If you’re not like me, I commend you. I’d like to be your friend. I need more optimism in my life. If Barack Obama becoming the first ray of light we’ve seen in eight years doesn’t warm my proverbial soul, what will?

I’m just doomed to forlornness, I suppose.

You’ve noticed, I presume, in glancing over local and national newspapers, how easily these recent countless hopes of change have turned into empty hallelujahs.

There is a chance that you don’t consider the recent barrage of “Obama-Obama” chants via opinion and op-ed articles anything but agreeable.

And, surely, I can empathize with Bob Herbert, as you must have last week. I do wish those great figures were here. But it’s easy to go from praising to hoping to faith to wishing.

My concern is that Obama will become a kind of idol, hung low on silver chains, held tightly in our palms, spoken and whimpered of quietly in prayer.

I fear Obama will go the way of dreams. In its grandeur, we limp our limbs a little, stop worrying a little.

We have come a long way, braved the seemingly interminable rivers of time and lives, but we cannot rest now. Civil rights have not yet been secured, nor even for black Americans.

Still, today, you ask someone to bet on a black kid from Chicago raised on food-stamps by a single mother having a good chance of becoming president of the United States and they’ll laugh.

We have to admit to ourselves that Obama became president in large part because the nation saw him as the best cut-man available. He knew just the right amount of coagulant to last us the fight.

The issues are deeper than race. And so are the scars. The expression of an age’s angst varies from the one preceding.

I tend to align more with Herbert’s recent article, “More Than Charisma,” in which he stated that Obama’s methods are deeper than taut verbiage and energizing optimism. He expects a great deal out of the people.

The age-old conservatism the Bush administration personified and rectified has not subsided in the matter of the years Obama has been becoming president, nor in the days after his inauguration. The Bush administration got us good, and most of us turned the other cheek.

Though I wish Martin Luther King, Jr. were here, I wish more that he were not turning in his grave.I can almost hear him chanting now: “and what about our gay sisters and brothers? Our homeless and uneducated? Our disenfranchised women? Our foreign nations? Where the ties that bind?”

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A search committee of 11 members from the Millersville faculty and staff are responsible for finding a new dean for the department. The search committee includes a student representative, a dean and a vice president.

Over 30 applications have been received over for the position of dean. Dr. Richard Clark, department chairman for the earth sciences department and professor of meteorology is heading the search committee.

The main duties for which the dean of the math and science department is responsible is to be a leader and provide direction to the other staff members.

The dean is also responsible for helping to encourage faculty in their professional research and instruction in the areas of the earth sciences, computer science, chemistry, biology, nursing, physics and mathematics.

“The dean is directly responsible to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the overall operations of the School,” said Dr. Clark.

The dean’s position also entails a keen role in advocating both the math and the science department.

The dean also must be willing to acquire, “Academic vision which includes both preservation of the best in liberal arts tradition and ideas for the future development of disciplines within the school,” says Dr. Clark.

The dean will also be held accountable for bringing in outside groups and organizations, as well as speaking at forums and during meetings with faculty and staff.

Dr. Edward Shane is retiring after 10 years in the position of Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics.

During his retirement, he will spend time with his wife, Carol, volunteering and traveling.
Dr. Shane is currently the vice president and treasurer of the board for the Lancaster Science Factory.

“His management style is one of building consensus in ways that are fair and transparent, with no hidden agendas,” said Dr. Clark.

Dr. Clark also commented on Dr. Shane’s outstanding leadership abilities and talent to aide in the enrollment of more students in the department of math and science. Dr. Shane has also helped raise the amount of students that participate in undergraduate research.

“He leaves this position with Millersville science and mathematics programs ‘second to none’ in a comparison with other PASSHE institutions and many other regional colleges and universities,” said Dr. Clark.

Dr. Shane has helped to raise Millersville to a level of national recognition for several programs in the department. The math and science department would like the new dean to continue Dr. Shane’s successes and, “Would like the future dean to build on these strengths, and with his own management and leadership style, bring the school to the next level of quality, performance and recognition,” said Dr. Clark.

