Hard-Deadline Article #2 - Team Telegram

The Thanks That Keeps on Giving

With 2,200 pounds of turkey, 1,425 pounds of mashed potatoes, and 150 gallons of gravy, all contribute to the 5,000 Twin Ports residents who are in need of a warm Thanksgiving meal.  The Twin Ports Thanksgiving buffet has been a part of the community for 23 years. 

“It’s a festive day of togetherness,” said Ruth Erdmann-Sluka., former senior chair of the Twin Ports Thanksgiving buffet.   “People should feel like guests, not like they’re receiving charity.”

Over the years, the Thanksgiving buffet has transitioned into a St. Scholastica organized event.  Even though the average cost of the event is around $30,000, only community donations are accepted and it is not tuition funded.

“Even though the amount of food, and the cost of the event are high, we utiliaze as many local farmers and suppliers as possible,” said Jack Teske, Director of Food Services.  “It keeps the event local, and that’s something that we strive for.  

On a smaller scale, three to four hundred students at the College of Saint Scholastica are offered an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner consisting of about 20 turkeys and 40 bowls of mashed potatoes, along with all the other expected Thanksgiving fixings.  The dinner takes place at the Greenview Dining Room where students are able to celebrate with friends that have slowly turned to family. 

“When you sat at the table, they asked who wanted to cut the turkey, or who wanted get the dishes,” said student, Emily Schwantke.  “The CSS Benedictine values of community and hospitality can really be seen in this family style dinner experience.” 

Not only have the Benedictine values been reflected on the college campus, they have also expanded into the surrounding Twin Ports Area, providing a sense of togetherness during the holiday season. 

For more information on volunteering or attending the events listed above, please visit the CSS website, www.css.edu.  

Beakers : Hard-deadline Article

Kate Murphy

Writing Assignment #9

11-1-12

            The morning brew can be seen as essential in the college student’s life. Long nights of studying and early classes cause students to desire that caffeine fix. Changes have been made to how students and staff can get their cup of Joe. Java Express at the Port in Tower Hall was closed last June, but even so, coffee will never leave the lives of The College of St. Scholastica. The new coffee shop, Beakers, located in the newly added Science Atrium, will be able to provide the daily grind that college students crave.

            “Beakers provides more space and has a lot more options,” Ali Dosh, senior, student supervisor and barista at St. Scholastica said. “We have coffee but we also have food, such as salad, soup, and sushi. Beakers is similar to Storm’s, but we have fresher options, almost like a market pantry.”

            Beakers was named after the cylindrical glass container used for laboratory work that all Science majors are familiar with, adding a little humor to a college campus coffee shop. Standing in line, you notice the banner above the cash register. The title of Beakers is proudly displayed, as well as a cup of coffee with the molecular composition of caffeine; a perfect quirk correlating with its new location.

            Even though the coffee shop has moved from Tower to Science, it doesn’t mean that avid coffee drinkers can’t get their daily fix. Storm’s Den allows students, especially Tower majors to grab their favorite drink. Now students can decide between Tower and Science for where to get their coffee, and Tower majors are willing to go the distance.

            “I think Beakers is great,” John McPherson, a senior and advertising and public relations major at CSS said. “Even though I am not a science or health science major, I have two classes in Science. And it’s really not that far of a walk.”

            There has been an overwhelming praise for Beakers. A new location, new choices, and a new atmosphere have caused people to flock over and try out the facility.

            “It’s a lot better and I have noticed that people agree,” Dosh said. “Tower people can go to Storm’s for convenience, but I have noticed that after moving to Science we still have our loyal customers as well as the addition of people curious to check Beakers out.”

            Dosh noted that when she worked at Java Express, the café was placed in the corner and there were no windows. All of that has changed with the new Science addition.

            “I really like the atmosphere,” McPherson said. “There is open space, windows and a great seating area.”

            The coffee shop atmosphere has been enhanced, and with that enhancement, the food has as well.           

            “When we were in the Port, we had pre-wrapped cookies,” Dosh said. “Now, the cookies are made fresh and fresh daily. We have so many food options. It’s still a grab-and-go kind of place, and we still take cash, check, or Dining Dollars. But the food is just so much fresher.”

