Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! The next publication date for The Crier is Jan. 15. The submission deadline is Jan. 5. The paid ad deadline is Jan. 7. The Crier No morality can be founded on authority, even if the authority were divine. A.J. Ayer Volume XXXIII, Issue 7 Coming Community College December 7, 1995 Is Your First Semester Blowing You Away? —by Mary Swasta Coming Community College has a Student Progress Policy which has been established to help students succeed. The Student Progress Policy requires progress towards a degree in several areas: completed courses, passed courses, and student progress grade point average. Students usually find themselves placed in the probationary category if they do not show progress in their academic endeavors. Full-time probationary students may not register for more than a total of 13.5 credit/noncredit hours in the next semester after being placed on probation. So, if you end up on probation, does it mean you can't make the grade as a college student? NO, it does not! More people than you know fall into this category. Even a few professors may have once done a stint on probation though they may not have had an occasion to tell you about it. Low grades are not necessarily a sign of your academic aptitude; but they could mean that you are not in control of the college environment and that it is time to ask for help. Should you find yourself in this situation in January, the Coordinator of Academic Progress located in the Academic Information Center in the Commons is the place to start P*A*S*S* If you are a first-time, full-time student and end up on probation for the spring semester, you may be eligible for a special grant-funded program called PASS, "Promoting Academic Student Success." The PASS program at CCC is designed to give special help to students who experienced academic difficulty during their first semester in college. If you earned less than a 2.0 Student Progress grade point average during your first full-time semester, you may qualify to participate in the program. The PASS Program promotes academic student success by building a positive support system for the probationary participant through referrals to other college services, access to laptop computers, emergency loans, and by linking the student with a PASS leader. The PASS leaders assist in developing problem solving skills, monitoring academic progress, clarifying academic and vocational goals, and establishing realistic goals for success. Our PASS leaders are made up of four teams: Nancy Latour/Les Rosenbloom, Karen Poole//Al Gerth, Rick Leffel/Linda Perry, and Andrea Rubin/Fran Wells. The PASS Program departs from "the time-honored cure of credit reduction for those in academic jeopardy" by immersing probationary students into the academic environment. Participation in the PASS Program means you do not have to petition the college Academic Standards Committee to exceed the credit limitation imposed on probationary students. PASS Participants may have their credit limitations automatically waived. If you qualify for the program, you will be contacted in January before classes start. The publishing schedule for next semester is on page 2 along with the deadlines. "All the news that fits, we print!" Peanut Butter.............2 Health....................3 Shelter...................4 Alumni News...............5 Honeywood Creations...5 Intramurals...............6 Classifieds...............7 Inside Services Resumes 10 10 Entertainment 11 Xmas Shopping 11 Almaniac 12 HorrorScopeS 12 Classifieds: (607) 962-9339 Fax: (607) 962-9456 The Two-Bit Players Present "Take Five" & "The Mid-Life Crisis of Dionysus" David Alan Scott Jr. Cast of 'Take Five' directed by Tom Jackson The C.C.C. Two-Bit Players will present A Night Of Comedy December 7-10 with two student-directed one-acts: Westley Pederson's "Take Five" and Garrison Keillor's "The Midlife Crisis Of Dionysus." "Take Five," Tom Jackson's directorial debut, is a riotous spoof of the theatre in which little transpires as planned. The play begins with a few minor glitches, then stumbles toward a hilarious ending as actors and stagehands battle with each other around misplaced props and an incomplete set in order to rescue an unsalvageable show. The cast includes Chris Callas, Richard Carroll, Amber Labella, Allison Masteller, and David Alan Scott Jr. To find out more about "Take Five,” we talked with the people involved, starting with Tom Jackson: David: For the most part, the plays here have been directed by teachers. How did you get the opportunity to direct this one? Tom Jackson: Well, the usual direc-tors--Hank Moonschein and Claire Reidy—were generous enough to give John Olcott and I a chance to direct our own plays. We're both very excited about it. David: Chris, what does your char-acter do in this play? Chris Callas: Consume. He eats whatever comes his way. Custard pudding, sandwiches, fudge bars...but that's only junk food. Personally, I'd prefer an actual meal any day, but it's a great experience. David: Allison, how does "Take Five” compare to other plays