Welcome!

My name is Lauren Cappuccio and from the first time I picked up a pencil, I knew I was born to write. 

I am a staff writer and photographer for The Public Opinion newspaper in Chambersburg, where I cover local news in the surrounding areas.

I attended Shippensburg University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Communication/Journalism.

I also do photography as a side hobby and like to incorporate it into my work as well.

On the side, I do creative writing and was chosen in 2012 to participate in a National Poetry Student Conference at Tulane University in New Orleans where I shared my research on studying dialogue in poetry as a means to reveal intimate information and how this work and journalism combine.

I have some work examples of articles I have done and also have some examples of some photography I have done over the years.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at lauren.cappuccio@gmail.com

Poetry project unites SU with Tulane University

originally published Dec. 4, 2012

The Poetry Exchange Project, or PXP, was a new and experimental collaboration between poetry classes between Tulane University in Louisiana, lead by Professor Andy Stallings, and SU, led by Zach Savich.

Both classes looked at and discussed Julie Carr’s book of poetry “100 Notes on Violence,” Daniel Khalastchi’s book “Manoleria,” Kiki Petrosino’s book “Fort Red Border” and Shane McCrae’s “Mule.”

First in the weekend came a creative writing class with Andy Stallings at Tulane University that focused on essays, poetry and fiction. Poets Kiki Petrosino and Savich spoke to students, answering questions about their work and about Petrosino’s choice to include poetry about her afro.

Originally, she had it straightened as a child and felt, she said, that her “natural hair wasn’t good.” Now, it adds to her confidence and she refuses to let it be tied to anything political.

Questions about her character of Robert Redford in her book of poetry “Fort Red Border” came up, as well as her decision to include him, in particular.

“Why not? At any given moment Robert Redford was on TV,” Petrosino replied, smiling as the students laughed. She went on to talk about one particular Redford film “Out of Africa.”

“Scenes spoke to my internal dynamic between speaker and Redford and what he represents, like un-attainability and masculinity,” she said.

Student presentations on the work varied from student to student and were a culmination of their work throughout the semester.

One project focused on the idea of text-less communication and had communication entirely by videos. There was also a response to violence with words in images, a look into mental illness, children and violence and a discussion of violence and the ability to express it without the usual violent wording that resulted in original works of poetry.

There were also several panels during the conference, including one on publishing, editing and community building within poetry. Representatives and poets came from all over, including Daniel Rosenberg from the online magazine “Transom,” Caryl Pagel from “Rescue Press,” Nik De Dominic from “The Offending Adam” and Carolyn Webster from “Bayou.”

Discussions included the idea of varying reading styles, the idea of print versus online literary journals and magazines, as well as the idea of developing relationships within the poetry community.

“Respect others’ work and help them. Feed each other first,” Petrosino said on the community.
Daniel Khalastchi, poet of a discussed book and panelist, also spoke on the topic.

“The poetry community encourages those who have been silenced to speak out,” he said.

One of the books studied is Petrosino’s “Fort Red Border.” While developing her dialogue for her characters in the book, she used some interesting ways in finding her inspiration.

“The best conversations are at meals,” she said. “I base a lot of it around food.”

And on her character of Redford, she thinks of him as a “ghost of something,” more than just a person.

“He’s not as flat as a symbol or round as a person,” Petrosino said.

She is currently working on another book of poetry, which will feature work inspired by Andrew Jackson’s “Notes on Virginia,” namely Query 14, in which he discusses the “scientific reasons” that white men are superior.

“I found the most horrible line and decided to write poetry from it,” she said. The line she chose reads as, “They secrete less by the kidneys and more by the glands of the skin, which gives them a very strong and disagreeable odour.”

Some have talked about her work being similar to fan fiction or stories written off of or based on real life or famous people.

“I don’t think it’s fan fiction because fan fiction takes characters who are presented and corresponds to the real world,” she said. “It is all about the speaker’s perceptions and version of Redford, not what Redford probably is like.”

What is a main question she has for readers?

“I want the reader to be curious about the speaker. Why are they attracted to specific parts? I want them to want to know more about her.”

At the end of the conference came readings by Kiki Petrosino, Michelle Taransky, Blueberry Morningsnow and Daniel Khalastchi.

At the end of the night, it was obvious that the conference and project had been a success.

Poet and student alike sat together and talked about everything from writing to publishing poetry, to New Orleans culture, and most importantly, to the ideas that poetry brings up and what the future holds.