            Fresh food, open atmosphere, and an amazing view of the campus make drinking that cappuccino with a shot of French vanilla a little sweeter. Beakers hopes in the near future to add an electronic menu for students and staff to look at while waiting in line.

            With all of these changes to the CSS campus, students still have the urge to get their sugar high or caffeine fix. Whether you are a loyal customer or just need a quick jolt before your 8 in the morning class, Beakers can be one place on campus to get your daily grind.        

Election Day Article

Election Day Group Assignment

Writing Assignment #10

11-6-12

Whether you’re already a president or this is your first chance to vote, today is Election Day.

Larry Goodwin, the President of The College of St. Scholastica, stood in line as

the polls opened in his small Minnesota town.

“I was the seventh voter in Knife River,” Goodwin proudly said.  “I vote because I’m a citizen of this country and care about all of the issues at hand this year.”

For first time voter, Ashley Moisio, there were no lines. Moisio, Hoyt Lakes native, voted

alternatively, with an absentee ballot.

“I turned 18 so it made me want to try different things,” Moisio said. “I don't know much about politics but I want to be part of the decision of who runs our country."

Moisio isn’t the only freshman who believes it’s important to vote.

“I feel like it’s our civil right to do so,” said Matt Miller CSS freshman. “If we don’t do it, then we are a country divided.”

Not only is it important to vote for the next president, it’s important to vote yes or no on the marriage amendment as a Minnesotan.

“The question of voting no or voting yes is not a religious question, it’s one of state’s rights,” Steve Lyons, VP of Student Afairs said.  “I don’t think that the state should be limiting anybody’s right to the constitution.”

Regardless of who or what you’re voting for, it’s important to do your part. St. Scholastica is doing their part by providing transportation to the Vineyard Church in Duluth so students, faculty, and staf can let their voices be heard.

Allison Lambert, Board of Trustees Representative at the college, is making sure that the CSS community exercises their right to vote.

“Student senate is providing rides to the polls with school vans,” Lambert said. “Different senators are driving today. Every driver is CSS approved. Transportation will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.”

With thirty-four precincts available in Duluth alone, it’s now even easier for

every voter to come out, grab a ballot, and let their voice be heard.

November 29th Preview

For the third multi-week article, I chose a topic that is coming up very soon -- Thanksgiving break.

Kate Murphy

Multi-Week Writing Assignment #3

11-29-12

‘Tis the Season for No School

            The season of seeing your relatives, setting aside school and celebrating the gluttony of delicious food has arrived. Pumpkin pie, turkey, and carb-loaded stuffing surrounded by your family are a tradition many of us look forward to.

 Thanksgiving break is sometimes the first time the students return home after move-in day, especially if the students live multiple hours away from home. College can be a heavy burden, with late night study sessions or homesickness. Breaks allow students the time to visit family and friends, as well as take their stressed minds off ease for a few days.

            “I believe breaks are beneficial and well-deserved,” Jean Murphy, a parent of a College of St. Scholastica student said. “Everyone needs a break from their everyday routines, especially when they are away from their home; they need to reconnect with their family and friends no matter how long or short the stay may be.”

            Relaxation is important for college students during break. Sleeping in and coming back with a fresh mind can help students get that little extra push they need to get through the close of the semester.

“According to the American College Health Association Health Assessment which is completed by CSS students every other year,” Julie Zauba Fountaine, Wellness Coordinator at the Student Center for Health and Well-Being at CSS said, “91.1% of students at some point in the past 12 months have felt overwhelmed by all they had to do and 82.9% felt exhausted.”

            Rejuvenation and having fun are just a few ways to relax from the day-to-day grind.

            “The students get to be “non-students” as they go home,” Julie Kim, licensed professional clinical counselor at CSS said. “Have fun! Spend time regrouping, resting, eating home-cooked meals and reflecting.”
            Students agree that breaks allow them to do what they really want to do.

