2/7/08
By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff
It is hard to balance school life with family life. “I am always finding it hard to give the attention that both equally deserve,” Diane Tanguay, a senior and non-traditional student at LSC, said. Tanguay lives in Orleans with her husband, her teenage son, and her daughter who is attending college in NC and majoring in Pharmacy.
About 30 percent of LSC’s student populations are non-traditional students or commuters. There are many social, educational, and economic challenges that non-traditional and commuter students face everyday such as:
Dealing with bad weather
Many students travel from the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and there are many days especially in the winter when the weather is different in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area than it is Lyndonville.
Many commuters feel as though it is not safe to travel to get to college, however, if they use their own judgment and do not attend class because of the weather situation they are penalized by their professors for not attending class.
It can be snowy and miserable in the Derby-Newport and Orleans-Barton area and then once over Sheffield Heights it can be totally clear and beautiful. There are many students who ask the question to themselves: At what point do you take a risk and travel over Sheffield Heights?
Cost of gas
With the cost of gas rising everyday there are many students who are feeling the affects. “Traveling from Orleans to Lyndonville five days this semester is putting a strain on my finances this semester due to the fact that gas is over $3 a gallon,” Tanguay said.
For many commuters it costs anywhere from twenty dollars to $50 a week to drive back and forth to classes that averages to be between $300 and $750 throughout the semester.
Social isolation
Being a non-traditional student can leave many isolated because they have other activities and responsibilities that they must juggle and tend to. For the most part, college students socialize after classes are done and they are doing something that they enjoy or participating in an extra-curricular activity.
The majority of non-traditional students are not involved in non-academic activities for the simple fact that they have families and responsibilities outside of college.
Difficulty with class structure
Many non-traditional students find it very difficult to transition back to school because they have been out of the routine of school for so long. Not attending classes for years many loose the skills that they learned in high school about taking notes. There are many professors who lecture very fast so as students you have to learn what is key information and write the information fast because the professors move at a rapid pace.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Emergency defibrillators are now being implemented on campus
2/7/08By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Defibrillators have been strategically placed around campus in case a person has a medical emergency.
A defibrillator is a device that is used to restore normal heart rhythm to patients in cardiac arrest, according to FDA Heart Health Online. The defibrillators around campus are automated external defibrillators, which automatically analyzes heart rhythm and delivers the appropriate voltage.
The defibrillators around campus are being placed in areas where there is heavy traffic, such as the residence halls, the gym, lobbies, and public safety, said Jonathan Davis Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The Health and Safety Committee had discussed purchasing several defibrillators although each unit is fairly expensive, said Davis.
The defibrillators, which are made by Zoll, are automated so that they will give step-by-step instructions as to how to use them, said Davis. This insures that “it will not produce a charge unless it senses that it needs to,” said Davis.
Although the defibrillators can be used by anybody, the resident life staff are specifically trained to use them, said Davis. However, a broader training course is needed for the staff and public safety. In the case of an emergency it would be preferred that somebody with training would use the defibrillator, said Davis.
Ryanne Ayers, a senior English major and RA in Wheelock said she and the other RA’s spent three days training for different medical situations which included using the defibrillators. Should the need arise to use a defibrillator, “I feel confident because I’m not in charge of the shock,” said Ayers.
“It’s our job to make sure people are safe, it’s not just about catching people doing stuff they’re not supposed to,” said Ayers.
“We don’t want to put too many people in situations where they run up against something they aren’t familiar with,” said Davis.
The defibrillators are designed so that they will give step-by-step instructions by voice, such as telling where the contacts are to be placed or if CPR should be administered, said Davis. The proper electrical charge will be automatically chosen should a person need it, said Davis.
Each defibrillator case is alarm activated so that if the case is opened or tampered with an alarm will sound.
Currently not all of the defibrillators have been activated around campus but there are active ones next to the athletic department and at public safety.
Music and arts festival
2/7/08
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
It certainly seems as if the wheels of LSC are in motion these days as plans are made for a regional arts and culture festival.
With many new projects and additions to the college already in sight, the college is planning another exciting attempt to expand the school’s horizons. In a collaborative effort with Ginn Resorts, LSC is planning an ambitious new project. The event is still in the early developmental stages, but some core concepts have been established.
