September 28, 2017
THE
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WEATHER VANE
VOL. 64 No. 3
E A ST E R N MEN N ON I T E U N I VERS I T Y ’ S S T U D EN T N E WS PAP ER S I NC E 1 9 3 9
NEW SCULPTURE ARRIVES ON CAMPUS
Rachael Brenneman, Sports Editor
In celebration of EMU’s centennial, a new sculpture has arrived on campus. Monday, a service was held to dedicate the installation of “Guns into Plowshares,” a work created by the mother-son duo of Esther and Michael Augsburger. Currently, the sculpture stands near the Sadie Hartzler Library. “EMU is fortunate to have a powerful visual image,” said Dr. Daryl Byler, “that while gun violence is a disease of epidemic proportion in our culture, there is hope: weapons of death can be melded into implements that sustain life.” The sculpture takes its theme from Isaiah 2:4, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” The 16 feet tall steel sculpture is the head of a plow’s blade, coated with 3,000 guns that were taken off the streets of Washington D.C. in a no-questions-asked gun buyback program in 1994. Riddick Bowe, a boxing champion, funded the program, paying $100 for each Continued on Page 3
“Guns into Plowshares” will rest near College Drive across from the library until it’s moved elsewhere in three years.
Dylan Buchanan
BERRY JOINS EMU FACULTY “HIPPIFIED” GRILL would play Duke Ellington, and I would say, ‘What was that you did?’ and they would say, ‘What was that For new EMU piano you did?’ and you kind of professor Dr. David Berry, learn things in the practice playing music has always room that way.” been about making connecJunior Brandon Chupp, tions and crossing boundar- a student in his “Appreciies. ating Music Making” class, “My musical education sees Berry’s unique ability from day one was as a clas- to challenge boundaries in sical pianist, but I grew up music coming out in class in a church that had gospel as well. “[Dr. Berry] brings music … and my dad is a passion and excitement to blues guitarist, self-taught,” our class,” said Chupp. “He said Berry. “So I’ve always helps us draw connections kind of had other things in between Michael Jackson’s the orbit of my musical ed- ‘Billie Jean’ and Mozart’s ucation.” And in college, at ‘Requiem.’” the Eastman School of MuBerry has spent the last sic in Rochester, NY, the 13 years touring as a protrend continued: “I start- fessional musician in New ed hanging out with jazz York City, a significant majors, and I would play contrast to his hometown Rachmaninoff and they of Syracuse in upstate New Harrison Horst, Senior Advisor
NEWS & FEATURE
REVIEW
IEP
NORMAN BLAKE
“Find a couple of friends who have similar ideas as you and think of something brave to do...”
That’s what music is about. It’s about making yourself vulnerable and telling your stories to those who care to listen.
York. In fact, one of Berry’s motivations for moving to Harrisonburg was to give his son the opportunity to grow up in a smaller, college-centered city — just like he did a generation ago. “I love New York City, and I loved living there, but I was kind of interested in having a life as a family that was closer to what I had known and what I had grown up with,” Berry said. In some ways, he said, it feels like coming home — and not just because of the city environment. “Highway 81 runs straight through Syracuse, so I would take that to the mall when I was 17,” he said, laughing. “And now I’m back on 81.” This is Berry’s first gig at Continued on Page 2
INSIDE
Liesl Graber, Managing Editor
The Little Grill Collective assumes the vibe of someone’s cool grandmother’s house: relaxed, welcoming, and painted in shades of graying turquoise. Old decks of “Trivial Pursuit” sit on most tables next to the salt and pepper; a stack of “Uno” cards rest in the far window. Black and white tiles checker across the floor, mimicking the kitchen in the board game “Clue.” The building itself harbors an interesting history, built originally as a bathhouse for a nearby pool in the 1930s, then renovated into a restaurant the following decade. In the ’80s, the OPINION
SPORTS
EDITORIAL
“I want this to be my best season yet, physically and mentally.”
Instead of calling people racist, we need to call out their acts of racism and have a conversation about it.
JOHNSON
restaurant was “hippified,” according to Little Grill’s website, with rock shows, open bar, and hot chili. The restaurant changed many hands before landing in Ron Copeland’s in 1992. By 2003, Copeland had implemented the collective style of ownership Little Grill is proud of today, managed by the workers and owners together in a democratic, circle-processing, community style. To the broader Harrisonburg community, Little Grill opens its doors on 621 N Main St from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days, with the exception of opening at 8 a.m. on Sundays and closing all day Monday. They serve the same menu day-long: eggs, Continued on Page 4 CANVAS
SCHROCK-HURST
A Poetry Compilation — I am slipping away in stars unseen in smiles unsmiled
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NEWS & FEATURE T h e We a t h e r Va n e
DR. BERRY CHALLENGES MUSICAL BOUNDARIES Continued from Page 1
a university since he graduated from The Juilliard School with his Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in 2011, but he looks forward to adopting a new professorial role. “I’ve always had sort of a bent towards academia and loving history,” said Berry. “Even when I was a kid, I would go to the library and check out Beethoven biographies and had this little cassette tape. I would listen to Beethoven’s life story set to music, over and over. So music history has always been something I’m really interested in, and how history and culture inform art, and how art is a byproduct of those — they’re all intertwined.” “Even as I was not officially in academia, there was no way for me to disengage what I was doing in prac-
tice from historical contexts for the style, trying to play things with all that comes with how they came into being, said Berry. Formalizing that and becoming a professor sort of already fits with my view … it feels like a way to bring even more of how I feel about art and music together in a way that is life-giving for me as a career.” Already, Berry has found himself drawn to and pulled into various activities here on campus. “Two days in, I met Bob Curry. I was eating my lunch in the hall, and he said ‘There’s a jazz band rehearsal upstairs, [do] you want to play?’ So I went upstairs, lunch in hand, and then we played out on the lawn [the next day],” said Berry. “For some people that could feel like a burden to have to feel involved with different things, but to me
that’s life-giving.” Berry also enjoys basketball, baseball, and soccer and is excited by the opportunity to start attending athletic events this fall. Joan Griffing, Music Department Chair said, “We really value his varied interests and the ability to connect a lot of areas together, not just in music, but across the spectrum.” “It’s always great to have fresh ideas, somebody with a diverse background,” said Griffing. “He has had different experiences than some of the rest of us, so we value that. We just really like the breadth of what he’s bringing here to EMU.” Above all else, Berry hopes that people here would be able to see God’s work in his life. “If there is one piece that I personally would want to be a strand that runs through all of it,
Dr. David Berry, Assistant Professor of Music
it would be that I was doing this to God’s glory, and hopefully that would be something that makes itself known to people,” said Berry. “If there was any sort of legacy I would be able to
Dylan Buchanan
leave after I leave this place, that would be it.” Berry lives in Harrisonburg with his wife, Jennifer — a teacher at Stone Spring Elementary School — and his son, David.
