Apr. 24 2013 from 11am to 2pm, Camden County College held its annual Spring Fling event at the Blackwood NJ campus. There were representatives from college clubs, free food, music, games and other information a fun time was had by all that attended

Kenneth D. Aston Jr
CCC Photo-Journalism Program

2013 Spring Fling, Camden County College Blackwood NJ

Eric Monzon, massage therapy student, provides relief for a fellow Camden County college student

John Fitzgerald competes with other students on one of the amusements during Spring Fling 2013.

By Angela Lambinus
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College in April presented “Spoon River Anthologies,” a re-adaptation of Edgar Lee Masters’ classic collection of free verse epitaphs.

A poster announces the performances of ‘Spoon River Anthologies.’ By Angela Lambinus, CCC Journalism Program

“Spoon River Anthologies” was a world premiere full length re-adaptation of Edgar Lee Masters’ classic collection of free verse epitaphs that collectively illuminate the lives and losses of the residents of the mythical small American town of Spoon River. The re-interpretation celebrated Americana in multimedia photos and film and was accompanied by classic music from America’s heartland.

The performance that lasted a little over an hour with no intermission started with a group song from the actors in dimmed lighting to go along with the mood of the epitaphs that followed. Occasionally, clouds of smoke would shoot out to give the feeling of being in a graveyard to make audience members feel more attached to the words being spoken and the emotions behind them.

Between the clothing changes in black, white and red, a large screen projected the words “Blessed are those” followed by different endings to go along with the epitaphs. During the performance, the screen matched the emotions of the words being told with pictures of woods, rain, water, people, babies and other items. The performance included a variety of languages, including a woman speaking her story in Spanish as well as another woman who spoke hers through sign language, both followed by a translator to speak them in English.

The performance ended in a solo that transformed into a final group song.

“I thought it was a great performance,” states Camden County College alumnus Brett Walton. “I have heard of Edgar Lee Masters ‘Spoon River Anthology’ before, but this was the first time I had seen it put into a performance. The actors, setup and performance was overall really enjoyable.”

An actor from the performance as well as a first-year student at Camden County College, Julian Class, says he always knew acting was what he wanted to do. “Going through this took me and made me better in developing character development and listening on stage.”

By Megan Ahern
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Hundreds of students looking for employment turned out April 10 for the Job Fair at Camden County College.

Students browse displays at the job fair. By Megan Ahern, CCC Journalism Program

At one table sat Andrea Pointon, a regional sales manager, and Christine Varquez, account representative, from J&J Staffing Resources, who said they were looking for any type of employee with any experience. They hire applicants from those with no experience to those with much experience. They said working with J&J Staff Resources has the advantages of high pay, health benefits, trained services coordinators to market skills, direct deposit, vacation pay, holiday pay and referral bonuses.

Many students wandered around looking at the tables. Student William Fewer-Reed said he was looking for a job in education or health care. He added he is employed as a restaurant server but he has been in the restaurant business for about 10 years and wants to change his profession to something in which he would have more of a future. When asked if he had success at the job fair, he said, “I talked to a representative from Camden Vicinage who might have a summer internship available. I also talked to someone about possibly being a music therapist to elderly folks in hospice care. Yes, I did have a bit of luck.”

By Heather Tomafsky
CCC Journalism Program

CAMDEN – The Spring Fling at the Camden campus provided free fun and food for more than 700 Camden County College students. On April 18 students came out to the College Hall Courtyard in Camden to eat, get information and have fun.

Overall those in attendance deemed the event a success. The only downfall was the weather – with high winds and virtually no sunshine, most students agreed it would have been an even more enjoyable event if it had been held inside.

As promised, there was a disc jockey, a pro shoot basketball game, a photo booth, two balloon artists and a cotton candy machine. There were also information tables from local businesses and Camden County College clubs. And of course, there were hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta salad, cookies, bottled water and much more available for the students to snack on.

