... Read more at: Piedmontforum.com Piedmont Virginia Community College Summer 2017 Rasheda Ali-Walsh to Address Graduating Class Antonia editor Florence, assistant Rasheda Ali-Walsh will be the featured speaker at Piedmont Virginia Community Colleges (PVCC) 44th commencement exercises, being held at the John Paul Jones Arena on May 12, 2017. Ali-Walsh is an international advocate for stem cell research. She travels the globe speaking to raise awareness and funding to find a cure for Parkinsons disease, the same disease which ravaged her father for the last 30 years of his life. Muhammad Ali, famed heavyweight boxer whose career spanned three decades, retired from boxing in 1981. He then bought a horse farm in Rockfish Valley, Nelson County, in 1982 and maintained a strong presence in the Charlottesville area. Ali died from complications of Parkinsons disease in 2016 at the age of 74. When her young son had questions about his grandfathers deteriorating condition, (during the elder Alis illness), Ali-Walsh wrote a book, Ill Hold Your Hand So You Wont Fall: A Childs Guide to Parkinsons Disease. Parkinsons Disease affects its sufferers in various ways. Some have balance problems causing falls, and some lose the ability to speak clearly causing miscommunication and are no longer able to visibly express emotions. The heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali wrote the foreword to the book. Ill Hold Your Hand So You Wont Fall is written for adults to read to children, the book encourages dialogue through the use of colorful illustrations, situations depicting symptoms, and interactive questions. Medical facts are provided at the end of each page to help readers answer childrens questions with greater ease and specific terms are explained in the margin on each page, according to Ali-Walshs website. In This Issue 2016 Graduation Ceremony. Photo Courtesy of PVCC. PVCC Events -pg. 2 SGA Update -pg. 3 Awards Ceramics -pgs. 10-11 Basketball -pgs. 14-15 Clubs -pgs. 16-17 Fun -pgs. 26-27 -pgs. 4-5 DATES TO REMEMBER Annual Student Exhibition * April 14 Sept. 6, Dickinson Finals Week May 2-8 Anderson Music Studio Recital May 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dickinson The Violin & Piano Studios of Janice Mauroshadt Recital May 6, 2-4 p.m., Dickinson Best of Both Worlds Dance & Step Competition Youth Edition May 6, 7-9 p.m., Dickinson Class of 2017 Alumni Association Induction Ceremony* May 8, 6-7:30 p.m., Bolick Student Center PVCC Nurse Pinning Ceremony * May 12, 1:00 p.m., John Paul Jones Arena Graduation Ceremony * May 12, 6:00 p.m., John Paul Jones Arena Albemarle Ballet Theatre presents Little Red Riding Hood May 13, 6 p.m., Dickinson main stage Dance Club Showcase Skye Scott, assistant editor On April 27, 2017, the wings of the Dickinson theatre main stage buzzed with excitement as dance club members anxiously waited for their cue. These seven Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) students were about to participate in the first dance club showcase. Backstage, costumes and makeup covered the counters of the dressing room. Dancers encouraged each other before each performance. The showcase included solos and group dances, all choreographed by the dance club students. The final dance club routine, which included six of the seven dancers, combined musical theatre, Zumba, and hip-hop, styles the dancers had learned during club meetings. After the show, SGA volunteers helped to hand out refreshments to the friends and family of the performers. To join the dance club, contact President-Elect Michael Golez at mdg2944@email.vccs.edu or Faculty Advisor Michelle Cooper at mcooper@pvcc.edu. Summer Classes First 5-week/10-week May 22 Super Saturday FAFSA June 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Summer Classes Second 5-week June 27 Super Saturday FAFSA July 29, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fall Classes Aug. 21 *Free Event ^Student Vouchers Available Dance Club Members Photo Courtesy of Michael Golez Page 2 Student Government Association News Olivia Stevens, staff writer On Tuesday April 25, 2017, the Student Government Association (SGA) sat in the North Mall Meeting Room for their last meeting of the year. The members listened one by one to the members who were running for positions for the upcoming year. At the end of every year, the SGA elects new members to be the executive board for the following year. Members are asked about how they will do their job. If there is more than one person running for a position then there is often a debate. Each member who was running for an office stood up and made a speech to persuade the SGA members why they were the best candidate for that position. They each said how long they had been at Piedmont and how long they had been in SGA. After they shared this information, they then went into work that they had done that is similar to the position they were running for. Candidates also talked about what makes them the best candidate. After hearing speeches, members then pulled out their clickers and voted for the best candidate for a position There were seven positions that needed to be filled before next year. The positions were president, vice president, secretary, director of public relations, director of student voice, executive Senator, and director of events. Each newly-elected member had something to say about their new role in the upcoming SGA year. They all were excited to work together and come up with great ideas for the new year. Waqas Al Mulhim, who was elected president, said, I am very happy for being elected as the President of the SGA. And I am so honored to be able to help other students, as well as hearing them, and make their voice heard. Michael Apgar, who was elected vice president, said, Im happy to have been elected the new SGA vice president and look forward to representing the student body. I plan to take the ideas of the students and work with the rest of the SGA to make the 2017-2018 school year a great one. Erin Sonnenburg, who was elected secretary, said, The Student Government Association was the first club I applied for when I joined Piedmont Virginia Community College. It will be the first club I apply for when I transfer to a four year college. The reasons for that are as follows. First and foremost, the SGA has shown me that good leadership inspires others to lead and that leaders do not find joy in self-achievement, but rather in the achievement of those they serve. Secondly, the SGA has been quintessential in the formation of who I am today. Through the SGA, I became interested in government, law, civil discussion, and the importance of being an active listener. To the SGA, I am entirely grateful. As a member, of the new executive board, I will recollect on what I learned, maintain my aptitude for learning, and inspire others to do the same. Skye Scott was elected director of public relations. She said, I was just elected as director of public relations, and I am so excited! I will be in charge of managing social media accounts, publicizing events, and advertising the SGA in general. Cambria Kowalzik, who was elected director of student voice, said, Being the director of student voice gives me the opportunity to connect with the student body in a new way. I am looking forward to seeing what we can all do to help the school, and the student body. Emily Sabin, who was elected executive senator, said, I feel very excited to be a part of something I believe in, and I'm looking forward to learning more about PVCC from different perspectives. John Linkous was elected director of events. He said, Im happy that I was elected to director of events as it will allow me to collaborate with others to create events that benefit our school. In addition, Im interested to see what ideas others will bring forward on creating events around our campus. The new year will bring on a new executive board that are ready for the opportunity to serve as the student voice for the school. To contact the SGA, follow them on Facebook at PVCC Student Government Association, email Waqas Al Mulhim at wa2810@email.vccs.edu, or email the SGA email at SGA@pvcc.edu and SGA2@pvcc.edu. Page 3 PVCCs Awards Convocation Olivia Stevens, staff writer On Thursday, April 20, 2017, in the Dickinson theatre, the rows of seats were filled with award recipients and their families. On the stage, seats were filled with faculty members who had nominated students for awards. The students, dressed in their best clothes, were excited and nervous about the awards they would receive. To begin the ceremony, President Frank Friedman went up to the podium and welcomed everyone in the audience and congratulated the students who had won their respective awards and scholarships. The receiving students had smiles on their faces and appeared ecstatic to be honored for all the work they had done for Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) and for their courses. One by one, students were called and to the stage to receive their awards and students shook hands with the faculty member that nominated them and then shook Dr. Friedmans hand. Some students gave the faculty member a warm hug; Abbi Traaseth and Steve McNerney did an elaborate handshake. Many students received multiple awards, and each time they came back on stage, their smile became larger and there was more vigor in their stride. Assistant Professor of Political Science Connie Jorgensen walked to the podium and began to give her speech; the audience listened attentively as she advised students. She reminded the audience of the things they learned in kindergarten, because those are lessons everyone PVCC President Frank Friedman Photography by Olivia Stevens still remembered and carried with them throughout life. During her speech, Jorgensen shared things from the work: All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten: When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Brandi Rey, who received awards for her work in the French club, the Student Government Association, and for her academic work in French, said, It is an honor to be in the presence of the best of the best of PVCC. I'm so thankful to the faculty and staff here