Battle of the Bands
Who rocked their way to first place at Battle of the Bands? Find out inside.
Features 6
Global Refuge International
Learn more about the organization helping out victims of war.
News 3
The Student Newspaper of Palm Beach Atlantic University
Volume 8, Issue 13 Volume 8, Issue 15
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Monday, February 13, 2012 Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, November 14, 2011
Pages 4 & 5
NEWS
Page 2 • February 27, 2012
versity
www.readmybeacon.com
readmybeacon.com • The Beacon
Networking the PBA way
Chris Hernandez
The Social Media team is using Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Tumblr to attract perspective students from across the nation and to inform others about PBA.
John Sizemore
By Victoria Vartan Staff Writer
Managing Editor Chris.thebeacon@pba.edu
Executive Editor John_Sizemore@pba.edu
Duane Meeks Publisher
Editorial Staff Cash W. Lambert
News Editor Cashwlambert@gmail.com
Kayla Viaud
Features Editor Kayla_Viaud@pba.edu
Joshua Reid
Sports Editor joshuareid1221@gmail.com
Christina Cernik Photo Editor christinacernik@gmail.com
Charlotte Rakestraw
Art Director Meghan Gilmore wynne.charlotte@gmail.com Meghan_Gilmore@pba.edu
Jenny Hendriksen
Web Editor John Sizemore jlhendriksen@gmail.com John_Sizemore@pba.edu
Weekly Staff
By Christina Cernik for the Beacon
Facebook me: Johnny Hedger, Anthony Donovan and Rosalie McWeeney prepare for a social media meeting by scheduling videos and update Tumblr posts.
Duane Meeks
Saudia Ali Becca Stripe Gina Cipolla No part of the Beacon may be reproduced without Tyann Mullen permission. The opinions expressed in the Beacon are not necessarily those of the Palm Beach Atlantic Faith University Warren administration, staff or faculty. Victoria Vartan Meghan Gilmore Greg Halmos Molly Black Submissions: If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, a news tip, corrections, or contribute to the Beacon, email the managing editor: readmybeacon@gmail.com No part of the Beacon may be reproduced without permission. The opinions expressed in the Beacon are not necessarily those of the Palm Beach Atlantic University administration, staff or faculty.
Corrections for 2/20: See an error we did not catch? Help hold us accountable by emailing the editor of the section. Our goal is to bring you the cleanest copy possible.
V
erse of the week:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4: 6-9 NIV
Facebook:
PBA social media sites
http://www.facebook.com/PBAAdmission
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PBAAdmissions
Tumblr:
pbalife.Tumblr.com
Youtube:
Youtube.com/PBAAdmissions
There are over 750 million active users on Facebook and over 175 million users on Twitter. Now, not only are people connecting with friends and family, but they are also connecting with their college. Whenever future college students visit a college they are interested in, they are often told to join the college’s Facebook page or follow the college on Twitter. By doing so, the student is able to get a glimpse of what the college is like depending on certain events the univeristy has. Many colleges have started their own Facebook page in order to recruit future college students to their college. At Palm Beach Atlantic University, a social media team updates almost every day to help prospective students learn more about the campus and campus life. Rebecca Palmquist, supervisor of the social media team said, “We connect with prospective students through Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook. The students are able to find these by searching for PBA admissions.” Also, Rebecca added, “We have a social media team, consisting of Anthony and Rosa, who make videos to show prospective students what life around campus is like. Also, they update the statuses with information on events and important admission information an incoming student might need.” Locally, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College and Nova Southeastern University have their own Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. Each university lets students and incoming students know what is going on around campus that might interest them. Kayleigh Kelley, who works at Florida Atlantic University’s Human Resources office, said “We like to connect with students every way that we can. By having Facebook and Twitter accounts it is easier for us to keep up and notify each of the students about what is going on in and around campus.” Kelly added, “When there is a big event coming up around campus, we send out event notifications on Facebook which allows the student to choose whether or not to attend. This helps the students know who is going and helps them meet new people.” “Social networks are being used by college students every day,” said Kimberly Cronin, a student at Nova Southeastern University. “By using social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, we are able to recruit more students into our school.” Cronon also said that when they ‘like’ the page on Facebook or ‘follow’ the school on Twitter, the person is able to see what is going on in and around the community. “This is especially helpful if the student is coming from a different state,” she said. Many faculty members around campus have Facebook accounts. Kelso Alyea, a PBA freshman, said, “I was added by my admissions counselor so it was really easy to get my questions answered in a relaxed environment.” When asked if the college’s social media persuaded her to choose PBA over another college, Kelso answered, “Actually yes. They kept a good connection with me.”
