Reprinted from The New Haven Advocate

“World Premiere One-Acts”: Walking Through Fire by Daniel O’Mara and King’s Country by Jeremy Tortora. Final performance 10 p.m. March 29 at Dodds Hall, on the University of New Haven campus, West Haven. www.elmcitytheater.com

Pardon my incredulity–I should be applauding this development wholeheartedly, not pausing a second to scratch my head–but who bothers to start small theater companies these days? Less than 15 years ago, the New Haven area had dozens of community-based theaters. Now, they’re so rare you wonder about the sanity of those who run them. The main reason for the downturn is the growth of other media, especially affordable video forms. But, as this pair of one-acts–written, performed and produced by University of New Haven students, through an extrracurricular company they founded themselves–proves, live theater has charms and disciplines and subtleties and challenges that just aren’t found with film or literature. I know that, you know that, of course–it’s nice to see that the college crowd gets that too.

Not that these two shows don’t betray a filmic consciousness. Daniel O’Mara’s Walking Through Fire, which stars the author as a wisecracking writer who falls in love with a young actress he meets at the engagement party of their mutual friends, proclaims its obvious debt to Annie Hall by actually having the play’s lovestruck leads go see that film. THe other show on the double-bill, King’s Country by Jeremy Tortora, has a Spike Lee Do the Right Thing air to it, down to its sitting-on-a-stoop-in-Brooklyn locale. Both shows traffic in very short scenes with abrupt black-outs, sometimes involving hurried costume and set changes.

Yet this is real theater, with creative problem solving that keeps the action real and intimate. Tortora may invoke Spike Lee, but he also reminds of Dario Fo, fomenting a working class revolution through unexpected bursts of both uproarious comedy and sudden tragedy. The special audio effects don’t attempt to create the mob violence which frame some scenes; instead, screeching voices depict the conflicts and crushing concerns inside the brain of the lead character. Likewise, O’Mara doesn’t stage engagement or wedding parties, he strips away all the noise and excitement and crystallizes the quiet moments in the midst of such events–altercations with bartenders, awkward meetings, conversations about one’s own love life while celebrating another’s.

The Elm City Theater Company is several shows old. I’ve been slow to visit because I’ve fretted that too much attention at the wrong time might strangle a precious project in its infancy. I needn’t have worried. While undoubtedly a student affair, about common concerns of young people, staged with available classmate talents (which nonetheless include some striking and naturalistic talents). The company, founded after its founders took a class in how to found a small theater company, is sound enough that it’s been made an official UNH drama club. Tortora (who graduates soon) and O’Mara (who already has) are leaving the troupe to begin a new company in the New Haven area. More power to them; they know what live theater can do, what it can mean, and why it still exists.

USGA Elections will take place from April 6th through April 8th. Read the platforms of those running below before making your decisions!

Candidates:

President
Wilfred Burrows

Treasurer
Heather Brown
Christopher Dempsey

Senator
Victoria Amico
Charnessy Brower
Samantha Chester
Mohammed Fahad
Robert Hanson
Harrison Johnson
Scott Kazar
Rayford Matthew
Deshawn McGregor
Kathryn Onorato
Laura Pisano
Brian Ricci
Christopher Rinck
Ankit Sharma
Shawn Tremblay
Joshua Van Hoesen
Jessica Vogt
Benjamin Wagar

Wilfred Burrows for USGA President

There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. – Author Unknown

Since my enrollment at the University of New Haven, becoming a part of clubs and organizations and the general campus life was always a major goal of mine. I have always enjoyed assisting others and was actively involved in my high school; I felt college life should be no different. After being involved with clubs, organizations, and the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) for the past three years, I have learnt that commitment and dedication is the key needed to make any club/organization successful.  I employ that dedication and commitment currently as USGA Vice President, and if elected USGA President for the 2009-2010 Executive year, I see that same dedication and commitment only increasing.

As USGA President, my main goal will be to facilitate any concern of any undergraduate student here at the University.  Students should feel confident in knowing that they have a President who is determined, honest, extroverted, and passionate about serving the student body.  It is my sincere belief that I embody those characteristics and will work non-stop for the students of this great institution.  One of the tools I plan to utilize to ensure that all concerns are heard is the current ChargerVoice website.  This is a very useful tool and if further publicized to the students, it can be essential in getting any problematic matter rectified quickly on any student’s behalf.

