The Seminole ScribeIssue No. 2 Seminole State College of Florida October 4, 2012

By Sabira Mawji

After scanning the room to see if anyone was about to approach the tall wooden podium, Stephanie Rowe, a Seminole State student, said she decided to take the bull by the horns and ride out her fear of stage fright beginning with the first line of her poem, Cliff’s Edge: “You push me off the edge only to pull me back again” she said to the

crowd.

Once a month, Seminole State hosts Tuesday Voices, a free poetry event inside the student center on the Sanford Lake Mary campus. In September, the multi-purpose room overflowed with poets and listeners of all ages. Whispers took over the room as poets practiced reciting their work without feeling judged when

munching on the provided cookies and sipping steamy coffee.

Continuing its legend on the Seminole State campus for almost 30 years, English professor Webb Harris said he has been hosting for about 10 years.

“Tuesday Voices is an open microphone poetry that is

‘Take the bull by the horns and ride it’: Tuesday Voices offers freedom of expression

Continued on page 2e.l.f.. makeup display at Oviedo Target/staff photo

Hispanic Heritage Month A difference of opinionsBy Ashley VazquezWithout National Hispanic Heritage month, which started Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15, students like Kaly Carpenter would not know much about Hispanic culture, food and famous contributions to the world. The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) at Seminole State celebrated by hosting food events on the last week of September and selling different Latin American dishes.

“They should do this more often,” Ms. Carpenter said during last week’s celebration in the Student Center.

During September, Hispanics celebrate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Also, in October, Hispanics celebrate Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day.

National Hispanic Heritage month began in 1968 with President Lyndon B. Johnson

and was passed into law on Aug. 17, 1988.

At Seminole State College, Nelson Pagán Díaz, club adviser since 2001, said the HSA celebrates National Hispanic Heritage month every year.

“The club has different activities like food sales and movies,” Mr. Diaz said. “Different activities on and off campus, as well.”

For Gaby Rivera, Vice-President of the HSA, the celebration is about bringing different cultures together as one.

“We become one big family,” she said, “and it’s good for everybody. You don’t even have to necessarily have to be Hispanic just to be part of the club and learn about the different cultures. That’s what makes this club more exciting because you don’t have to be Hispanic. You just enjoy it.”

On Thursday, HSA sold coconut and cheese flavored

flan, a traditional Hispanic dessert, for fifty cents each and students like Sterling Dranetz said he enjoyed the dessert.

“I think it’s really cool that they are selling flan, which is a nice cultural dish,” Mr. Dranetz said. “I think it’s really good to kind of share the culture with everybody.”

Yet, some Hispanics celebrate being Hispanic every day.

“Honestly, I have nothing against people who celebrate Hispanic Heritage month,” Seminole State Latin American Humanities Professor Marisabel Irizarry said, “but, I don’t celebrate it because I’m Hispanic every day and I don’t need a special month for me to celebrate being Hispanic.”

For more information, visit hispanicheritagemonth.gov or one of the Hispanic Student Association meetings on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in room C-110.

Celebrate Hispanic Awareness Day on the Altamonte Springs campus – Oct. 16, 2012 from 12 to 2 p.m. outside the grassy area by the main entrance.

Murdered by Makeup? Cruelty-free makes cents

By Taryn Martin

College students can have a great impact on the perhaps outdated practice of cosmetics testing on animals. If college students stopped buying makeup that is being tested on animals, perhaps the companies continuing to test makeup on animals will be forced to change their policies and become cruelty free.

“I simply don’t see a need to cause suffering to another living creature when it can

be avoided,” Tashina Combs, a vegan beauty and lifestyle blogger, said.

Since the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require cosmetics be tested on animals, companies become cruelty-free, meaning that neither the finished product nor any of its ingredients were tested on animals, Ms. Combs said.

And, by avoiding makeup testing on animals, cosmetics companies could

Continued on page 2

Frightening Fun: Don’t give yourfinances a scare this Halloween seasonBy Ashley Crooke

Many guests flock to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights every Halloween for a frightening night of creatures ready and willing to scare anyone who dares to enter the park.

But for college students, finding a ride to the theme park and extra money for the ticket may be difficult. That’s where A Petrified Forest, a less expensive but equally as thrilling alternative, comes in.

