Photojournalism

Plunging with a Purpose

As part of a fundraiser for Special Olympics, (insert name) participates in the costume contest and polar plunge hosted by the Indian Lake Moose Lodge. The event, held March 10, raised more than $X for Special Olympics with more than 250 people in attendance. Since the Polar Plunge was created 10 years ago, more than X number of people have taken the plunge with a grand total of $X raised for Special Olypmics.

Tim Tebow, Trendy Topic

Tim Tebow’s popularity is sweeping the nation. Everything from fans “Tebowing,” striking an iconic kneeling pose that resembles “The Thinker,” to “Tebowie,” Jimmy Fallon’s musical tribute to and combination of Tim Tebow and David Bowie. The 24-year-old quarterback for the Denver Broncos has become a pop culture icon virtually overnight.  But what makes Tim Tebow so popular?

“I think Tim is popular right now because of his character, his determination on the field, and all his representatives pushing the religion factor in the media,” said Ben Groff, sports editor for The Torch and Tiger Sports Network representative. According to Groff, Tebow’s popularity is a result of savvy marketing techniques and representatives that know how to market Christianity to a football-loving audience. But Tebow, admittedly, is also an incredible quarterback….

Tim Tebow with scripture written on his face paint

[Quotes about his skill as a quarterback]

It’s no surprise that Tebow has attracted an unprecedented amount of praise for his skills as a quarterback, often leading the Broncos to wins coming from behind in the fourth quarter. He has received a significant amount of criticism and attention for his frequent demonstrations of religious devotion, for which he is sometimes mocked.

“He has expressed is faith in public ways and in memorable ways, such as the scripture-on-the-eye paint or choosing to pray before celebrating on the field,” said Rachel Tune, Pastor to Wittenberg University.  “For many people, it is very inspiring, it’s also controversial, though, probably even among Christians but certainly with our culture at large, and I think that controversy has actually made him more popular. “

Popularity which can be found online at at www.tebowing.com, a blog created for users to post pictures of themselves “Tebowing,” which means, “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different,” according to the site. Users can join the TebowingNation or even buy official Tebowing gear (which supports local Denver charities).

Include quote “Everyone at some time or the other is faced with points when they have to decide if they will show their faith, or their true selves, and I think he helps inspire people to do that in difficult spots.” PR

The Entre-Manure You Have to Meet

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life; I’ve dabbled as a physician’s assistant, a scuba diver, an x-ray technician, a photographer, a lot of things. The cool thing about alpacas is that they meet all my needs,” says Laurel Shouvlin with a laugh. She calls herself the “alpaca entre-manure,” and insists that taking care of a herd of alpacas keeps her healthy and vibrant.

Laurel and her husband, Tim, own Bluebird Hills Farm, an alpaca sanctuary of sorts just north of Springfield on Derr Rd. The farm, nestled atop a small hill, is home to over 70 furry, long-necked critters, all of which have unique personalities (according to Laurel). Alpacas are a cousin of the llama, and are raised primarily for their wool, which is sold to make a variety of commodities such as hats, scarves, and rugs.

Laurel Shouvlin looks at her alpacas

Gordy in front of her alpaca friends

But contrary to the name of the farm, there are no bluebirds.

“That’s a terrible marketing decision, isn’t it?” Laurel laughs.

Laurel is a warm and inviting woman with a stocky build and years of experience with raising and breeding alpacas. But why alpacas?

“I wanted to raise livestock I didn’t have to kill to make a profit,” says Laurel as one of the numerous reasons she raises and breeds the animal.

So the Shouvlins shear and sell alpaca fiber once a year, which goes for about $3 an ounce. Expensive material, but Laurel explains that alpaca wool is eco-friendly because it doesn’t contain greasy residue like sheep wool. Furthermore, alpacas are environmentally friendly animals because they are easy on pastures and simply graze or eat hay. 

It’s hard not to fall in love with the gangly and awkward alpaca, with their long necks, bulging eyes, and toupee-like hairdos.  And it is clear while visiting Bluebird Hills that the Shouvlins love their work, too. Laurel’s friendly personality is an infectious part of this farm where “there is never a dull moment,” she says, as her Great Pyrenees, Gordy, puts her soggy paws up on the fence, begging for a head scratch.

When they aren’t tending to their alpacas, the Shouvlins give tours of their facility to local nurseries, preschools, and even high school classes. Last year, the Shouvlins grew organic vegetables on their farm, but had to retire due to lack of business. The Shouvlins only manage to break even in this economic climate. And Laurel is just fine with that.

Laurel’s love for her herd is a mutual one, although, she admits that you still have to be on your guard when you’re around an alpaca.

“You’ve got to be careful when they’re spitting off,” she says, “The first one is usually a blank, but then they regurgitate and they’re loaded.”