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Written by Amber Baldwin

“Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.”-Emily Dickinson.

It’s National Poetry Month. Let’s talk about Emily Dickinson.
Emily Dickinson is recognized as one of the leading American poets of the 19th century.

She was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts.

As a child, Emily Dickinson was praised by students and teachers for her writing skills. She also did well in Latin and science. After attending Amherst Academy, Dickinson went on to study at the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, William Blake, and Thomas Carlyle influenced her writings.

Dickinson had an older brother named Austin and a younger sister named Lavinia. Emily and Lavinia never married. Austin married a woman named Susan Huntington Gilbert.

However, after her death on May 15, 1886, her sister Lavinia found all her poems. She had written almost 1,800 poems! Emily Dickinson’s friends and family were aware of her writings but were very surprised to find that many. While alive, only ten poems were published, so finding so many was amazing.

The found poems were then published. The first three volumes of poetry were edited and published by Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd in 1890, 1891, and 1896.

In 1998, The New York Times took a closer look at her poems. They found that many of the edits done by Higginson and Todd had included taking the name Susan out of Dickinson’s works.

Susan Huntington Gilbert Dickinson, the Susan in the poems, was Emily Dickinson’s sister-in-law. The two met when they were 20 and hid their affair their entire lives. But while they had their affair, Austin Dickinson also had an affair with Mabel Loomis Todd, one of the major first editors of Emily’s poems after her death.

Many books, movies, and websites are available for research to find out more about Emily Dickinson. There is even a museum, https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/, that has the biographies of her family members as well as some of her poetry.

Written by: Emily Vargo

On April 22, 2022, on a Friday at 11 am, the Defender and Science club will be hosting a clean-up day around campus. This is a day where we can all come out and pick up the trash around our beautiful campus and show the world a little bit of love. The Science Club will have flower pots to decorate and plant flowers in for everyone who wants one.

On Friday, April 22, we will meet in the Quad, starting at 11 am to get some baked goods, refreshments, bags, and gloves. Once you are all set, you can go outside, enjoy the sun, and help pick up some trash.

Bags and gloves will be provided, so you don’t have to worry about bringing any.

But make sure you bring an appetite because there will be a bake sale to help the Path Center, and Free drinks will be available.

This is an excellent opportunity if you need some service hours, love to volunteer, want something to do, or just care about the environment and want to keep it clean. So please come out and make a difference for our campus. We welcome any student, staff, faculty, or anyone willing to help clean up the campus.

The world is a beautiful place full of mystery and wonder. This world provides us with food to eat, water to drink, light during the day, darkness at night, and air to breathe. It gives and provides so much for us, but we don’t always care for the Earth. So come help pick up some garbage that litters our world.

Written by: Elizabeth Patrick

April is known as National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poets and their craft. Throughout April, various events are held by the Academy of American Poets (https://poets.org/national-poetry-month) and other poetry organizations like the Poetry Society of America (https://poetrysociety.org/), The Poetry Foundation (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/), and National Poetry Writers Month or NaPoWriMo (https://www.napowrimo.net/).

Some of the goals that national poetry month involves include: highlighting the legacy and ongoing achievements of American poets, encouraging the reading of poems, assisting teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms, and encouraging the reading of poems.

April has been known as national poetry month since the 1990s and has broadened throughout the years.

According to FACTRETRIEVER 31 Interesting but True Poetry Facts, “Poetry is one the oldest forms of communication, dating back to prehistoric times with hunting poetry in Africa and ancient Egypt.”

Poetry is believed to have originated from ancient rituals and chants used for storytelling purposes when performing religious ceremonies or rites of passage such as weddings or funerals. Some of the earliest examples of poetry include cave paintings. Humans typically created these paintings to illustrate spiritual stories or as a way to connect with their environment.

Poetry has become a powerful and significant medium that tells stories about love, loss, and life experiences with deep meaning to readers everywhere. 

There are a variety of different types of poems. The oldest known form of poetry is ancient poetry which began over 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia with the invention of cuneiform. These forms of poems were found on clay tablets detailing how the ancient kings would rule their people. The oldest known poem today, The Epic of Gilgamesh, was created in Mesopotamia, and it’s believed he copied them from earlier works that have been lost or never found for future generations to enjoy.

The next oldest form of poetry was Medieval poetry, around 400 AD. During medieval times, new forms of poetry were formed, including rhyming couplets and ballads with refrains. Around 1500 AD, during the Renaissance era, poets had rediscovered many classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. During this time, poets wrote about love, nature, and religion, emphasizing writing poetry for public performance.

