Published April 29, 2009
The Easton Journal
By Chris Almeida
If you’re under 21 and planning to buy alcohol, you may as well just stay at home.
Thanks to new technologies and an emphasis on underage drinking by law enforcement, fake IDs are harder to use in the Easton area.
While different liquor stores have different methods of detecting fakes, all say that the holograph on new licenses makes it tough for people underage to duplicate.
“We don’t get many fakes any more. Most of the time they’re out of state and we can’t take out of state,” said Joe Demita, who has worked at Hennessey’s for eight months.
After losing its liquor license for two days last year because of sales to underage customers, Shovelshop Spirits now has a machine that scans IDs and calls the police for back-up when fake IDs appear.
“We were just confiscating but now we press charges,” said store clerk Nico Linzi, who has worked at Shovelshop Spirits for seven months.
According to the Easton Police Department, pressing charges is more commonplace than one would think.
“Shovelshop is not the only package store that calls for backup,” said Sgt. Gary Sullivan.
Those caught with a fake ID face misdemeanor charges and a $300 fine. If convicted, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can suspend the license 180 days, according to Sgt. Sullivan.
The Easton Police have been performing Alcohol Compliance Checks at establishments licensed to serve alcohol.
These checks have been ongoing since January 2009 thanks to an Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant that is federally funded.
“All establishments have passed so far,” Sullivan said.
Those still using fake IDs are not in the age group one might suspect.
“The last three have all been high school kids,” Linzi of Shovelshop Spirits said.
Hennessey’s said that it has not seen a fake ID in quite some time.
“We’re known to be real strict. We ask for a Stonehill ID and a driver’s license for out-of-state IDs,” Joe Demita said.
Hennessey’s also has a “Stonehill Book” with the year of birth of all students attending Stonehill College. This book is used to verify a student’s birth year if there is some question about the ID.
While Hennessey’s generally confiscates the fake ID when presented, more often the person will say they forgot their ID.
“They say ‘I don’t have it with me.’ I say, “OK, but you just pulled up in a car,” Demita said.
Most of the workers have stories about people who come in without IDs and panic.
“One kid ran away without his car and then had to come back a couple hours later,” Demita said.
One recent case at Shovelshop Spirits involved a teenager being tracked down by the police.
According to Linzi, the police called the boy’s house and his parents said he was at a party. Charges will be pressed.
Sting operations are common ways to check on liquor stores carding their patrons. However, police have to put a notice in the newspaper that they will be performing a sting.
Restaurants and bars are also required to card their patrons when alcohol is involved.
“There aren’t many fakes. Usually it’s just kids trying to use older people’s IDs. I could confiscate them but I usually just send them away,” Pat McPhillips, a worker at Buddy’s Union Villa said.
Nick Meyer, a 22 year old senior at Stonehill College, used a fake ID “at least fifty times” when he was between 19 and 20 years old.
“I got it from a friend who was making them in Maine. It was a Maine ID and he made them so that they could scan,” Meyer said.
However, his ID was not very effective at Easton establishments.
“I went around and tested places. It never got confiscated but most of the time they didn’t accept out-of-state. I always had to go into Brockton and use it,” said Meyer.
“I think that Stonehill kids know to stay away from places around here.”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"Study Abroad Safety."
By, Laura Gurevitz
EASTON, Mass.
Stonehill College students who were studying in Italy at the time of a murder say it is important to always take steps to stay safe, no matter where you are.
“We were extremely scared when we first heard about the murder. We saw cops all the time investigating, the murder was so close to our apartment that we were living in,” said Stephanie Feldman Stonehill student who was studying in Italy at the time of the murder.
From her apartment window, Lisa Curro could see the police car and investigation on the street search for clues to a killer. One of her neighbors, a British abroad student studying abroad was slain in her apartment.
“We were so frightened. We lived so close to this girl, what if her killer was still around? What if he comes to our apartment? I did not know if I could feel safe being in a different country anymore,” said Curro.
