Cassidy Harris

Barshinger
Problems & Issues
14 May 2018

Rubric Defense

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Integrate and Evaluate Diverse Sources:

● Sources that we found to put towards our research came in variety of types.
There were strong primary sources, and many secondary sources used to
support our ideas along with what the primary sources had given.

● When it comes to our primary sources, they are very diverse since they are
different in their line of work, and placement. From Justine, to Rupp, to the
landscaper, and even Gelsinger all gave wonderful information, and each time
we had new information that tied together which helped us out greatly.

● Additionally, we had a primary source from Hanover Borough, as well as one

from the Chamber of Commerce. Though they both had different views on the
roundabout idea, they still had other similarities. If they continue on the route they
are one, they are sure to make downtown Hanover a better area.

● We also then found websites and a mythbuster video that furthermore backed up
our primary sources. Along with adding some good facts to add for our project.
That way, we were able to support their thoughts and have a stronger reason as
to why we took what they said and added it into our project.

Noting Discrepancies:

● One major discrepancy that was discovered, was how strong Justine from the
chambers of commerce was all for bringing a circle back. She felt it was get
better flow, and be more pedestrian friendly and bring more beneficial people into
downtown. However, Barb Rupp thought otherwise. She felt that the
reconstruction would be to much of a hassle, and that it would cause more issues
since the people of Hanover are so used to not using a roundabout everyday.
 ● Rupp also used the fact that tractor-trailers would have a difficult time getting
through a roundabout. However, two of the websites used in our roundabout
research, stated that roundabouts are designed to accommodate all size
vehicles. Then, while presenting our project, a couple people mentioned how
they could tip over and cause accidents… Well that could be a very slight
possibility, but the speed limit is already at a low limit of 25. Plus they should
slow down even more so they can merge safely, so no tractor-trailer should feel
that they may tip over if Hanover were to switch to a roundabout.

● With the trees we have in town now, versus types that should be there differs. In
the interviews, they never said why they have the trees that they have now, other
than it was a trend in the day. From our greenery websites they all pretty well
said the same types, but none of which were the trees that are in the downtown
now. I don’t believe that people realize there is more than just planting a good-
looking tree somewhere. If you don’t do research on the environment the tree
needs, it is pointless to plant something if it will only die.

Key Ideas and Details

Cite Evidence

● Since our project dealt with the downtown area, we started off with having
Justine, from the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, who is currently working on
making downtown better. She gave us great information on why the area is the
way it is, and what her opinions were, as to what should be done to make it
enjoyable. Also, she was able to give us a few people to get in contact with to
help build our research.

● Julie Gelsinger was able to share tons of downtown art related facts with us. She
went in depth on the couple projects currently happening, since she is working
with Justine on them. Then, she discussed some ideas she has seen around,
that could possibly work for our town.

● Ryan Parisi gave solid information on streetscaping and what plants/trees are
best for our area. He also explained how many trees don’t thrive in the city if they
don’t have the proper root spacing under the streets, and it is better to plant
different types beside each other to reduce the spread of diseased trees.
 ● Finally, we talked to Barb Rupp to get her views on all of the thoughts we
gathered from what is currently being discussed for Hanover, along with what our
group was thinking. She gave small criticism, but just enough that we could work
with it and build answers for our project to thrive, and have any “ammo” against
any similar concerns that could’ve came up in the presentation.

Evaluate Explanations

● Throughout the time with this project, we did interviews along with follow up
emails with additional questions. That way if something came to our minds after
the interview, we didn’t have to arrange and waste time to meet with them again.
Also, it helps with getting a better understanding of what we were discussing
since it is in black and white text and is able to be reread if need be.

● When it came to the three main sections that we decided to focus on for making
the downtown more appealing, each group member had their own section to
research and become an expert on. That way, come the presentation any
questions asked on either section we know who would answer, and know exactly
what to say.

● In order to bring a point in, on to why our project is important, we decided to take
photos, and present them in a slideshow. Photos were taken of the Hanover area
that need huge improvement, along with photos from other communities that we
would like to add into our downtown. Therefore, we were to show the current
issues, and what could be done to help.

● Our group then made a 3D model on what we would like the downtown area to
look like, after the changes done. That way our area not only attracts people to
come check it all out, but anyone who would come would be able to physically
see what could be our downtown Hanover.

Text Types and Purposes

Writing Informative/Explanatory Texts

● For each topic on our tri-fold, we had the name of the topic, a general idea of why
it is needed, and then furthermore details that add to each section. We used a
header for each topic, along with sub headers for other paragraphs/bullet points.
All of which was used to help stay organized
 ● Then, it also has some visuals that give an idea of what is discussed in the points
around. For the roundabout we but the benefits into a circle shape, and a tractor-
trailer in a roundabout. Then for the greenery, we put the trees to use, and what
the rootspaces look like. Lastly, for the art section, we used the murals we
created.

● Once all information of each section was completed, we had each part of the tri-
fold dedicated to one topic. Each topic had its own text color to categorize it
nicely, likewise we used separate font types.

Production and Distribution of Writing

Purpose and Audience

● The audience for our project would be mainly council members of the Hanover
borough. Since they control and have the final say of what goes on in the
downtown, it would be our job to design the whole project design to appeal to
them. After talking to a member of the council, Barb Rupp, she seemed to give
off that the council is always looking for opinions from younger generations since
they are the people growing up in the town of Hanover.

● Also, members in the chambers of commerce, and “mainstreet” would be a

target. They are more the idea pitchers, and plan for things to happen in the
downtown area. If we could get them to consider our project, they could tweek it
so that it could appeal to the council members in order to get approved.

Dynamic Content

● All throughout our project, we were using the internet to research all aspects of
the square, and to look deeper in each section needed to make the downtown
strong again. We then took that information, along with photos taken of the
downtown area, and made a slideshow to show what it is now, compared to what
it could be. After creating the slideshow, it was uploaded onto youtube. Also the
creation of the project onto each of our portfolio websites, was a part of the
publishing part of it all as well. We made sure that everything is eye-appealing,
flows nicely, and has all information needed.

Project Requirements
● Our whole project is based on the fact that the downtown Hanover square is not
very appealing.Every step of the way, was towards our goal of making the
downtown area, more accessible, along with switching up the look to seem more
alive.

● My group took our interviews seriously. We looked for the most information
people we could get in touch with. We interviewed Julie Gelsinger, Justine from
chambers of commerce, Barb Rupp, and Ryan Parisi. Gelsinger is an art teacher
at South Western High School, and works closely with Justine to bring art into
our downtown culture. Justine is the overall head in Hanover’s chamber of
commerce. Barb Rupp is apart of Hanover borough council. Then Ryan Parisi is
a streetscape/landscaper, so he pretty well counted as two separate interviews
with all the great, deep information he gave.

● Our proposal turned out very professional. Between out tri-fold board, handouts,
photos, slideshow, and the detailed 3D model, it all came to life when put
together. Each piece of project put together our detailed solution to our dingy
downtown area becoming beautiful again.

● Between the federal government, and the local state, their regulations depend on
how things can be arranged with the towns, roads, etc.. When designing our
downtown, the federal side doesn’t have much relevance, but the local
regulations are a big part in what can be done, and what can not be done.

● On the final project page, you can find the tri-fold, handout, slideshow/video, and
what everything looked together on the presentation day.

● When presenting, my group and I had great additions to the project to help
viewers understand our topic. These of which included handout papers, photos,
detailed 3D model, digital video/slideshow. All of which prove either our town
needed great improvement, or what small things could really change the whole
appeal of our downtown area.