IEP: SEEKING HOME AT EMU FRIDAY SPIKEBALL Allie Sawyer, Editor in Chief James Dunmore, Staff Writer
Imagine visiting a country and not knowing the language. Some of you may think of your cross-cultural trips. Now, imagine visiting a country, not knowing the language, or anyone else. You are alone, alone in a country that you have no ties to, other than the possibility of an education. This is the reality for many of the students in the Intensive English Program (IEP). Professor Ervie Glick began the IEP in 1989, after inspiration from James and Doris Bomberger, who taught at a mid-level college in Japan. Glick carried on as director of the program until Mike Medley relieved him of his position in 1999. In 2001, Medley was faced with the task of keeping EMU’s IEP alive after the setbacks imposed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “Half of the intensive English programs in the United States went broke after that,” said IEP Director Kathleen Roth. “Ervie was the perfect person to start [the IEP] and Mike was the perfect person to keep it going despite the setbacks.” Recently, Roth has dealt with similar issues. Following the 2016 presidential election, the IEP witnessed a sharp decline in the number of applicants. “Students from countries that we’ve never had trouble getting visas before were not getting visas,” she noted. De-
spite these difficulties, students are still participating in the program. First-year Dorcas Kalunga finished the program last semester. “It definitely helped me learn English … I didn’t know how to write or speak English. It was really, really helpful,” she said. Students enter the program and take an assessment to place them into classes ranging from levels I-VI, most students starting at levels III and IV. This assessment includes an oral, written, and computer portion. Students can also receive conversation partners. “I have been a conversation partner twice and I’ve also tutored an IEP student once,” junior Emma Stutzman said. “It opens you up to another culture … [and] I really like making people feel more at home.” The conversation partners allow IEP students to connect with EMU students with whom they would not normally interact. Kalunga expressed the difficulty of meeting other EMU students while in the IEP. “It would be more interesting if EMU and IEP tried to organize some activities that bring students together because it’s the same school, but many students don’t even know about the IEP… We are EMU students, but we don’t really feel like EMU students,” she said. The location of the IEP may be part of the reason for this disconnect. Although the IEP is located on the first floor of Roselawn, it seems removed from the rest
of the building and campus. Those who do enter the department find a cozy lobby with an open doorway to a lounge on the right. In the lounge, a bulletin board labeled “The IEP Times” is on display with photos of various activities members have participated in, like the International Food Festival. The IEP is a valuable aspect of EMU that should not be isolated from the rest of campus. Stutzman and Kalunga both want to bridge that divide. “We tend to gravitate towards people who are similar to us,” said Stutzman. “Find a couple of friends who have similar ideas as you and think of something brave to do, whether it’s becoming conversation partners or sitting at a table with people you don’t know.”
Allie Sawyer, Editor in Chief
As the pink sky faded into dusk, students flocked to the sand volleyball courts for the spikeball tournament. The event was not only for students who wanted to play and watch spikeball, but also for taco lovers. Students arrived promptly at 7 p.m. to make it into the taco line first. As the first games began, students littered the hill by Roselawn, watching the first matches and filling their bellies with tacos. “I came here for the tacos. I like watching spikeball, but I came here for the tacos,” senior Kate Weaver said. Senior Abby Musser shared a similar sentiment. “I don’t understand the game. I just came out here to eat and talk.”
Senior Abe Hartzler not only played in the competition but also enjoyed the tacos. “[I mostly came for] the taco truck but I am a casual spikeball player. It’ll be fun to play a competitive game or two and then go home full of tacos,” he said. The bracket of 20 teams was single elimination. Each match between two teams was best of three and they played to 21. After the first two rounds, games were played to 15. Before the tournament, junior Andrew Troyer was confident he and his teammate junior Riley Kingsley would perform well. “There are a lot of good teams here, but I think we have a good shot,” said Troyer. At the end of the tournament, his claim proved true. He and Kingsley defeated seniors Andry Stutzman and Perry Blosser in two sets.
WEATHER REPORT STORM CLOUDS
SUNBEAMS • •
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A city in Iowa is donating 1,000 acres of land to a bee paradise. Unsheath your EpiPens. Fall is here! Our campus is about to reach its peak beauty. Time to break out the flannels and fall flavored beverages. Too bad it’s still 80 degrees outside. The third season of “Rick and Morty” has been fantastic. With the exception of the “Vindicators” episode. Don’t waste your time.
