Issue 9-10

New player excels

MSG introduces

on the football

iCards (pg. 3)

Students explore Mercyhurst’s early days (pg. 3)

field (pg. 7)

Read more inside & online

The Merciad

Est. 1929 Vol. 88 No. 1

Mercyhurst University

Earth Harp Collective rocks PAC

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

‘Hurst to arm police in 2015

By Nathan Turner News Editor

Photo by Ashley Favata

William Close and the Earth Harp Collective performed at Mercyhurst University on September 5th.

The Board of Trustees at Mercyhurst University voted on May 31 to begin the process of issuing firearms to Police and Safety officers as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the physical security and safety of the campus.

The decision comes after several years of research, analysis and debate among a task force with representatives from Student Life, the Faculty Senate, the Mercyhurst Student Government, and the Board of Trustees.

“The answer for why we’re not armed shouldn’t be because back in 1990, when we first started having police officers, we decided not to arm them,” Laura Zirkle. Ph.D, said. “That’s not a good answer for why [campus police are] not armed in 2014.”

As a result of this resolution, the Board of Trustees commissioned a task force, led by former Vice President of Student Life Gerry Tobin, Ph.D, and made up of faculty, staff, students, and Board of Trustees

members to investigate the issue.

Police and Safety has nearly completed weapon re-certification for all officers, the first step to arming officers which began June 6. Officers will train on a simulator before they are armed, and Chief Robert Kuhn is “hoping to add some additional sensitivity training to be completed before the end of the [Fall semester 2014].”

The officers will be tested more often than the typical sworn police officer, according to Kuhn. “Once you’re a sworn officer, you have to certify every year with your firearm,” he said.

“But I’m going to do it four times a year.”

Kuhn added that two of the certifications will be done using live ammunition and the other two will be done using a FATS (Firearm Training Simulator), which will utilize a variety of “Shoot-Don’t Shoot” scenarios. The officers are currently training Glock 9mm semi-automatic handguns as their sidearms, as well as two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, which will not be

Cont. on Page 2

Freshman housing, Lewis, and Briggs are renovated

By Jose Nufio Staff Writer

Mercyhurst spent more than $750,000 in housing renovations for the 20142015 academic year. Residence Life oversaw the renovations that occurred on the McAuley and Baldwin freshman halls and the Briggs and Lewis upperclassman apartments.

McAuley had its halls repainted and got a new TV in the main living area, although it has yet to be set up. Baldwin Hall had its kitchens redone and also had a new TV added to its main living area. Warde Hall

Merciad Index News Features A&E Opinion Sports Laker Living

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had all of its common areas redone.

The Briggs and Lewis apartments received new furniture, including new mattresses and dressers. On the bathrooms, caulk was applied between the tiles that needed extra care. A couple of buildings in the upperclassman apartments had the roof ’s shingles replaced.

Residence Life made sure that everything looked neat, even if it was functional, or as Vice President of Student Life, Laura Zirkle Ph.D. described it,” I don’t call it dirty, I call it dirty looking.”

Zirkle also stated that a

second furniture crew was hired during the summer to help replace over 500 old mattresses with new ones.

The renovations at the beginning of the last academic year. To get clear feedback about housing situations, Residence Life organized a forum and a focus group of students expressing their concerns over housing. Along with that, many students and Resident Assistants had personally come up to Zirkle to express their concerns about their own current living.

According to the feedback, many students were unhappy with their housing

situation. The small bedrooms and the bathrooms were the two places students wanted to see renovated the most. Residence Life than decided to invest on the various concerns they had received from students.

They shared the student feedback with the Board of Directors in March 2013. The board toured the buildings and decided to take action. They allowed $750,000 to be spent on renovating Mercyhurst housing, including the additional costs. However, the actual spending went to about $1 million.

One of the biggest concerns students had was

maintenance and their efficiency in responding work orders. Residence Life approached Maintenance staff to search for ways to improve their services. In years past, when residents wanted to report something to maintenance, they had to go to their RAs, who in turn had to go to the Assistant Director. To make the process more efficient, students can now directly submit their own maintenance work order via the portal.

Zirkle said Student Life is hoping to get the halls in the apartments painted, along with renovations in the living areas, and con-

tinue the renovations with the Duval apartments and the Townhouses. Over the summer, new vanities were ordered for the apartments, but they did not come in on time. These are expected to be in place in the near future.

Big renovations are not certain for next year.

Housing renovations usually occur every year at Mercyhurst, but Residence Life is still not certain whether a big one will occur next year, Zirkle said. @TheMerciad

The first poll of the school year is up!

How do you feel about the changes at the Laker Inn? 1. I love them! The food is absolutely worth the money 2. I really don’t mind the price changes, although the food is still the same.

3. Egan is about to have one more customer...

4. I have never thought I’d be as indignant about chicken nuggets as I am these days

Make sure to make your voice heard at merciad.mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad

Page 2

News

September 10, 2014

Briggs, Lewis apartments receive new furniture

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

The Briggs and Lewis apar tments received a furniture upg rade over the summer as part of a $750,000 renovation of the facilities.

When beginning the large tasking of selecting the new furniture for the student housing renovations, Alice Agnew, Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct thought, “I don’t know how to buy furniture for 500 people but here I go.”

The process began early last year when a student forum revealed student dissatisfaction with the campus housing conditions, particularly in the apartments.

Laura Zirkle, Vice President for Student Life explained that Mercyhurst had been using resources elsewhere in the previous years but “had hit the tipping point and needed to dedicate resources to this project.”

One of the main concerns of students was the size of the single bedroom in the apartments.

“We cannot knock down walls but came up with a proposal to buy new furniture for the small bedroom to make it feel bigger,” Agnew explains.

It was important to find sleek furniture that had a slim feel but to also be both durable and comfortable, according to Agnew.

New mattresses also were brought in to replace the most worn ones. It is said according to Agnew, “One

Photo by Sami Rapp

Junior Maggie Urso checks out a blue light safety box near Briggs Avenue.

Taylor Rollins photo

A collection of bedframes and dressers waiting to be moved into upperclassman apartments on Lewis and Briggs Avenue.

side of the mattress is firmer but if you flip it, it is softer.”

Numerous sales representatives were consulted in addition to student demonstrations in order to select the best furniture for the rooms. Agnew stressed, “The goal was to make smart choices.”