Article is here: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/12/poetry-project-unites-su-with-tulane-university

'The Metal Children' clang on stage

published November 13, 2012

(photo by William Hinton)



What is art? Who has a right to determine what is appropriate? How far is too far? Should life imitate art? Most importantly, what rights does an author have over his or her own work once readers get their hands on it?

“The Metal Children,” directed by senior Evan Hallman, asks all of these questions and keeps one searching, whether or not there is just one answer.

The play, written by Adam Rapp, focuses its attention on novelist Tobin Falmouth (Tim Hippensteel) who is in a rut. Or, as he calls it, “artistic impotence.”

His novel, “The Metal Children,” is currently being contested in the small town of Midlothia. At the advice of his agent Bruno (Matthew Kline) and after a passionate letter written by the head of the English department, Stacey Kinsella, (Cory Stevens) he goes to visit and finds himself in a place where things are all too familiar.

His novel centers around a city where young women are becoming pregnant and disappearing shortly after.

Meredith Miller, the heroine of the novel, becomes a symbol in the town, representing ideals of suicide, pregnancy and inspiring a cult-like fraction to begin forming.

At Falmouth’s arrival, he realizes that the young women of the town are getting pregnant, there is a group of people running around in pig masks terrorizing the town (a reference to his own book) and there is a vault in the local church that is holding all copies of his book, as if it were a volatile weapon (many member of the church seem to believe it is).

He is aided by the local owner of The Blue Moon Hotel, Edith Dundee (Ashley Stoudnour), and meets Edith’s niece, Vera Dundee (Kimberly MacAlister) who is spearheading the movement to keep the novel in schools which are obviously passionate about the cause.

He is also joined by Otto Hurley (Daniel Lindgren) the head of the school board, as well as performances by freshman Jessica Lavallee in the roles of Lynne, Cooper and Nurse, as well as sophomore Zachary Clark as Kong, Pig Mask Boy and Boy X.

The story twists and turns like a play should, eliciting gasps from the audience. I thought I saw several jaws hit the floor at certain scenes along with shocked whispers.

Despite the serious plot and subject matter, there were funny and downright awkward moments as well, highlighting a realistic sort of world in a fantastical show.

I was impressed by the type of portrayal of realism and especially in the individual performances. Stevens’ performance as Kinsella, an idealistic bibliophile and free-thinker, was heartfelt and lovingly endearing.

His comedic timing was also spot-on and more often than not, his expressions were enough to get the audience to respond.

For Hippensteel, what a better way to start his theater career here at Shippensburg, then by taking the lead role of Tobin Falmouth? Honest in Falmouth’s struggle and imperfection, Hippensteel brought life to this quirky and quite unpredictable character.

It was a fresh change of pace to have this lead not necessarily be the man you would want to date, but maybe the one you would like to have coffee with on Sunday afternoons.

Also, I found Carolyn Webster’s performance of Roberta Cupp and Emmaline Johnson’s performance of Tami Lake to be perfect.

The “uppity” idealistic nature of these religious characters was strong enough to portray an entire viewpoint of the town of Midlothia, even with their short time on stage.

“The Metal Children” leaves the audience with bigger questions then answers and the realization of just what words can mean and what people should do with the ideas that authors create.

SU steam system in need of updates

published November 13, 2012

(photo by Lauren Cappuccio)

Anyone walking by Naugle Hall on the way to class or by Reisner Hall to eat might see a portion of sidewalk that has been torn up. Several days ago, steam was seen rising from the cracks before guard rails were put up to surround the area.

The rising steam was due to a leak in the steam system, according to William Lensie, assistant director for maintenance and operations.

The steam system that is currently in place at SU provides heat to all the buildings by transporting steam through pipes that run underneath the sidewalks and when there are cracks or faults within the pipes, they must be dug up and replaced to keep the system running efficiently. Every year, there are usually several leaks by the system that need to be fixed or replaced.

Lensie was informed about the steam leak on one of his daily rounds and saw steam coming out of the concrete box near Reisner.

Those boxes are actually vent boxes for manholes. When steam escapes due to leaks in the system, it comes out through the boxes.

This usually indicates something is wrong.

Lensie also said that there is a grant currently in motion that would replace the antiquated steam system used to heat the buildings and make room for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

It is in the works to be established for the 2013-2014 school year.