that push me to exceed my own expectations. For the first time in my life, I am confident that I am on the right track. Many students were grateful for the awards that they received. Skye Scott, who also received multiple awards including the awards for The Forum, dance club, and Whos Who award, said, Id like to thank Dr. Whyte for nominating me because she nominated me for the Whos Who award and also for the newspaper award. And also Michelle Cooper who is the Dance Club faculty advisor. Wadah Al Mulhim, who won the award for Student Government Association and received the highest award at PVCC, the Distinguished Student Award, said, PVCC is filled with outstanding and overachieving students. The award ceremony has shown the community what PVCC students are capable of. Receiving the distinguished student award encouraged me to work harder and give back Assistant Professor Connie Jorgensen addressing to the community. the students. Photography by Olivia Stevens Page 4 Kim Hoosier Talks Awards, Students, Sociology Joe Fowler, online editor Piedmont Virginia Community College Professor of Sociology Kim Hoosier won the Susan S. Wood Professorship for Teaching Excellence last week at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) New Horizons Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony. On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, Hoosier met with a reporter from The Forum to discuss her award, along with several other subjects. The VCCS awards the Susan S. Wood Photography Courtesy of PVCC Office of Marketing & Media Relations Professorship for Teaching Excellence annually based on an extensive application and Additionally, she co-authored a journal article eligibility process. Through a competitive with former PVCC Professor Sam Pincus in 2014 selection process, a VCCS faculty member will titled Student Engagement and Professional be designated as the Susan B. Wood Professor, Development in an Innovative Learning according the VCCS website. Community, which can be found on the VCCS Hoosier said that she applied for a State Digital Commons website. Council of Higher Education for Virginia Hoosier spoke fondly of her students and (SCHEV) award in 2016 and was a finalist for teaching saying that its important to take the award. something away from the class, as opposed to Though she ultimately did not win the simply getting a grade and moving on. Its nice SCHEV award, Hoosier explained that she to be recognized. You dont always feel youre already had most of the key components for the making the impact you want to, she said. Susan S. Wood application process as a result of Speaking on her area of expertise, sociology, the SCHEV application process. Hoosier commented on the growing divide in the Its an honor to get the award. I feel humbled United States beyond the academic realm. The by it, said Hoosier. Plenty of other teachers trend that bothers me is the divide between the here deserve to be recognized. Though the haves and the have-nots, she said in regards to award process entails a great deal of feedback financial inequality. from VCCS directors and faculty, a large She said, Poverty and inequality are huge component of the award involves academic issues systemic to a lot of other problems. On leadership and dedication, according to the that point, Hoosier praised the teaching VCCS website. environment at PVCC in that and other regards. Hoosier received an overall 4.8/5-star rating I feel like its a gift to teach such a diversity of among 57 students during her time at PVCC, students from different backgrounds who are according to the Rate My Professors website. willing to engage in the class, she said. Page 5 Retired News Correspondent Imparts Wisdom Antonia Florence, assistant editor Joe Fowler, online editor Andrews, because nobody exerted any effort. To emphasize the importance of first-hand coverage, Andrews told the story of his time as Former CBS news correspondent Wyatt the CBS foreign correspondent to Asia, Andrews spoke with Dr. Tamara Whytes embedded in Tokyo when he received a call from journalism students April 20, 2017, to provide CBS telling him to get to New Delhi advice on how to improve their reporting skills. immediately. Once in New Delhi, Andrews Andrews obtained a Bachelor of Arts in reported on the Mahatma Gandhi assassination Government and Foreign Affairs from the and the ensuing discord between the Hindus and University of Virginia where he graduated with Sikhs. Andrews won a national Emmy award for honors in 1974. Throughout his career, he has his coverage. won many awards including two local Emmys On a smaller scope, reporters for The Forum and three national Emmys. adhere to the same principles His first words to the Andrews spoke about. Every journalism students of article involves a reporter Piedmont Virginia attending an event, visiting a Community College reflected locale or talking face-to-face a spirit of unity rather than with someone associated with pride in his many awards. or qualified to speak on the I am one of you. I grew subject. Though current up just as many of you, no Forum journalists have yet to money or privileges, said win Emmys or receive calls to Andrews. After a brief other continents, many introduction, Andrews sacrifice time from their opened the floor for evenings and weekends to discussion. attend events Students asked questions Andrews held the attention of Photography by Charles Stish about his experiences and his each person in the room. The perspective on the current students expressed state of journalism. In a appreciation for the gesture most journalists are familiar with, opportunity to be exposed to someone as Andrews took notes. He briefly responded to knowledgeable about the craft of journalism as each question, often revisiting previous questions Andrews is and having earned international and addressing the students who asked them by respect in the field. name, creating an atmosphere of familiarity. While a principal reporter for CBS Evening The interactive discussion included topics News segment Eye on America, Andrews pertinent to journalistic media and its recent returned to U.Va in 2006 as an adjunct instructor evolution. The media is changing rapidly, said teaching an undergraduate course, Journalism Andrews. Journalistic endeavors today can all be and the Media. done from a desk equipped with a computer and Andrews returned once again to U.Va as a telephone. Just because it can be done, does not professor of practice where he integrates mean it is the best way or even the most effective academic scholarship with practical experience way. You still need that face-to-face teaching in the Department of Media Studies. interaction, said Andrews. Body language and Along with Basic and Advanced Multimedia inflection gives just as much information as News Reporting, he teaches The News Media: a written words. real time look at how the news media functions The discussion continued to the current and the challenges it faces. quality of media coverage, Andrews said that not It is a privilege to be trusted to tell peoples every article a news outlet releases consists of stories, Andrews said. When it comes to a original journalism. Sometimes a news company journalist pounding the pavement hunting down picks original pieces off the wire and paraphrases facts for their next article, everything you survey them. This is not reporting, according to is your canvas. Page 6 PVCC Civic Leadership Conference Andrew Fletcher, guest writer issue. The problem we face in the current political climate is that sometimes people do not listen to understand; instead, they listen to respond. I believe this is the reason for the current polarized political climate in the United States. Verdis Robinson ended the Civic Leadership Conference with a discussion about how as community college students, we are able to enact real positive change within our communities. His main point was that because we are democracy students, we should be able to connect with the community around us more than a four-year institution might. He explained democracy students as all of us who have different backgrounds and experiences. It is because we have a diverse set of ideas that makes us democracy students; great things can blossom from people explaining and understanding their different viewpoints. As community college students, we can inspire others to be involved in our community, whether by running for local government offices, school boards, or volunteering. I am extremely grateful for being able to have a conference at PVCC that boosts the idea that all of us can be a positive influence on our community. If you are like me, the 2016 election was the first election that I actually paid attention to. With that being said millennials are the least likely to pay attention to politics. Because of the outcome of this election, I was driven to become more politically active; however, this seemed like a daunting task to take on. For this reason, I was excited to see that Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) was putting on a Civic Leadership Conference, with the sole purpose of informing students on the best way of being politically active with a civil demeanor. Knowing how many of the PVCC events go on campus, I was not sure how many people would show up; nonetheless, this conference was packed with a diverse crowd of students truly interested in being engaged in the community. The main goal of this conference was to teach PVCC students about how to enact the most change in our community. Conference speakers were carefully chosen to foster discussions about civil political discourse, religion in politics, issues regarding historical monuments, and news reliability. Of these discussions, I was able to attend the civil discourse panel and the news panel. The civil discourse panel was helpful in pointing out how to best approach a conversation with a person that has a different viewpoint than your own. One of Dr. JacksonBeckhams main points was that like in a classroom there are no bad questions; in a civics discussion, there are no bad reasons for believing what you believe. It is this idea that helps to mitigate the