that you've done? Allison Masteller: It's more chal-l e n g i n g , physically and emotionally. Comedy is very demanding, especially this one because everything's so fast-paced. You have to be totally, mentally with it. David: Amber, you've been Tom's co-star in a number of shows in the past. How does it feel having him as a director? Amber Labella: He's the best student director I've ever had. Actually, he's the only one. (laughs) He's very solid. He's a rock, like the Prudential. Tom "Stonewall" Jackson! David: Rich, how does it feel being the only non-C.C.C. student in this play? Rich Carroll: No pressure. Everybody treats me like one of the family. I feel like I'm a student again, and I enjoy it very much. Cast of 'The Mid-Life Crisis of Dionysus' directed by John Olcott "The Midlife Crisis Of Dionysus," directed by John T. Olcott, is a comedy based on the famed Greek god of wine and lust. To his dismay, Dionysus has turned fifty and must now cut down on his steamy activities. Along the way, he has humorous encounters with his wife, a satyr, a nymph, and Gladys (the Muse of Maturity), among others. The cast includes 2 * The Crier • December 7, 1995 The Extra Mile Peanut Butter & -by Christine Smith There are a number of things that can be done to insure yourself of job security. The first step to becoming a successful employee is to go the extra mile. Skills and attitude will help you keep your job, but to really get ahead you must review the points of success. 1) Listening - Listen carefully when instructions are given for a job, remember what to do, and ask questions about any instructions that aren't clear. 2) Attendance - Good attendance and being on time are a must to look good. 3) Openness - Be able to talk up tactfully and say what is on your mind. 4) Understanding of Others -Try to be in the other person's shoes, how they think, feel, and want. 5) Leadership - Make decisions when needed, help others, think about the needs of the organization. 6) Perseverance - Be able to work under pressure, stick with it an don't abandon the job or fellow employees working on it with you. 7) Initiative - Be willing to take responsibility for what you do, do more than you’re asked to, and take personal responsibility. 8) Appearance - You need a good personal appearance and presence. 9) Use Feedback - Accept advice and opinions and learn from them, use them for the better. 10) Involvement - Be able to develop a feeling of commitment to work and involvement with fellow employees. You also need to be what your boss wants you to be, these items will help you to start off on the right foot and stay there as you settle in: 1) Don’t make excuses 2) Don't aim for perfection. 3) Do more than is expected. 4) Anticipate problems. 5) Handle problems yourself. 6) Be punctual. 7) Take being at work seriously. 8) Don't be a squeaky wheel. 9) Choose your battles carefully. 10) Don't hold a grudge. 11) Deal with decision makers. 12) Understand boss language. 13) Learn what others are doing. 14) Get along with co-workers. There are any number of things that can be done to ensure your success in the workplace. In addition to those already listed, you might want to try these: * You need to cooperate with others, don’t hog the credit on a group effort. * Do your job. Don't leave it to someone else! * Be a high achiever. * If you don't know, FIND OUT! * Set good examples, inspire and encourage those around you. * Be the best you can be. * Make the most of what you've got. * Make the most of your job. it's the only one you've got. And for those searching for another job, remember, references travel. * Do your job. Don't leave it to someone else. (Or soon you won't have a job to leave to someone else.) ****TEAMWORK is THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!**** These are some of the fine points to being a better and successful employee. Follow these and you'll be on your way to being a successful employee. Student Directors continued from page 1 Sally Egan, Laura Fusare, Ann Harris, Sam Losito, and Keith Nichols. To learn more about "Dionysus," we asked the cast and their director a number of questions: David: Sally, where exactly does your character—Dionysus’s wife-fit into all of this? Sally Egan: Dionysus is trying to deal with being fifty, but he doesn’t want to give up his drinking and his nymphs and his orgies, and my character tries to help him get over that. David: Ann, what do you like about playing the Muse Of Maturity? Ann Harris: I'm the one who tells Dionysus that he has to grow up. It's my favorite role because she's very high-strung, which makes her more sarcastic than my other characters in this play. David: Laura, how do you feel about playing, among other things, a nymph? Laura Fusare: It's the most fun role I've ever had. I can let go of my inhibitions more easily. I also like playing Candy the hairdresser because she's such an airhead. David: Keith, how would you describe John as a director? Keith Nichols: He's great. He strives for what he has in mind, but he's Jelly to Perform Holiday Carnival -News Release On Sunday, December 10, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a Holiday Carnival at the college, put on by Dr. and Mrs. Marti and the Student Association. Featured performers Tom Knight and Elizabeth McMahon have been delighting children and adults since 1988 with their tasty blend of music and puppetry. While Tom sings, plays guitar and interacts with the audience, Elizabeth sings and brings the puppets to life behind the puppet stage, combining all the best elements of a concert with the action of a puppet show. Their company, Peanut Butter and Jelly, performs about 120 shows a year throughout the Northeast in schools, libraries, community centers and festivals. Drawing on her art background, Elizabeth designs and makes all of P B and J's colorful puppets. Her original hand, rod and mouth puppets are made of cloth, wood and papier-mache. P B and J has recently added shadow puppets to their repertoire, a technique created by projecting silhouettes on a screen. Besides their three musical puppet shows and a variety show, P B and J are also nationally distributed recording artists. Elizabeth has produced her own tape of original songs for kids, Blue Sky Sparklin' Day, and Tom has produced three: When I grow Up, Don't Kiss a Codfish, and Easy as Pie. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Puppeteers are proud to be a part of the centuries-old tradition of live music, theater and puppetry. The most popular and versatile show begins with our very own Mr. Fuzzywumple, the stage manager in stage manager in charge of dusting. Unfortunately, he usually forgets to dust the stage. This ever-changing collection of songs and skits is engaging for children as young as two but savvy enough to entertain older children and adults. Perennial favorites include "The Garbage Monster," "The Little Red Hen," and "Alligator Jump." As the situation allows, this show includes shadow puppets like "My Baby Hippo," and "The Song About Trains.” This show is easily adapted to focus on certain themes, including a show on reading for Author's Days, libraries, and PARP programs. P B and J can also modify this show for holiday parties like Halloween, Easter and Christmas. not condescending. He's open to all of the possibilities of what we can do with our roles, and that’s helped. David: Sam, there are parts of this play that involve orgies. Considering that entire families sometimes see these shows, how do you guys deal with such a sensitive topic? Sam Losito: John didn't want to portray orgies as a lustful kind of thing, because we had to watch out with the content. He told us to view them as more of a sport, like football. David: John, what do you think of the actors in this play? John T. Olcott: They're very good, very talented. For a couple of them, this is their first play, but you won't know that when you come to see it. And for the people who have been in plays before, you're going to see them in an entirely different light. Although there have been student-directed shows at C.C.C. before, these are the first of that kind in nearly four years. Production times are set for Dec. 7-9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Science Amphitheatre. Ticket prices are $3 for the general public, and $2 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Come out and enjoy the show! The Crier Publishing Schedule for Spring, 1996 On Campus Ad/Submission Deadline January 15 January 5 February 12 February 2 March 11 March 1 April 8 March 29 May 1 April 22 For submissions, it is a first-come, first-serve basis. Waiting until the deadline is almost guaranteed to insure that your submission will NOT make it in that issue. All submissions must be typewritten or on a computer disk. The Crier 1 Academic Drive, Coming, NY 14830 Phone: (607) 962-9339 Fax: (607) 962-9456 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Keith Nichols Managing Editor S. A. Rep. Advisor Vince Beach Brian Morgan Renee Gross Treasurer Secretary Entertainment Sports Clubs Photography Health Career Transfer Humor Student Association Features Brian Morgan Sten O. Grapher Mel Williams Keith Nichols Vince Beach Pol R. Oid Madeline Uhl Nancy Andrews Megan Maslar Carol Kingsley Meetings: Tuesdays at 12:30 The Crier Philosophy The Crier is an independent student organization providing an up to date source of accurate information and entertainment for its readers. The Crier strives for a balance between the voice of the students and the voice of the faculty, characterized by good taste and the acknowledgement that there are two sides to every story. The Crier is published by the Student Association of Coming Community College The next issue of The Crier is on campus Jan. 15. The submission deadline is Jan. 5. Paid ad deadline is Jan. 7. December 7, 1995 » The Crier • 3 Planned Parenthood of the Southern Tier, Inc. Dear Maggie: How long after having sex does It take to find out if you are pregnant? J.P. Dear J.P., Pregnancy tests look for changes in hormone levels that occur in a woman's body when an egg has been fertilized and has started to develop. The urine tests that you see in drugstores can