The Marlin Chronicle THURSDAY 3.12.26|| MARLINCHRONICLE.VWU.EDU
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
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Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle
Check out the sports section to learn more about how Marlin’s baseball is off to their best start since 2009, with a 10-4 record.
Students recognize ‘A Dream Deferred’ alongside national talent With spoken word, visual art and music, the community gathered to reflect on the struggle for freedom in the U.S.
Inside Look: Firearm legislation aims to reduce violent crime
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Mending the broken, torn at Eleanor’s
VWU|Courtesy [LEFT] Junior Malik Williams, Black Student Union president, presents spoken word. [TOP] Award-winning poet Nathan Richardson performs a Frederick Douglass reenactment and recites poetry with an audience volunteer, junior Nate Bryant. [BOTTOM] Internationally-acclaimed musician BJ Griffin performs vocals with an electric cello. BY GABRIEL BAULBLITZ gabaulblitz@vwu.edu
“What happens to a dream deferred?” VWU faculty, staff, students and members of the Hampton Roads community have attempted to answer the question originally posed by American poet and activist Langston Hughes with their program for Black History Month,
hosted at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, “A Dream Deferred: Black Excellence, Voice, and Resistance,” on Feb. 19. Rebecca Hooker, an associate professor of English affiliated with the Africana Studies program, co-hosted the program. “We have wanted to do some activities here that allow us to share our
expertise and also allow some of our students to be able to express themselves, to feel seen, to feel like they are able to show that they’re here on campus and express their feelings about what it’s like to be an African American,” Hooker said. The program brought big names to campus, such as BJ Griffin, a musician from Virginia Beach who
appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2023, and Nathan Richardson, an author and poet from Suffolk. “We were really thrilled that they were going to be there. But for us, the students were the highlights. They were the ones we really wanted to let you all see,” Hooker said.
ihfick@vwu.edu
The Virginia legislature plans to legalize a marijuana retail market, with differences proposed by the House of Representatives and Senate. Both bills were in conference in opposite chambers on March 4.
Marijuana is not permitted on campus because the university must abide by federal law due to students receiving federal financial-aid funding. Senior Vice President Keith Moore said he thinks a legal market will impact its presence on campus. “Right now, access is something that
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Students launch clubs for faith, political expression -- Page 5
See DREAM Page 4
Marijuana legal market expected to increase safety and presence BY ISAAC FICK
At Eleanor’s Bookstore in Norfolk, patrons learn hand sewing to repair torn clothing and mending culture.
limits people’s ability if they do want to use that. So I do think if someone can get it more readily, then there will be an update,” Moore said. Moore said the bills proposed will not impact campus policy.
See MARIJUANA Page 2
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Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle Both proposed bills will allow for a maximum of 350 stores in Virginia, required to be at least 1,000 feet from other stores, hospitals, places of worship and day cares.
MARIJUANA CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 Adonis A., employee at Virginia Beach Boulevard Happy Smoke, said, “it would definitely make it easier and more sustainable for people that don’t want to refer to weed on the streets because it’s a lot less safe and it’s not as consistent.” Junior media and communication major Brittany Perry said she thinks presence on campus will increase. “It’s just easier to go to a store because you know it’s going to be there,” Perry said. One difference between the bills is the start date, as House Bill 642 proposes Nov. 1, 2026 and Senate Bill 542 proposes Jan. 1, 2027. A Feb. 17 Forbes article referred to an email from Southeast legislative manager for the Marijuana
Policy Project, Kevin Caldwell, saying he prefers HB642. He said Nov. 1 “is reasonable, and as the citizens have been waiting for four years, additional time just entrenches illicit forces,” referring to the July, 1 2021, initial legalization of possession of the drug. Sen. Lashrecse Aird, carrying SB542, said in a Feb. 18 WTKR3 article that the Senate bill is trying to avoid issues other states have experienced by having a necessary framework in place. Adonis said the legal market would be safer because marijuana would not be coming from other states or countries, other legal states having consistent, verified and third-party lab-tested marijuana. “You really
never know what’s happening before it crossed the border,” Adonis said. He said the existing illicit marijuana market is unsafe because it leads to “people going to people they’ve never met before and getting robbed or even getting laced.” Laced refers to marijuana mixed with dangerous substances such as fentanyl. According to the WTKR3 article, neither bill will allow cities and counties to opt out of stores in their jurisdiction, which Aird said is because “it keeps the illicit market alive.” Aird said one benefit of the legal market is strict health and safety standards because “products that are currently being sold are not safe, they’re not regulated and they are bringing harm to Virginians.” In reference to safety on campus, Moore said, “our concerns are for our students to be safe,” adding that the university tries to assist students with
Kyla Robberecht|Marlin Chronicle
decision-making through educational programming. “Regardless of if it’s legal or not, there are implications associated with having a healthy diet or not exercising enough or not getting enough sleep or abusing substances,” Moore said. Perry said research on sourcing is important, comparing it to getting tattoos. “You make sure that it’s clean and legal, regardless of how it’s coming in or leaving the store, and you ensure that they’re following regulations within protocols,” Perry said. Aird said another benefit to the legal market is tax revenue. HB642 proposes 14.8% and SB542 proposes 17%. “The House version on tax rates is preferable,
because lower initial taxes allow the industry to better compete against the illicit market, while making sure both local and state coffers benefit from the industry,” Caldwell said in his email. Adonis said he would not mind higher taxes if it goes back into the state. He said if the revenue goes into “building schools, hospitals, fixing roads ... going back into the infrastructure, it would help a lot, and I’m sure a lot of people wouldn’t mind either.” He said there would likely be discourse if the revenue goes into unrelated programs or specific agendas, and “almost would seem like they’re exploiting the fact that people want to smoke their weed and they’ll just extort them, probably scout them
and take the money for themselves.” Perry said taxes may affect only younger crowds’ access to the drug. “You may not have younger crowds purchase it as much because they don’t have their hands on money as frequently,” Perry said. Adonis said smoke shops that sell only the accessories oriented around marijuana, such as the one he works at, are not worried about the legal market. He said some smoke shops may turn into dispensaries and would have to pay for a retail license. The WTKR3 article said licenses for on-site consumption are also being looked into. Adonis said the state will see a lot of money in these licenses.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle Chain smoke shop Happy Smoke sells marijuana accessories, not marijuana, at several locations across Hampton Roads.
