Men’s Tennis wraps up inaugural season Team finishes first season in over 20 years
Sustainability fair helps MCLA go green
Mr. MCLA highlights student talents, silly and practical
A Letter From the President
Fair is just one aspect of college’s hopes to go completely carbon neutral by 2050
Students compete for title in SAC’s Spring Fling 2012
President Mary Grant reflects on the upcoming Commencement
SPORTS, page 9
NEWS, page 3
Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT, page 8
The Beacon
OPINION, page 12
Volume 75 Issue 12 Thursday April 26, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Grant updates campus on budget By Ed Damon Editor in Chief
Calling it a movement in the right direction for higher education, President Grant praised the state appropriation for fiscal year 2013, but expressed discontent with funding still on 2002 levels. An open meeting held Tuesday afternoon in Sullivan Lounge outlined the state’s budget process, how the campus budget is made, and projects going on around campus. State funding for the institution has been a roller coaster, Stakenas said. “It’s almost to the penny what we had in 2001,” Stakenas said. “We push higher education as being an investment, not a liability,” he said. “We’re just barely holding our own here.” “We’re very careful about student fee increases,” Grant said. “We want to work hard to keep the College affordable.” Despite budget cuts, Grant said, the College continues to move forward. Construction on the Science Center’s foundation is finishing up, and the College has organized other building projects and departmental moves this year. “The Smith House was not well utilized,” Grant said, adding that having Admissions next to a construction site wasn’t a good introduction to the College.” Another priority was the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE), an initiative that brought together Advising, Learning, and Career Services. Until recently, Grant said, these were in different
locations. “One idea was using the renovated Bowman, but that was a couple of years off,” she explained. “We didn’t want to wait that long.” The third floor of Eldridge was chosen because of its proximity to the center of campus, and the freeing up of space when the President’s office moved. More work is being done in the bottom floor of Freel Library, since space was gained by Learning Services’ move. Work also continues on the renovation of the Shapiro Warehouse on Ashland Street. Upon completion, the building will house the entire Facilities department. Part of the building was torn down last year to make way for 98 additional parking spots. “This was important because we lost about that many spaces with the Science Center site.” “It will be a nice facility, it will be nice and new on the inside,” Stakenas said, adding a contract was signed this week to tear down interior offices. “When it’s completed, we’ll have taken storage items out of basements and corners of this campus and moved them into one space,” he said. Bowman Hall will be closed in the fall of 2013 for a year for renovations. Stakenas said Grant said the façade of the building would stay the same, but the interior would be much different. A vestibule would be added to the front, something that Grant said would keep leaves out of the lobby. The lobby would be redesigned to take advantage of the space, and the colored windows will be replaced to take advantage of natural light.
Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff
Jarrod Abbott-Washburn (‘08) was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s Tenth Annual Undergraduate Research Conference. Abbott-Washburn said the College’s small classes and easy access to professors gave him an advantage in graduate school over students used to big lectures.
Day of Service set for May 5 Press Release
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Develop North Adams and the City of North Adams announce the Twentieth Annual Community Day of Service will take place on Saturday, May 5. The day starts with registration and a continental breakfast to begin at 9:30 a.m. in the lower level of the MCLA Church Street Center. Work teams will then tackle various cleanup assignments and improvement projects.
MCLA volunteers, to include members of its student body, faculty and staff, will be joined by a number of community volunteers. Trucks and supplies will be provided by Killian Flynn and Allied Waste, Paul Markland and the North Adams DPW and McAndrews-King Buick GMC. To sign up to volunteer, contact Moser at spencer.moser@mcla.edu or 413-62-5251. To share project ideas, contact Glenn Maloney at maloney.glenn@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome.
Weekend Weather Friday
Windy High: 51 Low: 29
Saturday
Partly cloudy
High: 53 Low: 30
Sunday
Partly cloudy
High: 52 Low: 27
Photo by Aaron Crawford/Beacon Staff
Above: Former SGA President Todd Foy (left) passes on the presidential medal to president Jason Brown at Monday night’s meeting.