usually notice the hormone changes about one week after the egg was fertilized. Another way to think of that is approximately 3 weeks after the woman's last period started. Please notice all the "abouts" and "approximatelys" in this paragraph, JP! Women's bodies are all unique and variable. Some drugstore tests can be affected by outside factors, like the woman's use of certain drugs or medicines. Some women may be slower to build up hormone changes than the average. Also, people who are nervous or unused to reading lab tests, may read the result incorrectly. Having a test done by a professional is usually more reassuring. When it is crucial to be 100% sible, a serum pregnancy test can be done. The sensitivity is about the same, 7 days after the egg was fertilized, but the test result is always reliable. Serum tests involve visiting a doctor or clinic, and having a blood sample drawn and analyzed. The doctor gets the test result within a few hours. Obviously, the costs and hassles levels of getting a serum pregnancy test are much higher. They are most often used when a woman has health concerns or is in physical distress. Many women start to have symptoms of pregnancy about the time that they are late for their period. Nausea, tiredness, sore breasts or having to go to the bathroom often are typical signs. We encourage all women to go to a physician or Planned Parenthood Center as soon as they suspect pregnancy. It is to a woman's advantage to know what's happening as early as possible but remember, JP, the best time to think and wonder and worry about pregnancy is BEFORE it happens! Stay healthy! Maggie certain about pregnancy as early as pos- An Invitation From Student Support Services -by Karen Poole It's that time of the semester, when your likely to feel a sense of "burnout". You know there's only a few more weeks of classes, but you're not sure you can hang on or even if you want to. Low motivation is not uncommon right now. You may even feel panic setting in, knowing that exams are around the corner and you're not quite as prepared as you'd hoped to be. DON’T DESPAIR!!! Fall Group Sessions Building Positive Relationships Wednesdays 2-3pm Counselor....Chris Hosley Dealing With Depression Support Group Counselor....Chris Hosley I have a problem with Alcohol & Drugs Do I have a problem with Alcohol. Drugs Counselor....Ron Hofsess AIDS: Myths & Misconceptions The Student Support Services Project has a group of caring and helpful counselors who are available to help you through this Final leg. Once you've talked with one of them, what may seem insurmountable now, will appear conquerable then! Call 962-9459 or stop by their offices located in the lower level of the Commons. Dysfunctional Family Mondays 12-1pm Counselor....Ned Strauser Study Skills Seminars Mondays 2-3pm Counselor....Bob Conrad Parenting Skills Tuesdays 2-3pm Counselor....Ned Strauser —by Madeline Uhl Aids is a frightening disease. But the fear fo AIDS is unjustified if it is founded on myth and misconception. The spectacle of police wearing rubber gloves when arresting AIDS marchers, of television technicians refusing to work in the same studio with persons with AIDS, or of parents taking their children out of school because a classmate has AIDS, only serves to increase the fear of AIDS. Everyone needs to know the facts about AIDS so the myths can be dispelled and the fears removed. AIDS FACTS WHAT IS AIDS? AIDS is a disease caused by the Hum a n Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV. HIV cripples the immune system, leaving the person defenseless against a numerous infections and certain cancers. Death occurs within months or years of the initial diagnosis. In addition to the skin tumor, Kaposi's sarcoma, and the lung infection, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, other previously rare infections are counted among the diseases that constitute AIDS. WHAT CAUSES AIDS? AIDS is caused when a virus - Human immunodeficiency Vims, or HIV - en- ______________________ ters the bloodstream and destroys key cells of the immune system. The person with AIDS is left defenseless against infections and cancers that the healthy person can resist. HOW IS AIDS TRANSMITTED? HIV is transmitted most readily by intimate sexual contact - vaginal or anal intercourse, without a condom. The vims can also be passed by sharing contaminated needles. AIDS MYTHS 1) AIDS CAN BE TRANSMITTED BY CASUAL CONTACT -FALSE! No case of AIDS has ever been caused by touching, hugging, or living with a person with AIDS. HIV is not transmitted through food or air. 2) YOU CAN GET AIDS BY DONATING BLOOD-FALSE! Blood banks use sterile needles that are never used twice. You are giving not taking. C.C.C. Nurses: Madeline Uhl Lynne Noll (607) 962-9257 3) AIDS CAN BE TRANSMITTED BY INSECT BITES - FALSE! Although some studies have shown that mosquitoes and other biting insects may harbor HIV in their stomachs after being fed blood that contains the virus, there is no evidence of any kind that the "infected insect can then transmit the vims to a human being. 