Feasting on a Fiesta

In the mood for a fiesta?  Let’s face it, burrito night in Lane just doesn’t cut it when you’re in the mood for a real Mexican dinner.  Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant and Cantina is a fun, local spot to satisfy those cravings and experience a taste of Mexico. Founded by a native of Mexico, bringing his recipes straight from Guadalajara, Acapulcos has earned a reputation among Mexican-food lovers throughout the North Shore. 

Known for it's authenticity and festive atmosphere, Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant owns a chain of these popular restaurants which are all located on the East Coast, one of them being downtown Beverly. The menu boasts an extensive variety of authentic and Tex-Mex dishes, catering to the appetites of almost all diners.  Authentic Mexican dishes include mole sauces, which are made up of a combination of many unique ingredients including peanut butter, cocoa and chili powder.  For the more American-Mexican taste, burritos and burgers are also on the extensive menu. Though if you are looking for non-Mexican food, this would not be the best choice.  After all, they don’t specialize in their chicken wings or burgers. But the portions sizes of the meals are large, which is always a plus for a student on a college budget.  The chips and salsa are never ending as well.

What strikes the first interest of the customer is the atmosphere of this restaurant.  Once the diner steps through the doors of Acapulcos, they find themselves surrounded by bright, southwestern colors but contrary to some, this Mexican restaurant doesn’t stoop to the elaborate and tacky piñatas and parrots theme.  Acapulcos is a great place for group parties or floor fellowship outings because there is a great amount of seating throughout the restaurant.  If you visit midweek, rarely will your party have to wait for seating since the place is so large.  Although Friday and Saturday nights might present a challenge for large parties.  If the game is on, the bar at the center of the restaurant is a fun place to cheer your team on.  But make sure that you and your friends get there early; it will fill up fast!

The wait staff is above par; they always seem to be very attentive and friendly to their customers.  And if it happens to be your friend’s birthday, mention it to the waiter, the will be crowned with an over-sized sombrero while being sung to by the wait staff!  Facebook profile? I think so.

For a college budget, Acapulcos is a great find. Most of the menu items are reasonably priced and portions are large.  The laid back environment allows diners a relaxed and fun experience while enjoying a great meal in a well-established and professional restaurant.  While I wouldn’t recommend this for a quiet romantic dinner choice, Acapulcos is a great place for a fun date night!  Coupons can often be found on their Facebook and Twitter pages or for those that sign up for their regular email newsletters.  

Sports on Sundays

Due to the blizzard that New England experienced recently, a rescheduling of a few athletic events brought some to question the consistency of Gordon’s values and conduct.

Sunday, February 10^th, the Fighting Scots were rescheduled to play two basketball games.  While the games were further postponed due to the opponent’s inability to show, students and faculty have been debating whether this scheduling choice breached the Life and Conduct statement issued in Gordon’s Student Handbook.

Since the early stages of Gordon College’s history, there were rules regarding the Sabbath observance that were written in the Life and Conduct Statement of the college. Expectations were that no work (whether athletic, scholastic or otherwise) would be done on Sundays. The statement read:

“Members of the Gordon community will observe Sunday as a day set apart for worship, ministry, rest and recre­ation. Activities suggesting ‘business as usual’ will not be sanctioned or encouraged except where absolutely necessary.”           

After more than 40 years under the same commitment statement, Gordon’s policy changed slightly. The 2012-2013 Student Handbook includes a longer introduction of why the Sabbath is held at Gordon.

“The principle of resting one day in seven was instituted by God for the benefit of the creatures made in God’s image.  Because Jesus declared Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath and because the Church celebrates His resurrection on Sunday.”

With this more detailed explanation, the change was made to the last portion of the statement.  The clause, “where absolutely necessary” now reads, “unless necessary.”  Within these guidelines, the new statement also emphasizes that activities should not disrupt Sunday morning worship hours specifically. 