In recent reports, it was announced that a woman who had been killed had prior relations to the suspects arrested her in killing. One of the suspects was a young American woman.
“Once we heard it was a random act (a guy didn’t just find a girl and follow her home) I felt a little bit better, but I don’t know if that should have made me feel better. It was definitely a situation that I did not want my parents to know about so they would get upset and worry about me,” said Feldman.
According to the college website, over the past decade, the number of U.S. students studying abroad has more than doubled. At Stonehill, 40 percent of the Class of 2009 spent at least one semester abroad.
“I think making students feel safe abroad begins during the advising process. Students must be advised about the countries/regions/program thoroughly and be provided with information on the support services that exist at Stonehill and in their programs,” said Director of International Programs Susan Atkins.
Stonehill students receive a pamphlet providing them with a multitude of information from Stonehill. It shares information about their new homes abroad, and the procedure for a smooth transition.
“We require students attend a predeparture orientation program which discusses the health and safety on a study abroad program and ways to best prepare for the experience, before, during, and after their time abroad,” said Atkins.
There are emergency crisis response plans in place and offer students a 24/7 emergency number that students can reach.
“Last spring I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I was a bit skeptical at first after hearing about the murder so close to my chosen city. Stonehill and the college I studied with in Italy made me feel extremely safe. They provided me with a huge booklet filled with what if’s and where too’s if I ever needed help immediately,” said Jennifer Thompson.
Study abroad students are advised to reach out to staff member’s in-count
ry to assist them, nearest health facilities, family members, or the Office of International Affairs.“The murder in Perugia was such a big deal over there because violent things like that don’t happen in Italy very often. I really don’t think it holds a candle to a lot of stuff that goes on every week in the U.S. though. I don’t think it had anything to do with study abroad or Italy as a country. I think that girl just got in with the wrong crowd, which can happen anywhere,” said Curro.
Graduating Seniors to Find Difficult Job Market
By JD Lindberg
Easton, Mass- Graduating from college has always been an exciting and nervous time in the lives of young men and women. The transition from school to the workforce has always been difficult, but perhaps no class has ever looked to their commencement with more trepidation than the class of 2009.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate has risen to 5.8% in 2008. In the financial sector alone unemployment has risen almost a full percentage point from 3.0 percent in 2007 to 3.9 percent in 2008.
With many economists predicting recovery coming no earlier than 2010, 2009 figures are expected to be even worse.
“This is going to be a bad year for graduates, you don’t need a Ph.D. to know that,” said Robert Rosenthal, Chairman of Stonehill’s economics department. “Companies that usually recruit pretty aggressively will have to cut back this year.”
“The party line that I’ve been giving to everyone who comes through my office is you have to network,” said Christina Burney, senior advisor at Stonehill’s Office of Career Services. “Networking is often what takes your resume and puts it on top of the pile. This is especially important for graduating seniors this year because they not only have to compete with eachother, but also graduates from the class of 2008 and others who are out of work.”
Danny Kerl, a senior history major, wants to pursue a career in the financial sector. Kerl has interned with Goldman Sachs for the past three summers and despite the bad economy is still hoping that his experience there will translate into a job offer.
“I’ve spoken with a number of interns from the summer and we have all received the same information regarding full time positions,” Kerl said. “I have not talked to anyone who feels overly confident about finding a position in the finance industry. It appears everyone is at least trying to come up with a plan B.”
For some students that ‘plan B’ is graduate school. By enrolling in graduate school, students can get a masters or professional degree while waiting out prolonged economic troubles. “Graduate school application rates generally go up when the economy goes down.” Ron Leone, Communications Department Chairman said.
Not everyone in the business department at Stonehill is necessarily suffering from the market slowdown however. Companies are still recruiting in numbers similar to last year.
“Accounting is one of the only areas where companies have actually increased hiring this year,” said senior Jenny Rhode, an accounting major. “I know of three finance majors who have already asked their advisors to switch their majors to accounting... The more trouble there is with companies, the more they need accountants to sort out the problems.”
