Protect, Serve, and Donuts?

  

   "Protect and serve" is their motto. They are known for a round figure, coffee, and a box of a dozen donuts at hand. Yes! You guessed it, I am describing the stereotypical police officer.

    At Bloomsburg University we have a twenty- four hour open police station on campus, filled with first aid trained, CPR certified, armed officers to keep the students on campus safe and enforce the safety policies of the University as well. Along with the services the officers offer, they also have a Student escort service , so that other students may feel safe on campus and arrive safely to their dorm.

  As a college student, that has new found freedom, a legal adult, of age to smoke, and reaching the age to be able to consume alcoholic beverages the students will naturally avoid the law especially when there are illegal drugs and underage drinking involved. But how safe do the students of Bloomsburg University feel knowing there is a police station on campus along with emergency call boxes located throughout the campus. How much credit or recognition do these officers receive for their everyday jobs to ensure that the students are in a safe environment?

  The day of an officer a part of the Bloomsburg University 

     

     

    

i=I Because we=WE

i=I Because we=WE

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we are all motivated to achieve the sense of belongingness. There is just something about friendship, camaraderie, acceptance, and just being a part of a group that provides a warm feeling inside. There are many ways to fulfill this need, but there is a very special bond that many have the opportunity to experience. This special bond is being a part of a sports team. Here at Bloomsburg University, there are nineteen sports teams including both men and women. Today I would like to get a more in depth look at the brotherhood of the Bloomsburg University Huskies football team.

Walk into Nelson Field House, the scent of chlorine feels the entrance way. The wooden doors leading to the locker room are asking for attention. The head of a husky welcomes the athletes to enter at the punch of a code. Lining the walls of the entrance are pictures of great Husky players and teams. 1960, 1972, 1980.... and so on. There's a sense of tradition, as the eyes of all these legendary men light the dark hallway. Towels overflow a basket and showers run while players are scattered around the room(Image #1). Some guys are rolling their legs out on the black carpet rugs with stitched husky heads(Image #2), while others watch TV. The voices of the ESPN analysts are overpowered by Lil Uzi Vert. A couple of huskies walk in , dressed in grey t shirts and black shorts. Sweat trickles down the forehead of one, and the other has his face covered by a short white towel with loose stitching. Everyone is doing their own thing. Freshman defensive back Chris Monaco shares,

" We just cool it in here after and before workouts and practice. It's fun to just be around everybody, we're always bussin' on each other or dancing."

There are many vibes throughout the room, but everyone is comfortable.

The Bloomsburg Huskies are a very successful Division II program. There have been some pretty decent seasons as of late. The Huskies are expecting much more of themselves moving forward starting with spring ball.

" Were used to winnin', that's why these 7-4 seasons just ain't cuttin' it.", explained captain/defensive back Dexter Jordan.

The team sure has benefited from its winning culture. The other Bloomsburg sports teams would love to sport the amazing grey alternate uniforms that the football team has. The last PSAC Championship that Bloomsburg brought home was 2013.

Jordan also exclaimed, " We're hungry! ..... we're super hungry!"

The Huskies would love to get their hands on another one of those sparkling gold NCAA Division II Championship trophies. On the team staff is a former Husky, coach Chet Hennicle. Being a part of the program himself and seeing the growth adds to his love for BU.

"This University is special to me and my family. This is my extended family", says coach Hennicle

With the leadership of veterans along with young talent brought in with recent recruiting class, energy is high surrounding the team.

Walking out of the locker room, I ran into a group of lineman. Many can imagine this would be a very scary and awkward meeting. Not often does a person come across a gang of guys all over six foot tall and well over 250 pounds. Laughter filled their voices as one guy grabbed some ice from the bag on his shoulder and put it down a teammates pants. Not one guy walking in or out of the locker room was alone. In fact, there were no groups less than four or five. The alternate exit to the locker room are two metal doors with dust occupying the bottom of the maroon paint. Players are going on their way. SMACK!!! Each hand connects with the white sign that reads in all caps, WE ARE ONE(Image #3). 