The next type of poetry occurred during 1660-1800 and was known as the non-classical poetry era. During this time, poets wanted to explore writing poetry with integrity which led them back towards more traditional forms like epics, odes, and sonnets instead of experimenting with new styles such as rhyming couplets or free verse.

The next form of poetry took place during the Romantic Era from 1798-to 1850 AD. The poets of this era were considered more accessible than those before them because they wrote about everyday life rather than lofty subjects or themes that were not relatable to most readers. One of the most famous poets from this era was William Wordsworth, who wrote about the natural world and its connections.

The final era of poetry was the modern era that started in 1850 and continues to the present day. This era began with Walt Whitman, whose works were some of the most innovative and influential poems ever written in America. In conclusion, poetry has evolved into many different forms and genres.

Taryn Lawson, Defiance Library Communications Coordinator

[DEFIANCE] – April 3-9 is National Library Week, and Defiance Public
Library System (DPLS) encourages community members to visit
their library in person or online to explore and access services and
programs.

The theme for National Library Week 2022, “Connect with Your
Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get
connected to technology.

Defiance County’s three libraries, located in Defiance, Sherwood, and Hicksville, offer a wide array of programs, classes, and resources, including physical and digital materials, 1-on-1 tech help, databases, mobile hotspot lending, LinkedIn Learning courses on tech topics, and more.

National Library Week is a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

The Defiance County libraries will celebrate with a full slate of programming for all ages, including a virtual program April 4 at 6 p.m. with pet expert Stephen Quandt (‘Dogs of Chernobyl,’ register at defiancelibrary.org/dogs). Quandt will speak on his work with the descendants of pets left behind after the nuclear incident. The program is free and geared to ages 16+. Register at defiancelibrary.org/dogs.

This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting their library in person or online, following DPLS on social media (@dplslibraries on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and using the hashtag National Library Week.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.
For more information, visit defiancelibrary.org.

Defiance Public Library
320 Fort St.
Defiance, OH 43512
ph. 419-782-1456
www.defiancelibrary.org

Written by: Ryan Imbrock Director of Marketing and Public Relations,

The Defiance College Social Work Program will be hosting its 22nd annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This year, a drive-through event will be held in the Hubbard Hall parking lot on College Place. All proceeds will benefit the PATH center.
 
At this drive-through event, you will be able to purchase a handmade bowl that is filled with other donated goods – such as coupons to local businesses, cookies, and more. Each bowl will cost $10. Brandon Knott ’97 makes the bowls in his studio, It’s Knott Pottery.
 
Empty Bowls is an important fundraiser held by the College. In 2019, it raised the most money to date -$7,000 to benefit the PATH Center. Empty Bowls has created a way to give back to those in need while also demonstrating a drive to create change.
 
The PATH center serves the surrounding six-county area. Monday through Friday, a hot meal is available to those in need. Currently, The PATH Center has begun delivering meals to those who are not able to access take-out. The Center relies solely on donations. It is estimated that the current kitchen budget only allows for 21 cents per day per meal.

If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to donate to this cause, please see the virtual link: https://fundraising.idonate.com/defiance/emptybowls22.

For more information about the Empty Bowls fundraiser, please contact Tess Salisbury, Director of Social Work, at tsalisbury@defiance.edu.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and
business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The four pillars of its mission guide the College: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.

Written by: Emily Vargo

In today’s world, fashion is everywhere. To most of us, the style has become a part of our way of life, and we couldn’t even imagine life without it.

However, over the years, fashion designers have had to break down barriers to have the life of fashion we have today. One fashion designer did just that and is still an icon today, and her name is Coco Chanel.

Chanel was born in Saumur, France, on August 19, 1883. Chanel’s real name is Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. When you think of Coco Chanel, you may think she grew up in a wealthy family and had a wonderful childhood, but that wasn’t the case. Chanel’s mother was a laundrywoman, and her father was a street vendor that always traveled. Chanel was one of six children, and they all grew up in a run-down one-room home.

At the age of 11, Chanel’s mother passed away. The children did not attend school, and Chanel was sent to an orphanage with her two sisters while her two brothers were sent to work.

Chanel was sent to the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Mary, which was found to care for the “poor and rejected.” It was not a great place to grow up, but this is where Chanel learned to sew, which is crucial for her future career.

At the age of 18, Chanel went to live at a boarding house for Catholic girls in a town called Moulins. Chanel found a job as a seamstress, and on the side, she sang in a cabaret. While singing at the cabaret, this is where Chanel inherited the name Coco because she often sang, “who has seen Coco.” However, even though Chanel tried to have a singing career, her voice didn’t cut it.

