... Read more at: Piedmontforum.com November 2015 Piedmont Virginia Community College The Faces of Charlottesvilles Homelessness Dilemma Owen Krug, Staff Writer Rachel Mayos hands were shaking slightly as she rested against a concrete wall outside of Zocolo. Last March, she and her husband were evicted from their home, and with nowhere else to go, moved to the streets. Mayo stays in Charlottesville because she feels it is the easiest place to be homeless. Everybody takes care of each other, said Mayo about the homeless population in the city. Unfortunately, she is not an anomaly, and this is the reality for many other men and women living on the streets of Charlottesville today. Housing instability currently threatens the lives of nearly 400 Charlottesville residents. According to the Haven, a center for the homeless in Charlottesville, there are an estimated 185 homeless people living on the streets today, 107 who have been placed into stable housing and another 106 at risk of losing their homes. The director of the Haven, Stephen Hitchcock, said there are two types of intervention for the homeless, temporary shelters and permanent housing. Temporary shelters, such as the People come to Charlottesville to get help. Robert Heisten Salvation Army, offer communal rooms with showers and warm beds. Unfortunately, these shelters are often overcrowded, restrictive and inaccessible to many. Possibly the greatest issue is that shelters treat the symptom of homelessness, but never reach the source. Hitchcock feels the solution to homelessness is housing. The goal is to get people off the streets permanently and programs such as Rapid ReHousing are trying to See Homelessness on page 4 In This Issue Photograph courtesy of Jenny Koster. PVCC Events -pg. 2 SGA Update -pg. 3 Free Speech Week -pg. 7 Casnio Night Profile Comics Classifieds -pgs. 12-13 -pg. 21 -pgs. 22-23 -pg.24 DATES TO REMEMBER Internship Week Activities Nov. 2-5, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. North Mall Meeting Room Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 11, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. North Mall Meeting Room How to Have an Adventure by David Tatman Nov. 11, 12-1 p.m. Main Building, M229 One Mic Stand Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Dickinson Building Veterans Story Theatre Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Dickinson Building Red Crooked Sky Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Dickinson Building RAD Bake Sale Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bolick Student Center PVCC Education & Career Resources Fair for Adult Learners Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bolick Student Center One Book Trivia Contest Nov. 18, 11:50 a.m. - 1 p.m. North Mall Meeting Room Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m. Free Movie Friday, Mistress America Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Dickinson Building RAD Bake Sale Nov. 26, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bolick Student Center PVCC Chorus Fall Concert Nov. 27, 3 p.m. Dickinson Building Rocky Horror Show Dec. 3-5, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m. Dickinson Building Inside this Issue Antonia Florence, Editor It has certainly been a busy month here at PVCC. Annette Cashatt rode along with Officer Sheridan of the Albemarle County Police Department. During their four-hour ride-along, they discussed what it takes to become a member of the law enforcement community. Find out how Henrietta Lacks' cells changed the face of modern medicine. Joseph Fowler writes about connecting with The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by participating in a DNA extraction exercise which celebrated this semesters One Book Project. If you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite while you peruse the internet, Antonia Florence reviewed a restaurant less than two miles off campus. Fowler covered the Free Speech Mobile Monument. Politics Professor Connie Jorgensen explained that donations to the Thomas Jefferson Center funded the monument, costing the school nothing. Our freedom was free. Claudia Cruz reports how PVCC stacked up in the region for supporting Toys for Tots. The Salvation Army has been instrumental in making Christmas mornings a happy memory for disadvantaged children. In case you have not heard, class registration is open for spring semester. Take this opportunity to secure your first choice. This may be a great time to look at your degree progression and make an appointment with an advisor to ascertain continued success. Remember, you are in control of your destiny. Page 2 Student Government Association News My name is Forrest Patrick. I am serving as the Director of Public Relations for PVCCs Student Government Association. My job is to work with the SGA to help get the word out about what we are doing. I have been working closely with the director of events and director of student voice to help spread the news about the SGA. We recently had our annual Casino Night event. You may have seen the posters around campus. It was a ton of fun, and if you missed it, do not worry. We are going to have more events coming up soon that you will be able to attend. We understand that everyone has something going on and cannot always be involved, so we want to work with the student body to hear what you have on your mind. The public relations department will be putting out fliers letting everyone know the dates of our meetings and events. We will also be doing student polling soon to see exactly what the students want done. SGA Director of Public We look forward Relations to hearing from you. Forrest Patrick Remember to check for fliers on the SGA Board for updates. The meetings are open to the general public. Feel free to stop by or leave a comment in the suggestion box near the entrance of the 100 wing. Chester Leaps in and Stands Out Kelly Wilmer, Staff Writer The Charlottesville Municipal band rung in their 93rd season on Sunday Oct. 18 at their seventh annual fall concert. The concert was held in the theater of the V. Earl Dickinson building at PVCC. The theater almost reached its maximum capacity as it was flooded with people from the Charlottesville community coming in by the busload. Attendees were eager to watch the 80plus volunteer members of the band perform for this event. Stephen R. Layman, conductor of the Charlottesville Municipal band, and guest conductor William Posey, JMU School of Music staff member, led the band through 11 different compositions. One composition, conducted by Layman, stood out from the rest: Chester Leaps In by composer Steven Bryant. Layman introduced the piece by telling the audience it was a rendition of the revolutionary war anthem Chester, by William Billings. A short excerpt from the anthem was then played over the speakers in the Dickinson theater so audience members could hear the original. After it was played, Layman stated, I can bet you have never heard Chester like this. The audience then heard trumpets howling out of tune and string instruments violently whaling sharp notes throughout the piece. Confusion seemed to be painted on every face until normalcy returned with Opening Night On Broadway by Michael Brown. According to Bryants website, Chester Leaps In is intended as a humorous, cartoonish piece, constructed from the juxtaposition of two divergent musical ideas: a chromatic, angular melodic motive, repeatedly interrupted by the harmonic simplicity of