The search for a new dean is on schedule and has not experienced any major problems.
However, the committee has been experiencing slight trouble scheduling meetings due to the overwhelming obligations of the majority of the members.

Dr. Clark said that he is part of a “dedicated group committed to ensuring a successful search and a seamless transition.”

The new dean will take over the position on July 1. An administrative staff will assist the new dean in adjusting to his position.

Dr. Clark reiterates that the University has provided a budget for finding the committee as well as ensuring a diverse applicant pool. “This is an extremely important position of leadership at Millersville. We are committed to getting the best possible candidates for on-campus interviews,” said Dr. Clark.

Interviews for the new applicant will take place on campus during the week of Feb. 9 and will be completed before spring break, depending the on weather.

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Signs of Scarlet describes themselves as “a rock/metal band from Lancaster that infuses the band members’ different and evolving sounds to create a unique style of rock” says guitarist Tyler Hornberger.

The coffee house was packed with both faithful fans and new listeners alike.
With a packed house and hardly any room to walk, the show started at 8p.m. with claps and cheers from the audience.

The low key night starred Hornberger and Bobby Bradley who traded in their electric guitars, loud amplifiers and crazy onstage antics for acoustic guitars and a more mellow of a night.

“I think more people like to come to the big shows, and it’s easier to share your music that way and going to the big concerts is always fun. But my heart lies in the Indie rock and acoustic set scene. There is more of a connection there,” Hornberger said.

Javateas was jam-packed with people, making the night exciting with the live music, but it was still a relaxing time with great coffee and a beautiful setting.

“I love playing at Javateas. This has been our sixth time playing here. It’s got a very small and intimate feel to it. It makes it easy to interact with the crowd,” Hornberger said of his time at the coffeehouse.

Signs of Scarlet plays new and old to a full house at Javateas Friday night. Photo by Christian Shuts.

Hornberger and Bradley played a set of 20 songs, which can be found on their upcoming CD.

The crowd clapped and cheered and seemed to enjoy the night, especially their hits ‘Faces’ and ‘Show Me.’

Even without the bright spotlight, raised stage and the thrill of the bigger concerts that they are used to, there was still a lot of energy and electricity given by the two members who poured their heart and soul out with every strum.

Signs of Scarlet fan Courtney Mease said, “It was really crowded because Javateas is a tight space but they always put on a good show when they are there.”

Hornberger and Bradley closed the coffeehouse show to throngs of cheers and applause.

“I had a great time tonight. It was a lot of fun. There were so many people crammed into this small space but it was awesome and we all had a good time,” Mease said.
Signs of Scarlet will be playing again in the area at Club 19 in York, Pa on March 20.

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The wrestling team dropped their last three matches, all of which were on the road.
However, the losses did not necessarily reflect the quality of their wrestling.  They were forced to forfeit two matches in each of their last three losses.

Millersville lost at Shippensburg 27-12 last Wednesday, after winning four of their first six matches.  In a dual meet at Clarion University on Saturday, the Marauders lost both duals.

They dropped their first dual against Clarion 39-3 as well as a close loss against Duquesne University 25-21.

The six points, given up as a result of a forfeit, are particularly hard to make up when compared to the three points lost by a decision.  With only 10 matches in each dual, 12 points can be hard to overcome. Particularly against Duquesne, the result could have been different for the Marauders.  Even with two losses in decisions rather than forfeits, the Marauders would have been victorious. Roberts felt that the team wrestled well overall despite the losses.

“We’re a good team, but if you go against any other team that is respectable you can’t afford to do that,” Head Coach Todd Roberts said.

Their forfeits at the 197-lb weight class were due to a neck injury to sophomore Raymond Bennett. Roberts feels the loss of Bennett has been a huge point-swing that could have been potentially made up for if he was in the lineup.

“He is a guy we can count on to win a match,” Roberts said.

The team has also been forfeiting the heavyweight class as freshman D.J. Fox has been ineligible to wrestle.  He will most likely be out until next season.

