Art: Feature: Feature: Sports: Arms Conver- El Soccer and sation Cham. & Heatlh Man with To-Go Review Police page 5 page 6 page 6 page 8

October 23, 2020 Issue 4 Follow us online

Dordt requires flu vaccination in face of COVID Zac VanderLey – Staff Writer

body, at this point, have received a flu vaccine them with the flu, but the vaccine does not for the year. actually contain a live virus—rather a weakened “We wish more people would have signed version containing three to four strains of up earlier, but we know students are busy,” the flu. The immune system recognizes the Taylor said. vaccine as a flu virus, and the body fights it off According to the Community Covenant and develops antibodies for future influenza signed by each student before the start of the viruses. When achiness shows up the day after school year, every individual must receive vaccination, the symptom is a sign of the body a flu shot before November 26th should the creating antibodies. university require them to. Any exemptions to “[The flu] is preventable,” Deb Bomgaars, this ruling must come by “religious or health professor of nursing, said. “Vaccinations are reasons.” These exceptions should not come harmless, but the fear upon receiving the lightly, though. vaccines is real.” “The belief is in fact religious and is not Dordt plans on contacting all of those based merely on philosophical, scientific, who have not received the vaccine to conduct moral, personal, or medical opposition to individual appointments as the November 26 immunizations,” Taylor said. deadline approaches. Taylor respects students’ Still, some students remain skeptical. opinions and believes conversation paves the “We assume that the flu shot will help. But way to answer questions while gaining empathy. there’s a cost for everything. I just wonder if Although the flu shares symptoms with it’s the best use of their resources,” senior Tyler COVID-19: a fever, cough, and sore throat, Bouma said. Dordt will not quarantine people with the flu. Contributed Photo Bouma has not received a flu shot since he This comes from the advice of the CDC and Alinda Brouwer pulled her jean jacket close wind and pre-winter shivers. was young. He seemed to get sick every time IDPH. as the wind howled and pushed, tussling her Thursday, October 15, marked the last day he got the shot, he claimed. He’s not entirely Alinda Brouwer, a sophomore nursing blonde hair every which way. She kept her eyes of the free flu shots offered on the campus of opposed to vaccinations—he has received all student, believes people show their own ego to the ground in the harsh conditions and moved . Other days included the 3rd his immunizations. But he wishes there could when they say they do not care about getting one foot after the other towards the west side and 8th of October, where the vaccinations be more of an examination surrounding the sick. of the De Witt Gymnasium. She pried open the were also administered for five hours each day. evidence. “It’s a matter of others. Like, what if it door and forcibly closed it; the wind wanting “Our local health partners reached out to us Each year, the CDC tracks how well the flu spread to your grandmother or a nursing home?” inside the building as well. and asked if we would administer flu shots on vaccine protects against flu illness. And although Brouwer said. Inhaling a warm breath, she pulled up the campus,” Dean of Students Robert Taylor said. results vary from year to year, vaccination has When Brouwer’s brother was four years old, symptom tracker on her phone. No and no, she “We don’t want the flu to spread amidst the been proven time in and time out to reduce the he suffered a severe asthma attack and spent ten answered. A blue thermometer gun scanned her COVID-19 pandemic.” risk of influenza by 40 to 60 percent. days in the hospital. His life laid in jeopardy forehead: 98.7. Many schools across the country, both Other people use a fear of needles as an due to several complications. But because of Brouwer strode into the De Witt Christian and non-Christian, provided free excuse to avoid vaccination, but a nasally the antibodies he had accumulated through Gymnasium—the hall of athletic heroes flu shots to their campus this year. Dordt administered vaccine helps calm these qualms. vaccines over the years, his body found a way transformed into the hall of healing—and sat administration believed giving and receiving The vaccine also does not contain any fetal to heal itself. down on a stool. As a Sioux Center Health the vaccine offered yet another way to care for tissue in it, as some people believe. “If we can prevent it, then we should.” nurse prepared a flu shot, Brouwer removed one another. “The behavior socially has changed a lot. Brouwer said. “And we can more or less prevent her jean jacket, rolled her flannel sleeve up, and Around 90 students signed up for the first People are more skeptical, and we are trying to the common flu.” relaxed. A slight pinch twinged her bicep, like day of flu shots, followed by another 180 remove barriers, but people will always have the bite of a mosquito, and she was finished, the next session, and 360 on the final day of different convictions,” Taylor said. save for the challenge ahead: the incessant inoculation. A little over half of the student Many people fear the flu vaccine will infect Breaking barriers: Pro-Tech A race to remember David program catches the eye of Temte Emma Stoltzfus– Staff Writer US Secretary of Education Nate Wolf’s feet pound against the ground Hannah Kuperus– Staff Writer as he runs through the streets of Sioux Center. get creative. She reached out to Wolf for advice It’s a cloudy and cool in the early afternoon. A and to see if he’d consider recording a time Masks and elbow taps replaced smiles and partner Denny Van Zanten, plant manager at brisk wind blows from the north-west, pushing for participants to race against for a prize. He handshakes as Betsy DeVos, US Secretary Pella Corporation, had nothing but praise to against his back and lending him speed. By the agreed and suggested that the funds go towards of Education, paid a visit to Sioux Center give to the pro-tech program. time Wolf starts the trail through Dordt’s prairie the David Temte Memorial Scholarship. to learn about Dordt’s pro-tech program. “Pella is growing and needs strong leaders, he’s beginning to feel the strain. He continues In June of 2019, David Temte and his twin Dordt hosted the event in the Ag Stewardship and Dordt produces servant leaders.” Van on, bolstered by thoughts of why he’s running brother, Benjamin, died in a Montana car Center on Friday, October 16. DeVos viewed Zanten said. today. accident while driving home from a two-week demonstrations by students and participated Similar recognition came from other business Wolf is the head coach for Dordt’s cross road-trip across the western united states. Temte in a roundtable discussion with local business owners and students’ parents. Businesses said country program, and an assistant coach for was a junior at Dordt and ran with both cross partners and Dordt faculty and staff. they felt grateful for the Dordt culture students track and field. On the afternoon of October country and track. Teammates and coaches Dordt’s President Erik Hoekstra met DeVos bring to the business atmosphere, while parents 16th he ran across Sioux Center to record his alike remember Temte as someone who ran in Washington D.C. about three years ago and appreciated how the pro-tech program brings time for the first Defender Dash Virtual 5k. with dedication and cared for those around him. offered an open invitation for her to come see the campus life of a four-year institution to a The following week, from October 20-24th, His influence at Dordt continues on over a year Dordt’s pro-tech program after discussing it two-year technical program. 110 people from around the country followed after his passing. with her. “I think Dordt has demonstrated a real Wolf’s lead. “David was a servant leader and cared about “To have her come here to see what we’re creative streak by thinking about what the Alicia Bowar, Dordt’s associate director of people deeply and I’ve heard that from so many trying to do, to hopefully learn from her, which opportunities are to prepare students for the alumni and parent relations, came up with the people” Bowar said, “It’s not about being the we’ve done today, is just a real pleasure and an important and meaningful work and to do that in idea of having a virtual 5k. Normally she helps fasted runner on the cross county team, but it’s honor for Sioux Center and Dordt University.” a new way, and how to forge new partnerships.” put on at least a dozen events a year for the about your character and that focus of loving Hoekstra said. Dordt community, but this year Bowar had to During the roundtable discussion, business cont. pg 2 cont. pg 6 page 3 page 2 News News International isolation Theology professor publishes The effects of quarantine on Sam Landstra—Staff Writer playing sports as they reach adulthood. Dordt and men’s volleyball coach Chad Hanson apologetics book Dordt Ivana Harsono attends Dordt University offered a chance for Lopes to do both. Lauren Hoekstra—Staff Writer Ella De Jong—Guest Writer from a wall-length table. She works on calculus “I just love how he said the games were, and in the corner, composition in the middle, and the plays, and the people, and the community,” Dordt University has not bypassed the effects I was even after they asked me after the first keeps her laptop open to jot down writing Lopes said. of COVID-19. The university is required to day. I was just kind of off everyone’s radar.” ideas on the end. Her bedroom serves as her But the US consulate in Brazil postponed abide by CDC guidelines for social distancing College students are also faced with the fear classroom, laboratory, and