The American Red Cross imposed a price increase across the board on all of their programs ranging from babysitting classes to swim lessons. This price increase was implemented nationwide in July 2011, but places such as the municipalities of Tampa Bay cannot afford the increase.
“We need to recoup from the loss incurred because of the economy,” said Jose Bueno, the liaison from the Red Cross who serves Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Places such as the City of St. Petersburg are in an uproar over this. One of the most important things they looked at was the swimming lessons. The city teaches the most swimming lessons in the area, and it was a large concern.
Swimming instructors are required to complete a course record for every class they teach. The record contains the students’ information and the number of kids in each class. This form is then given to the Red Cross and a record is kept of all the registered participants. In years past, the Red Cross offered swimming instruction for free. Now, there is a $5 charge for every participant.
They do not receive anything from the course record documents. There used to be a grant the numbers went to, but not anymore. However, they are searching.
“This summer we taught 4,733,” said Anita Westmoreland, the recreation supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department. “With the fee, that is $23,665 we have to pay. There is no budget for it.”
The Red Cross claims that the extra money they receive for these courses will go into the research that is done in order to update their programs. They believe that since the learning materials for all of the courses offered are free to download online, it is a good exchange.
The fiscal year for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties began on October 1, so when the new updates rolled out this summer, everyone was already in the middle of the fiscal year. Most of the cities did not have a budget for their swimming lesson programs set aside. Even budgets for 2012 were already been set up before the rollouts; no one was prepared for what happened.
“In reality, $5 is not a lot,” Bueno said.
The Red Cross is willing to try to negotiate with the individual municipalities with the eventual goal being that they will pay the full $5. They did agree, however, to forgo the fee for the 2011 fiscal year.
“We would never exclude anyone because of not being able to afford (the prices),” Bueno said.
“It is not fair on our part because the budget for this year and the following are already set,” said Keith Tickner, an aquatics supervisor from Seminole.
Suzanne Greenfield is an aquatics supervisor from St. Pete Beach. She is a big advocate of the Red Cross, but believes they went about all of this the wrong way, and that it should have been more gradual.
With the negotiations, many of the municipalities are thinking similar thoughts.
“A stepping scale with moderate increases towards the new prices through the next two years,” said Amy Ashlock, an aquatics supervisor from Pinellas Park.
The municipalities are looking into other options. They do not want to have to increase the prices of their swim lessons in order to accomplish what the Red Cross is looking for. They hope to set up their own version of swimming lessons and not have to be a part of any organization.
“Linda, another supervisor, is looking into the state requirements about swim lessons,” Westmoreland said.
In Broward County, Swim Central teaches about 30,000 swimmers a year. They are not part of any type of organization for their swimming lessons, but their instructors are trained.
“We have to do what is cost effective,” Tickner said.
“We want to make sure the (swim lesson) program is available in another 10-20 years,” Bueno said.
This story was originally written for the USF St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Bureau. To read more of the Bureau’s stories, please visit http://www.nnbnews.com/.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
St. Pete Tennis Center offers after-school program to kids
After-school programs are important in all communities, but most do not have a focus except as a place for kids to be until their parents pick them up. St. Petersburg has one of the only public tennis facilities in the Tampa Bay area. It is also home to one of the only affordable children’s tennis after-school programs.
Established in 2001, the St. Pete Tennis Center hosts a program called Courier’s Kids. Famed tennis player Jim Courier funds the program in order to “teach tennis and life skills to neighborhood children.” Courier and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) partnered with the center to create a haven for children and the community to enjoy a good game of tennis.
It began with about 10 children. Three months later, more than 100 kids were signed up. Now, there are over 300 kids in the program. The program runs Monday through Friday, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. The program is about $8 per day, and with this comes instruction from three or more coaches, racquets, the children’s ability to play against kids their own ages in matches, and a free USTA membership for first-time applicants.
Unfortunately, buses do not make stops at the Tennis Center; parents have to bring their kids to the center in order to participate. Kids can arrive right after school, but if they show up before practice starts, homework time is mandatory. The coaches, General Manager Jackie Keller and parents who stay offer their help in giving the kids homework assistance.
Mrs. Wang is a teacher in the Marine Biology department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She wanted to make sure her kids had good physical and mental health. Tennis was the sport she chose for them because there will always be another opponent of the same skill to play with, or it can even be played alone. She wanted her kids to be a part of team sports and gain an understanding of teamwork. Tennis gives them good communication skills that are used frequently in school. She takes her two children to the center after school; both started as novices but quickly took to the sport.
“They love the game from the heart,” Wang said. “I do not expect my children to be superstars.”
With the renovation of the Tennis Center, and the partnership, the kids are now using clay tennis courts. Clay courts are used in national tournaments and not something generally seen in a public area. The kids who play on these courts are taught how to take care of them properly. At the end of every practice, the kids sweep the courts and brush the lines.
