Mar 23, 2017 | Sports |
The trophy given to the champions of the futsal league. (Photo Courtesy of Seth Noonkester)
By Marissa Chamberlain, Contributing Writer
UMF students and Farmington community members team up and face off in a futsal league on Friday nights at the Farmington Community Center. Futsal, a game similar to indoor soccer, was eliminated from the list of intramurals put on by the FRC this year due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to Seth Noonkester, a UMF grad who currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the Town of Farmington, the futsal league was created last year. There are eight teams made up of 7-12 players and each player pays a $10.00 registration fee. The season consists of eight regular season games through the months of February and March with playoffs and a championship game the first Friday of April. The champions get their names engraved on the Rec’s Futsal League Trophy and custom jerseys to wear during the next season.
“The Farmington Parks and Rec Futsal League is a great opportunity for adults who have experience or a desire to play soccer during the winter months,” said Noonkester. “What really makes the league so successful are the players in the program. We got lucky to have such a high energy and fun group of players.”
Not only is the futsal league a fun activity for Farmington community members, but many UMF students are enjoying the competition as well. “The Farmington Rec Department welcomes anyone to be part of our programs,” said Noonkester. “We currently have around 15 to 20 UMF students playing in our Futsal League this year alone.”
“The futsal league is such a great gig,” said UMF junior Sarita Crandall, who is also an employee at the Farmington Community Center. “Before teams are picked there is two Fridays of just pick up so you get to know all the players really well and make friends with people in the community that are your age or 20 years older than you.”
“I play field hockey for UMF but I always have so much fun with soccer, especially indoor,” said Crandall. “I’ve played indoor soccer since I was in middle school and really enjoy it even though I can’t ball handle to save my life.”
Dave Zeliger, a member of the Farmington community and a player on team Comeback Kids, said it was because of his kids that he got involved with the futsal league. “Figured it would be fun, a good workout, maybe help me to be a better coach and give my kids a chance to watch their father play for a change,” said Zeliger. “They are horrified by my play.”
Zeliger explained he is happy to have UMF students participate in the league. “Mostly, it’s no different than playing against anyone else, although they are younger, fitter and more skilled,” said Zeliger. “I admire their ability and their presence clearly elevates the level of play.”
Both Crandall and Zeliger said that unsportsmanlike conduct has not been an issue in the league. Crandall said the referee is very active in shutting down any potential problems.
“I actually think that the UMF students have been respectful and considerate playing against the variety of ages and skill levels of the community players,” said Zeliger. “Most of the UMF players really seem to get it.”
The Farmington Parks and Rec Dept. hosts many activities for children and adults at the Farmington Community Center. The Community Center is free and open to the public Monday through Friday and offers a full size basketball court, batting tunnel, and bouldering and rock climbing walls. Noonkester describes the community center as a “hidden gem” in the town of Farmington.
UMF students who want to get involved can visit the Community Center or like their facebook page at www.facebook.com/farmingtonrec.
Mar 23, 2017 | Feature |
By Sarita Crandall, Contributing Writer
UMF Biology Major and artist Hailey Mealey. (Photo Courtesy of Facebook).
Hailey Mealey, a junior biology major, has decided to put her artistic talents to work by opening up an Etsy shop to sell her creative watercolor paintings. Since Mealey is paying for her own education and is going to school full time, she needed an extra boost in her financial life and thought using her own abilities would do the trick.
“I was really nervous when I first opened up my Etsy shop because there wasn’t a lot on it,” Mealey said, “but I got a notification on my phone, it makes a little cha-ching, and so when I got that I was so excited someone had bought this portrait I did!”
Mealey’s biggest seller, compared to her printable downloads, are the colorful portraits that she replicates using a photo of your choice. The customer has to provide the photo either via email or through the mail if the customer lives far away they can physically give the photo to Mealey if they live close by.
