I I News Page 5 Vandalism and Theft Dampen Mixers College Visitors Deface Salem Community Money Box Stolen During College Mixer by Suzan Ecmekci On September 4, the traditional Freshman Mixer was held in the Old G)mi. During and after the mixer, approximately seven signs were stolen from Home Moravian Church, Salem College, and the Old Salem community. The signs stolen, which included an informational shadow box near Gramley Dorm and several traffic signs, removed vital information needed by tourists and others in the community. Besides making data less accessible, vandalism occurring during Salem functions has a negative reflection on the school. Dr. Robinson of the Home Moravian Church has been in the community since 1977. He emphasizes that this is his personal opinion, but he is dismayed that students want to deface Old Salem. Dr. Robinson stated the fact that vandalism is not the only unfortunate thing to have occurred at Salem functions. Approximately one year ago an intoxicated male jumped a fence behind Home Moravian before realizing there was a twenty foot drop. He broke an arm and a leg and sustained cuts from a window he broke during his fall. Other community complaints regarding Salem have included parking, beer cans, and the use of lawns as urinals. Salem College has attempted to cultivate the friendship of Home Moravian and Old Salem, but incidents such as those at the Freshman Mixer make this process difficult. Dr. Robinson describes the current relationship between Home Moravian and the College as one of "peaceful coexistence." Salem adds to this by inviting community members to events such as Fall Fest. The eight men accused of the theft of signs were apprehended because a Salem student reported the event to Public Safety. The signs were found in the back of a car, and those responsible for their destruction will have to pay for their replacement. Vandalism is on the rise on the Salem College campus. Last year, only one small vase was taken, but it was returned. Many signs on campus and in the surrounding Old Salem area have been stolen or broken. The first noticeable signs of vandalism and campus disturbances were seen during the Freshman Mixer. During this event, signs were taken, and men were involved in several small incidents around campus. Two days before the Midnight at the Oasis Mixer, two men were caught on top of Babcock Dormitory. At the mixer itself, a WFU man stole the money box, the combination to Babcock was given out, more signs were taken, someone in Strong had a purse stolen, and men smashed a screen at South. Several of the perpetrators have been caught. The man accused of stealing the money box by Jenny Muench faces two counts of resisting arrest and one count of larceny. The case was scheduled for trial, but the defendent did not appear. The case is not yet resolved. An investigation is still pending in the case of the men on the roof. No damage was done in that case. The people who smashed a screen at South have not been caught. More thefts were reported during Interclub Weekend, but the events themselves went smoothly. Public Safety Director Steve Hampton says this of the recent events: "The students have been really cooperative in helping us locate people. It was because of student efforts that so many of the signs have been returned, and a student was instrumental in the return of the cash box at the mixer. It shows evidence of Salem students helping Salem-we need that kind of cooperation." College Plans For Student Center by Jenny Muench What does every campus have that Salem College does not? Wake Forest University has a student bank where students can get money any time. Duke University has many restaurants on their campus. Elon College has racquetball courts and an active dramatic guild. All of these colleges and universities have their own post offices and more recreational facilities that Salem has. What is being done about this? A fund was started by last year's seniors and Parents' Board to create a Student Commons for Salem students. Where would this new Student Commons go? Dr. Litzenburg and the Parents' Board have decided to rebuild the Old Gym. In it would be a snack bar, student government offices, a post office, and a recreational area. Plans for the construction of the Student Commons were started in 1980, but during this time the new gym complex was being built and there was not enough money for both projects. The new sports complex was even diminished in scale to accomodate the future Student Commons. Raquetball courts and dance studios were eliminated from the plans. & NumtDers •Word Processing • 24-Hour Service • Business Cards & Forms •Data Base Management • Buik Maiiing • Mailing Lists Carolyn & Jonathan Foster 126 N. Cherry Street 919-996-1944 Kernersville, N.C. 27284 Dr. Litzenburg stated quite forcefully, "As long as there is a post office in the new Student Commons, I will cheerfully begin building early on this project." The other things to be included will be decided by the faculty, students, staff, and Parents' Board. Dr. Litzenburg's adamance over the inclusion of a post office is due to the fact that every college that has one has a center for its activity. The post office will attract students to the center daily. Dr. Litzenburg and Parents' Board wish to begin the project in about two years with or without the proper funds. ARTIST SUPPUES Expert Custom Framing jKOED/ig Eawmanai' Hanes Mall 765-6054

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