dorm all at once. his September visa interview date to November; and quarantining students. These regulations of not making as many friends. Wenke says Harsono does everything the normal college and Lopes has yet to step foot on campus, much and requirements have changed the social that she felt limited in the ability to make more student does, but halfway across the world in less the De Witt Gymnasium. aspects of the Dordt experience. friends due to social distancing regulations. Banten, Indonesia. Because of the COVID-19 Boris Le, a freshman and prospective Both quarantine and social distancing separate All these fears and worries can lead students pandemic, she and countless other international teammate of Lopes, is another student stuck in the students from their regular college life or to turn inward. Dr. Foreman explains that less students have found themselves stuck in their this situation. He is fortunate—having managed from a college life they only heard about. social interaction can lead to increased anxiety hometowns, unable to obtain visas needed to to secure a visa—but strict travel regulations After being in quarantine for 12 days, and depression. It can also lead to a lack in enter the United States. imposed by his home country of have freshman Sarah Wenke says, “It is creating a motivation. “It’s heartbreaking to think that these kept him grounded until December. lot less social interaction than other freshman Dordt continues to push against these negative students’ academic plans and their family plans “I’m very sick of just sitting at home. It just classes have had in the past.” social effects. have been set back a semester or longer because sucks,” Le said. “But I like to look on the bright Social events have been cancelled on campus, Robert Taylor, the vice president for student of the pandemic,” Director of Global Education side, so… I just see it as a chance to prepare and there have been regulations for how many success and the dean of students at Dordt, Adam Adams said. myself before I go to Dordt.” students can come to sporting events. Defender says, “One of the things we are known for is Adams handles international student Le and Lopes attend virtual meetings with Days was supposed to be held on October 16 our social campus, but COVID has made that enrollment and admissions. His office grants their coach every so often and try to get in as and 17, but the virus forced Dordt to cancel challenging.” visa invitations to students and supplies them many volleyball touches as they can with their the weekend for visiting parents and alumni. and Times Higher with the necessary paperwork. limited means. Contributed Photo Sporting events were still held, but one Education’s 2020 college rankings put Dordt at But even with help from Dordt, Harsono COVID-19 has parlayed the visa process Justin Bailey adjusts his shirt sleeves while also featuring as a guest on several anticipated activity was completely cancelled— number one in student engagement in the nation faced difficulty in landing a visa interview at into a game of anticipation for the likes of and occupies his office chair with a smile. podcasts. The editorial reviews published thus Late Night with the Defenders. for the fifth year in a row. Dordt faculty and the US embassy. Harsono, Mere, Lopes, and Le. And even with His recently published book, Reimagining far swing largely positive. Students in quarantine are not missing out students are proud to be a part of a university When the World Health Organization dates marked on calendars, they know all too Apologetics: The Beauty of Faith in a Secular It has been encouraging for Bailey to have on the cancelled events, but they miss out with this social engagement. designated COVID-19 as a pandemic in March, well the gamble of these commitments. Age, sits on a small podium on his desk. One of people from all different parts of his past say on sporting events and the regular social Foreman and Taylor both praise the students the US closed their embassies across the world “It gets stressful,” Le said. “What if the virus his computer monitors shows the Amazon best- that they are going to read his book and how interactions of college life. for their work in following the guidelines with for an indefinite period, with minimal reopening gets really bad in my state and I can’t even leave selling books chart in a tab (it briefly peaked proud they are of him. It is exciting for him, as Dr. Abby Foreman, a sociology professor at the virus and staying social. occurring over the past months. Although some in December?” at number one in the new releases for religious a first-time author, to have people so excited Dordt, says, “Just having that social interaction Dordt holds to its rules of quarantining countries, including Canada, have been granted Adams works to stay in touch with students philosophy category) and the other displays a about his work. and being connected to them and being with students and social distancing out of a desire to exceptions for international students, most non- about the status of their interviews and reports full email inbox. He has already started working on a second another person is important for college students, stay open for in-person classes till December courses and meeting friends and everything,” “I think it’s been a wakeup call for some immigration services have remained shelved. troubles with embassies to an anonymous His debut novel explores how Christians book, inspired by his time teaching at Dordt and really for all of us.” 11. Taylor explains that he continually sends Harsono said. “The hardest thing is waiting.” of them—how challenging the US education Harsono had a visa interview scheduled for database. With it, advisors can track where visa should proclaim the gospel in a secularized and wishing he had a book like the one he is College students need to be able to interact out emails about continuing social distancing Without the ability to attend class in person, system at the college level is,” Adams said. July, but it was cancelled two weeks before. delays and denials are popping up around the culture. The main question Bailey asks is how currently writing. with other students. Social media does not and staying proactive in wearing masks in order Harsono and others have been taking online As is the case with all freshman students, She then used her emergency interview request world and notify the Department of State. He would it look for Christians to approach crises In reading Reimagining Apologetics, the help. Students in quarantine can see what other to avoid students going into quarantine. dual-enrollment courses through Dordt. Dordt assigned Mere a roommate and residence to land a date on August 11, a week before also hopes to schedule an earlier interview date of faith with a sense of imagination, not just reader should understand that the main goal of students are doing all throughout the day. They “It’s the last thing I would want for students to While their studies differ from the module- hall with an RA. She still sees the messages international student orientation at Dordt. for Harsono. intellect? the Christian is to show the world the beauty watch other student’s Instagram stories as they be away from campus,” says Taylor. based work students receive while in quarantine from the email group for her wing in West Hall, Her suitcase had already emerged from “We want to have them on campus because Before coming to Dordt to teach theology, of Jesus Christ since beautiful things inevitably feel like they are forgotten. Dordt’s faculty and students are doing their or isolation, they still use a mix of synchronous announcing events and get-togethers. the closet to begin packing when the embassy they want to be here,” Adams said. “They Bailey pastored to young adults. During his pull people towards it. Joshua de Jong, a senior at Dordt who went best to avoid the social effects of quarantine and and asynchronous learning. “You just wish that you were there to be a canned the interview again, this time only a provide a vibrancy to our campus, as well as ministry, he encountered a disconnect in the into quarantine after being contacted traced, social distancing. “It’s quite straightforward online,” Stephanie part of it,” Mere said. “I feel like I’m missing week in advance. leadership.” field. One day a student approached Bailey and says, “I felt like people were not aware of where Mere, a freshman from The Gambia said. “The out a lot, to be honest.” “Until we see the With much of her fall semester now in But for now, all these international students said to him that while he was in church and way Dordt has prepared it is quite adaptable.” Because of their country-bound captivity, question, her waiting period extended into can do is wait and try to stay positive in the listening to the preaching, it was like a spell was Mere has waited for a visa interview since international students stand to lose out on their beauty and generosity October. middle of it all. waved and the world made sense. But as soon as her acceptance to Dordt in June. She makes extracurriculars too, on top of coursework and And again, the embassy cancelled for the “I can feel involved with it and I am doing the student walked out of the building, the spell of faith, there is no progress online on her communication studies community. Dordt moves job fairs online third time. Harsono now looks to March as her what I like to do,” Lopes said. “I know that I am broke. major in the meantime, often working into the Volleyball played a key role in bringing reason for us to care next chance to leave the country, six months in college, even if I am not there.” Bailey went on to look for stronger “spells” late hours of the night because of the five-hour Lucas Lopes to Dordt. He had played it for ten Eoghan Holdahl—Staff Writer into the