divide between liberals Assistant Professor of Political Science Connie Jorgensen offered and conservatives, and opening remarks at the second annual Civic Leadership Conference can help to come to an Photography courtesy of PVCC Office of Marketing &Media Relations agreement on a certain Page 7 Transferring Through PVCC Marlie Soderquist, staff writer Going to college can be a hard decision for high schoolers to make. Whether it is the cost, the distance, the commitment, or not being able to decide on what to study, there are many factors that go into the decision. Attending a community college for a few years allows students to decide on a perspective major, live close to home, and save some money along the way. Piedmont offers a guaranteed admissions agreement with most Virginia colleges and universities, including University of Virginia, William and Mary, and George Mason. A complete list of these colleges can be found on Piedmont Virginia Community Colleges website under Guaranteed Admissions & Transfer Information. Students must earn a transferable associate degree and maintain and meet other admission requirements, like GPA and course requirements. Most students who transfer from PVCC attend U.Va, VCU, Old Dominon University, James Madison University, and Liberty University. Connor McKinnis, who is transferring to JMU next fall, said, JMU's drive towards a balance of academic excellence and social construction is a big part of what makes me want to go there. I had a few friends who went there or worked in student organizations, and their stories of fellow students supportive and optimistic spirits was great. Also, as a chronically single dude, the 60 percent female population was definitely an upside. PVCC has two transfer advisors, Kristen Greer and Kemper Steele. Gabe Farmer, a freshman at PVCC, is transferring to Virginia Tech in the fall. He said, All my guidance (for transferring) was from Kristen; shes the best! Steele also got kudos from freshman Jacob Deloria, who said, Kemper Steele is an amazing guy, and everyone that has talked with him can relate. He does an awesome job at what he does. Both advisors offices are in the main building, and appointments can be made for students looking for transfer guidance. Although students do not have to stay two years at PVCC to transfer, there is no guarantee that the college will accept an applicant. Deloria explained that transferring after one year has been very stressful because he did not know if he was accepted until March. Transferring to an out-of-state school is similar. Students are not guaranteed admission to out-of-state colleges, and there is also no guarantee that courses will transfer. Different states have different class curriculums. Students can talk to the transfer advisors about which courses are more likely to transfer. The experiences students receive while attending PVCC can be unforgettable. Instead of treating the college as a punch in, punch out school, where you just show up for classes and get out ASAP, I got more involved with an organization at school called Cru, and made numerous great friends who I cherish, said McKinnis. Farmer enjoyed being a part of a small school and getting to remain friends with people from his high school, he liked being able to create more fun memories with them in college. Deloria explained his experience at PVCC as Accomplishing exactly what I desired. He was able to better himself as a student and finish his classes. These students experiences shows that PVCC stays true to their motto Opportunity. Access. Excellence. Page 8 Photography by Jake DeLaurier Project LIFE meets at PVCC Jake DeLaurier, staff writer On March 18 and 19, 2017, the youth advisory council for Virginia, called SPEAKOUT (Strong Positive Educated Advocates Keen On Understanding the Truth), held their second meeting to continue developing the foundation of the group. SPEAKOUT serves as a participant for the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and is comprised of youth and young adults in foster care from around the state who are passionate about generating change in the foster care system. The group plans to work on various projects and provide feedback on policies that impact young people in foster care throughout Virginia. Project LIFE, a partnership with VDSS and United Methodist Family Services, was also present at the meeting to provide support and guidance to the council members. The mission of Project LIFE is to enhance the successful transition of older youth in foster care to adulthood by providing the skills and tools they need to become positive, productive citizens. This is important because according to Children's Rights.org, over 670,000 children spent time in foster care in 2015. At the meeting was Project Manager Talia Brown who has been a part of Project LIFE for five years. Its important to help youth in the foster care system because they are like any other young adult - they can benefit from support in all areas of their lives in order to be successful, said Brown. Brown also hopes to get rid of stereotypes that are often associated with youth in foster care. There are misconstrued ideas about foster care. There is a stigma that often exists that kids in the foster care system are bad kids, said Brown. She went on to say that the youth she works with are smart, passionate, gifted young people who have endless potential, and with a little support, they can greatly impact their communities and those around them. Since its beginning in 2009, Project LIFE has served close to 2,000 young people. According to Brown, one of the biggest accomplishments of Project LIFE is seeing young people succeed who have come from difficult situations. One person that has been helped by Project LIFE is Brittney who has participated in the program for four years. I have gotten a lot of experience from Project LIFE, said Brittney. She then went on to say how each social service agency in Virginia does things differently and how foster care laws differ. The example that Britney used was if someone in foster care wanted to stay over at someones house, the rules at one agency may differ from those of another. She hopes SPEAKOUT will serve as an avenue for young people to provide their thoughts on issues like this and provide a way to generate change for youth in the foster care system. Page 9 Beginning Ceramics With Tom Clarkson MaKayla Grapperhaus, staff writer At Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC), students have the unique opportunity to take a class that focuses on teaching the ancient art of ceramics. Professor of Art Tom Clarkson teaches ceramics courses at four different levels here at PVCC, including the first, Ceramics I. This class focuses on teaching beginning students a multitude of pottery skills and techniques, all of which are necessary for mastering the art of ceramics. Students enrolled in his class are introduced to hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, firing and much more. Abbey, a PVCC student, is currently taking Clarksons ceramics class to fulfill her humanities elective for the nursing program. For her, the art class has been a much needed break Photography by MaKayla Grapperhaus Photography by MaKayla Grapperhaus from the usual courses that nursing students are required to take. She said, Working with the clay has been a very calming experience. Art has always been important to Abbey, but since graduating from high school in 2015, she has not been able to explore her creative side as much, until now. She said, The class has helped me to expand upon my creativity at a busy point in my life when I dont have a lot of time to focus on anything other than my studies. Watching Abbey work on one of her ceramics pieces during open ceramics lab, it was clear that she takes deep pride in her work. Keeping a detailed journal with her at all times, Abbey carefully sketches out design ideas on paper first and then brings them to life with clay. Throughout the molding process, Abbey records the many techniques she used on a single piece. Clarkson requires his students to keep a journal to plan ahead and to reflect back on past works. One of Abbeys latest ceramic pieces is currently featured in the Annual Student Exhibition, along with many other pieces from Clarksons students. Held in the Dickinson Building, artwork from PVCC ceramic students can be viewed from April 22 through August 3. In their various shapes, sizes, and colors, these pieces of pottery showcase endless ways clay can be shaped to express an artists creativity. For those interested in learning the art of ceramics, Clarkson offers ART 153 Ceramics I in both the summer and fall semesters. Page 10 Janet Fieldhouse Holds Ceramics Workshop MaKayla Grapperhaus, staff writer On March 25, 2017, indigenous Australian artist Janet Fieldhouse, visited Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) to hold a ceramics workshop. The event offered limited seating to the public who could buy tickets through the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal museum. However, PVCC students who are currently enrolled in a ceramics class at the college had free access. The workshop gave PVCC ceramics students the unique opportunity to learn about aboriginal art in Charlottesville from Janet Fieldhouse, an artist of Torres Strait Islander descent. The workshop was held at PVCCs Dickinson Building on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Both PVCC students and local ceramics enthusiasts came to the event. Each seat within the classroom, where the first part of the workshop took place, was filled. Those who showed up just a few minutes late had to bring in more chairs from nearby classrooms. Fieldhouse began the workshop with a presentation of her best ceramic artwork on a slideshow. Giving background information on each one of her pieces, Fieldhouse said her first exposure to ceramics was during college in 1999. It was then she began exploring the use of ceramics to express her aboriginal culture through carefully crafted pottery creations. Her first work featured hand-sculpted canoes, each one holding within it small bundles of dried grasses and feathers from native birds