Palm Beach residents hope for Trader Joe’s By Meghan Gilmore Staff Writer Cedar planks deck the walls, employees don Hawaiian shirts, and instead of hearing “cleanup on isle three” on the PA system, you’ll hear an old-style dinner bell rung to alert the crew there is a problem. “Actually it would be three rings of the bell,” corrected Bernadette Paul store manager at the brand new Trader Joe’s in Naples, Fla. “It’s a kind of Trader Joe’s Morse Code,” said Paul. “Those blustery PA systems just didn’t feel right to us, so we came up with a simple system to communicate - island style. “One bell lets our crew know when to open another register. Two bells mean there are additional questions that need to be answered at the checkout. While three bells call over a manager-type person, hence for the ‘cleanup on isle three’ type scenario,” says Paul. Doing things different is just what this supermarket is all about. According to Tracey Hall, a spokesperson for the company, “shoppers won’t find Oreo’s and Doritos on the shelves.” Instead, they’ll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe’s label as well as everyday basics. Trader Joe’s does its inventory in a way that makes shopping an adventure for the customers. Sometimes Trader Joe’s purchases
By Melissa Wohlers for the Beacon
A shopping adventure: Trader Joe’s holds the possibility of coming to Palm Beach.
products that they think will find a following among their customers. “It seems odd but it’s all part of the shopping adventure at Trader Joe’s and everyone want’s a little more adventure in their life, right?” Asks Hall. Apart from getting an adventure when shopping at Trader Joe’s, customers will get something else and that is a few extra dollars saved at the register. City Commissioner Keith James said, “What I’m told from others, for lack of a better word, it’s like a poor man’s Whole Foods.” Whole Foods is similar to Trader Joe’s in that it is an organic specialty grocery store, which is known for its great products but also its high price tags.
Trader Joe’s prides itself on great products as Paul points out, “80 percent of our products are under our own Trader Joe’s label, which means no artificial colors, flavors and no preservatives in anything with Trader Joe’s on the label.” Yet Hall adds that these great products don’t come with a huge price tag like other stores. “We have low prices, every day,” said Hall. “No coupons, no membership cards, no discounts. You won’t find any glitzy promotions or couponing wars at our stores.” All of these great products at even better prices have led residents and leaders of West Palm Beach to do some outlandish things to encourage the quirky chain to open a store in
West Palm Beach. According to the Palm Beach Post, WPB Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell said she’d consider renaming the city Trader Joe’s, Florida until the chain agreed to open a store here. Bruce Lewis, member of the WPB Downtown Development Authority, has started a video marketing campaign, asking people, “What would I trade for Trader Joe’s?” and will send the completed video to Trader Joe’s headquarters’ in California. Palm Beach Atlantic students are also excited about the possibility of a Trader Joe’s but not only for the food. The company prides itself on being a great place not only to shop but also to work. As of 2010, full-time crewmembers can start at $40–60,000 per year and store managers can earn in the low six figures and the company contributes to an employee’s standard 401(k) plan, according to a report from CNN. While part-time employees can earn up to $10 dollars an hour, receive health insurance benefits (dental, vision, and medical) and receive a 10 percent discount on items bought at the store, according to the chain’s website. “I never thought I would say this, but after hearing that, when I graduate college, I want to work at a grocery store,” said undecided major Katherine Harvey.
