By Jessica Porter
Over the course of the semester Alyssa Crump has been planning and practicing for about 10 hours a week: five hours in class and five hours out of class. She has been perfecting all the details of her final project, fixing and re-working certain aspects and coordinating dancers in preparation for the big night.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
'Ain't Misbehavin' to bring action, melodies
By Jessica Porter
The theater department had a small spot to fill between the main stages productions this season and not much time to fill it. However, director Patti D'Beck knew just what to do.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
The theater department had a small spot to fill between the main stages productions this season and not much time to fill it. However, director Patti D'Beck knew just what to do.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Starr Foster provides fun, emotion
By Jessica Porter
The small crowd at the Grace Street Theater on Oct. 8 saw enormously fun, innovative and beautiful tales during opening night of "Possessions" by the Starr Foster Dance Project.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times
The small crowd at the Grace Street Theater on Oct. 8 saw enormously fun, innovative and beautiful tales during opening night of "Possessions" by the Starr Foster Dance Project.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Artist Carves Path to Success
By Jessica Porter
Roberto Celis grabs a chainsaw and heads toward an unsuspecting pile of sawdust. Under the dust are chairs and sculptures, created by Celis and his chainsaw, which, after hours of hard work, will become unique works of art.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Roberto Celis grabs a chainsaw and heads toward an unsuspecting pile of sawdust. Under the dust are chairs and sculptures, created by Celis and his chainsaw, which, after hours of hard work, will become unique works of art.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Mysterious Moves Commemorate Artist
By Jessica Porter
"MOVE: A Tribute to Richard Carlyon" at the Grace Street Theater on Sept. 26 left me utterly baffled, yet awe-struck. The entire performance was mysterious and it seemed as though the rest of the audience knew something I didn't.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
"MOVE: A Tribute to Richard Carlyon" at the Grace Street Theater on Sept. 26 left me utterly baffled, yet awe-struck. The entire performance was mysterious and it seemed as though the rest of the audience knew something I didn't.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Carlyon's Memory Continues to Impact Richmond
By Jessica Porter
Dance students will perform "MOVE: A Tribute to Richard Carlyon," Saturday Sept. 26 at the Grace Street Theater.
Carlyon was a professor in the sculpture, art history and communication arts departments at VCU and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees when VCU was the Richmond Professional Institute. He was known for many types of art including dance, sculpture, film-making and painting. He died on Jan. 20, 2006 at age 75.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Dance students will perform "MOVE: A Tribute to Richard Carlyon," Saturday Sept. 26 at the Grace Street Theater.
Carlyon was a professor in the sculpture, art history and communication arts departments at VCU and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees when VCU was the Richmond Professional Institute. He was known for many types of art including dance, sculpture, film-making and painting. He died on Jan. 20, 2006 at age 75.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Ensemble brings excitement to classical guitar
By Jessica Porter
The VCU Guitar Series will kick off Sunday with a performance by the Potomac Guitar Quartet at 4 p.m. in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.
The series, now in its 11th year, developed from the Guitar and Other Strings Series summer program and highlights classical and flamenco guitar players.
Read the whole story in The Commonwealth Times
The VCU Guitar Series will kick off Sunday with a performance by the Potomac Guitar Quartet at 4 p.m. in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.
The series, now in its 11th year, developed from the Guitar and Other Strings Series summer program and highlights classical and flamenco guitar players.
Read the whole story in The Commonwealth Times
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Light-hearted play comes to Shafer Street Playhouse
By Jessica Porter
The Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (S.A.L.T), a student run theater program, will host the second of nine productions this semester. The “The Illusion” will be performed by students and directed by graduate student Matt McKay.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times
The Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (S.A.L.T), a student run theater program, will host the second of nine productions this semester. The “The Illusion” will be performed by students and directed by graduate student Matt McKay.
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tools For Success: 'Attacking' The Work Day
By Jessica Porter
Ralph Ferraiolo has touched and bettered the lives of many people throughout the Loudoun and Northern Virginia area in an unconventional way: through the fitness studio he operates out of the detached garage in his backyard.
Read the whole article at the Leesburg Today
Ralph Ferraiolo has touched and bettered the lives of many people throughout the Loudoun and Northern Virginia area in an unconventional way: through the fitness studio he operates out of the detached garage in his backyard.
