Soled on TOMS Shoes
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeApril 20, 2009
Company provides footwear for children in poor countries When Blake Mycoskie traveled to Argentina in 2006 and witnessed the thousands of children without shoes on their feet, he knew he wanted to help. Not only does not wearing shoes lead to cuts, sores and serious foot infections, but many children in these third-world countries are also denied an education because of strict dress codes pertaining to footwear. Therefore, Mycoskie created TOMS shoes to help alleviate this problem and promote... Read more »
Eating Green on Campus
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeApril 9, 2009
Vegetarian. Vegan. Semi-vegetarian. While these may sound like strange terms to some, many JMU students subscribe to these lifestyles, which greatly affect their everyday eating habits on campus. HEALTHY CHOICES Sophomore Heather Lawrence, who has been a vegetarian for seven years, has grown accustomed to a vegetarian lifestyle. Lawrence first became a vegetarian in middle school, because of her love for animals. Now, her reasoning for being a vegetarian goes far beyond her choice as a seventh-grader. “When... Read more »
Heard It Through the Grapevine
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeApril 2, 2009
In the small, country town of Edinburg, about 30 minutes from JMU, lies the oldest winery in the Shenandoah Valley. With a scenic drive up 81 North, the peaceful, winding roads ultimately approach the destination: the beautiful 26-acre Shenandoah Vineyard, featuring rolling hills covered in grape vines. Owners Jim and Emma Randel opened this business in 1976. And while the vineyard started off as a small-scale operation, there are now 11 types of grapes grown there, such as Riesling, Vidal and Villard... Read more »
Masquerade!
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeMarch 30, 2009
Noble lords and ladies floated about the room in extravagant, colorful gowns and sparkling masks. Music played gently in the background, and couples paired off to perform their dances. While it may seem to be, this was not an 18th-century ball set in France. Rather, the Marie Antoinette Masquerade Ball took place at JMU in Transitions on Saturday night. This third annual historical dance was hosted by the Madison Historians, a club that brings students who have a common interest in history together... Read more »
Notable Names of Student Homes
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeMarch 5, 2009
People are always giving something a name, whether it’s naming their old, raggedy stuffed animal they’ve had since they were two, or dubbing their rundown station wagon “Saab Saget.” More often than not these names have an interesting story behind them. But, what about when a house has a name? Here’s a look at seven houses in the ’Burg that each has a unique name and personality of its own. Tree Haus Senior Josh Burnette lives in the Tree Haus on Mason Street with seven other men. Tree... Read more »
Not All Fairytale Endings Involve a Prince Charming
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeFebruary 26, 2009
“JMU: It’s where you come to meet your bridesmaids, not find your husband.” This is a common slogan for the university. When I came here as a freshman, upperclassmen warned me that yes, JMU is amazing, but that I definitely wouldn’t be leaving with a ring on my hand. Now as a senior, I am aware of this daily. I frequently notice the extreme lack of men in all of my journalism classes or the swarm of girls forming dance parties on weekend nights. Maybe once in a while, you’ll catch a glimpse... Read more »
Whistling Record Unbroken
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeFebruary 26, 2009
HARRISONBURG, Va. — From whistling in the shower to happily tooting a tune while reading the newspaper, whistling isn’t something people give much thought to. But a group of students considered this simple activity and gathered together in Transitions on Sunday in attempt to break the world record for most people whistling at one time. Unfortunately, not enough people came to take part in the record-breaking attempt. They needed 126, but those 40 or so who did show up were eager and ready, many... Read more »
Think Outside the Elliptical Machine
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeFebruary 19, 2009
UREC offers a variety of Group fitness classes HARRISONBURG, Va. — Many people can sum up their experiences at UREC in one word: routine. While hundreds of students visit the multi-million-dollar gym, few deviate from their chosen exercise methods. Whether it be 30 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes of weight lifting or an hour of swimming, most gym-goers have their own personal gym habits. But, is that all UREC has to offer? Not even close. I took a different class every day for six days in... Read more »
It’s All in the Family
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeFebruary 12, 2009
Jess’ Quick Lunch downtown, has long-standing history HARRISONBURG, Va. — The smell of burgers and ’dogs wafts through the air as one walks under the large blue and white sign for Jess’ Quick Lunch in downtown Harrisonburg. While it may look like an average, run-of-the-mill diner at first glance, this 89-year-old Harrisonburg establishment has a fascinating tale of family history and life inside its wall. George Floros, 45, the current owner of one of the town’s favorite fast food joints,... Read more »
Learning the Art of Costume Creation
By Rachel Chemerynski, The BreezeJanuary 29, 2009
HARRISONBURG, Va. — A picture is enlarged on a projection screen. It’s just a picture of a young woman standing on the street. Right? Not to the students enrolled in Pam Johnson’s Costume Design class, who collectively pointed out aspects of the woman’s outfit, from the “striking yellow” in her top to the lines created by the overall design. “And you don’t ignore the shoes,” Johnson shouted, referring to the jet-black boots the woman sported. “They’re really very important.” One... Read more »

