Madison Academic Team Headed for TV

Students will compete Saturday on NBC's "It's Academic" (Photo Credit Albert Gunn)

Fri, 12/16/2011 – 10:00am | Vienna Patch Contributor Amanda Hamm

James Madison High School’s academic team will show off its quiz skills this Saturday on NBC’s “It’s Academic.”

The program is the longest-running television quiz show in the world, celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, it said on its website.

The Madison team typically competes on the show once a year, said coach Albert Gunn, but if they win the qualifying match, the team will go back to compete at semi-finals. A team can appear on the show up to four times in a year if they make it to finals. The Madison team won the district’s championship in the 1990s.

The first round will air Saturday morning. A regional competition takes place in January, in which teams compete within their high school’s normal district. Madison is part of the Liberty district and often competes against Langley and McLean.

This year’s team consists of coach Albert Gunn and students Alex Russell (captain, senior); John Nothaft (senior); and Patrick Hansen (senior). The two alternates are Sepehr Sobhani (senior) and Harry Hild (senior). Alex, Patrick and John are longtime members of the team.

The students who compete on the team also participate in other extracurricular activities: Russell runs track and plays on the tennis team; Nothaft is an accomplished musician, playing both the piano and organ. He also plays on the tennis team and in the orchestra. Hansen is the team’s math expert, as well as being an endurance athlete on the cross country team.

“’It’s Academic’ is a perfect application of the Jeopardy skills that Alex [Williams] and I practice on a weekly basis,” Hansen said. “Success in ‘It’s Academic’ competitions relies on a broad base of knowledge that ranges from Ancient World history, to Modern American Literature. Math Calculations are a special treat!”

Getting on the team requires a student who is interested in competing in an academic environment, Gunn said, but also those involved in school and local communities and can deal with the pressure of being in the public eye.

“It’s Academic is a truly enriching experience,” Sobhani said. “I learned the true value of competition because in It’s Academic, it is not enough to simply win, the opposition must be thoroughly demoralized in order to ensure victory.”

The first round begins at 11 a.m. Saturday on NBC 4. For more information on It’s Academic, visit their website.

Skatepark Planners Meet With Residents For Design Input

Skatepark design for Lake Fairfax Park (Photo Credit Amanda Hamm)

Thurs, 06/16/2011 – 11:00 | Reston Patch Contributor Amanda Hamm

Local residents met with skatepark designers at Aldrin Elementary School on Wednesday to discuss opinions and ideas  on designs for a to-be-built facility.

The skatepark in the works for Lake Fairfax Park is expected to be a community-friendly facility where skaters, rollerbladers, and BMX riders alike will be welcome.

The project has already been approved and funded by the Fairfax County Park Authority. The next step is designing the layout of the skatepark. The county has hired Spohn Ranch, a California skatepark design firm.

Among community members’ concerns –  lighting after dark and noise from skaters.

Jason Baldessari, director of sales for Spohn Ranch, said noise shouldn’t be an issue as the skatepark is going to be made out of concrete, which is quieter than other materials.

Community members filled out questionnaires with their thoughts.

Designs for the skatepark will be reviewed and revised throughout the summer. There is a tentative follow-up meeting planned for September.

Construction is set to begin in 2012.

Playing for Kicks

Adult Kickball in Season at Lake Fairfax Park (Photo Credit Amanda Hamm)

Wed, 06/15/2011 – 09:00 | Reston Patch Contributor Amanda Hamm

This is not your elementary school kickball game.

Kickball has made its way to a nationally recognized sport, where adults meet at Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park on Thursdays (as well as all over the country this time of year) to  play with a big, red, rubber ball.

The World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) has leagues in more than 30 states. A WAKA kickball league contains between four and 16 co-ed teams – or around 100 to 400 players per league.

Joel Dusoe, spokesman for the DC League, says kickball has been growing since the WAKA was formed in 1998. There are eight regular-season games and a championship tournament.

And each league has a designated bar, which makes it the perfect summer sport. The Dominion League, which plays at Lake Fairfax, meets up at Carpool in Herndon.

Even though the WAKA games are meant as a way for adults to stay active and meet new friends, there are perks to being the best team in the country. More than $20,000 in prizes is awarded each year at the World Championship Weekend Founders Cup Tournament and Kickball Games in Las Vegas. This year’s  tournament will take place  Oct. 7 to 9.

