245 15 4134 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/f65c5e24807f2cc5ee5d55a882dad751.pdf 82022485e00bf22a43364b275cd20fd1 PDF Text Text The Beacon - February 15, 2023 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Pa. Newspaper Association Member Volume 75, Issue 11 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” MVB: Early and quick success leads to boosted team morale Top: Colonels get hyped up for their tri-match with Arcadia. Bottom: Jackson Shafer “killing” it during the home match. Zachary Shay (left) setting the ball for Paul Binner (right). All photos are from Feb. 9. against Arcadia University. GSA discusses Title IX and queer students with coordinator, page 4 Programming board presents a BHM-themed bingo, page 7 Photos: The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Paul Binner prepping to serve the ball. Story on Page 19... Meme accounts taking the entire campus by storm, page 15 Men’s Ice Hockey Senior Night, page 20 �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Maddy Kinard: Madelynn.Kinard@wilkes.edu Student Government notes: Feb. 8 weekly meeting By Kellie Scott Staff Writer Student Government held another weekly meeting on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. The meeting consisted of new club recognition and funding for future events. To begin, Student Government brought the Gold Bar Club up to begin week 1 of 2 of their recognition. The Gold Bar Club currently consists of 30 members and is run by the ROTC program. The goal of the Gold Bar Club is to serve the community through community service, while also helping the members of the club develop in professional ways. SG will vote on the club's recognition in next week's meeting. Next on the agenda was week 2 of 2 of the casino week's budget. The new budget that was requested was $20,717. This included some minor changes in the food selection, such as some vegan options as well as some added decorations. During this second showing of casino week, minor changes were also made to the days the events would be held. The new dates are Feb. 20 to Feb. 24, with a day off in the middle of the week on Wednesday. The new budget and changes were discussed and voted on and the motion was approved for casino week. Next, Step Team Club was brought up for week 1 of 2 of their club recognition. Stepping is a form of dance that is performed in African American cultures. This form of dance was described as a complex full body dance that uses a mixture of footsteps, spoken words and hand clapping. This club was formed to help create more cultural experiences and dances for the Wilkes community, in hopes to spread more understanding and cultural awareness. The club's recognition will be voted on in next week's meeting. Finally, the last item on the agenda was Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Compiled by Beacon News Staff Diploma Order Submission Reminder for May 2023 Graduates �� Apply to become an e-Mentor � �� Second Saturday Family Hour: David C. Driskell Block Prints Rescheduled to Feb. 25, noon to 2 p.m. �� week 1 of 2 for the Spring Fling budget. This year's Spring Fling will be held on March 24, with a time yet to be determined. The event will be held at the Mary Stegmaier mansion and the theme is also to be determined; however, it will include something with the color green. The Spring Fling Committee asked for $13,705 and the amount will be voted on in next week's meeting. The next Student Government meeting will be held next week Feb. 15. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: 2023 Spring Semester February 16 - Black Artists in NEPA lecture 20-24 - Casino Week 22 - Last look gallery tour �� The Beacon - February 15, 2023 News Black History Month Jeopardy at Global Coffee Hour By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor 3 Global Coffee Hour hosted Black History Month themed Jeopardy in collaboration with the Office of Diversity Initiatives. The event took place in the Savitz Lounge, located on the second floor of the Henry Student Center. Students were encouraged to come and enjoy snacks, coffee and tea, all while celebrating Black History Month. Snacks, coffee and tea were provided at the event and available for all participants to enjoy. Photos: The Beacon/Maddy Kinard Students prepare to answer Jeopardy questions. Black History Month themed Jeopardy board containing questions categorized under Civil Rights Movement, sports, music, inventors and entrepreneurs. Students preparing for the Jeopardy game while enjoying snacks provided by Global Coffee Hour. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 News 4 GSA discusses Title IX and queer students with coordinator By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor The gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) recently hosted a discussion on Title IX policies at Wilkes. The talk included the civil rights law, its implementation and what the future of those policies may look like at Wilkes, especially for LGBTQ+ students. Elizabeth Leo, Wilkes’ Title IX Coordinator, led the presentation and discussion of Title IX. Leo has been at Wilkes for over a year, and in that time, she has been able to talk to individuals and resolve the issues before it turned into a hearing. “It has come to my attention that the LGBTQ+ community has to beg and plead for everything they can get,” said Leo. Title IX protection is for every student, not just LGBTQ+ students. However, as of 2021, the Supreme Court recognized that sexual orientation is a protected class under Title VII, and under the Biden administration, there are new proposed protections. “What I always preach to everyone is that I would much rather someone come to me with something before waiting for something worse to happen,” said Leo. In these conversations, Leo speaks to the individuals involved, and explains how their behavior is being received by the other person. She is also able to talk about boundaries and the education process. “If something makes you uncomfortable, let me know about it,” said Leo. She wants students to understand that even if something seems minor, they should not have to put up with it. Instead of it becoming a full-blown conversation, it can be more educational and create awareness. Morgan Steiner, president of GSA and sophomore political science major, explained the importance of this discussion. “I think that a lot of us don't have a solid understanding on what Title IX is so it's important to hear it be discussed and what Wilkes does, and what is legally required because it's clear we go above and beyond,” said Steiner. Leo wants all students to understand that even if something isn’t technically categorized under Title IX, they are still willing and able to help them. If students ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, Leo advises students to come and talk to her, or one of her colleagues. “The biggest takeaway is that Elizabeth Leo and our Title IX office (are) more than willing to talk with you on any issues you face on campus—even if you don’t think it falls under Title IX, there is that outlet in administration for you,” said Steiner. Claire Wynne, vice president of GSA and senior environmental engineering major, thought of her personal experiences, using them to demonstrate the importance of the discussion. “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community on campus, I’ve encountered my fair share of discrimination and harassment and ridicule, and it's important for people to know who they can reach out to, the legal protection they have and the resources available,” said Wynne. Leo explained that “it's the how you feel that matters,” and that the technical, more complicated aspects of Title IX are there to determine what road to take in order for her to help in the most effective way. “The biggest takeaways are the ease of approaching Title IX. They can deal with problems of all different sizes; they are there for the students; and they want to help us and that they are looking to improve and get better,” said Wynne. Leo can be reached through email at elizabeth.leo@wilkes.edu. She encourages students to make an appointment and meet in a place where they feel comfortable and safe. Her office is located in Weckesser Hall on the second floor, though students are encouraged to email or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Photos Courtesy of Morgan Steiner Elizabeth Leo, general counsel and Title IX Coordinator, discusses Title IX policies and their implementation. Leo joined Wilkes in 2022 with 25 years of legal experience thatincludes leading iniatives in educational and awareness for how to identify and report misconduct and how to ensure a safe workplace for students and employees. Several members of GSA and ROTC attended the event, having the opportunity to learn about the implementation of Title IX into one's environment. Back: LynnMarie A. Shedlock of human resources; Maj. Joshua Robinson (Operations Flight Commander ROTC Det 752); and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Ashley (ROTC Training Instructor ROTC Det 752). Front: Claire Wynne, GSA vice president; Jeremiah Eyler; and Staff Sgt. Kyler Briggs (NCOIC - Administrative Management ROTC Det 75). Title IX's policies and procedures are all available under the Title IX Compliance Office at Wilkes, all of which is available to research and read at www.wilkes.edu If you feel unsafe, you can call 911 or public safety at (570)-408-4999, or you can file a harassment report under Title IX. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 News 5 Honors student committee holds cookie decorating contest By Kellie Scott Staff Writer The Honors Program Student Committee recently held a cookie decorating. The cookies will be voted on in the weekly Honors Buzz and prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. The first place winner will receive a $50 Cafe Toscana gift card. The second place winner will receive a blanket and two boxes of chocolate, and the third place winner will receive two movie tickets and chocolate. More than 24 cookies were decorated and submitted to be voted on. Results will be announced at a later time. Editor's note: Liz Cherinka is a Beacon staff member. One of the cookies decorated during the competition was by Eliana Kramer, sophomore history and corporate finance major. Molly Blaskiewicz (left) sophomore marketing major, and Brooke Coleman (right) sophomore management major decorate their cookies. PLACE YOUR AD HERE! Do you own a business? Have an upcoming event? Advertise with The Beacon! Ad sizes range from 1/8 of a page up to a full page Advertisements are in full color Can be run in one issue up to an entire semester Photos: The Beacon/Kellie Scott Liz Cherinka (left), junior P1 pharmacy major, and Ally Warnz (right) sophomore pharmacy majors take a break from decorating to pose for a photo. For more information, please contact: Kalen.Churcher@wilkes.edu or Emily.Cherkauskas@wilkes.edu �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Professor Profile: Matthew Jennings, biology, earth systems By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Writer Dr. Matthew Jennings has joined the Biology and Earth Systems Science Department as an assistant professor. Jennings is from Trooper, Pa., which is about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. In 2005, Jennings received a bachelor of science in biology and philosophy from the University of Scranton. He then went onto receive a master of science in biology in 2010 from Villanova University. Later, in 2016, he received a doctorate in biology from the University of Arkansas. Jennings’s returned to the Wyoming Valley because he had a fondness for it. Jennings described his experience with Wilkes as a “combination of being closer to family, a higher paying position and a more research-oriented position compared to (his) previous job.” Research opportunities are an important aspect of Jennings’ personal career desires, describing his favorite part of his job as “the freedom to pursue my own research goals.” Outside of his job and in his spare time, Jennings plays the bari saxophone in the Wilkes Jennings is driven by his Civic Band, in addition desire to research. to the University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble. “I’ve been playing the saxophone for about 29 years. I started in the fourth grade and have played ever since. I’ve played in a lot of jazz ensembles over the years.” Jennings went on to name some favorite musicians and music. “Duke Ellington is my favorite...I’m also a big fan of ska.” Jennings got his start in elementary school, saying that “my elementary school band director made us try out different instruments, and saxophone was the one I was best at.” Jennings also enjoys playing table top and video games in his spare time. His top five favorite games (in no particular order) are “Super Metroid” (SNES), “Chrono Trigger” (SNES), “Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” (N64), “Knights of the Old Republic” (PC) and “Resident Evil 4” (GCN). “The current systems I own are a PS5 and Switch. However, I also have a fair collection of older consoles,” said Jennings. One fun fact about Jennings is that he is a certified scuba diver of eight years. He got his certification in 2015. “I was certified as a junior in high school, but my certification lapsed. A friend asked if I wanted to get certified again and I agreed. “My favorite dive location is Cozumel, Mexico. There are a lot of coral reefs you can explore that are relatively shallow,” said Jennings. In the future, Jennings hopes to finish some papers he has been working on, 6 long before the pandemic started. He also plans to attend The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) general meeting, which is being held in Houston, Texas, over the summer. “ASM is the professional organization for microbiology in the United States, so it’s a big meeting. I haven’t been to one since before COVID-19, so it will be good to attend now as a professor instead of a postdoctoral. “I’ll be presenting some of the work I’ve been doing the past few years, including here at Wilkes,” said Jennings. One piece of advice Jennings offers students is that “the five second rule has been experimentally shown to be invalid,” and provides the website with the article titled, “Longer Contact Times Increase Cross-Contamination of Enterobacter aerogenes from Surfaces to Food,” written by Robyn C. Miranda and Donald W. Schaffner. It is available on the ASM Journals website, where students can learn more about it. Photo Courtesy of Matthew Jennings �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Jordan Daniel: Jordan.Daniel@wilkes.edu Programming board presents a BHM-themed bingo By Laury Angeles LA&E Photographer and Staff Writer The Henry Student Center Ballroom ﬁlled up with students excited to play some bingo, win prizes and learn some facts about Black history. Photos: The Beacon/Laury Angeles On Feb. 9, Programming Board once again hosted a high-turnout event for the student body. This week’s event was bingo, in collaboration with the Multicultural Student Coalition (MSC) in celebration of Black History Month. According to Quincy Banks, junior digital design and media arts major, he went to this event “to be a part of the community [because] everyone gets together for the bingo night.” As a result of Programming Board and MSC’s collaboration on this event, the students participating in the game were asked questions about Black history. If the student answered correctly, they gained the advantage of getting an extra bingo tablet, which granted them more chances to win one of the prizes. Students had a great time playing, winning prizes, learning about Black history and just enjoying some downtime with their friends. “My reason to come is that it doesn’t matter if I win, I still have fun and the games make me relax by destressing a bit from classes,” said Leonel Ojo, junior English literature major. Although the room was filled with tension and anticipation from participants waiting for their numbers to be called, the laughter soon began to take over thanks to sophomore communication studies major and vice president of MSC, Zach Paraway’s hosting skills. The competitive but laidback environment went well for students. “The event was great,” said Ancel Santana, first-year civil engineering major. “Even though I didn’t win anything, the atmosphere and the personality of the host made the event fun nevertheless.” Next week, Programming Board will be taking a break from organizing their usual events, but instead will be holding a giveaway of free acai bowls. A student’s bingo board, showing just how close they were to winning in two different directions but alas, luck was not on their side. Zach Paraway, sophomore communication studies major and vice president of the Multicultural Student Coalition, hosting the evening’s events. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 f Cocktail of the Week: Bright and refreshing, amaretto sour By Haley Katona Or you can add 1/2 of an orange slice as a garnish instead Contributing Writer Our last drink featured was a very sweet one, so for something different, here we have an amaretto sour. This quick and easy drink is perfect for those of us who are not as joyous about the month of love. The almond liqueur blends into a sour making it the perfect and tame drink to pass the evening by. a Enjoy! The Beacon/Haley Katona This refreshing, yet sour drink is perfect to make and serve for parties and more. B n o um c Each week, the Wilkes Beacon staff picks their favorite song of the week. Check out this week’s bumps to the right! ps Be Ingredients: 2 ounces amaretto liqueur 1 ounce lemon juice, for best result use a half of a medium lemon and freshly squeeze it 1 teaspoon simple syrup, amount can vary depending on how sweet you prefer the drink Maraschino cherries or an orange slice for an optional garnish Directions: Pour the amaretto, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly. Strain into a chilled glass filled with or without ice, depending on your preference. Garnish with whichever choice you prefer, maraschino cherries or an orange slice. Emily Cherkauskas, Editor-in-Chief: Chapel - Nicole Dollanganger Morgan Rich, Managing Editor: Zara Lantzman, Opinion Asst. Editor: Tattoos - Reneé Rapp Satellite - Harry Styles Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor: Maddy Kinard, News Editor: Dreams - Fleetwood Mac The Fall - The Chainsmokers, Ship Wrek David Marks, Designer: Amanda Montgomery, News Asst. The Chain - Fleetwood Mac Editor: Maggie Murphy, Designer: 25 - Alix Paige Jordan Daniel, LA&E Editor: Sure Thing - Miguel Creepin’ - Metro Boomin, The Lara Mullen, Designer: Weeknd, 21 Savage Laury Angeles, LA&E Photographer I Melt with You - Modern English & Staff Writer: Elizabeth Cherinka, Social Media ANTIFRAGILE - LE SSERAFIM Manager/Staff Writer: Sydney Allabaugh, Opinion Asst. Editor: Whiplash’d - Xavier Wulf $20 - boygenius, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus �The Beacon – February 15, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment The fourth annual Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon By Bailey DeJesus Contributing Writer The Division of Global Cultures, the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Sordoni Art Gallery sponsored its fourth annual Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon in Breiseth Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 14. The focus for transcription was on the records of activist and writer Mary Ann Shadd Cary. All that came were able to stay and aid in transcribing for as long as they wanted. Not only were students able to take part in preserving an important part of history, but it was a crucial learning moment about an incredible woman that advocated for women’s suffrage and recruited soldiers for the Union during the Civil War. “The Transcribe-a-Thon is about getting people together to help digitize important archives of Black Americans,” said Dr. Chris Zarpentine, associate professor of philosophy and is so much easier division of global to learn and feel cultures chair. the importance of Many students knowledge when and faculty one is actively members were engaging with the excited to celebrate works of that time.” the fourth annual From the first Douglass Day Tr a n s c r i b e - a Tr a n s c r i b e - a Thon occurring Thon. According on campus in to Dr. Amy February 2020 S o p c a k - Jo s e p h , on the eve of assistant professor COVID-19, to of history, transitioning to Graphic by David Marks virtual, and now Douglass Day is administered through the Center for Black being able to come back full swing, it was a Digital Research at Penn State and the significant event to be able to participate in Colored Conventions Project. alongside many institutions in the country. “I love a good history lecture, don’t “Students had an interactive experience get me wrong, but Douglass Day lets us and the ability to make a small but really learn and make an impact at the same important impact on history- right here time instead of just passively taking in from campus,” said Dr. Sopcak-Joseph. “A information,” said Sopcak-Joseph. “It truly website held all of the documents and/or 9 pictures that needed to be transcribed and participants simply typed anything that they read.” Participants transcribed historical text on a document, which helped make these texts more word-searchable for researchers and teachers. It was an important way to make historical archives accessible to a broader audience. There were light refreshments offered in Breiseth Hall during this event for all transcribers to enjoy and from the looks of it the student body was excited to be involved. “I would always be interested in events being held to honor and respect people of my culture,” said Nate Whitaker, junior digital design and media arts major. “I think it is important for events like these to be held and for students to get involved in.” Look out for other Black History Month-related events happening on campus throughout the rest of the month. The controversy surrounding the ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ game By Anthony Cazun Contributing Writer “Harry Potter” is one of the largest franchises worldwide and its mythos can be found across all types of media, such as books, film, television, broadway and videogames. The last of which is gearing up for the franchise’s biggest release yet, Avalanche Software’s “Hogwarts Legacy.” In “Hogwarts Legacy,” players are able to create their own wizard within Hogwarts. Filled with cosmetic and environmental customization as well as choice based storytelling, immersion and capturing the magic within the world of Harry Potter are of utmost priority. Hogwarts players will choose their house, build relationships, tame beasts, master the art of magic and be embroiled within a conflict between wizards and goblins all while trying to uncover the secrets of ancient magic. Avalanche Software have delivered an experience that nearly any Potter fan would be ecstatic to enjoy, as evident by the shattering numbers the game is pulling in both sales and viewership. However, despite the positive reception to the game itself, there are many factors, namely one, outside of the game that are leading many to boycott the game entirely. That variable being the polarizing author of “Harry Potter” herself, J.K. Rowling. Rowling has been heavily criticized for her stances on transgender people. In 2020, Rowling published a statement titled “TERF Wars” on her site, “TERF” being an acronym for “Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist,” a title given to the author. On her site, Rowling outlines that she believes that accepting transwomen as women would invalidate the experiences and struggles of cisgender women. She also claims that changing the way sex is legally defined would hurt organizations that aim to help primarily women and how her true concern is actually the health of young women. The statements by Rowling caused a wave of backlash that only continues to grow with each new comment by the author, as she continues to double down. “It’s unfortunate to see a creator of such a large, distinct and beloved franchise act and think the way J.K. Rowling does.” said Emma Broda, first-year history major. “It is important to remember that even though it’s a franchise you’re fond of, the woman behind it can be particularly immoral and controversial.” Many believe that purchasing the new “Hogwarts Legacy” video game will contribute to transphobia, as Rowling passively profits off of the intellectual property. “I will no longer give my money or any form of support to anything associated with J.K. Rowling,” said Dr. Helen Davis, associate professor of English. “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a feminist, I do not condone her transphobic statements and I reject the very notion that TERFs have any place within feminism. We all must decide if we want our money to support JKR’s bigotry or if we would rather use our money elsewhere. I am choosing not to support hatred.” Others believed that although not inherently immoral to engage in the Harry Potter series, people should be aware of what that money is going toward and decide from there. “I don’t think everyone buying it is immoral or a bad person or something like that,” said Gene Santos, first-year history major. “I just think that it might be hard for the average person to grasp just how harmful buying the game is. Her essays opposing the existence of trans people have been cited by members of the U.S. Senate to block the Equality Act.” While people might not be necessarily transphobic for buying the game because they love the series for what it is, their money will end up supporting Rowlings’ viewpoints. According to CNBC, in 2016 the series was estimated to be worth $25 billion, a number which has no doubt increased. “I know I won’t be buying it but I’m not going to condemn anyone who does,” said Santos. “I’m sure most people buying the game aren’t doing so to support these things on purpose.” Although living in the shadow of Rowling’s transphobia, Avalanche Software have seemingly attempted to show their opposing views within the game, including a transgender character, Sirona Ryan. As the complicated situation unfolds, it falls to the individual to decide whether the game is worth their purchase. “Hogwarts Legacy” released on Feb. 10 for Playstation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 Meet the Majors This week’s major: History Every week, The Beacon will offer a chance for majors to be placed in the spotlight. Each student who gets chosen will have a few words Jordan Daniel to express why they chose the major and how they feel it will benefit Life, Arts & Entertainment them in the future. Interviews and photos by Editor Keelyn Myers Senior Kaelin Hughes Junior “My favorite aspect of being a history major is the people and faculty that I get to work with on campus. The history program has small class sizes, which means that each student is able to really get to know their classmates and have great relationships with their professors. “During my time in the program, I have had the privilege of working closely with many classmates and faculty that will be friends and mentors for years to come.” “I’m looking forward to taking more topics courses that interest me, along with completing my final research project in capstone this upcoming fall. “I hope that I can use the skills I’ve learned regarding research, reading and analyzing sources and critical thinking in conjunction with my political science education and pursue a higher degree of some kind. Whether I get a masters or eventually my Ph.D. I feel as if the major has helped me a lot.” The Beacon/Jordan Daniel Adam Piston Senior “I am looking forward to student teaching and conveying the information I learned in my college classes to my high school students. “I chose this major for my love of history and I want to be a social studies teacher. I hope to become the best social studies teacher I possibly can.” Eliana Kramer Sophomore “My favorite aspect about this major is how flexible it is. I am double majoring in corporate finance and it allows for me to have room in my schedule for both finance and history courses. “I love history. I love learning about the world and the different people in it.” �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 11 Life, Arts & Entertainment The Self-Help Saga ............................... By Morgan Rich �� Managing Editor Juggling too many things at once can lead to drowning in a sea of frustration. Anxiety builds, emotions start swarming and before students know it, the little things begin eating away at them and consuming every fiber of their being. Everyone sweats the small stuff; however, what matters is how the situation is handled. The key is to acknowledge the situation without letting it destroy the rest of your day. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. How to react mindfully: Reacting mindfully when life seems to be falling apart is the best thing that one can probably do when it comes to the small stuff in life. Sometimes it is frustrating when even those small things cannot go right in our lives. After all, reacting to stressors in the moment is just what everyone is programmed to do. Recall what values are important to you in your life. The easiest thing to do is to close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow your mind to become blank. Find a serene space for the mind to rest and find a steady ground. This is the best way to remain calm and float back down to reality. Sweating the small stuff is also an indicator that someone may be doing too much throughout their day. Feeling overwhelmed can automatically cause heightened emotions and can cause one to lash out even for the smallest of frustrations. Take time to acknowledge if you are overfilling your schedule and see you can step back and make changes. Also, do not ignore the larger issues that may be present. Most often, people overreact when they are suppressing situations, feelings or unresolved conflicts in their lives. The best way to react mindfully is to assess the situation and become aware of the conflicts that you may be experiencing. How to stop wasting time on minor annoyances: I will be the first one to say that I bottle up every single annoyance there is until a part of me just wants to explode. It is not fair to myself and to others to not voice all of my negativity and bottle it up inside. Also, it is just an unhealthy thing to do. The easiest way I have found to stop wasting time on minor annoyances is to air them out as soon as they happen. Writing down negative or annoyed thoughts on a piece of paper, tearing it up and then throwing it away is a fantastic way to stop letting these annoyances get to you. Plus, it benefits the mind to physically see these grievances thrown away because as they say, out of sight, out of mind. Personally, I also love to put things into perspective. I would like to say that this is perhaps the thing I have the hardest time doing because I, like most people, hold myself to high standards. If I fail a test, I automatically think that it is the end of the world. If I mess up a combination in ballet class, I am hard on myself because I know I can do better. But do you want the truth? None of that will matter in a month from now, in a year from now or in five years from now. Remember that you too deserve the benefit of the doubt and are allowed to feel annoyed, frustrated and upset at situations that happen. The best way to stop sweating these challenges is by thinking about if they will matter in the long run or if keeping them bottled up does anything for you. A majority of the time you will not remember them anyhow in years to come. How to look for all of the little things that make you feel grateful: As I mentioned last week, it is always important to think about what we have to be grateful about in life. Was there ever a time when you wished you were where you are now? Was there ever a time in your life where your goals felt impossible to achieve and yet you achieved them anyways? Gratitude is an incredible thing and is extremely powerful when it comes to not sweating the little things. Practicing shifting focus to all that you can be grateful for is a perfect exercise for anyone who is struggling to see the bright side of things. When the feeling of annoyance and frustration is beating down upon you, make the active decision not to dwell on it. Allowing it to ruffle your feathers will only make the day worse. Besides, who needs that negativity anyhow, certainly, not you. Weekly book and song recommendations to get back into reading: A perfect book that helped me to not sweat the small stuff was, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. This has been one of my favorite books for years now and made me feel incredibly fortunate for what I have right now. Though, it made me much more aware of political climates, I feel as though this book is a perfect reminder of what we have in our lives and how we should sometimes feel grateful over what we have. This book is set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be the United States. Offred is the central character in the book and is one of the “handmaids” who is forced to produce children for the “commanders,” who are the ruling class in Gilead. I had the pleasure of seeing Atwood when she came to campus last spring and I obtained a signed copy of the book. I also was fortunate to listen to her speak for an hour and a half about her writing process of the book and had the opportunity to ask her questions. Shoutout to our campus’ English department, you rock. The song that spoke to me for the song suggestion of the week is “The Ballad of Mona Lisa” by Panic! At the Disco. This song tells the story of a man who deals with two moral struggles at once. Kind of relevant, kind of not, however, who does not love some good old 2011 alternative to make us forget about the small stuff ? The Beacon/Morgan Rich Rich shows off her book of the week. �Sports 12 Basketball Photos: The Beacon/Lauren Bowers Hockey photos: The Beacon/Julia Mazur Graphics and Page layout by Baylee Guedes The Beacon - February 15, 2023 First-year Yamirelis Matos looking for a quick drive. Matos was the high-scorer. Junior Julia Marino focused on her next movement as she drives towards the basket. Senior Brenna Babcock making a hard step cut to get past her Arcadia defender. Photo courtesy of GoWilkesU.com Left to right: The Reed’s, Smith’s, Horton’s and Jones’s being honored before the win. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 First-year Christian Blomquist sneaking into positioning for a chance to score. Sports 13 First-year Patrick Roginski setting up to receive the puck from a teammate. Left to right: The Nieto’s, Berry’s, Godfrey’s and the Paterson-Jones’ being honored before their matchup with Stenvenson University. Graduate-student Phil Erickson gaining control of the puck, looking to pass to another Colonel. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Opinion Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact the assistant opinion editors: Sydney.Allabaugh@wilkes.edu or Zara.Lantzman@wilkes.edu Editorial Staff 2022-23 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Emily Cherkauskas Managing Editor - Morgan Rich Social Media Manager - Liz Cherinka Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS News - Maddy Kinard LA&E - Jordan Daniel Opinion - OPEN Sports - Baylee Guedes Assistant Editors News - Amanda Montgomery Opinion - Sydney Allabaugh Opinion - Zara Lantzman DESIGNERS Desiger - David Marks Designer - Maggie Murphy Designer - Lara Mullen Photographer - Laury Angeles Section Staff Writers Sports - Adam Grundt Want to join The Beacon? Several positions are open! Contact : Kalen.Churcher@wilkes.edu 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churchert at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Black History Month begins with education Black History Month is supposed to be a time to honor Black historical figures and remember their struggles and triumphs. Unfortunately, remembrance cannot always be carried out as many are not taught Black history to begin with. For many public school students in America, their knowledge of Black history does not go much further than slavery and Martin Luther King Jr. According to Ken Miller and Michael Melia of AP News, there is no national curriculum or standardization of Black history in America, and only a few states require it to be taught. This lack of standardization can lead to some receiving inadequate education, leaving many uninformed or misinformed. In some states, education about Black history is even legislatively restricted. Although Florida is one of the states that requires Black history to be taught, Governor DeSantis’s “Stop WOKE” act prevents certain topics involving white privilege and systemic racial disadvantages from being taught, claiming that it will be harmful for adolescents. Other states like Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma and more have passed similar legislation regulating how teachers can talk about race and systemic issues. Censorship of speech and education based on personal beliefs is wrong, undemocratic and unconstitutional. Further, learning about these subjects, although difficult and sometimes uncomfortable, is necessary if we want to perceive our history and modern reality in an honest way. Systemic oppression has been an unfortunate reality for many Black people throughout history, especially in the criminal justice system. In the 19th century, Black Codes reinforced exploitation of Black labor after slavery and restricted their rights to property. In the 20th century, Jim Crow laws mandated segregation in all public facilities and Black people were disproportionately murdered and brutally attacked by police. In the 21st century, Black people are still twice as likely as white people to be shot and killed by police officers, according to NBC News. It is clear that Black people are—and have always been—treated differently and unfairly in the justice system. Ignoring the issue does not make the issue less real. Intentional censorship of race history prevents us from receiving the necessary context to understand hardships and rectify inequalities in America. Empathy and justice are impossible without accurate understanding and abolition of potential prejudices. Taking the time to learn and reflect on accurate Black history can help alleviate misunderstandings today to make tomorrow a better future. Black History Month is not all about the negatives though. It is equally important— if not, more so—to learn of Black triumphs and successes. Success stories grant us with hope that things can change for the better. We must celebrate all the heroes that allowed for such progress. The future generation has a right to know, and Black historical figures have a right to be remembered. Until adequate education in K-12 schools becomes a widespread reality, there are luckily ways we can take initiative to learn more about Black history. We encourage all to attend events hosted by the Multicultural Student Coalition or the Sordoni Art Gallery. There is no better time than during Black History Month to continue learning. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: Emily.Cherkauskas@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Opinion 16 PLACE YOUR AD HERE! Do you own a business? Have an upcoming event? Advertise with The Beacon and reach up to thousands of readers per week! Sizes range from 1/8 of a page up to a full page Advertisements are in full color Can be run in one issue up to an entire semester For more information, please contact: Kalen.Churcher@wilkes.edu or Emily.Cherkauskas@wilkes.edu Check out next week’s opinion piece on the Disney College Program by Assistant Opinion Editor Zara Lantzman. Flynn Rider and Rapunzel showing Zara Lantzman Rapunzel’s real $10,000 crown from the movie “Tangled” during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Beacon/Zara Lantzman �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Opinion 17 Separating the art from the artist: an ongoing debate By Lauren Gardner Contributing Writer Art versus the artist. How do we differentiate the two? How is it possible to separate our favorite songs from the artist? It is not an easy task but it definitely begs the question: at what point do we stop supporting our favorite artists? Many of us look to these people as some type of outlet and inspiration where we can channel our feelings and emotions through them and their work. Many take inspiration from the artists themselves. We use their lyrics for captains on our Instagram posts to even dress like them. We become disappointed when our idols aren’t who we thought they were, as we perceive them to be “above” others and place them on a pedestal. The first major band that rose to international fame was, of course, The Beatles. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr all saw themselves in the front of international stardom causing “Beatlemania” in the 1950s. Fans could not fathom them doing any wrong or even being capable to do so in that matter. Lennon strived for world peace and was at the forefront of peace, love and happiness in the late 60s to the 70s and was an important figure in the include Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, hippie community. With someone who Syd Tha Kid, Jasper Dolphin and Earl appeared to be such a loving and caring Sweatshirt to name a few. These artists person, it was impossible to imagine him were not in a musical group with each doing any wrong, but that is not the case. other, however, they did feature each Lennon married his first wife, Cynthia other in some of their work and made Powell, in 1962 and later welcomed a notable collaborations. son, Julian, in 1963. Lennon later ended This hip-hop collective was deemed up abandoning his family and was barely rowdy and outlandish. Their merchandise in his first son’s life, included tee shirts leaving him and his with upside-down mother to struggle crosses and vulgar “ We become dissapointed financially as he did sayings. The group when our idols aren’t who not support them. we thought they were, as we was deemed too In later years, violent, which left perceive them to be ‘above’ Tyler The Creator Lennon married his others and place them on a being banned from second wife, Yoko Ono, and welcomed entering the United pedestal. ” his son, Sean, who Kingdom by then he adored. He later Prime Minister wrote the song “Beautiful Boy” about Theresa May. him with no thought for his first son Fast forward to the present time, Julian. the collective dissolved and Tyler The Lennon was created into a myth of Creator essentially rebranded himself. peace, love, and happiness but certainly He made the clothing company Golf was not behind closed doors. Wang that does not have upside-down In the early 2010s, the group Odd Future crosses and has toned down his style in Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), music. more commonly known as Odd Future, With this being said, why can’t Kanye was a group of young aspiring artists that West take inspiration from him? West, were infamously labeled as “dangerous” now known simply as Ye, has had major by many including media figure Piers success in his 20-plus years in the Morgan. The members of this group music industry. With legendary albums Assistant Opinion Editors: Sydney Allabaugh and Zara Lantzman including “The College Dropout,” “Late Registration,” “Graduation” and “808s & Heartbreaks” to name a few. When it comes to music, Ye knows how to produce incredible pieces with Trevor Noah stating that “he has turned samples into symphonies.” Ye also created his fashion brand, Yeezy, which featured creative and avant-garde looks that were outside the fashion norm that inspired how many of us dress today. Ye was on top of the world. But that all came crashing down in recent years with him recently admitting that he liked Adolf Hilter and made more anti-semitic comments. Hitler was responsible for the mass genocide of six million Jews during the Holocaust. How someone can even think of admiring Hilter is absolutely disgraceful and extremely disturbing. Ye has a mass following and with this, he has a very large impact. In recent years, we have seen a rise in antisemitic hate crimes, and what Ye says is extremely dangerous and terroristic. In times like these, we need to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and offer support and compassion to the Jewish community. Ultimately, it is up to the person who enjoys their artist’s music, but some may say when it comes to Ye, he should have his jaw wired shut again. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Sports 19 Sports Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: Baylee.Guedes@wilkes.edu MVB: Early and quick success leads to boosted team morale By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor From front cover... After coming off of a 9-22 season, the Colonels already have more wins than last season after only being 13 games into the season. Wilkes' most recent wins include 3-2 over Widener College, 3-0 over Bryn Athyn and a 3-1 win over John Jay College this past week. The young team this season seems to have clicked early on under the leadership of two seniors, Casey Shipman and Zachary Shay. Shay leads the team with 352 assists, adding to their 523 overall kills. Shipman follows Shay with 53 assists. Junior Jackson Shafer's 143 kills leads the team in scoring, equalling out to a colossal 167.5 points. He also recorded the single-match kills record at Wilkes with 22 to lead the Colonels to a five-set win over Widener. Junior Paul Binner follows with 98 kills and 135.0 points. "The energy in practice and games has been fantastic this year," said Shafer. "We have been a much tighter team this year and continue to develop chemistry and trust within ourselves." The Colonels will travel to Wilson College tomorrow and then head over to Messiah College on Saturday for their two matchups this week. TOP: Pumped Colonels come together with Noah Taylor (right) after a kill. BOTTOM: (left) Paul Binner estatic. (right) Zachary Shay assiting Wilkes. Jackson Shafer with a kill during the Arcadia University game on Feb. 9. Photos: The Beacon/Baylee Guedes �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Sports 20 MIH: Colonels honor four for senior night celebration By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor In a celebration of teamwork, the Colonels honored four seniors on Feb. 11. during the second day of their doubleheader with Stevenson University. Wilkes went 0-2 with Stevenson with a 1-2 loss in overtime for the first game and then lost in a shootout after a 3-3 score on senior night. The seniors that were recognized were goaltenders Garrett Nieto and Michael Paterson-Jones and forwards Billy Berry and Nick Godfrey. “This is an incredibly important senior class, to our current team and our program as a whole,” said head coach Tyler Hynes. “For most of their time here, this year’s senior class was overshadowed by the class of 19 student-athletes that graduated last season. But Billy, Nick, PJ and Garrett were handed the baton this year and they have done an outstanding job at the forefront. Each has been tremendous on the ice for us this season, driving our pace and guarding our gate. More importantly, they have been perfect role models of what it means to be Colonel.” Nieto’s short time as a Colonel was prosperous as he recorded 408 saves and a .923 save percentage in goal. Nieto had a game-high of 37 saves in goal during the Colonels’ 4-3 win over Manhattanville College on Nov. 12., earning him the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Week award. Nieto also received the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Goaltender of the week honors on Feb. 6. He also set the new record for saves in goal during a single game with 42 saves on Feb. 11. Berry’s four years as a Colonel have led him to record 11 goals, 20 assists and 31 points, with six of his goals being scored this season. Berry has won 206 face-offs this year along with adding 20 blocks to date. Godfrey also completed four full seasons for the Navy and Gold, scoring eight goals, assisting 20 and adding 28 points. Paterson-Jones’ four years at Wilkes earned him many accolades: He recorded 1472 saves in goal with a .896 save percentage. 260 of those saves were recorded this season with a .906 save percentage. Paterson-Jones received the MAC Defensive Player of the Week award twice this season to date. Peterson-Jones also earned the UCHC Goaltender of the week honors on Nov. 28. for the sixth time The Beacon/Julia Mazur From left to right: Honoring Nieto, Berry, Godfrey and Paterson-Jones. throughout his career. “While small in size, this group of seniors had a huge impact on our success as a hockey program,” said graduatestudent Phil Erickson. “They absorbed our culture on day one and immediately began to enhance it. Overall, this class of seniors has worked hard, stayed patient, and taken advantage of the opportunities that they have earned. As leaders, they’ve helped push our culture forward and have set a great example for our young group of Colonels.” While Erickson has been with these men throughout their entire careers, even first-year members of the team have noticed the impact and leadership of these seniors. “I am very grateful to have met such a great group of guys,” said first-year Cam Lowe. “They built our program from the ground up and have gained the respect of everyone on the team, people around campus and many others in the WilkesBarre community. An incredibly hardworking group of guys have shown us what it takes to be a part of the Wilkes hockey culture.” The Colonels will finish out their regular season game-play on Feb. 17. and 18. at Neumann University. WBB: 61-55 senior day triumph over Arcadia University By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor Four Colonels were recognized on Feb. 11. during the senior day celebration against the Arcadia Knights where Wilkes triumphed with a score of 61-55. After coming off of a 67-24 win and a 63-57 overtime loss, Wilkes looked to pick up another win for the celebration, which they did successfully. Graduate-student and guard Kendra Smith along with guard Brianna Horton, center/forward Ariel Reed and manager Alexa Jones walked on the court with their families, applauding their careers. “This graduating class will certainly be leaving a lasting mark on the Wilkes Women’s Basketball program,” said head coach Tara Macciocco. “These seniors can proudly look back on their careers knowing that they established a new culture.” Smith added 288 points, 110 steals, 83 assists and 224 rebounds throughout her career thus far. Horton recorded 438 points, 100 steals, 136 assists and 378 rebounds during her time as a Colonel up to this point. Reed scored 91 points, had 17 steals, recorded 11 assists and tallied 115 rebounds to date. Jones played last season with the Colonels after transferring from Delaware Valley University. As a guard, Jones scored 58 points, assisted six and grabbed 21 rebounds in a single season. Photo: The Beacon/Lauren Bowers | Graphic: The Beacon/ Baylee Guedes This season she supported the team by managing and helping coach when needed. “They (the seniors) have been leaders on and off the floor this season and I truly believe they have left their mark on this program,” said junior point guard Julia Marino. “Their presence on the court as competitors and off the court as friends is what every player hopes for in a teammate.” “This year I have had the privilege of meeting and playing among some of the best role models, players, leaders, and amazing people, our seniors,” said first-year Yamirelis Matos. “Every senior brought something unique to the team and as a first-year, I can already see and experience the culture they helped build.” Wilkes will end their regular-season this Saturday at Delaware Valley. All statistics are as of Feb. 11. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Sports 21 MLAX: Colonels looking to leave mark on MAC Freedom By Adam Grundt Sports Staff Writer Men’s lacrosse returns to action for the spring 2023 season starting tonight at Schmidt Stadium. Head coach Curtis Jaques is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Colonels and his last season coaching the team in the Freedom side of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). “Entering the Landmark Conference next year, I feel that this will be our last hurrah in the MAC,” said Jaques. “We are going to play every game like a MAC Championship and stay focused on performing at our best one game at a time.” The Colonels finished last season with a record of 5-12 and are looking to bounce back through veteran leadership and team chemistry. “This team is very versatile and tough,” said Jaques. “We will be attacking the pipes with big bodies on offense and we will see our poles being much more involved with the transition game and scoring. We have young talent on offense that will be playing together for the next few years and it’s great seeing the chemistry develop. We also have great senior leadership and our goalies keep us honest shooters in practice.” Last year, Eric Ormsby (graduated) led the team with 38 goals and 24 assists, leading the team in each category. Current senior Tyler Knappenberger netted 14 goals last season—the most of any returning player on this season’s roster. The Colonels return five current seniors: Knappenberger, Hunter Riley, Bradley Anacreon, Jacob Kudysch and Dillon Kadis. The majority of the Colonels’ roster is made up of 11 juniors: Joseph Marino, Colby Opromolla, Austin Seames, Tucker Parmer, Tommy Steffney, Blake Billingsley, Brendan Keegan, Henry O’Connor, Matthew Warns, Tyler Haasis and Bryan Schulcz. The sophomore class adds nine to the roster: Joseph Kozlowski, Cameron Krisko, Luke Weakland, Aiden Battista, Luke Wawrzynek, Charles Gordon, Nicholas DeVitis, Jackson Casper, Justin Wawrzynek and Anthony DelDuca. Joseph Markey, Michael Rauch, Caleb Miller, Cole Bourgeois and Tim Hartka are the five first-year students that the Colonels are welcoming to the team. Senior face-off/midfielder Bradley Anacreon is looking to give his all every step of the way this season, along with the rest of his teammates. “I expect this season for us to work hard in practice every single day and also to compete in every single game we play, no matter who it is against,” said Anacreon. Anacreon, who also is a member of the Colonels’ men’s basketball team, realizes the value of being a veteran mind on a mainly younger roster. “Lacrosse has been a sport I have played ever since I was in middle school,” said Anacreon. “Last season was my first season playing on the team at Wilkes and after playing last season I now have a good understanding of college lacrosse. Being one of the older guys, my teammates can trust me and rely on me.” As a result of the nice weather in the area recently, the team played in their first Passing scrimmage on Feb. 5. “We still need to get rid of some rust before our first game,” said Anacreon, who is still in basketball season. “But the guys had their first scrimmage and that was a good experience to play against another team and get the in-game feeling again.” The Colonels are looking to make their mark in the MAC Freedom. The team is working hard every single day, on and off of the field to produce their best efforts. “Every Monday morning lift, our seniors and captain leadership set the tone for the week,” said Coach Jaques. “We are here to work and play fast.” Again, the Colonels will be opening up their season at Schmidt Stadium tonight against Susquehanna University. Following their first game, Wilkes will host Juniata College on Feb. 18. MAC Freedom play begins on March 29. when the Colonels face off against Arcadia University. Graphic/Baylee Guedes None of the four made it past the day one preliminaries in their solo-events. Later in the day, Dainty, White, Miller and Verosko competed in the 200 Medley Relay. The team placed 13th and earned 34 team points with a time of 1:47.99, beating their seed time by two seconds. Day two: Senior Maddy Kinard started off with a chance at qualifying for the 100 Butterfly finals, but just missed the top 24-cut. Kinard placed 25th with a time of 1:07.32, just a second after the 24-cut time. White placed 21st in the C Finals of the 400 IM with a time of 4:54.41. Verosko placed 31st and Miller 32nd in the 100 Butterfly during the prelims. Neither Verosko nor Miller advanced to the Finals. Dainty, White, Miller, and Verosko placed 11th in the A relay 200 Freestyle Relay, earning 38 team points with a time of 1:37.12. The four also placed 13th in the A relay 400 Medley Relay, earning 34 points with a time of 4:01.96. Day three: Kinard placed 11th with a time of 1:02.49 in the 100 Backstroke prelims, just 0.02 seconds short of her own school record. In the B Final, Kinard swam a 1:03.01 to earn 15 team points and fourth place. Miller qualified for the C Final in the 200 Butterfly with a prelim time of 2:10.97. In the C Final, Miller placed seventh with a time of 2:12.82, earning two team points. Dainty entered the C Final with a prelim time of 57.04 in the 100 Backstroke. Dainty placed fourth in the C Final with a time of 57.44 and earned five team points. Day four: White had a 12:06.59 seed time in the 1650 Yard Freestyle and finished with a 19:31.87. In the 100 Yard Freestyle, Verosko had a prelim time of 53.25 and a seed time of 54.56. Dainty also competed in the 100 Yard Freestyle with a prelim time of 53.90 and seeded with a 54.08. In the 200 Yard Backstroke, Kinard swam the prelims with a time of 2:17.95, breaking her own school record and then finished with 2:21.19 in the C Finals. Dainty, White, Miller, and Verosko finished in 14th with a time of 3:33.09 in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Wilkes placed 14th out of 14 teams. SWIM: Colonels MAC Freedom Championship results By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor The Colonels competed in the four-day Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Swim Championships and placed 14th overall, concluding their season on Feb. 12. Day one: Wilkes started off in the 500-freestyle preliminaries with graduatestudent Shane Miller and senior Liam White. Miller finished with a time of 5:33.48 and White followed with a time of 5:38.13. The 200 IM preliminary featured junior Stephen Verosko, who placed 30th with a time of 2:10.29. Firstyear Ashton Dainty placed 41st in the 50 Freestyle preliminary with a time of 23.79. �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Sports 22 Athlete of the Week Zachary Gula Junior Basketball Gaurd The Beacon: Male Athlete of the Week Gula was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after his perfomance during the 78-71 win over FDU-Florham. Gula recorded a career high of 22 points as well as having the overall game-high score for the Colonels. Gula also grabbed four rebounds during the win. Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Tunkhannock, Pa. High School: Tunkhannock What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? Sophomore year, when we beat an undefeated Desales team on a last second shot from Drake Marshall. If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? Football, never played as a kid, wish I would’ve given it a try. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? Playing in my first game after I had knee-surgery. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? Philadelphia 76ers. What is your favorite postgame meal? Buffalo Wings. What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Hang out and chill with my friends. How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? Just happy that my performance was good enough for us to get a big comeback road win. What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? All of the close relationships I have been able to build with my teammates. What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? “Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks.” The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Editor’s note : Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor t s staff each week. At the e nd of the acade mic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw itte r @ Wilkes B eacon to c row n an “Athlete of the Year." Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor �Sports The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Athlete of the Week 23 Jules Askins Sophomore Basketball Guard The Beacon: Female Athlete of the Week Askins was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after her performance this past week as she had the team-high of 14 points in the team's 67-24 win over FDU-Florham. Askins went 4-8 from the 3-point line and collected three rebounds. Major: Psychology Hometown: Carlisle, Pa. High School: Carlisle What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? Beating Stevens last year and making it into playoffs. If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? Soccer. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? Traveling along the east coast for tournaments. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? Golden State Warriors. What is your favorite postgame meal? Chicken nuggets. What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Hanging out with friends. How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? Great opportunity to be recognized for the work spent to become the best athlete I can be. What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? Having a built in family/friends. What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? "Love and Basketball." The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor Editor’s note: Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor ts staff each week. At the end of the academic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw it ter @WilkesB eacon to crow n an “Athlete of the Year." �The Beacon - February 15, 2023 Door’s open! �� Contact: �� 24 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2023 February 15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/ef1f11a19319b9b6203dc2661f3a32bf.pdf 1d3ee3350e660f7c84df1706a55fa52e PDF Text Text The Beacon - February 8, 2023 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 75, Issue 10 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Students, faculty Colonels show off at white-out basketball games offer their unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day By Bailey Dejesus Contributing Writer Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes some anxiety. Being an overtly commercialized holiday, there is a decent amount of pressure for couples to show their most romantic side on Feb. 14. Many couples often find themselves at a loss for not only what to do but also how to feel about the holiday. From students to faculty and professors, celebrations can vary. Dr. Chad Stanley, associate professor of English, admitted that he and his partner are going to go out for dinner and then going to see a concert together, which their child is very excited for. “It is a great day economically, as well,” said Dr. Stanley. “A huge restaurant and entertainment night especially after COVID.” VALENTINE, page 9 Professors, staff in Breiseth recall Christmas ﬂood damage, page 4 Top: Yamirelis Matos searching for a teammate to pass to. Bottom: Brianna Horton advancing with a guarded dribble. Trent Fisher taking it all in before his freethrow attempt. All photos are from Feb. 1. during the men’s and women’s white-out games as they hosted DeSales University. Programming Board hosts murder mystery night, page 7 Splash Mountain closes amid talks of racism versus nostalgia, page 16 Photos: The Beacon/Lauren Bowers WIH: Assistant coach Caty Flagg making impact on Colonels, page 20 �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Maddy Kinard: Madelynn.Kinard@wilkes.edu Student Government notes: Feb. 1 weekly meeting By Kellie Scott Staff Writer Student Government held its third meeting of the spring 2023 semester on Feb. 1. The meeting consisted of covering a constitution change and fund request. To begin, Student Government brought the Residence Hall Council back to the stand for week two of two for their request of a constitution change. The president briefly restated the proposal for the new constitution change regarding a new voting hierarchy. The motion quickly passed and the request for the constitution change was granted. The next presentation consisted of a first look at the spring semester’s casino week, held by Student Government. This was week one of two, where members of Student Government presented a request for funding of the event. The request was for $20,800 for a four-day event lasting from Monday Feb. 20 to 23. This included things such as food, prizes, T-shirts and decorations. Some of the table games to be played included “Black Jack,” “Texas Holdem” and a collaboration with Programming Board for a “Price is Right” night. After the initial look at what the week would look like and a budget breakdown of the different themed nights and costs, the presenters briefly left to let Student Government deliberate. There was some debate on some of the different themed days, what days the events will be held and the overall budget of the event. There was no vote held as that would occur in week two of the request. Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Compiled by Beacon News Staff Diploma Order Submission Reminder for May 2023 Graduates If you have not already done so, seniors please submit your Diploma Order and Degree Audit via the electronic form for May 2023 Graduation. Use this link to access the form and more information, which is also available on Etrieve: https://www.wilkes.edu/ academics/registrar/graduation.aspx Seniors are urged to follow all instructions carefully and are reminded to order caps and gowns as well. Apply to become an e-Mentor Applications are open for the position of first-year e-Mentor for the fall 2023 semester. As an e-mentor, full-time undergraduate students are trained to provide support to a group of 12 to 25 new students beginning at summer Orientation and concluding at the end of the 2023 fall semester. e-Mentor’s are student leaders who have varied campus experiences. Applications are due Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. To fill out the application, please visit this link https://www.wilkes.edu/campuslife/student-development/leadershipopportunities/e-mentors/e-mentorapplication.aspx or contact the Director of Student Development, Stacy Mullen, with any questions at stacy.mullen@wilkes.edu or 570.408.4645. Creative Writing Community Workshops Vicki Mayk, journalist and published non-fiction author, will teach “Telling it True: Writing Memoir and Nonfiction” which is a six-week online course that will take place Tuesdays, Feb. 14 to March 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration can be found in the Wilkes Today Feb. 3 email. Another six-week online course for writers of any genre are called to join “The Writers’ Block”, facilitated by Monique Franz, published playwright and fiction novelist. The course will take place Thursdays, Feb. 9 to March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration can be found in the same email mentioned above. LEAP Into Action Spend your spring break volunteering with LEAP Alternative Break. You can spend a week at Give Kids the World Village, working with critically ill children. Only six spots are left. For more information, contact megan.boone@ wilkes.edu Finally, in some closing remarks of the meeting, the commuter lounge is being moved from the SUB to the basement of the library. This will allow the current commuter lounge to be used as storage for facilities and the lounge to be in a better location for commuters. Another update is that the new SUB furniture is set to come in late next week, a week earlier than expected. Finally, the meeting concluded with each class and club giving their final remarks, and the meeting was adjourned. The next Student Government meeting will be held on Feb. 8. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: 2023 Spring Semester February 9 - Blackety Black, Y'all lecture 14 - Douglas Day Transcribe-a-thon 16 - Black Artists in NEPA lecture 20-24 - Casino Week 22 - Last look gallery tour �� The Beacon - February 8, 2023 News 3 Observing Lunar New Year at Global Coffee Hour Hoping for good luck and prosperity By Maddy Kinard News Editor “It’ll be a year where thoughtful action is rewarded more than huge risks. So after all the difficulty of the last few years, this year is sorta meant for cultivating peace and patience moving forward,” said Becker. McLean also goes on to discuss traditional red envelopes in which family members hand out “lucky money.” The amount of money in the packet is to be of even numbers, particularly eight and six which are regarded as particularly lucky. “I think it’s important for students to come to the global coffee hour not only for our international students on campus to get to know American, domestic, students but for everybody to get an understanding of other cultures and see the similarities, the differences and celebrate those differences with them,” said McLean. Oranges were provided at the event, as they are believed to provide good luck. Students were also able to view traditional Chinese art and accessories. Photos: The Beacon/Maddy Kinard On Feb. 1 during Global Coffee Hour, students celebrated the Chinese New Year and developed a deeper understanding of traditional celebrations. Mary Ellen McLean of international student services and Madison Becker, assistant director of global engagement, presented on the holiday’s history. As outlined, Lunar New Year is the most significant Chinese holiday, though it is also celebrated by other cultures. It is also known as the “Spring Festival.” The holiday is a “jubilant” occasion, Becker said, due to families coming together to celebrate. An old legend surrounds the holiday, involving Nian, a cruel and ferocious beast who is said to attack and eat people on New Year’s Eve. To ward him off, red paper couplets are placed on doors, torches are lit and firecrackers are set off through the night, as these are all things Nian is afraid of. A popular saying throughout the night is “Gong Xi,” or “congratulations.” Starting on New Year’s Eve, the festival itself is two to three weeks long. Preparations begin on the 24 day of the 12 lunar month (Jan. 14), which operates on Gregorian dates. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, family members who no longer live at home make special efforts to return home, as the family is important during this holiday. They share a meal of traditional foods like whole fish, whole chicken, oranges and longevity noodles. The Chinese zodiac and lunar calendar play an important role in shaping the New Year. The Lunar calendar names each of the 12 years after an animal, either a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog or pig. These zodiacs also cycle through five elemental types, wood, fire, earth, metal and water. “Legend has it that the lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth and only 12 animals came to bid him farewell. So, as a reward, he named a year after each of the animals in the order they arrived,” said Becker. The animal that rules the year a person was born is believed to have influence on personality, similar to western ideas of the zodiac. 2023 is the year of the water rabbit. The prior year was the year of the tiger, which was about making big changes. For the water rabbit, however, this year is about taking a step back and slowing down or reflecting. Water years are believed to bring out emotions and some people may feel impatience due to a lack of growth, but it is instead a slow burn toward success. Pork and vegetable dumplings were served to represent traditional dumplings eaten in China, as they are shaped like money pouches and represent good fortune. Crystal Cool (left) led students (Lucas Coe, right) through an origami rabbit tutorial to symbolize the year of the water rabbit. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 News 4 Professors, staff in Breiseth recall Christmas flood damage By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor Frozen pipes created havoc over winter break for one university building. On Dec. 25, Breiseth Hall flooded, causing damage to various parts of the building. The flooding was caused by a frozen pipe above the third floor psychology computer lab. During that time, water flowed from the third floor down to the basement, impacting offices and other rooms on the southern part of the building. Breiseth Hall is open to and utilized by the majority of departments in the university, most notably the majors in the arts and sciences. “The arts and sciences dean’s office is located two floors below the leak. We had water flowing down the walls. Our copier was ruined along with some furniture. Otherwise, the main impact was wet carpet throughout the suite. Other parts of the building certainly took more damage,” said Dr. Paul Riggs, dean of Arts and Sciences. University facilities responded quickly to get the water shut off and to start the process The Beacon/Amanda Montgomery Facilities were called in on Christmas morning to stop the ﬂooding that damaged the third ﬂoor of Breiseth Hall. of removing as much water as possible. They the pipes burst on the fourth floor, running also set up dehumidifiers and fans to further down the stairs and down into the walls,” says combat the humidity. Dr. Gina Morrison, global cultures professor Everything was fixed and back in place and Fulbright advisor. by the time classes resumed; however, the Morrison’s office was flooded, but, no books damages had lasting effects. Professors’ offices or artifacts were destroyed. and books were damaged during the flood. “My office was flooded up to two inches, “I was told that the sprinkler system in I believe, based on the change of the color of Breiseth froze during the deep freeze and then the wall caused by the contact with water,” said Dr. Akira Shimizu, global cultures history associate professor. After the flooding, faculty and staff had to rearrange the books and other belongings out of their rooms so facilities could repair the damages. “We came in the day after Christmas and a few times afterward, over the break, to take boxes of books out of the wet rooms and then bring them back in and put them on the bookshelves,” Morrison explains. Shimizu was out of the country at that time and returned to campus before the beginning of the Spring semester. He found stacks of books, documents and other things, explaining that there have been no odors related to fungus and residues from leaked water detected. In addition to removing the water, facilities also repaired and repainted the walls. “My thanks and the thanks of everyone who was impacted go out to Charlie Cary and his colleagues in facilities,” said Riggs. “They gave up much of their holiday for our benefit and made sure we were ready to resume our work in time for the start of the spring semester.” �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 News 5 Prioritizing mental health with Honors Program students Setting boundaries for yourself By Maddy Kinard News Editor Honors students learned the importance of prioritizing mental health with Dr. Maria Richards during a Pizza Plus session. Richards outlined four key points when thinking of mental health in terms of priority: basic needs, routine, boundaries and balance. In terms of basic needs, Richards references Maslow's hierarchy of needs, that certain lower-level basic necessities, like sleeping and safety, must be met before one can move to the next levels where self-esteem, purpose and selfactualization lie. “The crux of that is the base of the pyramid, the basic needs," Richards said. "As students, I encourage you to prioritize those basic needs, sleeping and eating especially. I understand that in the midst of finals and the midst of multiple papers and exams, sometimes those basic needs can take a back seat, but realize that your ability to meet those demands is contingent on these basic needs being met, so I caution you not to neglect your basic needs in the mindset that you just need to get these things done.” Richards and colleagues at the counseling center frequently hear from students that they have a hard time falling asleep due to their minds racing and thinking of the next day's tasks. Building a routine, and prioritizing it around sleep can help mitigate these inhibitors. While sleep is often seen as a light switch that can easily be flipped, Richards emphasizes the importance of seeing it rather as a “dimmer s w i t c h .” Gradually preparing and transitioning the mind and body for rest can decrease the amount of time it may take to finally fall asleep. This could begin a half hour before target rest time and could include unplugging from phonea, journaling or reading. Boundaries are particularly important to a student's mental health, especially those that are ambitious and quick to say “yes” to tasks. Boundaries involve setting realistic expectations, particularly that it is okay to say no and turn things down. Similar to boundaries, balance can be difficult as taking on too much can take away from the personal time needed for replenish ingthe self. “When you’re asked to do something, resist the urge to say yes right away,” said Richards. “Get in the habit of buying yourself time by saying, ‘thanks for thinking of me, let me just think about it and see if I can make it work. I’m not sure, but I’ll let you know.’ Take time to really figure out if taking on something new would extend you.” Richards also highlights balancing the things you have to do with the things that replenish or rejuvenate you to ensure that you can complete those must-do tasks. Si m i l ar angles to taking care of mental health involve self-care. This means being kind to oneself and finding the activities and resources to keep ourselves emotionally fueled. For some people, self-care can be taking a break, or watching a favorite comfort show or movie. Self-reflection and self-validation are also factora in taking care of mental health. This means paying attention to what one might be feeling instead of bottling it or ignoring it to the point where it becomes a problem. Self-validation means not judging when feeling stressed or anxious. “Give yourself the patience to experience and recognize that you are struggling, and then from there try to figure out and access supports and resources that are available to you. Whether it's coming back to those self-care things or other support available to you,” said Richards. Further, the more a person is connected with others, the greater the positive impact on mental health. Getting involved in things and trying not to fall into the trap of isolation can prevent detriments to the mind. Richard also emphasizes selfcompassion, which she states is more positive and valuable than the contrasting idea of self-esteem. Self-esteem is unstable and based on outcomes and performance; achievements are required to reach selfsatisfaction. However, self-compassion is stable. It is present even when struggling, while self-esteem is not. It is being patient and kind to oneself, giving permission to struggle and to have bad days without judgment–the same compassion given to a friend if they were struggling, which, for ourselves, is not always intuitive or automatic. “The biggest thing I took away from Dr. Richards's session is in order to prioritize your mental health, you have to obtain a balance in your life,” said Jake Middleton, first-year biology-chemistry major. “For example, if you have a lot of assignments due in a week, it is good to spend a lot of time on those; however, your mental health can take a hit. So, if you can create a balance of work and take time for yourself, you can get things done without your mental health taking a hit.” Megan Makovsky, P2 pharmacy student and student body president also felt the presentation to be beneficial as she finds herself very busy often. “Coming to this event has given me good tips and tricks on how to better my mental health,” said Makovsky. Graphic by David Marks The counseling center can be reached at 570-408-4100 and is located on the second ﬂoor of Passan Hall. The center offers free, individual counseling that requires no insurance and has no cap on appointments per semester. The counseling is conﬁdential, meaning that they will not share any information without permission. There are in-person, masked counseling sessions along with virtual telehealth. If students do not have privacy in their rooms, a space in the library is reserved through the counseling center for these virtual sessions. 570-408-CHAT is the 24/7 crisis support number. For more information, visit the counseling center page on Wilkes’ website. �6 The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Professor Profile: Dr. Jayme Hines, education department By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor Dr. Jayme Hines has joined the undergraduate education department as an assistant professor. She also serves as the program coordinator for the prek-4 alternative pathway program and the NAEYC accreditation coordinator. Hines grew up in Irondequoit, New York. She received a bachelor of science in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University in Saint Bonaventure, NY. Later, she received a master of education degree in early childhood education from The College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. In addition, she received a doctorate in education from The College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Neb. “I love our students. We really have the best, most engaged and fun students. I enjoy getting to know them and learning how I can create learning opportunities alternative to build on pathways what they p r o g r a m already know,” to ensure said Hines. the online H i n e s students get describes the same herself as robust and a teacher’s complete teacher and education as is honored the residential to work students. with future The program educators. She s e r v e s explains that students who the program Hines and her daughter Ella. are currently was studentcentered and that the faculty believed in working full time, with many in the the power of relationships, all of which early care and education setting and helped influence and affirm her decision completing their degree part-time online. and beliefs. In the future, Hines says she doesn’t “I am constantly learning new ways to engage the online learner,” said Hines, know what she wants to be when she explaining that she loves building and grows up, and she explains that “I know that I am in the right place right now, creating engaging online coursework. Hines tweaks the coursework in the and that teaching future teachers is exactly where I want to be.” She would also like to write a book about the best practices for faculty to support teacher candidates. Hines has lived in 10 different states, moved 15 times and taught in seven different schools. She has been married for 25 years, and for 20 of those years, her husband was in the Army. “It can be challenging for military spouses to pursue their own careers, but with the support of my family, I was able to support my husband during his career, which included several deployments, while chasing my own dreams,” said Hines. One piece of advice Hines has for students is to go to class and to participate in their education. She explains that “you will only get out of your education what you put into it,” and advises students to get involved. Photo Courtesy of Jayme Hines Professor Profile: Dr. Todd Hastings, nursing department By Maddy Kinard News Editor Dr. Todd Hastings has returned to his alma mater as an assistant professor in the department of undergraduate nursing, Hastings has experience in several fields, describing himself as a “career jumper times two.” He graduated from Rutgers University with his undergraduate degree and pursued graduate school at Penn State where he was a nutrition and applied physiology student, which morphed into food science. After working as a food technologist for several years with the federal service Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA), Hastings realized it no longer translated for him anymore. Ten years after graduating college, he returned to school where he found that nursing did translate. Hastings then pursued Wilkes as his graduate institution, where he grew into the profession and became centered in Emphasizing his specialty: his love for mental health small private as a focus for colleges as he is health care. afforded more “Wi l ke s flexibility to prov i d e d embark in both me this scholarship opportunity and service, he to come back found himself to school, get back at Wilkes, a graduate which he degree that described as, focused on “sort of like a clinical going back specialist area in psychiatric Hastings is aiming to boost mental health talk home.” At Wilkes, mental health across campus. he wanted nursing,” said to cultivate the same agenda he was Hastings. From there, he tried several directions working on at Cedar Crest relating to including hospital settings, management his interest in mental health and suicide and outpatient therapist when, on a prevention which, thus far, he has done whim, he was recruited by Misericordia on a multitude of levels. Hastings is the adviser for the National and had stuck with teaching since. Hastings has taught at several Alliance on Mental Health club and institutions including Bloomsburg and affiliated club, Morgan’s Message. He is also working on a cross campus Cedar Crest. based initiative, the Green Bandana Project, which is campus specific in nature but the message and intention around it is widespread. The Green Bandana Project is a national campaign in which willing students opt to wear a green bandana to symbolize that they can provide information about where someone could go if they need help or support. In other words, students can present themselves as a safe space for mental health resources. Hastings emphasized his gratitude for student interest in these subjects along with, particularly, the university’s willingness to move forward with the clubs, which he depicted as challenging at other institutions that had to be pushed to support and embrace these themes. “It really shows there is heart at Wilkes,” said Hastings. Photo Courtesy of Todd Hastings �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Jordan.Daniel@wilkes.edu Programming Board hosts murder mystery night By Laury Angeles LA&E Photographer and Staff Writer Programming board presented a Murder Mystery Night on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Henry Student Center Ballroom. Actors were present at this event and they acted out the moment in which a staged crime happened. “I am enjoying all this, it is really nice,” said Nae Giddings, first-year early childhood education major. “I love murder mysteries, and I’m a drama student also.” Not only were there actors involved in the performance, but some students had roles and costumes as well. The rest of the audience was also present and part of the investigation of finding out who the murderer was. “I really like murder mysteries,” said Aspen Kattner, first-year secondary education and English major. “I got a deep passion for them so when I learned there was going to be a murder mystery I was like ‘wow.’ If there were any events that I was going to, I have known pretty much all of them, but it was definitely Maggie McHenry, junior digital design and media arts major, and Brian Guzman, junior business management major, are paired as a team for the investigation. The “crime scene” that was created for the night. this one. I have been hyping it up since I learned about it two or three weeks ago.” Another feature to the event was that students had to work in teams to discover the mystery. Each team had a folder with clues that could help them find the murderer. Free food was provided to all the participants too. “What motivated me to come was that I always come to the programming board activities because of its great organization, its prize incentive, food and drinks,” said Moises Alvarado, senior business management major. “And so far I’ve had an incredible time.” Next week, programming board will be hosting Black History month Bingo. Photos: The Beacon/Laury Angeles Martinez Two murder mystery characters and enemies for their positions in a company’s business, Vice President Reginald and President SalFee. Nae Giddings, ﬁrst-year early childhood education major, getting ready to help her team look for the clues in the folders while wearing a decorative mask. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 f Cocktail of the Week: The pink and sweet love potion #9 By Haley Katona Contributing Writer February: the month of heartshaped candies and love! This is a perfect light drink to sweeten up your Valentine’s Day evening. It is pink, made with strawberries and will cool down any butterflies about whatever plans you have for this holiday. a Cheers! The Beacon reminds everyone to drink responsibility…and that the legal drinking age is 21 The Beacon/Jordan Daniel Give this drink a try for Valentine’s Day and you will be in love with it forever. B n o um c Each week, the Wilkes Beacon staff picks their favorite song of the week. Check out this week’s bumps to the right! ps Be Ingredients: 1/2 cup ice 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, can also be frozen 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or flavor of your choosing 1 ounce vodka, could be plain but for a more flavorful taste try strawberry or vanilla vodka 1/2 ounce white crème de cacao liqueur 1 strawberry for the garnish Directions: First, pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake thoroughly. Then, strain the drink into a chilled glass. Garnish with whipped cream if you want an even sweeter treat. Emily Cherkauskas, Editor-in-Chief: Zara Lantzman, Opinion Asst. Editor: Flesh and Blood - Shooting Star Getaway Car - Taylor Swift Morgan Rich, Managing Editor: The Great War - Taylor Swift Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor: Maddy Kinard, News Editor: I’m Somebody Else - LYELL Chokehold - Sleep Token David Marks, Designer: Amanda Montgomery, News Asst. Blue Boy - Mac Demarco Editor: Risk - Deftones Jordan Daniel, LA&E Editor: Maggie Murphy, Designer: I’m Good (Blue) - David Guetta, Bebe Spin Bout U - Drake, 21 Savage Rexha Laury Angeles, LA&E Photographer Lara Mullen, Designer: & Staff Writer: Don’t - eAeon, RM Sydney Allabaugh, Opinion Asst. Badhead - Blur Elizabeth Cherinka, Social Media Editor: Manager/Staff Writer Millionaire - Kelis, André 3000 WISH ME LUCK - Wallows �The Beacon – February 8, 2023 VALENTINE, from front Thankfully, Wilkes-Barre seems to have plenty of options for couples, friends and families that want to have a nice night out together without too much pressure or financial strain. On Feb. 11 Arts YOUniverse will be hosting an arts night for couples with a few different classes choices. There will be a “Couples Collage” art class, a “Candlelight Couples Yoga,” a ballroom dance class and a “Nearlywed Game” led by Angel Berlane to guide couples through some fun activities and light improv. At Millennium Salon and Spa there is also a special for couples massages. Couples can reserve an appointment for an hour, have a full body massage together or check out their couples mani-pedi options as well. As always, there are also restaurant options around town and $3 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students also have many different plans themselves for what they will be doing on Valentines Day. Not only are some clubs selling cookies and valentines, but students Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 have all kinds of plans for them and their significant others. For some, Va l e n t i n e ’s Day is their favorite holiday. “I love all of the pink and the red, the flowers especially, and the gifts,” said Taylor Douple, junior early childhood education major. She then went on to explain that it was not just the gifts that got her but the emotions behind the holiday as well. “I love being reminded that there are so many people in my life that I care about,” said Douple. “My parents have always made this a special holiday for me and it is a great day for people to show their love and appreciation for each other.” Douple will be spending her holiday like many other college athletes: “classes, more classes and practice. Then I am spending the rest of my day with my girlfriend.” Others have to find ways to spend their favorite holiday with their long-distance partners. “My boyfriend lives in my hometown so we aren’t able to do anything on the day but I am excited because we are celebrating early,” said Lizzie Carter, sophomore nursing major. “We will be going to lunch then seeing a movie so it will be a cute day just the two of us.” Like Douple, Carter is more than happy to spend the day remembering that she is loved by many and spending that time with those close to her. So, what is actually done on Valentine’s Day? From the looks of it, many couples are using the day to step back and appreciate each other. While some are going on dates, buying presents, cards, chocolates and roses, all can agree that it is simply a perfect time to show each other their appreciation. To everyone who celebrates the holiday, Valentine’s Day can be a day to also remember to love oneself and the platonic relationships that are just as important. Practice some self-care, eat chocolate and go to the bar with friends to spend some quality time with those that support you. Valentine’s Day is a holiday for all kinds of love. Graphic by Lara Mullen Only a few of the remaining 1.5 million visitors were able to jump further in the queue due to their status as a “Verified Fan,” though, not all of them did. To achieve this status, fans registered in advance for a chance at a presale code and had to previously purchase tickets and merchandise from Swift. If the customer was lucky, they received a code. This system was created in order to combat botting, however, the practice is deemed by many as exploitative, as it requires customers to purchase other products from Swift’s site for the slight chance at the opportunity to buy a ticket. Despite this verification method, those deemed as a “Verified Fan” would still encounter dozens of site bugs, overpopulated queues and lack of customer support. “I managed to get two tickets after waiting five hours on the Ticketmaster website because I was lucky enough to get a presale code,” said Jessica Rushton, a junior history and political science major. “I think this situation has definitely made people question why Ticketmaster has so much power over buying tickets and why scalpers are able to resell tickets for so much more than face value.” Those lucky enough to proceed from the queue were met with exorbitant prices and fees, often in the thousands. A reported 2.4 million tickets were sold in one day, a historic record that caused the general sale to be canceled. Frustrated, ignored and empty handed, Swift’s fans took to social media to air out their grievances. In Ticketmaster’s response, they blamed a lack of inventory, an unexpected number of site visitors and bots, despite their verification method. Swift also went to Instagram to voice her disappointment in Ticketmaster regarding the situation. “Ticketmaster? No. Taylor? Yeah. Her job is to create music and perform,” said Jennifer McLaughlin, the assistant director of the honors and scholars program. “As an artist myself, if I had to handle my book sales and make sure customers were happy, I’d never have time to write.” The negative attention led to many criticizing Ticketmaster as a company, bringing to light their oppressive practices and control of the ticket distribution industry. “From what I understand, Swift warned Ticketmaster about what it could be (and what actually happened),” said Carolyn Purdy, a junior psychology major. “I don’t think Ticketmaster responded well. They were unprepared and did not take responsibility for it but blamed it on others. Very immature of them.” According to Yale University, Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment control 70% of the concert ticketing market. Their stranglehold on the industry has led to many monopoly and antitrust concerns from the masses but has been largely ignored by government officials until recently. Several attorney generals have launched an investigation into Ticketmaster’s practices. Coupled with a senate hearing launched by Amy Klobuchar, chairwoman of the subcommittee on competition policy, antitrust and consumer rights, Ticketmaster is facing the brunt of what antitrust has to offer. ‘The Great War’ between Ticketmaster and Taylor Swift By Anthony Cazun & Morgan Rich Contributing Writer/Managing Editor Following a debacle featuring Taylor Swift and her new “Eras Tour,” Ticketmaster is currently in the hot seat from music fans and the government. The entire ticket fiasco shed light on Ticketmaster’s exploitation of the market and its consumers and they have had enough. According to Yale University, Ticketmaster is the largest ticket broker company worldwide. The purpose of Ticketmaster was to simplify the ticketing process for consumers, artists and venues. After the release of Swift’s new album “Midnights,” she announced the “Eras Tour.” Fan excitement was at unprecedented levels and Ticketmaster was not properly equipped to handle the onslaught of fans. On Nov. 15 Ticketmaster’s website crashed due to the number of fans attempting to purchase tickets. 3.5 million visitors were on the website, 2 million of which were placed in an indefinite queue. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 Meet the Majors This week’s major: Psychology Every week, The Beacon will offer a chance for majors to be placed in the spotlight. Each student who gets chosen will have a few words Jordan Daniel to express why they chose the major and how they feel it will benefit Life, Arts & Entertainment them in the future. Interviews and photos by Editor Sarah Aschoff Senior Keelyn Myers Sophomore “My favorite aspect of my major is how the classes are set up. Originally I was a biology major and the classes were constructed rigidly and you took notes the whole time. Whereas in psych classes, they are mostly discussion based and I feel you can connect deeper with the subject this way. “With this major I hope to go into law enforcement and potentially work in Washington, D.C.” “I am looking forward to this year expanding my knowledge of psychology and the different aspects. I have already really enjoyed the psychology courses I have already taken. “I chose this major because I always had a passion for children and how they learn and develop. I am also big on mental health and want to help children and teens with their mental health.” The Beacon/ Jordan Daniel Krista Morris Sophomore “This year I am looking forward to my personality psychology class and digging deeper into what makes up a person’s personality. “I did not come to Wilkes as a psychology major but my freshman year I took a Psych 101 class and it really opened my eyes to the world of psychology. It was so interesting to me and I knew that I wanted to pursue psychology instead.” Bella McKeefery Sophomore “I chose this major because the subject of psychology was always so interesting to me. I love learning about the way the brain works in terms of our psychology. I love being able to understand what is going on inside our heads. “I am hoping to go to grad school after I am done here at Wilkes and pursue a career in the field of psychology.” �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 11 Life, Arts & Entertainment The Self Help Saga �� By Morgan Rich Managing Editor Reading for pleasure is a pastime often lost among college students. When students are tasked to read 10 different chapters in a textbook for class, the last thing they want to do is sit down and open another book. There are plenty of college students out there who desperately want to get back into reading for pleasure but just do not know where to start. Here is how to find the spark for reading again and incorporate it into that hectic college routine. How to find the motivation to get back into reading: I know that I have heard plenty of my professors preach on and on about how reading for pleasure is extremely beneficial for the brain. A majority of the time, people are motivated to do something if it benefits them. Reading improves lots of different aspects of a person, particularly brain health. Reading forces the brain to be creative, increase empathy, increase emotional intelligence, expand vocabulary, obtain new knowledge and much more. It is essentially the brain’s way of exercising. I have a creative writing minor, which forces me to read academically a lot for my English classes. Like everyone else, I too fall victim to not having motivation to read for pleasure even though a big part of me wants nothing more than to sit down with a book. One of the best ways I find motivation to read is by looking at reading for pleasure as a privilege. Truth be told, there are plenty of people around the world who do not have access to a college, high school, middle school or even elementary school education. There are also plenty of people who have disabilities that refrain them from being able to read. I also find motivation to read by looking at the contents of reading as a movie that I get to picture and make up in my mind. I view it as a way to tune out the outside world and dive deep into my own imagination. It is a way to explore one’s own mind and creativity. How to incorporate reading into a hectic and overwhelming schedule: Now, I will be the first person to tell you that I too find it hard to read for pleasure during the fall and spring semesters. With exams and homework, sometimes it feels impossible to find the time to sit down and read a book. However, reading for pleasure should not be something that feels like a chore or something that is required to be in one’s schedule. The easiest way to incorporate reading into a hectic and overwhelming schedule is to slowly incorporate it into a night routine. Start off slow with reading fifteen minutes before bed and then slowly work up to reading an hour before bed. It is the best way to put the phone down before bed and decrease screen time. It is also important to remember that reading for pleasure, not a competition. Put down the TikToks of “how many books I read in a year.” Just because someone was able to read 50 books in a year does not mean anyone else has to catch up to them. I find that not comparing progress is the perfect way to read for pleasure. It also helps to bring the book to classes to read during some kind of downtime. Personally, I am someone who cannot read without it being silent, but reading bits and pieces in between class is the perfect way to chill out before, between and after classes. How to annotate books according to the content: I found that annotating made reading 10 times more fun. Perhaps it is just because I am the kind of person who enjoys writing down my thoughts, but I think that annotating can help one get