September saw the introduction of Burke Mountain’s first annual fall music festival, which was headlined by the successful Vermont-based band Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Expanding on the ideas and success of Burke Mountain Music Festival (which will remain as a separate, distinct event), this new festival would incorporate a similar format, but also add several other elements of entertainment that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. In addition to music, there will be other artistic and theatrical performances and exhibits.
Inspiration for the festival is actually being drawn from a preexisting event developed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. ASU established the event known as “An Appalachian Summer Festival” over twenty years ago. Since then the festival has blossomed in to a prestigious and successful tradition. Over the years, the festival has hosted a wide variety of performers including Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, and Bruce Hornsby; as well as various theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibits.
The new festival would not necessarily follow this archetype as far as the types of performers it books, but is drawing more influence from the goals Appalachian State established when creating their event. LSC and their partners are interested in ASU’s desire to establish an event that would make their institution more visible, help in setting a high standard of class and excellence reflective of the institution, and draw more people to the institution and area that may not come otherwise.
Right now, the goal is to draw around 3,000 people to the event, based upon the size of the school and the population of the area. The timeframe for the event would consider other local events as to not draw any attention away from pervious traditions and established events in the community. The idea is that the festival would occur late in the month of June.
By Matt Vercillo
Critic Staff
It certainly seems as if the wheels of LSC are in motion these days as plans are made for a regional arts and culture festival.
With many new projects and additions to the college already in sight, the college is planning another exciting attempt to expand the school’s horizons. In a collaborative effort with Ginn Resorts, LSC is planning an ambitious new project. The event is still in the early developmental stages, but some core concepts have been established.
September saw the introduction of Burke Mountain’s first annual fall music festival, which was headlined by the successful Vermont-based band Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Expanding on the ideas and success of Burke Mountain Music Festival (which will remain as a separate, distinct event), this new festival would incorporate a similar format, but also add several other elements of entertainment that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. In addition to music, there will be other artistic and theatrical performances and exhibits.
Inspiration for the festival is actually being drawn from a preexisting event developed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. ASU established the event known as “An Appalachian Summer Festival” over twenty years ago. Since then the festival has blossomed in to a prestigious and successful tradition. Over the years, the festival has hosted a wide variety of performers including Willie Nelson, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, and Bruce Hornsby; as well as various theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibits.
The new festival would not necessarily follow this archetype as far as the types of performers it books, but is drawing more influence from the goals Appalachian State established when creating their event. LSC and their partners are interested in ASU’s desire to establish an event that would make their institution more visible, help in setting a high standard of class and excellence reflective of the institution, and draw more people to the institution and area that may not come otherwise.
Right now, the goal is to draw around 3,000 people to the event, based upon the size of the school and the population of the area. The timeframe for the event would consider other local events as to not draw any attention away from pervious traditions and established events in the community. The idea is that the festival would occur late in the month of June.
“Ally” what is it?
2/7/08By Ben Holbrook
Managing Editor
Although there are numerous signs saying Ally on different professor’s doors, the purpose of these signs is unclear.
Ally is a service put in place by the Gay, Straight Alliance in an effort to give students a chance to talk to a professor about any issues they have. Although any student can stop in to talk to a professor with an Ally sign on their door, the service is intended for gay or lesbian students.
“Students said it was very helpful to see on the doors,” said Patricia Shine, professor of Human Services and an advisor to the GSA. Professors are part of the Ally service on a volunteer basis. Students should assume the professor is open and able to help, said Shine.
Any faculty member who has an Ally sign on their door is, “open to students speaking to us not as a counselor but as someone who could give them the help they need,” said Shine.
When Ally was first proposed during a faculty meeting there was “openness and interest,” said Shine. Unfortunately, the only way for new faculty to find out about Ally is through word of mouth. Most of the faculty members who are part of the Ally service have been around for a while.
Work-study program gives students employment opportunities
2/7/08
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
Work-study is an easy way for students who qualify to earn money on campus. When students choose their work-study at the beginning of the fall semester some jobs are more popular than others.
“We have more people coming and asking specifically for the library and athletics work studies,” Linda Wacholder, director of career services, said.
