Sarah-Jane Kenyon turns her career around

By Rachel Masri

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the newest member of the 2009 LPGA tour, has turned her game around after two years on a downward slope.

After her successful first year in the U.S. when she played on the Duramed FUTURES tour, winning the tour's 2005 tournament in Tampa, Fla., the Australian born golfer's career took a turn for the worst. After placing 27th and 19th in 2006 and 2007, Kenyon has blown away the competition this year, finishing as high as fifth on the Duramed FUTURES tour money list.

Regarding the dramatic change in her game, Kenyon gives most of the credit to her most recent coach, Phil Ritson. "Phil was probably the biggest change event," said Kenyon. "He definitely helped a lot."

She also gives credit to a new diet which has provided her with more energy. After being diagnosed with Celiac disease earlier this year, Kenyon's diet has become a much more important part of her career. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune digestive ailment similar to a wheat allergy. People with the disease are unable to eat wheat or gluten without severe consequences.

"I changed my diet because Celiac disease runs in my family," said Kenyon in an interview with the Duramed FUTURES tour. "Earlier this spring, I stopped eating wheat or gluten. I cut out bread and pasta and it's really helped. I feel better on the course and the new diet has given me more energy. It requires a lot of planning, though. You can't just grab a sandwich when you go out on the course. Now, I eat a lot of gluten-free energy bars, fruits and nuts, and rice cakes with wheat-free peanut butter."

Kenyon now acts as an ambassador for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). "There's no awareness for it really in America," said Kenyon. "It's especially important for me because my mom has it and I do as well, so that's something we can work on."

Kenyon's status as a 2009 LPGA tour member is clearly a testament to the effective changes she has made for herself in order to advance her career. Kenyon's advice to those who are pursuing the sport and who are perhaps feeling discouraged is "Just be patient...You've got to work hard but it's definitely worth it."

Members of Metro Life Church promote Amendment 2

By Rachel Masri

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Members of Metro Life Church in Casselberry put together a caravan of decorated cars on Sunday, Nov. 2, preparing to drive around the Orlando area in an attempt to raise awareness about Amendment 2, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment which is on the ballot this year.

Jennifer Lightfoot, long time member of Metro Life Church as well as coordinator for the official Orange County campaign supporting the amendment, organized the event, saying "We wanted to create a unique visual to get the word out about the Yes2Marriage campaign." The "eye catching" visual consisted of about 15 cars decorated in streamers and window paint saying "Yes 2 Marriage" and "One man one woman". In one car, the convertible top was rolled down revealing Ariel Watler of Orlando clothed in a wedding gown, prepared to wave to all as she drove by, veil streaming behind her.

The caravan was a last minute effort to dispel rumors caused by negative campaigning and opposition to the amendment around the state of Florida. "There have been a lot of blatant lies about what the amendment is all about," said Jesse Phillips, pastor in training at Metro Life Church. "People have even said that it takes benefits away from seniors. I don't know where that comes from."

Executive pastor of Metro Life Church, Benny Phillips said "People are refusing to focus on the real issue of what the amendment is about. It's marriage between a man and a woman, not gay marriage."

Amendment 2 in fact makes only one statement. It defines marriage as a legal agreement between one man and one woman, and states that other legal agreements shall not be recognized as marriage. Charles Fitzgerald of Orlando explained why he believes that this amendment is significant, saying "I think marriage between one man and one woman is one of the most bedrock institutions of civilization, even if you go back thousands of years."

The main goal for those who wish to pass Amendment 2 is to establish a form of permanence to the traditional idea of marriage. Laws can be overturned by judges, but a state constitutional amendment is much more difficult to change.

"I think from the standpoint of the future of our nation, this vote is much more important than the presidency," said Benny Phillips. "The trajectory of the presidential vote can be remedied in four years. This cannot. Either we hold the line now, or we start down a very slippery slope."

Though there has been much negative opposition to this amendment, Lightfoot said "this is a positive campaign." She made it clear that she is not out to take away people's rights by leading the campaign, simply to protect something she believes to be sacred and structured.