belonging to Australias islands. She shared that the making of canoes in her culture is viewed solely as mans work, and for her to sculpt them from clay was taboo. While she did get permission to craft items identified only with men in her culture from male relatives, Fieldhouse jokingly referred to this start in her ceramics career as a time of rebellion. Fieldhouse shared images and stories about her work for nearly two hours. In all of her pieces, two themes were always represented: the cultural traditions practiced by Torres Strait Islanders and the significant value of women within this culture. While both are visibly important to Fieldhouse, the focus on Torres Strait women has given her artwork a unique angle never-before explored by ceramic art. Her artwork includes pendants, armbands, and baskets as well as sculptures inspired by the designs belonging to the Torres Strait practice of scarification, a ritual that marked Islanders by means of scaring the skin with deep cuts. Although it is no longer practiced, the designs are brought to life by Fieldhouse through many of her ceramic pieces. After the presentation, the second part of the workshop included catered lunch from Sticks Kebob Shop. The lunch was courtesy of PVCCs ceramics club who sold their own ceramic creations to fund the lunch. To end the day, the workshop featured a hands-on portion that allowed everyone to craft a work of art from clay. Fieldhouse gave a short demonstration on how to make two pinch pots and mold them together in order to create an egg shape. The egg could then be crafted into any shape the person wanted, and Fieldhouse was present throughout the day to help anyone who needed guidance. To learn more about Fieldhouses work, locals can visit Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection located at UV.a where the best collection of Indigenous Australian art in the world can be viewed. Much of Fieldhouses work is currently on display. Photography by MaKayla Grapperhaus Page 11 Distance Learning at PVCC: A Flexible Choice MaKayla Grapperhaus, staff writer Kelseys situation shows the importance of online classes; however, distance learning is not Many students at Piedmont Virginia for everyone. Zach, another PVCC student, took Community College (PVCC) have busy one of his required courses through an online schedules and obligations outside of school that class this semester. can make getting to campus for classes each He said, For me, the class has been the most week a challenge. However, that does not mean challenging class I have taken here. Its not that they must put their academic dreams on hold. the material is hard to understand, but without the With a long list of courses offered online, PVCC in-person experience, Ive just lost the motivation students can continue to achieve their academic needed to complete the assignments by the goals from their own homes and at their own deadlines. convenience. Taking online On PVCCs courses require official website, more than just the following reliable internet courses are listed access. To as available succeed in distance learning distance learning options: courses, students accounting, art must and dance, commitment to biology, business, the personal communications, responsibility English, health that online care, history, and classes entail. foreign languages. Since the weekly With so many interaction with options available, professors is far distance learning more limited than has become a that of classes on popular way of campus, students taking courses at will be fully PVCC. responsible for For Kelsey, a keeping up with nursing student, weekly online classes are assignments and Photography by Charles Stish the best option for for remembering her while she deadlines. While balances working and being a student. making weekly trips to campus is not required of She said, Working full-time and also being a distance learning courses, professors often student full-time has been very challenging, but require students to take midterms and finals at its a challenge that a lot of us students are facing PVCCs testing center. today, so its nice to have options like online Distance learning students will learn all they classes. need to know about taking an online course by She continued, Since I started taking classes completing the Distance Learning Orientation. here in 2015, Ive taken at least one or more of If you are considering taking an online class my classes online every semester. With my work at PVCC this summer or fall semester, you can schedule, I dont think I would have been able to complete the orientation at www.pvcc.edu/ go back to school without the option of distance academics/distance-learning to learn if distance learning courses available to me. learning at PVCC is right for you. Page 12 Summertime Business Class Marlie Soderquist, staff writer For those studying business administration, management, or entrepreneurship, taking a Business 100 class seems like old news, but the importance of communication and leadership skills, as well as teamwork, ethics, and computer knowledge, are crucial in any job field. Taking the online Business 100 class or a face-to-face session taught by adjuncts during the summer can beneficial to every Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) student. Of course, I am biased, but I think everyone should take at least a Business 100 class. After all, everyone is either going to work for a business (or organization of some sort) or start their own business. So, either way, you should know how a business operates so you can be a better employee. In fact, while there are many benefits from taking an Intro to Business course, I think the number one benefit to students who take my course, is that they end up being a better employee because of it. As a better employee that will achieve more job satisfaction and further their career much quicker and hopefully achieve their ultimate career goals in a reasonable amount of time, said Assistant Professor of Business William Pratt who has been teaching business and management at PVCC since 2013. The Intro to Business, or Bus. 100 class, gives a broad introduction to how businesses function in the United States. It also introduces finances, economic systems, business organization, management, and marketing. Pratt discussed that PVCCs Business Program is transferrable, and the only business class that is required is Business 100. Other business courses are recommended to be taken after transferring, and students are encouraged to finish their liberal arts classes before they transfer. PVCCs Management Associates Degree Program, however, is non-transferrable and is currently being revised due to feedback from local businesses so, we can fully align the skills we teach with our local job market, said Pratt. Assistant Professor of Business William Pratt Photography courtesy of PVCCs Human Resources Department. Students do not need to be a part of the Business or Management Program to take the Business 100 class offered in the Summer, and there are many more business classes offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. Encouraging students who are debating on taking business classes, Pratt said, Business is everywhere. Even if you plan to work for a nonprofit, there are still resources to manage, budgets to follow and people who need good, strong leaders that can motivate them. We have all had bad managers and none of us want to be that bad manager ourselves. So, the best way is to understand a little bit about how a business operates and why managers are bad and what you can do to avoid those same mistakes. An Introduction to Business course is not difficult it is a surprising amount of fun and it really helps to put everything you see and hear at your work or in the news into perspective. Plus, you will probably be smarter than your supervisor when you complete the course! Page 13 Wheelchair Basketball: Students vs. Pros Charles Stish, staff writer Another student, Victoria Detwiler, said, In the wheelchair, you lose about two, maybe two For the past eight years, Charlottesvilles local and half feet. Noting how the loss of normal National Wheelchair Basketball Association height perception made it hard for her to make a (NWBA) team, the Cardinals, have visited shot at the hoop. Its a lot of fun though, she Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) added once a semester. With them, they bring a small It wasnt as difficult physically as I thought box trailer full of wheelchairs so PVCC students it would be, but it was difficult mentally. It was can play against them on the pavement of like trying to carry an egg on a spoon, said PVCCs basketball court. PVCC student Jeremy Greller. This was no different on the seventy-degree Towards the end of the match, some of the day of April 12, 2017. On the sunny day, four students caught on to the techniques of the sport. Cardinals went This made them more against over ten formidable and PVCC students in a confident. One such game of wheelchair student was Cayla basketball. Phillips. Having Five minutes played basketball for into the game, the years, Cayla said she outnumbered spent time before Cardinals were 2-0 entering the match on the students. No observing how the surprise, Cardinals moved considering the about the court. My Cardinals have goal was to get the ranked in the wheelchair down, NWBAs Sweet said Phillips. Cardinal player Rush explaining basic rules of Sixteen list for the While students like wheelchair basketball to PVCC students. past thirteen years. Traaseth, Greller, and Photograph Courtesy of Susan Hannifan Most PVCC players Cayla were pushing were still trying to themselves across the figure out how to court, other students and several faculty members maneuver in the wheelchairs while performing watched and cheered on the match. The crowd the tasks that come with playing basketball. The members could dine on salty chicken, sweet PVCC students also had to abide by the NWBAs tasting macaroni and cheese, and mustard-based rule of one dribble per two pushes. potato salad catered by Wayside Chicken. PVCC Knowing the students would struggle at least provided coolers full of water