Students who will be graduating this May could pick up their caps and gowns for the commencement ceremony at the Spring Fling. Graduating students could also get information about a class ring. For them, the Spring Fling was not only a time to relax, have fun and mark the end of the semester, it was also a time to celebrate their upcoming graduation.

“The event went extremely well. We served over 700 students with a delicious barbecue,” said Jackie Tenuto, assistant to the dean of students. “The only thing that would have made it a perfect day is if the sun came out. Other than that I think it was a good event.”

Special Goslee, a student at the Camden campus who attended the Spring Fling, stated, “It’s something fun to do, and it is a good way for students to mingle and find out more about the college.” Like other students, Goslee also noted, “It would have been better inside because of the weather.”

Students at the Spring Fling at the Camden campus wait in line to get food. By Heather Tomafsky, CCC Journalism Program

By Eva Thach
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Culture at Camden County College was on full display at International Day on April 18 and a fashion show was a highlight of the event.

Ayesha Sharmeen struts down the runway at International Day. By Eva Thach, CCC Journalism Program

Students Ayesha Sharmeen and Kaur Harleem represented their culture of India at the fashion show. Sharmeen and Harleem wore attire that is normally worn to special occasions and birthday parties. Sharmeen flaunted in a gold, red and green dress made of anarkali with accessories such as gold earrings, bangles and rings that came from India. Harleem dazzled in a traditional green and white dress that is normally worn on a day-to-day basis.

ChiChi Nwanosike, a native of Nigeria, wore a coordinating ensemble called nkara, which is a black blouse and a paisley pattern skirt with a matching scarf wrapped around the head.

Jessie Orlando, director of the International Club, wore attire that presented images of international countries. He wears it every year to the event.

Soufiane Ellamte, president of the International Club, wore attire for Morocco. He wore a white and brown accustomed attire made of silk called jalaba that is worn at special events and religious holidays.

Sara Fletched strutted down the runway in her laced spring green, white and red modern dress that represented the colors of the Mexican flag.

Zach Brooks wore a Philadelphia Phillies shirt with blue jeans and white sneakers. He showed his pride in America by waving the American flag.

“We are proud of the young students with continuing their education at Camden County College,” said Kathryn L’Esperance, adviser of the International Club.

Students who are interested in joining next year for International Day can contact L’Esperance at 856-227-7200, ext. 4543.

By Morgan Grossmann
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The Camden County College women’s softball team defeated Montgomery County College, 8-4, on April 16 in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game.

The Camden County College team hosted its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game at 3:30 p.m. on its field in Blackwood.

Pitcher, team leader and one of only two sophomores on the team, Kaitlyn Hellyer, struck out all three of Montgomery County College’s batters in the second and fourth innings. The team did not get any hits off Hellyer in those innings; however, in the third inning, a Montgomery County College player hit a triple, batting in a run.

With the bases loaded in the seventh inning, Camden County College’s Victoria Powers hit a double, driving in two runs. From third base, Powers stole home as the pitcher threw the ball into the outfield.

The Camden County College team sported pink T-shirts that read, “Camden County College Softball,” with each member’s number on the back, neon pink knee-high socks and pink helmets while at bat in support of breast cancer awareness. The Montgomery County College team did not wear any pink articles of clothing, even though they were notified ahead of time it was the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game.

The Camden County College Dietetic Students Club also appeared at the game, promoting health, nutrition and cancer prevention. The students in the club volunteered their time by handing out pamphlets on cancer prevention and healthy snacks, such as berries and apples.

“They did pretty well,” Holly Smith, a former Camden County College softball player, said about the team’s performance. “They hit and field correctly, for the most part.”

Hellyer said the game was special to her.

“It was special to me in two ways,” Hellyer said. “First, it was showing that not only is this a horrible disease and people need to be aware of it, but we raised awareness by showing support and earning money for research. And secondly, it was special to show my mom the care and support that she has shown us throughout the years.”

