Changes to PBA Local

Dear faithful readers,

I would like to thank you for your readership and the overwhelming support you have shown for PBA Local. When I first started this tiny endeavor, I had no expectations as to what kind of response I would get for an online independent newspaper. It was very humbling to receive so many of your comments, feedback and support over our short lifetime.

I would like to inform you of some changes coming up to PBA Local.

I, along with the Beacon student newspaper staff, have come to agreement to join forces and to convert PBA Local into the official Beacon Blog.

Check out the new site here: http://beaconblog.wordpress.com

What this means to you the reader: Nothing really. PBA Local is proud to be able to partner with Beacon staff members and create an online supplement to our regularly weekly-published newspaper. Although our domain name will change, the vision and objective behind our blog will stay the same.

The new Beacon Blog will be under the same leadership and direction and will have the same vision that PBA Local did. By joining forces with the Beacon staff, the Beacon Blog will have more people working to report the stories that matter to you.

I, along with the rest of the Beacon staff, am pleased to refer you to the new Beacon Blog, the official student Blog for the Beacon student newspaper of Palm Beach Atlantic University.

As always, we are grateful for your continued support and welcome all your comments, suggestions and concerns to pbalocal@gmail.come or beacon@pba.edu.

-Mitzi Figueroa
Founding Editor of PBA Local

PBA Local scoop on Spring Formal: an interview with Jessica Twiest

PBA Local reporter Kristina Webb was able to get the full scoop on the upcoming Spring Formal event from Jessica Twiest, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership. For more information, students can contact Student Activities: (561) 803-2561. Send any questions or comments to pbalocal@gmail.com

KW: What is the basic info on Spring Formal?

JT: Spring Formal is Saturday, April 18, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Ironhorse Country Club.

KW: What led you to choose Ironhorse Country Club as the venue?

JT: The location was chosen because it is reasonably priced but also because it is very pretty, with lots of space to sit, eat and dance.

KW: How was the theme chosen?

JT: We chose this based on the feel of the club and what we thought would be interesting. It was voted on by [the entire] student activities team.

KW: Are you encouraging students to dress up with the theme?

JT: Not really, we want it to be a formal event, not something that you would wear a tux for but more formal than khakis and a button down; maybe throw in a tie or a nice suit.

KW: I saw your golf cart! How effective has that been in spreading the word about Spring Formal?

JT: We are really excited about that. We are really trying to find creative ways to get the word out; this is one of them! People give us crazy looks but at least they remember us!

Follow the jump to find out more including info on a ticket price jump and what kind of food they’ll be offering this year.

PBA community mourns the death of beloved cafeteria worker Annette Benoit

PBA cafeteria worker Annette Benoit, 55,  passed away on March 13, 2009 after an extended illness and eight days in the hospital. Benoit was a loved member of the PBA community and worked behind the scenes in the cafeteria for nine years. Details on the specific cause of her death and memorial service are still unknown.

According to the her direct supervisor, Gwen Latham, Sodexo has paid for her funeral home services after her unexpected death. Friends and family members are awaiting for Benoit’s brother to arrive in West Palm Beach in order to schedule a memorial service.

“She was one of a kind,” said Latham who worked with Benoit for five years. “She was always on time, dependable and she was loved.”

Fellow PBA dining worker Francine Walters spent every day with Benoit at St. Mary’s hospital during her eight day stay because she, “didn’t want her to be alone.”

Although Benoit faced various liver problems before her death, workers were still shocked when the news of her passing was announced.

“Everyone was devastated,” Latham said. “It’s still a shock and it’s really taken a toll on everyone.”

Details on her memorial service will be updated once they are made known.

PBA Local contributors are live-blogging the Tonight show with President Obama

Contributor Luther Hollis and Founding Editor Mitzi Figueroa are live-blogging the Tonight Show with Jay Leno during the first late night interview with a sitting president.

Check it out here!


Tonight Show with Jay Leno live with President Obama

Local events: Miami Fashion week opens today

Written by Staff contributor Jen Herring.

The newest international clothing designs can be seen from March 19 through March 22 at SOHO Studios in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. The week includes eclectic food, music, models and 60 designers.

Many Latin celebrities are expected to attend the fashion event such as Grammy Award winning singer Albita, Miss Espana 2006, singer Ricardo Montaner and many others. Other recognizable names include Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Miss USA Crystle Stewart.

“Also joining the 2009 line-up is special guest designer Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, whose exuberant, brightly colored creations garnered her the 2004 fashion Oscar in Italy as best foreign designer,” according to miamifashionweek.com.

As a MFW custom, concluding the night with the Miami Moda and Music Awards® is a must, and will feature global recording artists. Award presenters include Vincent de Paul from the movie “Poseidon,” and Angelica Celaya from the original cast of “Hairspray,” just to name a few.

Top media reps expected to attend are CNN, Miami Herald, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue France and many others. Hmmm…do you think they forgot to put PBALocal on the list? Maybe next year!

The International Culinary Arts Pavillion was recently added to the event’s line up as well. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy foods from around the world, inspired by the diverse cultures of the fashion week designers. Want to indulge in cuisine created by Miami’s top chefs? Tickets are $20 at the door for the Culinary Arts Pavillion.

Dj Irie will be kicking off the 11th annual Miami Fashion Week (MFW) at club Mansion tonight, which features collections by Pascal Joel Weber, Mariano Lumbi and Glavidia Alexis.

Attendees can get tickets for $25 per fashion show and can be purchased at http://www.miamifashionweek.com/tickets.

Breaking News: Students cautioned to stay clear of Walmart to possible dangerous gang activity

Written by staff contributor Marissa Barkey. Edits made by founding editor Mitzi Figueroa.

The Captain and director of PBA Safety & Security received notice from the West Palm Police department earlier this afternoon regarding suspicions of a possible gang initiation shooting rumored to take place at a nearby Walmart location this evening. Police advised campus security to warn students to steer clear of the area tonight.

Safety and Security did not recieve any further information as to what Walmart location is rumored to be attacked or when the said attack is to take place. Either way, mass text messages have been circulating all over campus since the news first broke.

“Upon hearing the circumstance, security sent an email to Kevin Abel, who took action to have the RA’s and RD’s get the word out to students,” said Kara Luffman of Safety & Security.

Many students received an alert via text message, or heard the word from a classmate this afternoon. Residence Assistant to Oceanview hall, junior Jenny Boyer, received the text warning from a fellow student advising her that, “police are asking all women not to go to Walmart because three women will be shot in the parking lot tonight. This is not a joke. Please forward.”

Despite campus concern, local news sources are confirming the threat to be just a rumor. The Palm Beach Post even goes as far to call the threat to be nothing more than a viral urban legend. Curious students that check the Sun Sentinel can read the claims  that the “warning is a hoax.”

“Even if it is a hoax, students should still steer clear of that area this evening to be safe,” said Luffman.

West Palm Beach police department confirmed to PBA Local editors that they are aware of the threat but they can neither confirm or deny the legitimacy of the rumor. They went on to say that they are prepared to do whatever they need to in the worst case scenario but it remains unknown whether this rumor will evolve into action.

Nonetheless, students should keep in mind that our university will continue to face the same hazards in the communities that surround it.

More information will be updated once it is made known. Got a tip? E-mail us at pbalocal@gmail.com.

Local Scene: St. Patrick’s Day Coffeehouse in Weyenburg

Student Activities held a special St. Patrick’s Day Coffeehouse complete with free snacks, Starbucks coffee and local bands. A PBA Local contributor was there to snap some pictures of the scene.

Snap some pictures of an event on campus? Send us your shots to pbalocal@gmail.com!