Unsung Stars (Final)

When you walk into the Kehr Union building on Sundays or Mondays around 8 o'clock, you can faintly hear laughing, singing, and loud footsteps like someone's moving around or causing a commotion. Well that would be the cost and crew of BUSTED. Busted is an ongoing musical comedy about college life, which was started by George Kinzel in 1998.  "I started BUSTED because of a theater troop, I helped out at IUP before I came to Bloomsburg University. I worked and wanted to create a way for students to get involved in Drama without being part of the drama department at Bloomsburg University." "I didn't want to create one show, I wanted to combine different stories over a course of multiple shows."

When auditing for BUSTED you’re given a number and you’re asked to fill out a personal sheet telling them about yourself. When you walk in, you’re put in the audience behind the judge table where current cast and crew sit, along with George Kinzel himself. During the whole audition you are your number, your name in that audition is your number. As auditions start GK (George Kinzel) introduces himself along with the current cast and crew. GK will then call up random numbers and will give those people certain senses to work with and show character to the judges. While the numbers take notes of how they feel the numbers are doing with their acting. After every number was given a chance to act, GK spills the numbers up by even and odd and assigns a choreographer to both groups. When the choreographers are assigned they take each group into a different room and teach them a dance. After each group learns their dance they perform it in front of the judges. The judges take notes on all of the performers. Of course that's not the end it, each of the numbers will have a sit down interviews with a small group of the cast and crew. During each interview the same questions are asked, but each time a new answer arises. For some, after the interview is done, their audition is over, but for others they still have one more part. That part is singing in front of GK, the number singing can sing any pop song of their choice and the Star Spangler Banner. After you sing in front of GK your audition is over, you no longer are a number. You should get an email a week later to see if you made it or not and if you did not make it don't be afraid to come out again for auditions next semester.

Overall there are three vital steps that go into producing and presenting the BUSTED shows. Writing a script for the show is the first step. The director, George kinzel, writes the script and comes up with the characters. This means that he writes every characters’ backstory, dreams, emotion, and voice. Then GK writes up story lines involving the characters mentioned before, as well as what songs Kehr Union Ball Room, the kids put their hearts and souls on that stage and it is not hard to see.

are sung in every show. Next the lovely Jenna Lynn and Jenny Cornell, the BUSTED musical choreographers, create dances for the shows that GK selected written in the script. After they create a dance number they teach the cast how to correctly perform the number, which results in about five dances to the cast each show. GK sometimes directs numbers, however not as much as Jenna and Jenny. While Jenna and Jenny are teaching numbers to part of the cast, GK is helping the actors with their scene work for the show. So this way they can perform as their character and get what they need to get done in their scenes. Lastly the cast and crew of BUSTED puts on the show in the

The cast is a joyful group, each one different in their own way whether it be their voices, hair color, or even their personalities. Each character has a different story to be told, as well as that characters adventure to get to their goal. You as an audience can see the characters ups and downs, weaknesses and strengths, and what makes them, them. "The story lines of BUSTED changes from semester to semester, with every senior leaving and every new comer that comes out for the cast, it's never ending." Says George Kinzel.

One part about BUSTED that cannot be forgotten would be the crew. The crew of BUSTED is always working on something for the show. They put a lot of effort into the show just like the actors do. They make all of the posters and flyer material. They also perform with the cast when needed, alter scene changes, hand out microphones and they help hand out props for the cast. If it were not for the stage crew there would not be that great of show to see. Without the stage crew, the overall performance of BUSTED would lack in a huge component.

Over the course of seventeen years the BUSTED cast and crew has had close to two hundred alumni. It seems as if this amazing show is never ending. When asked about future plans of BUSTED GK said, "Hopefully we will hit episode 100 the next three to four years and have alumni come back and perform with the current cast at the time." The BUSTED cast and crew did the same thing for episode 50, and it was a big success. In that show, the cast and crew preformed 20 minute melodies and mashups about one character throughout his or her whole career in BUSTED.

In conclusion BUSTED is an ongoing musical comedy that works because of everyone who puts effort in, loves the show and cares about BUSTED. The director GK puts a lot of work into making the shows and making a place for college kids to get involved in drama without being in the Drama department. So I hope a BUSTED show will be on your checklist here at Bloomsburg! It’s an experience that can never be forgotten.

 

BU track

 The BU Track and Field

 

Most people don't try out for track and field because of the skills you would need to obtain for running. Even though some people don't mind or maybe love running, the sport isn't all about running. There's also different kinds of field events that don't require running, like jumping and throwing. For example: discus, javelin, pole vault, shot put, long jump, and plenty more that don't involve enduring amounts of running. But the first couple of weeks of trying out and training, everyone has to put up with endless amounts of running work outs.  

 



 But Heather Homola was talented at the events javelin and pole vaulting in high school. And she was very dedicated to running and training with the rest of the team at every practice. Running is not and never has been a struggle for her. In fact she does it frequently on her free time, especially during stressful times. All her teammates adored and appreciated her as a friend and as a captain. With the help of her teammates and coaches, Heather wanted to further herself by joining and being apart of a college team. She came to the conclusion that Bloomsburg University had the right track team for her.

Coming to this conclusion wasn't easy for her. But the track field and track team won her over.
She knew this was the best possible university for her, educational and team wise. She adored the field set up and how welcoming it felt. It was easy for her to imagine herself supporting and being apart of the Bloomsburg Huskies track and field team.

Looking at Robert B. Redman field, it looks like a normal track and football field with the normal extremely large bleachers. Grass always cut and pampered for the good look. "I could sleep on this grass" chuckled Heather. They paint the lines on randomly, but always painted fresh for the track events. "Most of the time the grass is muddy, lucky you", trying to give the impression that its a good day to come. Walking on the grass, you feel divots in the ground. Heather mentioned "watch your step." You later realize that you're walking through the shot put event area, easy to figure out by the different sectors of the field. Heavy balls being thrown as far as possible could leave some distinguishable holes in the field. On the side of the field is the Nelson Field house, where the track teams equipment is located. In reality, this field was just another comfortable football field that's shared with track and other sporting events.

Humbly walking on the field at 3pm, Heather was eager to start practice. They started their work outs with their typical warm up laps. They run 3 full laps around the field. Which looks breathtakingly hard, trying to keep up with the team as you're controlling your breaths. After that, everyone gets together and starts to stretch using dynamics. Across the field you see athletes doing lunges to high knees. All of them look kind of ridiculous but its good to stretch every muscle before a decent work out. Heather then breaks off with the group of javelin throwers and starts to practice flicks with the javelin. While performing flicks, the javelin throwers aren't actually throwing their javelins. This works on the handling and formation of their body and javelin. Then each of the javelin throwers take turns practicing throwing with different steps each time they throw. Heather takes one step during the first step, takes three steps the second throw, and five steps for the last throw. Giving her practice with her steps, throwing, and handling of the javelin. By the end of the day and after the long practice, Heather no longer feels eager but she does feel fulfilled and accomplished.

