Students say lack of interest, possible funding prevents pro-choice group at SBU

ST. BONAVENTURE (Feb. 11) – St. Bonaventure University students recognize SBU for Life, the pro-life group on campus, but are unsure if a pro-choice group is necessary.  No students have made progressions to start a club, and its funding may be controversial, students say.

SBU for Life co-presidents Martin Spear, a senior psychology major, and Taylor Janak, a senior education major, join with Fr. Peter Schneible, adviser of SBU for Life, to plan controversial yet respectful discussions where students are welcome to share their opinions.  “We’re not going to judge anyone,” Spear said.  “We want to get education through learning what students think the issues are.”

SBU for Life sponsors discussions about all forms of pro-life, including extremism, euthanasia, stem-cell research, death penalties, and war, said Spear.

 “They say, ‘Tell us your ideas!’  It’s polite conversation, not ‘You’re wrong!’” said David Pesci, senior biology major and pro-choice advocate.   “What I like about SBU for Life is they don’t say there’s only one way to do things.”  Members don’t push pro-choicers away, he said.

The Warming House without a House?

This is my last story from JMC-201.  When I reported the news, everything was extremely tense with the Warming House still!  I am happy to say the Warming House is in the process of moving into their new digs!  This is dated December 10, 2010.

                ST. BONAVENTURE (Dec. 10) -- Fr. Daniel P. Riley, O.F.M. started The Warming House with a small coffee stand for older people in the Olean area to offer warm coffee and warm conversation on the 400 block on North Union Street in 1974.  It was a place where the town and St. Bonaventure communities came together to help build relationships and help the town flourish.  All were welcome.

                That has been the goal of The Warming House:  To provide a welcoming, positive atmosphere for those who were in need of a little warmth.  It developed into a soup kitchen, and has been at four different locations within the last 30 years.

This summer, Olean’s Urban Renewal Agency notified The Warming House that its lease was ending, and the soup kitchen would have to find a new place to accommodate its guests.  Larry Sorokes, Director of the Center for Community Engagement at SBU, and Jamie Ryder, Director of the Warming House, have already looked at nearly 20 new locations in Olean.  However, they’ve had difficulty in finding a place which would be just as welcoming.