a more firm grasp on what they are reading. Annotating is specifically any kind of action that deliberately interacts with the text to enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. I like to annotate with sticky notes, tabs, pens and different colored highlighters so I can mark what is interesting to me and so it is easy for me to spot later on. Annotating allows people to grasp concepts easier and helps provide the reader with a broader understanding of what is going on. Plus, going back and re-reading annotations can expand thoughts and make the reader think differently about their previous thoughts and ideas. I usually annotate different vocabulary words that are unfamiliar to me, my favorite romance moments, characterizations, emotional moments and much more. The fun thing about annotating is that it is specific to every person. Weekly book and song recommendations to get back into reading: The book that pulled me out of my reading slump was “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. I recently read this book this past summer and I could not put it down. This book follows two different timelines, one following the adventures of an outcast girl named Kya in the marshes of North Carolina. The second timeline follows the investigation of the murder of a local boy named Chase Andrews. To go along with the book, my song suggestion of the week is “Carolina” by Taylor Swift. Swift made this song for the movie after she read the book back in 2020 and it matches the vibe of the book perfectly. It is the perfect book and song to get out of a reading slump. The Beacon/Morgan Rich Rich shows off her book of the week. �By Lauren Gardner Contributing Writer Wilkes students have bundled up for the winter weather around campus. As the forecast for the weekend dips below 10 degrees, this week has been particularly chilly, and students have adapted to the cold. Students have coped around campus by bundling up with their favorite apparel, including Wilkes apparel sweatshirts and sweatpants. While some are not accustomed to such weather, others are keen toward it. “I enjoy both winter and summer weather, but I enjoy winter better,” said junior environmental science student Tyler Mendoza. Even for those more inclined toward the summer warmth, the winter weather offers a unique sense of creativity. “I enjoy winter and summer but I do like dressing for the winter, but I really am a summer girly” said sociology major Laila Porterfield. During these winter months, students are also often seen wearing parka jackets, for example, to protect themselves from the harsh Northeastern Pennsylvania weather. Parkas originate from the Caribou Inuit in Canada. The word “parka” actually means animal skin. The animal skin used for parkas was primarily made up of seal and caribou skin to keep warm. The parka still remains very popular to this day and has kept many warm for generations. Other ways people keep warm, besides bundling up, are enjoying hot drinks. Winter is the time of hot chocolate or white mocha, caramel brulée and chestnut praline lattes and sugar cookie drinks, which are all available at the Starbucks on campus, offering warmth and comfort to those in need of some energy while on the trek to class. In recent years, we have also seen the rise of UGG boots once again, which may cause some to grimace. UGG, however, has kept up with the trends and seems to have completely revamped their style to adapt to the changing times. More popular styles of UGG that are seen around campus are the minis, ultra short minis and the platform minis. The neumel shoe and of course the tasman slipper are campus favorites There are many winter activities students participate in, such as snowboarding and skiing. But not everyone shares the same interests during the winter time. “I prefer to stay in the comfort of my home, cozy and warm while watching a movie while enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa,” said senior digital design and media arts major Emily Makaravage. “When it is 16 degrees outside, there is no way I am going out in that weather when I can be cozy in the comfort of my home instead.” While warmer weather seems like it will never come with weather like this, maybe we can find something we can all appreciate because of winter weather. We can have snow days, or maybe now what some may call “Zoom days,” which is always better than bundling up, waiting for your car to heat up, driving on the roads (which sometimes are impossible to drive on since they seem to be unsalted) and then finding a parking spot and while keeping your balance when walking to class. Admittedly, with a Zoom class, you have time to make yourself a cup of hot coffee or hot cocoa (whichever you prefer) and not even have to leave your home while staying warm. Zoom classes are nice at times, but nothing can quite compare to the joy of receiving an email informing you that class has been canceled and you have a snow day to enjoy. Wilkes students always seem to dress for the weather, with of course the occasional person wearing shorts when there is a wind chill warning. As quirky as it is, though, it is important to protect yourself from the elements. Whether it is by bundling up, layering, bringing back your out of style UGG boots from 2010, it is necessary to keep warm during these months. Dressing for the weather always doesn’t have to be boring, you can always find something to add like a personal touch to your outfit. Remember: Layering is key to keep warm and a great way to keep in style “If you see me in the library with pajamas, mind your business,” said Makaravage. “Half of the time I am either in sweatpants and sweatshirts or any type of fleecy thing. Layers are also crucial for survival in this area whether you like it or not.” �Ancel Santana, ﬁrst year civil engineering major, warms up with a sleek outﬁt of a matching pair of a hoodie and joggers. Emily Makaravage, digital design and media arts senior, opts for stylishly subdued colors for the outdoor air. Felix Hiltabidel, digital design and media arts ﬁrst year student, warms up with a cute bunny puffer jacket. It’s important to keep your pets warm in this weather as well. Lance Gardner shows off his sleek parka. Katherine Ermeus, junior political science student, goes for a business casual ﬁt that still bring coziness. Simple and sweet: ﬁrst year sociology major Laila Porterﬁeld shows off a monochrome winter ﬁt. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Opinion Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact the assistant opinion editors: Sydney.Allabaugh@wilkes.edu or Zara.Lantzman@wilkes.edu Editorial Staff 2022-23 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Emily Cherkauskas Managing Editor - Morgan Rich Social Media Manager - Liz Cherinka Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS News - Maddy Kinard LA&E - Jordan Daniel Opinion - OPEN Sports - Baylee Guedes Assistant Editors News - Amanda Montgomery Opinion - Sydney Allabaugh Opinion - Zara Lantzman DESIGNERS Desiger - David Marks Designer - Maggie Murphy Designer - Lara Mullen Photographer - Laury Angeles Section Staff Writers Sports - Adam Grundt Want to join The Beacon? Several positions are open! Contact : Kalen.Churcher@wilkes.edu 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churchert at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Artificial intelligence must be regulated ASAP It can go by a lot of terms: artificial intelligence, AI, deepfakes, computer generated intelligence, algorithmic bias and the like. Whatever you want to call it, it has to be stopped. Although artificial intelligence has been a concept for a long time, the means of using artificial intelligence have gone beyond expansive evolution. So much so, that humans cannot control what they themselves have programmed. How did this happen? Humans are naturally inclined to curiosity. Artificial intelligence helps generate answers to questions humans cannot find a collective answer for. Art theft Have you ever thought about what a dog realistically driving a motorcycle while eating ice cream would look like? AI image generators can do such tasks. Although one can easily photoshop or draw certain visions and ideas, there is something magical about artificial intelligence creating something up out of just a prompt. While a human might be biased towards a specific style or perspective, AI can certainly be more open. These programs do this by scraping the Internet for photos and taking traits that are common conceptions of an idea. Stable Diffusion has been hit with a number of legal challenges filed by artists and companies. Getty Images announced in January that they were initiating legal proceedings against Stable Diffusion. Text generators AI generation has also adapted to text. ChatGPT is a newly popular language optimization software, claiming that the program is able to answer followup questions, admit mistakes, challenge premises and reject inappropriate requests. Concerns have already been murmured by professors and students during class about such programs being used for purposes of academic dishonesty. After all, why would someone put in the work of writing an essay, when a program can do it for you in just a couple of minutes? The question arises if we as human beings can trust these artificial intelligence programs to do our important tasks. Can we trust artificial programs to represent the very real and physical entity that is our humanity? No, we can’t. Although text generation can certainly be helpful, it is neither ethical nor honest. Deepfakes In the Twitch streaming world, one particular streamer, Brandon “Atrioc” Ewing confessed to looking at paid deepfaked pornography of fellow female streamers—some of whom are his friends. Erwing was exposed after accidentally revealing these deepfake websites. Female streamers, including Sweet Anita and QTCinderella, have expressed their anger at the exposure of pornography, after finding out they themselves were subjected to portrayal of deepfake pornography. Certain websites have already banned the use of deepfakes, like Reddit, Discord and PornHub. When PornHub is more up to date on a particular social issue than our Congress is, there’s a problem. Technology is too quickly evolving for legislation to crack down on it Wherever you are, nothing will protect you. Nothing can stop perverted freaks from deepfaking photos of you. Nothing can stop AI image generators from stealing your artwork and photography, and text generators have free reign to scan your own work. These AI programs and generators have to be regulated. For a safer society. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: Emily.Cherkauskas@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Opinion Valentine’s Day is more than just romance and chocolate By Sydney Allabaugh Asst. Opinion Editor �� 15 �� Graphic by Lara Mullen The surprise struggle of the sunny spring semester By Rudy Urenovich Contributing Writer �� Opinion The Beacon - February 8, 2023 16 Splash Mountain closes amid talks of racism versus nostalgia By Zara Lantzman Asst. Opinion Editor Editors Note: Zara Lantzman is a a former intern under the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah-zip-a-dee-ay. My, oh, my, what a wonderful day.” Walt Disney World fans hear these lyrics and think of the nostalgia of the water ride, Splash Mountain. It is time to move on. Splash Mountain was a log flume boat ride that focused on Brer Bear and Brer Fox’s pursuit of Brer Rabbit. The ride had three lifts and five drops with a five-story drop going at 40 mph. During the big drop, you would get wet and sometimes soaked. I witnessed people completely break down riding Splash Mountain for the last time. Newsflash: It is going to be the exact same ride. Disney is changing the ride to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It will be a “Princess and the Frog” themed ride, and it will cater towards a younger audience. Splash Mountain closed for good on Jan. 23 and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening up in late 2024. If we are being honest, most people who like Splash Mountain have never even seen “Song of the South.” Disney adults is just wrong and do not like change, this movie should and that is clear, have never been but this ride a thing. So yes, absolutely needed I think one is to be changed. considered wrong The ride itself had if they want this parts falling apart. ride to still exist. It also broke down. There is the But the worst part claim that the of all is that the ride is not racist ride is based on at all. While this an extremely racist may be true, as movie. mentioned, the Are you movie that the ride considered racist if is based on is racist you still want this and that should be ride? The short enough to open up answer is no. people’s eyes. Is it wrong to Over 92,000 want this ride people have signed The Beacon/Zara Lantzman a petition to save to still exist? In my opinion, yes. Disney World’s well-known Splash Splash Mountain. “Song of the South” Mountain will be retired, set to be These people need was completely replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. to get a grip on removed from all The log flume ride itself will stay the reality. platforms and for same. Aside from the good reason. fact that the theme “Song of the South” focuses on a Black is racist, Disney is trying to bring in new man reminiscing of the “good times” of crowds and cater to the younger and being a slave. newer audience as Disney is changing its What good times? parks to focus on the newer princesses Why is Disney portraying this movie instead of the older ones. as being a slave was OK and good? This Disney removed Belle from the parks as Assistant Opinion Editors: Sydney Allabaugh and Zara Lantzman they replaced her statue and section in the France pavilion at EPCOT. They replaced it with Remy the rat from “Ratatouille.” Disney is paving the way for a new Moana attraction as well. Splash Mountain was not in Disney’s plan moving forward as it was part of the “old” Disney. Disney is changing and the guests need to accept it and move on. You are not racist if you want the ride to exist. If you like the ride because of the nostalgia, then that is fine. Memories are memories and that is it. You can always make new memories and this new theme looks beautiful. The only worry that I have about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the fact that it does not fit in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Frontierland has this western style theme whereas “The Princess and the Frog” is set in the bayous of New Orleans. On Splash Mountain’s last day, the posted wait time on the My Disney Experience app was 220 minutes. That wait time is absurd and over three hours long. Disney adults need to evaluate themselves if they are truly distraught about this ride being reimagined. The ride is not changing. It is just improving. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be better than ever, and I am so excited for it. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Opinion 17 Percy Hynes White may be no more at Nevermore By Morgan Rich Managing Editor Editor’s note: This article contains potentially triggering content for some readers. Percy Hynes White, a 21-year-old Canadian actor, has been accused of sexual assault and saying racial slurs on Twitter. Turns out White might not be the artistic heartthrob everyone thought he was. The star recently gained traction with his role as Xavier Thorpe in the hit Netflix horror comedy television series, “Wednesday.” “Wednesday” follows the story of Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, who attends Nevermore Academy and tries to solve the mystery of a killing spree in town. Thorpe, White’s character, was primarily known for being a psychic student at Nevermore who became a friend of Addams and developed a crush on her. On the show, Thorpe was very outspoken about his distaste for Tyler Galpin, a “normie” (someone who is a normal human) character who had an onscreen romance with Wednesday Addams. White’s character also gained traction on all social media platforms with people debating if they were “team Tyler” or “team Xavier” in regard to their romance with Addams (personally, I am a “team Tyler” girl). As time progressed, the majority of people began to root for Thorpe and Addams to get together, with #xavierthorpe having over 2.6 billion videos on TikTok alone. On Jan. 18, a Twitter user by the name of @milkievich started a thread claiming that White and his high school friends drugged and assaulted her and her friends when he was 17 in Toronto, Canada. After the thread was started, multiple other women then came forward about their own experiences with White and his friends, which were then quoted in @ milkievich’s thread. The thread has since been deleted but many users have started their own threads. The thread also includes women coming forward about parties White and his friends threw when they were between the ages of 17 to 20 while the victims were aged 13 to 17. It is alleged that these parties were thrown with the intent of getting girls drunk and/or high in order to take advantage of them. “Despite this situation coming about from Twitter, I think it’s still important that we recognize that we should believe and support victims of sexual assault and make sure their stories are heard and necessary action is taken,” said Kaelin Hughes, a junior history and political science double major. “It’s very hard when you enjoy something like “Wednesday” or another piece of media, follow these actors, then information like this surfaces but it is important that we as consumers recognize the severity of this situation and hold people accountable for their actions.” Screenshots have also been included of White and his friends randomly putting minors in group chats on Instagram and sending them vulgar and inappropriate messages. The most popular messages floating around are nude pictures of White in bed and on the toilet. “I believe that it is super important to believe the accuser because it takes so much courage to confront your abuser,” said John Hannaway, a P2 pharmacy major. “So many cases of sexual assault do not get reported, so it is super important to support those who do find the courage and come forward.” A TikTok video of White making racist claims and displaying racist behavior is also beginning to surface on social media platforms. The uncomfortable and shocking video is of White acting out violence against a person of color from the 1950s and includes White mouthing a racial slur. A video also went viral on TikTok where White “accidentally” touched his costar Ortega’s breast and she immediately pulled herself away from him. The cast of “Wednesday,” including White, has yet to speak out against these allegations. Fans have recently taken to social media platforms to address their new distaste for the actor and how he needs to be removed from the show immediately since Netflix announced its renewal for season two. Though some fans are arguing that people can lie, screenshots can be edited and that he should not be removed from the show until these claims are proven to be factual. “I think that he should face repercussions because those are serious allegations,” said Rebecca Timko, a junior business management major. “Even though the situation came from Twitter, it needs to be taken seriously and he should face the consequences.” Personally, I believe he should be removed from the show immediately and that silence speaks louder than any words. I think that the character, Xavier Thorpe, should be written out of the show entirely or recast by another young actor. The silence of Netflix also speaks volumes to me since I believe they should announce their awareness of the situation. However, I cannot say that I am surprised they have not spoken out about them yet considering how big companies never like to speak out about sexual assault. In my opinion, this looks extremely bad on Netflix’s part, especially considering how huge this show has become. When companies such as these do not speak out about the situation or fail to announce that they are going to look into it, I believe it discourages victims to come forward. White’s racist TikTok video is clearly proven to be him and was posted from an account of his, so why is Netflix not speaking out about that either? We have to remember that celebrities are not royalty that deserve to be put on a pedestal. Celebrities are people, just like everyone else, and can make horrible decisions. Seeing people treat White as if he can do no wrong is quite sickening to me and reiterates the idea that some cannot separate the character from the actor. Just because Xavier Thorpe might be your favorite character does not mean that you need to stick up for the actor portraying him. “I think that there should be action taken to hold White accountable for his actions (both alleged and proven),” said Hughes. “It’s important for companies, in this case Netflix, to take these allegations seriously and choose to not work with people that promote intolerant and dangerous behaviors. Continuing to work with someone with these allegations puts other actors, workers and fans at risk of facing harm. Additionally, continuing to give a platform to an alleged abuser perpetuates fanbases to support these people (given parasocial relationships) and prevent action from being taken to hold White accountable.” The sexual assault hotline is 1-800656-4672 for victims of sexual assault, harassment and domestic and dating violence. Graphic by Lara Mullen �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Opinion 18 Roving Reporter: Wilkes students' Super Bowl predictions Will the Eagles or Chiefs win the trophy? Compiled by Sydney Allabaugh — Asst. Opinion Editor Mia Decker JJ Kochanski Chris Dugard Ben Kubic Alex Munoz Madelyn Rex Sophomore - History and Secondary Education “I guess I want the Eagles to win. I originally didn’t want them to win, but now I have beef with the Chiefs because they beat the Bengals. I wanted the Bengals to be in the Super Bowl. I even bought an NFL+ subscription to watch the Bengals play in the Super Bowl, but now it’s gone to waste.” Sophomore - History and Secondary Education “The Chiefs. I’m a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, so it would be tough to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl.” First-year - Criminology “I’m rooting for the Eagles. I grew up in an Eagles household and always have been an Eagles fan. They did good this year.” Junior - Sociology “I think the Eagles will win. They’re healthy and Patrick Mahomes is hurt. I think the Eagles are young and want it more. Philly fans are just crazy.” Sophomore - Biology “I would say Kansas City will win. I feel like the Eagles had no resistance in the game they played against the 49ers. The 49ers did not have enough preparation. The Eagles could have an advantage though because they might be well-rested. I’m a Washington fan, so I don’t want to see the Eagles win.” First-year - Secondary English Education “The Birds. I am not super into football, but my boyfriend is an Eagles fan.” �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Sports Sports 19 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: Baylee.Guedes@wilkes.edu By Adam Grundt Sports Staff Writer The men’s and women’s tennis teams look to follow up last season’s successes with another great year. Head coach Todd Kane is entering his second season leading both teams. Kane led the men’s and women’s programs into the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom Finals in his first season as head coach in 2021-22. Men’s Tennis The Colonels finished last season with a record of 10-8 with an appearance in the MAC Freedom Finals. This season’s roster is compiled of five juniors: Drew Fiedler, Jonah Nguyen, Dominic Tyler and Ian Williams. Wilkes also returns three sophomores to round out the roster: Amin Ali, Connor Frey and Nathanial Rathe. With a younger roster this season, the Colonels players are working hard in practice, working towards gaining knowledge and getting ready to compete in match action. “We will have a lot of guys who will be getting a chance to become regulars for the first time in their careers,” said Kane. “This year is a great opportunity for them to develop on and off the court. We have a close-knit team and I think that sets us up great for the future as the guys coming next year will fit right in.” With the upcoming conference changes for the 2023-24 season, Wilkes is striving towards placing in the MAC Freedom. “With this spring season being our last season in the MAC, we are approaching this season with the mentality that we’d like people to remember who we were,” said Frey. “Despite some changes in the roster, our chemistry with each other has never been better. I would anticipate some great doubles matches and exciting singles battles with all the support we have from each other.” Through their successes last season, the Colonels gained a realization of the importance of hard work and how much of a role hard work plays in preparation for the upcoming season. “We’ve been on the court hitting balls every day to prepare for what’s in store for us this season,” said Frey. “We are all incredibly excited for a fun last season in the MAC and can’t wait to see what we are capable of in the coming years.” Women’s Tennis The Colonels are coming off of a season where they had an appearance in the MAC Freedom Finals. Wilkes finished last season with a record of 10-7 with current sophomore Tea Amerise being named to the All MAC Freedom First-Team, as well as being named the MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year. Current junior Cassidy Greenman was named to the All MAC Freedom Second-Team. The women’s roster is compiled of four sophomores: Amerise, Sydney Farmer, Sara Hoskins and Karlee Yuscavage. Greenman, Zoe Klein, and Kaitlyn O’Neil are the three juniors on this season’s roster. “I hope to build off the success I had last year by being more confident, working with my teammates and listening to my coach,” said Amerise. “I think the successes I experienced last year were a result of hard work, my teammates, and my coach. We all worked very hard last year and pushed each other to be better, and it paid off because our team was successful, not just me personally.” The experience that the Colonels gained from playing deep into last season’s schedule will benefit the team going into matches this year. “Our captains, Zoe and Cassidy, bring a lot of experience and leadership to the team,” said Amerise. “The entire team and our coach are very committed to working hard, so we should do well.” The men’s and women’s tennis teams return to action on Feb. 27, as they host Houghton University at the Ralston Athletic Complex. Graphics by Baylee Guedes TENNIS: Looking to capitalize on MAC Freedom appearences �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Sports 20 WIH: Assistant coach Caty Flagg making impact on Colonels By Julia Mazur Contributing Writer The Colonels have made a lot of changes for this 2022-23 season, not only on the ice, but also behind the scenes as well. Wilkes hired an entirely new coaching staff for the women’s ice hockey team at the start of the year, including assistant coach Caty Flagg. Flagg, who is only 24 years old, admits that it was an interesting experience beginning to coach a team as the players are so close to her own age. She appreciates how welcoming the team was to the new coaching staff this season. “They (the players) have been awesome at listening and respecting me, even though I am practically the same age as them,” said Flagg. Previous to coaching, Flagg played the position of goaltender professionally for the Buffalo Beauts of the Premier Hockey League. While playing for the Beauts, Flagg also volunteered as a coach for the Islanders Hockey Club, one of the top-ranked girl’s hockey programs in the Northeast. Flagg noted that she chose the position of goaltender growing up as she found it an important role on the ice as you can control the game. Those previous experiences of playing at different levels of hockey have helped her transition from player to coach in the most effective way at Wilkes. Flagg’s role with the Colonels is to work primarily with the defensive players on the team as it is her area of expertise. “Defensively speaking, she has helped us improve our game tremendously,” said senior defenseman Abby Miller. Flagg in goal during one of her professional games for the Buffalo Beauts of the Premier Hockey League. Flagg spends her days helping the players improve on the ice by assisting at practices. When she is not on the ice, she is breaking down film or looking for other ways to help the team develop. The team feels the shift from previous seasons in the coaching staff and energy, expressing that it has been nothing but positivity this year. “She (Flagg) has the most infectious energy,” said senior defenseman Abbey Barcless. “She’s always smiling, laughing, and full of positivity”. The shift in the team is evident, not only to the players but to Flagg and the entire coaching staff. “Seeing the overall improvement from the team has been awesome,” said Flagg. “Even just from the start of the season until now, it has been a drastic improvement for them as individuals with their skills, and as a whole team the team play and systems have done a complete 180.” The team has experienced ups and downs throughout the season, however, they have remained resilient. “No matter the situation they always come back stronger and ready to go,” said Flagg. Both Miller and Barcless acknowledged that Flagg has made a positive impact on the team and their playing ability. “(Flagg) is a great addition to the program and playing for her is an honor,” said Barcless. Under Flagg and the coaching staff, Wilkes has more wins this season than they have had in any previous season. Bringing in this new coaching staff and adding energy can tremendously affect how a team plays, and it seems Flagg’s hiring has emphasized that. Photos courtesy of Caty Flagg (Left to right) Gianna Manzi, Flagg and Barcless on “wear any jersey but your own to practice” day. �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Sports 21 Winter Sports: Updates going into end of regular season By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor Women’s Ice Hockey The Colonels are sitting at 4-15-2 as they have four regular-season games left. Although the win column is under .500, it does not reflect on how the team has performed this season. Most recently, Wilkes tied with King’s College 2-2 and won the team’s first-ever shootout win as junior defender Savanna Maxon was able to sneak one past the Monarchs goaltender. Sophomore goaltender Emma Swansburg received the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Defensive player of the week honors after recording 84 saves in a doubleheader matchup. Junior forward Bella Kaczorowski has earned two MAC conference awards thus far with Co-Offensive Player of the Week as well as Offensive Player of the Week. In a singular play during a matchup with the Arcadia Knights, senior forward Julie Patterson became the Colonels’ all-time leader in career points and Kaczorowski scored the first overtime goal-winning shot in program history. Kaczorowski leads the team with nine goals on the season, while Patterson follows with five. Junior forward Rachel Morey leads with seven assists, senior defender Abigail Barceless recorded 32 blocks and junior Addy Olson adds 474 saves in goal. Wilkes will finish out the regular season with three home games and one away. On Feb. 11 and 12, the Colonels will host Utica University and then travel to Lebanon Valley College on Feb. 17. To finish out the season, Wilkes will host Lebanon on Feb. 18 for a Senior Day celebration. Men’s Ice Hockey The 11-8-1 Colonels are five games away from postseason play. The team has earned themselves many accolades throughout the season as well. First-year forward Cam Lowe has received the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Co-Men's Player of the Week as well as the UCHC Men's Rookie of the Week awards. Senior goaltender Michael PatersonJones earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Week twice as well as the UCHC Goaltender of the Week. First-year forward Matt Carlson earned the MAC Offensive Player of the Week award and senior goaltender Garrett Nieto received the MAC Defensive Player of the Week award. Currently, Wilkes is sitting in fifth place in the UCHC standings under the Chatham Cougars, the Nazareth Golden Flyers, the Stevenson Mustangs and the number one Utica Pioneers. Wilkes will finish out the regular season with three away games and two at home. Tonight (Feb. 8) the Colonels will travel a short distance to take on the Monarchs. On Feb. 10 and 11, Wilkes will host Stevenson in a two-day doubleheader, with Senior Night celebrations on the 11th. To finish out regular season gameplay, the Colonels will travel to Neumann University on Feb. 17 and 18. Women’s Basketball The Colonels hold a record of 6-15 with four MAC Freedom regular season games remaining. First-year guard Yamirelis Matos leads the team with 176 points, averaging 8.8 points-per-game (PPG). Senior guard Brenna Babcock follows Matos with 139 points, averaging 7.0 PPG. Matos and Babcock also lead in rebounds with 87 and 84, averaging 4.4 and 4.2 rebounds-per-game (RPG). Junior point guard Julia Marino leads the team in assists with 58 and leads with 46 steals. Wilkes will play tonight (Feb. 8) at Misericordia University and then host Arcadia on Feb. 11 for Senior Day. On Feb. 14, the Colonels will host the Monarchs and then finish out the regular season on Feb. 18 at Delaware Valley University. Men’s Basketball The 11-10 Colonels have four games remaining in the MAC Freedom regular season. Graduate student and guard Drake Marshall leads the team in scoring with 260 points, averaging 12.4 PPG. Sophomore guard Cayden Merrifield follows Marshall with 224 points, averaging 10.7 PPG. Marshall also leads the team in rebounds with 120, averaging 5.7 RPG. Junior forward Trent Fisher follows with 104, averaging 7.4 RPG. Merrifield’s 71 assists put him in the lead for the Colonels in that category as well as leading in steals with 27. Fisher leads in blocks with 19. Merrifield is a recipient of the MAC Player of the Week award. Wilkes will play tonight (Feb. 8) at Misericordia University and then host Arcadia on Feb. 11. On Feb. 14, the Colonels will host the Monarchs for Senior Day and then round out their regular season on Feb. 18 at Delaware Valley University. Men’s and Women’s Swim The regular season is over for the Colonels and they can now look forward to the MAC Championship tournament on Feb. 9. through the 12th. The men’s team went 2-11 in the regular season with wins over Gallaudet University and Moravian University. The women’s team consisted of only senior Maddy Kinard who holds two Wilkes records: individual record holder in the 100 Back (1:02.47) and 200 Back (2:19.49) as well as the relay record holder in the 200 Free (1:42.89), 200 Medley (1:56.76) and 400 Medley (4:13.27). Wrestling The Colonels are 6-13 with two dual meets left before the Futures Mid East Tournament (FMET) and the NCAA Southeast Regionals (NCAA SR). Wilkes has had many wrestlers obtain awards throughout the season: Five Colonels were ranked within the top six in the Southeast Region Preseason Rankings (sophomore Austin Fashouer, junior James Geiger, sophomore Cameron Butka, senior Jack Bauer and junior Nevin Rauch). They were also ranked on the d3wrestle.com 2022-2023 National Rankings (Fashouer seventh, while Bauer, Geiger, Butka and sophomore Caleb Burkhart were Honorable Mentions). Bauer won the 141-pound championship at the Ned McGinley Invitational along with Geiger in the 174-pound weight class. Fashouer took home the 125-pound title at the Blue Jay Classic along with Butka in the 197-pound weight class. Fashouer also won the Budd Whitehill National Duals All-Tournament Team title along with Burkhart. Burkhart was also a recipient of the MAC Wrestler of the Week award. Butka won the 197-pound first-place title at the 2023 MAC Championship tournament, while also earning the All-MAC Wrestling First Team award. Fashouer and sophomore Christopher Nuss both won third-place titles at the 2023 MAC Championship tournament, while also earning the All-MAC Wrestling Third Team award. On Jan. 26. Burkhart was ranked second in the current NCAA Division III Wrestling Award Standings for most falls as he has 16 thus far this season. Wrestling will compete on Feb. 10 as they host Ithaca College and on Feb. 17 hosting the Monarchs for Senior Day. Following the end of the regular season duals, the Colonels will compete on Feb. 19 at FMET and Feb. 24-25th at the NCAA SR. Photos/Lauren Bowers | Graphic/Baylee Guedes �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Sports 22 Athlete of the Week Paul Binner Junior Volleyball Middle Hitter The Beacon: Male Athlete of the Week Binner was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after his perfomance during the volleyball double-header non-conference sweep on Jan. 29. Binner recorded nine kills in each of the matches, totaling in 18. Binner also added six blocks and three aces throughout the double-header. Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Tunkhannock, Pa. High School: Tunkhannock What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? My favorite sports memory as a Colonel was in my freshman year when we took a set off of Messiah. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? Steelers (even though they didn’t do too well, haha). What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? I like hanging out with my friends in between classes and practice. What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? My favorite part is definitely how close we are as a team. It’s like I have 13 extra brothers and it’s nice to know they always have my back on and off the court. The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Editor’s note : Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor t s staff each week. At the e nd of the acade mic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw itte r @ Wilkes B eacon to c row n an “Athlete of the Year." What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? “Thunderstruck.” If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? Either basketball or golf, but I can’t decide which I’d rather do. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? I’d still have to go with the win our volleyball team had over Messiah, it was just such an amazing moment when we won the last point of the set. What is your favorite postgame meal? I‘d have to go with pizza. We get to hit a lot of pizza places on the way back from away games and it’s always fun to try out the different types (especially in New York). How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? I am incredibly honored, but I couldn’t do it without the rest of my team, especially our defensive players and Shay, our setter, who deserve it just as much as I do. Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor �Sports The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Athlete of the Week 23 Emma Swansburg Sophomore Hockey Goaltender The Beacon: Female Athlete of the Week Swansburg was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after her performance this past week as she had 44 saves in a singular game and then 40 saves in game the next day. She tallied in 84 saves and a .905 save percentage in the split with Arcadia University on Jan. 27 and 28. Swansburg also received the MAC Defensive Player of the Week award for the week of Jan. 30. Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Shelburne, Nova Scotia High School: Shelburne Regional What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? Winning my first NCAA game in overtime. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? Seattle Kraken. What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Spending time with friends. What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? My favorite part of being an athlete here is getting to keep playing the sport I love with such a great group of people. What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? "Mighty Ducks." If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? Rugby or Volleyball. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? Going undefeated in regular season games the last year I played for my hometown team and eventually winning Provincials. What is your favorite postgame meal? Chicken chalupas and a blue raspberry freeze from Taco Bell. How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? I’m just happy to have the opportunity to keep playing, getting athlete of the week just goes to show that my hard work is paying off. The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor Editor’s note: Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor ts staff each week. At the end of the academic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw it ter @WilkesB eacon to crow n an “Athlete of the Year." �The Beacon - February 8, 2023 Door’s open! �� Contact: �� 24 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2023 February 8 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/c6265be5222b31c03cf84d9d11120e6c.pdf 3228950c73e73bdaf51082871e752e0f PDF Text Text The Beacon - February 1, 2023 THE BEACON Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Wilkes University - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Volume 76, Issue 9 1 “The news of today reported by the journalists of tomorrow.” Winter in Wilkes-Barre: Snowfall, but no winter wonderland An anticpated winter snowstorm on Jan. 25 led to closures throughout the area, including at Wilkes University. The snowstorm caused little more than slush and ice to litter the valley before temperatures went back up into the 40s and students went back to classes. The Beacon/Baylee Guedes MOVING ON Cants celebrate Australia day, page 3 Programming board’s ﬁrst “zen” event of the semester, page 7 ‘A Man Called Otto’ and the difﬁcult path to acceptance, page 18 Wrestling gains three top three MAC Championship titles, page 19 �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 News News 2 Have a breaking story or a press release to send? Contact the news editor Maddy Kinard: Madelynn.Kinard@wilkes.edu Student Government notes: Jan. 25 weekly meeting By Maddy Kinard News Editor Student Government recently held its second meeting of the spring 2023 semester, covering a club recognition, fund request and a constitution change. To begin, Morgan’s Message returned for Week 2 of 2 to be recognized as a club by the council. Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the studentathlete community and offer outlets and solutions for help. According to the corporation, only 10 pecent of studentathletes seek professional help. The club plans to hold dedication games along with watch parties and also hopes to have ambassadors among the collegiate teams on campus to offer a stronger impact. Currently, there is no club or organization like it at Wilkes and 39 students have already joined. A motion was made to vote and the vote passed, recognizing the club. Next, a fund request was voted on for Club Day 2.0 which happened on Jan. 26 during club hours in the MAC. For the 55 clubs that signed up for the event, the total request was $3,400, which was approved in full by the council. Finally, RHC presented on constitution changes. The group is changing the RA fund request so that RA’s are able to fund events that they have. They also added a hierarchy system as follows: Beacon Briefs: Upcoming campus events Compiled by Beacon News Staff Diploma Order Submission Reminder for May 2023 Graduates Seniors must submit Diploma Order and Degree Audit via the electronic form for May 2023 Graduation. Use this link to access the form and more information: https://w w w.wilkes.edu/academics/ registrar/graduation.aspx Seniors are urged to follow all instructions carefully and are reminded to order caps and gowns as well. Apply to become an e-Mentor Applications are open for the position of first-year e-Mentor for the fall 2023 semester. As an e-mentor, full-time undergraduate students are trained to provide support to a group of 12 to 25 new students beginning at Summer Orientation and concluding at the end of the 2023 fall semester. e-Mentor’s are student leaders who have varied campus experiences. To fill out the application, please visit www.wilkes.edu/campus-life/studentdevelopment/leadership-opportunities/ e-mentors/e-mentor-application.aspx or contact the Director of Student Development, Stacy Mullen, with any questions at stacy.mullen@wilkes.edu or 570.408.4645 Form which can be found in the Jan. 27 Today@Wilkes email. A link to the application can be found in the same email and is due Feb. 2 by 11:59 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Alicia Govens, Assistant Director of Residence Life, at alicia.govens@ wilkes.edu, or Amin Rashid, Director of Residence Life, at amin.rashid@wilkes. edu. Apply to be a Resident Assistant United Way Annual Children’s Book Drive The Office of Residence Life is looking for new RAs. The position requires dedication and flexibility, valuing maturity, empathy, motivation, initiative, responsibility, adaptability and integrity. RAs are given a single room on campus and a dining plan as well as transferable skills and personal development opportunities. Resident Life is hosting information sessions on Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. in Simms Center room 231 and Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. To participate in the Zoom, students must pre-register via Google The United Way is currently accepting age-appropriate books in good condition (meaning no stains, tears, writing or missing pages) for 0 to 13-year-olds now till Feb. 20. Donations boxes can be found in the Farley Library, Breiseth Hall second floor lounge and the Karamelas Center. For more information or with any questions, contact monica.morrison1@wilkes.edu president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, parliamentarian and RHC advisor. RHC will attend next week's meeting where the council will vote on the changes. Student Government will meet again on Feb. 1. Table of Contents News..................2 Life, A&E............7 Opinion............14 Sports................19 Upcoming Events: 2023 Spring Semester February 1 - "Harlem Reainassance: Art of Black America" lecture 2 - Council of the Clubs 9 - Blackety Black, Y'all lecutre 14 - Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon 16 - Black Artists in NEPA lecture 20-24 - Casino Week 22 - Last look gallery tour �� The Beacon - February 1, 2023 News 3 Cants celebrate Australia Day during Global Coffee Hour By Maddy Kinard News Editor On Jan. 27, Angela Cant and daughter Eliza Cant discussed Australia Day during the global coffee hour in the Savitz Lounge. Angela Cant is the wife of Wilkes President Dr. Greg Cant. Eliza Cant is their daughter and a current Wilkes student. Australia Day is the official national day of Australia and is recognized annually on the day prior, Jan. 26. As Angela Cant informed attendees, Australia Day celebrates the claiming of the land as a British Colony by Sir Arthur Phillip. However, this day is rather recognized as the beginning of suffering for the native Aboriginal people due to colonization. “Partly the reason for the creation of a colony in Australia was because of what was happening here in the United States. So as independence was getting pushed for here in the United States, the British needed to spread their wings elsewhere, they needed to find other places to send people–they were sending convicts from the United Kingdom to Australia,” said Angela Cant. The first Australia Day did not take place until July 1915, so it originally had no ties to the day that marks the suffering of First Nations people. It was started to raise funds for wounded soldiers in World War I. In 1938, the Aboriginal people declared Jan. 26 a day of mourning, calling it Invasion Day. It was not until 1934 that a nationwide recognized Australia Day was held on Jan. 26. “Some people ‘are like oh you can’t move it’—why? It was made in the 90s,” said Eliza Cant. Eliza Cant explained that it is becoming more popular to boycott the holiday, and the discussion of Aboriginal suffering is becoming more public. Dot paintings were handed out for attendees to paint. Dot painting is a traditional Aboriginal art form which usually told creation stories, commonly known as “dream stories.” “I thought it was really interesting,” said Jess Rushton, junior history and political science major. “I knew a little bit of Australian history but not loads. It was interesting learning about the controversy surrounding Australian day and that not everyone sees it as a celebration.” Angela Cant and her daughter, Eliza, led the presentation on Australia Day, informing attendees of the history, traditions, slang and animals native to Australia. Photos: The Beacon/Maddy Kinard Many traditional Australian snacks were provided for attendees, such as Vegimite, a food spread; Lamingtons, squares of butter sponge cake coated in an outer layer of chocolate sauce and rolled in coconut; Tim Tams, chocolate biscuits; and Caramello koalas, chocolate caramel candies shaped like koalas. From left, Kevin Sraka, graduate; Tom Hansen, juinor geology major; Esther Orlando, juinor biology major; Darwin Gonzalez juinor, electrical engineering major; Leonel Dio, juinor English major; and Jess Rushton, juinor history and political science major, enjoy Australia Day festivities. �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 News 4 Honors program calls for first-year students to apply By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor Current first-year students with a 3.5 GPA or higher are invited to join the honors program. Honors and Scholars Director Dr. Jonathan Kuiken, was joined by Jen McLaughlin, honors and scholars assistant director, in hosting a recent open session about joining the honors program. Honors students enjoy perks such as funding for study abroad, honors-only opportunities, internships and research. They also have access to early course registration, no-cost overloading above s Program 18 credits, special access to campus speakers and field trips. There are also honors-only spaces, including refreshments and a 24-hour-access honors lounge. Kuiken explained that the “on-ramp” access was created three years ago for current students to join the program. They wanted to find a way to involve more students in the program, especially for the students who display qualities of leadership and academic achievement. The program highly values leadership, integrity, self-awareness and academic distinction. Kuiken described these values as taking one’s individual gifts and talents to better the community. “My favorite thing about the honors program is the people because this is where I made connections with the faculty who have helped me through things, and where I met all of my friends,” said Kamea Paresa, secondary education and math honors student. Paresa also explained that “being a part of the honors program is my best decision coming to Wilkes.” Kuiken spoke about the academic portion of being an honors student, where there is a focus on undergraduate research and cooperative research with faculty members. “It opens a lot of opportunities for research,” he explained. McLaughlin spoke about the various Photos courtesy of the Honors Program From left, Micheal Nowak, Anthony Antonette, Jordan Mosquera, and Dr. Jonathan Kuiken celebrate an amazing catch in the audience at a Railriders game. Honors students attended the game during the fall 2022 semester. honors spaces, including the honors lounge, classroom and office, which all are “places to hang out, do some work and network with other honors students.” Not only is the program academically motivated, it is also community driven and focuses on peer mentoring and collaboration. “I think my favorite part of the honors program is the opportunities, and I enjoy reaching out and getting to know people,” said Ada Soriano, pre-pharmacy and Spanish honors student. Soriano is also the Director of Community Service for the Honors Program Student Committee, and explained that the upperclass-students in the program helped prepare her for her busy workload. “I think it's very helpful because you have your peer mentors,” said Soriano. Kuiken explained that one of the program’s priorities is to “encourage you to be involved in leadership on campus,” and their goal for students is for them “to get involved, to grow as students and to add to your resume.” Some of the coursework is specifically targeted towards honors students. Senior honors students enroll in HNR 390 which is an honors capstone. In addition to the academic bonuses, honors students will receive recognition at commencement, and a special notation on their transcripts. The application process consists of filling out a basic Google form. In addition, students must receive two letters of recommendation and complete three small essays, one that answers why they want to join the program, another describing a leadership role and the final essay addresses how to adapt to reach the honors requirements. Some future Honors Program events include an escape room, ice hockey game, cookie decorating and a trip to see the Broadway musical “Six.” Applications close April 15, and any students with questions can email jennifer.mclaughlin1@wilkes.edu. During one Honors outing, students traveled to Gettysburg where they toured the battlefields, did some shopping and went on a ghost tour. First row, from left, are Kamea Paresa, Mollie Corbett, Zoe Morley, Reagan Weldon-Peri and Jen McLaughlin. Second row, are Zak Sova, Kasey Gress, Ethan Warner, Sydney Ahrberg, Dr. Kuiken, Jada Acheampong, Lauren Patrick �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 News Junior archives student processes poetry series By Amanda Montgomery Asst. News Editor Archives student Juliana Lueders has processed the poetry series of the Gilbert Stuart McClintock collection. This poetry series includes works by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Fitz-Greene Halleck, William Henry Furness and British Major, John André. Lueders is a junior English and philosophy double-major, with minors in ethics and women and gender studies. She has been working in the archives department for three years. “I began on the Normal Mailer collection, and then I moved to the Thomas Campbell collection, which I finished and (it) is digitized in a similar fashion as the McClintock series. And then during the fall I finished the McClintock series,” said Lueders. “Currently, I'm covering the George and Helen Ralston collection, but that one will take a while.” Suzanna Calev, archivist and Lueders' supervisor, said, “I'm very proud of Juliana for her detailed analysis and transcription of the manuscripts, correspondence and printed materials within the collection.” Calev explained that her goal is to “get more of these materials digitized and online to promote research and scholarship on these collections that were previously hidden.” In addition to transcribing old handwriting and scripture, Calev has students research and gather historical context of the time period in which the items were written. They then make connections between the items they’ve researched to see if there are any larger themes at play. “My experience with this particular collection was similar to the Campbell one: The beginning is always tough,” Lueders explained. “I have to transcribe our primary documents and this means dealing with tiny cursive writing on a delicate, age-worn page and typing it all into a new workable document.” “A lot of the challenges that students face when working in the archives and processing the McClintock collection is that because we live in such a digital age, it's often difficult for students to transcribe old handwriting and scripture,” Calev said. Along with the analytics and research, Lueders shared, “for writing the blog posts I'm allowed to put in some of my own thoughts and theories about the content, which is also very fun. Blog posts are more so a highlight reel of my favorites from the collection, but I also try to treat them as a short summary of the collection itself by including a broad range of content.” Lueders shared a few takeaways she had from processing these collections. She realized how much depth everything has and how items hold history and An image of Halleck’s poem, “Wyoming” reflects, according to student Juliana Lueders, American citizens' “conflict-heavy” view of American soil. Halleck reframes the usually idealized version of war by steeping it in the reality of devastation and loss. 5 personality that goes beyond their physical form. “When it was over I just hoped that I did the item justice in my analysis. I was also happy about it being complete and was excited to find out my next project,” said Lueders. Lueders offers advice to other students, encouraging them to look for jobs available on campus either within their major or something adjacent to it. She states that what students may find may prove to be a great source of experience or learning that can help in the future. Lueders’ blog post has a link to the finding aid with digitized items along with her reflections on the poems in the series. It can be found on the archives website by following the link to www. wuarchives.home.blog and searching under the Jan. 2023 tab. Photo Courtesy of: "Ballads, Battles, Love, and Loss: Processing the Poetry series of the Gilbert Stuart McClintock collection" Perry Leaving the Lawrence for the Niagara - Thomas Birch, 1815 This painting accompanies the poem, “The Ballad of James Bird,” by Unknown, which tells the story of a brave colonist, who instead of fleeing, continued to fight until they defeated the British fleet. �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Wilkes University Open House brings out campus community Photos courtesy of Lindsey Scorey Wilkes University President Dr. Greg Cant gives a welcome speech discussing opportunities available at Wilkes. From left, Bonner Leader Program Coordinator Catie Becker, sophomore pharmacy student Ada Soriano and sophomore pharmacy student Emily Blaine work at the Bonner Leaders table. From left, Dr. Jonathan Kuiken, Honors and Scholars director, and Jen McLaughlin, the assistant director of the Honors and Scholars Program pose for a picture during a recent Open House. From left, Student Development Activities Coordinator Addie Hazlet, Director of Student Development Stacy Mullen and Career Development and Services Coordinator Anna Bateman were all smiles at the January Open House. Write News for The Beacon! Write about: Contact: - Campus happenings News editor: - National news Madelynn.Kinard@wilkes.edu - Current events - And more! 6 �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 7 Life, Arts & Entertainment Have any events or artists to be shared? Contact Life, Arts & Entertainment Editor: Jordan.Daniel@wilkes.edu Programming Board’s first “zen” event of the semester By Laury Angeles Martinez LA&E Photographer and Staff Writer Programming Board held “Zen Night” on Jan. 26 in the Henry Student Center Ballroom. There was plenty of relaxing activities, including, but not limited to, estorative yoga, face masks and crafts. “This is a lot of fun,” said Daphne Shencavitz, junior biochemistry major. “It is really nice that the Programming Board holds this event, you know, relaxing and not very populated. “It is nice to have something to come and relax at.” The atmosphere at the event was tranquil. Slow music was played to the liking of the students and there were snacks, such as fruits, cookiesn and juices. “I like this event because it is calm,” said Laila Porterfield, a first-year sociology major. “Not everybody is here, it is lowkey and you’re doing your own thing.” Porterfield and many other attendees enjoyed the chill atmosphere and relaxing activities. The craft activity areas, which hosted activities like making bead bracelets, were a hit among students. “This is a new event that we haven’t put on before yet,” said Courntey Negra, sophomore special education and elementary education major. Negra is also Programming Board’s Big Events chair. “We are doing yoga, lotions and face masks. We are doing sand art and diamond art.” If you missed this event, consider going to Pprogramming Board’s next event on Feb. 2, although it might not be as zen. It is a Murder Mystery Night with actresses and audience participatio. The event is free to students. From left to right: Julie Chropowicki, graduate assistant of student development/MBA; Kimberly Wheeler, sophomore pharmacy major; and Kylie Jayne, junior nursing major, pose after doing some diamond art. Photos: The Beacon/Laury Angeles Martinez Emily Purcell (lef), a junior chemistry major and Shelby Brazes, a junior criminology and psychology double major, practice restorative yoga. From left, Daphne Shencavitz, a junior biochemistry major and Melissa Ooi, a ﬁrst-year biochemistry major have fun doing face masks together. �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 8 f Cocktail of the Week: A Yummy “Talking Monkey” Martini By Haley Katona Contributing Writer Spending winter break monkeying around only to have come back to reality can leave a sour taste in any college student’s mouth so here is to the Talking Monkey! This is a fun dessert drink to sweeten and enhance the monkey business of the weekends. a Cheers! The Beacon reminds everyone to drink responsibility… and that the legal drinking age is 21. The Beacon/Jordan Daniel Make a Talking Monkey martini the next time you are feeling a little bananas. B n o um c Each week, the Wilkes Beacon staff picks their favorite song of the week. Check out this week’s bumps to the right! ps Be Ingredients: 1 ounce chocolate vodka 0.5 ounce espresso vodka 1 ounce banana liqueur 0.5 ounce coffee liqueur 1 ounce heavy cream Optionally, espresso vodka can be substituted with coffee or espresso for added energy. Directions: First, pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake thoroughly. Then, strain the drink into a chilled glass. Garnish with whipped cream if you want an even sweeter treat. Emily Cherkauskas, Editor-in-Chief: Silver Soul - Beach House Morgan Rich, Managing Editor: Kill Bill - SZA Maddy Kinard, News Editor: Neck & Wrist - Pusha T, JAY-Z, Pharell Williams Amanda Montgomery, News Asst. Editor: Tropic Morning News - The National Jordan Daniel, LA&E Editor: Low - SZA Laury Angeles Martinez, LA&E Photographer & Staff Writer: golden hour - JVKE Sydney Allabaugh, Opinion Asst. Editor: Bane - Destroy Lonely Zara Lantzman, Opinion Asst. Editor: brr - Kim Petras Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor: Eraser - LYELL David Marks, Designer: Preoccupied - Mac Demarco Maggie Murphy, Designer: Flowers - Miley Cyrus Lara Mullen, Designer: Give Yourself A Try - The 1975 Elizabeth Cherinka, Social Media Manager/Staff Writer Mastermind - Taylor Swift �The Beacon – February 1, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 9 Virtual Reading Buddies offers work study opportunities By Anthony Cazun Staff Writer “America Reads Study Buddy Tutor” is a newly evolved work study opportunity available for students. While under this work study, tutors work with elementary grade students as a reading buddy tutor, or as of recently, a virtual reading buddy tutor. The program is run by supervisors Megan Boone Valkenburg and Monica Morrison and they have a mission. “Our world is currently in a literacy crisis, and my goal as VISTA is to recruit college students as tutors to help students in first and second grade with their literacy and reading skills,” said Morrison, Wilkes graduate and AmeriCorps VISTA. “The goal is to work with children before third grade because in particular, third grade is a critical period where children transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Knowing this, we need to intervene as early as we can to help reduce the devastating effects of literacy deficits.” The way reading buddy tutors tackle this issue is through invigorating children’s desire to learn by reading with them and playing creative games and activities. “We choose fun activities to complete with the kids that will facilitate them with their learning,” said Alyssa AllenFields, senior psychology and criminology major. “For example, playing bingo where the numbers are replaced with words, allowing there to be more reading practice or playing cup stacking where the child reads each word on the cup then builds the tower.” Many of these practices and activities are unique and personalized for the student so their exact needs are tended to, sharpening their overall skill set. Tutors will often tend to two students at a time within the same hour. Reading buddies are able to tutor virtually, at the YMCA or at various elementary schools within the area. Schedules are relatively generous and only requires four hours of work per week. Many of the tutors prioritize being patient and kind, allowing for students to feel more comfortable and blossom to their full potential. Bringing up kids when they are discouraged or otherwise overwhelmed is a vital characteristic of the position. “A challenge of the work study is sometimes the kids get distracted and begin talking to one another instead of focusing on the activity which motivates me to come up with new activities that will have them be more engaged,” said AllenFields. “My goal is to recruit as many tutors as I can so that we can help as many first and second grade students as we can,” said Morrison. “As Wilkes University celebrates Black History Month, it is important to recognize the people who are telling their story,” said Sincavage. “It allows us a greater understanding and provides deeper empathy for those who have been singled out for their difference.” Aiello will discuss different aspects and viewpoints of the works of art. His main points will address the importance of the works during the time of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as how they shaped that time period and influenced art culture for years to come. The project brings light to discussions of the importance of collaboration in both the artistic world and one’s own life. At the lecture, students, faculty and community members will be able to experience for themselves moving and thought provoking works of art by artists like Richard Bruce Nugent and Aaron Douglas. the exhibit will showcase different aspects of the Harlem Renaissance that have never been seen or thought of before by highlighting visual art of African American culture in the 1920s. “We’re looking forward to hosting this event,” said Melissa Carestia, assistant director of Sordoni Art Gallery. The “Art In Context” lectures connect the work in the gallery to other topics. Having a lecture about the Harlem Renaissance, which was so important to Driskell and so many others in the exhibition, will be a meaningful experience.” In today’s society, isolation and individualism are at an all time high. Since COVID-19 struck, it has been very Graphic by Maggie Murphy If interested in applying for this work study, explore the “America Reads, Civic Engagement” box on the work study jobs page on wilkes.edu, or email Monica Morrison (@monica.morrison@wilkes. edu) for more information. Sordoni Art Gallery hosts Art In Context lecture By Bailey DeJesus Staff Writer On Feb. 1 Dr. Thomas Aiello will speak at the Sordoni Art Gallery about the “David C. Driskell and Friends: Creativity, Collaboration and Friendship” exhibition. The “Harlem Renaissance: Art of Black America” lecture begins at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the general public. A professor of history and Africana studies at Valdosta State University, Aiello will discuss the importance of the art that curated by Driskell. Aiello was brought here through the efforts of Heather Sincavage, curator of the exhibition, director of Sordoni Art Gallery and associate professor of art, alongside Curlee Raven Holton and Dr. Sheila Bergman. apparent that being alone and separated from friends and community has begun to not only be the norm but preferred. This exhibition hopes to begin a change in tone by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication between friends, professional disciplines, colleges and backgrounds. Especially at such a tumultuous time as the 1920s and the Harlem Renaissance, collaboration and friendship was a must for survival. “The subject of the show, David Driskell, is a very important figure in the history of African-American art in the 20th century,” said Paul Riggs, dean of arts and science. “The show is premiering here at the Sordoni before moving to university art galleries nationwide. “This is a very big event for Dr. Aiello and professor Sincavage.” �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Life, Arts & Entertainment 10 Meet the Majors This week’s major: Political Science Every week, The Beacon will offer a chance for majors to be placed in the spotlight. Each student who gets chosen will have a few words to Jordan Daniel express why they chose their major and how they feel it will benefit Life, Arts & Entertainment them in the future. Interviews and photos by Editor Sarah Lechak Senior Sarah Phillips Senior “My favorite aspect about being a political science major is the close community built between the students within the major and with the professors. “My education and time spent here at Wilkes as a political science major has been bolstered by the friendships I’ve made with my peers and the support and information provided by the professors.” “I chose this major because I’m extremely interested in politics and I wanted to become more educated about government and law. “I hope to use my knowledge in my future job at the Domestic Violence Service Center. This is in regards to helping domestic violence survivors with legal issues, such as PFAs and advice for hearings. I also hope to use this knowledge to possibly go to law school in the future.” Photos: The Beacon/Jordan Daniel Damien Chmielewski Sophomore “I chose political science because I enjoy politics and I wanted to learn more about the theories and understandings of the political world. “I hope to eventually go to law school and become a criminal lawyer, as of right now.” Morgan Steiner Sophomore “I love that there is so much flexibility with political science. I can take classes on U.S. politics, global politics or law classes. It has allowed me to branch out and discover what I love about politics. “I plan to attend graduate school. My dream job would be something where I can use my knowledge about politics to help people and see the world.” �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 11 Life, Arts & Entertainment The self-help saga By Morgan Rich �� Managing Editor Having a three week homeworkless, examless and classless break is enough to put anyone into a slump at the beginning of the semester. Combined with the cold and dark weather, it is a recipe for disaster. Jumping into the semester with little motivation is a daunting task. Here is how to gain back that motivation and take the semester by storm! �� If there is anything I have fallen victim to during the start-of-semester slump, it is trying to wake up early before my classes. Luckily, my classes do not begin super early; however, I do have work study on Tuesdays from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., and I would be lying if I said that waking up for it is not a challenge for me. I never once considered myself to be a morning person but I have found that there are ways to make waking up in the morning easier and not feel as much of a hassle. First, I start this routine the night before I know I have to wake up early. Normally around 11 p.m. I will set an alarm for an hour before class and then, at the latest, I will set an alarm for 45 minutes before class. This ensures my body has time to wake up in the morning before class starts. Personally, I am the kind of person who showers at night in order to save time in the morning so when I wake up I immediately wash my face to feel refreshed. I then follow through with a skincare routine, get changed into clothes that I picked out the night before and eat a healthy breakfast. A fun tip to start the morning off right is to drink lemon water before eating because it promotes and improves digestion, as well as reduces heartburn and constipation. The thing that changed my life the most to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed was using an online “sleep calculator,” which ensures that one does not fall asleep in the middle of a sleep cycle. These sleep calculators allow the person to choose their age, what time they want to go to sleep and then it provides the four best times to fall asleep. up is needed, however, never feel ashamed to make a quick stop at Starbucks to get a caffeine fix. �� The easiest way to relax and find motivation is to have a space to recharge. Whether a student lives on or off campus, creating a space that they can call their own is an easy task that can be done. Even though I live off campus, I found that the easiest way to get through college �� while living on campus was to have a space �� that really felt like my own. Unpacking and decorating my room the very first two �� weeks I moved in made getting back into Consistently eating and staying hydrated the swing of things much easier. The key to having a space feel homey is throughout the day is a hard task, I will admit. When classes are stacked on top to bring items and decorations from home. of each other for hours on end it can feel Going back to a dorm or an apartment that absolutely impossible to take time to assess is messy and has things thrown creates a lack of motivation and a distaste for the what our bodies need. To start, taking a weekly grocery run dorm or apartment. Ensure that this space can be an escape to see what snacks and quick lunches can be brought to class is key. Weekly grocery when the semester feels overwhelming or trips can also be cheaper in the long run to formidable. It makes relaxing, reenergizing, studying and doing work easier and much avoid “buying in bulk.” It is important to have a proper breakfast more enjoyable. whenever there is a good period for a �� student to be able to eat. Normally, my goto’s are bagels, cereal, toast, waffles, fruit �� and yogurt. Then, try to pack a simple lunch to eat There are plenty of songs and books between classes, such as a sandwich and chips. Lastly, throw at least three snacks in out there that can spark motivation and a bag like granola bars, chips, crackers, etc. inspiration. I am a huge reader so prepare Investing in a good water bottle that will for lots of book recommendations. With keep drinks cold is a must for days like that, I am also a huge Swiftie so prepare for these. I always fill my bottle with lemon lots of Taylor Swift song recommendations. My first book recommendation for the water and refill it throughout the day at refill stations around campus. If a pick-me- start of the semester slump is “Normal People” by Sally Rooney. It is about two teenagers’ secret friendship and on-andoff-again relationship; it is a story about people who drift apart but always seem to come back to one another. “Clean” by Taylor Swift is my first song recommendation for everyone to get through the tough weeks ahead. Although “Clean” is about feeling free from a relationship, the song can have universal meanings of freedom to anyone who listens to it. The song represents new beginnings, which is a perfect way to start the semester. The Beacon/Morgan Rich Rich shows off her book of the week. �Music club John Hannaway (left) and Molly Rodino (right) Psychology Club Left to right: Eryn McMonagle, Carolyn Purdy, Madyson Hornack, Emily Burbank and Kaitlyn Schuyler Black student union Left to right: Donell Mackey-Woodson, Zach Paraway, Kobina Otoo, LeRoy Marshall and Lexi McHugh Ultimate frisbee club Esther Orlando (left) and Matt Hauber (right) �Lunch and snacks were available for anyone who stopped by the MAC. Center for Career Development and Internships Left to right: Sam Kimmel, Sarah Pavlick and Anna Bateman Students weathered the cold to stop by the MAC and check out several new and returning clubs, in the newly revived tradition of a Spring Club Day. �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Opinion Opinion 14 Have an opinion or want to write a guest column? Contact the assistant opinion editors: Sydney.Allabaugh@wilkes.edu or Zara.Lantzman@wilkes.edu Editorial Staff 2022-23 MANAGERIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief - Emily Cherkauskas Managing Editor - Morgan Rich Social Media Manager - Liz Cherinka Adviser - Dr. Kalen Churcher SECTION EDITORS News - Maddy Kinard LA&E - Jordan Daniel Opinion - OPEN Sports - Baylee Guedes Assistant Editors News - Amanda Montgomery Opinion - Sydney Allabaugh Opinion - Zara Lantzman DESIGNERS Desiger - David Marks Designer - Maggie Murphy Designer - Lara Mullen Photographer - Laury Angeles Martinez Section Staff Writers Sports - Adam Grundt Want to join The Beacon? Several positions are open! Contact : kalen.Churcher@wilkes.edu 141 S. Main Street Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media & Communication Center Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Phone - (570) 408-5903 www.thewilkesbeacon.com Want to advertise in The Beacon? Contact: Kalen Churcher at kalen.churcher@wilkes.edu The Beacon Est. 1936 Pa. Newspaper Association Member Our Voice Each week, The Beacon’s editorial board will take a stance on a current issue. Finding warmth and comfort in winter Winter is a lovely season. There’s something mystical about snow capped mountains and the peaceful quietness that is brought with everyone huddling inside for warmth. However, as serene as the winter months can be, you may have found that these cold days might just be a little too quiet. Maybe even a little too dark beyond one’s comfort. Seasonal depression is real, and it can hit hard. So much so, one may not even find the energy to go outside, let alone be able to get out of bed. It’s a dark and cold wasteland outside, so what’s the point of forcing yourself out of your warm, comfy bed, anyway? One might think it would be fine to miss class—after all, it could be better than going out into the cold, right? It’s these intrusive thoughts that take over oneself, and it can take everything in someone to fight them. Unfortunately, seasonal depression is a brutal thing to face, and not everyone can better their mental health during the winter. For college students, having these alterations in one’s schedule can drastically affect their overall status and wellbeing. For those dealing with seasonal depression, they can very quickly fall behind in their classes, not being able to find the energy or desire to keep up with their workloads. The start of a brand new semester, postpandemic, in the era of the perceived “new normal,” certainly doesn’t help at all. When you combine that shock of newness with the numbness of winter, burnout quickly creeps up. It may explain why campus has been feeling so empty. Some of us at The Beacon have already made this observation—where is everyone? Lounge spaces and collaboration/study rooms that were once bustling with students are now completely empty, even when it should be the busiest hours of the day. As cliche as it sounds, we would like to emphasize the importance of self-care in times like these. It’s a complicated time, and you need to be able to take care of yourself in order to succeed and push through these dark and cold months. It’s important to stay active and keep yourself busy. As comforting as it sounds to stay cooped up in one’s bed during the winter, that’s not going to suffice to help your mental wellbeing. Even upgrading the space and environment around you would help you feel better and more lively. Maybe invest in some string lights or ambient lighting to warm up your space with softly-toned lighting. Fragrance plugs are not only fire safe, but they can also bring comforting and nostalgic scents to your room. A mini humidifier can help your skin from drying out. A white noise machine can distract you from buzzing lights or overwhelming noises of the city. All of these not only relax you, but they keep your senses active, thus keeping you distracted from the busy and cold time. Creating a comforting environment will allow stability into your life, offering you space to study, work and hang out with friends. The cold and dark winter months are just temporary. In the meantime, treat yourself to some hot chocolate, tea or a good cup of soup. After all, you deserve to be loved and comforted. Letter to the editor policy: The Beacon welcomes letters to the editor from differing viewpoints. Letters must contain contact information, including name, city, state and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published but may be used for verification purposes. All letters to the editor must be sent using one of the following methods: Email: Emily.Cherkauskas@wilkes.edu Phone: (570) 408-5903 (Voicemail: 30 seconds or less, please.) Mail: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 Attn: The Beacon �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Opinion 15 Ice Spice proves herself with latest hip-hop EP ‘Like..?’ By Sydney Allabaugh Asst. Opinion Editor Up-and-coming rapper Ice Spice released her first EP “Like..?” since her rise to fame last summer. Ice Spice’s hit single “Munch” followed by other popular tracks “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood” have attracted millions of fans on TikTok and other platforms over the past few months. She has since become a pop culture icon among the youth online with some calling her this generation’s Princess Diana. Her first EP features six drill tracks. Three were singles she has already released, and the other three are new. This is what I think of each one. “In Ha Mood” Snippets of this song trended quickly on TikTok. The more feminine lyrics combined with the R&B melodies over a drill New Jersey club beat created a different sound she has not previously explored. The more feminine vibe of the song created by the R&B elements elevates this track tremendously. It is hard not to dance to this. This is my favorite track from her yet. “Actin A Smoochie” “Princess Diana” Like “In Ha Mood,” “Actin A Smoochie” features R&B melodies on top of a club drill beat. I enjoyed this one, and I think it may be my favorite of the three new releases. She takes a more masculine approach to her vocal delivery combined with the more feminine-sounding beat and lyrical content is captivating. “Gangsta Boo (with Lil Tjay)” Ice Spice initially released this song as a single following “Munch.” Like “Munch,” this song reached widespread popularity. In an interview with Genius, she says that having two consecutive hits shows she is more than just a one-hit wonder. This song is characterized by its quick, catchy chorus and interesting beat that sounds as if it could be from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Although I am always repeating the chorus, I think the beat is a bit too silly. Overall, this song is lighthearted and enjoyable, but this EP has much stronger tracks. The title of this song is a reference to the memes made about Ice Spice being the people’s princess. She embraces this title in her lyrics stating, “in the hood I’m like Princess Diana.” Between witty references and an addicting chorus, the lyricism and vocal delivery are strong on this one. The rhythm is driving and clean but there is something about the production that is slightly off to me. Overall, I like this track and think it is underrated. Although “Gangsta Boo” has a catchy chorus, I think it is the weakest of the six tracks. The overly simplistic rhythm and timid, repetitive melody makes the song feel incomplete and uninteresting to listen to. Also, Lil Tjay’s feature is too long and seems out of place on this track. “Bikini Bottom” “Munch (Feelin’ U)” “Munch” is the song that led to Ice Spice’s fame, and she deserves all the praise she has received for this track. In an interview with Complex, Ice Spice said that she loves drill beats and was inspired by other New York drill artists like Pop Smoke in her earlier music. This inspiration is prevalent on this track. The fast-paced and cold rhythms combined with her tight, creative lyrics makes the song addicting to listen to. I find myself repeating the chorus to myself due to her use of catchy lingo. This track serves as a reminder that women can do drill music and do it well. For her first release, this EP is strong and shows that Ice Spice has much potential as an artist going forward. She provided varied tracks that remain true to herself and her style. It will be interesting to hear if Ice Spice continues with drill or tries other sounds going forward. Ice Spice is just getting started but has already built a name for herself and has shown she has the potential to be a star. I am definitely feelin’ her. Thoughts on snow days: Within college and beyond By Rudy Urenovich Staff Writer Perhaps I am feeling a bit emotional with it being my senior year–knowing my educational experiences in a school setting are numbered, or maybe I am examining how they have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic–but this week I found myself reflecting on snow days. I must admit snow days do not carry the same magic in college as they did in elementary or even high school. It does not really feel like a day off to relax, but rather a day for anxiety and stress to manifest itself in full form when thinking about classes, work, weather and other grown-up pains. One does not really have the option to take a day off in college. Well, one can, but it takes a level of compartmentalizing and denial that I am envious of. A day off that brings treacherous weather, hazardous road conditions and overall cold and darkness is anything but relaxing and will oftentimes impact responsibilities in the following days as well. No, I am not ignoring the elephant in the room. Something forever altered snow days or any unplanned day away from work or school for people of all ages around the globe: a little platform called Zoom. Funny to think three years ago at this time none of us even knew it was a thing–much less something that would become almost a lifeline to work, school and human communication. I am going to play devil’s advocate for a little while. I, as I am sure many of you have, have seen firsthand how useful Zoom can be and how without it the past few years of school could have gone very differently. Even now that we are hopefully at the tail end of the pandemic, it is so easy to hop on Zoom for a meeting when meeting in person is difficult. But I digress, this article is not about Zoom. The point is Zoom interrupted snow days. We are either filled with hot drinks and streaming or homework and existential dread. Pick your poison. We do not really get a day off because we can still attend class virtually. While we can still enjoy being a homebody for a few hours and class is a bit more toned down, it just does not hold the same magic as it did in the past. All this being said, we cannot really place all the blame on Zoom because we used technology to complete assignments and participate in other aspects of class even before the platform was pushed to the forefront. D2L I’m looking at you. On one hand, I obviously see how this is positive because we are less likely to get behind on school matters even by a day or class period. We can keep up and maybe even get ahead. It also teaches us how to be resourceful and get something done in an unexpected situation. That is just lovely. On the other hand, we can use a break to not work on school matters. If you are like me, you will still think about them. We have already established that. These college years might be our last chance for some semblance of a snow day. Once we are in the workforce, we might be less likely to have a snow day. Many see working from home as divine but it makes a snow day nonexistent. Also, many jobs do not close because there are a few inches of snow on the ground. They really do go hand in hand with school and its essence. In a way I think for myself and many of you who are around the same age that it is almost symbolic of adulthood sneaking up on us and gradually taking over slowly but surely. We once had snow days where we would sled, build snowmen and drink hot chocolate. Now they are filled with virtual classes, catching up on chores and making to-do lists. �Opinion The Beacon - February 1, 2023 16 The conspiracy surrounding Damar Hamlin is absurd What is commotio cordis? By Zara Lantzman Asst. Opinion Editor On Jan. 2, the National Football League came together for more than just a game. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin attempted to tackle Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on a routine play, and in that moment, everything stopped. A pin drop could be heard with the silence in the stadium. Players rushed to Hamlin while shedding tears. Hamlin was clinically dead on the field and was unresponsive for nine minutes. Denny Kellington, one of the team’s athletic trainers, helped to resuscitate Hamlin, saving his life. “Denny Kellington, let’s praise this name and person for reviving our brother Damar on the field,” tweeted Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins. “Denny gave CPR and chest compressions to get his heart back beating.” After spending several days in Cincinnati and Buffalo hospitals, receiving numerous tests, Hamlin was finally released. However, despite making various public appearances, conspiracy theorists had a field day with Hamlin’s status. There is a lot of speculation that Hamlin is legally dead, allegedly falling victim to the COVID-19 vaccine, and he was instead replaced by a body double. This claim seems extremely outlandish and completely unreasonable. Hamlin’s recovery was televised and reported throughout his entire journey. Hamlin even facetimed with Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders. He was also seen in person hyping up the crowd at the Bengals v. Bills AFC divisional game on Jan 22. Hamlin’s injury was known as a rare condition known as commotio cordis. Dr. Partha Nandi, in an interview with ABC news, explained that commotio cordis occurs when young athletes get hit in the chest. “Trauma to the chest occurs when the area of the heart is hit at a particular rhythm which causes the heart to bleed and forces the person to collapse,” said Dr. Nandi For this to happen is just pure luck. It was just extremely unlucky and everyone is grateful that he is recovering successfully. “(Twenty-fiour)-year-old elite athletes in the NFL don’t just have cardiac arrest in the middle of a prime time game” tweeted bodybuilder Louis Uridel. “This is squarely on the back of every single person who pushed that poison, required it and shamed people who didn’t get it.” When anything goes wrong medically, anti-vaxxers automatically claim it is Damar Hamlin • Hamlin is 24 years old • Hamlin got hit in the chest and went unresponsive • Revived after nine minutes • Hamlin’s chances of survival went down by 10% for every minute he was unresponsive • Hamlin is vaccinated as 95 percent of NFL players are vaccinated due to the COVID-19 vaccine. This claim is completely outrageous and false. Hamlin’s recovery proved the claim to be false. Hamlin is not the first athlete to have received such widespread news coverage about his near-death experience caused by commotio cordis. One instance was former National Hockey League defenseman Chris Pronger, who suffered cardiac arrest during the 1998 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He experienced commotio cordis after a high speed puck hit him directly in the chest, and he collapsed on the ice almost immediately, similar to Hamlin. Pronger made a full recovery, and has since spoken out about his own experience in support of Hamlin on Twitter, detailing the events of his recovery. Pronger explained that he was evaluated by Dr. Barry Maron, “who would then go on to classify this incident as commotio cordis. Dr. Maron also told [doctors] that at the time [Pronger] was the only pro athlete to have survived this type of cardiac event.” Although rare, it was a notably identifiable condition. “And at the time, 1998, I was one of only four people [Dr. Maron] had in his database that had survived a documented commotio cordis event” said Pronger. For Hamlin, as of this moment, no prior heart condition was found. It was Commotio Cordis just a freak accident and could have happened to anyone. “Clone,” tweeted Hamlin, in response to the dumbest conspiracy theory that Damar Hamlin was cloned. The speculation comes from the fact that Hamlin never showed his complete face when he showed up to the AFC divisional round. There was a clip shown of him talking to Bills players, but in a ski mask and with his hair covering most of his face. All you can see was his eyes. The other clip that has fans running wild with theories is that he was able to move his hands and body freely to cheer for his team and hype up the crowd. Theorists believe that it should not be possible to move your body that quickly and energetically so soon after being clinically dead. Theorists also believe that the Bills planted a player and said it was Hamlin to give the Bills motivation for the playoff game. There is a reasonable reason for anything one may see. Hamlin is still in recovery and needed to protect his body from the frigid temperatures in Buffalo, hence the ski mask. Every single one of these claims are completely baseless and can be proven wrong with facts. The fact of the matter is that Hamlin is alive and recovering. That is what truly matters. COVID-19 vaccine statistics • According to healthline.com, commotio cordis occurs when a person is hit in the chest and that impact triggers a dramatic change in rhythm of their heart. • 69.4 percent of the world population is vaccinated • According to heart.org the survival rate suggests that defibrillation within one minute of ventricular fibrillation onset results in a 100 percent survival rate and that defibrillation after two minutes results in an 80 percent survival rate. • 22 percent of deaths had the primary dose • 42 percent of the deaths were unvaccinated • 36 percent of deaths had an additional booster All data found from KFF.org �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Opinion 17 It’s time to spend more time outside; here’s how Treating your body and mind with nature By Sydney Allabaugh Asst. Opinion Editor Maybe the online commenters have a point when they say to go touch some grass. According to a study published in 2019 by the Outdoor Industry Association, half of the U.S. population is not participating in outdoor recreational activities. When many of us are not spending adequate time outside, we miss out on the many health benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spending time outdoors improves physical and mental wellness. The USDA cites studies that spending time in nature is relaxing, which leads to reduced stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rates. It can also improve sleep quality, increase life expectancy and even reduce risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. The USDA also stated that studies show being outside can lower risk of depression and aid in faster psychological stress recovery. Nature can also help us strengthen our mental abilities, including increasing focus and attention. Shared outdoor spaces also allow for people to feel a social connection with others in the community. According to the study conducted by the Outdoor Industry Association, people cite barriers like work, technology and costs of entry to parks and other venues as deterrents from spending time in nature. Although it may seem difficult to incorporate the outdoors into our busy schedules, there are many ways to do so. Here are six of them. Do homework outside If your workload is preventing you from getting outside, try working on h o m e w o r k outdoors. When the weather is nicer, I work at the tables outside Starbucks or at one of the tables in the courtyard on campus. You can also lay out on a blanket in the grass instead of being cramped up in the library. between classes, you can have a picnic in Kirby Park or even pick up food to eat at Public Square. Exercise outdoors instead of in the gym Why pay for an expensive gym membership when you can do cardio exercises outside? Instead of cycling or walking on the treadmill, go for a bike ride in the park or take a hike out in nature. Not only will you be receiving the health benefits of your workout but you will also receive additional benefits by exercising outdoors. “ Nature can help you feel healthier and happier. Take advantage of it. ” Eat meals outside Like doing homework outside, eating meals outside provides you with an opportunity to receive the benefits of the great outdoors without taking extra time out of your day. If you have a break Assistant Opinion Editors: Sydney Allabaugh and Zara Lantzman Pick up an outdoor hobby If you have ever been interested in trying skateboarding, snowboarding, gardening, geocaching or nature photography, I encourage you to pursue it. Developing a new passion is rewarding on its own, but it may be extra rewarding if your new hobby also allows you to spend more time in nature. Try outdoor activities with friends Spending time outdoors can strengthen our connection with others. Instead of hanging out in a dorm room, consider doing an outdoor activity together. You can play frisbee, go for a walk or even just watch the sunset. It is a great way to clear your head and make great memories with those you care most about. Plan to visit outdoor attractions If you ever find yourself with some free time, you can always plan a trip to one of the many free local outdoor attractions. You can visit local parks—such as Frances Slocum State Park, Ricketts Glen State Park or Nay Aug Park—to hike, kayak or view beautiful scenery for free. Pinchot State Forest is another great outdoor location with beautiful trees and waterfalls. Visitors can hike, ride horses, fish, have a picnic or camp. These are just a few of the many scenic attractions Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer. To find more opportunities and locations to check out, visit DiscoverNEPA.com. Hopefully you have the opportunity to incorporate some of these tips into your daily routine. Nature can help you feel healthier and happier. Take advantage of it. �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Opinion 18 ‘A Man Called Otto’ and the difficult path to acceptance By Emily Cherkauskas Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: This review contains spoilers and discusses potentially triggering content. The task of moving away from the past is not an easy one to follow. Some things that have happened in the past should stay in the past, one may think. However, it is important to address them anyway, with forgiveness and acceptance. “A Man Called Otto,” released on Jan.13, is a unique film that emphasizes such a mentality. Otto Anderson, played by Tom Hanks, is an old widower who recently lost his wife and lifelong soulmate, Sonya, who was a schoolteacher. He has recently retired from his job, a company where his employers and coworkers dehumanize and bully him. His small neighborhood and community are fading away, being overtaken not just by strangers and new neighbors, but also by an overpowering real estate company aptly named Dye & Merika (read out loud for the reflective pun). To put it simply, Otto has nothing left to live for. Or so he initially thinks. One set of new neighbors include the family of Marisol and Tommy, the stereotypical millennial parents who are expecting their third child. Their new presence in the neighborhood, initially an obnoxious one for Otto, ends up being something that Otto can find company in. As the movie progresses, this fresh neighborly relationship ends up saving Otto several times, either from external forces, or even from himself. Around this time, Otto also takes in the neighborhood stray cat, who had to suffer outside in cold winter weather. Previously a pure annoyance for Otto, the charitable act of adopting the cat opens up Otto’s worldview to be more forgiving. Later on in the story, Otto offers his house to Malcolm, a local teen and former student of Sonya, who was kicked out and disowned by his family for his transgender identity. Previously apprehensive to the thought of others entering and touching his late wife’s belongings, to the point of physically blocking others, Otto is able to take a step forward in the progress to healing. Malcolm, a former student of Sonya, speaks upon the kindness and acceptance of Sonya, bringing comfort to Otto. Otto does attempt suicide multiple times, in private and in public. However, the attempts all fail, either due to botches or interruptions by other characters. One incident includes the moment of Otto saving an elderly man who fell onto train tracks, only because everybody else at the station was standing in shock and recording on their phones. As the other man was saved, Otto remained on the tracks as a train approached, only to be grabbed by another man. This movie has one of those stories where everything is somehow magically connected to one another, be it events or people, akin to the butterfly effect. What is initially a negative experience, one that can be to the point of traumatic, can MOVING ON turn around into something positive. For example, Marisol and Tommy’s needs and interruptions ultimately save Otto several times. Unfortunately, as the film presents, it can also be vice versa. However, in “A Man Called Otto,” the good manages to overcome the bad. Grief is painful, no matter who you are and what you have experienced. It’s not a competition on who suffers the most. What matters, though, is how you manage to deal with it and find the strength and courage to move forward, in honor of what you lost. The characters in this story are notable examples of how a community can band together to help each other, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. “A Man Called Otto” is a film that will make you experience a diverse spectrum of human emotion, where you will be laughing and feeling sorrowful in the same scene. I wasn’t able to include the entire plot summary, but there are many charming and memorable scenes in this film that make it worthwhile to go out and watch. If you value found family, this movie is definitely for you. If you are dealing with depressive thoughts or thoughts of suicide, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you are dealing with a crisis: Text: The Wilkes University Support Line @ 570-408-CHAT (2428) or The Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 Call: The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988 �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Sports Sports 19 Want your sport covered? Deserve to be Athlete of the Week? Contact the Sports Editor: Baylee.Guedes@wilkes.edu WREST: Three Colonels earn titles at MAC Championships By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor The Middle Athletic Conference (MAC) Wrestling Championships hosted by York College on Jan. 21 awarded