By Tara Stanzione | Managing Editor
A long line assembled as students topped fresh waffles with syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and more at the 5th Waffleween event in the Mercy Center on Wednesday night.
Over 200 people packed the room, eating waffles, bobbing for apples, crafting, or just chatting with friends. Elizabeth Janick, sophomore at Salve Regina University, came to Waffleween both years she’s been here. “I think a lot of people come because it’s free and a social event,” Janick said while digging into her M&M covered waffle.
“Gummy bears, ice cream, chocolate chips, strawberries – anything you can think of, we got it,” Andrew Nutt said, Salve Regina senior and Mercy in Motion volunteer. He has been involved with the organization for three years and tonight he was in charge of dry apple bobbing. “I helped set up by putting strings on the apples and hanging them,” Nutt said.
Many craft stations were open as well, where students could make unique creations like ghoulish hands, spider webs, and eyeballs. Hands could be made by putting candy corn and popcorn in latex gloves, while spider webs were created by supergluing white yarn around Popsicle sticks. Eyeballs were eaten after being decorated with edible frosting, as they were made by separating an Oreo and placing a single M&M in the center of the cream. These stations were designed so people would be more likely to stay, sit, and relax.
Maria Buonasora, freshmen at Salve Regina, put chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, and whipped cream on top of her waffle. “This is my first time here for Waffleween, but I plan on coming back,” Buonasora said. She has been to multiple Mercy in Motion events including the Ice Cream Social in September and Game Night in October.
Anna Mae Mayer, Director of Mercy in Motion, says they love this signature event. “As long as people keep coming, we’ll keep doing it,” Mayer said. “It’s a nice chance to get away with friends, take a study break, and have some fun!”
Mercy in Motion will hold a Taizé prayer service next week on November 5th, and at the end of the semester the Festival of Lights in the great hall of Ochre Court. “It’s a multi-faith, multi-cultural program that incorporates songs, dances, and prayers for peace,” Mayer said. In December they will have their annual Christmas party with lots of food, ornament painting, music, and card decorating.
When the Mercy Center isn’t holding its many events it is a quiet, comfortable place to go whether students are studying or just taking a break between classes. It is open Sunday 12p.m. – 10p.m, Monday through Thursday 8a.m. – 10p.m., and Friday 3p.m. 10p.m.