In the end, the furniture selected was from Butler Woodcrafts, Inc., the same company used to purchase the original furniture used in Warde Hall.

In addition to the bedroom furniture, some apartments will have new vanities in the bathroom.

Unfortunately, the vanities were backordered and could not be installed over the summer. The vanities are

expected to be installed soon after Thanksgiving.

While all of the apartments do not have all new furniture, this project has begun the cycle of moving out the most worn furniture to replace it.

The upperclassmen apartments were the main focus for this summer’s renovations, but the freshmen residence halls were not forgotten.

New furniture has cycled through all the residence halls lounges as well. McAuley Hall will soon have flat screen TVs install.

For years the students have talked about the need for upgrades in the apartments. It was the student forum, and later the tour for

the Board of Trustees that defined it as a priority.

“I could not be happier with our students,” Zirkle expresses, “they did not gripe and were very respectful.”

Both Zirkle and Agnew expressed their thanks to the Maintenance Staff, Residence Life and the moving crew hired to assist over the summer.

Zirkle is proud of the work they have accomplished and said, “It’s a good feeling seeing students coming back and it seems like it was worth it.” @TheMerciad

Mercyhurst to arm police Continued from page 1 carried regularly but to which the officers will have access in an emergency.

Kuhn added that the decision to arm campus police is proactive in nature since colleges now face a more diverse set of threats.

“With groups like ISIS going around, [the Joint Terrorism Task Force warns] that these groups are going to be looking at soft targets, and campuses are going to be one of them. So I want to be prepared for it.”

The Faculty Senate received the issue during a March 19 meeting. Joanne McGurk, Ph.D., said that at the meeting, Tobin presented the task force’s recommendations. Additionally, a survey was circulated in November 2013 among the students and the faculty in February 2014, asking for the

opinions as to the issue. The survey pointed out that 205 of the employees surveyed agreed that Police and Safety officers should carry a sidearm, while 102 employees disagreed.

“After that presentation, and that discussion, the Senate decided to appoint an ad hoc committee to study [the issue],” McGurk said. “And the issue was that this was a question that would not be simply limited to whether or not we should arm police, but that this would look at what is the culture of safety at Mercyhurst.”

The phases of the strategy, outlined in a May 1 report by the Faculty Senate entitled “Culture of Safety,” will be completed by the beginning of the spring semester of 2015.

@TheMerciad

Mercyhurst achieves record Alumna accused international admissions of kidnapping

By Melanie Todd Staff writer

The incoming freshmen class set a record for Mercyhurst’s International Admissions. Eighty new international students from 26 countries joined the Laker family this year.

New to the list this year are Estonia and Bangladesh. The most popular major among international students is business, according to Assistant Director of International Admissions and Services

Adiba Shahjahan.

“Mercyhurst University has always worked with international students,” Shahjahan said, but the office was not officially established until 2003. Shahjahan explained, “One of the first countries represented was Ireland.”

Becoming an international student is by no means a simple task.

Their admissions process, according to Shahjahan, “is a very lengthy process in terms of paperwork and they also require a visa to enter the country.”

Over the years, the process has developed to make it easier for the incoming students.

Daniel Cabanillas, a Primary Designated School Official here at Mercyhurst, is responsible for preparing the I-20 forms that allow the students to acquire a visa, taking some of the pressure off of them.

Applications are received from all over the world. The Director of International Admissions, Eric Evans, conducts recruiting at schools and career fairs overseas to educate prospective students about the University.

Shahjahan said that last year she visited both India and Bangladesh to recruit perspective students.

“I will be visiting India again for approximately three weeks,” Shahjahan said.

Athletics also assists in recruitment.

“The coaches do a fabulous job in recruiting them [student athletes] and we collaborate on the paperwork,” she said.

Word-of-mouth also remains as one of the most effective ways to reach students.

Once at Mercyhurst, there are services available to help the students feel at home.

“The institution as a whole does very well to help these students get acquainted, especially during Welcome Week,” Ms. Shahjahan said.

The Multicultural Center is also an important resource for the students to plan events and help with the transition into not only college life, but life in America as well.

The majority of the international students remain with Mercyhurst through to graduation.

Following graduation, “it is 50/50,” Shahjahan explains, as to whether they remain in the United States for work experience or return to their home countries.

Photo by Tran Vu

Starting at front-center, clockwise: an unidentified student, Diem Tran, Huyen Vu, Dzung Duong, Tram-Anh Trieu, Phuong Nguyen, Dat Le, Cuong Nguyen enjoying a game of Uno in the multicultrual center

@TheMerciad

N.Y. Amish girls

By Nathan Turner News Editor

Nicole Vaisey, a Mercyhurst alumna who authored a psychology study on a sexual topic, is accused of helping her boyfriend kidnap two Amish girls in August from a roadside vegetable and sexually assaulting them at the couple’s home in rural northern New York.

Vaisey, 25, and Stephen M. Howells II, 39, of Hermon, New York, are charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, and have pled “not guilty.” More charges are forthcoming, according to the prosecutor.

Vaisey, who was the President of Psi Chi as well as a member of the Mercyhurst Psychology Chapter

and Mercyhurst Active Minds, met Howells, a father of three, online over a year and half ago, according to a source familiar with their relationship. Her study was titled “The Effects of Viewing Sexually Suggestive Images on Rape Myth Acceptance and the Role of Physiological Arousal.”

Bradford C. Riendeau, one of her attorneys, said Vaisey was not the mastermind of the kidnapping and was in an abusive and submissive relationship with Howells.

“She appears to have been the slave and he was the master,” Riendeau told the New York Times in August.

@TheMerciad

University screens for Ebola

By Nathan Turner News Editor

Mercyhurst University President, Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., requested last week that all students, faculty or staff who visited the five African countries in which the Ebola virus has spread since March 2014 go to the university’s Health Center for a precautionary screening. The Ebola virus, a

deadly hemorrhagic fever, originated in rural Guinea in January and has since spread throughout Guinea and to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal. More than 2,000 people have died from the disease.

@TheMerciad

The Merciad

September 10, 2014

Page 3

Features

Jones drives new physics major Student embarks

By Jose Nufio Staff writer

Assistant Professor of Physics, Dyan Jones, Ph. D., is the new chief of the recently established Physics Department.