"Not every practice is this practical" Heather said. Then she started telling a story, "One time our coaches had us running circuits." Then she explained, "Circuits are when people run drills that the coaches give to us. Started with high kneeing over ladders, then flipping a tire, performing hurtles, jumping rope, and finally finishing with running through cones." After pausing and kind of giggling, "one of the girls on the team trip and splattered into the mud." Trying not to laugh,  heather admitted "I had to hold my laughter, but I felt her pain and embarrassment."

 

But beeing an college athlete is one of the hardest ways to spend your stressful four years of college. Through exams, papers, and everyday practices. It has to be exhausting trying to have good time management skills. But Heather formally wakes up every morning and finds a ride to her 7am practices. Sometimes she has two practices a day, one at 7am and another 3pm. She expresses how these two a days are time consuming, leaving her with a little to none of free time. At the end of these days, she mentions how all she wants is a hot shower and a few episodes of her favorite show on Netflix. She also says how she knows that its not going to happen because school work is more important. So I asked her "Why do you stay on the team when you could have some extra free time for studying or other activities?" She replied "Being apart of a team is the best feeling, especially this team. And I love running and staying active!"

Bloom Bounce

Ever hear of a pro bouncer? I know I haven't. And if you're like me then you've probably never heard of it in your life, unless you're attempting to get into a club or bar at eleven at night, standing in almost zero degree weather along with the its-not-that-cold-out girls in their outfits that would make their grandfathers turn in their graves. Well for starters a pro bouncer does not work at a club, well not the ones Ill be discussing. A pro bouncer watches children, but not like that.. In fact to be a pro bouncer, one undergoes a series of tests including an FBI background check. The pro bouncers that I will discuss work at your very own bloom bounce. But lets not get too far ahead of ourselves, you might be thinking; whats a pro bouncer? He still hasn't told me. What is a bloom bounce? What happens there? Why do they watch children there? And are there inappropriately dressed women there as well?

           One thing at a time, in regards to women wearing clothing equivalent to loin cloths. No, bloom bounce is located far out of reach of a good time on a Saturday night. Located in the New Columbia Mall in Buckhorn, Pa. Or the New Columbia Ghost Town if you've ever paid it a visit. Easily accessible for many parents in the Columbia county along with adding much needed business for the mall itself. Or a high school or college student looking for work which is the vast majority of people employed there. As for what bloom bounce actually is, to put simply its a glorified bounce house or a complex of bounce houses, one can imagine the tremendous fun that is. Unfortunately its for children twelve years of age or younger. Costing 4.99 for children 3 and under, for over 3 years old its 7.99 and if you're an adult lucky for you, its free however you cant bounce so unlucky you. The complex of bounce houses includes a whopping 6 bounce houses and a safer less exciting course for children under 2 but I'm positive that a 16 foot inflated beach inspired, bouncy, rubbery thing is all the excitement a 2 year-old needs. Along with this, the complex includes two party rooms for birthday parties, a lounge with cozy S shaped chairs, a TV for parents and a sit-in car machine. Bloom bounce is a place to take your children to well, bounce. The Bounce houses consist of the double slide, which as the name states has two slides and a small tunnel like obstacle course. The baby bounce, as explained earlier is a safer course for younger children with nothing they can really tumble down and break off of. It resembles a beach with palm trees and a serpent snaking out of the blue, water looking rubber of the inflated course. The Castle, this bounce house resembles a castle and is what I would go straight for if my mother came to Bloomsburg and took me to bloom bounce. It is your average bounce house, blue and green, pretty normal except it looks like a castle! The new double is almost exactly like the double slide with the customary tunnel leading to the two slides and in addition to that, its new.  The slide combo is a small series of slides and tunnels. The corner combo, is another average bounce house with a spacious chamber to bounce and go crazy in. And the obstacle course, a long obstacle course that takes up the majority of space along the far end of the complex. For the aspiring parkour children. Bloom Bounce is generally a large fun house for young children, but this is only the tip of the iceberg of what goes on there.

            So lets talk about, why watch children? Because safety is priority at bloom bounce. The well Trained pro bouncers undergo drug testing to be hired, as well as an FBI background check to make sure the bouncers aren't convicted of anything that would raise a red flag of a potentially dangerous person, basically babysitting a large amount of children. The pro bouncers undergo on the job training which as Haley Bennette, a pro bouncer states was the easiest part of getting the job. She only spent two hours training in all. She and her fellow pro bouncer Tate Patora and the other pro bouncers do every job in the facility including; running the register, check people in, monitor the bounce houses, run parties, clean, close and open the business. So lets take a look into a day of work for a pro bouncer. If the bouncer is opening then they will go in a half hour before the gates are open to customers at ten am on week days and weekends, save Sunday where as they open at noon. So upon arrival the bouncer will get everything fired up by starting to inflate all the bounce houses which are deflated at days end everyday. Then they will make sure everything is in good order from the night before. Once the gates open and costumers begin to come to bounce the pro bouncers will walk through a series of steps to check the children and parents in then proceed to run the register or are assigned to a certain bounce house on the map where names are written next to the assigned house. A pro bouncer who is watching a bounce house assures that the children bouncing are safe and not locked in an imperial battle for dominance of the bounce house. If assigned to a party room for a birthday party then the bouncer will set the room up for the children and parents, making sure there is enough room, food, snacks, drinks and fun. Sometimes the pro bouncer will be not be assigned to a specific bounce house and will proceed  to "float", walk around the entire complex, inspecting and observing, making sure everything is good. Throughout the day the pro bouncers will switch houses on the hour, all the while helping children. When the day comes to an end at seven pm on weekdays, nine pm on weekends and Sunday at five pm. Once closed with the gates down the bouncers will deflate all of the houses and vacuum all of the carpeted floor and clean up any debris left behind by the children. After everything is ready for the next day the pro bouncers call it a day and hit the bricks.