future. that could help students in similar situations if it’s true.” time difference. Sometimes her head does not years but left the sport during his senior year not feel so disconnected from their spirituality “It’s kind of hard seeing people do offline In previous years at this time, Dordt has attended, such as Bennett Marstal, a sophomore find the pillow until 5 AM. of high school. In his home country of Brazil, during the other six days of the week. He -Justin Bailey held a combined job fair for engineering, in mechanical engineering, found the event one must choose between attending school or concluded that imagination was the missing agriculture, and business majors. Because of edifying and the platform user friendly. piece. the COVID-19 pandemic, however, a change of Some struggles for the attendants persisted, “If you encountered someone who didn’t venue occurred. though. believe, would they be able to look at your life “There are things Instead of the De Yager Student Activity “One morning we had four employers that and find it beautiful, even if they can’t bring The debate debacles Center, students received opportunities to meet didn’t have any of their one-on-one sessions Breaking themselves to believe it?” Bailey said. “Until about faith that you prospective employers through Handshake taken by students.” Westra said “The employers Lexi Schnaser—Staff Writer we see the beauty and generosity of faith, there and other online platforms. Although not the had put a qualification on their one-on-one can only understand is no reason for us to care if it’s true. If we don’t barriers cont. original plan, the jump in COVID-19 cases on sessions which excluded all of our students As the presidential race reaches its climax take time to appreciate [the beauty of it], then cont. from pg 1 if you’re on the campus and in the community made the Career from being able to sign up.” each election cycle, debates between the we end up presenting a faith that makes big Development office rethink the in-person job Because Dordt only classifies their students candidates become a major focal point for the things small.” . . . DeVos said, “I think it’s a really great inside” fair. by major, not emphasis, certain platforms American public. model, and other institutions may want to “We started the planning already back in would not allow students to sign up for the It seems the presidential debates are not -Justin Bailey study it and perhaps emulate it or do something July.” Amy Westra said. “Everyone definitely sessions. The platform Handshake only serving their purpose. Most debates do not look similar.” preferred on campus and in-person, but if that allowed engineers with a certain emphasis (like like the interruptions and disrespect the nation Dordt’s pro-tech program currently offers an wasn’t an option then this was their second mechanical) to sign up, so none of Dordt’s observed in this year’s first presidential debate “There are things about faith that you can associates degree in manufacturing technology best.” engineering students were considered viable between President Trump and former Vice only understand if you’re on the inside,” Bailey and farm operations and management. As Westra serves as one of the two members candidates for discussion. President Joe Biden on September 29th. said. “How do you commend that to someone a relatively new program, not everything is in the Career Development Center at Dordt, “We had a work around planned for that… No matter the contention, Professor of on the outside? Imaginative empathy is the way going perfectly smooth. Leah Zuidema, vice which aids students in finding employment and three of the five were able to fix it—we got Political Science says it benefits all to do this, but it hasn’t really been developed in Contributed Photo president of academic affairs, raised issues that gaining experience in their field. Their hosting it taken care of no problem. Two of them we the American people to hear from candidates the church.” new programs and educational innovation in of the three separate programs of at a job fair has ended up just running it through Zoom.” Westra directly. soup on a shelf, where candidates simply take Institute says these debates “helped establish The entire process, from the proposal of general often face. worked in previous years since many companies said. “Still worked, just not as seamless as we “I think when you have a side-by-side the can of soup off the shelf and put it on the the precedent that candidates should present the book to the publishing date, took about “We are constantly trying to improve,” use internships and job openings in at least two would have liked it to be.” comparison of the two candidates you get stove instead of making their own soup from their cases, state their criticisms before the 30 months. His process found success not DeVos said. “There are some issues that [Dordt] of the three fields. This year, however, each of Companies, students, and faculty have all to see them in real time responding to the scratch. public, and engage in a constructive dialogue in waiting for inspiration to hit, but in sitting raised from a regulatory perspective that we’ll the departments could afford to hold their own expressed similar views: everyone is learning same question and get to see some of their “How can I go and peel open this can, pour with each other about the future course of the down here and there for an hour or so to write definitely want to go take a look at and see…if job fair as employers do not have to pay travel as they go, and in-person job fairs are usually personality,” Taylor said. out this speech, and heat it up? SpaghettiOs are nation.” in small increments. Bailey took two writing there’s a way to address them.” costs in order to come to Dordt. preferable. The current debates have turned into another a comfort food, but not the most nutritious food After the 1984 election, the Commission of retreats where he would write for 14-16 hours Despite these difficulties, the pro-tech “It’s really cost effective to do it virtually” Joel Van Den Brink, the engineering platform for candidates to give speeches, out there. That is kind of what you get out of the Presidential Debates was formed to “ensure that a day, mainly editing and working on overall program as a whole continued to receive Gary De Vries, the agriculture department chair, manager for Link Manufacturing, represented instead of a place for candidates to think on their speeches in the debates. It’s not fresh. It doesn’t the voting public has the opportunity to see the structure, for four to five days in a row. compliments at the event, especially regarding said. “When it’s virtual their time is time, but one of the local businesses present at the job feet, present original thought, and challenge always feel that authentic,” Roth said. leading candidates debate during the general In writing his book, dealing with imposter the barriers it has broken down between they don’t have any of those other expenses.” fair. one another. Also gone, is the level of respect When these presidential debates devolve election campaign.” syndrome gave Bailey his biggest challenge. education and the real world. In addition to its economic ease, other “It’s good to be able to connect even though between the debaters. into just another campaign event, then the rules The founders of the CPD thought it was “It never really goes away,” Bailey said. “[Dordt has] a lot to be proud of and grateful benefits to a virtual career fair mitigated the we aren’t able to do it in-person,” Van Den But “The purpose of the debate doesn’t of debate themselves start to break down. important to allow the voting public to see “But I’ve learned not to listen to it and listen to for, and I really admire the partnerships [it has] downsides. De Vries pointed out that companies Brink said. really seem very clear,” Bruce Kuiper, professor “It’s about soundbites and it’s about the leading candidates engage in educational other voices instead. I almost don’t want [my cultivated,” DeVos said. who previously considered it impractical to The agriculture job fair is scheduled for of communications and debate coach, said. posturing a lot more than its about persuasion debates. book] to be noticed. I’m afraid to offer it up to attend the Dordt job fair could join in the virtual October 23rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Donald Roth, a criminal justice professor, or actual debate,” Roth said. With all this in mind, this year’s presidential the mercy of the internet. The concept behind event. business job fair remains to be scheduled. says most candidates already have prepared According to the Bill of Rights Institute, the debates look different than past years. The lack my book is very different from traditional “We’re going to have more [companies] speeches on certain topics before they reach seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and of traditional debate techniques is not a partisan apologetics and so there will be some people than normal at … our fair,” De Vries said. the debate stage and are looking for a chance to Stephen A. Douglas during the Senate race in issue, but an issue we can keep in mind as we who don’t like it.” As of October 15th, only the engineering give that speech rather than answer a question. 1858 helped provide the framework that led to watch political debates at all levels Since the publication, Bailey has been fair has taken place. Some of the students who He compared the prepared speeches to cans of the formal presidential debates of today. The interviewed by different radio and TV stations, Contributed Photo page 4 Art & Entertainment Art & Entertainment page 5 Hymn Festival continues annual tradition of worship David Attenborough: A Life Arms and the Man offers

