Images and Sounds of Mars at the Shadow of Coronavirus

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March 2021 www.ncccommuter.org Images and sounds of Mars at the shadow of coronavirus Editorial by Jesus Zaldivar Fifty years after two Americans walked on the Moon, NASA released astonishing images taken by the “Per- severance” spacecraft that landed on Mars. Not only the images but also the sounds of the Martian surface are astonishing. A magnificent feat. That same day, another striking, rather earthly fact shamed this country: the world record of COVID-19 deaths. 500,000 people – the population of At- lanta – that translates to 152 deaths per 1000 inhabitants. (In Cuba, that number is three deaths per 1000 inhabitants). We are quickly approaching the number of Americans killed in World War I and World War II combined. How will we, twenty years from now, explain to future generations that we allowed this to happen? Indeed, we are speaking of the same country that ex- plores the moon and Mars, the country where transplants of hearts, kidneys, livers are performed routinely. What went wrong? Hundreds of thousands of deaths could have been prevented had prior- ities been properly established and resources properly channeled. By Feb. 26, 2020, the count of coronavirus deaths in the U.S. was 15. President Trump, tagged the most powerful man on Earth, said: “You have 15 people and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down close to zero.” With this mentality, denial, mockery, trivialization of the disease took place in the following months, empowered by the unconditional support of his par- tisans. Tens of millions of Americans were misled believing that things were just fine while corpses piled up: doc- tors, nurses, mothers, children, aunts, grandparents, Black, white, Asian and Native Americans, died without mer- cy. Millions of jobs were lost. Reelec- The Commuter tion was so important that lives were deemed irrelevant. A half-staff American flag at NCC's Main Campus commemorates the half-million people killed by COVID-19. Over half a million homes now have The "Perseverance" that sends images and sounds from Mars. (Source: NASA) a vacant chair at dinner, an empty bed, a missing voice on New Year’s Eve celebration. Over half a million homes lost a dream, lost someone daily going to work, or school, or simply resting in a nursing home, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. Lives cut short in a hos- pital surrounded by strangers. The main lesson here is the importance of electing the right officials. Of- ficials with maturity and compassion, genuinely interested in the welfare of all Americans. Officials who trust their scientists, officials humble enough to remember that we all belong to the human race, officials who don’t forget Lincoln’s words that government is “of the people, by the people, for the people.” 2 March 2021 Contents / Campus news The Commuter

Northampton Community College 3835 Green Pond Road Bethlehem, PA 18020 Phone: 610-861-5372 STAFF EDITOR Chris Devlin ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesus Zaldivar