and soft drinks to in the beginning, the Cardinals went easy until help people stave off the warm weather. most students could get more comfortable in their The student crowd members and players position. Even when figuring out how to play, the would sometimes exchange as one playing students were laughing and smiling as they tried student would tire out and one from the crowd to push themselves across the court, throw or would take their place. Some students held out on pass the ball, and score goals. the court for almost the entire event. Others only Abbigail Abbi Traaseth, one of the students played for a few minutes before surrendering who played, said, It was really disorienting at their position. first. It wasnt intuitive, but I figured it out Among the crowd members were Assistant quickly. When asked about how she felt going Professor of Physical Education Steve McNerney against the Cardinals, she joked Oh, we didnt and Disability Services Counselor Susan stand a chance. Hannifan. Page 14 Both Hannifan and McNerney have worked to plan this event throughout the years. McNerney even requires his Sports Appreciation students to attend the event, but McNerney observed the events attraction and said, Its nice to see the event transgresses requirement. Hannifan also has a personal connection with Cardinal Brandon Rush and has known him since he was 14. According to both Hannifan and Rush, this bi -annual event began over a simple phone call and a request for the Cardinals to come and visit the college to demonstrate the sport. After the match, Rush said, It was real competitive. They figured out the secrets faster than students in previous semesters. But whats important is that we were all out there happy and having fun. Rushs fellow Cardinal, Tom Vandever, said, We had some great athletes and competitors. Its always fun and great to come and play here. The Cardinals are active community members, playing demo matches for schools, churches, and at different local events. They formed in 1980, and since their creation, the Cardinals have had a team diverse in gender, race, and age. In 1982, team members formed what would become the Independence Resource Center. Several Cardinal members still serve on Photography by Charles Stish the Board of Directors for the IRC. You can learn more about the Cardinals via their website: http://cardinalsbasketball.com/ The PVCC Students, Assistant Professor of Physical Cardinals also have a movie called Roll With Education Steve McNerney (back), and Cardinal Tom Vandever (back) pose for a post-match photo. It, which can be viewed on their website. Photograph Courtesy of Susan Hannifan Page 15 Foods From Around The Globe Jake DeLaurier, staff writer On April 5, 2017, Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) held their 29th annual International Food Festival in the North Mall Meeting room. At the event, students and faculty enjoyed food courtesy of local restaurants and PVCC clubs. These included The Bavarian Chef, Black Student Alliance, East Garden, French Club, Himalayan Fusion, International Club, Mican Japanese Restaurant, Pad Thai, and the Spanish Club. Why is it important? Lets see, so that students, staff and faculty can come together and appreciate cuisine from different countries, wrote Professor of Spanish Kit Decker in an email. During the festival, tickets were required to purchase food. These tickets could be purchased outside the North Mall Meeting room. Each ticket cost $1 and would correspond with the food that was for sale. For example, if something at the festival cost $2, then that meant it was worth two tickets. The North Mall Meeting room was packed with students and faculty eager to see the food that was being offered. The food ranged from the traditional macaroni and cheese from the Black Student Alliance, to unfamiliar foods like tres leches from the Spanish club which is cake soaked in various types of milk. Restaurants like The Bavarian Chef offered food that included sausages with sauerkraut, cheese spaetzle, creamy red pepper soup with crab meat, and apfelstrdel. The foods that drew the most attention were the foods from the French Club and Spanish Club. The French Club made crepes with the options of adding Smuckers jam, Nutella, strawberries, whip cream, and edible flowers for garnish. The French Club also offered cooked snails that were prepared with plenty of butter and garlic. The cooked snails were given out for free and also came with a small slice of a baguette. Some of the food offered by the Spanish Club included enchiladas and tamales. All the proceeds from this years International Food Festival were donated to the International Rescue Committee of Charlottesville. Photography by Jake DeLaurier Page 16 Say Bonjour to PVCCs French Club Olivia Stevens, staff writer The hilltop where Piedmont Virginia Community College sits looks as though it sits upon the French Countryside, which makes it a perfect place for the French Club to meet. The French club brings together students who are interested in French culture, cuisine, language, art, and fashion. French club gives an unique French experience to the members without them having to travel across the world. The club meets every other Wednesday; they discuss and learn in-depth about French culture, food, holidays, and politics. The club does not turn away from students who do not speak French or are not in a French class. President Brandi Rey said, Not all members speak French; each member is on a different level of how well they can speak French. In their meetings, they taste different cuisines. During their last meeting, the members tasted assorted cheeses. They also try French bread, quiche, and many other different French dishes. The club will be going to Pause-Caf at La Maison Franais where students who are studying French can enjoy coffee and treats while only speaking French. In the caf, food and drinks are free and the only language allowed is French. At the end of every semester, the club members go out to celebrate by having dinner together at a French restaurant. They have gone to multiple restaurants in Charlottesville including Petit Pois. The club recently started the tradition of going out and sharing a good meal and conversation with the other members as is it something they truly enjoy doing. Members enjoy playing French games such as ptanque, which is a game where players toss or roll balls to get as close as possible to a small wooden ball, which is called a cochonnet, while the players are standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground, according to the website Discover France. Rey, has been in the French club for four semesters and has been president for three. Her interest in French culture began after she met her wife who is a French native and is also a French professor at the University of Virginia. Brandi said that what she enjoys about French club is being with like minded people with the same interest I really like the opportunity to explore ideals and things that are going on that are not discussed in class. Pancakes and Lumberjacks Jake DeLaurier, staff writer The smell of pancakes was in the air inside the main building at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) on April 13, 2017. This was the location of Pancake Panorama, an event held by the Lumberjack Club. At the event, members of the Lumberjack Club sold pancakes near the Bolick Student Center. Proceeds from the event went to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). IRC helps refugees by providing assistance on finding a better place to live and helping them assimilate in the United States. Vice President of the Lumberjack Club Joseph Roberts was at the event. It was technically the whole idea of the club, said Roberts. Students and faculty members were able to buy pancakes and could add toppings such as syrup. At around 2 p.m., the Lumberjack club had raised an approximately $50. Roberts also pointed out that people who missed out on Pancake Panorama could still donate to IRC by visiting their website. Roberts then took some time to talk about the Lumberjack Club.We see our weekly meeting as a time of fellowship, said Roberts. Volunteering has always been part of the Lumberjack Club. We kind of had this goal of volunteering the most out of any club, said club member Ilia Kowalzik. The Lumberjack Club has more volunteering events planned for the future. One of these will be Flannel Fun Run on July 8. It will be a 5k run to help support Caring for Creatures. There are bright things in the Lumberjacks future, said Roberts. Page 17 The Stress of College Life Skye Scott, assistant editor of sleep, physical strain, anxiety, and jitteriness. Julianna Suarez, another PVCC student, said One of the hardest things in college is the she counteracts stress with prioritizing, stress. Many students are juggling school, work, scheduling, and being as organized and proactive and family, which can be difficult to do around as possible. When the stress is overwhelming, finals when school becomes even more however, I try to spend more time with friends or demanding. taking walks to get my mind off things. Exercise David Lerman, the coordinator of student helps a lot. success at Piedmont Virginia Community Suarez is in her second semester at PVCC as College (PVCC), said, Very often the ones that well. Both semesters she has been enrolled in a we see, historically in this office, are questions of full-time course load, while also being an active juggling school along with life. And life is member of the schools Student Government family, life is work, life is transportation and Association (SGA) and other clubs at PVCC. housing and basic security needs, including food. Lerman said a few ways to counteract stress Those are the structural concerns that most often are to think positively, talk to professors, use uh ... the balance of them brings about stress. resources, study differently, and organize. He PVCC has a unique also says to make sure culture, where many of its students take time for students are not the themselves, to recharge traditional college student and have fun. age, or where school is Alec Traaseth is a not their only priority. student, math