“We have to start kids younger on clay. If you don’t, they are going to be afraid of it. It’s absolutely essential that you learn to slide and glide on clay at an early age. And you have to understand that you’re going to need more defense(s) out there. You’re always going to have to make an extra shot,” Courier said.
It has been 10 years since tennis professional Shikha Singh joined the St. Pete Tennis Center. Before the kids get out of school, he teaches adults, who to make up the bulk of the funding for the center. He also sends progress reports to Courier, who visits the center regularly.
“This is a very unique place with a little bit of everything,” Singh said.
Singh, coaches and parents find tournaments and matches for the kids to play in when the coaches think they are ready. During times when there are major tournaments in the area, Singh trains a few of his players to be ball kids. It is similar to a batboy for baseball. There is extensive training for the ball kid job, ensuring the children are safe and professional.
“This is a place where kids can come and be safe,” Keller said. “We just hope the ripple effect occurs.”
For more information about the program, go to the St. Pete Tennis Center or visit http://www.sptcfirstserve.org.
This story was originally written for the USF St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Bureau. To read more of the Bureau’s stories, please visit http://www.nnbnews.com/.
Established in 2001, the St. Pete Tennis Center hosts a program called Courier’s Kids. Famed tennis player Jim Courier funds the program in order to “teach tennis and life skills to neighborhood children.” Courier and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) partnered with the center to create a haven for children and the community to enjoy a good game of tennis.
It began with about 10 children. Three months later, more than 100 kids were signed up. Now, there are over 300 kids in the program. The program runs Monday through Friday, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. The program is about $8 per day, and with this comes instruction from three or more coaches, racquets, the children’s ability to play against kids their own ages in matches, and a free USTA membership for first-time applicants.
Unfortunately, buses do not make stops at the Tennis Center; parents have to bring their kids to the center in order to participate. Kids can arrive right after school, but if they show up before practice starts, homework time is mandatory. The coaches, General Manager Jackie Keller and parents who stay offer their help in giving the kids homework assistance.
Mrs. Wang is a teacher in the Marine Biology department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She wanted to make sure her kids had good physical and mental health. Tennis was the sport she chose for them because there will always be another opponent of the same skill to play with, or it can even be played alone. She wanted her kids to be a part of team sports and gain an understanding of teamwork. Tennis gives them good communication skills that are used frequently in school. She takes her two children to the center after school; both started as novices but quickly took to the sport.
“They love the game from the heart,” Wang said. “I do not expect my children to be superstars.”
With the renovation of the Tennis Center, and the partnership, the kids are now using clay tennis courts. Clay courts are used in national tournaments and not something generally seen in a public area. The kids who play on these courts are taught how to take care of them properly. At the end of every practice, the kids sweep the courts and brush the lines.
“We have to start kids younger on clay. If you don’t, they are going to be afraid of it. It’s absolutely essential that you learn to slide and glide on clay at an early age. And you have to understand that you’re going to need more defense(s) out there. You’re always going to have to make an extra shot,” Courier said.
It has been 10 years since tennis professional Shikha Singh joined the St. Pete Tennis Center. Before the kids get out of school, he teaches adults, who to make up the bulk of the funding for the center. He also sends progress reports to Courier, who visits the center regularly.
“This is a very unique place with a little bit of everything,” Singh said.
Singh, coaches and parents find tournaments and matches for the kids to play in when the coaches think they are ready. During times when there are major tournaments in the area, Singh trains a few of his players to be ball kids. It is similar to a batboy for baseball. There is extensive training for the ball kid job, ensuring the children are safe and professional.
“This is a place where kids can come and be safe,” Keller said. “We just hope the ripple effect occurs.”
For more information about the program, go to the St. Pete Tennis Center or visit http://www.sptcfirstserve.org.
This story was originally written for the USF St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Bureau. To read more of the Bureau’s stories, please visit http://www.nnbnews.com/.
St. Petersburg residents need Advantage Membership Card
Residents who wish to participate in any parks and recreation program run by the City of St. Petersburg need to have an Advantage Membership Card. Residents can buy one at any local community center.
The Advantage Membership Card used to be called a Resident Card, explained an employee from the Frank W. Pierce Community Park. The card started around the same time Mayor Baker was in office in 2001. Since then, the card has changed its name.
The card also allows for small discounts at certain stores, such as 10 percent off at the Village Inn restaurant and one free admission to Sunken Gardens. The city is hoping to expand the discounts available to their members, but city officials are still working on it. There is a full list of what is now available online at http://stpete.org.
The card allows free access to things such as the open gym, where people can go play basketball without worrying about basketball leagues interfering. It allows people to participate in classes at the centers, join a sports league, and attend after school and summer programs.
“It helps keep track of the local residents who use the parks and recreation programs,” said Alexis Shuder, public information specialist.
