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Jazz ensemble benefit concert fills the Fenix Page 9
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IVC organic farm promotes healthy minds and bodies College of Marin
Oct. 25, 2013
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Photo by Sindy Smart Point Reyes National Seashore was one of 59 national parks that were closed during the 16-day government shutdown. Public beaches like this one were off-limits to the public.
From Muir Woods to Point Reyes National Seashore
This land is not your land By Nash Kurilko
W ECHO TIMES
hen the Republican-controlled House shut down the government, nobody knew how long it would last or what the immediate effects would be. It was only when 59 national parks across America began closing that most citizens—and tourists— realized the full ramifications of the shutdown. Marin Headlands, Muir Woods National Monument,
Bolinas Ridge, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes National Seashore were among the Bay Area parks included in the closure. Of Marin’s 332,928 acres, 118,669 are parks, reservoirs, or conservation areas. When the national parks closed, nearly 30 percent of Marin was off-limits to the public. The effect on local tourism was devastating. According to a February 2013 report issued by the National Park Service, Point Reyes, Muir Woods and the Golden Gate National Seashore generate $445 million a year in total revenue, and employ roughly 3,400 people.
“The shutdown of the national parks is causing considerable losses to both the federal government and the U.S. economy. The National Park Service is losing approximately $450,000 a day during the shutdown,” said National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst in a statement during the shutdown. Litterst noted that $300,000 was lost in admission fees, and an additional $150,000 from other in-park fees, including campground lots, boat rentals, and even cave tours. Basically, anything National Parks: Continued on Page 5
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News
Echo Times College of Marin Kentfield, California Phone: (415) 485-9690 Learning Resource Center Room LC 32 Editor-in-Chief: Kyle Dang Managing Editor: Nash Kurilko Copy Editor: Chelsea Dederick News Editor: R. J. Heckelman Feature Editor: Shirley Beaman Design Director: Chelsea Dederick Photo Editor: Sindy Smart Reporters: Shirley Beaman Sophia DeFelice Roddy Heckelman Kyle Dang Leslie Lee Nash Kurilko Andrew Lino Advertising Manager:
Photos by Sindy Smart About 150 people attended the grand opening of the Richard Diebenkorn exhibit, which was held at COM’s Fine Arts Gallery.
Diebenkorn gallery opening By Shirley Beaman
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he brand new College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery opened in grand style recently. The world premier exhibit of “The Intimate Diebenkorn: Works on Paper 1949-1992,” showcases the early work of the world-renowned American painter and master artist, Richard Diebenkorn. “College of Marin is extremely fortunate to host the world premiere of this exhibit,” said David Wain Coon, president of the college. “The exhibit is the highlight of the college’s Fall 2013 fine arts curriculum, allowing students and community members the opportunity to study up close the development of an internationally acclaimed artist.” Opening night of the seven-week exhibit was kicked off on Monday, September 30. The black tie event drew at least 150 people, according to Gallery Assistant Victoria Maxon, who attended the festivities. Live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres
Irina Zhelokhovtseva Office Manager: Rachel Mouton Media Editor: Chelsea Dederick Faculty Adviser: Tom Graham Email us comechotimes@gmail.com Marin Sun Printing prints the Echo Times using 40 percent recycled paper and 100 percent soy ink
Diebenkorn’s art exhibit program featured an untitled piece, circa 1957 – 1963.
added to the ambiance of the opening night. The late artist’s wife, Phyllis Diebenkorn, was a special guest. Maxon noted that Mrs. Diebenkorn was pleased with the exhibit. The Diebenkorn exhibit is a brand new collection of the artist’s early works,
featuring 38 pieces of his work that have never been seen by the public. Of the 40 pieces on display, each was hand-selected by Chester Arnold, chair of the Fine Arts Department and curator of the exhibit. “These works have a special importance to anyone studying art,” said Arnold. “They are small, remarkable and beautiful sketches. They reveal so much about his personality and the works that were being born in his studio. Each period of his work, Ocean Park, Berkeley, Healdsburg–all had highlights along the way and you can see them happening. It is an exhilarating study depicting the development of an artist.” One need not travel to the Guggenheim, SFMOMA, or the DeYoung museums to see this American Master’s work. Now through November 14, College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery has its very own exclusive exhibit of this intimate glimpse into the artistic process of an American Master and Winner of the 1991 National Medal of Arts.
