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