At the age of 23, Chanel met Etienne Balsan, an ex-cavalry officer. Chanel became Balsan’s mistress and lived with him for three years. Chanel experienced the “rich life” and lived in luxury during this time.

In 1908 Chanel had an affair with one of Balsans friends, and this person installed an apartment in Paris for Chanel and started her first shop. It is also believed that Chanel No. 5 was based on this man.Their affair lasted for nine years until he married another woman and then died in a car crash in 1919. His death was devastating to Chanel, and she would later say the day he died, she lost everything.

In 1910 Chanel opened a boutique where she designed hats and some clothing. Her business took off in 1912 when an actress named Gabrielle Dorzait wore one of her hats in a play. In 1913 Chanel opened another store for deluxe casual clothing suitable for leisure and sports. In 1915 Chanel opened another store in Biarritz, dedicated to wealthy clients, leading to an award in 1919, where Chanel was registered as a couturière.

Chanel would meet famous people throughout the years and spend time with British aristocrats and those in high society. In the years to come, Chanel would be in many affairs and controversies but was admired by many due to how true she was to herself.

However, there was a time when she almost lost it all. During World War II, Chanel closed all of her stores, leaving 4,000 women without a job, and she made it publicly clear that she did not like the Jews. She was also a mistress to someone high up in the Nazi ranks and was described as having “Hailed Hilter’.

During this time, she had legal battles over her perfumes, and the controversial ties with the Nazi party made many questions her loyalty and intentions. She gained complete control of her perfumes and earned war fair profits of her No. 5 perfume. In 2014 it would be revealed that Chanel was a spy for the Germans during World War II.

In 1954 Chanel came back with a comeback in fashion design. Even though no one forgot her controversies, everyone fell in love with Chanel again. In Paris, France, on January 10, 1971, Chanel passed away at the age of 87 due to an illness.

*Editor’s note–The anti-sematic actions of Coco Channel are abhorant and The Defender does not condone this behavior.

Written by: Elizabeth Patrick

I am excited and proud to introduce you to Judy Lymanstall. She has been the Executive Secretary to the President for many years.

Judy was born and raised right here in Defiance Ohio. She comes from a very large family of ten people including six brothers and one sister. Growing up, needless to say, Judy believed that there was never a dull moment and always said that she had seven fathers.

In April 2022, Judy and her husband will be celebrating thirty-seven years of marriage. Judy and her husband are proud that they have four children, two of which are married, one that is engaged, and four grandchildren.

When it comes to education, Judy has taught at both Ayersville Local Schools and the International Business College. Judy has been employed with Defiance College as the President’s Executive Administrative Assistant since May 2003 and will be celebrating nineteen years this coming May. She has served two interim presidents and three presidents during her time here.

Here at Defiance College, Judy also is the advisor for the DC Student Habitat for Humanity Chapter. She also has traveled with different students as part of the Collegiate Challenge for several years working in locations such as Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Judy began her career in the world of banking, then worked for an attorney and prior to DC, she was employed with the Campbell Soup Company. The Campbell Soup Company was located in Napoleon, Ohio, and she worked there for seventeen years mainly in Payroll and Human Resources. During her time with the Campbell Soup Company, she also had a few brief stints in various other offices throughout the plant. In conclusion, throughout Judy’s career, she has worked at a variety of different places with a variety of different roles and responsibilities.

In Judy’s free time she enjoys going to garage sales and finding unique items to refurbish. Judy also likes building things, gardening, farming, cooking for large groups, crafting, watching a good movie but most importantly spending time with her family.

Judy didn’t really know that Women’s history month existed but she feels it is important to recognize the achievements and strengths of women in this world. Judy also believes that it is important to provide solid role models for the young ladies of today who inspire to make their mark on the world. To finalize, Judy enjoys doing a variety of different activities outside of her job here at Defiance College.

Written by: Elizabeth Patrick

I am excited and proud to introduce you to Amber Baldwin. Amber is currently a senior at Defiance College and is from Defiance, Ohio.

Some things she likes to do for fun include: kayaking, watching movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood where her favorite one is Brief Encounter, getting coffee with her friends, and cuddling with her cat Millie. She also likes watching, reading, and learning about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

She currently is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and has a minor in music.

She chose Defiance because of their business program and smaller class sizes. She also loved how everyone was so welcoming and kind when she toured Defiance for the first time. She plans to continue school at DC to get her MBA and, after graduating, earn a job in human resources.

Amber is very involved in the clubs and organizations that Defiance offers. She is involved in the orchestra where she plays the clarinet, The Defender as a staff writer, Book Club member, Student Senate where she is the senior class president, and she is an active member of the Carolyn M. Small Honors program.