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Equifax lost 143 million people’s personal data. Good thing we’re so broke, nobody wants to steal our identities. Everyone is up in arms about kneeling and flags. If we could just respect each other, perhaps we could talk it out. The degree you’re studying for right now is literally just a piece of paper. Good thing you’re spending all of your time, money, and energy on it.
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NEWS & FEATURE T h e We a t h e r Va n e
DOLLY SODS: EXPLORING A NOVEL ECOSYSTEM Joshua Curtis, Staff Writer
Last Saturday, Professor of Biology Jim Yoder’s Conservation Biology class took a trip to Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. The attending students were Environmental Sustainability majors and minors. The class has been studying the various types of ecosystems, issues of biodiversity and species, and government environmental policies and organizations. At Dolly Sods they looked to explore these issues and the question of what role humans have in this special area. Dolly Sods is a unique wilderness. It is the highest plateau east of the Mississippi with altitudes ranging from 2,644 feet to 4,123 feet The high altitude and winds has created a system of flora and fauna not found anywhere else south of Canada. Dol-
ly Sods is known for its open expanses of sphagnum bog, heath shrubs, and returning red spruce. One feels as though they are in Canadian wilderness; one would expect to see moose and elk roaming the meadows. The deep green spruces and spectrum of warm colors in the plants provides unbelievable views. It is a novel ecosystem, meaning that the processes and features are relatively new due to human impacts in the area. Before logging, Dolly Sods boasted ancient and massive red spruce and eastern hemlock trees. The logging era demolished the large native trees. Repeated fires caused by flammable industrial waste reduced the area to a high altitude desert. Modest efforts were made from 1905 until the 1930s to remediate the forests. Neglect and misuse continued into the 1940s, when the area was used as a practice artillery
and mortar range by the U.S. Army to train troops being sent to Europe to fight in World War II. This of course devastated certain areas, and bombs are still being found. In the 1970’s, the Nature Conservancy played a major role in preserving the area from threats such as mining and vacation cabin development. The students began the day at a bird banding station. The station was operated by skilled volunteers who stay busy repairing capture nets, banding birds, and recording and sharing data on populations and migrations. Handlers took great care to ensure safety of the birds. On one of the best days at the station, they banded a record of 950 birds. Senior Cerrie Mendoza commented on the importance of the research. “It’s important to track the migration of birds across the United States. It helps pro-
vide researchers, scientists, and the general public with migration patterns of all different species of birds.” Other animal species inhabit the region including hares, beavers, salamanders, turkey, grouse, deer, foxes, black bears, and bobcats. Elk, bison, and mountain lions called the region home before the logging era. The group continued to explore around a beaver dam as well as hiking trails to observe and categorize the various plants. Yoder was a wealth of knowledge on the area. Senior Abe Hartzler enjoyed seeing Yoder teach in this way. “It’s really great seeing [Yoder] in his natural habitat. His excitement and passion is contagious to everyone around him.” The group spent the latter half of the day hiking and in free exploration time. Yoder led a group off-trail through the forests and bogs. As they
meandered through the wilderness, activities included eating wild berries, identifying plants, and occasionally tripping in sink holes. Senior Thane Hostetler said, “If one hasn’t already, I would definitely recommend taking a hike with Yoder sometime. He is very knowledgeable about the plants and animals in the area, and will point out all the interesting things around you. It makes hiking a far richer experience.” The Dolly Sods adventure ended with some bouldering and rock climbing on Bear Rocks, offering some incredible views. Protecting this unique area is about more than human benefit. Its beauty and complexity generates intrinsic value that cannot be explained with statistics and numbers. Once one sees Dolly Sods, the way it breathes and whispers, there is no choice but to ensure its continued existence.
their being instruments of violence.” For 12 years “Guns into Plowshares” stood across the District police headquarters in D.C.. Then, in 2008, the
Judiciary Square was renovated, and the sculpture was pushed aside in favor of a fountain. It was thrown into a side lot and mostly forgotten. Esther offered to raise
money to bring the sculpture into a more accessible place to be seen, but the police refused. Dr. Gloria Rhodes said, “Violence of any kind is as significant [of a] challenge in our world now as it was when Esther and Michael were inspired to create a work of art that did not hide guns by melting them down, but put them into view as part of sculpture advocating for less violence and fewer guns on the streets.” The visible guns do not create a beautiful image. They are shocking in their blatant display and leave those who see it uncomfortable: uncomfortable in the knowledge that this work of art, designed to remind those who witness it of the violence that fills this world, was easily gotten rid of in favor of a decorative foun-
tain. “The sculpture’s message that there are nonviolent alternatives for transforming conflict has become even more important,” said Byler. According to the Gun Violence Archive, gun violence killed 15,078 people last year. In 2015, 13,499 people were killed. As of this year, there have already been 45,500 incidents of gun violence that have been reported, and 11,326 of those resulted in death. Rhodes commented further, “The message [of “Guns into Plowshares”] is as relevant today as it was when Isaiah told of his vision of God's kingdom.” As Esther told a reporter for the Washington Post in 2010, “it’s always relevant to lay down our weapons and have peace.”
PEACE STATUE TRAVELS TO COLLEGE AVENUE
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gun. In 2011, Esther wrote, “The guns were not melted down, but welded onto the form as a full expression of
Free Admissio n! County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg, VA Sept. 29 & 30 Rockingham
Each year, Relief Sales raise money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for the relief of suffering in the world. Quilts, artwork, homemade donuts, applebutter, a big country breakfast, bbq chicken, antiques, crafts, music, and activities for the whole family. More information, a complete schedule of events, and reserved auction seating is available online.