Letters to the Editor Kudos from a proud mom
Dear Echo Times: WOW! The last issue of the Echo Times [October 4] was quite amazing. The best I have even seen in 20some years. I am pretty wordless... not because Crystal and I are featured in it, but truly this is so well done. I also really like the “Full-Time Mom, Full-Time Student,” Rachel Mouton’s self-portrait. I see the efforts devoted by the team, Sophia, Shirley, Sindy, and the rest of the Echo Times staff. The stories about Crystal and I [“Almost Miss America” and “Miss California’s inspiration”] go quite indepth and truly reflect the insights and the long journey of Miss California and our
family. And [your last issue] featured two moms’ different journeys! It embedded the journalists’ social responsibilities to carry on the righteous messages about human relationships – integrity, trust and respect. Thank you for contacting the Miss America Organization. Those photos are stunning! I love how the many parties were contacted and their quotes included in the articles. It blended in so seamlessly. Thanks so much for the wonderful opportunity to spread the word, and help Crystal carry out her mission in such an exquisite and generous fashion! – Wendy Lee, System Support Technician, Information Technology
... And from Miss California
Dear Echo Times: I just read your article – and I am extremely impressed, honored, and humbled that you were able to weave my story into a fantastic, accurate, wellwritten piece. I really appreciate your hard work and I’ll be proud to give my family and friends copies in the next few days. Way to go! You rock. – Crystal Lee, Miss California First runner-up Miss America Pageant The Echo Times welcomes letters to the editor. Contact us at comechotimes@gmail.com
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News Four candidates vie for board of trustee positions By R.J. Heckelman and Andrew Lino
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he College of Marin Board of Trustees is comprised of seven trustees and one student trustee. The job of the board is to oversee the operations of the college, and vote on program funding. Essentially they decide how the local tax and government funding will be used. The goal of the trustees is to provide the best possible educational opportunities for the students of College of Marin. The board controls what classes, and what majors will be offered, depending on the budget. Along with President David Wain Coon, the board supervises the hiring of faculty and instructors at the college. Three positions on the board will be filled by popular vote on November 5th. It is a countywide election, and on the same ballots as local bond measures. Running for the three openings are incumbents Wanden Treanor, Diana Conti, and Barbara Dolan, as well as new candidate Brady Bevis from Novato. Bevis is the only newcomer running for a seat on the board. She moved into Marin in 1975. While going to different community colleges for 14 years, she
Barbara Dolan
Brady Bevis
raised five children while working a job as well. “I really appreciate the value of a good community college education,” Bevis said. Should she get elected, her main goal would be to create partnerships with local businesses in Novato and Central Marin. She would like to have input from local business, so the college knows what classes to fund, and what to teach students, so they can get jobs right when they graduate. She believes it is the responsibility of the college to teach the most up to date curriculum, and have the most up to date technology available to the students. She
Wanden Treanor
wants to create an ongoing conversation with the local business community so that the college can be a hub for job creation in Marin. “I would like to see a more proactive involvement with the community... because we’re preparing their workforce, and we are educating their children,” said Bevis. Running against Bevis, Barbara Dolan has been on the Board since 1985. She has over 25 years of experience on the board, and is proud to be a trustee for so many years. She is running on the platform that the college needs to appeal to five groups. These groups are the ADA, English as a second language
Diana Conti
students, transfer students, work-study students, and lifetime education students. Dolan stressed that the board needs more transparency. She’s said more than once, people have said one thing but done another. Having graduated from San Francisco State University with a lifelong teaching credential, Dolan believes having a degree and career before being a board member has given her a valuable perspective on education. “My goal is always to determine what’s best for the students and community. I pay out of Continued on next page
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News Four candidates vie for board of trustee position Continued from previous page
pocket to put my name on the sample ballot.” Her main focus on the board is to promote healthy discussion about important issues. “There needs to be people with questions who say, ‘I have concerns,’” she said, “We say one thing but we do totally the opposite.” She wants to inspire other board members, showing them the importance of honesty. Receiving no donations or endorsements, Dolan takes pride in being an uninfluenced voice for the college community. Conti, who has been on the board for five years, is the shortest serving trustee. She has worked closely with President Coon trying to resolve the Foundation scandal, which involved foundation board members misappropriating funds that were supposed to be protected. They ended up spending almost $500,000 dollars for restricted, non-budgeted purposes. Conti has since attempted to resolve the situation by performing an audit, and attempting to fundraise to alleviate the situation. Conti is also the CEO of Parca, an organization dedicated to helping children with developmental disabilities. She has grandchildren that have attended COM,
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My goal is always to determine what’s best for the students and community. I pay out of pocket to put my name on the sample ballot.” – Barbara Dolan, Board of Trustees incumbent
and gone on to graduate from four-year universities. Conti went to Sonoma State, and San Francisco State University, and has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. Conti’s goal for the board is to increase outreach with the community and surrounding high schools. She wants to improve the functionality of the Indian Valley campus. “I think we need to have a community wide approach to the IVC campus where we’re sitting down with community leaders, with Novato union high school district, with parents and families finding out what they’re looking for,” said Conti. She also wants to pay off the unfunded liabilities and eliminate COM’s structural deficits. Conti’s approach is that of a fiscally responsible business plan. She plans to incorporate fundraising within the community to help pay off debts. “We have a new internal
fundraising department that has raised nearly $500,000, so we need to expand that and keep that up,” she said. Wanden Treanor’s seat is also up for re-election. She is an active member in the Novato community as well as a practicing lawyer. “It is truly a privilege to serve as one of the trustees of College of Marin. I am excited for all that is happening on both our IVC and Kentfield campuses. I am proud to be a part of this vibrant and dynamic public institution,” she said. She believes that part of being a board trustee is making difficult decisions, but as a lawyer she has a proven track record, and has made plenty of critical difficult decisions that have given her the tools to be a successful trustee. She wants to support greater fundraising operations, and fully utilize the new modern classrooms. To date she has worked on the Advisory Committee on
Educational Services for the Community College League of California, and she was a major played in the Modernization Project. She co-chaired the countywide bond measure in 2004 that led to the new Performing Arts building, Science, Math, and Nursing building, the Fine Arts building, and the soon to be built Academic Center. Treanor is also a life-long resident of Marin, and attended CSU Chico. She was formally president of 10,000 Degrees, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged youth obtain a higher education. She has also been president of the Marin County Bar Association, and a COM board member since 1996. President David Wain Coon had this to say about the election, and candidates. “Since I have been here the board and I have worked together to move the college forward, have a common agenda, address the issues that need to be addressed, and make significant progress in the last three years.” The election for the COM Board of Trustees is on the 5 of November, along with county elections. Mail-in ballots have already been sent, and public polls will be open 7 a.m.
