When will Carluccio's Pizza open again?

Carluccio's in its current state

Carluccio's out of order sign

Carluccio’s Strange Hiatus
By Thomas Taylor

Towards the beginning of this school year, many Atlantic City campus goers enjoyed dining at Carluccio’s pizza. Suddenly, Carluccio’s closed down just three weeks into the school year leaving many students with questions centering around its abrupt closing. But, to some the closing wasn’t so shocking. Student and former Carluccio’s employee Kyle Buckberg said, “It doesn’t surprise me at all. I used to work there.” Carluccio’s only to students’ questions responded with a sign that spawned more questions than before.

It stated that Carluccio’s closed due to operational equipment being out of order, but did not give an projected date of reopening or exactly what equipment was out of order. But, Carluccio’s might be back sooner than most people would think.

Carluccio’s was closed because of a problem with ventilation for their pizza oven, according to XXXX. Pizza oven ventilation problems could have potentially put both customers and employees at risk of smoke inhalation.

Authory DXXXX Allen writes in Restaurant Ventilation: Best Practices “Having proper ventilation for your restaurant is imperative for employee and customer health as well as food sanitation. Improper ventilation can result in safety violations, higher utility bills, decreased employee productivity, and even flaring tempers from customers as well as employees. It can also result in loss of traffic due to unpleasant odors or uncomfortable conditions.”

Luckily Carluccio’s is close to fixing the ventilation problem so that Stockton students can all breathe easy and enjoy pizza. Carlo, the founder of Carluccio’s, has just recently contacted the manager of Stockton Dining in Atlantic City and said that Carluccio’s is projected to reopen around October, twenty second. A faculty member who chose not to give her name has said about the matter, “Now that you’ve had the best, and unfortunately because of circumstances beyond our control, you can now try the rest, but we promise that you’ll be back.”

Conflict Between Congressional Candidates

Stockton University’s Hughes Center hosted the Second District Congressional Debate between Democrat Jeff Van Drew and Republican Seth Grossman on campus.

Conflict Between Congressional Candidates
By: Sierra Estremera

The 2018 New Jersey Congressional Debate which would decide the next House of Representatives member for the 2nd District, was held on Stockton’s main campus last Wednesday. Stockton students and faculty filled the room alongside community members and members of the press., The debate between candidates Republican Seth Grossman and Democrat Jeff Van Drew was televised on local channels. The debate at times became animated between the two contestants, and the crowd at times cheered, clapped, laughed and booed.

When asked for their opening statements, there seemed to be a vast difference in the way that the candidates chose to appeal to their audience.

“This is about America. What kind of America do we want to see in the future? I believe that I have the ability to bring us together. To work hard to make sure that Republicans and Democrats together can chart a better future for South Jersey, and New Jersey and the United States of America,” said Van Drew.

“I support President Trump. That’s why I’m running. I want to give him a strong majority of Republicans in Congress. I want to expose and defeat the ignorance, intolerance and hatred of those Democrats who are using nothing but fake news and fake charges to destroy President Trump, Brett Kavanaugh and anyone else who gets in their way,” countered Grossman.
The questions that were asked during the debate came from Stockton faculty, students, and the public. The second question was directed initially to Grossman, asking where he stood on President Trump’s efforts to control immigration.

He responded, “If immigrants continue to come here, the United States will be as poor, and as violent as the countries that they are running away from.” He then went on to add, “People who are hard cases, such as the people who have not learned English, should have to leave.” This was met with a mixed response from the audience, some laughing, some clapping.
One of the later questions that was asked to Grossman was about the healthcare system and about iff Obamacare should be eliminated. As the candidates went back and forth, voicing their opinions and ideas on the situation, the topic returned to immigration.

“When you go to the emergency room, it is the most expensive form of medical care that there is, and it is only a band aid affect and people get sicker because they have no continuity of care,” statedVan Drew.

In response to Van Drew’s statement, Grossman retaliated with,“Well, Senator Jeff Van Drew just gave me an idea how to find all the illegal aliens without taking a step. Just send them down to the emergency room of any hospital and we will find a whole bunch and maybe we can solve our problems. And if we didn’t have to subsidize the illegal immigrants, healthcare and insurance would be a whole lot cheaper.”