More information at www.vareliefsale.com photo by Jim Bishop
ON THE SIDEWALK with Adila Wahdat
“If you could change your major without consequences, what would it be and why?”
“Journal[ism], because I like to interact with other people and explore other cultures.”
“International Business. The idea of starting my own business is just fascinating!”
“Music. I love music, it heals [your] soul.”
“It would be International Affairs because it’s more interesting than International Business.”
- Akiel Baker, first-year
- Drew Diaz, senior
- Heyrin Cha, junior
- Sabrel Abami, firstyear
“I would change my major to Business because this is what I wanted to do when I was younger.” - Shankar Ray, graduate student
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REVIEW T h e We a t h e r Va n e
LUNCHES WITH LIESL: LITTLE GRILL COLLECTIVE Continued from Page 1
omlets, seasonal pancakes, biscuits and gravy, burritos, potato boats, and breakfast sandwiches, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Most of the menu items cost between $7 and $9.50. Customers file through the door, a new cluster replacing the one that waddled outside moments before. On Tuesday mornings, the exchange of customers is easy, smooth, cyclical. On Sunday afternoons, howev-
er, when everyone in Park View decides they are craving brunch for their noon meal, the flow clots into an hour-long waiting list. Before you visit, check out the average busyness gauge on Google Maps. Or, if you are in no rush, wait around — the experience is worth it. I select a small table in the far corner. A collage of colorful images decorates the surface, much like the table we have in Common Grounds, but with less wear and tear. This one is protected by thick plastic,
a material so glossy that if you happen to spill your creamer, the liquid will ball up and make mopping up the evidence rather tricky. There is a checkerboard in the middle of the collage, so if you get bored while you wait, you can enlist the sugar packets as playing pieces, natural stevia versus Splenda. I order the “Seasonal Beth’s Favorite,” which consists of two scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and kale with my choice
side of plain yogurt. Other side options include: homemade biscuits, home fries, grits, toast, or applesauce, to name a few. With $2.50 coffee, my bill rings $11 even. From the first bite, I am satisfied with the steaming heap on my plate — cheesy, hearty in texture, obviously not made of powdered eggs. My chef has wilted the kale just enough to retain its flavor and crunch without breaking my teeth on the stems. I savor every bite, probably looking like an id-
iot smiling so big at a plate of food in public. I am struck by the thought: I should have brought along some homework. Outlets line every wall, there is free wifi, they play soft jazz in the mornings, and coffee refills are limitless. What a lovely study spot this would be during the week during their off-peak hours. With their hometown comfort, affordable prices, interesting backstory, and not-so-little taste, this grill begs another visit. Or ten.
“KINGSMAN”: ROTTEN SIDE OF THE TOMATO Zachary Headings, Editor in Chief
“Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a fantastic movie. It has everything spy movies should have: quick action, hilarious physics, crazy gadgets, humor, British people beating the ever-loving shit out of bad guys whilst wearing bespoke, double-breasted suits, and an over-the-top plan to save the world from some aspect of humanity that the villain has deemed necessary to root out and destroy. Bonus points to Matthew Vaughn for casting Samuel L. Jackson as said villain. Vaughn tried to do the same thing with the sequel, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” He tried. He really did. In the physical parts of the movie, he did it. The action, the fighting, the hilarious physics — they’re all
there. They’re all fantastic. A particularly good scene comes to mind that involves the Kingsman umbrella we saw in the first movie, a machine gun/rocket launcher briefcase, a grenade disguised as a baseball, and a giant fake doughnut — A+ stunt coordination and choreography. In the story-related aspects of the film, they’re almost completely gone. The writing is just terrible — especially for the villain, Ms. Poppy. Her horribly delivered puns and unmotivated evilness and mania made me so uncomfortable — it’s like watching a robot controlled by sixth graders do stand-up comedy. The first film’s villain, Richmond Valentine, had a distinct set of personality traits that he exhibited continuously throughout the film. Poppy feels like she was written by multiple writers who didn’t take the time
to email each other. She first displays mania, then cannibalism, then mania again, but this time coupled with the aforementioned horrifically delivered puns. I just want to clarify here that I’m not anti-pun. I like good puns. I even like bad puns. But an essential element of telling a pun is the delivery. Apparently Julianne Moore skipped that class in acting school. Eggsy, our protagonist, has shifted from a young man driven by avenging his mentor and saving the world in “The Secret Service,” to being motivated by his relationship with the Swedish princess Tilde. And the audience is given no other introduction to or explanation of their relationship other than the fact that Eggsy had anal sex with her at the end of the first film. The good writing and distinct character arcs are gone.
Further sending the film into the “rotten” side of the Tomatometer is a fuzzy political agenda that’s there for no reason. The American president in the film is portrayed as a caricature of the pettier part of conservative idealism. Looking for a minor political victory, he locks up millions of Americans who — and I’ll be vague here as to not spoil the film — did a bad thing. The bad thing that they did lies against the Republican party’s platform and is forgivable among the Democratic party’s platform. It was completely unnecessary and felt tacked on as a political gimmick. If you were to cut every scene with the president and take out one line of a main character’s dialogue, the movie would still make perfect sense. Another knock against “The Golden Circle” is the disgusting scene in which
Eggsy seduces a woman in order to introduce a tracker into one of her mucus membranes. Not the one in her nose though, as the movie points out many times. It’s just a horrifying, cringe-worthy bit of writing that leaves me wondering who fell asleep at the editing table and accidentally let it in. At the end of the day, those that enjoyed the first “Kingsman” will probably enjoy this one too. It has all the comical action scenes and distinct fight choreography that the first film had. It was good. I enjoyed parts of it. It just seemed like the cast and crew did everything else — the writing, the acting, the plot — half as well as the first one. I’m pretty disappointed, but “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” is an okay sequel and it will definitely bank well for the studio. I suppose that’s all that really matters.