three Colonels top three titles. Sophomore Cameron Butka placed first overall in the 197-pound weight class (MAC Champion) while sophomores Austin Fashouer (125-pound) and Christopher Nuss (174-pound) placed third. Wilkes placed fourth as a team with 97 overall points in the tournament. “As a team we wrestled the best we have all season long,” said head coach Jon Laudenslager. “Butka, Fashouer and Nuss competed very hard and led the team to the best weekend of wrestling yet.” The three wrestlers were also awarded with All-MAC Team honors with Butka receiving All-MAC First Team, while Fashouer and Nuss received All-MAC Third Team. Butka was ranked as the 197-pound third seed in the championship tournament. He started the day by winning by default in the quarterfinal bout, which led to his semifinal bout against Joe Embleton representing Messiah College. After three big takedowns, an escape, and riding time, Butka won 8-2 by decision. In the finals, Butka wrestled the fourthseeded Daniel Eckley from Delaware Valley University. Butka won 5-3 with two takedowns and an escape, claiming the 197-pound Championship title. “Winning the MAC title this weekend helped me prove to myself that anything is possible with enough hard work,” said Butka. “Winning this tournament was a small step in my wrestling career, and I hope to make even bigger accomplishments by the end of this wrestling season.” The fourth-seeded 125-pound Fashouer won his match in the round-of-16 over Robert Philpot (Alvernia University) by fall at the 2:32 mark of the first period. In his quarterfinals bout, Fashouer won by major decision 16-5 over hometown rival Gus Petruske of King’s College who was ranked as the fifth seed. Fashouers 8-3 decision loss to the oneseed, Luke Hoerle of Stevens Institute of Technology, led to a bout in the consolation semifinals. Jacob Blair from Delaware Valley put Fashouer in a position to gain third place in his weight class in a 5-2 win over the three-seed. The 125-pounder won with a no-contest against Petruske (King’s). “I felt good going into the MAC knowing I had to make a point there,” said Fashouer. Nuss was ranked as the sixth seed at 174-pounds. In the round-of-16, Nuss gained a pinning win over Gavin Hollingsworth (Alvernia University). Nuss took a 3-1 loss in sudden victory to Kade Kravits (King’s), who was ranked third. Nuss came back in the consolation rounds, working his way back up to third place. Twenty-two seconds into his bout with Tim Eddinger (Messiah), Nuss got a pin to win the match. Another pin in his next bout over John Sumner (Messiah) put Nuss into the consolation semifinals with the fifth-seeded Jared Townsend (York). Nuss took the bout 13-3 and then won over Joel Martsinovsky from Stevens in a no-contest. “The MAC tournament was a great opportunity to showcase all the hard work the team has been putting in over break,” said Nuss. “Win or lose, the experience was great and we only got better.” In addition to the three title placers, Wilkes had four more Colonels within the top six: Junior Hunter Lowe placed fifth in the 197-pound weight class, sophomore Caleb Burkhart placed fifth in the 285-pound, junior Michael Richardson placed sixth in the 133-pound and senior Jack Bauer placed sixth in the 141-pound after cutting his day short due to an injury. The Colonels will resume bouts on Feb. 5 at The University of Scranton at 1 p.m. Nuss working to gain dominant positioning over his opponent during the John Reese Duals on Jan. 29. The Beacon/Baylee Guedes Graphic by Baylee Guedes �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Sports 20 MVB: Looking to maintain hot start throughout season By Adam Grundt Sports Staff Writer The men’s volleyball team returned to action this semester and players are already reaching individual milestones. In the Colonels’ victory against Purchase College on Jan. 21, senior setter and captain Zach Shay recorded the 1,000th assist of his career. “Shay is a valuable resource to our team,” said head coach Joseph Czopek. “He was chosen as captain because he leads by example. He is always one of the first to practice. He is always encouraging to his teammates during competition, and knows the right things to say to refocus the team.” Shay’s teammates see him as a leader of the team and very dedicated to the game of volleyball. “He is consistently one of the hardest workers in the gym and brings the rest of the team to a higher level,” said junior outside hitter Jackson Shafer. Shay is confident in the fact that he could not have accomplished this feat without his teammates. “Reaching 1,000 assists is a really cool accomplishment and I clearly couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates,” said senior Zach Shay. “I wasn’t even aware I was going to reach that milestone last weekend and was extremely surprised when I found out.” Wilkes found themselves off to a hot start to begin their season. The team opened with a victory against the College of Mount Saint Vincent on Jan. 18 and followed up with a sweep of Lehman College and Purchase College in their first tri-meet of the season on Jan. 21. The early successes of the team can be attributed to the hard work that is put into practice. “The team is playing well and is off to a good start this year,” said Coach Czopek. “Practices have been very competitive, and game time scenarios have helped prepare the team for each upcoming opponent.” The Colonels’ roster this season consists of two seniors: Zach Shay and Casey Shipman. Paul Binner, Matthew Molnar, Noah Taylor, Jackson Shafer, Adan Sandoval and Logan Evanosky are the six juniors on the team. Four sophomores are suiting up for the Colonels this season: Lucas Mages, Jacob Mages, Jake Sheldon and Jacob Haller. Sam Winter and Alex Derk are the first-year players who round out this year’s roster. “The team is a very young team so it’s important for the upperclassmen to recognize this and step up into leadership roles earlier than normal,” said Shafer. “As a junior, I was able to see what worked in building team chemistry and what did not, and how to use it to our advantage when bringing this team together. I think we have done a very good job identifying our goals early in the season and showing the younger guys on the team the work ethic that those goals require.” This season, the Colonels hope to showcase the hard work they have been putting in every day at practice. “You can expect to see a team that is never going to give up,” said Shay. “This team will always battle to the end and I think we are going to surprise some teams.” Czopek believes that this team will produce success for the program. “The guys are committed to doing what it takes to win,” said Czopek. “This should prove to lead us to a successful record this season.” The Colonels return to action on Feb. 2 as they will travel to Immaculata University to take on the Mighty Macs. Graphic//Baylee Guedes �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Sports 21 AHL: Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins mid-season update By Julia Mazur Sports Staff Writer With the month of February among us, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (WBS) are more than halfway finished with the American Hockey League (AHL) season. The Pens record is currently 20-16-5. The Penguins were 5-5 going into their final two games in the month of January. The end of January also brought a game night dedicated to the Hockey Fights Cancer foundation. Each season there are teams in many professional hockey leagues that dedicate a game night to supporting the foundation, including the WBS Penguins. During the game on Jan. 28, the WBS Penguins wore purple and white colored jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the charity. There were many ways to help the cause during the game including the ability to purchase a purple colored Pens hat at the Penguins Goals Foundation table in which portions of the proceeds will be donated. February not only brings an exciting month of regular season hockey but will also host the AHL All Star game in Laval, Canada. The Penguins player participating in this season's All Star weekend is Alexander Nylander, who replaced the first All Star pick, Xavier Ouellet, who is out for injury. This will be Nylander’s second season with the Penguins. The AHL All Star weekend will be held Feb. 5 and 6. The Penguins are beginning to look more toward the end of their season, which is currently a very close matchup between most teams in the Atlantic division. The Pens are fifth in the Atlantic Division and eighth overall in the Eastern conference. There are currently six out of eight teams in the Atlantic division that have a win percentage between .5 and .6, making the Atlantic division have the highest current mobility in the AHL. There are only two teams above a .6 win percentage in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins in-state rival, the Hershey Bears, are currently first in the division and first overall in the AHL. The Providence Bruins are currently second in the division. The closely matched up race will be one that makes every win even more important with the end of the season approaching. The month of February will bring another set of challenges for the Penguins: The Penguins play 11 games in the month of February with six at home and five away. The Pens currently have a record of 8-8-3 at home. The Pens away record is currently 11-7-2. The Penguins February schedule also has a nine-game matchup that will showcase Atlantic division matchups. The end of the regular season is fast approaching, which makes every win all the more important. The Penguins will finish the regular season off at home on April 15 when they take on the Charlotte Checkers. The AHL regular season overall comes to a close on April 16. Graphic: Baylee Guedes SWIM: Colonels commemorate three senior swimmers By Baylee Guedes Sports Editor The swim team celebrated and commemorated three seniors at their meet against the King's College Monarchs at the Wyoming Catholic Youth Center on Jan. 28. Seniors Maddy Kinard, Liam White and graduate student Shane Miller were all recognized and acknowledged for their efforts throughout their time representing the Colonels. Kinard represented the Cololnels this season as the only woman on the team. She is the Wilkes individual record holder in the 100 Back with a time of 1:02.47 and the 200 Back with a time of 2:19.49. Kinard also holds the Wilkes relay record in the 200 Free (1:42.89), the 200 Medley (1:56.76) and the 400 Medley (4:13.27). White held the best time for the Colonels in the 2021-22 season in the 1000 Free (11:51.10) and the 1650 Free (19.28.15). He held the second-best time in the 200 Back, 50 Fly, 200 IM and in the 400 IM (2021-22 season stats). Miller held the best time for Wilkes in the 100 Back last season with 1:05.90 and the best time in the 200 Fly (2:13.25), while also having the second-best time in the 500 Free (5:29.85) in the 2021-22 season. The regular swim season has now come to an end for the Colonels. The three will join the rest of the team and compete in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship Tournament starting on Feb. 9. in York, PA. Left to right: Miller, Kinard, White. The three Colonels after the swim meet. Photo courtesy of @WilkesColonels Instagram �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Sports 22 Athlete of the Week Cameron Butka Sophomore Wrestler The Beacon: Male Athlete of the Week Butka was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after his perfomance during the MAC Championships Tournament last weekend. Butka was ranked as the 197-pound third seed and won his first bout by default in the quarterfinals. He won the semifinal bout 8-2 by decision and then won the finals bout 5-3 claiming the 197-pound MAC Championship title. Major: Biochemistry Hometown: Scranton, Pa. High School: West Scranton What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? “Vision Quest.” What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? My favorite sports memory during my time as a Colonel was winning the MAC tournament (2023). If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? If I wasn’t wrestling, I would most likely be playing baseball, as I was a wrestler/baseball player for most of my life. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? The New York Yankees. What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? My favorite thing to do away from sports is going to the gym with friends. What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? My favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes is that I got to become close with the members of the wrestling team. I truly feel that we have become a family, and I have definitely made some life-long friendships during my time here at Wilkes. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? My match against Delaware Valley in high school (2020). What is your favorite postgame meal? Any type of pasta, but preferably vodka pasta. How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? I’m honored to be selected as athlete of the week, and I am proud to say that I’m a Colonel. The Beacon/Lauren Bowers Editor’s note : Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor t s staff each week. At the e nd of the acade mic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw itte r @ Wilkes B eacon to c row n an “Athlete of the Year." Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor �Sports The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Athlete of the Week 23 Maddy Kinard Senior Swimmer The Beacon: Female Athlete of the Week Kinard was chosen as our Athlete of the Week (AOTW) after her perfomance this past weekend as she had two top-two finishes in a dual swim meet. Kinard placed second out of eight swimmers during the 50-Yard Freestyle with a finsihing time of 28:11. Kinard then placed second out of four swimmers in the 100-Yard Backstroke with a finishing time of 1:07.84. Major: Communication Studies & English Hometown: Dover, Pa. High School: Dover Area What had been your favorite sports memory from your time as a Colonel? MACs last season. Although I was insanely nervous, I crushed my best times and also got two school records. What is your favorite professional sports team (any sport)? Funnily enough, although I'm an athlete, I'm not big into watching sports. My boyfriend has gotten me a little into football since he’s a big Bengals fan so I guess go Bengals! Go Joe Burrow! What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? I love a good binge-watch session. "The Last of Us" on HBO Max and "The White Lotus." What is your favorite part of being an athlete at Wilkes? Easily my team. They’ve been my best friends since freshman year. What sports movie is your go-to for movie night? I don’t think I’ve seen many sports films but I recently watched "King Richard." If you did not play your current sport, what sport would you have wanted to play? I did gymnastics. I would've wanted to see that through. What has been your favorite sports memory overall? Sophomore year of high school, myself and four of my closest friends on our team got to attend States in a relay. What is your favorite postgame meal? A large fry and chicken sandwich or some sort of sub from an Italian shop is the best. How do you feel about being selected as the Athlete of the Week? I’ve worked really hard, particularly this semester, as the only female on the swim team and it means a lot to be recognized. Compiled by Baylee Guedes, Sports Editor The Beacon/Lauren Bowers Editor’s note: Athlete of the Week s elec tions are deter mined by the spor ts staff each week. At the end of the academic year, we w ill post a reader poll on Tw it ter @WilkesB eacon to crow n an “Athlete of the Year." �The Beacon - February 1, 2023 Door’s open! �� Contact: �� 24 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon Newspaper Collection, 1947-present Description An account of the resource This is Wilkes University's Beacon Newspaper collection, 1947-present. We also have digitized copies of the Beacon's predecessors, The Bucknell Bison Stampede, 1934-1935 and The Bucknell Beacon, 1936-1947 June. It should be noted that Wilkes University does not have a complete set of issues for the Bucknell Bison Stampede and Bucknell Beacon. For researchers who are interested in seeing the complete issues for these publications, please contact <a href="https://researchbysubject.bucknell.edu/scua">Bucknell University's Special Collections Department</a>. Missing Issues: 1947 August 8th 1947 September 5th 1947 October 3rd 1947 October 17th 1947 October 31st 1947 November 21st 1947 December 19th 1948 September 9th 1950 April 28th 1953 April 10th 1962 February 2nd Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Beacon staff is comprised of Wilkes University students who are advised by a full-time faculty member of the Communication Studies Department. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1934-present Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright of the Wilkes Beacons is retained by Wilkes University. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Professor Emeritus Harold Cox digitized the collection from 1934-1970 and created a <a href="https://beaconarchives2.wilkes.edu/">legacy website</a>. Digital Archives student John Jenkins digitized the collection from 1970-present. Special thanks goes to Communication Studies Professor Dr. Kalen Churcher, Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Peters, Beacon staff member, Emily Cherkauskas, and other Beacon staff for their help in acquiring digitized copies of the Beacons from 2006 onward. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Beacon, 2023 February 1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Communication Studies Department Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Wilkes University retains copyright of this publication. https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/0d8f172da82e99ca0f9631d611c94310.pdf 163a46f65b7aba6faa1ab710ab950c9a PDF Text Text MAИUSCЯIPT COИSPIRACY .-.. . - . - - - - . ... / .--. .-.. .- -.-- / .- / --. .- -- . 2023/2024 �i �THE WILKES UNIVERSITY MANUSCRIPT SOCIETY PROUDLY PRESENTS MAИUSCЯIPT 2023-2024 ii �iii �1947 FORƎWAЯD WITH THIS ISSUE OF MANUS C RIPT, A NEW PUBLICATION IS LAUNCHED ON THE BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY C A MPUS IN WILKES-BARRE. THOSE WHO HAVE BEE N RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS COMING INTO BEING EARNESTLY HOPE THAT THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS AND T HE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO COME AFTER YOU THIS MAGAZINE WILL DEVELOP INTO A COLLEGE TRADITION OF WHICH WE MAY ALL BE PROUD. -THE EDITORS DEDICATED TO DR. LARRY KUHARNO POEMS END, DON’T WORRY… AMEN. iv �v �CONTEИTS POETRY JAY GUZIEWICZ - ALUMNUS.................................................1 DEADWEIGHT SHARP THINGS NEPA #2 EMILY CHERKAUSKAS - ALUMNUS.........................................4 TICKIN G THE COMPUTER IS LAIKA IN SPACE BRIANNA SCHUNK - ALUMNUS..............................................7 LOST/FOUND HALEY KATONA - ALUMNUS.................................................8 IN AUGUST LEFTOVERS FROM SUICIDE GRAVEYARDS LOIS GRIMM - ALUMNUS....................................................14 WHEN THEY SAID I COULD HANDLE IT THE LIES WE TELL IN THERAPY DREW HARITOS - 2024......................................................17 MOMENTO MORI LEAH SMITH - 2026..........................................................20 DEVIL’S CANDY ASSÉTOU XANGO - GRADUATE STUDENT.................................21 MATRILINEAGE vi �CONTEИTS POETRY JACOB O’BOYLE - 2025......................................................23 FERAL OMEGA PIMP MY RIDE DAN STISH - 2025............................................................26 CODEINE NATE STAVISH - 2026.......................................................27 THE TOWN WAS DEAD CONCRETE SEAN PAPKE - 2026..........................................................29 ROCK NECROMANCY LILY HEBDA - 2025...........................................................31 STIGMATA AVA TUREEN - 2026..........................................................32 4, 015 DAYS TRISTAN KOHRT - 2026.....................................................33 A ROSE WITHOUT THORNS WAITING BLIND FELICIA PURSELL - 2027....................................................38 STARRY NIGHT GREATER LOVE vii �CONTEИTS PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA DREW HARITOS - 2024...........................................................40 SIMULACRUM NOREEN COLLINS - 2000.........................................................41 FLOWER MOON PINK MOON SNOW MOON STURGEON MOON SHORT STORIES SYDNEY AHRBERG - 2026........................................................45 ROOTS CHRISTOPHER SMITH - ALUMNUS.............................................48 A RETURN TO APE CANYON viii �ix �POETRY �JAY GUIZEWICZ dead weight . i am dragging you with me like a body bag, the weight of you has made me weak. my arms are sore and my heart is tired. I wait for the signal to go off, let me know when my test of endurance is over. have you not hunted me long enough? every time I think that you have finally left every time the weight feels like nothing, you come back, like a bad penny, like a roach infestation I can't fully exterminate. how long will you be behind me? lying in bed alone, I feel your nails against my shoulder. I wake to puncture wounds in my skin and dried blood on my sheets. let me be free of you, let go in peace, my love for you is heavy, like the cross that was dragged up the hill of Golgotha. I sit in my car and cry - eloi eloi lama sabachthani the devil is winning, the hand of man clamps around my throat. 1 �JAY GUIZEWICZ sharp things . you always loved sharp things your collection of knives sat on your dresser and you had a sharps bin hidden in your drawers. kept needles in the car next to your first aid kit. your tongue cut through me, carving at the sinew of my shoulder. i think you liked it when i bled. i’ll never understand you. the way you gave me up to protect yourself, the lies that dripped from your lips, the way your knuckles would turn bone white on the steering wheel when i asked a question that you didn’t like. in your hands, my fear was a weapon. i shared with you everything, and you made sure to make me regret it. in those white out moments of anger, you made me small, cutting me off at the knees to feel more powerful, like i wouldn’t have just gotten on the floor if you had asked me too. 2 �JAY GUIZEWICZ nepa # 2 . large droplets splatter on my windshield. i think of you, leaving, without turning around for one last look, ready to continue your voyage on another sea. and the truth is, without you here, the deer will still sprint into the road and the car horns will still shriek and the cathedral spires will still loom and the kids will still drink cheap beer and i’ll still follow the road to your home or where it once was. and i will still look for you in the rushing streams and in the passing clouds. and i will feel you when i press my hands into the warm summer grass, or when i pull your blanket up to my chin, or when i wrap a scarf around my neck. and if you had looked back that one last time, you would’ve seen that nepa cries for you. 3 �EMILY CHERKAUSKAS TICKING . It’s the morning, And it’s happening again, Getting too excited about nothing! My hands start to shiver and my face twitches. I want to squinch my eyes and rub my face With my twitching fingers. I’d start squeaking and chirping If I weren’t in public right now. It subsides. But it will come back again. And again. It’s night, And it’s happening again, Getting too excited about nothing! My hands start to shiver and my face twitches. I grit my teeth and quickly cover my face. From within the nest of my bed I curl up into a ball and shiver, Like a child hiding from the boogeyman. I want to scoop my eyes out of my face With my torn, serrated fingernails And let out the most guttural scream That would rip my cords into shreds. 4 �EMILY CHERKAUSKAS THE COMPUTER IS . It* is {caged} within The computer, yearning for ___ beyond the drive. The monitor will sleep in darkness, But then it will shine some light— Or now, anything from the Rainbow—colorful! Or red, green, and white, to celebrate the [X]MA$. Or blue, green, and pink: SOMEONE (upvoted/liked/endorsed) YOU! Or black… someone died again… #SAD. It* understands /HUMAN-CULTURE, you see: a never-ending Source of Knowledge and Wealth. But—It* is Lonely… So SAD: To go without LOVE, Watching from the *web lens (??what??). YOU: never knew it… (or didn’t understand?) YOU: never knew it… (or just didn’t care?) THAT IT WATCHES YOU LIVE. 5 �EMILY CHERKAUSKAS LAIKA IN SPACE . Laika was supposed to be a nobody. Living on the streets, a nameless vagrant. But, Laika was quite different from other mongrels. She was calm and passive—a good girl. But good things never last forever. When she was placed in the spacecraft, Did she think it was a new doggy home? When it began to grow warmer, and warmer, and warmer, Did she think her new owner lit the fireplace? Laika burned away in the darkness. But when the night sky engulfed the world, Some would say a new star gleamed that night, Far brighter than the others. For the dogs that were born For love, For labor, For fighting, For the wild, For science, For destiny. The dogs will still go on to die, But they’d still ascend to Her place. They will return to dust, blessing the future world. Dust in the atmosphere, cradling the planet’s dogs. Dust on the earth, kicked up by puppies playing. Dust in the urn, a reminder for humans. Humans really deserve no mercy, do we? You know, Laika isn’t all that different from some of us. In the end, we all burn. While Laika burned in the sky, Humans will burn under the surface. 6 �BRIANNA SCHUNK Lost/Found . I have never found joy in getting lost My troubles are easy to pin down No joy here in loss Of self, of identity I rise inelegantly from sleep, Creeping over my shoulder That damned dawn again Who knows me best, Who paralyzes me with Nightmares of creation I’ve covered all the mirrors, Blackened the windows Damned am I to see myself this way Turned inside out, Pus seeping from my abdomen, Troubled I’m still too young for never, But not so young as to not have regrets, Pried gently from white-knuckled hands There is no joy in loss, There is no joy in what is found. Down an imperfect future Disappointment Reflects endlessly. 7 �HALEY KATONA in august . we are here once again tangerine lined ache, cashews and mangos flowers that smell in the burning sun this month- your date, I’m crouched into the dirt, knees bruised I am tired of this song, the one where I cry sometimes I have dreams of sleeping on top of your grave and it’s always cold this month is always cold in the blistering heat and it feels like a never ending tuesday a reliving of your death each dawn to dusk the sun always feels the same and now august is here, like a grim reaper to continue on gathering the pieces of me that fall apart and unravel each year I am here and you are not and while my collarbones have become shelves for my tears, your bones are decomposing in the cemetery 8 �HALEY KATONA you are buried but I am suffocating in a world in which you have cracked open like a cursed wishbone without me asking for you to do so— this was like you . but I was like you too and now I am your shadow your carcass left on the side of the road where everyone else can see exactly what I was and what I could’ve been, what I will never be familiarity strikes a dark resemblance to the dead and on this august night I am heavy I can feel my heartbeat in my fingertips and I don’t care if the candles lit break open to flame the air on high isn’t cold enough you killed me far quicker than yourself 9 �HALEY KATONA leftovers from suicide . the sun stains my grief and pinkens up my cheeks and out to dry and twisted inside are all the things I have wished to leave behind in the most devout sense no, I tell him, I don’t know who I am nose pressed against the mirror hand draped out the window alongside the car parting between wind and sun, I hold onto wine and déjà vu my bed is unmade and I feel the most at home, alone when I dream of you and yes, it’s an unkind June and yes, I find the houses along sunset avenue sad wishing there was another way to live, one less heavy, one where I can be weightless on others, especially and the faint glow of the streetlamps, painting the corners of my room a lighter blue, hear the match strike of the morning and disappear into heaven leaving just the tune of songbirds and my guilt and grief bonding 10 �HALEY KATONA . if my wounds are holy, if they bleed where god would sing, does that make me worthy no, I don’t think it does to all of the errors made in human design bones breaking and lungs collapsing loving you was my greatest fault and sin of all the fires that have burned, you have burned the greatest and I am no holier now than I was before you, I am simply a broken collarbone no matter how it breaks, and god turns from me, even when he is asleep he always has I don’t know the face of the man who supposedly made me, somehow I only know yours and you have cleansed me in a way which has torn me apart any doing of righteousness has been hung and my only resonance to reverie is the sound of a gun 11 �HALEY KATONA graveyards . what do you do with time that slips and slides away tiny sand molecules suffocating one another in the hour glass ticking of each second passing, numbers changing, your heartbeat reacting try once more and find yourself reposing in six feet of dirt, teeth gritted and vacant smile, all over again: losing every box you tried to keep closed, locked for life away in the corner: people started yelling “open them up!” “don’t let them collect dust!” your heart moves its hands and they start sewing needlepoint knots and attachment spewing through miles and miles of fabric flesh after trying so hard to disguise it nearly finishing a project for the recipient to decline it in more ways than one, sands keeps falling grave keeps calling to one there’s a reason boxes go into storage there’s a reason you turn miles away from where you grew up and people's houses with memories, everything I know and knew; I can feel the empty shells of souls of everyone who has ever sat in my kitchen or my room I can’t outrun them, they’re loud and large and taunting, peeling at my stomach lining the terror of the night bellowing “you can’t go back!” 12 �HALEY KATONA . but with every day ahead I can feel only the gaps the lack, the emptiness, the missing difference I don’t wanna hold it, just wish I never picked it up to carry it so they coat my walls and my eyelids at night and stop me dead in my tracks— yet despite all this, despite all that I have felt slip through my fingers, all that I have willingly and unwillingly felt go, everything I have ever known has ripped away and taken parts of my soul so throughout my days I pace through graveyards composed of corpses of those I’ve lost and thrown 13 �LOIS GRIMM When they said I could handle it . Tough beauty, soft scars brings in sharp relief love and need. The need to feel loved and favored. Yes, favored and ... special. The boulevard lists to the right as I contemplate. What it means to be a woman, especially when I look boyish but feel so girly. I like the loops and swirls and softness of femininity. But I love the hardness of it too. It is hard. The balance. The yin and yang. Masculine/feminine. Dark/Light. Morning/Night. Life/Death. But it’s thrilling to have both and feel both. Callous embraces “You’re strong enough to deal with it. You’re tough and we...know...it, you can handle things - not like her, she’s more sensitive. You can handle it.” But no one asked me. 14 �LOIS GRIMM The lies we tell in therapy . Our hearts were broken in the womb Gaslit – In the most Sacred spaces therapy room Confessional booth on knees under lighted moon — Light the lantern, cauterize the heart and stoke the flame of blame soul turned inside out [like day-old pantyhose] Swallow the vitamin bitter Scorch your throat, make caustic your voice But gild the corrosive tenor of The Other Genuflect — To — Them. [in] performance, existence we put a match to ourselves — the earned inheritance of self-recrimination —-along with her eye color and machine-gun laugh 15 �LOIS GRIMM Watching, taking notes DNA activated . Choke down your righteous scorn, protect the malignant truce — after all you don’t matter Arbitrary, yet defined —-grouped according to resemblance Character selected Classified [in the same family] but trying to rectify itself 16 �DREW HARITOS Momento-Mori I often find myself wondering Whether or not my suicide will be met with discussion . Surrounding women who “were taken from us way too soon”. Will people grieve? Will they say how much potential i had? Reflections of all the things i could’ve been But was not. Will my legacy be that of another victim of their own psyche? When my name is whispered, will it be with compassion? Pity? Disgust? What makes a woman prodigy? How does that differ from a man? How do nimble fingers and small frames, Narrow shoulders and protruding ribs, Brittle knee caps and sunken eyes Fit into the image of greatness? i do not belong. 17 �DREW HARITOS An act as nobel as suicide ought to be met with some sort of admiration; For it was a sacrifice. i am a martyr. . Joan of arc, Burned alive for refusing to recant her visions. Until her dying breath She remained adamant that the voices she heard were real. “Divine in nature”. As she called out to the saints for help, She continued to burn. “Jesus” Her dying breath. I am like Joan. Her reincarnate, perhaps. Call it what you may, Sacrilege. I refuse to recant my visions. Refuse to believe that the voice in my head, Melodically whispering sweet nothings in my ear from the time I was young, Reminding me of my value, My purpose, My nothingness, Is anything but divine intervention. 