The Sandspur Volume 124 Issue 7

Issue 7 • Volume 124 Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 www.thesandspur.org

@thesandspur facebook.com/ thesandspur

The photo shows glass on the car seat after the vehicle break-in on Oct. 7.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis ‘21, a member of the Rollins Softball team, recently had her car broken into during a team practice.

Teammate Whitney Foyer ‘21 had her wallet and phone stolen from the vehicle.

HISTORY OF BREAK-INS AT THE SOFTBALL FIELD

Accounts from Coach Michelle Frew and data from the Winter Park Police Department prove vehicle break-ins have been a historical problem at the Rollins softball stadium.

Maura Leaden

mleaden@rollins.edu

M

embers of the Rollins softball team and community have consistently fallen victim to vehicle break-ins since the team started practicing

and playing at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in 2004.

The Winter Park Police Department (WPPD) said 17 incidents of criminal activity have been reported in the parking lot over a five-year span.

On Oct. 7, two players had their cars broken into while

practicing. Jordan Davis ‘19 and Whitey Foyer ‘20, two transfer additions to the softball program, walked out to their car to find the window completely smashed in, with Foyer’s phone and wallet missing. They reported the incident to the WPPD and Campus Safety. This incident

was deemed just one example of a recurring problem at this location.

The details of the incident were outlined in the WPPD’s police report. Davis’s car suffered a smashed window valued at $300. Foyer’s iPhone 7, wallet, and wallet contents were stolen

from the front seat of her car, with the total value coming out to $650. Contents included her driver’s license, school ID, and debit card.

‣See BREAK-IN on Page 2

2 • NOVEMBER 2, 2017 BREAK-IN ‣Continued from Page 1 Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

EXECUTIVE STAFF Ellie Rushing Editor-in-Chief

Christina Fuleihan Managing Editor

CONTENT STAFF Alex Candage Head Copy Editor

Morgan McConnell Lauren Bishop Maura Leaden Cameron Osche Copy Editors Nilly Kohzad Kira Bernhard Alec Stanley Heather Borochaner Meredith Klenkel Chandler Middlebrook Writers Kalli Joslin Alyssa Malto Grace Macleod Section Editors Kalli Joslin Reilly Aback Anna Kjoller Web Editors

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Zoe Kim Head Designer Gracie Street Illustrator

Dana Wagenhauser Patrick Murray Page Designer

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

General Manager of Student Media

Dr. Leslie Poole Faculty Advisor David Neitzel Business Manager Taylor McCormack Business Intern Jose Araneta Student Media Graduate Assistant Ujjwal Gupta Ad Representative

ADVERTISING

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.org

The police report also explained that Jo Daniels Russell, a member of the Winter Park community whose car was parked in a nearby parking lot, also had her belongings stolen. The police report stated Russell’s car window was also smashed and her purse and wallet, containing over $350 worth of materials, were taken.

This is an ongoing issue for the Rollins softball team. Members of the team are subject to an added risk of possession theft due to their situation at the practicing field and lack of a locker room.

Typically, the team brings items into the dugout. However, the space easily becomes cramped. Chandler Middlebrook ’18, a member of the team, said, “When we come straight from class we have to put anything of value in the dugout and

FEATURES with 20 girls, it’s not logical.”

The parking lots serves both the softball team and any members of the community who use the facilities, lacrosse, and soccer field at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Unfortunately, the thefts are a common problem. Campus Safety’s history showed that only three incidents have been reported to them, including the vehicle break-in this year, one vehicle break-in in Oct. 2016, and one incident of larceny/theft of the stadium’s speakers in Oct. 2016.

However, while Campus Safety only has records of three incidents, the players and coach explained that many more have occurred. Because they are off-campus, these break-ins do not necessarily fall under the college’s obligation to report under the Clery Act. When speaking with the softball coach, Michelle Frew, she shared that this has been a problem since the field opened

in 2004. It even happened to her own car five years ago. However, she brought an important perspective to the conversation by sharing that the Rollins team is in a hard spot due to the placement and ownership of their field.

Rollins does not own the land in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. They are in an agreement with the city of Winter Park to use the field. Frew said that their field is, “one of the better in the conference,” and they love it, but they are challenged by battles that other schools do not have to face.

For instance, “we can’t do anything without approval from the city.” Last year, the school had to go through the city to get permission to build bathrooms on-site.