After being part of the Chemistry Department for many years, the physics department has gained enough leverage to become a department of its own.

According to Jones, about 20 years ago there was Physics department here at Mercyhurst. However, due to lack of student interest, the department closed down.

Now, under her wing, as well as increasing student enthusiasm, the Mercyhurst physics department reopened its doors this fall.

“Students have been coming in very interested in wanting a physics program. Good science schools across the country have physics programs; it’s one of those ‘have to’ kind of programs like biology and chemistry. So it gets us back on par with really high science schools and gives students another option for something they can study.”

For now, only the physics minor is available, but the major has already been applied for. Jones expects the major to be available for students by this winter. Even though the

major is still not completely established, there are already students who are taking the classes waiting for the final paperwork to get settled.

Who is Dyan Jones?

Jones is a west-central Pennsylvania native. She did her undergraduate education at Edinboro University. She later moved to Miami University and then to Kansas State University to complete her higher education.

“Those were big schools and I liked it a lot, but when I knew I wanted to get a job, I really wanted to go back to a small school. Somewhere where I get to know the students,” said Jones. That’s why, as soon as she got her Ph.D., she decided to come to Mercyhurst.

Jones specializes in theoretical quantum optics, a topic that she hasn’t been able to research at Mercyhurst due to absence of a super computer that would support such research. For the meantime, she does research on science education.

“To make my research a bit more accessible for Mercyhurst, I spend a lot of time getting into science education research. So it’s a lot about how students learn and use physics. It involves hardcore physics, cognitive science, psychology and a little bit of a lot of things.

For now, Jones faces the

’Hurst History

on pro-life journey

By Heather Swede Contributing writer Over the summer Mercyhurst University sophomore Erin Hershelman participated in a 3,200 mile pro-life walk across the United States.

Hershelman, an accounting major at Mercyhurst, began the walk in Seattle, Wash., on May 24, and ended it in Washington D.C. on Aug. 12.

Casey Bleuel photo

Dyan Jones will lead new physics department in the winter.

challenge of getting the word out there is now a physics program here at Mercyhurst.

She hopes that more students join the program and seize the opportunities that the career can offer.

“A physics major enables you to study the way world works and there are a lot of things you can do with a physics major. A lot of people go straight into jobs in industry or even governmental decisions,” said Jones. “I would encourage all students to give physics a try. I think it’s really interesting. You get to learn a lot and we do our best to

Contributing writer

Taylor Rollins photo

By Victoria Kreysar Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University appears to have an air of solidity and firmness. The stones and bricks rise into the sky and command the surrounding area as if it has, and always will be, present on the landscape. It seems almost impossible for the school not to exist, but creating the institution was no easy task.

One hundred years ago, East 38th Street was a dirt track through farmland called Cooper Road. Mother Borgia Egan, along with other Sisters of Mercy stood on that street in 1922 and decided to purchase the land to build a school that would serve as a high school and college for young Catholic women.

The Sisters raised $10,000 for an expansion on a school in Titusville, but instead, made the daring business plan to build, open and run an entirely new school in a completely different city.

Mother Borgia purchased the land for $50,000. Of course, the sisters then had to come up with the money to build the school, and throughout the several-year building process they ran into problems; the striking, slanted, slate roof was going to cost more money than their bank account held, but instead of redesigning Old Main’s rooftop, the sisters took a new slant and sold handmade candy until they brought in enough money.

With only a week until the school was scheduled to open, the workers went on strike. Instead of postponing the opening date, the sisters rolled up their sleeves; they finished the construction until Mercyhurst was able to open its doors for their first class of 23 students.

Next time you find yourself falling asleep in class, just remember how hard those before you worked to create the room you’re dozing off in, and offer up a silent thanks before you take your nap to those nuns who had a “habit” of hard work. @TheMerciad

@TheMerciad

MSG introduces iCard to students

By Austin Hembree

The oldest section of Mercyhurst, Old Main, was built to last.

make it fun around here.”

Jones teaches General Physics I and II with the labs, and upper division physics courses, including modern physics, mechanics, and optics. She is also the coordinator for the new core assessment.

Besides physics, Jones also enjoys hiking in the summer and quilting. She is known around the student body for her cupcakes, which brings to school many times throughout the year.

Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) created a new incentive program this year that encourages students to attend on campus events.

This year’s iCards are designed to reward students for getting involved. For each iCard-sponsored event students attend, they will get one hole punch in their card.

After 10 events, students receive a prize and move on to the next level of rewards.

Caleb Ohmer, Vice President of MSG, noticed a problem with attendance at Mercyhurst events in recent years and he, along with President Nick Latta, felt they need to do something about it.

“Last year we saw that involvement was a big issue on campus and that was one of the concerns that students brought up,” Ohmer said.

MSG President and creator of the idea, Nick Latta, hopes this new system will raise attendance at campus events.

“It was an idea of mine to get students more involved and the best way I could think of was to reward them for it,” Latta said.

So far, MSG has spent $1,500 on the initiative and anticipates the yearly cost to be less than $5,000.

“For what is considered to be a large initiative project it, is very, very cheap,” Latta said.

Ohmer said this iCard program will turn those who do not usually attend Mercyhurst events into regulars.

“Hopefully, people will just start going because they want to go and because the events are actually fun,” Ohmer said.

Check the Weekender for this week’s iCard events. @TheMerciad

Salina Bowe photo

Junior Helene Prince holds up the new MSG iCard in front of the MSG chambers. The iCard rewards students for participating in MSG events.

The walk was one of three cross country walks that the Crossroads Pro-Life Organization hosts each summer.

Hershelman decided to participate in the walking this year because she to express that the pro-life movement was something that she believes in.

Hershelman has been confident in her beliefs for a while, but decided that she wanted to do something to share them with others. The walk was a perfect opportunity for this.

Whenever she and her group members walked they would wear pro-life shirts that would often cause people driving by to stop and ask them what they were doing.

“I loved talking to people about the purpose of our walk,” Hershelman said.

On the weekends, the group would take a break from walking and speak at churches in the area. At the churches, they would receive donations, which is how they were able to purchase food and supplies during their walk and lived “only off donations.”

The group would also sleep in churches or the homes of generous families.