Hellyer’s mother survived breast cancer.

“As a whole, I thought we did well with the few returning players we had from last year and the addition of the new players this year,” said Hellyer. “We bonded really well, which helped us play well, push each other to play to our potential and made sure we had fun, which made the season enjoyable.”

Twin duo, Kaitlyn Hellyer, pitcher, strikes out Montgomery County College’s Sammi Kidd, as Taylor Hellyer, catcher, receives the pitch. By Morgan Grossmann, CCC Journalism Program

By Vanessa J. Hawthorne
CCC Journalism Program

CAMDEN – The American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at the Camden City campus on April 23. Seventy-seven students, faculty members and parents of students participated in the event.

From left, American Red Cross workers Hugh Menter and Gabrielle Summers help conduct the blood drive on the Camden City campus. By Vanessa J. Hawthorne, CCC Journalism Program

Menter went on to say, “Look at what’s happened recently in Texas and Boston. Things like that show how important it is to donate, because without blood many more people could have died.”

According to The American Red Cross website, in the United States, every two seconds someone is in need of blood, and each pint of blood can save three lives.

Arlene Downed, a parent of a Camden County College student, said, “I was nervous to donate, my pulse was jumping around, but I finally relaxed.”

Downed has been affected by blood donation personally. “My daughter needed blood once, and I wasn’t a match,” she explained. “You never know when something could happen to you. That’s why I encourage people to donate. This is my second time.”

Gabrielle Summers, supervisor of the blood drive, said, “I can’t even count how many blood drives I’ve been to. I have been doing this for seven years, and there is one blood drive every day.”

Summers said everyone should consider donating blood. “We have certain criteria but everyone should try,” Summers noted.

According to the American Red Cross website, donors must be at least 16 years old – minors must have parental consent – and a minimum of 110 pounds. Individuals should also have a meal and be completely hydrated before arriving to give blood.

Jasmine Augustus, a pre-nursing student at CCC, said this was her first time giving blood. “I feel relieved now. I was nervous to donate,” she said. “The nurses were nice, they made me feel very comfortable, and I will do it again.”

By Chris O’Grady
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The 45th Annual Visual Arts Student Exhibition is up until May 10 at the Marlin Art Gallery and is displaying 51 pieces of work submitted by art students of Camden County College.

Submissions were judged by Philip Carroll and Karen Chigounis of the Perkins Center for the Arts. Artists who participated are CCC art students, and each piece was done during the 2012-2013 school year. Students were allowed a maximum of two submissions. Works range from paintings and drawings, to ceramics and photography. Various pieces have received awards, including limestone sculpture “Evolution II” by Nick Kacic, which received Best in Show honors.

Sammy Cheafsky, a second-year art student, recently visited the art gallery to see the works of her friends and classmates, as well as enjoy the simple pleasure of looking at art. “You get a different perspective on things. It inspires you as an artist when you see other art,” Cheafsky said. One piece that Cheafsky was looking forward to seeing was “The Kiln is a Critic.” Cheafsky said the piece was originally supposed to be a bust of the artist, Paul Fiorelli; however, an accident in the kiln caused the sculpture to shatter to pieces, though it has led to an interesting piece of work that can be seen on display in the gallery.

The exhibit is open to the public, and visitors have the opportunity to purchase and take home pieces they like. Prices range from $60 to $395 and are marked by each piece of art. Those marked “POR” are available; however, their prices are available on request from the artist. Marlin Art Gallery Director Therese Marlin said four pieces have been sold so far, and those pieces have a red dot on their name cards. Visitors are also encouraged to sign the gallery’s guest book. Many of those who have visited the exhibition have left not only their names, but comments that include, “Dope Work” and “It’s amazing. It’s like walking into another world.”

Film students also had the opportunity to have their work show at the exhibit. Though their films were not judged, they are available for viewing in the lobby of the Dennis Flyer Theater.

