December 6, 2018 Volume 87 Issue 11

Volume 87

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Issue 11

Students Introduce Dialogue Workshop for High School Students to ‘Open Up’

BY MAYA MCFADDEN SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Three MCLA students are working to improve the Berkshires' approach to discussing race and identity for high school youth by introducing a dialogue-based workshop. A mock session for the program was presented to campus community members Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Seniors Erika Lucia and Callie Higgins, and junior Don’Jea Smith have been working with Jenna Scuito, assistant professor of English/Communications on an independent study project they’ve named “Open Up: Community Dialogue Workshop.”

The organizers held two mock sessions on campus to first receive ideas and critique.

The first session was presented to the Black Student Union (BSU) Wednesday, Nov. 14.

During the project’s second mock presentation, Scuito said the program is “geared at high school students to make space for uncomfortable conversations in the attempt of highlighting the commonalities between us.”

The student-organizers' interest was sparked last spring after attending BART Charter School’s screening of the James Baldwin documentary, "I am Not Your Negro," and then helping to facilitate the panel discussion after the film.

Open Up, Page 2

Photo by Maya Mcfadden

From left to right, Callie Higgins ‘19, Don’Jea Smith ‘20, and Erika Lucia ‘19 are leading the “Open Up: Community Dialogue Workshop.” Geared toward high school students, the workshop aims to make space for “uncomfortable” conversations pertaining to race.

Transit Strike Impacts Commuter Students Failed negotiations with the Teamsters Local 404 union have led to the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority going on strike. As a result, some commuter students may find it difficult to attend classes.

BY JAKE VITALI AND JULIA TEIXEIRA MANAGING EDITOR AND BWN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Some members of the MCLA community were left without a ride to school on Monday as the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) went on strike.

On Sunday evening, the following notice was posted to the BRTA’s website explaining that the strike comes about as the result of failed negotiations with the Teamsters Local 404

union which represents the paratransit employees: “The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) just received notification that the latest offer presented to the Federal Mediator on Friday November 30, 2018 has been voted on by the paratransit union membership at their Sunday December 2, 2018 meeting and was rejected and “will result in a work stoppage commencing the morning of Monday December 3, 2018”. This means

Transit, page 2

Photo by Jake Vitali

For some students, public transit is their primary means of transportation to and from campus.

Local Farms Struggle to Make a Profit

BY SYMANTHA KEHR SPECIAL TO THE BEACON Even with a push toward locally grown food, organic farms have been struggling to make a profit on their products. Red Shirt Farm, a small farm in the Berkshires, suffers the same problem.

Jim and Annie Schultz started Red Shirt Farm six years ago to promote locally grown food and to grow organic products. It is different from other farms in the types of animals they raise,

the way they raise them, the beyond-organic practices and the environmentally-friendly growing methods.

“I think we are the only farm in the Berkshires, maybe even wider around, that does Heritage birds,” said Ian Petty, an intern at Red Shirt Farm.

According to Petty, Heritage birds are better for the consumer. “Those are healthier, natural breeds that were developed before the advent of commercial animal agriculture,” Petty said. For

instance, commercial birds must be artificially inseminated. “They can’t breed, reproduce naturally.”

Jim Schultz, the owner of Red Shirt Farm, raises his birds outside whereas birds that are found in the store are raised in a factory warehouse. He uses the same process for his pigs.

The choice of healthier and humanely raised animals does come at a cost to the consumer. “You can buy

Farms, page 2

Updates Bring Charm To Local Ben & Jerry’s

BY KATHERINE GUITARD SPECIAL TO THE BEACON PITTSFIELD—Ben & Jerry’s is undergoing nearly $50,000 in updates and renovations in order to attract customers and refresh the old building. The business hopes to hold a grand reopening in June 2019.

The locally owned and operated franchise is located at 179 South St. in Pittsfield. It

has been conducting business for just over 30 years and has exchanged owners three times.

The old brick building was originally an auto-mechanic shop before turning into a commercial storefront. “It’s certainly an old building and comes along with the characteristics of an older space,” said Jon Pierce, co-owner of

Charm, page 4

CAMPUSNEWS

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Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

Open Up, From page 1 “A lively discussion ensued, and immediately following the event, on the way to the van, Erika turned to me and expressed an interest in reaching out to other area schools. The seeds of this project were planted,” Scuito said during her opening remarks at the mock session.

At the start of this semester, the student-organizers and Scuito brainstormed ideas for their workshop that would be effective and engaging for high school students, specifically juniors and seniors.

Both Lucia and Higgins attended local high schools in the Berkshires.

Scuito said that during brainstorming the two had agreed that, locally, discussions on race and whiteness were not approached appropriately, if at all.

“We believe it is important for young people in this majority white community to have the tools to recognize that structural white supremacy is the reality in this country,” Scuito said. “We want to open dialogue on uncomfortable topics to start to bridge the gaps in communication currently rampant.”

Scuito and the organizers said they hope to continue their work next year and are interested in having others get involved.

The student-organizers shared with those in attendance why they were passionate about the project and its goals.

“I feel a connection to Berkshire County having grown up here and want this conversation on race and racism to be included, not ignored, in our schools,” said Higgins.

While Scuito oversaw the independent study with the students she said they did all of the "heavy lifting" with the project's research, organization and topics.

“Their enthusiasm for the project is contagious,” Scuito said.

The three student-organizers all major in English/Communications. Higgins also majors in secondary education. Lucia has a concentration in broadcast media and a minor in leadership, while Smith has a concentration in creative writing.

“Erika was truly essential from a technological standpoint, Don’Jea is a very experienced facilitator used to working with difficult topics, and Callie has indispensable

organizational skills, helping us achieve the vision we imagined,” Scuito said.

There was a total turnout of approximately 15 guests including President Birge who said he believes the program is especially important because it expanded on dialogue around diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I think college students have an important and powerful voice that will compel high school students to think more deeply about these important matters,” Birge said.

During the presentation, the organizers analyzed with the guests a short clip from an episode of the Netflix series, "Dear White People." Key terms and their definitions were also discussed.

These terms include systemic racism, white racial frame and white fragility.

“Having these definitions written down and hearing them explained in the context of the TV episode were helpful in understanding racism as a whole,” Dayne Wahl said.

In the end, a creative writing exercise was introduced to have the guests write poetry specifically about their thoughts on white-

ness.

“I loved that the facilitators incorporated poetry writing into the workshop,” said senior Lianne Gallant. “Creative writing forces people to make the political intimately personal.”

Many guests said that they believe the program would be very effective for high school students because it incorporates popular media in a realistic discussion about race making it engaging and relatable.

After the session, the organizers and guests remained present to discuss feedback.

“I think a discussion about the way racism looks different now than during the Civil Rights movement or slavery would be useful. Contemporary racism is not as explicit and so people fail to recognize it,” said Gallant.

The student-organizers agreed that the project is also meant to be a learning experience for them.

“We want to give students the chance to talk, not be talked at,” Higgins said. “This is a learning opportunity for all of us.”

Farms, from page 1

Transit, From page 1

Photo courtesy Jim Schultz

Photo by Jake Vitali

Several buses sit outside the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority at 1 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield, Mass. all BRTA paratransit will not operate beginning on Monday Dec. 3, 2018, for the duration of the strike.

BRTA has subcontracted with other chaircar vendors to perform essential paratransit trips.”

For some students, public transit is their only means of transportation to and from campus.

