. “It was exciting being with someone new, and we also really enjoyed Senior Week with all of our friends. That is probably my favorite memory of college,” she said. Although having a relationship with someone from the same college can be a good experience, it can also be challenging. “FSC is a small school [and] everyone tends to know everyone else’s business. People love to gossip! [But], the best part was that we did get to spend a lot of time with each other and it was fun going to all the different events at FSC,” Smith said. The couple is engaged and will be married on May 15 in York Harbor, Maine. “I love that he is there for me on my best and worst days. He is there for me no matter what happens and really encourages me to be the best person that I can be at work, with friends and everything else,” Smith said. Alicia Avery, a geography major who graduated in

2009, began dating her now fiancé, Chris Calzolaio, while in high school, but they both attended FSC. “He asked me to be his girlfriend at Applebee's after a varsity football game on a Friday night,” Avery said. “The time we spent at FSC was amazing. Although our schedules were crazy, we made sure we had at least an hour a day to see each other and catch up. He never missed one of my soccer games, and we always had time to spend together while at The Gatepost late on Thursday nights,” Avery said. Avery was the advertising editor for The Gatepost, while Calzolaio served as sports editor. After years of dating throughout high school and college, the couple got engaged in December 2008 and will be married on July 24, 2010. “Chris is a very outgoing person. He has an awesome personality and that's why I love him so much. If you're having a bad day or just stressed out, he always makes sure to put a smile on your face,” Avery said. Although not all college relationships last, many couples who have a strong connection are able to make it work. “I think it is possible for anyone to meet their future partner in college. You meet so many people with different personalities that you're bound to bump into your soul mate at some point,” Avery said.

The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

Page 9

NEW MUSIC

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

By Amanda Lefebvre Assistant Arts & Features Editor

hat does it mean when someone has a “way with words?” Does it imply a direction, a physical path, a soul’s movement? Perhaps all three, as all one may need to find the answer is the poetic lyricism and persuasive powers of OneRepublic’s second album. “Waking Up” will not only take you to a realm of crashing piano keys, demanding drums and unwavering strings, but will move you while you’re there. With the vocal range and youthfulness of Boys Like Girls, the edginess of the AllAmerican Rejects, the harmonious instruments of Coldplay, the sentiment of Oasis, the confidence of U2 and the fire of Green Day, this alternative rock group, described as “anthemic,” has finally entered the land of meaningful music. In “Good Life,” Ryan Tedder’s voice tells us to enjoy every unpredictable second and to revel in the purity of a “good” time. Watching precious hours pass you by is a part of life that many of us regret, but little actually do something about it. Tedder realizes, in the best “move-inducing” ballad “All This Time,” that he is sick and tired of waiting for the one he had let go of quite some time ago to return to him. When he starts his painful recollection of the past, he sounds like he’s standing on a far away precipice, and he makes it his mission to go back to her. During the heavily instrumental interlude, it’s almost as if the listener is living this momentous event with him - the music escalates, and I find myself rushing down the road beside him in anticipation to see his light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. “All the Right Moves” and “Marching On” are two of their more captivating tunes, the kind that the concert crowd would most likely stand, shout and stomp their feet to, rather than serenade the crickets with cell phone illuminations. Two songs alluding to more somber topics are “Fear,” chiming with high pitched keys and deep strings, and “Secrets,” calmly being pushed forward with deeper strings. The band’s ability to conjure up authoritative, yet insatiable rhythms is intended to jolt the listener into a musical world unbeknownst to anyone. All of their new tracks are meant to evoke that exact sensation, but a few particular pieces are “Made for You,” “Missing Persons 1 & 2,” and “Everybody Loves Me” - these three pieces especially take popular meters from other contemporary musicians with a sort of global influence of time and materials, and uniquely fuse them together. This record has more of a distinctly spiritual, orchestrated sound - songs coming to life, well-versed in both sensitive language and an array of emotive instruments, quite unlike their debut album “Dreaming Out Loud” which snoozed along with the occasional hint of soulful stirrings.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