NEWS
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February 27, 2012 • Page 3
Global Refuge International aids war victims Courtesy of Andrew Prinsen for the Beacon
Helping in a big way: Above: A Shan man shows his missing hand, the result of a land mine accident. Below: A young girl looks into the camera of a GRI staffer at a medication distribution in Northern Uganda.
By Kayla Viaud Features Editor Brian McNeely had been a college football coach for 25 years. After hearing about genocide in Burma, he took a threeweek trip in the summer of 2001. The village he saw firsthand was destroyed the day after he returned to the U.S. He recalled sleepless nights after the trip. “I could never get away from the idea that I had so much and they had so little,” McNeely said of the 17-day trip. Four years after the trip, McNeely quit his job as a coach at Colorado State University and founded Global Refuge International. “We realized after that trip a small group of people could impact a lot of people,” said McNeely who founded GRI with the help of his family. He was sure not to rush the decision to quit. “I wanted to make sure it was God saying I wanted to do this not just some idea,” he said. He originally wanted to partner with other groups doing work in the area, but found that others were reluctant to go into the area. GRI provides holistic health care in conflict related areas around the world.
“Our goal is to provide the very best health care to displaced people-that is our number one goal and we just happen to be a bunch of believers doing it,” McNeely said. GRI has an office in Denver, Colorado. He currently resides in West Palm Beach. South Florida is an ideal location because of the three airports nearby. GRI has partnered with PBA summer missions trips to allow students to volunteer, intern, work full time and work a five-month fellowships. He credits his faith as the determining factor behind leaving his career as a coach. “It’s hard to leave something you’ve been doing for 25 years and worked your way up,” he said. “I prayed long time about it,” he added. GRI also assists displaced people from man-made and natural disasters. “As a Christian group we work from the spiritual side as well,” he said. GRI is a 501-3C non-profit organization, which means it receives no federal dollars. The organization’s work is completely funded by individual donors and foundations. “Everything comes from people who buy into the type of work we do,” he said. A typical team consists of anywhere
from 10 to 100 people working for two weeks. “That (being a believer) permeates all of our work and how we work,” he said. GRI’s staff is in Uganda and Burma. McNeely said GRI is more interested in serving a lot in a few countries than doing a little in a lot of countries. “We are more concerned about depth of a program than width,” McNeely said. Uganda has the longest Civil War in the history of Africa causing 2 million people to be displaced. “Not everybody is hungry. Not everybody needs water, but everyone values their health,” he said. An aspect of GRI work is targeting the top five diseases: malnutrition, cholera, pneumonia, malaria and dysentery .These killers account for about 95 percent of deaths in children, according to McNeely. “What kind of group would we be to just tell them: here’s a Bible, read this and you’ll be better,” he said. “God doesn’t say that.” GRI administers health care as a way to share the gospel, but not at the expense of helping the displaced people. “Christ always extended a hand of healing as he preached to them-and that’s what we do,”
Students make the transition to online textbooks By Molly Black Staff Writer
By Christina Cernik for the Beacon
Embracing Change: “Public libraries today are embracing the advance in technology and allowing ebooks to be viewed by the public for free,” said librarian Debora Stewart.