The cross country walk was itself a symbol for Hershelman and the other marchers’ beliefs.

It was described by Hershelman as “a sacrifice for those who don’t have a voice.”

According to Hershelman, the walking, combined with daily prayer reminded her of why she was walking every day, and kept her going even when encountered with stray dogs, big snakes, and speeding

Contributed photo

Erin Hershelman, back from her journey across America.

cars.

After 3,200 miles Erin said she would gladly do it again to show that she is “a college student who believes in pro-life.”

While on campus, Hershelman enjoys basketball, weight lifting, and being secretary of the Physical Fitness Club, as well as participating in Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education (MYRACLE).

@TheMerciad

Public Health Club to walk

By Mikayla Kerr

Contributing writer

Mercyhurst University students are invited to the American Heart Association, this Saturday, Sept.

13, for the American Heart Association walk at Liberty Park, downtown Erie, located off of the Bayfront Highway.

Public Health Club will meet at 8:45 a.m. in front of Audrey Hirt Academic Center for transportation.

The walk registration will start at 9 a.m. and the walk officially begins at 10 a.m.; the event will go until 12 p.m. at the latest.

The health department asks that you try to donate at least $5 in order to help support the American Heart Association.

The American Hearth Association is a non-profit organization and is the oldest as well as the largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke, according to its website.

They fund high profile

research and educate people around the country in CPR techniques.

Volunteers are also needed at Face-painting and the Kids Play area as an alternative to walking.

If you are interested in registering for the walk or just making a donation, sign up in Hirt room 311, or sign up with Public Health Heart Walk co-chairs Maggie Matthews or Dylan D’Urso, or Public Health Club members Theresa Laird, Raquel Fleming and Mikayla Kerr.

The Public Health Club, Pre-Health Club (Rachel Stock), Wrestling (Dylan D’Urso), & Intelligence Studies department (Michelle Henderson) are all registering walkers for this event from Mercyhurst University.

Any questions, stop

by Hirt 311, email publichealth@mercyhurst.edu, or visit and register at www. heart.org/eriewalk. @TheMerciad

Page 4

The Merciad

Features

Deptember 10 , 2014

By Sami Rapp Photo editor

This summer, almost 30 archaeology students traveled to Taos, New Mexico for the 2014 field school season.

As a graduation requirement, archaeology students spend six weeks at a real archaeology site on the Southern Methodist University in Taos campus.

While there, they spent six days a week working on either a prehistoric or historic archaeological project getting real hands on experience.

On Sundays, the students would travel to local areas to shop, see the sites, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Trips included going to Bandelier National Monument, Taos Pueblo and local shops.

While the work was difficult and the days long, many students enjoyed the work and made lasting memories. Whether enjoying hiking the surrounding mountains, playing volleyball or hanging out in the cafeteria, even camp life was a lot of fun.

Sami Rapp photo

From left to right: Undergrads, Clara Summa, Lauren Osmialowski, Isaac Ogloblin, Megan Letrick, Emily Esteban-Baughman and Lisa Iadanza pose for a group photo after spending the day at Taos Plaza, a plaza with many local shops.

Sami Rapp photo

From left to right: Andrew Johnson, Michelle Farley and Rick Lugo work to backfill the prehistoric site at the conclusion of the 2014 field season.

A group shot of most of the 2014 field crew, taken at the annual Taos Rodeo.

Sami Rapp photo

Tent city, named by the students, is where everyone lived for the six weeks in Taos.

Sami Rapp photo

While out exploring a local gorge, this cool ice cream stand was found.

Sami Rapp photo

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Write or take photos for The Merciad!

The Merciad is the student-run newspaper of Mercyhurst University.

By the students.

For the students.

As simple as that.

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The Merciad

September 10, 2014

Page 5

Arts &

Entertainment

Earth Harp wows audience in PAC

William Close impresses with large instruments, good music

“ Arcitecture is frozen music.”

By Karah Hollis

Contributing writer

When the entire theater is needed for one instrument, you can expect the show to be unforgettable.

Third place finishers of “America’s Got Talent” William Close and the Earth Harp Collective, brought a more than exciting show to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, on Friday, Sept. 5.

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the noted architect, the group’s founder, William Close, creates unique instruments and then brings them to life through his musical talents.

Close and the Earth Harp

Frank Lloyd Wright

Collective are known for turning the space they perform in into a work of art that audiences can both see and hear.

The star of the show on Friday was the Earth Harp: the largest string instrument created by running strings from a wooden resonator on stage to the balcony railing.

The harp gets its name from its first use—being strung across a 1000-foot gap, turning the land, the

earth, into an instrument.

The harp sounds like a cello and is also played with rosin gloves, just as a cello is played with a rosined bow.

Close compared the process of making the cello tones with running your finger around the rim of a glass.

The harp was created in 1999, when Close was inspired by a quote from Frank Llyod Wright, who said “Architecture is frozen music.”

Audience members had only good things to say.

“It’s so cool and impressive that he made a new instrument that sounded so beautiful,” said sophomore Kelly Fergus.

The most impressive

aspect seemed to be that the harp turned the theater into an instrument. Ashley Miltich, a sophomore, said that she really liked how the strings stretched across the stage to the balcony.

Other instruments featured in the show included the Drum Cloud and the Percussion Jacket.

The Drum Cloud is made of different sized drums shaped like the sun and stars.

The Percussion Jacket is an actual jacket with trigger pads placed on it that make the sound of drums when

tapped by the musician.

The set list included powerful renditions of popular songs, such as the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah.”

There was also a touch of Classical music with Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” Other songs played included ones from their time on NBC’s “AGT” and their album, “Behind the Veil.”

“I loved that he made the songs into his own version.

I feel that it would be more

Ashley Favata photo

The Earth Harp stretched from the middle of the stage all the way up to the railing of the balcony.

like karaoke if he did not add his own original, unique style to the songs,” Fergus said after being asked what she thought of the song covers.

A couple from Titusville agreed with the rest of the audience that the show was very good. “It was our first time here, but certainly not our last.”

Every song received huge applause, and the show ended with a standing ovation which led to a one-song encore performance. @TheMerciad

Ashley Favata photo

William Close, along with a unique array of large insturments, impressed audience members.