he’s got Brazilian leather boots on the pedal of her German car/Listen to the Beatles singing back in the USSR.” These are the opening lines to one of most addictive, and truthful, songs off of Brad Paisley’s newest album, “American Saturday Night.” Many Paisley followers first fell in love with his passion for music and his ear for sound, if not him - just a lighthearted, small-town guy, who knows how to play guitar. And fans of this country idol will discover, in his newest musical pieces spiced up with fiddles and banjos, a Paisley with more spunk, maturity and heart. In the catchy song that kicks off Paisley’s eighth CD, “American Saturday Night,” this average American himself describes the “stuff” that makes up a typical Saturday night in the only country that is a unique melting pot of cultures and cuisines from all corners of the world. Among some of the additional upbeat numbers are “You Do the Math” and “Water,” in which Paisley willingly takes the plunge, so to speak, into the youthful, carefree and daring spirits of his childhood out in the heart of the countryside during hot and hazy summers. “Welcome to the Future” has a more subdued tempo, but uniquely revolves around the idea that life has changed so drastically from when he ten years old, and that we are living in our future: Paisley even mentions how proud Martin Luther King Jr. would be, no matter how trying and imperfect these times seem. Even though “No” and “Oh Yeah, You’re Gone” are filled with heartache, the melodic tunes of “Then” no doubt make for his most romantic, soul-shivering and heartwarming song. He recalls a day back “then” in which he first fell in love with his wife. Track 6, called “She’s Her Own Woman,” also deals with this, but despite the fact that they have found love with each other, he completely respects the fact that she can also find love by conquering the world on her own. It was a combination of his good-humored attitude, irresistible southern twang and punchy rhythm that are able to spin the ever-comical debate about who wears “The Pants” in a relationship into a genuine and soulful story of love. And however “backwoods-y” his song “Catch All the Fish” may sound, one can really see oneself out on a relaxing fishing trip with plenty of beer and the pals from home. Paisley has the personality and popular hits that have transcended generations. This album showcases Paisley as a down-to-earth and yet hopeful entertainer who has reached his height of stardom.

AMPUS CONVERSATIONS By: Spencer Buell and Tom O’Brien

What is your most awkward Valentine’s Day memory?

“I asked my friend about a carnation I got from a ‘secret admirer.’ I thought it was a stalker. It turned out to be him!”

“I made this giant valentine and had to bring it into school. That was embarrassing. It was huge and had a lot of glitter.”

“I was working as a bartender and this drunk guy asked me to be his girlfriend. I said, ‘Uh ... no thanks.’”

- Ashleigh Belanger, junior

- Jake Luth, junior

- Coryn Snyder, senior

“I spent four years learning Spanish to give a Costa Rican girl a Spanish Valentine’s letter. She responded, ‘What? English, please.’” - Lumyr Derisier, senior

“In fourth grade, my dad made me call and talk to three boys who gave me valentines. I had to tell them I was too young.” - Melissa Kent, freshman