A Petrified Forest, located on State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs, Fla., is a 85,000-sq. foot haunted scare path through woods filled with ghoulish creatures hiding around every corner. Along with the maze, A Petrified Forest is open to visitors for backstage tours, laser tag, a 3-D mini-golf course and live music by local bands, as well.

The event, now in its fifth year, is put on by friends

Continued on page 6

2 October 4, 2012 “Like Us” on Facebook/SeminoleScribe

Thirty Years of Food, Fun and Community

MAKEUPFrom page 1

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE

The Seminole Scribe is the student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida.

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a student-run newspaper that aims to construct a publication of professionalism. Through each

individual staffer’s utmost potential, we write for the interest of the school

and its student body to deliver a quality news and entertainment source that

uphold traditional journalism values.

STAFF

Editor

Ambar Wessin

Reporters

Joseph ChalbaudAshley CrookeSabira Mawji

Kimberley LewisTaryn Martin

Austin RogersMichael SantagataMichael Tennant

Ashley Vazquez ColonCindy VillalobosDanielle Wiebe Kyle Yeoman

Faculty Adviser

Jennifer Sheppard

PUBLIC FORUMThe Seminole Scribe is a

“designated public forum.” Student editors have authority to make all content decisions

without censorship or advance approval.

COPYRIGHT©2012 The Seminole Scribe. All rights reserved. All content is

property of The Seminole Scribe and may not be reproduced or transmitted without consent.

The Scribe is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Florida Community College

Press Association and College Media Advisers, Inc.

EDITORIAL POLICYViewpoints expressed in columns

and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author and do

not necessarily reflect those of The Seminole Scribe or Seminole

State College. Letters or columns can be emailed or dropped off at the office. Please limit letters

to 500 words, and include phone number, name and area of study

or affiliation. Letters will not be printed anonymously. We

reserve the right to reject letters.

CONTACT USRoom J-112 Sanford/Lake Mary

Campusthescribe@seminolestate.edu

Cruelty-Free Options Available at Local Drug Stores:Alba Botanica, Almay, Boots No. 7, Burt’s Bees*, Eco Tools, e.l.f., Hard Candy, Milani, NYX, OPI*,Organix, Orly, Physician’s Formula, Revlon, Soap & Glory, Sonia Kashuk, Tom’s of Maine*, Ulta, Wet n Wild, Yes to Blueberries, Yes to Carrots, Yes to Cucumbers, Yes to Tomatoes*Subsidiary of non cruelty-free parent company

By Michael Tennant

Cold weather, leaves changing colors and football all are signs of fall, but in Central Florida, the signs might look a little different. Leaves turn from green to brown instead of red and yellow, and the hot summer lingers, but signs still appear including the one on Montgomery Road in Altamonte Springs announcing the fall festival at the Annunciation Catholic Church.

The festival, which starts Friday, Oct. 12 and ends Sunday Oct. 14, is all about “food, fun and community,” Scott Stafstrom, director of communications for the Annunciation Catholic Church, said.

“We really try to go out and invite the entire community to come in,” Mr. Stafstrom said.

The free festival brings the community together for three days and is hosted by parish volunteers. Games are played with tokens that can be purchased at the event and food is available from various vendors. There is also music, crafts and a silent auction, which benefits charities in Seminole and Orange counties, Mr. Stafstrom said.

“Over the 30 years, that has been consistent that the proceeds go to benefit local charities in the

area,” he said. “It’s a way the whole parish can come together to do something as a community to benefit the community and have a good time doing it.”

Last year, Hospice of the Comforter, Shepherd’s Hope, and the Coalition for the Homeless among others received support from the festival.

There are 14 food booths offering everything from traditional festival fare to more ethnic offeringsk, parishioners provide a spaghetti dinner inside on Friday night and , while Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers chicken marsala on Saturday night.

“You will not go hungry,” Laurie Bryant, chair of the Church’s fall festival, said in an email interview. ““There is a huge food tent in which to sit, relax and enjoy your food and listen to local musicians or watch the football games in the beer tent.”

Music is provided on Friday and Saturday night, while dance groups perform throughout the festival. Sports fans can take advantage of the draft beer inside the beer booth showing many of the weekends’ football games.