Vice President of Student Life, Barry Loy, mentioned the reasoning behind the change is to provide a more accurate portrayal of Gordon’s stance instead of changing the stance.  The goal for the change was that this would reflect the attitude of the college, as it’s always been and leave less room for the student body to feel “deceived.” 

“Making this slight change, it would be easier to defend what’s ‘necessary.’” 

In regards to the decision due to the snowstorm experienced over the weekend, Loy gained permission from the whole President’s Cabinet to reschedule the game on the following Sunday, as long as these games did not conflict with worship hours.  Loy mentioned that this is not a normal change that would be made but due to the circumstances, it was necessary. 

“Even in the Bible Christ-followers made exceptions to this rule,” said Loy.  “When I need to stop in the office on a Sunday to address an issue that cannot wait I just tell my wife, ‘I’ve got to pull my ox out of a hole’ (referring to the Luke 14.5).”

Women’s Basketball starter, Skylar Bareford ’14, commented that, though she does consider observing the Sabbath very important, she did not mind the rescheduling of the games.

“I think that playing sports on Sunday is not a big deal.  The Sabbath is a personal responsibility so you cannot regulate people to any one specific day. However, in college this is generally a weekend day since classes are during the week.”

The only reason Bareford saw having sports on Sunday would raise an issue is if it caused others to stumble in their faith or be unable to observe their Sabbath.

“How does playing on Sunday affect the other people involved such as the trainers, the statisticians, and other workers?” Questioned Bareford.  “You need to consider the staff as well as the players.”

Has this slight change to the Life and Conduct Statement of Gordon College signaled a move to a higher liberalism on campus?  Though some may argue that it has, the Department of Athletics is in agreement with the Student Life Cabinet that this is not a decision that goes against Biblical teachings; it simply places the responsibility of a Christ-follower’s obedience on his own self in his own time. 

Crazy for Cupcakes!

The nationwide popular craze for cupcakes has hit the north shore.  Many cupcakeries have sprung up in the last few years but one sticks out among the rest.  Cupcake City in Reading, MA has proved their prominence both locally and nationally. 

Celebrating Cupcake City’s first year anniversary this month, owners and friends Kristin Cataldo and Karin DiNapoli said, "Business is Booming."  These two local moms decided to turn their love for baking into a culinary entrepreneurship. Last May, after being open for a short six months, Cupcake City was featured on "Phantom Gourmet," receiving nationwide recognition for their unique sweets. 

Freshly baked everyday, the cupcakes from this bakery are a hit.  On a single Saturday, Cupcake City will sell an average of 700-800 cupcakes. Often, the local café will have to close their doors early because they’ve sold out of their tempting treats! What makes these cupcakes so irresistible?

DeNapoli and Cataldo have brought baking to a whole new level.  The artistry that is brought to each treat makes indulgence in these desserts fun for every customer. And they cater to all tastes.  Seasonal fall flavors include Pumpkin, Apple Caramel, and Sweet Potato Pecan.  Everyday specialties include Hot Fudge Sundae, Salted Caramel, Maple Pancake and Smores.  Their most popular flavor is a vamped up version of the classic kid’s treat: Hostess.

Each cake is priced at $2.75 each, though on Sunday customers come in for the dozen special.  Whether visiting for a single cup or treating your friends with a box full of fun flavored cakes, you will not be able to visit Cupcake City just once.  Flavors change daily so the anticipation of surprise lingers.  In fact, DiNapoli and Cataldo will cater to any customer’s desires. You’d be surprised to hear the various and intricate cupcakes they’ve made special-ordered for imaginative customers.

Cupcake City has also gone mobile.  Their truck o' treats visits local athletic fields, fairs and various venues that request their presence.  Regis College hosted this big pink truck for the start of their fall semester as a way to welcome incoming and returning students.  This proved a nice change from the usual ice cream truck, while bringing about the same enthusiasm that the beloved vehicle faithfully excites.

