Writing Assignment 5

Greek life at Towson on the rise

One of the newest sorority's embraces multiculturalism

Sarah Bernero (right) wtih another sister from Idaho.

Hanging out after the Sigma Gamma Chapter photo shoot.

(Photo by Arlene D. Lozada June 3, 2008)

At college campuses across the nation hundreds of students make the decision to join Greek-lettered organizations every year and Towson University is no exception, but what if you had the opportunity to bring a new organization to your college campus. As one of the founders of the Sigma Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. at Towson University, a then sophomore took on this task.

“I felt like there weren’t any organizations that were for me or had any of the aims I was looking for,” said Sarah Bernero, 23, Towson University Graduate. She learned about Sigma Lambda Gamma from a high school friend who had joined at another school and after doing some research became very interested.

Ms. Bernero wanted to be part of something that would empower women and have a positive impact on Towson’s campus. She wasn’t the only one as many of the women interested were excited to be part of something new and to be bringing change to Towson.

“The process was really trying and it had a lot of steps. It made me grow as a person because it took a couple of years. I learned a lot from it,” Ms. Bernero said. The organization first became recognized by the Student Government Association in January 2005, then by nationals as a colony in the fall 2005 semester and didn’t earn chapter status until March 3rd, 2007.

After having been successful in bringing Sigma Lambda Gamma to Towson’s campus the response they received from the Greeks on campus was better than expected. “The Greeks on campus welcomed us and were really interested in putting on programs with us,” Ms. Bernero said.

In the end there isn’t a doubt in her mind that the entire process was well worth it. Ms. Bernero has taken away from this experience the valuable skills of professionalism, creativity, and the importance of self-critique.

The introduction of Sigma Lambda Gamma at Towson University also sparked other Greek-lettered organizations to step-up their game. The Towson community benefited from better programs and community service projects.

“I think Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. was a great addition to Greek-life because it is a multicultural sorority and even though Towson has various demographics, they don’t always mix and this isn’t the case with Sigma Lambda Gamma,” Ms. Bernero said.

Baby trapped in wall collapse

A wall collapsed on a baby after a one alarm fire broke out in the southeast district of Baltimore at the high rise projects at around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Firefighters removed the collapsed wall and rescued the infant, Andre Henderson, a 10 day old baby who has been treated and released for possible smoke inhalation. Arnetta Sands, 36 year-old female was the second person injured and sustained first degree burns on her back and arms.

The cause of the fire was combustion and it has been ruled accidental said, Captain Thommen of the fire department. Ms. Sands was spraying insecticide from and aerosol can that was ignited by a stove.

The mother of the infant Renee Henderson, 23 was uninjured. The fire caused damage to the kitchen and furnishings in Ms. Sands apartment.

Writing Assignment # 3

No arrest have been made in the armed robbery of the Provident Savings Bank on Greenmount Avenue Monday afternoon; where 3 suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.

While one suspect was armed with a .22 cal sawed rifle the other two suspects emptied teller’s drawers and loaded money into pillowcases. There were only 4 employees and two customers at the time and no injuries.

The suspects were described as three black males. One had a red hat and red football jersey, another was wearing a white fishnet shirt, and the third suspect had on red tennis shoes.

The suspects were last seen headed east on the north side of the bank.

Writing Assignment # 2

It didn’t take long for a boy from Washington Heights to fall in love with the game of basketball and begin an affair that would blossom and grow over the years.

“I like basketball. I like the competiveness of the game,” said Kevin Lozada, 19, a current Towson University Student from New York City. “I’ve been playing basketball competitively since 8th grade.”

When asked why he started playing basketball in the first place he said he played because everyone else was and because it was fun.

“I don’t know why I like it, I just do. I grew up playing it and I fell in love with the game,” he said. “It was also a healthy alternative to what other kids in my neighborhood were doing. It kept me of the streets.”

There a number of kids across the United States like Kevin who get involved in sports and other activities to escape the negative environment of their neighborhoods.

US Airways

Airline company US Airways will go back to offering passengers free drinks starting March 1, announced the companies chief executive, W. Douglas Parker.

As fuel cost began to rise many airlines began charging passengers to check baggage and book flights using their frequent flier miles. US Airways, however, received a lot of backlash when it started charging passengers $1 for coffee and tea and $2 for bottled water and soft drinks.

The company has now decided to discontinue charging passengers for drinks after the implementation of the new policy proved to have more negative effects than positive.

US Airways has made a step in the right direction. Being the only company to begin charging for beverages would only come back to hurt them. As travelers we all have become accustomed to free beverages and meals on flights. To begin charging for something so many view as complimentary would definitely have a major impact on an individuals decision to fly US Airways or another airline. US Airways has made an intelligent decision and will in the end come out on top.

NY Times article: US Airways to Resume Free Drinks

Children As Caregivers

LANTANA, Fla. -- It seems as though more and more children are assuming the role of caregiver as they care for sick parents and grandparents in households across the United States. Children as young as 11 are in charge of responsibilities sometimes even adults find overwhelming. Some of the responsibilities include bathing, feeding, dressing, arranging doctor visits, and giving medications.

Annmarie a 13-year-old who takes care of her sick mother remembers at age 11 feeling "fed up," and thinking "There’s no law says I have to take care of her. Why should I have to do it? Other kids, they could go out and play with friends."

Many are becoming more aware of child caregivers and executive vice president of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Nancy Law says, "This is an issue that's growing." A nationwide study in 2005 found that about 3 percent of households with children 8-18 were child caregivers. Many experts believe that this number will continue to grow in the midst of these tough economic times.

However, there is hope on the horizon. There are programs being created to bring relief to these courageous caregivers like A Caregiving Youth Project. The project's care coordinator Karen Harwood, said, “We can’t change the situation for a lot of kids, but we can help them through it.” Programs like this one allow child caregivers to escape their grown-up responsibilities for a little while and be a kid if only for a weekend.

NY Times article: In Turnabout, Children Take Caregiver Role