The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Students Dedicated to Professional Journalism Volume 130 | Issue 7
/HoustonianNews
@HoustonianNews
@houstoniannews
HoustonianOnline.com
The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Page 2
campus news
Tree of Hope Gives Out Joy BY TYLER MOWREY Contributing Reporter The Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, with the help of The Department of Leadership Initiatives, encourages Sam Houston State University to contribute to the Tree of Hope through Dec. 6. The Tree of Hope is an event that encourages people to purchase gifts for children who provided their wish list to the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, according to Program Specialist Emily Snider. People contribute to Tree of Hope by picking an ornament off the tree in the office of Leadership Initiatives and providing the gift written on the ornament. The goal is to fulfill the wishes of ten children each year. “This event is flexible in participation because the needs of these children range from a pair of socks to a new bicycle,” Snider said. “Participants can choose how much of an expense this project will be for them.” The ten children picked by Leadership Initiatives are first evaluated by the Boys and Girls Club by which ones are in need the most. “This is an easy way to give back to the community during the holiday season,” Snider said.
The gifts that are collected go directly to the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County. The Boys and Girls Club of Walker county is an organization that provides after school programs for kids. Tree of Hope is part of a bigger event put on by the Boys and Girls Club called “Operation Santa.”
“We have the kids make a wish list, along with their parents, and let us know a little bit about what their needs are and what is something that they might want,” Boys and Girls Club Director of Operations Diane Balderas said. The toys are separated by age group and organized in bags with name tags. Then, volunteers from SHSU help pass out the toys to the kids.
In the past, the football team and basketball team have helped organize the toys for the party. “All of them come together to help us fill the bags,” Balderas said. “Then at the party, I’ve had parents come together and sponsor plates, napkins, cookies and punch.” Volunteers also speak to the children about the meaning of Christmas and then they get into groups and participate in activities. “As they leave, we give them their gifts,” Balderas said. “Sometimes I get the parents to come pick up the gifts here so that everyone gets the same amount of gifts at the club, but those who really need it will come and get what people have donated here.” This process is anonymous, according to Balderas. “Every little bit that you can give back to these children helps,” Snider said. “Do not consider this project already taken care of by the hands of others,” Snider said. “You as a student, faculty or staff member are needed to make a child’s holiday wishes come true.” Snider emphasizes that the Tree of Hope is important for SHSU as it is they way to live out the universities motto, “The measure of a life is its service.”
Student Affairs Puts Sweet Twist on Fundraising BY LE’ BRITTANY SMITH Contributing Reporter Sam Houston State University Student Affairs hosts the annual faculty campaign, Pitch-A-Pie on Nov. 29. Students and faculty will have the opportunity to pay $5 to pie directors under the Student Affairs Division. This event intends to raise scholarship money for students. “[The event is] something new and fun that we have not done before, at least during my seven years in Student Affairs,” Director of Finance and Budget for Student Affairs Lynn Clopton said. “It provides a little bit of humor and camaraderie that none of us are too good to get pied.” Clopton spoke about how this event is more than it seems. It’s not just a pie in the face, it’s a
lighthearted way of bringing people together. “Incorporating fun at work is essential for boosting morale, creating a sense of belonging and overall job satisfaction, and Student Affairs builds it in wherever we can,” Clopton said. “Fundraising is no exception and probably even more important to build for this particular campaign geared toward faculty and staff because we are asking them to give money in addition to giving their best each and every day.” The Pitch-A-Pie event will take place between 12-4 p.m. on Nov. 29. For more information, contact Student Affairs at 936-294-1784, visit LSC suite 303, or follow @ SHSUSTUAFFAIRS on Twitter for updates.