Following the trend of newspapers and books, college textbooks are going digital. They can be purchased on devices such as the Kindle (from Amazon), the Nook Tablet (from Barnes and Noble) and the IPad (from Apple). Textbooks from Apple are starting of at $15, a stark contrast to the $700 and up that the average student spends on textbooks annually, according to the New York Times. Just as unemployment soared in newspaper offices in the digital age, some bookstores could face the same issue. But the change will be gradual as libraries and bookstores accept the transition. “Public libraries today are embracing the advance in technology and allowing ebooks to be viewed by the public for free,” said Palm Beach Atlantic University librarian Debora Stewart. “Through EVSCOhost, we are able to have ebooks available for our students to use.” Stewart said that the Warren Library is working on making more electronic books available. She also says that online textbooks will be “very advantageous to the student because a student can literally carry around hundreds if not thousands of ebooks on a electronic devise of their choice.” “We have not had any professors turn to digital textbooks yet,” said Abby Rosemeyer, director of the campus bookstore, “which is the driving force for what we
put on our shelves.” Some disagree with major publishing companies claim that they are “all for the education and commonwealth of students,” and not out to make a profit with the high cost of books. Rosemeyer agrees with the former. “Every dime you spend in this campus bookstore goes right back into the university.” We try to “support students,inspire students and get them the materials they need to succeed.” Pearson, the top educational company in the world, made over $3 billion from digital content last year alone according to its annual report. Other publishing companies such as McGraw-Hill and John Wiley & Sons are soon to follow in the transition. “If online textbooks were sold for a reasonable price,then yes,I would switch,” said PBA junior Bethany Scholten. She is taking 18 credits this semester and spent roughly $350 dollars on her textbooks. Others have caught on to offering textbooks for cheap. A company called OpenStax will be offering free course material for five common introductory classes. The textbooks offered through OpenStax will be open to classes anywhere and organizers believe that these programs could save students roughly $90 million in the next five years. OpenStax is funded by grants from the Willism and Flora Hewlet Foundation, the Bill Gates Foundation and several others. So far, Rice University in Texas has embraced this promising development. It’s unclear whether PBA will follow suit.
readmybeacon.com • The Beacon
Page 4 • February 27, 2012
IN GOD’S HALL OF FAME
Photo by Christina Cernik for the Beacon
Photo Courtesy of Becky Peeling
The legend: On Feb. 24, a memorial service was held for friends and family of Gary “the Kid” Carter at Christ Fellowship Gardens Campus (top). Gary Carter is well-known for his 19-year Major League Baseball career, playing for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets (left). Since Oct. 2009, the baseball Hall of Famer coached baseball at Palm Beach Atlantic University (right). Photo by Christina Cernik for the Beacon
THE LIFE OF GARY “
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February 27, 2012 • Page 5
Baseball team remembers Carter’s passion for the game
Christ Fellowship hosts service for friends and family of Hall of Famer
Our performance was something he definitely would be proud of.” Carter’s diagnosis last spring pret was a very spe- cipitated the hiring of Bottenfield cial moment,” said as associate head coach. BottenKent Bottenfield, field had a 20-year friendship with associate head base- Carter from playing with the Monball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic treal Expos. The connection was University. “Some guys went to the made when he was called up from field and prayed, some stayed in the the minors and started pitching to dugout. Everyone did their own Carter in games they both started. “What Gary loved most was to little thing to honor Skip before the share the passion and joy for the game.” That was the atmosphere at game he had with other people,” Palm Beach Gardens High School Bottenfield said. “It was difficult on Feb. 21 before the Sailfish took coming in here (to PBA) at first, the field for their game against but I made it clear to the players that this was Skip’s program, not Florida Memorial University. The Sailfish honored their for- mine.” “He has definitely touched the mer skipper by having a moment of silence before the game, as well players here at PBA, that’s for as playing the very first pitch of sure,” said senior Travis Murray, a the game with only eight position catcher who transferred to PBA his junior year. “As a catchplayers, a tribute to his number eight “This season really er, he spent more time with me and offered tips jersey. and helped me improve “That was Lo- is for Skip.” in