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Features
Photos by Sindy Smart Traffic on the roads to Pierce Point and other scenic attractions along Point Reyes National Seashore was light due to the closure of the national parks.
Marin’s national parks closed Visitors, businesses and students affected by government shutdown National Parks: Continued from cover
that a potential tourist could pay for at a national park was factored into the estimate. “Local communities around national parks are losing approximately $76 million in lost visitor spending each day for as long as the shutdown continues,” Litterst said while the shutdown was still in effect. Tourism aside, the closures have disrupted simple operations like College of Marin field trips. Intensive English Program (IEP) professor Sara Oser was planning on taking her class to Alcatraz Island, but found that there were no ferries running from San Francisco to the island.
“I told the students, I’d heard about it on the radio and from friends and family,” Oser said, regarding the park’s shutdown. “Then I called Alcatraz to see if that was true. They were happy not to charge my credit card for the 35 tickets I had ordered for October 4.” Oser talked to COM Director of International Education Jason Lau about the debacle, and they decided to take the ferry from Larkspur Landing to the new Exploratorium in San Francisco, and then spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf. The students had the option of taking the ferry back or returning by their own means. “[We were] very disappointed,
Closure signs were posted at the entrances to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods and the 75,000-acre Point Reyes National Seashore.
because the weather has been so beautiful and Alcatraz is a very special place because of its history, geography, cell tour, movies, exhibits. The ersatz field trip was great, though. Everything went smoothly,” Oser said about the government shutdown. “I think our representatives need to understand that it is in our country’s best interest to make medical care more available to its citizens,” she said of the political deadlock. “It’s what a caring country does for its citizens.” The inconvenience to COM students and faculty extended to tourists nationwide. The Association of National Park Service Retirees estimated that some 7
million visitors were shut out of parks nationwide during the first 10 days of the shutdown. During that time, they claim $750 million dollars in revenue were lost. Unlike other states, Sacramento refused to appropriate funds from the state treasury in order to reopen the state’s national parks. On a good October day, Point Reyes National Seashore typically sees about 8,000 sightseers and tourists, who spend around $93 million a year in towns and locations along the national seashore. Point Reyes, Muir Woods and the Golden Gate National Recreational Area Continued on next page
Park Superindendant Cicely Muldoon had to turn away visitors at the entrance to Point Reyes National Seashore’s Bear Valley park headquarters.
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Photos by Sindy Smart Point Reyes National Seashore was established in 1962 as part of the national park system.
Public outraged over closure of national parks Continued from previous page
generated $445 million dollars in 2011, and according to a 2012 report issued by Michigan State University, Muir Woods National Monument had 897,000 visitors who spent $61.7 million locally. “While we have a state budget that is balanced, it is balanced by a narrow margin, and there are a number of pressures to the budget that are not under the state’s control that have the potential to move that balanced budget out of balance,” California Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Even if the state were to front general funds for this, or for any other program for that
Park rangers stopped visitors at the various entrances to Point Reyes National Seashore.
