The

HOLIDAY 2020 GA-ZETTEThe Campus Newspaper for Penn State Greater Allegheny VOLUME 4

Spring Semester to Start Remotely Page 5 2020: Donuts & Vitamins in a Pandemic Page 6 The Crossing Bridges Summit Page 8 Being Greater Together Opinions... From Where We Sit Page 14 Culture, Arts & Entertainment Page 18 Page 2 Sports & Athletics Page 25 2 - FALL 2020 The GA-ZETTE Happy Holidays! TO: THE PENN STATE GREATER ALLEGHENY COMMUNITY Welcome, the end of 2020. Are you as tired of this year as we are? Come on. We know you are. Just say so. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away a portion of our lives this year and we can’t get it back. It has been all encompassing in our lives since March. No matter where we go or who we speak to, it is always with us. From our own mixed modality classes to the little blank boxes on our ZOOM screens to where we live and to wherever we drive or shop, it has been there. Hard to forget it when it was always in our face...or perhaps always in our “face” masks. But we want to forget it, even though we have covered it extensively in the pages that are about to follow. Have we learned anything this year? What has this year taught us, in between the frustration of rearranging our lives and the anger that we may have faced when friends and relatives came down with the virus or perhaps when someone close to us died from the virus? It has taught us to instead look ahead and find the light of hope that we all so desperately need: The hope of a new vaccine that will soon eradicate this virus... The hope of the normalcy we all long for... The hope of a renewed American democracy... The hope for new leadership with a new president and vice president... The hope for a new decade, free from racial and social inequality... The hope that we find our old friend common sense is really alive and well somewhere and returning... The hope we can return to our beloved Greater Allegheny campus, to walk down the sidewalk along University Drive and to meet our friends in the SCC over a slice of pizza and a cold soft drink... without masks. Here’s hoping that you and your families take care, stay safe and be well for the holidays and the new year. As author and educator Parker Palmer wrote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Be well with change everyone, and focus on new hope for the new year. FROM: The

THE GA-ZETTE, the official campus newspaper of Penn State Greater Allegheny, GA-ZETTE is published by students for students, faculty and staff of the campus. The paper is also available via a digital platform at sites.psu.edu/gazette. Address: 4000 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132 Phone: 412-675-9025 TEAM News Editor / Production Manager: Staff Writers: Nathan Rega, COMM Cheyenne Hennen, ISS James Plez, COMM Culture / Arts / Entertainment Editor: Madason Porter-Gibson, COMM Production Support: Troy Ferguson, COMM Alisha Tarver, COMM Nicholas Smerker, Media Commons

Photography: Contributing Writers: Administrative Support: Katarina Shields, IST Austin Mossellem, COMM Hilary Homer Riley Perciavalle, COMM Guest Columnist: Aniya Robins, COMM Faculty Advisor: Shannon M. Reid, ENGL ‘20 Graham Thompson, COMM Rosemary Martinelli