The Marlin Art Gallery is in Lincoln Hall, next to the Dennis Flyer Theater. Hours of operation are 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and upon request.

Best in Show-awarded “Evolution II” by Nick Kacic sits center to the other works on display in the Marlin Art Gallery. By Chris O’Grady, CCC Journalism Program

By Alexandra Lilly
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – A professor who’s been excavating the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh spoke about his experiences on April 25 at Camden County College.

This is Pharaoh Senwosret III. By Alexandra Lilly, CCC Journalism Program

Wegner used a series of slides of pictures taken at the excavation site to give the audience a visual perspective of his work. There are two tombs where Pharaoh Senwosret III was believed to be buried but by extensive research and evidence from each tomb, Wegner and his team were able to determine the ancient king of the 12th Dynasty was buried under Anubis-Mountain at South Abydos, Egypt.

Wegner showed pictures of statues made of Senwosret III and jested, “He is the most depressing looking pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. I don’t know why I chose to study him.”

The supposed site of Senwosret III’s royal tomb was at Dahshur under the pyramid he had built during his reign; this pyramid was the largest of all but was destroyed by robbers many years ago. The tomb at South Abydos was robbed as well, and the remains of Senwosret III are gone.

When beginning the work to excavate the site of Senwosret III’s royal tomb, Wegner stated, “It took us six months just to find the entrance to the tomb.” Once the entrance was discovered, Wegner and his team were under way. The tomb is 100 feet deep and was covered by mountains of sand. “The passageways inside the tomb extend over 800 feet,” Wegner stated.

Wegner hopes someday the site of Senwosret III’s royal tomb will become visible to the public. He said he and his team have already begun creating this monument by “constructing beautiful vaulted ceilings and iron stairways leading down into the bowels of the tomb.”

The lecture garnered an audience of about 100 people who were extremely engaged in Wegner’s presentation and was followed by a question and answer session that lasted about 30 minutes.

By Robin Hester
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Spring Fling 2013 was a day of food, fun, activities and music for the students at Camden County College.

The annual event, which took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24 on the Blackwood campus, was filled with three hours of entertainment, club and organization tables, free food and activities, including the famous Moon Bounce.

Among the clubs and organizations was the Engineering Club, a group for students who are interested in engineering and science. The club’s goals are “to create programs to try and help the college and help students learn more about engineering in general,” said Ryan Bentz, an engineering science major and club member.

Sabrina Wallace, a psychology major and president of the Gay Straight Alliance Club, was also at the event. “This club is about homosexuals and heterosexuals coming together, feeling good about themselves and with one another,” said Wallace.

The Christian Connections group displayed necklaces. David Bearry, campus chaplain and member of the Camden County College Sales Group, represented the organization. ”Our main objective is to share the Good News which is the gospel of Christ, also to encourage the students and each other as well with the love of Jesus,” said Bearry.

CCC’s Athletic Department shared information about its intramural program. William Bartley, assistant athletic director at CCC, signed up students for the fall semester of 2013 and spring semester of 2014. “We offer three programs which any student can register for. In the fall we offer football. In the spring we offer basketball and volleyball,” said Bartley. ”For 2014 we have over 100 students who signed up for inter-collegiate athletics and between 75 and 100 students who signed up for intramural athletics.”

Along with enjoying the nice weather, soon-to-be graduates picked up their caps and gowns at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore table. Andrew Coverdale, a CCC student and Barnes and Noble Bookstore employee, was one of the representatives at the table. ”There are a lot of students graduating this year,” said Coverdale. The class ring company cancelled its visit to the event.

Overall, the students enjoyed themselves while interacting with fellow students, but some said next year they would like a selection of more recent music. Among them was Christoff Davis, a junior at CCC, who said, ”It’s a lovely campus event for students, but I would like it if the music could be more updated.”

Others, such as Sydarra Coats, a liberal arts major and soon-to-be graduate, said the music, which included live and recorded songs, was enjoyable. “The variety of song selections were great and the two guys are very talented,” Coats said. “It was an awesome day.”