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Firearm legislation aims to reduce violent crime BY MARS SMITH rssmith@vwu.edu
From 2023 to 2025, Virginia Beach has experienced a 27% decline in violent crime. The Virginia Senate intends to pass five gun violence prevention bills aiming to strengthen firearm regulations, increase industry accountability and examine domestic violence-related gun access in the Commonwealth. These bills aim to reduce gun violence by limiting magazine capacity to 10-12 rounds, implementing lock-up protocols and enhancing background checks. “The things that they’re trying to do is have responsible gun ownership amongst the people so that you can have proactive law enforcement,” senior political science major Breanne Bessette said. “Traditionally, when you think of violent crime, you think of gun[s] and gun usage. Now, can you for sure say that [declines are] 100% gun laws or the changes in policy? Not necessarily,” Bessette said. “Maybe it's better police training or a more well-informed public. You have to look at the legislation in place and the statistics and hope that there’s some correlation between the two.” “I would be hesitant to attribute the decrease in violent crimes to any specific gun control measures recently or any that may pass soon,” senior political science major Andrew Steiner said. “Are we willing to sacrifice our rights in order for small gains in public safety? I don't necessarily know the answer to that, but I do think there's a conversation worth having,” Steiner said. “It is extremely common to limit individual liberties for certain values — you can't yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater, you can't openly plot the president's assassination,” Dr. Levi Tenen, assistant professor of philosophy and adviser of the
Ethics Bowl, said. “The main consideration is whether the importance of the right overrides the harms that arise when people own certain kinds of guns.” According to Virginia Beach (VB) police reports, both violent and property crimes in 2025 were the lowest recorded in the last five years. “The Second Amendment right to bear arms is interpreted for private reasons like self-defense and recreation, not just for a well-armed militia,” Bessette said. “Of course, people don't want those rights taken away. But [there are] a lot of issues where you get weapons that are more easily concealed,” Bessette said. “Plastic weaponry is one that they're trying to target because you can't necessarily see it through a metal detector,” Bessette said. “Gun kits, where you don't necessarily have to have the background checks to order a gun, and then you can purchase a kit to assemble one. So you get these technological advancements, which make loopholes in systems of regulation.” Senate Bill 323 explicitly addresses
Sarah Richards|Marlin Chronicle unfinished frames and receivers, making it a felony to possess undetectable guns. This includes guns that lack serial numbers, which are difficult for law enforcement to trace. “We try to balance people's need to defend themselves and have the rights that they want to have, but also protect against other people's rights to live and knowing that they're not going to walk out in a public place and feel threatened by an undetectable weapon or gun,” Bessette said. “It seems that a machine gun is like a nonstreet-legal race car: both might be ‘fun to operate, and could in some instances prove helpful to the person using them, but they pose too great of a risk to others to allow in normal circumstances,” Tenen said. “Other kinds of guns might be a bit more like a street-legal performance car.” Senate Bill 749 would prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, transportation and transfer of assault firearms, with exceptions for law enforcement and the military. Additionally, the sale of high-capacity magazines, defined as holding more than 10 rounds,
would be banned. Steiner said there are times firearms belonging to legal gun owners are misappropriated by their children. VB Police reported 50% fewer juvenile shooting victims and 45% fewer juvenile shooting suspects compared to 2024. “Guns exacerbate already existing crimes and problems,” Steiner said. “So in my mind, these policies they're trying to promote don't actually address the root issues of the gun violence epidemic that we're facing.” “The hope is that legislation would go far enough to restrict the capacities of firearms that would be incredibly violent and damaging,” Bessette said. “Each of these prohibitions limits one of our rights to speech and bodily autonomy for the sake of protecting peoples' safety, including one's own safety,” Tenen said. Other advanced bills include mandatory secure storage for firearms in homes with minors or prohibited persons, requiring handguns in unattended vehicles to be in locked containers and restricting the carrying of certain semi-automatic firearms in public places such as parks and streets.
Federal anti-hazing law expands policy, reporting
New law changes the way universities tackle hazing. BY MIA DIEHL mjdiehl@vwu.edu
The 118th Congress signed into action the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) on Dec. 23, 2024. This act requires all Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) across the United States involved in federal student aid programs to report hazing incidents as well as disclose them in an annual security report. Hazing is an action committed against a person or persons that causes physical or psychological damage in concurrence with admission into a student organization or sports team at IHEs. Virginia Commonwealth University student Adam Oaks died in 2021 as a result of hazing during initiation into a fraternity. In honor of Oaks, Adam’s Law was enacted in Virginia in 2022. Hazing has become a large issue across college campuses with stories similar to Oaks’ occurring. The SCHA changes the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act which requires IHEs to disclose crimes reported on and around campus. For Virginia institutions, this bill is in addition to the basis set by Adam's Law. Adams Law requires antihazing training for each current, new and potential member of student organizations. “There are differences and some places where they overlap. With Adams Law going into effect two years prior, we only needed to make some changes to
our prevention education strategy to also follow the Stop Campus Hazing Act,” Jen Cohen, assistant vice president for Campus Life said. All freshmen are required to participate in anti-hazing training and members of student organizations or athletic teams are required to retake antihazing training annually. Jocelyn Kaelin, president of Marlins Go Green (MGG) said she thinks the training is more beneficial the first year compared to
to take training as well. Adams Law encourages students to come forward with reports of hazing with a good faith clause allowing students who report a hazing incident immunity from disciplinary action before or during hazing that results in injury to a person. The SCHA defines hazing as any intentional, knowing or reckless action against another person or persons regardless of consent to be affiliated with an organization and causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury. This differs
Elliot Fylstra|Marlin Chronicle subsequent years. When sending out weekly emails for MGG, Kaelin said she makes sure to include a reminder to take the anti-hazing training so students are able to participate. The law also requires the advisers of each organization
from VWU’s definition of hazing, which is not exclusively associated with admission or association with a group, team or organization. In compliance with the SCHA, the VWU website includes a link to a Google sheet for finding an
investigation or hazing allegation since 2022, which is empty. Cohen said the Google sheet is up to date. As stated in the SCHA, each IHE is to include in their annual security report a statement of current policies, how to report hazing and the process used to investigate hazing. The SCHA also requires IHEs to include information on applicable laws on hazing and prevention and awareness programs available to students. These reports are all available to the public through the institution website. The VWU annual security report, “Safe and Secure,” can be found in the security office. The most recent report from 2025 does not include a statement on current hazing policies, information on how to report hazing, information on laws involving hazing or what programs for prevention are available to students. “If there was a hazing incident that met the requirements for reporting it would be included in the annual report,” Cohen said. “All students take the training extremely seriously and are appreciative of the knowledge it gives us,” Kappa Alpha Si (KAS) President Blake Bagley said. “We talk to our brothers in the fraternity all the time, as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated is a non-hazing, non-pledging organization that stands on those values,” Bagley said. Hazing is especially prominent in IHE sports teams. According to the 2008 National Study of Student Hazing with support from
the University of Maine, 74% of students involved in varsity athletics experience hazing. Samuel Jones, Men's Lacrosse head coach, said that although he thinks VWU campus policy regarding hazing is effective in deterring hazing, it is up to leaders to create a positive culture and cultivate a positive experience for students. “Clear policies are great cornerstones, but ultimately it comes down to leadership at all levels — from administrators and coaches to team captains, and being good leaders to each other at the most junior levels,” Jones said. “The upperclassmen have a good amount of influence on the culture of the team, but it is very positive and it has helped the team to grow very close this season and everyone gets along well. We will call each other out if one of us is not doing what we are supposed to be doing, regardless of age,” George Taylor, freshman lacrosse player, said. “We have the privilege of mentoring young men at ages of 17 to 22. Our challenge is to ensure we do that in a way consistent with our values. We communicate daily to ensure we are aligned on those values and feel empowered through the athletic department policies to address any potential problems,” Jones said. The Clery Center is a nonprofit dedicated to helping institutions meet the standard of the Jeanne Clery Act based on their belief that hazing is not an acceptable tradition.