Read the whole article at the Leesburg Today
Great Finds for Women and Children
By Jessica Porter
When deciding where to work-out, forget the image of a macho, weight-lifting, intimidating environment. Loudoun is home to many gyms and fitness centers that provide fun for children and a comfortable atmosphere for women.
For example, Gold’s Gym is co-ed but offers a women’s only area for privacy.
“A lot of women don’t feel comfortable or they are intimidated working out around the bigger guys; the women’s room offers a little more privacy,” Michael Daley, sales manager of Gold’s Gym in Ashburn, said.
Taking the idea of a women’s room a bit further, Curves for Women is a facility that caters to the average woman’s needs in many ways.
“If one woman who is training for a marathon can do 25 repetitions, someone’s grandmother can come in next and do five repetitions. You initiate how much you want to do to reach to reach your own health goals.” Curves Coach Georgia Milam said.
Just as important as gyms focusing on women are the many fitness centers in the area that provide an outlet for children to begin exercising.
“Children really need to develop a love for movement and excursive at a young age. It’s a learned behavior that they can enjoy when they are young and make a part of their lives as they are older,” Little Gyms in Northern Virginia owner Chad Mussmon said.
The Little Gym offers classes for children ages 3 months-12 years of age and classes for parents to participate with their child.
“Our curriculum is age appropriate and goes to exact developmental milestones for each age group. One of the main things we do is provide small age group classes,” Mussmon said. The Little Gym also focuses on building self-esteem and confidence.
Jumping Jack Sports provides classes for children ages 2-13 along with classes for special needs children and My Gym Children’s Fitness Center offers classes for children only and for parents to participate. My Gym focuses on getting children to be active and away from their video games for a while. Founding partner of My Gym Enterprises Monique Vranesh offers a few tips for frustrated parents.
Among her suggestions are to walk wherever possible, and when driving, park further away and walk to your destination. Do outdoor games in the backyard, such as playing “follow the leader,” jumping, skipping, walking like a duck, etc. Get a hoola hoop and have fun with that. Best of all, get the kids dancing to their favorite songs—they love it and they work up a good sweat, Vranesh advises.
When deciding where to work-out, forget the image of a macho, weight-lifting, intimidating environment. Loudoun is home to many gyms and fitness centers that provide fun for children and a comfortable atmosphere for women.
For example, Gold’s Gym is co-ed but offers a women’s only area for privacy.
“A lot of women don’t feel comfortable or they are intimidated working out around the bigger guys; the women’s room offers a little more privacy,” Michael Daley, sales manager of Gold’s Gym in Ashburn, said.
Taking the idea of a women’s room a bit further, Curves for Women is a facility that caters to the average woman’s needs in many ways.
“If one woman who is training for a marathon can do 25 repetitions, someone’s grandmother can come in next and do five repetitions. You initiate how much you want to do to reach to reach your own health goals.” Curves Coach Georgia Milam said.
Just as important as gyms focusing on women are the many fitness centers in the area that provide an outlet for children to begin exercising.
“Children really need to develop a love for movement and excursive at a young age. It’s a learned behavior that they can enjoy when they are young and make a part of their lives as they are older,” Little Gyms in Northern Virginia owner Chad Mussmon said.
The Little Gym offers classes for children ages 3 months-12 years of age and classes for parents to participate with their child.
“Our curriculum is age appropriate and goes to exact developmental milestones for each age group. One of the main things we do is provide small age group classes,” Mussmon said. The Little Gym also focuses on building self-esteem and confidence.
Jumping Jack Sports provides classes for children ages 2-13 along with classes for special needs children and My Gym Children’s Fitness Center offers classes for children only and for parents to participate. My Gym focuses on getting children to be active and away from their video games for a while. Founding partner of My Gym Enterprises Monique Vranesh offers a few tips for frustrated parents.
Among her suggestions are to walk wherever possible, and when driving, park further away and walk to your destination. Do outdoor games in the backyard, such as playing “follow the leader,” jumping, skipping, walking like a duck, etc. Get a hoola hoop and have fun with that. Best of all, get the kids dancing to their favorite songs—they love it and they work up a good sweat, Vranesh advises.