Each member in the family must have an Advantage Membership Card in order to participate in anything from afterschool care to playing sports to going to the pool. Residents only have to pay $15 per year, but non-residents who which to participate in any of these programs must pay $125. At the time of purchase, citizens must show two forms of ID that prove they are City of St. Petersburg residents. For example, one can use his or her driver’s license and a property tax statement to prove residency.
“A non-resident is anyone who does not pay taxes to the city of St. Petersburg,” Shuder said. It is not as easy as the address on a person’s license. “My license says my zip code is in the Gulfport area, but in fact, my house is on the borderline.”
Even if a person owns a business in St. Petersburg, that person is not a resident of the city of St. Petersburg.
“I go to school in St. Pete, but my license address considers me a non-resident,” said William Nicks, a student at University South Florida of St. Petersburg. “I wanted to take a class at a community park, but wasn’t going to pay $125 on top of the fee for the class.”
St. Petersburg resident Ashley Molino feels similarly. “I don’t mind paying the extra $15. I know that it is going to a good cause, keeping the parks up to date and safe for the kids,” she said. She lives in an apartment in St. Petersburg, and goes to the gym to play basketball with her friends at Frank W. Pierce Community Park. However, she was put off by the amount of the non-resident rate.
If non-resident citizens want to participate in a program badly enough, the price is something they will have to deal with. The extra fee goes to the upkeep of community park facilities.
The Parks and Recreation Department is running a program for the children who reside in St. Petersburg. “Read for Rec” is a program where children must read 10 books. Their reward is a free Advantage Membership Card. Children must go their local library to sign up. If they already have a card, the one earned from reading will be prorated for the following year.
The Advantage Membership Card is a way for the city to bring in extra income in order to make sure the residents are provided with nice places to play and have fun. The city wants make sure the equipment provided is in good shape and are able to meet the demands of their residents.
This story was originally written for the USF St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Bureau. To read more of the Bureau’s stories, please visit http://www.nnbnews.com/.
The Advantage Membership Card used to be called a Resident Card, explained an employee from the Frank W. Pierce Community Park. The card started around the same time Mayor Baker was in office in 2001. Since then, the card has changed its name.
The card also allows for small discounts at certain stores, such as 10 percent off at the Village Inn restaurant and one free admission to Sunken Gardens. The city is hoping to expand the discounts available to their members, but city officials are still working on it. There is a full list of what is now available online at http://stpete.org.
The card allows free access to things such as the open gym, where people can go play basketball without worrying about basketball leagues interfering. It allows people to participate in classes at the centers, join a sports league, and attend after school and summer programs.
“It helps keep track of the local residents who use the parks and recreation programs,” said Alexis Shuder, public information specialist.
Each member in the family must have an Advantage Membership Card in order to participate in anything from afterschool care to playing sports to going to the pool. Residents only have to pay $15 per year, but non-residents who which to participate in any of these programs must pay $125. At the time of purchase, citizens must show two forms of ID that prove they are City of St. Petersburg residents. For example, one can use his or her driver’s license and a property tax statement to prove residency.
“A non-resident is anyone who does not pay taxes to the city of St. Petersburg,” Shuder said. It is not as easy as the address on a person’s license. “My license says my zip code is in the Gulfport area, but in fact, my house is on the borderline.”
Even if a person owns a business in St. Petersburg, that person is not a resident of the city of St. Petersburg.
“I go to school in St. Pete, but my license address considers me a non-resident,” said William Nicks, a student at University South Florida of St. Petersburg. “I wanted to take a class at a community park, but wasn’t going to pay $125 on top of the fee for the class.”
St. Petersburg resident Ashley Molino feels similarly. “I don’t mind paying the extra $15. I know that it is going to a good cause, keeping the parks up to date and safe for the kids,” she said. She lives in an apartment in St. Petersburg, and goes to the gym to play basketball with her friends at Frank W. Pierce Community Park. However, she was put off by the amount of the non-resident rate.
If non-resident citizens want to participate in a program badly enough, the price is something they will have to deal with. The extra fee goes to the upkeep of community park facilities.
The Parks and Recreation Department is running a program for the children who reside in St. Petersburg. “Read for Rec” is a program where children must read 10 books. Their reward is a free Advantage Membership Card. Children must go their local library to sign up. If they already have a card, the one earned from reading will be prorated for the following year.
The Advantage Membership Card is a way for the city to bring in extra income in order to make sure the residents are provided with nice places to play and have fun. The city wants make sure the equipment provided is in good shape and are able to meet the demands of their residents.
This story was originally written for the USF St. Petersburg Neighborhood News Bureau. To read more of the Bureau’s stories, please visit http://www.nnbnews.com/.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
‘Pinkalicious!’ promises to take the (cup)cake
Pinkalicious Pinkerton is a precocious little girl who loves everything and anything pink, from her clothes to her shoes to her fairy wings and wand.