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Community
Women’s History Month: a celebration of MARLIN CHRONICLE the stories taught in classroom education The
Editor-in-Chief Lily Reslink lbreslink@vwu.edu
BY LORA YOUNG llyoung@vwu.edu
March is Women’s History Month and at VWU there are classes and programs Managing Editors highlighting history and presenting women’s Victoria Haneline events and accomplishments. vfhaneline1@vwu.edu “We’re half the population,” Dr. Jennifer Isaac Fick Slivka, associate professor of English and ihfick@vwu.edu coordinator of the gender, women and sexuality studies major (GWSS), said. News Editors She has built her work around exploring Isaac Fick women’s voices and gender and women’s issues ihfick@vwu.edu in literature. Aiden Croghan Currently, she is working on a book proposal accroghan@vwu.edu on women’s fiction writers, continuing to bring attention to perspectives in literature that have Community Editor been silenced or underrepresented. Slivka said Kami Whisenhunt literary scholarship is a part of GWSS courses kjwhisenhunt@vwu.edu because it allows for authorship within the Opinions Editors curriculum. In her classes, Slivka highlights texts written Victoria Haneline by women and other gender minorities. In vfhaneline1@vwu.edu these classes there is an emphasis on taking an Elena Lichtenwalner intersectional approach to history and literature, eclichtenwalner@vwu.edu encouraging students to see differences in race, Sports Editors class and sexuality from different perspectives rather than through common stereotypes. Coy Camiscioli This style of teaching matters because some clcamiscioli@vwu.edu history has been stereotyped to show only a Eli Casey certain type of woman. In this case, students can emcasey@vwu.edu learn and appreciate that everyone has their own Bailey Gray story. It shows a broader representation. bcgray@vwu.edu “What has shifted most for me is recognizing that feminism is not a single, static ideology, but Weekender Editors
an evolving, intersectional movement,” Madx Balint, senior GWSS major, said. “Rather than treating women’s history as something settled or completed, [Slivka] frames it as an ongoing narrative,” Balint said. “Dr. Slivka consistently bridges past and present by showing us that the struggles we read about, whether related to suffrage, bodily autonomy, labor rights, racial justice and so on, are not confined to the past,” Balint said. “I encourage students to take a gender and women sexuality studies course, because the nature of our program is interdisciplinary, so there’s something that’s going to be of interest to all of the students,” Slivka said. “I love these courses when I get taught things, because pop culture phenomena and social phenomena come up in class and they get to teach me about it,” Slivka said. Slivka said exposure to current events on social media platforms allow students to come to class with new topics of conversation. “Dr. Slivka is really focused on students collaborating with each other; she wants people to think about the content critically as feminism continues to change,” MK Larkin ‘24 said. During March, businesses worldwide are hosting various spotlights and events. For example, Virginia.gov says “join us for a look at the many resources for learning gathered here, visit a historic site or attend a special event honoring Virginia women.” There are also multiple spotlights on women such as Olympians and veterans. Virginia.gov has a
Calee Lukowski crlukowski@vwu.edu Gabrielle Barnett gabarnett@vwu.edu Photo Editor Laila Jones ljjones1@vwu.edu Online Editor Lillian Glenn adglenn@vwu.edu Copy Editors Victoria Haneline vfhaneline1@vwu.edu Elena Lichtenwalner eclichtenwalner@vwu.edu Julia Ware jpware@vwu.edu Phoenyx Clifton tclifton@vwu.edu PR Director Isabella Grosswiler idgrosswiler@vwu.edu Marketing Coordinator Bryant Cotterell bccotterell@vwu.edu Engagement Editor Sarah Czapp sczapp@vwu.edu Adviser Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwu.edu
The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University. Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Batten 217. Signed submissions are welcome, but subject to the discretion of the editor. Letters are not edited for content, but may be edited for length and mechanics. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff of The Marlin Chronicle or Virginia Wesleyan University.
Grace Harriman|Courtesy Freshman Malaundra Cook picks a flower for a bouquet at the “Thank A Woman” event.
DREAM CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 Organizing the broader Hampton Roads community was idea of associate professor of sociology and criminal justice, Dr. Jeff Toussaint. According to Hooker, the program organizers intentionally maintained an emphasis on local and campus voices. As a coordinator for the event, Hooker said she worked closely with student presenters. “What you saw was a small piece of the list of poetry that I picked for them to choose from,” Hooker said. “They picked the ones that they thought spoke to them. We primarily wanted the students to be able to shine.” Jamal Jones, a student presenter for the program and founder of the
nonprofit organization in Hampton Roads, Vigil and Valor, shared why he chose to present “Harlem” by Langston Hughes. “I felt like it had the significance of our event and a dream deferred ... Where do our unfulfilled dreams end up?” Jones said. “It resonated with me because I was a product of a lot of unfulfilled dreams until I decided, ‘hey, just gotta keep going and keep doing something,’” Jones said. Jones said Vigil and Valor teaches people how to protest peacefully. The organization led the June 14 No Kings protest in Town Center. “I love speaking out and being a part of history. It gives me something to tell my kids: ‘hey, look, this is what your dad did to kind of impact change in his time, because it’s still necessary today,’” Jones said. Jones said he hopes this program will give a lot more students
Jennifer Slivka|Courtesy Dr. Jennifer Slivka, associate professor of English and the coordinator of the gender, women and sexuality studies major. calendar with different festivals, film viewings and lectures. “Women are doing amazing things every day, and it should not be celebrated only once a year,” Larkin said. VWU is holding multiple events to educate the community and celebrate the month. “I think it’s a chance to spotlight the work that women have done and continue to do,” Slivka said. On March 5 in Brock Commons, keynote speaker and former VWU professor Dr. Kathleen Casey discussed her book, “Carrying Freedom: The Hidden History of the Purse in America.” During this event, Casey elaborated on the history of women and the use of purses as portable private spaces. Other events included a non-alcoholic paint and sip and Thank A Woman with letter writing and bouquet making. According to the VWU website, on March 10 featured speaker Tamara Keith, National Public Radio’s (NPR) senior White House correspondent, spoke to advance informed civic dialogue and global engagement. On March 11, Charlotte Reese instructed a Zumba class with prizes. On March 27, representatives from the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health and Girls on the Run will gather on campus to connect with students and hold activities about advocacy, awareness and empowerment. To round out the month, on March 28, VWU will be holding their first ever women’s flag football home game against Hollins University. Spirit gear and student giveaways will be available at the game. In courses such as ones taught by Slivka, students can learn and celebrate women’s history beyond March.
at VWU, especially minority students, recognition and an avenue towards feeling more accepted and heard. “Black History Month, to me, means the celebration of what Black people have accomplished throughout the time when we were allowed to accomplish things, because it wasn’t always like that,” Jones said. “It is a time to teach our young ones the history of what Black people in this nation went through and still go through today. I feel like it’s vital to have it around, because without knowing what happened in the past, we are doomed to repeat it in the future,” Jones said. He said he had a great time with the program and that his only significant challenges were time management and refreshing his public speaking skills. Freshman BreAnna Downing, another student presenter, more commonly known around campus
as Verity, shared her experience being in the program and why she chose her specific poems. “Honestly, I enjoy partaking in anything that connects me to my heritage, as far as being a young African American woman,” Downing said. Downing read two poems at the event, the first of which she wrote herself. “It’s about the Black response to the 250-year anniversary of Independence Day, of course, with the reflection of it not being Independence Day for the African American or enslaved people. I wrote a whole new piece on that topic, and it was called ‘Freeland,’” Downing said. This program highlighted what happens when an undermined community has their dreams, freedom and prosperity repeatedly deferred and how the Hampton Roads community moves forward and adresses this injustice.
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“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution. Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.”
Co-host of the program, Dr. Rebecca Hooker, works with student presenters to help them choose their poems.
VWU|Courtesy
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The Hofheimer Library continues facelift with new features BY HANA MCCAIN hemccain@vwu.edu
The Hofheimer Library is expected to experience changes. Since the addition of Athenaeum offices in the library, including services that assist students with internships, study away experiences, undergraduate research, careers and graduate school, the building is now a center for learning, collaboration and professional development. Jason Seward, chief operations officer, and Crit Muniz, associate vice president for Student Success, are collaborating with Head Librarian Stephen Leist on changes coming to the Hofheimer Library. Seward said he saw an opportunity to continue enhancing the Hofheimer Library after the creation of the Athenaeum. One upcoming addition will be a selfcheckout system at the circulation desk. “If there does not happen to be staff on duty at the desk, they can still check out the materials they need,” Leist said. Leist said delivering services to researchers, students, faculty and staff is what motivates those in librarianship. Seward said he sees efficiency and user-friendliness as the greatest benefits of self-checkouts. “It’s a natural progression,” Seward
said. “I can go to the grocery store right now and check out by clicking my phone and holding it up to a scanner.” The intention of self-checkout kiosks is to provide faster service, making it more convenient for students. The Hofheimer Library will also be adding lactation pods for breastfeeding. Muniz said the goal is to serve in any way possible, whether it be students, faculty and staff or anyone else on the campus by “having a place that we could point them to and not just stuff yourself in a bathroom or hide you in an office,” Muniz said. Seward said the lactation pods will be in a lockable, enclosed space, located in an area on the first floor of the library, away from the main foot traffic but easily accessible. Another change planned to come to the library are additional study pods. Seward said the study pods located in the Learning Center have been received very well, and those are the same style that are going to be located in the library. Leist said they are also planning to have study pods located in the main passageway of Bray Village, Allen Village and the The Study. “They’ll be well received in that space as a nice little quiet
area where students can either study alone or gather as a group and work on a project,” Seward said. Muniz said he has heard students speak about not having places to study, nowhere to have a meeting and that all the library study rooms are often full. Seward said he hopes the changes improve student experiences. “They have resources that help them enjoy every facet of their college experience,” Seward said. Leist said students can get research help and take advantage of the other services from the offices that are located in the Athenaeum.