The thoughts and comments of The GA-Zette are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration and management of Penn State Greater Allegheny or The Pennsylvania State University, at-large. Editorial decisions rest with the staff and management ofThe GA-Zette. The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 3 PSUGA PROFESSORS OVERWHELMED THROUGH COVID-19 JAMES PLEZ Professor of Spanish, Staff Writer Becky Klink, who is [email protected] eight-months pregnant and As the fall semester teaches at several other ends, professors at Penn universities, said she is State Greater Allegheny struggling trying to keep (PSUGA) describe their up with her online and experiences with teaching in-person classes. in-person and/or virtual Klink teaches a remote classrooms and work- synchronous Spanish 1 ing from home during course at Community COVID-19. College of Allegheny For some, working County (CCAC), where from home has been The Fitness Center was utilized as a classroom throughout the the course is four hours both beneficial and un- semster to accommodate social distancing. Photo courtesy of Megan Nagel, Associate Professor of Chemistry. long. favorable. Division of on campus, local and getting through it togeth- “There’s a lot of extra Undergraduate Studies out-of-state, Tachoir has er,” Vicaro added. work on my plate and I’ve Coordinator and Manager difficulty trying to handle History Lecturer of been working twelve-hour of Academic Advising and students and their needs. U.S and African days,” Klink said. Career Services, Dr. Erica “Emails are also hard as American Studies, Dr. This semester, Klink’s Tachoir, states that work- there are so many messag- Johnathan White, also ad- students are struggling in ing from home has its pros es – no one really knows mits teaching through the her course. and cons, but the cons what is ‘important’ any- pandemic is challenging. “Generally, students outweigh the pros. more,” she said. “I have to be inno- seem to be struggling “The pros are that I Associate Professor of vative to keep students more with attendance, have been able to find Communications, Dr. engaged. For instance, I mental health and com- a lot more time for per- Michael Vicaro, echoed created a podcast for my pleting assignments. It sonal balance – working some of Tachoir’s com- Living While Black class. seems that everyone has out, doctor appointments, ments. It’s sometimes difficult to some extra weight on family time because I no Vicaro, who teach- know if I’m really reach- their plates these days longer have the commute es in-person classes, ing students. It’s also and staring at a computer or the evening event com- states teaching during harder to build a strong screen for hours on end mitments that I had when COVID-19 has handed classroom culture online,” is too much for all of us I was working on cam- him challenges as he deals he said. to handle. I think we all pus.” Tachoir said. with reduced class sizes, “I give them challeng- deserve more breaks!” she “It is very hard to little to no student inter- ing material. I interact added. establish and maintain a action, and remote office with them, so they know Pregnant women face connection to the students hour meetings. that I care. I encourage concerns because they are just through a screen. The “This semester is their intellectual growth. automatically “categorized success of our work in ad- nobody’s ideal– it is Finally, I offer compas- as immuno-compro- vising and career services stressful and challenging sion. Many students have mised,” Klink said, and is based on personal con- and I’m also part-time lost family and friends she finds it “scary for me nection and being able to homeschooling my own during this pandemic. to be in the classroom be- be where the students are elementary-aged children, I have also, so I under- cause not everyone takes at all times.” she added. but we are all making the stand,” White added. it seriously.” Because students are best of the situation and Adjunct Teaching (Continued on next page) 4 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE (Continued from page 3) all of this because folks Klink said she had no “I’m teaching remotely weren’t wearing masks in hesitation telling stu- so I’m pretty safe from “My partner now the courtroom. dents to wear their masks COVID. Yet, there are works from home because “I always have that in properly or to maintain days I want to go outside there was an outbreak at the back of my mind when their distance. “I’ve and move freely in society the Allegheny County I see someone not wearing stopped class a few times without restrictions. This Courthouse where she a mask properly,” Klink to do just that. Like most season will pass though. works,” she said. “Her said. “I feel extra respon- though, I wish it’d all go I pray daily for the health coworkers contracted the sibility for myself, for my away,” she said. and safety of my loved virus and one actually students, and most of all, White has found ones and for the Penn died after being on a ven- for the new life that I’m spiritual support to get State community,” he said. tilator for several weeks– carrying around.” him through the semester. PA UNDER ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS THROUGH HOLIDAYS NATHAN REGA is to help Pennsylvanians News Editor get through the holiday [email protected] season and closer to a widely-available vaccine.” Thursday, Dec. 10, “In the past week, we Pennsylvania Governor have reported close to Tom Wolf announced 1,100 new deaths from additional, temporary COVID-19 across COVID-19 restrictions on Pennsylvania,” Secretary the state, effective Satur- of Health, Dr. Rachel day, Dec. 12. These re- Levine said. “The virus strictions are set to expire “COVID-19” image provided by the continues to strain our United States Center for Disease Control Jan. 4. health care systems and “The problem we are the dramatic rise in cases Limited-Time Mitigation facing is the virus has among all age groups, in- Restrictions Include... continued to rage in cluding among school-age Pennsylvania over the children, is alarming. • Indoor dining at restaurants is prohibited. past several weeks,” Wolf “Since the start of the • Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 said in a virtual news pandemic, there have been people are prohibited. conference. “It’s become more than 37,500 cases • Places of worship are encouraged to find clear that we need to take among children age 5 alternative methods for worship. further mitigation actions to 18, yet 9,500 of those • Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 to protect Pennsylvanians cases occurred in the people are prohibited. and stop the spread of past two weeks,” Levine • In-person businesses serving the public may COVID-19.” added. only operate at up to 50% capacity. Wolf claims that he “This is so frustrating • Gyms and fitness facilities are closed. hopes to accomplish and so painful,” Wolf stat- • K-12 sports are paused. three goals through these ed. “But we can get there • Professional/collegiate sports activities may restrictions. “First, stop and there is a light at the continue in accordance with guidance from the the devastating spread end of the tunnel.” CDC and the Department of Health. of COVID-19. Second, I • Spectators may not attend professional/ want to keep our hospitals For additional collegiate sports activities. and our healthcare work- information, visit ers from becoming over- www.governor.pa.gov. Source: Office of PA Governor Tom Wolf whelmed…the third thing The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 5 SPRING 2021 TO START REMOTELY: Barron announces amid pandemic surge NATHAN REGA tutions given by News Editor Pennsylvania’s depart- [email protected] ments of Health and Education. STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Students are strongly Dec. 18 discouraged from return- Penn State (PSU) Pres- ing to campus during the ident Eric Barron today four-week remote period, announced the Univer- if possible. Off-campus sity’s decision to begin students who must return the Spring 2021 semester to campus before Feb. 15 remotely across all cam- are required to be tested puses starting Jan. 19 before their arrival. Snow falls on PSUGA’s masked-up Nittany Lion. due to current COVID-19 PSU’s COVID-19 de- Photo by Nathan Rega. trends. tection and management random daily surveil- Senate supported it,” All PSU classes will measures for the spring lance testing; strategic PSUGA Chancellor and be held virtually until Feb. will be shared early in the screening, data monitor- Chief Academic Officer, 15, when classes will tran- new year. ing, contact tracing, and Dr. Jacqueline sition to their originally “Currently, Penn State quarantine and isolation Edmondson, explained. scheduled modalities. is in the process of devel- procedures. “They feel like these “Given the worsening oping our pre-arrival plan Due to the late start for are extraordinary circum- virus conditions nationally for Spring 2021,” stated the upcoming semester, stances and they needed and across the state, and Loraine Craven, Penn spring break has been a little more flexibility predictions of increased State Greater Allegheny eliminated but the in how their grades were hospitalization rates in (PSUGA) director of stu- University will institute being determined.” Pennsylvania in the com- dent services and engage- three “wellness days” Students are strongly ing weeks, we made this ment. throughout the semester advised to consult with decision to best protect “Similar to what to give students, faculty their advisor before de- the health and safety of happened in the fall, stu- and staff days off to break ciding to use alternative our students, faculty and dents will be selected for from regular classes. grading to ensure they are staff,” Barron stated via pre-arrival testing, as well With the end of finals making the best decision a mass email to the Penn as other protocols and week and the Fall 2020 for their academic goals. State community today. procedures that are being semester, PSU is once The Fall 2020 PSU The decision was made finalized by University again offering an alter- Commencement will be by University leader- Park that will be for all native grading system held virtually on Dec. ship in consultation with campuses,” Craven said. for students to opt into 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Pennsylvania state health According to the after receiving their final EST. The event will be officials; faculty experts in University press release, letter grades. The decision live streamed at: https:// epidemiology, infectious the plan will include: was made largely due to fall2020.commencement. disease, medicine and required testing for all student advocacy across psu.edu/ public health; and the PSU students prior to arrival; the University in response Board of Trustees. post-arrival testing with- to the ongoing hardships The decision is in in the first two weeks of caused by the pandemic. alignment with health and the semester; on-demand “[Students] took it to safety recommendations testing for students and the University Faculty for higher education insti- on-campus employees; Senate and the Faculty 6 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE LOCAL BUSINESS WEATHERS PANDEMIC Garners loyal customer support amid challenges hours the shop is open, became its store manager. and she had no choice She took on the challenge but to lay off some of her to bring back the commu- employees. nity donut shop, renaming “When the pandemic it and calling it her own. first happened, the Then she was hit by the governor wanted us to pandemic and she’s been close for two weeks, but I fighting to maintain her only closed for a week be- business ever since. cause I couldn’t afford to “I had to cut my hours lose my business,” Demeri drastically. I was initial- said. “The week that I had ly open from 6 a.m. to 5 closed, I cleaned the entire p.m., and now I’m only store to ensure that my available from 6 a.m. to employee, customers and noon, Monday through MADASON “corner” from campus, I would be safe. I even put Saturday. The baker and I PORTER-GIBSON is one such business. The up plexiglass in front of were the only ones work- Staff Writer recent state mitigation my counter. My customers ing at the time because I [email protected] efforts now curtail her and I were not in contact. had to lay off some of my indoor dining as well. I had to block off seating employees. I did bring COVID-19 has caused “Being a new business for a long time because we back some of my part- massive unemployment owner, I was only open could only have takeout,” time employees, but I and has forced some busi- for a year-and- a- half, she added. can’t afford to have all of nesses to close their doors so when COVID-19 first Demeri bought the them back with my limit- and some to shut down hit trying to keep my business--formerly a ed hours,” she said. for good. That impact has business has been a lot of Donut Connection that The Corner Donut been felt in the work and still is. It is still had closed its doors in Shop has also been im- McKeesport area, where very tough for me, and 2016--in 2018, she reno- pacted by COVID-19 re- some are still surviving sometimes I couldn’t even vated it and renamed it. strictions on neighboring during the pandemic. pay myself,” Demeri said. She was not new to the houses of worship. “I am The Corner Donut In addition, she has business, as she worked no longer open on Shop, owned by Shelly had to rearrange her store at the Donut Connection Sundays because the Demeri, just around the and cut the number of as a young girl and later churches are not at full compacity,” she said. “So, I lost business. I didn’t even receive any of the small grants for business. That hurt me a lot because I am maintaining my business financially on my own,” she added. Demeri also faced challenges because some customers were not com- pliant with masking rules (Continued on next page) The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 7 (Continued from page 6) came in to order donuts, not doing the right things, regular customer base, and I told him that he I can get shut down,” she and I asked them to keep and other people’s safety needed a mask, and he added. supporting me through the for social distancing. She said, ‘well I’ll just go to Thanks to the use of pandemic. I had an over- could lose her business Dunkin Donuts.’” social media and the sup- whelming response,” if the health department The state and county port of her loyal custom- Demeri said. “They finds out that customers have enacted regulations ers, Demeri has been able shared all of my Facebook are not wearing a mask. for operating a small to maintain her business posts and continued to “Some customers business during the and keep the doors open. place orders. The commu- didn’t want to wear a pandemic and Demeri She continues to make nity has helped me,” she mask because they didn’t must abide by them. “I sure that her products said. believe in the pandemic. get checkups from the are fresh every day, even They think that it is all a health department to make during limited hours, to hoax, and I have lost some sure everything is spaced keep customers coming Photos courtesy of customers because of appropriately, and people back for more. The Corner Donut Shop that,” she said. “One guy are wearing a mask. If I’m “I have a really good on Facebook. IMMUNE SUPPORT POPULAR DURING COVID’S SECOND WAVE ANIYA ROBINS Contributing Writer According to the [email protected] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Forget the toilet paper (CDC) “COVID-19 cases, and paper towels. For staff hospitalizations, and at the Pleasant Hills deaths across the United Fresh Thyme Farmer’s States are rising.” The Market, customer traffic CDC encourages the pub- has increased this past lic to stay indoors as much month, but not everyone Photo courtesy of Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market. as they can and keep is buying paper goods. While there is no Elderberry is typically wearing masks when they Vitamins and supplements specific medical research used to boost one’s im- venture outside of their to support a person’s that confirms the use of mune system because it homes. immune system have been supplements to combat contains antioxidants and Social distancing, popular sellers. disease, vitamins and vitamins. It can also be wearing a mask, and According to Delila other health supplements used to tame inflamma- washing hands are very Spahic, manager in the have been popular. tion, lessen stress, and important when trying to Natural Living (Vitamin “With the current state protect the heart. Vitamin stay healthy during the and Body Care) section of all the COVID cases, C acts as an antioxidant pandemic. Wear a mask of the store, “Over these I don’t blame customers by protecting cells from with two or more layers. past few weeks, my trying to come in and get damage. Keep at least six feet away employees and I have seen a head start protecting “It is definitely helpful from others. Wash hands a lot of people coming themselves. I think every- to take supplements like often with soap and water in looking for things like one is just trying to stay the ones I mentioned be- for at least 20 seconds. Vitamin C, echinacea, and as healthy as they possibly fore. But it is still best to It is also helpful to elderberry. Those types of can,” Spahic said. follow CDC guidelines keep hand sanitizer on supplements help protect Echinacea is supposed to give further help to your person, just in case and build the immune to help fight infection, like prevent sicknesses during you are unable to wash system,” she said. the common cold. this pandemic,” she added. your hands. 8 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE THE CROSSING BRIDGES SUMMIT PSUGA presents second 2020 virtual installment, examining black women’s health ALISHA TARVER Thompson, poverty expert improve health, wellbe- don’t, we tend to place the Staff Writer and executive director, ing, and eliminate racial blame on the people in- [email protected] Circles of Greater disparities in mortality for stead of on the problem or Pittsburgh; and Germaine women and infants—her the institutions or policies Penn State Greater Gooden Patterson, com- analysis of the report. that created the problems, Allegheny presented its munity health worker, “The same communi- right?” Wilson said. second virtual installment Women for a Healthy ties in the early 90s, late Thompson served as of its campus signature Environment. 80s are the same com- executive producer of community project--the The Summit discus- munities that are having “We Wear the Mask: The Crossing Brides Summit’s sion was focused on the these challenges in 2020, Hidden Face of Women In (CBS) speaker series--en- University of Pittsburgh and the pandemic didn’t Poverty,” a documentary titled “Socioeconomic and report, Pittsburgh’s change that, it only wors- released in 2017 which Environmental Perspec- Inequality Across Gender ened those circumstances highlighted the stigma tives on Black Women’s and Race, and was led for those communities,” associated with women in Health” on Dec. 10. by Dr. Johnathan White; Wilson said. poverty. The panelists included moderator and lecturer “I think we also need “You know, the longer Dannai Wilson, program of history at Penn State to understand that the re- people are exposed to the director for Maternal Greater Allegheny. port didn’t highlight those type of trauma that you and Child Health, After his formal intro- things because it’s im- must endure to survive in Allegheny County Health duction of the panelists, portant when you’re doing poverty, the longer people Department; Jim Kelly, White began the 75-min- this and you’re releasing are in that space of not deputy director, Bureau utes program by asking reports that you have to having their most basic of Environmental Health, Wilson—who oversees account for the historical needs met, the deeper the Allegheny County Health several health department injustices that happened, trauma and the pain and Department; Tammy initiatives designed to right? Because if you (Continued on next page)

