January Edition

January 23, 2019 WEDNESDAY

VOL. 105, NO. 1

Campus | Title IX

IX

Prison Pipeline pg 2

Green House pg 5

Student Athletes pg 6

Know the boundaries: Title IX

By LACEY CUTBURTH According to the Title IX policy at TWU, “Texas Woman’s University is committed to creating and maintaining an academic, residential and work environment free from sexual misconduct and other forms of sex discrimination.”

This policy helps protect students, faculty and staff from sexual misconduct and sex discrimination. Examples of sexual misconduct include sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, dating/domestic violence and stalking. Examples of sex and gender-based discrimination are bullying based on gender identity, denying an educational or

employment opportunity because one is born male or female and failing to provide reasonable academic accommodations to pregnant and parenting students.

Student Resources aims to help students in the best ways possible, including helping students report sexual misconduct or finding the resources they need for coping or protection. Director and Coordinator of Title IX Parrish Nicholls explains that students can go to law enforcements at any time, and they do not have to go through his office first for campus-related misconduct.

“Complainants typically have the choice as to whether or not my office

will contact law enforcement on their behalf, since for a handful of reasons they may not wish for this to happen,” Nicholls said. However, he explains that in some instances, law enforcements must be contacted, “such as when there is a pattern of similar behavior by the

Campus | SGA

SGA overhaul ushers in new era in student government

By AMBER GAUDET

The Student Government Association held its first public meeting of the semester last week to discuss proposed constitutional revisions and structural changes aimed at streamlining efforts within the organization.

Tuesday’s meeting invited members of the TWU community to weigh in on what could become a landmark undertaking for the SGA. President Mya Anderson addressed attendees, explaining how the changes will aid in the SGA’s efforts to improve communication, support understaffed branches and clarify senators’ responsibilities.

The proposed amendments would heighten the requirements for elected officers, requiring a GPA of 3.0 over the previous 2.5.

Other changes include the addition of clarifying language throughout the document and detailing of the changes in senators’ responsibilities respective to committee reorganization.

SGA leaders said that the proposed restructuring would increase productivity and allow more collaboration between the Executive Board and Senate members.

“SGA kind of operated as three separate branches, so we were trying to figure out – and have been still trying to work to – bring those three branch-

SGA meeting

es together,” SGA Executive Vice President Jaleah Logan said.

Changes include the addition of two new committees: the Judiciary Committee and the Public Relations Committee. Each committee will be led by a member of the Executive Board and will consist of committee members from the Senate.

Public Relations, which is currently handled solely

by Vice President of PR Madyson Plummer, will gain three senators if the proposed restructuring is approved. SGA leaders hope the change will improve efforts to maintain consistent, open communications with the TWU community.

“We thought they [PR] needed help with their position because it’s a lot to ask one PR person, whereas we now have three, to do the work of making the fliers, updating our website, handling our Pioneer Engage, things like that,” Anderson said.

The move to amend the Constitution could be described as an ambitious undertaking. Revision efforts have been underway since 2016, and the SGA has not updated the document itself since 2006. “[The current constitution] currently is not structured for us to be successful in our organization because people have just left it alone throughout the years,” Anderson said. “So it does definitely

take that internal effort of saying, ‘OK, how can we structure ourselves to better represent the student body?’”

Despite the meeting being open to the public, no one apart from SGA members attended – but the Senate hopes interest in the organization will continue to grow as senators work to devote more resources to outreach efforts.

“We believe that fixing this Constitution and getting ourselves structured so we can better serve the student body will definitely help,” Anderson said in response to questions about efforts to improve student engagement.

“It’s still a growing process; it’s still a learning process – but we always ask for suggestions and questions and any concerns brought to us,” Logan said.

Senators say they are taking a long look on improvements and will continue brainstorming ways to provide effective representation for TWU students.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight – that’s the motto that we kind of keep telling ourselves,” Anderson said. “You’ve got to work in the mud a little bit for it to get where you want it to go.”

The SGA will review suggested edits at their next general meeting Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso

accused or the incident involved a weapon.”

There are options for students wanting to get help on campus. Coming forward can be intimidating. “My advice for anyone who is hesitant about coming forward with a concern is to think about others, present and fu-

ture, who may experience the same behavior,” Nicholls said. Students coming forward should remember that even though they report an incident, their identity does not always have to be shared with the accused, and a formal investigation is not always inevitable.