Bill Charles was a recent local customer that was genuinely pleased with the portrait he paid for. The photo Charles gave Mealey was a photo of a family trip to Canada. “It’s a very memorable time so to have that personalized portrait really means a lot to me and adds to the significance of that trip,” said Charles, “It really has it’s own memory when looking at it.”
Not only has Mealey been working on her artwork to satisfy her customers, but she is working hard in school. One of her professors, Jean Doty, is especially pleased with Mealey in the classroom.
“I’ve known Hailey since the beginning of the fall semester. She took my Cell Biology class in the fall, and she’s currently taking my Genetics course,” Doty said, “Hailey is very enthusiastic and engaged in my classes. And she has excellent lab skills!”
Bernie Sanders watercolor painting by Hailey Jane Creations. (Photo Courtesy of Etsy)
Most people are confused when they hear that Mealey is an artist but also is highly interested in science, especially biology. “I have a lot of diverse interests,” Mealey said, “I think that’s what is good about both artist and scientist is that they’re more diverse than people give them credit to be.” Mealey said.
Doty agrees with Mealey, “Science requires creativity, too, though, so it makes sense that she’s interested in both art and science.”
This past break Mealey went to MDI to spend the entire week looking through microscopes at worms and learning about organisms through multiple bio labs. While she was there she learned a lot about the other students and professors. One professor was in a cover band for Metallica!
“Sometimes I feel like there are stereotypes of both artist and biologist and I think people don’t realize how common it is for the two to mix,” Mealey said, “Dr. Sherrod is my chemistry teacher and he does theater and singing.”
For further information about Mealey and her artwork, visit Etsy.com, search “Hailey Jane Creations” and view her unique work.
Mar 23, 2017 | News |
By Caleb Grover, Contributing Writer
The Sandy River Canoe and Kayak Race and Fun Paddle is being held on April 30 by Mainely Outdoors and is open to community members, high school and college students.
The race allows people to enjoy the outdoors and make good memories with their friends. “This race provides a great outdoor recreation opportunity,” said Jim Toner, director of the FRC and Mainely Outdoors program. “This is something most people probably wouldn’t do on their own, so it allows people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with their friends.”
The race attracts people of all skill levels. Competitive kayak racers who are in MaCKRO (Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization) participate in the event as a part of their circuit of races across Maine. The Mt. Blue High School outing club and the UMF Outing Club have both participated in the race, as well as many community members, of all ages and professions.
Although all of the water is either class 1 or 2, the river still provides a few challenges for the participants. Last year low water levels led to a rockier, shallower river than normal, which was due to a lack of snow. This made strategy more important than ever. “There is a foot drop off in the last mile of the race, and only a few good places to get down it depending on the water levels said Toner. “It’s all about picking your channels though.”
The race is run in heats, people of like skill level are put together. Fun paddlers go together and the competitive racers go together. “It allows the racers to go as fast as they want without having to paddle around slower people, and it lets the people who are there to fun paddle not to feel rushed,” said Toner.
Avery Isbell, a sophomore and elementary education major, worked in last year’s race as a sweep kayak. Sweep kayaks follow behind the last person in the given heat, to make sure nobody gets left behind or put in a dangerous position by themselves. “It’s something fun and new for people to try in a very safe environment, with people who are trained and experienced always nearby,” said Isbell.
“Be prepared with warm clothes just in case you get wet,” said Isbell. “The water is typically very cold in April.”
The race starts at 1:00 p.m. on April 30 by the American Legion in Strong. Registration on race day runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the pre-race meeting is at 12:30 p.m.. People interested in participating can also register beforehand at the FRC. Registration is $10.00 per person, and $5.00 for UMF students. For any questions, contact Jim Toner.
Mar 23, 2017 | News |
By Angel Greer, Contributing Writer
The 2017 UMF Clefnotes. (Photo Courtesy of Zack Lavoie)
UMF a capella group Clefnotes is growing and obtaining new opportunities and will soon perform in their 3rd Annual Celebration of Music and final concert, both to be held in Nordica Auditorium later this semester.