William Billings wellknown hymn tune, Chester. Layman said he chose the piece To shake them [The Charlottesville Municipal Band] up a bit, to wake them up mentally. He later went on to explain that the piece was far different than what the band usually plays, and it was to get them out of their comfort zone into something new. Page 3 Homelessness, continued from page 1 accomplish this. Since April 2015, the program has placed 50 individuals into permanent homes. The screening process assesses applicants based on their medical vulnerability and assigns them a risk level according to the severity of their condition. In the end, the more vulnerable people are, the more opportunities they have for help. Despite its many successes, hundreds of men and women are left on the street because they are not a high enough risk. Robert Heisten, 45, of Luray, VA, has been homeless for 21 months and applied for housing numerous times. When asked why he came to Charlottesville, Heisten said, People come to Charlottesville to get help. Charlottesville is widely recognized for its efforts to improve the living conditions of the homeless. The city offers a host of opportunities, and at its epicenter, is the Haven. The Haven is not an overnight shelter. It is considered a Low Barrier Day Shelter, meaning they do not screen for drugs or breathalyze people coming in, which is a practice that deters many homeless from staying in shelters. The Haven offers services such as shower and laundry facilities, internet access, and a place to store belongings and receive mail. It also serves Photography by Owen Krug as the hub for many of the homeless programs and services in the Charlottesville area. Organizations such as the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (TJAC) have offices in the building. TJAC provides many crucial services, one of which is the Annual Point and Time Count. This survey provides the statistical facts of homelessness in Charlottesville. Educational level is one statistic collected by TJAC to determine demographics of the homeless population. According to TJAC, approximately 24% do not have a high school education, 30% have a high school diploma or GED, 34% have some college experience, and 12% have a bachelor's degree or more. James, a 58 year-old Charlottesville native, has a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Albany and has his own apartment. When asked why he sits on street corners asking for money, James said, I love meeting people. Walking by James, one would never know his actual situation. That is true for many homeless seen on sidewalks, at intersections or on the Downtown Mall. The homeless situation in Charlottesville is a serious issue and requires a tremendous amount of work to alleviate. Thankfully, there are many men and women who dedicate their lives to the improvement of those living on the streets. One such individual is Hitchcock. Hitchcock knows the homeless situation in Charlottesville as well as any. Though faced with a herculean task, he remains optimistic. Hitchcock said, Cville feels like it has a large homeless situation because its visible, but, in reality, 185 is a number we can handle. Page 4 Do You Know Your Rights? Joe Fowler, Staff Writer Non-partisanship reigned supreme on Oct. 5 as Radio IQ host Doug Smith, vice president of the Montpelier Foundation, and Professor Stuart Harris celebrated a belated Constitution Day with students and faculty of PVCC. Smith and Harris gave a highly informative and interactive presentation while addressing everything from freedom of expression during the Vietnam War to the power the Supreme Court currently possesses to pass laws with only five votes during times of congressional gridlock. In an interview several days before the event, Assistant Professor Connie Jorgensen spoke about the event and its importance to the student body. How many people have actually read the Constitution? she asked, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of the Constitution and its role in American life. About 28 percent of Americans have read the Constitution according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Center for the Constitution in 2010. Enter Constitution Day, a holiday celebrated on Sept. 17 of each year to commemorate the creation of the Constitution on the same day in 1787. Federal law mandates that all public education systems acknowledge Constitution Day. However, given the often-humorous approach of Smith and Harris, the event hardly felt like a requirement. Students, faculty and the speakers shared in several moments of laughter even while discussing various academic points. The first of such points explained why James Madison, often called the Father of the Constitution, saw the need for the Constitution over the pre-existing Articles of Confederation, something often taught in a more mundane fashion in American History classes. Perhaps the best part of the Constitution Day celebration was audience participation. Smith and Harris invited audience members to participate in various quizzes involving the Constitution and the case law behind it. The speakers awarded participants prizes ranging from pocket versions of the Constitution to key chains and t-shirts related to their radio show, The Weekly Constitutional, which airs on Radio IQ at 5 p.m. on Sundays. None other than Frank Friedman, the PVCC president, took part in one of the quizzes. Given three possible answers to choose from in a scenario where constitutional law was in question, President Friedman gave what Stuart and Smith called the best possible answer. After calling for a round of applause for President Friedman, the speakers revealed the correct answer to the audience. The answer was, I dont know. Stuart then explained that sometimes a hard and fast rule proves elusive. Several of these cases still float through various levels of the judicial system. The Constitution Day speakers event demonstrated the importance of the Constitution to all Americans, which fulfilled a desire that Jorgensen emphasized in her interview. Its great for students to learn about what the Constitution means and what it means to them. Students who want to learn more can access the Constitution for free with apps on both Android and Apple operating systems. Page 5 Stop Whispering Joe Fowler, Staff Writer A monument in tribute to free speech week stood in the parking lot of our school from Oct. 19 through Oct. 23. The writing on the wall said many things throughout the week. Arguably the most important fact about the monument consisted of the fact that someone wrote on the wall every day. Connie Jorgensen, assistant professor of political science, explained how the mobile monument idea started in an email exchange. The Executive Director of the Charlottesvillebased Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, Josh Wheeler and I were having coffee one day about a different topic and the idea of having the Mobile Monument on campus came up, and we started making plans, she said. Jorgensen explained that donations to the Thomas Jefferson Center funded the monument, costing the school nothing. Our freedom was free. Students wrote on the outside of the monument. On the inside, posters stating various statistics on the first amendment hung on the walls. One poster contained a startling fact. The poster explained the various rights granted by the first amendment. Photography by Joe Fowler Sadly, awareness of one right in particular appeared far lower than the other