Panelists, clockwise from top left to right: Dannai Wilson, Germain Gooden-Patterson, Johnathan White (moderator), Tammy Thompson, Jim Kelly. Photo courtesy of PSUGA on Twitter @PennStateGA. The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 9 (Continued from page 8) initiatives, including a for the local people to give where she lives. revision to the county’s their voice, and their voice The program can be the long-term agony that civil penalty policy and is being drowned out by viewed online at will impact their ability to training the department’s people who don’t even live watch.psu.edu/crossing- see themselves in oppor- staff on equality issues there,” Kelly said. bridges and was produced tunity,” Thompson said. and race equity. The 75-minute discus- by WPSU, Penn State’s Gooden-Patterson is a “Now we’re revising sion concluded with a de- public media station. part of the nonprofit Wom- with a completely differ- tailed question and answer In keeping with its en for a Healthy Environ- ent lens looking at it from period, where faculty, focus on next steps and ment which works to edu- environmental justice students, staff, and mem- how to engage with the cate community members communities. So, what we bers of the community community on this topic, about the environmental can do is we can adjust continued the discussion the campus followed up risks they face. those penalties based on and explored next steps. the event on Saturday, “So, as it pertains to disproportionate pollution The program began Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. with a black women’s health, in areas where people with an introduction and unity talk where campus women start out as little don’t have a voice,” Kelly welcome from Greater and community members girls, right? You know, said. Allegheny Chancellor and gathered virtually to dis- they start out as little He said that there is a Chief Academic Officer, cuss the panelists’ per- girls, so it starts when lack of representation of Dr. Jaqueline spectives and to identify they’re young. It’s even the voices of the people Edmondson, and was actionable items for Penn before that, starts in utero. who live in these commu- followed by Ebonie Slade, State and the neighboring If you’re exposed to these nities with these dispari- senior and behavioral Mon Valley. pollutants on a daily basis, ties. health major, reading a For more information it’s going to affect your “Here’s an opportunity poem entitled, “Oh, Snap.” on the next two install- health, it’s going to affect for your local people to Slade highlighted the ments of the campus’ the health of the child that have a voice and they’re original purpose for the Crossing Bridges Summit you’re carrying,” being drowned out by all creation of food stamps events in 2021 and on how Gooden-Patterson said. these other entities,” Kelly and presented her poem to schedule, including the Kelly advised on said, ”This is another with photos illustrating Saturday Unity Talks, the health department’s place where we went out the lack of adequate food visit greaterallegheny.psu. environmental justice there for public hearings sources in the Mon Valley, edu/cbsummit. DORM LIFE IN A PANDEMIC GRAHAM had a plan to make sure THOMPSON that everyone was safe, Contributing Writer especially those in [email protected] McKeesport Hall, the dorms. A lot of anxiety and The initial concern was questions were building with students and families up at Penn State traveling across the coun- Greater Allegheny try amongst a pandemic to (PSUGA), as well as other help move their children schools across the coun- into school and potentially try, regarding returning Photo courtesy of PSUGA on Facebook. carrying a fatal virus with a reduced semester with to campus in the fall, with Michael Jones, dorm them to campus. in-person teaching, as staff and students alike, life coordinator at Jones explained that COVID-19 cases were of what to expect with PSUGA, said “My with all the new protocols rising.” But Jones was this type of an unexplored expectations were that in place to keep people reassured that the school college experience. the university might have (Continued on next page) 10 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE (Continued from page 9) However, he empha- As tedious as the task semester? “I miss being sized how important it is was, it helped PSUGA able to do large scale safe on campus, the mask to wear one and that he post some of the lowest programming,” Jones said, policy was the hardest to was very happy with the COVID numbers across such as hosting watch par- enforce, acknowledging efforts of students across all campuses, he added. ties or another social event that masks can be frus- campus to follow the He credits the in the lobby, with catered trating because they can guidelines. University’s solid plan- food. muffle speech. “My biggest fear was ning from the beginning “I miss being able to “It’s hard to keep eyes the dorm was going to as well as the execution interact and getting to on hundreds of students at close if cases were high, on all sides throughout the know the students over a time from one spot,” he but thankfully they semester. special events like those,” said. weren’t.” Anything missing this Jones said. EX-PENN STATE PRESIDENT’S SANDUSKY-RELATED CONVICTION RESTORED MARK SCOLFORO the same conduct. Spanier remains a ten- Associated Press U.S. Circuit Judge ured faculty member on Mike Fisher, joined by administrative leave and is The following article was two others, wrote in the not teaching, a university obtained via APNews on opinion released Tuesday spokesperson said. Dec. 1. that Spanier’s due process Graduate assistant rights would only be vio- Mike McQueary told HARRISBURG, Pa. lated if the state Superior Spanier’s lieutenants he (AP) — A federal appeals Former Penn State President, Court’s ruling against him had seen Sandusky abus- court reinstated former Graham Spanier, March 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) that upheld his conviction ing a boy late on a Friday Penn State President A federal magistrate had been an “‘unexpected night in a team shower. Graham Spanier’s convic- judge in April 2019 threw and indefensible’ interpre- Spanier, 72, has said tion for child endanger- out Spanier’s conviction a tation of the child endan- the abuse of the boy, who ment over his handling of day before he was to turn germent statute in light of has not been conclusively a report that former assis- himself in to begin serv- prior law.” identified by authorities, tant football coach Jerry ing a jail sentence of two “We conclude that it was characterized to him Sandusky had sexually months, followed by two was not,” wrote Fisher, as horseplay. abused a boy in a team months of house arrest. a former Pennsylvania Spanier did not testify shower. The judge gave prosecu- attorney general and state at his trial and told the The 3rd U.S. Circuit tors three months to retry senator. judge at sentencing that he Court of Appeals ruled a Spanier, but that has been Spanier was forced out regretted not intervening lower-court judge had im- on hold during the appeal. as university president more forcefully. properly vacated Spanier’s U.S. Magistrate Judge shortly after Sandusky Sandusky has lost a misdemeanor jury convic- Karoline Mehalchick in was arrested in 2011 on string of appeals and is tion for the 2001 incident. Scranton, Pennsylvania, child molestation charges. serving a lengthy state Spanier’s defense attor- had agreed with Spanier A year later, Spanier was prison sentence. ney declined comment. that he had been improp- himself accused of a crim- Pennsylvania Attorney erly charged under a 2007 inal cover-up, although General Josh Shapiro said law for allegations that many of those counts in a release that Spanier dated to 2001. were later thrown out. “turned a blind eye to Prosecutors had argued A jury acquitted him of child abuse by not report- the 1995 and 2007 ver- what remained, except for ing his knowledge of Jerry sions of the law encom- the single count of child Sandusky’s assaults to law passed and criminalized endangerment. enforcement.” The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 11 “LITTLE MONSTERS” RALLY FOR BIDEN Biden hosts Lady Gaga concert at Heinz Field could was able to stand together. It was evident around and look at the big that he does not want our screens that were erected country to be divided any- everywhere. You could more. He doesn’t want to also hear what was going be known as a Democratic on. The police and Heinz President; he “wants to be Field security were flexi- an American President” ble and we were masked which I thought was very up and distanced from powerful. each other. He also gave hope with Gaga gave a moving the ongoing COVID-19 speech to the crowd. She pandemic. He said, “Let’s was encouraging everyone fire Trump, and I’ll hire in Pennsylvania to vote. Fauci.” He told the crowd Pennsylvania is consid- that he will listen to what- ered a swing state. If a ever scientists told him nominee wins to do to get the pandemic Pennsylvania, the nom- under control. inee wins 20 electoral college votes. That can really help in the final vote count. Gaga urged everyone there to “go vote Trump out of office.” Due to COVID-19 precautions, rally attendees watched Gaga’s It was no secret that performance from the safety of their personal vehicles. Photo by Troy Ferguson Gaga was performing at TROY FERGUSON monsters,” so being a this campaign stop, too. Culture/Arts Editor huge Lady Gaga fan, I, She sang two of her hit [email protected] a “nice monster,” was so songs: her Grammy-nomi- excited I had to find a way nated song “You & I” and The long and winding to go and see her…and “Shallow,” her award-win- presidential political road Biden, too! ning hit from her big- ended--where else but in The writer shows his support Because of the current screen debut in “A Star is at Heinz Field Pittsburgh--in the midst of state of the pandemic, this Born.” a contentious campaign. rally was drive-up-and-in- This was so excit- I was really excited It was announced on Nov. vite only. Our newspaper, ing for me, as it was the to see one of my favorite 1, that then Democratic The GA-Zette, tried to get closest event to a concert I singers and idols in person Presidential nominee, Joe press credentials, but it have been able to attend in again. Concert aside, Biden, was concluding his was all last-minute and a year! I just loved hearing this was the first political campaign here, and to tie even local news outlets her perform live. Gaga rally that I ever attended. in sports…at Heinz Field. did not have the details, brought the house down. Though it was a different It was also announced from what they said, until After her performance type of rally because of that pop singer and Os- the day of. and speech, Biden came COVID-19, I was moved car-award-winning artist, However, since it to the stage. What I loved and made even more ex- Lady Gaga, was joining was in the parking lot of about his speech was he cited to go use my voice at him. Gaga fans are affec- Heinz Field, anyone who wanted to bring everyone the polls. tionately known as “little 12 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE PSUGA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSORS LAUNCH COMMUNITY FOCUSED RESEARCH: McLean surveys campus about firearms... CHEYENNE HENNEN This survey instrument on in the world right now, Staff Writer will be looking specifi- “we are approaching pe- [email protected] cally at college students riod highs of gun related- at PSUGA, Altoona and ness,” McLean said. A survey regarding Dubois. Question sec- It is hard to prioritize relationships between an tions on the survey will the various crises that individual’s knowledge be written primarily by are happening in the and attitude towards fire- students, allowing them country, however, she arms and firearm policy to feel more connected to suggests “there are more and how that affects one’s the project and to give a effective ways of polic- in the upcoming spring confidence in the police diverse perspective. ing, which rely more on semester. is being conducted across “People have a lot more community consent and “We’re curious about the Penn State interesting questions than less on violence, and the student experiences and Greater Allegheny we do,” McLean said. public health crisis that is attitudes towards guns, to- (PSUGA) campus, in ad- McLean and her col- COVID-19.” wards the police, and how dition to the campuses at leagues hope to get 450 McLean encourages those two things interact. Altoona and Dubois. responses which will al- students to participate There is a lot of space for Dr. Katherine low them to collect neces- in the survey. Data will students to express their McLean, associate pro- sary data. They will also be reported to campuses opinions on matters that fessor of criminal justice, be looking at students’ and could be influential are close to their lives,” along with her fellow experiences conducting to campus policies in the she said. Penn State colleagues, primary research within future. “Our students are con- received a grant from the their classes and “if it in- McLean has stopped tributing to and collecting Student Engagement creases their interest in re- collecting data for now, data with what we call, a Network (SEN), allowing search, general discipline but will resume the survey validated survey instru- her to conduct a study curiosity, and their sense again in the spring. ment, something that has within the CRIMJ 100 of connection with their In the meantime, inter- been used before,” (Intro to Criminal Justice) peers,” McLean added. ested students can contact McLean said. courses that will be held With everything going her at [email protected]. ...and Trappen promotes veteran support Students who have an course. Allegheny (PSUGA). interest in working with Trappen received a The course, which will veterans and who want grant from the donors at first be instructed in-per- to participate in field the Schreyer Institute for son during Spring 2021, research, while earning Teaching Excellence that will also provide stu- service-learning credits, will allow her to con- dents with service learn- can take part in a unique duct in-person research ing-course credit. experience, thanks to throughout the next two “The program is de- Assistant Professor of semesters. This research signed so that even Penn Criminal Justice, aims to provide under- campus, as well as gener- State students who are Sandra Trappen, and her graduate students with ate an ongoing enrollment not veterans can take this CRIMJ 221, (Issues in the opportunities for experi- of veteran students at class and engage in Criminal Justice System) mental learning on and off Penn State Greater (Continued on next page) The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 13 (Continued from page 12) focus on veterans’ issues, “Students who take the officers and veterans were the history of recruitment, course will be learning discussed, however, due field research and they and what it means to be a about how other research to COVID-19 restric- can design intake ques- veteran” Trappen said. has been done on veteran tions, that is yet to be tionnaires that would be Trappen herself is a populations and they will determined. Come spring, administered to veterans,” veteran, having served as be encouraged to engage Trappen hopes to be able Trappen said. a captain in the Army on with their communities to conduct the field ex- Additionally, there is active duty for four years and conduct one-on-one ercises inside the court a mentorship component in Vicenza, Italy. She was interviews (via ZOOM) systems. which will be reserved also a former intelligence in order to collect data,” For more information exclusively for veterans at and logistics field officer Trappen said. on CRIMJ 221 or PSUGA. with the Southern The idea of in-person Trappen’s research, her “The entire course will European Task Force. seminars with probation email is: [email protected]. SGA STRIVING TO INCREASE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT DURING PANDEMIC online learning, he still effective,” Froetschel said. Allegheny (GA) com- believed that student en- SGA hopes to expand munity. Froetschel said gagement was down. its digital presence via he was very pleased to He said that SGA “will Snapchat, Instagram and announce that nearly two work continuously to im- other social media plat- dozen students registered prove student engagement forms which will help to vote. through the pandemic” improve communication According to Louise and to also help students of SGA meetings, campus Whyte-Aravich, student improve quality of life by clubs and other events. leadership coordinator, helping with such things Froetschel believes residence life and advi- CHEYENNE HENNEN Staff Writer as food insecurity, ride- student engagement will sor to SGA, “Hearing so [email protected] share to navigate campus, increase with in-person many of these amazing, and expanding the campus meetings, while still wonderful students like As the semester contin- Free Store 15132. providing ZOOM as an yourselves, who care ued to wind down, Penn option. about the world and are State Greater Froetschel suggested going out there and vot- Allegheny’s (PSUGA) that students reach out ing, doing your part for Student Government to GA’s mental health democracy and being ex- Association (SGA) met and awareness counselor cited about it, is the most twice to regroup and if they are feeling over- exciting thing for me.” review 2020 and plan for whelmed throughout these The next SGA meet- the new year, including times of uncertainty, es- ing is scheduled for Jan. working to help students pecially after last month’s 21 during Common Hour become more engaged in contentious presidential at the following ZOOM campus activities and in election. link: https://psu.zoom. their classes. “If you know anyone us/j/98626689870. President Joe who is struggling…point Everyone on camps is Froeschtel reflected on the “I very much appreci- them towards Ann invited to attend. previous goals made at ate you guys giving your McCurdy.” Froetschel the start of the semester time...to this organization, said. and why he was satisfied to our students and work- Voter registration for with the process of trying ing your butts off to keep the election was success- to take care of students’ us organized, active and ful across the Greater 14 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE OPINIONS... FROM WHERE WE SIT