Fun Planners, a party planning company, provides many of the games and attractions at the festival. including arcade favorites like basketball, skee-balll and foosball tables in the arcade. Giant inflatable slides and bounce houses can entertain the young ones. There’s even a golf simulator for the adults to have something to do.

“It’s a great community event”,” Luna Tolunay, owner of Fun Planners, said by phone. ”We do our part to helping the community and the annual fundraiser.”

Inside the craft room, a variety of homemade crafts and baked goods are provided by parishioners.

“The members of the Annunciation Council of Catholic Women create and present hundreds, even thousands, of beautiful crafts and boutique items to be sold,” Laurel Burns, craft chair for the festival,

prevent millions of animal deaths each year, according to the organization In Defense of Animals website.

In the lab, makeup testing on animals can cause animals great pain and often death, according to the IDA website. Some tests, IDA said, forced ingredients into the eyes of small mammals and the animals frequently scream in agony and have been known to break their own necks and backs struggling to escape these tests.

Seminole State College students Barbara Rivera and Mishelle Ortiz de Billate said they both use primarily Victoria’s Secret products, which are cruelty-

free, and that they would not use makeup that is tested on animals.

“Never!” Ms. Rivera said.

However, not all students share this sentiment. Alexlindy Croes, a dog owner who said she likes animals, had no qualms about using MAC makeup, which began animal testing in 2012.

“I like dogs,” Ms. Croes said, “but I’m not going out of my way.”

In addition to the suffering caused by animal testing, the testing is expensive as well as largely inaccurate, according to the Humane Society. Testing a product on animals does not necessarily indicate how it will affect humans, the Humane Society said on its website, and the animal testing does not adequately measure the effects of products on human health.

“Even if you’re not an animal lover, you are still likely a compassionate person,” Ms. Combs said. “There’s no reason for any beauty products to be tested on animals. Most ingredients used in cosmetics have been used for decades and no longer need to be tested in any way.”

Many college students assume that only expensive designer cosmetics are cruelty-free. And while it is true that many high end companies do not test on animals, there also exist a number of low cost cruelty-free options available at drugstores and supermarkets. Parent company Procter & Gamble conducts animal testing, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) website. So, drugstore giants like Maybelline, Cover Girl, L’Oreal and Neutrogena test their products on animals.

Ms. Combs said there is no excuse to support brands that test on animals and the majority of e.l.f. products, available

at Target and eyeslipsface.com, are also vegan, including all of the makeup brushes and tools in their Studio line.

But the choice to become a cruelty-free consumer stretches beyond just makeup. The My Beauty Bunny website also said that many skin, hair and body products are also tested on animals, but there are some affordable cruelty-free options.

For help finding cruelty-free companies, the websites Leaping Bunny (leapingbunny.org) and PETA (peta.org) are reliable sources. These organizations also offer free apps for smart phone users: PETA’s Caring Consumer app for iPhone and the Leaping Bunny app available for both iPhone and Android.

However, Jen Matthews, editor in chief of My Beauty Bunny, said she recommends doing research as cruelty-free lists are sometimes out of date.

For cosmetic companies, whose bottom line is making money, Ms. Combs said the individual consumer has “a lot more of an impact than you may realize.”

“We all have a voice and it’s important to use it,” she said. “By showing that you are only going to support brands [that] are cruelty-free, you can make a difference and push for the change that needs to happen in the cosmetics industry.”

Continued on next page

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE October 4, 2012 3 NEWS

Romney’s Tax Plan: Unfair?By Kyle Yeoman

When middle class Americans are already paying higher taxes than the wealthiest top five percent, Mitt Romney’s tax plan to increase taxes on the middle class could be considered unfair.

And Seminole State government professor Tracy Harbin said she is skeptical that the plan could work.

“I’m skeptical of any political candidate’s ability to lay out a tax plan during a political campaign,” Professor Harbin said.

Mitt Romney, who recently accepted his 2012 Presidential nomination last month in Tampa, Fla., is promoting a tax plan that he said would help balance the United States budget and deficit.

Yet with the current economy’s situation, middle class Americans could feel a heavier tax burden, if Romney is elected and his plan passes, Professor Harbin said.