“Pink is the perfect state of mind,” she pontificates.
When she and her mom bake pink cupcakes, it’s no surprise that Pinkalicious happily gobbles up one after another, not even leaving one for her little brother to enjoy.
What happens next, however, is a surprise: Pinkalicious turns pink from head to toe — even her pinky fingers.
The doctor prescribes the only known cure for a Pinkititus predicament: a diet of everything green and only green.
Needless to say, Pinkalicious doesn’t find a Brussels sprouts burger, French-fried lima beans and an asparagus milkshake very appetizing. Her brother, however, eats every bite — and turns green with envy because of all the attention his sister is getting. And that’s just part of the fun.
Performances are set for 2 and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through June 26 in the Toybe Studio, where some members of the audience might even have to help Pinkalicious in her quest for more pink cupcakes.
Megan McCombs, a veteran director with The Naples Players and its KidzAct troupe, says she has wanted to stage “Pinkalicious” for some time, but there challenges to overcome. Of most importance, and the most obvious: How would they make Pinkalicious pink?
It wasn’t easy, but Ms. McCombs and crew came up with a somewhat practical plan that doesn’t involve paint. For that, Whitney Bunch, who stars as Pinkalicious, is most appreciative.
Music for “Pinkalicious” is by Lisa Federico. Dolores Fetters is the stage manager, and Mike Santos designed the set.
In addition to performing in the starring row, Ms. Bunch is the show’s choreographer. Now 25 years old, she started dancing when she was a toddler and was teaching her own classes by the time she was 14. “Pinkalicious” is the first Naples Players production for which she has auditioned.
Ms. Bunch allows that taking on the dual roles of leading lady and choreographer has not been easy. “It was hard to see it (the choreography) in my head and then turn around and do it,” she says.
Completing the cast of “Pinkalicious” are:
Lifelong Neapolitan Kristin Cassidy as Mrs. Pinkerton, Pinkalicious’s very busy, very uptight mother. Ms. Cassidy’s real-life daughter (who is not pink) helps out backstage.
As Mr. Pinkerton, Les Prebble has the pleasure of being able to improvise in every performance of “Pinkalicious.” He promises no show shows will be the same.
Matt Striegel, who graduates from Barron Collier High School in early June, as the pesky little brother, Peter Pinkerton.
“This story is really great to get lost in and have fun,” Mr. Striegel, who’s acted with The Naples Players in several shows over the past three year, says. A big fan of musicals, he says he especially likes “Pinkalicious” because of how happy it is.
Sharon True as Allison, Pinkalicious’s best friend. Last but certainly not least, the Naples cupcake boutique known as Sassy Cakes fills a critical role in the production of “Pinkalicious.” Sassy Cakes owner Bayah Boczen-Harrison says she’ll turn out about 450 bitesize pink cupcakes to carry the show from rehearsals through the final curtain. The order includes sweet treats for openingweekend audiences as well as the three to five cupcakes that Pinkalicious helps herself to in every performance. ¦
****Printed in Fl Weekly-Naples****
http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2011-05-26/Arts_%28and%29_Entertainment_News/Pinkalicious_promises_to_take_the_cupcake.html
in the know
>> “Pinkalicious” by The Naples Players >> When: 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28-June 26 >> Where: The Tobye Studio at the Sugden Community Theatre >> Tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for ages 18 and younger >> Info: 263-7990 or www.naplesplayers.org
“Pink is the perfect state of mind,” she pontificates.
When she and her mom bake pink cupcakes, it’s no surprise that Pinkalicious happily gobbles up one after another, not even leaving one for her little brother to enjoy.
What happens next, however, is a surprise: Pinkalicious turns pink from head to toe — even her pinky fingers.
The doctor prescribes the only known cure for a Pinkititus predicament: a diet of everything green and only green.
Needless to say, Pinkalicious doesn’t find a Brussels sprouts burger, French-fried lima beans and an asparagus milkshake very appetizing. Her brother, however, eats every bite — and turns green with envy because of all the attention his sister is getting. And that’s just part of the fun.
Performances are set for 2 and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through June 26 in the Toybe Studio, where some members of the audience might even have to help Pinkalicious in her quest for more pink cupcakes.
Megan McCombs, a veteran director with The Naples Players and its KidzAct troupe, says she has wanted to stage “Pinkalicious” for some time, but there challenges to overcome. Of most importance, and the most obvious: How would they make Pinkalicious pink?
It wasn’t easy, but Ms. McCombs and crew came up with a somewhat practical plan that doesn’t involve paint. For that, Whitney Bunch, who stars as Pinkalicious, is most appreciative.
Music for “Pinkalicious” is by Lisa Federico. Dolores Fetters is the stage manager, and Mike Santos designed the set.
In addition to performing in the starring row, Ms. Bunch is the show’s choreographer. Now 25 years old, she started dancing when she was a toddler and was teaching her own classes by the time she was 14. “Pinkalicious” is the first Naples Players production for which she has auditioned.
Ms. Bunch allows that taking on the dual roles of leading lady and choreographer has not been easy. “It was hard to see it (the choreography) in my head and then turn around and do it,” she says.
Completing the cast of “Pinkalicious” are:
Lifelong Neapolitan Kristin Cassidy as Mrs. Pinkerton, Pinkalicious’s very busy, very uptight mother. Ms. Cassidy’s real-life daughter (who is not pink) helps out backstage.
As Mr. Pinkerton, Les Prebble has the pleasure of being able to improvise in every performance of “Pinkalicious.” He promises no show shows will be the same.
Matt Striegel, who graduates from Barron Collier High School in early June, as the pesky little brother, Peter Pinkerton.
“This story is really great to get lost in and have fun,” Mr. Striegel, who’s acted with The Naples Players in several shows over the past three year, says. A big fan of musicals, he says he especially likes “Pinkalicious” because of how happy it is.
Sharon True as Allison, Pinkalicious’s best friend. Last but certainly not least, the Naples cupcake boutique known as Sassy Cakes fills a critical role in the production of “Pinkalicious.” Sassy Cakes owner Bayah Boczen-Harrison says she’ll turn out about 450 bitesize pink cupcakes to carry the show from rehearsals through the final curtain. The order includes sweet treats for openingweekend audiences as well as the three to five cupcakes that Pinkalicious helps herself to in every performance. ¦
****Printed in Fl Weekly-Naples****
http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2011-05-26/Arts_%28and%29_Entertainment_News/Pinkalicious_promises_to_take_the_cupcake.html
in the know
>> “Pinkalicious” by The Naples Players >> When: 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28-June 26 >> Where: The Tobye Studio at the Sugden Community Theatre >> Tickets: $25 for adults, $10 for ages 18 and younger >> Info: 263-7990 or www.naplesplayers.org
Thursday, February 10, 2011
News reported to CBS Connect 10- St. Petersburg
Life in the dorms can be a pool of interesting articles that I cannot write about. It is the most frustrating thing ever. This like this happen and the only thing I can do is report it
USF dorm evacuated after water leak
Beau Zimmer
http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=173905
St. Petersburg, Florida-The main dorm on the University of South Florida campus in downtown St. Petersburg was evacuated overnight after a minor flood sent water into an electrical room setting off the fire alarm.
The USF Police Department estimates more than 100 students living in Residence Hall One had to evacuate around 11:00pm Tuesday night until fire crews determined the building was safe to reenter shortly before midnight.
USF journalism student Nicole Groll sent us pictures of fire trucks around the building and says the water is believed to have come from a washing machine leak.
USF dorm evacuated after water leak
Beau Zimmer
http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=173905
St. Petersburg, Florida-The main dorm on the University of South Florida campus in downtown St. Petersburg was evacuated overnight after a minor flood sent water into an electrical room setting off the fire alarm.
The USF Police Department estimates more than 100 students living in Residence Hall One had to evacuate around 11:00pm Tuesday night until fire crews determined the building was safe to reenter shortly before midnight.
USF journalism student Nicole Groll sent us pictures of fire trucks around the building and says the water is believed to have come from a washing machine leak.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
University of South Florida St. Petersburg Heads to Ohio for the National Ethics Bowl
University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) finished in third place at the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl (SEREB) at the EpiCenter in St. Petersburg. They will be competing in the National Ethics Bowl on Mar. 3, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“This is the 7th year we have participated in SEREB. USFSP has qualified for Nationals the 4 years that the regional has been a feeder for nationals. We came in 4th, 3rd, 5th, 3rd in Regionals,” Dr. Deni Elliot, the Ethics professor at USFSP, said in an email interview.
The Ethics Bowl is similar to a debate team. The schools competing receive 12 potential cases that could be topics for any individual round. The teams prepare ahead of time doing a lot of research to back up their arguments, which are usually for or against.
The competition is divided up into three rounds in the morning, a lunch break while the judges tally scores, the afternoon rounds with the top four teams, and finally an awards ceremony.
Teams are scored on how well they argued their point, their response to their opponent’s questions, comments about the responding team’s topic, and finally the response to the judges’ questions. Teams are ranked by score differentials. After the end of the first three rounds, the teams with the greatest sum of differentials win. For example, Eckerd College came in first place. In their first three rounds their differentials totaled 100 points. University of Central Florida, whose team placed second, had a differential total of 60.
The top five teams qualify for the National Ethics Bowl. There are 10 regional competitions in the country.
On Nov. 13, 10 students from USFSP and their coach, Amanda Decker, arrived at the EpiCenter ready to argue ethics on several different hot topic cases. USFSP was just one team out of 24 that arrived to compete. Other local teams were Eckerd College, University of South Florida, and University of Tampa.
Opening ceremony began with several speakers, such as Karen White and Dr. Deni Elliot from USFSP. Dr. Elliot has a long history with Ethics Bowl. She established the Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl as well as the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl. She has also been involved in the Nation Ethics Bowl since 1997.
The first team USFSP came up against was Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). There was a coin toss to see who wanted to have the first chance of presenting and who would respond. USFSP won the toss and chose to respond. The first case was a called Minding Your Ethics. This case spoke about a gentleman sitting in a bar and overhearing a controversial discussion regarding gay’s that he did not agree with. This case was a favorite of Kelsie Vosburgh née McClain, a presenter on USFSP’s team.
“I got married during preparations for Ethics Bowl, and I told everyone,” McClain said. “But as for having the case I worked on be first, I was nervous.”
When it was USFSP’s turn to respond, McClain stated her counterargument. PBA claimed they appreciated her argument and then proceeded to tell her why she was incorrect in her thinking. Then the judges took their time asking PBA questions and trying to find holes in their argument.
Finally, it was USFSP’s turn to present their lead argument for a case. It was called Spanking. Arielle Stevenson for USFSP took the lead on this case. She presented her argument clearly and in a neutral manner.
“I just to be clear,” Stevenson said. “We do not support any type of physical abuse for a child, but in accordance to the American Heart Association, a firm pat to the behind when appropriate is allowed.”
In the end, the judges’ scores were close. USFSP pulled through with a differential of 11.
The next round was against University of South Carolina Aiken (USC). There was another coin toss and USC decided to present first. Their case was Outwitting Insurers and involved brokers scamming people who were terminally ill. Kelsie Vosbrugh took charge of this case as well and presented a good argument on why they did not agree with USC.
The case USFSP presented had to do with Facebook privacy. USFSP had a shaky start on this but Taylor Gaudens pulled herself together and pulled out a strong offense. The judging during this round was interesting though. While the judges are not required to ask questions, the teams were both thrown off when one of them did not.
The differential for this round was even closer. USFSP won by two points.
“I thought my team did great. Of course there were a few areas that could have been worked on, but with the timing and pressure, I am very proud of what they accomplished,” Tara McCarty said. She worked with Gaudens on researching the case.
The final team USFSP went against in the morning rounds was Georgia Military Academy Valdosta (GMA). USFSP presented first. The case was called Real-Life Avatar. The case had to do with the Belo Monte dam and the possible relocation of the natives in the area. Kevin McCarthy presented this case and did so strongly.
GMA presented a case called Spanish Ban on Bullfighting. Their presentation was interesting. Their spokesperson had a very short presentation and his teammates were not pleased by it. Taylor Gaudens took charge of this case for USFSP and made a great argument on why bullfighting was not ethical.
GMA agreed with this argument. This was the first time during this happened during the competition.
USFSP did a great job in this round and it sealed their third place title. They won with a 15 point differential.
During lunch, judges announced the final scores. Eckerd College came in first. University of Central Florida (UCF) came in second. University of South Florida St. Petersburg came in third. The Naval Academy came in fourth. Finally, Samford University came in fifth. However, they did not compete in the afternoon competition.
“I think that our team was very strong, which I find particularly impressive. This was the first year for the undergrads to participate and Amanda's first year coaching alone,” Elliot said when the scores came back.
The first round of afternoon sessions was UCF versus Samford and Eckerd versus USFSP. USFSP had been weary of going up against Eckerd. Their coach and Dr. Elliot had mentioned they were a tough team to beat.
“I was nervous,” Heather Hill, a presenter, said. None of the cases she worked on specifically had been presented yet. There was a good chance one of hers would be next.
Before the match against Eckerd, there was also a presenter switch. Danny McDonald came in for Taylor Gaudens. All of the cases Gaudens had worked on had been presented. There was a good chance that one of McDonald’s cases would come up as well.
The match against Eckerd began with a case called Children of Illegal Immigrants. This case had to do with the 14th amendment. Eckerd presented their argument first. Heather Hill battled her nerves and presented the team’s rebuttal. She stated her points clearly and her team felt she did a good job.
The second case was called CGI Child Porn. This case was presented by Danny McDonald.
“I could have been a lot more prepared and practiced a lot more,” McDonald said.
He had a rough start, but when he found his voice, the argument was very well spoken. It was the judges who really poked through the case. But with teammate Kevin McCarthy, USFSP pulled through.
Although Eckerd won the round by 10 points, Eckerd said USFSP had been the toughest team they had come up against so far.
“The team did great!” Coach Amanda Decker said. “I am so proud of all the hard work the presenters and researchers put in this semester, and very glad they had the opportunity to show that work off. The team remained strong through some tough competition and difficult judge’s questions.”
USFSP was awarded the third place trophy during the award ceremony. It currently resides in the Journalism Department on display.
“This is the 7th year we have participated in SEREB. USFSP has qualified for Nationals the 4 years that the regional has been a feeder for nationals. We came in 4th, 3rd, 5th, 3rd in Regionals,” Dr. Deni Elliot, the Ethics professor at USFSP, said in an email interview.
The Ethics Bowl is similar to a debate team. The schools competing receive 12 potential cases that could be topics for any individual round. The teams prepare ahead of time doing a lot of research to back up their arguments, which are usually for or against.
The competition is divided up into three rounds in the morning, a lunch break while the judges tally scores, the afternoon rounds with the top four teams, and finally an awards ceremony.
Teams are scored on how well they argued their point, their response to their opponent’s questions, comments about the responding team’s topic, and finally the response to the judges’ questions. Teams are ranked by score differentials. After the end of the first three rounds, the teams with the greatest sum of differentials win. For example, Eckerd College came in first place. In their first three rounds their differentials totaled 100 points. University of Central Florida, whose team placed second, had a differential total of 60.
The top five teams qualify for the National Ethics Bowl. There are 10 regional competitions in the country.
On Nov. 13, 10 students from USFSP and their coach, Amanda Decker, arrived at the EpiCenter ready to argue ethics on several different hot topic cases. USFSP was just one team out of 24 that arrived to compete. Other local teams were Eckerd College, University of South Florida, and University of Tampa.
Opening ceremony began with several speakers, such as Karen White and Dr. Deni Elliot from USFSP. Dr. Elliot has a long history with Ethics Bowl. She established the Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl as well as the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl. She has also been involved in the Nation Ethics Bowl since 1997.
The first team USFSP came up against was Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). There was a coin toss to see who wanted to have the first chance of presenting and who would respond. USFSP won the toss and chose to respond. The first case was a called Minding Your Ethics. This case spoke about a gentleman sitting in a bar and overhearing a controversial discussion regarding gay’s that he did not agree with. This case was a favorite of Kelsie Vosburgh née McClain, a presenter on USFSP’s team.
“I got married during preparations for Ethics Bowl, and I told everyone,” McClain said. “But as for having the case I worked on be first, I was nervous.”
When it was USFSP’s turn to respond, McClain stated her counterargument. PBA claimed they appreciated her argument and then proceeded to tell her why she was incorrect in her thinking. Then the judges took their time asking PBA questions and trying to find holes in their argument.
Finally, it was USFSP’s turn to present their lead argument for a case. It was called Spanking. Arielle Stevenson for USFSP took the lead on this case. She presented her argument clearly and in a neutral manner.
“I just to be clear,” Stevenson said. “We do not support any type of physical abuse for a child, but in accordance to the American Heart Association, a firm pat to the behind when appropriate is allowed.”
In the end, the judges’ scores were close. USFSP pulled through with a differential of 11.
The next round was against University of South Carolina Aiken (USC). There was another coin toss and USC decided to present first. Their case was Outwitting Insurers and involved brokers scamming people who were terminally ill. Kelsie Vosbrugh took charge of this case as well and presented a good argument on why they did not agree with USC.
The case USFSP presented had to do with Facebook privacy. USFSP had a shaky start on this but Taylor Gaudens pulled herself together and pulled out a strong offense. The judging during this round was interesting though. While the judges are not required to ask questions, the teams were both thrown off when one of them did not.
The differential for this round was even closer. USFSP won by two points.
“I thought my team did great. Of course there were a few areas that could have been worked on, but with the timing and pressure, I am very proud of what they accomplished,” Tara McCarty said. She worked with Gaudens on researching the case.
The final team USFSP went against in the morning rounds was Georgia Military Academy Valdosta (GMA). USFSP presented first. The case was called Real-Life Avatar. The case had to do with the Belo Monte dam and the possible relocation of the natives in the area. Kevin McCarthy presented this case and did so strongly.
GMA presented a case called Spanish Ban on Bullfighting. Their presentation was interesting. Their spokesperson had a very short presentation and his teammates were not pleased by it. Taylor Gaudens took charge of this case for USFSP and made a great argument on why bullfighting was not ethical.
GMA agreed with this argument. This was the first time during this happened during the competition.
USFSP did a great job in this round and it sealed their third place title. They won with a 15 point differential.
During lunch, judges announced the final scores. Eckerd College came in first. University of Central Florida (UCF) came in second. University of South Florida St. Petersburg came in third. The Naval Academy came in fourth. Finally, Samford University came in fifth. However, they did not compete in the afternoon competition.
“I think that our team was very strong, which I find particularly impressive. This was the first year for the undergrads to participate and Amanda's first year coaching alone,” Elliot said when the scores came back.