rights, that of the people to petition the government. According to a poster inside the monument, the right to petition is the least understood aspect of our first amendment rights. When asked about the right of the people to Photography by Joe Fowler petition, Jorgensen said, Individuals can make change - I've seen it. Unfortunately, because of apathy, a feeling of impotence, laziness, or some other reason, too many Americans don't take advantage of our rights. This harsh truth does not apply to the whole of America. One website in particular, change.org, makes starting petitions easier than ever. The sign-up process on the site consists of entering ones name, an email address and a password. During free speech week, students could see this process in action simply by walking past the student center where several students petitioned for the naming of a state rock in Virginia. For information on what qualifies as a violation of first amendment rights, tjcenter.org has an entertaining awards section called The Jefferson Muzzles. The Thomas Jefferson Center hands out these awards each year to those who have violated the first amendment rights of citizens. Sadly, not every tyrant wins an award, but the site does explain why: there are too many of them. Though many dare to infringe upon our rights, Jorgensen stated that she believed our leaders hear us, but because of problems with the system, our voices are not as loud. One solution to this dilemma is for citizens to speak up more often. The first amendment grants citizens freedom of speech on a daily basis. Americans can speak just as loudly any day of the year. Page 6 Petition to Make Nelsonite the State Rock NiaIfe Mukasa, Staff Writer Forty-five states in America have an official state rock; Virginia is not one of them. Professor Larry Tiezzi thinks it is time to change that. Tiezzi teaches Honors Historical Geology and according to one of his students, Teshawna Quarles, Tiezzi decided to work with Assistant Professor Connie Jorgensen to petition to make the Nelson rock Virginias official state rock. A few students from Tiezzis honors class, including Quarles and some from Jorgensens political science class are involved in this project. The rock they are petitioning for is the Nelsonite, named for Nelson County, VA. The petition efforts started the week of Oct. 19. It started in the testing center and moved to a table in the Bolick Center. Many students did not know what the project is about and what a Nelsonite rock is, so Quarles was happy shed light on the subject: What is the Nelsonite? Its a rock that has some historical significance to Virginia. It used to be mined for titanium. Its type locality is Nelson County, Virginia. What does type locality mean? Basically its where the rock is originally found. What does the rock look like? Its a black and white speckled rock. It looks really pretty. Why is there a push for naming the Nelson Rock as the state rock for VA? Its supported by the Virginia State Geologists. Our state, Virginia, is one of five states that has no state rock. Why is it important to you that VA has a state rock? I just love the idea that there is a rock out there called Nelsonite which is in an area that people outside of Virginia and Nelson County know of. Who is involved with this project? Theres our two professors, Jorgensen and Tiezzi. Four students from the geology side and four students from the political science side. We called ourselves Students for Nelsonite. How many signatures are you aiming for? Were aiming for 2600. Free Speech Week at PVCC Kelly Wilmer, Staff Writer To kick off free speech week at Piedmont Virginia Community College, Connie Jorgensen, assistant professor of political science, booked Joshua Wheeler to give his speech Heritage or Hate: Free Speech and the Confederate Flag in room 229 on Monday, Oct. 19. Wheeler is the executive director of The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression. According to the centers website, The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression is a unique organization devoted solely to the defense of free expression in all its formsSince its founding in 1990, the Center has fulfilled its mission through a wide range of programs in education and the arts, and active participation in judicial and legislative matters involving free expression. Jorgensen said, I invited Mr. Wheeler to speak because of the important work they do at The Thomas Jefferson Center. Free speech is the most important civil liberty we have and I think its important that students are exposed to discussions about the issue. He explained what the first amendment meant and how it related to the Confederate Flag and the controversy over the connotation of the flag. He argued that the flag was both a sign of heritage and hate. However, the government does not have a right to tell the people they cannot fly the flag because it is a right granted to the people through the first amendment--even though some people find the flag offensive and racist. Theres a difference in saying you ought not say something and saying you cant say it, Wheeler said. The speech lasted 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for questions from the audience at the end. Page 7 Travel Opportunities at PVCC Antonia Florence, Staff Writer Immerse yourself in beauty, history and adventure. PVCC is partnering with Educational First College Tours to offer an amazing 11-day trip to Spain this spring. Join Professor Grajales Daz to discover the Moorish wonders of Andaluca, the architecture of Barcelona, the mediaeval city of Toledo and the fascinating modern Madrid. They will tour Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville, Madrid, and Toledo, along with two options, Lisbon and Morocco. The trips itinerary includes both guided and walking tours of Spains oldest cathedrals and palaces, historic neighborhoods, famous landmarks and more. The cost is $3,115 per person, and it includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, on-tour transportation, regional -style meals and more. For more information, email Jorge Grajales Daz, professor of Spanish. Jgrajalesdiaz@pvcc.edu A 12-day tour to Japan will be departing May 20, 2016. PVCCs Instructor of Japanese, Noriko Donahue will lead this tour through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. There will be an exploration of Japans unique blend of tradition and modernity from ancient temples and shrines to contemporary pop culture and innovative businesses. The cost is $4,949 per person, and the trip is open to anyone including students, faculty, staff and the public. For more information about this tour, please reference www.efcollegestudytours.com trip #1786178UJ or contact Professor Donohue, ndonahue@pvcc.edu. Remember to keep your eyes open for these and other travel opportunities being offered through PVCC and its affiliates. Advertising posters will be displayed throughout campus. These trips are great upcoming holiday seasonal and graduation gift ideas. Payment plans are available. Page 8 Humane Perspective On Iran Nuclear Deal NiaIfe Mukasa, Staff Writer Slideshow photos of majestic scenery marked the introduction to the lecture on Iran and the Middle East given Oct. 14. Professor William Harrop opened with a story about a missionary who traveled to Iran during a revolutionary period in the countrys history. Immediately, it was apparent that this lecture would not follow the tenor of stereotypes about Iran. The diversity of the