Filing a report can be done through multiple places. Students, faculty and staff can make reports online through the TWU website or through lighthouse-services.com/ twu. To report to a coordinator, contact Nicholls at (940) 898-3518 or email at pnicholls@ twu.edu. Title IX Deputy: Vice President for Student Life Monica MendezGrant can be contacted

at (940) 898-3601 or (940) 898-3629 and can be reached through email at mmendezgrant@twu. edu. Title IX Deputy: Director of Civility & Community Standards Michelle Reeves can be reached by phone at (940) 8982969 or through email at mreeves@twu.edu. Title IX Deputy: Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Academic Services Charlotte L. Hunt can be reached at (940) 898-2383 or by email at chunt2@twu.edu.

Nicholls wants students to remember that they can anonymously make a report through the lighthouse-services website or through the TWU Ethics and Compliance Hotline at (844) 406-0004.

Community | Hickory Creek Crash

Diego and Daniel Rivera

Photo Courtesy of Cross Timbers Gazette

Coverage dissects death of Denton brothers

By KATELYN GARST The death of two Denton county brothers has riddled headline news at local and neighboring cities within the past few weeks. From heartwrenching remembrance to questing for a cause, the story has been covered from many different angles. Unanswered questions concerning Diego and Daniel Rivera’s fatal accident in the 400 block of Hickory Creek Road call for a deeper dig.

The boys were reported missing at 7:40 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 8 after leaving their home at 5:40 p.m. and not answering phone calls or returning home from Denton Guyer High School and the Frisco Stonebriar Mall as they had mentioned to their mother. The next morning at 7:51 a.m., the Denton police received a phone call about what would be identified as the boys in their overturned, white SUV in Hickory Creek.

The SUV was recovered from “a stretch of Hickory Creek Road that has no guardrails or streetlights,” according to an article by Dalton LaFerney of the Denton-Record Chronicle.

Additionally, the article claims that this specific stretch of road “is maintained by Denton County that has made headlines

for being dangerous.”

LaFerney also reported that rescue officials claimed that “multiple” fatalities have taken place there.

News about the accident spread, and the public began wondering “what officials could do about the stretch of road, where multiple crashes and fatalities have occurred,” another article from LaFerney said. As a part of Precinct 1, the portion of the Hickory Creek Road where the accident occurred directed questions at Denton County Commissioner Hugh Coleman.

In a phone interview Thursday, Jan. 10, Coleman allegedly said that “the last time somebody died in that area, the county put up more traffic signs, added rumble strips and other traffic calming devices,” according to LaFerney’s article.

Less than a week after the fatal accident, the city and county were in the middle of an amassed community reaction, to which officials announced that Denton County will add a new guardrail in the county-portion of Hickory Creek Road Monday, Jan. 14. Denton Mayor Chris Watts also announced that the city plans to affix more directional signage along the city-run portion of the road. Watts also

said that the city plans to add reflective raised pavement directors to help navigate the curvature of the road, in addition to more reflective signs and the possibility of adding more guardrail to city-run parts of the road.

“We hope residents understand that Commissioner Coleman has installed several safety measures over the years, and this is the next step on behalf of residents,” County Judge Andy Eads said in a county news release.

Entering his 10th year with the Denton County Commissioners Court, Coleman’s website prides his hard work “to provide transportation infrastructure to Denton County.” Further, his website claims him to be “improving county facilities and equipment…to provide pavement over ninety percent of the roads maintained my Precinct One while, at the same time, improving streets and mobility in numerous Precinct One municipalities.”

Additional accolades found on Coleman’s website include partnerships with cities and TXDOT to work on expanding a list of State Highways and municipal streets, none of which are Hickory Creek Road.

2

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 twulasso.com

The Lasso Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief

Krista Simpson ksimpson9@twu.edu

Managing Editor Lacey Cutburth lcutburth@twu.edu

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Katelyn Garst rgarst@twu.edu

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Opinion | EIC

By KRISTA SIMPSON The holiday break has ended, much too soon for some of us, might I add, and it’s time to whip out the pens and highlighters, yet again. As classes begin, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is already feeling pre-semester stress. With only a week of the spring semester under my belt, I have no particular reason to be this anxious about what the next 15 weeks will hold, yet here I am nervously chewing on the ends of my pens and drinking way too much caffeine to settle the nerves. After thinking on it for a while, I came to a revelation- I get so stressed before there’s even anything to be stressed about because I want so badly to be successful and score all As that I get all in my

Opinion | Editorial

June Cooke jcooke1@twu.edu

Photographer Caitlyn Laky claky@twu.edu

Advisor

Joseph Alderman jalderman@twu.edu

How to

reach us...

Mail Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311 Email lasso@twu.edu Website twulasso.com Community | Guest Writer

By JUNE COOKE Classes have started, the race back to school has petered off and most college students can start settling back into a familiar routine- after graduation applications, of course, flu shots, SIT scheduling, dorm decoration, and the first wave of homework- or perhaps this past week has been filled with class planning, setting up canvases and responding to student emails. Either way, the exhausting winter is coming to a close. However, amidst the distractions that come with a new semester, our attention must come back to mental health.