Sydney Brummel – Staff Writer On Our Planet laughter and escape Daniel Ketchelos- Staff Writer At ten in the morning on October 17, the members could enjoy the tunes of both familiar stretch the congregation just a bit by including also introduced to the crowd valuable songs of B.J. Haan burst with the powerful ring of the and unfamiliar hymns accompanied by the some songs that were perhaps less familiar to different backgrounds. Aleasha Hintz—Staff Writer Casavant organ. With the late morning sun organ, Dordt’s Bella Voce choir, and other widen our perspective.” “That’s a healthy thing for Christians to think filtering into the auditorium, the audience, instrumentalists. One distinct hymn that was likely unfamiliar in broader terms than their own community,” COVID-19 has proved itself strewn throughout the pews, enjoyed an organ “I love working with different types of to much of the audience was “Heleluyan,” a Groenewold said. “Music can help us do that.” a near-impossible hurdle for prelude performed by Dr. Carrie Groenewold instrumentation. Brass and organ go together traditional hallelujah chorus of the Muscogee With the organ leading, every individual many local events. But as every and five organ students. These six organ pieces sort of like a hand in a glove,” Groenewold said. Creek Native American tribe. in the space concluded the hour of worship dutiful thespian knows: the show preceded the second annual hymn festival of The song began with a male soloist, with the Doxology. Upon the end of the song, must go on! The cast and crew Dordt University. The event, named “Praise Instructor of Music Ryan Smit, who was later the spacious auditorium hummed with the of Arms and the Man overcame with us the God of Grace,” brought together a “That’s a healthy thing joined by a small male ensemble and the Bella reverberation of the majestic tune. The audience social distancing, masked small crowd who came to do just that. Voce choir. Once the audience joined, the song exited the building, filled by the morning of rehearsals, and quarantined “Hymn singing is really important, and I for Christians to think in transformed into an entrancing canon that worship and already looking forward to next cast members to put on the fall don’t think we do enough of it,” Dr. Groenewold, repeated several times. year’s hymn festival. mainstage. broader terms than their Arms and the Man, directed university organist and associate professor of Indeed, this year’s hymn festival recalled by Laurel Koerner, is a comedy music, said. “The opportunity to gather and sing own community” songs as recognizable as “Abide with Me” but hymns is something a community like Sioux that follows the Petkoff family, Center should be doing on a regular basis.” - Dr. Carrie a proper and idealistic Victorian bunch. The show begins with During Defender Days weekend last year, Major Bluntschli, a mysterious the first hymn festival was organized primarily Groenewold enemy fugitive, breaking into by Dr. Martin Tel, a Dordt graduate and current their home and falling to the director of music at Princeton Theological Contributed Photo The world is a magnificent place. From mercy of young Raina Petkoff. Seminary. In part, the musical celebration The festival featured a brass quintet, a the snow-white polar bears that roam the As the script progresses, commemorated of the fortieth anniversary harpist, a flutist, a cellist, and pianists to play the human population to allow for a greater Arctic Circle, to the vibrant coral reefs that miscommunications and poorly of Dordt’s Casavant organ. This year, Dr. alongside the audience, and several numbers availability of resources. To achieve this, he kept secrets between characters were joined by vocal soloists. Overall, the fill the oceans, our planet is a beautiful place. encourages families to have fewer children. Groenewold organized the hymn festival with lead to the hilarious – and the voices and instruments complemented each Renowned nature documentarist, David Some may see this as unethical and the request the intent of making such an event an annual unexpected. other, combining to create a beautiful harmony Attenborough, recounts his lifelong exploration stands as quite a tall one for Attenborough to occurrence. The hilarity of this show directed toward the same goal of creating music of this wild world in his most recent Netflix make. release, David Attenborough: A Life On Our He also suggests the switch to renewable belongs to the delivery of the to worship. characters by its cast. Johanna “I love working Planet. energy, but without presenting the dangers After the organ prelude, a student led the Christensen gave an impressive Focusing on the decrease of Earth’s natural that the change also presents. Wind, solar, and with different types of audience in a welcoming Litany of Praise. performance portraying habitat and the increase of global temperatures, hydroelectric power are praised in the film as Then, everyone inside the auditorium sang the Catherine Petkoff, the mother Attenborough released this piece as his witness holding the ability to solve all of humanity’s instrumentation. first hymn of the morning, “All Creatures of of the household. Despite a statement. He recounts his exploration of the energy issues, but the documentarians avoid Our God and King.” quarantine for two weeks before Lasting about an hour, the hymn festival unreached world throughout his career while presenting the negative effects these energy urging viewers to be mindful of how their the show, Christensen managed “[Organizing the hymn festival] was a showcased several prayers, a responsive sources also carry. to slip into the character actions affect the planet. great pleasure, and I’m establishing this as a reading, and a repertoire of songs varying in Despite its shortcomings, A Life on Our of Catherine with ease and “If we continue on our current course, the new tradition for Defender Days weekend,” levels of familiarity. Planet features a strong story that pushes consistently drew laughter from damage that has been the defining feature of Groenewold said. “I chose mostly well-known, sort of tried audiences towards environmental mindfulness. the crowd when she shook the my lifetime will be eclipsed by the damage Although Defender Days was canceled and true hymn tunes that most people would Comparing carbon levels in the air and the poor Captain Bluntschli in his coming in the next,” Attenborough said about this year, students and other community know,” Groenewold said. “But I also wanted to remaining wilderness over the last 100 years sleep and stuffed her own face Contributed Photo the planet’s decrease in biodiversity. helped visualize the globalization of this issue. Contributed Photo with chocolates. Attenborough’s key point was the importance The contrast between individual ecosystems Dakota Klein played this man of mystery. man was obvious. of creating a sustainable future. He emphasizes when Attenborough first explored them to His portrayal of Bluntschli employed a But the show’s success also belongs to the that by changing the actions of the world now, their current state drove home the problem of distinctly blunt, macabre sense of humor in his set design. The furniture and props did not the wild can be preserved for generations to shrinking biodiversity. The War With Grandpa wins dialogue. His comedy is reflective of one of the overload the set. The costume and makeup A race to remember David come. Overall, David Attenborough: A Life on show’s themes: the disassembly of idealism. design for the show was splendid too. Captain This documentary is a typical Attenborough Our Planet features an intimate narration by This idea proves a rocky transition for many, Bluntschli’s tattered coat and the flounce of at the box office film with a twist. The first half explores the legend of nature documentaries while also with the Petkoffs finding no exception. Raina’s Victorian skirts were lovely underneath Gretchen Lee—Staff Writer satisfied. Temte cont. Attenborough’s years of field experience compelling individuals to take care of their the stage lights. But no one can forget an Another little thing that I enjoyed about cont. from pg 1 exploring uncharted territories in the wild. planet. While some questionable methods for “The performance obvious crowd favorite: Major Petkoff’s gray, Feel- good, family comedies tend to be this film came from the fact that Peter’s and wondering ‘why am I doing this?’ it’s good Then, a quick switch occurs, and he explains the achieving a secure future for the planet persist, . . . other people deeply.” bushy mustache. pretty hit-or-miss. Some movies, like Mrs. younger sister, Jen, was absolutely obsessed to have a good reason.” Wolf said after his run, impending danger the world faces if changes the overall film achieves its goal of starting a Rather than requiring high scores or multiple was lively, with The lighting design for the show was Doubtfire, manage to balance comedy and with Christmas, to the point that her room was “He was a good reason today.” are not made. conversation. My rating is 7.5/10 for impactful awards, receivers of David Temte Memorial beautifully subtle. When the Petkoffs’ idealism message while others, like The Bee Movie, decorated with Christmas decorations year- “That is my witness statement. A story facts and visualization, while also endorsing Scholarship are chosen for their compassion, every cast member gets the best of them, the lights warm almost come across as incredibly campy. The War round. I’m not sure why, but this little detail was of global decline during a single lifetime,” some, in my opinion, unsupported methods for integrity, team-first approach, dependability, imperceptibly, further romanticizing the with Grandpa, blessedly, fell more in line with endearing, and it made me realize the amount of Attenborough said. solving environmental problems. and