8
ELON THE PENDULUM | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 | VOLUME 1, EDITION 2 Banding together check it out... ... what is this anyway? 2 5 PAGE 7 PAGE Silly Bandz craze reaches college campuses The Elon Edge is a new, magazine- style insert associated with The Pendulum that will be printed twice each semester in the fall of 2010. Each insert will features writing and photography to fit different themes that apply to the Elon University community. Look for future editions coming later in the semester. kyra.gemberling The popularity of Silly Bandz bracelets has defined it as the hottest new fad to don the wrists of today’s youth, but the underlying reasons fueling the fad may prove to be even more intriguing. The brightly colored rubber bracelets, a product of BCP Imports LLC, are seen as being original to the toy market because of their unique assortment of shapes. Children can collect everything from princesses to dinosaurs to amoebas. Silly Bandz are so popular that it is common to see children, or even college-age students, walking around with an arm covered in Silly Bandz and comparing with friends. The more popularity an item receives, the more its perceived as valuable, said Steven Bednar, economic instructor. “Fads serve to increase the demand for certain products, especially for children who don’t want to be left out,” Bednar said. “The amount they value the product increases due to the popularity of the product among their friends.” This trend has been observed with the hit toys of previous decades, from Tickle Me Elmo to Pokémon cards. “Also, if it is known that a limited quantity of a good will be sold, individuals who value the good at less than the price might still purchase it, knowing that they can make a profit on the secondary market,” Bednar said. Toy company executives are taking notice including Gene Murtha, the former head of Main Street Toy Co. “A smart business plan is to take a product and develop it into a brand,” he said in a recent Wall Street Journal article. Silly Bandz seems to be doing just that by constantly developing new ways to promote its product, such as releasing “Save the Gulf Silly Bandz” in the shape of popular sea creatures. The company’s online blog credits the new bands as a way to raise money for wildlife and communities affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. BCP Imports LLC will donate to both the National Wildlife Federation and the Greater New Elon University sophomore Kacey Stark named Miss Tennessee in National American Miss Pageant Local farm has been in family for over 200 years Photo illustration by Will anderson continued on page 3

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Page 1: Elon Edge Issue 2

ELONThe pendulum | Wednesday, sepTemBeR 29, 2010 | Volume 1, ediTion 2

Banding together

check it out... ... what is this anyway?

25 PA

GE

7 PAG

E

Silly Bandz craze reaches college campuses

The Elon Edge is a new, magazine-

style insert associated with The

Pendulum that will be printed twice

each semester in the fall of 2010.

Each insert will features writing and

photography to fit different themes

that apply to the Elon University

community. Look for future editions

coming later in the semester.

kyra.gemberling

The popularity of Silly Bandz bracelets has defined it as the hottest new fad to don

the wrists of today’s youth, but the underlying reasons fueling the fad may prove to be

even more intriguing.

The brightly colored rubber bracelets, a product of BCP Imports LLC, are seen

as being original to the toy market because of their unique assortment of shapes.

Children can collect everything from princesses to dinosaurs to amoebas. Silly Bandz

are so popular that it is common to see children, or even college-age students, walking

around with an arm covered in Silly Bandz and comparing with friends.

The more popularity an item receives, the more its perceived as valuable, said

Steven Bednar, economic instructor.

“Fads serve to increase the demand for certain products, especially for children who

don’t want to be left out,” Bednar said. “The amount they value the product increases

due to the popularity of the product among their friends.”

This trend has been observed with the hit toys of previous decades, from Tickle Me

Elmo to Pokémon cards.

“Also, if it is known that a limited quantity of a good will be sold, individuals who

value the good at less than the price might still purchase it, knowing that they can

make a profit on the secondary market,” Bednar said.

Toy company executives are taking notice including Gene Murtha, the former head

of Main Street Toy Co.

“A smart business plan is to take a product and develop it into a brand,” he said in a

recent Wall Street Journal article.