Locals and visitors alike have proclaimed Cupcake City as a must-visit.  This small bakery has done everything right by appealing to the local community, providing corporate catering and traveling the roads of Massachusetts for personal delivery.

So what are you waiting for?  Try out what “Phantom Gourmet” and many others are calling the north shore’s hidden gem for the sweet-tooth.

New Soccer Coach Sought, Big Splash Wanted

Gordon has launched a nationwide search for a new men’s soccer coach to lead what athletic director Jon Tymann calls the “longest and strongest running program for Gordon athletics.”

Tymann, Vice President of Student Life Barry Loy and President Michael D. Lindsay are strongly backing the expansive search.

“This is a college-wide decision,” said Tymann.  “The chance to improve and advance the men’s soccer program is a priority for our campus as a whole. “  

“I believe very much in Gordon athletics,” Lindsay said.  “The athletic program is the most visible witness that we have as an institution.”

The search team is looking for a groundbreaking and distinguished soccer coach with extensive experience with Division III soccer. Tymann said he wants to bring a high-profile name, someone with “long standing experience, proof of success in regards to recruiting, a winning track record, … someone who will develop the program to upgrade our profile as a college.”

“We want to heighten the profile of the Gordon soccer program and the athletics as a whole,” he said. “It is the most successful program in regards to reaching alumni, sponsors and donors for the college.”

The decision to replace Johnny Whallon was first discussed at the end of the fall season, which Gordon finished with a 6-12-1 record. The department is in the early stages of the search, and there are no specific names being discussed.  

   

Lindsay said he knows that only the best candidates will be considered for the position. He said he’s confident Tymann can judge on coaching capability, and he’ll be looking for additional traits. 

“I’ll be looking for the same thing in a coach as I do in faculty,” Lindsay said. “By the time they (the candidates) get to me, I’ll be looking at the candidate’s ability to love. Love the game of soccer, the Gordon athletics, the student athletes and the community.” 

Wins bring fans, support and strength to a campus. But the Scots’ new soccer head coach will be expected to bring more than numbers on the scoreboard. The mission statement proclaims that our athletic program, “strives to prepare men and women to be student-athletes distinguished by integrity, winning effort and Christian conduct in competition.”   

Whallon said even when things were tough, last year’s team showed its character.  

“The biggest attribute of our team is the fact that our guys never collapse on each other,” said Whallon. “Everyone can be happy when you win but it’s harder to stay positive when you lose. The atmosphere never deteriorated.”

“That’s what makes this a different place,” said President Lindsay.

GOCOWOSO Falls Prey

On November 3^rd, the Scots’ women’s soccer hosted Roger Williams’ Hawks on Gordon’s campus for the CCC final face-off.  Held at a tie for 76 minutes, the game suddenly turned, much to the detriment of Gordon’s fans. The Hawks swept up the Scots for a loss of 1-0. 

With an overwhelming record of 17-2 and the title of the No. 1 seed, the Scots were the expected winners for the regional finals.  When the Hawks won the match, they earned themselves the seat for the NCAA tournament, entering with a record of 12-6-3.  The season was over for GOCOWOSO. 

The first half was evenly matched, each team making shots on goal and equally defending their end of the field. It wasn’t until after halftime that the numbers changed. Though a few solid shots were made by the Scots’ forwards, the fired shots were defended by Hawks’ goalie, Stephanie Jaques ’14.  The scoreboard remained empty until Roger William’s Kristen Tetreault ’15 brought the silence to an end.

What brought down the Scots’ strong stride?  While the halftime break brought new energy and bite to the visiting team’s play, the Scots’ performance dipped.  So now the question is, what occurred in the Scots’ halftime huddle?

Captain Rachel Ashley ’13 said that the pregame rituals were carried out as usual: team dinner the night before, locker room worship songs and pump-up speech, conducted by goalie, Kari Christensen ’14.  Head coach Marc Whitehouse made the speech in the halftime huddle. 