4) CHILDREN SHOULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL IF A CLASSMATE HAS AIDS - FALSE! HIV is not casually transmitted. There has never been a case where HIV was transmitted by a bite or a scuffle. 5) ONLY GAYS AND IV-DRUG USERS ARE AT RISK FOR AIDS - FALSE! Anyone exposed to HIV in away that may permit the vims to enter the bloodstream is at risk for AIDS. This includes vaginal intercourse without a condom. 6) PEOPLE WITH ANTIBODY TO THE AIDS VIRUS ARE IMMUNE TO AIDS -FALSE! Exposure to HIV causes antibodies to be produced, but unlike most other diseases, they fail to protect against further infection and damage. 7) RECIPIENTS OF BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS ARE AT GREAT RISK FOR AIDS - FALSE! Screening procedures now identify and eliminate HIV-infected blood. Cases of AIDS caused by transfusions given prior to 1984 (when screening was first begun) may continue to develop, however. If you or your sexual partner received blood between 1978 and 1984, you may want to take the AIDS antibody test to be sure that neither of you is infected. YOU COULD BE AT RISK FOR AIDS IF YOU EVER: had unprotected sex used or shared IV-drugs misused substances such as marijuana or alcohol that resulted in a memory lapse or impaired judgement. A sexual relationship is a personal and private decision. Your health is our concern. Free condoms are available in the nurse's office. 4 » The Crier • December 7, 1995 Shelter -by Brian Morgan "Welcome to my bar, come on in and have a warm meal and a drink on the house..." On a blistering night in Neston, even Hell would be a sanctuary for wanderers. All normal perils of walking through a dark, downtown alley in the middle of the night are gone. The only danger that remains is the deadly cold. Even the homeless man with the most pride, the truest warrior who would choose death over the dishonorable act of begging any day, finds himself in the warmth of a "bum" shelter. No one is out in Neston, they are all too aware of what the next five days shall bring, the wretched suffering of any poor bastard stuck out in the frigid streets. All are inside now, preparing for the end that shall come with the first snow. The warm community will soon be as still as its ancestors, as the blizzard warning flashes on the dying television screens. Bill and Helen were those damned travellers who didn’t know any better. When their little car broke down on Highway 56, just outside of town, the snow began to fall. Knowing that, even as bundled up as they were, they could never survive in the car, and they surely couldn't get far. They stopped out into the cold night and began their search for shelter. At the old tavern the lights came to life. It almost seemed like an eternity since the old fireplace had harnessed the pure power of fire, and the radio was just loud enough to be comforting yet soft enough where it wouldn't be recognized. Oh, and how the guests did rest. Not even the slightest whisper. They were just so happy to spend Christmas with their loved ones, and now they were giving back to the tavern for making the miracle happen. Very good people indeed. "Now rush out there, Nathaniel and fetch some meat for dinner before it's too late. Yes, son, well have guests again. We'll have to bring them back together again. Now rush along, Nathaniel," the old man said as he added the finishing touches to the living room. Nathaniel rushed along like his father said, he always loved having new visitors. And he would like the new ones, too. Nathaniel was a great kid, and a great help to his dad. And his dad; how lucky can a guy be to have the greatest dad in the world? The old man hasn’t had visitors in...gosh , it seems like an eternity. The blizzard always brought them in. If only there could be a blizzard every day. But there can't be a blizzard every day, and that is why they have to treat their customers so good. Bill and Helen stopped at the first door they came to.. It was an old, Gothic style door, that made the place seem like a fortress, filling the marooned travellers with a sense of security, a warmth that shot through them. They knew that they were quite fortunate to come upon such nice place so close to where they broke down. It was a great bonus, but after all, anything would be warmer than their cheap little import. As Bill reached for the door knocker, the door opened flooding a radiant warmth and light out into the frigid night. An elderly, jovial man held the door with a smile that warmed the weary travellers. "Welcome to my bar, come inside and have a warm meal and a drink. Hurry along now, it's mighty cold out there. You don't to freeze on these streets," the old man said with a British accent as he held the door for them. Such a kind man, and quite handsome, he presented a look of strength, and yet his soft tone made him seem gentle. Helen instantly took trust in his hypnotic aura, and Bill himself was quite impressed. Working for the Nursing Home in Esther Heights, where he met his wife Helen, Bill found the prejudice of the old person as a limp, helpless, and incapable bundle of joy. Helen found them as