humility—qualities often used to describe utilizing a consistent moment. However, at one point, Raina blows Mrs. Doubtfire, managing to tell a poignant thought that was put into this movie. Speaking the scholarship’s namesake. Attenborough aims to emphasize the story with excellent bits of humor and decent as someone who was once a little girl, I can importance of returning biodiversity to the out the lanterns in her room, darkening one “David was super-fast, but what I remember dialect” corner of the stage at a time. Minutes later, character development. confirm that they are delightfully weird little of him the most is the way he could make us feel wild, but some of his methods for doing so When Ed gets arrested yet again for creatures and the fact that this movie managed are questionable. One of his suggestions, for she relights one lantern, and the entire stage that he was talking to us when he was talking to lights up. The lack of continuity in this scene accidentally robbing the grocery store, his to accurately capture that fact was one of my us.” Wolf said, “He made everyone he talked to example, included limiting the expanse of The performance was lively, with every was frustrating but not too distracting from the daughter asks him to move in with her family. favorite parts. feel important and special.” cast member utilizing a consistent dialect. show. He reluctantly agrees, taking over his grandson, That being said, this movie did carry several This year the hope is to turn the scholarship The learned idealism of Raina Petkoff shone. During a time when social gatherings are Peter’s, bedroom, who is less than happy with incredibly campy scenes. The dodgeball into an endowed fund, which requires a The petulant nature of Sergius Saranoff rare, any opportunity for safe get-together the arrangement, as he now must sleep in the showdown, for one, was one of the most benchmark amount of at least $50,000. The DORDT UNIVERSITY was articulated through exaggerated bows, is important. Dordt’s socially distanced fall not-so-inviting attic. In an attempt to reclaim awkwardly framed and scripted scenes I have fund sat around $11,000 short of that goal. By proud puffs of his chest, and spritely walks mainstage was just that. Arms and the Man is his bedroom, Peter declares a prank war on seen in cinema. With choppy action and cheesy the time the race began, money from the virtual his grandfather that quickly escalates to new lines, the only reason I didn’t close my eyes and across the stage. Major Paul Petkoff’s well- a delightful comedy that provided some much- 5k’s $25 entry fee and additional donations timed mustache twitches and booming voice needed reprieve for all who attended. heights and begins to impact the whole family. pretend the scene didn’t exist was because I was amounted to nearly $6,000. SPECIALS I liked many things about this movie. The too entertained by the concept of Christopher characterized the simultaneous nobility and People from California to to ignorance in his character. Nicola and Louka, pranks between the two sides of the conflict Walken, Jane Seymour, Robert DeNiro, and Illinois and signed up for the virtual 5k. were clever and entertaining, Robert DeNiro Cheech Marin playing dodgeball against a COLLEGE BUFFET the servants of the household, were conniving. Over a hundred people, including the Temte Captain Bluntschli demonstrated himself as was endearing as a loving grandfather, and the bunch of twelve-year-olds at a trampoline park. family, alumni, current students, and former verbal and physical humor were almost always It was so disappointing to see a scene that had ONLY $9 much more down to earth, and the honor of the teammates, laced up their running shoes to STUDENT ID REQUIRED spot-on. the potential to be the funniest part of the whole honor Temte’s memory. After sending in their Every role was perfectly and weirdly cast; movie fail so drastically. times, participants will also receive a t-shirt and CODE: 54012 many of the actors in this film played characters I also found it incredibly difficult to root for bookstore coupon. Those who beat Wolf’s time that are outside of their usual repertoire and, the grandson in any way. While all his pranks will be awarded a Dordt decal or luggage tag. yet, they still managed to nail their respective were incredibly clever, the consequences were “I think for me, as someone who has lost a FREE DELIVERY roles in a way that made the movie even more sometimes incredibly damaging in a way that child, for people to remember your children and intriguing. For example, Uma Thurman as an made Peter come across as a smart-aleck-y the impact that they had—I think it means a lot TO CAMPUS exhausted working mom and Jane Seymour little punk. Maybe I’m just getting older and to the Temtes,” Wolf said, “I’m happy that we as a dodgeball-chucking retail worker were less tolerant of pre-teens, but I was completely can continue to remember him through this race so completely unexpected and delightfully incapable of feeling any sympathy towards and the scholarship.” unusual casting choices that the movie felt fresh Peter. I definitely wanted Ed to win the war. Wolf slows to a stop at the Sioux Children’s and interesting. In the age of COVID-19, election drama, Park. He’s finished his route of a little over The serious sides of this story, like the and wildfires, however, I cannot fault this three miles in sixteen minutes and fifty-four JOIN OUR TEAM! developing relationship between the mother movie as much as it perhaps deserves. This is a seconds. Though surprised at his own time, and Peter’s eldest sister, Mia, were also well- feel-good comedy and a wonderful distraction. Apply at Wolf attributes it to the cause he’s running for. SIOUX CENTER pizzaranch.com/carreers executed. This film is multi-faceted, and the It left me with warm and fuzzy feelings, and I “My third mile I was thinking a little bit 251 N MAIN #100 payoff on the side plots left the audience feeling was thoroughly entertained. about him because when you’re starting to hurt 712-722-3988 KK7700 - 1918 Contributed Photo page 6 Feature Feature page 7 Conversation with a police El Chamoyito To-Go A look at J.D. Scholten officer Tabetha DeGroot- Staff Writer Caleb M. S.—Staff Writer faith plays into his policies. He cites his faith parts and wouldn’t be a good start to addressing Georgia Lodewyk- Staff Writer Right in the heart of downtown Sioux at the 2001 MLB draft, as a defining reason he is in favor of healthcare the serious challenges facing rural America.” Center, across from the north side of the mall, Scholten went to pitch for expansion and supporting women’s rights. Feenstra, on the other hand, has taken It’s a quiet Saturday night in the backroads For Jansen, these moments outweigh the stands a small unassuming brick building. On the University of Nebraska- Central to Scholten’s platform is also the donations from notable Republicans, including of Woodbury County. A police cruiser drives challenging parts of the job. “That is more re- one side is the Farm Bureau Financial Services Lincoln. His professional success of Iowan farmers and businessmen who former Iowa Governor Terry Brandstead, along, only occasionally illuminated by passing warding than putting someone away for life,” office, on the other a bright orange and blue sign career took his skills to have suffered financially under the previous Trump administration Secretary of Education headlights Jansen said. for “El Chamoyito To-Go.” Canada and Europe, where administration. Betsy DeVos, and $20,000 from Peter De The crackling of a radio finds its way through Unfortunately, a police officer’s job has its The door is plastered with pictures of various he pitched in seven countries As of the end of September, Scholten has Yager– the Northwest Iowa businessman who the speaker, “10-4. Have a good evening.” difficult points. This summer Jansen helped the snacks and desserts with numbers listed next over four years. outraised Feenstra by over $800,000. Scholten recently engaged in a series of political sign and Sergeant Chris Jansen acknowledges the Sioux City Police Department monitor protests to them. The menu is a feast for the eyes with After his baseball notably turned down financial assistance from newspaper thefts. message and glances briefly at the computer against police brutality and racism. He re- bright pictures of delicious looking Mexican stint, Scholten returned to the House Democrats Congressional Campaign Still, Scholten faces an uphill battle in the screen mounted on his left. A map of Woodbury membered times when people would yell and treats. his hometown of Sioux City, Committee, not wanting to be tethered to the final few weeks before the election. Feenstra is county lights up on the GPS screen. The blue spit at him. One picture shows fresas con crema, a cup where he began a career as whims of a political machine. leading in some polls by upwards of 20%. Art dots, Sioux City police, are all centered around “You have a right to protest,” Jansen said, of strawberries and cream with a dollop of a paralegal. Scholten found Cullen, the editor of the Storm Lake Times, the city. Three county officers patrol the sur- “and they are yelling at the uniform. Not the whipped cream and a wafer on top. Another a love for pro-bono legal attributes this largely to identity politics in the rounding roads and communities. person. I can take that.” features bionico, a giant fruit bowl drizzled with work– a branch of law where “We have an district. The computer shows Jansen where the other “We have to evolve,” Jansen said in response crema, a combination of yogurt and sweetened disadvantaged clients are “We’d elect Attila the Hun if he was pro-life officers are headed. It also allows him to fill out to the protests this summer. He talks about condensed milk. There is also chamoyada, a provided