WEB EDITOR Mara Fernandez STAFF WRITERS Sarah Hosny Cora Savage Jada Yanek

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Ayden Lincoln

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR James Spadafora

ADVISERS Rob Hays Eric Chiles CONTACT INFO A memorial for www.ncccommuter.org Draylen Mason [email protected] On March 12, 2018, 17-year-old and equitable for all Central Texans." high school senior Draylen Mason was Mason was a third-degree black belt Facebook @ncccommuter killed by a package bomb in a wave of in Karate, which he began studying at attacks that killed one other person and age 5. He earned his black belt at 10 Twitter @NCC_Commuter injured another five in Austin, Texas. and started teaching lessons at his Ka- Mason's mother Shamika Wilson was rate school at 14. Instagram @thencccommuter also injured in the attack. Mason attended East Austin College Mason was an accomplished mu- Prep and wanted to become a neurosur- Advertisement inquiries: sician who had been accepted to the geon. University of Texas Butler School of The Commuter donated to the Draylen [email protected] Music, according to his obituary on Mason Fellows Program, a scholarship Legacy.com. He was a multi-instru- initiative for high school musicians, mentalist, but specialized in double organized by Austin Soundwaves to bass, which he played in the Austin honor Mason's legacy. To learn more Youth Orchestra and for the orchestra about the program visit https://www. of Austin Soundwaves, an organization austinsoundwaves.org/draylen that "makes music learning accessible -Story and art by Commuter staff CONTENT The Commuter wins big at the 2021 Keystone Student Media Awards Front Cover: 1 The Commuter won 11 awards, in- Mara Fernandez won honorable men- cluding five first places, in the two-year tion in Columns while Devlin collected college division of the 2021 Student honorable mentions in Feature Story Contents / Campus News: 2, 3, 4, 5 Keystone Media Awards Contest spon- and Review. sored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia “This achievement is doubly impres- Association. sive given the circumstances,” Com- This was the biggest awards haul in muter adviser Rob Hays said. “Chris Feature: 6, 7, 8 the history of NCC’s student news or- and his staff worked tirelessly under the ganization. constraints imposed by the COVID-19 Editor Chris Devlin was personally pandemic to provide quality journal- responsible for 10 of the awards, in- ism for the Northampton community.” Column: 9 cluding first place in Ongoing News Due to ongoing concerns with the Coverage, General News, Podcast, Per- pandemic, there are no plans for an sonality Profile, and Cartoon/Graphic in-person awards event in 2021. A PNA The Final Page: 10 Illustration.. video celebrating the winners will be Devlin took second in Diversity, Pho- available in the spring. to Story, and Public Service/ Enterprise Package. -Commuter staff The Commuter Campus News 3 Counseling services await students in need at NCC higher stress levels than their finan- By Cora Savage cially stable counterparts. Changing Despite the rising number of college financial situations, limited access to students reporting pandemic-related technology, unstable living situations mental health struggles, the number of and caretaker or household obligations students reaching out to the Counsel- have taken a toll on their mental health. ing Office at NCC is decreasing. To combat these real-life issues, the “When students are surveyed, they’re Counseling Office provides far more reporting increased levels of anxiety than traditional talk-therapy. Connect- and depression brought on by whatev- ing students with resources provided er multiple stress factors prior to [the by the school such as emergency loan pandemic] and the additional ones funds, technology access, the H.O.P.E. bumped on, but generally we’re seeing food pantry or LANTA bus passes has lighter traffic in connecting” said Ross become the Counseling Office’s pri- Bandics, a counselor at NCC. mary role since the pandemic began, In a recent study conducted by Ha- Bandics said. nover Research, 66% of college stu- “They’re just trying to tread water dents reported mental health struggles and function,” Bandics said of students due to the pandemic, however only neglecting their mental health while 21% of those students actually sought struggling to meet basic needs. “We try mental health care from their college. to connect them with the resources they Bandics suggested that the de- need.” creased number of students seeking The Counseling Office recently re- school-provided counseling services leased educational videos for faculty to could be attributed to a variety of rea- raise greater awareness of the mental sons. Whether it is the lack of com- health struggles students face. By ed- fort seeking services, a dislike for the ucating faculty and students on how to telehealth platforms or lack of faculty prioritize mental health, raising aware- referrals due to the disconnect that on- ness of the struggles students are facing line learning caused, students at NCC and promoting the free services avail- are not seeking mental health services. able at the college, Bandics predicts “I think a lot of the needs are so im- more students will get the mental help mediate right now. Students are reach- they may need. ing out to us more if there’s financial The Counseling Office is available need or housing need,” Bandics said. at the Main campus Monday through “Students are trying to work to solve Friday for remote services by phone at actionable items.” (610) 322-6178. For students requiring Infographic by Active Minds, a non-profit organization that raises mental health awareness among Students’ lives have transformed on-the-spot services, a private “Zoom college students. Provided by Ross Bandics, NCC counselor. since the pandemic. According to a room” has been set up in College Cen- study published in Science Direct, ter Room 341 to meet immediately with For more information on the counseling services provided by NCC, visit: low-income students faced significantly a counselor face-to-face via Zoom. https://www.northampton.edu/student-services/counseling-services.htm

included plans for travel and in-person events that have been put on hold due to As NCC's clubs struggle with enrollment, safety concerns, which the governing body considered when deciding how to appor- the Student Government adapts and continues its duties tion the funds. The Photography Club requested $1,350, but that included funding for a Canada trip, which has been canceled. The Film Club requested $910. The Science Club, which has been active as part of Monroe Cam- pus’ Sustainability Committee, requested $1,200. The Nursing Student Organization requested $925, with a considerable portion intended to go toward its food pantry, a program which Wolk said should take pre- cedence. Phi Theta Kappa requested $2,900, with a large portion intended to fund in-person events which have been moved to a virtual format. There was a discrepancy on the Hospi- tality Club’s request form between its individual items and the total amount, but Boshell, assistant director for student life and leadership development, spared the meeting’s attendees an arithmetic session by jesting, “Ultimately, we’re just going to decide what they get.” Clockwise from top right: Public relations officer Lucas Wolk and advisers Fran Boshell and Doug Smith at a Student Government virtual meeting. The body agreed to award $300 to the Hospitality Club, $400 to the Film Club, Of the 65 clubs listed at the Main Cam- President Seong Kim, public relations of- $650 to the Photography Club, $800 to the By Chris Devlin ficer Lucas Wolk and advisers Doug Smith pus, 32 remain active. Monroe Campus Science Club, $1,500 to Phi Theta Kappa and Fran Boshell spoke favorably about lists 22 clubs, with 12 active. Six Main and $600 to the NSO, with an offer for continuing the joint-campus arrangement Campus clubs and three Monroe clubs are The pandemic has stymied student in- additional funds for the food pantry upon after the pandemic in a recent meeting. on approved hiatus, Smith said. request, leaving $1,650 for the Student volvement in extracurricular activities, ren- A single, multi-campus government would Student clubs are funded in part by a com- Government’s own activities and any ad- dering nearly half of NCC’s clubs inactive. help maintain enrollment, Smith said. For prehensive fee included in every student's ditional requests. To persevere, the student governments of this to occur, each campus' Student Gov- tuition. Each club receives a base amount, Student Government meetings take place Monroe and Main campuses have unified. ernment bylaws would have to be rewrit- with excess funds allocated by the Student virtually on a biweekly basis. The next The joint government consists of five ten, pending further discussion and input Government upon request. Student Government election will be held elected positions and 10 general mem- from other Student Government members In its first meeting of the semester, the this spring, but any current NCC student in bers who participate on a revolving-door who were absent from the meeting. Student Government decided how to al- good disciplinary standing and with a 2.0 basis. Currently, only four of the five Smith, director of student life and leadership locate an available $5,900 to six Monroe GPA can participate as a general member elected positions are occupied. Despite development, is also a proponent of cross-cam- Campus clubs that requested additional at any time. their titles, each position serves a similar pus membership for other student clubs, espe- funding. For more information, contact function, Vice President Evan Meister said. cially those struggling with enrollment. Some of the requests, made last summer, [email protected]. 4 March 2021 Campus News The Commuter Kailey Tedesco, poet and NCC professor, promotes new book virtually