needy, dependent people, and here this man was, older than most of their residents, and in such good form. The years had been good to him. "Go on in and warm yourselves by the fire while I go and get you something to drink. It's been such a long time since we've seen a fresh face in our tavern." The gentle old man spoke with natural enthusiasm, as he led his visitors into the living room where they were met instantly by a great warmth. The living room was a warm room, a feeling of life filled the air. The walls were lined with bookshelves holding volume aftervolume. There was soft plush furniture as the chose to sit on the sofa facing the fire. They couldn't see much else in the room, it was lit only by the stone fireplace, but from what they did see, they were delighted to be marooned there. The darkness served as an elixir for relaxation as the chill jumped out of them and comfort rushed in. A few minutes later, the proprietor returned with their drinks, which he set on the coffee table in front of them. It was as if he had perfect timing, arriving just the time when they were settled in and ready to converse with their elegant host. "It's a terrible time to be travelling though Neston. Where are you folks heading to?" their host asked. "We were on our way up to Compton's Mills to spend the holidays with my family," Bill answered. "Yeah, working at the Nursing Home down in Ester Heights, we don't get many holidays off. We were sure we could beat the blizzard," Helen continued. "You can never beat the blizzard, not this one at least. So what do you do at the Nursing Home?” The gentle old man asked, not being bothersome or snoopy, rather friendly and talkative. I'm a systems analyst and electronics technician, I get to do all the fun things like test the pace makers before they're in, run the computer network, all that fun stuff," Bill answered. I'm only a lab technician, not nearly as interesting as Bill's job, but there's a lot less headaches," Helen replied. "Oh goodness, look at the time! I have to start working on dinner, or we'll all starve to death," the old man said, not avoiding more talk, merely remembering he had guests to prepare dinner for. Outside, the wind was whipping, and the snow was coming down harder. The temperature was at zero and dropping. A small engine started up as a little car pulled away from the curb, under a buzzing street lamp. "I'll bet that they got caught up in the blizzard, I hope that the kids didn't start out yet," Gramama said. "That's enough Gramama, why don't you go watch Wheel of Fortune' in the living room," Gram said. She greatly loved her mother, but she was worried about the kids, and the old woman's constant speaking of the subject didn't help much. Gramama went into the living room where Junior was playing on the floor with his matchbox cars on the floor. She sat in the rocker and turned on Wheel of Fortune'. She was upset at the way her daughter shoved her away, but she was getting used to it. They'll pay, someday Gramama won't be here to kick around anymore, and then they’ll be sorry. Junior overheard Gramama talking in the kitchen, and he already knew that no one could make it through the blizzard, but he still hoped that his big bro' would show up. Yeah he will show up, just like always. He always surprised them, regardless of how bad the roads were. He was great at stuff like that. Yeah he would show up. A smile crossed Junior’s face as he regained his confidence in his brother's homecoming. Junior loved having his big bro’ there. He wouldn't let anyone yell at junior. Junior always had fun with his bro', and when he would come in tonight he might even let Junior play with his ninja weapons. Two hours away form Neston in Compton's Mills, the snow was coming down harder and harder. The mailbox was completely buried in the white flaky powder. Only the silver luggage rack on top of Gramp's station wagon could be seen. The temperature was a blistering ten below. No living creature could survive this cold, yet something was out there was watching, was coming, driven by a powerful force so strong that not even the deadly cold could stop it. Back in Neston, Bill and Helen were drinking the last of the spirits that their kind host had given them. As their eyes finally grew accustomed to the lighting they looked around the room some more. As they glanced around they seen some papers on the table. As they peered over the top paper they noticed that it was twenty years old, but it wasn't yellowed a bit, not even around the edges where most papers yellow in a few mere days. They were all just as fresh as if they were tomorrow's papers. As their elegant host returned with some pillows and blankets they asked him about the papers. "You see a terrible thing happened in this town, a good friend and close companion was arrested for the murder of his son exactly twenty years ago today, and that was a day just like today. Every five years since, I've recited this story. You see my friend never meant to kill his son, he didn't know that his son would die, but the District Attorney made it look as if he intentionally