To address the crime, Frew commented, “It’s been a problem forever,” that is, “bigger than us, a city problem.” With the softball team being only a fraction of the people who use it, she believed

that the city is in the best position to make a change.

However, in attempt to take action, the first step is talking to Rollins; she has had discussions with Campus Safety. Campus Safety is present at all of the team’s games, yet the break-ins have never happened during games. “It happens when we’re right there... practicing.”

Last year it happened to an athlete’s car parked right next to the dugout. Frew said, “[it was] literally parked 20 feet from where we were, but no one heard it.”

The city and Rollins Athletic Department have talked about getting security cameras, but there are none yet installed.

Nonetheless, this is the idea that Coach Frew favors.

Frew called this whole situation “disheartening.” She shared, “We don’t want our school to be known for crime, but the girls just want to know that someone is looking out for them.”

Harbor House offers support for domestic violence survivors The Harbor House of Central Florida is a full-service shelter, offering emergency and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.

By Meredith Klenkel

T

mklenkel@rollins.edu

he Harbor House of Central Florida is a transformative resource for survivors of domestic abuse. It also offers volunteer opportunities for Rollins students.

In wake of Oct. being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is vital to the safety and comfort of students and faculty on campus to be well-informed about local resources in the unfortunate case in which they feel the need to flee a stalking, physically abusive, or emotionally abusive partner.

Harbor House of Central Florida is a place for victims of abuse—including stalking, physical violence, or threats of violence or death—to cross a bridge between recovery from traumatic experiences to beginning a new chapter free from their abuser.

Though the location of this domestic violence safe haven is undisclosed for safety purposes, its five acres of land provide survivors with everything they need to feel grounded and protected.

Survivors may be staying for an emergency state of 12 weeks or

less or for a transitional period of four months to one year.

The Harbor House does not have the stereotypical look or feel of an average shelter. It offers resort-inspired living arrangements with accommodations such as daycare and schooling for children up to age 17. The objective is to allow survivors to continue at their jobs and maintain a highly valued sense of normalcy.

Available resources for children and teenagers include a Harry Potter themed ‘hang out’ room donated by Universal Studios. It is a place where kids can converse, relax, play Wii video games, and watch movies on the DVD player. The decor of rooms in the Harbor House, including the ‘hang out’ space, has a profound impact on the quality of life among survivors utilizing its facilities. They make them feel at home in a new environment. Seeing as it is crucial for children of survivors to continue developing and experiencing childhood in all its stages, the resources provided outside of the classrooms are frequently utilized and enjoyed by families.

The playground donated by Disney is home to Mickey Mouse

hopscotch and a variety of autism and post-trauma-friendly playground pieces that make children feel like they can have fun without being endangered.

One way in which escaping an abusive household situation impacts children of all ages is the trauma they undergo. It is common for children staying at the Harbor House to revert to wetting their bed as a result of adjusting to life in a new and uncomfortable setting, as well as night terrors and post-traumatic stress triggers. For this reason, diapers sizes five and six are constantly in high demand at the Harbor House and donations of these specific sizes are always needed and appreciated.

Other donation items that are used by residents year-round are school supplies. They are not an item of priority when packing and preparing to leave an abusive partner. Therefore, when it is time for children of survivors to continue attending school, that ever-valuable sense of normalcy is once again retained by providing them with books and materials.

There is an incredible amount of opportunity for Rollins students to volunteer at the

Harbor House. One opportunity is working in the Harbor House pet kennel. Help is needed whether it be socializing with the animals or feeding and caring for them. Despite this being just one of 40 domestic violence shelters in the state of Florida, it is the only facility with a pet kennel. Survivors feel emotionally attached to pets and it is important in emergency situations like these to make sure everyone who is important and dear to the victim is freed from the abusive household. Therefore, a shelter for cats, dogs, and gerbils is provided on the Harbor House campus.

For all who are strongly passionate and interested in reaching out and doing work in the area of domestic violence and abuse, there is a year-round position as a Department Intern.

This position is a great way to get involved with an organization that helps thousands. It includes performing administrative tasks and awareness event planning at the Harbor House. Questions, concerns, resumes, and cover letters should be sent to the Director of Development, Tekoa Pouerie. Her email is tpouerie@ harborhousefl.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Only avid Saw fans would enjoy Jigsaw A horror-film fanatic breaks down the newest Jigsaw film, explaining why she is not the biggest fan.