This time of year, seasonal depression affects

Welcome back, Pioneers

head about what could go wrong. After realizing this, I had to take a deep breath and remind myself of a few things. Since I’m assuming I’m not the only student here that has this anxiety, I figured I would share some reminders as my welcome back to the TWU population.

The first thing that we should all remember as students is that a class is only as good as we make it. Sure, some professors may be a bit more difficult than others, or the material may not be your number one interest, but there is a reason for the class. I’ve learned through my experiences that I am more likely to earn an A in a class and relatively enjoy the learning process if I actively engage with the material. I know that some students just read that and immediately thought

to themselves “Yeah, okay, but I have a million things to do, and I can’t always focus on a class like that even if I wanted to.” Engaging with the material doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to read the textbook and annotate with notes or massacre lecture notes with a highlighter (unless that works for you- then go for it). For me, engaging with the material simply translates to talking about what I learned with my friends and peers. My roommates can testify that I talk their ears off about the things I’m learning in my classes. Doing something as simple as this forces me to think about what was talked about in class and in my readings.

Another incredibly important thing to remember is that you have to set reasonable goals for the

Opinions

semester.

Sometimes, getting an A in a class isn’t a reasonable goal.

Every student is different, and it’s completely okay to aim for a B or even a C. I have found that it’s better for me to get through a couple of weeks of class before setting a letter grade goal for myself.

However, just be careful not to set too low a goal so you can justify being lazy.

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to fail every now and then. Not every assignment is going to turn out the way you want it to and not every test will come back with an exemplary grade. That’s okay.

As Hannah Montana so wisely said once upon a time, nobody’s perfect.

Have a great semester, Pioneers.

Spring serotonin more than half a million people in the United States, 70% of which are women and young children. Seasonal depression affects those most vulnerable, usually people who have already had chronic/ clinical depression. Those afflicted can fall back into worse symptomatic patterns in the winter months, a phenomenon known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD takes a toll on the brain chemistry, and experts seem to agree that it is caused primarily by isolation and a lack of exposure to sunlight.

Jeff Glor, a reporter from CBS News, interviewed Michael Terman on the subject in January 2010, where Terman answered some questions about

SAD and warned the viewers that “It’s as severe as any other depression.”

Winter months bring coughs, clouds, gout and blues because it is too cold to go outside but too warm to snow, so the precautionary warning follows: get your flu shot, get your thick socks and get outside-- bundle up because it’s still frigid, but the sunlight, even a bit of it, is essential for releasing endorphins and absorbing calcium. However, the outdoors is not a cureall for mental illness. For some people, the extra endorphins just need to come from diet, exercise and exposure, but for others, prescribed medication and therapy work. During the months where fighting depression is most

essential, it is important to remember everyone’s body responds differently to therapeutic methods, and the stigmatization of medicating mental illness can be done without.

Of course, eating and sleeping well are just as important to avoid the sentiments of the season.

Take your kids outside, read off your students’ emails in the park at the top of your lungs, go for walks listening to an audiobook or music, eat leafy greens and take care of your brain and body this spring. Mental wellbeing is important. Healthy brain activity is upkept through habits and practice. There is no shame in being inexperienced or previously uninformed; many people are not even aware they

are depressed until their depressive pattern is addressed by a healthcare professional. Resources are available on how to properly care for mental illnesses.

If your mental health deteriorates after the swell of activity in the beginning of the semester, or just in general, there are resources on campus available to help cope with it: most notably, TWU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is located in West Jones Hall. CAPS takes walk-ins and appointments and holds information on support animals, counseling and workshops.

The foster care-to-prison pipeline

By REIGHLEY BAUGH

Nelson Mandela once said that a society’s soul should be judged by the way it treats its children.

In the United States, the soul of our society would be judged harshly, particularly because of the way we treat wards of the state.

In recent years, attention has been given to America’s children in the ‘School-To-Prison Pipeline.’ Zero-tolerance policies, the criminalization of adolescence and the pushing of disadvantaged children out of the classrooms have fed a number of youths into justice systems — many of them foster youth. Home and state systems, like group homes, foster care and youth institutions, set children up for emotional and relational trauma when children are uprooted from their biological families and have multiple home placements.

Approximately 90 percent of youth in foster care have experienced trauma.

Consequently, these youth then have behavioral issues — and understandably, mental

health problems — that often lead to encounters with law enforcement, where they are 67 percent more likely to be arrested.

About half of foster youth experience arrest, stay overnight in a correctional facility or face a conviction. These factors contribute to the funneling our most vulnerable into new homes behind bars.