IN THIS ISSUE News
2-5
Op-Ed
12-13
A&E
6-8
Science & World
14
Sports
9-11
Comic & Games
15
Photo Essay
16
Campus Comment 12
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
SGA in Brief Mon. April 23
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MCLA welcomes community
The College’s annual Community Day invited North Adams to join students for a day of fun. By Skyla Seamans
–Vice-President of Administration and Finance James Stakenas updated the Senate on fee increases. Stakenas said while the College’s budget for fiscal year 2013 is still in talks, students should expect a fee increase of $400 to $500. This number includes a Student Activity Fee increase of $150 per semester. “We are looking at the smallest increases possible to keep offering excellent services at the College,” Stakenas said. –SGA President Todd Foy said Parliamatarian Natasha Dalton resigned from SGA. –Foy urged the Senate to table edits made to the Constitution. The edits never passed through the Constitution Committee, Foy said, so it would technically be unconstitutional to pass the edits. Foy said all edits can still be passed in block when the new administration returns in the fall. –President Todd Foy swore-in Jason Brown as the new SGA President. Brown won in the SGA elections held on April 11 and 12, winning against Natasha Dalton. –The Senate elected freshman Brendan Peltier as Senate Chair, and junior Rebecca McCauley as Senate Secretary. –Class of 2013 President Lizzy Mullen told those in attendence the class will be holding a Four Square Tournament on Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the black top patio outside of the Campus Center Gym.
Student Government Association meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in Murdock 218, and are open to the public
Notice: There is no longer overnight parking on Montana Street.
Students wishing to park overnight should use the parking lot on Ashland Street
Staff Writer
The Student Activities Council (SAC) and Student Development Office brought the North Adams and MCLA communities together on Saturday for fun and relaxation during the annual Community Day. Junior Sara Katz, who is SAC’s traditions chairperson, planned activities and entertainment on the Quad for everyone to enjoy. “I looked at what our students would like to participate in along with what the community and families would find engaging,” Katz said. “I wanted to bring in a variety of attractions so everyone could have a good time.” The day included laser tag, an obstacle course, a wrecking ball, a moon bounce, a dunk tank, airbrush bags, spin art, holographic photos, and arts and crafts. Local food vendors such as Jack’s Hot Dog Stand, Dominos, and Luma’s Muffins and Mugs provided free food for all attendees. Senior and interns Amanda Schuler, Kadeem SmithMungin, and Vanessa Leikvoll from Student Development recruited local businesses, such as iBerkshires and MassRides, to table for the event. College departments, like the Alumni Association and the Admissions Department, were also present. “This being my first time at Community Day,” Schuler said, “I was really happy to see the whole community come together for this event. It certainly has been an enjoyable learning experience and a lot of fun to plan.” Celia Norcross, Director of Student Development, spent the day chasing around her three boys and snapping photos of students and families. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to combine efforts across the campus,” Norcross said. “It’s a great way to showcase what our community is all about
Photo contributed by Nora Weiss
Gladiator battles in an inflatable arena were just some of the activities that students and guests participated in on MCLA’s Community Day. and to simply come together and have fun before the semester ends.” Junior Meghan Bradley joined the festivities to wind down before finals week, she said.
“I was really happy to see the whole community come together for this event.” -Intern, Amanda Schuler “This event brought me out of my house for the day,” Bradley said. “I come every year to spend time with my friends, to see the
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community in action, and to enjoy free things and food.” Although Katz said she was worried the predicted rain would turn people away, the sun was out for the entire event. “I began planning this event last semester,” she said, “After I returned from NACA (The National Association for Campus Activities), I knew I wanted to have an airbrush station where students could personalize their own items. I had to act fast in order to book certain attractions before other schools did.” Michael Obasohan, Student Development Event Scheduler, endured the dunk tank multiple times and was ready to do it again.