Down to earth poet talks race

published November 6, 2012

(photo by Lauren Cappuccio)

"How did you begin writing poetry?"

He paused.

"I never know where to start telling these stories," he said. "It usually ends when everyone leaves the room."

The students laughed around him, many holding the poet's first published book of poetry, "Mule," in their hands.

Shane McCrae, an award-winnig poet and author from Iowa, arrived at SU on Thursday to talk to students at three separate sessions. There was a talk on education and diversity, a general writing Q&A session and later on in the evening, a poetry reading of his published and some non-published poems.

McCrae was sponsored by the John Taggart Reading Series, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English, the Office of Social Equity, the Multicultural Caucus and SU's literary magazine, The Reflector.

During his Q&A session in Horton Hall, McCrae talked about his experience as a professional poet and answered many questions that students had.

In the beginning, McCrae used poetry as an outlet as he struggled with academics throughout school. It also helped him to express his feelings. His first poetry, he said, was written when he was 15. He claimed it was pretty dark and said it was mostly inspired from his first poetic influence, Sylvia Plath.

Now, he looks back at that time as dark and full of angst and felt it was the beginning steps to where he is today. He spent this time developing his love for poetry, which is something he feels most people are raised with a "healthy" distrust of, including himself.

"I couldn't read poetry until after I got published," he said, referring to a magazine that published one of his poems when he was 17. "I had a heavy disdain for poetry."

But, he continued with it, he said, partially due to his academics being poor and the encouragement he received from his poetry.

There were several questions regarding his unique style, which includes the repetition of certain words or complete changes in attitude during the lines. McCrae said during the writing process, he feels the writer thinks their way through and goes back and forth, just like the process of thinking.

In terms of how he writes, he said he edits as soon as he writes lines, which is somewhat different from what other poets do. To him, if the first line is off, then those that follow will seem wrong as well.

He wants his poetry to be "uniquely" his and is sub-sequentially known for the visual quality of them, including double spacing and repetition. Also, he spoke of a "blurry clarity" quality that he feels are what his poetry goes for.

His first book "Mule" was baed on personal experiences, including his last marriage that ended in divorce, his son's diagnosis of autism, race, identity and religion.

Later on in the evening after the Q&A, Zach Savich, associate professor or English, introduced sophomore Brittany Torrez-Alvarez, who had won a competition in her poetry class that required her to write a poem in McCrae's style. Torrez-Alvarez, in turn, introduced McCrae to read his work to a packed house in Old Main Chapel.

He read several poems from "Mule," including "The Cardinal Is the Marriage Bird," "Are Roses Are," and "In No Place."

He also read from his upcoming book "Blood" which is about life before the Civil War. The first section is about Margaret Garner, made famous by Toni Morrison's "Beloved," for reportedly killing her daughter when forced to return back to her slave owner.

Poems he read from this book included "Mercy" and "Children," both written from Garner's point of view about the act of "saving" her children from that life.

He also talked about the 1811 German Coast Uprising, where a reported group of 500 slaves rebelled.

Article located here: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/11/down-to-earth-poet-talks-race

Bearing his sole: senior goes barefoot

published Oct. 31, 2012

(photo courtesy of Zared Shawver)

You may have seen him walking around campus, but what you noticed may not have been his clothes or even his smile; it might have been his feet. Namely, the fact he does not wear shoes.

Zared Shawver, 21, from McClure, Pa., is a senior psychology major and has been going barefoot for a year.

"I don't like having my feet covered," Shawver said. "I've never liked shoes and I finally just decided to stop wearing them completely."

Shawver is a founding member of Alpha Chi Rho, president of the Adventure Club, active member of the Environmental Club and goes on hikes and other activities barefoot.

If anything, he said he prefers to be barefoot while being outdoors.

"Not wearing shoes had made me more confident about where I put my feet and the steps I take," Shawver said.

He described the difference in being separated from the ground by shoes and how it is easier for him to gauge where to go and step when he does not have shoes between them.

But is her worried about the health risks or hurting himself while walking and being active?

"No, with a caveat," he said. "I understand and appreciate the risks of the things that may hurt me, for instance venomous creatures and glass are the biggest immediate threats, but I don't let that fear hold me back, but use that trepidation to raise my awareness of potential harm."

His decision has had some negative effects, such as being called names and met with solid opposition, but he has looked into laws regarding his lifestyle and he believes he is in the clear.