‘The Hand’: good intentions, doesn’t inspire audience

By Kevin Thomas Staff writer

Documentaries are both a blessing and a curse. They can be used to educate people about important issues facing America and the world.

Examples of this are “The Civil War,” done by Ken Burns and “Super-Size Me,” done by Morgan Spurlock.

Both of these films were able to discuss important topics without being too preachy or condescending to the viewer, making them two

of the most well-known documentaries in the world.

As good as documentaries can be, they too have their naysayers.

One criticism of the genre is that they are too preachy and one-sided. Unfortunately, “The Hand that Feeds” falls into this category.

It has a story that needs to be told, but the way that it’s presented is so tedious that it loses its impact in the end.

In 2011, the New York pizza shop Hot & Crusty apparently was underpaying its staff of foreign workers as

well as placing them in unsafe working conditions.

After some amount of time, the workers finally became fed up with this maltreatment and decided to form a union to receive better benefits.

Through many obstacles, the workers were able to achieve this goal, proving that teamwork and determination can make true change possible.

As I said above, the story of Hot & Crusty needed to be told. Early on, one worker tells us that his boss forced him to come in when the worker was sick, something that a good

businessman would never do.

In another, we see that one of the machines in the back room is completely broken and would cause someone to cut him or herself.

The film makes it very clear that these conditions needed to be changed. However, I kept wondering to myself if the maltreatment was occurring in this one location or if it was how the entire business was run.

If the entire franchise was run this way, then I would find it very hard to believe that it took this long for workers to

take action. The film argues the latter, so it seemed crazy to me that things could be as bad as they were at this company and the company still be operating.

However, maybe that was the point the filmmaker was attempting to make that it was possible for a restaurant with such ridiculous practices to stay open for so long. I certainly hope that this is not the case for a large number of food businesses, or they will be facing some trouble after the employees see this.

If that was the director’s

goal, then she succeeded extremely well at it.

However, it seemed like this was supposed to be a story of triumph over the system, and it was just too negative to be truly inspiring, at least in my opinion.

Maybe I am too young to understand the seriousness of the situation at this point, but I hope that is not the case. I recommend the film for its look inside the business system.

It played in Taylor Little Theater at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Sept. 7.

All Around Erie ‘Kids’ coming soon to Taylor Little

By Megan Pacileo

Arts and Entertainment Editor

Shrek the Musical

A rehash of the movie “Shrek,” the show features our favorite green hero, talking donkey, and fiery princess.

The musical follows the storyline of the movie, but filled with songs that will make you want to come back and see the show many more times.

The show runs from Sept.

19 & 20, 25-28, Oct. 1-5, 2014. Tickets prices run from $15 to $22.

Any questions, contact the box office at 814-454-2852.

Erie Irish Fest

Online

Enjoy a weekend filled with Irish culture! Created in 1993, the Erie Irish Festival was designed to give all people in Erie a taste of Celtic culture.

There will be memorabilia, games, Irish food and a Grand Prize raffle.

The event goes from Friday,

September 19 from 5:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2014 Noon – 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, from September 21, 2014 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Saint Patrick Church, in downtown Erie (130 East 4th Street, Erie, PA 16507).

Admission and parking are both free.

Asbury Woods “Yoga in the Woods”

This serene opportunity offers visitors to Asbury Woods the chance to enjoy a peaceful beginner’s yoga session outdoors. A certified instructor from YogaErie will lead the class. Be sure to bring your own mat or beach towel.

The session will take place on September 19: one session at 6 p.m., and another 7 p.m.

Tickets are $6.

Any questions, contact the Nature Center at 814-8355356. @MeganPacileo

Full list of events can be found on the PAC website

By Naomi Greenstein Staff writer

On this Sunday, Sept. 14, the Taylor Little Theater of Mercyhurst University will once again begin their season of Sunday afternoon movies.

Every Sunday throughout most of the school year, the campus theater welcomes not only students, but the community of Erie, to sit back and enjoy an inexpensive form of entertainment.

The films vary in genre and styles, and can range from hysterically funny to psychologically thrilling.

In the past, the theater has shown films such as the suspenseful “Rear Window”, the laugh-out-loud comedy “Blazing Saddles” and the quirky documentary “The Exquisite Corpse Project”.

To kick off the movie season, this Sunday’s showing is a documentary called “Kids for Cash.” It is the

story about the scandal that occurred shortly after the Columbine shooting.

It takes place in a small

Under his reign of terror, over 3,000 children were taken from their families and imprisoned for crimes as

MIAC photo

Audiences members will see what effects the Columbine shootings had on a town in Pensylvania.

Pennsylvania town.

With the fear and sorrow of the shootings still looming over America, a judge in the small town took it upon himself to keep kids in strict line, no matter how inconsequential their misdeed was.

View upcoming performances: www.miac.mercyhurst.edu

trifling as creating a phony MySpace profile.

When one daring parent spoke out against the harshness of the penalties, it was revealed that the judge had received millions of dollars in payments from the pri-

vately-owned juvenile detention centers where the kids – most of them only in their early teens – were incarcerated.

This dramatic story unfolds like a thriller and is told from the perspective of the perpetrators, victims, and unsung heroes who helped this riveting injustice come to light.

The film’s showing will conclude with an appearance

by Bob Blakely, the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer of Erie County, who will comment and answer questions on the scandal and how Pennsylvania has responded.

The showing of “Kids for Cash” will be on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Taylor Little Theater. Tickets can be bought at the door and are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $1 for students with their Mercyhurst ID. @TheMerciad

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/ arts_entertainment

Page 6

September 10, 2014

The Merciad

Opinion

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad Relay for Life successful or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Price changes at the Laker Inn The Good... are not welcomed by students

By Jacob Middlestetter Contributing writer

A new year rushes in new things at Mercyhurst University. Perhaps among the most tenuous of all changes that could be made here at the University are the dining halls.

Egan Hall has been changed minimal, and seems to be running as before, but more drastic changes have occurred in the Laker which should be addressed.

Prices have changed in multiple ways, clearly to make food choices easier, and in some ways they have, but the prices have a different problem.

First, there is the issue of regular food prices which do not match up to the values of a board.

For example, now, if you would want to have a burrito with chips and salsa, let alone a drink, then the value is now higher than a board.

Not by a lot, but enough that dining dollars must also be used in addition to the board (also dining dollar plans don’t by as much as before under these conditions).