To go along with the forfeits, the Marauders have also been suffering from a number of bumps and bruises.  Redshirt freshman Shane Smith (174-lb) has a gash in his forehead from a match in which he finished and won.  Junior Jeremy Brooks (165-lb) has had knee trouble as of late.  Sophomore Mike Greck has been suffering from a shoulder injury, and sophomore Sean Reed has a skin infection.

Marauder wrestlers practice for a meet. By Christian Shuts.

“Everyone is feeling the toll of a long season,” Roberts said.

However, the Marauders will be back at full strength, Thursday, at home against York College at 7 p.m. at Pucillo Gymnasium. After this dual, the team does not have a competition this weekend, which should give them some added rest.  Roberts is optimistic about the match and looking forward to competing.

Before the match, Millersville will be welcoming young wrestlers from Lampeter-Strasburg Elementary School for a clinic.  The Marauders will play games and entertain the students, as well as show them
some moves.

Roberts is hopeful the event will encourage children and their parents to attend more Millersville matches and make a good impression on them, as well as help out their coaches.

The Marauders are regrouped, reenergized, and ready to go out on top this season.

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The Office of Civil Engagements works with students to provide volunteer opportunities with various companies and organizations in the area. The process for obtaining a community service project is straightforward.

Students can begin by either stopping into the Bedford House, which is located directly across from the Student Memorial Center, or going to the Civil Engagement website.  This website can be accessed through the Millersville University homepage.

Once students decide they want to volunteer, the website provides a “Volunteer Central”.  No preparatory action is needed for students to attend their appointment with the Bedford House.

“When coming in for an interview, all you need is your class schedule, along with when you have free-time,” said Audrey Lilley, from AmeriCorps VISTA. “No pre-gathered information is needed.”

Lilley started working in the Bedford House in August of last year.

Students can make an appointment, weekdays between 8:30 to 4:30. An excel spreadsheet of agencies around the area is gone through on a student-to-student basis.
You will also be asked your major, class standing, and how much time you feel can be devoted towards your volunteering project.

Lilley then goes through the various organizations and helps students decide which would match up with their specific interests and goals.

Getting on Google allows students to see exactly where their organization’s interests are, as well as what their missions are through volunteering.

There are currently three students working through the office projects that are lasting one year. Jaime Reist, Lindy Keefe, and Brandy Jackson are students at Millersville University who are taking the extra step to help their community.

Sophomore Jaime Reist is one MU student that has actively taken an interest in volunteer opportunities at Millersville.

Reist primarily volunteers with Second Mile, a free program that is attended by children mostly from kindergarten to junior high.

As student coordinator, Reist is an integral part of organizing the activities and materials for the program.

Once a month, sometimes twice, children from downtown Lancaster can come to Brooks Gym on MU’s campus for crafts, food, and various other activities. This program is only a two hour event, hardly a huge commitment.

Many of the children that attend are recommended by teachers and counselors if they are having trouble in school socially, or are from low-income families.

“I love kids to begin with,” said Reist. “The kids are great. It’s a fun thing to do.”

As an education major, Reist not only has the opportunity to help out with the children, but she is also learning valuable skills for her career in education.

One of the qualities about Second Mile that make it a special experience, according to Reist, is the fact that volunteers are paired with one of the children to look after as a mentor.

Some of the children have been paired with their volunteer for a few years, making a connection that doesn’t have to dissipate over the years.

On Sunday, January 25, the latest Second Mile gathering took place in Brooks Gym for a fun-filled afternoon. As each event has a theme, this particular event was a swimming luau, which also treated the children to pizza after the swimming.

Before going to the Bedford House, Reist was helping with Second Mile, but was not very involved.

“Since I’ve been hooked-up with the Bedford House, they’ve been sending me emails about opportunities and I try to do as many as I can,” said Reist.

In addition to genuinely enjoying helping others, Reist will be receiving $1000 towards her tuition for completing 300 hours of volunteer work in one year. This is a perk MU offers through AmeriCorps for students that want to help their community.