Silly Bandz seems to be doing just that by constantly developing new ways to

promote its product, such as releasing “Save the Gulf Silly Bandz” in the shape of

popular sea creatures. The company’s online blog credits the new bands as a way to

raise money for wildlife and communities affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. BCP

Imports LLC will donate to both the National Wildlife Federation and the Greater New

Elon University sophomore Kacey Stark named Miss Tennessee in National American Miss Pageant

Local farm has been in family for over 200 years

Photo illustration by Will anderson

continued on page 3

Page 2: Elon Edge Issue 2

2

Be an uneducated voterOr worse yet, be a nonvoter. Make sure that you stay current with the

news and understand the Tea Party, don’t ask don’t tell and the impact

that candidates’ standpoints will have on your future. With midterm

elections right around the corner it is important that students, as one of

demographics that is least likely to vote, register, get an absentee ballot

and vote in November.

do’s&don’ts

Visit dearblankpleaseblank.comIt’s the new TFLN or Fmylife. User uploaded entries are added on a

continuous basis to the site. Other users can comment on and categorize

the statements by clicking on the buttons under each post. Share the

best of dearblankpleaseblank.com with your friends via Facebook and

Twitter by using the “share” buttons at the bottom of each post.

Make your own Halloween costumeWhy spend outrageous amounts of money when a great disguise is

right inside your closet. You will be surprised to find how many great

costumes you can make out of things you already own. Say you want to

be Batman, you will need black Spandex, a black top and a yellow belt.

All you have to purchase is a cape and some face paint and you will be

prepared to take on Gotham City, or the best Elon Halloween party.

Visit a local concert venueNorth Carolina has been hosting a number of great concerts during the

past couple of weeks. While Lady Gaga will not be in town again (at least

for a while) locations like Cat’s Cradle, the Greensboro Coliseum and The

Fat Frogg host live music all of the time. Also, stay tuned into upcoming

SUB events, you never know when a great musical guest is coming your

way.

Take a weekend road tripGrab your suitemates and get in the car.

It is only three hours to the beach in

Wilmington and if your more of a nature

nut, head west to the mountains to go

camping or rafting.

DO: DON’T:

wednesday september 29, 2010

Use paper cups in the dining hallMake use of Elon’s continued initiative to go green. If you haven’t

received the reusable cups or take-out trays take the time to get one.

Not only will you be saving the planet and reducing your footprint,

you will have a new cup to use in your dorm room.

Spend your entire first semester Skyping Your friends from high school are great, but if you stay cooped up in

your room video chatting with them,

you’ll miss out on all of the great things

Elon has to offer. As cliché as it sounds,

there are so many people to meet so get

out there and meet them.

Speak loudly in the study rooms in Belk Library The walls are not soundproof. Others are trying to learn. Enough said.

Photo by Will AndersonFreshman student Addie Haney enjoys an occasional Skype session in the hallway of Sloan.

Page 3: Elon Edge Issue 2

3wednesday september 29, 2010

A “Silly” craze...... or not?

Editor: Sam Parker

Designers: Kristen Case, Gabriela Szewcow, Kristen Wrenn

Photographer: Stephanie Alvarez, Will Anderson

Copy Editors: Christina Edwards, Ashley Fahey, Eva Hill, Lindsay Kimble

This issue’s contributing writers: Brett Batchelder, Erin Bucksbaum, Sarah Dodge, Kyra Gemberling, Melissa Kansky, Megan

Murray, Katie O’Brien, Caitlin O’Donnell, Katy Steele, Laura Van Drie

erin.bucksbaum

By the middle of sophomore year in college, many

students have a good idea about what direction they

want to take their education. Despite their instincts,

some are still hesitant to officially declare a major.

It is often hard to decide whether it is more

important to have a passion for your work or if that

line of business is better suited as a hobby. Considering

whether it would be more beneficial to receive a

degree in something that will allow you to bring home

a good paycheck and be financially stable causes us to

question our motivations.

A lot of the time, students have trouble because

they do not know what options are available to them.

Senior finance major Matthew Gillette has changed

his major three times since coming to Elon because

he was not originally aware of the options available

to him.

“I wish I had planned my classes better,” he

said, “There have been times when I really had to

overload.”

One way to avoid academic stress and still graduate

within four years is to meet with academic advising or

visit the academic advising page on Elon’s website.

According to Troy Martin, who has had eight

years of experience in the academic advising office at

Elon, picking a major should be more about studying

something that has value to you now than doing

something that may end up somewhere down the

road.

Martin has taught the exploring majors class at

Elon for several semesters and said he believes in the

importance of self-evaluation. He said a good fit and

an academic home are important things to have.

“I can’t come up with a list of the best majors and

say everyone needs to be doing this,” he said.

For students who already have an idea of what they

want to pursue, there are other resources to help them

better plan out their course schedules and make the

most of their Elon experience. Links on Elon’s website

can provide students with a complete overview of the

expectations and courses for each major and minor,

simplifying the process of figuring out which ones will

coordinate well with each other.

“Many people are finding about majors in other

ways besides academic advising,” Martin said. “They

often hear about things through friends.”