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“At first, it was nerve wracking sitting up there and waiting for someone to hit the target,” he said. “But, it is all in good fun.” Senior KP, who tabled for the Admissions Department, was available for campus tours upon request throughout the day. “The best part of the event is seeing all of the kids run around, laugh, and have a good time,” they said. “Allowing them to enjoy our campus and see what the community is all about may inspire them to become college students one day and to even possibly attend our college.” This event demonstrated the importance of bringing everyone together for one last hurrah of the semester, KP said.
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Sustainability fair helps MCLA go green Fair is just one aspect of the the College’s hopes to go completely carbon neutral by the year 2050. By Jess Gamari Staff Writer
Dozens of posters hung in the Campus Center Marketplace, explaining the benefits of algal biofuels, recycling, ecotourism and plans for campus carbon neutrality. Students and staff participated in the Campus Sustainability Fair, on April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heather Quire, residence director of Berkshire Towers and Advisor for RPS committee, attended the event. She and a member of the Environuts sponsored a recycling awareness table. There were free pins and stickers to take, and a television which played a student-created video segment about how they conserve. “It’s great that students gain awareness,” Quire said. “It’s great to have visuals to show what MCLA does in community.” The bookstore is also working to go green. It promotes products like digital and used books, as well as reusable bags. Even graduation caps and gowns are recyclable. “The cap and gown are made of 23 recycled plastic bottles,” bookstore employee Karrah Chapman said. “It’s a cool concept, because so many have to wear them.” Chapman was handing out reusable bags to students at the fair as well. “There’s definitely a need for everyone to lower their carbon footprint,” she said. “Even if it’s a little bit; anything will help.” Richie Doucette, another participant at the fair, has been track-
Photo by Carly Samach/Beacon staff
Tables were set up in the market place this past Wednesday with different energy sustainable topics for students to come and see. ing MCLA’s carbon footprint. All tal amount of greenhouse gases mentations of the photovoltaic semester long, the environmental produced during daily activi- system on Venable, green heating studies major has been gathering ties, such as traveling, or other and cooling in Berkshire Towers, information to track how much means of burning fossil fuels. boiler modifications and motion energy the College purchases. He This amount is measured in units detectors for lights. Innovations looked at the hot water pressure of carbon dioxide. The larger this like the new bike share program and carbon emission levels of footprint is, the more damage hu- and the expansion of the recymans cause to the environment. commuter students and faculty. cling program have also helped Over the course of three years, reduce the carbon footprint. The “I think it’s interesting finding carbon footprint of a large entity MCLA was successful in reduc- campus aims to be carbon neutral ing its carbon footprint by five by 2050. like MCLA,” Doucette said. A carbon footprint is the to- percent a year. It was the impleDoucette said that although MCLA has been successful with decreasing our carbon footprint, the addition of the science center will cause our footprint to increase for the time being. “Carbon footprints increase with addition of more buildings.
Saving water with MCLA student Amber Luke 1. Take shorter showers 2. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. 3. Only run a full load of laundry or dishes. 4. Wash your car on the grass to have a healthy lawn and clean car with the same water.