In spite of the uncertainty in the market, Kerl says that he is trying to remain positive. “I feel that almost everyone who has a job on Wall Street right now is a bit on edge about the current market conditions,” said Kerl. “I am well aware the competition for jobs is incredibly tough this year, but I am still confident that I will find a job after graduation this May.”
Easton, Mass- Graduating from college has always been an exciting and nervous time in the lives of young men and women. The transition from school to the workforce has always been difficult, but perhaps no class has ever looked to their commencement with more trepidation than the class of 2009.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate has risen to 5.8% in 2008. In the financial sector alone unemployment has risen almost a full percentage point from 3.0 percent in 2007 to 3.9 percent in 2008.
With many economists predicting recovery coming no earlier than 2010, 2009 figures are expected to be even worse.
“This is going to be a bad year for graduates, you don’t need a Ph.D. to know that,” said Robert Rosenthal, Chairman of Stonehill’s economics department. “Companies that usually recruit pretty aggressively will have to cut back this year.”
“The party line that I’ve been giving to everyone who comes through my office is you have to network,” said Christina Burney, senior advisor at Stonehill’s Office of Career Services. “Networking is often what takes your resume and puts it on top of the pile. This is especially important for graduating seniors this year because they not only have to compete with eachother, but also graduates from the class of 2008 and others who are out of work.”
Danny Kerl, a senior history major, wants to pursue a career in the financial sector. Kerl has interned with Goldman Sachs for the past three summers and despite the bad economy is still hoping that his experience there will translate into a job offer.
“I’ve spoken with a number of interns from the summer and we have all received the same information regarding full time positions,” Kerl said. “I have not talked to anyone who feels overly confident about finding a position in the finance industry. It appears everyone is at least trying to come up with a plan B.”
For some students that ‘plan B’ is graduate school. By enrolling in graduate school, students can get a masters or professional degree while waiting out prolonged economic troubles. “Graduate school application rates generally go up when the economy goes down.” Ron Leone, Communications Department Chairman said.
Not everyone in the business department at Stonehill is necessarily suffering from the market slowdown however. Companies are still recruiting in numbers similar to last year.
“Accounting is one of the only areas where companies have actually increased hiring this year,” said senior Jenny Rhode, an accounting major. “I know of three finance majors who have already asked their advisors to switch their majors to accounting... The more trouble there is with companies, the more they need accountants to sort out the problems.”
In spite of the uncertainty in the market, Kerl says that he is trying to remain positive. “I feel that almost everyone who has a job on Wall Street right now is a bit on edge about the current market conditions,” said Kerl. “I am well aware the competition for jobs is incredibly tough this year, but I am still confident that I will find a job after graduation this May.”
The Writings on the Wall
Taryn Berry, a 31-year-old medical assistant from North Attleboro is planning on getting married next summer. She wants a fairy tale wedding with a big white dress, flowers everywhere, and a lavish cake.
But the invitations will be far from traditional. Berry wants a graffiti design.
“When I was in Los Angeles, they had graffiti on the side of the highway on the concrete,” said Berry. “It looked so cool. It inspired me to do something different.”
Graffiti is a hot these days whether its gang signs or high art. But it’s still illegal without permission. With artists like Shepard Fairey making headlines, graffiti seems to be acceptable to people if it’s good quality.
“Graffiti depends on the message,” said Christopher Kerr, a 38-year-old teacher from Easton. “It’s vandalism if it’s got a message of hate or discrimination. It’s art if it has permission or is there to uplift people.”
Like most people, Kerr thinks graffiti is only acceptable if the property owner gives permission. Without that, it’s breaking the law and underlines the fundamental principle of property rights. 35 percent of property vandalism is graffiti according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. It currently costs the United States over $1 billion per year in graffiti removal.
Avon Sgt John Buker, a police officer for 21 years said in a small town like Avon, there was graffiti.
“It was a big issue last year,” said Buker. “A small group of kids were caught tagging and had to pay and we haven’t seen anything since.”
Typically when someone is caught tagging, a report is taken for malicious damage. A first offense typically receives a fine. With a second offense, the consequences can be more severe.