of our shadow side,” on the digital By Jada Yanek magazine’s website. “FOREVERHAUS” can be pur- Philadelphia bookstore and event chased at www.whitestagpublishing. space A Novel Idea hosted NCC pro- com and www.anovelideaphilly.com, fessor Kailey Tedesco for a virtual where you can also purchase Tedesco’s event to promote her latest book of po- other books. Visit Tedesco’s website to etry “FOREVERHAUS.” learn more. https://www.kaileytedesco.com. The Feb. 13 event included readings from the book and a Q&A segment. “FOREVERHAUS," published last November, comprises a collection of nursery rhyme poems Tedesco wrote over the course by Kailey Tedesco of two years. The poems are divided there is loss in the haus of loss—all of us into five sections, which build up to the embroidered in horror, final poem, “FOREVERHAUS.” twigs coming up The poems deal with occult topics from the back of our throats. i don’t want to know such as ghosts, hauntings and the im- what is on the other end of the mortal power of storytelling. Tedes- telephone. all of my parents co also evokes folklore legends like Bloody Mary and the Jersey Devil, and become motherships. my favorite mother UFOs horror icons, like silent-film actress to me from her house of tea—cups & saucers, hand-painted, Theda Bara. At the virtual event, Tedesco read gable her a-frame. i wake bruised in crop-circle, all poems from “FOREVERHAUS’" first my flesh a runway of inexplicable. section, including titles such as “Ghost- there are woods lore,” “Gush Blood,” and “False Moth- in the haus of wood. all the trees woozy, teasing er.” a fall. when the murderer comes During the Q&A segment, Tedesco Author of "FOREVERHAUS" Kailey Tedesco from the grave explained that at the time White Stag “FOREVERHAUS.” Book readings of the Literary Witch, in which students with matchsticks, we will tell him to take everything Publishing solicited the book, her sec- that were once done in person are now study the evolution of witches in litera- he wants, but only if we are not there to see or hear him. ond title with the publisher, she already being held online, which she had to ture through a variety of mediums. had a collection of 25 poems. A year adjust to. However, the online events “The course objective is to answer there are dreams in the haus of dreams. i fight later, Tedesco had completed the rest have helped her to connect with people larger questions such as why the witch sleep & wake to find myself sheared, of what would become “FOREVER- in faraway regions, she said. is ever-present in literature across time stuffed HAUS.” “FOREVERHAUS” is Tedesco’s and space, and how the witch constant- with stones. my gut fauna surrounds me in a vigil, The pandemic caused a six-month third full-length poetry collection, pre- ly evolves to reflect societal shifts and all my sweet demons. there is a flood publication delay, which gave Tedesco ceded by “She Used to be on a Milk tensions,” reads a course description in the haus of flooding. time to reflect on her work. With her Carton,” (2018) and “Lizzie, Speak” on Moravian’s website. the lake waltzes, but doesn’t wave. i wake when my body classes moved online, Tedesco spent (2019). In 2018, Tedesco became an editor for the extra time at home editing through- won’t, scarleted in nightmare, pins & Tedesco teaches writing and literature Luna Luna Magazine, an online poetry needles out last spring and summer. at NCC and Moravian College. At Mora- and literary journal that also publishes in my ears. there is sleep in the haus of sleep, The pandemic also introduced new vian, she teaches a literature course that rituals, spells and other witch-related but so little. difficulties for Tedesco in promoting she developed called Examination practices, referred to as “explorations From culinary arts to performance arts, virtual experiences keep NCC students connected and engaged Winans has been working closely apple blueberry crisp. with Horan and Rufe to maintain these Each meal serves 4 people and costs live-streamed shows, which are also $45. The deadline to order is Mon., archived on Hampton Winds’ Face- March 8; pickup is March 12 from 3 book page for later views. – 5:30 p.m. “While watching, you can comment and ask any questions during the dem- Contact Winans to place an order. os,” Winans said. [email protected]. Viewers can also suggest ideas to both chefs about what dishes they’d The NCConversation Series is an- like to see being made. Although the other virtual activity, provided by the time is limited for certain meals, the NCC Foundation. These monthly, vir- chefs try to accommodate the students’ tual presentations feature “fun and suggestions. The live streams are typi- Crepes made by chef Katie Horan. cally about 30 minutes long. educational topics presented by distin- guished members of the NCC family,” For safety reasons, NCC’s Culinary “[Horan bakes] anything from cook- as described on NCC’s website. Arts program was forced to postpone ies, cakes, even fortune cookies,” On March 18, professor Javier Avila their on-campus studies, but Hampton Winans said. “She switches it up every will perform “The Trouble with My Winds keeps students connected with week. Rufe … makes anything from Name,” which “is at once a history cooking demos on Facebook live every soup, sauces, fish and/or mashed pota- lesson on Hispanic heritage, an exam- Tuesday at 2 p.m. toes.” Chef Katie Horan alternates Tues- From pizza competitions to making ination of discrimination in America, Chef Katie Horan makes crepes for Hamp- day’s with chef Will Rufe, who grad- hot chocolate balls, Winans, Rufe and a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, ton Winds' virtual cooking classes, as seen on uated from NCC’s Culinary Arts Horan have kept these live streams and an open platform for a continued Facebook. program and has been the culinary op- going since April of last year, keeping conversation about equity, diversity By Mara Fernandez erations chef for about a year. Horan culinary students and other viewers and inclusion,” according to reporting has been the pastry chef at Hampton learning and cooking. from Mia Rossi for NCC Magazine. This pandemic has prevented many Winds for two years. This month, Hampton Winds is of- Interested students can sign up in students from getting a hands-on expe- “We are trying to keep it fun and in- fering a three-course Family Meal Deal advance to receive the Zoom link. To rience, but there are still plenty of ac- teresting for the students,” said Carin consisting of tomato corn egg drop register visit www.northampton.edu/ tivities and ways for students to engage Winans, who is the restaurant manager soup, a choice of honey orange salmon, virtual. Recordings of past events re- virtually. for Hampton Winds. teriyaki chicken or ginger garlic tofu and main available at that web address. The Commuter Campus News 5 "Feeling Trapped," an NCC Spartan Talk on taking control