Jade Harris (from left), Andrew Coverdale and Jessica Fox distribute caps and gowns to soon-to-be graduates at Spring Fling. By Robin Hester, CCC Journalism Program

By Keli Hall
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – A reception April 17 opened the annual exhibition of artwork created by students and auditing students at Camden County College.

Art is on display in the Marlin Gallery in Lincoln Hall. By Keli Hall, CCC Journalism Program

When asked about the time it took to create the artwork presented, Theresa Marlin, gallery director, said, “Most pieces were done within the semester while others were completed within the year.”

One student was very impressed by the work she saw by senior citizens. “I was amazed by their artwork,” said Linda Cummings-Lee, a music major and senior at CCC.

Marlin said senior citizens who participated in the program ranged from ages 85 to 92.

The gallery had two sections of artwork. Within the first 20 minutes, the space began to fill with about 30 people. The lobby area, located by the theater entrance in Lincoln Hall, displayed short films produced by students in the new film curriculum as well as refreshments for guests. Many students whose art was on display attended the reception along with friends and family.

One artist, Leona Negovetich, a senior at CCC, presented a black and white photograph of an old, vacant house. “I found the house in Philadelphia one night,” Negovetich said. “I liked the house because I found it to be unique because it was so dilapidated.”

Pieces were juried, which has been a tradition at CCC since 1968. Judges of the exhibit were artists Philip Carroll and Karen Chigounis. Grand prize winners received $300 while other prizes varied by age. Nick Kacic, who won best in show, displayed “Evolution II,” a limestone piece.

The 45th Annual Visual Arts Student Exhibition is on display through May 10. The Marlin Gallery is inside Lincoln Hall on the Blackwood campus. Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Admission is free and open to the public. Students interested in the program or in submitting artwork for next year’s exhibit can contact Marlin at 856-227-7200, ext. 4201, or artgallery@camdencc.edu.

By Daniel Lopez
CCC Journalism Program

CAMDEN – Graduating students at the Camden County College Camden campus had their graduation photos taken on April 25.

Rose Roldan poses in the CCC Camden campus cafeteria after having her graduation photo taken. By Daniel Lopez, CCC Journalism Program

Photographer and owner of JMJ Photography John Jablonowski is the man responsible for the students’ laughter. He is based in West Deptford and has been taking graduation photos for students at CCC for 10 years. Jablonowski has worked for newspapers and takes many high school photographs. He enjoys taking graduation photos and it is noticeable as he jokes with the students. He stated he enjoys seeing “the joy in their faces.” As students walked in to get their photos taken, he began to joke and laugh with them, asking them to show him their “cute face.” Jablonowski stated even though he likes to joke and laugh, the main focus is the photo and it is better to capture a real smile. He believes students cherish their graduation photos just as much as their diplomas.

Rose Roldan was Jablonowski’s first subject of the afternoon and as soon as she walked into the community room, the laughs began. Roldan will be graduating from the criminal justice program. She has attended CCC for three and a half years and has long awaited her graduation. She admitted she felt nervous and tense when she walked in to take her photo but Jablonowski helped her feel relaxed. Roldan stated Jablonowski was “interactive and made me feel comfortable.” Roldan enjoyed getting her photo taken because she did not feel rushed by Jablonowski and said she is “super excited” for her graduation. She stated this is a major accomplishment in her life especially because she works and is a mother of three. She said she will appreciate her graduation photo because it will help her remember all the hard work.

By Maisune Rafeh
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College held a Service Recognition Ceremony on April 17 to award and honor faculty members who have reached teaching milestone years and to bid farewell to those who are retiring.

The ceremony took place in Civic Hall in the Connector Building on the Blackwood campus and started at 3 p.m. This was the 19th Service Recognition Ceremony held at Camden County College. Before entering the hall, the awardees posed for pictures in groups of their recognition. A total of 114 staff members were recognized, including 14 retirees. Two retirees were unable to attend.

