Bluffton University students sing for a new world

May 2, 2013 Campus Events, Campus News, Latest No comments

By: Rileigh Zickafoose

Bluffton University’s May Day Musical will be the production, “Songs for a New World” by Jason Robert Brown. Opening Day is May 2 at 7:30pm in Yoder Recital Hall and will be performed every night at that time through Saturday May 4. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the door.

“It’s about a variety of characters facing important decisions in their Zickafoose_Pic_Zekelives…they are narrating these stories to the audience…it’s a collection of individual songs rather than a plot driven musical,” director, Melissa Friesen said.

Since there isn’t a plot in the musical, the songs create climaxes on their own to get the audience’s attention. The original production is meant for four people, but Friesen and the music director, Crystal Sellers Battles thought there was so much talent in the auditions that they cast ten people instead.

“We assigned the individuals to various songs based on the vocal range, styles, and personalities,” Battles explained.

Rebecca Juliana who works on costumes for the musical and is also in the cast explained that “the costumes are all cohesive: everyone is wearing black: the men with black suits, and the women with black dresses. Scarves and hats are also implemented in the costumes.”

Besides individual solos, there are also group numbers which include “A New World”, “On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship”, “Steam Train”, “Flying Home”, and “Hear My Song”.

Everyone in the cast has at least one specific solo performance that represents their special “moment” in life.

Zeke Tracy’s song is about a man in jail, thought to be Nelson Mandela. “’King of the World’ is about a man who has been imprisoned for things that he doesn’t quite understand…he thought he was doing good in the world, but people were not happy with what he was doing,” Tracy said.

When asked what makes this musical different than any of the others performed at Bluffton, Jared Zickafoose_Pic_JaredHudson explained, “This production is different than the others because there isn’t a continuous plot and each song can stand on its own”.

The musical will be a great way to finish off the year, and the cast is excited to show their audience what they have been working on for the last few months. Since it is in Yoder Recital Hall, seating is limited, so come early!

To buy and reserve tickets for the May Day Musical, follow this link.

 

Players Discuss Bluffton University’s Football Programs Improvement

April 5, 2013 Campus News, People, Sports No comments

By: Zach Rader

The Bluffton football program has improved in the past four years, going from no wins at all to a six and four record this past season while getting new equipment, coaching staff, facilities, and overall a new personality to the program.

Sophomore Travaun Reaves, a Free Safety on the football team at Bluffton commented on the program and areas related to the program.  Reaves said about the past football season “It has been the best in Bluffton’s history and the best since Head coach Tyson Veidt has been here.”  Reaves said that his favorite part about the program is the “brotherhood” and “the constant competition between the offense and defense” that the players form during their careers at Bluffton.  If money was not an issue, Reaves answered with “I would buy a turf football field and brand new uniforms for the team.”

Freshmen Lance Sheard, an outfielder for the baseball team, spoke about the football program a little differently.  Sheard said “I thought they did pretty good…”  Sheard said his favorite part about the team is the players themselves. Sheard said “I’m really cool with a lot of them and they are really cool, nice guys.”  Sheard closed by saying “if money wasn’t an issue I would buy a new stadium for the team and upgrade the concession stand, get more food in there because it’s a little bland.”

The answers between Reaves and Sheard do differ in some areas about the program but in the end they both speak highly about the program.

A Conversation with Newly Elected Student Senate President

April 5, 2013 Bluffton, Latest, People No comments

I sat down with Jordan McFarland to talk about his recent election as President of Bluffton Universities Student Senate. We talked about his goals, challenges, and his first move as president.

Bluffton’s Common Grounds

March 22, 2013 Bluffton, Latest, People No comments
Common Graouds Cafe Owner

By: Kaihle Sauder

Phil Zimmerly and his wife, Sharon, have owned coffee shop, Common Grounds, for the past five years, along with their roasting company. Common Grounds has been a part of Bluffton’s community since 1997. Zimmerly’s roasting company has only been around for the past six to nine months.

 

Roasting their own coffee is something that distinguishes CommonDSCN3284 Grounds from other cafes. Zimmerly said, “there’s not a lot of people in Ohio that do that.” He also said that, “it’s the coolest part of what we do.” He anticipates that this new company will become a lot bigger in the next few years.

 

Common Grounds has benefited the community of Bluffton. The atmosphere is welcoming and expected by returning customers. Zimmerly said he, “thinks of it as a of living room where everyone kinda goes.” He also feels that it is really important that they are really active in the community.

 

Jake Stabler, a Bluffton University senior, also feels that Common Grounds is a beneficial aspect of the community. He frequents the café once or twice a week. Homework and hanging out are two activities that Stabler thinks are great to do while visiting Common Grounds. Stabler said, “its got a nice small town feel, it’s very ‘heartsy,’ and warm, inviting on the inside.”

Cabaret for a Cause Friday Night

March 21, 2013 Campus Events, Latest No comments
Cabaret for a Cause Poster

This Friday, March 22nd, Bluffton University students will steal the stage in Bob’s Place to sing for charity at the fourth annual “Cabaret for a Cause.”