Secondly, as USGA President, I feel it is important to further make use of the many committees we currently have.  It is imperative that we get our committees ‘outside the room’ and get students involved in what each committee has to offer.  This is a project that is slowly beginning this semester, and I plan on facilitating further expansion.  Our committees do a lot of vital work for this organization and the student body, which sometimes goes unnoticed.  By expanding the use of our USGA committees, students will be aware of what each committee has to offer and how they enhance and create a better college experience for us all.

Thirdly, I feel it is time to expand the use of the Senate.  As it currently operates, the Senate is not at its full potential, but possesses the promise to become a main outreach to the students for the USGA.  I plan on working closely with Senators to make sure that they are visible to the student body, as they each represent the student body at large.  This can be done through the hosting of programs and events, general Senate meetings, and other small initiatives to get the senators working for and along with the students.

Finally, a very important objective of mine as President is for both myself along with my Executive Board to be visible to the student body.  It is very important for all students to know that their USGA is here to serve each of them no matter how large or small the concern may be. Through the use of programs such as Summer Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR), we can ensure that no student, freshman to senior, has any doubt about the purpose of the Undergraduate Student Government Association.  Also, facilitating club/organization President meetings and casual visits to club/organization meetings will allow for a closer relationship between the Undergraduate Student Government Association, clubs, organizations, and students. 

In conclusion, while I have only listed a few ideas and possible implementations,  I feel that I am a well qualified candidate for this position.  I am a hardworking student who is well-known around campus for going the extra mile not only in my extracurricular activity but even in my on-campus employment.  My trademark and general mode of operation is to give the best service possible to all persons at all times.  If given the opportunity to serve the students in this great capacity, I will do my utmost best to ensure that all concerns are handled and that the USGA runs as efficiently as possible. Mario Andretti said it best; “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” I am determined and committed to excellence, I am determined to fight for each and every student concern; I am your next USGA President.

Heather Brown for USGA Treasurer

Hello University of New Haven!  My name is Heather Brown and I am running for the position of Treasurer within the Undergraduate Student Government Association.

I am extremely passionate about the USGA and the treasurer position in particular.  I have been a club/organization treasurer for the past two years and have also been on the USGA Budget Committee for the past two years.  I have been involved with the USGA since my freshman year here on campus.  I currently serve on six USGA committees and am the head of the Residential Relations Committee and the Academics Committee.  Within the USGA I currently hold the position of Senato
r.

To make things easier on the clubs and organizations that make use of USGA funds, I would like to revamp the paperwork to make it more user friendly.  I believe that the current treasurer, Melody Johnson, has done some great things with the Treasurer’s Manual and I would also like to continue to edit it and make sure it is up to date and concise.

Furthermore, if elected to be your USGA Treasurer I would like to work toward a more open line of communication between the clubs/organizations and the Business Office here on campus.

If I can make everything easier on you, the student, I will be happy.  If elected as your USGA Treasurer I will work with all that I am to ensure that every student is happy and well taken care of.

Thank you very much!

Christopher Dempsey

My name is Christopher Dempsey and I’m a junior here at the University of New Haven. My major is Fire Science, Arson with a minor in Criminal Justice. I started my USGA (Undergraduate Student Government Association) career as a Club Representative for The Delta Chi Fraternity.  Shortly after becoming a Representative I became a USGA Senator. 

As a Senator I have held many positions on committees such as Chairperson of the Technology committee, and a voting member of the Budget committee.  As the Chairperson of the Technology committee some of the changes I have made are increasing the size of email storage space and resolving Chargervoice.com concerns in a timely manner.  In addition to my involvement with USGA I am also on the Code of Conduct Board as well as Vice President of the Delta Chi Fraternity.

During the one and a half years I have served on the USGA Budget committee I have learned a great deal about not only the USGA Treasurer position, but also the funding process.  If I am elected USGA Treasurer I will work to address and change the following issues:

As a club Vice President and a Budget committee member I know many clubs and students don’t know what to expect when they apply for a Miscellaneous Request.  Questions such as, “Did I follow the guidelines?”  “What are the guidelines?” and “What questions should I be prepared to answer?” always seem to come up and make the funding process unnecessarily complicated.  As Treasurer I will sit down with the Budget committee to address these and many other commonly asked questions that arise when applying for funding.  I believe there should be a written explanation of what the Budget committee is looking for in a request, and that it should be made available as a template for students and groups to follow.  In addition I believe it is important for there to be a published list of what questions the representatives seeking funding should be prepared to answer.  By clearly stating the expectations of the Budget committee some of the confusion surrounding the funding process can be eliminated and more groups can get the money they need.