“I take the bus up to go to school every Tuesday and Thursday, so I would have to get a ride from my parents because I don’t have a driver’s license and I live four towns away,” said student Robert Wehry before the strike happened.

“I don’t feel like MCLA has much, if anything, to help out,” Wehry said. “Last year there was a possibility of a strike. I was constantly knowing, I was receiving tons of emails.”

On Dec. 3, Catherine Holbrook, vice president of Student Affairs emailed all students after the strike went into effect. Holbrook urged students to contact her if they would be directly impacted and to coordinate

with one another.

“I also ask those of you who have vehicles to be aware of this situation if you know of another student you might extend a ride to, until this public transportation matter is resolved. We encourage ride-sharing as a sustainable and community-minded action. MCLA has class groups, listed below, that can help you connect with other students for this purpose. Thanks in advance for your help,” Holbrook wrote.

The Beacon asked repeatedly for Holbrook to be available on the record and she was not made available to us by the President’s Office.

Senior Wyatt Mineau is getting rides from his mother to campus while the strike occurs. If not for her, Mineau would be left walking.

“As a student who really can’t afford a car right now, it’s basically made it so that if I want to go somewhere I have to walk there,” Mineau said. “Being able to use the bus

wasn’t perfect but it was a bit better because I was able to get to Main Street or to MoCA or to campus on a consistent schedule without having to worry about whether it’s too cold to walk.”

Mineau shared Wehry’s sentiments that MCLA could have a better response to the strike.

“Has MCLA had a response?” Mineau asked. “I don’t really know because I’ve always had this opinion that MCLA’s shuttling has had its own problems.”

Wehry said that he had only received one email this year stating that a strike was possible. He also suggested that there should be signs in the commuter lounge so students could carpool with one another or have drop-off points for the MCLA shuttle with drop-off points in Adams and at the Berkshire Mall.

Throughout the strike, routes 1, 2, and 11 will operate on a limited basis.

Full schedule information can be found on the BRTA website.

A baby pig from Red Shirt Farm. Unlike other farms, Red Shirt Farm uses strict, environmentally-friendly growing methods and organic practices. a turkey in the supermarket, and sometimes they give them away, for anywhere from 99 cents to $2.99 a pound,” Schultz said. Full-size birds at Red Shirt Farm go for about $7.50 a pound.

Schultz also raises birds for eggs. “The cost of a bird over its life span is gonna be, or for its total life, be about $40,” he said. “In that time she’ll lay about 200 eggs a year, so 400 eggs.” The eggs cost 50 cents, so she will bring in about $200.

Birds will only lay under 10 percent in the offseason. At the peak of the season, the laying rate will be closer to 80 or 90 percent, averaging about nine to 10 dozen eggs a day for a 200-bird flock.

That $40 only counts feed. “That doesn’t count labor, it doesn’t count housing, it doesn’t count electricity, all the other costs that go into it,” Schultz said. “If she’s kept for two years she may be bringing in closer to $75.” There are different costs that go into maintaining the birds causing the profit on them to decrease.

Their pigs also come with different expenses. “Those we buy at $100 apiece, we do seven a year,” Schultz said. After the whole process, it’s roughly $1,000 a pig or $4.50 a pound. “The profit on a pig is probably closer to $400.” That is about a 40 percent profit on the pigs.

Even with Red Shirt’s prices being higher than supermarkets, Schultz has a demand for every product he produces. However, much of the profit goes back into running the farm. Schultz said his wife Annie has a job off the farm as a nurse; this is the only way he could afford his farm and be able to raise the animals humanely, along with the

beyond-organic practices he uses for produce. Schultz worked in the school system for 30 years to help pay off the farm. He retired three years ago to farm full-time.

Along with all the animals Schultz raises, he also grows 2 acres of produce to bring in more profit.

“Those 2 acres will gross about $50,000 to $60,000 over the course of an entire year,” Schultz said. “But then, you know, you have labor, we have seed costs, we don’t buy fertilizer but we do soil amendments, so we test the soil and apply minerals that need to bring the soil into balance, as well as compost. So there’s that and tools and tool replacement, you know, irrigation, all that kind of stuff.”

Much of the money made from the produce goes into the cost of growing it. For all the produce and meat, there is money made up front; however that has to go back into raising more animals, growing more produce, and paying for labor.

Being organic can come at a cost not just for the consumer but also the farmers.

Square Roots Farm, another local business, is not certified organic but they use organic practices. “Our profit last year was about 20 percent of gross sales,” said Ashley Amsden, the owner of Square Roots Farm.

Not only do farmers deal with this issue but local stores do as well. Wild Oats, a coop in Williamstown, sells organic and locally grown products. They sell eggs that come from Red Shirt Farm. “Last year our sales were about $5 million,” said David, the farm’s general manager. “At the end of the year, we had earnings of, operating earnings, of about $3,000.” That is a 0.06 percent profit.

NEWS

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

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West Coast Fishermen Are Suing Oil Companies For Climate Change Damages

BY SAMMY ROTH LOS ANGELES TIMES

Fishermen are still waiting for permission to catch Dungeness crabs off California's northernmost coast this season _ and they want oil companies to pay for the delay.

State officials have postponed the start of the commercial Dungeness crab season because of high levels of a neurotoxin called domoic acid. Similar closures have wreaked economic havoc on the industry in recent years.

The neurotoxin's presence in the prized crabs has been linked to warming ocean waters, one of the many effects of human-caused climate change. That's why the West Coast's largest organization of commercial fishermen is suing more than a dozen oil companies, arguing they have knowingly peddled a product that threatens ocean life and the people whose economic fortunes depend on it.

The oil companies "engaged in a coordinated, multi-front effort to conceal and deny their own knowledge of those threats, discredit the growing body of publicly available scientific evidence, and persistently create doubt," the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Assns. said in its lawsuit, filed last month.

"Families and businesses that depend on the health and productivity of the Dungeness crab fishery to earn their livings suffer the consequences," the federation said.

How Exxon went from leader to skeptic on climate change research » The fishermen's group joins cities from California to New York that have sued the fossil fuel industry over its role in causing climate change. The lawsuits have been compared to legal actions

brought against the tobacco industry in the 1990s, seeking damages to treat lung cancer and other health consequences of smoking.

The legal issues are similar in the fishermen's case, but what makes their lawsuit unique is that it pits one industry against another, said Ann Carlson, co-director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA. Carlson said it's possible the courts will be more sympathetic to the fishermen.

"It's really interesting to have a group of plaintiffs alleging specific economic harm to their livelihoods. I think it's compelling in a lot of ways," she said. "It's true the governments are alleging they're being harmed financially by climate change, but it's a little more nebulous than having fishermen who have been harmed."

Sean Comey, a spokesperson for Chevron, one of the oil companies named in the fishermen's lawsuit, said the case is "without merit and counterproductive to real solutions to climate change."

"The lawsuit seeks to penalize the production of reliable, affordable energy, which has been lawful and encouraged by governments. Energy companies and their products are vital to the global economy," Comey said in an email.

Representatives for ExxonMobil and BP, which were also named in the lawsuit, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Small-scale fishermen in Northern and Central California rely heavily on Dungeness crabs, said Noah Oppenheim, the federation's executive director. He said the crabs can generate more than $250 million in annual revenue for fishermen and coastal communities in California alone.

Photo by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Dungeness Crabs sit in a bin after being offloaded from a fishing vessel.