“It’s not really why I’m doing it, but it is a nice little addition to my financial aid,” said Reist.

Reist is no stranger to volunteering; she was raised volunteering with a donation-based, Christian ministry program devoted to helping families. Reist and her family have been helping the community for several years.

“Where there’s a need we just help out as much as we can,” said Reist. “It’s really cool.”
Students are always welcome to stop into the Civil Engagement office to pick up information about local businesses, which have volunteering options.

Students might be required to obtain clearances through Harrisburg; although these are only required for students wanting to volunteer with children or the elderly.

These clearances may cost money, but most agencies will pay the money for the students.
On April 4, “Into the Streets” will take place. “You can sign up as individuals, or in a larger group of friends,” said Lilley.  This day of community service will allow students to be matched up with agencies around Lancaster.

“All you have to do is show up and give a little time,” said Reist.

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Millersville Business Association, the Millersville Borough council, Penn Manor School District, Millersville University and the Millersville ministerial group have collaborated to bring the vision to fruition, which sets goals for Millersville to reach its full potential as a vibrant community and thriving college town.

The vision includes a partnership with civic, religious, and volunteer organizations,and is comprised of students, merchants, and residents. President of Millersville’s Borough council, Scott Bailey, welcomed everyone as stakeholders in the Millersville community, not accounting just for registered voters, but for all of the community.

“This is an exciting time,” said Millersville’s Mayor Richard Moriarty, who explained how the collaboration began one evening in President Francine McNairy’s office by attributing the initiation to Vice President of University Advancement Jerry Eckert’s question, “how can we fix the sign in front of the cemetery?”

“One question led to another and we all realized that we each had our individual plans,” said Moriarty. “We thought that there should be one main vehicle where all of us can bring our ideas together. As such, Millersville 2020 as a concept was born.”

The signing of the vision 2020 was “Truly a day for celebration,” according to Millersville University President Francine McNairy, “we want to be good neighbors.”

Moriarty introduced key members, who played an integral part including, Julie Fitzpatrick, who was hired to help facilitate the vision in association with PA Downtown, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing hundreds of central business districts.

Millersville leaders sign the Vision 2020 statement. Photo by Christian Shuts.

State Representative (Rep.) Scott Boyd supported the efforts as a businessman before signing the statement, while State Senator (Rep.) Lloyd Smucker praised the unity of civic, business, and government groups and encouraged them that “such a coalition will be a backbone.”

Junior Social Studies Education major Daniel Bezek said, “It would be good to have more student representation because there are so many students that come and live in Millersville.”

Bezek, who is a volunteer for the Millersville fire station, has attended all the Vision 2020 planning meetings, and plans to continue to serve on a committee.

The vision statement was divided into five program areas including organizational development, physical improvements, asset development and enhancement, community marketing, and establishing a safe, clean, and green community. After the signing and refreshments, community leaders and members, broke out into committees to plan initial objectives in implementing the goals of the vision.

One of the first objectives of “organizational development” is to gain IRS 501(c)3 status to help further the goals of other program areas and committees.

The future goals of “asset development and enhancement” committee begin with improving the Millersville borough website and adding public events.

Stuck on the practicality of regulatory aesthetics versus persuasion when involving homeowners in the vision, committee member’s “physical improvement” plans face the challenge of funding. Still, Fitzpatrick suggested offering low interest loans and grants to homeowners.

The “community marketing” committee, created a separate commission for the arts and entertainment aspect of promoting Millersville. Also, McNairy suggested utilizing the talent of MU students and high school students; who could benefit from cooperation with businesses in doing a market analysis to determine what businesses would thrive.

President of Millersville’s Business Association, David Peterson, said, “Almost one of the goals is to be patient. This doesn’t happen overnight.”

Jack Gardner, Vice-president of Millersville Bureau Council, who has been a member for 27 years, explained how Millersville has developed as a community over the years, including the introduction of sidewalks, which originally faced some opposition due to funding.