country is so extraordinary...Just as Iran is tremendously varied in its physical experience, its perhaps not unlike the United States in being so widely varied in its experience, Harrop said. The theme of the lecture was a unique blend of humanitarianism and politics. Harrop studied Iran for more than 30 years and co-authored the book The Iranians: Persian, Islam and the Struggle for the Soul of the Nation. Though the topic was the Iran Nuclear Deal, the emphasis was on recognizing the need for better relations between the U.S. and Iran. He used political history from both sides to support the idea that the Iran Nuclear Deal is a positive accomplishment with potential to at least ease tensions between the two countries. The presentation was stimulating, and Harrop had an attentive audience. Harrop passionately addressed issues that most news agencies have avoided discussing. He encouraged the audience to consider Iran as a nation of individuals rather than a government to be treated with utmost suspicion. He did not negate historical facts, such as the hostage crisis of 1979, upon which the American governments suspicions are justly founded, but he included that bit of history that provides Iran with grounds for distrusting the U.S. One example Harrop mentioned was U.S. and British intelligence agencies interfering with the Iranian government to maintain their control over Irans oil market. Here, Harrop accomplished an amazing feat. With a full scope of facts, the perspective is taken beyond the Iranian government to the individuals who have more in common with Americans than many may have guessed. He pointed out the fact that Iran, like the U.S., is the result of many revolutions, a peoples desire for a better life and fair government The auditorium was nearly full with a mixture of students, staff and guests. Doubtless, many present had heard about the Iran Nuclear Deal, and were eager to learn the implications it might have. A few present, however, had only a vague idea on the subject and alternative motives for attending. One student admitted, I went only because of the extra credit. Bridget Klauer did not follow the development of the deal but said she was interested in it after attending the lecture. I had no idea what it entailed, about nuclear weapons, she said. After attending the lecture, Klauer now intends to learn more about Iran and U.S. relations. Assistant Professor Connie Jorgensen said she thought Harrop did a great job: It was nice to hear someone give an explanation that provided a lot of context. Jorgensen admitted that she had not thought about how much Americans have in common with Iranians, thats something I learned...we have more in common than we have differences. Others were not as optimistic. Spanish Professor Christopher Decker reflects this view. When asked if the lecture left him hopeful of peaceful relations between the U.S. and Iran, he wrote Not immediately; there were slightly sinister implications that Syria is drawing everyone into a global confrontation in response to an email. Decker did go on to write that the deal was a major step forward. This lecture highlighted PVCCs commitment to providing its students with opportunities to learn more about the world on a geopolitical level. Thus students are equipped to offer useful insight and practical resolutions when addressing issues on a local level. Lectures like Harrops encourage students to learn all the facts and be willing to look at issues from different perspectives. With these skills, PVCC produces better thinkers for a better world. Page 9 Riding Along with Albemarle County Police Annette Cashatt, Staff Writer If you are not inspired after spending time with Officer Sheridan, then you are not paying attention. Officer Sheridan has been a police officer for five years. He started in the Gang and Narcotics Division and then moved into patrolling with the Albemarle County Police Department. But one thing he has not moved away from is his passion for law enforcement. "I find a weakness and strengthen it. I don't let it be a weakness for long," Sheridan explained to me during our four hour ride-along. That is only one piece of advice he offered to PVCC students interested in a career within law enforcement. The day we started our ridealong was on the eve of Hurricane Joaquin. While the skies poured down rain and Photography by submerged some Annette Cashatt Charlottesville parking lots underneath a steady funnel of water, a small fleet of officers was out in force to assist with numerous car accidents. Silence was often broken by the buzzing of the radio, dispatching still other officers to respond to burglar alarms, domestic disputes, or any variety of incidents. Sheridan has plenty of wisdom to share with PVCC students interested in a career in law enforcement. He says that students should not get trapped into believing that education is all they need to get a foot in the door. The necessary education is only the minimum that a police department looks for. Volunteer work in the community, assisting with the reserve police force, and doing ride-alongs on a regular basis are all good ways to build up your resume. During his time in college, Sheridan would go to bookstores and read case-laws, volunteer to coach sports, and keep up-to-date on trends in law enforcement. When he moved into patrol work, he took extra classes on how to best patrol and took steps to strengthen his writing skills so he could excel. PVCC students can take note of this when they consider the many career avenues that exist within law enforcement. For instance, those who work the radio to dispatch each call are also an incremental facet of law enforcement. Sheridan explained that dispatchers must multi-task and juggle several different tasks concurrently. For instance, they have to respond to officers requests for information while simultaneously receive calls from the public, send out patrol requests, and give directions. That is just one part of the law enforcement team; other avenues PVCC students can pursue include various types of detectives, the FBI, drug enforcement, and more. One thing Albemarle County has done to promote safety and relationships between the community and officers is utilize geopolicing. Geopolicing breaks the areas police officers work into sectors. Then patrol officers, like Sheridan, patrol their specific sectors. This allows them to build relationships over time with the citizens in their sectors, leading to stronger ties within the community and a better crime-prevention rate. Police work may be rewarding, but is also dangerous. Contrary to that community spirit at the core of police work is the number of officer deaths. According to the non-profit Officer's Down Memorial, there have been 98 officer deaths this year. The sacrifices officers make should be acknowledged while considering this profession. The message is clear: do not become complacent but be passionate if you pursue this (or any) career. At its core, policing is essentially caring for humanity and making a positive mark on the world; apathy ruins that compassion. This is the realization I discovered while talking to Officer Sheridan and witnessing him and his fellow officers work together to help citizens throughout the storm. Page 10 Cville Rallies Highlight Climate Change Arif Michael Vega, Staff Writer County pipeline was heavily criticized. These protests come at a time of Around 200 concerned citizens rallied in environmental crisis. Climate change is downtown