Page 10

The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

At the Movies

By Matthew Bushery Arts & Features Editor

CRAZY HEART

ad Blake isn’t a bad man - he just makes bad decisions. He drinks. He womanizes. He drinks some more. Overall, life just ain’t that good for Bad. The film “Crazy Heart” is both a charming love story and gloomy tale of isolation and desolation depicting Blake, a down-and-out country singer, charismatically portrayed by the inimitable (and Oscar-nominated) Jeff Bridges in his best role in a decade. Blake’s journey is shown to be a bleak one at first. He’s touring the southwest, performing at bars and various dives in small towns, drinking himself stupid before each gig. Viewers soon become aware of Blake’s famous past, as at one point, he was something of a country-singing sensation and well respected in the entertainment community. Those days, however, are long gone - and Blake couldn’t care less. The singer appears oddly complacent about the way his life has turned out. Four wives came and went, and Blake looks back on his life with great indifference of what once was and what could have been. It’s only when an aspiring journalist named Jean (a shockingly decent Maggie Gyllenhaal) shows interest in the faded star that his own passions are re-invigorated. In other words, Blake begins to care again, realizing it’s never too late to start his life anew. Adapted from Thomas Cobb’s 1987 novel of the same name, “Crazy Heart” is a mostly enjoyable little film featuring some noteworthy acting performances, a respectable script, fantastic country and folk music and a warm, uplifting storyline that is sure to make one feel rejuvenated and ready to take on new challenges, just as Blake does throughout the picture. And yet, despite all of these positive characteristics the film boasts, it’s hard to ignore the movie’s glaring miscues, which are quite noticeable. The film’s first act is an interesting and engaging look at a man at his absolute worst, attempting to regain that “it” quality that made him the star he used to be. But, once Jean is introduced, the picture’s pace becomes very uneven and rather difficult to endure. Director Scott Cooper’s intentions for the story are in the right place, as it’s clear he wants to take the time to shed light on Blake’s redemption-inprogress. Regrettably, though, one will find it incredibly hard not to become completely bored and ready to give up on the protagonist and his journey Photos courtesy of AllMoviePhoto.com

Jeff Bridges stars as down-and-out country singer Bad Blake, while Maggie Gyllenhaal portrays Jane, his sweet and devoted love interest.

toward a new and better life (which also, regrettably, is painfully obvious to see he will achieve by film’s end). A not-so-obvious minus for the film is its ample amount of parallels to another recent, critically acclaimed Fox Searchlight movie - Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler.” Aside from Bridge’s floundering singing career differing from Mickey Rourke’s downward spiral in the wrestling ring, the two films are remarkably comparable. Luckily for Blake, he doesn’t meet his demise like Rourke’s Randy the Ram. The average moviegoer may not even notice this, but those who do see the resemblances, in all likelihood, will laugh (or perhaps scoff) and thus become unable to take the movie as seriously as they’d like. This is a shame, given that the pros of the film really do outweigh the cons. A big plus for the film is something which isn’t even integral to the plot. The very first scene of the movie depicts Bridges’ Blake entering a bowling alley - the venue for his latest show - while the camera tracks the singer all the way to the alley bar, a la the cult Bridges film, “The Big Lebowski.” The Dude, however, was fond of white Russians, while Bad Blake is more of a whiskey man. The supporting cast for the film features wily veteran actor Robert Duvall as Blake’s bartender best bud back home, as well as a minor but effective turn from Colin Farrell as Blake’s protégé Tommy Sweet, whom Blake feels left him in the dust for country music super-stardom. Legendary singer and producer T-Bone Burnett helped compose much of the music of the film, which, along with the marvelous acting, serves as the heart and soul of “Crazy Heart.” Up-and-coming country star Ryan Bingham’s song from the film, “The Weary Kind,” which Bridges sings himself in the film, has already nabbed a Golden Globe and appears to be the frontrunner to take home Oscar gold as well. Regardless of musical taste, or abhorrence of country music at-large, one will find it extremely difficult not to enjoy the musical sequences in the movie. The film truly is one of the best feel-good movies of the last year in cinema - but that’s all it really has to offer film audiences. Though the story is somewhat unique and the acting spot-on for the intended tone, the directing ruins what could have been a wonderful journey of salvation to watch unfold. “Crazy Heart” isn’t a “Bad” film by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s definitely far from great. Bridges’ performance earned him his fifth Oscar nomination, and many believe this will be the year he nabs his first Academy Award.

February 12, 2010

The Gatepost

Page 11

Students, faculty join for Celebration of Hope at Heineman By Christopher Kopacko Staff Writer

n Wednesday, Feb. 3, the Helping Hands for Haiti Committee at FSC hosted a Celebration of Hope service in the Heineman Ecumenical Center. The purpose of the service was to allow students and faculty to reflect on the devastation of the recent Haiti earthquake, which claimed the lives of over 180,000 people just three weeks ago. Officiating at the service was Barbara Pierre, who began with a recap of the Jan. 12 earthquake and its disastrous aftermath. She was followed by Reggie Jolicoeur, who sang a Creolean song of inspiration from his childhood entitled, “Only Jesus Can Save Haiti.” Halfway through, Jolicoeur broke from his piano playing and finished the song a cappella, creating a heartwarming moment. Next was a personal reflection given by Mirlesna Azor, a Haitian native who left