We need to change the way we care for our foster youth to keep them from this tragic fate.

The Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports that 437,500 children are in America’s foster system and one-fourth of foster care alumni will be involved with the criminal justice system within two years of aging out of or leaving care. While in foster care, kids are five times more likely to abuse drugs; 70 percent of youth in juvenile detention centers across the U.S. have spent time in the child welfare system.

Among foster youth who have had five or more placements, more than 90 percent will be

involved in the juvenile justice system, according to research by the Juvenile Law Center. Youth of color, those with mental illness or who identify as LGBTQ, are particularly affected by this pipeline system. It isn’t surprising that many foster children cross into juvenile and adult justice systems. The foster care system’s current conditions serve as a feeder into our nation’s prison systems, and specifically targets groups that are already disproportionately disciplined in schools, criminalized and over-represented in our child welfare systems.

Texas has tried to overhaul its ‘broken’ foster care system through legislation and efforts that include, according to a spokesman for the Department of Family Protective Services, “building more capacity for high-needs children in foster care, constantly seeking ways to improve health care for our children and making sure our case workers spend more time with children and families.”

Still, hundreds of youth aging out of foster care leave the system with un-

Detianees in the Travis County Juvenile Detention Center diagnosed mental illnesses and few transitional tools — and often slide into chronic incarceration and homelessness.

Change can begin with reducing group home placements and imposing regulations on involving police; these early interactions with officers often lead to more incidents in the future for youth.

Another change I would suggest is trauma-informed care and education for foster parents and workers. According to a 2016 report from the Children’s Bureau, there are approximately 21,694 children in group homes

TWU Lasso We value reader submissions. As a university newspaper we have certain criteria that limit what we will place inside our newspaper. Please limit letters to 300 words. Columns submitted should be no longer than 600 words. Please include your name, address, phone and email.

Your contact information will not be published. Unsigned submissions will not be published. All submissions are also edited for length and clarity. Submissions become property of The Lasso.

and 31,679 children in institutions nationwide.

A trauma-informed approach can help to decrease these high numbers. We could expect an increase in children receiving care to help them cope with removal from family, multiple placements and behavioral issues. Their emotional responses and behavioral issues are considered normal for their situations; however, they are often treated as outlier responses.

Continued reform and overhaul, better education for foster parents and providers and addressing the level of incarceration

@twulasso

Jennifer Whitney

discrimination in our society would help fight the injustice of imprisoning children who are abandoned not only by their families, but by the systems that were created to protect them.

Children deserve to be loved, cared for and supported. We need to fight for adequate and appropriate care in our child welfare systems across the nation.

Disclosure: This article is republished with permission from www.tribtalk. com

@twulasso

All rights reserved. The Lasso is a weekly student publication of Texas Woman’s University, written and produced by students and printed at DFW Printing.

Editors develop their own editorial and news policies. The presentation of news and editorials and the personal opinions expressed in The Lasso are those of Lasso staff and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.

Campus

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 twulasso.com

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Campus | Elect Her

National training program for women in government comes to TWU

By AMBER GAUDET

Add women, change everything.”

According to Nancy Bocskor, Director of TWU’s Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, these words, first spoken by Marie Wilson of the White House Project, reflect the spirit and purpose with which the nonpartisan training program “Elect Her” was founded a decade ago. TWU’s Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy is partnering with the University of North Texas to host the free event aimed at educating college women on the significance and skill of political leadership, Friday, Jan. 25. Created by nonprofit Running Start, the interactive seminar will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and feature keynote speakers at the student and professional levels. The half-day event ultimately culminates in attendees devising a comprehensive plan to run for student government.

Campus | Graduation

By JUNE COOKE A collegiate degree is proof of eligibility in the working world, but also a mark of hard work and four or more years of dedication. This May, seniors will be making crucial steps towards careers in their fields as they walk the stage to receive a well-earned handshake and diploma.

This spring’s graduates will need to submit their graduation application by Jan. 30, and the summer graduates have until June 18th. Most TWU graduates will work in the medical field as nurses, nutrition specialists and therapists; however, keeping with historical trends, a high number of TWU students will graduate as artists, educators and dancers.

Deadlines for graduation applications are quickly approaching, and it would be well-advised for se-

Campus | Dining

Bocskor, who is a longtime board member of Running Start, said Elect Her began with a simple mission: to increase representation for women in government by empowering them at the college level.

“We knew from studies that women who ran for student body president or sorority president had a greater propensity to run for higher office someday,” Bocskor said. “We

100,” Bocskor said. “So it’s been growing every year to reach more women.”

With boasts of a 90 percent success rate among attendees according to Running Start’s website, the program services women at all stages, providing tools intended to guide them through the political process from platform creation to election.