A Welcome to Our Spring 2019 Staff Eboard

Editor-in-Chief – Jacob Vitali BWN Executive Producer – Karen Canela Managing Editor – Nicholas Bassett Senior News Editor – Corey Mitchell-Labrie A&E Editor – Jennifer VanBramer Co-Sports Editors – Jabari Shakir, Brady Gerow Copy Chief – Elizabeth Haight Web Editor – Andrew Clarke Editor-at-Large – Ronald Leja

Staff

A&E Writers – Sabrina Damms, Salimatu Bah Staff Writers – Maya McFadden, Nathan Biron, John Morrissey, Tessa Sestito Copy Editor – Tessa Sestito Columnists – Nora Hones, Andrew Baillargeon

Beacon Web News

Administrator – Allison Thienel Producer/Reporters – Julia Teixeira, Andrew Strout

News

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Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

Charm, from page 1 the Pittsfield location for the past 12 years.

“It’s time the old spot got a facelift,” he said.

So far, here are the store’1s new installments and their costs: Pierce said they have three additional updates to complete: the lights hanging above the front freezers, the wall mural in their seating area and a laptop station.

The final installations will cost approximately $12,000.

Co-owner Tom Geary handles the finances and bookkeeping for the shop. Geary said, “Some of the renovation costs are covered by a grant from corporate — close to $15,000 — but the rest we’re on the hook for.”

Both partners touched on the high expense of the renovations for the small shop, especially during the slow time of year. “In order to stay in compliance with our agreement from corporate, it needs to be done. We also really need it in general,” Pierce said.

The business implemented a price increase this past spring for the first time in five years. The price increase ranged from 20 cents to $1.50, depending on the product and its ingredients.

“We’re on track to do our best year yet,” Geary said.

The business’s projected sales number is around $375,000 for 2018. The projected sales number from 2018 is up almost $50,000 from the previous year.

Price increases certainly helped that projected num-

ber, but the owners also attribute their successful sales to an arrival of more than 1,500 new customers.

“It’s excellent,” Pierce said.

“We hope to keep bringing new faces through the door, especially now with the updates.” Pierce also attributed the new influx of customers to the closing of a Friendly’s just south of their store.

Kate Gladu, an 11-year employee of the business, said she was nervous that the price increase would drive local customers away. “I was nervous parents would come in with their kids and walk back out the door because they couldn’t afford it for their whole family,” she said.

However, that did not prove to be the case, “Right off the bat though, nobody complained about the cost and they were actually tipping more,” said Gladu. “It’s a great product and an excellent company to purchase from, customers can feel good about what they’re paying for.”

The store stays open year-round, supplying ice cream to the hearty New Englanders who love frozen treats, even during the cold weather. “Come the winter months, we can’t afford to close the shop. We couldn’t make it seasonally,” Pierce said.

“It could be negative 15 degrees in January and I’m still craving ice cream,” said Beth McQueen, an avid ice cream consumer. “No matter the season I need my ice cream fix,” she said.

Between labor and rent, they’re lucky to break-even in the cold months. “We do the bulk of our business between May and September, and then need to budget tightly to make it through the rest of the year,” said Geary.

The cost of rent and utilities for the store adds up to over $5,000 a month. “Our rent goes up annually, and we’re already paying more than almost all other storefronts in downtown,” Pierce said.

Due to the demand of rising rent, it can make the operation of a mostly seasonal business very difficult.

“There will certainly come a point when we will be forced to explore other options for the business if our rent goes much higher,” said Pierce, who is hoping to purchase the building from the landlord in the near future.

IGE Educates Campus Community with Third Annual Ally Week

BY SOPHIE PLAYER STAFF WRITER The Identity and Gender Equality Resource Center (IGE), sponsored by the Women’s Center, hosted its third annual ally week last week, which included events focused on representation and how to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Our ultimate goal for every event we do, big or small, is to reach out to the community and educate people,” said IGE member Lilly Broman. “For ally week, it is to help the community understand how to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and just spread some positivity. It also makes it known to the LGBTQIA+ community here on campus that there are allies and people who care.” Broman was responsible for planning most of the ally week events.

The events took place Mon-

day through Friday and included a Vocab Game, Identi-Tree, Signing the “I Pledge” Poster, Name the Flag game, and Jeopardy, which took place on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Campus Center.

“Events like this are so important because so many times the LGBTQIA+ community will go unseen and unheard, so things like this really raise awareness. IGE is important for basically the same reason; we are here to be advocates, allies, and ultimately a resource,” Broman said. “We care about the people here on campus and we want to help educate the campus community and raise awareness about what it means to be in the LGBTQIA+ community.”

This year’s events mark the third annual ally week for IGE since the club first formed three years ago.

Many of their events are planned a semester before-

hand, and require much planning and organization from the members of the club.

“Usually what goes into planning the events is we come up with a bunch of events we want to do throughout the semester, then as a team we start to put them together. Sometimes, for big events like ally week, someone will take the lead on it to help it get more organized,” Broman said.

IGE and the Women’s Center are sectors of the Student Affairs Division, which includes programs like ALANA, International & Veteran Student Services, Athletics and Intramural Programs, the Center for Service and Citizenship, Counseling Services and others.

IGE has many plans for events next semester as well, including awareness days, movie nights, a pride week and more.

Photo by Katherine Guitard

The buisness’s projected 2018 sales are up almost $50,000 since last year.

A Student 'Upset' by Early Morning Test Threatened to Kill His Professor, Cops Say

BY MADELEINE MARR MIAMI HERALD MIAMI _ Rafael Decomas isn't a morning person.

The Florida Atlantic University student was arrested Wednesday after campus police say he threatened to kill his teacher on Twitter for scheduling an exam too early.

According to an arrest report obtained by The Miami Herald, a Tweet from the @Ashelaniqua, Cutie Claus handle posted about 1 a.m. last Tuesday, sounded ominous. It read: "Bey I gern f_-ing kill dis professor bey this is my confession to a premeditated murder."

After a brief online investigation, authorities

were able track down the account to the 20-year-old Riviera Beach resident, who later admitted he was "upset" that his data structure professor had scheduled a final for 7 a.m. at the Boca Raton university.

Decomas' commute means he would have had to set his alarm for 5 a.m.

"Decomas stated he did not intend to harm anyone and tweeted the post out of frustration," the report said. "Decomas advised that he deleted the post soon after publishing it."

Palm Beach County jail records show Decomas was released on a $5,000 bond.

Court records show he was charged with sending a written threat to kill or do bodily injury.

FEATURES

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

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Performance Clubs, SGA, Fight Lack of Performance Spaces

BY JAKE VITALI MANAGING EDITOR Student organizations on campus are seeking to resolve a grievance performance clubs have over the lack of performance spaces on campus.

The problem first arose during an Inter-Club Dialogue meeting hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) in early November after members of Yorick spoke out about issues finding spaces to put on their performances.

Yorick and Harlequin have resorted to taking their performances almost exclusively to the Church Street Center social hall or auditorium, despite it not being a true theater space.

The one theater on campus, Venable Theatre, is often sought out by clubs to no avail. Yorick president Jade Schnauber explained that the lack of availability comes from the four weekends of shows put on each semester by the Fine and Performing Arts department (FPA).

“The turnover for sets and lights and equipment is not always possible, especially with all of the people who want to be in there,” Schnauber said.

SGA has gotten involved to help find a compromise between FPA and the performance clubs.