THE MUSICAL JOURNALS OF NORMAN BLAKE Elliot Bowen, Review Editor
Every time I pick up my guitar, I think of the players that have influenced me and helped me to create my own playing style: from the local musicians I grew up playing with in Ohio, to the guitarists who have pioneered the art. Although I love local musicians and what they represent, one of those influential pioneers stands out to me every time I play. Norman Blake was known primarily as a studio and backup guitarist for larger names like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, among others. He was also the guitarist in the late John Hartford’s Aereo-Plane band. In 1972, Blake released his own album titled “Back Home in Sulphur Springs.” The album was the begin-
ning of a solo career that would define flatpicking guitar, the style of playing commonly used in bluegrass and old-time, in a new way. Guitarists from the legendary Tony Rice, who has been inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame and has released two records with Blake, to newer flatpickers such as Chris Eldridge and Molly Tuttle all show the influence of Blake’s simple sounding yet incredibly complex picking. It is not just the greats who are influenced by Blake’s almost poetic left hand transitions up and down the neck and his loose right hand and wrist. There is something about his playing style that intrigues me and many other “local” players I know. If you have ever played old-time or bluegrass with
a flatpick, you know how accurate and precise your right hand has to be in order to hit the right string at the right time. Then you go a little faster, and then a little more until you can hardly take it anymore, and your arm is so tight it feels like it might shatter at the slightest touch. After nearly 11 years of picking up and down the strings, running through scales, working through crosspicking patterns, loosening my right hand andworking on split second decision making while soloing over chord changes, I have made some progress. I have been able to pick my way through some breaks, learn a few of the old-time fiddle tunes, jam at some local festivals and play rhythm for some incredible local Ohio pickers. But I am still not there.
I ask myself repeatedly how Blake can get so much out of one guitar using only a flatpick. It’s more than just playing, though. Norman Blake is able to speak through the wood and the strings in a way that few can. He tells stories of his home in songs like “Coming Down From Rising Fawn.” He shares memories of his childhood and the people he knew in “Ginseng Sullivan.” He shares his love and enthusiasm for the railroad in almost every album he has made. He shares his desire for something different, something simple in his famous “Church Street Blues,” a song that Tony Rice brought an incredible amount of attention to with his 1993 cover. Norman Blake has created a journal of albums and songs that have lasted through many years and will
last for years to come. That is what music is about. It is about making yourself vulnerable and telling your stories to those who care to listen. It is about taking this vulnerability and making something much more beautiful than the inevitable fear that comes with this openness. The best part is that you have to learn how to live with what you do make out of it. It becomes a part of you. Music is more than notes and chords and the occasoinal written word. Norman Blake is not just a guitar player who strums and picks a little; he is a musician. He has mastered a life of vulnerability and storytelling through song. Music flows out of him like a fountain and, luckily for his listeners, he is one of the best musicians to ever pick up a guitar.
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SPORTS T h e We a t h e r Va n e
JOHNSON TAKES PLACE IN EMU RECORD BOOKS Elizabeth Nisly, Sports Information Intern
This week in volleyball, senior Jasmine Johnson (Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee) made her mark in the record books. She surpassed the 2,000 career assists mark, and is now second in Eastern Mennonite University history with 2,019 assists. “It feels absolutely incredible,” Johnson said of her accomplishment. “I have been blessed to have been able to play with the teammates I have and been honored to have been coached by some outstanding people. I could not have reached this point in my career without my team and coaches, and it is an honor to be able to be in the EMU record book.” Johnson’s years at school have been productive and busy. She played two sports (volleyball and softball) her first two years at EMU, after playing three sports while she was in high school.
ROYALS RECAP Julian Bussells, Staff Writer
Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team has improved their record this week to 6-2, but dropped their ODAC opener to Randolph College. After a 5-1 victory over Gallaudet, the team took a 4-2 loss to Randolph. The Royals are spreading the ball around
“I am a very competitive and dedicated teammate, meaning that if I didn’t get my work done in the classroom, I wasn’t able to play the sport I love,” Johnson said. “I definitely learned to manage my time and do what I needed to do so that I was able to be on the court or field helping my team be successful.” “[Jasmine] is the true definition of a leader,” said junior hitter Erin Brubaker. “[She is] incredibly hard working and sets a strong example for us to follow.” Over the summer, Johnson did all she could to come into her senior season in the best possible shape. “I wanted this to be my best season yet, physically and mentally. Over the summer, I lost 35 pounds in order to help be in the best physical shape I could be for my senior season,” she said. “Mentally, I knew nothing could stop me from playing this year and helping my team be successful.” Johnson’s coach, Carrie
Bert, appreciates her dedication to progress. “She came in with the ability to play as a freshman, but has grown athletically and as a leader during that time,” said Bert. “I’ve never coached someone with such an innate understanding of the game. She is passionate and competitive, pushing her teammates and encouraging them both vocally and in how she plays. Her teammates trust, respect, and admire her, and that’s what I’d hope of any senior ... I’m not sure what we’ll do without her.” Perhaps they won’t have to do without her, however. Johnson is majoring in psychology and currently doing an internship with a school counselor, and hopes to return to EMU. “I am loving it,” Johnson said. “So, I am hoping to pursue a career with a counseling degree. My hope for after graduation is to be able to come back to EMU as a grad assistant and be able to help volleyball while getting
as all seven goals the past two games have come from seven different players. The team’s next game will be Saturday, Sept. 30 at Lynchburg College (6-1-1, 1-0 ODAC).