matter, the executive branch cannot unilaterally guarantee that the state would be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs. It would require an act of Congress to do that.” But with parks closed, and people illegally entering any way they can, it begs the question—who was policing inside closed national parks? Jeffrey Saarman, a student at College of Marin in the early 1970s, has been hiking in West Marin for decades. Abbotts Lagoon is his favorite trail in Point Reyes. He was worried about what might go on inside parks without ranger patrols. “We all know that not only the national, but the state parks have been used as... ‘pot havens,’ and the growing of marijuana by cartels, and if we can’t control it [due to the shutdown], then yeah, I would definitely say we need to be funding [the parks] through the state,” Saarman said. He views the political deadlock in Washington as part of a larger socioeconomic struggle, one that has prevented him from walking “safely on land I’ve walked on for 60 years of my life.” Asked about the shutdown in Washington, Saarman said he didn’t place blame on either political party centered in the dispute. “Both the Democrats and the Republicans have an entrenchment, and neither of them are representing compromise,” he said. “Neither of them are being an adult for compromise. And I think that the difficulty that arises is that they’re not working out of a paradigm of cooperation, they’re working out of a blame situation, ‘I’m right, you’re wrong.’ And it’s not about being right or wrong, or making somebody wrong, or throwing
The beaches north of Point Reyes were closed to the public earlier this month.
Visitors to Abbots Lagoon ran the risk of being fined for trespassing on public land. Jeffrey Saarman, a former COM student, criticized politicians for the government shutdown.
a fit when you’re not getting your way. “It’s really about listening to everybody out there. I think it’s time for us as individuals to rise against our government, to force them to consolidate and act like adults and human beings. We’re not seeing it at all in Washington,
and it’s very frustrating on my end, trying to not only do business, but to recreate myself by walking in Point Reyes National Seashore.” Nora Halloran, an environmental science and natural history major at COM, worked as an Interpretive Intern at the
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The Tule Elk herd on Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the largest in California. Reintroduced to the area in the 1970s, the herd grew from 10 to more than 440. The wildlife refuge for these animals is located on the road to Pierce Point.
Marin Headlands throughout the spring and summer of 2011. She ran the visitor center and acted as a tour guide at the decommissioned NIKE missile site. She also worked as an education intern at Muir Woods National Monument from January through the summer of 2012.
“Without a doubt, the eight months I worked at Muir Woods were the best and most fulfilling of my entire life” she said. “There are no words to describe the experience or how much I grew to love that park. The last day of my internship, I stayed an hour past my shift and walked
through the forest in tears. You can’t imagine how incredible it was to spend five days a week for eight months in such a beautiful and enchanting place as this. I came to love it as my home.” As a former employee, she was troubled by the closure of the parks.
“The list of consequences seems endless for the American people,” Halloran said. “It is extremely frustrating to know that members of congress still receive pay, while almost all my teachers and mentors in the National Park Service were sent home without pay on furlough. “It angers my heart to read in the newspaper about government workers, some of whom are veterans, being ordered to continue reporting to work and being paid on IOUs. Many of these men and women live paycheck-to-paycheck, and have landlords to pay that don’t accept the ridiculous IOU system the government [has been] using.” Point Reyes reopened on October 17, when Congress passed the budget – exactly two weeks and three days after the closures began. “We’re in the business of welcoming people into parks, and we’re really happy to be back in business,” said Point Reyes National Seashore Superintendant Cicely Muldoon, who took classes in Marine Biology at College of Marin. She personally had to turn people away from the entrance to the Bear Valley headquarters of the national seashore during the closure. Many people feel that the government shutdown and the subsequent closure of the national parks set a dangerous precedent. The concern is that next time there is a budget impasse, the parks may fall victim again.
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Marshall Northcott remembered By Leslie Lee
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arshall Northcott, director of the Information Technology Department, died on July 6 at his home in Hayward, California. The cancer that took him originated in his early thirties as a melanoma tumor on his leg. It took two operations to completely remove the tumor. In the subsequent years before his death, Marshall received regular screening blood tests to ensure early treatment should the cancer return. His last blood test in February 2013 showed that he was clear. By the time he fell ill in late May, his doctors discovered that the cancer had metastasized to his brain. Prognosis was terminal. He spent his last days at home, comforted by his family, and the emails he received from the College of Marin staff. Marshall started working for COM on April 1, 2010. In his role as the Director of the Information Technology Department, Marshall managed a staff of approximately sixteen to eighteen employees by himself until March 18, 2013, when Jeff Fleisher was hired as a supervisor. The IT department maintains the computer infrastructure for the college. They service personal computers, servers, hardware, software, voice mail, telephones, networks, email, and internet access–in short, everything students need to achieve their educational goals and all the connections staff need to do their job. Marshall possessed an easy-going demeanor, and an ability to remain calm in the face of diversity. Burton Schane, Administrative Systems Analyst, said, “He was extremely even-tempered. You always knew where you stood with him… No matter what was thrown at him, he remained calm. He calmed the waters.” President David Coon called him, “a genuinely nice guy”. Maryanne Kaehler, System Support Admnistrator, said, “He always had time for people, and he listened too. He really cared.” One challenge Marshall faced was that his office was at the Indian Valley Campus, but many of the meetings he held and attended were located at the Kentfield. It was not unusual to see him working on his laptop in the Academic Center conference room from early in the morning to late in the day, during which time he would hold numerous meetings. Though some of the Academic Center’s office staff felt this was an invasion of space (who would have liked to use the conference room for their own meetings), Kaehler points out that this practice benefited the IT department: “… Communication among department employees was good and everyone in the department knew what everyone else was working on, and aware of anything important coming up that might affect their work.” President Coon appreciates Marshall’s dedication to COM, despite the challenges Marshall faced in his job “… He had too many people reporting directly to him, and many times some of these people had
Marshall Northcott stands above a beach just south of Pacifica on a clear, windy day last year.