tutor, Many students at student ambassador, PVCC are parents, fulland SGA member at time employees, or live PVCC. He is finishing away from their family. his second year at These factors all add to PVCC, before the stress a student feels transferring to daily, especially if the University of Virginia student is also full-time at (U.Va)in the fall. school and attempting to His suggestion for get involved in clubs and having a stress free organizations at school. college year is make The Student Success Office provided a stress time for yourself, don't Some of the stressors relief station on the East Patio before exams. in my life include: living allow school to Photography by Tucker Noelke away from my immediate completely consume family, mainiting member your life. But also don't participation in my clubs, and lastly monitoring over schedule yourself, allowing for plenty of my financial expenses and goals, said Erin time to get all assigned work completed. Striking Sonnenberg, a second year PVCC student. a balance between these two things is, in my Stress comes in many different forms. For opinion, the most important trick to a stress free some people, school is not the thing that stresses college experience. them out the most. Sometimes it is their financial Sonnenburg says organization is key as well stability or their living situation. For Sonnenburg, and is one of her only stress relieving tactics. it is the constant stream of work that college If you are feeling especially stressed this creates, while also balancing her participation in semester, feel free to contact the student success on campus activities. office, located in room M132. This stress affects each person differently. For Academic coaches, located in the Writing some people, it can take away their appetite or Center (room M617), are also available for give them a bigger one. Stress can also cause loss students to talk to. Page 18 Future May Hold Plans to Record PVCC Events Antonia Florence, assistant editor Throughout each semester, many lectures, presentations and informative sessions are held at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC). Recent programs have included the International Student Speaker Series, a presentation on women in engineering and sexual education seminars. It can be difficult to attend them because of class schedules, employment responsibilities, travel distance or transportation issues. Maybe in the future they will be recorded and be made available on a regular basis for students to watch at a later time. Many students do not realize that PVCC has its own YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ user/PVCCVIRGINIA) that contains video presentations about academic and Workforce Services programs, promotional videos and commercials, student services and profiles, events, commencements, convocations and pinnings. Some of the postings date back to 2011. According to the viewer count, this is not a very well-known site, but this might be a good place to access future presentation recordings. A request was submitted to PVCC in midFebruary to investigate the viability of recording presentations. This request, and the resources needed to fulfill it are managed by two departments: Instruction & Student Services and Information Technology. The administration is very supportive of the request and would like to accommodate it. The challenge is the technological limitations of certain room locations for filming (for example, the Bolick Student Center is one of the most challenging areas to capture audio for event recordings), as well as the staffing needed to cover all of these events, especially the ones that occur on evenings and weekends, wrote Leigh-Anne M. Lawrence, director of marketing and media relations at PVCC in an email. However, many considerations need to be taken into account when recording. There needs to be a time lapse from the live presentation and when the recording is made available. Otherwise, people will be less inclined to attend the original presentation even though their schedule permits them to. And, of course, keep in mind that [recording] it is not always a guarantee as it would have to be approved by the presenter as a first step, wrote Sue Haas, chief information officer/director of information technology in an email. With PVCCs new building on the horizon, many of the acoustic challenges will be eliminated. With regard to the technological limitations of spaces like the Bolick Center, PVCCs new building will house a Student Center that will be equipped with the technology needed to capture these types of student events, which is very good news, and should make recording events much easier in the future, Lawrence wrote. Dr. John R. Donnelly, vice president for instruction and student services, wrote in an email, We hope in our new building we will have technology in all spaces that will allow for recording. Since we know this is an important issue for students, we can plan accordingly when we build the new student center/advanced technology center. Page 19 Photography by Marlie Soderquist The Chainsmokers at the John Paul Jones Arena Marlie Soderquist, staff writer On the March 18, 2017, the Chainsmokers, DJ and producer duo Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart, performed at the John Paul Jones arena alongside Kiiara, Emily Warren, and Illesium. The duo became a sensation after their 2014 song #Selfie which was popular in multiple countries. They are more known for the songs Roses, Closer featuring singer Halsey, and their new hit Paris. The duos music is a mix of pop, indie, and dance music. The Memories Do Not Open Tour is the duos first tour although they have had three albums. They are appearing all over the United States as well as Canada. The tour features pyrotechnics as well as confetti and smoke. Cartoons also played behind the duo which there were dancing hotdogs, and montages of a cartoon couple represented some of their more emotional songs. They even had two different Snapchat filters featuring the Chainsmokers logo. Emily Warren is well known for being a songwriter but has also been a featured artist in the Chainsmokers songs Paris and Until You Were Gone. She came on stage for three of the Chainsmokers songs. The opening act Kiiara, has her own following as well. Kiiara is known for her pop style and her song Gold. The singer had been ill the entire day and still performed, stopping short after five songs. Illesium, a DJ, performed before Kiiara and is popular on SoundCloud. The performance was for those who favor both pop and dubstep. The entire arena was filled with fans decked in glow sticks, while waving phone cameras, singing along, and dancing. Page 20 Job Opportunities for PVCC students Tucker Noelke, staff writer Having a job is important. If there are bills to pay or extra spending money is needed, a job can be the answer. Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) holds an annual job fair every year. This opportunity is given to PVCC students and community to find jobs and internships in the Central Virginia Area. Even if you are seeking a job on your own, it is essential to figure out where you would want to potentially work. That means knowing what to do in the process of applying for a job. That includes knowing how to dress appropriately, how to behave in an interview, and having a resume ready in hand. In the last year, there were a number of job opportunities the PVCC job fair represented. Best Buy, Jersey Mikes Subs, Douglas Aquatics, UVA Credit Union, and Panera Bread were some of the businesses recruiting for new employees. The UVA Credit Union has a What Do We Value section of their career options on their websites. It states, As you make your career choices, it's important to understand what UVA Community Credit Union values: service, respect, professionalism, productivity, and career growth. If you share these values, then you will find the credit union a fulfilling work environment. They also seek enthusiastic employees, who have a passion for being their best, and having a strong commitment to their service at UVA Credit Union. It is important to research the job, what they expect and learn what an employee can learn from working there. Become a Student Bus Driver at UTS Marcus Tyler, staff writer drivers. Once training is completed, it is up to the driver to choose a regular route, help out at base Looking for the best part-time job for students or drive a charter. The drivers have complete on or near campus? Sometimes a unique, control over what they choose to do. challenging and unusual job can be found right in What is highly recommended from other your own backyard. Or in this case, behind the drivers is signing up to drive some of UTS wheel of a transit bus. At the University Transit charters. Charter trips have been to places like Service (UTS) of University of Virginia (U.Va), Monticello, vineyards, weddings and many more student drivers experience the unique world of locations. Some drivers may even be lucky bus driving. enough to get a few tips from charter passengers. Obtaining a commercial drivers license Of course, if you would like to drive regular (CDL) will kickstart the training process of routes, there are always openings throughout the driving a bus. The process is much like getting week. your basic driver's license. Luckily, for anyone With opportunities to connect with other wondering where they will be able to test and drivers, there are different kinds of committees to train for a commercial drivers license, UTS join at UTS as well. A safety committee that provides paid CDL handles bus and UTS safety, a training. charter committee that At UTS, your handles charter assignments, starting wage as a and finally a special student driver is committee dedicated to UTS around $10 per hour, event planning and recruiting. with opportunities for UTS is always looking for raises. Most student student drivers and welcomes drivers are required to anyone who may be interested work a minimum of 12 in joining the universitys hours per week. staff. However, UTS is All application information flexible with can be found on the UTS Photography by Marcus Tyler scheduling