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Buena Vista Newspaper IT’S A NOT SO SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

ALUMNI OFFICE QUESTIONED:

Walt Disney University was struck this week with more bad news regarding their Alumni Office. After the Director of Development, Adrian Prusecci, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack last month, the police began an investigation into his finances without any warning. Since then it has been revealed that he had been taking money from the school for nearly five years.

The newly appointed Director of Development, Ginny Reed, has stated, “Myself, and the Alumni Office, plan to help along with the investigation however we can.” Since the investigation opened, the Buena Vista police have found a multitude of corruption with the Alumni Office. It all resulted in quick resignments of two department employees: Aimee Petterson, Development Research Analyst, and Shaine Carpenter, Coordinator of Data Management.

Neither were available for comments, but a former coworker stated that both would have had access and means to continue the corruption after the previous Director of Development’s death. 

Police forces discovered that not only were they stealing money from the school’s funds for the department, but they were also forgoing gifts for low-status Alumni donors and volunteers. The funds donated by former Walt Disney University students and faculty were meant to help fund the many benefits that came with being a member of the university’s Alumni Association. The exact total of money stolen has not been revealed but a full investigation is still in effect. The University has offered a full apology to all Alumni and staff affected by the corruption and has offered full compensation for those who have contacted them. 

Class of 2004 Alumni Corinne McAcer complained, “It’s an utter outrage that this happened. If we can’t trust these people with our donations, how are we going to be able to continue funding our programs?” McAcer has been involved with the Alumni Office for over ten years, often spending most of her weekends helping plan events for the current students. Lead Detectives were unavailable for comments.

Lucky Lanes Bowling

Authorities still have yet to apprehend any suspects in the increasingly menacing graffiti centered around the Lucky Lanes Bowling building. The messages still seem to have no meaning and community members have remarked that it could just be the work of reckless teens. Residents have been warned to report any suspicious activity immediately to the Buena Vista Police Department.

FANTASIA is hosting For The Dogs Night, a charity event where a $10 entrance fee goes straight to the local Buena Vista Animal Shelter, on Friday October 14th at 10pm-12am.

MISSING POMERANIAN

REWARD $200 Last seen outside Walt’s Community Theatre, White, 3 yrs old, Brown eyes. If found, call (805) 642-2192 

INDIE HORROR FILM ENTHUSIASTS GET READY

Film nerds and enthusiasts have something to be excited about this Fall. After last year’s success, the Indie Horror Film Festival has returned. Get ready for some gore and spook as local film creators showcase their work. Back in April, an ad went out for open submissions which yielded over 200 films submitted. Festival coordinator Jen Bailey happily announced, “We received nearly double last year’s submissions! It’s extremely stressful and exciting all at once.” There’s no doubt about the amount of work the festival staff put in. Not only must they plan out a schedule, but they spend weeks watching the films sent in.

Due to the high volume of film submissions, the schedule is divided into different subgenres of horror and thriller films. From horror comedy to gothic horror, there’s something for everyone this year.

Bailey said, “We had an amazing selection to choose from and we wanted to fit in as many as we could.”

Well known actor Donald Duncan, a known supporter of the festival, commented, “The changes from last year will only create more success and I’m eager to see the films showcased.”

In fact, there will be more chances for the community to interact with both cast and crew of a handful of the films shown. Even some A-List stars are rumored to appear both as guests and panelists.

At the end of the weekend, a ceremony will be held to announce the winners of the Buena Vista Arts Foundation Grant. First place winners will receive $5,000 to help produce their next film.

Come view some great films to get into the season starting October 20th! Go to buenavistafilmfestivals.org for more information and a line up of the events.

BUENO NACHO’S KITCHEN HEATS UP

As residents and officials of Buena Vista continue their progress of eating healthier, chain restaurants like Bueno Nacho are losing customers. Manager Steven Hookman stated, “The loss of revenue has not been enough for employees to worry about their jobs, but we are looking into ways to avoid a greater loss.” This came the same week that the local restaurant announced a more healthy and transparent menu.

While they still have the same foods loved by local teens and students, they will now start serving healthier versions of their salads, soups, and sides. They also have proposed a new kitchen layout that will lessen the amount of grease in the meat they serve. Some residents seem open to the changes, while others would prefer the restaurant gone all together. 