the country seven years ago. Azor shared her experiences with friends and family after the earthquake, and the despair they felt after not being able to contact relatives living in the country. She was followed by Lumyr Derisier, a senior at FSC who shared a poem he wrote entitled, “Haiti No More.” Derisier’s poem challenged listeners to get to know people from Haiti in order to truly grasp the virtues of the country. “The Beauty of Haiti is in the people,” he remarked. He went on to describe his life as a Haitian descendent growing up in Massachusetts. Pierre closed with a captivating rendition of “Amazing Grace,” and announced the committee’s plans for another Celebration of Hope to be held in the College Forum on March 23. The Helping Hands for Haiti Committee meets every Friday at 2:30 in room 415 of the College Center.

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Senior Lumyr Derisier shares a poem with the audience.

The Gatepost

Page 12

The Gatepost Editorial Lobbying for labs

For a state college that began as a teacher’s college, the science programs at FSC have grown significantly over the years. When students enroll in the science programs here at FSC, they expect to be provided with all of the necessary knowledge and experience in order to be competitive and successful in jobs in their respective fields. FSC is a school which prides itself on student success - and part of that success is dependent on the work space provided to students in which they learn. FSC administrators must ensure that students are provided with all of the materials and facilities they need in order to succeed. Hemenway Hall’s outdated laboratories and obsolete science equipment can make prospective students doubt FSC’s ability to offer them the valuable knowledge they’ll need in their fields. Students who desire an education in cutting-edge areas of scientific research can be deterred by FSC’s inadequate facilities. As it stands, students do not have the proper space, facilities or equipment to excel in a laboratory setting. Students are forced to crowd around fume hoods and share a few pieces of equipment, making labs unnecessarily long and less effective for those who take the courses. Students are unable to complete labs due to the lack of temperature stability in the building and its effects on their equipment and experiments. Students should expect to attend classes in a science building with air conditioning. Students need an environment conducive to success and precision. And the science students simply aren’t provided with it. Last year, we at The Gatepost were excited to learn that a project to renovate the Hemenway laboratories was in the planning stages, and would be put on the capital master plan within five years. The benefits to FSC faculty and students would be innumerable. The Hemenway Hall renovation project is already long overdue. The project would offer the temperature control needed to store materials and conduct experiments, and would update all the labs with the necessary tools to complete research. When the capital budget of the state was cut, however, due to the poor economy, the start of the Hemenway project was pushed back to at least 2015. Since the news of this delay was released, President Flanagan and Dale Hamel, senior vice president of administration, finance and technology, have been working tirelessly to begin to fund the project. They have even visited Washington D.C. to seek federal funding. As commendable as it is for the administration to put so much effort into getting the laboratory project onto the capital plan now, the project should have become a priority years ago. The project is necessary if FSC intends to encourage prospective science students to enroll here, and to keep the college competitive with other higher education institutions in terms of science technology. Although we are in an economic downturn, the population at FSC is growing rapidly and it is the job of the administration, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Higher Education, to provide the students with up-to-date lab facilities. And it is our job to help the administration find funding for this project. Legislators and government officials are more likely to listen to administrators backed by students who are directly affected by the outdated facilities their college provides. However, in order to work alongside the administration to lobby for funding to improve the facilities in Hemenway Hall, students must be provided with the information to do so. Many FSC students aren’t even aware that the concept for the project even existed. The FSC administration should lead students in the struggle to obtain funding for the project. Meetings should be held for students, students should be encouraged to write letters to government officials and information about the Hemenway Hall project should be readily available to the campus community. We at The Gatepost believe that the Hemenway project is a necessary renovation for our campus. Students, faculty and administrators should all be working together to make this project a reality.

February 12, 2010

Op/Ed

Lower taxes, fewer services?