legal assistance authentic campaign and had “Republican” behind his name,” the paperwork digitally if he needs to pull someone techniques that are becoming more common sweet and spicy shaved ice drink, pepino loco, without charge. Scholten’s Contributed Photo Storm Lake native said to The Atlantic in an over. Behind the computer and keyboard is a among law enforcement officers, including cucumbers dipped in chili powder and filled compassion morphed into a “I order new one, but I am not great for that reflects who I interview this past summer. printer for issuing tickets or warnings. body cameras to hold officers accountable and with strawberries, and esquites, a cup of corn dedicated desire to represent speaking English and reading English so they Regardless of the outcome in November, “When I started it was just a radio, everything training four to five times a year. Most of this mixed with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and the underserved residents am and what I want send wrong one, so I send it back” said Luis. Scholten’s continued influence and prevalence was by hand,” Jansen said. “Now so much has training involves active shooter training and de- lime juice. The menu also includes walking of Iowa District Four, Steve On top of the business issues, their eldest son in the district marks a definite shift in politics changed.” escalation. tacos and banana splits for the less adventurous King’s territory. for the district” tested positive for COVID-19 and their youngest and ethics. More and more signs for the As a patrol officer, Jansen spends about De-escalation training is something that of eaters. It is enough to make your mouth water First elected in began showing symptoms. This resulted in the -J.D. Scholten candidate have been popping up around Sioux seven hours in this car each shift. He has Jansen considers very important. Police officers before you even order. 2002, King has often been whole family being quarantined. Despite these Center, and residents appear to be more open worked for the Woodbury County Sheriff’s need to have the communication skills to coach Luis and Veronica Alfaro-Avila are the accused of making racist and setbacks, they re-opened on October 8th with a with their political identities. Scholten, above Office for over 20 years, starting out working people through a crisis situation. Officers often owners of El Chamoyito To-Go. They step inflammatory comments. working cooler and improved health. all else, is leading a charge in what is sure to be as an officer in the jail, and then working as respond to calls about domestic abuse, assault, through the door with arms full of groceries Despite representing a state The Alfaro-Avila family moved to Sioux “We have an authentic campaign that reflects a political upheaval in Northwest Iowa. patrol officer and investigator. Jansen grew up and people considering suicide. Jansen feels it and began preparing the shop to open for the which sent troops to support Center twenty years ago from Mesa, Arizona. who I am and what I want for the district,” in Northwest Iowa, living in Sioux Center and is important for police officers to be at all these evening. The shop is tiny, about the size of a the Union in the Civil War, They lived in a dangerous area, right near the Scholten wrote. “The DCCC-type of campaign graduating from Orange City’s Unity Christian situations to help establish control. spacious dorm room. King was known for having border, and came to Iowa seeking a safer and where you sit at home and fundraise all day High School. He remembers the relationships “If they have access to a weapon and you “We once had fourteen people in here at a Confederate battle flag on he built with Dordt students as a kid. It was in send in an unarmed person…what if it esca- smaller town to raise their children. his desk. doesn’t win respect, trust, or elections in these once” Veronica said chuckling, “but we can’t Luis and Veronica’s faces light up when Sioux Center that he first became interested in lates?” Jansen said. do that anymore because of COVID.” JD Scholten is not accustomed to looking Scholten’s first being a police officer. It’s now 9:15 pm. A car is following a truck they talk about their kids. They have three: a run for Congress in 2018 was more than a run They opened El Chamoyito To-Go last 28-year-old son, 20-year-old daughter, and a upwards. He stands at 6’6” and has parlayed “One of the reasons I got into law too close and missing a license plate light. August “because we needed more money” his stature to play professional baseball across against King, however. The candidate made enforcement is because of Sheriff Dan Altena,” “Both violations,” Jansen says. He speaks 9-year-old son. Their daughter is one year away very clear his aims were greater than “Not Steve Veronica put it plainly. from completing her nursing degree, and it is a the world. But now Scholten sets his sights on a Jansen said. “I saw him riding along in his car into his radio before turning on his lights. The The place is open Thursday through Sunday loftier goal: the U.S. House of Representatives. King.” Scholten made a commitment to visit and I thought that was so cool…I love making a car immediately pulls over to the side of the point of pride for their family. every one of the 39 counties in his district in the from 4-8pm. The hours are a little odd because “In the big cities you have a lotta problems. In the 2018 cycle, the Scholten challenged positive impact on kids like Dan did with me. I highway. both the Alfaro-Avilas work second jobs on long-time incumbent Rep. Steve King for his 2018 campaign– a goal he met. want kids to see me and want to be a cop.” Jansen calmly walks out of the car and talks Here in the small towns you know the Even outside of his district, Scholten has top of running their own business. Luis works neighbors...more friends...more safe,” explained seat in the House. His democratic campaign Tonight they are short-staffed. Usually there to the driver through the passenger window— for the Kooima Manufacturing Company as a ended up three points shy of victory, but the attracted the support of household names. are four or five working on a Saturday night. the side of the car facing away from the road. Luis. They have seen the Latino community in During the 2018 cycle, Star Wars legend Mark welder “and chica, she works at McDonalds” he Sioux Center grow over the years, and they can strength of his push sent a clear message: Things are laid back—Jansen doesn’t want to He has developed this habit over the years. If an said, nodding to his wife. They spent some time Northwest Iowa was ready for a change. Hamill tweeted his support of JD Scholten, issue a small ticket or violation and leave the occupant of the car pulls out a weapon, he can now cater to that community with their knack calling the candidate “Our only hope!” working for a Mexican restaurant, but found the for making desserts and snacks. Now, a cycle later, battle-tested and hungry other two officers on their own in case there is a get away without backing directly into traffic. hours to be too demanding. for more, Scholten is back running for a seat Additionally, in the announcement of the call. These three officers have 980 square miles The driver argues with him, but the interaction “When we first come [to Sioux Center there launch of his 2020 cycle campaign, actor Kevin “It is small but it’s okay,” Veronica said, “We were] maybe ten or twenty Hispanic families in Congress. Scholten, the only Democrat on to cover tonight. only results in a warning and small talk. Jan- like to prepare everything, it’s not difficult.” the ballot in a deep red district, faces Dordt Costner provided voiceover for Scholten’s He remembers an incident from several years sen said that he usually goes into every situation and now there is a lot more…[this] kind of video. Costner’s agency speaks highly of However, owning a small business is not dessert is a focus on the Latino community” professor Randy Feenstra in the upcoming back when he arrested a man for possession of planning on a warning, but some people can without its hardships, especially right now. general election. Scholten, saying he is “running for the methamphetamine. On the way to the police talk their way into a ticket. Luis said, gesturing towards the menu. community,” and is “organic” and “genuine.” When the pandemic started they had to close for If you are looking for a sweet treat you may Scholten is a 5th generation Iowan from station, Jansen started asking him questions When Jansen returns to his cruiser he writes three months while they tried to figure out how Sioux City. After turning down a chance Scholten is a practicing Catholic, and his about why he started, if he had ever thought down everything in a log-book and enters not have experienced before, El Chamoyito To- to move forward. “The business…it’s down” Go is the place to visit. They have added crepes about quitting, and how his family was doing. information on his computer before heading on said Veronica referring to the decrease in sales Contributed Photo Two years later, Jansen was on an off-duty the road again for more patrolling. Each time and atole—a hot beverage made of sugar, they have seen this year. cinnamon, corn flour, and milk—to the menu assignment. A man approached him. he steps into the car is another opportunity to Towards the end of September, they had a “Do you remember me?” the man asked. impact someone else. But even the good times for the fall season. The mangonada and fresas major maintenance issue when the fan in their con crema are highly recommended. Dordt University student aids Feenstra in campaign with “No, but you look familiar,” Jansen said. do not eliminate the bad moments of brokenness cooler broke. The man explained that Jansen was the cop Jansen sees. He finds that these