Garner said, “We started a comprehensive plan years ago, but we always need money. In this year, we were set back once again with budget cuts.”

Still after more planning on what the community wants, Garner said, “Hopefully, one of these days we will succeed.”

In lieu of the Borough’s residential rental tax, which was recently ruled unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Robert Slabinski, CEO and President of Student Lodging Inc. (SLI) and Student Services Inc. (SSI), presented a check for 10,000 dollars to the bureau from (SLI), a-nonprofit University affiliate during the signing. This gift is in addition to the yearly contribution of over $400,000 from (SSI).

“I have had a great relationship with Bob and I know that starts with President McNairy,” said Moriarty, who has had a rapport with Slabinski since his days as treasurer for the Millersville fire department.

“We’re glad to be of assistance,” said Slabinski. “It’s important to support the Borough with this difficult situation. We will continue to assist the Borough as much as we can, given the state of the economy and the limitations placed on the University by state laws.”

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Individuals transporting themselves across a frozen pond in Southern Pennsylvania make as much sense as deer looking both ways before crossing the street.

Before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce some facts: The Midwest Lakes Policy Center says in North America, 4-5 individuals die falling through ice every year. Ice also needs to be four inches thick to support a human.

The chance of ice crumbling and you drowning to your death is just as likely as timely warnings getting out to everyone.

Seriously though, what compels someone to believe that the pond is frozen over enough to casually walk across it? I cannot decide if it invokes a rush for some, or just a dare with horrible outcome potential.

Remember, we are in Lancaster County, not the Arctic Circle. Our weather seems to be as stable as Wall Street. Let us take this week’s past temperatures for example.

From Monday to Wednesday, the average high temperature was 28 degrees. On Thursday, the temperature shot up to 43 degrees and Friday up to 52 degrees.

Remember, 32 degrees is the freezing point of water. Statistically, this week would not be the smartest to cross a frozen pond. Is your trust still in the ice?

I know I might be coming off as a bit cynical here, but come on people, we’re receiving a college education for a reason.

We are a bit smarter than Joe the Paver. Though it may look exhilarating and fun to walk on, the ice is not as stable as you may think.

Please, use common sense from now on and stay on the path made of concrete.

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Text message alerts for Millersville sports
Millersville students who cannot attend sporting events can now get scores and updates sent right to their cell phones.  The Millersville Athletic Department now sends out text message alerts to update fans on news and scores of their favorite teams.  One of the popular features of this new service is the ability to customize the kind of alerts the subscriber wishes to receive.  Users can choose which sports they wish to receive alerts about, selecting as many or as few sports as they wish.  Information such as scores, general news and award winners will be sent out during and after games. Those who wish to receive the alerts can sign up for free www.millersvilleathletics.com and can unsubscribe any time they would like.

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Heading into the season, the Lady Marauders saw Shippensburg shift from the PSAC West over to the East, and witnessed them jump directly to the top of the division’s preseason poll.  They have not lived up to these expectations but still appeared to be a test that Millersville was excited to compete in.

It was the best free-throw shooting performance for the lady Marauders.  They hit 17 of 19 from the charity stripe, which is a huge leap from their 60 percent season average.

“We worked hard on free throws by putting added pressure on them at practice.  If they missed, they ran.  We tried to present game-like pressure situations so we can improve their focus at the line,” Head Coach Mary Fleig said.

However, Millersville’s defense was the story against Shippensburg.    Their defensive intensity amassed 22 turnovers and was a major factor in the victory.  The lady Marauders not only pressured Shippensburg into turnovers, but they also held their opponents to their second lowest scoring total of the season in the 72-53 win.

The team was emotionally reenergized after two divisional letdowns and was extremely pumped for Shippensburg.

Perhaps no one came out as fired up as junior Aiesha Bellamy.  Utilizing her hot hand, she knocked down 8 of 13 field goals and finished with a career high 17 points.

“She was excellent.  She attacked on offense and drove to the basket when she got the ball.  Her finishing allowed us to run man to man isolations for her,” Fleig said.