When trying to decide on a major, it is important

to ask questions not only of yourself but of others

because you can get valuable information from people

with the same interests.

Since Elon has a requirement of 58 general study

credits, students also have the opportunity to take

classes and figure things out before officially declaring

their majors.

“I haven’t declared my major yet because I wanted

to take an intro class and make sure that it was

something I actually liked,” said sophomore Bari

Sisson.

Elon has many opportunities for students to

consider something they are passionate about as

well as something they find will be beneficial in the

business world. Once you are finally ready to declare,

visit the academic advising office in Duke 108 to fill

out a form and make it official.

Things to consider when choosing a majorIs it more important to have a paycheck or passion?

Photo illustration by Will anderson

Orleans Foundation with a portion of sales from every

pack of sea-themed Silly Bandz.

Also, Wall Street Journal writes that Silly Bandz

owner Robert Croak is selling Silly Necklaces and

Silly Buttons, further increasing the range of products

available to catch the attention of consumers.

Elon’s associate professor of entrepreneurship,

Richard “Barth” Strempek said, “Sometimes these

[fads] just happen, and companies go along for the

ride by gearing up production to meet the demand.”

Silly Bandz’ continued elongation of their fad through

making new products perfectly exemplifies this.

Elon students credit the phenomenon to more

psychological reasons.

“The mix of a commonly known object with bright

colors and groovy shapes attracts a child’s attention,”

said first-year student Matthew Barger.

First-year student Kelly Brand agreed, saying,

“It’s a collection-type of thing; kids tend to get really

obsessed with it. Plus, [Silly Bandz] are brightly

colored and shaped really cool. It’s like a competition

basically.”

There have been numerous studies on the

psychology associated with the connections between

children and bright colors. Munir Moosa Sewani on

articlebase.com writes that toy companies use this

connection to their advantage.

“They are quite aware of children’s color

preferences and use color to attract children’s

attention and sell their products,” said Sewani.

According to Sewani, even companies working

for the interests of adults use the same strategies

by using “color characteristics of the trade mark

and emphasizing certain features with the help of

colors.”

Still, Wall Street Journal writes that skeptics say

the Silly Bandz brand isn’t strong enough to last.

Murtha, now serving as chief executive of the toy

company Gund, compares the bracelets to Slap Wraps,

a fad Main Street Toy Co. developed in 1990 that

served as “both a fashion accessory and a bartering

chip on the playground.” Unfortunately, the popularity

of Slap Wraps plunged a year later, so Murtha advises

Silly Bandz to continue making “Silly” products to keep

the brand from becoming a one-hit wonder.

The question remains about whether Silly Bandz

will continue to stand at the top of the toy food

chain within the next few months or even years. But,

whether the brand grows strong and establishes

itself as a permanent product or if it becomes just

another one-time fad, the economic and psychological

precedents will continue to fuel many other future toy

phenomena.

Page 4: Elon Edge Issue 2

Have the perfect tailgatemelissa.kansky

For most sports fans, the party starts before the first game whistle. In the parking lot, laughter and cheering fill the air, the grill sizzles, kids throw footballs and rivalries have yet to emerge.

“My motto is everyone is on the same team in the parking lot,” said Russ Stevenson, professional tailgater who is commonly called Tailgate Russ.

After organizing high school gatherings, block parties and Oktoberfest celebrations for 15 years, he realized he could transform his hobby into a business.

“I went to a Philadelphia Eagles game with 40 friends,” he said. “As we were tailgating, I noticed what fun everyone was having. Right then I thought I could take this to another level.”

Since that first gathering in 1999, Stevenson has organized

tailgates across the nation with anywhere from eight people to 2,000 people.

In 2003, he traveled to Miami to host a tailgate before the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins game. He filled the parking lot with a full buffet, a live band, masseuses, an Elvis unpersonator, a clown, a performer from Cirque du Soleil, trophies and prizes.

“This was my second road trip tailgate and my biggest and most successful tailgate to date,” he said.

He titled the event the “World’s Largest Tailgater” and added the name to his website, which landed him on the “Sharon Osborne Show” a year later.

The theme of the show was to persuade Sharon Osborne to watch the Super Bowl, Stevenson said.

The producer wanted to include tailgating, so the assistant producer typed “World’s Largest Tailgater” into Google and

found Tailgating Russ. “I had about four minutes in front of the camera where

they were asking me about tailgating, what makes for a good tailgate and some of my favorite recipes,” he said.