Photo courtesy of Linda Northcott
their own agendas and opinions about how things should get done. He also lacked institutional support. But he was able to negotiate the stress of his position.” Kaehler also admired Marshall’s managerial style, “Marshall believed that “people will do well if you give them enough chances, and he tried hard to work with difficult employees… he really wanted to give his employees opportunities for learning.” Some of the projects Marshall was working towards during his employment was a 5-year replacement plan for the college’s computers, as well as campuswide wi-fi access and expansion of network and server capabilities. President Coon fondly remembers a simple email exchange. He had emailed Marshall a little note after signing off on his performance evaluation, thanking Marshall for his dedication and good work, and Marshall had written back to President Coon telling him that no college president had ever thanked him before. “[The email exchange] was genuine on my part, genuine on his part. It’s a nice memory.” “Every day was a blessing,” Linda Northcott said of her 28-year marriage to Marshall. He was romantic and affectionate. He routinely sent Linda flowers, poems and love notes. At one point in their marriage, he was stationed at a job in Hawaii for a year and a half while the family remained on the mainland. “He called me every day and told me he loved me,” Linda recalls. “He never missed a day.” Marshall also supported his daughter Celeste’s running hobby. Whenever they had a race to run, he would rise at 3:30 a.m., drive them to their event, and cheer them on. He loved Linda’s daughter, Tonya, as his own. Tonya, who was seven years old when she first met Marshall, never called him daddy. “She called him M&M,” said Linda, “because he was so sweet.” Marshall also made a point to spend special time with his girls, often having “Daddy-Daughter Days,” and was the parent who helped them with their homework. Tonya named one of
her sons after Marshall. Celeste, whose wedding was planned for July 27, pushed up her marriage to June 15, so that her father could witness her marriage. Even though she still had her planned ceremony with family and friends on July 27, the June 15 ceremony was the legal one, with the hospice chaplain performing the
ceremony at Marshall’s home. Marshall’s life is a testament that love is earned, not by empty words, but by deeds. Those who were fortunate to have their lives touched by him will always remember his kindness, dedication and commitment.
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Features
Tom Sciaroni on keyboard, and guitarist Bill Klevins, had several solos during the show.
Sciaroni accompanies bassist Paul Aubert, the youngest member of the ensemble.
Retired school teacher Wayne Colyer, on alto saxophone, received a standing ovation.
New band director Casey Carnahan conducted the ensemble.
Jazz ensemble benefit fills the Fenix By Kyle Dang
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he College of Marin Jazz Ensemble delivered a blowout performance to a packed audience at the Fenix live music club on Sunday, October 13. The concert was one of several live off-campus shows the band has played this semester. Headlined by local saxophone master Mel Martin, the concert was billed as a benefit event, with fifty percent of ticket sales going to the COM music department. The concert was live-streamed on the Fenix’s website, and lasted for two hours, interrupted only by a 20-minute intermission. The stage was at complete weight-capacity, with 18 band members and their instruments crammed on it. The songs played were chosen from a library of pre-arranged music, access to which is one of the things their live shows help fund. The first half of the show was punctuated by the ensembles four vocalists. Sequin dresses and bold jazztailored voices were the name of the game that night, as they belted out several sultry jazz classics apiece. Band members were all given ample solo time, and the chance to distinguish themselves. Wayne Corley, a local musician and retired schoolteacher, joined the saxophone sextet for the night. Playing the alto saxophone, Wayne quickly made an impression on the audience. During the intermission, several people commented on how good Mel Martin was, confusing Corley for him. Mel Martin was born in Sacramento in 1943. He moved to San Francisco in his early twenties, and quickly became a staple of the sixties jazz scene, playing at historic venues like Bop City and Soulville. A virtuosic multi-instrumentalist, Mel formed several acclaimed groups and played with musicians as diverse and well known as Dizzy Dillespie, Santana, and Sinatra. In recent years Martin has taught music at Sonoma and San Francisco State Universities, while also teaching private students.
Photos by Sindy Smart Carolyne Caires was one of four jazz vocalists who performed in the first half of the benefit concert, held at the Fenix in San Rafael.