            “Everyone needs a break after going for so long,” Alisha Plunkett, sophomore at CSS said. “College requires a lot of work: labs, exams, homework. It’s hard to maintain everything. I’m excited for Thanksgiving break because of my birthday! I get to be with my family for almost a whole week. Usually it’s just ‘See ya’ and go.”

            The saying, “Home is where the heart is” could be applied to some students. Home is where you are surrounded by those who love you, which makes breaks from school even more special.

            “It’s always nice to be home,” Amanda Moore, junior at CSS said. “I don’t know how to describe it. The best part about being home is… being.”

            The grind of college can cause students to be overwhelmed. This burden makes the approaching Thanksgiving break a joyous occasion. It’s important to take the time to relax, reconnect with your friends and family, as well as indulge in the fattening holiday season.

“Home is where you come home to,” Murphy said. “You get to talk to family and friends, sleep in and be spoiled; to be surrounded by the ones they love and who love them.”

Online Journalism

Kate Murphy

Writing Assignment #8

10-30-12

1)

College Offers Cooking Options

            It’s six o’clock in the evening. One question on many college students’ minds is, “What’s for dinner?”

The real world starts to let college students feed for themselves. Students are independent and have to face the harsh reality of finding food. Home-cooked meals may be more difficult if you’re living the dorm life, but apartments allow students the access to bring about comfort food.

            “Cooking on your own is a way to experience the real world,” Mackenzie Raboin, a resident of Scanlon Hall at The College of St. Scholastica, said. “Growing up, many people may help their parents cook, but they basically have all of their meals prepared for them. Being in charge of buying the ingredients, preparing the food, and cooking it all on your own can be fun experimentation.”

            Being on your own lets you make your own decisions. Questions may arise, such as where to go grocery shop, what to purchase, and what’s the budget?

            St. Scholastica offers meal plans to all students. With varied schedules, it’s a nice break from the day-to-day planning to just head over to Storm’s Den in Tower Hall to pick up a slice of pizza. Another plus, you don’t have to take the time to drive out to Target and worry about the frustration of expensive groceries.

            “I don't want to go broke from getting groceries all the time,” Taylor Okeson, a sophomore at CSS, said. “It’s nice to not have to cook sometimes.”

            College is the start of a new beginning for students. One of the challenges that college can bring is cooking on your own. At CSS, meal plans can be purchased from all students, whether they are dorm residents or commuters. This ease of access to hot meals is a quick way to get a bite to eat. Apartment residents have the advantage of a full kitchen to cook family style dinners, if they so desire.

            Even though it may not be your mother’s home cooking, living on your own gives you the ability to answer the question, “What’s for dinner?” for yourself.

For more information about the food service at CSS, visit:

http://www.css.edu/Administration/Food-Service.html

For easy and cheap recipes, check out:

http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/10/13/100-delicious-dirt-cheap-recipes-for-the-starving-student/

2)

College Offers Cooking Options

            The question, “What’s for dinner?” is the topic of countless college students’ minds.

Students are independent and have to face the harsh reality of finding food. With help from The College of St. Scholastica, students are given the option of cooking on their own, or running over to Storm’s Den in Tower Hall to grab a quick bite to eat.

            “Cooking on your own is a way to experience the real world,” Mackenzie Raboin, a resident of Scanlon Hall at St. Scholastica, said. “Growing up, many people may help their parents cook, but they basically have all of their meals prepared for them. Being in charge of buying the ingredients, preparing the food, and cooking it all on your own can be fun experimentation.”

            If going out grocery shopping isn’t your thing… no problem. St. Scholastica offers meal plans to all students.[i] This can lessen the burden on the already stressed college student.

            “I don't want to go broke from getting groceries all the time,” Taylor Okeson, a sophomore at CSS, said. “It’s nice to not have to cook sometimes.”

            This ease of access to hot meals is a quick way to get a bite to eat. On the flip side, apartment residents have the advantage of a full kitchen to cook family style dinners, if they so desire.

            Even though it may not be your mother’s home cooking, living on your own gives you the ability to answer the question, “What’s for dinner?” for yourself.

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[i] http://www.css.edu/Administration/Food-Service/Meal-Plans.html