my position. I’ll cergan’s idea,” BottenLogan Thomas tainly cherish the memofield said, referring ries I had with him.” to senior pitcher “He wasn’t just an Logan Thomas. “He came up to me that day and incredible coach, he was an incredinitially wanted to do that through ible person,” Thomas said. “He the entire first inning. I thought taught us how to use baseball as a about it and I knew Skip wouldn’t platform for Christ, and highlight want us trailing going into the sec- our talents and bring it to Christ to ond inning, so we only did that with glorify him, not us.” According to Thomas, Carter’s the first pitch. It was a great tribute and I don’t think Skip would have professionalism rubbed off on the wanted it any other way.” team as well. “He taught us how to respect The team also debuted patches with the number eight and Carter’s everything, from baseball to life,” name on their left sleeve in honor Thomas said. “He used baseball as of their fallen coach. The Sailfish a platform for Christ, and he wantwill wear the patches the entire sea- ed us to do the same.” As for the rest of the season, son and will continue to have CartThomas feels it will be a special er’s jersey hanging in the dugout. “He’s part of the team,” Bot- one. “Later on in the schedule we play tenfield said. “This is his team, his players. He’ll always be remem- some tough teams,” Thomas said. “But as Skip and Coach taught us, bered among the guys.” “He brought a winning atmo- ‘don’t let up.’ That’s our motto.” “We’ve always said, ‘Lets play for sphere the day he came to PBA, something that never has been Skip, we’re going to play for Skip,’ here,” Thomas said. “He and but now it’s a reality,” Thomas said. Coach (Bottenfield) have taught “We actually took it to the field and us to never let up, that the game now it’s a reality. This season really is never over, and (Tuesday) was a is for Skip.” “We’re going to celebrate the life prime example of that.” The Sailfish cruised to a 13-1 victory on of an incredible man who just happened to be an incredible coach,” Tuesday night. “The game was kind of like a Bottenfield said. “He had an intribute to him,” said Mike Perkows- credible effect on these guys, and ki, a junior. “The first score defi- his legacy will continue and always nitely gave us that jump we wanted. be remembered among the team.”
By Cash Lambert News Editor
By Joshua Reid Sports Editor
“I
“THE KID” CARTER
“H
e lived his life with no regrets, no retreats,” said Tom Mullins, founder of Christ Fellowship, speaking at Gary Carter’s memorial service Feb. 24 at the Christ Fellowship Gardens campus. “He ran the race with courage and finished it.” Behind the podium where Mullins and others spoke for two hours were three projectors, each lit up with slideshows of Carter. Below the screens were two massive portraits of Carter, parallel to stands made of flowers that sported his number eight on a baseball diamond. Before Mullins began, over a thousand friends, mostly wearing black, filed into the auditorium to pay their respects. This included family and members of the Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball and softball team, and many Major League Baseball players, including Terry Collins, manager of the New York Mets. “I feel inadequate against the
things he accomplished,” said speaker Johnny Bench, the Cincinnati Reds catcher for 17 years who achieved 10 Golden Glove awards along with two MVP trophies. “It was electrifying playing for him,” said PBA senior and baseball player Logan Thomas. “He showed a passion that we hadn’t seen before.”
“The first time I met Gary wasn’t with a bat it was with a Bible in his hand.” - Tom Mullins Midway through the service, a video played that recorded opening night for the Sailfish, the last game Carter saw. The video caught Thomas gently touching a Carter’s number 8 Sailfish jersey hanging on the fence of the dugout, and smoothing out any light creases it had. “The last thing he said that night,” said Thomas, “was ‘let’s get a win today boys.’” Almost everyone had something to say pertaining to Carter’s faith.
“The first time I met Gary wasn’t with a bat – it was with a Bible in his hand,” said Mullins. Mullins told of a powerful moment when, in Carter’s last days, even when he couldn’t communicate with this family, he still “mustered up that smile.” Not only will we remember him for his accomplishments and his faith; we will remember him for his smile. That smile that gave him the nickname “the Kid.” Every quality that made up Carter was told of, sometimes directly and sometimes through a story. “Gary was so approachable, and took the time to make you feel special,” said Mullins. A multitude of stories, from players in MLB to PBA baseball players, begin with this quality of Carter. The fact that he always took time to talk to you. The service closed with a reading from a poem titled “God’s Hall of Fame.” Carter had ended many of his speeches with the poem throughout his career. The final two lines read “I’d rather be an unknown here, and have my name up there.”