       
         So how does one attend Bloom Bounce? Well its not as simple as just walking in, there's a lot more to the place than that. One can imagine the rules and safety protocols in place in a business that requires background checks upon employment. You start by getting in your car, on your bike or camel then arrive at Bloom Bounce after parking and entering the mall. Walk to bloom bounce, avoid awkward eye contact with venders, once this is initiated you're pulled in. Once at bloom bounce with you're child(s) a waiver is required which you sign on kindles that are used specifically for signing in purposes at the counter, the contact information of both parent and child are required to sign in and access the complex. After you have successfully signed in you pay for your children who then receive a stamp that will match the one you will be stamped with. Then you're free to go as long as you've remembered socks for all of your children, this is expressed in kind, soft text at the very bottom of bloom bounce's website,  http://www.bloombounce.com/. And if you forget socks then they've got your back, behind the counter where you check in along with a wall of snacks ranging from sugary candy worms to flavored popcorn from a local shop, are socks for the occasion. If you are in the need for the ultimate party for a young child then the party rooms the place for friends and family. Spacious with a long table running through the center of each party room, the pro bouncers work to keep the kids supplied with pizza or even subway hoagies. After all of the bouncing is said and done the stamps of parent and child are checked to assure they match, the protocols set in place work and well, there's never been a single child who's accidentally, or purposely left with the wrong group of kids or parents nor any sort of issue of missing children, lawsuits or any other fun things besides tantrums, unfortunately those are at times unavoidable.
         Bloom bounce doesn't only offer opportunity for children who've had a long day at work and just need to bounce. It is a great place to work for students in high school and college. According to pro bouncer Tate Patora, its a relaxed job because for him and his co workers, getting to work with little kids is fun and easy. He admits that it does have its stressful times for example when a kid doesn't listen or follow the rules set in place. Tate was recommended to this job by friends that worked at bloom bounce prior to him that got good hours and made good money. The pro bouncers start at making seven seventy five an hour and get paid every two weeks. In addition to that the bouncer receives a bonus of twenty five cents every hour that they work and that's not a bad deal. Working at bloom bounce Tate reports can be hard for adults because its more of a part-time job and younger kids can more easily relate and get along with the children. In addition to this it can be a tiresome job because while working the bouncers are constantly on their feet all day, never sitting and watching children. Its a great place to work in all but like any job must be taken seriously, employees must switch shifts with another if they need off of work. With poor behavior a point system is in place, one can acquire three points before they are reprehended for their behavior. Only two people have ever quit because of the stress of working and no one has been fired there before. For Tate the only negative feelings he has for his work is the point system, while pro bouncer Haley says that the job can get a little boring and would prefer not to stand all day. "it just can get a little boring you know, standing all day." Pro Bouncer Haley admits.
           In all bloom bounce is a safe, clean and also fun environment for both child and parent. The atmosphere is very friendly which is accommodated with warm smiles, vibrantly colored bounce houses and honestly carpet. The fact that the entire complex is carpeted adds a comfortable, playful effect to the place. Both parent and child seem to enjoy the fun happening there as it is suitable to meet the needs of both. The pro bouncers at bloom bounce not only meet the needs of every size of customer but also can be seen guarding the entrance as the bouncers of a club or bar do, for both don't attempt to enter intoxicated but go and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and let your children run free to bounce and make friends, just don't forget your socks!

Act 101 and U

 

ACT 101 (figure 1)

well to start off many don't know what ACT101 maybe or that it may be a part of their school programs. It's a state funded program  that assists disadvantaged students complete a post secondary study. Bloomsburg University is one of the most notable schools in Pennsylvania having this program. In 1971 Pennsylvania responded to the needs of disadvantaged Pennsylvania residents who were denied the opportunity to pursue a higher education due to common social conditions. In the past couple of years the number of students accepted into ACT 101 doubled and the graduation rates of these students increased.

My friends tell me that other people think that ACT101 students are "dumb" because of their low SAT scores or ACT scores. Sitting in the DDI lab located in room 10 at the student service center where many students in different programs and Classes come to study (figure 2).The DDI lab are for students in developmental course. I couldn't notice the difference between any of the students whether they were ACT 101, standard student, deans list. All there doing seemed like work maybe printing papers or doing homework but I just can't the difference. After sitting there for a couple of hours I noticed that there was always a PA (program assistant) available in close proximity to the ACT101 office and at least two PA's in the DDI lab and one PA at the ACT101 desk.

DDI Lab (figure 2)

 Students in this program come in hundreds all around. Some of the upper classmen PA's get involved in various activities because they wear shirts representing there Greek group. I think having a job helping other ACT101 students and maintaining the everyday life of an Greek club plus classes should be a high accomplishment for a minority student. They help others students if needed at the DDI lab or in torturing services. The ACT101 office can help you with directing you to a service that you need.

During the days of summer students admitted into the ACT101 program attend meetings for a week, introducing the school, giving procedures during emergencies, requirements needed to pass the summer program. It starts of with going to sign in at the commons between 7 and 8 in the morning. Then having the option of leaving or actually staying to eat after swiping in and signing your name. Everyday there's study hall at 5 pm which is mandatory and if your  late or missing from any class, meeting, study hall or sign in three times that's a automatic dismissal (figure 3). Some of the class that are taken during the summer don't count toward college credits so your still behind and might not graduate within 4 years. Passing your classes with at least a C average guarantees a spot in the fall semester.

ACT101 mandatory meeting(figure 3)

Michelle Vera an graduate assistant of Bloomsburg University and a former ACT101 student of Bloomsburg university who encountered many obstacles through her stay at the University. "2009 I never even had a graduate assistant helping me into my transition to becoming a successful student". Her comment suggests that their more services now than before to help students. Tears felt her eyes as she share her experience. "When I had  a major surgery during my sophomore year recovery was brutal. I didn't want to go to class because I was still in so much pain, I got depressed, and stopped going outside. So I failed classes my classes of course". There's a slight pause. "ACT101 still believed in me when I thought for sure I was going to be kicked out. They talked to me to figure out what was happening, gave me tutoring and counselling. I slowly got back on track with my grades because guess what they're here to help you not hurt you"

I asked a random hallway in Ellwell Hall if they knew the ACT101 program . 8 said no and 3 Said yes. I asked Callie Smead a non ACT101 member if she could describe it. Her answer partially valid. "It's when people choose to come to a program before there freshman year to better prepare them for college". "Where'd you get this information?" from I asked."ummm I think my old roommate talked about it". I also asked the difference between college and high school. "College is more own your own time and high school I skipped a lot of class and half the time I made up the work. So I was used to doing work outside of the classroom and I took a course to prepare for college writing".

ACT101 lab sheets

Current sophomore ACT101 student Kierah Fredrickson says "I feel like a normal college student that has to do a little more work than others. I still do the same things typical college students do". when I asked Kierah about the summer part of the program, she made a cringing face like she's thinking about her answer. Her response. Uhhh. At first it was a little annoying to take so many developmental courses and fill out those lab sheets (figure4). but after all that, I think about all the friends I made and my high GPA and it was worth my summer and time.