“Public Safety and the mail room are also popular work studies, “ Darlene Gilman, staff assistant, said.
“All work studies close quickly,” Gilman said, “ There is only a limited number on campus.”
“I like my work study because it will help me in my future career as an English teacher and a writer,” Trish Pennypacker, a junior, said. She works in the academic center as a writing tutor.
“When someone comes in and leaves knowing that they understand what they came for it’s a good feeling,” said Pennypacker, “Another plus is that it’s quiet and you can get your homework done.”
“I like working at the circulation desk because I get to see a lot of professors and students from my classes and chat with them,” Alia Wedemeger, a sophomore, said.
“I also get to do homework,” Wedemeger said.
“The flexible hours are another benefit.” Wedemeger said, “I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday and I get to work between classes.”
George Hacking has four students working for Public Safety on work-study.
“It’s a fun place to work,” Hacking said, “ Students are not usually tied to a desk.”
“Students get the opportunity to get outside and interact with students and faculty,” Hacking said. “They can also be held accountable for what could be a very serious job.”
“It’s an easy way to earn money,” Ashley Cutting, a freshman who works in public safety, said.
The mailroom is also a popular work-study and the reason was a little different.
“Harry Swett is why I like working here,” Tasia Bolduc, a second year associate degree student, said. “He’s a really positive guy who loves life.”
“Flexible hours,” is the reason Ben Lambert, a junior, likes working in the mailroom. “You get scheduled around your classes.”
Spring is not the best time to get work-study. Often the only openings are from students who either graduated in December or transferred to another school.
“Make sure you get your FAFSA in on time,” Gilman said, as a suggestion to any student interested in work-study. The due date for FAFSA this year is Feb. 15.
Gilman also recommended that students talk to their work-study advisor in the spring to ensure that their job will still be available the following year.
By Catherine Story
Business Manager
Work-study is an easy way for students who qualify to earn money on campus. When students choose their work-study at the beginning of the fall semester some jobs are more popular than others.
“We have more people coming and asking specifically for the library and athletics work studies,” Linda Wacholder, director of career services, said.
“Public Safety and the mail room are also popular work studies, “ Darlene Gilman, staff assistant, said.
“All work studies close quickly,” Gilman said, “ There is only a limited number on campus.”
“I like my work study because it will help me in my future career as an English teacher and a writer,” Trish Pennypacker, a junior, said. She works in the academic center as a writing tutor.
“When someone comes in and leaves knowing that they understand what they came for it’s a good feeling,” said Pennypacker, “Another plus is that it’s quiet and you can get your homework done.”
“I like working at the circulation desk because I get to see a lot of professors and students from my classes and chat with them,” Alia Wedemeger, a sophomore, said.
“I also get to do homework,” Wedemeger said.
“The flexible hours are another benefit.” Wedemeger said, “I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday and I get to work between classes.”
George Hacking has four students working for Public Safety on work-study.
“It’s a fun place to work,” Hacking said, “ Students are not usually tied to a desk.”
“Students get the opportunity to get outside and interact with students and faculty,” Hacking said. “They can also be held accountable for what could be a very serious job.”
“It’s an easy way to earn money,” Ashley Cutting, a freshman who works in public safety, said.
The mailroom is also a popular work-study and the reason was a little different.
“Harry Swett is why I like working here,” Tasia Bolduc, a second year associate degree student, said. “He’s a really positive guy who loves life.”
“Flexible hours,” is the reason Ben Lambert, a junior, likes working in the mailroom. “You get scheduled around your classes.”
Spring is not the best time to get work-study. Often the only openings are from students who either graduated in December or transferred to another school.
“Make sure you get your FAFSA in on time,” Gilman said, as a suggestion to any student interested in work-study. The due date for FAFSA this year is Feb. 15.
Gilman also recommended that students talk to their work-study advisor in the spring to ensure that their job will still be available the following year.
Men’s team struggling, looking for answers
2/7/08
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
The Lyndon State men’s basketball team has been a streaky bunch all season. However, most of their streaks have been bad ones, including the stretch they’re in right now.
The team has lost their last five games, as well as several of their top players as injuries and illnesses have hit the team hard late in the season.
“Injuries have been a huge problem with playing consistent basketball,” Head Coach Randy Rathburn, said last week. “Consistency has been directly related to injury problems this year.”
According to Rathburn, at one point last week he had only seven and five players dress for practice on back-to-back days. He said he had more players who were sick or injured on the sideline than players who were actually practicing.
“It’s tough for us as coaches,” Rathburn said. “I’ve never been in this position as a coach.” He added that forward Noah Fink and guard Ryan Somers have been shut down for the rest of the year due to injuries. He said there was a slight chance that guard Andrew Longley might be able to play in the last two games, but only if he was completely healthy.
However, the struggles have been going on long before this recent bout with the injury bug. The team has been unable to put together a winning streak of more than two games all season long. This is in spite of some players having great seasons, such as sophomore forward Joe Visker, who’s consistently scoring 15 to 20 points per game and junior center Kali Stoddard-Imari, who’s averaging a double-double for the season.
“The talent we have hasn’t played together very much,” Rathburn said, adding that this includes returning players such as Somers and newcomers such as Fink and guard Cesar Martinez. “Playing together will help them for next year and the rest of this year.”
One problem that Rathburn says has been plaguing the team all season has been at the point guard position.
“We haven’t had a true point guard all year. Cesar and Ryan have done as good as they can given their now positions,” Rathburn said.
Rathburn believes that his team can win the rest of their games this season by and putting in a consistent effort into every practice and game, and by competing hard in every game.
“Myself and the guys are very excited about what we can do. If we compete every game like we competed against Eastern Connecticut State, we can go 6-0 in our last six games,” Rathburn said.
Senior captain Mike Paul feels that the team’s struggles this year have come down to simply finishing games strong.
“We just can’t finish. We’re in a lot of games until the last two or three minutes, then the other team goes to the line,” Paul said on the team’s road trip last weekend to Maine. “We’ve lost a lot of eight or ten-point games. A lot of the games we couldn’t finish were against North Atlantic Conference teams.”
Paul also discussed how the way the team plays affects the way it practices, as well as how the team needs to go into each game mentally ready to play.
“We practice the way we play. When we come mentally ready, we play really well, and when we don’t come mentally ready, we don’t,” Paul said.
According to Paul, he believes the new players have meshed well with the team, and that most of them will be together for two to three years.
“The inconsistencies will work themselves out. I see this team doing really well. I think they can do some damage in the (North Atlantic) conference,” Paul said.
As for the rest of this year, he believes that there’s only one thing the team can do to try and make the USCAA tournament.
“Win out,” he said with a laugh.
By Andrew R. Koch
Sports Editor
The Lyndon State men’s basketball team has been a streaky bunch all season. However, most of their streaks have been bad ones, including the stretch they’re in right now.
The team has lost their last five games, as well as several of their top players as injuries and illnesses have hit the team hard late in the season.
“Injuries have been a huge problem with playing consistent basketball,” Head Coach Randy Rathburn, said last week. “Consistency has been directly related to injury problems this year.”
According to Rathburn, at one point last week he had only seven and five players dress for practice on back-to-back days. He said he had more players who were sick or injured on the sideline than players who were actually practicing.
“It’s tough for us as coaches,” Rathburn said. “I’ve never been in this position as a coach.” He added that forward Noah Fink and guard Ryan Somers have been shut down for the rest of the year due to injuries. He said there was a slight chance that guard Andrew Longley might be able to play in the last two games, but only if he was completely healthy.
However, the struggles have been going on long before this recent bout with the injury bug. The team has been unable to put together a winning streak of more than two games all season long. This is in spite of some players having great seasons, such as sophomore forward Joe Visker, who’s consistently scoring 15 to 20 points per game and junior center Kali Stoddard-Imari, who’s averaging a double-double for the season.
“The talent we have hasn’t played together very much,” Rathburn said, adding that this includes returning players such as Somers and newcomers such as Fink and guard Cesar Martinez. “Playing together will help them for next year and the rest of this year.”
One problem that Rathburn says has been plaguing the team all season has been at the point guard position.
“We haven’t had a true point guard all year. Cesar and Ryan have done as good as they can given their now positions,” Rathburn said.