“My family could end up paying more taxes she said, thus less money to live on,” Professor Harbin said.

For students like Jordan Johnson, a Seminole State College student, the Romney plan could result in his loss of financial aid.

“I could lose my Pell Grant, and could no longer pay for college,”Mr. Johnson said. “There are a lot of people who are unable to pay for college out of pocket.”

Another Seminole State College student, Greg Pilot, said that Romney’s tax plan would not affect him as much because he

is a veteran.

However, Romney’s tax plan could affect Mr. Pilot’s mother who is currently retired.

“She is paid by the county,” Mr. Pilot said, “and Romney’s tax plan could mean cutbacks.”

Romney’s plan, which includes tax cuts for the wealthy, could also make it more difficult for young, middle class Americans to pay for college, Professor Michael Hoover, a political science instructor at Seminole State College, said.

“It could result in higher interest rates for student loans,” Professor Hoover said. “If the cost of loans increase, people could only rely on their own income. Student loans are sometimes the only option for student. The value of Pell grants have decreased, only paying 40 percent of tuition. Student loans are one of the causes of debt for many college graduates.”

Furthermore, Professor Hoover said Romney’s plan for economic growth that revolves around the trickle-down economic policy could increase the gap between the rich and the middle class.

“The trickle-down economic policy,” Professor Hoover said, “is when taxes are cut for the wealthy for more investment, thus creating economic growth.”

These tax cuts will be given to the rich as well as corporations.

“It is a return to the same policies that worked well for a few while not so well for others,” Professor Hoover said.

said during an email interview.

For this year’s silent auction and raffle, the church is auctioning off a boat and will raffle off $20,000 in cash, among other things like gift certificates from Betsy K’s Chocolate Factory,

“It brings new customers into the store,” Betsey Flowers, owner of Betsy K’s Chocolate Factory which has been donating for more than 10 years, said. “And then they get a nice treat for free.”

Annunciation Catholic Church: 1020 Montgomery RoadAltamonte Springs, FL 32714

(407) 869-9472 / AnnunciationOrlando.org Festival Hours: Friday, October 12: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 13: 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday, October 14: 1 to 7 p.m.

FESTIVALFrom page 2

*The church provides free shuttle service from the parking lot behind the Habaneros Restaurant on Wekiva Springs Road in Altamonte Springs/staff photo

Freshman 15: Don’t let college make you fat ! You can beat the freshman 15!By Ashley Crooke

Along with learning to navigate a new campus, figuring out parking and getting to class on time, college freshman often experience “The Freshman 15” during their first year of college.

Dictionary.com defines the freshman 15 as “the average amount of weight gained by students during their first year of college.”

Students on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus gave advice for staying healthy and avoiding becoming another statistic.

Seminole State student Daniela Valencia said, “The best advice I can give is don’t skip meals because you have to keep your metabolism going and take the stairs. I see so many people using the elevator and it’s just lazy.”

Another Seminole State student, Allison Vermast, said she brings fruit for breakfast.

“I usually will eat a banana or something to hold me over through my morning classes,” she said. “And pack your own lunch.”

Along with eating right, exercise can help aid in overall health, but students must fit working out into their daily balance of school, work and social lives.

Seminole State student Chris Knight said exercise is important.

“I am in the military,” he said, “so I run 2 miles, twice a day. Don’t sit around and play video games. Get up and do something.”

And student Anthony Shamro said, “If you eat right, your mind will do better and you’ll get good grades.”

For tips on how to beat the dreaded Freshman 15, one local nutrition expert who wished to remain anonymous, said busy college students can stay healthy by avoiding late-night snacking.

“The most common reason for college freshman packing on extra weight is snacking when they aren’t hungry,” the expert said. “Often students will get snacks, foods or beverages high in fat or sugar content to keep them going into the early morning hours. Instead of choosing pizza and energy drinks, they should opt for something like celery and peanut butter.”

A common misconception, the expert continued, is that fat is bad.

“But not all fats are bad,” the expert said. “This is why choosing peanut butter is a better option than pizza. It’s a good fat versus a bad fat.”

In addition, eating anything after 8 p.m. is not good for the metabolism.

