Concerns Raised About Dorm’s Distance
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Dana Hildner, ’13, Staff Writer
Merrimack's 150 Student Off Campus Housing, St. Francis Hall
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Dean: ‘College is More Than Where You Live’
The Saint Francis Retreat House, the new leased dormitory building for Merrimack, has caused a stir around campus.
The facility is located on River Road in Andover, on the Tewksbury line. The college has said 150 students in the rising junior class will be placed there.
According to Google Maps, the estimated time to travel to and from campus is about 20 minutes, not accounting for traffic. Students worry this could affect the students’ academic life as well as social life on campus, not being able to get to class on time or make club and or athletic practices.
Sophomore Olivia Huie said, “I would have to get up early and be more likely to skip class.”
Also, “I think there would be more incidents of drinking and driving,” Huie said.
“I am not worried about students drinking and driving since I am confident that Merrimack students make responsible choices now about that issue and will continue to do so next year,” said Dean of Campus Life Donna Swartwout.
Although the college is providing transportation 24/7, it does leave some students feeling they will potentially be disconnected from the rest of the college community, especially being three exits down I-495.
Sophomore Brittany Marcinowski said: “It would negatively affect my college experience because I would be separated from my friends and other on-campus activities. I would feel so isolated.”
Marcinowski argued that the college should have planned better before beginning to increase enrollment.
“I think Merrimack should have had the appropriate accommodations before bringing in such a big student body in,” she said. “It is unfair for the students who are upperclassmen.”
“I think students living in St Francis Hall will make the most of this experience,” said Swartwout. “College is more than where you live. It is who you live with, what you are learning in the classroom, what you are involved with outside of the classroom that makes your college memories meaningful and fun.”
“Students living in St Francis Hall can still attend the spring concert, watch a field hockey game, attend Cram Jam and play intramurals,” she said. “Students living in St Francis Hall will make new friends, bond over a bus ride or a cup of coffee in the basement of the hall, and take advantage of the front lawn to work on their tans or play wiffleball.”
The price of room and board will be the same and the living style will be similar to that of a double in the Deegans, the college has said. Laundry services will be familiar because it is the same as for on-campus students.
The college is working with Sodexo to provide a continental breakfast every day at St. Francis, for a more convenient option than having to arrive on campus before class. A Mack Card relationship similar to the ones Merrimack has with Bertucci’s and Fuddruckers is being sought with the local eateries in St. Francis Hall’s area, including the 99, Cracker Barrel and Longhorn Steakhouse.
Some Have Gripes with New Housing System
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Laura Bakopolus, ’13, Staff Writer
Analysis
We might not like the idea of doing something differently, but once in a while, change is good; it is a sign of growth and progress. And one of the improvements made to Merrimack this year is affecting the entire student body right now: housing.
As usual, students who paid their room reservation deposit have been randomly assigned a lottery number, indicating the round and sub-group during which they can select housing. However, there are two differences this year. For starters, students are allowed to pay a partial deposit based on the implication that the remainder will be paid by May 1. The second difference is slightly more ground-breaking: Instead of having to log onto MyMack and stare at a computer screen, refreshing the page constantly, the new housing selection process is being facilitated the old-fashioned way – by pen and paper.
Completed roommate and housing preference forms were due to the Residence Life Office by April 2. Rather than ask students to battle against the clock and try to claim rooms before their peers, the Residence Life Office will evaluate the handed-in forms and assign rooms based on availability at the time of students’ rounds and groups. Students will be notified of their housing assignment by receiving a Merrimack e-mail during the week of April 16 to 20.
Though Residence Life intended the process to run more smoothly and effectively, always keeping the students’ welfare in mind, there are many unsettled feelings in the student body regarding this year’s housing changes. Even prior to filling out the forms, many students have felt the process has wrought some confusion and frustration in terms of where they should choose to live and how they can go about living there.
Off-campus housing is a hot topic right now due to the growing number of accepted students. On campus, many rooms originally built for two are being forced into triples. Freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed on-campus housing, but incoming juniors and seniors must enter a lottery. They either fill out a form to participate in either the on-campus or off-campus housing lottery. The decision to disable students from participating in both lotteries has left some students concerned, since they originally thought they would be able to live near the campus and pay through Merrimack’s room and board plan. However, the recent acquisition of Franciscan-retreat-house-turned-college-dormitory, St. Francis Hall, located approximately 15 minutes from campus on River Road in Andover, left students feeling more frustrated than ever.
Like anything else, living in St. Francis Hall will have its advantages and disadvantages. Merrimack has been working with Sodexo to figure out a way to provide a daily continental breakfast for students living there. Mack cards will be accepted in more places in the area, laundry facilities will be free, wireless internet will be offered, the green space outside will be transformed into a social atmosphere complete with volleyball nets and picnic tables, and shuttle transportation will be provided.