Now that Christmas is over, we enter a very cold era of winter which many Americans dub as tax season. Unlike most Americans, I have filed for both my state and federal returns already. My gross income for 2009 was $5,227 and I was very surprised to see that I only paid into the system $352. My total tax refund this year was $348. I only paid four dollars in taxes to the government this year. Sure that I made a mistake, I compared my taxes with my sister’s. Her gross income was around $3,200. This warranted her paying $0 in taxes this year. Under Obama’s new tax plan, the middle class of Americans this year will be taking severe tax cuts. Well, you might think, “this is great - more money for me,” but think of the larger scale. Less money into the governmental system means less money for public projects and transportation. Think of how this affects you! You go to a state college, funded by state money - if that money dries up, well, so does your education.

Josh Kruger Editorial Staff

Valentine’s Day - out of control February 14: The one date that strikes fear into the souls of people everywhere. Whether you’re single and worried about spending the holiday alone, or attached and worried about what to give to your significant other, the holiday causes an unbelievable amount of needless stress. But does it have to? In all honesty, I think Valentine’s Day is out of control. The holiday is supposed to be about showing someone how much you love and care about them, but instead, what it really does is put a monetary value on love. You can tell your girlfriend you love her all year long, but if you don’t give her diamonds and flowers on Valentine’s Day, then you don’t really love her. What is that? Why should couples be dropping hundreds of dollars on one another barely two months after Christmas just to prove they’re in love? Valentine’s Day has gotten so commercialized that people have lost the real meaning of it. Remember that age-old saying, “It’s the thought that counts?” Well it really does. Taking an hour out of your hectic schedule to write your significant other a letter or make them a little something is much more romantic and heartfelt than taking 10 minutes to just pick any old thing off the “Valentine’s Day Shelf” at WalMart. Try to remember that as the dreaded holiday approaches, you don’t have to buy love. There are so many other ways to show people you care about them than flashy, expensive presents. As clichéd as it sounds, the people who truly love you don’t need to be bought. Nenia Corcoran Editorial Staff

Time goes tick, friends go click With today’s various portals and avenues for updating people on what you’re doing, where you’re going, or how you’re feeling, it’s as though our universe is spinning far too quickly on its own axis. Last week, in the “g” section of The Boston Globe, one of the stories was “Facebook” related, and so, I read on. It’s way too easy to get too personal too quick or share too much information to too many people, and that’s basically what this author is trying to say. And it’s very true. I, quite too frequently, find myself getting stressed out when trying to figure out what to put as my status on Facebook, because, frankly, I don’t want to tell the world, or all my “friends,” that I was either wicked sick, that I just went to the bathroom, or how I’m going to break up with my boyfriend - absolute nonsense that no one other than you and your closest friends should know, much less care about. The article also said that your friends should already know what’s going on with you. Thus, why do you need a Web site to facilitate unnecessary drama and stir up unwanted gossip? It’s way too easy to get caught up in this whirlwind, filled with a text here or a privacy invasion there. As a culture, we see time as something frivolous, something to be spent and not contemplated. Engaging in silly, mindless things like Facebook and looking at textsfromlastnight.com or mylifeisaverage.com is getting us nowhere. Time no longer is measured by hugs or face-to-face flirting or heartbreaking. Our relationships are in jeopardy of becoming just another pair of hands on the clock, spinning and passing, spinning and passing.

Amanda Lefebvre Editorial Staff

We at The Gatepost welcome Op/Ed submissions from all members of the FSC community. Please limit opinions to 300 words and letters to the editor to 200 words. E-mail submissions to Gatepost@framingham.edu.

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.