Declan Nolan, president of SGA, acknowledged that while SGA can help broker a solution between the clubs and the FPA department, the theater is not a space they have authority over.

“It does have to be a collaborative effort. We’re including Vce president Holbrook as well as vice president Williams into the discussion because they have more overarching power over the spaces, student activities,

and the academic side of things,” Nolan said.

Priority over Venable Theatre first goes to the FPA department because of the academic nature of their performances. Usage of the space first goes through Academic Affairs before going to Student Activities.

“The academic department wants them to be sure they prioritize being a part of the academic performances,” Nolan said, speaking of FPA students.

While clubs such as Yorick and Harlequin can use the Church Street Center auditorium or social hall as an alternative, that option is not available to everyone.

“Church Street Center, especially in the social hall, it’s not safe to dance there on the floor and on the stage because it’s hardwood,” Nolan said, adding that Dance Company has about $9,000 worth of lighting purchased through SGA about five years ago.

Access to Venable Theatre is not the first time that FPA has clashed with student organizations.

“Yorick had an audition day on the same day as FPA and we had to write an apology letter which is a little extra,” Schnauber said. She went on to add, “There’s been times where FPA feels like sometimes the clubs take the better actors. So sometimes them not letting us use Venable is seen more as a petty move.”

SGA senator Trevor Wheelock also brought up at a recent meeting that student organizations who had used the theater recently did not clean up after themselves, which is also an issue.

Nolan, Celine Manigbas, and Dean Little plan to meet with vice presidents Cathy Holbrook and Emily Wil-

photo by Jake Vitali

Church Street Center Auditorium and Social Hall are available for clubs to use, though both spaces can be less than ideal. liams at the end of this week or beginning of next to get more information and work on a solution. Despite this new dialogue, one issue will not be easy to solve.

“We don’t have enough performance spaces on campus,” Nolan said.

“The biggest resolution I could see is building another theater space, which we can’t just up and do,” Schnauber said.

One topic of discussion has been renovating the Church Street Center

social hall, which is a difficult concept to sell with renovations to Mark Hopkins also needed.

Little expressed that regardless of what may come of this issue, he is grateful to see more clubs reaching out.

“A lot of the performing clubs are now reaching out to us now that we’ve started this discussion because they actually see that something is getting done. They’ve been having this battle for years,” Little said.

SGA

Public Safety Debate, Budget Season Begins

BY JAKE VITALI MANAGING EDITOR Monday night’s SGA meeting saw updates from some of the body’s key committees, including the Public Safety Committee.

Senator Sarah Groux ‘20 brought up the Student Bill of Rights which was originally created last year by former SGA president Samantha Giffen.

The Bill of Rights was reportedly sent to administrators but did not receive final approval.

One issue with the document was over how the anonymous complaint/feedback form for Public Safety would be handled. Groux stated that Dan Colonno, director of Public Safety, wanted to be responsible for complaints against his officer, citing his knowledge of police work.

Several senators expressed a concern over only one person having the authority to review those complaints and instead favored a review board comprised of multiple members of the campus community, including a student.

During the discussion, community member Eric Wilson brought up the topic of disarming Public Safety, which saw agreement.

Student trustee Eva Weekes said that students of color often feel unsafe with having public safety

officers armed and described concerns of walking through campus late night and being unrecognizable to officers.

Coordinating vice president Dean Little mentioned that the board of trustees first armed public safety after a recommendation from the State Department of Higher Education, citing an article from iBerkshires. At the time the board of trustees voted to arm public safety, only 32 percent of students supported the decision and only 13 percent of faculty members did.

In 2017, the Beacon conducted a nonscientific online poll which found 100 out of 175 survey takers did support the decision to keep public safety armed.

Still, the unfavorability saw senators suggest collecting new opinion data and seeing if this was a subject matter worth pursuing.

SGA also discussed their whine and cheese event which will take place in the Campus Center Marketplace between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Resident directors from each of the residence areas will be available, and Little mentioned that they are trying to get vice president Cathy Holbrook to attend, as well as other administrators. The event is set to cost $389 in total.

SGA will be holding special elections Tuesday and Wednesday, with voting taking place online via

Canvas. While there are only three candidates to appear on the ballot, Parliamentarian Duncan Hay mentioned that there were several write-in candidates: Andrew Baillargeon for senator-at-large, Dean Little for Class of 2021 treasurer, Brian Adelt for 2021 secretary, and Crystal Wojcik for Class of 2021 secretary. Amanda Botelho declared herself as a write-in candidate for Class of 2020 President and Senator-at-Large.

Also mentioned during the meeting was that budgeting season has officially begun and club leaders should be on the lookout for an email from either Dean Little or Treasurer Laurence Wilson.

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Arts & Entertainment

Holiday ‘Made by Hand’Art Show

BY JENNIFER VANBRAMER A&E WRITER Previously known as the “99 Cents Affordable Art Show,” MCLA’s Gallery 51 brought numerous artists and community members together at the opening reception of their newly-named holiday art show, “Made by Hand,” Thursday, Nov. 29.

The exhibit celebrates the artwork of local and regional artists, priced between $1 and $100, which can be bought and given as gifts in time for the holiday season. On display were ceramic mugs and bowls, colorful paintings, crocheted dolls, printed cards and photographs, decorative ornaments and so much more.

“A show like this one really all starts the day it comes down in the previous year,” said curator of Gallery 51 Arthur De Bow. “Each year we have great returning artists who have been in the show before, and we are always looking to add new artists and give them a chance to showcase their work.”

For this year’s show, the number of artists participating increased from 34 to 48. De

Photo by Jennifer VanBramer

Crocheted dolls made by artist Carolyn Albert on display at Gallery 51 in Downtown North Adams until December 29.

Bow was very happy with the turnout and hopes to expand the show even more in years to come. He also spoke on the show’s new name change.

“We really wanted a name that was more representative of what we’re showing,” De Bow said. “All of the work is made by an artist’s hand, so it

only made sense to change the name.”

In just the first 10 minutes of Gallery 51 opening its doors to the public at 5 p.m., two pieces

on display in the show were already sold. The reception went until 7 p.m. and several people from the surrounding North Adams community came walking in to see the works of art.

“It’s important to honor and help support artists in their sales,” De Bow said. “To have a wide selection of work that this show brings and to get work with the touch of an artist’s hand in it, I firmly believe in the importance of that.”

De Bow also highlighted a few pieces on display, including ceramic work made by a new artist, Megan Hart; prints produced by MCLA associate professor of visual art, Melanie Mowinski; as well as collage cards created by MCLA alumni, Samantha White.

“We have a lot of great local and regional — artists, including faculty, as well as former and current students of MCLA,” De Bow said. “That’s the thing I love about this show, and going forward I hope to include many more artists.”

Be sure to stop downtown and visit MCLA’s Gallery 51 to view and shop “Made by Hand,” a holiday art show on display now through Saturday, Dec. 29.

Fashion Club Anticipates Their Biggest Show to Date

BY NORA HONES A&E EDITOR Fashion Club’s 2018 fall show is right around the corner and with its building popularity and presence on campus, it’s not something you want to miss.

The fashion club used to be known as the Fashion Student Organization when only E-board members were allowed to design. It was rebooted in spring 2017 so that anyone could design and implement the shows that take place at Design Lab. Its current president, Bridget Broyles '20, continues to observe the new tradition of inclusion and expansion.

Photo by Yasmin Ben-Shir

Noelle Borelli-Boudreau, ‘22, who is modeling and designing for the Fall 2018 show.