We have a Theatre in Bloomsburg?

After a long day of work or school, find one's self wanting to do something different in this little town of Bloomsburg, Pa. Well look no further, the Alvina Krause Theatre might be a new favorite source for entertainment.  This old building was originally a movie theater. Then in the late 1970's became a performance theater. Finally, in 1980, it became The Alvina Krause Theatre (AKT) when the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE) Took ownership of the building.
They are not the only theatre group to occupy the space. The Bloomsburg University Players also have all of their main stage performances at the AKT. Karen Anselm, a professor at the university, who has been working for the school and in the surrounding area as a theatre designer since 1985, is the reason why the BU players rent the space from BTE. A little over ten years ago or so NAST (national association of  school of theatre) requires all theatre programs to have an official performance space. " At the time the performance spaces on campus where not adequate enough" she stated in an irritating manner. Needing a stage and with limited options, AKT could have not been more perfect. " My husband (Bob Tevis) was the president of BTE, and I had an edge to make it work out for both theatre groups" she beamed with pride. Theatres always need money and BTE is no different and both theatre ensembles have shared the space since.

 To get to this fine treasure in the middle of the mountains, start walking down the main street heading away from the university, going towards the dollar general. Looking down Center Street seeing in big shiny lights like on Broadway the AKT. Some of the great shows that have been big hits like "Lisatrara, was very popular, and hade a cool set. Bat Boy fit the space perfectly and looked cool. Rocky Horror Show was are the most impacted audience" Karen remember those shows and felt they had the best audience responses.  Going up to the doors to a welcoming lobby with delightful banter and music coming from theater. Before heading up one most buy a ticket to see the show the fine show that will be performed today. Ticket can be perched at the opposite end of the room. With ticket in hand, and ready to experience the show that will be performed that evening.
  Handing toward the ticket holder, she rips it in half and verbally instructing to your seat. Onward up the stairs, greeted by ushers handing programs and asking if you need help finding your seat. Looking down at the racked or steeply angled seating, and find the seat that matches the ticket. The chairs have blue cushions on them, that are not uncomfortable but will be by the time you leave the theatre. The theatre itself does not feel very large but can hold 500 or so people. Space fit the town and is small enough so anywhere in the theatre a good seat but not so small that one can spread out and get comfy.

"Was the most packed audience" -Karen Anselm

   The stage has been set the lights start to dim down and the show begins. To the average Joe, that is all that they will see but your not Joe, and this historic building of Bloomsburg has to so much more to offer. Green room located under the stage happens to be a space not many patrons get to see. The reasoning for the location, right under the stage is that this stage has a trap door in it. Aside from the cool effect this space has a seating area with a massive book self-full of scripts and acting methodology books. It also has an eating area because actors get hungry and it gives them an incentive to not eat anywhere they shouldn't be. In the two back corners of the room on one side has the female dressing room(right) and men's dressing room(left). Both with full functioning bathrooms and eight makeup mirrors. Sadly This part of the theatre has endured a lot of water damage. Karen explained with disbelief  "one time it flooded so quickly that costumes where sooked and it happened in an instant."

Bloomsburg magical gem of a building holds so many memories for all who visit. No matter the show there is a guaranty of pure entertainment. Keeping an eye out for the next show can be apart of a new hobby or tradition. The Alvina Krouse Theatre experience is one that just keeps on giving.

Trust The Process

          INTRO
          As the team enters the pool at 6:00 AM, there's only one thing on their minds. Is it time for PSACs yet? "We just have to Trust It" says a tall, bulky guy with crazy hair. This, of course, is Sam Feiser, a Senior Captain. "The Process is all about working hard and getting ready for PSACs" sophomore Matt Rocchi explains. "From September to March, we have to outwork everyone else" Head Coach Stu Marvin says, "The guys and girls have to work together to achieve their goals."