moments are that arrested him years earlier. not easily forgotten. “It’s because of you I’m clean. I stopped “I wish people would have told me that it calls and more selling drugs, and I got my family back.” He does change you. I don’t know how people who not fit for this particular ministry. At the same Anisa Quintanilla is a freshman at Dordt and Jaclyn Vander Waal —Staff Writer said. don’t have faith do this job,” Jansen said. time, Vasquez values something he calls the has been a leader with Young Life for just under “family dynamic.” a month. She said the leaders care for each other Luke Nieuwendorp balances his time banking, Luke has been there every step of the are ways we can make it better.” as a college student and young adult on politics “It can become very business-like when and are very close. between his double major in agri-business and way and has made a difference for my campaign. Nieuwendorp also enjoys relationships and current events.” it’s just training by itself,” Vasquez said. When “They’re all there for the same reason, which political science and working to prepare for I greatly appreciate Luke’s commitment to our he has made during his involvement in this Nieuwendorp said he would like to find a Young Life first started, new leaders went is putting God in the center of everything,” she the upcoming election. While many college campaign.” campaign. career after college where both his majors meet. Young Life leaders through training as a list of checkboxes to said, which to her means meeting people where students shrug off politics, he plays an active “Not many of my friends are into politics, so He could see himself working with the policy complete. Now, there is no longer pressure to they are in their relationship with God. Mikaela Wegner- Staff Writer role in campaigning for one of his professors. it’s kind of nice to be around people who share side of agriculture. “hurry up and become a leader.” “We’re not “Being part of Young Life is the best thing Vasquez said. When training students, Nieuwendorp, a senior at Dordt University, “When running the same interest,” he said. No matter where the future takes him, he It is a Monday night, and a family living rushing it, you have time to discuss; people in there could be, especially being in college away Vasquez said his leaders are allowed to struggle, is an intern and volunteer for the congressional Nieuwendorp appreciates that Feenstra is plans to stay involved in politics. room is filled with about 15 university students. the leadership room are getting to know each from my family, they’re my family away from for office, you they’re just not allowed to struggle alone. campaign of Randy Feenstra,. Feenstra, a a “goofy, regular guy” who does not think he “Politics decide our daily lives, what we They are having a weekly meeting for the other very well.” home,” Quintanilla said. “We tend to think that because we are in professor of business administration, holds is better than anyone else—a unique trait for can or can’t do,” Nieuwendorp said. “Literally leaders of Young Life, a non-profit, parachurch Alexis Cano joined Young Life as a leader quickly learn you leadership we’re not allowed to struggle,” the Republican candidacy in Iowa’s 4th a political candidate in his opinion. He thinks everything today is allowed or not allowed ministry organization based in Sioux County. almost a year ago. Cano says she was hesitant Vasquez said, “so we don’t open up and we kind congressional district for the upcoming general many Republican candidates claim to be because of politics. Something may not affect As a ministry meant to introduce high to attend at first, but found the leaders have been can’t do it all of just stay to ourselves.” election. Christians just for the votes, but he is happy to you now, but it may in the future.” school students to Christianity, Young Life’s welcoming since the beginning. Vasquez started Young Life in Sioux County Often, Nieuwendorp is the “annoying yourself. It takes a see such is not an act for Feenstra. Nieuwendorp said only a handful of Dordt administration is intentional not only about “I think when you do ministry with one while he was a student at Dordt. He felt a person” who makes voter contact calls. He “He’s a really good prof, and he truly cares,” students are engaged in politics even though the building relationships with high school students another it’s really easy to become close,” Cano need for Christian outreach to youth in the spends two to three days a week completing team of volunteers, Niewendorp said. “It’s just cool that someone college’s staff is involved. He would like to see but creating a unique dynamic between its said, “you all have that one thing in common community. “random stuff” like this for the Feenstra I have taken multiple classes from and learned more students participate. Feenstra also would leaders as well. that you love God and that you’re trying to “Although at that time I would consider campaign. friends, family and from could be our next congressman.” like to see more young people engage in politics Alex Vasquez, a director of Young Life in reach out to other people.” myself a Christian, I felt like I didn’t have In addition to phone calls, Nieuwendorp Feenstra is grateful for everything and public service. Sioux County, says the primary focus of Young While the leaders are all very different supporters from someone to go to, I didn’t have a mentor.” writes postcards to voters, builds turnouts Nieuwendorp has done for the campaign. “The number one way I would like Dordt Life is on relationships—specifically between people, Cano said through their common Vasquez attended Young Life back at home, for events, secures locations for barn and He said Nieuwendorp is dependable and students to get involved is by voting,” Feenstra leaders, high school students, and God. dedication to Young Life and Christianity they across the district,” and remembers his leader having no agenda yard signs, and works in the northwest Iowa accountable on the campaign trail as well as in said. “We are blessed to live in a country “Doing this on your own is really hard,” said make strong connections with one another. but to show genuine care for students without Republican headquarters in Sioux Center. He the classroom. and democracy where we have the privilege Vasquez. “Sometimes you get hard questions, From club, to campaigners, to contact judgement. began volunteering for the campaign last fall. “He doesn’t complain and is willing to to directly elect those who represent us. I sometimes you get put in a situation that you work, leaders are very hands-on when it comes Although the training model for new leaders “When running for office, you quickly learn Nieuwendorp has always held an interest in tackle the tough jobs,” Feenstra said. “In hope every student takes advantage of this don’t know what to do.” to Young Life activities. Cano believes this has not changed since Young Life started in you can’t do it all yourself. It takes a team of politics. the classroom, Luke may learn business and opportunity and uses their voice to vote.” To counter this, Vasquez values the involvement makes it easy for leaders to bond Sioux County, Vasquez says the attention put volunteers, friends, family and supporters from “As a Christian, I care about what this economics from me, but I have learned a lot intentional relationships build between leaders. with each other, as well as leaders with high into training has changed. For example, training across the district,” Feenstra said. “From early- country does and how it operates,” he said. “It from Luke on the campaign trail. I have enjoyed “Jesus never commanded a disciple to go by school students. “I don’t know if it would be is now more difficult in order to rule out leaders Contributed Photo morning door knocking to late-night phone interests me to see how that happens and what getting to know him and hearing his perspective himself, he always sent out two,” fun if we didn’t participate,” Cano said. The Back Page page 8 Defender volleyball sends Soccer concussions seniors off with a win Katie Ribbens—Staff Writer Caleb Pollema - Staff Writer “A girl hit me on the head when we were it encourages the player to hit the ball with their both going for the ball,” said Hailey Ten Pas, head. Six students from Dordt University’s Winterfeld kill gave the Defenders a 25-19 COVID-19 has thrown a slew of schedule a sophomore at Dordt and a member of the women’s soccer team have been diagnosed with victory. changes and postponements at the Dordt women’s soccer team, as she peered up from concussions this season. De Jager led the Defenders with 10 kills and women’s volleyball team, not to mention taken her Dordt soccer cap. “I don’t think it’s anything that they’ve [the a .667 kill efficiency. Both seniors, Connelly out several of their players for short periods Recovering from a concussion, she donned coaches have] done,” Hannah Glynn, a junior at and Winterfeld, ranked first in digs for the of time. Like most college seasons during the it to block the light from her sensitive eyes and Dordt and member of the soccer team said. “I Defenders with 12 each. pandemic, theirs has been one of highs and dull the throbbing in her skull. think we just got really unlucky.” The victory pushed the Defenders to 7-5 lows. “And that took a lot of time to think about The coaches are very cautious whenever one in GPAC play and 8-5 overall. The Defenders However, the match last Saturday offered a because I cannot remember.” of their players gets hit in the head and quickly now sit at 5th in the GPAC standings, behind moment to reflect and celebrate the three Dordt It only takes one impact to throw your tests them for concussions. However, Ten Pas Morningside. seniors who have contributed to much of the brain—sloshing around in fluid—against