Although Elon students most likely do not have the same bank account as Sharon Osborne, students can still apply Stevenson’s advice to their own parking lot festivities.

Organization is key

Stevenson recalled a tailgate he organized for his brother’s high school friends. The individual assigned to bring the

paper products forgot, leaving the group without any plates and cups.

“Take the time to plan out your tailgate at least one week in advance,” he said. “This gives you time to delegate to your friends what to bring.”

Even if your plans include a low-key gathering, organization prevents conflicts and mishaps.

“With anything, it makes sense to have a checklist of the essentials,” Stevenson said.

1

4

Pick a number

After tailgating with a wide range of people, Stevenson found there are perks to having a small group as well as a large gathering.

“Some of the best tailgates are on the smaller side,” he said. “You get to spend time with all your friends and enjoy the tailgate.”

According to Stevenson, events with 40 to 100 people are still fun, and he considers tailgates with 500 to 2,000 people “just one big party.”

Arrive earlyLeave yourself time to set up the grill and

entertainment. Entertainment can include anything from portable iPod speakers to satellite TV dishes.

“You have your regulars that live for the tailgate and the game,” Stevenson said. “They will arrive as

early as the parking lots open, which is anywhere from four to six hours prior to kickoff.”

Cornhole, ladder ball or a simple ball toss typically keeps the atmosphere lively and does not require much preparation. More elaborate tailgates may include a bounce house, limbo contest or live entertainment.

Either way, arriving early maintains a relaxed atmosphere because there will be no rush between grilling and the game, he said.

Don’t leave out any ingredients

According to Stevenson, a successful tailgate has five necessary ingredients: good weather, lots of people, a variety of food, cold

beverages and entertainment.Even a college student on a tight budget can

include the basics Food, beverages, music and fold-up chairs are

relatively inexpensive, he said. Food can include pre-made sandwiches, store-bought cookies and chips. Make sure to have a lot of drinking water on hand too.

“If you have a decent day, your friends, food and a beverage you have a great tailgate,” Stevenson said.

4 5

Be prepared

If only it were possible to control the weather. In order to solve any weather related issues, you need to “bring a pop-up tent,” he said. “The tent will keep the food dry and the grill going.”According to Stevenson, all tailgating related problems are solvable.

6

wednesday september 29, 2010

laura.van drie

A certain degree of stress is healthy.

We learn and grow by immersing ourselves in our

passions and accepting challenges. But when you try to

take on too much, the consequences take a toll on your

work ethic, social life and health.

So between piles of homework and endless

extracurricular and social opportunities, how can you

make sure you make time to take care of yourself?

Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep.

Rich Landesberg, Associate professor of

communications, said he’s constantly reminding his

students to eat, sleep and breathe.

“You’ll see students falling asleep in class or not

engaging, and you know something else is going on,” he

said. “They’re up late because they’re so involved and

trying to study and grades are slipping.”

Only you know how much sleep you need each night,

but make sure to get it.

Sleep increases memory retention and staying up all

night cramming for a test isn’t going to get you a good

grade.

Stress affects your physical well-being.

“Stress presents itself in the body before it does in

your emotions,” said Bruce Nelson, head of counseling

services at Ellington Health Center. Nelson said it

weakens our immune systems and increases irritability

and anxiety.

What’s the point of over-committing yourself when

you don’t even feel up to doing your favorite activities?

Landesberg’s main advice to students who struggle with

balance: “Listen to your body.”

Take time to stop and smell the flowers.

“If you try to run up a mountain, you won’t get to the

top,” Nelson said. “Pace yourself. You need nurturing

along the way to get to the top.”

Find activities that you enjoy that don’t involve

excessive striving or achieving. Simply stopping for

coffee with a friend or just taking a walk around campus

can help you regroup.

Some of the best creative moments happen when you

aren’t pushing yourself at all.

Participate in community service.

It feels good to help other people. Nelson recommends

community service since it lets you experience a different

role and take a break from your everyday life.

Know yourself.

Know how much you can realistically handle. With all

the opportunities Elon offers, it can be tempting to take

all of them.

“Be in the power to say no,” Nelson said. “Don’t say

yes to everything, and don’t think you have to. Pause to

self-reflect; say, ‘I’ll get back to you.’ Trust your capacity

to set limits.”

Committing yourself to a few things that you love will

feel better than trying to cram every available activity

into your schedule.

Landesberg said the main health advice he gives his

Elon 101 students is simple: You can’t do everything, and

you certainly can’t do everything during your first week.