Copyright 2020, Davian Chester WE ARE... PENN STATE NOT OKAY! ALISHA TARVER I’ve found comfort in deepest darkest secrets try to find the little joys, Staff Writer books and my kitten Ma- in settings I normally but despite me being the [email protected] vis honestly saved my life. wouldn’t. I don’t know fortunate one and every- Still, this isn’t enough. I if this a cry for help or body telling me this will When the pandemic probably have the most I‘ve developed an I-don’t- make me stronger, I’m started, I remember being understanding instructors give-a- f***-attitude. still struggling. ecstatic that we had an in the world, but it’s hard My social interactions When people ask me extra week off for spring to find any motivation to are no longer the same. I “How I’m doing?” I’m break. Now, the year is get through the day. feel as if I lack confidence tired of responding with almost over, and I don’t Assignments are now in my interactions, and I “I’m okay,” because I’m know where this first se- just assignments. I’ve can never get my words not. mester of a being a senior never been a fan of home- together. I should be I have no solutions for went. work, but I managed to grateful, which I truly am. you. I’m not complaining. I’m supposed to sur- find some joy in it. I know I get to work from home. I just need to be honest. vive racism, a pandemic, my classmates and I are Unlike my coworkers at I’m going to get through and senioritis. I’ve spent having trouble doing our my second job I didn’t this like I have everything the past six months in my homework and crossing have to worry about my else I’ve been through, apartment, binging more things off our to do lists. bills when The Yard was but for some reason I can’t television than I ever have We’re all doing the bare shut down and forced to help but think I’m not and consuming more so- minimum just to survive, do take out only. going to be the same when cial media than my psyche let alone graduate from I have no fears of a it’s all said and done. needs. I usually lose steam college. second shutdown either. I I feel like this pandem- at the end of the semes- There is something live alone. I don’t have to ic has taken something out ter, but I didn’t even start about this pandemic that worry about endangering of all of us, and I just hope out with the momentum I has made me feel vulner- anyone or someone else’s we can get it back. usually do. able. I want to spill my choices harming me. I The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 15 THE UNUSUAL SEMESTER JAMES PLEZ Maybe they are fright- Staff Writer ened by the pandemic. [email protected] But when I do see people around the dorms they are What an unusual wearing a mask. semester this is: liv- I feel like a ing in the dorms, tak- prisoner being in the ing classes online dorms with all the and playing a sport… different regulation all during COVID-19. I have to follow to avoid Being back in the the spread of COVID-19. dorms since the reopen- With most of my ing of Penn State Greater classes being remote, this Allegheny (PSUGA) is not semester has been a strug- what I was expecting. I gle trying to keep up with McKeesport Hall was expecting being back work and studies. School here at PSUGA care about Wearing a mask during in the dorms to resume work feels to be a their students’ success, practice isn’t ideal but as normal, like before choice and not a priori- they reach out to me to try we have to because of COVID-19. Not so. ty because everything is to get me back on the right COVID-19. I really hate it I can feel the still atmo- done online, and I feel like path. because it makes it diffi- sphere. I have so much free time Sports is one of the cult to breathe. I barely Before COVID-19, when I do not. I’m not biggest excitements here can breathe without a living in the dorms was a fan of classes being held at PSUGA. With fall mask during practice! fun. I would see people in through ZOOM. sports being postponed I hope that things can the lobby doing their I’m more of a hands- to the spring, there are no go back to normal soon. homework and conversing on learner and I teams to really bring in This by far has been or there would be some would rather have in-per- that excitement that sports such an unusual semes- type social gathering or son classes. The school- bring to campus. Being an ter. However, I hope ev- activity. work is piling up on athlete, myself run- eryone is staying safe and Now I hardly see me and I feel so over- ning track, I am thank- coping well during this anyone because most whelmed. Thankfully, ful we are still having pandemic. people stay to themselves. because the professors a season this spring. ATTENTION ARTISTS! ...And photographers too! THE GA-ZETTE wants to showcase your talent!