"The whole No Shirt/No Shoes/No Service idea isn't a law," he said. "It was actually created during the '60s and '70s to keep members of the counter culture out of businesses."

Laws passed by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) require only employees to wear footwear.

There are no state health codes that require that customers must wear shoes.

Individual buisnesses, however, are free to refuse service as they so choose.

And he has been refused service before, but refuses to let it hinder him. He knew that his lifestyle is different and is a change from what some people think.

"I don't like the fact that change is viewed as 'bad,'" Shawver said. "Naturally the way to do things doesn't always mean it is right."


The article is located here: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/10/bearing-his-sole-senior-goes-barefoot

Arts flourish with the help of local artists and students

published September 24, 2012

At first glance, Shippensburg does not seem to be at the cultural hub of Pennsylvania. It is a small town known for its university and annual Corn Festival but does not seem to be the type of place to find spoken-word poetry readings, art studios and independent film premieres.

However, with efforts from local artists, as well as through the local university, Shippensburg has begun to have a rash of artistic endeavors opening up and flourishing.

A main hub for arts in Shippensburg is the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Located on Shippensburg University’s campus, it has hosted such events and performers such as Jeff Dunham, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, Brian Regan and Randy Travis.

“The response from the community and region has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and reflects the number of patrons who have attended our shows,” said Leslie Folmer, associate vice president for External Affairs at the Luhrs Center. Luhrs has had 34 sell-outs since the center opened in January 2006 and is now a recommended attraction on TripAdvisor.

Folmer also said the patrons of the theater have been known to attend performances locally at other places such as the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg and the Carlisle Theatre.

On Garfield Street in downtown Shippensburg, there is The Thought Lot, run by Aaron Treher, which features many different types of artwork, live music and other art galleries and openings. In the past, it has featured exhibits such as “Naturally,” an exhibit featuring pieces carved out of wood. The current exhibit features the art work of Haitian artists, especially traditional masks.

The SHAPE Gallery, located on West King Street in downtown Shippensburg was founded in 1999 in an effort to bring arts to Shippensburg. Since its creation, it has hosted close to 100 galleries and exhibits. It offers art classes to the community, as well as highlights local artists.
At the university itself, there are many ways to pursue creative interests.

For those who like the written arts, there is The Reflector, the college’s literary magazine, which is accepting submissions through Oct. 31. Also, there is The Spawning Pool, an annual creative magazine that publishes every three months.

The newest addition to the creative culture at the university is the Creative Writing Club, which meets every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Horton Hall.

“Participating in the arts is about more than self-expression; the arts can complement and enhance students’ other studies, while connecting powerfully to their lives,” said Zachary Savich, an associate professor in the English department. “In my creative writing classes, for example, students practice creative and critical skills that should help them in many future situations.”

In terms of the performing arts, there is Act V Productions, a student-run acting group that has put on such shows as ”The Mousetrap,” “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” “Twelfth Night” and “Urinetown.”

For those who like less scripted performances, there is also Game On! Improv.
In the music and theater department itself, there are also many opportunities for students wanting to act.
Paris Peet is a theater professor at the university and is also currently directing a production of “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris on campus. He calls the anti-“Christmas Carol.”
“It’s irreverent and somewhat sardonic, but funny. I think audiences will enjoy it. It’s a refreshing break from sugar plum fairies,” Peet said.

He does believe that this area has certain values that may not be reflected in every area.
“I once heard an old line that ‘every community gets the kind of art it really values.’ I think that’s absolutely true. What we value is reflected in what audiences pay to attend.

I believe a substantial portion of our community places a high value on entertainment. It prefers spectacle and sentimentality. I don’t believe those preferences have altered,” Peet said.

“The change I have seen is that these same values are more readily embraced by our entire society. We choose our local art experiences primarily based on familiarity and familiarity is, more than likely, dictated by advertising. We have not been educated or encouraged enough to take risks on new or unfamiliar art and if we do, and don’t like it, this merely confirms our previous buying habits,” said Peet.

But Peet is optimistic about the arts in Shippensburg.

“On a more optimistic note, I believe the choices that some of the students make are very exciting. Act V is currently producing plays by Neil LaBute and Adam Rapp and these kinds of works are much more exciting to me than a Disney musical,” Peet said.

“I also believe these choices are more indicative of the kinds of work we should be insisting on at the university level.”