We will have to mitigate that size with other strategies,” he said. Carbon neutrality means using fuels that do not influence the amount of atmospheric carbon. Pure biofuels are carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide burned is absorbed by plants, which will be harvested for fuel later. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are non-renewable and emit greenhouse gasses when burned. MCLA plans on becoming carbon neutral by creating or buying alternative energy like solar or wind power. Another way is improving means of transportation in the Berkshires by carpooling or using mass transit. The bike share program will also help reduce the carbon output. “2050 is a long ways away, so I’m hopeful there will be new technology that we don’t know about yet,” Doucette said. Throughout his internship, he said he is enjoying the experience of working with corporations and government agencies to live more sustainably and more efficiently. He hopes, after completion of the science center, other buildings will be renovated with increased efficiency in lighting that the school will tighten up old buildings to be more efficient. Catt Chaput, a student representative for MASSPIRG since her freshman year, also emphasized the importance of tightening up old buildings. Most buildings in Mass. were built in the 40’s and 50’s and are not weatherized properly, according to Chaput. At the fair, Chaput showed how proper caulking and insulation of windows and doors can prevent drafts. By sealing drafts, heat will not escape in the winter, and cold air will not escape in the summer. Insulation strips are cheap, easy to install, and can save a lot of money and electricity. Caulking can fill small cracks and help waterproof houses. MASSPIRG and AmeriCorps offer free home weatherization in the spring and fall to students living off campus and people with low income. Chaput hopes in the future, the townhouses can be properly weatherized. The program also sponsored a chance for students to swap in their old incandescent light bulbs for energy efficient bulbs.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
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The Beacon GEEK DANCE!! Hosted by the Anime Club congratulates the to Midnight in Sullivan Lounge incoming staff of April 26,$3 8pm per person or $5 for a couple Fall 2012! Editor-in-Chief
Staff Writers
Chris Goodell
Nick Arena Ryan Flynn Amy Cubello Aya Lanzoni Haley Costen Michael Feloni Chris Oxholm Marc Latour James Hunter Shannen Adamites*
Sports Editor Andrew Hodgson A&E Editor Tano Holmes Copy Chief Megan Cooney
Steve Kilduff
Design Team Mike Feloni Nalaja Caesar Jess Gamari*
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Ken Rodriguez*
Ken Rodriguez* Michael Dahlroth
Design Editor
Copy Editors Topher Lewis Lindsay Green Shannen Adamites* Korinna Dennehey* *Holds more than one position.
Photographers Takeya Lee Kayla Degnan Jess Gamari* Advertising Adrianna Caruro
Many thanks to the Spring 2012 staff, and good luck to everyone in the coming year!
A fun night of geeky music, nerdy dancing and dorky food and prizes! Dress up in your nerdiest outfit! Help us raise money for The Trevor Project! Learn more about us on Facebook; just search MCLA Anime Club’s GEEK DANCE
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS!! ONLINE EXIT COUNSELING FOR YOUR STUDENT LOANS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA! HELP SESSIONS AVAILABLE: TUESDAY, MAY 1st, 3:30- 4:30 FRIDAY, MAY 4th, 11:30 – 12:30 MONDAY, MAY 7th, 11:30 – 12:30 ALL LOCATED IN MURDOCK HALL, ROOM 108 INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO YOUR CAMPUS MAILBOX PLEASE CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE AT 662-5274 WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
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Thursday, april 26, 2012
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5
Jason Brown prepares for SGA presidency
Incoming President Jason Brown sits at the computer in the SGA office.
By Andrew Roiter
N
Beacon Staff
ewly inaugurated Student Government Association (SGA) president Jason Brown sits in what is transitioning into his office. The soft-spoken redhead talks with his hands, but not wildly. His movements are deliberate and controlled, an extension of his grounded personality. “I try to be a relaxed person…and bring that into situations,” he said. The environmental studies major is dressed in one of his typical outfits: collared shirt,
meanor of this 20-year-old Templeton-native, is a passionate environmental champion. This year Brown worked as an intern for the new bike share program at the College, a research technician working on a study about the native population of feral cats, and served as president of the Environuts, the green-minded group he helped found his freshman year. “Environuts has been my passion…it’s been a real privilege to have the great e-board and members that we have,” Brown said.