Pastor discusses Carter’s faith during final days By Chris Hernandez Managing Editor
E
ight years ago, pastor Tom Mullins watched as Gary Carter delivered his Major League Baseball Hall of Fame speech in Cooperstown, New York underneath a white tent on an overcast January afternoon amongst the likes of George W. Bush, Sr. and Mickey Mantle. In contrast, a few weeks ago, Mullins sat beside the Carter family on another occasion, when the family heard of news that the treatment Carter was receiving for brain cancer would not be effective any longer. “He showed great courage in life, and he showed great courage as he faced death,” he said. Mullins first connected with Carter over athletics. Mullins used to be a football coach and often golfed with Carter. He remembered a time the two went to Israel, and
they challenged the native kids in basketball. They had fun competing. “There’s a saying we say in football. He left nothing on the field. That’s why he was ready to face the end,” he said.
“He left nothing on the field. That’s why he was ready to face the end” Tom Mullins Mullins said Carter was a man who had strong family and Christian values. “For Gary, faith was at the center of his life, and it was reflected in the way he loved his wife, and his family and the way he loved others,” he said. “You weren’t around Gary long until he would bring up his love for his family and his love for the Lord.” Bill Fleming, interim president at Palm Beach Atlantic University,
said that Carter was bold when it came to sharing his faith. He remembered how Carter would start every speech with his testimony. The boldness was an attribute, Mullins said, that Carter imparted to his children. In his Hall of Fame speech, Carter spoke about each of his children with tears in his eyes. “To my three precious children. I love you all so very much,” he said. “I am so thankful that all of you have chosen to walk with the Lord.” Carter’s daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, who is also the women’s softball coach at PBA, wrote in a blog post posted the day of Carter’s passing, “I am thankful that many years ago, my dad accepted Jesus Christ to be his personal Savior because I know He is now in NO pain and is the most beautiful angel. “He is now in God’s Hall of Fame. We praise you, Jesus and thank you for giving my dad to us for 57 years.”
Expos photo courtesy of National Baseball Hall of Fame Library. Mets photo courtesy of Milo Stewart Jr./ National Baseball Hall of Fame Library. Family photo courtesy of the Carter Family. Other photos courtesy of Becky Peeling. Time line by Charlotte Rakestraw for the Beacon.–
Page 6• February 27, 2012
LastWatch’s time to Shine
FEATURES
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LastWatch takes home the prize of Battle of the Bands By Meghan Gilmore Staff Writer
O
n Feb. 18 Palm Beach Atlantic University students filled the Rubin Arena to watch fellow students showcase their talents at Battle of the Bands. The competition, organized by Student Activities, consisted of three rounds. The first round was a five-minute set. The second, a six-minute set and the overall winner gave an encore performance. “Worship music is really special to me because you don’t have to be really skilled in an area of music necessarily, you just have to have a heart for worship,” says Jordan DeGraff, of the band The Beach Bums. “Worship puts us in a place that allows our hearts to be transformed. It’s like a two-way conversation just like prayer,” DeGraff adds. “Like you start the conversation with God and then he is there to respond to you and transform you..” DeGraff is a member of the Beach Bums. A total of five bands performed this year. “The bands were so talented this year,” says Jeremiah Dias of Zombies. “At first, I was bummed I didn’t get to perform this year because I had to film it, but now after hearing how talented all the acts were, I’m glad I have to wait until next year because the competition was intense this year.” The duo Klondike, consisting of Taylor Kaprive and Emmanuel McNeely came in second place. “In the end, the trophy will collect dust and disintegrate but it’s the memories and feeling of God in your veins when you perform that never goes away,” McNeely said. Jonny Vignola of Safe Word Whiskey became a Christian through fellow band member Ben Phelps. Phelps taught him that God has many ways of connecting with people and sometimes God speaks to people in a hard-core rock tone of voice. Jonny and Safe Word Whiskey may not have won Battle of the Bands, but he have just won a bigger prize. “I had a guy come up to me and tell me that hearing my story: that I wasn’t a Christian before and that now I’m stronger in my walk with God than ever, inspired him. He realized that he could still be who he was and do what he wants to do and yet praise God all the while, that to me was the best prize I could have won,” says Vignola. The overall winner of the Battle of the Bands was the hard rock Christian band, LastWatch.