“For Founders Cup, the more competitive tournament, a team must be the League Tournament champion, or League tournament runner-up, or have received a special invitation from WAKA,” said Dusoe.

Less-experienced players can join in the fun too.  They can take part in World Kickball Championship weekend in a relaxed, pool-play WAKA Kickball tournament held in Las Vegas on the same day as the Founders Cup Tournament.

The Dominion League is in the midst of spring season, which ends in July. The fall season starts in August and ends in late October.

Interested in joining a team? Click here to find one nearby.

New Tall Oaks Doggie Day Care Offers Free-Range Fun

Dog Play Afternoon owner Cheryl Smith and her dog Stella welcome visitors to Dog Play Afternoon. (Photo by Amanda Hamm)

Mon, 05/16/2011 – 07:00 | Reston Patch Contributor Amanda Hamm

Cheryl Smith has spent her life surrounded by stray and adopted pets.

Smith’s mother was the inspiration behind her desire to train and rescue animals. Smith remembers her mother always wanting to adopt the oldest, sickest dog in the shelter that no one else wanted.

Smith has taken her passion for animals to the next step by opening a doggy day care center as a way of caring for dogs and keeping them well trained and out of the animal shelter.

Her business, Dog Play Afternoon, opened its doors to the canine public on Feb 1. Dog Play Afternoon is located in the Tall Oaks Shopping Center, close to walking trails. That makes it a perfect place for dogs to get much needed exercise.

“It is important to keep dogs on a regular schedule,” said Smith. “Taking the dogs outside reinforces training the owners have already established. If dogs are taught to relieve themselves outdoors, it can be confusing for them to be in a place where they aren’t taken out during the day.”

Smith said she wanted to set herself apart from other dog care centers, where pets are sometimes kept in cages. Her center has one cage, but it is only used as a quiet place for dogs who might be tired or agitated, and need some alone time.

Otherwise, all of the dogs are allowed to roam free in a large communal area with toys to play with and boxes to jump over. The center provides beds for the dogs to sleep on during nap time, which takes place each day from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Smith also said there weren’t any small dog day care services in Reston when she made plans to start her business. There were several larger franchises and some in-home pet walkers, but there was no place an owner could drop off their pet on their way to work.

Smith can take her dog to work with her, too. Smith’s pet Cocker Spaniel, Stella, is a fixture at the center. Smith says Stella loves making new friends.

New patrons are required to schedule an initial three-hour appointment where the dog is monitored for aggressiveness and their reaction to the other animals at the center. Dog Play Afternoon has a page on Facebook where owners can watch videos and see pictures of their pet’s first day.

“There is a huge overpopulation issue in shelters and 95 percent of those animals are left by people who don’t have the time or patience to take care of the pet,” said Smith. “If I can make one difference and offer a place where dogs can learn to socialize, then that pet won’t end up in a shelter.”

Reston Resident Turns Disability Into New Life Path

Luehrs is conquering vision loss one step at a time. (Photo Courtesy of Davida Luehrs)

Fri, 05/06/2011 – 07:00 | Reston Patch Contributor Amanda Hamm

Davida Luehrs, a longtime resident of Reston, knows firsthand the challenges that come with losing one’s sight.

She has been visually impaired since the late 1980s, when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at age 28. The disease causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision – a sighted person has 180 degrees of vision; Luehrs is down to less than five degrees.

Luehrs was living in Bethesda, MD, when she began having problems with her vision. She had just left a radio station to pursue a career in advertising when she had trouble reading through the classifieds. She thought she just needed reading glasses.

Luehrs went to see an ophthalmologist and was told she had a degenerative retina disease, which could result in the loss of her vision.

Luehrs, along with husband Jim and their three children, moved to Reston in 1991. She and Jim decided that Reston would be the perfect place to live as it was a planned community, which would make things easier for Luehrs since she could no longer drive.

Luehrs was the first person in her family to be diagnosed with RP, but her daughter Rachel also has the condition. Rachel, 21, was diagnosed with RP in 2005. Leuhrs’ other children, Jimmy and Jessica, have not shown signs of RP.

Luehrs is now 52. She says she refuses to let RP keep her from living her life. She uses the Metro Access Program, a shared-ride service available for individuals who have a variety of disabilities, as a means of travel. She said that it takes time and planning to get around to all the places she needs to go.

“Adjusting to not being as mobile was a huge challenge at first,” said Luehrs. “I gave up my license in 1988 as a result of the disease.”

Luehrs considered forming a support group in the early 1990s as a way to reach out to others. That desire eventually led Davida to contact theFoundation Fighting Blindness in April 2005. Her goal was to start a Northern Virginia chapter.

“Macular degeneration is growing and it’s the sister disease to RP,” said Luehrs. “It is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.”

Inspired by her children’s physically active lifestyles, Luehrs became motivated to set a goal for herself. She has personally challenged herself to walk 175 miles – one mile for each degree of vision she has lost. She plans to meet her goal by this Saturday, before the Sixth Annual 5K VisionWalk takes place in Reston. Luehrs’ team has raised more than $15k for the event.

Overall, the Foundation Fighting Blindness has a goal of raising $150k this year.  Luehrs also wants to raise awareness of the organization, both nationally and locally.

“I consider working for the Foundation Fighting Blindness as an absolute labor of love,” said Luehrs.

Mason Sophomore Discusses Potential of ROTC Naval Unit on Campus

Fri, 09/23/2011 – 10:47 | C2M Staff Reporter Amanda Hamm

George Mason University’s ROTC office is seeking to establish a Naval Unit on its Fairfax campus. The Navy-affiliate program would join existing the existing Army ROTC unit.

Mason sophomore, Grant LaRock, is a voice behind the initiative and he sat down with Connect2Mason to share some insight into the proposed program.

C2M: How many colleges have a Naval/Marine ROTC unit? Not Mason?

LaRock: There are about 70+ universities in the US that have NROTC programs. I believe Virginia has about seven [colleges]. Mason doesn’t have one because an effort hasn’t been made to bring one to the school.

C2M: What needs to be done to bring a Naval/Marine Unit to Mason?

LaRock: According to Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Dr. Hennessey, we need to create a petition stating why students would like a Naval ROTC unit and acquire at least six signatures of approval from current Mason students. Of course, we would like to get more than six.

C2M: How will having this new unit affect students?

LaRock: It would incite healthy competition between the different Mason branches of ROTC. The adoption of a second ROTC program on campus will give students a wider range of military options from which to choose. This will also bring in an even larger and more diverse applicant pool, at the same time increasing the university’s prestige on a national basis.

C2M: What all ROTC units does Mason have? How will this new unit be different from the ROTC program Mason already has?

LaRock: Currently, the only on-campus ROTC unit available to students is Army ROTC. There is also a cross campus affiliate for Air Force ROTC with the University of Maryland, but it is not really an ideal trek for Mason students. For those students who wish to participate in the Naval ROTC program, they would have the option to commission as an officer into the Navy or Marine Corp and go into whatever career they choose.

C2M: Why are you so interested in having a Naval ROTC unit brought to Mason?

LaRock: I would like to pursue a career as a Naval or Marine Corp Officer upon graduation. It is also my desire to see the values of the Navy be spread to other young men and women wanting to become leaders of the United States. I am currently working alongside Jacobo Flores and Michael Lillie, GMU Veterans Society President and VP (respectively), and Mason senior, Michael Dematteo.

Students wanting more information on the proposed Naval ROTC unit, contact Grant LaRock at glarock@gmu.edu.

SG to Host Fall Senate Elections for Freshman and Transfer Students

Wed, 09/14/2011 – 13:13 | C2M Student Government Reporter Amanda Hamm

Freshman and transfer students interested in running for Student Government can pick up an election packet this week.

Packets for candidacy are located in the Office of Student Involvement on the second floor of the HUB (formerly Student Union II) building.

There are 10 Senate seats reserved specifically for freshman and transfer students in their first semester at Mason. The process is conducted by the SG’s Election and Disputes Commission to ensure a fair and unbiased election.

According to Tommy Lee, Speaker of the Senate, this election will change things in SG by greatly increasing the number of students serving on the Senate.

“Last spring only 26 of the 30 [spring election] seats were filled, and four senators have since resigned bringing the current number to only 22 senators. Having these additional 10 senators will not only bring us closer to a full Senate of 40, but it also helps create healthier discussion by increasing the number of individuals contributing ideas and input,” Lee said.

Lee also said having Senators new to Mason will bring in fresh perspectives and a desire to address concerns that older Senators have either overlooked or not noticed.

Elections will be held Monday, Oct. 3 and Tuesday, Oct. 4 and all Mason students will be emailed the night before elections begin with a link to an online voting system. Voting is open to all, not just freshmen and transfer students.

The newly elected Senators will be sworn in and assume office on Thursday, October 6th during the weekly Senate Meeting.

After the fall election, any remaining Senate seats are filled by an appointment process. Any student may fill out an application to the Senate, but instead of an election these students will go through a process of interviewing with the Government & Academic Affairs Committee and be confirmed in front of the Senate said Lee.

For more information visit SG’s Facebook page here http://on.fb.me/oOyRUb.

Mason Community Reflects on 9/11, Gathers for Evening Vigil

Sun, 09/11/2011 – 23:28 | C2M Staff Reporter Amanda Hamm

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11, more than 1,000 students joined together Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil near the North Plaza clock tower.

The vigil began at 9 p.m. with a speech by SG Chief of Staff Alex Williams and remarks by Mason President Alan Merten. Mason student, Brandon Showell, sang “The National Anthem” at 9:08 p.m. followed by a moment of silence at 9:11 p.m. Students then joined in reading a poem before walking to the George Mason statue to lay their candles at his feet.

Members of Student Government along with the Office of University Life organized the event.

Allyson Bowers, SG Student Body President, said University Life had contacted her to see what, if any, memorial events were being held on campus.

“When I realized nothing was planned, I asked my [SG] leadership team how they would feel about taking on the task of planning an event of this scale on such short notice,” Bowers said. “We all realized that this day could not pass by without some recognition from the Mason community.”

Prior to the event, many students shared personal stories of where they were and what they remember from the solemn day, ten years ago.

“This [vigil] is unique, due to the simple fact that everyone was impacted by the events which occurred on 9/11 in different ways,” Bowers said.

“I was in the fourth grade and we were watching the news in our class when an announcement came over the intercom to turn off all the televisions in the school,” said Mike Jordan, a Mason sophomore. “We were essentially on lockdown – no one was allowed to leave.”

Junior Michael McKenney remembers being a confused 11-year-old kid when 9/11 occurred.

“I visited my grandfather at his apartment in Rosslyn and we went up to the roof of his building. We could see the Pentagon from where he lived and there was black smoke rising from the wreckage. At the time I didn’t realize how serious it all was,” McKenney said.

Sophomore Amanda Smith, also representing Alpha Xi Delta sorority at the event, remembers sitting in her fourth grade class when they received news of the tragedy.

“I was living down in Georgia at the time and all I could think about was my family living up here [in DC] and hoping everyone was okay. Unfortunately my uncle, Lt. Col. Gary Francis Smith, did not survive the attack on the Pentagon,” Smith said.

Student Government trades cookies for feedback at Welcome Week event

SG launched What Do You Want Wednesdays last spring looking to engage students. (Photo provided by Tommy Lee)

Fri, 09/02/2011 – 14:37 | C2M Student Government Reporter Amanda Hamm

Student Government’s monthly What Do You Want Wednesdays event kicked off this week with a free cookie giveaway near North Plaza on Wednesday afternoon. Students were given the snack after leaving suggestions with SG members.

Feedback from students addressed a number of concerns such as communication with students, parking accessibility and vegan dining options. SG rented the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie cart and provided participating students with a cookie in exchange for their thoughts.

What Do You Want Wednesdays originated last year as a way to elicit suggestions from students regarding things they would like to see changed or improved on campus. Jacky Yoo, Vice President of SG and a Mason senior, said that her and other executive members of SG came up with the idea after they attended a National Student Government conference last year.

SG members at the event said students seemed interested in leaving suggestions.

“We saw this event as a way to reach out to students,” Yoo said. “We wanted to increase our transparency to [Mason] students and to also strengthen relationships between members of the Executive branch and the Senate. The main goal of What Do You Want Wednesdays is to show students that we [SG] are out in full force.”

Students said it was a valuable resource for those who didn’t know how to get in contact with their SG representatives.

“This is a great way for SG to hear what students want,” said Navita Khatri, a junior Biology major. “It is easy for us [students] to meet SG members in a less formal setting.”

SG Senator Michael McKenney thought receiving student feedback might also be helpful during future SG elections.

“If students are shown their opinion matters, hopefully more of them will give their support during voting times,” McKenney said.

Mason freshman and Public Administration major, Matt Crush, said he is interested in possibly joining SG and wanted to leave suggestions with current members.

“One major thing I would like to see changed is how things are communicated. Students should be better informed when events and activities are scheduled so we can plan ahead,” Crush said. “It is difficult to keep up on everything and having advanced notice would greatly increase [our] options.”

What Do You Want Wednesdays will continue to occur on the first Wednesday of every month throughout the semester, however, Wednesday’s Welcome Week event comes in lieu of the event for September.

A Peek at Mason's Move-in Week 2011

Student volunteers assist freshman move-in on Thursday. (Photo Courtesy of Jake McLernon)  

Thu, 08/25/2011 – 19:31 | C2M Staff Writer Amanda Hamm

Incoming students might feel a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of moving onto Mason’s Fairfax campus this week.

As in years past, many student organizations and staff members will be available to ensure the process runs smoothly and to assist with move-in.

According to Mason’s Housing and Resident Life Office, approximately 2,000 freshmen moved into their dorms Thursday. Another 2,500 students will move in on Saturday.

New and current students should review the Fall 2011 Move-In Schedule (http://housing.gmu.edu/movein). The schedule is organized by building name and dependent on the floor assignment, students can see what time they are expected to move in.

Students are invited to participate in Welcome Week activities taking place throughout this coming week.

Here’s an outline of some of the events:

Patriot Premiere takes place this Thursday from 8:30 p.m. til 1:00 a.m. The event is geared toward new students wanting to meet others and to blow off a bit of steam after a long day of moving in.

Decorate Your Space: A Residential Event will occur this Friday from 10:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m. Shuttle buses to Target and Wal-Mart will be provided for students desiring to shop for dorm room supplies/decorations.

The Catholic Campus Ministry will host a luau this Friday from 5:30 p.m. til 9:00 p.m. There will be free food provided and students can enter a raffle to win prizes.

For more information on Move-In, please visit the Housing website (http://housing.gmu.edu).

Additional information about Welcome Week can be found here (http://welcomeweek.gmu.edu).

C2M Introduces Student Government at Mason

Wed, 08/24/2011 – 10:23 | C2M Student Government News Reporter Amanda Hamm

Students having aspirations of one day running for public office may view Student Government (SG) as a way to jump start their political careers. One thing that is often overlooked by students is how large of a time commitment student government requires. According to SG officials, it’s more than just a title, it’s a full time job that must be performed to serve over 32,000 students.

Student Government Elected Officials

Allyson Bowers (Senior, Govt & International Politics Major) – President, Student Body. Bowers is in her fourth year with SG and has previously served as Speaker of the Senate, and Chairwoman of the Govt and Academic Affairs Committee.

Jacky Yoo (Senior, Communications Major) – Vice President, Student Body. Yoo is in her second year with SG and served as VP last year alongside former President D’Leon Barnett.

Alex Williams (Junior, Govt & International Politics Major) – Chief of Staff. Williams is in his second year with SG and has served as a former Senator. Acting as Secretary to Bowers and Yoo, he coordinates meetings and fills in when either the Pres. or VP are not available. Williams also works as liaison between different branches of SG.

Tommy Lee (Junior, Conflict Analysis & Resolution Major) – Speaker, Student Senate. Lee is in his third year with SG. As Speaker, Lee acts as chairman during full Senate sessions and keeps the Senators organized.

Brad Gross (Junior, Finance Major) – Speaker Pro-Tempore, Student Senate. Gross is in his second year with SG.His duties as Parliamentarian include ensuring all rules and Code requirements are adhered to during meetings, keeping the Senate in check, and filling in when the Speaker cannot perform his duties.

Student Government Overview

There are currently 25 elected members serving on the Senate, leaving 15 open slots needing to be filled. Spring elections typically fill 30 of these spots; the remaining 10 are reserved for freshmen/transfer elections which takes place mid-October.

Aside from the Senate, there is the Executive Branch which includes the President, VP, Chief of Staff, Cabinet Secretaries and Undersecretaries. The Executive Branch works closely with the Senate to accomplish several initiatives. The names of Executive Branch positions typically correlate with University offices (i.e. University Life, Parking Appeals, etc).

The Elections and Disputes Commission deals with exactly what the name suggests – elections and disputes between branches.

The Parking Appeals Board is there for students who may have previously appealed a ticket to Parking and Transportation and the appeal wasn’t granted. These students may attempt a second appeal. The process includes this student board who discuss the citation with the student and then send their notes to the Parking office to make the final call.

SG maintains an annual budget of approximately $20,000. About $1,000 is given to the Elections and Disputes Commission to conduct elections (advertising and packets), with an extra $500 going toward printing. As Student Body President, Bowers receives about $1,000 to use at her discretion toward SG-related expenses. The remaining $17,500 is available to be spent by SG but must be allocated for in advance and approved through a Bill that passes in Senate, according to Bowers.

Although SG has a budget and sponsors many initiatives throughout the year, they do not have any official power.

“We do not sit on the Board of Visitors, nor do we have a say in actual school policy or decisions – we can merely voice an opinion,” Chief of Staff, Alex Williams said. “SG acts as the liaison between students [both individual and organizations] and the school. One recent example of this is how SG helped coordinate efforts with College Republicans and Democrats to get a polling precinct on campus.”

According to Student Senate Speaker Tommy Lee, a goal of almost every SG member is to increase their presence on campus.

“As Mason continues to expand and grow, members of SG are eager and ready to represent the student voice and ensure that voice is heard,” Lee said.

New Frozen Yogurt Shop Near Campus

Tue, 05/10/2011 – 22:16 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

Josie’s Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt opened its doors last month in Mason’s backyard, offering low-calorie, low-sugar yogurt from its location in University Mall, just across the street from Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

Josie’s offers a relaxed environment with seating both indoors and out. The shop features self-serve yogurt yielding up to one-third fewer calories and less sugar content than its competitors, according to the owner of the Fairfax franchise Jeanne Shewmaker.

Shewmaker said the shop wants to promote a fun and comfortable atmosphere, which includes exciting giveaways and specials for customers. The store has a Facebook page and Twitter that rewards patrons for their support.

The shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Off-Campus Student Programs Office to Host End of Semester Events

Thursday, April 28, 2011 - 9:10am | C2M's Amanda Hamm

Drive-in movies and a study lounge are the latest offerings from the office of Off-Campus Student Programs and Services.

The office is collaborating with Weekends at Mason to sponsor two old-fashioned drive-in movies. The event is reserved for Lot L with movies playing on a large screen set up in the parking lot.

Jackass 3D (rated R), is planned for May 5 at 8:00 p.m. Gnomeo and Juliet (rated G), will show on May 6 at 8:00 pm. Admission and refreshments are free; and both movies are open to the community.

And the off-campus student study lounge that started at the end of last semester, was such a success with students that the office will again make the study area available.

The lounge, for off-campus students needing a study area during finals, will be located in the former George’s Restaurant location on the third floor of the Johnson Center from May 8 at 10:00 a.m. through May 14 at 10:00 p.m.

Giveaways and free food are just a few incentives for students to use the study lounge. For questions and more details, contact Mhehvish Khan at mkhanf@gmu.edu.

Government Shutdown Threatens Federal Internships

Fri, 04/08/2011 – 09:33 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

College students hoping to land an internship with the federal government this summer may face disappointment.

With both Republican and Democratic parties thus far unable to reach an agreement on the budget, current federal employees and even college students seeking employment with federal agencies face a possible government shutdown at midnight Friday. If a government hiring freeze is enacted, it would be the first such shutdown since 1996.

If the Friday deadline passes without a compromise, agencies will send home all non-essential employees and freeze the hiring of all new workers. Openings normally offered to interns would be eliminated as part of the freeze.

According to CNNMoney.com, job forecasts for 2011 college grads found that government agencies are expected to fill 10% fewer posts than it did last year. Also, more than one-third of government employers plan to cut programs that hire new college grads. This would drastically limit the prospects of upcoming graduates and student interns.

Gleason Rowe, graduating Mason senior, said he formerly interned for Sen. Mark Warner on Capitol Hill. He is in the process of looking for summer work with the federal government.

“I have mostly applied for jobs in the private sector, but overall it has been very difficult finding openings [in the government],” Rowe said, something a government shutdown would not help.

Leslie Cook, a Mason junior, worked as a State Dept intern. She said one of the most appealing and competitive programs for new grads and graduate students is the Presidential Management Fellowship, which offers opportunities for students who hope to one day work in high levels of government.

“If a government shutdown occurs, this will be one of the first programs eliminated,” Cook said. “Another student program the State Dept has already decided to cut is the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP).”

The SCEP program offers paid experience, and after the intern has completed both their school and work requirements, he or she may be eligible for permanent employment with the agency.

Allyson Bowers, a Mason junior, currently works as a temporary student employee through SCEP. She said that although the program has been around for many years and has been quite successful for the State Dept, there are serious talks of cutting the program.

“Because these are paid positions, the program [SCEP] is on the chopping block. As a result of the supposed cuts, not as many students will be guaranteed a job as previously promised,” Bowers said.

Philanthropy brings together Greek life and Student Government

Student Government and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity held a joint fundraiser yesterday at The Rat for the Fisher House Foundation. (Jenna Beaver)

Thu, 04/07/2011 – 11:36 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

Members of student government and the Kappa Sigma fraternity held a fundraiser at the Rathskeller on Mason’s Fairfax campus Wednesday evening where 15 percent of proceeds were donated to the Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher House is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in times of need by providing humanitarian support beyond what is normally provided by the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.

Since members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury, according to the group.

Nathan Dorfman, a Mason sophomore and Student Government senator, said members of student government are very appreciative of our country’s service members. He was glad that his fellow senators wanted to give something back.

“We helped fund the construction of a new Fisher House at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda last spring,” Dorfman said.

Khang Nguyen, a Mason sophomore, pledged Kappa Sigma in spring 2010. He said his fraternity helps raise money for Fisher House by hosting two events each academic year.

“In the fall semester, all chapters of Kappa Sigma come together for the Marine Corp Marathon in D.C.,” Nguyen said. “The spring is usually a restaurant fundraiser.”

Kevin Brown, a Mason sophomore, joined Student Government in Feb 2011. He said SG members wanted to get involved with Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy this year.

“The military is a large part of our society and Fisher House is an important program that helps support people in need,” Brown said. “SG wants to show that they care about others [in the community]. Supporting this cause is a great way to bridge the gap between Greek Life and Student Government.”

For more information on the Fisher House Foundation, visit their website.

Public Meeting Held About Proposed Overpass Near Campus

Tue, 03/29/2011 – 14:39 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

Residents living near George Mason University had the opportunity to meet with city officials Monday evening to discuss a potential overpass connecting Braddock Road to Mason via Prestwick Road.

The informational meeting held at Fairfax Villa Elementary School brought a large turnout of residents interested in the project. Preliminary construction plans were outlined at the meeting, and members of VDOT, FCDOT, Fairfax City councilmembers, and even Mason’s own VP of Facilities were present to address any concerns the public might have with the proposed project.

The concept is that an overpass (or possible underpass) be constructed to help alleviate the traffic congestion surrounding Braddock Road and other roads leading onto campus. Safety was a main concern at a lot of intersections where a left hand turn is present.

Mason officials proposed the bypass to allow traffic to cut around Braddock and Rte. 123, allowing traffic to flow more smoothly.

Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook was in charge of the meeting, and he said there is currently about $10 million available in the Governor’s Transportation Plan that can be used toward the $15 million project. Mason will be responsible for the other $5 million to help fund the work.

“There are so many entities involved in this project that will have to work together,” Cook said.

Some of the ideas to help alleviate problems in the near future will be to lengthen the turn bay near University Mall on Braddock Road. Also under consideration is a traffic light at Braddock and Prestwick (right before the intersection at Rte. 123).

Chris Conklin, from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., represented his company’s interest in the transportation planning aspect of the project. VHB is working with Mason officials to map out the exact placement of the overpass and how it will affect the surrounding community.

“There should be significant improvements at all of the intersections once this plan goes into effect,” Conklin said.

Mason Vice President of Facilities Thomas Calhoun said there has been mention of a West Campus Connector for years. By connecting the west and east campuses, more students would be able to park farther away and still make it onto the main campus without issue.

“This project is still in the idea stage,” Calhoun said. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”

A University and Community Forum to further discuss the project is set for Fairfax City Hall on May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Previous meeting details and construction plans can be viewed online.

Local Restaurants Reminisce Mason's Trip to Final Four

Thu, 03/17/2011 – 14:04 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

As the NCAA Tournament gets underway this week and eighth seed Mason is set to play Villanova Friday night, it’s not just fans remembering the Patriots’ improbable 2006 journey to the NCAA Final Four. Local businesses recall the attention brought to the community as the previously unknown Patriots cast the area into the spotlight.

That attention meant packed sports bars at the restaurants near campus – something the wait staff and managers still haven’t forgotten.

Buffalo Wing University assistant manager, Thomas Calvert, said having Mason in the Final Four created an everlasting impression on his employees.

“We are normally busy on the weekends, but it was insane during the tournament,” Calvert said. “There was a minimum wait of one hour, and it was common to see a line of patrons stretched around the corner outside.”

Mason basketball fans that packed the venues for the games brought in an extra $80,000 in sales during the month of March 2006.

Brion’s Grille former manager, Rick Burnett, said business was great for their restaurant too. The games brought in local news coverage from both the ABC and CBS affiliates as they reported on the crowded restaurant.

“We were over packed for every Mason basketball game,” Burnett said. “There was not an empty seat in the house.”

The Auld Shebeen co-owner, Dominic Keane, said that Mason even made a huge impact on his Fairfax City pub.

“March madness is usually about St Patrick’s Day for an Irish Pub & Restaurant, but it took on a new meaning for The Auld Shebeen that year,” Keane said. “Every Mason game was a packed house with supporters in their green & yellow, and a lot of people had gotten special shirts made.”

For the final four game with Florida, The Auld Shebeen rented two 10 ft screens and had a full house the entire day.

Keane said, “Mason will have the luck of the Irish with them if they make it through to the Final Four again this season.”

Students 'Eat and Greet' with City Officials

Student Government member Daniel Boger chats happily with Councilman David Meyer and City of Fairfax Marketing Manager Joanna M. Ormesher. (Jake McLernon)

Thu, 02/17/2011 – 22:11 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

Mason Student Government and the Fairfax City Council agreed that fostering long-term relationships between the two groups is of utmost importance when members met to “Eat and Greet” Tuesday in the Johnson Center.

The event, organized by Student Government’s Mason-Affairs-and-State-Outreach-and-Networking-Committee, was aimed at bringing student representatives together with city leaders in an informal environment.

“This is a great way to develop understanding between members of our council and Mason’s own council members,” City of Fairfax marketing manager Joanna Ormesher said. “It allows students to interact with city officials professional to professional.”

Ormesher said both the students and the council members are the first point of contact for each of their respective constituencies, which is a common tie between the two groups, making their meeting all the more important.

Nathan Dorfman, M.A.S.O.N. Committee Chair, was pleased with the comfortable interaction between Student Government members and City Council members. Dorfman said the student attendees seemed passionate about future outreach opportunities with city officials.

“I’d even like to get the entire student body involved at some of the events, not just Student Government,” Dorfman said. “I feel that it is important for us as a community to have an opportunity to meet with local officials.”

Dorfman said City Hall’s proximity to campus is a reason why these groups shouldn’t have distance in their relationship, not to mention the number of Mason students who live and spend time in the city.

Appreciation Week is Latest Event for Off-Campus Students

Sun, 03/20/2011 – 21:13 | C2M’s Amanda Hamm

The first Off-Campus Appreciation Week kicks off Monday, just in time for students returning from spring break.

Sponsored by the Off-Campus Student Programs and Services Office, the event is geared toward students who live off-campus, but on-campus residents are also invited to check out the activities.

“This is a new initiative to get off-campus students more involved on campus,” said Mhevish Khan, graduate advisor for the office.

Khan said she has two Mason undergraduate students working with her on the event, Gleason Rowe & Dana Fayyad.

The office previously hosted a study lounge for off-campus students in December, and it was such a huge success that another one is being planned for the spring she said. Khan and her team are also brainstorming more fun activities for off-campus students.

“We have a movie night in the works. We plan to reserve one of the lots on campus and setup an old-fashioned drive-in, complete with concessions stand,” said Khan.

A detailed line-up of events taking place during the appreciation week can be found on the Off-Campus Student Programs and Services website.