Another area I would like to address as Treasurer is the issue of consistency among funding approvals.  When the Budget committee makes decisions regarding funding requests it is important that their decision be used as precedent for similar future requests.  By establishing these guidelines for decision making the Budget committee can provide groups with a more fair and consistent funding process.

Lastly, if elected at USGA Treasurer, I understand that it will be important to the success of the student-run funding process for me to work closely with student activities, the business office, and the University community as a whole.   It is my goal to ensure that clubs and organizations receive their money in a fair and timely manner.  I am always open to new ideas and would welcome any questions, comments, or suggestions that you may have.

Victoria Amico for USGA Senator

Hello! My name is Victoria Amico, and I am applying for USGA Senator.

As a senator, I wish to contribute to a change in the way of communication between the student body and the USGA.

I believe in that every good school has a strong student government in which the student body can rely on and trust to make good decisions.

Charnessy Brower for USGA Senator

I believe I have what it takes to represent the student body. I am an outgoing, productive, dedicated person, who enjoys interacting and helping fellow students.

I understand the responsibility that accompanies the important leadership position of Senator, because of my roles as a leader on campus already. I am currently the President of the Black Student Union, Vice President of the Caribbean Student Association and I am also a senator. My leadership roles have allowed me to constantly interact with the student body and understand their needs and concerns. It has also helped me to serve as a liaison to bring the concerns to the Undergraduate Student Government Association.

My objective as a senator is to bridge the gap between and the students and the Undergraduate Student Government Association and I would like to continue that objective.

Samantha Chester for USGA Senator

ELECT SAMANTHA CHESTER AS USGA SENATOR

-Experienced USGA Senator 2008-2009

-Executive Assistant of the Class of 2012

-Involved, Dedicated and Reliable

If Elected I will use my position to allow your voice to be heard and dedicate my time and effort to fulfilling this task.

Come out and vote this spring!

Robert Hanson for USGA Senator

The Undergraduate Student Government Association is truly the leading voice for the students at the University Of New Haven. I Robert Hanson seek the position of USGA Senator for the upcoming academic year. After going through sev
eral different presidents, I have never seen so many students involved and interested in the organization with the current leadership. I personally have gotten significantly more involved in the USGA for this reason. I am currently the primary representative for the American Criminal Justice Association.

The senator position is a very valuable one to the USGA, this is because they are the students that are out with the general body, hearing concerns first hand, addressing concerns first hand, and working with the entire UNH community to develop a stronger and better functioning student body.  I am also involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, Fire Science Club, A-Team, amongst many other committees. I feel these leadership positions will lead me to be a strong USGA Senator. I have dedicated much of my time at UNH to learning how to successfully hear the students concerns and then do something about it. Senators are also people that new students can go to for some direction. With my involvement on campus and time spent at the university, I feel anyone is welcome to come to me with any questions and concerns. I will then take there concern and fully address it to the proper source.  I would like to improve the senator position by working with other senators to define a better description for the position, including getting senators involved in more club events and UNH events, this would allow for students to voice there concerns at many other opportunities than just office hours. 

Working with the USGA this past year has allowed me to get a full perspective on the true impact that the students to have at UNH. I look forward to working with the students and USGA in the future to ensure UNH is a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for all students. I Robert Hanson encourage you to elect me for USGA Senator for the upcoming academic year.

Harrison Johnson for USGA Senator

There is always a time when people decide to make a better surrounding for themselves and people around them. I believe that time has come for me. That is why I have decided to run for Undergraduate Student Government Association Senator for the 2009-2010 Executive year.  I have been a student at the University of New Haven for two years and am taking this time to now become a student leader.  I have heard many of the cries and pleas of my fellow students and have decided to be there unifying voice.

From my two years of working with various clubs and organizations I have achieved many success on that level but now would like to reach the students who may choose not be a part of the same clubs and organizations as me. It is with this belief in mind that I will make myself accessible to all those who have a concern or want an issue addressed.

I believe the Undergraduate Student Government Association is in place to be the voice, body and representation of the University of New Haven students, and for since I can remember clubs and organizations have been the prime advocate of USGA. I feel it is time for Senators to step up and be more accessible to the Student Body and vote on things that will benefit them.  If elected USGA Senator I hope to be at the forefront of this much needed change.

In order to be at the forefront of this needed change I understand that USGA committees is the key and I am eager to head a few of the committees that affect students the most such as, food committee, and residential committee. I will also look to introduce these committees and others to the students and get students who may not be directly involved in clubs and organizations in USGA to get a better understanding of the Undergraduate Student Government Association which will eventually lead to more involvement on their part. 