Photo by Charlotte Rakestraw for the Beacon
Photo by Meghan Gilmore for the Beacon
FEATURES
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February 27, 2012 • Page 7
Students recycle to redeem prizes With the Pepsi Dytream Machines, PBA students are rewarded for recycling.
Photo by Victoria Vartan for the Beacon
Going Green: PBA student Erica Paul recycles a bottle to redeem her prize online.
recycle. I used the machine and I actually got to use my points to get movie tickets.” PBA is one of the first locations in Palm Beach County to acquire the PepsiCo Dream Machine due to the fact that PBA By Saudia Ali has a long and strong partnership with Pepsi. Staff Writer “Pepsi supports a number of PBA programs such as Reduce, reuse, and recycle is what the two new Palm Beach Workship and has become very familiar with our students,” Atlantic University recycling machines are screaming. Un- said Becky Peeling, the associate vice president for university doubtedly, you have noticed these enormous blue machines relations & marketing. “Knowing that sustainability and charity are key student inlocated in the Lassiter Student Center and in the Greene terests; the Pepsi Dream Machine is a natural fit.” Peeling says, Complex for Sports and Recreation. “The machine calls attention to recycling, something I have They are the PepsiCo Dream Machines, specially designed supported for years here... I love that the beverage bottles will technology that will upsurge the U.S. beverage container-recycling rate to 50 percent by 2018, according to PepsiCo, Inc. be recycled to bottle soft drinks.” The PepsiCo Dream Machine is an innovation that not These PepsiCo Dream Machines have been popping up all only benefits PBA, but is also beneficial over the nation, with about many other places. The more bottles 4,000 PepsiCo Dream Ma“Knowing that sustainability and to that are recycled into the machine, the chines located in 40 states. The idea for these machines charity are key student interests, the more money PepsiCo will donate to the and recycling program was Pepsi Dream Machine is a natural fit.” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, which is a program created by PepsiCo in partfor post 9/11 United States veterans with nership with Waste Manage- Becky Peeling disabilities. ment, Keep America BeautiThe program offers veterans free pragful and Greenopolis. matic training in small business manageThe PepsiCo Dream Machine may appear complicated, but it can be operated in a few steps. First you must touch ment and entrepreneurship. In addition, you can also become a member directly on the screen. Next you have to scan your bottle or can, so the the kiosk. To become a member, push the rewards button on machine can recognize what it is. Once you drop your bottle the screen. It will ask you for your email address, and age, to or can in the appropriate slot and press done you will see how many points your bottle or can is worth. The amount verify you are over 13. Once you have inputted your informayour can is worth will be printed out on the receipt. You can tion into the Dream Machine, you will be emailed to complete redeem these points on Greenopolis.com for various prizes. your registration at home. “It was easy to use and made me feel like I was supporting Rewards include Pepsi branded items, restaurant gift cards, a real cause,” says Kelsey Alyea, PBA student. “I will definitely movie tickets and more. “I think that these Dream Machines are a really smart in- use the Dream Machine again. The points are a real good vention, especially to have on our college campus,” says PBA system to help motivate me and others to continue recycling.” student Shaaray Miller. “It’s even better that they offer us an incentive that way more students will want to take initiative to
Capernaum’s controlled chaos The West Palm Beach branch of Capernaum assists special education students with spiritual growth and confidence. By Faith Warren Staff Writer Airborne pies, water-gun fights, eating contests and relay races may not be your typical night, but for those with physical and developmental disabilities, Capernaum’s controlled chaos fills the room with joy and laughter. “The girls have so much fun during this one night,” said Kristen Knight, mother of Alex and Katie Knight. “When I pick them up they are beaming. They get in the van and giggle the whole way home.” With boundless dancing and singing, disabled students in West Palm Beach gather with volunteers at Church in the Gardens once a month to celebrate the love of God. “Nothing is easier than coming and serving at Capernaum,” said Jimmy Carroll, West Palm Beach team coordinator. “These students may be limited mentally or physically, but they live in a freedom some of us will never experience.” The ministry of Capernaum was developed in