SPORTS

February 12, 2010

The Gatepost

Page 13

Last-second hero

Almodovar, Rams shine on senior night By Nenia Corcoran Sports Editor

Tuesday night, the six seniors on the Men’s Basketball team took to the Framingham State College basketball court for the last regular season home game of their careers. Since their last home game, the Rams have slipped down a slot

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Brendan Carter goes to the hoop against the Vikings’ defense. in the standings, falling into third place just behind the Salem State Vikings. As fate would have it, the Rams were scheduled to take on the Vikings during their senior night celebration. A game that was already significant to the Rams became so much more important, with the knowledge that a win over the Vikings would place the Rams back in second place in the MASCAC league. After an emotional introduction of the six senior players, Josue Almodovar, Bill Carey, Darius Yarrell, Roderick Jackson, Davis Saltmarsh and Douglas Ryan were joined on the court by their families and presented with their senior gifts. The Rams came out of the gates on fire. After winning the tip, the Rams were the first on the scoreboard. Salem States full court press was ineffective, and the Rams were able to break it consistently with long passes down court. The Vikings, however, struggled to beat the Rams’ full-court press. The Rams were able to strip the Vikings’ offense of possession in the backcourt several times, converting these plays into easy layups. The Rams hit a rough patch about six minutes into the first half, when for three minutes, their shots just would not fall. Many of their attempts took strange bounces, and the team was getting visibly frustrated. It was Josue Almodovar who ended

the team’s scoring drought, rebounding a missed Framingham three-pointer and putting it back up for the hoop. Almodovar’s basket seemed to relight the fire in the Rams, and they quickly got their scoring rhythm back on track. Just under the 11-minute mark, Almodovar swatted the ball away from a Salem State player who was going up for a layup and made the long pass to Bill Carey up court, who sank the three to make the score 18 all. Throughout the entire first half, the lead bounced back and forth between the Vikings and the Rams, with the difference never more than a basket or two. With seven minutes and thirty seconds remaining, Framingham took one of the largest leads of the half when they went up by three points after a steal from Roderick Jackson led to a fast break layup that was begun by Ceasar Veal and finished by Allen Saint-Surin. Veal, who was closely contested by a defender, went up for the layup and passed it backwards over his shoulder to Saint-Surin, who was following closely behind. Saint-Surin finished the hoop, bringing the home crowd to life. The crowd’s energy was fueled once

brought the crowd to it’s feet. Yarrell’s dunk began a Rams scoring spree that produced six unanswered points. Salem State was forced to call a timeout in hopes of stifling some of the Rams energy. Although Salem State did come out of the timeout and make a quick layup, the Rams answered back with four more points, making the score 48-42. Salem State fought back, however, and after much back-and-forth play, they managed to tie the game at 52 with twelve-and-a-half minutes left in play. A little over a minute later, Almodovar was issued his second foul of the game, which was called as an offensive charge. Upset with the questionable call, Almodovar argued it and was issued a technical foul. The Vikings’ Brennan Bennett, who took the foul shots, was thrown off by the noisy Framingham crowd and could only hit one of his two shots. With just over eight minutes left in play, the Vikings tied the game up at 58. After a brief FSC timeout, Almodovar broke the tie with a quick layup. This led to a Rams’ possession that lasted nearly a full minute before it was

“defense” chant, Framingham prevented Salem from even getting a shot off during their next possession, and a steal by Jackson would seal Salem’s fate. In a desperate attempt to regain possession, the Vikings sent Jackson