 

 

BU Bus Experience

    

Group of Pedestrians huddled up under a bus stop on a snowy day

           As you stand in the cold in the -12 degree wind chill weather waiting in line with you're fellow college students. You think to myself,"When is our savior filled with warmth arriving." You glance up the road every five minutes because if you look that direction your face is blistered from the chilling wind. Then at last you see the white glowing savior shimmering with beauty, with rocks salt stains on it sides thundering down the snow filled campus road heading straight towards the bus stop. You look at the corner of your eye seeing students unloading out of the bus each one of them bundled up head to toe to endure the winter cold. As you walk in a line to get on the bus you feel a sense of excitement to be able to get out of the bone chilling cold. As you take a step on to the bus, you see the smiling face of the pilot of our white savior, the BU driver.
          The BU bus drivers are hard working and dedicated workers here on the Bloomsburg campus. Everyday they sit on the same bus(es), driving the same route, stationed in the same spot driving in a endless loop loading and unloading college students for about 6-8 hours of their day. They are often taking for granted because they are sacrificing their time to be transportation for us college students  to be taken to point A to point B on a daily basis.
          "A bus driver has lot more responsibility than people understand, while I drive here (Bloomsburg University) I drive a lot older kids so it's not much of an issue, but especially driving high school students it is a lot more responsibility."

Mickey driving through upper campus

         Mickey, a middle aged man, dressed in a red Ohio State jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots. Has been working with buses and driving buses for over 30 years, Originally from Ohio he now lives outside of Bloomsburg with his family and has been driving for Bloomsburg University for about a year and a half now. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, Mickey always listens in on the whatever game is happening that day but if he isn't listening to the Huskies playing on the radio than you better expect to hear a Ohio State game going on in the speakers of the bus. "When I was a kid me and my dad use to go to the Ohio State games every weekend." As Mickey reminisces about his past
         Mickey has been driving the bus every weekend 8 hours of the day for a year now, driving the same route in a small bus that looks like a combination of a bus and a mini van. Something you would ride in if you are renting out a party bus for a night. "Its a job." Mickey says while driving through upper campus of Bloomsburg. "You listen to your music and talk to the students when they come on and off the bus so it is usually enough to keep you distracted."

         "How did you get into being a bus driver?" I asked 

         "I was retiring and  I needed to find something that would give me benefits." Mickey answered. 

         "Is that why most bus drivers become bus drivers?"I asked and Mickey answers saying, "Yes most bus drivers are retired people."

         "Do you enjoy working as a BU Bus driver" I asked.  

         "Yeah!" Mickey says happily

       A normal day of work for Mickey is to start his bus to let it warm up, while the bus is warming up Mickey checks his fluids, meter, and etc, to make sure everything is good to go with the bus. Than he sits in the drivers seat pushing the buttons on the radio skimming through station from station looking for something good to listen to on the radio. After he finds a radio station that's worth listening to, he takes a sip of coffee out his coffee mug and begins his schedule for the day.(Schedule is the route the bus driver takes to pick up and drop off students at a certain time.) He drives his schedule until lunch approaches, for lunch he parks his bus where all the buses go to when it needs a refuel for gas where than he eats his pre made lunch he brought from home, after his lunch he continues his schedule. For the rest of his schedule, he listens and sings along to whatever song on the radio usually music from the 1960's-1980's, and having small talk with the students on the bus. At the end of his schedule, Mickey makes his last round trip, ending at the bus stop near Centennial Hall than parks his bus where the rest of the BU buses rest at. "Easy as that." Mickey would say at the end of the day.

Students waiting at the bus stop near Centennial hall

       Many students on campus who take the bus often appreciate Mickeys services as a bus driver. Alosha Fox, A Sophomore at Bloomsburg University wearing a blue under shirt with a heavy winter jacket waiting patiently at the bus stop, now living at Mount Olympus Apartments has been taking the shuttle to upper campus for about almost a year now.
       "Mickey at first glance you can tell he enjoys his job because he always has a smile on his face" says Alosha. "When he doesn't have a smile on his face he is either talking to one of the students on the bus asking them about there day, telling them a story of his past, or he is listening to one of the college games on the radio and making his small comments on a play like "Come on!" usually a comment Mickey would make while listening to the college game on the radio." Alosha is a frequent bus rider when it comes to getting around campus. "Mickey is one of my favorite bus drivers because the rest of the bus drivers on campus do not drop off students at the Rec Center. But Mickey always ask the students on the bus "Anyone needs to be dropped off here." while in front of the Rec Center."
      Bus drivers like Mickey are the working staff at Bloomsburg university are the kind of staff we need more of at Bloomsburg. Someone who enjoys their time at work and loves their job and the people they deal with on a daily basis. "Bloomsburg is my alumni and I am happy to be able to drive the students of the school whenever I do. No matter what the weather is like I am happy to drive the students to wear they need to go rather than them walking." So next time you take the bus to upper campus to get some food at Monty's or your rushing out your apartment to make it to your class in time and you flag down the bus to signal it to stop and the bus does. Just make sure you when you get into the bus to greet the bus driver with a smiling face and say "Thanks!"

West End Ale Haus

     As many people walk around the town of Bloomsburg , they notice a new restaurant called West End Ale Haus, formally known as Russell and Kate, recently opened. Upon entering, a hostess welcomes everyone to the restaurant. Walking around, the aroma in the room is a combination of fried food and alcohol. The division among the bar itself initially catches the eye of consumers who first enter the restaurant. The two different bars seem to offer two different experiences. They are cleverly named the west side and the east side bar. Straight in front when entering appears a dinning area where costumers enjoy their food without constantly hearing the clinging of glasses as people offer cheers. Comfortable chairs, and clean kept tables fill the dinning area.

     West end offers a moderate décor along with a diverse menu, which surprises some being a bar in a small college town. Many waitresses carry around a wide variety of food on their trays, from burgers to wings. A seasoned waitress would recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger in the burger section of their menu. Amber, one of the waitresses on staff, has worked at West End for a year to date. Many familiar faces fill up the bar as the night progresses. The rowdy crowd gathers on Wednesday nights to enjoy the crowd favorite forty cents wing special. A brown haired, young waitress, approached one of the tables and willingly agreed to answers questions about West End and her employment experience.

     Many of the workers appear young and in their early twenties, making the atmosphere in the bar more laid back. Each worker wears casual apparel. In order to work at West End, there are specific qualifications such as being RAMP certified. As Amber, a waitress at West End explained, "RAMP certification is needed to work at any bar or establishment that sells liquor or beer." Upon applying, Amber received her RAMP certification and got welcomed back for an interview. " I was so nervous for my interview, because I wasn't sure what questions would be asked and I'm not very good when I'm put on the spot," she stated. Amber went on to say, "Once I sat down and got a feel for the atmosphere I felt more comfortable." The next day she got a phone call informing her she got the job and could start whenever she was available.