“Nature tells you when to pull back because you’re

tired or overpromised,” he said.

Get support.

It’s important to have supportive, nurturing

relationships, not emotionally draining ones. And be easy

and kind to yourself — respecting your own personal

needs will get you further than pushing yourself past

your limit.

How slow can you go?Steps to take to calm down your life and de-stress

6 tips for a successful tailgate

Dress for successTailgate attire typically

consists of casual clothing. Sandals, shorts and a team jersey are appropriate for any

pre-game event. When he attends tailgates at

Southern schools, he said he finds it comical when the girls wear sundresses and the boys dress in ties.

“You don’t really see that before NFL games, but anything is acceptable as long as you’re comfortable,” he said.

To spice things up, you can organize a t h e m e d tailgate and have a best c o s t u m e contest.

“Let your i m a g i n a t i o n run wild,” he said.

For great tailgate recipes, visit http://www.tailgateruss.com/

Page 5: Elon Edge Issue 2

5wednesday september 29, 2010

katy.steele

While traditonally students spend Labor Day weekend

cooking out and hanging out, Elon University sophomore

Kacey Stark was crowned Miss Tennessee for the National

American Miss Pageant. The weekend long event was held

in Franklin, Tenn., right outside her hometown.

Although modest about her success, Stark has won 19

awards and titles since entering her first pageant, which

she won, at the age of 12. Introverted as a little girl, she

said pageants helped to bring her out of her shell. After

years of competing, she’s gained valuable public speaking

skills, confidence and close friendships that kept her

coming back year after year she said. After high school,

Stark wasn’t expecting to do any more pageants, but when

her mom suggested the 2010 American Miss competition,

she thought, “Why not?”

“I keep saying I’m done, I’m not going to do any more

pageants…and then I do,” Stark said.

When she really became interested in pageantry, she was

looking for more than just an excuse to dress up. Instead,

she wanted to find an outlet for her true passion — music.

A Nashville, Tenn. native, Stark is a die-hard fan of both

Titan’s football and country music. She started singing

and playing the guitar her freshman year of high school.

Although the talent portion is usually optional, she said

that she enjoys performing at competitions. Her rendition

of Julianne Hough’s “My Hallelujah” helped her become the

Miss Tennessee Talent winner of 2008.

Yet Stark said it isn’t all about winning. Noting that her

pageant experience has been “nothing like what you see

on Toddlers in Tiaras,” she’s thankful for the support of

her mom, dad and little brother who always remind her to

simply do her best and be herself.

Shows like TLC’s “Toddlers in Tiaras” have led to major

misconceptions about the pageant world, she said. Many

people associate pageants with glamour and vanity, but

Stark said she feels that isn’t the case.

“It’s not about dressing up like Barbie for the day, or

seeing who has the prettiest fact,” she said.

Stark describes the pageant girls she’s met as

brilliant leaders dedicated to serving their schools and

communities. At Elon, Stark is producing a new ESTV show

called “Playlist” that will cover the local music scene and

this past summer she interned for iTrip Luxury Vacation

Rentals, a company that now sponsors her. Overall, Stark

said she hopes to change the stereotype of conceited and

ditsy pageant girls.

This Thanksgiving when many students are driving

home, Stark will be flying to Anaheim, Calif. for the

American Miss National Pageant. Competing against at

least 40 other contestants, this will be her second trip out

to the California competition. She moved on to nationals

in 2003, but ended up with laryngitis. Pending Stark stays

healthy this year; the final night of the pageant, Nov. 28,

is also her birthday. While a crown would be the ultimate

present for any girl’s 20th birthday celebration, Stark said

she treasures the friends she’s made and the ways she’s

grown more than a crown and sash.

Elon student wins Miss Tennessee in National American Miss Pageant

Stephanie alvarez | Staff photographer

Right: Photo by Stephanie Alvarez

Below: Photos Submitted Sophomore Kacey Stark was crowned Miss Tennessee in the National American MIss Pageant over Labor Day weekend. Stark will travel to Anaheim, Calif. to compete for the American Miss National Pageant in Nov.

Page 6: Elon Edge Issue 2

it could be worse6wednesday september 29, 2010

Than wondering why chocolate companies don’t label the different chocolates in the box …

no, you don’t want the disgusting strawberry filled chocolate for dessert.

Than putting that disgusting strawberry filled chocolate back in the box after you figure out what it is ... it was just a little nibble.