game will be Saturday, Sept. team lost their only match 30 versus Sweet Briar College this past week, to presea(1-4). son ODAC favorite Randolph-Macon 3-0. Junior Field Hockey Maria Yoder led the team in The field hockey team kills with seven and senior lost their only game this past Jasmine Johnson led the team week, losing 2-1 against Ran- in assists with 14. The team is dolph-Macon College. First- now 3-10 on the season and year Lauren Hartzler scored 1-3 in the ODAC. Their next EMU’s only goal of the game. match will be Friday, Sept. 29 With the loss, the team is now against N.C. Wesleyan (3-7). 3-4 on the season and 0-1 in the ODAC. The team’s next Golf game will be Saturday, Sept. The golf team made the 30 against Lynchburg College trip to Winchester, Va. this (6-2). past week for the Shenandoah Invitational where the men Women’s Volleyball came in last of 14 teams. SeThe women’s volleyball nior Andrew Alderfer shot a
Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team dropped several ODAC matchups this past week after losing 3-0 to Bridgewater College, a 1-0 double overtime heart breaker to Roanoke College, and a 2-0 loss to Lynchburg College. With the losses to Roanoke and Lynchburg, the team drops to 0-2 in the conference and 2-5-2 overall. The team’s next
Dylan Buchanan
Senior Jasmine Johnson, is now second in the EMU record books with 2,019 career assists.
what her team can accomplish this year. “My overall goal for this season is for us to make it to the ODAC Tournament. We have not been since I have been here, and I want it so so so bad.” The volleyball season is far from over, so stay tuned for more.
my masters in the counseling program.” Student athletes don’t have much in the way of free time, but Johnson optimizes on what she has. “I love to hang out with my friends, watch Netflix, and listen to music when I have those free moments.” Johnson is excited to see
164 in the two-day event. Sophomore Olyvia Longacre competed in two tournaments, coming in 20th at the Shenandoah Invitational in Front Royal, Va. with a score of 179 and also placing in 20th at the Bridgewater Invitational in Harrisonburg with a score of 169. The men will compete next in the Emory & Henry Fall Classic on Oct. 2 and 3 in Abington, Va. while Longacre will compete in the Women’s Generals Invitational in Lexington, Va. the same weekend.
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First-year Rachel Sauder works to clear the ball away from the goal and up the field during Wednesday’s match against Lynchburg.
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OPINION T h e We a t h e r Va n e
THE CASE FOR MORE TRADE JOBS IN AMERICA
Clay Cordell, Business Manager
“So where are you going to go to college?” This was a question I was asked frequently as a high school senior— people wanted to know where I was going to be for the next few years of my life. I don’t desire to disregard those who phrased their question as “what are you doing once you graduate?” nor do I intend to complain about those who assumed I would be attending a four-year school and were kind enough to inquire about that. What I do want to do is highlight the ways that assumption — and similar thought processes — can be harmful. The reality is that numerous teenagers have little interest in attending college, and many of them know this fairly early. I had a close friend in high school who absolutely hated his classes and homework and had numerous fights with his parents and teachers over it. He spoke often of how glad he would be to be out of the school system and able to focus on his love for cars or “pretty much anything other than school.” He currently works at
a screen printing company back home, making very good money. He loves his job and is one of the most driven and fastest-advancing employees they’ve had in recent history. His job has flexible hours, but he often gets up early to be one of the first people to work. The guy who nearly failed some of his classes, slept on his desk, and didn’t seem like he cared about anything but cars and video games is even more successful than I thought he’d be once he got out of school. He’s a thoughtful boyfriend; he has a careful plan for his credit and his fiscal future; he’s still learning. He’s clearly much happier. He still doesn’t give half a damn about school. This isn’t a “crazy conversion” story nor a “so there; school doesn’t matter” story. It’s a “recognize that this is common, you likely know some people like this, and school is important, but the current format doesn’t work well for everyone” story. The education system in the United States is severely broken (a discussion for another time) and we need to recognize that some schooling patterns become societal patterns. The way non-baccalaureate paths are denigrated influences the way those paths are populated and treated. Specifically, this means recognizing that 1) skilled trades, or labor jobs that require specific training/expertise, are valuable, respectable vocations and that 2) we need to stop acting as if a four-year degree is the only “good” or successful option. Menial trades and services jobs are systematically being rendered obsolete through increased