Figure 1

     It's easy to notice physical differences between West End and other bars, but Amber emphasizes how West End offers two completely different bars that contain two very different atmospheres (Figure 1). She points out that the one bar fills up with a younger crowed and contains many physical differences, such as the darker light that was omitted, louder music. Amber says, "One of my favorite things we have here at West End is the pool table, because people are continuously playing." As she takes in the atmosphere of each bar, she explains the other side of the bar has higher celling's and brighter lighting. Amber ends with saying  " I've definitely never seen another restaurant set up like that before. It has a lot to offer".

     As most people already know about West Ends wing special, Amber tells of other themes to attract customers. To name a few, Tuesdays they offer "takeover night" with karaoke. Wednesday nights attract crowds for team trivia and forty cent wings (Figure 2). "Wing night is one of my favorite nights to work, because it attracts so many college kids, and I meet so many new people" Amber explained.


Figure 2

   People come back to West End for many reasons, but Amber reiterates by saying "The food rocks. We have specials all the time and most of the time some form of entertainment. The waitresses and chiefs take pride in their work and like to have fun with the customers while doing it!"

     The dedication and hard work of the staff its clear to the patrons at West End. The staff at West End makes it seem effortless and pleases the costumers. It's hard for people to always  have fun, but the atmosphere at West End allows the workers to proceed with their duty's while enjoying their time there.

The Scranton Commons

         "Hi, how are you today!" cheerfully and with a big smile, Barb greets every student that walks through the Scranton Commons. (Commons for short) Her jolly chipper attitude,enough to jazz up your day, may be the only thing Barb does here at the commons but she does it with a positive attitude. "I love putting a smile on all of your faces and brightening up your day; the best way to do that is too be cheerful and positive!" Barb answered when asked what she loves most about her job. Working at the Commons can not be an easy job, dealing with rude college students all day long; that being said, the Commons employees are super nice! "We are here to make the students life easier, its a team effort." said Joe after being asked about his role as one of the managers. "Whenever a student has an issue we want to fix the problem right away." He continued and they do exactly that. After a student reported under cooked food to a manager, they immediately stopped serving the food and resolved the issue. Do not think that this is an everyday thing because that would be far from the truth; "The Commons food is almost as good as my mothers cooking!" as Matt, a student here at Bloomsburg University, put it.

Figure 1: see note

         As you walk into the Commons you can observe that the newly renovated Commons building is clean and modern. Fresh vegetables, yummy yogurts and nuts line the salad bar. Students flock to there usual seating areas and find a place to sit and eat. The most crowded area of the dining hall is by the sparkling Husky water fountain.(Figure 1) The  Bloomsburg logo illuminates the glass structure right next to one of the most popular stations at the Commons is another fountain, the water fountain; this is where students fill up there drinks. "Besides the women, my favorite part are the fountain drinks! You have so many options." Matt answered. The drinks range from rootbeer to orange juice and even chocolate milk. You constantly hear the sizzle of the fountain machines as students refill there drinks and an occasional "clank!" when an embarrassed student drops their plastic cup. 
         Gossip at the commons fills the air as a wide range of clicks fill out the seating capacity. Some kids roam around from table to table but for the most part you have four main clicks: the 'cool' kids, the stoners, the athletes and of course... the 'nerds'. For the most part everyone is nice to each other; each click sits with their collective group of friends and chatter amongst themselves. Through out your time here in the Commons you'll hear yelling like "Whats up CAP!", or your ordinary conversations like "How was your day?" and finally the whispers like "Ew, what is she wearing?" The chit chat goes on everyday and night for all the students to hear.
          "They don't cook the hot dogs right," the student pouted "other than that i can't really complain" Matt answered after being asked what he thought about the food at the commons. Kids have a lot of options to choose from like: the fresh salad bar, the not so healthy burger station, a daily main entree, exquisite sushi, heartwarming pasta, and of course an endless amount of dessert. "My favorite is the pasta... and garlic bread sticks" Jon, another student, answered. The pasta line is always a mile long so their pasta must be great!
         The goal of the commons is to keep the students happy. They give their students the choice of eating healthy or unhealthy and anywhere in between. They are clean and ready to serve the students with a positive attitude

Dunham's Sporting goods

Dunham's Sporting Goods opened in the Columbia mall in 2009. Dunham's sells a wide variety of sports apparel and other sporting goods, including guns and ammo. Dunham's is a chain that offers their whole store selection online and you can order stuff to deliver to a certain store from another store.

Dunham's starting selling handguns in 2013. They sell handguns from 9mm to .500, .500. They also sell handguns from an array of makers like Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory. Lets not forget that they sell ammo for these handguns from Full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds to Hollow point ammo. They sell rifles, shotgun, longbows, and crossbows as well.

In the clothing section they have a multitude of brand names ranging from Nike, to Under Armour. They also sell sports t-shirts for various colleges across the nation along with shirts from the many high schools around the area as well. 

When talking to Aaron Diehl a manager about some of the things he does when he starts to close up the store for a night he said "I go to every register and grab the cash drawer and then count the total amount of money we made for the day." He also said that he has some of the other employees go around and take out the trash and clean the restrooms in the store. 

Dunham's now anchors the mall and sells massive amounts of goods during black Friday and other major holidays. So for all your sporting good needs Dunham's Sporting Goods is the place to go. 

Arnold's Golf Course

Arnold Crisman had a dream and his dream was to build a family oriented public golf course, and in 1983 he made that dream a reality when he opened the first nine holes where people could come and enjoy a game of golf with their family. Later in 1986 he opened the latter half of his eighteen hole golf course. Today, Arnold's Golf Course is still run by the Crisman family, John and Linda Crisman, JC Crisman and Brent Crisman, John and Linda's two children. Arnold's golf course has always been known for having their loving dogs as the course mascots. Past course dog's names were Pancake, Radar and Duke. Today, Daisy their black lab, is there to welcome all members and new customers.

Before you pull into the parking lot at Arnold's you are greeted by a gigantic white sign with black lettering which reads, "Arnold's Public Golf Course Bar and Restaurant." After pulling into the parking lot the wide open golf course catches newcomers attention, with it's pine tree's that perfectly aline two fairways separating them,  and the peaceful creek that gently flows alongside a steep hill. The course has many amazing features which includes it's beautiful scenery full of trees, and also a running railroad which has an old rusted train drive by occasionally. "The train is just one part of this course that just makes it different than any other courses in the area, and the kids love when the train drives by." says Linda. Many wild animals live around and on the course as well, turtles, deer, foxes, snakes have all been seen on the course by members of Arnolds.