TEAMS
The Bloomsburg University Men's and Women's Swimming teams have been around for a while. The men's team began in 1959 with the women joining in 1973. The teams swim for the NCAA in Division II. The current team, (2017-2018) has 42 swimmers on it. 24 are girls and 18 are guys. The season is a series of dual meets (1 on 1) versus other schools in the conference, And it begins with a team bonding experience downtown.

Market Street Mile 2017

SEASON START
The season this year began, as it has been for the past nine years, with the Market Street Mile. The whole team runs in the mile in support of the track and field team. "It's the least we can do to show support for Bernie" says Marvin, in regards to head Track & Field Coach Bernie Empie. "We've been doing it since 2009, and it's been a lot of fun, I usually bring up the rear carrying the Bloomsburg Swimming Banner" Coach Marvin explains. Some people run the mile competitively, and most of the team just does it for fun. The day ends with the annual team photo in front of the fountain. The next event to look forward to for the team is the trip to Florida.

Florida Trip 2018

FLORIDA
After a couple months of dual meets and an invitational, the team heads to Florida to sort of "start over." The team goes to Fort Lauderdale to train at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. About 15 other teams are generally there, with hundreds of others in the state of Florida. Coach has a connection there, his wife works for the Hall of Fame and he used to run the Aquatic Complex there as well. "It wasn't very hard to get us a spot there" Marvin jokes; "The Hall of Fame will always be home to me and the kids love coming here as well." After a fun-filled ten days, the team returns to Bloom to get back to work preparing for the PSAC meet.

HISTORY/PSAC MEET
The men's team wasn't historically good before Coach Marvin arrived. Except for a few stellar swimmers (including Coach himself), the team was not ever very strong. When Stu Marvin arrived, he knew he was going to have to change the culture. "When I got here I was faster than any of the guys on the team" Marvin explains; "In 2008, I was 52 years old. I think that says enough about the guys on that team." The boys team, affectionately called "The Bums" called themselves "A Drinking Team with a Swimming problem." Coach Marvin wanted to change the norm and bring the team to the top. Although neither team, girls or guys, has ever won 1st place at the Conference Championship meet, the men's team, who was dead last the year before Marvin arrived, has now been 2nd place in four out of the last five years. In his ten years as Head Coach, Marvin has won Coach of the Year honors five times. The women's team, unlike the men's, has been a power traditionally. They have been 2nd place three years in a row. Since coach's arrival, every record on the record board for the men has been broken. As for the women, only four remain. And all of this is because the team just has better swimmers now. The men's team from 2008, with a few exceptions, would not last a week with the team today. "The culture has changed" says Coach Marvin, "And that's all I wanted when I got here."

2017 PSAC Team

WEST CHESTER
As you can probably see, the team getting second place is a big deal to them, and that has to do with the success of another team. West Chester. West Chester has dominated the league on the men's and women's sides for a long time. "That's the ultimate goal" Coach Marvin says, "To win the first PSAC Championship in school history would be my greatest achievement." The reason that Bloomsburg has not done that is because West Chester's teams are so dominant. The West Chester coach recruits people from foreign countries to come swim for them and that's the difference. The international recruiting has put them over the top. A lot of the foreigners come to the states for the free education, but a lot of them could and should be swimming Division I. "There's nothing really wrong with it, I just don't believe in it" Coach explains.

NATIONALS
The Tuesday following the PSAC Meet, the team sits anxiously at the computer as the selection list is uploaded. Once Coach finds out who made the cut, they get back into the water for two weeks to prep for the biggest meet of their lives. Generally, around 27 people are taken from all of Division II in each event. The last two years, the BU Swim Teams have sent 11 people to the NCAA National Championship Meet. Last year, BU took home 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 10th in the nation in the relays they sent. The 200 Freestyle Relay team of Sam Feiser, Kyle Dix, Eric Usbeck, and A.J. Brady was the second fastest in the nation, easily the greatest relay in team history. As for this upcoming year, that relay from the previous year only has one returning member, Sam Feiser. With the graduations of A.J. Brady and Eric Usbeck, as well as the shoulder injury to Kyle Dix, the team has spots to fill. The National Team this year sure will be interesting.