their website. Page 21 Making Something From Nothing Antonia Florence, assistant editor His mother died two months after she gave birth to him. His father, unable to raise a newborn baby boy and 10 siblings by himself, gave the baby to his maternal grandparents to raise. Norman O. Dean, Sr. was born in March 1932, in Greene County, Virginia. This was just before Franklin Roosevelts inauguration and seven years prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor which culminated in WWII, and in part, brought the country out of The Great Depression. He and his 10 brothers and sisters were all born in a 12-year timespan. Life was hard with little money and little food. But things were different then. We didnt have all the things kids have now. We played outside, and we had to work. There was always something that needed to be done, said Dean. Times were hard. In fact, Dean quit school at the end of the sixth grade and took a job at a dime an hour thinning corn. When Dean was not thinning corn, he was working in the hay, digging ditches or doing whatever was needed. His wages helped to support the family. We all have memorable moments in our lives and most of them are good, said Dean. One of the most memorable experiences of my life was when I was 14-years-old and was the chief witness to a murder. It happened right in front of me. I was riding my bicycle and was crossing the intersection of routes 29 and 33 when I saw a friend. [She] was 16, but I had always known her, so I went over and talked to her. A guy in a lumber hauling truck pulled up to a stop and called the girl over to him. She refused and told him she was not going to talk to him anymore and to leave her alone. The next thing I knew, there was a shotgun coming out of the drivers window and shot her in the face, said Dean, Ill never get over that. At the age of 15, he enlisted in the Army by saying he was older than he was. He went through training and was given an armband to wear that had the sergeants insignia. Of course, it was honorary. I felt like I was hot stuff wearing it. I would escort the new recruits around Photography by Antonia Florence for their physicals, haircuts, and wherever else they needed to go, said Dean. This lasted from August 1942 until they told him that they were going to send him to Korea to fight so Dean told them the truth, which they already knew. He was discharged from the Army that December. Dean was given credit for time served and was paid. Dean turned 16 the following March and found work in Dundalk, Maryland, at Bethlehem Steel, Americas second largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder. I loved the work and liked the guys I worked with, but hated being told what to do all the time, said Dean. When he found out he was going to be drafted for the war, Dean enlisted this time in the Air Force for four years because he did not want to be on the ground fighting. After his discharge, he went back to Bethlehem Steel spending a total of six years with them. Also during this time, he was repairing and selling televisions from his home. When the business became lucrative, he left Bethlehem Steel. In 1962, Dean started Deans T.V. and Appliances moving it from his house to Wise Ave. in Baltimore. He soon opened three more stores throughout the city. One of his suppliers offered him a week of an all-expense paid trip to the 1967 International and Universal Exposition or Expo 67, which was a Category One Worlds Fair being held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, if Dean would buy 100 Page 22 television sets from him. Dean purchased the 100 television sets at wholesale, sold the sets at his usual profit margin, went to the Worlds Fair and enjoyed the trip. Dean was not one to pass up a chance to make money, and he slowly accumulated rental properties and began other business ventures. I opened up a honky-tonk nightclub and hired a three-piece band. It seated about 150 people and had a small dance floor with just enough room for couples to get up and dance while they bumped into each other, said Dean with a smile. The homeland of his youth called, and in 1973, he returned to Ruckersville where he soon opened another dance hall. After a couple was shot, Dean sold that business and purchased a burned down truck stop. After rebuilding the truck stop and adding a strip of commercial units to the property, the business still remains lucrative. On one end of the property were large bays for people to work on their tractor-trailers, but they sat empty most of the time. Dean turned the old work bays into rental rooms, which quickly became The Trail Motel with additional buildings. The motel helps to meet the needs of temporary and long-term housing for those in the area, and a place to stay overnight for travelers passing through. Always keeping one eye on the present and his other eye on the future, Dean invested in real estate, especially fronting Route 29. Over the years he has bought and sold property, added commercial buildings, and leased to local business owners and national brands such as Wendys and Papa Johns. I have never lost money on an investment property, said Dean proudly. There are many things that make a business successful, but dishonesty is the worst thing you can do in a business. You have to treat people like you want to be treated, said Dean. Now that he is 85, it is time to not necessarily slow down but to do some other things that he wants to do, like travel the United States, especially Florida. Airfare to Florida is just a little over $200, so I hope to be making that trip more often, said Dean, I also want to spend more time at the bay. Ive been working on the bay house for 40 years, and its just about done. The Dean family has always worked hard using their hands and backs to accomplish their goals. This can be hard and slow, but it saves money. Even though he still reports to the office and manages the business by phone, he is happily stepping aside. Deans daughter and three sons now largely hold the reins. All of my kids have worked hard their whole lives in the business, and it has not been overlooked. I enjoy having them in the business and happy to turn it over to them- its fun. They have been a very obedient family according to the bible, said Dean. The Deans hold their faith close to their hearts and have done many things for many people in the immediate community and sometimes beyond. They have done this in a low-key manner because they are not seeking recognition. They want to help people who make an effort to help themselves. Norman O. Dean killing time in his auto dealership. Photography by Antonia Florence Page 23 Review: Brunch at The Pigeon Hole MaKayla Grapperhaus, staff writer quality service at all times. When it comes time to order, it can be Located on The Corner, The Pigeon Hole is difficult to choose what to eat because everything just a short walk from University of Virginia on the menu is delicious. They have a variety (U.Va). Under the shelter of a large oak tree, the drinks, including alcoholic options, such as bright blue house with its wooden porch is the bloody marys and mimosas. perfect spot for Sunday brunch. The Pigeon Hole However, you cannot go wrong with their gives customers the option of dining inside or orange juice. Nothing beats the taste of cold, outside. While both options are great, you cannot freshly squeezed in-house orange juice served in beat the experience of dining outside on a a mason jar. Although, I have noticed that their beautiful spring day. orange mimosas are also quite popular. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, All their food is fantastic, but be prepared to bringing back childhood memories of times when pay at least $10 for any plate you choose. While neighbors enjoyed brunch in each others good it is a little pricey for breakfast food, you will not company and nice weather. Like most places on have any regrets. From pancakes to French toast, The Corner, most of the staff are U.Va students. all their brunch options are delightfully Their service is excellent, and despite the bustling satisfying. They also have hardier options, such environment on weekends, the place maintains as their biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos. When I asked the waitress what her favorite item on the menu was, she said that the Huevos Rancheros was her personal favorite and that it is also one of their most popular dishes. The Huevos Rancheros is their own take on an omelet, served with easyover eggs, salsa, black beans and plenty of cheddar cheese. It is super tasty, but then again, Ive never been disappointed with anything Ive ordered off their menu. They also have a great selection of sides, most are $5 or under. I really enjoy their sticky buns; which are quite large and only $4. Whether it is a relaxing Sunday Brunch or a quick stop for breakfast before classes, The Pigeon Hole is sure to hit the spot. With a welcoming atmosphere paired with made in-house favorites, The Pigeon Hole is one of the best places for brunch in Cville. The next time you find yourself craving brunch during this lovely spring weather, head over to The Pigeon Hole. They are open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and are closed on Photography by MaKayla Grapperhaus Wednesdays. Page 24 Summer Kick List: Sneakers to Watch For Shawn Stevenson, staff writer Sneaker heads have a lot to look forward to during summer 2017. Starting this month, all the way through July. There is a list of Air Jordan shoes that would make a fine addition to any sneaker heads collection. Starting with these masterpieces, the Pantone 7s release April 29. Priced at $190, this particular sneaker is simplicity at its finest. With a university blue upper, white Jumpman logo on the ankle section and lastly a completely white sole with another Jumpman logo on the heel of it adding contrast. Who would have thought that simplicity would be so beautiful? Skipping ahead to May 5, we have a pair of Pure Platinum 31 Lows. At $160, the 31s provide a clean white and beautiful metallic silver coming together on a flyweave and synthetic material upper. The shiny silver is visible on the heel of the shoe, as well