For the full SHSU final exam schedule, visit: https://www.shsu.edu/dept/registrar/ calendars/final-exam-schedules.html
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleCommunityNews | Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Page 3
community news
Museum Offers Christmas Throwback Special Needs Registry Update Sam Houston Memorial Museum BY SHARON RAISSI Associate Editor The Sam Houston Memorial Museum will host a Houston Family Christmas Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will receive free admission to the museum. During the event, there will be historical demonstrations on spinning and weaving, blacksmithing, woodworking and kick wheel pottery. There will also be a 20%
discount at the Museum Store. “It’s our way of thanking this wonderful community for their support,” Museum Marketing Coordinator Megan Buro said. “It’s a great event to spend time with your family exploring the grounds, learning about the Houston’s and what life was like in Huntsville during the 1840/1850s.” From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the authors of “The Store of the Sam Houston Chickens” will be
at the museum store for a book signing. The book will also be available at the store for $24.95. “We teamed up with SHSU’s Priority One class to do this book,” Buro said. “It’s a beautifully illustrated book about the chickens that cross the street from the museum to campus.” Buro described the event as a type of open house for the museum. “Our education department will be near the Woodland Home and kitchen talking about the Houstons and the Houston farm. At Eliza’s kitchen, there will be refreshments.” The event has been a yearly tradition for over 15 years. Refreshments, arts and crafts, and even photos with Santa Claus will be available during the event. “Family is important,” Buro said. “And, spending time with your family is important, and our Houston Family Christmas is the perfect event to bring the family and make some memories. For SHSU students it’s a perfect
time to learn about our university’s namesake.” Visitors can also swing by the Katy and Don. E Walker Sr. Education Center for the Angel Show Holiday Market. This will feature handmade gifts and local art. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
The Huntsville Police Department is updating the city’s special needs registry. The registry may be used when senior citizens or dependent persons get lost or forget their personal information. Senior Officer Ryann KaaaBauer oversees the registry. In the past, if there were changes in a person’s health, the police department was not made aware, according to Kaaa-Bauer. This new plan would ensure that the information is updated annually. “This has been around for quite a few years and has been kind of collecting dust,” OfSam Houston Memorial Museum ficer Kaaa-Bauer said. “We are revamping the program and revising what the policies are.” When someone is registered in the program, their general information is given to the police department. This information “at-large,” which means anyincludes their name, address, one in the city can vote for it. sickness and health conditions. Whoever gets the position will Kaaa-Bauer plans on reaching hold the office for two years as a out to the family member that representative of the entire city registered the individual and askof Huntsville. ing for updated information on Both candidates also detailed the condition of that person. what they would like to tell wwThe registry update also voters before heading into the provides HPD with the opportuelection. nity to confirm whether a person “I’m committed to serve all wants to remain registered. the citizens of Huntsville,” Sometimes people move away Howard said. “I have 25 years of or live in a care facility, so they public service experience. I want no longer need to be registered, to give back to the community according to Kaaa-Bauer. that gave me so much. And I The special needs registry is need everyone’s vote.” another way that HPD helps the “I think the main thing is community. however it turns out I’ve had an “We just want to reassure opportunity to meet some really citizens that we do care for them nice folks that I couldn’t have and that we are there for them,” met sitting on the sidelines,” Kaaa-Bauer said. “Anything we Bayne said. “It’s given me the can do to help and serve our chance to be involved and see community, we are doing that.” some things going on in the city To register a senior citizen or and meet some positive people.” a dependent person, or for quesElection Day will be Dec. 15, tions about the program, contact between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Kaaa-Bauer at 936-291-5493 or Walker County Annex. rkaaa@huntsvilletx.gov.
City to Hold Runoff Council Election BY SHARON RAISSI Associate Editor The Huntsville City Council at-large Position 2 election has gone into a runoff election. When none of the three candidates received 50 percent of the votes, the two highest finishers go into a runoff election to settle who will receive the council seat. The two candidates for the runoff election are Dee Howard and Bill Bayne. Early voting goes from Nov. 28 to Dec. 11 in the Walker County Annex. Both candidates described how their backgrounds might set them apart from the competition. Howard has a history in the public sector and non-profit management. “I’m from Huntsville, I went to Huntsville high school, I went to Sam and graduated from both,” Howard said. “I grew up
HEAD-TO-HEAD. Bill Bayne (left) and Dee Howard (right) compete in the upcoming runoff election for Huntsville City Council at-large Position 2 here and I left and I’m coming back with fresh eyes and experience that I think will make me the best candidate to bring some changes to the city.” Bayne has over 40 years of experience in the construction business. “I worked in the construction
industry on some fairly large projects,” Bayne said. “So, coordinating with a lot of people, maintaining a budget and a lot of problem solving with people and conditions were the things that I had to address on a daily basis.” The council seat is considered
BY MARISA SAENZ Contributing Reporter
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Page 4
arts & entertainment