By Heather Borochaner

hborochaner@rollins.edu

Photos by Alec Stanley, The Sandspur Mark Gagon ‘18 (top) rides in a go-cart with a young member of the Winter Park community at last weekend’s Halloween Howl. A participating family also enjoys the free fun and food at the event.

Another Halloween Howl success

Last Saturday, the annual Halloween Howl brought together the Rollins and the Winter Park communities for a day of spooky fun.

By Alec Stanley

I

astanley@rollins.edu

t is a bright Saturday afternoon. I hear the hum of air blowers inflating a row of bounce houses while a “Monster Mash” disco remix plays faintly in the distance.

I look down Holt Avenue to see a rainbow of costumes bespeckled by orange. A 4-foot2-inch Boba Fett brushes past my waist as he chases a slightly smaller Princess Leia for her candy. It is the eighteenth annual Halloween Howl and the entire Winter Park community is out to

show off their costumes, check out the haunted houses, and, perhaps most importantly, collect candy.

A tradition for nearly two decades at Rollins, the Halloween Howl invites the public to participate in a variety of spooky (yet family-friendly) activities.

The event brings in families from all over the Orlando area.

Some are new to the tradition, like the Smokes, whose daughter won the child costume contest this year as a hot air balloon.

According to the Smokes, the biggest draw of Howl is the “Community participation... and

the fact that it felt like the whole college is out here.” Others are long-time returners, like the Sands, who have been coming to the Howl since Mr. Sand’s freshman year in ‘00 and Mrs. Sand’s freshman year in ‘02.

The Sand’s son, Mario, said his favorite part of Halloween Howl was the, “haunted houses, because of all the spooky surprises,” while the parents appreciated students’ involvement in the event.

Thanks to Halloween Howl, Winter Park was recently named one of “America’s Best Small Towns to Visit for Halloween.”

T

he Saw horror series, long thought to be dead, has made a shocking return from the grave onto the big screen. While many slasher fans groaned at the thought of another terrible sequel, the diehard fans of the Jigsaw killer’s games were ecstatic—regardless of the movie’s quality. Even more exciting was the return of Tobin Bell in his role as John Kramer, the infamous inventor of the twisted torture devices.

Like many, I went into the theater with low expectations.

As a horror junkie myself, I knew from experience that the plot probably would not be receiving a standing ovation, but I looked forward to seeing what sort of new, bloody demises directors Michael and Peter Spierig could imagine. Suffice to say, I was disappointed.

A major characteristic of Saw is showing every grisly detail in a person’s death; anyone who has seen the previous films is aware of this theme. Censoring the blood and guts with clever camera angles or convenient transitions is a gimmick that the series has never utilized.

I usually find myself cringing at the gory imagery at least once per film, but the only time my heart was really racing with Jigsaw was when I was angry

about how stupid the characters were acting. The gore was disappointingly tame for a Saw film, and not once in my many years of being a fan have I appreciated the plot more than the grisly torture in each movie.

Another problem with the movie, which this has been a recurring problem with the Saw sequels, is that the plot would make absolutely no sense to someone who has not seen the other films.

One could still follow along with the plot, but would not understand the references to the previous films or the very obvious easter eggs present. This movie would only be enjoyable to an avid Saw fan, if they are able to look past the rushed deaths and light gore.

Despite the disappointing gore level, the plot twist was fantastic, and, for the most part, fell into the events of the movie perfectly. Yet, sitting through over an hour of the same old stuff did not make the wonderful twist worth it.

Jigsaw was simply another rinse and repeat sequel to a series that should have stayed dead. Like many other horror franchises, it has fallen victim to being milked for sequel after sequel, and horror fanatics like myself continue to feed the beast with more and more money. On the bright side, at least it did not end up like Jeepers Creepers 3.

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FEATURES

Photos courtesy of Kristin Winet Employees (top and bottom right) of Mzoli’s, a South-African restaurant founded by a start-up fund from the Development Back of South Africa, stand together during a typical work day. Mrs. Ngcawuzele (bottom left), co-owner, stares in awe of her restaurant’s delectible meats.

A South African success story

In the Cape Town township of Gugulethu, the Ngcawuzeles have gone from dreams and plans to owning a successful barbeque joint.