THAN WONDERING WHY HOLLYWOOD ALWAYS SHOOTS SEQUELS. NOTHING’S AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL … HELLO: “GREASE 2,” “LAND BEFORE TIME” AND “FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART VIII.”

Than considering hours of XBOX Live your daily dose of human interaction.

Than having a savings account to pay for the fine you will get when you finally decide to jump into an on-campus fountain.

Than being the only student wearing pajamas in your 8 a.m. … At least you’re comfortable.

Than calling all celebrities by their first names as if you were lifelong best friends.

Than never watching “GLEE” until the Britney Spears episode this week.

Than never really making your bed, especially if you never get out of it.

THAN NOT KNOWING

ANY OF ELON’S FIGHT

SONG … AT LEAST

YOU CAN CHANT

“GO ELON!”

Than eating at Sunset Strips five days in a row … it’s the fastest.

{ {

Your favorite person suggests a plan to test your excitement level. Handle responsibilities first, then devote yourself to private time later.

You question the group’s mindset. Clarify your reservations with visual aids. Then see if you can connect the dots. If so, then move forward.

Finalize one more question before you present your ideas to the group. Consider the feelings of others as you add the finishing touch.

Time gets away from you as you’re having fun. Everyone wants to share ideas and stir things up. Don’t plan on finalizing anything just yet.

You want everything to be perfect. You get more done if you relax a bit and accept excellence. Very little is lost in the process.

Find out what delights your partner. Then adapt today’s plan to accomplish as much of that as possible. You will make stunning progress.

Your need for recognition can wait until you’ve completed the project. There’s still plenty to do to make this the wonderful piece you envisioned.

You need personal attention today. Others recognize this and contribute, but possibly not how you imagined. Clarify your needs to get them met.

You need to express your views concerning core values. Associates may see things quite differently and could suggest viable new solutions.

What would you really want, if you could have anything, be anything or do anything? Imagine that this is all accomplished. Then what would you create for others?

An outsider raises questions concerning your goals. A creative plan goes on hold while you sort out the implications. Family members provide key information.

A problem could arise if you become overly anxious about tomorrow’s business. Stick to tasks that must be completed today and use your talents.

The universe challenges you this year to fulfill your mission at work and to develop your inspirational capacity. Make stress your internal barom-eter that measures how close you come to the mark with every activity you deem worthy of attention. Romance may pick up for you now. You need the warmth of contact with others, and you have plenty of imaginative ideas about how to spice up relationships. Don’t forget coziness in the mix. Your significant other will respond to tender little acts of love.

(c) 2010, Tribune Media Services Inc. horoscopes oct. 4 - oct. 10

Page 7: Elon Edge Issue 2

7wednesday september 29, 2010

caitlin.o’donnell

For Jane Iseley, working a 500-acre

farm in Burlington is more than just a

profession — it’s a family tradition.

Since 1790, the “home farm” has been

in continuous production by the Iseley

family. Iseley said the farm was originally

a land grant that a couple bought. A

decade later, her family member bought it

and it’s been in the family ever since, only

getting as distant as a second cousin.

“In today’s society, most people, if they

live in the same community that their

parents were raised in, it’s very unusual,”

Iseley said. “So there is a bond there with

the land, and you feel the responsibility

and stewardship of your generation.”

Iseley hasn’t always been a farmer.

She first worked as an architectural

photographer and has published at least

35 books during her lifetime.

“All of that is important because it’s

given me people who are familiar with

the books and the name, so they would

come buy the vegetables,” she said.

Because Iseley doesn’t have any

children or family members who will

likely leave their professions to work

the farm, she put the land into an

agriculture conservation easement, so

the development rights are down.

“The price of the land is down to an

agriculture price where someone young

can afford to buy it if they wanted to farm

it,” she said.

Because some of the land borders

the Haw River, Iseley said the farm feels

it’s responsible to make sure the runoff

is clean. About two-thirds of the land is

forest.

“We’re growing your clean air and

water,” Iseley said.

The three main crops sold on the

farm are beef herd, organic tobacco and

fruits and vegetables, which include

strawberries, tomatoes and apples.

Besides the commercial cow-calf

operation, the farm has been growing

organic tobacco for 14 years under

contract with the Santa Fe Natural

Tobacco Company.

“We decided the handwriting was on

the wall for the tobacco program and if

we were going to diversify, we needed to

start,” Iseley said.

Iseley said the farm also works with

neighbors who grow crops not always

available on the Iseley farm.

“We had over 30 people this year and

in recent years bring things in,” she said.

“People bring it in and we sell it for them.

It helps them and it helps us.”