Domestic Violence Essay Contest Winner they realize the crime has occurred or when it’s too late. Domestic violence can include “physical or sexual contact, Editor’s Note: The following is the aggression or violence that is winning essay of the Domestic Vio- unwanted and may take the lence Essay Contest sponsored by Not form of threats, harassment, on My Campus. It appears exactly verbal abuse, hitting, kicking, as it was sent to The Houstonian. It etc” (Lubker, 2004). Since there was written by Odalis Alvarado and are many forms of domestic is titled “Socioeconomic Status & violence, many victims find it Domestic Violence.” hard to believe that any abuse is taking place. If they are unDomestic violence is a crime aware of what type of abuse is that occurs behind closed doors. affecting them, no action will The silent pain felt from this be taken. Once the victim is violent exposure often leads able to realize that they are in victims to remain unseen a violent relationship, they will and unheard. In addition, the struggle with how to leave that partners are not the only ones toxic lifestyle. Past research has being traumatized by these shown that regardless of ecoseries of events. Children in the nomic status, this is a crime that relationship can often develop psychological problems from the can occur to anyone. However, exposure to this crime. It should there has been a link that shows that lower economic status is a be noted that domestic violence constant similarity among these does not only affect women, but cases (Cunradi, et al, 2002). The also men. Both sexes can be vicreason for this comparison is betims of this crime but there are cause people who have problems factors that increase the risk of with money tend to be more victimization. One of the major irritated and frustrated because influencers of this is socioeconomic status. The socioeconomic of their economic troubles. This status plays an important role in occurs in both men and women who often let their frustration domestic violence households. out on their partner. These two Socioeconomic status does individuals are not the only ones not solely mean income, it can being affected by this violence, include education level, money but the children in the family security, status, and social class. are, too. A study showed that Due to the numerous factors adolescents being exposed to involving socioeconomic status, domestic violence tend to associvictims often take action when BY ODALIS ALVARADO Contest Winner
ate with “reduced income and net worth” households (Covey, et al, 2013). This is a worrisome finding due to the fact that this child will endure long-term consequences from this exposure. Since these young individuals are witnessing this form of violence, they are going to develop psychological problems as they mature. The gap concerning income continues to increase between the rich and the poor. This risk factor will determine who is more likely to be victimized based on their current status. If a victim lives in a household where they solely rely on the abuser for financial support, that can be another indicator of why they cannot simply just leave. When a victim is being abused, they are stuck in a mindset that they have to tolerate the how they are being treated by their partner. When a victim has no source of income to survive and relies on the partner for that support, they are going to tolerate the abuse they receive. Women will still be in their relationship “because they’re limited economic and social resources” (Anderson, 1997). Another major factor involves children when a family might be separated because of the abuse. Both partners are going to be hesitant to perform any action that their families are
going to be affected by. Partners who commit the crime of violence will do it for a variety of reasons, some of them for the ability to control their loved one. Their partners “may engage in domestic violence as a means to gain power within the relationship” (Anderson, 1997). This is a dangerous method of trying to control a partner because it can easily turn deadly. When a person wants to gain control over someone, they will go to the extremes to keep their loved one in check. Domestic Violence is a disease that can turn deadly when not resolved the moment it appears. Victims from this form of abuse need guidance to recognize the factors that mean they are being victimized by their partners. Socioeconomic status does play a role in domestic violence because the lack of money can increase the risk of being victimized. If a
victim is living with her husband and she relies on him for money, she is not going to leave when he abuses her. That victim feels that they need to tolerate that violence since they have nowhere else to go. When there are children in the relationship, it makes it more difficult for the victim to leave. They will want to stay there for their families. New policies need to be implemented that will make it easier for victims to leave their abusers. Better protective regulations should be put in place for when the victim leaves, that way they can be safe. Leaving an abusive relationship can turn deadly if not done on time. As a matter of fact, each day that passes by while living in that environment can cause more damage than death alone.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Page 5
Opinions
True Meaning of the Christmas Season
BY ALLURA GUERRA Contributing Writer
Christmas is quickly approaching, and it’s easy to get wrapped up on the material side of the season. But what exactly is Christmas? Is it baking cookies on Christmas Eve, wrapping presents the week before or is it putting up the lights and the Christmas tree? Christmas, by definition, is “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held December 25th.” However, today we associate Christmas as being the holiday when gifts are exchanged between family and friends. The holiday season lead-
ing up to Christmas has become a time when people spend an enormous amount of money on extravagant gifts just to please the people they love. But what happened to the “true meaning of Christmas?” At an early age, I was introduced to Santa Claus: the man with the long white beard and the big red bag. But who is he exactly? Although no one has seen him, we all accepted him as someone to believe in. Someone who “sees us when we’re sleeping and knows when we’re awake.” We accepted that there was someone who was watching over us, in hopes we would make good decisions. As I grew older, I quickly realized the one I thought was Santa Claus was really a fictional character who symbolized Jesus Christ. At a young age, it was easier to believe in a man who brought us gifts for being good, rather than someone who I prayed to who wanted the best for us. For all I knew, as many children still do today, is that you left cookies out for Santa, went to bed early and woke up Christmas morning to find presents under