After Dual Transplant, Lansdowne Resident 'Feeling Fine'
By Jessica Porter
David Morgan, a 35-year-old Lansdowne resident, is a member of an exclusive club. Only and he and 52 other people have undergone a dual transplant of a heart and liver.
To see the article, visit the Leesburg Today
David Morgan, a 35-year-old Lansdowne resident, is a member of an exclusive club. Only and he and 52 other people have undergone a dual transplant of a heart and liver.
To see the article, visit the Leesburg Today
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
28 Reasons to Get in Shape
By Jessica Porter
Summer is the perfect time to become healthy, and with more than 28 fitness facilities throughout Loudoun, there is no excuse sitting on the couch instead of getting in shape.
With so many fitness studios nearby, there is something for the young, old, middle aged, male, female or even post-injury person. Below is a list of gyms and their locations.
Ashburn
Anytime Fitness; 43150
Curves for Women; 20604 Gordon Park Sq; 30-minute workouts for women only. One of four in the area.
Elite Fitness;
Fitness First;
Fitness Together; 44355
Gold's Gym;
The Little Gym; 43330 Junction Plaza; Classes for children 3 months-12 years of age, parent-child and child only classes available. One of two in the area.
East-West Gym and Fitness;
LA Boxing;
Jumping Jack Sports;
Dulles
Anytime Fitness;
Gold’s Gym;
One of three in the area.
Curves for Women;
Olympus Gym;
The Little Gym; 20980 Southbank St; offers classes for children 3 months-12 years of age, parent-child and child only classes available. One of two in the area.
Anytime Fitness;
Life Time Fitness;
LA Fitness; 21074
Leesburg
Anytime Fitness;
Curves for Women;
Ferraiolo Fitness; 216 Edwards Ferry Rd; Small, home-based gym, one-on-one personal training and private classes.
Fitness First;
Gold’s Gym; 1043 Edwards Ferry Rd; Co-ed gym, yoga for children on Wednesday, women’s only area and childcare. One of three in the area.
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center; 1045 Edwards Ferry Rd; Parent-child and child only classes for children 6 weeks old to 13 years of age.
Purcellville and Round Hill
Olympus Gym;
Natural Fitness Studio; 114 N. 21st St.; A variety of fitness classes, personal training, one week youth summer camps that consist of two hour classes for children 3-15 years of age, Fit Kid classes for children 7-11 years of age and more. Childcare is available.
Curves for Women;
Mix Fitness; 17197 Magic Mountain Dr; Round Hill, Custom fitness programs, personal and group training, express circuit workouts.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Litter at Belle Isle: Harmful to More than the Environment
The litter at Belle Isle is bad for the park in many ways
By Jessica Porter
Most
The James River Park System includes 550 acres along the shore of the river in the
“The impact of the litter on the river is negligible, but the impact of the litter on users of the river is large,” said Ralph White, manager of the
White said the litter at Belle Isle is a case of “people affecting people” because tourists come to see the beauty of the river, but their trip is less enjoyable because of the trash left behind by others.
“Litter at Belle Isle affects my trip because people don't respect the land and barely use the trash cans. However, the trash cans tend to overflow quite easily,” said Ariel Maloof, a freshman at VCU who regularly goes to Belle Isle. “I try to focus on the river and not the litter, even though it makes me mad.”
The trash left on the ground is sometimes left by young people, but White said many young people are responsible enough to pick up their trash.
“If we put lots of trashcans, people tend to use them. Anyplace we find litter we put a trashcan,” said White, “If there is less stuff on the ground people tend to keep stuff off the ground.” The JRPS has also raised the bar by adding recycling bins.
With only two employees and 600,000 annual visitors, keeping the parks clean is a huge task only possible through volunteers. Volunteers put the trashcans in the parks and help clean up the litter on the ground.