However, cable will not be offered in student bedrooms due to cost. Students will be required to have a meal plan (19, 13, or 9) rather than given the option, and shuttle transportation may not be running at times convenient to everyone (since it is nearly impossible to accommodate every single student’s schedule). Also, the distance between St. Francis Hall may be farther away than students’ houses, so is it really worth it to live at school?
This question is being posed by many students, including junior Kayla Hennigan. Hennigan lives in Medford and works in her hometown three to four nights a week. She could not see any sense in living off-campus through Merrimack if she lives within a 30-minute drive.
However, if she were forced to live at home and commute for her last year rather than live with friends (since that would be the obvious choice in terms of financial and time concerns), she would miss out on the great social aspects of living at Merrimack that she got to enjoy this past year, she said.
She, like many other students graduating next year, is torn.
Since it will accommodate students who would otherwise not fit on campus, St. Francis Hall is the only option for college-leased off-campus property. Therefore, if you entered in the off-campus lottery through Merrimack (as opposed to finding an apartment on your own), you will be living in St. Francis Hall. The off-campus forms only pertain to students pursuing housing at St. Francis Hall, which students felt was not clearly explained.
Junior Stephen Francis said, “I would have appreciated more information about the off-campus housing situation before the deadline to file housing paperwork. Had I known the sole off-campus housing option was living in St. Francis Hall, I wouldn’t have applied for the off-campus housing selection. I know I’ll find an apartment one way or another, but the process has been frustrating.”
Sophomore Alycia Sullivan is not thrilled with the new rooming process either. She explained that “it really puts some serious pressure on the upcoming juniors” in particular. She craftily proposed that “the school could have easily developed a four-year plan where they could increase housing over the next four years, so that the school could accommodate the growing number of incoming students over the years rather than kicking out students who have been at the school for two or more years.”
Sullivan went on to say: “I think it’s great that Merrimack wants to grow, but Merrimack is not in an area where it can grow to be like a Northeastern University or an Emerson College. Students want to go to Merrimack because it is small and personal, not large and impersonal.”
Indeed, Merrimack’s close and warm atmosphere was a positive feature that initially attracted many of its current students; unfortunately, with the growing number of students and the forced off-campus housing, some students are no longer able to see the family-like community they thought Merrimack had achieved in previous years.
The general consensus is that the change is more bothersome than need be. And if that is the case, then why change at all? Upon hearing about the modification, alum Joän Mejia, a 2005 graduate, could only shake his head. “My parents did it the old-fashioned way and they turned out pretty good. I did it the old-fashioned way and it worked fine. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.”
However, even beyond the confusion regarding off-campus housing, not all students are sour about the new process as opposed to registering online. Junior Declan Geoffrion Scannell prefers the paper system: “It means that whether you get your spot is only based on your credits and the random draw, instead of being partially based on who’s willing to stare obsessively at a web page for hours or try to game the system. Plus, with the paper system, a real human can judge your preferences and give you something that’s kind of like what you wanted, even if you miss out on what you really wanted—unlike a computer which just tells you, ‘Nope, go find something else.’ Then, by the time you go find something else, everything’s been snatched up.”
There are pros and cons to each method, as there are always two sides to any argument. Students are entitled to prefer one tactic of registering to another, but the reality is that they must adapt to the growth and progress Merrimack is experiencing and will continue to undergo in the
Your Choice: Four for President
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Patrick Lawlor, ’12, Associate Editor in Chief
Patrick Lawlor
Four candidates are running for president of the Student Government Association, the body that approves clubs and organizations and their budgets, and acts on behalf of the students on issues including campus life, dining and information technology, among others.
Each candidate gave speeches on April 11 in the Warrior’s Den, seeking students’ votes in the election that runs from midnight April 12 until April 16.
Rising senior Domenica Fuller was the first to speak. Fuller has served on SGA for only a year, but hopes to institute more SGA office hours and availability for students. She was the only candidate to talk about recycling efforts on campus, and called for motion-sensor lights in classrooms and academic buildings.
“I want to bring what students want,” Fuller added.
The next candidate was the only member of the Class of 2014, Tony Brunco. “If you want things done, I’m your guy,” said Brunco early in his speech.
He has served on SGA since his freshman year, working on the clubs and organization committee and working with Information Technology Services to increase bandwidth on campus. He said he pust the school’s interest above his own, and will be a more accessible president, if elected. He also understands that off-campus housing is a major issue for students.
“There are still bugs to be worked out living off-campus,” said Brunco.
Speaking next was rising senior Haley Warringer, who listed many of her on-campus involvements which include being a resident advisor, an orientation leader, a participant in Alternative Spring Break, and a staff member for conference and events.
“I want every students’ voice heard,” said Warringer. She also pushed for higher meeting attendance at SGA meetings, and wants to add SGA suggestion boxes to high-traffic areas on campus.
A.J. Andreucci, also a member of the Class of 2013, was the final candidate to speak. Andreucci currently serves as the member at large on the SGA executive board. His speech was succinct but powerful. Andreucci’s last point to students was to use their voice and vote in the election.
Voting is open until April 16, and voting can be performed online on Merrimack College’s COIN site, which is accessed through merrimack.collegiatelink.net.