TRUSTING THE PROCESS
The reason the phrase "Trust the Process" is so prevalent is because that's the team's motto. "We have a different team motto every year, and it's always on the team shirt," Coach Marvin tells me. "The team really seems to buy into the motto and I don't think it's a motto, it's a lifestyle. The swim season is so long, and they really need to never give up, never back down."

CONCLUSION
When it all comes down to it, there are a lot of ups and downs. A lot of things change. People get better, people don't. People quit, people make nationals. A long season in the same pool with the same people can get boring, or it can be the most fun you've ever had on a team. From the Market Street Mile to the National Championship Meet, all along, they have to Trust The Process.

Nelson Field House Pool

Family Owned Pride

American businessman Danny Meyer once said: “A great restaurant is one that just makes you feel like you’re not sure whether you went out or came home and confuses you. If you can do both of those things at the same time, you’re hooked.”* That environment is felt inside of the Millville Pizzeria in the small town of Millville, Pennsylvania, ten miles south of Bloomsburg. With a diverse menu selection and welcoming employees and atmosphere, you can’t help but feel at home!

The entrence from the main road.

When people outside of Millville hear “the pizzeria in Millville,” most people’s mental image is of the Original Italian Pizza, a franchise with a location four houses away from the Pizzeria. The pizza shop is located in a house that was converted into a business and an apartment. The bottom holds the restaurant while the top holds a two-floor apartment that the owner, Tim Mordan, also rents out. The front offers a chipped red brick lawn, and the décor of the outside depends on the upcoming holiday. If a potential customer turns to the right-hand side of the Pizzeria from the street, there is an alley leading to a customer parking lot. From there, a set of wooden stairs lead up to a patio where many customers choose to sit during a warm, clear day. Inside, the walls are painted a dark sky blue. The half of the restaurant by the cash register has the wall split in half with wood paneling. Above the register rests two menu boards that show what one can order. There are some white sheets of paper filled with handwritten add ons, specials, and even the first dollar that was spent when the new owners reopened the shop. In the middle of the restaurant, the soda machine patiently waits in a small divot in the wall. Frames filled with local Little League and high school teams that the Pizzeria has sponsored over the years are displayed near the front door. Pictures of popular race cars sit in front of a couple of the older Little League teams.

The cash register area with an array of signs.

Ronnie Earnest, a long-time resident of the area, explained that “The Pizzeria has always been a ‘hometown’ restaurant, going back to when Rob Bower owned back at the Gris Mill.” The Gris Mill is what gave Millville its name, so to have a business that means so much to the town says a lot about the Pizzeria as a whole. The Pizzeria has been through many owners throughout the years. Most recently, Tim and Georgiana “Gege” Mordan bought the Pizzeria three years ago. Owning this restaurant completed a dream that Tim has had for many years. He reminisced on taking drives with Gege and “comment on what I thought a restaurant needed to fix. I thought it would be interesting to own a business.” Tim and his wife have only owned the business for three short years, but many improvements can be seen. Lexus Mordan, who has worked for both Tim and the previous owner, can attest to these improvements. She remarked that “I feel like our menu is more organized. Everything in general is more organized.”