the tree. I did grow up knowing that Christmas was a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I learned early on that it isn’t supposed to be the only day out of the year when people give gifts or spend time with family, although it may include both things. Christmas is supposed to be a day to celebrate the birth of Christ. So how is it that we have strayed so far from the original meaning? While I admit that it’s tough to keep Christ in the middle of Christmas, there are many things that we can do with our friends and family to help do so. How, you may ask? For one, inviting our loved ones or even a stranger to church is a step in the right direction. This not only helps push us to attend church, but also helps bring others who may not know the true meaning of Christmas or perhaps to attend as “tradition.” Another way is to bake food or cookies for extended family members or for the less fortunate who are not able to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. Inviting others to view the reenactment of the
nativity scene is also a wonderful way to remember the real reason for the season. After all, the pressure of gift giving can really put a severe amount of stress on a person. Nowadays it seems as if everything is about the money. Christmas has become a big opportunity for corporations to force consumers to splurge on themselves or for others. You hear about “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” deals, which were created to make people believe they must buy these items before they sell out or are only available for a limited time. Many people expect some sort of monetary gift and have the notion that the more money spent means the more thought there is behind it. However, this is far from the truth. Whether big or small, it is important to remember that the person who bought the gift thought of you and had you in mind. Hand-made gifts are just as special as the ones bought. In closing, I hope you will find the real reason for the season in your own way.
Find the real reason
for the season
Letter to Santa Get Joy by Giving Joy from Sammy Priceless Advice: Christmas Edition
BY SAMMY THE BEARKAT School Mascot
Dear Santa, As you may know, the holidays are coming up, and I have been a good Bearkat! I really hope that I made in on to your nice list. There are a few things that I am wishing for this year! I would
like an orange SHSU sweater, a football signed by Coach Keeler, and a great Bearkat Basketball season! I really hope it’s not too much to ask! Happy Holidays! -Sammy The Bearkat
BY DIAMOND DICKSON Contributing Writer
The holiday season has arrived, and it is time to think about those in need. Every year, thousands of families and individuals do not have the means of creating a day of joy. That is where we come in, Bearkats. There are many volunteer and donation opportunities happening in Huntsville, such as Good Shepherd Mission and the SAAFE House. If you are unsure where to donate, you can call around to local businesses and/ or ask organizations on campus how you can help. Many organi-
zations are taking donations from students who are non-members. The more, the merrier. The possibilities are endless. While many of us are fortunate to have a meal or clothes on our back through this chilly weather, keep in mind those who do not have anything. Being a helping hand will not only put a smile on someone else’s face, but I am sure it will put a smile on yours too. There are many children within the Huntsville area who are unsure what or when their next meal will be. You can also call local schools to see if they are taking donations, and how you can get the donation to them. Donating does not have to be an extravagant act. It can be as simple as a pair of socks, a hygiene pack, a sweater, gloves or even a journal. It is always the thought that counts, not how much money you spent on an item. Many of the schools in Huntsville are doing a toy drive for Christmas, and just one toy can make a child’s day. If you have ever done a good deed for someone, you know that the giving is much more rewarding than receiving. If you do not have the means to support a family or child in need, do something that is priceless like writing a card, or creating a craft. Children, as well as residents of the nursing homes
in Huntsville, absolutely love cards and arts and crafts. From personal experience, giving a resident at a nursing home a card makes their whole week. In return, you get some of the best life advice, and you feel like you received the gift. Help make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season. Checkout local schools, churches, shelters and nursing homes. I am more than positive that giving joy to someone else will give you joy in return. While there are many opportunities in Huntsville, there are also endless opportunities happening right here on campus. The Tree of Hope is a charity event hosted by the Department of Leadership Initiatives. Stopping by their office (LSC 328T) to see what donation you can give a child in need is a great and simple way to help out. The 97th annual Tree of Light Ceremony is taking place Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 in the Bearkat Plaza. There will be a canned food drive from 4-6 p.m. where you can donate cans to get a free t-shirt. In the holiday season, it’s always important to keep in mind those who may not be as fortunate as you are. If you can help out at all, I highly encourage it.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleSports | Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Page 6
SPORTS
SHSU Athletics Teaches Old Building New Tricks Department to open Woodforest National Bank athletic complex in former Potato Shack shopping center BY JORDAN SMITH Sports Editor
David Barfield
Sports Take: Women’s Basketball Off To Strong Start This Season BY COLTON FOSTER Contributing Writer After making changes to its culture on and off the court, the Sam Houston State University women’s basketball team is off to its most impressive start in recent history. In her first year as Bearkats head coach, Ravon Justice has made her mark on the team and as a result, we have seen a major offensive boost. With both home wins resulting in 100 plus points scored by the Bearkats, Justice has completely turned the team around. If this Bearkat squad continues on this trajectory the rest of the year, we could see a dangerous team come conference play. Justice took over the program with nowhere to go but up. After receiving only 32 votes in the 2018-19 Southland Women’s Basketball Preseason poll, the Bearkats were projected to finish last place in the Southland Conference.