Girl Talk, Moufy on Way
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Justin Delaney, ’12, Staff Writer
The annual Spring Concert at Merrimack is coming closer and closer while anticipation continues to rise.
This year, the event will feature Girl Talk, and include an opening act by upcoming rapper Moufy. The concert is slated for Friday, April 27, inside Lawler Arena. There will be a strictly enforced 18-plus age limit. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Main Street in the Sakowich Center during lunch and dinner hours or in the Office of Student Involvement on the third floor of the Sak.
The student rate is just $10 and students are able to bring two guests per Mack Card for $15 each while remaining tickets will be sold to the public for $20 per ticket. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and close promptly at 9 p.m.
Girl Talk is the stage name for musician Gregg Michael Gillis, who plays predominantly mashup style music featuring samples of numerous popular songs combined to form a new song. Known for creating up-tempo beats, Girl Talk has the ability to transform young audiences into a positive atmosphere.
With just the use of one computer and some software, Girl Talk has become very popular amongst the college crowd and should make for an exciting night on campus.
This year’s opening act, Moufy, is a local rap artist from Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood who has burst onto the scene in recent years. Moufy has driven his popularity through the use of free digital music downloads and music videos which he uploads to YouTube. Additionally, he has been featured on popular local websites such as Barstool Sports.
Moufy, born Jeffrey Fortunato, brings high energy to his shows and students on campus are very excited to see the local rapper perform.
This Spring Concert should prove to be a memorable one. The two upbeat, popular musicians, Girl Talk and Moufy, could provide for an electrifying night at Lawler. Students are encouraged to act quickly in order to purchase tickets before the show sells out, as this is not a night that many will want to miss.
Valley Voice
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Patrick Lawlor
Patrick Lawlor, ’12, Associate Editor in Chief
Senator Steven Baddour Resigns from Senate, Sparks Valley Race
BOSTON— Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, one of Merrimack Valley’s state legislators, announced his resignation from the Massachusetts Senate recently. Baddour, who has been a legislator in the General Court for a decade, will take a government affairs position at McDermot, Will & Emery, a prestigious Boston law firm.
Baddour’s First Essex District includes Amesbury, Haverhill, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport, Salisbury, and part of North Andover.
There will be no special election for the post, according to Senate President Therese Murray; it will be filled in the regular state election this fall.
The resignation of Baddour has already inspired many Valley politicians to consider running for the post. So far Methuen City Councilor Sean Fountain, Amesbury City Councilor Jim Kelcourse and Haverhill School Committee Member Shaun Toohey have taken out nomination papers, as have Methuen resident Sharon Birchall and Haverhill resident Sam Meas.
Many others are still considering the run for Baddour’s seat, including Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday, Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini, and former Methuen Mayor William Manzi. Former state Secretary of Public Safety Jim Jajuga of Methuen is also considering running. Jajuga, a retired state trooper, formerly held Baddour’s seat before moving to the executive office. He recently announced his resignation as CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
Baddour was the chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation, a powerful committee of the General Court. In 2010, he joined ranks of Senate leadership when Murray appointed him vice chairman of Ways and Means, the budget writing committee.
State senators serve a constituency of 140,000 residents, and base pay is around $66,000. They are also compensated for travel and receive higher pay if they chair committees. The election for Baddour’s seat will be held in November.
Former Lawrence Superintendent of Schools in Jail
LAWRENCE — Former Superintendent of Schools Wilfredo Laboy is currently serving a 90-day sentence in the Essex County Alternative Correction Center, informally known as “the farm.” Laboy was indicted in 2009, and he placed himself on medical leave. Shortly after the investigation began, the Lawrence School Committee decided to fire him.
Laboy was found guilty of using city employees for his own advancement and interest. He used graphic designers to create pamphlets for an organization he was president of — the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents — as well as printing and designing for his son’s Sal’s Pizza franchise. He also used city employees to drive his son around; his son was unable to drive because of a DUI conviction. Investigators also confiscated 16 bottles of alcohol from his office. Drinking on school property, by anyone, his against the law in Lawrence.
While in jail, Laboy is teaching GED classes to inmates. He resided in Methuen, and earned more than $200,000 a year as schools chief in Lawrence. Under his tenure, the brand new $110 million high school was built, as well as other secondary level schools were constructed.
Currently, the Lawrence School System is nearly fully funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The state Department of Secondary Education recently appointed a receiver to run the system.
Grand Jury Investigation on Lawrence Mayor Continues with Testimony
LAWRENCE — Mayor William Lantigua is facing both a state and county investigation for alleged election law violations and violations under campaign and political finance laws. Last week the deputy police chief, personnel director, and licensing chairman all testified at Salem Superior Court. Last month Lantigua’s former chief of staff also testified at the same grand jury.
Attorney General Martha Coakley and Essex County District Attorney Johnathan Blodgett are leading the multi-jurisdictional investigations of Lantigua and his administration.