The James River Outdoor Coalition was founded to help make improvements to the river possible in the
“When visitors and tourists come to Belle Isle, we want them focusing on the beauty of their environment. We’d prefer that they concentrate on the Blue Heron and the
Volunteers come from all around
Monday, April 27, 2009
Earth Day Festival a Success in Richmond
Richmond's Earth Day Festival occurred on Saturday, April 18 at the south end of the 14th Street bridge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival allowed organizations in the Richmond area to show their "green" ideas and products. The day provided an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about their affect on the environment and ways to preserve the Earth. Bill Conkle and John Zeugner were two of the event co-chairs and described why Earth Day is important and what they liked the most about the festival.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Review
By Jessica Porter
Chicago
Read the whole story in the Commonwealth Times
Monday, April 6, 2009
VCUs Reaction to the Stimulus Bill
VCU students and staff are among those who will be hit hardest by the stimulus bill and their opinions are strong.By Jessica Porter
The proposed stimulus bill is supposed to provide relief to Americans who have been hit hard by the world-wide economic depression. The VCU community will be strongly affected by the bill and students, faculty and staff want their voices heard.
The stimulus bill, which is now at about $789 billion, is supposed to get the economy out of a crisis and is currently being debated in Congress. The House and Senate are working to come to an agreement about a final bill that will be signed by President Obama. Congress expects the bill to be complete anytime between Wednesday and President’s Day.
“In such a circumstance, the government needs to step in,” said Douglas Davis, a professor of micro economics at VCU. “I think they are doing what they need to do, but it is costly and we will be paying for it for a long time.”
Many VCU students share the opinion that the government needs to intervene, but the way in which they think government should do so varies. Post baccalaureate VCU student Emily Harris, 26, said a big problem is that there are not enough regulations in regard to businesses and shareholders.
“If shareholders get a handout they should not be filling their pockets,” Harris said about the recent rejection of a limit to how much shareholders can receive. “The American people should be the shareholders,” not big corporations, Harris said.
Others, like 32-year-old John Emanuel, an IT Analyst at Student Affairs Tech Support, said a socialist approach to government would be beneficial, especially socialized healthcare.
The bill is “a necessary evil providing jobs to improve the infrastructure,” said Emanuel. He wants to see less military spending and more money going toward science.
Due to their questionable spending history, the role of Republicans has become controversial in deciding this bill.
Because tax cuts are going to the middle class “republicans have decided to take the position that this is a horrible mistake.” said
Emanuel was not encouraged by opinions of Republicans.
“Republicans don’t have room to speak up with criticisms; they put us in this mess,” said Emanuel.
The economic situation means a lot to a student. Philip Gray, 22, graduated in the summer with a degree in English. Like numerous other graduates, he has been unable to find a job and is working at the Virginia Book Company in the meantime. For many students, the stimulus bill could mean more job opportunity and security.
The bill “has an excellent chance in helping particularly if Congress follows the president’s lead in ensuring funds used in long term infrastructure,” said Will Sims, a VCU assistant professor for mass communications, who is optimistic about the plan.
Sigma Kappa Past and Present Sisters Reunited
During homecoming weekend and Sigma Kappa’s 20th anniversary celebrationBy Jessica Porter
Homecoming weekend at
On Saturday Feb. 8, about 150 prospective, current and alumni sisters gathered at the sorority house to kick off their homecoming weekend and anniversary celebration. That same day was the homecoming celebration for all Radford Greek life, but the anniversary made it even more special for Sigma Kappas.
To start off the weekend an event called Hospitality House occurred on Friday at 4 p.m. to welcome anyone who came out for the festivities. This is a way for sisters, new members and alumni to meet and mingle, tour the sorority house, buy anniversary pins and just have a good time.
“It’s surreal honestly … it’s bizarre, were all shaking and excited and nervous,” said Caryn Denny-McGarry, a Sigma Kappa alumnus who graduated in 1997. Denny-McGarry is one of many alumni who drove back to Radford to attend the anniversary and homecoming events.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as more people arrived and families were introduced. As each new member period starts, girls are adopted into families with a big sister to guide them through the process. These families are continued each year.
“I’m so happy to meet everyone in my family. I think it’s great because it’s nice to see older sisters and a lot of us are excited about potential connections in our major,” said senior and vice-president of Sigma Kappa Elizabeth Grubb.
Grubb was also involved in planning the event, which began about a year ago and has become a 24-hour a day job the past week to make sure everything was ready. With 150 people expected to attend, it has been a long process.
There were 19 new members who are experiencing homecoming for the first time.
