photos by Billy Holland
slideshow by Marissa Bilancieri

Editor’s note: this news video mistakenly refers to the event as the State of the University.  It should have been identified as a Town Hall meeting held by Dr. James Birge.

For the Youtube link click here: http://youtu.be/hbfnqDsm8cE

(Photo by Elizabeth Clark)

Many clubs are having difficulty retaining membership and remaining chartered, according to Associate Director of Student Involvement Bill Beardslee.  Last semester, at least five clubs were removed from the charter.

The Democrat Club, the Jewish Student Alliance, the Public Relations Club, the Republican Club and the Students for a Better Tomorrow were some clubs dissolved last semester.  Of those, only the Democrat Club has been reinstated this semester with new members.

“People got to want to be a club,” said Beardslee, who believes commitment is most important to club survival.  “They got to want to put the energy in that will come back to them in sustained membership.  They have to be on an edge of vitality and not just sit back and kind of let things go.”

Students for a Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is one club dissatisfied with attendance, although club President Matthew Campo feels the situation is rectifiable.  “If we actually strap down and advertise events and there are snacks, people show up,” said Campo.

SSDP’s executive board agreed that clubs whose theme is offered as a major, such as the Psychology Club and the Ecology Club, have an advantage, joking that if drug policy were a Franklin Pierce major then membership would improve.

The Education Club Senator Corbin Wolf sees some truth in SSDP’s claim.  “We have our strong core of people who attend.  It’s primarily education majors,” he said.

Dylan Richards, a member of the Anthropology Club, said that despite the university’s anthropology curriculum “Anthropology Club doesn’t get a whole ton of people.”

Vice President of Clubs Cassie DeMontigny said the number of clubs on campus has been “going down.”   Secretary of Clubs Lisa Bengiovanni added that many clubs “will be really popular for a couple years” before their eventual collapse.  They both agreed that clubs composed mostly of seniors were in danger of disbandment, because after graduation there is no one to continue the club.

Beardslee offered the Public Relations Club as an example of this problem. “Those [senior] women who started it were very enthusiastic.  They did all of that legwork.  They just couldn’t get any sustained interest,” said Beardslee.

However, not all clubs are experiencing membership problems.  The Anime Club President Erica Lowell expressed satisfaction with their numerous and enthusiastic club-goers, and Reality Check Senator Brittany DeGuisto reported 13 full-time members, which she considers adequate.

Last semester Reality Check along with the Underground Music Society were two new additions to the club roster, demonstrating that new clubs are still being approved by the Student Government Association (SGA) amid this challenging time for clubs.

Beardslee, who has seen many clubs come and go for various reasons, recommends that all clubs work to establish “a strong executive board that works together for the purpose of the club’s existence, and that learns how to communicate with each other.”  He was also concerned that too many clubs were not utilizing the advantages of having a faculty adviser.  “That person doesn’t need to be there every single meeting, but they could be helpful,” said Beardslee.

(Photo by: franklinpierce.edu)

The Rindge Faculty Federation (RFF) is offering a scholarship to a Franklin Pierce University student with a relative or acquaintance who is a member of an AFL-CIO-affiliated Union. The deadline for the competition is Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 5:00p.m.

Students who enter must be in good standing with at least a 2.4 GPA. Students must write a five-page essay on Union membership as experienced by their relative or acquaintance, and can include scholarly sources. They must also submit a cover sheet including the essay title, name, Franklin Pierce University email address, and the union affiliation of the relative/acquaintance. The name should only appear on the cover sheet.

All applicants must pass in a hard copy to Doctor Andrea M. Bergstrom RFF secretary in the third story of the Fitzwater Center.

Dr. Andrew Hatchett,who is leading a research project at the University of Lafayette’s Cancer Services Center, came to campus as a candidate for the new Health sciences position.  Hatchet is currently teaching at the University of Lafayette as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and has been teaching there since 2008. His work with the Cancer Services Center is meant to better their physical activity-based cancer rehabilitation program. Hatchett was on campus for a teaching presentation in Marcucella Hall.

(Photo: Google)

by Amanda Cote

With the big game nearly three days away, I’m sure you find yourself wondering where you should watch it. The answer to that question is actually quite simple, Buffalo Wild Wings. With great food, an exhilarating environment and a location in nearby Fitchburg, Mass.,  you’re sure to kick this Super Bowl weekend off into high gear.

When I first walked into Buffalo Wild Wings, the one word that came to mind was “loud.” Being from Boston I’ve been in quite a few sports bars and Buffalo Wild Wings can actually match up making it the prime spot to watch any game.

