Cider and Solarium

Charles Stish, staff writer

On the cool morning of Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and warm, friendly discussion on life and religion were offered by members of Cru at PVCC for all students and faculty members.

Simply called “Cider and Soularium,” Cru set up tables and a small stand of PVC pipe where pictures ranging from mountain vistas to unhappy people were set. This is a technique called solarium, and Cru used the pictures to intrigue and converse with their guests.

“That’s how we get people to describe their life,” said Mark Seymour, a Cru member. “The three photos they select first are how they feel at the moment.”

Once a person selected their photos, the members would then ask about the person’s choosing of the photos. Doing this would, in theory, have the people open up and talk about their lives on a personal level that most might not be accustomed to doing with strangers.

The conversation would then take a religious topic, as each person would be asked about their views on God and religion. Cru members did their part of being respectful, friendly, and open and would ask the person about their own ideas and perceptions of God and God’s role in our universe.  After a discussion with one patron, Cru members would then eagerly turn towards the next available person and repeat the process of hosting conversation.

Since this event was somewhat last minute, Cru members took handmade signs advertising the event and walked the hallways of the Main Building as they looked for willing guests to enjoy warm drinks and conversation. Donnie Wilson, president of Cru at PVCC, even walked through the Jessup Library with a sign to help draw attention to the event.

To learn more about Cru at PVCC and its goals, you can reach them via email.

Student Contact and President Donnie Wilson: dsw2752@email.vccs.edu

Club Advisor, Andre Luck: aluck@pvcc.edu