With the Shippensburg victory behind them, Millersville left the comfort of their first PSAC East win and home court to travel to Bloomsburg for yet another divisional matchup.

Photo by Christian Shuts.

The matchup did not prove to be close as the lady Marauders overwhelmed their host, sprinting out to an outstanding 24-3 first half run.  Turnovers were the key to sparking Millersville’s transition game in the early going.  Bloomsburg did push back into the game slightly, bringing the deficit to 13 points at the half.

Millersville was able to punch out their opponents directly after the second half opened up, and they were able to pull away to a 74-56 triumph.  In the second half, they did it with outside shooting.  Senior guard Jenna Philo went 2-4 behind the arc while her fellow guard, junior Ashley Moyer was on fire, tickling the twine on five out of seven of her three-point field goals.

The guard play was vital to the overall team performance, yet the presence of junior forward Jenna Craig greatly hindered any ability that Bloomsburg could get back in to the one-sided affair.    Craig was all over the boards in the Shippensburg game, finishing with 13 rebounds.  She proved her dominance once again at Bloomsburg.  After falling two points shy in her previous game, she completed the double-double, finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

“She is goal-oriented and really wants it game by game,” Fleig said.  “Her versatile play enables her to hit from the perimeter or inside, and she has great size and length with her arms, but rebounding takes a lot of heart.  This just shows how big her heart is.”

The team is growing together and Fleig is relieved to attain her first division win. She is extremely happy about her team’s effort in the past two games.

The guards are gelling each day and they do a great job of complimenting one another.  They shoot well from the outside and when one seems to be heating up, the team utilizes the hot hand and the others pick up the intensity on the defensive end.

The parody within the league this season has created a highly competitive race to the top.  It is an intriguing plot line for the rest of the season.

“This season, anyone can knock off any opponent on any given day.  Winning on the road is very important against any team.  We need to stay focused and continue to play intense team man-to-man defense,” Fleig said.

The lady Marauders face another tough test against PSAC East foes, Cheyney, on their home floor at 6p.m. on Wednesday and again at home on Saturday Jan. 31, against Mansfield at 1p.m.

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The music featured many different movements ranging from soft and lullaby-like to extremely loud and frenzied sounding. All was done with great expression and the performers appeared to play flawlessly. Christy Banks, who played the clarinet, performed a particularly pretty solo in the show’s first number, “Verbunkos”, by the Austrian born composer, Bela Bartok.

“Melange a Trois” was performed as a preview for a concert given by Millersville University at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster City on Jan. 25.

“I played in the piece by Bartok called Contrasts, which I think went well.  We repeated it today at St. James in downtown Lancaster, in the Music from Millersville concert series they host and it went even better!” said Reuben Blundell.

The only glitch in the performance happened when Blundell’s violin would not tune properly. However, he used this opportunity to make a joke about the intricate nature of the instrument.

Dr. Maria Thompson Corley played beautifully, as always. She plays in many of the campus’ concerts and is an especially focused performer. Her piano accompaniment skills are brilliant and her effortless regal style is captivating. In the movement “Sebes,” both Banks and Reuben Blundell, who played the violin, alternated between two different instruments each, during the song. Both changed back and forth effortlessly.

“I was very glad for the opportunity to play in Friday’s performance at Ford Atrium, and I think these performances are a great opportunity to hear performances by some of my talented artist-faculty colleagues,” said Blundell.

Mr. Reuben Blundell, director of the Millersville University-Community Orchestra performs of the violin (left) with Dr. Christy Banks, Music Dept. Chair, plays the clarinet (right). Photo by Gordon Beecroft.

“I played in the piece by Bartok called Contrasts, which I think went well.  We repeated it today at St. James in downtown Lancaster, in the Music from Millersville concert series they host and it went even better!”

Keith Wiley, who played the trumpet, introduced the last set of trios. This featured all brass instruments; however, it was the lightest of the three movements. The songs were all very nice and mellow.

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