Sarah Richards|Marlin Chronicle
Students launch clubs for faith and political expression their first meeting and a watch party of the State of the Union address. They are doing a service initiative called “Serve Those Who Served,” where they will be able to give back to veterans by making handwritten letters or establishing drop-off donations for clothing or nonperishable food. Beaudry acknowledged that TPUSA has faced criticism and said some perceptions may be shaped by debate clips or media coverage. She said this chapter aims to have respectful conversations rather than division. As Beaudry prepares to graduate, she said her long-term goals for the chapter are to keep it running after she is gone and hopes they are able to do annual service projects and bring in guest speakers. Students are also seeking spiritual connection through campus ministries and prayer gatherings. The prayer group, led by senior Jacob Hofstetter, began a few semesters ago with support from Campus Ministries. Hofstetter said the group’s focus is creating a welcoming and peaceful space for students to discuss different types of prayer, explore scripture and pray for one another. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 12 to 12:30 p.m. in the campus ministries lounge near Boyd Dining Center. He said
Grace Harriman|Courtesy President of the prayer club Jacob Hofstetter and member Laila Jones. all students are welcome to attend, whether be facing. Campus dining service has been it be once or regularly. a huge help, according to Hassan. Although the group does not hold large “They have helped with getting halal events, Hofstetter said the most rewarding food options which Muslims can eat,” part is providing a consistent space where and have provided to-go boxes for Iftar, students can connect, receive guidance Hassan said. from one another and find peace through Hassan thanked the President for prayer. providing them a prayer room during New to campus this semester is the Ramadan: “It’s in Godwin Hall, second Muslim Student Association (MSA) which floor, just for a month. Ramadan is a provides students with a space to connect special month for us, so we need a separate over shared beliefs and experiences. place where we can pray and have our own “Before, I did not know there were space.” other Muslim students on campus,” junior As new political and faith-based groups Zeryab Hassan said. form, students on campus have more MSA meets Wednesdays from 5 to outlets to connect with others and share 6 p.m. in Clarke 221, where they get their beliefs, opinions or interests. together and talk about upcoming events, Muslim topics or struggles someone may
VWU|Courtesy TPUSA members recruit and share their mission at the Student Involvement Fair.
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Campus community members celebrate Ramadan in Boyd Dining Center.
BY CARL SWORD cmsword@vwu.edu
The launch of a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, prayer group and Muslim Student Association have expanded the range of political and faithbased organizations on campus. Erin Beaudry, founder of VWU’s TPUSA chapter, said she decided to start a chapter because she “thought it was time for something like this, for a space for different ideas to be talked about,” Beaudry said. While TPUSA is nationally known for its political activism and campus debates, Beaudry said this chapter’s focus will be on hearing out student views. In the month following Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, TPUSA, a conservative non-profit Kirk founded in 2012, received more than 120,000 requests from individuals interested in starting new campus chapters, according to a report by Fox News’ Amanda Macias. “We just want a space for different ideas, for people to learn ... It’s more to start a community, for people to be able to feel free to share their ideas, and even to hang out, learn and where they can be themselves,” Beaudry said. Since launching this spring, the group has held several different events, including
‘How did this all happen?’ Dr. Sara Moslener’s outlook on the history of religious influence on purity culture and sex education.
BY ABIGAIL CULLEY ahculley@vwu.edu
VWU|Courtesy Dr. Sara Moslener speaks at her Nusbaum Center event.
Writer, researcher and lecturer Dr. Sara Moslener brought discussions of sexual education to Brock Commons on Feb. 24. This Nusbaum presentation, “Everything You Didn’t Learn in Sex Education and What That Tells Us About Religion and Race in the United States,” illuminated the subject through the lens of religion, gender, race and culture. “These are some of the most important and the
most difficult conversations we can be having right now,” Moslener said. Moslener teaches courses on religious and racial discrimination in the United States in the Department of Philosophy, Anthropology and Religion at Central Michigan University. Read the rest of this article online at:
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Judging the Olympics from home “For how far away the Olympics
are, the podium feels more attainable
BY ELENA LICHTENWALNER eclichtenwalner@vwu.edu Thousands of miles away from the action, pairs of socks glide on kitchen floors, brooms act as hockey sticks and blankets become toboggans. The Winter Olympics are back, taking place in Milano and Cortina, Italy, and USA excitement is high. As a nation, it comes off as if we are full force behind our athletes, yet this is not as stable as it seems. The 2026 Winter Olympics started Feb. 6, with many excited for the Figure Skating USA Team, including the comeback of Alysa Liu and the debut of Ilia Malinin. There were 232 athletes who participated on Team USA from 32 states. Looking at these numbers there is still a gap in representation in our nation. Even with this year including the most USA athletes at a Winter Olympics, athletes from only threefifths of the nation’s states appear. This lack of representation adds additional pressure to the athletes who are a part of minority groups, whether based on race, gender or sexuality. There is a push for us watchers to be on the edge of our seats, but this also adds to the
for the watchers from home than the
stress of the athletes. These are athletes having their successes and failures put on the world stage, and each article focuses on whether the athletes won or lost the gold. For how far away the Olympics are, the podium feels more attainable for the watchers from home than the athletes who compete. Watchers do not have to worry about the hundreds of other athletes from around the world that the athletes are competing against. Take a look at Ilia Malinin’s experience as he was raised up high before the event even happened, and yet was bashed by online critics and examined by psychologists. Malinin
athletes who compete.” even went on to social media to address the amount of aggression he felt. Even the world seems to have a new perception of the USA. During the opening ceremony the crowd booed when Vice President JD Vance was shown on screen. While this was not directed at the athletes, as the boos only started and ended when the Vance was on screen, it does not reflect well on our country to have one of our top leaders be booed. What can we do about this? Thank your athletes. If you follow them on Instagram, wish them well and celebrate
Elena Lichtenwalner|Marlin Chronicle The experience of being a fan through a screen.
their accomplishments for getting up on the world stage. Blades scratch against ice, stones crash against each other, wind whisks as snow is picked up while people shake American flags out of support and frustration for their athletes thousands of miles away. The Winter Olympics are back and it’s time to come together and support our athletes at all levels.
McKenna Howenstine| Marlin Chronicle Lucas is a junior studying history & social science and political science. He has lived in Virginia his entire life and has engaged with the political process numerous times at the local and state levels. He is also a junior senator in the Student Government Association. In a country where political activism becomes both more important and accessible for the college-aged demographic, providing students with the chance to speak directly with their legislators is something that is truly second-to-none. The current political process has, over time, seen a gradual increase in its average age, leaving many younger demographics with a feeling that their perspective is not valuable or could not influence any changes or decisions. Thus, any chance students get to meet with officials to discuss policy should be met with enthusiasm, no matter how rare they may be. On Feb. 12, a few of my peers (Mikayla Bryant, Kendall Nelle and Galilea Robledo) and I were given one of those rare chances. We drove out to Richmond to speak with our respective members of the Virginia General Assembly. However, we were not alone. We joined the Virginia Interfaith
Center for Public Policy (VICPP) on their Student Day of Action, working alongside other universities across the state to assist in lobbying for their prescribed agenda, much of which involves elements that impact college students shortly after graduation. Ranging from values such as affordable housing, proper access to maternal care for underserved communities, support for incarcerated persons to receive a college education, and generally protecting the economic, social and cultural rights of all Virginian communities, VICPP aims to see Virginia as a place where anyone and everyone can thrive. Thus, I found it important to join them for a second time (I lobbied with them in 2025 on the same campaign) to continue building the community I want to see reflected within my government. Additionally, after a snow day had prevented their Day of Action, the Virginia United Methodist Church, with branches stretching across the entire state, joined us to further the same causes. Interestingly, many members of the church were on the opposite end of the spectrum from us, as many of them were either retired or in the last few years of their careers. Now, it may seem counterintuitive to the thesis of this article to see an elderly population reinforcing their ideology at the same time as college students, but if anything, their presence was actually helpful, as it proved that there are demographics that do care about the legislative priorities of other members of the wider community. The day ran on a very formulaic structure: we would have a short assembly in the morning, walk to the General Assembly, have our scheduled meetings with our state senators, followed by meetings with our delegates and finally regroup and have a debrief on the
Ask a Marlin ‘How do I make my classmate stop talking?’