“Cabaret for a Cause” is a yearly event that showcases musical talent on campus and sends all proceeds from ticket sales and donations to a charitable cause, which changes each year.

Tickets are five dollars and will be on sale at The Spot in Marbeck tomorrow, March 21st.

Continue reading for a Q&A with “Cabaret for a Cause” committee member Neil Macke, a junior music major:

Q: How did Cabaret for a Cause get its start?

Macke: Cabaret was started by a group a students who wanted to bring a different musical experience to Bluffton’s campus and a new way to showcase the musical talents of all Bluffton students.

Q: What is this year’s charitable cause, and how will ticket sales and donations benefit this cause?

Macke: This year’s cause is for Community Mennonite Church of Markham Illinois.  The spiritual life week speaker, Cyneatha Millsaps, made us aware of their efforts for bring a workshop on racism and how it affects issues of violence, poverty and education in the south side Chicago neighborhood in which her church is located.  The Cabaret committee, with the help from the Spiritual Life Week committee thought this would be an excellent cause for Cabaret to benefit. The entire production and food expenses of Cabaret are sponsored by Marbeck Center Board and Student Senate, so 100% of the money raised from ticket sales and donations goes directly to the cause of Cabaret!

Q: Do you anticipate this year to be as successful as previous years?

Macke: Yes, the entire Cabaret committee has been working extremely hard since the end of January to continue the lasting legacy that Cabaret has come to be on our campus.  We are certain that this year’s show will not disappoint.

Q: Can you give us any singers or songs that we can look forward to?

Macke: We have a very talented group of performers lined up this year, many of whom are veterans to the cabaret 2012Cabaret stage. Cabaret attendees should keep an eye out for some new, very popular favorites such as Ho Hey by the Luminaries and even a few Broadway fan favorites from shows both old and new.  Also returning to the Cabaret stage for its second year is the all-famous trash-can group with a new set and an even more exciting musical experience.

Q: How else can students get involved in supporting the cause or the program–from volunteering to donating?

Macke: The biggest way for students to get involved in helping the cause is to attend Cabaret! With your attendance to Cabaret for a Cause, you are guaranteeing $5 to go directly to the cause.  If you are unable to attend the evening, you are welcome to drop a donation off at the ticket sales table during dinning times.

 

Tickets are available at The Spot in Marbeck during lunch and dinner times.

Local Restaurant Celebrates Foreign Flavor Combination

March 21, 2013 Bluffton, Latest, People No comments

By Caitlin Nearhood

Jeanne’s Kitchen on Vine Street in Bluffton serves its patrons well with its Lebanese and Italian dishes. Jeanne Previte, the owner and founder, has operated the restaurant since September 21, 2007, but has cooked her traditional foreign dishes longer than that.

Growing up in a Lebanese-American home, her mother taught Jeanne and her sisters how to cook traditional Lebanese meals, which helped Jeanne’s love for cooking grow. Eventually, she married an Italian-American man, and learned to cook Italian dishes, as well. After several positive responses to her homemade meals from family and friends, she decided to begin a catering business. “I like to feed people. I just enjoy cooking and feeding people-I’ve been doing it for 38 years,” said Previte.

Her passion grew when she received a phone call to open a restaurant because space was available, and Jeanne’s Kitchen was born-with some apprehension, too. Eventually, the fear subsided. “I’m very glad with the way the people have responded. I guess I just didn’t really know what to expect. People have told me that this is best food they’ve had.”

Her dishes have attracted people from around the country and world. “I just had people from Michigan, Canada, England, and Australia. It really blesses me that people do enjoy it,” said Previte.

Previte has no worries for the future of the restaurant. “I can see this restaurant being around for awhile. I have people that say ‘You’re not going to retire, are you?’ I won’t, but I hope that it’s a part of this community. We’ll be here for a long time. I plan on it; I don’t plan on pulling out of here at all.”

Jeanne’s Kitchen is open Tuesday through Friday 11am-2pm and Friday evenings 5-7:30pm, and now Saturday evenings 5-7:30pm as well. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the restaurant’s opening, so come out and celebrate with homemade ethnic meals!

Ethiopia to Bluffton University: An International Students Story

March 21, 2013 Latest, People No comments
DSCN3279

By: Kaihle Sauder
Maryam Telahun, a Bluffton senior, moved here from Ethiopia just a few weeks before starting her freshman year at University. She “came to learn about Bluffton,” from her sister who was a junior here when Maryam started classes. She is majoring in Economics and Business Administration.

Telahun wasted no time in becoming active on campus. She said, “I am part of student Senate. I’ve been on student Senate for the past four years.” Her activities don’t stop there. She is also part of a multicultural organization, International Connection, and Peace club. Junior Rachel Snyder confirmed this when she said, “I know she’s involved in a lot of things on campus.” Snyder mentioned the multicultural organization as well as Telahun’s job at the front desk, where she works with many people.