Charlottesville to discuss climate accelerating beyond human involvement, change on Oct. 14. Protesters carried no according to Dr. Phillip Rasch, chief scientist for pipeline signs. Handheld wind turbines spun Climate Science at Pacific Northwest National above the crowd signaling support of renewable Labs, a Department Of Energy laboratory. Rasch energy. Speakers from environmental groups speaks on a multitude of issues that accelerate such as Wild Virginia and 350.org, as well as climate change, including melting snow, forest UVA professors fires, gasified and other methane and pest community migration. members, told Rasch stories and talked acknowledges a about the minority of climate economics change deniers of two relevant to their to four percent. His concerns. laboratory takes them The event, seriously and coordinated by explores their theories Hannah Wiegard with the same vigor of Appalachian as any others. Voices, was held In the end, he in tandem with a argues that the global call to evidence for human action influence affecting commemorating climate change is the massive 2014 overwhelming. marches in New Besides, he argues, York and around You can probably the globe. The get in your car and rallies also come not wear a seatbelt in anticipation of and drive around and the 2015 global be safe. But you summit on wouldnt. climate change in An after-party was Paris this winter. held at Firefly, on Photography by Arif Michael Vega Among the Meade Avenue, later other cities in the evening. involved in the Organizers and action that day were New York City, Seattle, protesters met to socialize and network for future Miami and Denver. Protested issues were the use actions. Tentative plans emerged for actions of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. coinciding with the Paris summit and the Emphasis was on increasing investment in environmental group Sierra Clubs actions both renewable energy. In Charlottesville, the Nelson inside and outside the official proceedings. Page 11 PVCC Wins with Casino Night Elise Hansen, Staff Writer Cheshire cats, Jedi knights, wood spirits, and the undead roamed the halls of PVCCs Main Building on the evening of Oct. 23. Some played blackjack or Texas Holdem, others munched on free wings and mini Snickers bars, still others took group photos and chatted over the pulsing beat of top-hits music. The occasion that brought such creatures from their usual haunts? PVCCs sixth annual Casino Night, sponsored by the Student Government Association. Card tables were the focal point of the evening. Students received $60,000 in fake cash upon arrival that they could exchange for poker chips at the game tables. Blackjack was a popular choice; the eight professional-grade tables were filled almost all night. Other students tried their luck at Texas Holdem, Roulette, and Craps. My favorite game is the roulette, said student Megan Landis at the event. The zombie prom queen was enthusiastic about the evening: Its a lot of fun. I think Im coming back next year. Students also enjoyed an oxygen bar, which featured different vials of scents that could be mixed and matched to taste, and a group photo area to capture memories of a fun night. Costume choices ranged from low-key cowgirls to elaborate dead maid get-ups, Disney witches, sports heroes, and 20s flappers. At the end of the evening, three were singled out for an award. A fireman, a woodland spirit, and a Jedi knight each received a prize for their creativity. Caroline Morns, winner of the second-place prize, had draped herself in a flowing woodland spirit gown that she made herself. I had deer antlers laying around, and I wanted to do something with them, she explained. So she made them part of a headpiece that was wound through with a garland of leaves. The evening culminated in a raffle. Students bought tickets with their winnings from the card tables, then waited eagerly in for the prizes to be announced. A buzz of anticipation filled the room Page 12 as SGA Vice President Nina Matkava spun the golden cage of tickets to select the winning participants. Numerous lucky winners emerged with prizes. Many local restaurants had been generous with their donations, providing gift cards that ranged from $10 to $25. Other prizes included headphone sets and a community grab bag with tea, books, and other souvenirs from the area. The longawaited grand prizes were Kindle Fire HDs, which went to Donnie Wilson, dressed as a football player, and Patrick Cottrell, who sported a cowboy get-up. Overall, the evening was a great success, said SGA President Camron Perry. Personally, he said, the Halloween decorations that peered from every wall and corner were a highlight. [It] was honestly the best experience to see the transformation that was created by the SGA. The whole event ran smoothly thanks to numerous hours of planning and collaboration among SGA officers and members, student clubs and volunteers. It was a really valuable effort from all the members, said Perry. The teamwork was greata lot of friendships were made from working on the event. Eve Nicholson, attired as a 20s flapper, agreed that the evening was one to appreciate and remember. Id come back, she said. Photography by Caroline Morris Page 13 A Tale of Immortal Cells Joe Fowler, Staff Writer Approximately a dozen students participated in a DNA extraction event on Thursday, Oct. 1 in the Betty Sue Jessup Library. The event was part the One Book Project. This semesters One Book selection, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, speaks of an anomaly regarding the cells of Henrietta Lacks, a woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951. The irregularity consisted of her cells, along with her DNA, replicating and thriving for decades after her death. Henrietta Lacks' cells changed the face of modern medicine and will continue to improve our knowledge of medicine and to provide therapies and cures for many conditions that plague the human race. This fact is amazing in itself, but the book goes beyond this to reveal a human dimension that is both poignant and inspiring, said Laura Skinner, the PVCC Reference and Instruction Librarian. Skinner played a key role in organizing the DNA extraction event to celebrate this semesters One Book Project. Laura Bowden, a reference employee in the library, explained the extraction process with both a verbal walkthrough, a handout and a video from PBS. Bowden explained the process and the lab precautions, after which Skinner, Bowden and Students left with stands of their DNA Photography by Joe Fowler Students looking for stands of their DNA Photography by Joe Fowler Assistant Professor of English Tamara Whyte handed out vinyl gloves and goggles for the students. Bowden explained the importance of the safety gear. She followed the precautions by also stating, Some of the materials will go in your mouths. That particular material wound up being salt water. Bowden expressly warned against drinking any of the isopropyl alcohol. The riskier materials came into play after the DNA had left the bodies. Part of the process involved soap, rubbing alcohol and food coloring after the DNA extraction. Students extracted the initial DNA by swishing salt water in their mouths for a minute and then spitting it out into cups. The other materials proved useful in separating the actual DNA strands from the salt water solution. Skinner, Whyte and Bowden walked students through the entire process in a light-hearted manner that echoed the