By Chris Devlin However, another of Seligman's neu- roscience findings, "the hope circuit," "What does it really mean to be in demonstrated that even in situations of control?" counselor Chelsea Cortright prolonged stress, if the perception of asked herself while washing dishes one control exists, people can avoid suc- mid-pandemic day. cumbing to helplessness, Cortright ex- Her brainstorming session led her to plained. an approach she has used to help her Cortright encourages her clients to do clients overcome the feelings of help- a daily exercise in which they list all of lessness that she said have intensified the choices they made throughout the for many people over the past year. day and then reflect on the control they She discussed her techniques and had over their decisions. the science behind them at NCC's first She also borrows a four-step exercise Spartan Talk of the spring semester. from Seligman, in which she has her "I distinctly remember one of my clients ask themselves what the best, clients specifically saying, 'It feels like NCC professor Chelsea Cortright at the virtual Spartan Talk. worst and most likely scenarios of a my entire existence is on hold until stressful situation are and then make a COVID ends,'" said Cortright, profes- which were trained to push a button which is how much someone believes plan based on the most likely scenario. sor of psychology. that stopped the shocks from occurring, in their own abilities. "This last step -- this step four -- is Cortright expressed her affinity for Cortright explained. Unlike the trained "Consistently, what we find is that positive psychology, a methodology dogs and the dogs of the control group individuals with low self-efficacy -- es- the most crucial step because it allows developed by psychologist Martin Se- that were not shocked, the untrained pecially when it comes to making de- you to regain control in a situation that ligman, which studies the positive as- dogs did not attempt to escape from the cisions and controlling their own fate seems unknown, scary and uncontrol- pects of psychological being, such as box in which they were being shocked -- struggle with low mood and lack lable," she said. creativity, optimism, flourishing and when given the chance, she said. of motivation," said Cortright, who Cortright said she assures her clients wellness, she said. Seligman and his partner Steven Mai- noticed an increase in these depres- that their lives are not on pause until Seligman began his career studying er called this phenomenon "learned sion-like symptoms in herself and in the pandemic is over. Although life helplessness, a state of being he ex- helplessness," she said. her clients during the pandemic. may look different, they are not help- plored in a series of experiments that Inspired by Seligman’s work, Cor- "Basically, our default when exposed to less and they are still in control, she involved electrocuting dogs, some of tright began to study self-efficacy, prolonged stress is to shut down," she said. said. As international travel at NCC came to a halt, the UN Academic Impact initiative moved full steam ahead The conference discussed carbon By Sarah Hosny capture and storage, a new technological process that traps and stores carbon dioxide before it’s released into the at- As overseas travel for NCC students mosphere. took a hiatus amid the raging pandem- NCC is keeping its promise to encour- ic, the International Program shifted its age international dialogue. The college attention to growing its position in the celebrated the U.N.’s Language Day on United Nations Academic Impact net- Feb. 26. Participating students heard a work. The college joined the initiative podcast about the origins of languages last July, signifying their commitment and accents, which was followed by a to educating the community about the discussion about their collective expe- U.N.’s mission and its global impact. riences with different dialects. Acceptance to this global network of Dietrich said that this program great- ly benefits the student body by allow- institutions provides the college with ing a global education experience and unique access to resources and events providing them with cultural and social that educate participants about the mis- awareness. sion, said Assistant Director of the In- “The reality is that no matter what ternational Program Maria Dietrich. your professional job is, you’re going The U.N. Academic Impact program to be working with people who are advances 10 core principles, including from different backgrounds, countries addressing global poverty, supporting and communities than you,” Dietrich human rights, educating about and said. “It is a huge professional advan- contributing to environmental sustain- tage to be able to work with people on ability, promoting global peace and diverse teams.” conflict resolution, creating access to The program intends to provide op- higher education for all, and encour- portunities for students to gain differ- aging international dialogue and global ent perspectives on social and environ- citizenship. mental issues. Dietrich cited a few of the impact “We each approach things from our events hosted virtually by the college own narrow background, but the more since joining the program. you talk to people and the more you In September and November, NCC meet people from different cultures, students attended presentations that the more it opens your eyes up to how addressed climate change and explored much there is left to learn,” Dietrich actions they can take to aid sustainabil- said. ity efforts. Learn more about the U.N. Academic This month students attended the Impact program at NCC on Instagram: U.N. Sustainable Development Goals @NCC_Global. The program’s events conference hosted by a University in are also listed on the school’s events Norway. calendar. Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels. 6 March 2021 Feature The Commuter Skate and plant trees or die Pilllar brings environmentalism to the skateboard world with an extra 'l' excursions in the Rockies. By Chris Devlin Those adventures were not taking Skateboarders, otherwise known as Bracken to where he wanted to be in thrashers, shredders and rippers, are in- life. On a flight home from Georgia in famous for the destruction left in their summer 2019, he realized it was time wake: tattered clothing, torn shoes and, for him to embark on a different jour- of course, broken skateboards. ney. His varied experiences and the Corey Bracken wants to mitigate that skills he learned along the way would collateral damage with his company enable him to accomplish his goal. Pilllar, which merges selling skate- Before his stint with IVY, Bracken board products with environmental ac- cut his teeth as a businessman in the tivism. music industry. He started as drummer Bracken bills Pilllar as the world’s and later moved into production and first climate-positive skateboard com- band management, mentoring up-and- pany and vows to remove 110% of coming local artists. the carbon emitted by its endeavors “If you’ve ever been around the mu- through environmental action. One sic industry, or really any industry, [you such venture, a partnership with the know] talent alone will not get you to National Forest Foundation, plants a that next level,” Bracken says. tree for each skateboard Pilllar sells. He spent some time working at re- Bracken has deep roots in skate- cording studios in Los Angeles, before boarding, having started at age 7. At returning home to open his own stu- 41, he’ll still jump onto a handrail for dio and production company, Apelis, a a 50-50 grind. play on Minneapolis and “Apple+S,” “… we think a lot about skateboard- the Mac save command, which became ing,” Bracken says with a laugh, ex- slang for “good take” in his studio. plaining how the mind of a skateboard- “Apple+S that!” Bracken says, with er works. “That is changing.” the enthusiastic tone in which the In Bracken’s hometown of Minneap- Pilllar owner Corey Bracken phrase might have been expressed. olis, where George Floyd was killed by Bracken went to school for audio Individual, outdoor activities, like The hardest part of starting a skate- a police officer in May of 2020, skaters production and business management, skateboarding, “have gone gang- board company is winning the trust rode their boards en masse in participa- but he says the most important thing he busters,” Bracken says, although, it has of brand-loyal skaters, Bracken says. tion with Black Lives Matter protests. Nevertheless, in its first year, Pilllar learned in college was the art of learn- been difficult to meet demands with the “The skateboarding community really pandemic causing lengthy production has sold boards in nearly all 50 states came together and rallied around that,” ing, particularly in reading comprehen- and some to buyers in the U.K. and sion and writing, which he displays in delays. says Bracken, who a year earlier had Turnaround for an order of boards Canada, he says. the epiphany that led him on his path to his blogs posted to Pilllar’s website. Satisfied customers tell Bracken that In one blog, Bracken writes about went from six weeks to six months, combine his passion for environmental Bracken says. To manage this, he has they want to get new boards, but the launching Pilllar one month before the ones they’ve bought haven’t broken activism with his love for skateboard- upped his orders from 150 boards to as World Health Organization officially yet, he says. ing. many as 400 boards at a time. declared a pandemic. “I could easily go to China and spend “When I looked across the skateboard The delays can be traced back to “So what do you do?” Bracken half the money on the board upfront landscape, I didn’t really see anyone the milling process and the increased that was talking about the environ- writes."You suck it up, quit feeling and make more profit,” Bracken says, demand for wood across the board, “But quality … how it’s manufactured ment,” Bracken says. sorry for yourself and make the best of Bracken says, insisting to not have in- and to be as ethical as possible means “I was like, ‘Well, s***, if no one else what you do have. Your family. Your tended the pun. more to me … than making a couple of friends. Your health. Your day job. And is doing it, maybe I can do it,’” he says. Pilllar skateboards are available in extra bucks on the back end.” Before launching Pilllar, Bracken your unyielding desire to create a com- select skate shops, but Bracken priori- Bracken acknowledges that the thing co-owned IVY Longboards, which pany that’s bigger than yourself.” tizes maintaining his own inventory to that he and other skaters love to do de- became IVY Lifestyles, expanding its The pandemic has halted some of sell online. Rather than have customers pends on chopping down trees, but he business to include group travel and Bracken’s plans, which included trav- buy his boards at random shops with- was not fond of wood-substitutes, such adventure packages. Previously head- el to the Nevada plant where Pilllar’s out knowing the backstory of the com- as carbon-fiber skateboards. Conse- ing up its skateboard division, Bracken boards are manufactured and to the pany, Bracken says he wants to build quently, he rejected the abandonment found himself hosting groups of people American maple tree farms in the Great a following of skaters who support his of wood as the primary material as part on sailing trips to the Caribbean, beach Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada, brand and understand its environmen- of his push for sustainability in skate- getaways in Mexico and snowboarding where the wood is sourced. tal pursuits. boarding. (Continued on Page 7)