Buker said Avon is a small enough so the presence of police cruisers is enough to deter graffiti.
A local graffiti artist who has made headlines is Shepard Fairey. Recently having been arrested in Boston, he has his own exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Fairey created the “HOPE” posters for President Barack Obama during elections. His work can be seen around such major cities as Boston and Providence and has helped make graffiti more mainstream and high art.
Patricia Hayes, a 55-year-old teacher from Mansfield, doesn’t consider most graffiti art. She sees graffiti as 90 percent vandalism and 10 percent art.
“I think there should be a place where graffiti artists can show their work,” said Hayes. “But I don’t think it should be shown anywhere or be legalized.”
Others don’t see it as a problem at all.
Eric Jacobson, a 29-year-old mariner from Norton, agrees that graffiti can be either art or vandalism depending on the artist. “I think there are bigger problems to worry about. It’s not a big problem at all,” said Jacobson.
If you’re a fan, you’re in luck because the Art Experience in Avon is offering a class about graffiti spray paint sometime soon. For more information visit http://www.artexperienceusa.com/.
The Weight of the World
By Elizabeth O'Hara
Every day, we are bombarded by hundreds of media images that seek to define the standard of beauty and in turn, affect the way we see ourselves.
Every day, we are bombarded by hundreds of media images that seek to define the standard of beauty and in turn, affect the way we see ourselves.
Many say that it is these airbrushed images of “beauty” that give them a negative self image.
“You automatically think that if you don’t look like the models or people on television that there is something wrong with you,” said Jessica Brown, the Health and Wellness Educator at Stonehill College.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the average woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 pounds and the average model is 5’11” and weighs 117 pounds.
Although this image is virtually unattainable, many say that it makes them feel so uncomfortable in their own body, that they still try and sculpt themselves to fit such an image.
“The idea of what a female should look like has gone from curvacious to really thin. Growing up, it’s easier to fit in if you fit that image,” said Lindsay Sullivan, 19, of Rockland.
Recently, there has also been a new wave of men who are affected by images of tall, dark, and handsome images in the media.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the average woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 pounds and the average model is 5’11” and weighs 117 pounds.
Although this image is virtually unattainable, many say that it makes them feel so uncomfortable in their own body, that they still try and sculpt themselves to fit such an image.
“The idea of what a female should look like has gone from curvacious to really thin. Growing up, it’s easier to fit in if you fit that image,” said Lindsay Sullivan, 19, of Rockland.
Recently, there has also been a new wave of men who are affected by images of tall, dark, and handsome images in the media.
“It’s more women than men, but guys on TV all look like Abercrombie models. It’s kind of sad,” said Jonathan Scibila, 21, of Whitman.
It is a result of this fictitious body image that the diet and diet related industry is a 50 billion dollar a year enterprise, according the the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness.
Even more shocking is the age at which children are becoming concerned about their weight.
Time Magazine reported that 80 percent of all children have been on a diet by the time that they have reached the fourth grade.
“The number one thing is being comfortable in your own skin and what’s sad is that girls as young as ten want to be thinner and are going on diets,” said Brown.
With these images of “beauty” plastered nearly everywhere, it is difficult to escape a negative self image.
So, in response to this growing epidemic, many television icons, like Tyra Banks along with several different agencies have become advocates for a healthy and more positive body image.
One of these agencies is Dove. They have created the Campaign for Real Beauty that serves to turn the tide of these beauty pressures and encourage young girls and women everywhere to embrace their body.
According to an internal study done by Dove in 2002, over 50 percent of women say that their body disgusts them.
The Campaign for Real Beauty has set out to redefine the stereotypes of beauty and to inspire more women to feel good about themselves.
“We can definitely change this. Things like plus size models and the Dove campaign saying that ‘No, this is not OK’ makes a huge impact,” said Brown.
In addition to the Campaign, Dove has also created the Dove Self-Esteem Fund that is aimed at liberating the next generation from these negative self images.