Lantigua, elected mayor in 2010 is the city’s first Latino mayor. He was serving as a state representative when he was elected mayor.
Information from the Eagle Tribune was used in these reports.
Seniors Net 100 Wins, Look Back on Top Tennis Season
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Sports Leave a comment »
Kayla Morong
Kayla Morong, ’12, Sports Editor
Growing up, Sean Pahler and Max Eppley developed a passion for tennis.
Pahler began learning the sport when he was 8 years old and picked up the game very easily. Before he knew it he was competing in tournaments and soon enough winning matches.
Eppley entered the sport at age 12, which he said is considered old for most players who start competing collegiately and professionally.
When deciding where to play collegiate tennis, Merrimack College didn’t inspire a moment’s hesitation for the two seniors.
“Once I came on an official visit, meeting the coach and players, I knew I wanted to part of this team,” said Pahler.
For Eppley, Liam Hoare, who was a former player and now holds the assistant coach position, influenced him to consider playing for the Warriors.
“I went on the recruiting trip and loved the coach and the team,” he said.
Pahler and Eppley have experienced many successes throughout their tennis career. After missing most of the 2011 season for surgery on his thumb, Pahler was still able to achieve his 100th win. He reached that mark against Chestnut Hill on March 18. During the match, Pahler and Eppley won their doubles competition 8-5, making him the first player in Merrimack’s history to record 100 wins. Thirteen days after Pahler’s achievement, Eppley joined his doubles partner, being the second player to reach 100 wins as they defeated Pace University.
“I knew going into the match that I was at 99, but the match was a little closer than anticipated so when we won our doubles match I had completely forgotten about it until my teammates congratulated me,” said Eppley enthusiastically.
Obtaining their 100th win was a great accomplishment for Pahler and Eppley. Pahler, being the senior captain, has found the season to be extremely exciting.
The team has one more match left in its regular season, on Friday against Stonehill College at 3 p.m.
“If we win the Northeast-10 title and playoffs, this season will not be comparable to the others,” Pahler said. “I want to go out on top and we have worked hard enough this year to do that.”
With the tennis season coming to an end, the two have shown great support and contribution to the team.
“When I first played tennis at Merrimack there were no big expectations for us, but now every year we contend for the title,” said Eppley.
Pahler, a civil engineering student, wants to pursue a career in the field in either Massachusetts or New Jersey after he graduates. Business major Eppley, on the other hand, hopes to travel in Europe and work there in the upcoming year.
Looking back to their four years of dedication to the tennis program, both seniors have something in common; their proudest memory. For Pahler and Eppley, winning the first round of the NCAA tournament their freshman was a great accomplishment. Not only was this one of their favorite memories, but they also value the importance of teamwork. With a talented team this season, the Northeast-10 title is something that both players hope to achieve.
Dual Sport Athlete Keeps Busy
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Sports Leave a comment »Devin Gordon, ’12, Staff Writer
A day in the life of a NCAA Division II varsity student athlete is by no means a walk in the park. A typical day consists of a two hour practice, an hour of strength and conditioning in the Volpe Athletic Center, and about an hour of watching film.
On top of accepting the demanding responsibilities of a varsity athlete, one must also excel in the classroom taking on a full academic workload.
Sophomore Jimmy Holland has shown exceptional athletic excellence in not one but two varsity sports here at Merrimack, competing in Football and Lacrosse. “I felt like I would be selling myself short if I only played one,” said Holland.
As a freshman linebacker for the football team, Holland appeared in nine games recordeing 14 tackles. “I was excited to play as a freshman, but felt that I could have done more to contribute to the team,” he said.
With a relentless attitude, Holland did just that. The following year he appeared in all 10 games and was third in tackles, recording 52.
As a second year starter for Merrimack’s Lacrosse Coach Mike Morgan has high expectations for Holland. “We expect him to be a key part of our defense again this year,” he said. He brings a great deal of skill and toughness to that end of the field. He is a hard worker and we expect him to have a great season this year.”
Standing at 6-foot-1 210 pounds, Holland is a true enforcer on the defense and strikes fear in every opponent he faces.
After asking Jimmy what he enjoys most about being a two-sport athlete, he replied: “Definitely the friends I’ve made from both teams. I would not trade that for anything in the world. It is a true honor to be a part of both programs.”
Nationally Ranked #3 Men’s Lax Drops Second Straight Game
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Sports Leave a comment »Matthew LaMalfa, ’12, Associate Sports Editor
Looking to rebound from their first loss of the year to #2 LeMoyne the men’s lacrosse team was unable to do so. They dropped their second straight on the road, this time at Southern New Hampshire University.
“We did not play well enough to win today,” said head coach Mike Morgan. “We lost some focus in the beginning of the final period and we never recovered.” The Warriors went down 3-0 to start the game and never really recovered from there. They were able to notch 12 shots on goal but none of them found their way past Penman net minder Brendan O’Brien.