Arnold's is known for having a pet canine as their course mascot, starting out in 1983 when Arnold opened the first nine holes to the public he had his two golden labs, Pancake and Radar. Since then the Crisman family has kept the canine tradition by bringing their golden retriever, Duke, down to the course everyday. The Crisman's had to put Duke down in August 2012, they now have a tournament every year where anybody can play in the tournament for a small fee, also anybody can take a picture of their pet and bring it into Arnolds before the tournament and Linda will blow up the picture and post it next to a hole the day of the tournament, all proceeds are donated to the Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center. Today, Daisy, the black lab roams around Arnold's interacting with all the members and young golfers. "The point to having a dog on the course, such as Daisy, is that it's part of Arnold's tradition and many families enjoy seeing our dog." says John.

Bar at Arnolds

The golf course isn't the only thing that makes this course fun and exciting for new customers. Inside at the bar is where all the excitement is held. The pro-shop and the bar are connected as one single-story building made out of sheets of faded red metal. At the top of the building you can read another humungous white sign, "Arnold's Public Golf Course Bar and Restaurant." Inside at the bar the odor of cigarette smoke lingers around the bar. The bar is very dim with only six spheric lamps lighting the room from the ceiling of the bar. The bar is surrounded by thirteen black leather barstools, the bar is made of dark oak wood with a glossy surface. The area behind the bar has eight glossy oak tables alined two by two across the room for dining. The walls are covered with antique golf decorations, pictures of the course and members, and a variety of beer signs that available for purchase at the bar. Behind the bartender at Arnold's customers can choose from a variety of different liquors, or they can choose from an assortment of beer like, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling Lager and many more. Since Arnold's is a small family business, they only have five full time employees which tend bar, and work maintenance on the golf course. The job of the bartenders is to serve alcohol to their customers and socialize which they all love to do. Kim Banks has been a bartender at Arnold's for five years and is the longest and oldest working employee. "I love working at Arnold's, because I love the free golf in the summer, and I love all the members who come and golf." says Kim.

The biggest part to running a golf course is keeping the course maintained. John, Brent, and JC Crisman take care in the maintenance of the golf course, although John may not be able to do some of the things he used to before he still tries to help as much as he can. JC and Brent both share the responsibilities by working more than forty hours a week. There are many important factors that come into play when working on the course, responsibilities include, mowing over 5,000 yards of fairways and greens, moving the teeing ground, watering the fairways, and cleaning up litter. During the summer keeping the course maintained can be stressful at times especially if the weather doesn't cooperate. "We have to keep the course playable at all times, that means if it rains and we can't do what we have to do for the day we have to come back the next day and do two days of work in one day." states JC.

"Arnold's is the best golf course in the area." says Anna, a member of Arnold's Golf Course. When families come in to golf Linda gives the children a free ice-cream cone as part of the family friendly environment at Arnolds. Many kids who come golfing always look forward to playing with Daisy. Whether you're coming to Arnolds to play golf, have a drink or play with the dog customers always enjoy their experience at Arnold's Golf Course.

A Way to Give Back

As tax season grows closer, the students involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistants, V.I.T.A. for short, prepare to give their time to help out the community. For eight weeks starting February 9th Students will gather at the Wesley United Methodist Church to prepare tax returns for anyone that comes in. Each student involved is required to pass a certification test made by the Internal Revenue Service.

Since going to get a tax return through third party businesses and firms often comes with a fee, the money that could be received from a return has to be used to pay for the service. Going to get a tax return done at V.I.T.A. can help maximize the money received from a return. 

There are students positioned outside the church to help people understand where to go to get their tax return done. Since the entrance is around the side of the church the students will help direct people to the entrance.

 Upon entry into the building a student will greet people and ask them a few questions and give a form to fill out. This student, coupled with an empty smell and a majestic room will lead patrons up the red carpeted stairs to a waiting room. The waiting room is the first door on the left in the hallway. This room, lined with blue walls and furnished with many desks, will be used to host waiting taxpayers. These taxpayers are given an entry form which asks basic questions about the taxpayer.  This form will showcase all the information that will be used to determine what a person can file under and what kind of return they can receive.

After the form is finished the person getting their return done will wait until there is an open assistant that can help them. Once there an assistant has a vacancy the next patron will be led down the hall four doors to the left. This room, with the four mosaics with a multitude of color line the back window, has a rectangle setup of  tables and chairs to host as many people as possible .The volunteer will be stationed at the door to greet the taxpayer and bring them to an open computer. The volunteer is seated directly across the table from the taxpayer. If the taxpayer feels uncomfortable in a room with several other having their taxes done as well they can ask to be moved into a one on one room. The volunteer may have some questions for the clients  if there is anything unclear in the paperwork. The V.I.T.A member will input the information through the computer.

Once the assistant is finished entering the information a reviewer is called over to check the return over. The reviewer,the assistant and the taxpayer all review the return. If the return looks to be in order then the reviewer will send it to a coordinator to be reviewed one last time. If all parties agree to send the return in after the coordinator sees it the file, the taxpayer signs the form to send it in then it is sent to the I.R.S.

When junior site coordinator Scott was asked about the experience he had a very heartfelt answer.

"Why do I volunteer? I was asked to by a professor last year to try it out to broaden my horizons. Even though I've only been a member for two years it's definitely changed the way I view volunteer work. For example, each student only comes for two hours. Those two hours add up very quickly considering there are around one hundred members in the club. I couldn't imagine a better way to use two hundred man hours."

Since many students have never volunteered before it is very important to convey to the students that any work done is appreciated. Since there is some downtime while at the church students are all encouraged to bring homework and other study materials. Since the majority of the club is upperclassman, underclassmen are encouraged to ask questions and seek help from their peers if they are having trouble with any work they have.

Not only does it mean a lot  to the people receiving free tax returns it means a lot to the students involved. Both parties benefit from stopping down at V.I.T.A. The taxpayers get a free tax return while the students gain valuable experience in the accounting world. After all giving back to the community that is around the university is a truly special experience.

The Man in the Mirra

       BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! It's five-thirty in the morning and the alarm continues to go off on the nightstand in his bedroom, Micheal Mirra is already in his kitchen preparing a protein shake for his morning lift. After he is done, he gets into his car and drives to the Nelson Field House at Bloomsburg University. While he is driving he listens to Taylor Swift's song Blank Spaces to get pumped up for his lift. Once he gets to the gym he goes into the locker room and changes into his weight lifting clothes and begins his workout. 