Bracken kickflips a Pilllar skateboard amid pillars. The Commuter Feature 7 (Pilllar continued) “A skateboard has a certain feel to it,” Bracken says, “not only a feel to it but there’s like a soul to it in that wood.” However, even the highest quality skateboards have limits, he says. “Clearly, it’s a piece of wood – it’s gonna break eventually,” Bracken says. “It’s gonna get razor tail. You’re gonna wear it down. It’s gonna lose its pop.” A single tree can produce about 50 skateboard decks, with only the first five feet of the trunk suitable for skateboard material, Bracken explains. A tree removes up to 40 pounds of carbon from the atmosphere every year, as Bracken explains, but planting trees is not Pilllar’s only effort in being climate positive. Pilllar donates 1% of its profits to the Climate Emergency Fund, a Califor- nia-based non-profit organization that takes a direct-action approach to combat climate change. For its No Plastic Pledge, Pilllar is sending a free bamboo water bottle to everyone who signs a pledge to not buy water in plastic bottles for a year. As of January, 350 people had signed the A Pillar skateboard and the Minneapolis skyline. pledge, which Bracken says will re- duce landfill waste by more than 8,500 Bracken says he is working to- carbon footprint. He uses those skaters, he has amplified his mes- plastic bottles. ward obtaining an official -cli numbers to confirm that Pilllar is sage, he says. While other skateboard companies mate-positive certification, which staying true to its climate-positive “We may just be one person, but have offered similar plant-a-tree he says in an expensive process. In promise. collectively we’re a pretty big group initiatives, Bracken says he has not the meantime, he provides Pilllar’s At first, Bracken was hesitant to of skaters,” says Bracken, hopeful Pilllar owner Corey Bracken found another company that goes to stats online. emphasize Pilllar’s environmen- that skateboarders recognize the the extent that Pilllar does to ensure Every month, Bracken tallies and talist pursuits, but after receiving power of their unified efforts. a climate-positive operation. publishes a detailed audit of Pilllar’s encouragement from like-minded www.pilllar.com