After the Penman extended their lead to four, the Warriors charged back to tie the score with from DJ Brown, Kevin Guilbert, Mike Perdie and Greg Fallon. Holding a 23-12 shot advantage at halftime, things looked good for the Merrimack squad as they begin the third quarter. The Warriors peppered O’Brien in the third, launching 13 shots on net but failing to convert on any of those opportunities. This would cost them as Southern New Hampshire tallied three goals at the beginning of the fourth quarter to make the score 7-4.
The Warriors started their comeback attempt with goals from Corey Lunney and Brown but failed to ever notch the equalizer. The Warriors outshot Southern New Hampshire 48-19 and won 15 of 17 face-offs. The Warriors were 0-2 on the man up opportunities and were successful on 16 of 20 clearing attempts. Merrimack (7-2, 3-2 NE-10) will return home for their senior day on Saturday April 14 at 1 pm against American International.
Schielke Steps up as Student-Athlete
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Sports Leave a comment »Lynden Ostrander, 12, Staff Writer
Since the day Pete Schielke set foot on the lush Merrimack campus, he has made his impact felt on and off the lacrosse field.
He is a consummate leader whose illustrious resume speaks for itself. On the field, he has been an “ironman,” playing in every single game over the past four years, and the backbone of the defense, causing over a hundred turnovers; he became the first player in Merrimack history to reach that plateau. This is attributed to Schielke’s incredible field vision, and anticipation skills, which Schielke was highlighted for this preseason in the prestigious magazine Inside Lacrosse.
The two-time captain is an acclaimed two-time first-team preseason All American, All New England reigning first team All NE-10 teamer. Moreover, he has racked up over 100 groundballs in his career, won an NE 10 championship, and was the defensive catalyst freshman year on the only Merrimack team in history to reach the coveted Final Four. He is arguably the most versatile defender in D2 Lax, accumulating six assists on the offensive side of the ball in his career, which is unheard of for a defenseman, especially at the top tier D2 level.
Schielke’s on-the-field achievements will never overshadow the type of man he is. One of the most outgoing and gregarious individuals at Merrimack, he works at a summer camp for underprivileged youth and he plans to go to England next year as a youth coach, or by befriending everyone he meets. Couple that with being the Student Athletic Advisory Committee president and part of the Blue and Gold Committee, the Dean’s Committee, the National Honor Society. He still finds time to work for Sodexo 20 hours a week as a student promotions coordinator, and is involved in moot court as a poli sci major. On top of that, he is a former resident advisor.
Schielke is a natural-born leader, who has had a knack for being a well-rounded and successful person since high school. Hailing from Ridgefield, Conn., Schielke was an all-conference selection three out of four years, was team captain, and team MVP senior year, all while being student body president. Coming out of high school Schielke had aspirations of playing at the D1 level, but scouts and Division 1 college coaches thought had had subpar stick skills and was too slow to compete at the highest level. However, they could not measure his lionheart, work ethic, or the intangibles he possessed: what does not show up in the stat sheet, which drove Schielke to play in a national championship and stick it back to them.
But Coach Mike Morgan saw that “it” factor in Schielke, made Pete feel at home on his visit, and assured him ample playing time. Schielke turned down multiple scholarships, eventually signed with Merrimack and has never looked back since.
“Choosing to come to Merrimack was the best decision ever made, and made the man I am today,” he said.
The most crucial lesson Schielke learned came from former defenseman Shane Maher: Keep your head in the right place. Last year Schielke thought the team underachieved, saying, “Last season our team focus wasn’t there.’’ So when he learned that Brad Mcadam, his best friend and an integral piece of the team, was not returning, Schielke took it upon himself to rally the troops, and keep the team’s eyes on the prize: a national championship.
During the grueling preseason three day “judgment day’’ training regimen, it was Pete keeping the unit mentally together. He said, “I want to take care of the little things and make sure everyone is on the same page, all striving for the same goal. No distractions this year, no partying, no mental lapses, I want to go out with a bang.’’
The four goals coming into this season for Schielke were to become a better teammate and leader, win an NE-10 championship, win D2 defensive national player of the year, and garner a national championship”I want a ring on my finger at the end of the year, and get over the hump,” he said.
In the two biggest games of the year this season, Pete put the team on his back defensively. Piling up five caused turnovers and three groundballs, aiding the win against number two nationally ranked powerhouse in Limestone. Against NE-10 champion Adelphi, Schielke was not to be denied notching a season-high six caused turnovers, one of which was number 100, and scooping up four groundballs along with clutch defensive plays in the waning minutes of the game to help keep Merrimack undefeated. Though Merrimack lost to Le Moyne as this went to print, the Warriors still have a shot to make it to the Final Four and obtain their dream of a national championship. But to a cool cucumber like Pete Schielke, it’s all about enjoying the ride of life.
Theology with Tim: A Review of Holy Week Amidst the Youth of the Catholic Church
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Opinion 1 Comment »Tim Iannacone, ’12, Staff Writer
As we progress further into the year, it is safe to say that Catholics are still witnessing many attacks against their church, most especially from the U.S. government. Secularism has shaken the very foundation on which we stand, which in turn has given rise to people who no longer care about the Catholic Church, seeing it as both tasteless and boring.
What’s worse is that many people, including Catholics, see the Catholic Church as “archaic,” struggling to keep up with modern times. General statistics show that there are close to 90 percent of Catholics in the West who have no contact with the Catholic Church anymore, withholding themselves from receiving any of the sacraments and refusing to attend Mass on Sundays. Prior to 1960, these statistics would have been quite different, showing 400 million out of 500 million Catholics in the West “plugged” into their faith.
There is a conflict between a variety of Catholic crowds when it comes to Catholic identity and the church’s mission. However, it appears to me that the lukewarm Catholic crowds are currently taking the hardest blows. The lukewarm crowds are those Catholics who sit back and hate to get involved. These crowds produce a scarce number of vocations to the priesthood and know little or close to nothing about their faith, seeing Catholicism not as a living faith, part of the greater body of Christ. The mystical and the sublime aspects of the faith are replaced by these crowds with a pedestrian and very (ironically) narrow version. The average parish in the United States is a mishmosh of non-zealous and relaxed attitudes with no real fire in the belly, unfortunately giving the added support to the number of parishes that are being suppressed and closed down faster than imagined. These lukewarm Catholic crowds are beginning to suffer because of the up and coming Catholic generation who are defenders of the faith, bringing back that oh so sweet term, the Church militant.
This is what gives me hope; the future of our generation within the Catholic Church. This hope is fostered by my experiences over Holy Week, which brought tears to my eyes as I participated as the master of ceremonies for a priest as he celebrated Masses both in English and in Latin. The Masses said in English were not only beautiful but very well attended, which brought many young adults. However, the Latin Mass brought a substantial amount of young men and women, traditional in nature and knowledgeable about their faith. I am ecstatic to report that of all these young men and women, 23 were initiated into the Roman Catholic Church.
The Latin Masses at the Church I served showed the opposite of the lukewarm Catholic crowds today. Not only did I discover several vocations to the priesthood over this recent Holy Week, but young Catholics who were massively informed about their faith ready to evangelize and take no prisoners, with a willingness to swim in the currents of the mystery of the divine. Reverence and devotion were most prominent within the Latin Masses at this parish, along with a deep respect for our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist.
The Latin Mass is masculine through and through, which is why these lukewarm Catholic crowds are turned off by it. The majority of Catholics who have been nursed on the weaker, feminine, don’t-be-offensive type of liturgy have a hard time knowing where to go with the Latin Mass. I can assure you, at the parish I served at over Holy Week, there was no weakness of the Catholic faith present, unlike the lukewarm Catholic crowds who would rather dialogue and have donuts after Mass instead of engaging into hand-to-hand combat for their faith.
As the lukewarm politically correct parishes begin to close down, against all that failure for that is the success of the Church militant which I experienced in the youth during Holy Week.
I truly felt as if I were walking in the footsteps of the saints, who were quick to rebuke all form of heresies against their Catholic faith. The world has turned militant against the Church, but the only proper response is a more ferocious militancy just as the bishops practiced when they protected their flock hundreds of years ago, as similar to a father who protects his children from serious harm.
The youth are truly the future of the Church and after a review of Holy Week; it looks like a good future to me. I hope that many of you reading this also experienced the excess of youth who were in attendance at the Masses over Holy Week. And like me, if you noticed how the youth behaved or acted, you can expect what the Mass will look like in the Catholic Church in years to come.
Here’s a hint: it is going to be pretty hard to hear the piano and the drums over the Gregorian chant during Masses in the future.
Police Log
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Police Log Leave a comment »March 28, 10:35 a.m. Theft
Police receive e-mail saying a ciborium (covered vessel holding hosts) was taken from the tabernacle in the church.
March 28, 9:35 p.m. Harassment
Parent tells police about harassing phone calls to student from an unknown number. Officer takes report from student.
March 29, 7:29 p.m. Breaking and entering attempted
Sodexo employee reports a possible break-in at the Volpe snack bar. Officers speak to the employee and determine it was an oversight, not a break-in.
March 29, 8:07 p.m. Suspicious odor
RA reported suspicious odor coming from room. Officer speaks to resident and determines report was unfounded.
March 29, 8:34 p.m. Injured animal
Student reports injured cat behind the apartments. Officer responds and police call Bulger Animal Hospital in North Andover. Student transports cat to emergency department.
March 29, 8:39 p.m. Suspicious activity
Student reports suspicious motor vehicle on Aherne Avenue. Officers speak to driver, who is waiting for her daughter to get out of class.
March 29, 9:05 p.m., Medical transport
Student seeks counselor for another student due to anxiety. Officer meets the students outside the Sak and transports both to the police station.
March 30, 6:40 a.m. Theft
Resident reports his Xbox and games apparently stolen from his room overnight.