 
Scott Kazar for USGA Senator

I feel that I have much to bring to the USGA senator position. I always strive for the best, and never give less than a hundred percent in anything I do.

I always do everything with a positive attitude, and try to make a fun atmosphere while still being professional. Life is just much more enjoyable when you and the people you surround yourself with are having fun. I thrive in friendly environments and will continuously do my part to be faithful and energetic to every task so that we can all benefit from our collective hard work. In regards to my experiences, I have now been a member of the Department of Campus Recreation for nearly a year and a half and while working there I have been given numerous responsibilities including that of a Supervisor. In this position I am responsible for overseeing my peers in their work while advising other participants of our policies and correct procedures. Although it is tough at times in this intense recreation atmosphere to make light of the situation I respectfully encourage others to do their best by always striving to do the same.

Being the president of the colony of Sigma Chi has developed my leadership beyond to what I could have ever imagined. I started as a freshman, and at that point we were just an interest group. Through the months I worked hard to gain others respect, and took over the community service officer position. I really took control of that position, and came up with fun, diverse, and community oriented events. As a freshman I was starting to gain respect from all my elder peers. At the beginning of the fall semester we had reelections, where I was nominated and voted in as president. This was such an honor for me, being a sophomore and voted in by juniors and seniors. Starting a fraternity is extremely hard, but I have leaded these fine young gentlemen through good and bad times never giving up on them. With my leadership and their loyalty we are ready to be installed international, and have the date set for May 10, 2009.

I am confident that these traits set me above the rest, and I am well equipped to handle any challenges that would cross my path as a USGA senator.   

Rayford Matthew for USGA Senator

While I was the USGA Representative for the National Society of Black Engineers, I learned a great deal about the USGA and how it operates. I became particularly curious about the role of the Senators. After asking a few current senators what their roles were, I always received some rendition of the following:
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A USGA Senator serves as a representative of the student body, who brings to light the issues students face and collectively endeavor to resolve them. In short, a Senator serves as the voice of the general student body in the USGA.

As the President of the National Society of Black Engineers, I understand the importance of serving the general body and the significance of the general body-executive board relationship.

In order to achieve a working, lasting relationship between the USGA and UNH’s students, Senators must not only be able to communicate and relay their message, but Senators must also want to be that voice. I don’t only believe I can be their voice, but I want to be their voice.

Deshawn McGregor for USGA Senator

During my tenure at the University of New Haven, I have been increasingly involved with clubs and organizations.  Over the past year, I have had the prestigious role of serving as a Senator in the Undergraduate Student Government Association. I believe as a student leader, we owe it to the student body that we represent to have an ever-persistent pursuit for excellence on their behalf.

If fortunate enough to be elected as a Senator, I feel that there is a great deal that I can offer to the Undergraduate Student Government Association.   Firstly, I am an avid believer that, at the University of New Haven, “it’s all about the students,” and with that belief, I would strive to be a good representative of the Student Body.  Secondly as a Senator, I would make certain that the Undergraduate Student Government Association remembers that it is accountable to the Student Body.

I feel that I possess the qualities necessary to fulfill the requirements of this position.  I am dedicated, motivated, and hardworking.  I am hopeful that I will once again be given this opportunity to further serve the Student Body as an Undergraduate Student Government Association Senator.

Kathryn Onorato for USGA Senator

As a senator I want to ensure that the student body is properly represented. I feel that I am a very suitable representation because I am involved in many different aspects of student life at the University of New Haven.

It is important to be involved because I understand many different aspects of UNH and student concerns. As a Senator I have been involved in several different committees such as the Points Committee and Residential Relations Committee. I have also served as the Community Service Committee Chair. I plan to continue to be a part of many different types of committees to better help serve the student body.

Laura Pisano for USGA Senator

Every student has problems or concerns that they would like to have addressed. And although everyone has a voice, often times that voice is not heard. I would like to be a representation of that voice by being a USGA senator.

I feel as though I would be a great representation of the student body, and I would love to use a position as USGA senator to make sure that every student is heard. Each student has a right to have their problems and concerns heard, and I would like to make sure that happens. I think I would be a good fit for the position of USGA senator, and embody all that it stands for.