By Kristin Winet

kwinet@rollins.edu

M

zoli Ngcawuzele’s wife doesn’t mess around on the days she supervises her husband’s popular barbeque joint. With a head of tightly-curled black hair, thick dark makeup, and a hearty stare, she somehow wields a presence equally stern and analytical, as if she’s always taking in the world around her and parsing it into a million little pieces.

When we walk in and start whispering excitedly about the rows of ribs, tongues, necks, and ground meats on display, I can see her watching us. From what we’ve learned, her life has changed a lot in the past few years, from dreaming of opening a meat market here in Gugulethu, a place that isn’t well-served by

the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades much of Cape Town, to becoming what some people believe is the most thriving –and controversial—business in the townships.

We are here, in-between visits to some of the area’s local primary schools, to try this legendary barbeque (what is commonly called braai here in South Africa) and to meet the eponymous Mzoli himself. Mzoli’s has been in operation since 2003, after Mzoli obtained start-up funding from the Development Back of South Africa, an organization that supports black-owned independent businesses.

His original plan, which was to sell locally-sourced meat to entrepreneurs to take back and sell in their own braai stalls, quickly morphed into something else as people fell in love with the sweet caramelized taste

of his grilled barbeque and the outdoor seating. From there, he opened up the restaurant to DJs who needed a place to spin local kwaito music, and it morphed again: it became a tourist destination. Even newspapers around the world have picked up on it, with CNN even going so far as to erase the township’s post-Apartheid struggles entirely and calling it “a place where social and racial barriers are set aside as locals and out-of-towners come together to eat, drink, and party.”

Entering Mzoli’s isn’t exactly a triumphant or memorable experience. After passing through iron gates and going under a door frame painted blood red, we find ourselves standing on white linoleum and choosing the meats we want for lunch. At Mzoli’s, you pick your meat first.

Then, it goes into the back in a large silver bowl, gets marinat-

ed, grilled, and brought out in a large tray. We can see it immediately: Mzoli’s is the kind of place where people get their hands dirty, throwing slabs of beef onto a burning-hot grill and swirling spatulas into vats of pap, South Africa’s cousin to Southern grits.

It’s a place where people take your order, wash dishes, roll sausages, stock meat, marinade meat, cook meat, and prepare pan after pan of fluffy steamed bread to sop up the leftover juices.

As we sit down to wait for our meal, I ask Mzoli’s wife if I can meet some of the kitchen staff. She takes me into the back and introduces me to everyone— to the men marinating the meat in giant stainless steel bowls; to the women taking turns stirring the pap; to Mzoli himself, running around directing traffic. Twenty minutes later, I’m

still back there, learning how to properly toss the slabs of meat into the burning-hot oven. Two of my colleagues come looking for me and wave me back to the table. I follow them back outside, take a seat, tear open the thickly-sauced meat with our fingers, and watch as barbeque sauce drips off the bones.

I’m impressed with the taste of Mzoli’s—and I can see how complicated it is, a small locally-owned business that has become popular in unexpected ways. Mzoli’s wife sits inside; a stabbing happens outside; tourists arrive in an Uber. Around us, the lines are continually drawn.

After all, we are still in South Africa, a place undeniably formed, reformed, and formed again by forces larger than all of us, even on a paper plate of barbequed beef.

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FEATURES

Kira Bernhard

kbernhard@rollins.edu

Photos courtesy of Rollins Flickr A birds-eye view of the Rollins campus shows the beautiful chapel with Lake Virginia in the background. The college recently wrapped up its second-annual homecoming week.

Making homecoming great again The Student Government Association’s changes to the homecoming itinerary made the Second Annual Homecoming a success.

By Maura Leaden

T

mleaden@rollins.edu

he Student Government Association (SGA) hosted Homecoming Week last week with the goal of progressing the events to be more oriented toward student-to-senate communication.

This year’s line-up included FoxFest, Tar Tailgate, a showing of Jumangi on Mills Lawn, and Halloween Howl. SGA’s Public Relations Chair Doragnes Bradshaw ‘18HH explained that SGA’s goal was to have “as many activities in the week that would get people together and build community” as possible. Therefore, SGA worked with many campus organizations to initiate collaboration.