overall feel of the event. The entire process took around an hour, but with such warm atmosphere, few of the participants appeared to be in any hurry to leave. This highly anticipated event lasted well into another hour. Students left with DNA in hand and smiles on their faces. Page 14 Art and Activism at Kluge-Ruhe Arif Michael Vega, Staff Writer The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia was largely empty on Oct. 22. Most of the staff was travelling, leaving a skeleton crew of PVCC faculty and alumni to staff the facility. Visitors were greeted by PVCC student Angela Bell, who directed them to appropriate galleries and assured them that no one would get lost in the maze of interconnecting rooms and halls. Activism seems to be a recurring theme at the museum on Pantops Mountain. The works are offered to western cultures in order to shed light on the complexity of an oppressed indigenous culture. I think, particularly the young artists, they are trying to really establish their identity, and they are trying to be a voice for their people, said PVCC professor and Kluge-Ruhe Museum Educator Fenella Belle. As for the intention of the institution, she said, The mission is to bring awareness about Australian aboriginal art and culture. Several galleries and installations were on display to the public. Art and Country is a collection from various artists that explores the depth of aboriginal spirituality and connection to ancestral lands. Where the water moves, where it rests is a collection from Djambawe Marawili, AM, an aboriginal artist-activist who ran a series of successful campaigns for aboriginal rights in Australia. Marawilis work will be on display through Dec. 20. Art and Country will remain until the summer of 2016. Marawili will be visiting Charlottesville Oct. 24 to Nov. 6 to give a series of talks on aboriginal art and culture in order to shed light on indigenous issues. Museum director Margo Smith will be receiving the prestigious Order of Australia award during the visit. Belle described the award: They very rarely give it to a non-Australian. You are being honored for your contribution to Australian society. The paintings and photographs throughout the building represent a series of stories relating events that shaped the world as we know it. A pantheon comprised of crocodiles, serpents and other animals considered the ancestors of the aboriginal people warn youths of unsafe practices, places and intentions. These ceremonial stories, generally drawn in sand, cave walls and eucalyptus bark are largely temporary. Patterns are passed down through generations by practice, with elders training the youth as they mature. The more permanent cave paintings are considered sacred spaces and are largely unavailable to the uninitiated. Some paintings are considered taboo for different groups, such as men or women. These traditional works are censored by the artist before being made available to outside culture. The Kluge-Ruhe is easily accessible by both car and public transportation. Other installations and activities include contemporary aboriginal installations, video interviews, inspirational art prompts, pan-global indigenous collaborations and a library of indigenous studies. In the summers, the Kluge-Ruhe hosts monthly picnics on the western lawn. Page 15 Toys for Tots Celebrates PVCC Claudia Cruz, Staff Writer This year has been a successful year for Toys for Tots. Piedmont Virginia Community College was nominated second in the region out of 125 communities. The Student Government Association (SGA), Veterans Club, and Black Student Association got together to collect and distribute toys for children in need for Christmas this year. The U.S. Marines gave the school an award on Oct. 14. The Toys for Tots Foundation wanted to thank PVCC clubs and students on 67th annual Toys for Tots campaign for all the toys and joy that children in central Virginia will have on Christmas. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and started with an award ceremony honoring the local Toys for Tots Coordinator, Angie Jefferson. Jefferson made our community the number one elected for this campaign out of 125 communities in Region 2. The award was given as an Annual SGA/ Community Service Award. Then the Toys for Tots coordinator gave the Veterans Club boxes to proceed collecting toys for this years campaign here at PVCC. Toys for Tots only accepts unwrapped toys for children. At the award ceremony, the BSA served free food for Healthy Food Day in the North Meeting room. They provided chicken stir fry; they had rice and stir fry veggies, burgers, and sweet tea. The BSA President Ralph Brown said, There is free food for as many students and guests that come through until it is all gone. Photography by Claudia Cruz First Run, Last Resort? NiaIfe Mukasa, Staff Writer Want a meal that will keep you and your wallet healthy? First Run may not be the first place to consider. Yes, there are a variety of salads and wraps offered in PVCCs caf, but the prices hardly seem worth it. I was a little surprised to learn that a salad from First Run is about $6, especially when there are better salads in Charlottesville for less. To be fair, First Run is a simple college caf attempting to cater to the various taste buds of hungry students in the most convenient way possible. That convenience, however, can cost more than students desire to pay, especially if they want healthier options. For those who prefer a healthy meal at a reasonable price, there are quite a few options, depending on how far you want to go. Wendys offers a plethora of satisfying salads starting at $3.99. With choices between half-sized and whole salads, you do not have to purchase more salad than you need. If Wendys does not tempt your taste buds, Trader Joes could be your health food paradise. There is a lot to choose from, but the salads alone will give you much to consider. According to Bryan, a Trader Joes employee, there are about twenty-five salads to choose from. For $3.99 (plus tax), you can get the spicy Thai-style pasta salad with chicken breast, the lemon chicken and arugula salad with Israeli couscous, or the meatless edamame and kale salad just to name a few. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you actually have time and gas for, but it is nice to at least know there are better, cheaper options. Page 16 E-Cigarettes: The New Debate Joe Fowler, Staff Writer E-cigarettes, or vapes, arrived on the market in 2004, bringing with them a new aspect of the debate on the addictive nature of nicotine and nicotine products. While opponents maintain that many of the same issues arise with or without the same amount of chemicals, proponents of vapes speak highly of a smoke free alternative to cigarettes. I felt vapes were a lot healthier than inhaling thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke, said Chris Dumitru, who switched from traditional cigarettes to vapes over a year ago. Initially, he wanted to switch to lower the cost of his nicotine addiction and cease smelling like smoke. Dimitru reported having an increase in endurance while playing sports, He attributes this to inhaling vapor over the arguably unhealthier cigarette smoke. A recent article from WebMD written by R. Morgan Griffin and reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, agrees with some of Dumitrus reasoning. The article contains the perspective of Michael Siegel, MD, who researches methods of tobacco control, according to his profile at the