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Bill Carey scorched the Vikings for three buckets from downtown. to the line with only two seconds remaining in the game, and he added the final two points to the Rams’ lead. The Vikings were forced to inbound the ball from their own defensive end, and their attempt at the court-long pass richocheted off of the ceiling rafters. The Rams only needed to inbound the ball and wait for the buzzer before they could begin their celebration, ending the Drake McCabe/The Gatepost game with a final score of 73-70. Almodovar, who ended the game with 16 points and seven rebounds, was Josue Almodovar’s late three point play was the difference in a happy with his team’s performance. key matchup with Salem State this past Tuesday. “We needed this game so that we could be in second place. It’s huge again when Saint-Surin managed to block ended by a three- pointer by Bill Carey. for us. Right now, we control our own not one, but two Salem State shots within With the additions of a layup by Brendan destiny. It feels good. We win the next five seconds of each other, stopping the Carter and a jumper by Almodovar, the two, we win out, we’re in second place, Rams took the largest lead of the game, we host in the tournament and that’s what Salem State offense in its tracks. With just over 30 seconds left in the with a score of 67-59. we need. That’s what we want.” Salem State came out of a timeout to half, Framingham State led the Vikings 37 The win was not only special to the to 36. The Vikings sent Almodovar to the score eight unanswered points, and when seniors, but it was also very special for line, where he extended the lead to two. Yarrell drew his fifth foul and a technical Framingham State’s nine-year-coach, Don Ten seconds later, Saint-Surin’s second that sent Salem State to the line for four Spellman. The victory gave Spellman his foul of the evening sent the Vikings’ foul shots, the Vikings were able to take 100th career win. Nick Linear to the free throw line, where, the lead, 70-67. “Normally, in any given year with the A made foul shot by Roderick Jackson seniors, it’s a special night anyway, but despite the noise from the crowd, he was able to sink both his foul shots, ending the would bring the Rams back within a this win was really special because it was basket, and with just 40 seconds left in Salem State. It’s usually the best team half with the teams tied at 38. Salem State scored the first basket of play, Almodovar tied the game with a in the league. So they were geared up the second half, but this did not discourage layup. Fouled during the shot, Almodovar even besides just senior night, and they the Rams. The first Framingham State hit his foul shot to give the Rams a slim performed well down the stretch, and points of the half came from Yarrell, who one point lead over the Vikings. that’s what makes the difference.” As the walls vibrated with the crowd’s finished off a fast break with a dunk that

SPORTS The Gatepost

Page 14

February 12, 2010

Men’s lax is back By Josh Primak Sports Editor

After not participating in the 2009 disappointed to see that last year’s determined to play again because of season due to a lack of interest, the team never materialized. my love of the game. Framingham State Men’s Lacrosse “I feel as though its failure last year “Although before submerging team is being rebuilt for the 2010 was in part because many students myself in the entire process, I did season. attempt to play Rugby, The 2009 hiatus was in hopes that it would not due to a lack of quench some desire to success, as the team had play, but soon realized a strong performance in that my enthusiasm 2008, which included and passion was not as traveling to Texas in heartfelt. So the desire the spring to participate to start up a new team in a nationwide men’s here at FSC grew from lacrosse tournament. there.” The team also was With Lunn committed recognized for the to restarting the lacrosse talent of its individuals team, he began the as both Jimmy Hanafin process of finding fellow and Matthew Lynch FSC students interested were named 2008 in playing for the MCLA Division II Allupcoming spring season. Americans. Armed with his lacrosse However, the stick, he drummed graduation of both up interest merely by Hanafin and Lynch, playing toss at the along with the gym - attracting former departures of some members of the team as other key players, led well as others who were to the team not being intrigued by the prospect able to gather enough of rebuilding the club. members for the 2009 In addition to word season, which saw of mouth, Lunn set up The Gatepost Archives the Rams sit on the advertisements across sidelines watching as campus, and has enlisted the rest of the division After not playing in the 2009 season, the Men’s Lacrosse team 26 students, from former will return for the 2010 campaign. competed as usual. lacrosse players to those But even though the who have little to no team hasn’t taken to the experience. field in two years, several students on transferred looking to play at a varsity Junior Brent Loveless, who plays campus are attempting to bring a Men’s level, and many others graduated. football for the Rams in the fall, will be Lacrosse team back to Framingham … I also believe there was a lack of playing for the revamped lacrosse club State. motivation or even interest from some this season. Having played lacrosse FSC senior Andy Lunn has been of the other surviving members to all four years in high school, Loveless a leader in reorganizing the club. A make any attempt to salvage the team. believes the team has a lot of potential, transfer student last spring, he was “This year, however, I was despite the fact the players have yet to