This is inconvenient at most levels, but also is a sign where the value of the food no longer matches the price.

Second, a distinct lack of specials is not a welcome

change. Before, each station at the Laker featured its own special, for which you would get the entrée, a small side and a drink for the price of a board.

Now, there is only one such offering on any given day. I enjoyed being able to have a selection of choices for food where I knew I could get a full meal and not be charged any more than other offerings, but now, I’m limited with my money.

Third, the removal of order slips at the grill worries me. I understand the system implemented wasn’t perfect, as the slips would pile up and people would receive their food out of order.

However, I don’t believe saying one’s order out loud is a better option, especially if there is heavy traffic. Either the orders will be mixed up or the pure volume of students waiting will cause people to simply walk to another food option instead of waiting to actually just say their order.

To solve that problem, an electronic version of the paper slips may be the best idea.

The Laker may have gotten better in some ways, but I’m not convinced the changes made are all for the best.

Contributing writer

Pro-One would have to be living under a rock to miss the “chilly” Internet sensation that has become a daily spectacle on all of our favorite social media sites. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media outlets have been flooded with videos and pictures of people dumping ice-cold buckets of water on themselves in order to support the ALS Association.

While it seems strange, unlike many other viral videos, this trend actually brings aid. For example, before this summer most people had no idea of what ALS even was. Due to the challenge heaps of attention is being brought to this neurodegenerative disease, let-

ting people all over the world learn about it.

The efforts of the Ice Bucket Challenge have brought $108.4 million since July 29th of this year, according to the ALSA website. The association’s entire revenue from last year has almost been quadrupled in only a month’s time.

Many people have specifically indicated that their contributions go toward the research of this little known disease. Strides have been made in recent years, but these millions of dollars donated due to the challenge have the ability to greatly improve research. Thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge, the money that is streaming into the ALS Association can do nothing but help the cause. @TheMerciad

By Brianne Murphy Contributing writer

Con-The Ice Bucket Challenge, while it has raised awareness for ALS, has become another chainmail-esque annoyance on many different types of social media.

Everyone has seen the videos but how many of the videos discuss what ALS is?

After a very brief survey through my dorm, out of everyone who said they did the challenge only one had done the challenge and donated. When inquiring as to why some people didn’t donate, the most common answer was that they didn’t know that donating is part of the challenge.

Only two of the people I spoke with knew why the challenge included dumping

ice on your head. In case you were unaware, it is because it is supposed to give you a very small glimpse into what those with ALS experience; numbness, shock, and pain.

These videos seem to be a cheap tactic for people to try to bring attention to themselves instead of a very serious, very painful disease that not that many people go through. So instead of making these videos about yourself, take some time to focus on what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what it all means.

Photo Editor

Online

The U.S. Supreme Court on June 30 ruled that corporations considered to be “closely held,” could opt out of covering contraception in employee health plans.

The case, which quickly gained national attention, centered around whether Hobby Lobby, a craft store chain with Christian beliefs, could decide not to cover birth control for their employees.

Due to this ruling, the healthcare law has been amended, allowing both non-profit religious organizations and some companies to opt out of paying for their employees’ birth control.

The Obama administration, however, is still ensuring those employees get contraception. The cost to the women who should have access to these medications remains to be seen.

The distinction “closely held”, any corporations with a limited number of shareholders, was used to narrow the scope of the decision; however, almost 90 percent of companies fall into this category.

Hobby Lobby and many right-wing supporters argue that companies should be exempt from providing contraception due to religious beliefs and that this case was about religious freedom.

Hobby Lobby’s attorney, Lori Windham, stated that this ruling reaffirms that US families do not give up their religious values when opening a business.

This begs the question of whether a nationwide company of over 500 stores should be considered a family business?

The left and pro-choice organizations claim that this is a women’s equality, health and privacy issue.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stated in her dissent-

ing opinion: “The ability of women to participate equally in the economic and social life of the Nation has been facilitated by their ability to control their reproductive lives,” quoting Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), the first Supreme Court case to uphold the constitutionality of Roe v. Wade. She added that the ruling now opens the door to employer discrimination against women.

Justice Ginsburg went on to raise a very interesting question related to the ruling.

She asked, “would the exemption… extend to employers with religiously grounded objections to blood transfusions (Jehovah’s Witnesses); antidepressants (Scientologists); medications derived from pigs, including anesthesia, intravenous fluids, and pills coated with gelatin (certain Muslims, Jews, and Hindus); and vaccinations?”

It seems almost ridiculous

Read more at

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

The Bad...

The Ugly...

Students over-cooking popcorn in the residential buildings are causing mild inconvenience for all residents and alarming the Erie Fire Department for no reason. This should not be so hard to figure out.

The Weird...

In case you have not noticed, there is a mini four motor helicopter flying around campus snapping photos for the record of how the campus looks. The plate-sized aircraft is unmanned, but we won’t call it a drone.

@TheMerciad

Evaluating the reality of the Hobby Lobby ruling by the Supreme Court

By Sami Rapp

The Mercyhurst community is getting ready to welcome parents this upcoming weekend. Students get a chance to show their parents where they will be spending their time for four years.

The academic year is a couple weeks old and already the university is called on to investigate allegations of male students behaving badly with females. Face it, guys, that behavior will only foul up your life as well as your victim’s.

@TheMerciad

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media

By Vanessa Steele

America’s Got Talent’s star, William Close and the Earth Harp, sold out the Performing Arts Center.

What a good way to start the year with a full house performance.

The Merciad

to ask: If a lawsuit with one of these examples had been filed, would the case make it to the Supreme Court? I am not so sure it would be.

The Supreme Court even stated that the decision only covers contraception and that other employers cannot avoid paying for other kinds of insurance. (This is a weekly column looking at the social issues that everyone ought to have some knowledge of.

If you hear of an issue and would like to discuss it within the paper, email photoeditor@mercyhurst. edu. If you are an RSCO on campus, we would love to feature your articles about social justice as well.)