“If you must eat after hours, go for something light,” the expert said. “Portion control also plays a big role in anything you eat. (And) stay away from foods high in carbohydrates and anything fried. If you have to snack, choose something with protein. It will satisfy your hunger and hold you over until your next meal. A good choice is anything with nuts, like trail mix.”

At the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, the fitness center is free for student use and located in the H building (room H-112) behind the Partnership Center. The room includes treadmills, elliptical machines and other various workout equipment, along with a weight room (H-110.) Students must show a valid Seminole State I.D. card and bring a towel.

Fall Hours (Sept. 3 to Dec. 14) Gymnasium Weight Room Fitness/Cardio Room)Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 – 11 a.m. /Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. /1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 7 -11:30 a.m./ 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 - 11 a.m. /Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Noon – 4:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. /1 – 4:30 p.m. 7 -11:30 a.m./12:30 – 4:30 p.m.Noon – 4:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

MTuWThF

By Austin Rogers

Although, there are some positives that come out of using social media sites such as helping people stay connected to friends and family, advertising products or services and spreading news and information, but social media still has cons such as sucking people in and blowing off schoolwork and professional work to play on social media sites.

If people feel the need to always be connected to friends and family,

they buy products such as Android cellphones and Apple’s iPad, which come pre-installed with apps that link to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. so they can be connected wherever they go.

“People do spend way too much time on social media like Facebook,” Terrell Wilson said. “It’s a waste of time but we all do it.”

Yet, these sites could make people feel better connected to the world and that could make them feel happier.

“People want the attention and the instant gratification that social media gives them. They feel connected and it gives them almost an ego or self-esteem boost,” Psychology Professor Scott Freeman said.

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Scan this QR code with your smart phone advertising rates!

(I wanted to see just how much time people spend on social media sites. The above information is from 50 random students.)

By Michael Santagata

Many students would agree that parking is one of the biggest issues at Seminole State College, despite multiple lots with numerous parking spots; the number of students exceeds the number of available spots in certain areas. That’s especially true in lots closest to the main buildings, such as the Partnership building, and the Administration building, where the majority of classes are located.

With limited parking spots for students, finding an available spot can force students to race around looking for a spot, park in undesignated lots and blow through stop signs, narrowly missing pedestrians. The lack of available parking not only causes dangers but can also inconvenience students who may

become late for classes due to long walking distances

Yngrid Lindores, a Seminole State student and member of the parking appeals committee said a possible solution to this dilemma is, “building some more parking spots for the students.”

In addition, some students are forced to park in the faculty and staff lots as the student lots are overflowing.

“Students say that there aren’t any parking spots left for them, so that’s why they park in the faculty parking,” Ms. Lindores said. “But usually, there are some parking spots that students don’t know about, because they are all the way out past building ‘G’ (behind automotive).”

In order to reduce some of the dangers of parking, Ms. Lindores said

students should stop texting and park where they are supposed to.

Another problem associated with parking is the diagonal parking spaces, which create “half spots” at the end of each row. These spots confuse students as they wonder if the car will fit or if parking is allowed. Straightening out the parking spots could lessen the issue, Ms. Lindores said.

“The school should really look into that,” she said, “because they need to maximize parking space.”

One employee of Seminole State who did not want to be identified agreed that the parking situation is confusing.

“It doesn’t make sense to me that the largest parking lots are furthest away from the classrooms,” the employee said. “I

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THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE October 4, 2012 5 2012 ELECTION

By Ambar Wessin, Editor

When at the voting booth on Nov. 6, 2012, students like Hector Colon said, “Don’t vote for Republicans or Democrats but for the best candidate.”

But the problem is that a lot of students are unaware of how to make an educated vote and that becomes a problem when the same students apply for Pell Grants.

“If you want to know why Pell Grants and student loans are cut is because young people don’t vote,” Pat Southward, past President of The League of Women Voters of Seminole County and Political Science Professor at Seminole State College, said. “The politicians of both parties pay attention to the people who vote, and if you don’t vote, you get what you ask for.”

In order to help students make an educated vote, the organization Mi Familia Vota Education Fund set up a table on campus with information helping students register for November’s General Election.