Brian Ricci for USGA Senator

My name is Brian Ricci and I am a sophomore here at the University of New Haven and am majoring in Fire Science.  I am a member of the Fire Science Club and I am currently the club representative for USGA.  If elected as a USGA Senator I plan on working for the students.  My goal as a USGA Senator is to make sure that the decisions that are made are in the best interest of the students.

Christopher Rinck for USGA Senator

As a Senator I will advocate and try to represent the student body as well as I can. I will take advantage of office hours, time spent is the social areas around campus, and any other engagement opportunities I have with the student population and talk to them about the current issues. With this I will be informing them of what is going on as well as voting for how they feel.

Next year I really hope to spear-head a traditions committee to try to boost some school sprit. With the re-establishment of the football program and the hockey team I feel like there is no better time than to get some strong traditions started and get the campus pride and sprit at an all time high.

Ankit Sharma for USGA Senator

I am Ankit Sharma and I’m a sophomore here at UNH. I’m an international student at UNH and I am from India. I’m Finance (Business) major at UNH. Although my major is supposed to deal with the boring and intricate numbers and stuff, the instructors at UNH make learning more fun, comprehendible and enjoyable.

I love the University of New Haven and I would do anything to promote it and help people get acquainted with its beauty. I’m an active member of UNH and can help
out any student from achieving their goals and find solutions to intricate problems. I know the entire campus and the various offices located in it and I could guide people completely with regards to any predicaments. I’m a very friendly, outgoing and honest person and as a Senator I would like to get the opportunity to represent the student body, help others, gain experience and have fun while doing it.

Shawn Tremblay for USGA Senator

Hi! My name is Shawn Tremblay. As a USGA Senator my main focus will be to promote sustainability as much as possible. I feel sustainability and the “Go Green” concept has yet to be taken seriously by the student body.

I am well known on campus and involved with many different offices here at UNH which allows me to connect well with a variety of different types people. Despite everything I am involved with, I am sure that I have the time necessary to devote to this position. Everyone at UNH is important and it is time to recognize it!

Joshua Van Hoesen for USGA Senator

I am running for the position of USGA senator because I feel as though I am a good representative of the student body as a whole being involved in many of the different social and academic activities on campus. I feel as though I have a firm grasp on the attitude and principals of the general public and I would therefore be able to express  these feelings accurately in any situation that arises.

If elected to this position I will strive to help solve the problems on campus faced by the student body as a whole and I will be available to hear the opinions of any student as all opinions should be heard.

Jessica Vogt for USGA Senator

My fellow undergraduate students, my name is Jes Vogt and it is my intention to run for Senator for the 2009-2010 school year for the Undergraduate Student Government Association.  I have been a Senator since the fall in 2007.  I am also the current Health and Safety Committee Chairman.  I have enjoyed my time as a Senator for the Undergraduate Student Government Association.  I feel that I have done a lot to help the student body.  I have been working very hard to try to expand the Health and Safety Committee to something other than just answering concerns.

I really care about the concerns of the student body and I would like to continue to voice them.

I would also like to continue to be a part of making decisions that will positively affect the student body.  I think it is important to be aware of, as well, as discuss the issues concerning the student body and I promise to continue to bring these issues up at meetings and otherwise.

I would be honored to serve you for another term as a Senator of the Undergraduate Student Government Association.

Benjamin Wagar for USGA Senator

Hello, my name is Benjamin Wagar and I am currently a Senator in USGA! This past fall I decided to run for the position of Senator because I wanted to became as active on campus as I possibly could. I have served on the technology committee and I am now also on the constitution committee. The Undergraduate Student Government has had such a positive impact on my life that I want to run again. 

The main goal of my campaign is I want to involve as many students as I can. The more students that ask me questions about my position as Senator the better. I ran for Senator this Fall because I wanted to became as involved on this campus as I could. I want to be able to help students with their problems whatever they may be. Being a Senator has shown me a completely different side of this institution. That is why I have these goals that I want to accomplish for next year.

1. I want to become more involved in the USGA senate. Any committee head position at the start of next year I am going to run for. Specifically the Health and Safety committee or food committee if it is open.

2. I want to work with other Senators of USGA in planning a campus wide event where the students can learn more about USGA and hopefully become more involved.

3. I want to serve as a mentor to West coast students who come to the University of New Haven. Being from Washington state myself I know that it can be a hard transition. I want to help them as best as a can using any means necessary that I can develop as a Senator.

CARTHAGE, N.C. – Detectives are investigating whether a gunman accused of killing eight people may have picked a North Carolina nursing home as his target because his estranged wife worked there, police said Monday.