“Something that we try to let everyone know when they ask about fashion club is that it’s not just for people who want to make a career about it or for people who have a background in modeling or designing. It’s really for anyone, including people who just want to try something they have never tried before, and it’s not exclusive or judgmental,” Broyles said.

The show will take place Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Design Lab located at 49 Main Street, North Adams, and is open to the public with free admission.

In the Fashion Club's first-ever show, they had 33 looks. It was really small and there wasn’t a huge turnout, but over time, that is completely changing for the club. Last spring they were up to 48 different looks and this semester's show has 73 different looks.

With all the new looks and growth of the club, attendance has been rising to the point that Broyles believes the club is going to have to try to find a bigger space soon because the Design Lab just can’t fit the many people who want to attend.

The club has also changed a few things from past shows to make it run more smoothly. This semester the club is having DJ Erica Lucia in control of the music instead of a playlist to avoid the awkwardness that happens when a model stops walking and the music hasn’t finished.

There are many different designs and design elements that go into each designer's concept for their outfits, Broyles explained. There are designs showcasing styles throughout the decades; a feminist retrospective of fashion from the 1920s to the present including colors of the rainbow; designs completely

Photo by Yasmin Ben-Shir

Jessica Budynkiewicz, ‘22, modeling a look for the Fall 2018 show. based on an album of music; a classic femme fatale look; and Broyles’s own design, which is outer-space-inspired using seven different models.

“I’m excited to see mine [her design] come to life. It’s my first time designing and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what people think,” Broyles said.

In Fashion Club it’s really up to the student to decide how much commitment and involvement they want. Some people are just coming to help out the night of the show and others choose to design a look, and/or model for other

designers. Some are photographers and others do makeup. The club offers the opportunity for everyone to contribute in their own way.

“Fashion Club is a place where you can go and express yourself in a way maybe you haven’t yet, whether that be through designing or modeling, it’s a really good way to break out of a comfort zone,” vice president Preston Long explained.

If you have an interest in Fashion Club you can reach out to any of its E-board via email or at Facebook, and be sure to check out its designs on Instagram.

Arts & Entertainment

7

WJJW Fall Show Exceeds Expectations

BY NORA HONES A&E EDITOR WJJW’s second fall show was amped up by its E-board and members, particularly about Laura Stevenson performing, which left some people wondering if it was going to be as great as advertised and considering it cost attendees $5 to get in the door. The amplification proved more than justified The show took place Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at The Parlor Café located just off campus with the music starting just before 7:30 p.m. with ska and rock band Don’t Blow It. Being a ska lover myself, I was very excited for Don’t Blow it but also a little hesitant of how good they would actually sound in the space, paired with the other two acts of the night, Long Neck and Laura Stevenson. It turned out they filled the space perfectly and fit in the line-up extremely well.

“I think it was a cool balance of ska and rock,” Jake Valenti '20 explained, touching on how their sound falls into more of a rock/ska sound and fit the venue and rest of the acts better than anyone would be expecting.

Don’t Blow it was composed of a drummer, guitarist, lead singer, bassist, and saxophone player and performed an array of original music with some very No Doubt vibes which people couldn’t help but dance around to. With only a single brass instrument I was skeptical at how ska they would actually be, but their saxophonist knew what he was doing and managed to hold the horn section well by himself.

The next band up was Long Neck, composed of a drummer, bassist, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead singer, and they filled the room with their unique indie rock sound while making jokes the entire time.

“All of the world is our stage and we are merely a shitty improv group,” the bassist said in between songs after making some jokes that maybe didn’t quite hit the mark with everyone in the audience, but this statement had everyone laughing.

The lead singer kept up with the jokes throughout the set. At one point when tuning her guitar, she explained how her guitar needs to be broken in still because it keeps going out of tune.

The growing crowd was very enthusiastic about Long Neck's performance and energy with many people at least bobbing around if not full-out dancing along.

Next, Laura Stevenson took the stage, calming the energy and mood while still keeping the audience completely focused. The show went from a dancing show to a sitting show though not at all in a bad way.

Laura Stevenson entranced the audience with her music,

Photo by Nora Hones

Laura Stevenson performing at The Parlor Cafe with members of Long Neck peeking from the distance. performing half her set with an electric guitar and the second half acoustic. Keeping the audience on the edge of their seats while she sat in a wood chair and sipped from her blue Nalgene, she said she had started trying to drink three bottles of Nalgene a day a few days ago, and so far all it had done was make her feel very full.

She shared an array of stories to connect with the audience, including a lot of jokes and helpful if not slightly self-deprecating admissions.

“If you’re ever feeling self-conscious you’re not alone,” she stated after explaining how she’s from a small town and it always surprises her how weird she feels up onstage in front of people.

“It was a treat to get such a high-profile artist in a venue of this size,” Adams resident Alex Mason North said, which pretty much summed up how most people were feeling about getting to see all these artists for $5.

Everyone who attended seemed to have a good time and all the musicians also appeared to have a good time. Having attended and performed at some of the WJJW shows in the past, a good sound setup and making sure the musicians are comfortable and happy can make or break a show.

“It was so welcoming and warm and kind and everyone was so professional,” Laura Stevenson told me after the show glowing with that post-show giddiness that happens after you have played a good show.

Keep an eye out next semester for spring concerts put on

by WJJW. There is sure to be something exciting if the shows are as well put together as this one.

Photo by Nora Hones

Alex Mercuri(left) and Lily Mastrodimo(right) of Long Neck performing an array of originals.

Photo by Nora Hones

Thomas Mundie(left) and Kylie Eastman(right) of Don’t Blow it performing at the Fall show.

8

Arts & Entertainment

Expect the Unexpected with MCLA Theatre’s ‘Macbeth’

BY JENNIFER VANBRAMER A&E WRITER MCLA Theatre’s production of “Macbeth” had its opening night Friday, Nov. 30, and it was an experience I will never forget.

Upon arrival at Venable Theatre, I had no idea that being a part of the audience I would be sitting directly on the stage around where the actors would be performing. There was no turning back at this point as I climbed up the stairs to the stage and found a seat.

I have been to quite a few theatre productions in my time here at MCLA, but “Macbeth” was something quite new to me. Shakespeare has not always been my favorite, but this show really changed my mind about that.

“Macbeth” truly lives up to not being your average Shakespeare play.

From the moment you enter the theatre, you wonder what you are getting yourself into, as you are led to the stairs of the stage. You feel the intensity of the experience you are about to live through, an experience that is unlike any other theatre performance I have ever been to.

From all directions, actors

Photo courtesy of MCLA Theatre’s Facebook

Catch Macbeth's final performances on Dec. 7, 8 & 9 in Venable Theatre. make their way onto the stage and at times they startled me, as I was not always aware of their presence until they came creeping up the ramps or appeared suddenly from behind the curtains. Being able to be on the stage with the cast, it really made me feel as if I had been part of the show itself

rather than being there just to watch it from a distance in the back of the theatre. It was a very intimate experience that I hope MCLA Theatre continues in future productions.

MCLA seniors Mitchell McCauley and Rachel Grzelak, who play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively,

both did a great job in each of their roles. McCauley is exceptionally good at Shakespeare and for it being her first Shakespeare show, Grzelak did well taking on a dark and twisted character.