“For many students who are coming, this may be

the first time they’ve actually thought about ‘How do I run for office?’” Bocskor said. “It’s open to all levels.”

Following a meet-andgreet and networking session from noon to 1 p.m., Elect Her Facilitator Angelica Erazo and Bocskor will address participants.

Attendees will participate in exercises focused on developing key skill areas for candidates throughout the day and will hear inter-

views with SGA presidents from TWU and UNT. 16th Judicial District Court Judge Sherry Shipman will also make an appearance to discuss her experiences running for office.

“It’s very interactive; it’s not going to be speakers just speaking at you all day,” Bocskor said. “You have group activities, and we talk about, ‘What are these issues that you care about?’ so we really teach those skills.”

Bocskor said she feels it is important for women to be involved in the political process to bring their experiences to the table.

“Women look at challenges in a very different way,” Bocskor said. “Let’s have more women at the seat [of the table], so it’s not other people making decisions for you…you are fully there to have your voice heard.”

The public event is open to men as well, and those interested in registering can do so via the Eventbrite link on Pioneer Engage.

Don’t forget the last steps, graduates nior students to refer to the graduation checklist on the TWU webpage for help with the application process. Planning for a graduation is only slightly easier than planning for a wedding; luckily the instructions for navigating the application process are easy to find and easy to follow: First, access the TWU website and search “graduation application” in the bar for the instructions, which will guide you to Pioneer Portal. Under Webadvisor, the application itself is an item on the page. Fill out the questionnaire.

Before a TWU student may graduate, they must have completed all classes without any “I’s” in their degree plan. If a class is not finished, the student may have to roll over their graduation date (instructions on how to proceed with that are also available on the TWU website).

The university will allow students to roll over their graduation date only once, and an additional fee applies. The last crucial step in graduating this spring or fall is to ensure that all transfer transcripts reach the registrar’s office four weeks prior to the graduation date.

Prepare for the big day in May or August by planning meticulously and finishing strong. The application process is fairly quick and will cost $40, but do not miss the deadline. In a couple months’ time, the graduating students will fill out their last final exam, play their last volleyball game and go on to change the world for the better.

Congratulations graduates.

Anissa Clark / The Lasso

No more no-good noodles

By KATELYN GARST

Though TWU’s population has a large portion of commuter students,

are trying to show women that they too can step up, and they have a right to serve in government,” Bocskor said.

Bocskor said she has seen interest in Elect Her grow steadily since the program’s inception, signaling increasing interest in political leadership among women.

“When this program first started, we started out on 10 campuses and this year, we will be on almost

Anissa Clark / The Lasso

the addition of the new Sophomore Residential Village will hike up the num-

bers of students living oncampus for the fall 2019 semester. While the addition of the new dining facility and food options at the new Student Union will also open for the fall semester, few students make it through dorm life with out popping open a package of Ramen noodles.

January 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., Student Life is hosting “College Chef: The Ramen Shop” in the Maroon Lobby on the Denton Campus. The event, co-sponsored by Pioneer Kitchen, will have three sessions. Session one will be from 1 to 1:30 p.m., Session two will be from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., and

Session three will be from 2:30 to 3 p.m. The TWU Calendar describes the event as an opportunity to “elevate your ramen noodles in this cooking style class by customizing packaged ramen in a healthier and tastier way.”

Ramen, though inexpensive and easy to make, does not have much nutritional value on its own.

One package of Ramen equates to two serving sizes. This being said, one serving is equal to half a package of Ramen, which has 190 calories, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and over seven grams of total fat (including three grams of saturated fat). Worse, though, is the approximation of 500 milligrams of sodium in just one serving

of what could be a college student’s last-ditch effort at an affordable meal for the night. Though high in iron, the noodles are low in fiber and, really, any nutrients.

An article posted on verywellfit.com, “Ramen Noodle Nutrition Facts: How to Make These Packaged Noodles Healthier,” discusses different options for adding value to seemingly no-good noodles. The article suggests adding ingredients low in calories but high in nutrients to add value.

Examples given by the article are chicken and vegetables to add vitamins and protein, but other proteins (i.e. shrimp and fish) can substitute just as well. Sesame oil, mush-

rooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots are also recommended to add flavor. Additionally, sodium amounts can be cut back by reducing the amount of powder from the flavoring pack and supplementing with garlic, pepper or other herbs.

Some of these methods may be used at the event, but students, faculty and staff will only find out if they attend. The event will be free to participants, but will be held on a first come, first serve basis.

Entertainment

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 twulasso.com

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Entertainment | Theater

TWU theater prepares for upcoming season

By CHRISTOPHER WELLS

TWU’s theater department’s spring season has a lot in store. With two productions with very different vibes, there will be something for every type of theater aficionado to enjoy.