take to the field together. “There is a lot of talent on our lacrosse team this year and we have a chance of doing very well. … We are aiming for nothing less than a championship that is what I’ve become accustomed to from my lacrosse experiences - and won’t settle for anything less.” Loveless is not the only varsity athlete who has interest in playing with the newly formed team. Dave Leach, who was the heart and soul of the football team’s offense this past fall - setting several rushing records for the Rams - could be suiting up for the lacrosse team, as well as some athletes who participate in winter sports for Framingham State. With over two dozen players signed on for the renewed club, it appears there will once again be Men’s Lacrosse at FSC. There is still one major hole for the Rams to fill in order to field a competitive team this spring goalkeeper. Lunn is keeping his eyes and ears open for a potential netminder, and will be holding tryouts for goalie in the near future. Still, it has not been easy for Lunn and his cohorts to rebuild a club from scratch. The team recently got a major boost when it received a $6,017.50 budget from SGA for the upcoming season and will be holding a general interest meeting this Tuesday, Feb. 16. Even with his work cut out for him, Lunn still has high expectations for the team’s upcoming season. “I have high hopes for our first season and foresee it being a successful one. In addition I hope to have the Framingham State Club Lacrosse team readmitted into the Men’s Lacrosse Association next year.”

Ram Round-Up

Upcoming Games

Ice Hockey (1-17-2) 2/6 Loss 9-5 vs. Westfield State 2/11 Loss 6-3 vs. Fitchburg State

Ice Hockey 2/13 at Worcester State at 7:30 p.m. 2/18 vs. Salem State at 7:20 p.m.

Men’s Basketball (12-9) 2/4 Win 58-52 at Wheelock 2/6 Win 70-64 at Worcester State 2/9 Win 73-70 vs. Salem State

Men’s Basketball 2/13 at MCLA at 4:00 p.m. 2/16 at Westfield State at 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball (10-10) 2/6 Loss 53-32 at Worcester State 2/9 Loss 58-57 vs. Salem State

Women’s Basketball 2/13 at MCLA at 2:00 p.m. 2/16 at Westfield State at 5:30 p.m.

SPORTS The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

Page 15

Rams come up short in last home game By Chris McCabe Assistant Sports Editor

Women’s Basketball dropped a heartbreaker to Salem State, 58-57 in a MASCAC matchup. Framingham State falls to an even 10-10 on the season, but a disappointing 4-6 record in divisional play. The game was a nail biter the whole way through. The biggest lead of the night was only five points, held by FSC early on. They could not maintain the early lead in the first half, though. Salem State came back after making a stop in their defensive end and brought the ball down and scored - quickly tying the game. There were 22 lead changes altogether during the course of the game. And of course such a back and forth game would come down to the final moments of play. Captain Toya Chester got the opportunity with just over 17 seconds left in regulation to give FSC the lead by taking two shots from the free throw line because of a technical. She came through for her team, sinking both of them, giving Framingham State a one-point lead. However, Salem State got possession and had plenty of time left on the clock to set something up. They took the ball

out from under the Rams’ basket and perfectly executed the play. Salem State found the basket with a jumper that had just enough room between Salem State’s player and FSC’s defender to make the shot count. The Rams were not out of it yet. Salem State was courteous enough to leave them with some time left on the clock, little as it was. Framingham State took a timeout and drew up a play of their own. They put the ball in freshman Kia Minor’s hands and she had a good look from about 10 feet away, but the shot just would not drop. It rattled in and out as time expired. If the loss indicated anything, it was that Framingham State can play with the best teams in the MASCAC as they only lost by one to Salem State who is currently second in the MASCAC. With just two games remaining, the Rams will have to play its basketball as they enter the MASCAC tournament.

Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost

The Rams’ inspired play was not enough to overcome Salem State this past Tuesday.

This week in sports Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Ice hockey fell to Fitchburg State Thursday night, 6-3.

Matt Mikaelian/The Gatepost

Senior Toya Chester plays her last regular season game at home.

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Men’s basketball moved back into second place in the MASCAC league on Tuesday.

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The Gatepost

February 12, 2010

Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day! Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

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Campus Couples

Katelyn Leahy + Jason Serino

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Amber Price + Nick Hanss

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Drake McCabe/The Gatepost

Kelsey Loverude/The Gatepost