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heavy sneakers, and a green fleece. But, he’s wearing khaki shorts, an expression of optimism in the face of the bitter wind and rain which battle the sun outside. “I might be [described] as an ‘environmental studies kid,’” Brown said in reference to his business-casual-you-can-gohiking-in wardrobe. He cites sheppard’s pie from a restaurant in Williamstown as his favorite meal he’s had in the Berkshires. “I know it’s not fancy. But it reminded me of home. It was a nice comfort meal,” he said. But under the warm de-
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Photo by Carly Samach/ Beacon staff
Photo by Carly Samach/ Beacon staff
To see the beauty we have, even in our own backyard, has touched me. -Jason Brown
The relatively new group even went to Washington D.C. in the fall for an environmental protest called the Day of Action. With SGA he worked on the
College’s Sustainability committee. He said that the group did a lot of work this year establishing where they are and where they want to be. He mentioned the College’s recent commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. “I’m glad we’ve taken the step towards commitment,” he said. Brown’s love of the environment stems from a childhood deeply entwined with the natural world. Brown’s father is an outdoorsman, and the pair always went on outings. “There’s a real connection that grows between you and the natural environment…It’s something that continued to grow,” he said. And the Berkshires have strengthened his connection to nature. “To see the beauty we have, even in our own backyard, has touched me. And kind of made me the person I am today,” Brown said with a contented sigh. Brown is deeply involved with life on campus. As a member of the Ski Club, Outdoors Club, president of Environuts, and SGA Senator AtLarge, it’s hard not to run into him. “I really enjoy going to other clubs when they have events
too,” Brown said. To deal with the stress of his life Brown keeps up an active lifestyle when he can. His roommates are also outdoorsminded people and they go fishing and hiking somewhat frequently. But he wishes he could be outside even more. “On weekends, we try to get off campus, go to Bennington or Pittsfield,” he added. On days where he needs to de-stress, Brown likes to take time for himself. Sitting down with a cup of tea and watching Netflix or clearing his mind with a walk across the Greylock Glen. Recently, he’s started cooking and experimenting with recipes. When asked who has helped him the most at MCLA Brown began running over a mental list, finding it nearly impossible to pick a single person. “There’s so many people here who have helped me at different times,” Brown explained, “But if I had to narrow it down, Spencer Moser. He’s been a mentor to me.” With a year till graduation, Brown hasn’t settled on where he wants to be yet. But he’s considering taking a year to travel before graduate school, either looking to join Americorp or working for the National Parks Service.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
A&E
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Boardwalk in New vinyl album releases to give record stores a kick the Berkshires in MCLA Quad on Friday
MCLA – THIS Friday, the Issues in Event and Sports Management class is taking that relaxed, “beachy” boardwalk-feeling and bringing it to campus. Boardwalk in the Berkshires, a student-programmed and collaborative event, will be held in the MCLA Quad from 3-5 p.m. this Friday, April 27. Boardwalk in the Berkshires will feature MCLA’s own student-DJ, Matt Osgood, as well as games and food sponsored by a variety of oncampus organizations. Tie-dying, Kan-Jam, and ice cream are just a few of the things you’ll find on this boardwalk. This event is designed to serve as an energizing outlet and a reminder that summer is just around the corner. Sponsors of this event include: Student Activities Council (SAC); Townhouse Advisory Board; Hoosac Hall Advisory Board; ARAMARK; Ski Club; and the MCLA CHOICES program. More information on the event can be found at the event’s Facebook under “Boardwalk in the Berkshires,” or you can email Event Manager Vanessa Leikvoll at vl2106@mcla.edu.