In the month of February, Dr. Patrick Bynane, director of TWU’s Theater

program will be directing Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight. Written by Lauren Gunderson, this dramatic comedy centers around the life of the eponymous Emilie du Chatelet, a real life 17th century natural philosopher, as she tries to answer one question that’s ruled her life: head or heart? The cast of the

production will be composed of undergraduate students from the theater program. Lauren Jordan will be portraying Emilie herself, with Walter Delk as Voltaire, Katherine Hogan as Soubrette, Jordan James as Madame and Bryce Neel as the Gentleman. The university is also pleased to welcome Amy Poe as a guest designer

for the lighting for the production. Emilie will run February 13 through 17.

The final production of the spring semester will be the Broadway classic, Cabaret. Written by Masteroff Kander and Ebb, the musical is set in 1930’s Berlin in a seedy cabaret known as the Kit Kat Club during the Nazi’s rise to power. With doomed

romances and a thought provoking story, this production should be one to look forward to. Cabaret has yet to be cast, but auditions were held January 22nd from 4-7pm. Cabaret will run from April 4 to 7 and 11-13.

All performances will be held on campus in the Rosebud Theater. Tickets are $5 for students

and seniors and $10 for adults. The theater also offers a pay-what-youcan option for every Saturday 2pm performance.

For more information, a printable schedule and to purchase tickets online, please go the TWU theater website.

Entertainment | Greenhouse

From hot house to hot spot

Denton Events

New to Denton or a Dentonite, it is clear that there is always something going on in the town of Denton. Taking a glance at the Discover Denton website, one can find many events such as yoga, luncheons, open studios and events surrounding the arts.

Trivia is a way to not only brush up on fun facts, but to also challenge your friends to who knows the most.

What: Trivia Night When: Every Wednesday Time: 7 - 9 pm

TWU Greenhouse

By LACEY CUTBURTH What was originally a seven-acre lot of weeds and grass is now the TWU gardens packed with plants of all sorts.

Amongst the plants is the Greenhouse, which was built in the 30s. “A student from the 30s states, “in the dry March days of 1930, we planted our first seeds on the site of the old pig pens and peach orchard area.””

The house has been closed for roughly three years due to structure damage and the risk of the windows getting too hot in the summer and potentially shattering.

In its prime, the greenhouse was packed full of greenery and was also used by biology students as a laboratory.

Now, the greenhouse is used for many weddings throughout the year. Although it cannot be used for indoor events, the exterior of the building is

Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso

still “such a lovely gem on campus” Coordinator Brittany Jasper said. The house makes for a stunning backdrop in pictures while the altar can be held at the main entrance. In front of the greenhouse, the concrete was poured to look like a half daisy to stay with the floral aspect of the house.

Besides being used for weddings, the greenhouse is hoped to be restored to its original prime. The coordinators of the events are working hard to get it restored but said, “it’s a process with approved budgets.” Their vision is for students to be able to use the greenhouse Monday through Thursday for studying so that students can surround themselves with nature instead of being confined to the library or other buildings.

“To be honest, this could take years for this dream to happen, but we are hopeful because it is a special place on campus,”

Jasper said.

For those wanting to have an event at the Greenhouse or The Little Chapel in the Woods, contact Brittany Jasper at bjasper1@twu.edu or visit the TWU conference website to fill out a form.

Alumni will receive 15% off. Pricing depends on the time of the event. For weekends (Friday-Sunday), the price is $795 for three hours plus a hour rehearsal, along with a two hour bridal/ engagement photo shoot. On the weekdays (MondayThursday), the price is $450 for three hours with the rehearsal listed at $85 per additional hour, along with the two-hour bridal/ engagement photo shoot.

Holidays are a bit pricier at $995 during the holiday week for three hours with the rehearsal being an additional $85 per hour, along with the two-hour bridal/ engagement photo shoot.

Where: Game Changers, located at 122 W. Mulberry St. Cost: Free Description: This classic trivia night adds a bit more competition into the game, with a cash prize for the top three teams, the top team can win up to $80 in bar cash.

For those who enjoy the artsy side of life, Denton offers many events to help with your creative ambitions.

What: Life Stories told through Quilts When: Dec. 7, 2018- Feb. 15, 2019 Time: 11 am- 5 pm

Where: Patterson- Appleton Arts Center, located at 400 E. Hickory St. Cost: Free Description: Retired professor and pathologist Barbara McCraw will showcase her artwork. This Master Quilters art is showcased in many museums.

What: Open Studio When: Every Friday Time: 10 am- 3 pm

From Throwback Thursdays to Flashback Fridays, Denton makes sure we don’t forget about the golden years.