planned it so his son would die. His son died from freezing to death in the blizzard getting some meat for his father, and never made it back inside again. The doctors at the hospital said that he died from a prolonged state of hypothermia. The District Attorney alleged that my friend intentionally locked his only son out. My friend won the case, but his wife was so confused, and so distraught, and so upset, that she took off out of the house screaming "you murdered my baby." Well when the town seen this they figured that they had made a grave mistake. They gathered up in front of his place and broke out all the windows, they rushed in and beat him to the ground, and then they kicked him, and they stomped him, they duly beat him to death for his crimes... that he did not commit. A week later the town was panicking because no one seen hide nor tail of his wife, but the next Saturday night, on New Year's eve, her beaten and mutilated body was found. You see Charlie was a great guy. Some folks figure that when the town figured that they had made a mistake that they had hunted her down to make amends with their good friend. Other people say that Charlie did it, because she died on the 27th, and no living person could have been out in the cold to do that to her. Anyway's the place has been boarded up ever since, and every five years when the blizzard roles into town I pull out these old papers in honor of Charlie, the rest of the time I keep them sealed up in my safe." "The winters must be awful here" Helen said. "Not really, just every five years”The kind old man replied. "Every five years?" Bill echoed. "Yes let me explain. Every five years a blizzard like the one that hit today hits Neston, and every five years the town is dead from the twenty third to the twenty-eighth, and on the twenty-eighth everything returns to normal." The kind old man answered. "I was wondering if I could use your phone, I should really call my folks and tell them that we're broke down and not going to be there?" Bill asked. 'I'm sorry the phones aren't operating. The lines are down. They won't be backup until the went-eighth." The gentle old man answered. "Could I get you something more to drink, dinner should be finished shortly, I'm just waiting on the meat?” he asked hoping to make up for the phones being down. "That would be great" Bill answered. "I'll bet that the chorus don’t sing 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" here,Helen said jovially as the proprietor left to get them refills, and they embraced laughing. Outside the wind was picking up, moving mountains of snow with each new gust. The white stuff was coming down harder and the roads were buried. The temperature kept dropping as the phone lines were buzzing with last minute calls. The house in Compton's Mills was warm and lively. The smell of turkey roasting was carried through the house, spreading joy where the desolate void left by die kids absence once occupied. Junior and Gramama were doing a word-search puzzle in the living room and watching the Christmas specials. Sissy was upstairs talking to her boyfriend on the phone. Gramps and Tom were in the den watching football games on TV> All the while Gram and Ma were in the kitchen where they were preparing the holiday feast the whole family waited all year for. Outside the eyes were watching, coming closer. They were weary eyes now depending completely on the force driving them to their mark. The engine of the small import turned off. "Now Christmas will be perfect," Gram said, knowing that the kids were finally home safe. "Tom and Gramps, get out there and help the kids with their bags before they catch pneumonia", she called from the den. There was a wave of people into the kitchen, led by Junior screaming "It's Bill, it's Bill!" The first one in the door was so bundled up that no one could see his face, or the knife. Bill and Helen went out to the kitchen looking for their host. On the floor by the open cellar door wens two pair of boots clumped with snow and a puddle of water dripping off from the jackets hanging above. Figuring that he was busy in the basement getting wood for the fireplace, they returned to the living room. The proprietor was in the basement cutting meat for dinner. How impressed would they be to see this elderly man actually doing his own meat cutting. Nathaniel stood at the other end of the table, grinding the meat that his father was cutting, and putting it in the meat loaf pan so his father could cook it up and they could eat. "You've done good, Nathaniel, real good. Did you get cold out there?" the father asked. "Yes dad, but I got my work done. I won't ever let you down again," the son answered. "I know you won't," the old man replied. In the living room Bill and Helen were looking at the headline on the paper. It read: 'Lamplighter Shut Down by Angry Townsmen. Owner Won't Kill Anymore Kids,Wife Still Missing'. "Dinner's ready," the proprietor said as he brought the hungry couple the meat loaf he just worked so hard cooking. They ate it quickly as the proprietor stoked up the fire. Had they been looking up, they would have seen a beautiful wood-carved sign that read, 'Kaden's Lamplighter1. After he finished with the fire he returned to the young couple. 