Liliana Cruz, a voter registration canvasser for Mi Familia, said a lot of people came back to change their party affiliation after the recent leak of the Mitt Romney video, “saying that Obama’s voters

are the ones who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them,” Ms. Cruz said.

Still, students like Ricardo Zapata said he is not going to vote.

“I don’t think the two candidates have what it takes to get the problem solved,” Mr. Zapata said. “But if I had to, it would be for Obama because he connects with the people and is in touch with the community. He helps the poor and middle class, but Romney helps the rich get richer…he also fired many employees of a company he used to own to get money.”

But Argentinian Raul Jimenez, a recent visitor to Seminole State, said it’s about money.

“When Republicans are in power,” he said, “I always have money in my pocket. A business of mine went to bankruptcy when Democrats were in power because they limit enterprise.”

Others, like Osmiel Granja who works at the Testing Center on campus, believe President Obama has done a lot since he was elected.

“He changed that Cubans could visit Cuba every four years to only one year,” he said. “Democrats support immigrants.”

Independents like Jonathan Baez, a Seminole State student, said he believes President Obama “got this country into more debt.”

“Where do people think the money for tuition, Medicaid and welfare is coming from?” Mr. Baez said. “It’s being borrowed from China and foreign businesses.”

For Bethany A. Pierpont, director of admissions at Barry University School of Law, the decision has not been made, yet.

“I’m waiting to see the debates,” she said. “Whoever gets elected, I hope, is aware of how expensive it is to pursue higher education and that is only getting more expensive, and would be able to do something about it. I think everybody knows I’m talking about Obama.”

At a recent Republican Club on campus, Seminole State student and club president Kristan Larsen said “the scary part” is that people are voting without being educated.

“People need to be educated,” she said. “I’m a Republican and a Conservative but also a lover of education and learning.”

Seminole State student Matthew Jesak said, while he likes Obama, he thinks Mitt Romney will do a better job for the country.

“I lived in Massachusetts when Mitt Romney was governor and he provided us with a good quality of life,” he said. “I like Obama. I just feel like he has too much opposition in Congress to get anything done.”

Make your vote educated

Want to vote but don’t knoW Who to

vote for?

Watch the three presidential debates

where Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will

clarify their propositions to better the country.

The debates will air on October 3, 16 and 22

from 9 to 10:30 p.m. on C-SPAN, ABC, BCS, FOX, NBC, CNN and other news channels.

To compare each candidate’s point of

view on specific issues, visit their websites:

mittromney.com AND

barackobama.com

Are you registered to vote?By Cindy Villalobos

While students, staff and faculty deal with homework, grading, tests and pop quizzes, November means voting time and on Nov. 6, 2012, the general election will be held across the United States. Some people are voters of 50 years or more, while others will cast their first ballot. This brings up the question: Are you registered to vote?

“I haven’t registered to vote,” Ricardo Zapata, a sophomore at Seminole State who has no plans to register this year, said.

The reasons behind people not registering to vote vary. For some it may be they do not know how to register to vote, for others it could be they aren’t certain for whom to vote for.

“Neither candidate has what it takes,” Mr. Zapata said, adding that he does not think either candidate would have an impact on the economy.

DeaDline to register

Any person that meets the requirements to vote can register at any time, but the last day to register to vote for the 2012 general election is on Oct. 9, 2012.

Who can register to vote?

In general unless other circumstances apply, according to the Florida Division of Elections, a person must:1. Be a citizen of the United States;2. Be a Florida resident;3. Be 18 years or older;4. Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored;5. Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored;6. Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number

hoW to register to vote?

The organization called Mi Familia Vota sets up a table on campus, urging students like Hector Colon to register.

“I already registered when they had the table out,” Mr. Colon, a freshman at Seminole State who registered to vote on campus, said.

He is planning to vote for the first time in 2012.

“It’s important to vote because…you will always need a leader,” Mr. Colon said.

register to vote:

1. On the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, the organization Mi Familia Vota is registering students. They have a table located in the outdoor corridor between the UP building and the A building. The representatives are there typically around 12 p.m.