We are seeking student artists and photographers to add to our team. Your skills can help to improve Greater Allegheny's campus newspaper while adding to your personal portfolio.

Those interested should contact THE GA-ZETTE at [email protected] or Professor Rosemary Martinelli at [email protected]. 16 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE FIRST-TIME VOTER, FOREVER AMERICAN ANIYA ROBINS Contributing Writer [email protected]

This past election has been crazy, to say the least. We the people had to make a very important decision: voting for our president to serve the next four years. This year was my first time voting. I was excited for the experience to vote “I Voted!” by Vox Efx is licensed under CC BY 2.0 at the polls. Initially, I anyone sanitizing voting spoke with was a lady applied for a mail-in bal- stations at all or even who was just writing lot, but after I thought it swapping out the pens that down everyone’s names through, I decided to go to everyone was using. and political party. What CLUB my local polling location. I had to speak to four I did not like about this ADVERTISING I brought a number of people who were poll experience is that we had Does your organi- things with me: my ID, workers. The first was to ultimately shout our po- zation want to promote voters’ registration, mail- a woman who asked me litical party while others its event or program in in ballot (unopened), and my name, and as I was were within earshot. I felt this newspaper? my mask (to still follow answering her question, I like it is no one’s business The GA-ZETTE COVID-19 regulations). was simultaneously sur- but my own. offers complimentary, My family and I went rendering my unopened Finally, it was time to no-cost display ads to to vote together at a local mail-in ballot to her. She cast my vote. Although, any university sanc- fire station in Elizabeth, then gave me a look of my process was slightly tioned club or organi- Pa., near my home. annoyance and told the different due to me surren- zation. When I arrived, there poll worker next to her dering my mail-in ballot, Space is limited! was a short line, which I “Oh my, we have another I filled out my ballot and Contact the campus was not really expecting. one of these.” turned it in accordingly. newspaper at Nonetheless, I was happy With this being my My first experience ga-zette@PennStateOffice365. about it. Everyone wore first-time voting, I was at the polls was not what onmicrosoft.com a mask and social dis- already anxious I was I thought it would be, tanced, and I was initially doing something wrong but we are under strange surprised because usually and the poll workers circumstances due to the in Elizabeth, the people seemed to not want to COVID-19 pandemic. do not like wearing their help that much. The next Nonetheless, I felt very masks. poll worker I encountered excited and helpful. It It was finally time asked me, “Why did not made feel a part of some- to walk inside. When I fill out your mail-in bal- thing greater than me. entered the building, the lot?” After I told him my My ancestors fought smell of hand sanitizer reasoning, he told me, in for me to vote, so I was overwhelmed me, even an annoyed tone, I should very proud to do so. Our through my mask. This have just sent my ballot votes count and I was actually ironic to back in the mail. genuinely felt and still feel “Nittany Lion Christmas Tree 3” me, because I did not see The next worker I this way. by pennstatenews is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 17 MICHIGAN COUP D’ÉTAT VERIFIES OBAMA’S “OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT STAKE” SHANNON M. REID acy, almost condoning it Guest Columnist in fact, like calling the [email protected] Confederate flag a free- dom of speech. Former U.S President While the planned Barack Obama’s warning kidnapping was specifi- to Americans during the cally conceived after the Democratic National shutdown was issued, Convention this past sum- the six men arrested in mer–on the basis of cur- the plot were a part of a rent U.S President Donald militia composed of two Trump’s premeditated tac- far-right organizations that tic at voter manipulation were relatively unknown Photo image courtesy of AlphaStock, and that democracy is on licensed under a Creative Commons 3 - CC BY-SA 3.0 license. before–the Wolverine everything the president our principles. But it is the line–could most likely Watchmen and the sows and never reaps. not in their blood. Rather, have foretold the planned Boogaloo Movement. There are dangers this behavior is one that is kidnapping of These men have been lurking inside and outside taught and Trump has cer- Democratic Michigan planning it all year-long the nation and instead of tainly taught them well. Governor, Gretchen and wanted to pull it suppressing them, each The bias thing about Whitmer, in an attempt off before the election. day our president neglects Trump is that he is go- to overthrow Michigan’s Thankfully, the efforts to condemn violence–if it ing to allow the far-right government. of the FBI exposed this protects citizens–is anoth- to have its way while he Obama may not have before it could be put into er day he gives them the blames the far-left for the been entirely coherent action. prod they need to enact damage done. with his statement, even Though our president dastardly deeds. Like how when addressing Trump’s is indirectly responsible the president declined Shannon M. Reid is a deployment of the Nation- for what almost happened to hold the 17-year-old Spring 2020 English al Guard upon protestors, to this lady who was one rifleman accountable for graduate of Penn State but I will tell you, the of President-elect Joe shooting two peaceful Greater Allegheny. thwarted overthrow is Biden’s options for a run- protesters dead during the likely a national wake-up ning mate, my thoughts protest in Kenosha, Wis- LETTERS TO call. Our president, along are if people would use consin over the incident with others, impugned THE EDITOR violence for power, then with Jacob Blake. The staff and Whitmer on Twitter for they would clearly do This proved a big blow management of The her issuing an emergency anything for power, given for Trump, since Michigan GA-ZETTE welcome shutdown in Michigan due enough encouragement was one of the few battle- Letters to the Editor by to the COVID-19 pandem- from someone who al- ground states alongside writing to ic, writing such attacks ready has power. Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, [email protected]. like “LIBERATE In that case, arguably, North Carolina, Please include your MICHIGAN” in all caps. what Obama had warned Florida and Arizona, four full name, PSU email, Here we have a pres- us about, did not just of which Biden won. address and phone ident who was going on revolve around the elec- It does not matter if number to, to verify. and on about law and tion, but the social and someone is far-right or far- Missing contact order when the riots were bipartisan upheaval and left, all sorts of extremism information will result happening, yet he refused not so much as a result of are terrorism, domestic in non-consideration of to condemn white suprem- any isolated incident but terrorism, terrorism on your article. 18 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE CULTURE, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VANESSA WILLIAMS BRINGS TALENT, VISION, ADVOCACY TO VIRTUAL PGH CONCERT ALISHA TARVER Williams also per- Staff Writer formed “Dreaming”, from [email protected] her Grammy-nominated album, “The Right Stuff.” In the midst of a pan- She ended the show with demic came a bright and her signature song “Save musical light when Dallas the Best for Last,” from Summer Musicals her second studio album, presented its third national “The Comfort Zone.” installation of the “Live Williams is one of from the West Side: Wom- the most respected and en of Broadway” lives- multi-faceted perform- tream series, this time ers in the entertainment starring the multi-talented industry today. Having and critically-acclaimed sold millions of records actress/singer, Vanessa worldwide, she has also Williams. achieved numerous top The Dec. 5 concert hits on various Billboard was hosted locally by the Album and Singles charts, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult with proceeds supporting Photo courtesy of vanessawilliams.com Contemporary, Holiday, nonprofit organizations Latin, Gospel and Jazz. nationwide which were She stood alone in her Robinson, bass; Rob shimmery and elegant Mathis, pianist. Her critically ac- impacted by the pandem- claimed work in film, tele- ic, including the Trust. jumpsuit next to a stool Mathis composed she used to rest and hold Williams’ Christmas vision, recordings and the From the virtual Broadway stage has been studios of The Shubert notecards with questions hit “Starbright”, and he from audience members accompanied her in a recognized by every major Theater on Manhattan’s industry award affiliate West Side in New York, that she would answer in duet of “Love Is”, a song between songs. she originally performed including four Emmy Williams sang a medley of nominations, 11 her own hits and Questions answered with Grammy-nominated by Williams had to be singer, Brian McKnight. It Grammy nominations, a Broadway and holiday Tony nomination, three classics, Throughout the emailed, but the platform was featured on the 1993 provided a live chat fea- television series, “Beverly Screen Actors Guild nom- virtual concert, Williams inations, seven NAACP shared personal stories ture for audience members Hills, 90210.” to react to her perfor- Floyd is a newcomer to Image Awards and three about her past and how Satellite awards. mileposts in her life con- mance. It was filled with the band. After perform- clapping hands, heart eye ing a mash up of Stephen “I’m happy to be able tinue to drive her in her to bring my artistry to ongoing work both on and emojis, and comments of Sondheim’s ballads to- admiration for Williams. gether, Williams gave the people…maybe be a dis- off the stage and screen. traction from the mayhem Williams opened the Behind her was her stage to Floyd for a solo band: Carmen Ruby performance of the song that has been 2020,” show with “Other Side of Williams said. The Tracks,” originally Floyd, singer; Al “Creole Love” from Duke Caldwell, guitarist; J.T. Ellington’s Broadway mu- Williams is profession- from the musical, “Little ally trained in singing, Me.” Lewis, drummer; Keith sical “After Midnight.” (Continued on next page) The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 19 (Continued from page 18) America in 1983. Williams eventually address disparities in Williams spoke of the enjoyed success on both the arts community. The dancing and acting. She racism she encountered stage and screen, receiv- organization was created grew up in West Chester as a young black woman, ing an NAACP Image in June after the killing of County in New York with and the first black Miss Award for Outstanding George Floyd. music educators as parents America. Actress in a Motion Billy Porter, the and she studied theatre at “I was 20 years old, Picture for her portrayal Emmy/Oscar/Tony-award Syracuse University. but then came the shock of of Teri Joseph in the film winning actor and singer, “My parents, partic- being the first black Miss “Soul Food” (1997). who is also a Pittsburgh ularly my mom was an America and the death Her best-known tele- native, is a cofounder avid theatre goer and she threats that would follow. vision roles are that of along with Williams and would take me to the mat- It was one of the hard- Wilhelmina Slater on 19 other professionals in inee on Saturday. I knew est periods of my life,” “Ugly Betty” (2006–10), all roles in the theater. it was a short ride to an Williams said, “along with for which she was nomi- “Since we have moved audition and that would be some major controversy nated three times for the through such a tremen- a tangible goal for me to that came 10 months into Primetime Emmy Award dous time of change, be on Broadway,” my reign that I couldn’t for Outstanding Support- action and awareness, a lot Williams said. control,” she added, citing ing Actress in a Comedy of people weren’t aware As a little girl, being forced to resign her Series, and Renee Perry of the discrimination that Williams remembers “be- reign. on “Desperate House- people of color had to go ing called the N-word,” “At 21 years old I was wives” (2010–12). through in every aspect, and how it motivated viewed as a beauty queen particularly in the arts. her to work harder. This instead of all the training They realize that it’s not resulted in a successful that I had as an actress, enough to have a black career in film, music, and dancer and singer. So, I usher in a theatre. We theatre. had to really start from want black people that are “I came home and zero. I was denied a lot of on staff, that are artistic asked my parents what projects, but I worked my directors, producers, and that means. My mom said way up,” Williams said. directors,” Williams said. that means you’ll have to At one point in her For more information do better than everyone career, she said she was about Williams and the else just to be considered considered for one of the theatrical community’s equal, and that was my high-profile roles of Nala Vanessa Williams. work to combat racism reality. So, I did every- in the 1994 film, The Lion Photo by Rod Spicer. and inequality in the arts, thing to prove that I had King but, in the end, she During her pre-concert visit www.blacktheatre- talent, intellect. Both my was denied the role, being news conference the week united.com. parents were educators, told that she “would never before, Williams talked music teachers. I was be Disney material.” But about how good things exposed to the arts and Williams noted that she can come out of tragedy, travel. I made it a point pressed on. saying that “one of the to make sure that when I “In 1995 I got a chance lucky things…is to be one For future perfor- walked into a room that I to sing an Alan Menken of the founders of Black mances and virtual events was prepared, but I had to and Stephen Schwartz Theatre United.” during the pandemic, be better because of my song for an Academy Black Theatre United visit Trustarts.org. Penn skin color,” said Williams. Award-winning movie, is an organization she State Greater Allegheny While living in New called Pocahontas,” co-founded to bring light students can receive ticket York, she won the Miss Williams said, as an to discrimination people discounts. Syracuse title and later introduction into her of color face in the arts went on to become the fourth song, “Colors of the community, developing first black Miss Wind.” actionable items to 20 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE

PITTSBURGH ARTISTS REPRESENTED AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS TROY FERGUSON Marren Morris, Eric the only Pittsburgh artists perform and captivate an Culture/Arts Editor Church and Luke Combs. nominated for awards. audience. [email protected] Of all the winners and American Idol finalist and Dan + Shay and nominees, Pittsburgh’s Munhall native, Gabby Bieber were fun perform- Country music’s big- own Dan + Shay took Barrett, was nominated ers. That is one of my gest night took place earli- home Vocal Duo of the for New Artist of the Year favorite country songs. er in November when the Year for the second year and Single of the Year for I like the country-pop Country Music Awards in a row. The duo has her chart-topping single, crossover. I love when art- (CMA) took the stage at been nominated for this “I Hope.” ists collaborate with other the Music City Center in award for the past six Barrett performed the singers who sing other Nashville. years. song alongside pop genres. It is so interesting Just like every award They were also nom- singer Charlie Puth and and captivating to witness show this year, it was a inated for Single of the her husband, Cade collabs like the ones at the little different because Year and Musical Event Foehner, also from Amer- CMAs. of the pandemic. A live for the year for their single ican Idol. Foehner and It was evident that the audience was not invited “10,000 Hours,” featuring Barrett are expecting their awards ceremony brought to the show, however, only pop star Justin Bieber. first child in early 2021. country music fans to- nominees and their guests The duo also performed Their performances gether to celebrate their were present. the nominated smash hit were spectacular. Barrett’s favorite artists and to take Many talented mu- alongside Bieber vocals were legendary. their minds off everything sicians won awards like Dan + Shay were not She does know how to 2020 has brought to them.

Photos coutesy of The CMA Awards at cmaawards.com. The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 21 PA BANDS & MORE ROCK ON TWITCH his impressive skills on the electric guitar, playing a surf rock-esque set. Huguenor played in front of a makeshift stage all the way from San Jose and his “cat” was a big hit in the chat. While Twitch is mostly recognized for livestream- ing video games, The Alternative’s use of the platform provides an easy access way for viewers to ing to Mulgrave, the duo song, teasing an upcoming NATHAN REGA enjoy live performances News Editor put on an energetic and extended play (EP). and interact with artists [email protected] entertaining show from and each other via a the showroom of a Guitar chatroom. Has the pandemic left Center. Streaming Sundays is you missing concerts and TV’s NORM took full also a way for bands and live music? Fortunately advantage of the stream- musicians to promote their for music lovers, bands ing broadcast, splicing work to a new audience and musicians have tran- brief, humorous video during a time when live sitioned to performing vir- clips from bizarre televi- performances are just not tual concerts and shows. sion ads between songs. possible. Music site and blog They ended their set with Streaming Sundays The Alternative, partnered a previously recorded mu- Kathy Callahan, gui- will go live once again with Pittsburgh booking sic video of the full band tarist of Gully Boys, was on Dec. 20, 7:00pm to collective Don’t Let the performing to leave first- also the sole representa- 9:00pm EST, via Scene Go Down On Me!, time listeners with a taste tive from her Minneapolis The Alternative’s Twitch has been hosting of their typical sound. band. The talented channel, GetAlternative. Streaming Sundays via Callahan played a hit their Twitch channel. acoustic set of Gully Boys On Nov. 22, The music despite admitting Alternative went live to the songs were “not meant showcase the bands TV’s to be acoustic.” NORM, Highnoon and Huguenor ended the Gully Boys as well as solo stream playing music from guitarist, Mike Huguenor. his solo album “X’ed.” He Evan Mulgrave and Kennedy Freeman, entertained viewers with Tom Chorba of singer and songwriter of Pittsburgh indie rock band the Philadelphia-based TV’s NORM opened the band Highnoon, per- stream, playing acoustic formed solo, treating versions of songs from viewers with a calming, their debut album warm singing voice. “Wonder.” Although Freeman played songs “acoustic is not [their] from the record “Semi- native language,” accord- Sweet” as well as a new 22 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE “ANIMANIACS” 2020 HOLIDAY A REBOOT TO RULE THEM ALL DONATION DRIVE