Amber is also a student worker in the music department at Defiance College. In her free time, she volunteers as a docent at the Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum located just across the bridge in downtown Defiance.

Amber believes that it is very important for people to celebrate Women’s History Month. She also believes that women have made so many sacrifices through the years to make the world a more inclusive place, and they should be recognized for that.

To wrap it up, Amber is very involved in the clubs and organizations that Defiance offers and believes that it is essential for people to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Written By: Amber Baldwin

According to the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change is happening at the fastest rate ever.

The report also found that hazardous weather is happening more often than ever before, and it is expected to increase. All of this is causing the amount of water and land species worldwide to decrease. It is also not just plants and animals that are having issues.

Humans are hurting too. Many people have to relocate because of hurricanes or wildfires destroying their homes. There is also an increased risk of hunger and malnutrition because of droughts. If nothing is done now, the earth will reach the 1.5 degrees Celcius tipping point.

If that happens, nothing will be able to help the world anymore. But there are many ways that people can help with this climate crisis.

Shopping locally and buying sustainably for food is one easy way people can decrease their carbon footprint. During the warmer months, there are farmer markets in the Northtowne Mall Parking lot and downtown.

Another way people can help is by buying fewer new clothes and wearing clothes longer. Shopping at Goodwill and thrift stores will help too. About 8 to 10 percent of the global carbon emission comes from the fashion industry.

A third way that people can help is by voting for and supporting climate activists. Voting in Ohio takes place in May and November.

Lastly, people can help by just talking to others about climate change. There is a higher chance that people who have different opinions will open their minds when listening to someone they know and trust. Start a conversation today!

Written by: Emily Vargo

In this day and age, most everyone can vote. However, this wasn’t alway the case. Growing up, we were all probably told at some point that women didn’t use to have the right to vote here in the United States,, but women couldn’t vote in many different places.

At one point, women could not vote in Great Britain, but one strong woman set out to change that. This woman is Emmeline Pankhurst.

Emmeline was born in Manchester, England, on July 15, 1858. Growing up Emmeline’s teacher called her Emily which was the name she preferred to be called by. (I may be biased, but Emily is a really cool name).

Emily was one of ten siblings and the eldest of five daughters. Emily’s father was active in local politics during her upbringing. During Emily’s childhood, her parents supported women’s suffrage however, when it came to their daughters, their suffrage views didn’t apply. They wanted their sons to get a good education while they wanted their daughters to marry young and be good homemakers.

At age 14, Emily went with her mother to a public women’s suffrage meeting where Lydia Becker was speaking. Emily was very fond of Becker, so she insisted on going, and her mother let her. A year later, she went to Paris and attended École Normale de Neuilly, where she could learn subjects such as chemistry as well as bookkeeping and embroidering.

On December 18, 1879, Emily married Richard Pankhurst, who was an advocate for women’s suffrage. They moved to London and had five children together, and even though Emily tended to her family and house, she would find time to work in politics, especially in the women’s suffrage movement.

Emily and her husband created the Women’s Franchise League, which was dedicated to all women. The group was considered a radical group due to their support for equal rights for women in areas such as divorce and inherence. This group didn’t last very long because of fights and tension from other groups, which caused members to leave.

In 1893 Emily and her family moved back to Manchester, and Emily started to work with several political organizations as her person and gained respect in her community.

For a while, Emily was active in thWomen’s’s Liberal Federation until 1888, where she then joined the Independent Labour Party national. One of her first activities of being part of the LPN was distributing food to poor men and women through the Committee for the Relief of the Unemployed. Then in December of 1894, she was elected to the position of Poor Law Guardian in Chorlton-on-Medlock. Emily was able to witness the working conditions firsthand and was appalled. Immediately Emily began to change the working conditions for the better.

On July 7, 189Emily’sy’s husband Richard passed away. She had to take a new position in the family and get a paid job to help the family. Emily got a job as a birth and death registrar. This job led her to write an autobiography and gave her the courage to run and get elected to the Manchester school board.

On October 10, 1903, Emily and serval colleagues founded Women’sen’s Social and Political Union. The organization was only open to women and focused on winning the vote directly. This group would eventually be known as a political party. This party would host rallies, protests, and make newsletters.

Emily was arrested several times due to protesting and spitting on officers.

Many people in her political party had to learn how to protect Emily because police would go straight for her during protests. Eventually, in 1918, women had the right to vote. If it wasn’t for Emily, it would have taken women much longer to have the simple right to vote.

Despite her hardships, she never stopped fighting fowomen’s’s rights, leaving an amazing legacy behind.