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SPELMAN THE VOICE OF BLACK WOMANHOOD SPOTLIGHT VOL.XLI No. 3 DECEMBER 1973 Feeling The Energy Crisis At Spelman by Yolanda Jones Even though some of us may feel secure within the gates of Spelman College, we are not immune to the changes which affect society. The most recent change plaguing our nation is the energy crisis and we may be wondering how the crisis will affect us here on Spelman campus. Ms. E. R. Romer, in charge of housing for Spelman’s Building and Grounds Department, doesn’t foresee any restrictions for dormi tories to comply with national and state orders to conserve energy. ‘There is no organized plan as yet,” she said, “to alter our regular program in the next couple of months.” Ms. Romer added that there will always be a sufficient amount of heat because Spelman obtains heat from the Atlanta Uni versity Power Plant located near the Atlanta University Library. She also said that the electric generators used to supply energy to the school are controlled by the Georgia Power Company. She did reveal Dr. A. E. Manley’s concern about the energy crisis and its effect on Spelman students. Although Ms. Romer does not believe that Spelman could face a real crisis, she did note that wood from trees trimmed around campus is being stored and not given away in case it is needed in the event of a critical shortage of energy later in the year. Another precaution that Buildings and Grounds is using to conserve energy is to have the heat controls corrected in Manley Hall and Howard-Harreld Hall. Ms. Romer said that controlmen have been hired to correct deficiencies in heating systems that have never been heated before. Students shouldn’t depend on Buildings and Grounds or government legislators to remedy the energy crisis. Although there is an adequate (or over- adequate) amount of heat in dormitory rooms, other conveniences dependent upon energy sources may soon be absent. Conserving energy is at the touch of your fingertips - if you turn unnecessary lights off. While this article was geared toward the energy crisis and how it may affect Spelman College, we shouldn’t turn a deaf ear toward government proposals to conserve energy and alter our lifestyles. At the writing of this article, states were lowering speed limits to 50 m.pJi.; Nixon was asked by legislators to construct a plan for rationing out gas; and banning driving on Sunday may become a reality. Public services such as taxi cabs and public transit will be affected if gas is rationed and will have to cut their working forces and schedules. If you tried to get a flight out of Atlanta for Thanksgiving, you know how public transportation being cut can incon venience you. Imagine that hassle—everyday. Christmas ’73 by Helena Humphrey The Christmas season at Spelman College is one of which the Spelman community is doubly proud: first, because of the tradi tional Christmas Carol Concert, and second, because of other activities that manifest a homogeneous spirit of joy, anticipation, and good will. This year will mark the 92nd Christmas at Spelman College and the 46th annual Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert, which is held on three consecutive nights and enchants its audience with more than 100 voices pouring out the Christmas message in song. During Miss Florence M. Read’s presidency at Spelman, the impressive “Lighting of the Yule Log” was held by Spelman students who remained on the campus during the holidays. The ceremony, held in the Fire place Dining Room of Morgan Hall, con sisted of singing Christmas carols, placing a festively decorated log on the andirons of the fireplace and lighting the fire, into which representatives from each class threw sprigs of holly after making a wish. While there are constant arguments on who is to blame for the energy crisis, one fact is certain — it is here and we must find a means to deal with it. There is another fact that is always in evitable in a crisis — the poor are those who are affected the most. If gas prices go up, the poor will not be able to buy gas. Businessmen are already feeling the pinch of the energy crisis. Many have cut Christmas shopping time as much as two nights weekly. One contemplates how long it will be before Spelman students feel the realities of the seriousness of the energy crisis. Let’s hope it is before they have to resort to carrying candles to substitute for electricity. So why not turn off the lights — NOW! MERRY CHRISTMAS Last year, one of the festivities was the Lighting of Morehouse Hall. A candle was lit in every window of the dormitory after which each of the three floors sang a traditional Christmas carol. One of the most popular and best-loved traditions of Spelman College is the biffer sister program. The students exchange names, acquiring a biffer sister for one week of secretly making her life a little brighter. On the last night of the biffer week, there is a party and “secret pals” identify themselves. Visiting Spelman during the Yuletide season, one can experience the joy and love that dominates the campus at this special time of year.