Carthage Police Chief Chris McKenzie said the woman, whom he did not name, worked at the nursing home. He said he believed that the couple were recently separated but that he did not have any other details. He was not sure if the woman was at the nursing home at the time of the shootings.

Authorities said Robert Stewart, 45, went on a terrifying rampage in the Pinelake Health and Rehab center on Sunday morning, killing seven residents and a nurse and wounding three other people.

“We’re certainly looking into the fact that it may be domestic-related,” McKenzie told The Associated Press ahead of a Monday morning news conference in this small town about 60 miles southwest of Raleigh in North Carolina’s Sandhills region.

An ex-wife of Stewart’s, Sue Griffin, told reporters Sunday she had not had contact with him since they divorced in 2001 but that he had “violent tendencies.” Griffin added she didn’t know how her ex-husband was connected to the nursing home or why he would shoot people there.

The injured included a police officer hailed as a hero for shooting the gunman before more people could be killed.

Officials said 25-year-old Carthage Police Officer Justin Garner wounded Stewart while trading gunfire in a hallway. Garner was wounded in the leg.

“He acted in nothing short of a heroic way today, and but for his actions, we certainly could have had a worse tragedy,” said Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger. “We had an officer, a well-trained officer, who performed his job the way he was supposed to and prevented this from getting even worse than it is now.”

Griffin, Stewart’s ex-wife, said Stewart had been recently reaching out to family members, telling them he had cancer and was preparing for a long trip and to “go away.”

Griffin said she was married to Stewart for 15 years, and while they hadn’t spoken since divorcing in 2001, he had been trying to reach her during the past week through her son, mother, sister and grandmother.

“He did have some violent tendencies from time to time,” Griffin said. “I wouldn’t put it past him. I hate to say it, but it is true.”

Stewart was in custody, but authorities would not give any details about his injuries or treatment. He is charged with eight counts of first-degree murder and a charge of felony assault of a law enforcement officer.

Stewart was not a patient or an employee at the nursing home and wasn’t believed to be related to any of the victims, authorities said.

Krueger said the victims were Pinelake residents Tessie Garner, 88; Lillian Dunn, 89; Jessie Musser, 88; Bessie Hendrick, 78; John Goldston, 78; Margaret Johnson, 89; Louise Decker, 98; and nurse Jerry Avent, whose age wasn’t immediately available.

Musser had lived at Pinelake for only six weeks, said his son-in-law, Jim Foster, 47, of Aberdeen. He said the man had Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and was blind, deaf and confined to a wheelchair. Foster said the family was now trying to figure out how to tell Musser’s wife, who has dementia and lives at the same facility, that her husband is dead.

“She was upset that they didn’t bring him to see her yesterday,” Foster said. “I don’t know how we’re going to break it to her. You got a clue?”

Beverly McNeill said her mother, Pinelake resident Ellery Chisholm, called moments after the gunman stormed into her room and pointed his “deer gun” at her roommate. “They’re up here shooting, they’re up here shooting,” Chisholm frantically told her 14-year-old granddaughter, Tavia, over the phone, McNeil said.

Chisholm told her daughter that she hid her face in her shirt so she couldn’t see the man or what she expected him to do, McNeill said. He didn’t shoot, but left the room and began shooting down the hallway.

The facility was closed after the attack as authorities worked to gather evidence inside and out. Krueger declined to say if authorities had moved the surviving residents from the 110-bed facility, including patients with Alzheimer’s disease, saying only, “They’re safe, which is the primary thing.”

Among the items investigators found was a camouflaged-colored rifle or shotgun, which was leaning against the side of a Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot.

Sunday’s rampage happened just weeks after a man killed 10 people, including his mother and several other relatives, in the worst mass shooting in Alabama’s history on March 10. On March 11, a teen killed 12 people at his former high school in Germany. 

A UNH freshman who was crossing the Boston Post Road at the entrance of the University at approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning was the victim of a hit and run accident. He has been taken to Yale New Haven Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The West Haven Police Department is investigating the incident and following all available leads. If you were in the area and witnessed the accident please contact Campus Police at 932-7014.

WEST HAVEN, Conn. – University of New Haven women’s lacrosse student-athlete Ashley Ferrandiz and baseball catcher Jimmy Rivas have been named the Charger Bulletin Athletes of the Week for the week ending Sunday, March 22.