CITY HALL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This Tuesday construction began on Buena Vista’s City Hall building. As the parking lot was filled with utility trucks and vans, employees were completely surprised by the seemingly sudden decision. In fact, very few employees were notified of the plans to renovate the Museum and foyer. 

“I came into work thinking it would be a quiet day,” said one employee, “But I got the complete opposite.” One has to wonder what the Administration is doing since Election Day is approaching. 

The Museum Manager May Michaels happily remarked, “It’s a welcome update to our museum. We hope the new changes will entice the community to visit.”

CPA FIRM HIRES 6 NEW EMPLOYEES

While the rest of the world seems to be tight for money, Brownferd & Sons seem to be doing the opposite. Congratulations to Emily Furey, Amar Gray, Fallon Amin, Morgan Evan, Keith Huff, and Courtney Doornbos. Their areas of specialization include providing audit and tax services on behalf of clients within a range of industries, including construction and not-for-profit.

CHEAPER GREENS, CHEAPER QUALITY?

In order to compete with Buena Vista’s growing Friday Farmer’s Market, local and nearby grocery stores have begun to sell vegetables and fruits for lower prices. Customers, however, have questioned where the food is coming from, as they noticed a change in the taste and quality. We were unable to get an interview with any of the store managers for comment.

MAN MISPLACES $5K WATCH

On October 2, 2015, Resident Carver Caves reported his watch missing. On October 2, 2016, it was returned in a blank envelope in his mailbox. Mr. Caves and the authorities both seem baffled by the theft and recovery, with no leads or evidence in the case. There were no witnesses to either incidents, nor any idea as to why someone would return an expensive watch exactly one year later.

WISEACRE FARM FALL HARVEST

Once again, our lovely local farm is offering up fantastic apple pickings. Customers pay by the pound, but also are able to pick their own pumpkins or go on a haunted hay ride. October Hours: M-F 10am-11pm

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Library Book Sale is a Best Seller

By Claire Bender

No matter the era, literature has always been a part of Buena Vista’s culture. The local library staff strives to provide as much as they can for their patrons. Throughout the year, Buena Vista’s Library hosts a book sale, which is not to be missed. Residents were encouraged to donate and drop off any old books, DVDs, records, and more.

Karlie Thorpe, Buena Vista’s Head Librarian, was optimistic about the book sale. “We’ve received more than we have ever before,” she said. “There was a lot we could sell that our patrons would enjoy.”

While the world turns more modern, it also turns more nostalgic, which creates a perfect environment for the sale. Lasting for one week, residents and patrons browsed through shelves and tables of items. From old records to puzzles to VHS movies, there was more available to buy than just hardcovers and paperbacks. All proceeds went to the Buena Vista Library to help fund future renovations, and more importantly, their after school and literacy programs.

Librarian Cheryl Randall said, “If our book sales continue to be a success, we may begin to add more events in the future.”

When asked what brought him to the book sale, Melville Durant stated, “I come here nearly every week to study. It’s really cheap to buy the books I want here, instead of full price elsewhere.” He doesn’t exaggerate either. The prices for paperbacks and hardcovers are 25 and 50 cents, respectively. The sale has more than just old titles available, many presently popular titles and series can be found there too.

Another patron, Gerry Patton said, “I saw a post on their Twitter account and figured I’d check it out. It’s a good way to donate and my girlfriend can get some early Christmas shopping done.”

In fact, Karlie Thorpe agrees that most of the recent success has to do with their hiring of younger staff members to run social media pages for the library. “It’s another way to reach out to the community. It shows we’re adapting to the changing culture while still holding onto our services and values.”

The next book sale will be just before the Winter holidays from December 7-14th. For more information visit the Buena Vista Library’s website at www.buenavistalibrary.org.

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It’s exactly what you think it is

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Congratulations, Bailey Forrester, you’ve been hired as an agony aunt (advice columnist) for the WD Journal !! Don’t forget to tag your posts with st: bailey forrester, as well as the standard tags !!

Congratulations, Valentina Ramirez, you’ve been hired as a bi-weekly reporter / opinion writer for the WD Journal !! Don’t forget to tag your posts with st: valentina ramirez, as well as the standard tags !!

Congratulations, Emmett Wicks, you’ve been hired as an agony uncle (advice columnist) for the WD Journal !! Don’t forget to tag your posts with st: emmett wicks, as well as the standard tags !!

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WDU students enjoy the sunshine and skate park in Santa Barbara. Taken by Delilah Duncan.