automation. Most skilled trades are unlikely to go that direction anytime sooner than jobs which require a bachelor’s degree. Electricians, plumbers, machinists, welders, auto mechanics, masons, carpenters, craftspeople - and other trades will be around for a long time. The services provided by those in the skilled trades are essential to the operation of many systems. From basic household needs to construction to manufacturing and design, technical jobs support the quality of life that many Americans are fortunate enough to enjoy. Despite the reputation trade jobs seem to have among many people, skilled trades often require significant training/intelligence and can be fairly lucrative. The “job skills gap” has been much-discussed in the last number of years, as baby boomers have begun to exit the job market for retirement and leave more job openings than qualified workers. There are many complex factors involved in the assertion of a “skills gap.” Gig jobs, education, training, culture, and the way companies are defining “qualified workers” must all be considered. Regardless of cause, there is a disparity between workers and jobs which must be addressed. In skilled trades, this gap is even more pronounced than many other types of occupations, as a number of the main fields have a majority of workers over 55 years old. The Virginia Manufacturer’s Association, in conjunction with other Va. trades groups published “The Skilled Trades Gap Analysis Report” in 2007 as an investigation into just
how problematic these age statistics are. What they found was that the rate of new, qualified tradesmen was significantly less than the projected annual openings in Virginia. In most fields, this meant that less than 25 percent of the demand for workers was being met. Numerous other states have been facing a similar problem, and the issue of overall hiring difficulties is a national one. As previously noted, there is some debate surrounding the concept of a general, national “skills gap.” Some say it is a “training gap,” a concept that confers more culpability onto employers, as they could be adjusting wages, partnering more with local institutions, and re-evaluating current hiring methods. While this argument is significant and must be fully engaged, the responsibility for qualified workers is not a dichotomous one that should be relegated exclusively to either education or employers. Both are problematic areas. The numbers continue to be problematic as apprenticeships have declined in the last decade. Shop classes and vocational-technical (vo-tech) programs in secondary education are continuing to be phased out in favor of college-readiness or “teach-to-the-test” (state standardized test prep) programming. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that employment opportunities have shifted dramatically in the last four to five decades towards higher educational attainment. This isn’t, however, just university degrees. Approximately 30
percent of jobs that previously only required secondary education (or less) now need additional non-degree training or an associate’s degree. The vast majority of these types of degree and certification programs are those that provide occupation-specific training. Many of these programs are through trade schools and technical schools. Higher educational attainment makes for a more informed populace. I am a generalist and an enormous advocate of liberal arts education -- diverse learning feeds curiosity. We cannot overlook some areas of study simply because they don’t follow the “college track.” That could be the difference between a well-educated, skilled employee in trades and an unhappy high school grad with little direction. Passionate students who are exposed to programs they enjoy and who can engage with topics they find valuable are happier and more successful. Additionally, some education in skilled trades offers, if nothing else, options for lucrative side jobs, exciting hobbies, and “back-up plans” even to those who have no intention of pursuing a career in those fields. The way we talk about trade/labor jobs in comparison to college needs to change. When our cultural values lie in baccalaureate degrees as inherently superior to other types of education, we condition people to disregard those areas. Those who still work in trades are devalued even though their jobs are essential to our economy and the general well-being of the country.
CONSUMER CULTURE: DESTROYING OUR WORLD
Tor Zehr, Staff Writer
To be clear, this is not “holier than thou” editorial. I am just as much at fault as the rest of America in terms of consumerism. That being said, consumerist culture is an atrocity. We live in a country that has 4.4 percent of the world’s population, and yet uses around a quarter of the world’s natural re-
sources. The reason that this is such a horrendous statistic is because 80 percent of the world lives in poverty, on less than $10 a day, and we are taking resources from those who need them simply to throw them away. We have become so accustomed to consumerism that we do not even think twice before throwing things away, and not even because they are broken. For example, when the new iPhone comes out, how many people are going to get rid of their current model in order to upgrade? Why? We want it. We no longer live in a world where we must meet needs; we have everything that we need. Therefore, want has turned into need and it is causing the world to suffer. The oceans are stuffed full of plastic waste. Land-
fills overflow with unsold items that did not quite catch the market. Mother Earth is dying and it is in large part due to us. Us as in the United States in particular; yes, humanity as a whole must live with this burden, but it weighs especially heavy on Americans. We have to fix it. Those who cause problems are those who must take responsibilty. Rather than just complain, I will offer some solutions. These are the musings of an idealist, and yet they are within reach, mostly because they do not require any gains, only losses. Losses for us as Americans, that is. We must simply consume less! This is easier said than done, as our entire culture screams at us to buy things, but we must stop. Maybe after we discontinue this absurd
slide of wastefulness, we will be able to redirect the flow to those who need it. We need to stop being a selfish nation and begin to believe in the ideals that the United States was founded on. All humanity is equal, and
thus we do not deserve to live with exorbitant wealth while others live in squalor, especially when we have the ability to help them. We cannot abandon humanity as a whole for the sake of ourselves.