Food is the arguably main reason people come to a restaurant. While the atmosphere is excellent and woven into the community of Millville, the menu also has much to offer. It is split into about ten different categories. Tim boasts that there are about 115 items on the menu and he hopes to expand it even more. The menu is already overflowing with options, so to some it seems impossible to expand! Cheesesteaks, hot dogs, wraps, and wings are already on the menu, among many other options. To check out the long list yourself, follow this link to their Facebook page where the menu is conveniently placed. With so many options, how does a person pick what they want? Here are some suggestions from the people close to the Pizzeria: Ronnie prefers a cheesesteak wrap or broccoli bites, “because they taste like broccoli cheddar soup when they are cold.” Lexus, however, suggests a cheesesteak in the garden or a Meatlover’s pizza. She reasoned that a cheesesteak is one of the best-selling sub on the menu, and she feels that the Meatlover’s pizza has so many different meats that it makes it more filling.

Besides the menu, what sets the Pizzeria apart from other shops across the area? Tim had a hard time answering this question, so he asked for assistance from a customer for his input. The older man, also intrigued by the question, pondered his answer for a second. The customer commended the local business for having delivery in such a rural area. He also praised the consistency of the food. Tim thanked the customer for his input and had an answer based upon the customer’s guidance: “The quality of our product. Each person does it different but when it’s done correctly, it’s great. We also have great relationships with our customers.” Customer relationships are the key to any business, which the Pizzeria’s popularity highlights. “We have a variety of customers,” Tim explains. People from all walks of life walk into the Pizzeria: people dressed in nice, office attire to people fresh off of their blue-collar job in a pair of dirty blue jeans and a grimy shirt to show off how hard they work. “Anywhere from one person knowing exactly what they want when they walk into the door, to people who talk between three to five minutes to decide what they want.” The Pizzeria has many regulars whose meal is easy to guess, as they rarely stray from their favorite meal. The employees are helpful to the new customers, directing them to a choice depending on what they are craving.

The Millville Pizzeria is a wonderful restaurant for many reasons, especially because its atmosphere helps you feel right at home. Additionally, its excellent food in combination with the good customer service and its standing in the community help establish it as a restaurant worthy of your hard-earned money. The employees are welcoming, helping, and cheerful. Customers love the “dinner and a show” aspect that many of the employees joke about since the Pizzeria is just one happy family that is ready to add more. Are you the next member?

*Meyer, Danny. “Danny Meyer Quotes.” BrainyQuote, Xplore, www.brainyquote.com/quotes/danny_meyer_704168?src=t_restaurant.

Awkward Beginnings: From Chinese Native to First Generation American

             Describing how his English was only "book English" and had no application in real conversation, no wonder Chinese native Dr. Jing Luo initially had trouble adapting to a western culture. At a stature of 5'5", his professorial attire consists of square-shaped black glasses, light-blue dress shirt, and black slacks. This outfit he wears so often, as a professor of Chinese at Bloomsburg University, you'd think Dr. Jing Luo dons a uniform. Despite his composed and businesslike appearance, his first experiences in the West were far from perfect.
            

Peking University Library (1)

 Dr. Luo came to America as a result of a complicated hosting process between two universities. This undertaking began when the language department of Peking University in Beijing hosted a Penn State professor of philosophy because he spoke English. Regardless of his lack of fluency in English, Penn State's language department hosted Dr. Luo because he taught French and spoke Chinese. Though it may sound easy, the process of coming to the United States from China proved to be elaborate for Dr. Luo.
               To even get permission to go to the U.S., he was required to have two years of work experience at Peking University, something he'd already fulfilled. Additionally, the language and human resources department of Peking University, the local police, and the neighborhood committee all had to stamp his visa. Further complicating the matter, each entity had differing times of availability and dissimilar levels of cooperation. However, this lengthy process served as a stark contrast to America's much more open immigration systems.                    To enter the United States and teach at Penn State, Dr. Luo obtained a teacher visa sponsorship from the U.S. government. After living in America for some time, he was able to apply to become a citizen via a citizenship test. This exam included questions regarding the current President of the United States, number of representatives in the House and Senate, and the number of stars on the U.S. flag. To learn more about immigration, watch the following video:

             For many immigrants, adapting to a new culture's society and ideals proves a difficult task. Dr. Luo's difficulties presented themselves in the form of the teaching environment. He explains that "Chinese students are much more studious and disciplined, they have no weekends, no holidays, just study. While in America, many students don’t show up to class, don’t pay attention, and make excuses like 'bitten by a secluded yellow spider' ”. The lack of discipline shown by American students forced him to remove attendance as a requirement for his classes. He instead chose to deliver unannounced pop quizzes to make up that portion of the grade. Additionally, his lack of English fluency only added to the culture shock based confusion he felt as an immigrant. 

An aerial view of JFK Airport (2)

For instance, when Dr. Luo landed at JFK airport in NYC, he attempted to get a ticket for an airport shuttle bus to where he was staying in Pennsylvania. But because of his almost incomprehensible English, it took him half an hour.  Upon reaching his destination, his bus driver handed him his suitcase, and it suddenly bust open, sprawling his bedsheets all across the worn black asphalt. After helping Dr. Luo collect his sheets, the bus driver inquired, "Y'know you can get bedsheets here, right? Ya didn't have to bring yours." Embarrassing experiences like this plagued Dr. Luo's first few years in America but he never thought of going back permanently.
 Even though China is his home country, Dr. Luo only visits home only twice a year for study abroad sessions to Beijing, hosted in part both by Bloomsburg University and Beijing Normal University. Seeing as he visits China so rarely, he feels more naturalized in America than when he first came. To him, America appears more comfortable than China because the government is more lenient on its citizens. For example, his first call home to China when he arrived to the U.S. was rudely interrupted by a Chinese government worker who interjected: "You don't spread rumor!" and promptly let him continue his conversation. Unsurprisingly, the Chinese government has not let up on its persistent overseeing of its residents, continually updating their methods with the advance of technology. Today China uses programs that look for keywords in everything sent within, from, and to the country, such as emails, texts, and so on. If any of these keywords are deemed by the program to be used in a treasonous way, a government worker will manually read it and decide if the sender is betraying the communist party.
Hardships like these contribute to the various reasons people decide to emigrate. So, although living in the United States was an initially terrifying and uncomfortable experience for Dr. Luo, his life would not be the same without immigration. Immigrants' experiences differ from person to person, but Dr. Luo's time in America has proven to be both positive and beneficial for his life.

Picture Sources:

1. https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294212-d553592-i75699038-Peking_University_Beijing_Da_Xue-Beijing.html

2. https://www.book2park.com/airport/jfk-airport-parking

Beyond the Mat

As visitors walk into the Mount Carmel Area locker room, they are greeted by a strangely different atmosphere. The quite disgusting smell of sweaty feet and victory. A large black and white painting grabs visitors attention as they walk through the aisle of lockers. That championship painting reads,"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional." Around halfway down the aisles you see a bright light and a very familiar face here at MCA. Coach Steven Pesarchik always has a smile on his face glistening from ear to ear as he waits for you to shake his hand before engaging in conversation. Then you hear the iconic,"How's it going?" The minuscule man may not look like much at first glance, but he didn't get the nickname "Mini Missile" for nothing. He only stands at about 5'0" with brown eyes and a shaved head, but looks can always be deceiving.

"Seeing Coach Pesarchik isn't a very rare situation around here," says Greg Sacavage, our Athletic Director here at MCA. "You can see him anywhere from the gym, to the wrestling room, or even here at the athletic office. Heck, I've even seen him all the way in Shop Class!" Coach Pesarchik is just a wonderful and friendly personality to have here on campus, and I'm sure that most of the faculty and students here can agree. Pesarchik has been coaching at MCA for about 10 years now and he doesn't think he's ever going to give it up. "Not until the school board has to carry me out of here," he says. His favorite part of wrestling is, "The fact that it's a one-on-one sport. No sorry excuses. No blaming anybody else for your mistakes. Just you and him."