I should also mention the three witches played by MCLA juniors Mig Girard and Caroline Noonan, and freshman Brooke Schlundt. They totally nailed their performances of being creepy, scary witches who casually carry daggers and are not afraid to use them when necessary. I know when they came walking toward my seat I was a bit freaked out at first.

“Macbeth” is an intense tragedy based on themes of lies, secrets, greed, and death. The lighting was very well done with its being completely dark at times and bright the next in colors of red, orange, green, and blue and the sound effects really helped build the anticipation of what was to come.

If you have not seen it already, be sure to catch “Macbeth’s” final performances in Venable Theatre Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. A talk-back will be hosted after the 8 p.m. show Dec. 8. To reserve tickets, please visit https://mcla.ticketleap.com/macbeth/.

Fixing The Video Game Movie Dilemma X99 LIVES

BY RON LEJA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Are video game movies destined to fail?

News arose Friday evening that the script for an upcoming film adaptation of The Coalition of Ordered Government’s (“Coalition”) popular “Gears of War” franchise would be helmed by F. Scott Frazier — the creative mind behind such seat-gripping action flicks the likes of “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” “Collide,” and, of course, “The Numbers Station.”

If you haven’t heard of any of these movies, don’t feel bad, neither had I, and from the looks of it, we aren’t missing out on much.

Of the aforementioned films, Rotten Tomatoes users ranked “xXx” the highest with an approval rating of 37 percent — well below my personal expectations for something that would demand more than an hour of my time to view.

They are stinkers across the board, and to make matters even worse, they are all that currently make up The Coalition’s filmography.

As a fan of “Gears” myself, I can’t say I’m pleased to hear that Frazier will be producing the script. As a fan, I expect the film to capture the essence of the franchise. Given his track record, I’m not sure he can. “Gears” might not be the pinnacle of video game-based storytelling, but

it’s certainly deserving of a story that fits the “Gears” persona, and it’s my opinion that a triple-A title deserves a triple-A writer, director and cast.

I want a “Gears” film to be a hard-hitting, testosterone-driven, shotgun-toting gorefest set against the backdrop of a beautiful world torn apart by war and under the constant threat of the monstrous locust horde. I want to leave the theater amped up enough to feel the need to reinstall the game, relive my Coalition glory days, and shatter a few skulls with my beloved Longshot sniper rifle.

As I read through the comments sections across several gaming news sites concerning the matter, it became pretty apparent that people aren’t pleased with the decision either – and with good reason. Here we have yet another beloved, critically acclaimed franchise that, from the looks of it, Hollywood is going to butcher.

While I do think it’s far too early to make that call, I can understand why people are so quick to judge. Film adaptations of video games very rarely go over well

with consumers, especially live action films, and the inclusion of a less-than-stellar lead writer lays out the means for immediate feelings of dread. Be it awful acting, a lack of vision or a story so far removed from the source material that it hurts, movies based on video games never seem to pan out right.

That isn’t to say there aren’t a few gems to be found. “Mortal Kombat” (1995) is accepted as a sort of cult classic amid the gaming community for being the first “OK” video game film to hit the silver screen. The “Resident Evil” series was enjoyed enough to warrant six films, and as far as horror flicks go, I think “Silent Hill” manages more nightmare-inducing scenes than most of the overplayed haunting films we see today. I still cringe every time I see Pyramid Head skin his victim with his bare hands.

Still, most video game movies never seem to live up to the source material enough to really resonate with their fan base. Why is that? After all, comic book films seem to have no problem making a scene at the box office, what is it that keeps video game franchises

from doing the same?

Poor writing has a lot to do with it, as well as what I believe to be a general lack of knowledge in regard to the games themselves.

I’d go so far as to say that in most cases, Hollywood just fails to pander to the core audience.

Rather than catering to those who put countless hours into being part of these digital worlds — those that know the stories and the characters and have a feel for the titles in question — it often feel like the scripts for video game movies are written by outsiders that haven’t the faintest clue as to what makes the titles in question popular.

It doesn’t help that what makes video games fun doesn’t necessarily work in regard to film.

Video games grant a level of escapism that is arguably more personal than film given the interactivity that they demand.

In a game, a player assumes the role of the protagonist, and while the stories being portrayed can be linear, its progression ultimately depends on the actions of the player. Watching a video game movie then almost feels like watching someone else play.

Simply watching can be fun if the person playing knows what they’re doing. If you’ve ever watched a younger sibling attempt to complete a game task that you could do with your eyes closed, only to fail over and over again, you know how excruciating sitting there can be. Watching a bad video game film kind of feels like that.

Sure, everyone is a critic, but the people being critical in this case, the ones who take the utmost interest in these stories, are quite possibly the most qualified to do so.

The problem with film adaptations of video games is, simply put, they aren’t created for fans OR by fans. Because of this, the series themselves never quite feel like they are being represented as they should, which leads to disappointment and, in turn, failure.

If Hollywood ever hopes to create a video game movie of epic proportions, something to potentially achieve the number of “Star Wars” and “The Avengers” audiences, they will let the fans help to shape their stories.

Games like “Halo,” “Destiny,” “Dark Souls” and “Mass Effect” are not only rich in lore — enough to practically spell out trilogy in some cases — but are brimming with dedicated, passionate fans that are both knowledgeable and all too vocal about what they’d like to see on the big screen.

Maybe Hollywood should try listening to a few of them.

OPINION

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

9

Editorial

It’s The Most Stressful Time of The Year!

The last few weeks of the fall semester can prove to be some of the most challenging to manage for college students.

Final projects, lengthy papers and last minute presentations can be exhausting in and of themselves, but coupled with Christmas shopping, extended hours at work, winter vehicle-prep and the move back home, stress is practically inevitable.

Although we may not be able to avoid it, we can reduce it. By applying even just one of the tips listed below, we at the Beacon believe you can overcome the ensuing madness of finals and manage to keep your sanity intact.

Go. To. Sleep.

Sleep is important. Without adhering to a healthy dose of ZZZs, preferably on a set schedule, the brain’s ability to both retain and recall information can diminish.

A report published by the National Center of Biotechnology Information found that sleep deprivation can negatively affect both cognition and concentration.

The report also found that individuals who surpass 17 hours of being awake actually suffer impairments equivalent to or worse than someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. The legal limit in 49 of 50 states is 0.08 percent.

Sleep also helps to repair your immune system. As the temperature drops, the risk of cold and flu illnesses becomes all too real. Finals week is tough as is, and no one wants to do schoolwork when they’re sneezing up a storm. Do yourself a favor:

turn off your phone, log off Youtube and Go. To. Sleep.

Start earlier rather than later Getting a jump-start on final projects is much easier said than done, but believe us when we say that procrastination is the devil.

While a few students may feel they produce their best work under pressure, waiting until the last minute to write essays and prepare PowerPoint presentations just means these projects will be at the back of your mind until the night before they are due, inducing unnecessary stress throughout the week.

Most professors provide the details for final projects weeks if not months in advance, giving students more than enough time to whittle away at them throughout the semester. If you have work due that you’ve yet to start, take the opportunity to start them this weekend. You’ll thank yourself later for taking the initiative instead of being lazy.

Get swole at the gym Exercise is one of the best stress reducers out there. The physical benefits of regular exercise are fantastic, but working up a sweat can also do wonders for your mental health.

Exercise releases endorphins that won’t only help to improve your mood, but strengthen your focus and provide a boost of energy — a perfect combo for

hitting the books and actually retaining information.

Hitting the gym will also give you an opportunity to socialize with other students, listen to music, and help to put your mind elsewhere for a while.