2. Via dmvflorida.org

3. Online at the Florida Division of Elections website: election.dos.state.fl.us. The application is available in English and Spanish, for downloading and mailing in.

change of Party

If needed, a change of party can be made by filling out a regular voter registration application and checking “Record Update/Change” and the appropriate blank fields along with the date of birth or voter registration number.

absentee voting

An absentee voting ballot is available upon request, but there are certain restrictions. Information is available at election.dos.state.fl.us.

When anD Where Do i vote?

On Nov. 6, 2012, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are different locations for every voting district. To find a district’s specific location, visit election.dos.state.fl.us and click on voter information lookup.

voting Day information

Along with a voter registration card; a proper identification with a signature will be needed. The following is just a short list of what can be used for identification:1. Driver’s License2. Florida I.D issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 3. United States Passport4. Debit or Credit Card5. Military I.D6. Student I.D

ElEction Myths vs. Facts: Via Florida Division of Elections website:

MYTH: Voters will be turned away if they are wearing campaign apparel

FACT: Wearing campaign paraphernalia is OK, but, by statute one cannot solicit voters within 100 foot of the entrance to any polling place. (s. 102.031(4), Florida Statutes).

MYTH: The address on the driver license must match the address in the voter registration record on order to be able to vote.

FACT: The address on the driver license does not need to match the address in the voter registration record. What is important is that you vote in the precinct where you currently live, no matter what your driver license says.

MYTH: If you are a Florida college student, you have to change your permanent residence to your college address

FACT: If a college student registers with a legal residence in a Florida county, no further proof of residency is required, no matter where the college student’s parents live or whether the student intends to move back to where the parents live

MYTH: Provisional ballots are only counted when there is a close race

FACT: A provisional ballot is always counted when the voter is shown to be registered and eligible, regardless of the closeness of the outcome of the election. If the signatures on that ballot certificate and the voter roll matches, the provisional ballot is counted.

MYTH: Absentee ballots are only counted when there is a close race

FACT: All absentee ballots are counted if properly executed, which includes making sure that the return envelope is signed and that the signature matches the voter’s signature on record.

register to vote at

bereadytovote.org

before Oct. 9, 2012 (Election is Nov. 6, 2012.)

@ambarwessin Ambar Wessin@ashcrooke Ashley Crooke

@AshleyVazquezCo Ashley Vazquez@otherworldlyx Danielle Wiebe

@KimberleyatSSC Kimberley Lewis@mtennant71 Michael Tennant

@sabiramawji Sabira Mawji@Tarynrosexo Taryn Martin

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Kimmy Clark, Trish Smith and their team of “maniacs.”

The idea for A Petrified Forest started when “Trish’s best friend who wanted to do a haunted house in their backyard for neighborhood kids,” Ms.. Smith said, but it quickly grew larger than they had anticipated.

“After the second year, we got pretty big,” she said. “With a port-a-potty in the driveway, police directing traffic and all three news teams on the front yard, they thought it was time to go somewhere else. So we did.”

Classic, well known characters and themes are used throughout to make guests’ worst childhood nightmares come to life and welcome them into their world.

“I think for me,” Ms. Smith said, “it’s the way we kind of bring back the old school way of celebrating Halloween. My aunt Pat used to have the entire neighborhood to her house for all the cool stuff. Bobbing for apples, costume contests, three-legged races, scavenger hunts. No one does it like that anymore and I just love it that we can be a part of showing the community how we like to do it.”

A Petrified Forest is recommended for ages 12 and up, but there are also kid (or scaredy cat) friendly events.

On Sept. 29, A Petrified Forest hosted “The Largest Gathering of Superheroes,” with proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Over 100 superheroes showed up for the event in attempt to break the world record for the most superheroes in one place.

“I’ve always been fond of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and just

thought it would be a great fitting fundraiser,” Ms. Smith said. “You know, ‘Come out and be a true superhero for the kids of Make-A-Wish.’ It just seems right.”

The scare trail will not be operating that night due to wanting to focus solely on the fundraiser.

“We will start all the screaming and scaring on October 5,” she said.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2012, A Petrified Forest will host the fifth annual Kids Day for those who do not want to be frightened. Guests will be allowed to walk through the trail and other activities will be available including a costume contest at noon. Ticket prices are $5 for kids and $2 for adults.