your suffered from one for five days and attended Coach Hanson was happy with his team’s program’s lofty success over their four years at skull, perhaps causing permanent damage. A soccer practice like normal before seeking performance as the Defenders look to build Dordt University. mild traumatic brain injury or concussion can medical attention. momentum headed into the final four matches Dordt held senior day on their last cause anything from headaches and nausea to “I was very disappointed because right now of the season. home,weekend match of the season against loss of balance and amnesia. we have a lot of teammates out,” Ten Pas said. “Getting a second win on this weekend the Doane Tigers. The team has one remaining According to the Centers for Disease Control Glynn, who is also experiencing the effects where we recognized our three seniors and home match against Northwestern that serves as and Prevention (CDC), about 5.3 million of a concussion, felt optimistic about the one manager was a really special experience,” their last home game of the season, but it falls Americans suffer from a brain injury-related season regardless of the number of players out Hanson said. “After a slow start in the first set on a weekday. disability. The National Library of Medicine of commission. w“Even though we have a lot we finished with more exciting play and focus. Outside hitters Karsyn Winterfeld and attributes concussions for 80-90% of brain more concussions than we’ve ever had before, We will need this focus in the coming week Lydia Smits and libero Hannah Connelly were injuries and classify them as a major national I think we also have a lot better players than with three road matches.” all honored at the match to celebrate their health concern. As concussion numbers steadily we’ve ever had before,” Glynn said. “So The Defenders will finish their season with accomplishments as Defenders. increase, experts worry about the long-term when somebody is out, we have somebody three of their final four games on the road. They “This was our first full team gathering of effects. who can fill in really well.” travel to Briar Cliff in Sioux City for a Tuesday the season,” Connelly said. “It was so special Dr. Bruce Vermeer, a psychology professor at The causes for concussions vary as much as evening matchup followed by weekend matches to have each teammate and their family in one Dordt, recently attended the annual conference their symptoms. Ten Pas collided with another at and College of Saint place.” of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. player, Glynn slipped on the ball and fell to the Mary. The matchup against Doane came on the Leading authorities on chronic traumatic ground, and another player was hit in the head Dordt then returns home for its final regular heels of 3-1 victory over the Hastings Broncos encephalopathy, or CTE, presented the latest with a ball. season match on Tuesday, October 27th against on Friday night, which set Dordt up for a short information in the field. CTE, which is caused Vermeer said it is possible the differences rival, Northwestern. turn around and a much-needed momentum by repeated head injuries, is a major concern to in symptoms is due to the part of the head This past weekend’s two victories are critical boost headed into Saturday. those who have had concussions. Vermeer is that is hit. The back of the brain is responsible as the team continues to improve and prepare A slow start for the Defender women concerned that sub-concussive impacts, which for balance. If that area is hit, the person will for the end of the regular season. characterized the beginning of the match as are more common than concussions, could be experience more dizziness. If the side of the “We finish a week from Tuesday with they found themselves in an early 5-1 hole to causing more damage. brain is injured, the person may have more regular season play,” Connelly said. “The the Tigers. Yet, the Defenders battled back to “It’s the same kind of a blow to the head, difficulty with memory and mood control. GPAC tournament is postponed to the spring lead the set 18-17. The set remained tight all the but you don’t have the classic concussion While Ten Pas didn’t have to miss class, and hopefully we will play some nonconference way down to a winning kill by Jessi De Jager symptoms develop,” Vermeer said. Without Glynn was forced to take a week off. Even games in preparation for that.” that gave the Defenders the victory by a final symptoms, individuals continue functioning as when back in class, she had trouble keeping up. The results of the tournament and the final score of 25-23. normal and don’t take precautions. “Even a sub- “The best way to describe it is you feel kind national poll will determine if the Defenders get Heading into set two, the Defenders took concussive impact can cause a cascading effect of like a step behind everyone,” Glynn said. She an invitation to the national tournament in late command early with a 10-4 lead. Doane never of neurometabolic processes.” appreciated how much her professors worked April. came within four from then on and Dordt took Repeated hits to the head cause a buildup with her. The Defenders are looking forward to what set two, 25-11. of a natural tau proteins in the brain. In However, she cannot let her concussions remains of the regular season as they prepare The Defenders continued their dominance excessive amounts, they clumps together and alter the way she plays. When she’s on the field, for postseason play next semester. in the third set with a 14-9 swing out of the kill neurons, or brain cells, which drastically Glynn has to be aggressive. While she worries gate. Dordt struggled to put the match away, affects the brain’s ability to function. Some about long-term effects of head impacts, she though, but on its fourth match point, a Karsyn common symptoms include paranoia, dementia, doesn’t plan to stop playing unless she continues and difficulty modulating normal behavior, experiencing detrimental symptoms. particularly aggression. “I’d have to get at least one or two more “Not everybody who experiences repetitive concussions before I really consider stopping,” head impacts are going to go on to experience Glynn said. or develop CTE down the road,” Dr. Vermeer Ten Pas agreed that one concussion isn’t Dordt football maintains said. However, the risk is much higher for enough to deter her from playing. career athletes. “I’m so passionate about it,” Ten Pas said. “I winning ways Soccer is classified as a high-risk sport since really want to do everything I can to play.” Connor Van Hulzen - Staff Writer quarterback, to offensive line, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends—the team has come The Dordt University Defenders faced together and has bought into our system and has off against the Tigers on been executing extremely well.” Saturday, October 17th, improving to a 4-1 The Dordt defense performed as stout as record on the season thanks to a big day from ever, giving up only three touchdowns in the the offense and quarterback Noah Clayberg. game, scoring two with the game already On a stereotypically windy and chilly out of reach. Excluding the game against Northwest Iowa fall afternoon, the Defenders Northwestern where the defense surrendered relied upon Clayberg’s legs for three rushing 48 points, Doane’s 19 points are the most Dordt touchdowns and 62 yards, and on his arm for has surrendered all season. over 200 yards and another touchdown. Senior The Defenders will need to keep the offense wide receiver Levi Jungling hauled in eight moving, as they will be facing off against the passes for 137 yards and a touchdown, and 4-1 Concordia University Bulldogs on October sophomore running back Carter Schiebout 24th in Nebraska—a team whose defense is yet tacked on another 103 rushing yards in what to give up more than 34 points in the season. A would be a very successful day on offense for stout Bulldog defense will be challenging, but the Defenders. Dordt believes they will still be able to maintain Doane lead early in the first quarter by their recent streak of successes. making a quick score after a costly turnover by “Clayberg has been making good decisions, Contributed Photo the Defenders. However, Dordt’s offense made our running backs have been finding seams, our a quick recovery and soon regained the lead— offensive line has been great for us” Eekhoff which they would not surrender for the rest of said, “we are really happy with where we’re at Diamond Staff 2020-2021 the night. but we’re also looking forward to keeping our After scoring at least 40 points in every momentum going on offense.” game besides their season opener, the Defenders Chief Editors: Staff Writers: Hannah Kuperus Yee Lim Shin After starting 4-0, the Bulldogs are coming Emma Stoltzfus Aleasha Hintz Jaclyn Vander Waal Zac Vanderley continued this trend against Doane, managing off of a 31-17 loss at the hands of Northwestern. Sam Landstra Alicia Bonestroo Jayden Hoksbergen Aaron Eshelman to convert 33 first downs and gain a total of 528 Dordt hopes to turn the tide of history Caleb Pollema Katie Ribbens Tabetha Degroot yards on offense on their way to a 44-19 win against Concordia, as the Defenders have a 3-9 Copy Editor: Caleb M.S. Lauren Hoekstra over the Tigers. all-time record against the Bulldogs. Tess Hemmila Connor Van Hulzen Lexi Schnaser “We’ve been able to put up points because The Defenders’ next game will take place on Gretchen Lee Daniel Ketchelos Mikaela Wegner Faculty Advisor: Elise Wennberg Rochelle Vander Helm Lee Pitts our offense has been working together so Saturday the 24th at 1:00pm at Bulldog Stadium Layout Designer: Eoghan Holdahl Sydney Brummel well.” Devin Eekhoff, running back and tight in Seward, Nebraska. Aneeka Bakkir Georgia Lodewyk Troy Harvat ends coach, said, “Across the board—from