If dumbbells and treadmills aren’t your thing, feel free to swap out the gym for a physical activity that can be accomplished from the sanctity of your dorm room.

Yoga, Tai Chi, stretching exercises and meditation can prove just as beneficial.

Eat healthily, eat often Most college students have pretty lackluster diets, but during finals week in particular, they can sometimes go off the rails with quick and easy on-the-go foods.

When you have multiple papers to write and oral presentations to prepare, who has time to cook?

The problem is, most processed foods can be ridden with sugar. Junk foods induce sugar highs, which in turn can affect one’s ability to concentrate before the inevitable sugar crash.

Rather than starting your day with a packet of pop tarts and a tall mocha Frappuccino, opt for something nutritious.

When it comes to healthy breakfast foods, eggs are where it’s at. But, If you need something a little easier to eat on the go, fruit is always a great choice, as is Greek Yogurt. Throw in a heaping handful of nuts, berries and chia seeds and you have an amazingly healthy blend to kickstart your day.

The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed to the MCLA community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and ad revenue. Single copies are free and additional copies can be purchased at 50 cents each. If you wish to purchase additional copies, please contact a member of staff.

Contact News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5204 Email: beacon@mcla.edu Website: theonlinebeacon.com Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, Room 111

Policies Letters: The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor and columns on issues of interest to the campus. Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Strive for 500 words or less.

Editorial: Unsigned editorials that appear in these pages reflect the views of The Beacon.

Signed columns and commentary pieces reflect the views of their writers.

Contribution: The Beacon accepts stories, photos and opinion pieces. Submit to beacon@mcla.edu.

Advertising: The Beacon reserves the right to not publish any advertisement it deems libelous, false or in bad taste.

Editorial Board

Letter to the Editor To the Editor, Thank you for your insight into the work we do. We appreciate your feedback, as well as the two years of service on SGA where you held the title of senator and parliamentarian respectively.

To respond to the title of your article, we are aware of the issues you bring up, all of which predate this administration. The executive board discusses them and brainstorms possible solutions on a weekly basis at our Friday meetings.

Participation is down throughout the College because of the low attendance, which has been an issue at MCLA for the past decade. Statistically, the number of senators we have is reflective of our student population and the vacancies we have would be more likely to be filled if the student body was at full capacity.

We work hard to be a part of important discussions on campus. We have active representatives on the Curriculum Committee, All-College Committee, Public Safety Committee and more. In addition, many SGA representatives participate in these campuswide conversations in their personal capacity. However, the Student Government Association is here to improve MCLA for the student body and although we welcome invitations to assist admissions in enrollment as well as attending every open house event, our priority is the students who are here.

Our mission as SGA, as stated in our Constitution, is to “provide a legitimate voice for all student concerns,” and our predominant focus is just that, supporting the students of MCLA. Our late night event was specifically created to gain student feedback and encourage our peers to get involved. The reusable mug program is designed to connect with the student body, advertise SGA by giving out free reusable mugs to those who attend our events and respond to campuswide concerns about sustainability.

We are working to make the budgeting season more transparent and accessible by assigning each club a representa-

Editor-in-Chief Ron Leja

tive from SGA who knows the process well and can guide them through the process. We are in discussions about lowering the signature requirement permanently and the signature requirement was specifically reduced for this special election to encourage people to run.

Class Council is intended to enhance class unity and plan classwide events and, while Class Council is funded through SGA, they have no requirement to report to SGA. We welcome and highly encourage Class Council members who want to become more involved to come to SGA meetings and even run for seats. Class Council members can hold an SGA seat concurrently with their class representative position. We always applaud the tremendous work of the Class Council members because they spend lots of time in their positions brainstorming and creating events to help this purpose.

The biggest hurdle SGA faces is participation. We cannot function at full capacity without full membership.

To put this into perspective, it would be like the federal government attempting to function with only half of the required congress members in Washington, D.C. Our current members are stretched thinner than they should be and yet are still accomplishing amazing things such as the Sam Gomez race and Chowder Fest while working hard behind the scenes on over 10 different committees and holding office hours. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work, but even with all of that, without higher numbers of people involved, we are not working as efficiently as possible.

We all want SGA to be active, collaborative and transparent, and we are working hard to bring that to the student body. But we need your help, let us all work together to improve SGA and create the college culture we want to see.

Sincerely, MCLA Student Government Association

Managing Editor

A & E Editor

Jake Vitali

Nora Hones

Sports Editor

Senior News Editor Maya McFadden

Jabari Shakir

Business Manager

Copy Chief

Gabby Kernozek

Elizabeth Haight

BWN Executive Producer Julia Teixeira

Staff

Staff Writers

Dalaina Yamawaki Sophie Player

Copy Editor Hannah Snell

A&E Writers

Wyatt Mineau Jen VanBramer

Columnist/ Commentator Andrew Baillargeon

BWN Reporters Karina Mattera Andrew Strout Ally Thienel Shunquell Dennis Victoria Weichel Erika Lucia

Advisers Shawn McIntosh Qian Wang

SPORTS

10

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

Player Profile Junior Guard #3 Photo by MCLA Athletics

This season, junior Kylah Langston currently averages 63 percent from the free-throw line, 11 percent from the three-point line and 32 percent from the field.

Trailblazers Lose at Home Against Williams

BY JABARI SHAKIR SPORTS EDITOR The women’s basketball team had a tough loss to Williams College with a final score of 91-53.MCLA remains in fifth place in the MASCAC conference with an overall record of 3-4.

The Trailblazers overall finished with 34 rebounds, 10 assists, six steals, and two blocks. In the first half, the score was 53-20 leaving MCLA trailing at a 33-point deficit.

Junior guard Kylah Langston had a season-high 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal. She shot 6-13 from the field, 2-2 from the free throw and 0-1 from the three-point arc.

Additionally, her teammate senior forward Lrae Brundige also had 14 points, one rebound, and two assists.

Freshman guard Hannah Mazzeo scored nine points, eight rebounds, and one assist. She shot 1-5 from the court and 7-8 from the free throw line.

Coach Loren Stock knows what a basketball player needs to excel at their highest potential, starting with their mental game. "Growth mindset is huge, understanding that you don't have all the tools you might have some of them," she said.

"Understanding how to really use them, that there is always room for improvement," Coach Stock said.

Williams College overall completed with a total of 42 rebounds, 22 assists, 10 steals, and four blocks. Sophomore guard Maggie Meehan had a season-high 16 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.

Sophomore guard Mikaela Topper scored 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Three of their teammates tied for 11 points: sophomore guards Gabby Martin and Meghan Voss, and junior guard Emily Chang.

The Purple Cows' overall record this season is 4-3 as they move on to play Vassar Thursday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m.

The Trailblazers will host Western New England Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m.

New Sports Team Leads to Increased Interest in MCLA

BY SYMANTHA KEHR SPECIAL TO THE BEACON With the recent decision to create a men’s lacrosse team, students will now have more opportunities to become involved in athletics.

After coaching at a few different colleges and high schools for 27 years, Coach Kevin Pezanowski has decided to help create MCLA's new lacrosse program from scratch, starting with recruitment this coming spring for the official first lacrosse season to begin in the spring of 2020.

“These new student-athletes that are stepping into the program can kind of make their mark [and] put their imprint on a program,” Pezanowski said.