Absent during the first half of the show, Martin stormed the second half with an intricate saxophone duel with Wayne Colyer. Just off the stage because of the ensembles size, Martin played the crowd, chatting with the audience, leaning against the wall to watch the band, and sometimes disappearing behind stage. With the crowd roaring its approval at the end, Mel brought it all down with a slower waltzy-ballad that showcased his untarnished virtuosity. Multiple ensemble members have credited the new band director, Casey Carnahan, with a rejuvenation of the group’s spirit. Cayce has begun to push the ensemble in a new and more active direction, booking them regular shows at clubs throughout Marin, and inviting notable musicians like Mel Martin and Tommy Taigo to play with them. Veteran ensemble saxophonist Bernard Knapp said, “Cayce is the best. He is a fantastic bandleader and a great musician. No other jazz ensemble instructor has organized so many club shows in a semester. He’s challenging us as musicians.” The ensemble has begun to perform regularly at the Seahorse in
Sausalito, and will be performing there again on November 11. Billing itself as a live music supper club, the Fenix opened in 2008 under the ownership of Laura van Galen and her fiancé Kyle Hixon. The club infuses stateof-the-art audio engineering technology with a classical jazz club atmosphere, and southern-french cuisine. Its army of black suited servers provide a constant stream of drinks and fresh food, going unnoticed as the stage, front and center, absorbs every particle of the audiences attention. “The whole idea of the Fenix is real live music, not that pre-recorded press a button stuff,” said Hixon. “We love to help nurture the musical community. This was a huge turnout and a great find.” Combined, the ensemble members have over half a century of musical experience. Most played professionally or semi-professionally at some point, and have found a resurgent passion for playing live music. “I really admire this group and Cayce. It was an ambitious show and we tried hard. There’s always room for improvement, but we gave it our
best offering, and that’s what music is all about,” said trumpeter Kaleo Larson. The ensemble is composed primarily of older men, which has attracted a wealth of veteran experience, but lacks diversity. Paul Aubert, standup Bass and youngest band member on stage, said, “I don’t really notice the age gap. Music is sort of my life right now, and I think everyone in the band can relate.” While it might not bother Paul, this semester’s class time was changed specifically to entice high school students and other young musicians. Several promising musicians are already waiting in the wings for an open band position. The Jazz Ensemble has class time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from four to fivethirty. They meet in the Performing Arts building. On December 5 the ensemble will be opening for the world-renowned drummer and big band leader Tommy Aigo, at a concert on campus. Featured guests include Marc Russo of the Doobie Brothers and Tom Politzer of Tower of Power. All COM students are encouraged to attend.
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IVC’s organic farm offers nutritious alternatives By Sophia DeFelice
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f Marin County isn’t at the forefront of bringing organic foods to school children, it certainly is a contender now. The College of Marin has been leading the charge with its Novato-based organic farm, aimed at teaching children and adults alike about a lifestyle of healthy eating. Nanda Schorske, Executive Dean of Indian Valley Campus and Workforce and Economic Development has been at COM for 8 years. Schorske oversees the Organic Farm and Garden at IVC. “The IVC Organic Farm and Garden was established as a teaching farm, to promote agriculture in Marin for grade school children, as well as to promote local food systems. This is the only teaching farm in Marin. We have 250 varieties of vegetables, this is practically unheard of,” she said. Her passion for organic
foods began, “it began while raising five children. Young children are picky eaters because they are sensitive to taste. As their taste buds are awakened to clean, wholesome, fresh foods, this raises the bar and as a result they will want healthy foods through life,” she said. IVC organic produce has an edge over other organic foods in the market. “Our foods ripen on the vine so they are going to taste incredible,” said Schorske. “Have you ever had lettuce that was picked an hour ago? What an awakening for the taste buds! This is not just about food shopping, this is about a lifestyle. You connect with what you eat, you connect with the earth, and by supporting the farm you help your community increase access to organic foods. We now provide elementary schools with organic produce for lunches. It’s just fabulous. When we first went into elementary schools in our county, there were children who had never seen kale, or chard, or certain
root vegetables. We are here to educate, and provide our community with good, wholesome foods.” Miguel Villarreal, Director of Food and Nutritional Services for the Novato Unified School District since 2002, has been creating healthy changes for students. His work is getting notice locally and from international celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Miguel said, “While pursuing a Masters in Business Administration, I realized I was helping young active bodies stay healthy. It was here my passion became focused and I began to connect the 3 C’s, Cafeteria, Classroom and Community to nutrition and wellness.” Miguel has instituted important changes while at NUSD. “Some of the changes are serving up organic foods from local farms, removing as much processed foods as the budget will allow, as well as eliminating 400 pounds of sugar per day children were consuming. Children in Marin are consuming more vegetables
Photo by Alex Movahedi Henry Wallace, who teaches organic farming classes at IVC, chats with Nanda Schorske, dean of the campus.
Photo by Alex Movahedi
Photo by Chelsea Dederick
Bees, one of the major pollinating insects, are attracted to the sunflowers at IVC.