From football to basketball, Buffalo Wild Wings shows it all. They don’t just play it on a few T.V.’s, they’re playing it on approximately 25 T.V.s (depending on location) making the game viewable from every direction.

(Photo: Google)

Besides big game days, Thursday nights are Buffalo Wild Wings most crowded nights because of their 60 cent boneless wings. Let’s face it, if you’re going to Buffalo Wild Wings you’re definitely going to want to try the wings.

Buffalo Wild Wings is known for their vast selection of hot and barbeque sauces from sweet and tangy to their hottest sauce “Blazin.” Blazin’ is so hot there is actually a warning on the label saying “keep away from eyes, pets and children.”  If spicy isn’t your thing then you’ll definitely want to try the original barbeque. With its delicious, sweet taste it’s sure to please all of your taste buds.

I’ve personally tried Jammin’ Jalapeno, Hot Barbeque and Wild and there is really nothing bad I can say about any of them. If you like your wings hot then be like me, drive the extra 20 minutes to Fitchburg and enjoy some of the best wings around at Buffalo Wild Wings.

If you’re craving something besides wings, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers some of the best burgers, salads, wraps and ribs. They also have specialty side dishes such as spicy buffalo chips, potato wedges and onion rings.

For the 21+ crowd, don’t forget to grab an ice cold beer and with an extensive draft and bottle selection as well as a full liquor bar you’re sure to find something you enjoy.

Buffalo Wild Wings is great for large groups, order a bunch of different sauces on the wings and try them all.  Make sure to call ahead because almost every night is packed especially on game nights.

Overall if you’re looking for a great place to grab a beer, have some amazing wings and watch this Sunday’s Super Bowl rematch between the Giants and Patriots, you have to head over to Buffalo Wild Wings.

(Photo: Mike Husson)

A steady stream of students attended Soul Food Night hosted by the Black Student Alliance (BSA) club on Thursday.

Soul Food Night has generally been held in Pierce Hall for the past few years, but this year it was held in the cafe. Musician Mark Rust performed at the dinner and was provided by student involvement.

“It’s an awesome time which gave students an opportunity to try something different and take in another culture,” said BSA member Steve Jeune.

Food that was served included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, collared greens, and cornbread.

Overall students were pleased with the food. “Soul food was a great change from the everyday food at the cafeteria, everything was delicious,” said Mike Harris.

BSA members were happy with the turnout and plan on doing it again next year.

(Photo: Facebook)

by Katie Achilli
edited by Amanda Cote

Students continue to have the opportunity to volunteer and help animals at the Monadnock Humane Society (MHS) in Swanzey, New Hampshire.

Students can help care for the animals by feeding and socializing with them, and also by cleaning and maintaining their sleep and play areas. Washing blankets and food bowls is also another option to help the shelter keep the furry companions comfortable and happy.

Other opportunities include walking dogs, greeting and assisting customers, working for facilities, administrative assistance, and working at special events. MHS Volunteer Coordinator Sam Mathewes said “All students may participate in all aspects of our volunteer program. It really depends on their schedules and when they are available.”

According to student community service manager Stephen Lavoie volunteering at MHS and other animal shelters has been the most popular option for students for years. “In the early ’90s, a group of students came forward to start a community service program,” said Lavoie.

In order to sign up, “Students can come to the community service office and talk to one of the student managers, or email us at commserv@franklinpierce.edu,” said Lavoie. Students must also go through volunteer orientation and other training sessions depending on what volunteer service they want to be involved in. These training opportunities, which take place at the Humane Society, include canine, feline, and small animal safe-handling and enrichment training.

Each allow a student to work more extensively with the animal of their choice. “All of the training offered will be outlined during orientation,” said Mathewes. “Training is approximately one hour in length. Times and dates will be announced at general orientation.” After the orientation and the training sessions, “volunteers can meet one-on-one with the volunteer coordinator to determine future goals and direction,” said Mathewes.

“Volunteers learn how to be a part of a team dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals and people through humane education, and to provide shelter and facilitate adoption for lost, abused or abandoned animals and so much more,” said Mathewes. “It is a very rewarding experience to get to know the animals and care for them.”

More information about volunteering at MHS can be found at their website: http://www.monadpets.org/index.html

(Photo: Kait Taylor)

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Raven’s Nest will be opening at 4:30 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m. to allow students to pick up their pre-ordered food before the 6:30 p.m. kick-off.  Manager Nancy McMillan is also allowing students to pre-order their pizzas, nachos, chicken tenders and other snacks the day before on Saturday, February 4. McMillan will be offering “party packs” with football-friendly snacks, and said that students interested in the bundles should check the Raven’s Nest Facebook page for more information.