What: Flashback Fridays When: Every Friday Time: 9 pm

Where: Game Changers, located at 122 W. Mulberry St. Cost: Free Description: Every Friday enjoy music from the 80s, 90s and 00s, while sipping on retro drinks.

Many yoga events happen weekly at the same time, place and day.

What: Yoga and Meditation When: Every Friday

Time: 7:30-8:30 am, 9-10am, 10:30-11:15 am Where: The Dojo, located at 223 W. Oak Cost: $10 Description: Depending on the time arriving will determine what the

class will be like. The earliest one is “Move Breathe Yin + Meditation” the second is “Gentle Hatha + Meditation” and the last class is “Restorative + Meditation”.

What: Brewery Yoga with Karma Yoga When: Every Friday Time: 10-11 am

Where: Denton County Brewing Company, located at 200 E McKinney St.

Where: Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, located at 400 E. Hickory St. Cost: Free Description: For artists who are lacking inspiration or just needing

more space to let their creativity flow, the Arts Center offers space for artists to let their creativity flow. To book space visit the Arts center website, first come first serve.

Cost: $5

Description: Enjoy yoga with Karma and Kombucha from DCB, which is always on the tap wall.

For those wanting a little bit more of a thrill added to their weekends, What: Ghosts of Denton Tour When: Every Friday and Saturday Time: 8 pm

Where: Discover Denton Welcome Center, located at 111 W. Hickory Cost: $15/ Adult, $8/ Child (6-11 yrs) Tickets are available online at ghostsofdenton.com

Description: On this tour you’ll follow Shelly Tucker who will guide you

through a haunted history tour. Be sure to dress according to the weather.

Entertainment | Pagan Pop-up

By KATELYN GARST Dentonites may want to attend this upcoming event: Pagan Pop-up, Volume I. Advertised by Discover Denton and on the event’s own Facebook page, Brujaus, Armadillo Ale Works and Marrow & Moss will be presenting the evening full of music, Cajun food, beer, live screen-printing, tarot readings and other vendors and artisans Sunday, Jan. 27 from 12 to 8 p.m.

Taking place at Armadillo Ale Works, the event will be free to the public, indoors and family-friendly. The event’s Facebook page indicates that food will be available from Later Gater Catering, and the live shirt screen-printing will be done by PINT Services.

A performance line-up is also posted on the Facebook page. At 2:30 p.m., alternative-rock band, The Sheets, will play, followed by self-professing

Party on at Denton’s Pagan Pop-up

“dreamy screamy mathy songbirds” (listed as ‘genre’ on their personal Facebook page) band, Springtime and the Changes, at 3:30 p.m. Then, a four-man garage/rock/ punk band, The Delzells,

will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. before SoundCloud artists, Hextape and Ecchi Beats, at 5:30 p.m. The last two performances will be from Raye Batte and Aditi Saraab at 6:30 p.m., and pop punk

trio, Upsetting (formerly Teenage Sexx), will close out the night at 7:00 p.m.

Other vendors are Ripe, Daphne’s Delights, All Hallows Productions, Beasley Blades, Sobrino Rare Books, The Proof Bakery,

Art With Latex, Crow Magick, The Blue Lotus Shop, A Beauty Way, Luna Narcissa, Moonlights Apothecary, Artio Artisanals, Ains & Elke StyleHaus, Kailur Jewelry, Marvel + Moon, Robyn’s

Nest, Red Milk Crone and Essentially Unfiltered. In addition to the aforementioned amenities offered, vendors will also have rare books, art, soap, baked goods, gems and jewelry.

The event is sponsored

by Horror Freak!, a store that sells nothing but Horror (including, but not limited to horror movies, movie memorabilia, horror toys, oddities and local art). In addition to a night that Dentonintes can enjoy, all the festivities proceeds from the event will be donated towards Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, which is a nonprofit community organization with a history of offering healing and hope to children, teens and families. Contribute to a good cause while having a good night this upcoming Sunday at 221 S. Bell Ave. Denton, TX 76201. For more information, contact info@ armadilloaleworks.com or 940-580-4446.

6

Sports

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 twulasso.com

Sports | Gymnastics

Setting the bar for student athletes

By JUNE COOKE The Texas Woman’s University gymnastics team has had an eventful winter and looks ahead to an even busier spring with five quad meets (two happening on Denton campus) and a few invitationals peppered in this semester.

Over winter break, the team competed twice with very close results. Their losses against Kentucky State and Arizona were both by just three points.

Their next quad meet took place Jan. 19 in Denver, where TWU took the floor, bars, beams and vaults against Central Michigan University, Sacramento State and the University of Denver. At this meet the girls placed third with a score of 190.200. Now the girls prepare for their meets to come.