Carrots, onions, radishes and beets are among the many fruit and vegetables produced at IVC’s organic farm, which is celebrating its fifth harvest this year.
and fruits,” said Villarreal. Americans consume way too much sugar, which leads to all sort of bad health consequences, diabetes, obesity and more. “The process of nutritional education is ongoing from educators, to parents, to the children themselves,” Vilareal said. Today he serves grades K through 12. In 2011, Jamie Oliver bestowed the Food Hero award on Mr. Villarreal for improving the quality of life of children and of the community. In 2012 Mr. Villarreal received the Golden Carrot Award from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Joe Mueller is the advisor to the Environment Action Club at COM. Mueller has taught for 25 years at COM in the fields of biology, environmental science and ecology. “We are all dependent on our soil, air and the ecology of our planet, our bodies are connected to the earth and our surroundings. The damage to our bodies, to our water systems, to wildlife, and soil is costly.” Last semester the EAC was instrumental in talking to the owners of the campus cafeteria and getting them to stop using Styrofoam cups. “A win for our environment and a win for our health,” Meuller said. Before WWII, foods were not sprayed. In that era foods were organic without any need for labels. Things have changed greatly, and not for the better since today’s conventional foods are sprayed with toxic pesticides and chemicals. Students at COM have an opportunity to be proactive and to express their desire for healthy foods on campus. Last semester the Environmental Action Club had a produce stand selling IVC’s organic farm foods on the Kentfield campus. If you want to see the stand again, and if you want to create changes regarding food options at the Kentfield campus, give the EAC a shout-out online. In 2009 a survey of Kentfield students revealed they wanted the same things served at Dominican University–fresh, high-quality, flavorful foods at a great price. Dominican’s food is handled by Bon Apétit Management Company. They specialize in creating made-from-scratch menus featuring regional, seasonal, artisan-produced products. Their produce is locally sourced, in other words Farm to Fork. If you are interested in seeing improvements in the types of food available at the Kentfield bistro cafe, contact Suzy Lee, Operations Manager for Bay Area’s Fresh & Natural Food Services Group, which handles food served on the campus. Suzy is a warm-hearted woman who is open to hearing from customers. Feel free to talk with her about your dietary concerns. She has a suggestion box for student ideas, comments, and recommendations about what you would like to have offered. More likely than not they will be addressed in a timely and substantive manner.
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ECHO TIMES
Oct. 28 2013
Features ‘Streetcar’ makes a successful run By Andrew Lino
J
ECHO TIMES
azzy blues played softly in the background as the James Dunn Theater came to life. Located in the newly reconstructed Performing Arts Building, the theater hummed as friends, family and fans gathered for the opening night of Tennessee William’s “A Streetcar
Review Named Desire.” Directed by drama teacher W. Allen Taylor, the show starred Elexa Poropudas, Adam Roy, Laura Espino and Erik Ortman. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play centers around Blanche Dubois (Elexa Poropudas), an attractive southern belle who is haunted by a troubled past. Unable to make it on her own, she moves into a small apartment with her sister, Stella Kowalski (Laura Espino) and her brotherin-law, Stanley Kowalski (Adam Roy). The tension mounts within the household as Poropudas’ character Blanche controls the stage with her emotive performance. From the tenuous love she feels for Mitch (Erik Ortman) to her hatred and fear of Stanley, Poropudas takes the audience to hell and back as she navigates New Orleans’ French Quarter. Errors with timing and a few notable hiccups reminded the audience that this was a student production. The spartan set, a 1947 apartment designed by Ron Krempetz, captured the frugality of post-war New Orleans. In his white wife-beater tank top and cream-colored slacks, Adam Roy was a
Photo by Jim Gessner Elexa Poropudas stole the show as the lead, Blanche Dubois, in COM’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
“
Elexa Poropudas did an amazing job as Blanche Dubois. The actors did a great job getting in touch with Tennessee William’s work and expressing its beauty.”
– Lisa Morse, drama teacher
little over-zealous as he charged headfirst into the brutish character of Stanley Kowalski. The role was originally played by Marlon Brando in the Broadway production that launched his acting career. Erik Ortman does an excellent job transforming Mitch from a sensitive, milddemeanored drinking buddy of Stanley’s, into a jealous, explosive, angry drunk as he
learns of Blanche’s past. Poropudas displayed her full talent in an outstanding performance that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Carrying the production past its shakier moments, her performance led the cast in an exciting, memorable show. The 29-year-old drama major carries herself with the subtlety of an experienced
veteran. She has performed in four COM productions at College of Marin. “Elexa Poropudas did an amazing job as Blanche Dubois,” said drama teacher Lisa Morse. “The actors did a great job getting in touch with Tennessee William’s work and expressing its beauty.” Poropudas’ presence on stage makes most people who have seen her perform wonder where her talents will take her. The audience came away from the show feeling it was an evening well-spent. As the drama department approaches its 50th anniversary, the community can look forward to seeing Allen Taylor’s “In Search of My Father... Walkin’ Talkin’ Bill Hawkins,” a one-man show which he wrote, directed and will be starring in.