Any purchase of Dove products becomes a contribution to the Fund.
“The youth really are maturing faster and there has become a bigger need for self expression rather than fitting in. It’s definitely changing for the better,” said Sullivan.
Only two percent of women around the world would describe themselves as “beautiful”, according to a study commissioned by Dove in 2004.
With more people vocalizing the opinions and feelings about becing comfortable in your own skin, the possibility of the other 98 percent of women thinking that they are beautiful will become greater.
“The bottom line is to be true to yourself. You can always work on your self image and your self esteem. You only have one body, so embrace it,” said Brown.
It is a result of this fictitious body image that the diet and diet related industry is a 50 billion dollar a year enterprise, according the the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness.
Even more shocking is the age at which children are becoming concerned about their weight.
Time Magazine reported that 80 percent of all children have been on a diet by the time that they have reached the fourth grade.
“The number one thing is being comfortable in your own skin and what’s sad is that girls as young as ten want to be thinner and are going on diets,” said Brown.
With these images of “beauty” plastered nearly everywhere, it is difficult to escape a negative self image.
So, in response to this growing epidemic, many television icons, like Tyra Banks along with several different agencies have become advocates for a healthy and more positive body image.
One of these agencies is Dove. They have created the Campaign for Real Beauty that serves to turn the tide of these beauty pressures and encourage young girls and women everywhere to embrace their body.
According to an internal study done by Dove in 2002, over 50 percent of women say that their body disgusts them.
The Campaign for Real Beauty has set out to redefine the stereotypes of beauty and to inspire more women to feel good about themselves.
“We can definitely change this. Things like plus size models and the Dove campaign saying that ‘No, this is not OK’ makes a huge impact,” said Brown.
In addition to the Campaign, Dove has also created the Dove Self-Esteem Fund that is aimed at liberating the next generation from these negative self images.
Any purchase of Dove products becomes a contribution to the Fund.
“The youth really are maturing faster and there has become a bigger need for self expression rather than fitting in. It’s definitely changing for the better,” said Sullivan.
Only two percent of women around the world would describe themselves as “beautiful”, according to a study commissioned by Dove in 2004.
With more people vocalizing the opinions and feelings about becing comfortable in your own skin, the possibility of the other 98 percent of women thinking that they are beautiful will become greater.
“The bottom line is to be true to yourself. You can always work on your self image and your self esteem. You only have one body, so embrace it,” said Brown.
A Generation of Reaching Out: College Students’ Volunteering
By Ellen Kennedy
Throughout her four year career at
For her last spring break, Dakoulas felt the urge to travel again. This time though, it wouldn’t be for studying or leisure: it would be to volunteer to help others.
Dakoulas isn’t the only college student who traded in leisure and late nights for helping others. According to Break Away, a national non-profit organization that helps college student organize service trips, more than 30,000 students opted for community service instead of a traditional spring break trip.
Volunteering among college students in general is also on the rise. The Corporation for National and Community Service has reported that the number of college students volunteering has increased 20 percent between 2002 and 2005. The study also found that many colleges, including college courses, have made volunteer service mandatory.
The group says that incidents such as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina have spawned a new generation in community service.
“One bright spot coming out of the 9/11 tragedy is a surge of interest by college students in serving their community," said Steve Goldsmith, the chairman of the Board of the Corporation. “This rise in college student volunteering and the growing campus support for service are hopeful signs for the future of civic involvement in
Dakoulas, along with approximately 20 other Stonehill students, traveled to the South American country of
Organized through campus ministry at Stonehill, student leaders work with campus ministers to coordinate the program. Preparations for spring break begin at the beginning of the fall semester.
This spring, 115 students and a dozen faculty, staff and administrators traveled to
"Service permeates Stonehill and the College strongly believes in providing all students with an education that requires them to take responsibility for the world outside these walls," said Nuala Boyle, director of community service & volunteerism at Stonehill.