Though Iseley has no family members

of her own, she said she relies on help

from local high school students and

retirees to run the farm on a day-to-day

basis. She also hires workers from Mexico

through a federal program.

“They’re hard-working folks,” she said.

“The guys have left their families, come

3,000 miles for six months to work and

they’re excellent.”

According to their wesbite, Iseley

Farms welcome community groups

to pick strawberries in the spring and

visit the pumpkin patch and hayride in

October, but Iseley said the farm is not

focused on agro-tourism.

“We invite kids to take tours, but we

don’t do anything to entertain anybody

while they’re here,” she said. “We just

try to educate them about what we’re

doing.”

Iseley said she most enjoys the contact

and interactions with customers who

visit the farm and market.

“Over the last three years, we’ve

learned how important it is to know

where your food is coming from,” she said.

“The last two years, ‘know your farmer’

has become very important to people.”

Sandy Russell, produce manager at

the farm, said she has fond memories

of a young student from Elon University

who, a few years ago, came to the farm

and asked for help cooking with different

crops.

A few years later, he called her

and wanted to talk about life after

graduation.

“He said he was working outside of

Washington, D.C. in a chain of whole-

food markets and I was his inspiration,”

Russell said. “You always hope that some

grown-up will come and say ‘you meant

the world to me and changed my life.’”

Though Iseley said the flow of

customers is slow this time of year,

and she expects it will pick up after the

pumpkins are cut and the mums begin to

blossom in the coming weeks.

“It’s not as if you own the land,” Iseley

said. “I think the land owns us, really.”

Local farm carries on family tradition

Photos by Will Anderson

Above: The Iseley family grows vegetables, fruits, organic tobacco and raises cattle at their local farm.

Welcomes locals for pumpkin picking this fall

Page 8: Elon Edge Issue 2

8 wednesday september 29, 2010

megan.murray

Elon University’s fall semester schedule

implements three breaks for students. This

leaves individuals to plan for time away from

class. Traveling can be stressful, regardless

of distance, because of packing, arrival times

and budgets. Some students visit family while

others decide to participate in alternative fall

breaks. In order to avoid traveling pressures,

here are some tips on how to make this fall

break, Oct. 15 through Oct. 19, a successful

break away from Elon.

Sleep is one thing college students need

more of, so if you aren’t driving, knock out a

few hours of your trip by snoozing. You not

only gain much needed rest, but the hours of

the trip pass more quickly. For those who are

driving, make sure to rest up before the long

trip.

As college students, we often read a

textbook’s worth of material in a week, but

reading books or magazines for leisure is a

great way to pass the time while waiting in the

airport. Catch up on the summer reading you

never were able to, or get a magazine that you

haven’t been able to read since homework and

clubs have taken over your life. For those who

will be in the car, because no one has mastered

the art of driving and reading yet, listening to

a book on tape is a good alternative.

Out of state students may struggle to find

good radio stations when driving or may

grow bored listening to white noise in plane

terminals or train stations, so be sure to

create a long play list of your favorite tunes on

an MP3 player or CD before leaving.

Before you leave for break, make sure you

have everything you need. If your professors

assigned homework over break that’s due

a day or two after you return, look over it in

order to prepare your belongings and finish

up assignments to avoid writing a paper or

reading last minute. Remember to bring some

warm clothes and a rain jacket for unexpected

weather implications as well.

Check your travel plans. Leave campus two

to three hours before your flight or train time

so you have plenty of time to check in. Prepare

for a cold plane or train ride by bringing a

sweatshirt or sweater as a carry-on.

If you aren’t traveling home, consider

the alternative fall break options provided

through the university. Melissa Patrick, the

international alternative break trips director

of the Kernodle Center, said there are two

options for fall break this semester. One

available choice is the Appalachian Mountain

service trip. Students attending will this trip

travel to the Mountain Retreat and Learning

Center in western North Carolina.

The second trip will visit the Turtle Island

Preserve, a sustainable community in the

middle of the Carolina mountains. Patrick said

both trips are outdoors and sustainability

related, and if you are interested in going,

pick up an application in Moseley 230 or

download from the Kernodle Center website.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 1. For

more information, e-mail [email protected],

and if you are unable to attend these during

fall break, keep in mind that they are also

available at the end of Winter Term during

Fake Break

For alternative break trips, avoid packing

formal clothes. Instead, bring clothes you would

wear if you were going camping. Bugspray,

cameras, towels, toiletries, waterproof jackets

and other items would also be useful.