(CLICK HERE TO REGISTER) 8 March 2021 Feature The Commuter The power of positive thinking. Myth or reality?

no solid food, which could explain the It’s not the unfolded event per se, but Peale mentions an Army medical By Jesus Zaldivar headache. Or in the second case, the rather the interpretation that matters: a doctor returning from the war who boss could be eager to communicate more conclusive interpretation is only found a generalized pattern in his pa- “Be positive,” a good friend told me his decision to promote us. possible in a broader context. In this at the end of a phone conversation yes- tients: “They are not sick in their bod- It's not just the outcome of future story, the dialogue between the old terday. Staying positive is difficult at a ies so much as they are sick in their events that could be envisioned opti- farmer and his neighbors made possi- time when the entire planet seems to be thoughts and emotions. They all are mistically, but past events as well. A ble the interpretation, either positive or deeply immersed in mud, flooded with mixed up with fear thoughts, inferior- past apparently negative event, in a negative (good luck, bad luck), but a bad news about the pandemic. Several ity feelings, guilt and resentment.” His broader perspective, may be a blessing similar process takes place in our daily months into it, millions of people in- in disguise, as illustrated in this Zen patients needed no medicine but better fected and thousands of daily deaths, lives. story. (Zen is a Japanese word for a thought patterns. finally a vaccine was made available. Individually, from the first waking Buddhist practice). Peale’s book brought a new vision. The good news was like a light at the minute to the last before going to sleep, This is the story of an old Chinese The first chapter starts with the sen- end of the tunnel. we are anticipating the outcome of fu- farmer who lived long ago. He had an tences “Believe in yourself. Have faith To the excitement followed the harsh ture events and interpreting past events. old horse that he used to plough his in your abilities! Without confidence in realization that scientists still don’t It’s a nonstop silent monologue, mir- fields. One day, the horse ran away into your own powers you cannot be suc- know how long the protection will last roring our thoughts to the second. the hills. Everyone said, “We are so cessful or happy.” in vaccinated people, that today there is Self-doubt and self-recrimination be- sorry for your bad luck.” In subsequent chapters, Peale tar- not enough vaccine for the planet, and comes the norm: ”you’re gonna fail,” The old man replied, “Bad luck, good gets other relevant aspects: to qui- even worse, that the coronavirus has “dummy, you did it again”, “you’re luck, who knows?” et the mind, the use of prayer, avoid mutated into an even more dangerous good for nothing.” Sadly, this takes A week later, the horse returned variant; the efficacy of current vaccines place minute after minute, day after complaining, the importance of visu- with a herd of wild horses, which against this variant is unknown. day, year after year. We make ourselves alization, refusal to be defeated (per- now belonged to the old man. “Be positive.” What is that supposed the target of unkind treatment that we sistence), to expect the best, relaxation, Everyone said, “We are so happy for to mean? would never give to friends or family avoiding worries, use faith for healing, your good luck!” In any life event, be it a surgery, a members. how to become socially likeable. The old man replied, “Good luck, bad significant business deal, a job appli- Ultimately, such words can impact Embedded in what Peale calls “pos- luck, who knows?” cation, things may take the desired di- life events and even health. Self-confi- itive thinking” are several practices to While his only son was riding one of rection or not. One is free to envision dence is corroded, life becomes boring calm down the mind and generate pos- the wild horses, he fell off and broke his success or failure. The typical reaction, and senseless. itive emotions that ultimately shield leg. Everyone said, “What bad luck!” however, is not to imagine the best. Almost 70 years ago, Norman Vin- against the chaos of modern life. (Al- The old man replied, “Bad luck, good Society has conditioned us to “be recent Peale published “The Power of most three-quarters of a century after luck, who knows?” alistic,” which leads us, mistakenly, to Positive Thinking.” In subsequent de- Peale published his book, the level of One day, the army came to the village visualize the worst. cades, by the time of his death in 1993, busyness and stress in our society have and took all the strong, young men to Thus, a headache automatically brings it sold more than 15 million copies in peaked, magnifying the physical and be soldiers for the emperor. Only the the concern that it could be a brain tu- 42 languages and changed millions of mental imbalances.) old farmer’s son was spared because he mor in its early stages; a sudden sum- lives. could not fight with a broken leg. Ev- In the following articles of this series, moning to the boss’ office could end in Peale’s book appeared in the post- eryone said, “What good luck!” we’ll be investigating how positive and lay off. And so on. World War II era, when marvelous dis- The old man replied, “Good luck, bad negative emotions (triggered by posi- The instant negative reaction in the coveries, great technological advanc- luck, who knows?” tive or negative thinking) contribute first case, did not allow further elabora- es and mass communication had just It may be wise therefore not to jump to healing or illness, according to con- tion: the imminent deadline of the actu- started. Despite these achievements, into quick conclusions, previewing temporaneous medical science. al project had forced us to overwork for future outcomes or assessing past humans felt isolated, lacking the spark ten hours, fueled by coffee and tea, with outcomes. of life.

Photo by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay. The Commuter Column 9