Another junior, Melinda Frederick, came to know Telahun a few years ago. She said, “I know Maryam because she was my RA last year.” This relationship turned into a friendship. This friendship is what led Snyder to actually meet Telahun. Both Frederick and Snyder mentioned positive interactions with Telahun. The three continue to hang out even though Telahun is no longer an RA. DSCN3281

After graduation, Telahun hopes to either attend graduate school or get a job. Telahun said, “I’m hoping to either go to grad school right away, or work for a year and then go to grad school.” In the long run, she hopes to work here in the United States for a few years before returning to Ethiopia to work. Telahun said that this turn-out would be “ideal.”

Sexuality Series: “Sex Discussed Here”

March 13, 2013 Campus Events, Latest No comments
Marshall and Lopez

The second night of Bluffton’s first Sexuality Series invited educators Marshall Miller and Melissa Lopez to speak about sexual awareness, safe sex practices, and to answer anonymous questions from the audience.

Miller and Lopez “teach sex education unlike any you’ve had before,” according to Bluffton’s event statement.

The pair lectured on various topics relating to safe sexual practices, such as contraception use and anatomy education.

Although they encouraged abstinence, they also realized that they can’t preach to the minority; according to Miller and Lopez, over 80% of people will have engaged in sexual activity by the time they are 21 years old.

The two also warned against sexual assault, quoting the famous slogan “no means no.” They provided students with tips to overcome this risk, such as never have sexual relations with someone who is drunk, and to always ask, “Is this OK?”
Marshall and Lopez 2
Miller and Lopez took audience-submitted questions and read them anonymously. Students were eager to learn more about sexual awareness and safe sex practices. The questions ran the gamut from conception use to common myths about sex.

A Sexuality Series event takes place every day this week at 9:19 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13 in Kreider Room: Keep Calm and Keep Talking co-sponsored by Safe Spaces. This event will model conversation rooms that were hosted at Mennonite Convention in Pittsburg. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join in dialogue at one of 6 discussion tables. Table topics will range from intimate relationships, the intersections of spirituality and sexuality, as well as discussions for ways to continue dialogue at Bluffton.

All Sexuality Series events are eligible for arts & lecture credit.

Freshman International Student Experiences a Different Culture

March 13, 2013 Latest, People No comments

By Alex Nibert

Appiah Adobafour, an international student, hails from Kumasi, Ghana, Africa and is a freshman at Bluffton University.

There are considerable differences about the culture in Kumasi and the culture in Bluffton. “Bluffton and home are different cultures altogether,” said Adobafour. “Talk of classroom, professor asks a question and anyone can put out an answer, which is not done in my country. In my country, before you can answer a question you need to raise your hand, and it should be your right hand, not your left hand. That is considered to be disrespectful to raise your left hand.”

Another difference between cultures is clothing. “It’s really warm throughout the whole year [in Kumasi], so we don’t put on jackets and hoodies. We put on light clothes,” said Adobofour.

Food is another difference between Kumasi and Bluffton. “We have mostly fresh food, nothing chemicalized,” said Adobafour. “I would recommend fried plantains. They’re really good.”

Even with the differences in culture, Adobafour enjoys Bluffton. “I like the community and how everyone is willing to talk to you. Everybody is smiling. That’s one thing I like about Bluffton.”

Adobafour has a knack for playing certain table games too. “I enjoy playing pool. My friends are playing all the time,” said Adobafour. “I win a lot too,” he added with a laugh.

There are considerable differences between Kumasi, Ghana and Bluffton, Ohio, but for a winner such as Appiah Adobafour, there are not many issues.

 

Bluffton Sexuality Series: Relationship Panel

March 13, 2013 Campus Events, Campus News, Latest No comments
Sexuality Series

Bluffton University’s first event of Sexuality Series—a week of events, panels, and speakers designed to discuss sexuality from a biblical perspective—began last night with a faculty panel that discussed the merits of a healthy relationship.

The panel consisted of:

Jackie Wells – Director of Residence Life
Heather Koontz – Assistant Professor of Social Work
Daryl Dowdy – Director of Multicultural Affairs
Trevor Bechtel – Associate Professor of Religion
Randy Keeler – Associate Professor of Religion
Tig Intagliata – Campus Pastor.

Members of the panel took turns discussing what they believed are critical components to a healthy relationship. A few of the panel members, such as Randy Keeler and Heather Koontz, discussed their sexual background and how they believed they merged sexuality and companionship into a healthy relationship.

Falling in line with Bluffton’s values, Drs. Trevor Bechtel and Randy Keeler discussed relationships from a biblical perspective. Dr. Keeler believed that the primary goal of a relationship should be to bring each other closer to God. Keeler seeks to “allow the other person to experience God’s love more completely,” in both his relationship and when counseling others.

There is an event taking place every day this week at 9:19 p.m. Tuesday night’s “Sex Discussed Here,” event will take place in Yoder Recital Hall.

All Sexuality Series events are eligible for arts & lecture credit.

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