After meeting with Pesarchik, you exit the locker room and continue down the hallway. As you inch closer and closer past some classrooms, near the end of the hallway, you begin to hear whistles blowing, bodies hitting the floor, and the occasional grunt as well. Now, this forbidden place may be intimidating to just an average Joe, but Pesarchik thrives in this room. The second he walks through that door, that lovely little man turns into your worst nightmare.

"On the line," says Pesarchik. "We're going to do some conditioning today."
Sophomore Shane Gudonis says, "This is dumb. We run every single day."
Without hesitation, Pesarchik points to the door and says absolutely nothing. Everyone in the room, including Gudonis, knows what he means.
This time, without any back-talk, Gudonis replies, "yes sir."

Once you step into the gym, it's a whole different story. Red and white banners from previous district champions, state champions, and the all mighty 100-Win Club completely cover the walls. Fellow previous coaches have their names set in stone on this banner but Steve Pesarchik's definitely stands out the most, carrying a whopping 112 high school wins. It's not just Pesarchik's charm or his athletic ability that causes people to fall in love with him. It's his work ethic, which he's had ever since he was a little boy that got him this far in life and will likely also carry him through many more years as a coach.

It's Not Just About The Hair, It's About The Experience

Did you ever have a bad hair day? Look into the mirror and wonder, "Should I curl or straighten my hair?" and then just give up because it looks so bad? Well now your day can change if you take a stop at Renee Nicole's Salon on Route 61, in Shamokin, Pa. Not only can you get your hair cut, colored, or styled, but you can also get your nails done too. Renee Nicole's Salon can make any customer feel beautiful when having a bad hair day.

As clients walk into the salon, the manager greets them with the offer of a beverage or a snack while they wait for their name to be called back. Fuzzy white chairs with sequined pillows on them, invite customers to fall into the cozy environment. Some go after magazines from the rack, looking for the latest hairstyles, while others sit back and relax watching the TV hanging on the wall. Then as the customers come around the partitioned wall, they will see five black and silver salon chairs. Each area is equipped with a mirror on the wall and a cart with their own blow dryer, curling iron, comb, brush, and you can't forget the scissors.

Lead stylist, Barb Wascavage, who has been a beautician for almost 29 years, first started in her own shop which was in a little garage that she designed herself in her backyard and worked there from 1995-2015. She got a lot of people that came to her. Recently she started working at Renee Nicole's Salon in December of 2016. "Having my own shop was great, especially because you get better pay, but working for someone else is so much easier". She went on by explaining on how she started working four years ago at a high end place in Reading and still continues to work there because she still gets trained and takes classes there to keep up with all the new styles coming in. 

Barb, who is an amazing hairdresser, has a lot of clients that are constantly talking about how much they love what she does. She has been dedicated to her job and is very caring and a passionate person.  For a lady who stands 5'2 with a little attitude, brown eyes and shiny brown hair , she surely knows how to make someone feel good about themselves. She has done so many different hairstyles from just a simple coloring of the hair to the new thing out called a Balayage. Everything that Barb does, she is very good at.

"I really enjoy coming to Renee Nicole's . It's a time where I feel stress free and can relax. Barb always makes me feel beautiful, that's why I love her." said Carrie Steinhart, a client who gets her hair done by Barb. She also stated how glad she was for Barb to be back in the area and out of Reading because she would have to travel over an hour just to get her hair done and it was just a struggle.

Most customers, when they end up leaving the hair salon always talk about how much they feel like a new and improved person. They continue on by saying how they just love everyone who works there and how everyone is just so polite. Abby Hager, who is a new client at Renee Nicole's went on by saying how she is so glad she came here instead of going to Holiday Hair. "I have nothing against Holiday Hair, I just really like the people and everyone here. For it only being my first time here, I felt like I've been coming here for years they way the works talk to me and make me feel so comfortable".