Boston University School of Health. Siegel concedes that ecigarettes sound a bit better than smoking traditional Photography by Elise Hansen cigarettes, and at one point he compared ecigarettes to heroin addicts using methadone for detox. The WebMD article also presents the views of vape opponents. One of the more popular arguments against e-cigarettes focuses on how the trend could offset attempts to promote smoking cessation or the idea of not smoking at all. Perhaps the strongest arguments for federal regulation consists of the fact that e-cigarette flavors range from tobacco to candy flavors, which appeal to children. They are also practically odorless. This presents the problem of children using e-cigarettes without their parents noticing. Dimitru seemed displeased when presented with this argument. All the shops I go to in Charlottesville always card me, he said. He did concede that not every shop shares the same degree of responsibility. More arguments exist on both side of the debate. In the decade since e-cigarettes first became available to the public, clear lines have been drawn by both proponents and opponents of the devices. Though the line appears clear, the answers are not. Experts are still conducting research on longterm effects on the users, the environment and secondhand vapor exposure. No one truly knows at this time whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Page 17 The Charlottesville City Market Kelly Wilmer, Staff Writer Photography by Kelly Wilmer Over 4,000 locals gather every Saturday to the community event known as the City Market. When attending the market, people are greeted with the smiles of fellow citizens and local vendors. They can grab a cup of coffee at the Mudhouse stand while mingling with friends and neighbors on a nice Saturday morning. Vendors are more than happy to tell customers what their products are composed of. Stacy Miller, local business owner of Good Phyte Foods, tells her customers that she uses local produce and organic seeds in her yummy treats. Her products are healthy alternatives to cookies and candy bars. People can also talk to the farmers at their produce stands and ask them about the growing process. City local Sophie Dupont goes to the market for this exact reason. Dupont stated, I can ask the farmer what he does to the produce; that way, she knows exactly what shes buying. The City Market has over 100 vendors. At the market, people can find more than just food: there are arts, crafts, music and more, all from businesses and artists within the community. City Market Co-Manager Stephanie AndereggMaloy said When you buy here, you build our community. The City Market is located in downtown Charlottesville at the corner of Water Street and 2nd Street. It runs on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon from the spring through the fall, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in November and December. Page 18 Foxs Caf Serves Delicious Pie Antonia Florence, Staff Writer Foxs Caf sits at the corner of 403 Avon Street and Levy Avenue in Belmont. It is less than two miles from campus. For years, I drove past it without ever giving it any thought. Last spring, I witnessed an older couple drive into Foxs empty parking lot and arduously disembark. Midway through the process, a chipper waitress came outside, greeted them, and assured them that they were not too late for lunch. After the couple refused her help, they gave the waitress their order, and she went back inside. They soon followed. They arrived at closing time, yet they were welcomed. This fall, I met the owners daughter, Lyndsey. Once again, my interest in the caf was piqued. I have never been an adventurous eater nor trusting when it comes to kitchen hygiene, so I asked several people for their opinion of the caf, They all had favorable comments, and most mentioned the homemade pies. I was ready to try Foxs Caf. Approaching the door, I inhaled deeply but never caught that greasy-spoon odor which usually hangs thick in the air, just the aroma of breakfast foods. I was greeted with cheerful good mornings from the staff. The floor and open kitchen were clean and orderly. I chose a corner table where I had a view of the L-shaped dining area. At the counter, a few regular patrons were finishing breakfast. Two of the stools had plaques on their backs where their late occupants names had been inscribed. And, of course, foxes of all kinds were everywhere. My dining companion started her morning with a large glass of orange juice and then opted for the special of creamed chipped beef on toast and eggs. She was surprised that it was so meaty and tender. This earned two thumbs up. I tried a slice of two pies. Their coconut pie with a twist surprised me. The crust was light, flakey and golden. The creamy custard with its fresh coconut left me wondering if we use the same recipe. It was presented with a top layer of golden brown meringue. I am not fond of meringue but found it to be a nice accompaniment to the custard. The freshly peeled and sliced apples held their shape nicely as they baked in a crust that absorbed their flavor. This was not a sweet, juicy pie but more like Photography by the ones our Antonia Florence grandmothers might have made from scratch. It was yummy. The prices are reasonable. Along with our meals, we each had bottomless hot coffee which was surprisingly good. Each of our orders were six dollars and change plus tip. What a bargain. The owner, Diane Fox, explained that the caf was started in 1995 when her daughter, Lyndsey, was only three years old. She would play and take her naps near the kitchen area. Business went on as usual. The building was built in the early 60s and opened as The Burger House. It was one of three that the Templeton brothers owned in the city at that time. My second visit yielded the same warm welcome, cleanliness and fast, personable service. My house salad was fresh, crisp and ample enough to be a meal. It contained a variety of lettuces, along with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Cheese was on the side. My dessert was a piece of apple pie which sported a lovely flakey crust with juicy apples tumbling from under it. The pie was awesome with coffee. My cost for lunch was close to $7. Their menu is chocked full of offerings such as pork chops, pulled pork barbeque, or hamburger steak with two sides, or a Chef salad for approximately $6. There are many hot and cold sandwiches to choose from that range $2-$4. Hours are Monday Thursday 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Page 19 Free Movie Friday: The End of the Tour Elise Hansen, Staff Writer As the lights came on in Dickinson Theater and the credits began to roll, Free Movie Friday audience members turned to each other, eager to discuss the last hour and a half. Jason Segel was really impressive, noted one moviegoer. I hope he gets nominated for an award. [The movies] thoughts on fame apply to so much more than just art and writing books, observed another. My main takeaway was the futility of the current American mindset, which relies on accomplishment and fame for happiness, said attendee Eve Ruotsinja. The film that generated such earnest dialogue? The End of the Tour, a recent drama by director James Ponsoldt. The film stars Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg; Segel plays author David Foster Wallace and Eisenberg portrays David Lipsky, a Rolling Stone reporter and aspiring author himself. The film chronicles a time shortly