Ferrandiz has helped guide the Chargers women’s lacrosse team to a perfect 5-0 start, including a 3-0 Northeast-10 Conference record. She’s tallied 19 goals and 15 assists in 284 minutes for the Chargers. The sophomore has also grabbed 20 ground balls and ten draw controls. Ferrandiz led the Chargers with a record-setting nine points (seven goals and two assists) in a 25-11 victory over Franklin Pierce on Monday, March 16. She followed that with a six goal, two assist performance against No. 10 Rollins College on Wednesday, March 18.

Ferrandiz leads the Chargers women’s lacrosse team back to action on Thursday, March 26 when they host St. Thomas Aquinas at 4:30 p.m.

Rivas has helped lead the UNH baseball team with a .333 batting average through ten games this season. He’s drove in a team-best 15 runs on 14 hits, including one homerun and five doubles. Rivas went 3-for-5 and drove in five runs on Tuesday, March 17 against Caldwell. One day earlier, the senior hit a grand slam against Molloy College. Rivas went 2-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored in the Chargers 8-3 win over Molloy.

The Chargers baseball team travels to Assumption College on Thursday, March 26. The opening pitched is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Hammer Time presents the 3rd Bi-Annual Frisbee Tournament on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Kayo Field (turf field in front of New Hall building) at the University of New Haven.  This event is being held to raise money and awareness for the Boys and Girls Club of America. 

The Boys and Girls Club of America is a community based program that enhances development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.  It is a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and have fun.  The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to, “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

This event has been ongoing for the past three semesters.  It has been hosted by the University of New Haven’s Frisbee Club, and has been a fun and healthy event for all UNH students to enjoy.  Unfortunately in the past this event was unable to raise sufficient funds for a charity, but that is why it is Hammer Time’s responsibility to turn this tradition into a generous and successful event.  Hammer Time’s goals are to raise $1,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of America, and to have over 150 people at the event. 

This is the first event of Spring Weekend and the only event being held on Friday before the Spring Concert.  Come support your fellow students at this exciting Frisbee Tournament!  The event will include food and refreshments, t-shirts, music, prizes, games, and a public speaker from the Boys and Girls Club of America.  

Hammer Time is a group of six Business students who are part of a Sports Event Management class.  The goal for our group is to put together a successful Frisbee Tournament on the UNH campus.  Also, we would like to raise $1,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of America.  We will be funding this event with many sponsorships and donations.  This event has been run in the past, but our group would like to make the event larger and more exciting for the UNH community.  

BUTTE, Mont. – A small plane crashed Sunday as it approached an airport in Montana, killing 17 people, including several children, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said.

The single engine turboprop plane crashed about 500 feet from the airport in Butte while attempting to land, said spokesman Mike Fergus. The Montana Standard reported in an online story that it crashed in Butte’s Holy Cross Cemetery.

The aircraft had departed from Oroville, Calif., and the pilot had filed a flight plan showing a destination of Bozeman, about 85 miles southeast of Butte. But the pilot canceled his flight plan at some point and headed for Butte, Fergus said.

Preliminary reports indicate the dead include numerous children, he said. There were no known fatalities on the ground, he added.

“We think that it was probably a ski trip for the kids,” Fergus said.

The plane was registered to Eagle Cap Leasing Inc. in Enterprise, Ore., Fergus said. He didn’t know who was operating the plane.

Calls to local authorities were not immediately returned.

Witnesses told the Standard that they saw the plane go into a nosedive into the cemetery.

Martha and Steve Guidoni, who were at a gas station across from the cemetery, said the plane “just nose-dived into the ground.”

“My husband went over there to see if he could do anything,” Martha Guidoni said.

Fergus said the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft was manufactured in 2001.

I. Felkamp is listed as Eagle Cap’s president in Oregon corporate records. Attempts to reach Felkamp by phone were unsuccessful.

In California, Tom Hagler said he saw a group of about a dozen children and four adults Sunday morning at the Oroville Municipal Airport, about 70 miles north of Sacramento.

Hagler, owner of Table Mountain Aviation, described the children as ranging from about 6- to 10 year olds. He let the children into his building to use the restroom.

“There were a lot of kids in the group,” he said. “A lot of really cute kids.”

Hagler said he showed the pilot where he could fill up on fuel, and the pilot said he expected his flight to take two-and-a-half hours. The pilot didn’t file a flight plan at the Oroville airport.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said its investigators were expected to arrive in Butte late Sunday or early Monday.

The incident was the country’s third major plane crash this year. All 155 people onboard survived after a US Airways jetliner landed in New York’s Hudson River in January when a flock of geese disabled both engines, and a commuter plane fell on a house in a suburb of Buffalo, N.Y., killing all 49 passengers and a man in the home in February.