Rathburn believes that his team can win the rest of their games this season by and putting in a consistent effort into every practice and game, and by competing hard in every game.
“Myself and the guys are very excited about what we can do. If we compete every game like we competed against Eastern Connecticut State, we can go 6-0 in our last six games,” Rathburn said.
Senior captain Mike Paul feels that the team’s struggles this year have come down to simply finishing games strong.
“We just can’t finish. We’re in a lot of games until the last two or three minutes, then the other team goes to the line,” Paul said on the team’s road trip last weekend to Maine. “We’ve lost a lot of eight or ten-point games. A lot of the games we couldn’t finish were against North Atlantic Conference teams.”
Paul also discussed how the way the team plays affects the way it practices, as well as how the team needs to go into each game mentally ready to play.
“We practice the way we play. When we come mentally ready, we play really well, and when we don’t come mentally ready, we don’t,” Paul said.
According to Paul, he believes the new players have meshed well with the team, and that most of them will be together for two to three years.
“The inconsistencies will work themselves out. I see this team doing really well. I think they can do some damage in the (North Atlantic) conference,” Paul said.
As for the rest of this year, he believes that there’s only one thing the team can do to try and make the USCAA tournament.
“Win out,” he said with a laugh.
LSC’s New Contact Sport
2/7/08
By Nathaniel Champagne
Critic Staff
With the start of a new semester, so too starts the official season of Lyndon State’s new lacrosse team, coached by Kingdom Trails’ Tim Tierney.
The team was created along with volleyball as LSC’s two new varsity sports and is said to be the fastest sport on two legs. I talked to “captain” Craig Salvagno for a rundown of lacrosse and what sets it apart from other sports. “Lacrosse is like basketball in that there are set plays, hockey in the physical and hitting aspects and soccer in the running aspect”.
For those whom are not familiar with the sport, lacrosse is a 10 person game consisting of three attack players or “pretty boys” as they’re called, three middies the “work horses”, with a defense made up of three anchormen and a goalie. Start of game is begun with a face off, which is much like a face off in hockey, the two center middies will fight for the ball which can often actually look like a fight. From there the game breaks down into set plays and instinctual reactions to whatever the other team decides to throw at them. The only thing these guys can’t do is take their sticks to each others heads and get caught.
Though they have not yet played any official games, their season will begin in the end of March.
The soccer field will become the new home of our lacrosse team, where they will play teams such as Johnson, Castleton, and Norwich, all of which have good records themselves. Although do to conditions outside the team has been forced indoors for practices where they have been rotating gym time with basketball, softball, and rugby. Even though they team has sufficient numbers to play, they are always looking to expand their roster, which is currently at14. The team is still looking to pick up new players; all someone has to do is stop by a practice.
By Nathaniel Champagne
Critic Staff
With the start of a new semester, so too starts the official season of Lyndon State’s new lacrosse team, coached by Kingdom Trails’ Tim Tierney.
The team was created along with volleyball as LSC’s two new varsity sports and is said to be the fastest sport on two legs. I talked to “captain” Craig Salvagno for a rundown of lacrosse and what sets it apart from other sports. “Lacrosse is like basketball in that there are set plays, hockey in the physical and hitting aspects and soccer in the running aspect”.
For those whom are not familiar with the sport, lacrosse is a 10 person game consisting of three attack players or “pretty boys” as they’re called, three middies the “work horses”, with a defense made up of three anchormen and a goalie. Start of game is begun with a face off, which is much like a face off in hockey, the two center middies will fight for the ball which can often actually look like a fight. From there the game breaks down into set plays and instinctual reactions to whatever the other team decides to throw at them. The only thing these guys can’t do is take their sticks to each others heads and get caught.
Though they have not yet played any official games, their season will begin in the end of March.
The soccer field will become the new home of our lacrosse team, where they will play teams such as Johnson, Castleton, and Norwich, all of which have good records themselves. Although do to conditions outside the team has been forced indoors for practices where they have been rotating gym time with basketball, softball, and rugby. Even though they team has sufficient numbers to play, they are always looking to expand their roster, which is currently at14. The team is still looking to pick up new players; all someone has to do is stop by a practice.
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