after the publication of Wallaces famous book, Infinite Jest. Lipsky plans to write an article about Wallace for Rolling Stone, and the two embark on a five-day interview at the end of Wallaces book tour. The two men grow close over the course of their time together. They both seek truth, but each also has an agenda, discussing ambition, fame, happiness, and Big Macs. They reveal certain facets of their character and keep others hidden. I liked the cast and the subject matter, said Beryl Solla, art professor and faculty sponsor of the Art Club. Being a creative person can be challenging in a lot of ways. Often people expect success or fame to solve their problems and of course it doesnt. That level of fame is complicated and adds its own problems. I also liked the complex relationship between the two characters. The End of the Tour screening was preceded by three short films from the University of Virginias Community Credit Union. The animated clips were intended to help educate students about personal finance by providing information about credit scores, budgeting and identity theft in a light-hearted and entertaining format. The next Free Movie Friday, scheduled for Nov. 20, will feature Mistress America, a comedy about the adventures of two young women in New York City. From Wounded Knee to Boarding Schools Arif Michael Vega, Staff Writer Dennis Banks came to PVCC on Oct. 26 to speak on his life and actions with the American Indian Movement. Topics ranged from homesteading to the 1973 Siege of Wounded Knee to life at compulsory boarding schools for Native Americans. While waiting for Banks to arrive, local speakers provided stories, speeches and a Q&A for the audience. When Banks arrived, students were encouraged to put away cell phones and notebooks and instead listen from the heart. You will hear what you need to hear, said his sister, Sheila, and you will remember when you need to remember, perhaps a month or even a year from now. Banks is a decorated activist, the co-founder of the American Indian Movement as well as the author of Its a Good Day to Die, an autobiography. Page 20 Piedmont Profile: Krystal Green Elise Hansen, Staff Writer Krystal Green is the driving force behind PVCCs new Pharmacy Technician program: she is the programs director and an associate professor who teaches many of its courses. There are so many different avenues in the Pharmacy Technician field, Green exclaims. She would know; she has tried many of them herself. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Green worked at Walgreens to experience the retail side of the profession. She then shifted to hospital work at Chippenham Hospital, and later, to the nuclear pharmacy services at Cardinal Health. She also has experience in pharmacy education: she started a Pharmacy Technician program at Virginia College and is now drawing upon that experience to build a similar program here at PVCC. She has ambitious plans for the Pharmacy Technician program and speaks passionately of the opportunities it can provide for students. This is an exciting time to get into the field, she insists. Especially with the evolution of the technical field, the sky is the limit, particularly when it comes to education. She hopes that the Pharmacy Technician program will expose students to as many aspects of the field as possible, while also training them in universal skills such as sterilization techniques and dosage calculations. According to Green, pharmacy education is both practical and rewarding. We want to make sure that what students learn in the classroom, they can do in their jobs, Green explains. Thus, much of the training caters to the roles available at nearby hospitals, and many of the classes are hands-on labs. At the same time, even with a skill like mathematics, I try to let [students] know how critical it is, but also how rewarding it can be. Much like Greens experience of the profession itself, pharmacy education is a challenge, but a rewarding one with a real impact on the people it serves. This combination of technical savvy and relational skills extends to Greens personal life as well. Although she faces a busy work schedule, she also loves travel, trying new restaurants, playing with her dog, Mena, and spending time with people. Be it family, friends, oranyone, really, she said, you learn so much from interacting with other people. Those are the things that are really priceless. Virginia Film Festival Begins Nov. 5 Krista Petzold, Staff Writer The 28th VA Film Festival will be consuming movie lovers of the Charlottesville area from Nov. 5 to Nov. 8. The showcase will feature over 20 new films that will include documentaries, family movies, independent films, and many films about political and cultural change. Tickets are on sale now and have been since Oct. 2. Also people can order tickets over the phone by calling (434) 924-3376, or come by during Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Ticket prices range between $10-$15. The 28th VA Film Festival is getting ready for another fantastic year and hopes that everyone will take part in the magic of cinema and all the hard work that goes into creating films that start off as hits and soon enough become beloved classics for all to enjoy. Find more information at virginiafilmfestival.org Page 21 Riddles Brennan Tanner, Staff Writer Hard as bone, The winter solid, Coldest winters heart and soul. The start of an act, the third in a play, So try center stage, and that is all I will say. Name a thing, A creature lies still, And sings of cups of hot tea. The rise of dawn, the birth of day, The first to die and the start of decay, The close of a wound, the last thing to mend, The beginning of death and the end of the end. I am the second of the Graces, And the first of all the Races, Over and over, I will close the year, Yet I am kind for I always end fear. Moonlight hard and mirror bright, Lasting past the death of night. Bright as diamond, loud as thunder, Never stills; a thing of wonder. Many fight but in the end, The soldier to the grave they send, Yet their touch can also mend, Despite this few see in them a friend. Page 22 The Horror Story Contest winner Annette Couch-Jareb read her story at the Candy-thon and Horry Story Read-a-thon on Oct. 28. Photographs courtesy of Jenny Koster. Comic by Andie Meddaugh Page 23 Classifieds Sock Drive for the Homeless Nov. 3 - Nov. 20 The Forum is sponsoring a sock drive to help warm the feet of the homeless this winter. We hope to collect as many pairs of new socks as possible! Socks will be delivered to The Haven at the conclusion of the drive to be distributed to those who need them. Please bring new socks and place them in the cardboard boxes on top of the blue Forum boxes in the Main Building. The drive will begin the first week of November and will conclude on Nov. 20, right before Thanksgiving break. Thank you so much for your participation! 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 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. 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) Managing Editor Antonia Florence Assistant Editor Elise Hansen Staff Writers/Copyeditors Annette Cashatt Melanie Couzzo Claudia Cruz Kaitlyn Duvalois Antonia Florence Joe Fowler Owen Krug Gina Leah Bridgette Lively NiaIfe Mukasa Krista C. Petzold Brennan Tanner Kellyn Torres Arif Michael Vega Audrey Waldrop Alexis Williams Kelly Wilmer Comic Artists Bridgette Lively Andie Meddaugh Caroline Morris Faculty Advisor Dr. Tamara Whyte ...