@srapp93

Editors Zach Dorsch Juan Mendez Nathan Turner Ryan Kushner Carly Contraguerro Megan Pacileo Marcela Delgado Mary Barnes Sami Rapp Ethan Johns Will DeFeo Bill Welch

Positions @mercyhurst.edu editormerciad Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor managingmerciad newsmerciad News Editor Features Editor featuremerciad sportsmerciad Sports Editor A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad opinionmerciad Opinion Editor Copy Editor copymerciad photomerciad Photo Editor Web Editor ejohns89 Ad Manager admerciad Adviser wwelch

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

Write for The Merciad, email editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Men’s soccer wins opener, 4-1 Deakin scores 3 goals against ND

By Haleigh Giebel Contributing writer

Mercyhurst men’s soccer team had their season opener on Thursday, September 4 against Notre Dame College with a 4-1 victory.

They were down by one goal early in the beginning of the game, but shortly after took control and were able to pull through with goals by Danny Deakin and Richard Vanhorne.

Danny Deakin, a sophomore, recorded a hat trick scoring three goals. Playing hard and never giving up while he was on the field led him to great accomplishments during the game. Deakin has always shown great skill on the field and is a great tribute to the team, according to head coach Dale White.

Coach White said the team

has a lot of potential and is looking good this year. Deakin was also named PSAC Player of the Week.

Talk has been going around that the soccer team had to be split this year because there are so many players; this is true, but with an exception.

There are 14 freshmen on the team, so White split the boys into two different teams that make up one group. They are not calling these two teams Varsity and Jr. Varsity; White is simply calling the younger team a developmental team, but they are still a part of the overall Mercyhurst men’s soccer team.

A couple of the players from the developmental team were put into the game against Notre Dame and got a chance to play.

The freshman players, along with the rest of the team, are

practicing hard and working on their skills.

“High school soccer is a good preparation for these boys for college soccer,” said Coach White. They came into the team with a lot of already developed soccer skills and knowledge.

The men’s next game is Sunday Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. in Charleston West Virginia against The University or Charleston.

The boy first home game is Monday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m. on the Mercyhurst University soccer field against Alderson Broaddus University.

Jake Lowy photo

@TheMerciad

Men’s soccer kicked off the season with a 4-1 win over Notre Dame College. Sophomore (11) Danny Deakin recorded a hat trick and junior (41) Richard Vanhorne scored one goal.

Freshman receiver makes first college start

By Vanessa Steele Contributing writer

Mercyhurst is proud to welcome many new freshman to the football team.

One of these freshman in particular is number 80, Brad Novak, a wide receiver from North Olmsted, Ohio.

Brad started playing football at a young age, encouraged by his father, who also played for the Lakers. Back home, Brad was his team’s starting quarterback.

Upon coming to Mercyhurst, he was asked to change to wide receiver.

Brad said that although it is difficult to change after playing one position for so long, he is learning a lot, especially from the upperclassmen receivers.

He specifically mentioned Jaquan Williams and Dylan Bongiorni as being helpful, answering his questions on the sidelines and helping him learn the plays.

For many sports players, it can be challenging to transition from playing high school sports to playing at the collegiate level.

“Speed is the biggest difference, everyone’s on the same page,” Novak said.

He added that having his first game on Saturday really

Alison Ockasi photo

From high school quarterback to now collegiate wide receiver, freshman Brad Novak (80) is ready for this season.

made a difference in how he views playing on a college team.

“Things that were easy aren’t easy anymore,” he said, but he enjoys the challenge.

Brad said his favorite thing about Mercyhurst is the camaraderie on the team, as well as the beautiful campus.

He added that his

father and his high school coach were big influences on his decision to come to Mercyhurst, since they both played here, but they did not pressure him.

The schedule is strict, but Novak understands that it’s necessary to “prepare for teams.”

At the same time, he is looking forward to having a little bit of free time when

the season’s over.

A fishing lover, he is excited to cast his line over at Presque Isle the first chance he gets.

“Obviously, pursuing football is a dream,” but he is also thinking about becoming a lawyer.

As a political science major, Brad is open to pursuing his career anywhere, but is set on going to law

school.

According to Brad, there are a lot of players on the team that give 110 percent, and that effort will be the key to success this year.

Novak adds to look out for the Gannon game this year, as it should be an exciting one.

During Novak’s first start he had 3 receptions for 13 yards.

There are 27 new freshman including Novak on the team this year ready to play.

The Lakers will travel to West Chester, PA on Saturday Sept. 13 for their next game against West Chester University.

The game is to start at 12 p.m. and live stats are available to watch on hurstathletics.com. Fans can also listen to the game on Mercyhurst’s radio station - WMCE 88.5 FM and AM 1530.

West Chester University is currently 1-0 and ranked 10th in the country and the Lakers are 0-1 after their first game.

Although Bentley was not a conference game for the Lakers, they are hoping to pick up their first win this weekend. @TheMerciad

New baseball facility to be completed in early October

By Mackenzy Collins Contributing writer

To start off the 2013-2014 baseball season, a new facility the team has long been awaiting is almost finished. Over the summer, construction was started on a two story pole barn located between Tullio Field and the baseball field.

Inside it contains two batting cages, a meeting/storage room, a bathroom and most importantly, the team’s first locker room. Up until this year, the team was forced to use other team’s facilities to change in whenever they were available.

“In my sixteen years of coaching here, we’ve never had our own locker room. It can be embarrassing having our guys change in their dorm and walking to the game” Coach Joe Spano said.

This renovation to the campus has been long over-

Salina Bowe photo

The new baseball facility between Tullio Field and the baseball field is expected to be done in early October.

due. It is something the team has been in need of for years and something that they have been working toward.

The team has been fundraising to pay for the new facility since the fall of 2012. Since

then, they have been able to raise over $65,000. Mercyhurst generously agreed to match the first $60,000 raising the overall total to $130,000. This goal was achieved through the hard work of the team, and

the overwhelming generosity of the community.

They raised a majority of the money through four alumni nights that were held in four different cities, as well as writing letters to a variety

of people in the community explaining their situation.

“It’s overwhelming. I don’t know if there’s been a better feeling in all of my years of coaching.” Work is still being done to the building, however it is estimated that it will be done in early October. Until then, the team will have to wait to see their newly made home,” Spano said.

The team will begin full practice sessions once they come back to campus after Christmas break and officially start the season in February.

Even though they have not held any formal practices yet, coach Spano is still very optimistic about this year’s team.