Clefnotes recently held auditions this semester, with hopes of finding people to potentially add to their club. They added four new members this semester, which is said to be a pretty large number for a spring semester. “Usually not a lot of people audition during the spring semester, since a lot of people audition during the fall semester,” said Vanessa Brown, member of Clefnotes. “But in past years they’ve had 85 people audition during one semester and then have like 25 people for callbacks.”
“Being a new member of Clefnotes is awesome. It’s awesome just because of the people in the group,” said Brown. “They’re all just so funny and everyone’s different in their own ways.”
Auditions consist of singing a 30 second snippet of a song that shows off a singer’s range to the rest of the club, so that that they can earn a callback. “A lot of people before they do anything that’s arts related, like music, theater, etc.,” said Brown, “have that kind of awkwardness and that insecurity about themselves so they go into something like music to help with their confidence.”
The group has had a strong year according to Clefnotes leader Zack Lavoie. “Our group is really cohesive this year. We have a lot of really talented people who have the drive to take the group to the next level,” said the senior. “Everyone has great attitudes and really wants to push each other to be the best we can,” said Lavoie.
The singers have also been presented with new opportunities this year. “It’s really exciting to see how far the group has come. We were considered to sing with a band opening for Panic! At the Disco,” said Lavoie. Although this gig didn’t pull through due to staging issues, they have also been asked to perform by groups from schools like Bowdoin, Colby, and UMO.
Students interested in hearing Clefnotes perform can find them at the a cappella showcase Celebration of Music on April 15 in Nordica Auditorium. In the same venue, they will round out the year and say goodbye to their seniors with their final concert on May 6.
Mar 23, 2017 | News |
By Sofia Vanoli, Contributing Writer
English professor Peter Hardy discusses his book “Thorn: The All” during his “Heavy Meta” podcast interview. (Photo Courtesy of Google Books)
Mantor Library is currently working in conjunction with WUMF to produce podcasts under the moniker “Heavy Meta,” which feature UMF professors discussing their recent books and publications.
“We discuss current events, interview UMF authors, and talk about what’s happening at the library,” said Bryce Cundick, Manager of Instructional and Research Services. He continued explaining that the shows run about 30 minutes each.
Cundick and Kelly Boivin, Information and User Services at Mantor Library, have been working on the radio live shows since last year, but due to schedule and timing conflicts, they decided to podcast the shows instead.
Some of the topics they’ve already covered are bullying and favorite book series. So far Cundick and Boivin have interviewed professors of mathematics Peter Hardy and Paul Gies, and professors of English, Michael Johnson and Luann Yetter.
Hardy was one of the volunteers to be interviewed. He talked very proudly about the last book of his trilogy, “Thorn: The All.” He said he had a positive experience and commented that, “It is important to spread the word about our publications.”
The shows are meant to inform the audience about what is going on at the library, but they are also meant to entertain with talks and discussions.
“I hope these shows will inspire people to write,” said Hardy.
Professor Johnson has also stepped up and shared his views on his book “Hoo-Doo Cowboys and Bronze Buckaroos: Conceptions of the African American West.”
Andrew Martin, a junior majoring in psychology and the WUMF Station Manager, works together with Cundick and Boivin to carry out this project.
“I meet with Bryce and Kelly on a weekly basis and I record their show, then edit out any mistakes, and edit it to improve sound quality,” said Martin who seemed very passionate about his job at WUMF.
“This has been my favorite project because we get involved with the community and the other staff members here by offering them the chance to come and do an interview on the show,” said Martin. “Also it is a lot of fun to do. Bryce and Kelly are very enthusiastic and love what they do and make it really entertaining.”
The whole team is looking forward to hosting more people who wish to talk about their publications (books, poems, articles) and their writing styles. They revealed that one of the upcoming topics they will be dealing with is the timely issue of fake news.
“Heavy Meta” podcasts are now available on iTunes.