Figure 1: See Note

        Micheal starts his workout with a little warm up then goes through many reps that test his strength and prepare him for the battle on the wrestling mat. Micheal is a student athlete for Bloomsburg University by being part of the Division 1 wrestling team. This is why he is in the gym at six o'clock in the morning sweating through his shirt. He is trying to make himself one of the strongest wrestlers in his weight class. Micheal starts and competes at the 197 pound weight class (Figure 1). Although being on a Division 1 wrestling team is difficult enough, he also has to survive the scholastic part of college. 
         Michael puts his body through workouts that many people can barley complete. He knows that he has to push his body to the max. Micheal, 23, stands at 5-feet-11 inches and 197 pounds, with his weight fluctuating depending on the day of the week. In the wrestling room, Micheal turns into the Incredible Hulk, but outside the room he looks Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator wearing his black leather jacket where ever he goes. He is a clean cut individual with a square jaw and smile that goes cheek to cheek as well as being honest and confident. 
         Even though Micheal is a student athlete he has to go through the normal college classes as well as practice everyday and weight lifting three days a week. When I sat down and asked him some questions about being a student athlete, he told me, "Time management is the key factor. If you don't have a planned out schedule then you won't get any of your work done." He continued to tell me that being a student athlete is hard work and its not built for everyone. "I love to be challenged though and I also love wrestling, so its a win win. I like the fact that it keeps me in line. It makes me keep on my studies so I can wrestle." 
          By the afternoon Micheal is done with his two morning classes and is eating lunch with his team at the Scranton Commons. While I was eating with Michael other students started to come over and start conversations with him. I also got the opportunity to ask some questions to Shawn Heist, Bloomsburg's heavy weight wrestler. He started to tell me that, "Micheal is a class act, he is very liked on campus by the other students. He is also like the role model for the team, because he is Junior and has a lot of experience in the sport. So the Freshman on the team look up to him and ask him a lot of questions about surviving the brutal season. I would say most of the guys on the team reflect their decisions off of his."

Figure 2: See Note

           When I asked Micheal what it is like to be the individual that the team reflects from? He told me that, "I don't consider myself the role model of the team. I just try to do me and worry about myself first. If people don't like me for who I am then that's their opinion. I can try and change it, but then I wouldn't be myself." Also Michael try's to help out with community service on his free time. This year he helped out at the annual tree fest held Caldwell Consistory downtown in Bloomsburg (Figure 2). While he was there he was setting up and taking down Christmas trees. In addition to the community service, he also referees at elementary and high school wrestling tournaments. 
           Micheal is considered to the total package in the wrestling world, this means that he has good grades, respectful, and can wrestle. He knows that for him to do the sport he loves he must excel in the classroom. But when you step on the wrestling mat with him you're in for a fight. When he's out there in the circle of the mat enjoying the sport he loves, there is a smile that comes across his face which is like looking the man in the mirror. 

Angels to Animals

     Driving through narrow roads, over rolling hills with softly lit farm houses, past large expanses of fields waiting to be sewn with corn and soybean, towards the distant blue-gray mountains with the setting sun splashing a muted rainbow of colors in the slowly darkening evening sky with flocks of birds flying to the trees to rest for the night, one will eventually come to a break in the tree line with a large stone and beige sign brightly lighting the deep red letters announcing the entrance to the rocky road lined with solar backlit boulders leading to the Sunbury Animal Hospital.

  Upon arriving at the large stone facility, one immediately notices it's impressive size and castle-like appearance with a modern flare.  A wide tower and impressive large-animal barn connected to the main hospital provides treatment and care options that few other facilities nearby offer.  A large glass wall running the expanse of one side of the building surrounds the large red double-doors leading into the lobby and reception area.

 Entering the lobby, the grandeur of the reception area is breathtaking, with it's high ceilings and dark stained wooden moldings on the light mint colored walls, as an informational veterinary care channel plays softly from a television hung from the top of a glass column displaying an array of antique tools and syringes to the public, adjacent from the large fish tank filled with brightly colored rocks and even more vividly colored fish, lazily floating around their spacious environment.  The soft meow's and purrs of cats from the adoption area drift through the air, along with the clicking of the keyboards and the cacophony of ringing telephones, accompanied by the constant shuffling of papers and laughter-strewn conversations of the receptionists.
    
     The soft electronic beep of the lock opening is followed by a strong scent of cetylcide and various cleansers and animals as the door opens to the treatment area.  Dogs barking, cats crying out, clinking of steel instruments, and the hum and beep of medication dispensers attached to the catheters of caged patients are heard alongside the directions and conversations of doctors and technicians as treatment options are discussed and future endeavors are planned.  One of the voices collaborating with a tech belongs to a short, proud woman with mid-length brunette hair tucked inside a light blue surgical cap.

      Laura Kielbasa, the most recent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to join the staff, graduated from Temple University in 2009 and Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014, practicing both large and small animals, with interests in ultrasound and small animal dermatology.  She never considered veterinary medicine until she was able to witness a few operations and realize she had a strong interest in the subject, and said to herself "Laura, you can do this!" 

     As she finished her conversation and prepared for her last few surgeries of the day, she donned new gloves, prepped the surgery table, and began her work, anxious for her final task before the day ended: a necropsy on an alpaca.
    
     Earlier that morning, Bucky's progressively worsening health drastically declined, and when he laid down, he made it quite clear to everyone that he was not only losing his ongoing battle with whatever ailed him, but also his desire to live.  His refusal to stand back up left the large animal technicians no choice but to give him a few more hours to decide if he was going to remain with us, or if intervention was necessary and he would be released to "the Big Barn in the Sky."

     After surgeries were finished, when Dr. Kielbasa conversed and contemplated with the technicians about his future, they decided that euthanasia and a necropsy were the best options, especially since they were not sure about his condition.  She prepared herself for the task ahead, her syringe at the ready and the dental room prepped for the necropsy.
    
     Once the alpaca had been put to sleep and the sad feelings had gone away, the only thing left to do was to move him from the barn into the surgery room.  With a gurney close by, Bucky was carefully lifted and moved to the other room, where he was placed belly-up on the slotted table.  Not wasting any time, and with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning, the first incision was made, running the length of the abdomen from the pelvis to the base of his neck.  Working her large yellow knife in between the rear legs, muscles and fat were being severed, eventually allowing her to pop the head of the femur from it's joint and bending the right hind leg out of the way.  Repeating this process, she was able to displace the front right, allowing her an unobstructed view of the abdominal region. 

   With a swift run of the knife, she had a clear view of the first compartment of his stomach and all of his organs not within the rib cage.  As she began her search for anything unusual, she began to say that the most difficult aspect of her occupation was that she had a horrible time trying to balance her social life with her work.  "My husband was expecting me home over an hour ago, but this alpaca has to be examined in case we're dealing with a viral infection that could be easily spread from animal to animal." As her story continued, she began to collect segments of organs to be sent to the lab to be tested. 