“My classmate keeps asking questions when I want to be learning the material. Should I be the bigger person and let them keep asking random questions or should I let them know that their questions are pointless and distracting from the material?” Elena Lichtenwalner| Marlin Chronicle Elena is a senior English major. As the Creative Writing Club president and a member of the choirs, she spends most of her time hanging out with friends at campus events. She is an Opinions editor and copy editor for The Marlin Chronicle.
Lobbying: how to keep your legislators in check BY LUCAS GORDON lrgordon@vwu.edu
Sarah Richards|Marlin Chronicle
successes, challenges and overall findings from our meetings. With our game plan decided, we made our way over to the General Assembly. The meetings themselves are, surprisingly, not all that interesting, as we simply present a packet of information that provides guidelines on certain bills that are being discussed or debated, alongside some advisory materials, but what does make the meetings interesting is just who we are talking to. Oftentimes, a lobbyist who is not “in” with an elected official does not get to meet with them directly and instead speak with their legislative aides or other staff members. This was the case for me and my peers; however, this is not a total loss. In my meeting with Senator Aaron Rouse’s chief of staff, Diondra Musgrave, Galilea and I were able to make serious leeway with the VICPP agenda. Further, the tactics that must be deployed in order for effective lobbying depend on whether or not the official is in support or in opposition with what you are presenting. Musgrave and Rouse both were staunch supporters (and even sponsors of) some bills we discussed, so we had a fairly productive and comfortable conversation. Arguably, the most important element of lobbying is that it drives home the point that elected officials are people too. Once elected, they are held responsible by the citizens that bring them to office, so taking an opportunity to see them face-to-face is powerful in and of itself. Overall, I am satisfied with my experiences in Richmond and will always encourage others to write, call or meet with their elected officials. Constituents are the root of any functioning democracy, and we just so happen to occupy that role, so the legislative world really is your oyster.
Captain C’s thoughts:
BY PHOENYX CLIFTON tclifton@vwu.edu
It’s a bit unclear whether they are asking you the questions or directing them to the professor. Regardless, I’ll answer it both ways! If your classmate is asking you random questions, you have a few options. You can politely let them know the questions are distracting and you’re trying to focus on the lesson. Alternatively, you can move your seat. Yes, it might shift the class dynamics a bit or confuse your professor, but we’re in college! Seats are not assigned and you can move at any point. Now, if they are asking the professor unnecessary questions that redirect the lesson, maybe you can counter that by asking a question related to the material. You can also email your professor privately to discuss the issue with them. Or, you can put extra focus into the material that is being covered, and ignore all the fluff that comes about because of that classmate’s questions. Another important thing to consider is whether they are a disturbance only to you or to the whole class. If it’s the latter (and you’re feeling bold), you could
either ask a question or respond to a professor’s question/prompt and address the whole class, politely reminding them to stay on topic. For example, you could start your sentence with “getting back on topic” or something similar. Finally, I’d suggest looking at the situation from their perspective. Perhaps their seemingly unrelated questions are actually helping them to engage with and learn the material? It may not make any sense to you or anyone else, but it could be the way they process the information. Is English their first language? Maybe they misunderstood what was being said. Is this a gen-ed class? This could be way outside their area of expertise, and they’re trying to make it make sense to them. At the end of the day, if none of the other strategies help, the best you can do is focus on yourself and what you can control, which is paying attention to relevant questions and information, taking notes and getting through the semester! Ask your own question here.
The Fishbowl Review|Advertisement The Fishbowl Review is open for submissions for the Spring 2026 issue! We are looking for creative voices from all across campus. Send in your poetry, fiction, non-fiction and visual art. Come make a splash with us, the water is fine! The Fishbowl Review is the VWU undergraduate literary journal run by Dr. Sara Ryan and the students of ENG 297: Editing and Publishing. The 2026 issue will be released on the Fishbowl Review website at www.thefishbowlreview.com.
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Sports Baseball has best start in 17 years
Thursday March 12, 2026 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Marlins start their season with a 10-4 record.
BY BAILEY GRAY bcgray@vwu.edu
The Baseball team is coming out strong with a record of 10-4. Through many close games, the heart of the lineup has consistently hit runners around the diamond, walking off two games. The pitchers have kept games close with 91 strikeouts so far. Senior captain and outfielder Nick Valentin said they have a strong brotherhood, which helps them put all their focus into executing good plays. “It’s a lot of fun, but when we get to where we need to be, we know it’s time to flip a switch and get in the game mode and go to war,” Valentin said. Head Coach Christian Francis has been coaching at VWU for a total of 17 years, assisting from 2002-2007 and returning as head coach in 2014. He said he prioritizes recruiting high-character student-athletes to sustain the program culture and leadership. “It’s a group of unselfish people that play hard for each other and love each other,” Francis said. Francis said he admires his extremely resilient team that keeps calm under pressure. “I’ve been really impressed with the clubhouse and our leadership,” Francis said.
Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle Freshman Chase DePalma threw 8 shutout innings against Guilford College.
Valentin said he plans to work hard to lead the team to the playoffs. “A personal goal for myself is to be the best captain I can be and be the best leader I can be. It’s a role that I am super proud of, and it is a step out of my comfort zone,” Valentin said. Francis said he appreciates the role of captains on the team and trusts them with responsibilities of managing their strength and conditioning program, leaning on them for advice and grasping the team culture. “Sometimes a coach has a tough time getting through to a player, but a peer can do it, and they have a very good feel and sense for when they need to step in, have a conversation with somebody,” Francis said. The team played Regent University on Feb. 18. While trailing by six runs after the sixth inning, they rallied for a 10-9 victory, ending with a walk-off home run in the tenth inning by junior Gino Meienschein. “I have never been that relaxed or confident being down six runs before in my life in 30 years of college baseball. I trust them completely to keep doing the right things,” Francis said. Francis said the ODAC Conference is highly competitive and there is not one specific game they treat more important than another. “Our guys just really love to play, and it doesn’t matter who they are going to play that week,” Francis said. “I think this year’s team is very much looking to continue to make adjustments and tweak things, and look for things that they can add to their game or add to be a better teammate,” Francis said. Junior Jason Caccavaro is a utility player whose primary strength is in the outfield. While this position requires focus due to the ball tailing and wind effects, Caccavaro said he enjoys the challenge. Junior Israel Dozier is a transfer playing his first season with the Marlins in the outfield. “I just transferred from community college, so I just have to believe that I can do what I can do, and be confident in myself,” Dozier said. Dozier said it is easy for him to stay motivated during the long season because
Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle Chaos erupts after a lead-off homerun from Valentin. he thinks back to all the work he has put in to get here. “You know that you have prepared yourself and you have done all the work throughout the offseason, now is the time to go out there and have fun,” Dozier said. Although post-season play is always a priority, Francis said he doesn’t let the pressure of the future distract them from the current task at hand. “You can’t really look ahead. You just have to enjoy going through the process, manage yourself day to day and take each day as a new challenge,” Francis said. Caccavaro credits Assistant Coach Thomas Crandall for helping him with the mental aspects of the game and improving his performance. “He has helped me with being the best version of myself and clearing my mind to be able to have those good at-bats,” Caccavaro said. “[Coach Crandall] is a good coach, and he cares about us. It’s easy for us to relate to him since he’s so young,” Dozier said. At away games, Valentin said the team aims to put on runs early and chip away every inning. “We take a lot of pride in defending our home turf, and when we go down to away games, we can be really aggressive,” Valentin said. “It’s a big advantage when we come up
in the bottom of the ninth and our hitters are ready to hit,” Caccavaro said. Caccavaro said each player has their own process to prepare for away games. “We leave really early in the morning most of the time, so people are usually asleep, but then once you get closer to that game, people wake up and start to talk a lot or people put their headphones on to lock in,” Caccavaro said. These three players said their overall top priority is the team. “I care more about getting on base and finding any way to score a run for the team, whether I’m the run being scored or I’m the one getting the run in,” Valentin said. To these players, personal statistics aren’t everything. “I’d rather win than have any personal achievements,” Caccavaro said. “I want to be better than I was last year, but I also don’t want that to get in the way of what the main mission is and the main goal is, and that is helping the team to win any way I possibly can,” Valentin said. “At the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing here, it’s building relationships and developing people,” Francis said. The Marlins’ next home game is against Shenandoah University on Mar. 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Marlins Tennis on cusp of breakout Men’s and Women’s Tennis both ranked No. 3 in ODAC pre-season poll.
