Chalk Talk Time

An annual Keene State College student life tradition and favorite continued Friday, April 30, showcasing the Chalk Talk event’s ever changing and experimental approach. Crowds of the KSC student body explored the event’s many festivities Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 “It’s a celebration of the end of the semester,” junior Anna Cerilli said.
    The Student Government sponsored event listed a number of attractions all connected by the theme, ‘Jamaican Me Crazy.’ The island theme was seen on the event’s outdoor food menu, live entertainment and t-shirt design.  

    Cerilli said the sign for the organization of the event has been in the works since the beginning of the semester.  “It took a lot of collaboration with the [Zorn Dining Commons] and a long to-do list I’ve been checking off,” Cerilli said.

Junior class president Donald Clemmenson said he thought the event went very well minus the strong winds. “We had a really good turnout this year, and I think putting a Jamaican theme to it worked out great.”

    Employee of the KSC Dining Commons Charlotte Kittredge has worked at the past eight Chalk Talk events and said this year’s menu is unprecedented.

  “Every year the food gets more creative and better but this year especially with the theme,” Kittredge said.

    The outdoor Jamaican barbecue-style menu featured shrimp salad, barbecue chicken wings, Jamaican jerk pockets, pulled pork, rice, coleslaw, freshly brewed root beer and chocolate fondue. Kittredge said she was excited for the opportunity to incorporate a vegan option on the event’s menu, as she does inside the DC on a daily basis. While students with a more diverse palette embraced the cultural cuisine, others found it difficult to find what they expected. Junior Matt Lane said he could understand his friend’s complaints.
  “The food was definitely different. Personally, I enjoyed it but I can understand why some people may have wanted a more normal option,” Lane said. “It would’ve been nice if they had all the Jamaican-style food and then hamburgers or something.”

    Likewise, the event’s live music choice provided a distinct sound. The Social Activities Council brought reggae group Anthem front and center outside the L.P. Young Student Center.  Throughout the performance, Anthem’s musicians encouraged KSC students to “feel the love” while enjoying picturesque springtime weather. Lane said he felt the theme created a leisurely atmosphere, better allowing students to enjoy the experience.

   “It fit the theme and they were very talented,” Lane said. “It was more laid back than in the past, a real feel-good experience.”

 Sophomore Kayla Donahue agreed and said she appreciated the variety of music entertainment brought to KSC. “I think the diversity is good,” Donahue said. “[SAC] has brought a good range of talent. There’s something everyone will like.”

  One thing not so adored by the student body was the line, stretching from the Spaulding Gymnasium’s entrance to the Redfern Art Center’s parking lot, leading to the Student Government t-shirt tent. Despite the yellow garment’s high demand, Donahue said there seemed to be plenty for everyone. “It was nice that they had enough shirts… everyone who waited, even at the end of the line, got one,” she said.

   Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Government faculty advisor Paul Striffolino credited the t-shirt’s success to the students. “Anna came up with the theme and collaborated with another student for the t-shirt’s graphic and they came out great.”

   Striffolino said the event’s consistent success allows Student Government to add new features or take the event in a totally different direction.
  
     Tara Nathan can be contacted at tnathan@keeneequinox.com