place to grow spiritually, discover their capabilities, and build their self-confidence. “I may share a message about the gospel, but these kids have taught me the true meaning of 1980 by the non-profit organization Young Life. love,” said Sudnykovych. “Being around these joyCapernaum West Palm ful students has forever Beach partners with lochanged my life.” cal high schools and Capernaum is rooted their special education with trained volunteers programs. Expanding to who walk alongside these 150 locations world-wide, adolescents and help The Bible records the story of four men Capernaum is actively afthem experience the fulland their disabled friend. Eager of their fecting the lives of those ness of life. The ministry friend to see Jesus in Capernaum, the men strives to share the truth often forgotten. carried him on a mat to a home where “Many disabled youth of Christ through club, Jesus was teaching. Crowds attempted to have hopes, dreams, fears, yearly camps, and special and concerns, but feel isoprevent the men from getting their friend events. lated,” said volunteer Jesclose to Jesus. Undaunted, they carried “Capernaum has given sica Sudnykovych. “They him to the roof where they cut a hole, and my son a place to befeel as if they have no long,” said Landa Farrell, lowered the man to Jesus’ feet. Moved by one to turn to and no one mother of 19-year-old their bold faith, Jesus restored the man who understands their Wesley Farrell. “He now to wholeness and health. The lives of all frustrations. That is where has a place to fellowship that witnessed were never the same.g Capernaum intervenes.” with kids he is comfortThe heart of Caperable with.” naum is to help disabled youth be all God designed Capernaum’s mission is to develop relationthem to be. The ministry provides students with a ships with disabled students through contact work
Why called Capernaum?
by God, for God, and through God. Volunteers believe in the power of presence which draws them to log many hours with students – where they are, as they are. “I think this is exactly what Christ calls us to do,” said Carroll. “Christ served those who were sick, who were hurt and who needed a helping hand.” The volunteers model Christ’s unconditional love through spending quality time with each individual. These intentional relationships are built through time, patience, trust, and consistency. “Spending time with these kids has restored my faith in the goodness of people,” said Carroll. “They make me hopeful that everything will be alright.” Capernaum Ministries welcomes all who have a passion or desire to work with disabled youth. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend a monthly club and interact with the students. Carroll can be contacted for further questions or information at 561-339-0965. With open arms, these students are ready to be loved and to love in return. Workship leader Katherine Harvey said, “there is no greater place to receive Workship hours than where you are instantly accepted and instantly loved – just as you are.”
‘Something’s Afoot’ plays to full house Theatre PBA at Palm Beach Atlantic University played to sold-out crowds last week with the murder mystery musical “Something’s Afoot.” Presented at the Fern Street Theatre, the play opened Thursday and played through the weekend. Shows are also set for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Those shows are already sold out, though Ticket Central reports that some seats may come open at the door.
Cast members included Grace Papadopoulos, A.J. Cola, Johnny Dymond, Emily Miraglia, Dana White, Pat LoRicco, Lauren Bell, Jonathan Clarke, Hannah Kniskern, Josh Conner and Kenneth Kay. Don Butler was director, with lighting and set design by Daniel Gordon. Lindsay Bell was stage manager, and Tyler Williams musical director. Penny Williams was costume designer and Ann Cadaret scenic artist.
A close look: “Something’s Afoot” cast members wield their magnifying glasses as they puzzle over the murder mystery..
Front cover graphic by: Graham White, former PBA baseball player. Back cover graphic by: Justin Sizemore, current PBA baseball player. Page design by: Charlotte Rakestraw