BY WILL TURNER wjturner@vwu.edu
The Marlins Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams look to start fresh as a new director, James Moskowitz, takes the reins of both teams at the start of the 2025-2026 season. With both teams landing in 3rd place in the ODAC preseason coaches’ poll, the Marlins look to improve on already brag-worthy wins early in the year. The men’s team started the year 5-3, highlighted by a win against Division II Chowan University in a scrimmage. While the women’s team suffered a tough loss in their matchup against Chowan, they came back the next day and beat Elizabeth City State University. Junior captain of the men’s team, Tudor Vlad, attributes this early-season success to “creating a team culture that everybody feels involved and feels that they’re getting better.” Last season, the men’s team exited the first round of the ODAC Tournament with a heartbreaking 3-4 loss against the #4 seed Shenandoah. Vlad and the men’s team look to go deeper into the ODAC tournament. “We have a star on Washington and Lee and Averett for
“I would put both of my teams on billboards. They are the best.” Director of Men’s and Women’s Tennis James Moskowitz sure. We are always chasing them. This year, we can get there,” Vlad said. With multiple double-digit winning years, the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams look to continue a legacy of success, even with “a completely different dynamic,” Vlad said. This change in dynamic comes from Moskowitz. Moskowitz looks to continue the Marlins’ success while also balancing the challenge of coaching both Tennis teams.
Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle Freshman Ayaan Choudhary looks to make a big impact on the court for the Marlins this season.
Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle Junior Tuva Flink demonstrates strong performance in her singles match. Even with the tough job that lies ahead for him, Moskowitz said, “I would put both of my teams on billboards. They are the best.” As a former assistant coach, Moskowitz already has a grasp on the way the team worked. “I’m a continuation of the former coaching staff, with a dedication to finding a cast of characters to quarry on a mission of success,” Moskowitz said. Sophomore Meena Lennon said she hopes to continue her success on the court with the women’s team, looking to bounce back after facing tough opponents such as topranked Washington and Lee. “It’s good to get into a rhythm playing better opponents. Even though the level is higher, that’s what makes you better,” Lennon said. Lennon said Moskowitz has made a big difference in the women’s program. “He’s been doing so much for us. He has so much on his plate already, and has just done an amazing job,” Lennon said. Moskowitz said the women’s team “makes his job a lot easier than it could be.” Most members of the tennis teams are from Europe, and Vlad said they are “one big happy family from everywhere.” He said, “the distance for everyone makes home not feel so far.” “Lots of international student tennis players don’t have access to a vehicle. It’s a good thing they like each other, because they help each other out a lot,” Moskowitz said. The Marlins have long homestands for both teams coming up in March. The first ODAC games for each team are Mar. 14 against Averett, at the Everett Tennis Center. Both teams will end the season on the road when the men’s team faces Lynchburg on Apr. 19 and the women’s team faces Randolph-Macon on Apr. 25.
Sports
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Thursday March 12, 2026 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
Men’s Basketball celebrates 20th anniversary of national title
The first of many National Championships at VWU. BY CASTON CHRISTMAN cbchristman@vwu.edu
20 years ago, when the game clock hit zero, VWU Men’s Basketball made history, becoming the school’s first National Champions. In 2006, Men’s Basketball went 30-3 with a 28-game win streak, winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championship. This led them to a first-round bye in the Division III (DIII) March Madness. They beat Farmingdale State 71-63, secured a 72-71 win against Lincoln University, overcame William Paterson 46-35 in the elite eight, defeated Illinois Wesleyan 81-79 in the final four and were victorious in the championship game over Wittenberg 59-56. “When the clock hit zero, I just dropped to the ground. Nothing was believable at that moment. Then, I thought back to the work we put in starting Oct. 15,” Basketball alumnus and NBA Referee Brandon Adair said. The whole team was in shock, not believing it actually happened. “It was like a big boom sounding, and confetti started dropping, and when we saw that final shot go off to the side, I think it’s a surreal feeling that we had done something that nobody else had done, and we were just very proud. It took a while for it to sink in, but seeing the guys talk about it during press conferences became one of my proudest moments,” Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dave Macedo said. Alumnus Marques Fitch was the captain that year. “He was the pioneer and captain for that program. He deserves his own spot in the hall of fame,” Adair said. Fitch said it was difficult being the captain. “I knew what each teammate wanted to accomplish at the end of the season. I made it my mission to hold them accountable all year, even if they didn’t want to hear it. ‘The main thing is the
main thing.’ I made it my mission to hold everyone accountable in workouts, weight lifting and games. They didn’t love hearing my voice all the time then,” Fitch said. Macedo won the DIII Head Coach of the Year award that year, but he said he cared
“When the clock hit zero, I just dropped to the ground. Nothing was believable at that moment.” VWU Men’s Basketball alumnus Brandon Adair
about his players more. “It’s not something I put up on a shelf to show off. Brandon [Aidar] won the national player of the year award. He and I and his mom and my wife got a chance to travel out to Indianapolis and go to the NABC awards presentation and show and that was probably the highlight for me, getting a chance to spend some time and see him up on stage and receive that award,” Macedo said. “Coach Macedo is the best coach. He motivated us and made us one unit. Our practices were grueling and competitive. We were the most prepared team every night, and that is all because of him. He pushed us to the breaking point physically and mentally, but then brought us back with jokes and sarcasm. We all wanted to run through a wall for him, because there was never a doubt he cared about us,” Fitch
Members of the 2006 National Championship team reunite where it all began.
said. Adair said he fondly remembers Macedo’s coaching style and is still thankful for being able to play under him to this day. “Macedo stood out because he knew what strings to pull. Everybody was different and he knew what to do to bring out the best in everyone,” Adair said. For current and future DIII athletes, Marques Fitch said to “Play with a chip on your shoulder. Being a DIII athlete is the hardest; we have to go to class, and we have to fundraise for gear and shoes. DIII players love the game, embrace the time with their teammates, and try to do something special,” Fitch said. The 2006 Men’s Basketball national title stood alone for a decade until Evan Cox won the DIII Men’s Golf championship.
VWU Athletics|Courtesy
Men’s Lacrosse looks to build off hot start The Marlins have outscored opponents 82-44 so far.
BY CAMERON MAILLOUX cjmailloux@vwu.edu
The VWU Men’s Lacrosse team has started the 2026 season with confidence, momentum and a 3–1 record. In their first four games, the Marlins have shown an explosive offense and a strong defense, outscoring their opponents by an 82–44 margin. They have averaged over 20 goals per game during this period. Their only loss so far came in a close game against Chatham University on Feb. 8. In an offensive battle from beginning to end, the Marlins lost in a dramatic 17–16 match. The one-goal difference emphasized how evenly matched the game was, with momentum shifting back and forth. Even with the loss, the Marlins showed determination and composure, keeping the game competitive until the final whistle. This narrow defeat acts as a benchmark early in the season. Head Coach Samuel Jones is entering his second season with the Marlins. Last season, Jones led the team to seven wins, the most wins the program has had since 2019. With three wins in the season already, they are hungry for more. “We have to be confident in our process and continue to fall in love with the preparation throughout the week,” Jones said. Jones said he credits the atmosphere that the team has created this year, emphasizing energy and discipline.