As for the arts in Shippensburg, they seem to be growing and expanding with every year. There are new student-run clubs in the creative arts popping up and different creative havens locally making the area a more artistic place to live.

There are still people who feel like there are not enough arts here at Shippensburg and at the university.

“For students who want more from the arts, I encourage you to start a magazine, a band, a radio show, a salon, a performance series, an exhibition, a one-person play you perform in Starbucks,” Savich said.

“I know this is a community that will be eager to see what you do.”



Article here: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/09/arts-flourish-with-help-of-local-artists-and-students

Tattoos are a common sight on campus

published June 8, 2012

Many students, professors, administrators and staff at Shippensburg University have something in common besides the fact that they attend, teach or work at the university.

Somewhere on their bodies they have a work of art in the form of a tattoo.

Tattoos have been gaining in popularity; something that can be attested to by the growing number of tattoo parlors in Shippensburg and surrounding towns.

Tattoos have been an expression of individuals since the early times. Maori people in Australia began inking extravagant blue tattoos over their faces and bodies. In India, henna designs over a soon-to-bride are customary. Although not permanent, the ink dyes the skin and for several days and even weeks later, the design is still evident.

Currently, many Americans get tattoos and there is a rising trend in designing one’s own tattoo or multiple pieces.

But why do it all?

Getting tattoos can be expensive and for some, very painful. There must be a reason why people eighteen and older continue to ink themselves up.

The phenomenon is no stranger to Shippensburg University’s campus where many students have some sort of body art, whether it is in a hidden place, such as the back, or visible, like an arm or leg.
Students on campus, like junior Stephanie Horvat, designed her own tattoo. Hers is blue stars on her hipbone.

Among the hardships of getting body art, SU students talked about the stigmas of putting the permanent ink on their body.

“My aunt told me, ‘you’ll never find a job,’” sophomore Ariel Welsh said.

Welsh has two tattoos; one on her foot of a heart with paw prints and the other of ‘Amore’ written on the inside of her wrist for her Italian heritage.

For others, the tattoo is a personal reminder of a loved one.

“Well, my tattoo, is the Chinese symbol for family. I got it because my stepsister, Khristen, died and it’s in memory of her,” sophomore Capri Morey said. She chose the design because, interestingly enough, the letter ‘K’ appears in the symbol.

Senior Erin Collins, chose to get a matching one with her best friend. Her tattoo reads ‘tres bien ensemble,’ a line in French from The Beatles song, “Michelle” and her best friend, Nicole Schools, has the same line tattooed on her lower back.

“We wanted to do something to commemorate our friendship,” she said. “Nikki has been like a sister to me.”

Others, like junior Benjamin Balutis, chose a symbol of what they love to do. Balutis, who has a bluebird and branch on the back of his neck, got the tattoo to represent his on-going love of poetry and writing.

“Nightingale’s are the trademark of a poet,” Balutis said. “But my poetry is a little different so I decided to get something a little different.”

The more they talked about their tattoos, the more animated and excited they got. The tattoos were more than a piece of art to show, they were figurative extensions of themselves.

Guerilla Tattoo, located in the town of Shippensburg, owner Mr. Boofman has been in business for five years and has seen his share of people getting tattooed.

His shop is located on West King Street, walking distance from the university. He averages out at tattooing about 8 people a day. He has also seen a lot of SU students in the shop.

“We get people from all walks of life,” Boofman said. “We see a lot of students and we get locals as well.”

But, why does he think that people get tattooed?

“It’s a form of expression,” Boofman said. “There are not many things in life you can buy that you can keep forever. It’s like, buying a piece of art is nice but they won’t be able to carry it with them.”

He also mentioned that a lot of people seem to get pieces done in memorial for lost ones.

As for a demographic of the type of people who decide to get tattoos, there does not seem to be an exact group.

“I’ve tattooed lawyers, grandmas and consultants,” Boofman said. He went on to talk about the age differences, with a large number being people in their twenties but described a rising number of people in their seventies coming in to get their first work done.

Five out of the six SU students plan to get more tattoos in the future.

“There is a community built up around tattoos,” Capri Morey said. “It’s like a society.”

Article and photos at: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/06/tattoos_are_a_common_sight_on_campus

'The Hunger Games' is no longer a game

published April 17, 2012

“May the odds be ever in your favor.”

These are the words that greet the tributes that are chosen as the “lucky” ones to represent their home districts in Panem.