Executive Director of Human Resources Rose Coston-McHugh welcomed everyone to the ceremony. After her introductory speech, President Raymond Yannuzzi asked for a moment of silence for the death of Board of Trustees Chairman Kevin Halpern and biology professor Carolyn Szutarski. Michelle Ottinger and Courtney Schottle served as American Sign Language translators throughout the ceremony.

“A few volunteers as well as fellow staff members helped organize this event,” Coston-McHugh said.

Because of the attack at the Boston Marathon two days earlier, FedEx deliveries were interrupted; therefore, the awards for the retirees did not arrive in time for the ceremony. Retirees were to receive engraved, personalized plaques with their name and picture.

Of the hundred staff members honored for their years of service, 31 received the five-year milestone award, 21 received the 10-year milestone award, 14 received the 15-year milestone award, eight received the 20-year milestone award, 20 received the 25-year milestone award and three were awarded for 30 years of employment. These staff members received catalogs from which, depending on their years of service, they can choose a present.

Two staff members received awards for 40 years of service, Barbara Jacobs and Marianne McGurk. They were awarded engraved chairs with their names as well as a catalog from which to choose a gift.

For the second time in Camden County College history, someone received the 45-year milestone award. This award was given to Dr. John D. Stewart II, a physics professor at Camden County College. Stewart was accompanied by his wife of 33 years, Catherine, and son, Collin. “When you’re my age and still breathing you can do anything!” he said. “My 11-year-old son is the reason I continue teaching.”

Barbara Jones and Marianne McGurk were honored for 40 years of service. By Maisune Rafeh, CCC Journalism Program

By Chet Green
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The music of Spring Fling played throughout the day on April 24 by both the Rock Ensemble and the radio station.

Spring Fling took place on the Blackwood campus of Camden County College from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24. The day had a large turnout and the weather was clear with temperatures nearing 70 degrees. Students could help themselves to free food and activities as well as visit tables that were hosted by the clubs on campus.

Students were also treated to music by the Rock Ensemble and 91.5 WDBK, the school radio station. On stage first was Professor Mike Billingsley’s Rock Ensemble class, which opened with a song by Radiohead and then proceeded to play selections from The Beatles’ album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The band will perform this album in its entirety at 7:30 p.m. May 6 in the Dennis Flyer Theater.

At Spring Fling, the Rock Ensemble performed eight of the 13 songs on the album, including “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Lovely Rita” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Reprise.” When asked how the day’s performance went, Billingsley said, “I thought the performance was great. The students had only a few weeks to learn the material and the fact that they played it, without me on stage nonetheless, made me really proud.”

This was the first year the Rock Ensemble performed at Spring Fling and if asked to perform next year Billingsley said, “I think I might ask the school to put more of a focus on our performance and absolutely not have other music playing while we play.”

The Rock Ensemble wasn’t the only group that played music at Spring Fling. After the Rock Ensemble finished, the school radio station, 91.5 WDBK, hooked up a radio to the loud speakers and started playing music. The radio station played a mix of music that represents the variety the students play on their radio shows. Many of the students at the radio station play classic rock, which explains why the first song played by the radio station at Spring Fling was “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

When asked about the music that was played, Jamie Myerson, the radio station manager, said, “I’m really pleased with how the music portion of the event is going.”

The Rock Ensemble performs “With A Little Help from My Friends” at Spring Fling. By Chet Green, CCC Journalism Program

By Jordan Speed
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – An expert in ancient studies discussed the presence of decorative textiles within the visual couture of the Islamic world on April 22 in Camden County College’s Civic Hall. The hour-long discussion was titled Luxurious Layers: An Exploration of Islamic Textiles.

Penn’s Rose Muravchick stands after her talk. By Jordan Speed, CCC Journalism Program

Muravchick closed with a 13-minute question-and-answer session that addressed inquiries such as the depictions of Muhammad, the production of textiles and the paintings of ancient Islam.