     When the time came for her to reach the vital organs, she had to open the rib cage.  Using a pair of hoof trimmers as makeshift rib crackers, she slowly detached each rib, revealing more and more with every cut, minutes passing before she finally peeled back her last rib, showing the diseased lungs and the large heart.

     "Knowledge is the main goal of this experience.  The more I can learn from this, the more I'll be able to help other animals and their people.  What really bothers me is when I'm faced with a situation and I have no idea what to do, I feel so helpless and stressed that I'm ignorant to whatever the issue is, so I make it my job to learn as much as I possibly can to avoid that situation."

      As Dr. Kielbasa cut out diseased sections of the lungs to be sent for testing, she speculates that Bucky has tuberculosis from the growths on his lungs.  Large blisters and bumps cover his right lung, and the smell from the few that ruptured were thankfully dulled by the thick surgical masks.

     After she collected everything that she needed, she began to place all of his organs back inside the abdominal cavity and re-close the incision.  With a little help, Bucky was then bagged and sent to the morgue in case further tests were required.

     The scent of cleanser and blood filled the hospital as Dr. Kielbasa scrubbed the surgical table, and the soft mutters of disgust from the techs rose with each passing minute.  After everything was cleaned and sterilized, she took off her blood stained surgical gown and immediately placed it in the washer.  Three hours later than when she originally planned to leave, she packed her instruments, donned her coat, said her goodbye's and left. 

     Leaving the hospital, the soft glow of the setting sun turned into the bright pale face of the moon and the thousands of twinkling stars seen above the tree line.  With the scent of cetylcide still lingering on every surface, the castle-like building recedes in the background with every passing minute.  The lights shimmer behind the rocks, and the memory of Bucky remains as strong and vivid as it replays over and over, each detail as if it were still happening.

Good Food at an Old Fashioned Drive - In

The sign in front of May's

          "This is my favorite place to eat!" exclaimed an elderly lady.  At the top of town in Ashland, you might see a perfectly swirled ice cream sign that says May's Drive - In Restaurant.  May's, located at 2105 West Centre Street in Ashland, contains many home made recipe meals.   The Ashland restaurant is only one of the many branches that the May family owns.  They also has branches in Lewisburg, Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Hughesville.   

            

              Bill and Sara May, the owners of May's, started their operation in 1956.  Bill enjoyed discovering new spots to build his restaurants. He wanted his restaurants to have mouth watering food and have reasonable prices for families.  Years later, third and fourth generations of Mays still keep the family tradition going.   

                

 

May's Drive In

                 As you pull up to May's at the top of town in Ashland, it is not the most beautiful sight to see.  The outside contains  a little parking lot for customers to park in. Customers must use caution when they  park due to a pole that has many scrape marks on it from people hitting it while backing out.  The outside of the building,  constructed of rough red and brown brick, makes May's look more like an old fashioned building.  The outside wall facing the parking lot contains two little windows so that customers can order and enjoy ice cream outside in the summer.  The bright red awning catches peoples attention as they zoom by making them want to stop in for a treat.  Little kids will also love feeding the panda bear garbage can their garbage.  Often times, customers will just stop in for a cup of coffee. While customers drink their coffee, they also enjoy reading the daily newspaper,  that is available to buy.  

 

                  Touching the cool metal and walking through the double doors, people enter the old fashioned drive - in. The slippery, wet tile makes it difficult to walk sometimes.  Immediately as customers walk in, they get hit in the face with the aroma of burgers frying and chicken grilling.  The rough brick wall constructed inside, is a remnant of the wall which used to be outside.  A section was added on due to the lack of space on busy days. Years ago, juke boxes hung at every table so customers could enjoy any kind of music they wanted, but recently they were removed. Holes still remain in the wall where juke boxes once used to hang. 

 

A look into the kitchen

                  Many days, May's has a busy lunch rush.  During the busy hours, many workers hustle around in order to get the job done.  Typically, two people take customers' orders at the counter.  Two workers also prepare and cook the food.  Before the rush comes, workers prepare as much food as possible so all they have to do when a customer orders is cook it, which doesn't take too long. The kitchen doesn't take up much room, but is big enough to get the job done.  It features stainless steel work areas along with some storage space.

                    A big dining area adorns the back section of May's.  The back dining area, home to 16 wooden booths, welcomes anybody looking for a great meal.  Wooden paneling covers the walls, making it feel rustic.  Tan colored tables, bolted to the wall, make for a sturdy dining surface.  Currently, the windows contain beautiful paintings of winter scenes crafted by North Schuylkill students.  Old Coca-Cola pictures hang on the walls, making the atmosphere seem like the olden days.  Above each table hangs a red and  white tulip shaped lamp.        

 

                    May's has many great assets. "It's close to my house, has reasonable prices, great food and has a great welcoming environment," said Ellen, a customer at Mays.  "The service here is also great", said Ellen. "The workers always make sure I have everything I need," replied Ellen.  The calm and relaxed environment makes customers feel welcomed when they walk into May's.  The workers seem so happy, almost as if  they are working at Disney World. The condiments do not sit out on the table like at other drive-in's.  At May's, a little counter holds containers with ketchup, relish, onions and mustard.  Customers must scoop out their own condiments into a little cup. 

 

An egg omelet from May's breakfast.   

                     May's closes very early in the winter around 8:30, but the next day at 7AM, they are ready to start their day all over again serving breakfast till 11.  In summer months, May's stays open till 9:30. Breakfast has a different routine than lunch and dinner. At breakfast, customers have a waitress and they take your order at your table. Breakfast food comes out on glass plates.  The plates are placed on plastic place mats which also act as the breakfast menu. Metal silverware placed on napkins, makes the meal seem more fancy.  During lunch and dinner, customers order their own meal at the counter.  After being given a number, customers go and sit and wait for their food.  When their number is called, patrons go up and pick up their food from the counter.  The steaming hot food sometimes melts the Styrofoam plate under it.  Everything used at lunch contains either Styrofoam, paper, or plastic making for an easier clean up. 

                      May's offers a variety of different foods.  At breakfast, they offer omelets of any kind, along with toast, home fries, pancakes, waffles and many other delicious meals. During lunch, customers can order fried chicken, chicken fingers or chicken sandwiches.  May's also has burgers, cheese steaks, fish sandwiches, pizza and hotdogs.  Kids meals are also available for little diners.  For dessert, customers have a variety of ice cream flavors to choose from.  They have stormers which contains either chocolate or vanilla ice cream with any kind of candy a customers wants.  The candy available for stormers are Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, M&M's, 1,000 Grand, Heath, Gummy Bears and many more.  They also sell banana splits, milkshakes and many kinds of sundaes.        

 

                     May's has something that everyone would enjoy.  They sell breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any kind of ice cream.  If you are looking for a good place to eat, stop in at May's and try it today.   You won't be disappointed!