March 30, 4:42 p.m. Minor(s) in possession of alcohol
Three individuals exiting a vehicle in Lot 8B were observed on camera, nervously looking around and rapidly unloading several bags from the rear of the vehicle. Officers spoke with the individuals, all of them under age, and seized a quantity of alcohol.
March 30, 4:47 p.m. Property reported missing
Coach reported his iPhone missing from his office in Volpe and he believes it was stolen. Officer takes report.
Learn College’s Parking Rules: That’s The Ticket for Avoiding the Tow
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: Opinion Leave a comment »Patrick Coskren ’13, Staff Writer
Before this week I was among the students on campus who felt that police ticket excessively and in some cases unreasonably. After speaking with Ron Guilmette, chief of Police Services, I can say my opinion has completely changed.
It is not a ticketing problem, but the ignorance of students that is to blame.
Guilmette referred to the parking/ticketing situation a several times as “a numbers game.” To elaborate on this, allow me to discuss the number of spots available for student parking.
The Sakowich campus lot has 258 spots available for commuter, faculty and staff parking. In addition to the campus lot, commuters, faculty, and staff, are also permitted to park in the Rogers lot and Deegan West lot, which have fewer than 50 spaces between the two of them. Students who are residents are permitted to park in the back lots of the campus near the apartments; this lot has 670 parking spaces.
We see people being ticketed in the Sakowich, Deegan, and Rogers lots when residents who do not feel like walking to class on cold or rainy days take up the spots reserved for commuters, faculty, and staff.
In addition to residents parking illegally, there are also many people parking in these lots who do not have a sticker at all.
The decal process is quite simple: If you are a commuter you can go to Police Services and receive a decal for free. If you are a resident student at the beginning of the year, the price of a decal is $150 for the year. As the year goes on Police Services will discount the cost. If you buy a decal after the winter break (for the second semester) you will be charged $75. If you were to request a decal for the remaining four weeks of school you could obtain one by paying about $35.
As we all know the Sakowich lot is not the only parking lot where students get ticketed. There are many other places around the campus with 15-minute parking. Just this past week two students had their cars towed because they were in 15-minute parking overnight.
It must be made clear that the tow policy Guilmette has implemented since he has arrived is more than reasonable. You are allowed to have three parking violation before you hear from him; on your fourth violation you will receive an email, in addition to your vehicle having been “stickered” with a “Notice of Tow,” which means that for any and all future violations your vehicle will be towed from the campus at your expense.
This means that before your car is towed you will have accumulated four violations, and received an email from the chief. This seems more than reasonable.
After speaking with Guilmette I personally walked up and down the first 80 cars in the Sakowich lot. Suffice it to say I was quite surprised. There were 20 cars with no stickers at all, five residents, 22 commuters, and 28 faculty members parked in the lot. That means that over 31 percent of the cars I looked at were parked illegally, and 25 percent did not even have decals at all.
The reason this topic seems to arise every spring is because all the tickets that were accumulated over the fall semester carry over to the spring. This means that if you received three tickets in the fall and you receive one in the spring, your car will be “stickered” along with receiving an email from the chief. Over the summer the tickets accumulated during the year are “forgotten,” and everyone enters the following fall with a clean slate.
However, this doesn’t mean that after your fifth ticket and your car being towed, you start over. If you get a sixth ticket, your call will be towed. If you get a seventh ticket, your car will be towed, and so on.
At the end of the day many students who complain to Police Services saying “Are you serious? You don’t have anything better to do than ticket me?” are the ones to blame, not police. Had you parked where you were supposed to in the first place, you would not have been ticketed in the first place.
Sweeps Week: Watching Our Waste
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »By Campus Ministry
It’s that time of year again: The home stretch for the spring semester has arrived. While all of our minds wander off towards summer, there is still one major, campus-wide event yet to occur: Sweeps Week.
Everybody’s favorite move-out celebration is returning and this year, it will be bigger and better than ever. Campus Ministry has partnered with Sustainable Merrimack to raise awareness of our campus waste production so we can begin to focus on how to reduce the amount of trash Merrimack generates.
Campus Ministry works with charities located across the Merrimack Valley to facilitate the donation of students’ unwanted and lightly used items. These charities include The Wish Project in Lowell, Lazarus House in Lawrence and Mission of Deeds in Reading. The Wish Project is accepting donations such as furniture and clothing, which will then be distributed free to those who need it. Lazarus House and Mission of Deeds will both take donations ranging from non-perishable food to toiletries, and will distribute them to the homeless or those who have fallen on hard times.
The list of items that can be donated is extensive and will be posted in various locations across campus, as well as on the Sweeps Week Facebook page. Students who wish to donate large items such as furniture will be able to do so with ease, as student volunteers will pick up large donations.
Donations not only eliminate waste but they make a positive impact on the community around us. Everybody wins.
Yet, donations are only half of the Sweeps Week initiative to reduce waste generated during move out. The other goal is to recycle as many items as possible. Sustainable Merrimack is working to expand Merrimack’s meager recycling program to be much more visible and robust around campus. This will ensure that students are better served by the college, as well as help them possess a clearer understanding of how to recycle at Merrimack.