“I try not to make it anything special,” said Coach Whitehouse about the halftime speech. “It’s just another big game. I don’t want my girls to shoot too high or too low.”

Roger William’s head coach, Tim Moody, said that they went into the second half knowing that they had the advantage. “Out of the two teams we kept the ball better, we possessed the ball better. We needed to just keep doing what we were doing.” 

In Coach Moody’s mind, they had already won the game at halftime.

“I was very pleased with our first 45 minutes,” said Moody. “We were playing into the wind on the first half, the second half we’d have more chances.”

And it seemed they did.

“RWU came out strong and we had the wind in our faces,” said Ashley.

A break in Gordon’s defense and the factor of a strong wind allowed RWU to score the game-winning goal, earning them their third consecutive CCC championship title.

“Unfortunately, there is no mercy in soccer,” said Ashley, “and one error can change everything.”

Though the Scots did not win the championship, Coach Whitehouse was not discouraged.

“I’m really proud of my kids,” said Coach Whitehouse, “they handled it very well.  Roger Williams saw how we handled that stuff - inviting them to postseason snacks and such. They leave saying, ‘Man these guys are classy people,’ and we are.  We played it out in our wins and losses throughout the season and especially in that loss.”

In addition to the women’s soccer, Gordon sent two other teams to the playoffs for the fall 2012 season. Men’s soccer made it to the semifinals in Newport R.I. where they faced the Salve Regina University’s Seahawks.  The Seahawks progressed to the finals with a win of 2-1 against Gordon. 

Though the Scots lost the game, they put up quite a fight.  Freshman defender Dalton Weaner ’16 scored the only goal for Gordon, and also his first collegiate goal, off a free kick made by midfielder Andy Guthrie ’15 in the second half of the match.

The Scots also sent the women’s field hockey to North Field, home of the Endicott Gulls, to compete in the semifinals.  This was the second consecutive year that the Scots faced the Gulls for the semifinals in field hockey and history proved to repeat itself. The Gulls won the game with a final score of 2-1, after a brutal overtime.  

A Delicious Day in London Town

Inspired by England’s historic train station of the same name, Victoria Station is a festive and fun restaurant found on the harbor’s edge of Salem, Massachusetts. Themes are carried throughout the dining hall and deck, featuring boxcars, a train’s caboose, a classic London phone booth and railroad artifacts. While maintaining a historic aestheticism, this restaurant stays current, recently receiving three of the 2012 Best of the Northshore awards as well as an award from Boston magazine’s “Best of Boston 2012.” But don’t worry, the London décor does not carry through to the menu. The cuisine is authentic New England style, including steakhouse and seafood specialties and an all-you-can-eat salad bar built into the wooden frame of the “boathouse.” Though it’s a bit pricey for the average college budget, it’s a good choice for the occasional splurge or for impressing that “good friend” of your's.  Entrée prices for the dinner menu range from $16 to $29. If that’s too steep for your wallet, a bowl of their amazing New England clam chowder is a fair $6. Lunch options are also more reasonable,ranging from $10 to $14. But if you’re able to spend the cash, the fork-tender Boneless Braised Short Ribs or the Lobster Mac’ and Cheese is worth every penny! The “boat” even has a deck that visitors may dine on during the warm seasons. Tapping into the local Halloween festivities, Victoria Station recently held the2012 Zombie Prom event. On Friday, October 26, visitors were welcomed into the restaurant by costumed hosts and hostesses where they had their prom photos taken before their meal. Giveaways and prizes were awarded as well as the crowning of this year’s King and Queen. Throughout the night, Boston’s local Ross Livermore Band played live music for guests and zombies alike. It can be hard to choose where to dine in downtown Salem. There are so many festive and unique restaurants. Victoria Station is a fun pick for waterfront dining. The nostalgic experience of this restaurant is enjoyable even if you’ve never stepped on London’s original platform.

Athletics and Enrollment at Gordon

“Recruiting is one of our best investments within athletics and for the overall health of the institution,” said Gordon Athletic Director Jon Tymann. 