In 2017, the TWU gymnastics team lost to Denver State by a hair with a floor score 1.1 points behind Denver. Student athlete Bria Northrop, a junior

this year, competed in that same meet two years ago, beating gymnasts Leonard-Bak and Khum in cumulative event scores.

Northrop was a strong athletic presence then, and a stronger one now, and she will be facing off against Denver again this year, as well as Erin Alderman, McKenzie Balderas, Sadie Bish and other returning TWU gymnasts.

Spectators and fans can expect to see some close competition again this year.

This week, TWU will be hosting a quad meet.

They will be hosting another quad meet in March, which will be the last opportunity for students to watch senior athletes compete at home. Come see the TWU quad meet Jan. 27 to watch TWU tumble on their own turf against Centenary College of Louisiana, University of Wisconsin-Stout and University of WisconsinLa Crosse. The meet will start at 2 p.m. in the Kitty-Magee Arena.

Erin Alderman

Sports | Volleyball

Elizabeth Grimsley / College Gym News

Sports | Basketball

Meet Coach David Ulrich

By JUNE COOKE Coach David Ulrich grew up in Illinois playing soccer and volleyball for his high school.

His gusto for sports led him to explore all sorts of competitive areas: track, football, soccer etc.

After graduation, he went on to coach his favorite sport, Volleyball, in 4 states and recently decided to coach in Texas for the unique opportunity to boost the TWU volleyball team’s chances at a national title.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this team excel, I think it’s a really unique opportunity to take a team with some traction already, and give it the extra effort needed to take them first to the state championships, then to nationals.”

Coach Ulrich said that the players during preseason can expect to spend up to 20 to 30 hours a week with him and his adjunct coach, Laura Ulrich. The student athletes will be spending their mornings and evenings practicing with the Ulrichs to best their rival, Tarleton.

The pioneers faced off against Tarleton last year in September, losing 3-0.

Coach David Ulrich says Tarleton’s got talent, but TWU has Katy Raines, an AVCA All-American athlete, and setter on the team.

“Setter is a centrally important position, really dictating the game, and Katy leads well.”

I asked him if he was excited to work with Katy, an athlete who has, so far, dedicated three years of her life to

the TWU volleyball effort.

In her final year, Ulrich says, she’s ready to lead the team onwards and set some personal records for herself.

The Coaches Ulrich met each other at a coach’s conference, and married in January. Laura coaching here at TWU, and Dave coaching in Oklahoma. Dave decided to move states all over again to head off a new challenge coming this fall to the courts, and be closer to his wife Laura. He says

their dream together is to coach the same team and watch them aspire to greatness. Their combined experience and passion for the sport brought them together, and optimistically, it will bring their team together for the upcoming fall season.

First Tournament begins this August, after long anticipated weeks of preseason training from both coaches and team. Don’t miss it.

Chris Blumenshine

Macy Wilkerson

Pioneers undaunted by losing streak

By KRISTA SIMPSON

Coach David Ulrich

Courtesy of TWU Athletics

With the basketball season in full swing, the Pioneers have fought hard against their opponents.

The team has been in a bit of a slump the past few games with a losing streak of seven losses. However, according to Freshman Point-guard Macy Wilkerson and Junior Forward London Archer, the team is not going to let the losses get to them.

The TWU basketball team has been facing off against other schools since November and have played a total of 16 games. Out of all the games played, the Pioneers have won a total of six games and lost ten games.

After suffering seven consecutive losses, one would think the team would be a bit discouraged, but not according

to statements made by Wilkerson and Archer.

“If we just stay positive and have good energy, we can always keep ourselves in the game,” Archer said.

While the team has lost quite a few games, they have learned what they need to work on through those losses. “I think we just need to rely on our defensive principles because sometimes we struggle with being scored on,” Archer remarked.

It’s not all negatives for the team this season, though. “We had a couple close wins at the beginning of the year that were really fun,” Archer said reminiscently.

Even after their losses, the team remains optimistic because they have each other. “We all have a lot of fun together, and we’re all really close,” Wilkerson said.

Both Wilkerson and Ar-

cher have their own personal goals for the season as well. “I’m 14 in our conference and rebounding, but if I could get top 10, that would be really good,” Archer stated. As for Wilkerson, she stated that she is just aiming to have a great freshman year. “The upper classmen make the team so much fun. They just pull me into the team and have made the season amazing so far,” siad Wilkerson.

The Pioneer basketball team recently broke their losing streak with a win of 72-70 against Cameron University Jan. 19. Make sure to attend the next home-game Feb.7 against Texas A&M to cheer on the Pioneers and help them win the game.

The game schedule and all scores can be found on the TWU athletics page.