A wide variety of materials can already be recycled on campus, including all plastics, paper, and aluminum. However, the system for collecting these recyclables is confusing. As a result, Merrimack’s student sustainability interns are working to create a simpler and more visually appealing system which will be easy to use and help divert more recycling from the trash. Volunteers will also work to stand by the trash bins and educate students moving out on what can be recycled or donated versus what should be thrown away.
This is a truly massive effort which is going to take a lot of manpower, so if you would like to get involved, please contact us immediately. You can either email Meg Costantini in Campus Ministry (costantinim@merrimack.edu) or contact a student sustainability intern (Jesse Doiron doironj@merrimack.edu or Krysten Moore moorekm@merrimack.edu). By reducing waste and donating to charity, we are creating a better world for us al. Donate, recycle, change the world.
Help ‘Gas Out’ Cut Cost
Posted: April 13, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Kristina Williamson ’14, Staff Writer
Gas prices in the state of Massachusetts have risen 16 cents in the span of just one month this year. Hovering around $3.92 a gallon by this time, gas has become one of Massachusetts’ constant problems.
In a collective community, there is not much any individual can do about this pricey dilemma unless it is a group effort. On Thursday, April 19, the nation is urged to go on a strike against gas for the whole day: 2012’s Gas Out.
This means that participants should make sure to buy their gas either the night before or the day after April 19t so that the day is left without the need of purchasing gasoline. If played correctly, with enough participants, organizers hope gas prices will drop at least 10 cents overnight, causing millions of dollars worth of savings. Not only will this help residents of Massachusetts (who seem to have among the highest going prices for gas so far) but it will also positively affect every state. If the consumer demand is low and the supply is high, the economics could drive oil companies to lower their prices. Being residents of Massachusetts, it would be easy for Merrimack students to come together as a body and participate in this gas out next week.
When asked about the event, Samantha Sanchez , a sophomore at Merrimack, said, “I have nothing to lose by participating next week. The prices for gas are said to be around $4 a gallon by next month, so whether the Gas Out works or doesn’t, nobody’s really losing.”
SGA Presidential Candidate Speeches
Posted: April 11, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Patrick Lawlor, Associate Editor in Chief
Four candidates are running for president of the Student Government Association, the body that approves clubs and organizations and their budgets, and acts on behalf of the students on issues including campus life, dining and information technology, among others.
Each candidate gave speeches on April 11 in the Warrior’s Den, seeking students’ votes in the election that runs from midnight April 12 until April 16.
Rising senior Domenica Fuller was the first to speak. Fuller has served on SGA for only a year, but hopes to institute more SGA office hours and availability for students. She was the only candidate to talk about recycling efforts on campus, and called for motion-sensor lights in classrooms and academic buildings.
“I want to bring what students want,” Fuller added.
The next candidate was the only member of the Class of 2014, Tony Brunco. “If you want things done, I’m your guy,” said Brunco early in his speech.
He has served on SGA since his freshman year, working on the clubs and organization committee and working with Information Technology Services to increase bandwidth on campus. He said he puts the school’s interest above his own, and will be a more accessible president, if elected. He also understands that off-campus housing is a major issue for students.
“There are still bugs to be worked out living off-campus,” said Brunco.
Speaking next was rising senior Haley Warringer, who listed many of her on-campus involvements which include being a resident advisor, an orientation leader, a participant in Alternative Spring Break, and a staff member for conference and events.
“I want every students’ voice heard,” said Warringer. She also pushed for higher meeting attendance at SGA meetings, and wants to add SGA suggestion boxes to high-traffic areas on campus.
A.J. Andreucci, also a member of the Class of 2013, was the final candidate to speak. Andreucci currently serves as the member at large on the SGA executive board. His speech was succinct but powerful. Andreucci’s last point to students was to use their voice and vote in the election.
Voting is open until April 16, and voting can be performed online on Merrimack College’s COIN site, which is accessed through merrimack.collegiatelink.net.
The Beacon presents Sparky with Framed Edition
Posted: April 11, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »
Associate Editor in Chief Patrick Lawlor presents Sparky with a framed edition of The Beacon in which she was on the cover of.
Editors Kayla Morong and Pat Lawlor with Sparky
Sodexo Staff congratulate Sparky
Members of the Sodexo team and of the Merrimack Community congratulate Sparky on the framed edition of The Beacon she received
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All photos by Marie DeMarco
Live Coverage of SGA Presidential Candidate Speeches
Posted: April 11, 2012 Filed under: News Leave a comment »Associate Editor in Chief Pat Lawlor will be providing live coverage of tonight’s SGA Presidential Candidate speeches on Twitter as well as a providing a full online article after the speeches and an article for Friday’s print edition.
According to SGA President Alisha Reppucci, topics that we should expect to hear candidates discuss are: on and off campus housing, the campus alcohol policy, and the academic integrity policy.
You can follow Pat on Twitter under the name @patlawlor. Also follow @MCBeacon for news and updates.