“I’m having so much fun right now; I’m in the middle of the pledging so I’m really excited to get initiated into this. I didn’t think that I would be a sorority type of person but I totally changed my mind when I rushed,” said freshman Dallas Deshazior.
Events like the 20th anniversary celebration reinforces why sister and sophomore Ashley Burke joined the sorority.
“I really think we all consider ourselves to be sisters,” said Burke who has been a member for one year. Burke said she was hesitant at first because she heard Radford sororities are smaller than usual but is glad she picked Sigma Kappa during her rush last year.
“It was really fun it kind of felt like a day camp when your going through rush like, you go to all the different sororities and you feel what’s best for you” said Burke about how she picked Sigma Kappa.
River Activities are Safe in Richmond
With warm summer days approaching, it’s enjoyable and safe to swim in the By Jessica Porter
Now that it’s officially spring and the weather is warmer, many students are anticipating the first day they can throw on their bathing suits and head to Belle Isle, despite the
“I feel like I'm getting out of the city for a bit and connecting with nature,” said senior Angel Quan who often goes to Belle Isle during the summer.
It should come as a relief that the water is actually cleaner than many other rivers on the east coast. The part of the river from the
“Among the 16 major rivers along the eastern seaboard if you were to go from Virginia all the way up to Maine … the James would be one of the top two or three best in terms of the nutrient load it carries,” said Dr. Paul Bukaveckas, a large-river ecologist at Virginia Commonwealth University.
But just because the
Bacteria come from things like fecal matter from dogs and cows and faulty septic systems. Nutrients are things like manure and fertilizer from farmers and lawns or water runoff from waste water treatment plants. Every time it rains, all these pollutants from streets, farms, factories and homes enter the river.
“I have been to the river, but I don’t swim in it. With all the factories like Philip Morris around here it has to be dirty,” said senior Selma Bajramovic.
However, there are many organizations and people in this area who try to keep the levels of bacteria and nutrients in the river low.
David Sligh considers himself the “voice and advocate for the whole watershed” and helps protect the river. He is the upper James Riverkeeper and monitors the water itself and the areas around the river.
Some of the ways Sligh protects the river are by making sure construction sites have proper barriers along the river, checking oxygen levels, Ph levels, conductivity (how easily a current can pass through) and turbidity (how many particles there are that block sunlight).
Although there is no sure way to tell if water is polluted without the proper tools, Bukaveckas said there are signs that usually mean clean or polluted water.
“If there’s obvious life, that’s generally a good sign. If you see fish, insects, herons, fish and ospreys then that’s a good sign,” said Bukaveckas. “The simplest thing to look at is what you see happening on the land surrounding the river. If you’re canoeing and all you see is forest on either side of you, you know the banks of the river are well protected,” and the water is probably cleaner.
The general rule is to not swim within 24 hours of a rain event because all the pollutants from the streets enter the river through the water runoff. But besides that, swimming in this area of the James is safe and enjoyable, Bukaveckas said.
“I think enough people use it that I wouldn’t be scared going in there, but you don’t want to take a big gulp of water,” said Sligh about the water quality.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Independent vs. Chain Coffee Shops: Room for Both in the Fan
With so many choices for food and beverages in the fan area there can’t be too many coffee shops.By Jessica Porter
The fan area, especially around VCU, is crawling with independent businesses that give the area its charm. Even with the presence of chain corporations, locally owned coffee shops are able to thrive.
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream is often packed full of people who choose to spend their money at an independently owned business despite a Saxbys Coffee near the dorms, two Starbucks on campus and three more Starbucks in the area. The owner of Crossroads, Jeff Kroll, does not even view the chains as competition.
“The population hungers for something different that reflects the neighborhood,” said Kroll. He is sure to incorporate things that appeal to the diverse residents of the fan and VCU Students. A larger menu and the option for ice cream make an experience at Crossroads different from that of a chain.
Another coffee shop, Common Groundz, offers organic fair trade coffee people go out of their way for, said owner Scott King, 38. Common Groundz also provides a large food menu.
The atmosphere is “not nearly as structured” and provides an “environment around creative people” you can’t get at a chain like Starbucks, said Crossroads employee Will Gowdy, 30.
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