The core of this year’s team is the juniors. Coach Spano said he feels that over the past two years, the team has been able to mature into a newer and better version. @TheMerciad

Water polo season starts

By Mackenzie Burns Contributing writer

On Saturday, September 6, Men’s water polo began the season at the Navy Open.

The tournament consisted of four games. On Saturday, during their first game, the Lakers struggled offensively in the first half, but ended strong with a three-point fourth quarter. Four of the Lakers scored one point during the match, and Joe Yamamoto scored two points. Kevin Doyle had six saves in the first half, and Gene Bilbao made five in the second.

Unfortunately, it was not enough to defeat the United States Naval Academy, who beat Mercyhurst with a score of 14-6.

Later that day, Mercyhurst faced Fordham University. and were defeated by a score of 6-9.

They had another great fourth-quarter, scoring two goals. Dave Matulis led the team with three points. Bilbao and Doyle made six and seven saves, respectively. Shaquille Mitchell and Jack Howe scored one point in each game. Team captain, Gavin Oakley, also proved to be an asset to the team by scoring once in both games.

During the final day of the Navy Open, the Lakers faced Mt. San Antonio College and Cerritos College. The highlight of this tournament was their first match on Sunday.

They were victorious against Mt. San Antonio, dominating the Mounties 20-7.

Mercyhurst has a wide range of experience. Kevin Doyle, freshman, was chosen MVP of the MIAA in 2013.

His teammate, Bilbao, is also a freshman who was named All-State for his last two years of high school. There are also a number of returning members, including defenseman, Oakley.

Several of the boys will be taking on new positions this year. Jack Howe, Alex Strong and Samuel Lopez will be filling the driver spot this season.

The Lakers are headed in the right direction and are hoping for another amazing season.

The team’s next appearance will be at the Bucknell Invitational beginning September 13. @TheMerciad

Page 8

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September 10, 2014

The Merciad

Living Geek Weekly: Apple Keynote

By Zach Dorsch Editor-in-chief

Apple’s Keynote presentations have become an annual event that get tech-geeks excited for the latest set of technology that will be hitting the shelves this fall.

This year’s presentation was no different with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announcement that the new iPhone 6 will come in two sizes, 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches respectively and support a new smart wallet called ApplePay. Apple also had a “one more thing” moment when Cook announced the Apple Watch, which will be released early next year.

Without further delay, let’s look at the iPhones.

As mentioned before, Apple will be releasing the iPhone 6, 4.7 inches display, and the iPhone 6 Plus, 5.5 inches display. The phones have a design scheme similar to the iPad Air and mini, with rounded brushed metal backs.

The phones have a new Retina HD screens that provide 326 pixels per inch and support wider viewing angles.

The iPhone 6 Plus will offer full 1080HD resolution and be able to operate in land-

scape. The glass is said to be “ion strengthened,” which means that it is not made of sapphire glass like it was rumored to have.

The device is also the thinnest device Apple has made, coming in at 6.9 millimeters.

In terms of internals, the phones will have their new A8 processor, which is 25 percent faster than the previous chip and a 50 percent faster graphics chip.

The battery life will support 14 hours of talk time, 10 hours of browsing time and 11 hours of video playback. The devices will offer LTE advanced which is capable of reaching speeds up to 150mps and has 20 LTE bands, which Apple claims is more than any other smartphone on the market.

Lastly, the device will offer an 8 megapixel camera. Nothing new there, but Apple says the phone will have an all-new sensor with even larger pixels and digital image stabilization.

The devices will be released on Sept 19 with preorders starting on this Friday 12.

The iPhone 6 will start at $199 for the 16GB model and will increase from there. The iPhone 6 Plus will start at $299 for the 16GB model with a pricing scheme similar to the iPhone 6.

Apple.com photo

Apple announced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be released on Sept 19.

Beauty Talks: Pumpkin Mask

By Marcela Delgato Opinion editor

Fall is right around the corner and here is a quick recipe to prepare for the season. We all want our faces to look nice and fresh. Pumpkins can be really beneficial for your skin. It contains alpha and beta-carotenes, vitamins A, C, K and E and minerals including magnesium, potassium and iron. If you want to get rid of sunspots from the summer, pimples or blackheads, you should try this simple and quick recipe.

This week’s recipe comes from Primallyinspired.com and requires only two simple ingredients:

1 tablespoon of cooked or canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon of raw honey

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Preparation:

Mix and mash ingredients into a mixing bowl. Once the mask is well mixed apply it to your face. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes. Then thoroughly rinse with cool water and a face wash.

Don’t forget to find Fresh Face Forward on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you can get tips and recipes all year long.

Web photo

This fall-inspired mask will leave your face feeling revitalized

@freshfacefwd

Pumpkin Spice Macaroons Ingredients:

1 cup Powdered Sugar ¾ cups Almond Flour ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoons turmeric 2 whole egg whites

1.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Put a master template under the parchment paper or draw about twelve 1 1/2-inch circles in rows on the paper, about 1 inch apart. Set sheets aside.

2.

Process powdered sugar, almond flour and all the spices in a food processor until finely ground. Sift the mixture through a sieve. If there are more than 2 tablespoons of large chunks left in the sieve, grind them and sift again. Set the mixture aside.

3.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitter with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites at medium speed until frothy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.

4.

Sift the almond flour mixture over the egg whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until the ingredients are combined. Add food coloring to tint the batter. Continue to fold the mixture until it has loosened and falls in a ribbon from the spatula.

Diffic ul Prep T ty: Easy i Total me: 15 minu T te Yield: ime: 45 min s utes 20 coo kie san dwiche s

¼ cups granulated sugar 1 drop orange food coloring paste ¼ cups canned pumpkin puree ¼ cream cheese, softened 5.

Fit a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round tip and fill the bag with the batter. Using the template as a guide, pipe circles onto the parchment papers.

6.

Tap the bottom of each sheet on the work surface to release trapped air bubbles. Let the cookies stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cookies to develop their crusts.

7.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Ferinhiet. Bake the macaroons for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but not browned. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the macaroons to cool completely on the pans. Once cooled, gently lift half of the cookies from the parchment paper and turn them upside down.

8.

To prepare filling, combine cream cheese and pumpkin puree, and mix thoroughly.

9.

Spoon or pipe a teaspoon of filling onto each of the upside-down cookies. Top with the remaining cookies.