“We are doing something for the super scare enthusiasts on Nov. 2 and 3,” Ms. Smith said, “We are having Total Eclipse Nights. These heightened scare nights are not recommended for (ages) 13 and under.”

Tickets range from $15 and $25 depending on the night and/or package.

For more information, call (407) 468-6600, visit apetrifiedforest.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/apetrifiedforest

YOU’RE GOOD ATSTANDING OUT,BUT CAN YOUBLEND IN?

As a Soldier in the U.S. Army Special Forces you will be recognized for your mental and physical superiority. You will be challenged with some of the most intense military training and missions in the world. Airborne. Languages. Navigation. Endurance. Survival. Only the most highly trained and highly skilled have the opportunity to excel within this elite force.

©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

You’ll not only learn leadership skills and train in one of more than 150 career fields, you could also be eligible to receive money for college. 

Contact your local Army recruiting station or visit goarmy.com.

6 October 4, 2012 THE SEMINOLE SCRIBEFEATURES

mean, students have to walk all that way from way out where, [the automotive building], to the front of school. Why not just build the larger lots up front? Or build the buildings closer to the lots?”

Some students said they really disliked the hassle of parking on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus and others said they have no trouble finding parking spots.

“It can sometimes take a while to park,” Ryan Lyn, a Seminole State student, said. “But I park behind the G building, and there is always a spot available. it’s just, sometimes I have to walk a little, but it really isn’t that big of a deal to me.”

Another student, Stiven Pineda, said parking can be an inconvenience if he is running late.

“I have been coming here for two years now,” he said. “I know enough to leave home a few minutes early, and park way in the back of the school.”

PARKINGFrom page 4

characterized by its informal nature,” he said after the event.

What makes Tuesday Voices different from other poetry readings, Professor Harris said, is the informality.

From shaking amateurs to confident experts, Tuesday Voices offered poets the chance to express themselves to willing listeners.

Among the guests were two frequent poets of Tuesday Voices, James Gnaster, a Seminole State Student, and Al Rocheleau, an author on poetry who has attended Tuesday Voices for about 20 years.

“It is interesting to see how people express themselves and show up and the type of topics they talk about.” Mr. Gnaster said. “It’s always different. There is always something new.”

Mr. Gnaster added a twist to the night when he decided to perform unprepared, freestyling his turn at the podium.

For Mr. Rocheleau, who said he makes an effort to come across town whenever he can, it is important to support the event.

“Poetry needs these outlets and it inspires young poets to continue to develop their work.” Mr. Rocheleau said. “If they have a way to get published or a way to be heard by the open mic, it gives them the impetus to keep going.”

For poets too shy to come up and share their work, Mr. Rocheleau said he encouraged them “to just summon up the courage and do it once for the first time and you will be okay.”

First time reciter Ms. Rowe said her poem was written about her ex-boyfriend leading her along and toiling with her.

Tuesday Voices seems to encourage young and ambitious poets to challenge their nerves of sharing with a large crowd. Professor Harris closed the program with his poem about putting up the Tuesday Night Voices flyers as laughter and applause took over the room.

From a three-lined poem to bursting out into a song, Tuesday Voices never has the same show twice.

POETRY From page 1

The next Tuesday Voices is Oct. 23 in the Multipurpose Room at 7 p.m.

SCAREDFrom page 1

You’ll not only learn leadership skills and trainin one of more than 150 career fields, youcould also be eligible to receive money forcollege. Contact your local Army recruitingstation or visit goarmy.com.

Do you have a story idea? Email thescribe@seminolestate.edu We are looking to feature more student activities and clubs on campus!

Launch Your Creative Career Today

SCAD offers the largest

array of degree options

of any nonprofit arts

university in the U.S.

New students may begin

in September, January,

March or June. Financial aid

is still available.

To request more information

or apply, visit scad.edu/stilltime

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©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. If you want to be a leader in life, joining Army ROTCis the strongest way to start. It provides hands-on leadership development. Army ROTC offersscholarships up to full-tuition and a monthly stipend to help pay for your education. Aftergraduation, you’ll begin your career as an Officer. With a start like that, there’s no limit towhat you can achieve.

CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!Call your Central Florida ROTC office today at (407) 823-5383

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