FoxFest, an annual music festival on Mills Lawn, was presented through a partnership with WPRK, our student-run radio station. The Tar Tailgate joined forces with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), while Jumangi was co-hosted with Rollins Entertainment Players (REP), and Rollins’ annual Halloween Howl was hosted by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.

The arrangement of this week’s events differed from last

year’s inaugural Homecoming.

Last year’s students participated in events throughout the week, all leading up to the final event, a Homecoming Dance. The dance occurred at night and offered a DJ, a full dance floor constructed on Mary Jane Plaza, twinkle lights, and finger food. Most participants donned cocktail dresses or button-up shirts.

Despite an enjoyable event, it was not well-attended. Therefore, the removal of this event from the line-up was intentional.

The tailgate became the central event of the week instead of the dance in hopes of moving away from pressures that come with a formal event in order to encourage more student attendence.

Bradshaw explained that SGA’s intention with the tailgate was to have “more people comfortable participating, by partnering with FSL […] and having a cause behind it.”

SGA found that the formality of last year’s dance “didn’t draw as many people” and was more expensive. According to Bradshaw, the tailgate, “gave us an opportunity to talk to more people about life at Rollins,” and it was “more low-key, more fun.”

The event was a success and a philanthropic goal achieved.

According to an email from the

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, 650 pounds of canned food was collected and donated to United Against Poverty, a local Orlando organization serving those in need.

Furthermore, Madelyn Wilson ’20, a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, said that SGA “had a presence” at the event and “judged the food,” which was prepared by paired fraternities and sororities.

In closing thoughts, Bradshaw emphasized the encouragement of student body attendance at the SGA meetings.

“People should feel welcome” to come. Especially if they, “have concerns or want to see change.”

SGA specifically promoted the attendance of one of their meetings, which fell during Homecoming Week.

Bradshaw shared that they saw a “15 percent increase in those that attended,” which they were pleased about. Students are always welcome and encouraged to attend the SGA meetings.

The entire team of SGA senators and executive board members worked hard to make this year’s Homecoming Week more collaborative and to create more of an approachable air to their presence on campus.

By Kira Bernhard

kbernhard@rollins.edu

W

hether it be at a tailgate or a barbeque, one is almost guaranteed to find burgers. However, having the same burger repeatedly can leave your taste buds feeling dull; that is when you know it is time to make these salmon and lentil burgers! Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin B, these pescatarian burgers still contain the same juiciness as a hamburger.

Time: 15-25 Minutes Servings: 4-6 Patties Difficulty: Easy Ingredients: 1/2 fillet (about 7oz.) salmon, cooked 1 can lentils, drained 1 large egg

1 tbsp thyme 1 tbsp oregano salt & pepper to taste Recipe: 1. To a high speed blender, add in all the ingredients.

2. Pulse the mixture until well-combined. It does not have to form a paste, since having chunks of salmon will add to the burger’s texture.

3. Form patties using your hands.

Tip: After you have formed the patties, place them in the fridge for ten minutes so they can firm up, cook easier, and hold together better.

4. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat and add the patties. Cook for about four to five minutes on each side, or until the outside is crispy and brown.

5. Once they are cooked, assemble them like a usual hamburger and enjoy!

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FEATURES

Diversity grant applications open

The Diversity Council is offering a $2,000 grant for students and faculty to collaborate on programming that celebrates or brings diversity to campus.

By Nilly Khozad

A

nkhozad@rollins.edu

pplications for Diversity Infusion Grants, which are presented by the Diversity Council, are open once again. A grant of $2,000 will be awarded to selected students developing projects with staff members.

The available grants provide an opportunity for students to create proposals in collaboration with faculty and staff in order to further the mission of increased diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice on campus. Up to an additional $750 may be awarded for specified costs associated with the project.

Collaborations can include designing workshops, redesigning courses, or researching and drafting policy changes. Projects should also include an assessment plan. All of these focus on the school's initiative to enhance

diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The deadline for this opportunity is Friday, Dec. 1, 2017.

In order to be eligible for these grants, students must collaborate with a full-time faculty member. Proposals will be judged on the completeness of the application, the quality of the project, the perceived value of the work, and the likelihood that the applicants can and will complete the project.

Three proposals were funded last year. “Mindful Activism and Organizing for Rollins Students,” was developed by Sarah Castro ‘17 with Dr. Kathryn Norsworthy, professor of Graduate Counseling.