Rummaging around on the IVC Campus By Brady Meyring ECHO TIMES
T
Photo by Alex Movahedi College of Marin held a yard sale in the parking lot of the IVC Campus. Among the items sold were file cabinets, desks, chairs, books, computers and medical equipment.
he College of Marin seems to be no different than your average American household. After years of acquiring and holding onto furnishings and equipment, there eventually comes a time when it’s necessary to clean out the storage areas and get rid of the old. On Friday, October 25, COM participated in the American tradition of throwing a yard sale. The sale at Indian Valley Campus, parking lot 3, was open to the public and there was no telling exactly what could be found. For college students seeking to furnish an apartment or home, there were
couches, desks, chairs and other furniture at rock-bottom prices. There were also many items for enthusiasts of old audiovisual equipment and computer items. In addition, there were thousands of books, football jerseys and pads, and a variety of used medical equipment offered by the college. All items for sale were deemed surplus by the district Board of Trustees. Like any good garage sale, prices at COM’s surplus sale were negotiable and the college was willing to haggle. Many students brought a vehicle, a wad of cash, and came home with something unique. All of the proceeds for the sale went in to the college general fund, college trash became student treasure.
12
College of marin
Calendar Events
Men’s Soccer COM Men’s Soccer team vs. Merritt When: October 29, 4 p.m. Where: Kentfield COM Men’s Soccer team vs. Modesto When: November 1, 3 p.m. Where: Kentfield COM Men’s Soccer team vs. Yuba When: November 5, 3 p.m. Where: Marysville COM Men’s Soccer team vs. Contra Costa When: November 8, 3 p.m. Where: Kentfield
Women’s Soccer Fall 2013 Dance Concert: “Physical Graffiti” Choreography by COM Dance faculty with Branson HS, San Domenico and Primus Ballet Theater. Box office: 415.485.9385 When: November 1, 2, 8, 9, 8 p.m. Where: James Dunn Theatre Admission: $15 general; $10 students/ seniors Transfer Day Meet with representatives from more than 30 colleges at the annual College of Marin Transfer Day. The free event is an opportunity to explore transfer options to a four-year college or university. For more information, visit the Transfer and Career Center in room 202 of the Student Services building, or call (415) 485-9671. When: Monday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Student Services Building, Cafeteria, Kentfield Campus Jazz Ensemble at the Seahorse Come swing with the College of Marin Jazz Ensemble at the Seahorse in Sausalito. Great music, great food, and great atmosphere. When: Monday, November 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Where: The Seahorse in Sausalito Thursday Brown Bag Theatre Student-directed scenes presented in the drama classroom. Improv shows featuring Actors Without Lines (A.W.O.L.) When: November 14, Selected Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Where: PA 134/136. Admission: Free ‘Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor’ A documentary film chronicling the battle of Khe Sanh, Vietnam. Sponsored by COM’s Veterans Association. Ken Rodgers, the film’s producer/director, will attend the screening and a post-show panel discussion. A catered reception will precede the film starting at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. When: November 14 Where: James Dunn Theater Admission: Free
Dates to Remember Deadline for filing Application for Fall Graduation: October 31 Veteran’s Day Holiday - Campuses closed: November 11 Last day to drop a Full-term class with a “W” grade: November 15
COM Women’s Soccer team vs. Yuba When: November 5, 1 p.m. Where: Kentfield
Women’s Volleyball COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Mendocino When: October 30, 6 p.m. Where: Mendocino COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Alameda When: November 1, 6 p.m. Where: Kentfield COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Napa When: November 6, 6 p.m. Where: Napa COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Yuba When: November 8, 6 p.m. Where: Kentfield COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Laney When: November 15, 6 p.m. Where: Oakland COM Women’s Volleyball team vs. Los Medanos When: November 19, 6 p.m. Where: Kentfield
Women’s Basketball COM Women’s Basketball team vs. Las Positas When: November 14 to 16 Where: Livermore COM Women’s Basketball team vs. Skyline When: November 21 Where: TBA
Men’s Basketball COM Men’s Basketball team vs. CCSF Tournament When: November 8 to 10 Where: San Francisco
Corrections In our October 4 issue [“Miss California’s inspiration”], we incorrectly spelled Michele Moser’s name, the executive director of the Miss Marin Pageant. In an adjoining story [“Almost Miss America”], we incorrectly reported the number of years that Wendy Lee, Miss California’s mother, has been married. Wellman and Wendy Lee have been married 24 years. In the same issue [“The beat goes on for new music club”], we misidentified Jon Gudmundsson’s title. He advises the music club, and is a laboratory technician in the Communications Department. We regret these errors.
Oct. 28, 2013