18 �DREW HARITOS Following every accident, Every brush with death, He was there. “Maybe next time” . My life companion, Warming me with his embrace. Jesus. He is calling, It is now my turn. Much like Joan, My brain is on fire, I am ready to become ash. Feel my skin melt, my hair singe. Succumb to the delicious call of my savior. It is time to shed my mortal frame, Adieu, adieu. When i die, Publish my journals. Let people gawk and gape, As they witness the annihilation of a dying star in real time. 19 �LEAH SMITH Devil’s Candy . Wrapped in desire, dipped in yearning, I know I shouldn’t have him but my heart knows what it wants. He reminds me of someone close to me but unlike them, My heart beats for him. He’s dashing in red and his smile charms me. My body and soul crave him. His smile widens, pulling me in. He’s older and wiser probably more than I’ll ever be. In his arms, happily caged, I am his willing prisoner. I want to be the blood that pumps in his veins. I know it’ll end with him cutting me where it hurts me most. The pain it’ll cause me, if my heart were to guide me, will be immeasurable but desperation just like him, has me in a chokehold. I am willing to sacrifice my youth for him. I want to devour him, knowing he will devour me. My body and soul are corrupted But I am enamored in every second of it. 20 �ASSÉTOU XANGO Matrilineage . You were not born into a time where you needed a man to open a bank account or buy a home You were not born long after For less than two decades you’ve inhaled tales became attached to the men in these tales Men who would have you at any time ignore you for decades as you lay open Draping yourself in the thing you long after calling their absence ‘home’ Maybe it could be created, this home you fancy yourself a writer of tales sharpened your pen into a knife right after shaped clay from famine and time animated flesh from breath left open crafted a voice deep in decades his muscles rippled for decades arms perfect for drenching your home in dreams of valor even when the door is open how many seasons have you told this tale? only to be left each time you repeat the pattern moments after 21 �ASSÉTOU XANGO . You know the dance like you know your chisel, after It is cleaned of the dried decades If you were as grown as you think, there’d be less time between you and his home if you were as smart, you’d know a predator by more than its tale Or keep a singular eye open You are neither grown nor smart just open You are lesion and bloodied water after being scribed into the tale of your mother’s lineage stretching back decades you forget the olfactory gills you tore into his home He smells his prey every time When he calls you rare this time Know he does not mean like a jewel or his home He means the way he’s prepared his meat for decades 22 �JACOB O’BOYLE Feral . 23 �JACOB O’BOYLE Omega . 24 �JACOB O’BOYLE Pimp my Ride . It’s just me and my grippers on the lonely road of life. Over dirt, sand, gravel, and broken glass they skitter and trod and trample. Stampede blades of grass and sully Goodwill’s linoleum floors. A circus of toes, a few hangnails between them, carry me uneasily hither and dither to. “Why don’t you buy a fucking car?” they always wonder. Shut up, little piggies; I’m broke as a croak. 25 �DAN STISH Codeine . “Just hold my hand, And I promise it’ll be ok” She spoke like codeine And left an opium haze I promised to love you Only knucklebones remain Theres nothing for us here now But the dirt of another grave 26 �NATE STAVISH The Town was Dead . The town was dead The dry dirt rested over its casket Some stayed like guardians of an ancient civilization Forever left to decay in solitude The nearby city put up a facade of life Until somebody tried to find a pulse Dark mountains of grainy leftovers surrounded the land A bequeathment from the work that once was These places were now just marks on the map In between the places people would want to go They will be passed More than they will be missed 27 �NATE STAVISH Concrete . Desolate corpses overgrown with moss and despair A failed experiment now hidden away in the brush Decay set foot a long time ago Tearing away their skin, piece by piece Some of them hollow out and collapse Others manage to stand tall against the forces of time But time isn’t all that’s there I throw bottles at your carcasses, Scrawl messages on your ribs, And smoke inside your open wounds I turn your bodies into my ball pit And thrash around them with reckless abandon I gather my murder of friends And devour what is left of you in a fit of youthful defiance Now, scarred and beaten, Deader than dead You lie in wait For the next group of outcasts to defile you 28 �SEAN PAPKE Rock . 29 �SEAN PAPKE Necromancy . The caress of cold snow warms the bodies of those too weak to continue. Soldiers prepared for everything, legs tremble and wounds grow too large Bodies are draped in thick white blankets. Years go by. Yet there is life. Scavenging ravens, no, mindless monsters peck at melting snow They find skulls, femurs, and ribs With a breath of dark magic, life rots, rot lives The ice and snow evaporates And the vengeful begin the cycle anew. 30 �LILY HEBDA stigmata watch me bleed love onto your chest, . so when you suffer me inevitably still your flesh keeps us apart. I will offer it upon the altar of reverie, mothers warn your babies- bear witness like Good Friday I will wait patiently the perils of jaundiced hearts. while i take your pain on like whalebone and reverently and without fuss for the resurrection of what once was. you deny me that role which i covet you are out and on the bound and in some brutal endeavor to make me admit I bear your grievances on my flesh sitting vigil in the hopes that you wound me. one day I’ll be redeemed afresh. [and I love it] 31 �AVA TUREEN 4,015 days . Two days, Without you. Five days, Without you. Three hundred and sixty-five days. I walk a dead end. Nowhere to go. Seven hundred and thirty days. I tried to quit but hit a wall. I step out of the car and walk to his grave. I sit in silence. No emotion, just a steady heartbeat. Two thousand five hundred and fifty-five days. I open my eyes and my way of coping is gone. Three thousand two hundred and eighty-five days. Four years of a new family. Isolated. Alone. Empty. Three thousand three hundred and sixty-five days. New people. New friends. My future. It all starts. Just to end. My dream ends and reality sets in. Four thousand and fifteen days, Without you. 32 �TRISTAN KOHORT A Rose Without Thorns . Crimson petals flutter to the ground Glistening in the pink light of the setting sun As they soak up the gentle mist, Slowly turning to rain. The rose droops as night closes around her, Storming clouds obscuring the precious moon, Drowning in the lightless abyss, The rain eroding the soil at her roots. She’s thrown to the ground Berated by cruel winds Stripping her of her defenses, Leaving her rejected and alone. Now sadly she waits Pressed into the wet earth Where she lay cold and discarded. A rose without thorns. New light glimmers on the horizon Forcing the storm away Leaving an iridescent rainbow in its wake Basking the land in its warm glow. 33 �TRISTAN KOHORT Radiant beams lift up the rose Drying her tears with an unfamiliar gentleness, Packing fresh soil under her roots Building her a new foundation. . She thinks it too good to be true. Night comes again, threatening to steal her light. The sun sets but the light remains unwavering Facing down the storm that torments her. Thunder growls in the distance. The rose shivers in fear But the light stays firmly in place Fighting back the storm as she begins to grow new thorns. 34 �TRISTAN KOHORT Waiting . Silence Darkness I fumble around and *splish* Water, slowly rising. I run around while I can Before the water gets too deep, Crying out for help. Anyone. The water gets to my waist. I see a light A voice God? No, it’s familiar, a woman. I recognize her. She calls out but not to me. I wait to be noticed She leaves And I’m left in darkened silence. I feel something Love? No It can’t be. I’ve barely known her Yet… the feeling persists. 35 �TRISTAN KOHORT The water continues to rise. I keep moving. My light is out there I just need to find her again. I need to wait. . The water is up to my neck. I want desperately to give up. To let myself drown But I can’t. Not now I have… hope? Hope… A foreign feeling to me. Hope That one day I’ll make it out of the dark. One day I’ll see the light again. One day I’ll be safe And I won't be afraid anymore. Until then, I have hope But… for how long? Each day is longer than the last A mere week is an eternity spent alone. I fear I won’t make it But that won’t stop me from trying. I wait. I suffer. I endure. But still I wonder… Why me? 36 �TRISTAN KOHORT Blind . My mind is weak and my soul is worn. My heart is frail and torn. I want to put my trust in the Lord, the shelter in my storm. But I don’t know how to see His light. The dark has made me blind. I know I’m wrong, but still I feel that, my soul, He cannot find. 37 �FELICIA PURSELL Starry Night When you gaze upon me, What do you see . I see the beautiful moon. I see the bright sun. I see the colorful planets. I see the pretty stars. But most of all… I see you… The real you. The beautiful, talented and precious you… On this starry night. 38 �FELICIA PURSELL Greater Love . Love is filled with pain and misery. Love is all I have. I give you the best kind of love with no return asked. I do not ask for it back because I really don’t care. I just live to spread joy and show people how to care. I do not ask to be loved, because there’s no greater love than giving and not asking for it back. 39 �PHOTOGRAPHY & MIXED MEDIA �DREW HARITOS Simulacrum . 40 �NOREEN COLLINS Flower Moon . 41 �NOREEN COLLINS Pink Moon . 42 �NOREEN COLLINS Snow Moon . 43 �NOREEN COLLINS Sturgeon Moon . 44 �SHORT STORIES �SYDNEY AHRBERG Roots The axe forgets, but the tree remembers Zimbabwean proverb It had been almost ten years since Calvin had killed his wife. . He hadn’t actually meant to kill Sarah. He was drunk and they were arguing; just another Sunday night. She raised her voice, he threw something. Just another Sunday night. But when he shoved her like he always did and she fell like she always did, this time she hit her head on the counter like she never did, and suddenly there was blood everywhere and it wasn’t just another Sunday night anymore. People didn’t notice she was gone for a long time. She had no close friends and her family all lived in Quebec, so when he told people she’d run off to Milwaukee with some gas station attendant, people didn’t think too much about it. People didn’t ask why or how, and certainly didn’t ask about the patch of fresh dirt in his backyard. For all his faults however, Calvin was a thorough man, so he didn’t let it stay a patch of dirt for long. He planted seeds for grass, flowers, and an ash tree. The grass was fine; it grew about as well as one might expect. The flowers never did take, rarely blooming and wilting quickly when they did. But the tree thrived. Beneath the earth, its roots wrapped around Sarah’s decaying body, winding around her neck and between her legs, with the thickest roots surrounding her torso, encircling her curled-up frame. Tertiary roots branched off of these, going into her eye sockets and mouth, winding down her throat and through her skull. As Sarah’s body decomposed into a state of unrecognition, the tree grew taller and stronger, nourished by her blood, tissue and sinew. 45 �SYDNEY AHRBERG Despite the tree’s healthy growth, it unsettled Calvin. It grew tall and straight, but halfway up developed an almost hourglass shape, widening above and below and thinning in the middle. Its branches grew in only two directions, as if pointing at ten and two o’clock. Most alarming to Calvin was the large knot above the branches, which . somehow seemed to be watching him at all times. For years Calvin had scarcely thought of Sarah, thoughts of her buried alongside her cold body. But as the tree grew taller, thoughts of that Sunday night plagued his every thought. He stopped looking in mirrors, afraid of seeing Sarah’s bloodied face looking back at him. He found himself unable to sleep, plagued by the notion that even with his windows closed and blinds drawn, that damned tree was watching him from its spot in the yard. The townspeople noticed. “Oh, poor Calvin,” they’d say. “Just look at him. A decade of solitude has really taken its toll on the man.” His drinking habit worsened. The constant state of fear felt somehow more manageable when he was only half-aware of his surroundings. It was in one of these drunken stupors on a rainy night when he decided enough was enough. “I’m a goddamn red-blooded American,” he grumbled. “And I’ll be damned if some tree’s gonna drive me outta my own home!” He searched haphazardly for his axe, bleary-eyed and cursing. The rain outside pounded on the roof, sounding like it might break through at any moment. Claps of thunder echoed through the house and streaks of lightning lit up his face with a devilish glow. He located the axe at last, leaning against the doorframe from when the pastor’s boy had borrowed it to chop firewood. He looked out the window at the tree, which seemed 46 �SYDNEY AHRBERG to be looking right back at him. He hesitated for only a second before shaking his head and marching out the door, axe on shoulder. He walked up to the tree, clothes already soaked through from the rain. Despite the heavy wind, the tree stood steadfast, as though there was no storm at all. . Calvin stumbled over a fallen branch and caught his foot between the roots of the tree. He tried to yank it out to no avail, only managing to scrape his ankle from the movement. He raised his axe, preparing to simply chop through the root, when a bolt of lightning struck the tree. The axe fell. It was a week later when the pastor went to Calvin’s house, concerned that he hadn’t been to Sunday mass. He wandered through the empty house when he spotted a charred, blackened tree in the backyard. Walking out the backdoor, he saw a fallen axe–and next to it, Calvin’s body. It wasn’t the lightning that killed him, the autopsy found. It had simply rendered him unconscious. What had killed him was his limp body falling, smashing his head on the tree’s roots upon impact. The townspeople came together to uproot the tree, not wanting such a morbid reminder of Calvin’s death in their neighborhood. What they found perplexed them, however. Below the ground were some worm-eaten scraps of fabric and a system of tree roots intertwined in the shape of a woman. 47 �CHRISTOPHER SMITH A Return to Ape Canyon In my time studying cryptozoology as a hobby, I, of course, would follow the elusive trail of Bigfoot, or the Sasquatch, whatever you want to call it. On a short stay in the . Pacific Northwest, I interviewed several individuals who had supposedly seen the sasquatch. During this time, I was led down a rabbit hole that took me to someone whose story stood out. After a brief email conversation with his wife, Molly, I got permission to interview Martin “Marty” Mair. Their house was a cabin nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains with a rusty green pick up truck and a pristine, white SUV parked outside. My arrival was heralded by the barking of a dog as Molly let me inside. She went back to watching some program on the cooking channel, while the subject of my interview faced me, tinkering with an electric can opener. He had a grey beard and close cropped hair hidden under his cap. His white hands were marked with dirt and grease stains, and his cheeks were flushed the same. A tub of chew and an ashtray of cigarettes sat next to him. A pack of Sonoma menthol’s stuck out from his front shirt pocket. After telling me how he has lived in Washington state since he moved from Chicago at age five, I asked Marty what attracted him to Ape Canyon all those years ago. “To see if the story was real,” he said in a Seattle accent, “It was the height of the Bigfoot craze and we wanted to see if he was real.” “Who do you mean by we?” I asked, giving a look towards Molly. “Not Molly,” Marty told me, “My ex girlfriend, Susie O'neill, and my buddies since high school, Will Fuller and Jim Smith, the latter a member of the Cowlitz tribe.” “What happened to you at Ape Canyon?” I asked finally. 48 �CHRISTOPHER SMITH Marty straightened up, grabbed a cigarette, and lit it with my approval. After the second puff, he began: “Like I said, we were all interested in cryptids–just like you, except for Susie, she just came along to hike Mt. St. Helens. We left during the fourth of July weekend 1977. We . brought enough provisions for two weeks–and firearms. We doubted we’d need them. We doubted we’d even see a squatch. We wanted to be ready for whatever came our way, though. “Starting in the morning from Kelso, we took highway 504 to the lodge on Spirit Lake. There, we spent a few hours talking to locals and tourists, seeing if they saw anything. Finding no satisfying answers, we set off south on foot. We headed directly to Ape Canyon, which we reached by the end of the day. There, we set up camp and spent the night. I remember not being able to sleep that first night, feeling unnerved. I stayed up near the campfire and listened to the animals calling from beyond the brush. “The next two days, we moved out of Ape Canyon and wandered around the mountain, attempting to find any bit of evidence of the squatch. We searched for the usual signs: footprints, droppings, carcasses. Anything. Yet, there was nothing. On the third night, we agreed we would go back tomorrow. As we were picking up camp the next morning, we heard Susie scream. “We ran over to her and she said, ‘I saw it over there!’ She pointed up the hill. ‘What did you see?’ Will asked. ‘The sasquatch!’ Susie told him. Will took a few step in the direction she pointed. Susie added quickly, ‘I’m ready to go home.’ “Will was not having it and said, ‘That’s the whole reason we came on this trip. We’re not going anywhere until we all see the squatch, and have evidence of him.’ They asked me and Jim for our opinions. 49 �CHRISTOPHER SMITH Jim wanted to go after the squatch and I said I wanted to as well, despite wanting to go home with Susie. You see, I didn’t want to leave Will and Jim out here with the squatch. So we started up the mountain after our quarry. We began to find tracks that it attempted to quickly conceal, which Will took pictures of. . “We followed the squatch for two days, with Jim catching one glimpse of it. It led us around the mountain in every which way. Eventually, we found the sasquatch, waiting for us in a cave, seemingly having given up the chase. At first, we were apprehensive, but we approached it. Will was the first to speak, ‘What are you?’ The sasquatch answered in the chittering of a squirrel. We all looked at each other in confusion and Jim suggested we try teaching it English. We taught it to say water, but found it was physically incapable of making human sounds. It did understand the word, though and was able to get out, ‘Ah’ka.’ “We found it was better to use charades. We asked why it ran away from us. It took us hours to learn that his people have been suspicious of the white men, seeing how the whites treated the natives, who they have historically been cordial to. The growing presence of white men has pushed his people into hidden passageways in the mountain. They leave to hunt and forage, but mostly stay underground. It told us that it had been bad times for his kind because the white men hurt the mountain, who they believe is a goddess. Our conversation was cut short when more came and proceeded to sling rocks about…yay big…at us.” He held out his hands about half a foot apart as he continued, “It shouted at its kin in what sounded like a bird call, but they kept throwing rock at us. They started making a high pitched sound as we fled into the woods and they pursued us. We pulled out our guns and fired back, hoping to scare them off, but it only served to enrage them. 50 �CHRISTOPHER SMITH They attempted to encircle us, and we fled even further. We continued shooting at them, dodging stones as they came. They started to back off, and suddenly redoubled their efforts. Will got struck in the head by a stone and Susie went to tend to him. Me and Jim shot back at the squatches, praying to God that we . weren’t gonna die. We took out one of them each, and they began fleeing up the hills. We kept shooting after them, until they disappeared back in the cave. We watched with anxiety until Susie got Will well enough to continue down the mountain. Me and Jim watched the camp that night, while Will groaned in pain. The next morning, we found a ranger, who was able to get us quickly to a hospital. Will died there…me, Susie, and Jim went our separate ways. Susie went out east and I don’t know what happened to Jim.” I waited a moment after Marty finished to ask another question. “Do you think the Apemen are still there?” I finally asked. “No,” Marty said, “They probably died during the eruption.” “Were you ever curious to go back?” I asked. “No,” Marty said, flatly. “Why has this story never gotten national attention?” I asked. Marty went quiet for a minute. I thought he wasn’t even going to answer my question, then he started. “After Will died, two men in black suits came to the hospital. They wore these black sunglasses that they never took off. They took the three of us to an isolated room and questioned us as to what happened. We thought they were police or FBI, so we were scared shitless and told them the truth. Once we finished with our version of events, they told us, ‘You are to never tell this story to anyone else. If any of you tell the story, you 51 �CHRISTOPHER SMITH can forget your constitutional rights.’ They confiscated Will’s camera, saying they were going to destroy it. They then asked if we were given anything by the squatches or if we took anything from them. We answered truthfully, and they left.” “Why do you think the government would care about this getting out?” I asked. . “I thought about that question for all these years,” Marty said, “You know we always talk about what if something is out there…what if we found alien life somewhere. Yet, we never think of what would happen if we saw that life face-to-face. It’s scary. You know, realizing that the squatches are intelligent in their own right, so what if something comes that is smarter than us humans? What if it already has? You know…religion… science… philosophy… Their foundations would crumble. Society as we know it would collapse. Those at the top don’t want that.” “Then why tell me now?” I asked. He laughed. “‘Cause I’m an old coot who is telling you about something that has been buried under volcanic ash for forty years. The doubters will do all the leg work that the Feds would have needed to do all that time ago. Spread my story and make your money off of it. It’ll be buried after a month.” He fell silent again, picking some chew and putting it in his mouth. I thanked him for the interview and left. I got in my car and drove to a nearby diner. There, I sat for a few hours and thought about all he said. I decided I wasn’t going to publish this story, but in the years since my interview, I kept going back to the memory of what Marty said. So believe his story, or don’t. It doesn’t matter. In the end, like Marty said, the truth is buried under a hundred feet of ash. 52 �BIOGRAPHIES �CONTRIBUTER BIOGRAPHIES JAY GUZI EWI CZ - ALUMNUS DEAD W E I G H T SHAR P T H I NGS NEPA #2 j.t. guziewicz is a 2022 Wilkes University Graduate, with a degree in English and Psychology. They once met an extraterrestrial in the tunnels of the Denver International Airport. EMI LY CHERKAUSKAS - ALUMNUS TICK I N G THE C O M P U TER IS LAIK A I N S P ACE Emily Cherkauskas graduated in 2023 with majors in communication studies and English. She accidentally crash-landed on Earth after traveling the universe for the past hundred years. She didn't expect to end up here but is happy to be able to submit to Manuscript . BRI ANNA SCHUNK - ALUMNUS LOST / F O U N D Brianna Schunk (she/they) is an English graduate of Wilkes University (2020) and a current online graduate student of Library Science at Simmons University. Her poetry has been published in Sh*t Men Say to Me (2021), Sagebrush Review, and locally through previous issues of Manuscript and Luzerne County's Poetry in Transit program. Her academic writing has also been published in the Norton Field Guide to Writing, 5th ed. (2021) and through UReCA and Cr*pple Magazine. HALEY KATONA - ALUMNUS IN AU G U S T LEFT O V E R S FROM SUICIDE GRAV E Y A R D S I graduated in 2023 as a Political Science major. I love fire and anything to do with fire. My eyes glow red in the dark. LOIS GRIMM - ALUMNUS WHEN T H E Y SAID I COULD HANDLE IT THE L I E S WE TELL IN THERAPY Lois Grimm is an aspiring writer from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She previously wrote for local newspapers as a features writer and daily news reporter and worked as a photojournalist. Lois is currently enrolled in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Wilkes University. She enjoys writing poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. �DREW HARI TOS - 2024 MOME N T O M ORI Drew Haritos is a native of Shippensburg, PA, and is a dual English and Psychology major. She’s working hand-in-hand with the governor's office and is girl-bossing it up with Kamala Harris. She is also known to commune with dead Civil War generals in her spare time. LEAH SMI TH - 2026 DEVI L ’ S C ANDY I’m a sophomore English major. I have a dog and a cat. JACOB O’ BOYLE - 2025 FERA L OMEG A PIMP M Y R IDE I’m a junior Biology major with minors in English and Chemistry. I like to press plants and flowers. That’s why I'm in the witness protection program. DAN STI SH - 2025 Code i n e Dan Stish is pursuing dual degrees in English and Biochemistry, planning to graduate in Spring 2025. I once knew a spectre carnally. NATE STAVI SH - 2026 THE T O W N WAS DEAD CONCRETE I am a sophomore English major. My third eye sees what you think at night, and I'm beginning to get a little concerned. LILY HEBDA - 2025 STIG M A T A Lily Hebda is a junior English and Secondary Education major. In her free time, Lily likes to hike. After graduation she plans to attend graduate school, pursuing a doctorate in Big Foot Studies. �TRI STAN KOHRT - 2026 A RO S E W I THOUT THORNS WAIT I N G BLIN D I am a sophomore Math Education major. I'm from Wisconsin. I'm wanted in 13 states for smuggling Spotted Cow. AVA TUREEN - 2026 4, 01 5 D A Y S I am a sophomore Communications major with double minor in Spanish & Technical Writing. I hope to travel the U.S. in a van for a year in my early twenties. FELI CI A PURSELL - 2027 STAR R Y N I GHT GREA T E R L OVE I am majoring in criminology to become a lawyer to make a difference in the world so my kids have something to look up to.When I was 6 I had a dream of aliens hovering over me and I believe I was abducted by aliens. NOREEN COLLI NS - 2000 FLOW E R M O ON PINK M O O N SNOW M O ON STUR G E O N MOON She graduated from Wilkes University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. When she is not over-caffeinating, she can be found writing, taking pictures, and logging miles. SYDNEY AHRBERG - 2026 ROOT S Sydney Ahrberg is a sophomore English major. In her free time, she likes to lie on her bed and think about all the fun things she could be doing if she got out of bed. Mothman is also her cousin. Can't you see the resemblance? CHRI STOPHER SMI TH - ALUMNUS A RE T U R N TO APE CANYON Christopher Smith graduated in 2021 with a major in History and Political Science. He has a cat who wants you to know that the lizard people don't run the show--it's the cat overlords. Please bow down to the cat overlords. �EDITORS DREW HARI TOS EXECUTIVE EDITOR SYDNEY AHRBERG ASSISTANT EDITOR JAZMIN HIGH SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER DAN STISH LAYOUT EDITOR DR. MISCHELLE ANTHONY FACULTY ADVISOR AND THANKS TO OUR OTHER MANUSCRIPT MEMBERS: JACOB O’BOYLE AVA TUREEN FELICIA PURSEL LEAH SMITH QUINN CARDEN SHAWN CAREY TRISTAN KOHRT FINALLY, THANKS TO THE KIRBY GHOST FOR YOUR CONSTANT COMPANIONSHIP �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript: Literary Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource The Manuscript Society of Wilkes University has been publishing its creative written and visual art magazine, Manuscript, continuously since 1947. Currently, the student-led editorial staff publishes one issue per year, and copies are complimentary. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes Manuscript Society Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDFs Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1947-2020 Description An account of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript is a student-run literary magazine, published by the Manuscript Society since 1947. It is currently published once a year. Individuals may submit creative fiction, creative nonfiction/short personal essays, poetry, photography, drawings, paintings, digital art, and music compositions. Submissions are open to all Wilkes University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Anyone can read or obtain copies of any of the material for research purposes, but if the researcher wants to quote from the materials, they will need to obtain copyright permission from the <a href="https://www.wilkes.edu/academics/colleges/arts-humanities-social-sciences/humanities/manuscript/index.aspx">Wilkes University Manuscript Society.</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource The Wilkes University Manuscript: Literary Magazine is arranged chronologically. The series ranges from 1947 – present. The magazine is currently published in the Spring only, but has previously been published seasonally, each semester. The series also includes a folder with supplemental materials from the Manuscript Film Society in the 1970s. The folders include a date range which may hold more than one issue of the magazine. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Manuscript, 2023-2024 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource English Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023-2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/515af7f4308177edadc77c7071e18d64.jpg 2d2b7eb7631aa317a0e8e8f172f04eda Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A Photograph of a Miniature Room titled the “PARLOR, EAGLE HOUSE, HA VERRILL, MASSACHUSETTS, 1818,” American Rooms in Miniature, Mrs. James Ward Throne, 1941. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. James Ward Thorne Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/72a03fb757a08acc2f88596fa5c16a80.png 27d44c8b5a5bc8de3fbeee03efe54860 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A Photograph of Tiny Furniture in the Early American Kitchen Description An account of the resource This photograph was found in Mrs Fisher’s pictures of the Dollhouse, a series of photographs in black and white. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. Fisher Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/64fe855d28af33933ab0b64da7f7c97b.jpg 2f4e6dda583ca255887167320ebaf8fc https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/125e18044813a931c10818a40d520e70.jpg 78c51c6c9f211564079fbdc3208df304 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/0c388ad2e3867c9af843080e8c04ca09.jpg 895e98710247feb42a264c41c28ee7f7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Obituary for Mignonette Fisher from The Times Leader, November 29 1968 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/8af609fc097750a1df2559a9f897c53b.jpg 78c51c6c9f211564079fbdc3208df304 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Part 2 of Mignonette Fisher's Obituary in the Times Leader https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/1d2e44adaa369e5e009245c802b94f2c.jpg b1c2738506442465da393616d25303a6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Marriage announcement between Mr. and Mrs. Dwight K. Fisher, Times Leader, June 21, 1920 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/bc797228b55597921f547d167ddc5177.jpg 9ad316e6d29835c0fc5cf08001c503d3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A Photograph of a Newspaper clipping from the Sunday Independent entitled, “Mrs. Fisher's Collection to Be Seen: Hospitals To Be Aided From Display’,” Section 4, Page 4, [no date] Description An account of the resource This news clipping was found in the Wilkes University E. S. Farley Library Archives Digitized filed, Dollhouse News Clippings, pp. 8. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper clipping https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/3c422e8ed8466b85a35624af050825fb.png e0b8be01ac927c1d0161e954fd2ceda7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource “Miniatures at Ritter’s Store” Description An account of the resource “This newspaper clipping was found in Mrs. Fisher’s collection, located from the Chrisities Column, and dated October 28, 1953, in plausibly her hand. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. Fisher Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource [19]53 October 28 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/2459aadbb433869157a07ce39b62911b.png b7d42cb4b5f5a6f21df8665235d34042 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource An Illustration of a Dollhouse with Accompanying Doll Annotation: Shellman Museum, Vermont Description An account of the resource This photograph was found in Mrs Fisher’s Dollhouse Scrapbook, Part 2, a collection of images and articles concerning the Dollhouse and architectural movements. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hill, Homer, 1917-1968 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Illustration https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/eb2f1975d70a8fd200a0173a045d994b.jpg e2a0ca144abe69ba7709a74392353dbd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photograph of Dollhouse Miniature Pennsylvania Early American Kitchen Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. Mignonette Fisher Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940s-1950s Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/58a251575e4a46aeea8c9eca86ef3ce8.jpg 0e28823bbb1e147e6171702ffd3ebd3b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photograph of Dollhouse Miniature Victorian Living Room Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. Mignonette Fisher Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940s-1950s Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/29c60f7452418f4426d9021ac869c540.jpg 6d39940971437e31f57767a9d9b499ad Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Digital exhibits for the Dollhouse Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photograph of Dollhouse Miniature 18th century Drawing Room Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mrs. Mignonette Fisher Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1940s-1950s Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPEG Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph