Volume 102, Issue 5
October 26, 2020
THE
CHARGER BULLETIN
West Haven, Conn.
The student news source of the University of New Haven.
HALLOWEEN EDITION Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang, Photography Editor and Christopher Colquhoun, Graphics Editor
The Charger Bulletin
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October 26, 2020
BU L L E T I N B OA R D
Bulletin Briefs
The
Charger Bulletin
Page 3 University prepares for Halloween during COVID-19
Page 4
Halloween story contest winner
Page 6 Horror video games
Page 7 True crime: Amy Archer-Gilligan
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Editor-in-Chief Kayla Mutchler Since 1938, The Charger Bulletin has been the official student news Managing Editor Amanda M. Castro source of the University of New Haven. Student Life Editor Beth Beaudry Advertising Sports Editor Joe Klaus The Charger Bulletin ad rate sheets are available upon request or by callEntertainment Editor Tiara Starks ing 203.932.7182 or via email at chargerbulletinads@gmail.com. The Opinion Editor Kristen Marcus Charger Bulletin reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. AdverStaff Writers Kelly Adkins, Earl Alexander Givan, and tisements within The Charger Bulletin are inserted by outside sources identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the UniverCameron Hailey sity of New Haven. Advertising material printed herein is solely for informational purposes. For the most up-to-date information, visit Multimedia Editor Jada Clarke www.ChargerBulletin.com/advertise. Associate Editor for Photography Hunter Lang Associate Editor for Graphic Design Christopher Letters to the Editor The submission deadline for letters to the editor is 5 p.m. on Friday Colquhoun for publication in Monday’s issue. Letters to the Editor are also pubAdvertising Manager Hannah Providence lished online the same day as the release of print issues. Letters should Associate Editor for Videography Nick Meaney not exceed 300 words if they are to be considered for print publication. All submissions by outside writers to The Charger Bulletin, unless otherwise Community Engagement Editor Victoria Cagley approved by the Editor-in-Chief, will be treated as letters to the editor. Letters to the Editor are published under the discretion of the Editor in Chief, and not every submitted letter will be published. The Charger Bulletin also reserves the right to withhold Letters to the Editor that are excessively vulgar or nonsensical, or do not meet our editorial standards. Letters can be sent via email to ChargerBulletin@newhaven.edu and must contain the writer’s name and contact information for verification purposes. The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are of the authors themselves and not The Charger Bulletin.
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Page 11 Classic horror movies
Page 12 Should kids trick-ortreat?
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The Charger Bulletin staff strives for excellence and accuracy in writing and reporting. We recognize that mistakes may occur and encourage readers to notify the Bulletin if they feel a correction is necessary. Please email the Editor-in-Chief at chargerbulletin@newhaven.edu.
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1st Place - ASPA Annual Contest/Review for Scholastic Yearbooks, Magazines and Newspapers, 2018 Honorable Mention, Mobile App of the Year - Pinnacle Awards by College Media Association, 2017
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October 26, 2020
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H A L L OW E E N E D I T I O N
University prepares for Halloween amid COVID+ cases on campus BY AMANDA CASTRO MANAGING EDITOR
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ith Halloween approaching, the University of New Haven division of student affairs is taking action to keep cases from rising after the surge of COVID+ cases on campus. A statement from dean of students and chief student affairs officer Ophelie Rowe-Allen said, “We realize that Halloween is a popular time for students to gather and enjoy this festive holiday. Unfortunately, Outside of Maxcy Hall
the far-reaching impact of the coronavirus global pandemic has required all us to adapt and change the way we interact with each other.” The statement also said that students should be aware of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcements associated with Halloween activities and gatherings. Rowe-Allen encourages students to participate in activities where they can maintain physical distance and use face coverings. She also recommends participating in mostly outdoor activities. According to the CDC website, “Many traditional Hallow-
Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang
Outside of Maxcy Hall Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang
een activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses.” The CDC website describes lower, moderate, and higher-risk activities to participate in and the Department of Public Health (DPH) of Connecticut recommends focusing on lower and moderate risk activities in order to prevent the spread of the virus. DPH recommends hosting virtual Halloween events, Halloween movie nights and candy scavenger hunts with members of a household. “If students go out to interact with others,” said the statement, “we ask that they limit their interactions to those in their family units. Numerous offices across campus will be offering activities to ensure that students are able to safely enjoy Halloween.” Students across campus have made plans for a COVID-free Halloween, like junior health sciences major Kyle Pinto.
“I plan on staying indoors this Halloween and enjoying a virtual movie night with my fraternity brothers,” said Pinto. He said that his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, is encouraging younger members who live off-campus to be responsible during the holiday. Like Pinto, junior psychology major Emma Dombrowski plans to stay indoors for a Halloween movie night. For many, Halloween this year is not what people pictured, and unfortunately, Dombrowski said that it may be difficult for some students to behave. “With Halloween being on a Saturday this year, it is hard to resist the urge to go out and have fun,” said Dombrowski, “Many students still do not believe that going out and breaking guidelines will impact them. While I do hope that students will follow the guidelines, I will not be surprised if there is another spike on campus
following Halloween.” However, other students, such as Pinto, remain hopeful that students will comply with the COVID guidelines. “Following the recent uptick of on-campus cases of COVID-19, I believe more students will be inclined to follow guidelines to reduce the spread,” he said. Rowe-Allen reminds students that they should act in accordance with the student directives and the Charger Care Pledge that “specify behaviors and principles they should adhere to when on and off-campus.” She also encourages students to report any suspected violations of COVID policies on the LifeSafe app, Report It or the university’s police department. In her statement, Rowe-Allen said: “If all of our students follow the guidelines in place, everyone can have an enjoyable Halloween and help ensure the health of their classmates.”
October 26, 2020
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H A L L OW E E N E D I T I O N
Halloween story contest winner: "A Brush with Death" BY BRENNA LEVESQUE CONTEST WINNER
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wake with a start, regretting it as pain shoots through my head. I’m in a dark room and as my eyes slowly adjust to the lack of lighting, I see there’s something laying on the ground nearby. My heart drops. After working up the courage I slowly crawl over to whatever’s on the floor. When I’m almost there, I feel something wet on
my hands. I look down and see my hands are now a deep red color. It takes everything in my power to not scream. I push the thought of the blood I am now covered in out of my head and continue. As I get there, I immediately recognize the face. At the sight of my dead boyfriend I let out what can only be described as a mix between a cry and a mangled scream. I lay his head in my lap cry. After what felt like an eternity, I gently lay his head back down and pace the room looking for a way out. Looking around, I find an air vent big enough for me to fit
through. I find and stack some old crates so I can just reach the vent. After using all the energy I can muster, I squeeze myself into the vent and begin crawling in the ducts. After a while I find another vent that I can move, and I jump down onto a concrete floor with dimly lit hanging lights that follow the length of a hallway. I slowly walk down the hallway, trying any doors that I pass. Finally, after what feels like hours, I come upon a door that is unlocked. As soon as I open a door, I let out a scream. There’s a large man standing there as if waiting
for me. He has on a skull mask, covered in what I can only assume to be my boyfriend’s blood. He’s wearing a long black shirt, cargo pants, and black boots. He’s clutching a machete in his big meaty right hand. As he takes a large step towards me, I quickly recover from my initial shock. I turn and run out of the room. As I take turns down this never-ending hallway, he continues to follow me. No matter how fast I go or how many turns I take I cannot lose him. As I start to lose energy, I stop paying attention to where I am going. I trip over
Happy Halloween!
what I believe to be a string of wire placed there for that exact purpose. He is leaning over me before I even hit the ground. My knees and hands scrape against the rough concrete floor. I slowly start crawling away, but he kicks me before I can get far. I turn over to face him as he slowly raises the machete. I close my eyes, not wanting to see the inevitable ending, and I scream. “CUT!! That was a good take, now let’s try it again from the top,” the director yells. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
October 26, 2020
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Four movies to watch this Halloween BY ANDREA ALVERCA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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s Halloween approaches, we’re used to seeing most people go to parties, dress up in costumes or go trick-ortreating. However, because of the pandemic, experts have advised people to stay indoors. While this may limit Halloween night fun, there are other entertaining things to do this season. Here are four movies to watch on Oct. 31 to help keep the Halloween spirit alive in your home: “Hocus Pocus,” a cult classic, was released in 1993 and directed by Kenny Ortega, a renowned filmmaker, touring manager and choreographer. The cast includes Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as everyone’s favorite witches: Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson, respectively, or the Sanderson sisters. “Hocus Pocus” tells the story of Max Dennison, a teenage boy who has just moved to Salem, Mass. with his younger sister Dani. On Halloween night, Max, Dani and their new friend Allison explore the abandoned house of the Sanderson sisters, who are famous in Salem. Being a skeptic of their town’s “legend,” Max accidentally frees the coven of the evil witches, who plan on taking the souls of children to keep their immortality and stay young. With the help of a talking cat, these three kids have to steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal and saving Halloween. Nothing can go wrong with our beloved friendly ghost, Casper. “Casper” was introduced in 1995 by director Brad
Silberling, and tells the tale of a ghost of a young boy who peacefully haunts Whipstaff Manor in Maine. When “ghost therapist” James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and the other ghosts that haunt the manor, he brings his teenage daughter Kat along for the ride. Casper develops a crush on Kat, and their budding friendship begins and quickly becomes complicated: not only does he not have a reflection in a mirror, but his mischievous uncles and a woman named Carrigan intends to tear down Whipstaff Manor to find a hidden treasure that is buried somewhere inside the house. With a cast like Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Christopher Lee and Richard E. Barton, how can you not want to watch “The Corpse Bride”? Director Tim Burton unravels the story of Victor and Victoria, whose families have arranged for them to marry since Victoria’s family has gone broke. Even though they like each other, Victor is nervous about the ceremony. After ruining the ceremony, Victor runs into the forest to practice his lines for the wedding and puts a ring on a tree branch, which actually ends up being a finger attached to a hand -- a hand that drags him to the land of the dead. Consequently, Victor From “The Corpse Bride” Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
meets the owner of the hand, a corpse bride named Emily, who was murdered after eloping with her love and now wants to marry Victor, who realizes he has accidentally proposed to her. Now with the intent to escape, Victor must get back aboveground before Victoria marries the villainous Barkis Bittern, who seems to have something up his sleeve. If you’re in for a real scare, then “The Conjuring 2” might be the one for you. Directed by James Wan, it tells the true story of a young girl’s possession in North London. In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, venture out to Enfield, a borough in North London, England after hearing about a family being terrorized by a wicked spirit. There, they meet a single mother of four who tells the couple of something evil in her home as she needs help getting rid of it. At first, the Warrens are skeptical of the woman’s youngest daughter, who seems to be playing an elaborate prank, but they’re immediately proven wrong when the girl starts to show signs of demonic possession. When they try to help the girl, they unknowingly become the next targets of the malicious spirit. These movies are available to stream, rent, or buy on most major streaming platforms.
Writer’s choice Halloween hits BY ELISA D’EGIDIO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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ith Halloween approaching, it is “horror this,” or “haunted that.” As a total scaredy-cat and anti-horror person myself, I appreciate the other things that come with Halloween: from the creative costumes to the outrageous lawn decorations scattered across my neighborhood. My favorite thing about this spooky time of year is the music! Here are my top 10 Halloween-themed songs. “I Put A Spell On You”- Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron and Jordin Sparks For the 25th anniversary of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus,” in 2018, the stars paid tribute to Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy’s 1993 iconic hit. “Monster Mash” - Bobby Pickett Like Dracula himself, this 1960’s hit is absolutely ageless. Whether you are trick-or-treating or partying with some spooky Halloween party punch, this catchy song is a must-have for all your Halloween festivities. “Thriller” - Michael Jackson This pop song is basically written as if you are reading a novel. With lyrics “You hear the door slam, And realize there’s nowhere left to run, You feel the cold hand,” one can close their eyes and be engulfed by this imagined “evil” beast that is out to get you. “This is Halloween” - Panic! At The Disco Our favorite “Pumpkin King,” Jack Skellington is introduced as the people of Halloween Town sing. Brandon Urie’s vocals are dark and whimsical in his rendition of The Citizens of Halloween’s track. “Somebody’s Watching Me” - Rockwell What is spookier than feeling paranoid that someone is watching you while you are home alone at night? The music video flashes evil omens, a bloody graveyard in the backyard and creepy peeping tom vibes. “Ghostbusters” - Ray Parker Jr. A classic song written for a classic movie! “Who you gonna call?” Me -- to thank me for this playlist. “There Will Be Blood” - Kim Petras This German pop star warns her prey to run for their life. Promising blood and murder, this is one of the most popular tracks on her Halloween-themed album, “Turn off the Light,” and is definitely a song you have never heard before. “Rest In Peace” - Jim Johnston For my wrestling fans, picture it: the lights go out, the arena completely dark and then the gong hits. This is the entrance music to The Undertaker. The dark instrumentals are bone-chilling and eerie, perfect for the Dead Man to rise in a foggy graveyard. “Calling All The Monsters” - China Anne McClain This upbeat, fun song is just as good as it was when it aired back on Disney Channel. With a club-style beat, this song is a bubblegum, kid-friendly take on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Singing along makes anyone want to dance with mummies, zombies and the wolfman himself. “Halloween” Theme - John Carpenter The best Halloween song -- it is in the name! This is one of the most iconic themes in the movie industry. The quick piano melody gives anyone chills, puts you in the holiday spirit and has you looking over your shoulder, so Michael Myers isn’t following far behind.
October 26, 2020
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Get into the Halloween spirit This year’s famous with these horror video games family Halloween BY KAYLA MUTCHLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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ith the upcoming release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, 2020 has brought some highly anticipated video games and consoles, and the horror genre hasn’t been left out. Whether a seasoned veteran or a newbie, there’s a video game for everybody. Here are some great horror video games to get you in the mood for Halloween: 1. Amnesia: Rebirth This game was released on Oct. 20, and is the newest installment to the “Amnesia” franchise, which was first released in 2010 with “Amnesia: The Dark Descent.” “Rebirth,” set in 1937, follows Anastasie “Tasi” Trianon, a French woman on an archaeological expedition to Algeria, who survives a plane crash, only to awaken with a fleeting memory, an amulet on her wrist, and a path of notes left by her husband, Sahim. The player follows the notes through the desert and
From “The Last of Us Part II” Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
underground ruins, completes puzzles, and tries to keep sane, all while fleeing terrifying monsters. “Rebirth” is available for PS4 and PC. 2. Phasmophobia Released on Oct. 12, this game has received astounding reviews, such as a 10/10 on Steam, and has even been called “the best ghost game ever made,” according to PC Gamer. It is a four-player game where players must team up to use tools to hunt ghosts, and features chase scenes, jump-scares, and a lot of darkness. The game relies on communication with teammates via radio, as you can only hear things around you – you can even talk to the ghosts. “Phasmophobia” is currently only available for PC. 3. Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) Enjoy this blast from the past with the 2020 remake of “Resident Evil 3.” The premise is the same as the original: you play as Jill Valentine, a member of the Special Tactics and Rescue Service team (S.T.A.R.S), as she treks through Raccoon City, which is overrun by zombies infected with a disease called the “T-virus.” There are updates that make it an even better experience, like experiencing
Valentine’s nightmares, better dialogue, an immersive storyline, puzzles, new characters and monsters, and more. “Resident Evil 3” is available for PS4, Xbox One and PC. 4. The Last of Us Part II This continuation to 2013’s “The Last of Us,” this survival-horror game will have you immersed in a nearly-obliterated world with fantastic acting and a heart-wrenching story. “Part II” is a revenge plot for what Joel, one of the main characters, did at the end of the first game, in which players will be emotionally challenged. “Part II” takes players through the wrecked city of Seattle, playing as Ellie, the other main character from the first game, and Abby, a new character. “Part II” is currently available on PS4. 5. The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope “Little Hope” is set to release on Oct. 30, just in time for Halloween. The game follows four college students and their professor who become stranded in the haunted New England town of Little Hope. The game is made for one or two players, where, as the trailer says, “The choices you make decide your fate.” The game will be available for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
costumes BY KAILEY FESHLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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his year has given the entire world many ups and downs. There is a strong debate happening right now regarding whether Halloween will happen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Although trick or treating may be put on hold for the time being, individuals across the world are still celebrating by dressing up in their most creative, fun costumes. US Magazine released a descriptive list of which celebrities will be dressing their children up for this Halloween season. Rapper Drake and his partner, Sophie Brussaux will be dressing their three-year-old son, Adonis Graham, as an astronaut. Adonis dressed up a little early in his astronaut costume on Oct. 11 to celebrate his third birthday. Sophie Brussaux posted on Instagram, “Three years ago, I was finally meeting you for the first time, after a long 24-hr labor. I’m so proud of the little man you’re becoming, I love you more than life. The world is YOURS! We did that @chamPhoto courtesy of Creative Commons
Khloé Kardashian and family Photo courtesy of Khloé Kardashian’s Instagram
pagnepapi.” According to Statistia, the top three most popular children Halloween costumes of 2019 were a princess, superhero and Spiderman. Kylie Jenner dressed up her two-year-old daughter, Stormi, as a princess, the most popular Halloween costume for children in 2019. Khloe Kardashian’s daughter, True, wore cat ears as part of her costume to celebrate the holiday. Kylie said that Stormi has another costume planned, which includes the two-yearold’s mother and father. In a video from Oct. 5 showing the mommy-daughter duo decorating cookies, Kylie said, “You’re going to be the purple Minion, and me and Daddy [Travis Scott] are going to be the yellow Minions.” Among other celebrity children’s Halloween costumes, Hillary Duff’s daughter, Banks, wore a hot dog costume to celebrate the holiday. Tori Roloff’s son, Jackson, wore a pirate costume. Which costume will be the most popular this year? Pirate? Astronaut? Princess for the second year in a row? Halloween is a week away; only time will tell!
October 26, 2020
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Nursed to death: The story of Amy Archer-Gilligan BY SELENA SOTO AND JENN TUCCI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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estled halfway between Hartford, Conn. and Springfield, Mass. is Windsor: a small, suburban town with an affinity for the outdoors. Upon first glance, the city shows cul-de-sacs and art museums, but beneath the landscape lies something sinister – the story of Amy Archer-Gilligan, a serial killer suspected of 48 murders and convicted of five. Amy’s story begins when she and her first husband, James Archer in Windsor in 1901. There, the Archers used their savings money to open “The Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids” located at 37 Prospect Street, Windsor, Ct. Amy was well known for being a compassionate caretaker to her patients, often bringing them tonics and meals throughout the day. Little did they know, she Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
was lacing these with arsenic. The community became suspicious of how many healthy patients were dying without a distinct cause and without warning. The coroner —who happened to be friends with the couple — determined the cause of death for each patient to be natural causes from old age. People accepted this cause until
her husband died suddenly just weeks after Amy bought life insurance for him. Amy got remarried to a man named Michael Gilligan in 1913, shortly after her first husband’s death, and took his last name. However, Michael died three months after their marriage, on Feb. 20, 1914, but not without leaving Amy his entire estate. His official cause of death was “severe indigestion.”
Graphic courtesy of Christopher Colquhoun
Family members of deceased patients noticed this trend in their own relatives — Amy’s patients would give her money before dying weeks later from “natural causes.” Franklin Andrews, a man in Amy’s care, collapsed while he was gardening outside and died that same night. He was in good health, however, so suspicious, his siblings read one of his letters.
In the letter, Andrews revealed that Gilligan took a $500 loan from him shortly before he died. Andrew’s siblings brought this to the attention of the local district attorney, but it wasn’t until The Hartford Courant started digging deeper that Gilligan’s murder streak was revealed. In the nine years that Gilligan had been running the elderly home, Atlas Obscura said, 60 people had died under her care shortly after giving loans to Gilligan. The police investigated these claims and found that Gilligan’s victims also included her second husband Michael Gilligan. It was discovered that Amy’s victims were killed by arsenic poisoning. In 1919, Amy Archer-Gilligan was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder, despite the overwhelming evidence of at least four more victims. She was moved to an asylum in 1924 after being declared temporarily insane and was sent to a mental hospital in Middletown, writes Atlas Obscura, where she died in 1962. Her story, though cold and murderous, gained national attention and was the inspiration for the play and film “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
October 26, 2020
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Five ghoulish sing-along musicals Spooky, scary, spots BY TIARA STARKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
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lthough Broadway has closed its theater’s doors because of the pandemic, with Halloween right around the corner, that’s no excuse not to check out this list of spooky-themed musicals whose soundtracks are sure to give you a scare! Below is a list of five of the most skin-crawling shows to ever grace the Broadway stage: The Rocky Horror Picture Show The story is centered around a young couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle, which is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes celebrating an annual convention. They discover Dr. Frank N. Furter, a mad scientist, who is actually an alien, who creates a living muscle man in his laboratory. The couple are eventually released by Dr. Furter’s servants who take control over the house. The show was produced and directed by Jim Sharman. The original London production of the musical premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1973. Its 1975 Broadway debut at the Belasco Theatre lasted only three previews and 45 showings, but was able to earn one Tony nomination and three Drama Desk nominations. Since then, the musical has become a cult classic and enjoyed by horror Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
fans across the globe. Beetlejuice This musical is based on the 1988 film of the same name. The production’s music and lyrics were created by Eddie Perfect and the book was written by Scott Brown and Anthony King. “Beetlejuice” is about a deceased couple who try to haunt the new residents of their former home by conjuring up a ghost named Betelgeuse (pronounced “Beetlejuice”), who forms an unlikely friendship with Lydia, one of the residents of the house. The musical had a tryout at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. in October of 2018, prior to opening on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on April 25, 2019. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, the show played its final performance in March 2020. The Addams Family This musical is based upon “The Addams Family” cartoon characters created by Charles Addams. The Addams have lived by their unique values for hundreds of years. Wednesday, the only daughter, has fallen in love with a young boy named Lucas Beineke. The show takes place over one night where family secrets are disclosed and the Addams must adapt to the changes that are happening within their family. After a tryout in Chicago in 2009, the musical opened on Broadway in April 2010. The production closed on Dec. 31, 2011. Despite its short run, “The Addams Family” won several
awards, such as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Set Design. The show was nominated for two Tony Awards. Sweeney Todd “Sweeney Todd” is a 1979 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. It is based on the 1973 play of the same name by Christopher Bond. A Victorian-era barber returns home to London after 15 years of being in exile to take revenge on the judge who sentenced him. Sweeney rushes to murder as many people as he can, while his business associate, Mrs. Lovett, bakes the bodies into meat pies and sells them to the unsuspecting public. Not what you expected, right? “Sweeney Todd” opened on Broadway in 1979 and in the West End in 1980. It is the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book and also won an Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Carrie Adapted from the 1974 novel by Stephen King, “Carrie” focuses on a teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose life is dominated by her insanely religious mother. After she’s humiliated by her classmates at her high school prom, she uses her powers to wreak havoc on the school. “Carrie” originally premiered in England in 1988, then came to Broadway the same year, but closed after 16 previews and five performances. The show is considered one of the most notable failures in Broadway theatre history. The book was written by Lawrence D. Cohen with lyrics by Dean Pitchford and music by Michael Gore. All of the musicals soundtracks can be found on major music platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
sending shivers down the state
onnecticut, as one of the oldest states in the U.S., is a hotbed of paranormal activity. With haunted psychiatric hospitals, an abandoned ghost town, and numerous locations that have warranted visits from Edward and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigating duo that appear in the “Conjuring” movies, there are more than enough spooky sight-seeing opportunities around to satisfy your curiosity this Halloween season. Lindley St., Bridgeport In 1974, the haunted house at 966 Lindley St. in Bridgeport caught the eye of the entire country when witnesses observed furniture moving without touching it, hovering refrigerators, talking cats, crucifixes flying off of walls, and knives being thrown by invisible forces. Law enforcement officials and firefighters have corroborated these accounts, and Ed and Lorraine Warren even stepped in on the case. The cases were eventually cast aside as fraudulent, but the novel “The World’s Most Haunted House” by Hill
Hall offers a deep dive into the Lindley haunting. Dudleytown Dudleytown, often referred to as “ghost town,” is an abandoned settlement in northwestern Connecticut. Unfortunately, this site is not open to the public, but that doesn’t make it any less spooky. According to local legend, the founders of Dudleytown were the direct descendants of Edmund Dudley, an English noble who was beheaded for treason under the orders of King Henry VII. Allegedly, the Dudley family was cursed as a result of the treason, and that curse followed them to America. It is said that the curse caused a series of crop failures and increased cases of mental illness in the town, which ultimately caused the area to become abandoned. Fairfield Hills Fairfield Hills is an abandoned psychiatric hospital in Newtown, CT that operated from 1931 until the mid 1990s, where patients were subject to inhumane treatments such as lobotomies, shock therapy, and psychosurgeries. Those who have visited the campus have reported hearing voices, being followed by footsteps, and some have even claimed to see crouching figures in some of the
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Continued on pg. 9
BY MIA STEADMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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Sterling Opera House
October 26, 2020
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Scary spots
The best horror books for Halloween
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buildings. A hiking trail passes through part of the Fairfield Hills campus, so visitors can get a glimpse of the abandoned hospital. However, the buildings have a strict ‘no trespassing’ policy. Stepney Cemetery Stepney Cemetery of Weston is home to the infamous “White Lady” and is also the final resting place of famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who once lived nearby. Allegedly, the Warrens had video footage of the White Lady walking the property, but no one has since been able to catch her on camera. One popular story about the White Lady describes a man driving past Stepney Cemetery when a woman in a white gown suddenly appeared in the middle of the road. The man struck her with his car, but when he pulled over to investigate, she was gone. Monroe Witch Legend has it that a mysterious woman suddenly appears in the middle of Spring Hill Road in Monroe, causing drivers to swerve and lose control of their vehicles. Locals believe her to be Hannah Cranna, “The Wicked Witch of Monroe,” who was suspected of hexing her husband and causing his early death when he suspiciously fell off a cliff. This occurred in the early 1800s, and no one ever proved that she ever had a hand in his death. Sterling Opera House, Derby The Sterling Opera House in Derby, which opened its doors in 1968, has caught the interest of paranormal investigators over the years thanks to the various reports of apparitions sighted here. Patrons have reported hearing children’s voices, and the venue is also said to be haunted by a young boy named Andy.
BY AMANDA CASTRO MANAGING EDITOR
uring Halloween-time, who wouldn’t want to cuddle up by the fire with a pumpkin spice latte – or whatever other caffeinated, fall drink you prefer – a knitted blanket and a terrifying book? For years, horror books have been part of the literary culture, but they seem to be especially popular during Halloween. Perhaps people know how rewarding it is to relax with a horror story, feel the adrenaline rush, then close the book and not be able to get a wink of sleep. Here is a list of the best horror books of all time to supplement you on your hair-raising trip. 10. “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman Some may associate the title with the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film “Coraline” by the name, and the association would be correct. The novella by Neil Gaiman for young readers was released in 2002. The novel tells the story of Coraline Jones, who discovers inside her new home a portal to a parallel, dark ‘Other World’ in which she wishes to stay; however, she must fight the evil ‘Other Mother’ who lives there to protect the safety of her real-life family. In the end, she has to free the spirits of three dead children and embark on a creepy, crawly and chilling journey to wander back to normality. In addition to being adapted into an animated stop-motion feature film, a comic book, an off-Broadway musical, and a video game, a recently illustrated version of “Coraline” is available for purchase on Amazon and is available to stream on multiple platforms. 9. “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
The modern classic was the foundation of a Broadway musical, and a movie from Lionsgate Films that stars Christian Bale, Chloe Sevigny, Jared Leto, and Reese Witherspoon, and is directed by Mary Harron. This novel was published in 1991 by Bret Easton Ellis. The story is told from the perspective of Patrick Bateman, a serial killer and Manhattan investment banker. Bateman’s fall into insanity and madness, his detailed recount of the gruesome murders, which he appears to enjoy, and his exaltation of an insipid industrial society all go hand-in-hand. Ellis’ book is darkly comedic, with 80’s music references cleverly woven into his writing, laced with even more dark comedy, as well as hideous disturbances. Ellis does a great job of capturing the madness and insanity of violence and brutality in modern times as well as olden. This book? One of the greats. The book is available to purchase on Amazon, and the movie is available on a selection of streaming platforms. 8. “Baby Teeth” by Zoje Stage Baby Teeth playwright Zoje Stage’s debut novel is a charmingly spine-chilling story that pushes the limits of a dysfunctional family into vantablack territory. The story is set in Pittsburg, PA and revolves around Suzette Jensen, her husband Alex, and Hanna, their mute seven-year-old daughter. Suzette is concerned for Hanna’s mutism and strongly believes that it’s the effect of what she thinks is bad parenting; however, it is something deeper and darker than that. Hanna’s father may be blind to the problems Suzette is facing with their daughter, but she doesn’t have the desire to kill him; it’s Mommy she wants. The book is seriously psychological. It’s creepy and scary, so read at your own risk. You can pick up a physical copy of
“Baby Teeth” at Target and a digital copy on Google Books with a free sample available to read prior to purchase. 7. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley Published in 1818, this novel became a Halloween staple. It tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who – in an unorthodox experimental experiment – creates a wise creature. This, however, is not the ideal specimen he imagines it would be, but rather a grotesque being that Victor and society in general reject. Through murder and terror, Frankenstein finds its vengeance. Shelley began writing the story when she was 18; when she was 20, the first edition was
published anonymously in London. Her name first appeared in the second edition published in Paris in 1821. The book is available to purchase or rent on Amazon. 6. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson This 1959 gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson focuses on fear rather than horror in order to invoke emotion in the reader, using intricate associations between the unexplained incidents in the house and the psyches of the characters. Dr. Montague decides that it is time science proved the presence of the supernatural and that the place to prove it is in Hill House, a mansion with a justly haunted past. Only the most comprehen-
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The best horror books Continued from pg. 9 sive science and unquestionable proof can exist to make sense of his experiment. The only prudent way to uncover the mystery of the haunting is to, obviously, stay the night at the mansion. I mean, who wouldn’t want to? “Hill House” has been turned into two films and a play, as well as adapted into a Netflix series, and becoming a finalist for the National Book Award. It’s been considered one of the best literary ghost stories written during the 20th century. You can purchase the book Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
from Amazon. 5. “IT” by Stephen King The story follows seven children as they are terrorized by an evil force that uses its victims’ fears to mask itself while chasing its prey. The omnipresent ‘It’ tends to primarily prey on young children in the form of ‘Pennywise the Dancing Clown.’ The book, released in 1986, is told through narratives that vary between two times and is primarily told in third-person omniscient. “IT” deals with many themes such as the strength of memory, the impact of childhood trauma as it reverberates into adulthood. As well
as through shared confidence and sacrifice: overcoming evil. The movie features “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfhard and Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård who portrays ‘It’ is available to stream on multiple platforms, and the book is available for purchase on Amazon. 4. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris “The Silence of the Lambs” is a psychological suspense story first published in 1988. It’s the sequel to “Red Dragon,” Harris’s 1981 novel. Both novels feature Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the cannibalistic serial killer who was pitted against FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling. Jonathan Demme’s film adaptation was released to widespread critical acclaim and box office success in 1991. The serial killer Buffalo Bill is no less dangerous and emerges from the book unscathed, needing a powerful disposition in comparison to the movie. The book is available on Amazon. 3. “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver Want another book about family dysfunction? Take a look at this novel published in 2003. The story is told in the form of letters Kevin’s mother writes after the series of horrific murders Kevin commits in his high school. As a child, Kevin exhibits classic signs of psychopathy and exhibits little or no love for his family but reserves a unique kind of loathing for Eve. After reading Robin Hood, the only thing Kevin has any genuine interest in is archery. The ending of the novel leaves Kevin’s motivations for his massacres and murders open-ended, but it’s what makes the story great. In 2011, the novel was adapted into a film starring actors Ezra Miller, Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly. The book is available for purchase on the Barnes and No-
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Results as of Oct. 24 ble website. The movie can be streamed on multiple platforms. 2. “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty If you have not yet read the book, the title may seem familiar as the wildly popular film adaptations of the book were released. “The Exorcist” is a 1971 horror novel that follows eleven-year -old Regan MacNeil’s demonic possession, the daughter of a successful actress, and the two priests who try to exorcise the devil within MacNeil. The novel was inspired by a case of demonic possession and exorcism in 1949 that Blatty read about as a university student. You can view the Roland Doe documentary on YouTube, stream the first “The Exorcist” film on multiple platforms, and purchase the book’s 40th-anniversary edition on Amazon. 1. “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King This 1983 book is amazing, though I know that I will never
be able to read it again. This book managed to give me all kinds of heebie-jeebies because it was so remarkably written. Stephen King has always been the kind of author to tap into his own fears in order to write his most frightening stories. According to King, the plot of this book was the one that scared him the most. “Pet Sematary” follows Luis and Rachel Creed, who relocate their family from Chicago to rural Maine. Along with their two children, the couple moves into a house with a burial ground in the woods near their home; however, this burial ground isn’t just any burial ground, it’s one where anybody or anything buried there can come back to life. Chilling, I know. The 30th-anniversary edition of the book can be purchased on Amazon, and the most recent adaptation of the movie can be streamed on Amazon Prime.
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Five classic horror movies to watch this Halloween BY BETH BEAUDRY STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
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ot every horror movie is a Halloween movie, but there are some horror classics that feel right to watch as Halloween approaches. Whether you’re into the supernatural, jump-scares, psychological thrillers, or slasher movies, there are endless horror movies to pick from. This list of horror classics will range from black and white thrillers to iconic slasher movies from the 80s. 5. “The Nightmare on Elm Street” “The Nightmare on Elm Street” was released in 1984. Director Wes Craven introduces the world to one of the most iconic fictional killers: Freddy Krueger. Freddy Krueger attacks his victims in their dreams, but they in reality, they die. His signature look is fitting for a nightmare, complete with his
From “The Shining” Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
scarred face, razor blade glove and a striped sweater. Craven chose to make the killer’s sweater red and dark green after learning it is the most difficult color combination for people to look at. This movie does not shy away from gory deaths and terrifying visuals, making it a great option for your Halloween movie collection . “The Nightmare on Elm Street” became a nine-movie franchise with several actors taking on the role of Freddy Krueger, but in my opinion, the best will always be the original, Krueger Robert Englund. 4. “Them!” Although a black and white horror movie about giant ants may not seem like a show-stopper, it always gets me ready for Halloween. “Them!” is a 1954 sci-fi/horror film directed by Gordon Douglas that follows New Mexico police as they investigate the area’s mysterious deaths and disappearances. During their investigation, they find monstrous footprints belonging to a colony of ants that were mutated by a chemical reaction. With a bizarre plotline
and thriller action sequences, “Them!” is nothing short of a classic horror movie. And, if you’re still not convinced, “Them!” scored a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, a trusted movie review resource. 3. “Psycho” When a fictional character is based on the real life story of a serial killer, you know things are going to be gruesome. “Psycho” began as a 1959 horror novel by Robert Bloch, who was influenced by the history of serial killer Ed Gein. In 1960, director Alfred Hitchcock brought the story of the Bates family to life on-screen. Norman Bates is under control of his mother Norma, who owns the Bates Motel. When a secretary steals money from a client, she goes on the run, making a stop at the motel where a string of murders happens following her arrival. There was a remake of this classic in 1998 starring Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates. In 2013, Netflix came out with a prequel television series “Bates Motel,” featuring Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates, and Freddie Highmore as Norman.
2. “The Shining” and “Dr. Sleep” A horror movie list would not be complete without including at least one Stephen King adaptation. King’s best-selling novel, “The Shining” was produced and directed in 1980 by Stanley Kubrick. “The Shining” tells the tale of a former alcoholic and writer Jack Torrance, who becomes the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel. When a winter storm hits, Jack becomes trapped in the hotel with his wife Wendy, and his psychic son Danny, whose ability to have visions is referred to as “the shining.” Danny’s visions become more intense as he witnesses horrors that previously happened at the hotel. As this is occurring, Jack’s sanity begins to slip, causing him to unleash terror on his family. In 2013, the sequel “Dr. Sleep” was released. In the sequel, Danny Torrance, played by Ewan McGregor is now an adult dealing with the trauma he faced at the Overlook Hotel. He finds a child gifted with “the shining” and together they face a cult who feeds on “the shine” of
Jason’s mask
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innocent people. Although the sequel doesn’t have the same psychological thrill the original has, it has the perfect amount of references to leave fans feeling nostalgic. 1. “Friday the 13th” Even if you’ve never watched this 1980s classic, I promise you’ve seen the lead character, Jason Vorhees’ infamous hockey-mask on someone’s face every Halloween. Director Sean Cunningham’s “Friday the 13th” follows a masked murderer who preys on Camp Crystal Lake counselors. The camp already has a morbid history of drownings and murderers, but as the counselors try to reopen the New Jersey camp spot, they find themselves being stalked. This thriller has been deemed a success with its inclusion of countless jump-scares, as well as the growing suspense as counselors start to disappear, culminating in an unexpected ending. “Friday the 13th” was such a successful film that the “Jason” franchise now consists of twelve movies. One of the most well-known versions is the 2009 reboot starring “Supernatural” star Jared Padalecki, and the 2003 film, “Freddy vs. Jason”. Audiences get to see Jason Vorhees cross paths with the infamous “Nightmare on Elm Street” killer, Freddy Krueger.
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Maintaining Halloween spirit on campus BY BETH BEAUDRY STUDENT LIFE EDITOR
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alloween during a pandemic may be different, but it is not canceled. At least, not completely. University of New Haven faculty and student leaders are doing all that they can to host Halloween programs that follow university and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines. “If students go out to interact with others, we ask that they limit their interactions to those in their family units. Numerous offices across campus will be offering activities to ensure that students are able to safely enjoy Halloween,” said a statement from the division of student affairs. One Halloween program that
students can look forward to is a Hallwoeen treasure hunt hosted by the honors student council (HSC) and Asian American student council. The treasure hunt will be in the Maxcy Quad on Fri. Oct. 30 at 6 pm. Hannah Providence, Charger Bulletin advertising manager and HSC president, said that the Halloween treasure hunt was created with COVID-19 regulations in mind. “In order to qualify for prizes in the hunt, all the photos must be taken with masks on and everyone in the photo must be 6 feet apart,” Providence said. “HSC encourages our students to get creative in a way that celebrates Halloween this year, only gather in small groups and find events on campus if they are resident students,” she said. On Oct. 21 the Caribbean Student Association is hosting pumpkin decorating at 6 pm at the Myatt Center for Diversity
and Inclusion and will host another on Oct. 28 in the Maxcy conference 309 A&S lounge. Members are able to learn about how Halloween is celebrated in Caribbean culture. Students will receive individual bags of paint supplies to prevent sharing. As of Oct. 18, the Caribbean Student Association is planning to keep the events in-person, but it is tentative depending on the state of COVID-19 cases and whether or not the university transitions back to in-person classes after this brief pause online. “Currently, we are reviewing whether we want to keep this event in person or allow students to take the supplies back to their personal space to paint,” said Desheania Andrews, vice president of the Carribean Student Association. “The Caribbean Student Association encourages everyone to stay safe during this time and
think wisely about any Halloween plans,” Andrews said. “[Remember] to keep yourself and the others around you safe by continuing to social distance and wear your face masks.” On Halloween, the Student Committee of Programming Events (SCOPE) will be in the Gerber/Bixler quad from 3-4 handing out fall goodie bags. Students will be able to grab a bag and go. Although this Halloween may not be what freshmen were expecting or what upperclassmen
are used to, the campus community is showing that there are still safe ways to enjoy the holiday. “If all of our students follow the guidelines in place, everyone can have an enjoyable Halloween and help ensure the health of their classmates,” said the division of student affairs. Students can visit Charger Connection to get more information on upcoming Halloween events.
Outside of Rec Center Photo courtesy of Hunter Lang
Should kids go trick-or-treating this year? BY TIARA STARKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
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n the words of Randy from American Idol: “It’s a no from me, dawg.” If we truly think about it, is it the smartest decision to allow your at-risk children be in the company of others who may or may not have been exposed to the virus? Spoiler Alert: it’s not. I know, I know. Trick or treating is one of the most popular traditions of this season. Growing up, I remember seeing the kids in their costumes going up and down the street, asking the neighbors for candy. I, unfortunately, wouldn’t be allowed to
go out for safety reasons. It was cute back then, but now, during a pandemic, it’s a laughable concept. I’ve seen articles of certain states setting guidelines for trick or treating. For example, in Lake Tahoe, Calif., the guidelines involve low-risk activities such as attending car-based outings where people don’t leave their car, such as contests or movies, or driving through an area with Halloween displays for their kids to see but again, not leaving the car. In Connecticut, the rules are similar. Gov. Ned Lamont has been stringent on how Halloween should operate in the state. Parties and large gatherings are prohibited but we all know, as college students, we’re more inclined to break the rules. How-
ever, when it comes to children, we shouldn’t be so lackadaisical for the sake of letting them have some semblance of normalcy. Children are the most vulnerable, next to senior citizens,
to COVID-19, because of this, it would be very irresponsible for a parent to let their child go out and try to get candy from a stranger. That, by definition, Graphic courtesy of Christopher Colquhoun
is already problematic. If any parents are reading this, think about it, we’re in the middle of a pandemic and the last thing you want is someone accidentally sneezing on your kid’s candy. Let’s be real: pandemic aside, that’s just really, really gross. There are other ways to celebrate Halloween without going outside. Again, for parents, tell your children spooky ghost stories in the dark, put on a few classic Halloween movies, or if you don’t want the responsibility of entertaining your child, give them candy in a basket and let them have at it; they’ll tire themselves out eventually and you didn’t even have to leave the house. I just beg of you, don’t let them wander the streets in search for candy during a global health crisis.
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Negatives - Being online but still wanting to procrastinate doing school work. - Questions that go unanswered by the COVID Task Force. - Still having to catch up on work on “Re-Charge” day. - Professors that moved the homework from Wednesday to Thursday because of the Re-Charge day.
By Kristen Marcus
Positives + Being online and not getting dressed for class. + The class Facebook page comments. + The Town Hall comment section. + “Re-Charge” day.
Submit your positives and negatives to chargerbulletin@newhaven.edu!
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