Dakoulas, who volunteered at least three hours a week in high school and volunteered all four years at Stonehill, said traveling to
Dakoulas and her group traveled to Canto Grande, a city outside the capital city of
A typical day for the volunteers began around 7 a.m. After a group breakfast, students worked a full day together at two local schools, playing with children and working to maintain the schools’ facilities.
“The friendships I made with both the people in the group and the people I met there was one of the best parts of the whole experience,” Dakoulas said.
The Corporation hopes to have the number of student volunteers up to five million by 2010. The new generation of college-aged volunteers can have lasting benefits, both personal and societal.
“The tragic events of the last few years coupled with growing university and K-12 support for volunteering and service-learning have translated into more college students mentoring, tutoring, and engaging in their community in ways that could produce a lifetime habit,” Goldsmith said.
Dakoulas, who hopes to work in developing countries after college, said she can use this experience as a starting point to her career goal. Her only regret is that she can’t participate in another H.O.P.E. trip again.
“I wish I wasn’t a senior so I could go next year,” Dakoulas said.
Gamblers stop betting against the odds in failing economy
By Janina Todesca
The Massachusetts State Lottery is losing money now that gamblers are playing it safe.
“This is the first scratch ticket I’ve bought in months,” said Matthew Donahue from Westwood Mass., “I used to play at least once a week, but with this economy, I don’t have that extra five bucks anymore.”
In the past, when the economy has slumped; more people have turned to the lottery for a chance to hit the jackpot and be set for life. But as this recession has deepened, more and more people are keeping their money and not spending it on lottery tickets.
“We don’t sell many scratch tickets either. At most we sell $200 per day,” said Brockton Hess employee, H eraido Gonsalez “Two years ago, when I worked at Hess, the minimum was $2,000 per day.”
Over the past three decades, the Massachusetts Lottery has returned over $15.3 billion to the Commonwealth for cities and towns throughout the state, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
This year, the amount given to the state will be significantly smaller
“We are down approximately 5 percent, from our record year in 2008 with 4.7 billion,” said Dan Rosenfeld, Communications Director of the Massachusetts State Lottery, “We are estimating between 4.4 and 4.5 billion this year which will make our profit lower, at 853 million.”
The million dollar revenue is used to help Massachusetts cities and towns. But in times like these, the lottery sales do not seem to be helping everyone.
“I’ve been at this convenient store for 2 ½ years,” said Sunshine Convenience store owner Dharmistha Patel of Brockton “There’s been a big decrease in my lottery sales. When I first started selling lottery it was $7,000 per day but now its only $2,000.”
By offering Lottery products, merchants boost their customer base and overall sales, helping to create and/or retain jobs locally. Lottery agents in Massachusetts earn a five (5) percent commission on sales and one (1) percent bonus on prizes claimed, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
The revenues generated at locations which sell lottery tickets greatly benefit the state’s economy and store owners, but not in a recession like this one.
“How can we make a profit if no one i s buying tickets?”asked Patel, “It must be the economy.”
With the economy this low gamblers do not want to spare any extra cash.
“Once I hit $30,000 on a slot machine,” said Cheryl Fawkes from Westwood “and I used to buy two dollar scratch tickets every week. But since that big win a year ago and the problems with the economy, I don’t gamble; I want to keep my winnings.”
The facts show that Fawkes is not alone in changing her gambling habits.
“The computerized records go back to 1985; they show that with every recession the lottery goes down. Some people think that our sales don’t go down but they do, just like everyone else’s,” explained Rosenfeld.
Even Casinos across the country have been reporting losses for several months, according to a November report by Trump Entertainment Resorts. Consumers are avoiding risks as they’ve seen their retirement savings dwindle through investments that have been deflated by the current economy.
“We never sold many (tickets) to begin with,” said Jeff Tod, manager of Canton Village Wine & Spirits, in Canton MA, “and there hasn’t been many more.”
In this economy, everybody is struggling but that doesn’t stop some people from still having hope.“Even though I don’t have much money to spare right now, I like to spend my extra two dollars on a scratch ticket,” said Faye Temporal of Walpole I can’t help but hope that maybe I’ll be the next big winner.”
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