In this futuristic world, where a place called the United States once was, those in charge, President Snow and the entire Capitol, run the show.

These 24 teenagers (a male and a female from each district) fight against one another until eventually, only one comes out victorious.

I personally find “The Hunger Games” a thought-provoking and an interesting look at futuristic societies.

Basically, a dictator calls the shots and tries to keep control of its people by, basically, enforcing their authority and demonstrating their ability to take their children and make them fight for the amusement of The Capitol and the wealthy bourgeoisie.

Each of the 12 districts of Panem has a specialized industry. These make the districts unique, but it also keeps them cut-off from one another and basically dependent on the others.

Unfortunately though, this means that some of the districts suffer. In this way, if one district rebels, as The Capitol worried they might, the others will suffer. In theory, it would take all of them in order to rebel against them.

Interestingly enough, the viewer’s and readers of “The Hunger Games” are the 1 percent.
Just like the wealthy few who watch the games, we are watching the games proceed and rooting for who we want to win, and therefore kill the other teenagers. Without the ability to do anything, we are just as bad as The Capitol. We want our heroine, the female tribute from District 12, Katniss Everdeen, to win.

What I find disturbing about this whole thing, is the reaction to the story. It has been in the news that several people on Twitter and social media outlets have called “The Hunger Games” a “racist” movie because they had two big characters, Rue and Thresh, as African- American.

The whole thing is sad to me because in the books, if they would take the time to look into something before making rash statements, Rue is described as having “dark skin” and Thresh, having similar skin color.

It is not an insult, the movie makers are simply staying with the book.

Another reaction to the film, which I experienced first-hand, was the narrow defining of the story.
Many have said that the story is for “teenagers” and it deters them from reading the book or viewing the movie.

This is frustrating because if anything, this book should be looked at from all different walks of life and analyzed for its societal and psychological content.

What brought it to this point? Could we become so single-minded that we cannot see human suffering in front of us as anything but entertainment? Does anyone remember “Gladiators?”
Also, I have heard comparisons of the story to “Twilight.” The only thing I can see that compares the two, is that there is somewhat of a love triangle within the story, but it is definitely not the same as the ones in Stephanie Meyer’s novels.

While the main female character in “Twilight” spends long paragraphs devoted to deciding and changing her mind, Katniss ignores their advances in the beginning.

If anything, she is more focused on family and staying alive than anything else.
Near the end of the novel, things begin to change. This is noted as Katniss’ friend and fellow tribute from District 12, Peeta Mellark states, “I’m more than just a piece in their games.”

There is more that meets the eye in these novels and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for those who follow “The Hunger Games.”

But without seeing the novel for what it could be, Suzanne Collin’s novel about injustice and the power of perseverance might as well just be another “young adult dystopian novel” collecting dust on the shelf, especially if nothing can be gained from it.

Article is located at: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/04/039the_hunger_games039_is_no_longer_a_game

SU student assaulted on High Street Saturday morning

published March 23, 2012

Police are still searching for the man responsible for the assault of a Shippensburg University student early Saturday morning.

According to a report by Pennsylvania State Police, Kane Williams, 21, of Everett, Pa., was assaulted at 230 High St. in the early hours of March 24.

Williams told police he was approached by an unknown man around 1:30 a.m. who then punched him in the face.

Police described the suspect as an African American male, who was wearing a white V-neck T-shirt and tan shorts.

Williams said he had been drinking near his home and went outside to take a phone call with a friend. After he set his can of beer on the ground, he was approached by two African-American males.

The men asked Williams where the parties were. When Williams turned away to look, he was punched in the face.The suspects fled the scene, apparently taking his can of beer and his keys.

He reported that his keys were returned shortly after, after being found on the ground several yards away.

He was transported to Chambersburg Hospital for his injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Carlisle at (717)-249-2121.

APSCUF rally draws crowd against cuts

published March 25, 2012

“No more cuts! No more cuts! No more cuts!”

The cries of faculty, students and members of Shippensburg University’s chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, called out from the front of Ezra Lehman Memorial Library on Wednesday afternoon, stopping passing students on their way to class.
SU’s chapter of APSCUF, held the rally to disseminate information and in protest of Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget cuts to education.

The governor’s recently proposed budget includes a 20 percent cut in funding for the educational system, which would be a loss of $82 million in state funding for the state schools.

“We are a bunch of people in rural Pennsylvania, trying to teach and learn,” said Deborah Jacobs, the APSCUF president of Shippensburg University, “And public higher education is at risk.”