When asked for their closing statements, the candidates had a marked difference in the impressions that they were leaving on their audience. Van Drew said his closing statement first, stating,
“I believe that right here, right now, we need a change. And as your Congressman, I will be able to make that change.” He then went on to add, “I love the opportunity that this country gave me. I want to be your Congressman. One that you are proud of, no matter who you are.”

Grossman on the other hand, focused on Stockton University students:

“I’m disappointed that no students asked about open borders, and that the students are not concerned over this.” Grossman went on to say, “I’m hoping that maybe, Stockton University, with some new leadership will have diversity—”

And then with murmurs echoing from the crowd, Grossman was cut off, as the moderator stated the candidates were out of time.

After the debate, when interviewed, this is what the candidates each took a different approach on the debate.

Van Drew stated “There has never been a clearer difference between two candidates.”

Grossman “I would love to come to Stockton again. I have been trying to get to speak at Stockton for years, and this is the first time that they have let me come. Maybe they will let me come again someday.”

Candidate Seth Grossman being interviewed by reporters after the debate.

Candidate Jeff Van Drew taking photos with supporters after the debate

Will Stockton ever have a football team?

Stockton Universities “Big Blue” Fitness Center. Photo by Shawn Cella



Stockton University’s Stance on a New Football Program
By Shawn Cella

Stockton Football, undefeated since 1969. That is the running joke around campus. This either means that their football team is so good that no one could beat them, or more likely, that they never had a football team to begin with. The question that everyone on campus is wondering is why doesn’t Stockton University have a football team, and will they ever get one.

Stockton has many sports on their campus such as field hockey, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. These programs are all under Division III, and if Stockton ever did have a football team, it would also be in that division. This is the first reason that turns Stockton away from adopting a football program. According to Kevin McHugh, the Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation, Division III programs do not get any TV packages, nor do they get sponsorships, and with Stockton already sponsoring 18 sports. There is no room in the budget to include another program, especially one as expensive as football. Other expenses that the university would have to cover would include coaches, equipment, and logistical costs. Selling tickets to the five home games that Stockton would have a year would not even make a dent in the expenses that come with having a football program.

Another reason Stockton does not have a football team is because it would create a gender equality problem. According to McHugh, “if we added roughly 80 more male participation opportunities, we would be required to add 80 more female participation opportunities which would be equivalent to adding three or four more women's sports.” So not only would you be adding a football team, but you would have to come up with more money to support new women’s programs. This would cost Stockton even more money that is not in the budget.

The bottom line is that Stockton University will not start a football program anytime soon. It does not make financial sense at all. While the numbers of incoming freshman and transfer students increase year after year, Stockton is focused on getting on the map in other ways than sports. There is so much going on that should make you proud and excited to be part of the Osprey family. Expanding into Atlantic City is their biggest move as of now, and maybe when they are finished building up there, a brand-new football program could be the next big idea. However, for now, football is not on the agenda.

Did Kavanaugh Get Away with Rape?

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his recent hearings in Washington, DC.
By Shayonne Ray, Contributing Writer

We have all seen the mass news coverage regarding the sexual allegations of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee. If you recall these allegations emerged in early July weeks before President Donald Trump announced the nomination. There was a nation-wide stand off as political parties choose sides on the topic. Friday October 5th, Senator Susan Collins gave a speech on the Senate floor, expressing the details on the investigation, and how she came to her conclusion on supporting Kavanaugh; and voting him in office.

Three woman, the first being Dr. Christine Ford claimed Kavanaugh allegedly sexually assaulted her at a party in a Maryland suburb sometime in the 1980's. The incident took place when Ford was somewhere around the age of 15, and that would of put the judge around the age of 17 as her memory recalls. After notes from a therapy session Ford attended with her husband were sent to the Post, news spread of the allegation and took the country by storm.

The second woman was Deborah Ramirez, who in an interview with the New Yorker said: "Kavanaugh exposed himself to me my freshman year at Yale." Lastly Julie Swetnick said she witnessed Kavanaugh at parties watch as boys would verbally abuse woman, drug them and assault them. I conducted my own interview with a co-worker of mine, who works with me at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. Sarah Barber, work as a Registered Nurse in the emergency department, but was also once an officer in the Coast Guard. During the interview which took place in the Emergency Room just days after just taking care of a sexual assault victim Barber expressed her opinion on the confirmation of Kavanaugh.

I asked Barber her opinion on the vote which was 50/48 in favor of the judge and she stated, "Well, aside from being accused of sexual assault, I don't think he will rule in ways that agree with what I hope for the future of woman's health in this country. I think there's a high likelihood that he will make judgments that will limit my rights to make choices about healthcare that affect my body. They should of stopped the confirmation process and picked someone else." 

When asked if the government handled the investigation in a fair and honest manner she said:"I think the whole process highlighted how white men dominate our government and don't really care about what woman want. The investigation should not have been so limited either."

In the future, do you see Congress changing it's way of electing nominee's into office? " I asked her and she stated, "I do not. I feel whoever they want they will get. I am convinced that the Republican party would nominate someone who agrees with their politics beyond any reasonable doubt." Brett Kavanaugh's nomination caused a political debate around the world with many who supported the Judge, and also who opposed him. 

Many believed his accusers and many did not. Some say the Supreme Court Judge got away with rape, but what do you think?

Ospreys delighted by Abracadabra: A Night of Magic

Jason Michaels performing for the Stockton community during University Weekend

By Mariella Negro, Contributing Writer

Magician Jason Michaels awes the Stockton community with his show Abracadabra: A Night of Magic during University Weekend.

This weekend, Stockton University held its annual University Weekend; celebrating the lives of alumni, families and more. Many arrived at the Galloway campus to participate in the festivities held there.

Over 60 Stockton students along with family members attended the Magic Show hosted by the Stockton Entertainment Team (SET) at the Sports Center this past Friday. Between laughs and the curious creeks of people sitting on the edge of their seats, Jason Michaels bewildered all the attendees with his creative show.

The event was open to all Stockton students, faculty and family members. Michaels, also known as The Card Shark, wasn’t afraid to break the ice between him and the crowd. He invited multiple people of different ages on stage to assist him with some of his tricks.

“I started doing magic when I was about thirteen.” said Michaels. “I walked into a magic shop and the man at the counter told me about a magic show that evening and from there on I was hooked.”

Students were rolling in their seats as Michaels went on with his performance. “I really liked it.” said Dayane Santos, a student attendee. She and her boyfriend did not expect to enjoy the evening so much. “My favorite trick was where he made the table float, I can’t figure out how he did it.”

Jason Michaels, who has appeared on ABC, Fox, NBC and more, was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at the age of six. Throughout the years, he overcame his disease and became a successful performer, writer and motivational speaker. He has also performed for the Armed Forces and many other celebrities across the country.

What Will Be the Consequences of Legalized Marijuana for College Students?

By Keairra Lee, Contributing Writer

With New Jersey to soon legalize the use of marijuana, the student body of all New Jersey colleges and universities will be affected by the new law. Like alcohol, many students who are over the age of 21 are legally allowed to consume it, however alcohol has and will always be a top concern for students, no matter their age. 

While alcohol is a legal substance, having seminars to explain the impact alcohol can have on a students academic learning level as well as the importance of not drinking and driving, or not having much to drink, to make a student impaired of their abilities to be alert, are all things that are considered when talking about the impact alcohol can have on a student. 

Marijuana, however has similarities in regards to the impact it can have on a student. While New Jersey is in the process of legalizing marijuana, the state must acknowledge that they have many problems on their hands that may occur with the new law once it is enforced. For example, will it become a distraction? Will students begin to sell it on campus grounds? Will it make students feel less of the need to go to class if they can choose to smoke marijuana legally all day? Will it affect the academic learning of students, or will it make them even more focused on their subjects, being that marijuana has a well known fact that many people who use this drug are more aware of their surroundings? 

Another question is, will students respect the campus, faculty, and their classmates/peers who don’t wish to play a part in the legalization of smoking marijuana? All these questions, and more, come to mind when talking about eventually legalizing this drug. 

When asked if she thinks legalizing marijuana will be a distraction on students and their academics, Stockton University student Soukeyna Wade said “No, simply because students have been smoking regardless, so it depends on the student.” When asked if she thinks athletes should be drug tested or if they should be allowed to use marijuana, she said “They should be tested. Due to the fact that athletes can be using other drugs such as steroids.” 

When Wade was asked about legalizing marijuana in general, she replied “I strongly agree with the legalization of recreational marijuana, due to the fact that it can have beneficial factors, such as temporarily curing Parkinson's and Tourette's.” 

While many people like Wade believe that legalizing marijuana will have a positive impact, others believe that this law can have a negative impact on students because it is still a drug. Many students may share Wade’s opinion on marijuana being used to cure certain conditions; however, what about the many students who will find this drug more accessible?  These are less positive circumstances than using it as a medicine.  It is connected in studies to early use and addiction.

When we think about marijuana being only given to people who may need it for a medicine, we then have to think about people who use prescribed pills and other legal pain medications. Prescription opioids are given to patients by doctors and pharmacists, who trust that the patient is using it to help make them become better or to help relieve pain. The same patients who are provided this painkiller are then using it for themselves to either get a high, or selling it to others who weren’t prescribed it. 

Whatever the case may be, the state of New Jersey has its hands full when it comes to the consequences of this substance also known as marijuana.

More Information: https://www.app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/marijuana/2018/08/16/nj-marijuana-legalization-legal-weed-rutgers-rowan/925106002/
 

Tension in Townhall 2.0

    
Stockton University Student Senators hosting the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center fundraiser.


By Kayla Castelli, Contributing Writer
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018 students, faculty, and advisers attended the Townhall 2.0 meeting in Stockton University's event room to address all concerns regarding campus safety, sexual assault, and more.

Prior to the event, student senator and member of the academic affairs committee, Meghan Casper, hosted the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Center fundraiser. She handed out buttons to support victims of sexual assault. She believes the goal of this meeting is for “students who were not happy with the first town hall to get some input and feel like their voices are heard.”

One major concern that was discussed was the inconsistency of reporting sexual assault and informing the students about it. Stockton’s advisers stress the importance of “these things be[ing] reported to the appropriate authorities.” However, students argue that some people are uncomfortable self-reporting. One student speaker addressed the “dissatisfaction with students who are reporting but nothing is being done,” which discourages people to report the assault in the first place. In response to this, the advisers admit that they “rely on students reporting things.”

Another concern that goes hand-in-hand with this is the failure of easy access to information about reporting sexual assault. One student expressed how the information is out there but the way the students are getting it is not working. She suggests a “better way to put that information out there” is by putting all numbers and hotlines on students’ ID since there are currently many different numbers to contact on different websites.

Along with informing students on accessing the information to report the crime itself, some students believe they should be more informed about the unrecognized Greek organizations performing unlawful sexual acts in general- some of which have been unrecognized since 2010 and still committing crimes. One student mentions she knew little information about why Pi Kap is unaffiliated with the school until she started seeing articles herself. Joseph Thompson, Assistant Director of Student Development, agrees that there should be other ways to inform the student body of sexual assault cases at the university. Although he explains the school continues to update their website and send emails throughout the semester, he states, “I definitely share your opinion and I think we need to… find other ways as to how we can really inform the student body to stay away from those guys,” but fails to include what these methods will be.

Still, advisers mention that Stockton University is a very safe campus and one of the safest in the region. They explain that campus safety consists of authorized personnel, surveillance system, and alarm systems, but students are encouraged to say something if they see anything. One member of the student body argued that the students have done enough and it’s time for the administration to take over. Other students in the meeting clapped in agreement to that response.

The advisers also informed the people attending the meeting that there were three new police officers hired the previous day. However, when news came about of a particular employee at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus was a former member of an unrecognized fraternity, a student announced that it made her “question [her] safety as a student and your [Stockton’s hiring department] discretion” to hire people. Instead of describing their hiring process, the advisers suggested a private meeting when the event was over. Stockton’s police are in the process of “promoting a sense of trust” between authority and the students because “that is a goal [to be part of the community].”