WIND GAP, Pa. – Evacuation orders for about 5,000 people in northeastern Pennsylvania remain in effect even as authorities say the leak of a hazardous chemical has been contained.

Authorities say a tanker truck carrying more than 16 tons of hydrofluoric acid overturned early Saturday near Wind Gap, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia.

Northampton County spokesman John Conklin says the driver was treated for injuries and released. There were no other immediate reports of injuries.

Conklin says hazardous materials teams managed to stop the slowly dripping liquid. He says not enough of the chemical leaked to create a toxic cloud.

Hydrofluoric acid in low doses can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Inhalation can be fatal.

NEW YORK – Bernard Madoff’s new Manhattan home is the size of a walk-in closet, with cinderblock walls, linoleum floors and a bunk bed.

Breakfast will be served before sunrise, and the disgraced financier can stretch his legs outside, but only every other day — in a cage.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, which has housed accused terrorists and reputed mobsters, welcomed the 70-year-old Madoff on Thursday after he pleaded guilty in one of Wall Street’s biggest investment swindles and a judge revoked his bail.

The federal jail in lower Manhattan stands between a courthouse and a church and holds inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Currently, about 750 men and women are behind bars there.

Since his arrest in December, Madoff has been confined to his $7 million penthouse apartment.

When inmates first arrive at the jail, they are given physical and psychological exams and instructed on the rules. If cleared to enter the general population, they are issued a baggy brown uniform and assigned to cells measuring 7 1/2-by-8 feet, each fitted with a sink and toilet.

Many inmates must share their cells with another prisoner, but it was not immediately clear Thursday whether Madoff would have a cellmate.

There’s a strict schedule: Lights on at 6 a.m., breakfast at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 11 a.m., dinner at 5 p.m., lights out at 11 p.m. During the day, inmates can watch television, play ping pong, work on their cases in a legal library or volunteer for janitorial duty.

On alternate days, they are allowed up on the caged roof, where from courthouse windows they can be seen playing basketball. For court dates, they are shackled and escorted by deputy marshals through an underground tunnel.

The facility alots three hours a week for visits by family or lawyers. Inmates can also spend up to 300 minutes per month making phone calls, which can be monitored.

Those who misbehave or present a risk of violence are thrown into a separate unit where they spend nearly all day locked in their cells and must endure strip searches and constant monitoring by cameras.

Authorities tightened security in the unit after a guard was seriously injured in 2000 by a terrorist convicted in the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.

Notable inmates have included blind sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to blow up five New York landmarks and assassinate Egypt’s president, and John “Junior” Gotti, the Gambino crime family scion now jailed in Brooklyn on murder charges.

Current inmates include former Florida hedge fund manager Arthur Nadel, who is accused of bilking investors out of up to $350 million.

Dodds Hall was cleared for use on Monday by the West Haven Department of Health after liquid used in forensic science research was found on the floor of a fourth floor lab early Friday morning. No one was affected by the liquid and it was not released outside of the immediate area in which it was found.

According to Allingtown Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Christopher Reed, the liquid, which was properly stored in a glass container in a lab cabinet, was found on the floor by a member of the University’s custodial staff. Upon opening the lab door to do her daily cleaning, the custodian saw and smelled the liquid, contacted her supervisor who called Campus Police. The Allingtown Fire Department was called and arrived immediately. Campus Police Chief Henry Starkel notes this chain of events transpired in approximately five to seven minutes. The fire department and Campus Police closed the building and quickly checked all floors. One person was escorted from the building and was not affected by the incident.

The fire department’s hazmat team interviewed forensic science faculty regarding the types of liquids used in the lab. This information was turned over to the environmental remediation firm that DEP required the University bring in on Friday to do the clean up. DEP also required that an industrial hygienist conduct air quality samples. Samples were evaluated by the West Haven Department of Health and were approved resulting in the re-opening of the building and the lab. Cabinets that housed the liquid have been removed and will be replaced.
 
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to research if the glass container had some how cracked. Dr. Tim Palmbach, chair of the Department of Forensic Science, notes his department has strict protocols for storage of products used in the lab. He adds that exactly which product leaked and how is still under investigation. The University’s Department of Forensic Science and Safety Committee are both reviewing the incident. Later this week, Reed will meet with members of the DEP and those in his department who responded to the incident to determine next step recommendations for the University. 
 
An email update will be sent to students, staff, and faculty when additional information is available.