“These cuts would mean a $7.1 million cut to the university if the budget goes through,” said Debra Cornelius, professor of sociology and member of APSCUF.

Among those in attendance included several candidates for local political offices, including Susan Spicka, a candidate from the 89th district and running for the state house; Bill Vinsko, running for the U.S. Senate 11th congressional district seat; and Karen Ramsburg, an independent candidate for U.S. representative 9th district.

Students as well as faculty had a turn at a microphone that was placed in the middle of the group.
“He’s more like ‘Governor Corporate,’” Elizabeth Bare, a senior at SU, said about the governor.
Junior Nicole Stouffer admitted to on-lookers that without state funding, there is a good chance that she would be unable to continue her college education.

The vice president of SU Student Senate, Ethan Goldbach, was also one of the students to speak out on the harms of the proposed cuts. In his speech, he reminded passing students that state schools originally got 80 percent of their money from the state, thus the name “state” schools.

“Let Gov. Corbett know how our futures will be darkened by the cuts,” Goldbach said.

A table nearby had information about Corbett’s policies, but also had forms to register to vote and absentee ballots. Also nearby was a sign-up sheet to travel to Harrisburg next Wednesday, March 28, for a state-wide Rally for Education.

Buses, sponsored by APSCUF, will be leaving that morning at 10 a.m. to take members of the SU campus to protest along with other students and representatives from the other 13 state schools.

Video and photos available at: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/03/apscuf_rally_draws_crowds_against_the_cuts

True Life: I Met My Celebrity Idol

published March 6, 2012

I am not the type of person who makes rash decisions. I calculate, consider and often decide on taking the easiest and least risky ways of doing things.

However, when it came time to making a decision that would involve a road trip to see one of my favorite authors and celebrities, there was barely any hesitation.

On a list of people I would like to meet, meeting John Green was easily at the top of my list.
His books are amazing, but he is also one of my favorite celebrities because he started an online community with his brother, Hank, which I am a large part of, called Nerdfighters.

With three good friends and fellow fans from Shippensburg University, we packed into a car and traveled to the closest place that the “Tour de Nerdfighting 2012” would go, Bethesda, Md., which is right outside Washington, D.C.

The last time the two brothers went on tour was in 2008, when John released his last book.
Nerdfighters are people who watch John and Hank’s videos on YouTube and embrace their nerdiness through literature, movies and other outlets.

Personally, I had never met another Nerdfighter until I came to Shippensburg University.

Some of the friends I was going to the event with were some of those who were the first other Nerdfighters I had ever met.

Watching John speak and read from his latest novel, “The Fault In Our Stars” was surreal.
It was so amazing seeing him speak and read from his newest book and relate his theories and ideas to the audience.

Hank was equally as funny as he sang some of his original songs.
Meeting John was unbelievable. The line of fans to get books signed and talk with him had at least 400 people. Despite the wait and the fact there were so many people, John gave as much attention to each person as he could.

He took the time to sign my books and talk to me about being a Nerdfighter. He seemed like a generally thoughtful and caring person.

There is always the fear when meeting someone you idolize. Will they be the person you thought they would be? How will you act?

I can honestly say that meeting John was everything I thought it would be. I found out that he was exactly the type of person that he appears to be and wants to make the world suck less.

After meeting him, I made a goal that I would try and help others more and do little acts of kindness as often as I could.

Article at: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/03/true_life_how_i_met_my_idol

Why Now? The Plan B Scandal at SU

published February 28, 2012

(photo courtesy of morguefile.com)

Shippensburg University made national headlines this week when the news of a vending machine that sold Plan B was spotlighted on CNN, The Huffington Post, a brief mention on Jay Leno’s late night show, Tosh.0’s blog and a mention on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.

But for a majority of the students, having the vending machine was not news.

The vending machine, located in the health center, was part of a student-initiated program two years ago.

Students took part in a survey that resulted with 85 percent of the students saying they would agree with having Plan B on campus.

This prompted the installation of the vending machine in the health center.

Dispelling rumors raised by various media sources, including newspaper, television and social media, Shippensburg University President William Ruud released a statement Thursday morning stating that the handling of the vending machine is in a private room for students only. Students must check-in with proper identification to be let in.

Research by the university has shown that no student attending the university is younger than 17.
The vending machine is also not supported by the state or taxpayer dollars.