Arron Nestor ‘18, completed “Mathematics for Social Justice” with Dr. Zeynep Teymuroglu, Associate Professor of Mathematics.

Finally, “Advancing Intersectionality and Promoting

Inclusive Attitudes Towards Marginalized Immigrants and Vulnerable Students,” was spearheaded by Sara Ruiz Roa ‘18 with Dr. Nolan Kline, Assistant Professor of Anthropology.

Many of the above students have enjoyed their experience and believe it satisfied their desire to bring diversity to the Rollins campus. One student in particular, Ruiz Roa, wanted to speak about her experience and how she benefitted from this program.

Ruiz Roa stated, “As a fellow Latina, I think people need to realize that there is this intersectionality aspect of minority life and the layers of discrimination that comes with it.”

Intersectionality is a term that describes the experience of individuals who undergo varying degrees of oppression due to multiple minority identities.

“I've experienced it, as [have] many other hispanics. So if any-

thing is benefiting me, it is the joy of doing something that is important to not just me, but a greater number of people.”

She also commented on her advisor’s important role through creating and completing this project. “As an applied anthropologist, Dr. Kline has experience with working with and helping people in the hispanic community for many years.”

In addition to his experience, his work method was inspiring.

“It was refreshing working with him because he has this positive and engaging personality. I have gained many experiences with him throughout our time working together, but the most important one is to never give up and there's always another opportunity out there.”

Ruiz Roa thought it was exciting to break out of the typical classroom model. “Professors are great in the classroom, but sometimes learning outside

of that space is as important as what we learn in there.”

Furthermore, she emphasizes the opportunity aspect. “I think this program is crucial for students by giving them an outlet for change... and a foundation of experiences with social justice and event planning.”

To sum it all up, Ruiz Roa believed that diversity is the key for a better future. She stated that, “in this globalizing world, diversity and understanding each other is the only way we'll achieve even a small resemblance of peace. The us vs. them rhetoric has become worse throughout the last couple of years and it's just finally showing what [has] been there the entire time.”

If you are interested in diving into projects similar to Ruiz Roa’s, do not hesitate to fill out the Diversity Infusion Grant application, and be sure to submit

by Dec. 1.

Livescribe Smartpens to replace note-takers

Students relying on note-takers express frustrations with new Livescribe Smartpens, which are the new and free resource incorporated by Rollins' Accessibility Services.

By Alec Stanley

R

astanley@rollins.edu

ollins students who qualify for disability accommodations now have access to Livescribe Smartpens, a new note-taking device. The introduction of the Livescribe Pen is well-intentioned, yet students still dependent on the previous peer note-taking system were experiencing some issues.

Since the beginning of this year, the pens have been provided free of charge and are moving to replace the existing peer notetaker system.

The decision to start providing the devices was made by the Rollins Accessibility Services Office (formerly known as Disability Services) in conjunction with the Dean of Students Office last year.

The pen’s technology, which is manufactured by Anoto Group AB, allows students with accommodations to digitally record their analogue pen strokes,

allowing students to maintain a digital record of all their notes while still writing in a traditional paper notebook. In addition, there is the ability to take an audio recording of lectures and inclass discussions. While reviewing their notes, these two aspects of the technology come together in a powerful manner.

Students are able to select a written word and the pen will bring up the exact time in the lecture recording that the word was written. This allows students to, in the words of the Livescribe website, “write less and listen more—knowing their smartpen will capture everything.”

According to Accessibility Services, “the pen allows for increased possibilities that are within the control of the accommodated student.”

The pens were brought in with careful consideration. Accessibility Services tested the pens in the spring semester of 2017 with a focus group of interested students who reportedly appreciated the flexibility

of the pen. Livescribe Smartpen technology is considered a best practice among accommodation specialists and they are offered at institutions nationwide.

Students who tested the pens, along with accessibility staff, see independence from peer-notetakers (who, as college students, are sometimes less than reliable) as the biggest strength of the pen.

Not only does independence from peers increase reliability for students seeking accommodations, according to Accessibility Services, it also provides an opportunity to learn and practice, “organizational skills that carry over to life after graduation, where there would most likely not be many opportunities for peer note-taking services.”

In addition to this, the Livescribe system is less expensive per student than using a peer note-taker system. This is because students only need to be provided with one pen, while students using peer note-takers need an average of three to five

peer notetakers per semester (who are compensated with $225 per class by the school).