Guess what time it is? Mom talk as I mentioned before, I’m currently for the things I have accomplished. Mara's time, welcome back, guys! In my trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. I I’m getting close to graduation with last column I focused on healthy ate a lot of junk food being home an associate’s degree -- sometimes I meals for you and your family to so much and have found that I need can’t even believe it. The statistics Mom enjoy at home. I’m still practicing better fuel to get through the day. were against me, a working mom of that with the kiddos, but I also al- three, but I’m close to beating those Now, I’ve started drinking a gallon Moments low them a treat every once in a odds! I’ve still got a long way to go while when deserved. of water every day, sometimes two! to be exactly where I want to be in I am also super excited to an- Staying hydrated has really helped life, but by slowing down and fo- nounce that my column won an boost my energy levels. cusing on the present, I’ve learned Honorable Mention at the Keystone I have also begun drinking Herb- that things come together as long as Student Media Awards. I just re- alife shakes. Herbalife has gone I put the work in. ceived the news last week but what global with their weight-manage- I know that these times have been was more interesting to me was the ment and nutrition products. Their hard for everyone. No one predicted exact day I got the news, I was in products help you lose weight by that we would still be dealing with such a funk. I couldn’t tell if it was supplementing two meals a day for COVID-19 a whole year later. As writer's block or my anxiety, but I moms, we can’t forget to take care had a hard time shaking it. Sudden- a shake that contains fewer calories. ly, my 4-year-old put music on and I've been doing pretty good with of and appreciate ourselves during started dancing out of nowhere, so I them for a few weeks. Someone had this time. We also need to take pride joined her. We jumped up and down asked me what I miss most being on in our daily accomplishments, even for two songs and after we were this diet. My answer: french fries! I the little things like getting the kids finished I noticed my anxiety was have not had a french fry in almost to bed on time or getting a good gone. A word of advice: if you are a month, but the results I am seeing night sleep. Do things that make you ever feeling in a funk, put your fa- from this diet are definitely worth it. feel like yourself again and I guar- antee you will find the peace you’ve vorite tune on, close your eyes and One thing that I would like to always been looking for. Last year dance it off. You will burn some cal- work on at this time is just being ories while you're at it too was a tough year, but let’s promise grateful. I tend to be hard on myself Speaking of burning calories, I to make this year a great one! recently started working out again, and don’t give myself enough credit [email protected] By Mara Fernandez

a painting class on their new design By Jada Yanek “Inner Peace.” The cost is $20 and all March is Women's History Month, a painting material is included. month dedicated to women’s contribu- March is also a time for people to tions to American history, culture and educate themselves on the accomplish- society, first recognized in 1987. ments and contributions of women in Before becoming a nationally-rec- American and world history through Celebrating ognized, monthlong celebration, the various forms of media. Some movies tradition began in 1978 as a weeklong to check out are, “Hidden Figures,” event, organized by the school district which tells the story of Katherine G. of Sonoma, California. Some of the ac- Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary tivities included various presentations, Jackson, who worked at NASA on the the “Real Women” essay contest and a launching of astronaut John Glenn.; parade in downtown Santa Rosa. “Frida,” which tells the story of Frida Soon, more communities, school Kahlo, a Mexican painter and global- districts and organizations across the ly-recognized symbol of feminism; country began to recognize the cele- and “Little Women” which is based on bration of women’s history. the novel by American novelist Lou- In 1980, President Jimmy Carter de- isa May Alcott. All of these films are clared the week of March 8 as National available for rent on Amazon. Women’s History Week. The following Weird Zeal literature blog is sponsor- year, U.S Congress passed a resolution, ing the Women’s History Month Read- establishing a national celebration, and athon, a monthlong reading challenge in six years the National Women’s in celebration of women’s stories. A History Project petitioned Congress suggested reading list can be found to expand the celebration to the entire here: https://weirdzeal.com/whmread- month of March. athon/. To get involved with the read- There are plenty of ways to safely athon on social media, follow @whm- celebrate Women’s History through readathon and @weirdzealbooks on virtual events. On March 5, noon - 1 Twitter, and use the #WHMReadathon p.m., there will be a guided discussion tag for related posts. on American painter Pat Steir’s art- Women’s History Month can also work “Little Red Waterfall” hosted by be celebrated on social media by the Delaware Art Museum. The cost is posting pictures and information $7, but free for members. about inspiring women and encour- Also on March 5, 6 - 7 p.m., the Enoch Pratt Free Library is hosting a free vir- aging your friends to get involved tual event that will educate attendees as well. about women whose lives and legacies For those interested in participat- have changed the world. ing on a deeper level in the move- On March 13, 2 - 2:30 p.m, the Sig- ment for women’s rights, check out nal Museum of Northampton County these organizations working to sup- along with the Museum of the Amer- port women in the U.S. and around ican Revolution in Philadelphia will the world: Kiva, Invisible Girl Proj- host a free, virtual discussion about the ect, Global Fund for Women, Cen- individual experiences of women in ter for Reproductive Rights, Girls (Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.) the American Revolutionary War. On March 20, 6 - 8 p.m., the art stu- Who Code and Girls Write Now. dio Wonderfully Made4You will host Happy Women’s History Month! 10 March 2021 Final Word The Commuter

A plea for snow days

Last month, The Com- muter published a column by Jada Yanek lamenting the loss of snow days as a virtual student. College students are not the only ones who miss the snowy days off to rest, play and take care of other snow business. Eleven-year-old Chloe from southeastern Penn- sylvania wrote this per- suasive essay calling for her school's administra- tion to allow students a day off when it snows.

By Chloe