“We are, as we have said previously,” Ruud said in his statement, “among the majority of universities and colleges in Pennsylvania and the nation to make Plan B available to students.”
So, why then is there such a fascination with it now? Steven Lichtman, associate professor of political science and pre-law adviser at SU, believes that the story itself was only part of its popularity.

“The other thing to keep in mind is that it is playing into the current debate about the Obama Administration’s policy on religious-affiliated institutions having to provide insurance plans for employees that would cover contraception,” Lichtman said in an e–mail statement.

But he also admitted that the story is funny on shows like Jay Leno because “there is an amusing dynamic to being able to get it out of a vending machine.”

The timing of the story’s popularity is timed along with the Republican nominations.

“The pendulum has swung more conservatively,” said Barbara Denison, chair person of the SU Sociology Department. She teaches various classes within the department and some that focus on sexuality and religion.

The issue itself, she believes, has more to do with the interconnectedness of religion and politics.“For most people,” she said, “faith equates to fact.”

John Ellerbach, SU assistant professor of communication/journalism, believes that the issue is about the effect of privacy on the individual.

“I can certainly see why a censorious glower from an older adult at a pharmacy might intimidate a college student,” Ellerbach said.

Ruud has contacted and invited FDA officials to come to campus and review the dispensing practices.

The medicine will still be made available for purchase through the health center during this time.

The article is located at: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/02/why_now_the_plan_b_scandal_at_su

Peace garden blossoms in Memorial Park

published February 29, 2012

Thirteen years ago, Jill Hudock never would have seen herself as one of the master gardeners and heads of the Shippensburg Peace Garden.

But seven years later and with some monetary support from the state and the community, Hudock has helped the garden transform.

The Shippensburg Peace Garden, where Hudock is one of the master gardeners, is located at Shippensburg Memorial Park, which is right off Route 11.

It is near the Shippensburg Middle School and located right near the football stadium in the park.
The garden received approval for a $15,000 grant from the state shortly after Hudock had gotten involved.

The Shippensburg Borough Council has continued to help the garden and annually provides $300 to help with the cost of upkeep.

The garden has some seasonal flowers, but many of them are year round. Hudock said the garden currently has a mix of evergreens, including a Virginia magnolia tree, ornamental grasses and different mums, such as daffodils and tulips. But not all of the plants are so well-known.

“I like to use plants that are different, because I like to educate the general public,” Hudock said.
The garden features, in particular, the callicarpa plant, or commonly known as the beauty berry, that gets purple berries in September and the leaves turn a mellow yellow color by October. It is a big hit with those who walk through the garden.

The garden was originally started by Pauline Underwood in 1993. Underwood passed away last year.
“She wore the mantle of peace advocate very well,” Hudock said about her friend and mentor.
Peace gardens everywhere can be recognized by the same style white pole with four different languages around them with the words meaning ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth.’

The one in the local garden has the languages in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.
Hudock believes that Underwood and her group chose those particular languages because of past wars with the countries and the common usage of the other.

The garden won the Public Greening Award, which the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society presented.
It is awarded to gardens under the categories of providing a pleasing atmosphere which is used as an educational spot and improving the area.

They went through a process in which they sent in information about how the garden is used and its purpose. They also sent out a committee to see if the garden is award-worthy. The reception was held at the Governor’s Mansion and was held by Susan Corbett, Gov. Tom Corbett’s wife.

Her tips on keeping healthy gardens include keeping plants away from drafty windows and keeping them from being overwatered.

“I like to put my finger in the soil,” Hudock said. “You can look at it too, but touch is always the best way. If it’s a little moist, don’t water it.”

And for the myth of plants growing faster with talking to them and playing music?

“Oh, that’s definitely a reality. Classical music is preferred. There must be something in rhythm and the vibrations that stimulate something in their growth,” Hudock said.

Along with Hudock, there is another master gardener who helps keep the garden healthy. Local service groups such as the Lion’s Club and the Rotary Club.

And although it is winter and the garden is just a “skeleton” of what it normally looks like, Hudock said that in the spring, the garden is in its prime.

“It is a ceiling of blossom,” Hudock said. “It’s beautiful, truly beautiful then.”

The garden always needs volunteers and anyone interested in working in the garden can e-mail Hudock at jillhudock@comcast.net.

Article and photo can be found here: http://www.theslateonline.com/article/2012/02/4f4807498d73a