Jefferson's playground
The center of Thomas Jefferson's original Academical Village is about to take on a new role. Tomorrow, members of the Teacher and Student Community Force plan to convert the Lawn into Jefferson's Playground for the enjoyment of Charlottesville's homeless children.
TASC Force, a community service organization in its second year of operation at the University, invites faculty to work with students in volunteer efforts.
TASC Force, "gives us an opportunity to talk to our teachers and interact in a more informal setting," said Grace Ahn, third-year College student and TASC Force member.
Tomorrow at 11 a.m. in front of the Homer statue at the south end of the Lawn, students, faculty and children included on the Salvation Army's homeless children list will gather for several hours of games and entertainment.
In addition to TASC Force members, representatives from a number of student organizations will help with the event. The Hullabahoos will sing, the University Guide Service will perform a skit and Butch Jefferson, second-year College student and Cavalier offensive guard, will teach the children some basic football skills. Other activities include an opportunity for chalk drawing and a relay race.
Earlier in the year, TASC Force members organized a shoe drive for needy children.
"The shoe drive was very successful, but we didn't get to invite as many professors as we would've liked to," Ahn said.
She said Jefferson's Playground will be an opportunity to include more faculty in community service.
Drilling for perfection
If you see people walking around with guns in the Amphitheather today, don't be scared. Selected members of the Naval, Air Force and Army ROTC programs kick-off their Tri-Service Military Weekend today with their annual drill team competition.
The competition begins with an inspection portion, with the groups divided into three formations. Drill sergeants approach each of the military divisions, check their weapons and haze the troops.
The main portion of the event, the drill competition, is composed of two parts. A standard drill with a marching routine forces the unit and commander to maintain a perfect appearance for judging. An exhibition drill follows, and drill participants have a chance to show off their skills during the more challenging part of the afternoon.
Non-commissioned officers from each of the military divisions judge the drill competition. Although the event breeds a competitive spirit, according to Edward Park, third-year College student and Army drill team captain, the Tri-Service Military Weekend brings the three groups together more than it breaks them apart.
"Bringing the three groups together boosts morale, because you're competing but at the same time working together," Park said. "It's very motivating."
Tomorrow marks the second and final day of competition, with a triathalon determining the superior military branch. Voluntary participants engage in grueling physical activity, featuring pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups, all followed by a three-mile run.
Once the competition settles down and participants have a chance to recuperate, ROTC students will break it down at the Military Ball, to be held in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom.
Navy reigned at last year's competition, increasing the Army and Airforce divisions' drive to steal the title this year.
"Navy has a big program, but we're prepared to show them up this year," Park said.
Compiled by Stephanie Batten
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