“These guys play for each other, but they’re not afraid to hold each other accountable.” Assistant Coach Braden Long “Discipline is a work in progress and needs to be more consistent throughout all phases of what we do, but we have not lacked in the energy department. If you walk by our locker room, there is a sign on the door that says ‘Energy is Everything’ and these guys really embody it,” Jones said. With the team buying into the culture, Jones said he hopes they will continue to sustain the energy and discipline deep into the season to keep assisting the winning efforts. Assistant Coach Braden Long joins the Marlins this season as the new defensive coordinator. Along with new defensive concepts and schemes, Long said he is hoping to illuminate the brotherhood of this team. “They have each other’s backs at all times throughout every game,” Long said.
Emilie Dajc|Courtesy Sophomore Miles Fuehler has 103 faceoffs won across four games.
Having this brotherhood in the game allows for his players to play a little more loose, knowing that there are nine other guys who can help when they need it. Long said he hopes this sense of brotherhood throughout the team will help them in the long run as the season gets tougher. “These guys play for each other, but they’re not afraid to hold each other accountable,” Long said. Junior Captain Ben Andrews said he is excited to work in this offense. Andrews said he credits the chemistry of the offense for their high-scoring abilities throughout the early portion of the season. “I think the chemistry of this offense makes us stronger, we have a lot of first-years and a handful of transfers that contribute to this offense on and off the field. Our offensive coordinator plays a huge factor in our offense as well,” Andrews said. Assistant Coach Dan Moriarty is also entering his first season with the Marlins as an offensive coordinator, giving the offense a new look that allows for the team to use their individual strengths to exploit the other defense’s weaknesses. “The guys this year have shown that they are capable of the job and that they can handle the pressure of the captain’s position. It shows because all the captains were voted for by fellow teammates,” Andrews said. The Marlins will play their next game against Marywood University at 3:30 p.m. on Mar. 14 at Birdsong Field.
Emilie Dajc|Courtesy Freshman Keagan Hall has scored 17 goals across four games.
Thursday March 12, 2026 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
THEWEEKENDER
PAGE 9
Mending the broken, torn at Eleanor’s
BY LILY RESLINK lbreslink@vwu.edu
In a culture growing increasingly accustomed to replacing broken or torn items, programming at Eleanor’s Bookstore in Norfolk fights to instill basic mending skills that make new purchases less necessary. Long-time hand stitcher Jen McDermott hosted Intro to Hand Mending workshop on Saturday, Feb. 21. From global production to individual mindfulness, McDermott said the skill helps the world slow down in more ways than one. “I’m terrible at meditation, but when I’m sewing, I’m not thinking about anything except for what’s in my hands and what I’m using,” McDermott said. “That is probably the only time in a day that my brain turns off in the way that people have talked about happening with meditation.” McDermott said she appreciates the mind-tobody connection of hand sewing; sewing machines
have never been her thing. “I love anything that doesn’t need to be plugged in,” McDermott said. She began the workshop by saying that hand sewing is as ancient as humans. The practice has only recently dwindled in popularity. “Today, hand sewing is really couture costuming, historical clothing and high-end tailoring, but I think that elevates hand sewing to a place that it doesn’t necessarily need to be,” McDermott said. “We can all hand sew.” “I think when we interrupt the buying cycle and take a moment to appreciate the clothes we have, keep them longer, wear them more, that we are doing something important,” McDermott said. Having already been at Eleanor’s for a local stitching group meeting, Agnes Smith stuck around for the workshop to pick up skills that she could apply to pieces at home in need of repair. “A lot of clothing these days is made to fall apart,”
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle Jenn McDermott, organizer of the Feb. 21 Intro to Hand Mending workshop at Eleanor’s, compiles information on hand-sewing into a “zine” she distributes to community members. Smith said. “Any skill that we all can learn to fix things on our own is very empowering.” Smith said there is enough clothing on earth for the next six generations. “That’s jarring, and I think anything we can all support to not add to that is beneficial for everybody.” Kristian Rogers was at the event to repair her favorite shirt that she hadn’t worn in months because of a hole torn in the armpit. “Community exchange of ideas is one of the most accessible ways that we learn things. It’s one of the original ways that we transported stories, skills, traditions [and] history,” Rogers said. Rogers is a Youth Services librarian in the
Lafayette Branch Library. “We do a lot of community things that are around education and teaching people skills, so this is learning a new skill, which I love,” Rogers said. Rogers said the event represents the importance of socialization and community, but also the importance of being able to do things yourself. McDermott said confidence and mending ability have a snowball effect. “Once you start fixing small things, it can really feel like you can fix larger things, or things that you hadn’t thought about fixing before,” McDermott said. “I truly believe that nothing learned is ever really wasted,” Rogers
said. “If you take the time to learn basically anything, if nothing else, it’s exercise for your brain.” Rogers said picking up skills is “humbling” in a beneficial way. “I think it’s good ego practice to become a beginner over and over again,” Rogers said. At the workshop, McDermott shared several tips for getting the most out of clothing, some of which require no skill at all. She said if you’ve got a piece you’re not sure about, donate it, swap it with friends, recycle it into yarn or use it to make another project. If a piece is stained, McDermott said tie dye is a great way to hide that. McDermott said perfection is not the goal of
mending. “If it’s functional and you like it, it’s a good mend,” McDermott said. “What can’t you fix? I think that’s probably the better question to ask.” Eleanor’s hosts a wealth of events for those interested in art, writing and collective action. On the third Sunday of every month, Eleanor’s hosts craft socials. Partnering organizations Humanities Behind Bars (HBB) and The Womxn’s Connective hosts monthly community events at Eleanor’s on the last Thursday of every month and the fourth Friday of every month, respectively. For more, visit www. eleanorsnfk.com/eventdetails.
IMDb|Courtesy
Still ‘Scream’ing in ‘26 REVIEW BY ABEE CASSIDY abcassidy@vwu.edu “Scream 7” is a film that you’re either excited to see or are confused about, considering the series is still ongoing more than 20 years after the original came out. After original “Scream” Director Wes Craven died in 2015, Directors Kevin Williamson, Tyler Gillet and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin took over and kept the iconic “Ghostface” horror franchise alive. In “Scream 7,” the directors still include some of the characters featured in the original film, such as Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers and Stu Macher. These main characters are played by actors Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and Matthew Lillard, respectively. Also featured are new characters played by familiar faces, including Mason Gooding, McKenna Grace, Isabel May and Mark Evans. Not only did familiar faces return, but famous artists also collaborated on “Scream 7’s” soundtrack for this release. Big names like Don Toliver and Jessie Murph created songs like “CREEPIN” and “Criminal” that share the feel of the film. When “Scream 7” released on Feb. 27, it received varying reactions from franchise lovers who have followed “Scream” for years. Some people were happy to see their favorite characters back on the big screen again, but others were disappointed because they thought the series was becoming too similar and repetitive throughout the sequels.