'I'm sorry I didn't have any turkey. How is the meat loaf?" he asked. "It’s great. What kind of meat is this?" Billy asked. "It's great to spend the holiday's with the family," the proprietor replied. They were so busy eating that they didn't even think about the senility in that comment After dinner the proprietor showed them around, starting in the basement. After they went to rest the proprietor began to fix dinner for himself and Nathaniel. As the old man said, the town was back to normal on the twenty-eighth. The roads were plowed and the phones were working. Travellers driving by could see the old boarded up building with the Gothic doors. The building that used to be home to such a warm and lively tavern, with the friendliest proprietor. The building that was once called Kaden's Lamplighter. If you ever find yourself driving through Neston, and if you're in the market for a car, you might want to check out a nice small import at Kaden's Auto Sales. I hear it once made it through the blizzard of 19%. Business Club News Meetings: Wed.-3:00, LC 108 Everyone Welcome!! Upcoming Events Honeywood Creations Dec. 14,15 Commons Lobby 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., both days Featuring: tyedye items imported sweaters from Nepal, Tibet hats, gloves, purses, rugs, wall hangings, jewelry, and more. December 7. 1995 * The Crier • 5 The Local 'cene will be back next semester. If you have any ideas or comments, send them Crier to The or stop down and see us in the Commons. SUNY Alumni in Business & Industry Features CCC Grads —News Release Jill Frick, William Hanley, and Sandie Wilson are featured in the SUNY in-house publication SUNY Alumni in Business & Industry. SUNY Alumni was produced by the Office of University Relations at the Albany campus. William T. Hanley - '70, is President and CEO of Galileo Electro-optics Corp. in Sturbridge, MA. He developed the strategy and led the conversion of Galileo's business base from 85% military to 96% commercial. He is a recognized leader in defense to commercial conversion and plays a major role in state and federal activities related to this issue. He has appeared o CNN, Business Day, McNeil/Lehrer Business Hour, and other national television and media programs, hanley says his SUNY experience provided him with a "great educational foundation." Sandie Wilson - ’77, is Associate Vice-President of Goff Communications, a small advertising agency in Coming, that has been in business for over ten years. She attributes much of what she has been able to achieve to her Coming Community College experience. "The availability and low cost of a community college in the SUNY system enabled me to get an excellent start toward a higher degree, and that was an important edge for me." Jill Frick - ’87, is the Manager of Membership Services for the. International Downtown Association in Washington, D.C. The association is an advocate for urban and community centers. She works with public, business, and non-profit interests, forging diverse civic partnerships, all for the benefit of the various Washington communities. She said ger experiences at Coming contributed to her ability to do her job successfully. "The diverse student body at the time I attended included people of all ages. My interaction, particularly with 'adult students,' gave me an introduction to their needs for balancing education, employment, and family. I believe successful business leaders and managers recognize the importance of balance and create flexible, positive work environments." P R I N C I P L E S of SOUND RETIREMENT INVESTING RECENTLY, MORNINGSTAR CALLED US CHEAP. ITS NOT EVERY DAY YOU GET A COMPLIMENT LIKE THAT. All financial companies charge operating fees and expenses — some more than others. Of course, the lower the expenses you pay, the better. That way more of your money goes where it should — towards building a comfortable future. We make low expenses a High priority. Because of our size and our exclusive focus on serving the needs of educational and research communities, TIAA-CREF's costs are among the lowest in the insurance and mutual funds industries.1 In fact, Momingstar, Inc. — one of the nation’s leading sources of variable annuity and mutual fund information — says, "Size isn't a constraint; it...enables CREF to realize a remarkable economy of scale."1 According to Momingstar's data, CREF's "minuscule" 0.31% average fund expense charge was less than half that charged by comparable funds.1 TIAA's traditional annuity also charges no fees Ensuring the future for those who shape it."’ I. Stmxiori d Amra Immroma Raiay Amofymt, 1995; Lippcr Analytical Smm Inc.. Ufftr-Dmctor't Axtlyhcxl Dolt. 1995 (Quarterly). 2. Source; Morningttar. VtrUUt AnuulvJUft 4/12/95. 3. Of tba 2.358 viniUt annuity fund, track'd by Morningttar. the average fund baa annual expenie, of 0.78% plua an insurance eepenee of 1.24%. Source: Momingaaar. Inc . for penoda ending July 31. 1995. 4.SMW