Muravchick felt satisfied after leaving the podium. “It’s hard to teach or to give a lecture that’s really broad but still have stories in it. I just wanted to tell some stories as I went, but I feel like at least people got a sense of the whole broad swath of Islamic textiles without doing like a huge boring survey,” Muravchick said.

Audience members were also satisfied, with many congregating inside Civic Hall to discuss what they had just heard.

Muravchick hoped audience members learned some lessons. “All of these objects were doing something. They were making a political connection between two people, they are protecting you from something on the field of battle … they were always doing something , and that was the main thing I wanted everybody to get,” Muravchick said.

Despite feeling satisfied, Muravchick wished she had time to add something to the Luxurious Layers presentation. “I wanted to talk about the materials, talk about cotton production, silk production, the making of all the threads,” Muravchick said.

If she could present another talk, Muravchick would like to discuss the influence of Mongols on Islamic art. “People always talk about Mongols and have this kind of cartoon idea in their head, crazy guys coming down from the steppes and burning things down, but the stories of the Mongols are actually more interesting,” Muravchick said.

Luxurious Layers: An Exploration of Islamic Textiles is one-fifth of a free lecture series about the arts and Islamic culture provided by Camden County College’s Center for Civic Leadership and Responsibility in partnership with the Penn Museum’s International Classroom Program, the Penn Middle East Center and the American Research Institute in Turkey.

Mary Mac (L) and Mark A (R) volunteer at the annual blood drive at the CCC Camden Campus. By: Kumarr Clark

Lindsay Pehmann (L) and Lauren Knox (R) of the American Red Cross draw blood from donors and keep it well documented at CCC Camden campus. By: Kumarr Clark

Carolyn Kegler (second from the left) is the founder and director of the Womens Edge Group at Camden County College and with her are some of the “Edgers”. By: Kumarr Clark

From (l to r) Dom D, Autumn O, and Olivia K are members of the dead poet society enjoying the wonderful day at the annual “Spring Fling”. By: Kumarr Clark

By Myles Geiger
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Camden County College’s library hosted the kid-friendly Polar Bear Picnic on April 27.

Daniel A. D’Auria, local physician, children’s author and wildlife photographer, led the event, which ran from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Children and their parents flooded the back of the first floor of the library, which had been set up specifically for the event. Pictures of polar bears and other wildlife lined the walls. On one table was a presentation about bees, next to it were snacks provided by the library in appropriate theme, animal crackers and water.

The morning began with introductions followed by a chance for children to color photos of various animals. Children crowded the tables, hollering for different color crayons to finish their masterpiece. After some time to settle in, D’Auria began a slideshow of various wildlife photos he had taken over the year. He fit the part, dressed in cargo shorts, a button down T-shirt, safari hat and binoculars around his neck. With each picture he asked the children in the crowd what kind of animal it was and what was special about it. He expanded on each photo, noting the story behind it, but also made sure to educate the public as he went.

The slideshow went on for nearly an hour, but nobody seemed to mind. The children remained in their seats yet participated excitedly. After the slideshow came to a close, D’Auria read his latest book, which has yet to be released, “When You Hear Hoofbeats.” The book rhymed as he read it, reminiscent of Dr. Seuss and the simple days of childhood.

Approximately 50 people attended the Polar Bear Picnic, consisting of parents with their children. Almost all of the children were younger than 10. Many of them sat with their favorite blanket and stuffed animal.

After reading his story to everyone, the author allowed for a question-and-answer session for all to participate. Parents and children alike had questions to ask. Most of the questions had to do with D’Auria’s adventures or about specific animals he had shown. However, the day ended on a note of passion and will. A young boy asked, “Do you like what you do?” Without hesitation D’Auria responded, “I like being a doctor. I love working with animals. I think it’s really important to enjoy what you do.” That statement rang true with everyone in the room and on that note the event came to an end.