Studies done by the National Collegiate Athletic Association have shown that the success and growth of a small college’s athletic program will greatly affect the enrollment of the institution.  An NCAA research study appeared in the Chronicle for Higher Education proving, “The cohort of student athletes provides for full-time enrollment, an increase in cultural diversity and a greater yield in goal-oriented students, which translates into higher retention, transfer and graduation rates,” reported by the Strategic Enrollment Management Team, “These initiatives also play a significant role in outreach strategies and image building for the institution and its constituents.”

According to Gordon’s Admissions Information Technology Coordinator Jerica Lucero, of the 28,705-student inquiry pool for 2012, 5,252 were marked as being interested in one or more sports programs, not including REC-IM.  21% of the current students at Gordon are varsity athletes not including those who are involved in athletic training, production and attending events.  If sports are such a crucial component for attracting perspective students to Gordon, why does Gordon Admissions supply zero funding for athletic recruitment?  Instead, the expenditures used for recruiting athletes are taken from the already limited sports budget, cutting into the growth and advancement of the established teams and athletic facilities. 

How does this affect enrollment?  Ten years ago, Gordon enrolled over 1,600 students.  Endicott enrolled a similar amount the in 2001-2002.  However, while Gordon enrolled a little over 1,500 students for the 2012-2013 year, Endicott boasts over 2,400 students enrolled. Why has Endicott’s admissions almost doubled, while Gordon’s number has decreased?  Many attribute it to the addition of their football program in 2002.  While this was a great expense for the college, it has been worth the investment.  Ever since this addition, the enrollment has steadily increased at Endicott. 

“I have to make hard choices as to how to best ‘invest’ our budget for greatest success,” said Tymann. “Recruiting is one of our best investments within athletics and for the overall health of the institution.”

This is not just a problem that Gordon faces, but most small Christian colleges do not put enough stock into their athletic program. According to the athletic director of Westmont College, Dave Odell, athletics raises about $750,000 worth of scholarship funds each year, separate from the school’s general budget.  However, he also added, “We do not have a budget for recruiting.  Our coaches often use fundraised money or pay out of their own pockets.”

The success of their athletic program has earned them national and global exposure.  In fact, Westmont’s Tugce Canitez ‘13, member of the women’s basketball team, played in the 2012 London Olympics for Turkey’s women’s basketball team. This exposure may be attributed to the great effort put into their recruiting process. 

“We recruit 70 new athletes, which is about a quarter of our incoming class each year,” said Odell.  “And we don’t get a budget!”

He laments this budgeting choice because he believes that the athletics’ budget is too limited.  If the program puts a sufficient amount of the funds into the recruitment of player to make this successful, there will be no funds left to build on the current teams and athletic facilities. 

So what does Endicott’s athletic program have that other small colleges need? The “Gull Club.”  The Gull Club is made up of “Parents of athletes, athletic alumni, faculty, staff, corporations, and friends… making a contribution.” According to the college’s athletic website, “Investment in our student-athletes and coaches through annual giving allows them to compete at the highest level in Division III athletics… The combined support of the College and the Gull Club will have a significant impact on all of our student-athletes.” 

If funds will not be supplied by admissions at Gordon, maybe it’s time to turn to alumni, parents and donors.  But wait, such a thing does exist.  Though many are not even aware of it.  The Highlander Club was established for Gordon’s Athletics for just this purpose in 2003.  So what does the Gull Club have that the Highlander Club needs?  Supporters, recognition and events. 

“Right now Highlander Club is on the backburner,” said Highlander Club Assistant Mechelle Brown. The focus has been on student involvement, mainly revamping the PIT.  However, students are not the ones who are able to provide the funds for athletes and their teams. 

Perhaps students need to be more involved in raising this awareness and taking part in the club.  If we as students want to see change and improvement in our programs, why don’t we take initiative to see that change happen?