Many students are hoping that by adding another sports team we can boost our student-athlete population on campus.“I hope [lacrosse] brings in more people and more athletes to the school,” said Mitchell McCauley, a senior at MCLA who played lacrosse in high school.

Many students have to choose between

a school that fosters their hobbies or a school that is affordable.“After high school, it was like I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I had to make a decision, coming to MCLA or going to NYU, and NYU had a club-lacrosse team but it was just way too expensive,” McCauley said.

McCauley also said he hopes that by bringing back lacrosse we can begin to bring back other sports that North Adams State had before becoming MCLA. “Lacrosse is really starting to become popular again.”

Forming these teams offers the opportunity to boost admissions, as there will be more options available to students.

“We can always use more student-athletes,” said Sebastián Phillips '20. “It honestly all comes down to giving students more opportunities.”

With this new sport available, potential students have been paying more attention to MCLA. “We’ve already had some interest from transferring students, students that know the program is here now,” Pezanowski said.

Some students on campus think that the sports teams could use some improvement. “Honestly, anyone can just sign in and if they’re good enough they’ll play,” Phillips said. “If not, they’ll probably bench them and they’ll learn from there. It’s not that exclusive to be in a sport here.”

Pezanowski wants to break away from this norm. “All the students that I’m bringing in right now are going to be expected to contribute right from the beginning,” Pezanowski said. "There are certainly student-athletes that I think are willing to go to an institution and be part of a team knowing that they might not necessarily play very much over their four years, but being associated with that program at that school is good enough for them.”

Pezanowski said he is looking for students who are willing to put in the time and effort and be good team members.

He will be visiting high schools in the spring to help with recruiting for the new lacrosse team, which will begin playing in the spring of 2020.

Kylah Langston Height: 5’7” Hometown: East Hartford,CT

Career Stats Totals Field Goal %: 32 3-point %: 21 Free-Throw%: 51.6 Career Points: 197 Rebounds: 100 Assists: 41 Steals: 29 Blocks: 3 Langston is a member of the Dean’s List and MASCAC All Academic Teams.

Major: Sociology/ Social Work Minor: Child & Family Studies

“I am excited about having new freshmen learn and adapt to what we have as a team and what our coach has already facilitated with the returners.”

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

SPORTS

11

The Seattle Mariners Suck — Here's Why

R

Photo by MCLA Athletics

Sophomore Hayden Bird currently averages this season, 76 percent from the free-throw line, 21 percent from the three-point arc and 27 percent from the field.

Men’s Basketball Loses Home Opener Against RPI percent from three-point range (1-2) and 0-1 from the free throw line.

Coach Derek Shell explains three significant things that coaching has taught him: "Expect Trailblazers men's basketball came up short the unexpected, be prepared, and don't ever in a loss in their home opener last night assume that what you or what you expect is against Rennselaer, leaving the final score of going to be followed through on just because the game 81-44. you said it once," The Trailblazers remain in last place RPI completed with a total of 52 rebounds, in the MASCAC conference with an 23 assists, six steals, and three blocks. Junior overall record of 1-6. The Trailblazsix-foot-six forward Andreas Kontopidis led ers overall finished with 38 rebounds, his team with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, three steals, and one block. three assists.

RPI's great defense left the Trailblazers with Sophomore forward Patrick Mahoney scored no player to score over seven points in the en15 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Freshtire game. man Mason Memmelaar had 14 points, five reJunior guards Ki-Shawn Monroe and Ryan bounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Wanek tied with a score of seven points each.

The Engineers overall record this season is Monroe finished with three rebounds while 5-3 as they move on to play SUNY Cobleskill shooting 2-7 from the field, and 3-3 from the Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. free throw line.

The Trailblazers head to Rivier Thursday, Wanek completed with four rebounds while Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. shooting 75 percent from the field (3-4), 50

BY JABARI SHAKIR SPORTS EDITOR

Check out upcoming basketball features and player profiles for this basketball season in next semester’s issues!

ecently, the Seattle Mariners agreed to trade star second baseman Robinson Cano and elite closer Edwin Diaz to the New York Mets.

In return, the Mariners received Jay Bruce and a couple of appealing prospects they'll probably trade away in three years and an insignificant couple of draft picks that, at best, will be spent on good prospects that the Mariners will also trade away in a few years.

A couple of weeks prior, the Mariners sent ace James Paxton to the Yankees. In exchange, the Mariners got some more very appealing prospects who will no doubt be wearing some other team's uniform in about three to five years.

Why on earth would anybody actually support this team? They haven't made the playoffs in nearly 20 years. They were actually decent last year in a lengthy playoff push which came up just short.

They play in the toughest division in baseball, but they were still decently competitive. It seems, however, they got too close to being relevant for their own comfort and decided to get back in line and give away the best talent they had.

Oh, and they managed to negotiate themselves into taking on most of Robinson Cano's gargantuan contract when sending him to the Mets. Their amazing charisma at the negotiating table also caused them to give up the best relief pitcher in the game, while simultaneously paying a guy even more money to play somewhere else. Because why would you want to have the Mets cover more of his contract?

After all, it's not like they were going to actually sign a decent player or two anytime soon.

This is the same team who, last time anybody outside of Seattle actually cared or bothered to follow them, ended with being the most successful disappointment, perhaps, in baseball history.

This is the same team that plays in Safeco Field, which has got to be the most boring, listless place to play a baseball game in the entire MLB. That very same field, incidentally, has set modern-day records for lowest attendance multiple times

ANDREW BAILLARGEON THE CALL in the last decade.

Suffice to say, the Mariners don't really play home games. It's sad when your home field is mentioned in the same breath as that of the Miami Marlins or the Tampa Bay Rays, but let's have that discussion. At least the Rays have been decent sometime in the last decade.

Additionally, from time to time, the Marlins make a splash signing or trade that makes people care about them for a few seconds, until the team loses 90 or so games the next season and we go back to ignoring them.

When have the Mariners actually done something, anything, to generate some form of excitement? Ironically, we would have to go back to when the Mariners signed Robinson Cano a handful of years ago. The Mariners paid him a ton of money to help make the team relevant again.

Cano got what every hardworking American wants to one day experience: a huge pay raise with vacation time that includes the entire month of October.

So yeah, the Mariners suck. You think the Marlins suck? OK, they probably do, but at least there's some reason to follow them.

You think the Pirates, the Rays, the Tigers, maybe the Royals or the Mets suck? At least they make the playoffs give-or-take about two or three times a decade.

Hell, even the White Sox have some intriguing players, and there's always the possibility of a meltdown or off-the-field phenomenon to happen in their home games.

The thing is, the Mariners aren't the Cleveland Indians or Oakland Athletics; they actually have a payroll. Why they continue to field uninspiring prospect after uninspiring prospect is just baffling.

Dec. 6, 2018 Vol. 87 Issue 11

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These photos were taken by students in Introduction to Photography with Gillian Jones, where they learned the basics of camera operations and photo composition. The Advanced Photography course is being offered during the Spring 2019 semester Wednesday nights beginning at 6:30. Join while seats are still available!

This photo by Abigail Walsh shows depth of field. By using a small aperture, everything in the shot appears crisp, clear and in focus.

This photo by Kasha Wissman illustrates movement. In using a slow shutter speed, the water in this shot appears foggy.

This portrait by Theresa Speziale demonstrates the use of available or ambient light.

This photo by Jabari Shakir illustrates movement by use of a slow shutter speed.

This studio photo by Raphael Heinen uses a quick shutter speed to catch water in action.