Accessibility Services is aware, however, that this technology will not prove helpful for all students. “As with all accommodations, we recognize that there is not a one-size-fitsall solution, and the pens may not be the best accommodation for every student. Accessibility Services is committed to working with students to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations to fit their individual needs.”

Accessibility Services is encouraging all students with accommodations to consider the pen, but the peer note-taking system is not going to disappear.

Students who would prefer peer note-takers will still have access to such accommodations, so long as they consult with Accessibility Services first.

With that being said, there are some unfortunate results for students who will continue to use peer notetakers. As stat-

ed previously, there have been problems in the past concerning the reliability of peer note taking, and there is currently further decreasing overall reliance on the system due to the recent departure of Grace Moskola, the former director of the department.

One student, Charlotte Pope ‘18, who still relies on peer notetakers to accommodate for her disability, has complained of newfound difficulty in securing a peer note-taker.

According to Pope, this semester she has received a peer notetaker for a class she is not enrolled in, and only recently was assigned a notetaker for “the class I needed it most in...after our midterm."

Pope stressed that while she harbored no animosity towards any Accessibility personnel, she came to Rollins primarily for the strengths of the school’s accommodations, and that seeing this critical tool disappearing in her last semester on campus was worrying.

FEATURES

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Upcoming Campus Events Nov. 2 ‣ X-Club’s Bull-A-Thon, 5-9 p.m. at Critchfield Park ‣ Meal Plan Focus Groups at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., in Crummer Room 108 ‣ REP’s Coffeehouse Series, 8-9 p.m. in Dave’s

Photo courtesy of Steve Brown

Steve Brown (right) and Chad DeGroot (left) stand together inside Swamp Wood Skate Park. Brown, the founder of the new park, stresses that the skate park is open to anyone and everyone.

Holt student opens local indoor skate park Steve Brown recently held the grand opening for his new indoor skating facility, Swamp Wood Skate Park.

By Meredith Klenkel

S

mklenkel@rollins.edu

teve Brown is not the average Holt Night School business student—he is a father and husband with a dream that has morphed into a reality: opening an indoor skate park.

A few years ago, Brown took his son to a skate park and was touched by the endless joy and pleasure his child received from skateboarding at a rink. To this day, his son keeps the “Happy Birthday” banner from the skate park posted in his bedroom.

Keeping that wonderful memory in his mind, Brown continued to complain to his friends at a local Orange County bike and skateboard shop about his boring corporate job. As so many other inspiring entrepreneurial success stories unfold, Brown listened carefully to the advice

his close friends at B’s Bike and Board bestowed upon him about taking life into his own hands and making a difference in the world.

Brown was particularly impacted by the Rollins philosophy and mantra of being engaged in the world, becoming a global citizen, actively working to be a leader, and making a positive impact on the people around him.

Not feeling as though he had done any of those things up until then, Brown went home to ask his wife her thoughts on pouring their savings into a new buisness venture: an indoor skate park in Longwood, Fla. He was shocked when his wife agreed to such a random and potentially risky idea. Nonetheless, he moved forward with the process of opening his park.

Brown explained how vital a strong support system was while

founding a startup and stated, “It took getting a great team together to make this possible. There’s truly no way I could have done any of it without each person who helped along the way.”

Brown decided to create a park that is indoor rather than aligning himself with outdoor rink competitors, not only because of the unpredictable and rainy Florida weather, but because he took note of the fact that there was no such preexisting enterprise.

The first step in brainstorming an original business is locating the gap in society that the buisiness can fill and looking at how the business person can develop a solution.

Swamp Wood Skate Park held its grand opening on Sunday, Oct. 29 and professional bikers and local legends in the biking and skating world attended. The opening was a huge

success, despite the heavy skepticism of the Longwood community. Even Brown himself said, “A lot of people did not believe it was going to actually happen.”

The entire process of meeting with City Hall and making sure the financial logistics and legal requirements were set in order took a little over one year, and in Brown’s own words, “Finding the property itself was not the most difficult part at all. The part I struggled with the most was navigating exactly what was needed by the community.”

Brown is less than five credits away from graduating with his Bachelors Degree as a Computer Science major and Communication Studies minor, making himself living proof of what it is like to turn what one learns at Rollins into something that will benefit thousands of people for years to come.