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OPINION T h e We a t h e r Va n e
EDITORIAL: THE POLITICAL BANDWAGON IS FULL
Zachary Headings, Editor in Chief
Last weekend working at Food Lion, I had a less-than-positive interaction with a man who insisted that he was entitled to a 50 percent discount on the beer he was trying to buy because the last time he came in, we didn’t have it in stock. After I explained to him that we have no control over when we get shipments of alcohol because it’s
controlled by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, he angrily abandoned his six-pack on the belt and stormed out the door. The man happened to be wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat. Witnessing this interaction, one of my co-workers congratulated me on “denying that racist asshole his booze.” It took me a second. The man hadn’t said anything racist. He had only insulted me, and it was about my weight, not the color of my skin. My co-worker was talking about the man’s hat. It got me thinking about how often we make sweeping generalizations like that. Not all of President Trump’s supporters are racist. Do they support a racist? Maybe so, but I would wager that most of Trump’s base aren’t racists. They’re
just people who didn’t see another option. I can relate: during the primaries, I did not like Hillary Clinton. She had too many close ties to Wall Street and I didn’t think she was doing enough to support low-income families with children seeking higher education. But when the general election came up, I didn’t see a valid option on the other side; this is how many Republicans felt about Clinton. This problem of lumping extremists in with the majority is a common problem in American politics and ideologies. It happens all the time: “All Trump supporters are racist.” “Black Lives Matter is a violent movement.” “All Democrats are socialists.” “Muslims are terrorists.” These generalizations are problematic in American political culture. They move debate away
from real, important issues and create conversation about stupid, surface ideals that don’t reflect accurately on the majority of our society. If we stop using these sorts of over-generalizations, political conversations turn back to things that need to be discussed, like the systemic racism that runs rampant in our country, climate change, taxes, education, multiple immigrant crises, bloody wars all over the world, homelessness, overpopulation, and corporate greed— there are enough issues plaguing our country that we don’t have the luxury of generalizations. We have to act fast to combat these concerns, and action requires discussion. Even if every single one of Trump’s supporters were motivated to vote for him because of their bigotry
toward one race or another, calling all Republicans racist wouldn’t make an iota of difference. Instead of calling people racist, we need to call out their acts of racism and have a conversation about it. Conversations can’t happen when you’re being condescending and hostile. Hostility only serves to drive away people in the middle who may be receptive. I’m more than okay with calling the KKK racist — I’ll sing that song right along with you and the rest of the choir. But the minute you try to lump my uncle — who’s working 55-hour weeks trying to save up enough to send his kids to college and doesn’t want the burden of more taxes that he associates with Democratic presidencies — in with those racists, I stop singing. So should you.
ARBITRARITY ASSIGNMENTS
Cheyenne Marzullo, Staff Writer
Recently, a word has been spiraling around my mind like a samara on a brisk autumn day. That word is “arbitrary.” Now, this is not a new word to me, nor to most people. It’s a fairly common adjective. It came to me, unsurprisingly, while I was staying up late to write an essay I had procrastinated until the night it was due. Merriam-Webster de-
fines the term “arbitrary” as “existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will.” The reason this particular essay brought on my thoughts of this word was because I could not find the meaning in it; the assignment just seemed unnecessary to my education. This dilemma hasbecome an increasingly frequent one as I maneuver through my fleeting college years. It is reminiscent of the question many high schoolers ask: “When am I going to use this in life?” I find myself completing assignments that I will not remember in a semester, and it will not matter. This is not meant to be the case in college. University is for pursuing your interests, and learning to balance your work and social life. Pursuing our
We Want Your Letters! Hey, you! Yes, you! Do you have opinions? Do you like writing opinions? Did a Weather Vane article resonate with or frustrate you? If so, write a letter to the editor! We enjoy hearing your responses, and the more student voices we can include, the better. If you feel that you are underrepresented or that your voice is not adequately heard, tell us why in an opinion article of your own and send it to wvane@emu.edu. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and space.
interests should imply that we find some enjoyment in our studies instead of dreading every exam or assignment. This breakdown in meaning and joy is partly coming from stress. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that 85 percent of college students feel overwhelmed by their workload at some point. A little stress is beneficial, but the problem is that the work causing this stress is largely unnecessary. This is not to bash professors who put significant thought into their syllabi, but to provoke thoughts about the actual purpose of college versus what it has actually become. The college norm has become students trudging through their weeks only to party for two days then stress all over again on Sundays. This harsh reality is not true of all students, but you catch my drift. College kids, and we are kids, are already wishing for Friday before Monday has even started, and these are supposed to be the “best days of our lives.” I guess two out of seven isn’t bad. I have always considered myself to be a good egg, but I struggle to do work that does not impassion me, and to drag myself out of bed for the classes that just reiterate information I have already learned. College is great, schoolwork is great, and professors are great, but those arbitrary assignments are not so great.
Editors in Chief Allie Sawyer Zachary Headings News & Feature Editor Review Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor Cover Editors
Aaron Dunmore Elliot Bowen Rachael Brenneman Erin Beidler Allie Sawyer Zachary Headings
Managing Editor Liesl Graber Copy Editors Clay Cordell Amanda Hergenrather Brandi Nelson Savannah Olshove Emma Roth Caleb Schrock-Hurst Senior Advisor Photography Editor Web Manager Business Manager Faculty Advisor
Harrison Horst Will Ewart Joel Christophel Clay Cordell Chad Gusler
* The Weather Vane is published weekly by undergraduate students of Eastern Mennonite University. * Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the university or its affiliates.
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CANVAS
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T h e We a t h e r Va n e
Poetry Compilation Caleb Schrock-Hurst Copy Editor
Schrock-Hurst is a senior English major from Harrisonburg, Va.
Insomnia
Children
At night light from outside my window switches back and forth click click click silently. I watch from underneath my eyelids when I should be sleeping, the subtle on off a light dark lullaby.
I am terrified of children especially the pudgy ones who waddle through life eating hot dogs, toast, and glue, neglecting their mother tongue in favor of Buzzfeed and Spongebob. They are far from harmless: they are the future, and that is all the terror I will ever need.
Meaning What is the virtue of a pleasure driven life? Aimless aimless everything apathy and attitude wasted weekends narcissistic nothing. But, okay. Spend your money on watches and dress shoes and wine. Spend your hours on YouTube and Netflix and football. Spend your life on yourself. Fake happiness in the pursuit of it, and you will find the emptiness you fear.
What If What if I were to write the songs I hear when sleeping? What if I were to know the answers I’ve been missing? What if I were to do the things I know I shouldn’t? What if I missed the chance, the only that will come?
Slipping I am slipping away in stars unseen in smiles unsmiled in roads unran. And all the things I do just tear me limb from limb, leaving nothing but a boy afraid of nothing more than failure.