as the enlarged Jumpman for contrast and tying it all together is a white midsole and translucent outsole. Moving on to May 13 for the release of the Pure Money 4s. Going for $190, with the same concept of the Pure Platinum 31 Lows, the 4s sport a heavenly combination of the same white and silver. Silver takes over the lace tabs, insoles and Jumpman logo across the heel. While a crisp white dominates everything else from the leather upper to the rubber sole. On May 20, the White Metallic 13 Lows will be released for $175. As the name implies, the 13s cling to that same white and silver color scheme as the 31s and 4s. A white upper kicks off the 13s, following a platinum detail on the overlays that draw immediate attention to also the mudguards and heel. Finally, there is a metallic silver Jumpman on the heel and ankle, along with a white and silver outsole. The last shoe coming out in this color scheme will be on shelves June 3. The $190 White Metallic 7s possess white leather overlays with platinum underlays. Simple metallic silver branding is implemented throughout to further emphasize its heavenly build. For a change of color, the 11 Baron Lows will release on May 27. Priced at $175, they feature a black upper, ash grey patent leather mudguard, metallic silver branding, white midsole and a translucent outsole. June 10, brings another pair of low top 13s. The Chutney 13s, at $175, come equipped with a black leather and suede upper, covered with chutney detailing side panels, inner lining, and outsole as well as the Jumpman on the tongue. Finishing the sneaker with a golden Jumpman on the ankle to top it off, this sneaker is a beautiful combination of wheat, black, and gold. Flaunting a color scheme of black, matte silver, white and royal blue this pair of $190 Alternate Motorsport 4s dons black tumbled leather, grey and white detailing on the midsole and inner lining. The beautiful royal blue is vivid on the tongue and outsole. Arriving June 20 and July 22 are two pairs of lovely 13s both pricing at $190. The first pair is the Playoff 13s have tumbled leather throughout the upper, suede detailing on the mudguards and midsole, with traces of red and white inspired by the Chicago Bulls color scheme on the branding, midsole and outsole. The second pair go by the History of Flight 13s. Different from black leather, this sneaker comes with white tumbled leather and very minute hints of red on just the sole, lining and branding. Lastly on this summers kicks list, a pair of spicy University Red 5s coming in at $190. University red suede throughout the whole upper and matching red on the tongue, mesh panels, eyelets, and part of the outsole. Providing contrast, this sneaker also carries a grey tongue, black accents on the inner lining, the Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel, along with shark teeth on the midsole and an icy blue outsole. This concludes this summers kick list, I am sad to say that there will be no OG sneakers coming out this year. For us sneaker heads out there, that is pretty upsetting. However, these shoes on the kicks list will make a fine and sensational addition to any sneaker collection. If you do not know where to go to get your kick list kicks, they will be available at Legends. Located in the Albemarle Shopping Center, next to the ACAC gym. Always available to help, Jes will answer any questions from shoes, jerseys and other aspects of apparel. Page 25 Summer Movie Preview Jake Delaurier, staff writer As the school year comes to a close, students have a lot to look forward to during their break from school such as this years slate of summer movies. Summer time is always packed with blockbusters to see, and this year is no exception. The superhero genre has easily become one of the most popular in modern cinema. This summer, audiences can look forward to three superhero movies. Kicking off the summer movie season on May 5 is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The original Guardians of the Galaxy came out of nowhere surprising everyone with its memorable main cast, sense of humor, and amazing soundtrack. The trailers for the sequel have revealed few details about the films actual plot. However, based off Marvel Studios track record, expect Vol. 2 to be a terrific start to the summer movie season. Also from Marvel is Spider-Man: Homecoming, opening July 7. After his cameo appearance in last years Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man is finally getting his first feature-length film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Tom Holland reprising his role as Spider-Man. It will be interesting to see how Homecoming pans out as it is a joint production between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures who still own the film rights to Spider-Man. The success of Homecoming could pave the way for similar partnerships in the future. Marvel is not the only studio releasing a superhero movie over the summer. Opening June 2 from Warner Bros and DC is Wonder Woman. Set during the first World War, Gal Gadot will reprise her role as Wonder Woman from Batman v. Superman Dawn of Justice. Ever since the release of Man of Steel in 2013, DCs movies have been commercially successful but critical duds. Whether or not Wonder Woman will break this trend is yet to be known. The summer movie season will also typically have at least one successful horror film such as The Conjuring 2 from last year. The horror film to look out for this summer is Alien: Covenant on May 19. Ridley Scott, who also directed the original Alien and the prequel Prometheus, returns to direct Covenant. While Prometheus was criticized by some fans for not featuring the franchises iconic Xenomorphs, Covenant has got them covered. Covenant will also feature a new breed of Xenomorphs called Neomorphs which are birthed from their human host via airborne spores. The studio 20th Century Fox has already moved forward the release of the film twice which shows they are confident in the films quality. Based off the marketing, audiences can expect one demented nightmare of a film. Last summer animated films like Pixars Finding Dory and Illuminations Secret Life of Pets were some of the most successful of the summer and the entire year. This summer both Pixar and Illumination will be releasing another animated film. From Pixar there is Cars 3, opening June 16, and Despicable Me 3 from Illumination opening June 30. Both Pixar and Illumination have a track record for making successful animated films and this summer will be no different. This summer will also provide a few comedies for audiences who are looking for a good laugh. One such comedy is Baywatch, opening May 25. Based off the TV show from the late 80s, the film will star Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in the leading roles. The film will be similar to the recent Jump Street films in that it takes a well-known TV show from the 80s and turn it into an R-rated comedy. These are just a few films to look forward to this summer. I have yet to mention other films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Transformers: The Last Knight, and War for the Planet of the Apes. Needless to say, this summer is full of movies to see. Page 26 Riddles Brennan Tanner, staff writer I was once mighty mountains, I held a king's ransom in wealth, But the wind, the ice, the rain, They broke me down, stole my wealth. Over time, I drifted, my body did decay, One stone to another, and then to earth and for a while I stay. What am I? I have two long fangs, I can eat a thousand sheep, And leave only cloth. First, when someone has a need for silence, They set a finger to their lips. Then when times are tight, and few have heard the call, those who do respond we ask to give their...? And both of these together spun and woven tight, Wraps around and keeps us warm, many a winter's night. What am I? Twelve sunshine princesses, dancing in the light, But as the sun goes down they meet the princes dark, and bright. Together at the sunset, together at its rise, The same old cycle, over again, an endless reprise. Who are they? I went and caught a falling blue star, it's small and cool on my hand, And now it is here I wear it on my finger, in a band. More mighty than the sword, The creator of the written word, Summons voices from a deep dark well, Calls forth the dead, their stories to tell. I am hard as crystal, as clear as ice, With as many shapes as there are grains of rice, I help you see both near and far, From the words on a page, to a faraway star, If joined with silver then magic I can do, For with no camera, in me youll see you. Page 27 Classifieds Join The Forum! Contact Us PVCC The Forum 501 College Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22902 theforum@pvcc.edu www.piedmontforum.com The Forum offers classified space to the PVCC community free of charge. Please send announcements along with full name, email, and phone number to: theforum@pvcc.edu The Forum Staff (Listed alphabetically) Online Editor Joe Fowler Assistant Editors Antonia Florence Skye Scott Sign up for ENG 121: Introduction to Journalism Fall 2017 ENG 121 offers students a chance to learn about journalistic writing and get their work in print. Know of any Community Events, Announcements, or Advertisements youd like to list? Contribute and Submit to Contact us at theforum@pvcc.edu for more information or visit our website : www.piedmontforum.com Staff Writers/Copyeditors Athena Alving Annette Cashatt Jake Delaurier Antonia Florence Joe Fowler MaKayla Grapperhaus Tucker Noelke Skye Scott Marlie Soderquist Olivia Stevens Shawn Stevenson Charles Stish Brennan Tanner Marcus Tyler Lindsey Woodyard Comic Artist Caroline Morris Check us out on social media @PVCCForum The Forum is a voice for all students. Accordingly, materials published in The Forum, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the VCCS, Piedmont Virginia Community College, or any stakeholder thereof. The paper welcomes letters to the editor, guest columns, questions, photography or any other ideas or submissions one may have for the upcoming publications. Please contact pvccforum2014@gmail.com with any questions. Faculty Advisor Dr. Tamara Whyte ...