Nov. 3 ‣ Family Weekend's “R” Community Street Party, 3:30-5 p.m. in Bush Lawn ‣ “R” Great Debate, 7-9 p.m. in the Bush Auditorium ‣ RIP Show, 1-1:50 p.m. in Fred Stone Theatre ‣ OISSS sponsored Orlando Magic Event Nov. 4 ‣EcoRollins Family Weekend Lake CleanUp, 9-11 a.m. ‣ Family Movie Night with REP Spiderman: Homecoming, 7-9 p.m. in Bush ‣ Trivia Night in Dave’s, 8-9 p.m.

Nov. 5 ‣ Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 6 ‣"Why Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?” 4:306 p.m. in the Galloway room Nov. 7 ‣ Academic Registration: All Seniors ‣ Election Day Nov. 8 ‣ WPI: Billy Collins, 7:30 p.m. in the Bush Auditorium

SPORTS

8 Upcoming Sports Events Nov. 3 ‣ HOME: Men’s and Women’s Swimming vs.

St. Leo at 4 p.m. ‣ HOME: Women’s Basketball Exhibition vs.

Rhodes at 5:30 p.m. ‣ Men’s Tennis FIT Clay Court Invitational in Melbourne, Fla. ‣ Men’s Soccer SSC Semi-finals in West Palm Beach, Fla. ‣ Women’s Volleyball @ Tampa at 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 ‣ HOME: Men and Women’s Swimming vs. Nova Southeastern at 12 p.m. ‣ HOME: Men’s Lacrosse Exhibition, 3-4:30 p.m. ‣ Men’s Tennis FIT Clay Court Invitational in Melbourne, Fla. ‣ Women’s Volleyball @ Florida Southern

Nov. 5 ‣ Men’s Tennis FIT Clay Court Invitational in Melbourne, Fla. ‣ Men’s Soccer SSC Semi-finals in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Nov. 6 ‣ HOME: Women’s Basketball Exhibition vs.

Costa Rica National Team at 7 p.m.

Photos by Sam Simpson, The Sandspur Denise Daniels ‘20 looks to pass the ball to a fellow teammate during the first preseason game on Oct. 26 against Daytona State. Daniels led the Tars, posting 14 points on the board.

Women’s basketball ranked first in preseason poll, beats Daytona State

After defeating Daytona State 80 to 71, Rollins’ women’s basketball team prepares for two more preseason exhibitions before their first game on Nov. 15. ‣ ‣

By Chandler Middlebrook

cmiddlebrook@rollins.edu

A

s the winter season rapidly approaches, Rollins’ women’s basketball team prepared for their upcoming season, coming out on top against Daytona State 80 to 71.

Entering the preseason as the number-one-ranked team, the Tars kicked off the first of three preseason games on Oct. 26. The game had a slow start at the beginning of both halves but the tars bounced back as the game continued.

The leading scorer for the game was Denise Daniels ‘20

with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Another standout for the Tars was Tianna Rosser ‘19 with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Carly McLendon ‘18, who was SCC Defensive Player of the Year for 2016-17, did not disappoint with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks of her own.

In her first game for the Tars, Rachel Jablonski ‘21 put up 12 points. Jaylyn Harrison ‘20 had 8 points and 6 assists.

Overall, nine players put points on the board for Rollins.

In the end, it was a hard-fought game that came down to free throws.

As the favorite in the presea-

son poll, the Tars have a mission to win their fourteenth Sunshine State Conference title and extend their accomplishments by making it past the Sweet Sixteen.

The team clearly has no issues with experience, with 10 returners, including seniors Jasmine Stone, Julia Ingler, Nikki Corsini, Jo Bistrow and Keevana Edwards all looking to go out with a ring. This will come easier with the help of Carly McLendon ‘19 who is a stand-out on defense and consistently contributes points to the board.

Key returners, such as Rosser, Vernisha Andrews ‘19, and Daniels, who were last year’s top freshman players, look to contin-

ue the Tars’ dominance across the conference.

All the Tars have major goals for the season; when speaking with Rosser, she expressed the team’s “desire to be the best rebounding and defensive team in the conference” and, of course, “making it to the elite eight.”

The Tars hope to continue their preseason exhibitions against Rhodes College on Nov. 3 and the Costa Rica national team on Nov. 6; both games will be played at home. The regular season kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 15 also at home against Florida Tech.