The first round of afternoon sessions was UCF versus Samford and Eckerd versus USFSP. USFSP had been weary of going up against Eckerd. Their coach and Dr. Elliot had mentioned they were a tough team to beat.
“I was nervous,” Heather Hill, a presenter, said. None of the cases she worked on specifically had been presented yet. There was a good chance one of hers would be next.
Before the match against Eckerd, there was also a presenter switch. Danny McDonald came in for Taylor Gaudens. All of the cases Gaudens had worked on had been presented. There was a good chance that one of McDonald’s cases would come up as well.
The match against Eckerd began with a case called Children of Illegal Immigrants. This case had to do with the 14th amendment. Eckerd presented their argument first. Heather Hill battled her nerves and presented the team’s rebuttal. She stated her points clearly and her team felt she did a good job.
The second case was called CGI Child Porn. This case was presented by Danny McDonald.
“I could have been a lot more prepared and practiced a lot more,” McDonald said.
He had a rough start, but when he found his voice, the argument was very well spoken. It was the judges who really poked through the case. But with teammate Kevin McCarthy, USFSP pulled through.
Although Eckerd won the round by 10 points, Eckerd said USFSP had been the toughest team they had come up against so far.
“The team did great!” Coach Amanda Decker said. “I am so proud of all the hard work the presenters and researchers put in this semester, and very glad they had the opportunity to show that work off. The team remained strong through some tough competition and difficult judge’s questions.”
USFSP was awarded the third place trophy during the award ceremony. It currently resides in the Journalism Department on display.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Relaxation Program Hits the Dust
“The Relaxation Program is cancelled,” Daniel McDonald, a Student Government member, said.
Vice Chancellor Kent Kelso put his foot down when McDonald requested $1,200 for 36 hammocks. This was the first bill from Student Government that he did not approve.
“We purchased the hammocks two times, but then had to cancel the orders,” McDonald said. This was because McDonald did not know he needed a signature of approval. In order for funding to be given for a student government run organization, the Vice Chancellor needs to approve it.
“The program was not denied, just the funding for $1,500 worth of hammocks,” Kelso said. “I thought they were going to do a smaller project with just a few hammocks. Their request was denied under the caveat that they would consider doing a scaled down version to see if there truly was student participation.”
According to McDonald, he had a lot of support from his fellow SG members as well as some of the student body. The point of the program was for students to be able to relax and take a break on campus. McDonald’s vision included a meditation area and the possibilities of even a yoga instructor.
“We’re a laid back campus and we all need time to chill out,” McDonald said.
There is the possibility the hammocks will be purchased. This will only happen if Student Government President James Scott approves the funds from the executive budget. Even then, it would only be about four hammocks.
If they come, students would be able to rent them from the waterfront. The process is the same for a student who would rent a kayak. One goes to the waterfront with their student ID and requests the item they want to rent. The student has a certain amount of time to return it. If they go over a certain amount of time, they have to pay a $5 fee.
“I love and support the hammock idea,” Caitlin Greene, a freshman, said.
But according to Courtney Walker, a freshman, she would not rent one if it was work.
“I think it is a waste of money,” Nicole Cate, a sophomore, said. “They made a Facebook announcement that it was available and it wasn’t. SG needs to tell people things are available when they aren’t.”
Vice Chancellor Kent Kelso put his foot down when McDonald requested $1,200 for 36 hammocks. This was the first bill from Student Government that he did not approve.
“We purchased the hammocks two times, but then had to cancel the orders,” McDonald said. This was because McDonald did not know he needed a signature of approval. In order for funding to be given for a student government run organization, the Vice Chancellor needs to approve it.
“The program was not denied, just the funding for $1,500 worth of hammocks,” Kelso said. “I thought they were going to do a smaller project with just a few hammocks. Their request was denied under the caveat that they would consider doing a scaled down version to see if there truly was student participation.”
According to McDonald, he had a lot of support from his fellow SG members as well as some of the student body. The point of the program was for students to be able to relax and take a break on campus. McDonald’s vision included a meditation area and the possibilities of even a yoga instructor.
“We’re a laid back campus and we all need time to chill out,” McDonald said.
There is the possibility the hammocks will be purchased. This will only happen if Student Government President James Scott approves the funds from the executive budget. Even then, it would only be about four hammocks.
If they come, students would be able to rent them from the waterfront. The process is the same for a student who would rent a kayak. One goes to the waterfront with their student ID and requests the item they want to rent. The student has a certain amount of time to return it. If they go over a certain amount of time, they have to pay a $5 fee.
“I love and support the hammock idea,” Caitlin Greene, a freshman, said.
But according to Courtney Walker, a freshman, she would not rent one if it was work.
“I think it is a waste of money,” Nicole Cate, a sophomore, said. “They made a Facebook announcement that it was available and it wasn’t. SG needs to tell people things are available when they aren’t.”
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