Advice from “Mom”What to do when you’re sick

Falling into fall

Ways to stay healthy:

* Wash your hands and don’t be afraid to use hand sanitizer.

* Stay away from touching your nose and face.

* Avoid touching people who are sick.

* Sanitize the surfaces everyone touches in your room: doorknobs, the sink faucet, the refrigerator handle.

* Get some sleep. Don’t pull multiple all-nighters.

* Keep yourself hydrated.

* Get a flu shot. This year’s shot covers not only seasonal flu but swine flu as well. You can get one at most pharmacies and doctors offices.

Simple rule in my house: If you

don’t go to class, you don’t do

anything fun until you’re healthy. At

college you decide if you are well

enough to go to classes or not,

but students have to walk the fine

line between missing too many

classes or spreading their illness.

People with cold and flu viruses

are contagious from before they

show symptoms to up to five days

after they get sick, according to

The Center for Disease Control

and Prevention.

Symptoms of a common cold

are a cough, runny or stuffy nose

and fatigue. If these symptoms

seem unusually severe, then

you could have the flu. Some

other symptoms you may have

include headache, sore throat,

body aches and a high fever. Only

a doctor’s test can determine

whether you have a cold or the flu.

If you suspect you have the

flu, be sure to go to the health

center to get tested. The flu virus

spreads by contact, so in most

cases going to class could make

other people sick. If you are

going to miss classes, remember

to get diagnosed at the health

center first, and to notify your

professors of your absence before

class so they won’t mark you as

unexcused.

While you feel ill, stay at home

and rest. Sleep as much as you

can and drink lots of clear fluids

such as water, tea and sports

drinks to prevent dehydration. Ice

chips are also an alternative if your

throat hurts too much to swallow.

Throw a few cans of soup in your

pantry now, so that if you get sick,

you have saved yourself a trip to

the grocery store.

If you experience shortness

of breath, chest pains, severe

vomiting or sudden dizziness,

see a doctor immediately. These

symptoms can mean that you

have more than the flu and need

serious medical attention.

After your fever subsides,

it’s recommended that you stay

home for another 24 hours. Even

when you feel better it is best to

slowly get back into your normal

routine. Don’t push it.

Your body is good at healing

itself, but sometimes we need a

little help.

Remember, mom always wants you safe and healthy.

Love, Mom

bret.batchelder

North Carolina’s geographic diversity of mountains, beaches and bustling

cities lends itself to individuals of all interests.

For those specifically attracted to the colors of autumn, ‘The Great North

State’ provides several outlets for foliage viewing several weeks each year. A

particular point of interest is the fall scenery in western North Carolina, so look

to the trees this fall if you are interested in experiencing a seasonal aspect of

North Carolinian culture.

North Carolina’s Piedmont and mountainous regions are covered in an

assortment of maples, oaks, ashes, poplars and dogwoods. To experience

the full potential of what North Carolina has to offer, it is important to keep

in mind the foliage season of each geographical area. According to Sheridan

Alexander of the Southeast U.S. Travel Guide, higher elevations in western

North Carolina have their peak between late September and early October.

Remaining elevations in western North Carolina are at their best and brightest

between the early and middle parts of October. In the lower west to central

North Carolina, trees begin to flourish in mid October, later ending in early

November. Keep in mind that western areas foliate earlier, so depending on the

availability of your traveling agenda, be sure to check for appropriate dates for

particular destinations in order to capture the best colors.

VisitNC.com produces a program that highlights the strength of foliage in

viewing locations for tourists, called the Weekly Fall Color Reports. VisitNC

also provides visitors with a list of hotspots for the fall foliage season. Hotspots

include: Grandfather Mountain, Hanging Rock National Park, Pisgah National

Forest, Asheville and “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway. Maps

are provided on how to reach each location as well as a “What to do” tab that

lists local attractions at each site. While visiting these destinations, be sure to

pursue local vendors and farmers markets. The complexity of each location

differs, so remember that sites can compensate anyone from the weekend

adventurist to the professional photographer.

If time isn’t on your side, look to the NCDOT website for an interactive

map of the Piedmont’s scenic byways. According to the website, “The N.C.

Department of Transportation has designated 54 scenic byways to give visitors

and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography

and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of

these treasures.” Through this virtual outlet, byways offer an alternative that

allows individuals to take in the best foliage in a practical manner. Visiting local,

more western university campuses, such as Wake Forest University, also offers

scenic routes for students who can also enjoy socializing with friends.

Tips for traveling this season Catch them in the fall