RILEY PERCIAVALLE with viewership catering Contributing Writer to all ages. References [email protected] were made from the Godfather movies, politi-

In this generation, we cal mockery, other shows Penn State Greater Allegheny’s University Police & Public Saftey tend to be mad at and characters, etc. Office stuffed their cruiser full of gifts Monday morning for the 2020 Holiday Donation Drive to benefit Allegheny County’s Department Hollywood for its reboots So, what does this new of Health and Human Services. Photos courtesy of Zack Rosen, to old shows or movies reboot offer? Well, the Strategic Planning & Communications. that had their run with first song, known as “The decades past. The old say- Catch Up Song,” explains ing goes “If it’s not broke, it all. It has 22 years worth don’t fix it.” However, of material squashed into there is a new opinion a two-minute song, the with the new reality of our world joked “Animaniacs” reboot, now about on a kid’s show. streaming on Hulu. Pop cultural references “Animaniacs” was a from the 90’s and up to hit children’s show in the now make their way into 1990s, where three ani- the show. They even mock mated-looking puppies ran television networks like amuck with their wacky Fox News. With 22 years’ antics on the Warner worth of material built FROM THE COVER: Photo credits and courtesies, top to bottom Row 1: left to right Brother’s Studio Film Lot up, they came back and “Dr. Verónica Montecinos chairs womens’ suffrage celebration” in Burbank. There was already are taking jabs at by Nathan Rega “Students return for Fall 2020” courtesy Division of Student Affairs Yakko (Rob Paulsen) who what has happened. “Dorm 2020 Halloween party” by Katarina Shields yaks, Wakko (Jess The rebooted “Ani- “Masked-up Nittany Lion statue” by Nathan Rega Row 2: left to right Harnell) who packs maniacs” has promise “Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson and DJ Stevie Static” courtesy away the snacks and the and potential in 2020 and PSUGA on Facebook, “Lonely lion in the snow” by Nathan Rega Warner sister Dot (Tress beyond. Changing with “Studying under the blue umbrella” by Riley Perciavalle MacNeille) who was the the times, it removes “Hoop it up for charity” courtesy Professor Galen Grimes Row 3: left to right cuteness of the group. the problematic innuen- “Dr. Johnathan White teaching” courtesy Zack Rosen The show ran from dos and jokes of its past “Campus police pack holiday donations” courtesy Zack Rosen “The stacks on lockdown at Kelly Library” by Nathan Rega 1993 till 1998 with 90’s without losing what made “Tyler Barry, Sydney Fedor, repping THON” by Nicholas Trunzo references, innuendos and it special nearly 30 years Row 4: left to right “At-home COVID-19 saliva test” courtesy Vault Health many references children ago. “The kids on campus” by Professor Rosemary Martinelli at that time would not Give it a watch and see “Smoking the bees” courtesy Professor Galen Grimes “PSUGA’s Women’s Volleyball Team 2020” courtesy Penn State get until much later. This what made many a child- Greater Allegheny Athletics on Twitter @PSUGAATHLETICS. lured adults in as well, hood very entertaining. The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 23 ROPER CLOSES BOOK, 35-YEARS AT PSUGA AUSTIN MOSSELLEM “I’m thankful for the Contributing Writer staff and faculty friends [email protected] that I made over the past 35 years, and especially A smiling face has left that some of those have the campus bookstore one become lifelong friends. last time. Phyllis Roper, I’m thankful for the the assistant bookstore numerous students that manager, has retired after shared their stories with 35 years of faithful service me, confided in me, and in to the bookstore, its pa- many ways educated me,” trons, and the Penn State she said. Greater Allegheny Like anyone on the (PSUGA) campus com- cusp of retirement, family munity. is critically important. “I started in August “I’m thankful to my of 1985,” Roper said. She husband and daughters added that she worked for their help and support full-time until this year over the years during the when she worked on and A 35-year career were always so good to entails an abundance of me over the years. Thank good times at the book- off until January to mid- store, but also through March where she felt that life lessons and learning you for being so kind to experiences, so Roper had me. That meant a lot.” some of the rough times, she “wasn’t able to per- as well,” Roper said. form at full capacity for some words of advice for Roper added, “I had a lot current and future stu- of fun over the years. I Then she paused to personal reasons.” say that there was “one Roper has seen six dents. “Always be true to met so many people and yourself and make your- made lifelong friends.” special little guy” that chancellors and six book- she did want to thank by store managers come and self open to the possibil- As she officially de- ities out there for you. parts from campus, the name, “and that’s Nittany, go in her career at a service dog of one of our PSUGA. Not only was she Don’t be afraid to ask for pandemic has not permit- advice,” she added. ted people to gather and former students, Jerry.” assistant bookstore man- Roper said that every ager, but she was active “I miss my chats,” to say goodbye in person, Roper said when asked and Roper was fearful time Nittany and Jerry in organizations across came into the bookstore, campus, as well. what she misses most she would forget some- from the GA campus. one if she noted them all she had to resist the urge “I was involved in to pet the dog, as there is a couple committees “Thank you to all my by name, so she said her Penn State buddies that goodbyes this way: a special protocol a person on campus through the needs to follow when years.” Roper said. These approaching a service committees were The animal. Women’s Commission, “Finally,” Roper said, Campus Safety, the Green “when Jerry was about to committee, and the Y2K graduate, he let Nittany committee. “I was in- off his lead and Nittany volved with the Go 60s came right over to me as if program, too,” she added. to say give me a hug, and The Go 60s program I hugged him. I was in was for older adult stu- heaven.” dents over the age of 60. Campus bookstore photo courtesy of PSUGA on Facebook. 24 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE

90 SECONDS UNDER THE BLUE UMBRELLA TIMELY TOPICS FROM AROUND CAMPUS MADASON PORTER-GIBSON | Staff Writer | [email protected]

“As a first-semester student, what were your expectations and how has COVID-19 changed them?”

Ryder Bigler, Biobehavioral Health “Before COVID I thought that I would have more freedom compared to high school, but because of COVID I kind of felt that the only difference between high school and college is that we stay on campus. As students we don’t get to do our own thing and act like adults. We are still told what to do.”

Cainan Dasilv, Business Administration “Before coming to college, I thought college would have more freedom and more leniency on what we could do. COVID-19 has caused a lot of restrictions in the dorms and we have less freedom due to the restrictions.”

Zachary Wilson, Mechanical Engineering “When baseball season would come around, I would normally have an idea or a picture of everyone running around, doing their own drills, going in and out of the field, and moving around. Since COVID-19 we can only have a ten person limit so, because of that my expectations were let down.”

Camryn Deveraux, Computer Science “I expected college to be a little more active and more interactive with students. I expected to be able to go out and do more activities besides going to the dorms. I expected to do more activities together but because of COVID-19 it has made everything more secluded. Some of the stuff that we have together is pretty cool but it’s not what it would be if it wasn’t for COVID-19.”

Mya Swain, Secondary Education “I thought that when we had events and activities that more people would participate and that we would be around each other more, but COVID-19 has made that hard. COVID-19 has made it hard for me to get to know people and to feel more as a community because we all feel really secluded. I never really thought that I would have to take online classes. I preferred all of my classes in person so, COVID-19 has made that really hard for me.” The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 25 SPORTS & ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL SEASON PLANS CONTINUE AMID PANDEMIC SURGE ANIYA ROBINS The PSUAC (Penn the Centers for Disease Kevin Kirby, a Contributing Writer State University Control (CDC) and Penn- junior guard on the team, [email protected] Athletic Conference) sylvania’s governor. There said, “We do wear masks made an announcement in is still a chance that the [during practice] and October came and September to postpone the basketball season could everything else happens went, with no sports basketball season until the be cancelled or even just as usual.” teams and no games on spring semester, but now fan attendance at games Although there still the Penn State Greater COVID-19 cases are spik- curtailed. may be some confusion Allegheny (PSUGA) cam- ing so the future of the “We are trying to about their games, Kirby pus. Behind the scenes, season is again uncertain. figure out the testing, how said, “There is a meeting however, Penn State is The conference office we can do the transpor- about what we will be do- carefully planning how continues to monitor the tation… there are a lot ing in the spring, but other to move forward with a University, federal, state, of committees trying to conferences near us have basketball season. Some and national governing figure these things out,” cancelled their seasons.” things will be different. body guidelines to deter- she said. But Kirby was hopeful. PSUGA Athletic mine how and when it will Players, however, are “As long as we can still Director, Korie be secure to return to their currently practicing, pre- get in the gym and play Morton-Rozier, said “It is competitions. paring to play. basketball, I will be fine.” not going to look exactly Morton-Rozier add- the same. We are going ed that there are regular to be playing a lot of Penn meetings via ZOOM Photo of PSUGA’s State campuses…but Men’s Basketball between the coaching staff Team during its we are still planning on and athletic directors to 2019-2020 season having playoffs and go to relay information on their courtesy Penn State the national playoffs if we season, but everything Greater Allegheny win.” seems to come down to Athletics at athleticsga.com. 26 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE TRACK SEASON OFF-TRACK AGAIN MADASON PORTER-GIBSON Staff Writer [email protected]