Starting her tenure as head coach, Justice and the Bearkats, traveled to Baton Rouge to take on Louisiana State University where the team came up short by 14 points. Motivated by close game, Justice’s Bearkats came back to Johnson Coliseum to get her the first win of the season defeating Jarvis Christian, 10055. The Bearkat’s first 100-point game since 1994-1995 season. The Bearkats would continuing their winning ways by scoring 101 points in their next home game against Wiley College. It was the first time since the 1987-88 season that a Bearkat women’s basketball team has scored 100+ points in multiple games in the same season. Being led by transfer junior guard Jaylonn Walker and redshirt senior guard La’Sha Haynes, the Bearkats are looking to make history. Starting five out of the six games, Walker has stepped up as a leader on this Bearkat squad. Averaging 29 minutes per game, she leads the team with 15.2
points per game, and 22 steals this season. Walker also is not a stranger to sharing the rock, placing second on the team in assists with 21 assists, just one shy of junior guard Jenniffer Oramas with 22 assists on the season to date. Helping the team defensively is redshirt senior Forward La’Sha Haynes who transferred from Prairie View A&M last season. She is the team leader with 39 total rebound, 28 of those being defensively. With this defensive front by Haynes the Bearkats haven’t allowed more than 84 points and outscoring their opponents by 60 points through six games. Haynes looks to continue on with her record year with the Bearkats. The Bearkats continue their season against St. Thomas at 3 p.m. this Saturday at Johnson Coliseum. If this team continues, the run they are on, we could be in the midst of a historic season to remember for Bearkat women’s basketball.
SHSU Athletics, as part of renovations to the Mafrige Field House, will move some of its operations to a new complex located on Ave I in the space vacated by Potato Shack. The Woodforest National Bank athletic complex, will house athletic offices for select sports, as well as a learning enhancement center for student athletes and storage. SHSU Athletic Director Bobby Williams is excited to increase the space used for athletes and the growing number of employees working for SHSU athletics. “It’s a great opportunity for us to expand our square footage for a variety of different areas,” Williams said. “We are very pleased and excited that Woodforest National Bank was able to basically fund it with their donation. We look at it as a great opportunity to expand a lot of different things and in this day in age with all of the facilities that keep staying ahead of the game. We’ve expanded our staff and our student athletes over the years and a lot of our buildings are 20-30 years old, built for those type of sizes and now with 17 sports and 450 student athletes and 100 staff or more, we need more square footage. So, coming down the line that is
going to be a big game changer for us.” Not only does the new facility have space for athletic offices, but potentially centralized operations for the Bearkat Sports Network. Associate Athletic Director of Media Relations Jason Barfield elaborated on the possibility of adding studio space to the Bearkat Sports Network to meet growing demands. “In the plans we have right now, we are looking at about a 500-550 square foot studio,” Barfield said. “So, we will be able to do pre-produced programs, interviews. It will open up some opportunities for us to do some other kind of programming that we haven’t had the opportunity to do, whether it’s a weekly show, kind of expand those kinds of things. Ultimately, the goal going forward is to create a centralized control room with what we are doing with ESPN3 and all of our productions, being able to tie all of that back to one central spot. That’s not in the immediate plans, but that’s certainly in as we continue to build out and look at some other opportunities.” At this time, there is no published timetable for the athletic department to begin use of the Woodforest National Bank athletic complex.
@HoustonianSport