Attendees at the Lynnhaven AMC theater said they enjoyed the film. “The movie was good, it’s fantastic, with lots of twists and turns,” Jordan Noriega said. “It was pretty gory, that was really cool,” Matthew Beatty said. Since its 1996 debut, “Scream” has become a staple in the horror genre, building a passionate fan base through its blending of the traditional slasher film and humorous self-commentary on “horror movie rules.” “You can’t beat the first movie for sure, the first one was definitely iconic,” Loren Kelly said. For the most part, “Scream” fans have followed the franchise through all seven films. “I would say I’m a ‘Scream’ fan, my mom loves ‘Scream’ and it was the first horror movie I’d ever watched with her,” Kelly said. Fans are not only there to experience the thrill of a “Scream” film and the suspense of another Ghostface killing, but also to watch their favorite characters reappear and endure more trauma. “It’s cheesy, but you have to expect that. Obviously there’s six of the movies, so you know the whole plot and people went to watch anyways,” Kelly said. For a lot of people, the most exciting thing about this new movie is seeing how they are going to keep the franchise alive while maintaining the aesthetic from the old movies that fans love and remember. “That’s the whole point of ‘Scream:’ it’s gonna be the same but different every time,” Noriega said. While the three viewers enjoyed
“Scream 7,” they agreed that it seemed to follow a very familiar path of where the franchise has been in prior movies. They said there were many similarities in the way that the story developed that were like earlier movies in the series, which made much of the movie predictable. However, their reviews were mostly positive. “I give it a good 8/10, pretty fire, could have better kills,” Noriega said. “I’ll give it a six,” Kelly said. “I give it a solid 7.5/10,” Beatty said. “I thought it was ‘Scary Movie,’ but it was a good movie with a completely different plot. Overall, pretty exciting.” With the opportunity to share their thoughts on the plot and comments about the twist in Ghostface’s identity(s) as “Scream” is known for, they said that they were somewhat shocked by the reveal. “I thought it was gonna be the boyfriend, a repeat of the first movie, but I still think he was a part of it,” Kelly said. “Or that it was going to be the creepy kid.” Viewers agreed that the franchise should continue. Despite this, they said that they would like to see something new while keeping some of the old traditions that have been present in previous “Scream” films. The “Scream” franchise has maintained a strong presence within the horror genre for 30 years. It is possible that as long as the “Scream” franchise continues to bring in both original and new fans, Ghostface will continue to come back to theaters.
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
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Thursday March 12, 2026 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwu.edu
THEWEEKENDER
Leveling up a night out REVIEW
settle down at the tables or bar top with drinks in hand watching the competition play out. BY BRYANT COTTERELL Instead of feeling like an overstimulating arcade or a bccotterell@vwu.edu typical college dive bar, the venue manages to find a middle Under the glow of neon lights and sounds of aggressive ground, offering an environment where competition and button-mashing, patrons at Pixel Pints and Bytes put down social interaction intersect. The food and drinks add another layer to the experience. high-definition realism for old-school pixels and flashy The cocktail menu features arcade-themed drinks like the pinball machines. Mango-Man, Pixel Back and Gin and Sonic, while still Bartenders stir craft cocktails and pour beer behind the offering a full range of standard beers or non-alcoholic counter while servers navigate the crowd with trays of beverages for those who prefer to keep it simple. food and bags of tokens. Nostalgia and a night-out blend The kitchen aims to match that energy, though reviews to create a retro experience with a modern twist. among patrons vary. Patron Kaza Dayton said her meal Located on the corner of West 22nd St. and Colonial was “pretty flavorful, if I do say so myself,” though Ave., Pixel Pints and Bytes has established she noted a small mistake, adding, “I did request no itself as a social hub for young adults and cheese and they did put cheese.” longtime gamers who grew up using the Another guest, Pauly Bolt, was more machines present. Whether someone is straightforward about their mac and cheese, looking to set a new high score or trying to saying, “It wasn’t the best I’ve had. I would not find a unique night out, this space offers get it again.” something for everyone. On the arcade side, enthusiasm seems far The venue combines a selective more unified. Several patrons praised the lineup of classic retro arcade games, upkeep of the machines, particularly the pinball including “Frogger,” “Pac-Man” selection. “They take the best care of the pinball and “Karate Champ,” along with machines here compared to other places around themed pinball machines such like Circuit Social,” one guest, named Dave, as “Star Wars,” “Godzilla” said, pointing to the venue’s attention to and “Stranger Things.” detail. “I’ve been on this machine for like In addition, guests can 45 minutes and only spent a single dollar,” play on vintage consoles he said, reinforcing that he knows ball; like the SNES, N64 pinball, that is. and Playstation 1, or On a broader scale, arcade bars have compete in more grown in popularity across the nation by hands-on games like blending nostalgia with nightlife across air hockey and ski multiple generations. ball. “I haven’t As at-home gaming consoles continue seen some of these to dominate the gaming entertainment games around industry, venues like Pixel Pints and Bytes in forever, but offer a breath of fresh air in an interactive they play just like and in-person experience. I remember them. The appeal goes beyond simply playing Pretty cheap too, which old games. It taps into a sense of community is sweet,” patron Kaleb and shared competition that is often missing Hulse said. from online play. Beyond the machines In a college area, especially where traditional themselves, the energy inside bars can begin to feel repetitive, a hybrid concept Pixel Pints and Bytes is what like this stands out. By pairing vintage gaming truly defines the experience. The with drinks and social seating, atmosphere is balanced by groups Lily Reslink |Marlin Chronicle Pixel Pints reflects a shift toward gathering around the cabinets to Patron Kaza Dayton sports Pixels experience-driven entertainment. cheer other players on while others merch and a cocktail.
Lily Reslink|Marlin Chronicle Pixel Pints and Bytes converts the traditional arcade into something that can be enjoyed by adults, incorporating older games,such as Skee-Ball. The venue sells an atmosphere that is built on connection, nostalgia and a break from the ordinary weekend routine. The venue offers more than games and drinks alone: it provides a setting where competition sparks conversation and strangers become teammates or rivals. Playing video games in today’s world may hold the privilege of cutting-edge graphics and immersive storylines, but there is still something special about stepping back into the scene of a classic arcade. For those willing to trade controllers for joysticks and couches for cabinets, the reward is a night that feels refreshing and memorable. As the tables clear and final rounds of pinball play out, Pixel Pints and Bytes proves that entertainment does not have to be enjoyed on a screen at home.
Vendors find community at market
REVIEW BY OMARI JONES ozjones@vwu.edu As a college student, I find it easy to get stuck in the routine of campus life of just going to class, doing homework and hanging out in the same places. I decided to visit a local flea market in Norfolk to give myself something different to do. What I didn’t expect was for it to turn out to be such an amazing experience. The flea market felt like more than just people selling things, it seemed like a small community where everyone had a story. The open lot of the Big Top Flea Market was filled with rows of tents and tables set up with all kinds of items. Some vendors sold handmade crafts, others sold vintage clothes and some had candles, art or homemade products. This Norfolk Flea Market is located at 7600 Sewells Point Rd. One of the vendors, Angelique, sold jewelry, mainly rings. Her table was filled with rings of different shapes and sizes. “Jewelry is personal,” Angelique said. “People pick pieces that match their personality or mean something to them … I like being part of that.” “I like being able to meet people face-to-
face,” she said, explaining why she sold at the flea market instead of online vendors. “Online is fine, but here I can actually talk to customers and see what they think.” Travis, another vendor at the flea market, had a booth selling old graphic tees, jackets and retro sports gear that younger shoppers seemed interested in. “A lot of students want to stand out. They don’t want to wear the same things as everyone else. Vintage clothes are different,” Travis said. Travis said the Norfolk flea market is a good place to sell because of the mix of people who come through. “You get college students, families and locals. That helps a lot.” Relying on flea markets to sell products does come with a downside. “If the weather’s bad, it can really hurt business,” Travis said. “That’s the hard part about being outside.” Destiny, another vendor, sells homemade candles and incense at her booth. Destiny’s products smelled amazing, with scents like lavender and vanilla. “Scents can change your mood. They can remind you of home or good memories. I like knowing my products can make someone feel relaxed,” Destiny said. She enjoys selling at the Norfolk Flea
Omari Jones|Marlin Chronicle While the flea market might not be flashy, plenty of treasures can be found if you look for them. Market because people support small businesses. “Customers here care about buying local,” Destiny said. “They take their time and actually ask questions.” The flea market felt different from shopping at a regular store. In most stores, you don’t meet the person who made the product. At the flea market, every item
has a story. The vendors are proud of their work, and you can see the effort they put into it. The market is about supporting local vendors who are working hard and sharing their creativity. To me, it was a very inspiring thing to witness. It showed me that small ideas can grow into real opportunities, especially in a place where the community shows up to support them.
Jordan Crallé |Marlin Chronicle