Cross country was cancelled this fall due to COVID-19 and safety reasons. Gregory Schmitt, the head coach of cross country and track and field, is hoping that track will start sometime in January or February. “There are still a lot of universities that we didn’t meet with last year. I don’t know if we are going to meet those universities for the upcoming track season. Right now, we are PSUGA’s Cross Country Team competing during the 2019 season. looking at the end of Janu- Photo courtesy of Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletics at athleticsga.com. ary to the second week of “We always have to have been putting in work please contact the coach February,” he said. wipe down our equipment every day,” he said. or me. The boy’s team However, Director of and maintain a six-foot Senior Criminal keeps growing, which is Athletics, Korie distance while wearing Justice major, Eladia great, but a girls’ team Morton-Rozier, said the our masks. We are now Kennedy, is also excited would be nice to have too, recent mitigation efforts training in smaller groups about track season and so that we can compete by Penssylvania Governor so only five to seven peo- possibly going on to and have fun,” she added. Tom Wolf that suspended ple in a group…and only nationals. Last year, Regardless of the chal- or limited sports due to ten people in the weight Kennedy became the first lenges, Schmitt said that the virus surge, have now room,” he said. PSUGA United States he is looking forward to made things uncertain. Namy Paul Makiese, Collegiate Athletic the upcoming track season “No, we are not sure a junior IST major, is a Association National and expects his team to what’s going on in the PSUGA record holder Champion when she took take home the champion- spring regarding sports. for the 60-and 200-meter home the 100-Meter Dash ship. I know this is frustrating races, and he took home a crown at the 2019 “Oh yeah, I’m excit- but it is an ever-changing silver medal at nationals National Championships ed. We have a couple of situation,” she added. for the four-by-four race with a time of 14.05 seniors this year…My COVID-19 changed last year. He is excited “I have a goal to run expectations are to have how student athletes about track season and has certain times for my multiple athletes qualified practice and Schmitt said been preparing. events…I have been going for nationals and for my preparing his athletes has “I started with an to practice every day, athletes to place very high been a little complicated. injury, but I am coming working hard, lifting, and as a team. I want them to He said that some teams back better and healthier changing my diet,” she come home with a “got their area pods that for the upcoming season. I said. national title,” he added. they have to stay in until started preparing physical- “If any girls specifical- the event is about to start.” ly and mentally because ly would like to run, jump of my knee injury and I or throw for the team, The GA-ZETTE HOLIDAY 2020 - 27 SPRINTER COLEMAN APPEALS MISSING DRUG TEST SUSPENSION JAMES PLEZ they were present during to make that clear at the will be held in Tokyo, Staff Writer the whole of the allotted outset,” the AIU said in a Japan. [email protected] hour in front of Coleman’s statement. Penn State Greater house when he said he The AIU said Allegheny (PSUGA) United States Track would be home. Coleman missed tests Track and Field Coach, and Field Athlete, The AIU is not accus- from a timeframe of Greg Schmitt, said, “I’m Christian Coleman, 24, ing the athlete of con- January to December of not surprised by the AIU has appealed his two-year suming illegal drugs, but 2019. It is unclear on why decision to ban Coleman. suspension from com- it states that his actions the sprinting superstar He missed more than one peting in the Olympics for missing multiple drug missed several of his drug test for God’s sake. He’ll after the Athletics Integ- tests are “careless and tests and how many tests learn his lesson and be rity Unit (AIU) of the reckless.” exactly is unknown. more responsible. International Association “For the avoidance of With the 2020 Summer “I would like to see of Athletics Federation doubt, there is no sugges- Olympics being postponed him at the next Olympics, suspended him for several tion that the athlete has to summer of 2021 due to but to me as a coach, missed drug tests. ever taken any prohibited COVID-19, Coleman will missing several doping According to Reuters substance and we wish miss the Olympics which tests suggests that you News Service, the have something to hide. American sprinter said at He has to suffer the conse- the time of his provisional quences,” Schmitt added. suspension that Coleman stated in a anti-doping officials had social media post, “I have not followed procedure never and will never use when he missed them performance-enhancing at his house after going supplements or drugs.” He Christmas shopping last added that he will take a year at a time when, the drug test every day of his officials said, he said he remaining career to prove would be at home. his innocence. In a statement released Eladia Kennedy, a by the Court of criminal justice major Arbitration for Sports who is also the captain for (CAS) regarding his the women’s track team at appeal, Coleman said that PSUGA, is in favor of the “the decision of the AIU sprinter. should be set aside and “It is a sad situation that the sanction be elimi- and I’m disappointed. He’s nated or reduced.” one of my favorite athletes Elite athletes must and I always look forward make themselves avail- to seeing him compete,” able for random testing Kennedy said. and state a location and Coleman never before one-hour window where failed a drug test. they can be found on any given day. Doping control officers testified before a Christian Coleman during 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships disciplinary tribunal that in Birmingham. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 28 - HOLIDAY 2020 The GA-ZETTE 11-2 STEELERS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH DESPITE DECEMBER DISARRAY NATHAN REGA barely managed to defeat News Editor a Baltimore team decimat- [email protected] ed by the virus, limping to 11-0 in what Head Coach For the first time since Mike Tomlin described as 2018, the Pittsburgh a “junior varsity” perfor- Steelers are playoff bound. mance. The playoff berth comes The 2020 Steelers because the Miami finally tasted defeat in Dolphins lost to the Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Washington Football James Conner in regular season game against the Buffalo Bills. Week 14. However, the Team despite having a two seemed to be an inability COVID-19. Pittsburgh Steelers December perfor- score lead in the first half. to catch in the Red Zone. was without starters mance has left the former- Pittsburgh failed to stop “Offensively we’re Maurkice Pouncey, cen- ly undefeated team’s Washington’s comeback not very good. We’re not ter, and James Conner, Super Bowl chances look- in the second half, ending playing good football and running back, for multiple ing doubtful. with a 23-17 loss in an it starts with me,” Roeth- games due to quarantine empty Heinz Field. lisberger stated via ESPN. procedures. Also, the team Six days later, the “I think this is a team that lost its original Week 7 Steelers lost again 26-15 has got a lot of resilience bye thanks to rescheduling at Bills Stadium in their and understands what due to a COVID outbreak Week 14 game against it takes to win football among the Tennessee Buffalo. While the sec- games and understands Titans. The rescheduling ondary held the Bills to what time of year it is and and lack of rest takes its only a field goal to start, right now it’s unaccept- toll on the players and Quarterback Ben able.” their bodies. Roethlisberger threw a Defensively, the However, some good critical pick-6 to end the Steelers are a banged-up news came on Monday half allowing Buffalo to Ben Roethlisberger takes aim group, missing multiple night and the Steelers in regular season game against take the lead. The key components due to in- owe the Ravens a thank the Buffalo Bills Steelers looked sloppy jury. Against Buffalo, the you for winning against In a season marred by and completely exposed in team was missing outside the Cleveland Browns. the ongoing pandemic, the second half, unable to linebacker Bud Dupree, The Browns loss keeps the Steelers’ Week 12 comeback offensively or out for the season with the Steelers safely in the matchup against division stop the Bills defensively. a torn ACL; cornerback lead for winning the AFC rivals Baltimore Ravens Heading into Week 15 Joe Haden, on concussion North division. was postponed, not once looking far from dom- protocol; and linebacker Still, the team has but multiple times, due inant, it’s almost hard Robert Spillane, due to a many issues to address to a COVID-19 outbreak to believe that just two knee injury. Spillane had in its final three season among Ravens players and weeks ago Pittsburgh been covering for Devin games if it wants to be a staff. Originally scheduled was the only remaining Bush, who is also out for serious contender come for primetime undefeated NFL team for the season due to a torn playoffs. Thanksgiving night, the the season. The offense ACL. game was finally played looked especially suspect Another huge culprit Photos courtesy of on Wednesday, Dec. 1. with a nearly nonexis- in the Steelers current Karl Roser, However, the Steelers tent run game and what slump is none other than Pittsburgh Steelers.