Jackson Browne comes to Mountain Park in Holyoke Press Release Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne brings his summer 2012 Acoustic Tour to Mountain Park in Holyoke, Mass. on Wednesday, August 1 at 7 p.m. Playing guitar and piano, Browne will perform songs from his entire body of work, with varying set lists each night. Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Sara Watkins will open the Acoustic Tour as a special guest. Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He was honored with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond his music, he is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. Browne is a cofounder of the groups Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), Nukefree.org, and Success Through the Arts Foundation, which provides education opportunities for students in South Los Angeles Watkins first gained recognition as a founding member of the GRAMMY-winning trio Nickel Creek. Sun Midnight Sun, the second solo album from the ac-
claimed singer, songwriter, and fiddle player will be released on May 8 on Nonesuch Records. Produced by (guitarist/singer/ songwriter/co-founder of the band Simon Dawes) Blake Mills (who plays Mountain Park supporting Fiona Apple on June 23), the album features special guest appearances by Fiona Apple, Jackson Browne, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Benmont Tench, and Sean Watkins. “I’m really excited to have Sara joining me on this tour,” browne said. “We’ve played together a number of times in the last few years, sometimes on her show and sometimes mine, and it’s always been a thrill for me. I’m floored by her amazing instrumental virtuosity and by her beautiful voice, and most of all, I love her songs.” Browne will be donating $1 from each ticket sold on the U.S. Acoustic Tour to charity. In addition, premium benefit seats are available for purchase through The Guacamole Fund: www.guacfund.org. Tickets for Jackson Browne and Sara Watkins at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Wednesday, August 1 are $76.00, $56.00, $46.00 and go on sale Friday, May 4 at the Northampton Box Office, 76 Main Street, 413-586-8686 and online at IHEG.com. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Katy Perry is going old school, releasing music on pressed vinyl records to help celebrate Record Store Day. Perry, who’s too young to have thumbed through 45-rpm singles when she was a girl, joins an eclectic mix that includes David Bowie, Paul McCartney, the Misfits, White Stripes, the late James Brown and The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends with special vinyl releases to celebrate the hometown record store on Saturday. All of that vinyl, more than 300 offerings, represents a bright spot for the roughly 2,000 indie music retailers facing stiff competition from online music sales and streaming music services. “There would be fewer stores, if it wasn’t for the resurgence of vinyl,’’ said Chris Brown from Bull Moose, a chain of 10 stores in Maine and New Hampshire, who hatched the idea for Record Store Day. For a time, it was unclear whether independent record stores would survive mega stores like Tower Records, and then the move to online sales with the ubiquitous iPod and now the growing popularity online services like Rhapsody, Pandora and Spotify. Indeed, hundreds of mom-and-pop stores did shut their doors. But about 2,000 stores remain in business today, and the number has been relatively stable over the past few years, said Ken Glaser, vice president of sales for Alliance Entertainment, the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of compact discs, DVDs and vinyl record albums. “I still see a place for a strong indie store in every community that can support one. I just think there’s still the lure of people wanting to walk into a store and touch and feel things and talk to people,’’ said Joel Oberstein, president of Almighty Institute of Music Retail, a market research firm based in Studio City, California. These days, vinyl records play an
increasing role in bringing people through the doors or music stores. It turns out vinyl records never really died after the compact disc became dominant after its 1980s introduction. These days, a new generation of young hipsters is helping to drive demand along with people who grew up with albums and audio purists who think vinyl albums still sound better than today’s digital music. Last year, vinyl album sales grew 39 percent, with about 3.9 million albums being sold, and sales are up about 10 percent so far this year, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Record Store Day last year represented the biggest day of the year for vinyl sales. David Bakula, senior vice president for analytics at Nielsen, said he thinks there’ll always be room for record stores because they cater to hardcore music fans and of-
fer special formats. “Thank God there are still those music fans out there who’re interested in supporting these stores and supporting these formats and supporting these bands. You have a perfect consumer ecosystem there where demand is met by supply,’’ he said from his office in Los Angeles. At Bull Moose in Portland’s Old Port, Pat Markley was thumbing through the new and used rock CDs Thursday night. He said he likes shopping at a store because he gets to hear new music, and because there are people to help if he’s looking for an obscure music title. “I could spend hours looking around here, and I have. I’ve been with my brother and sister and I’ve annoyed them to no end,’’ Markley said.
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A&E
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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7
Myq Kaplan mixed smart and silly humor at Comedy Stop By Tano Holmes A&E Writer
Photo courtesy of Tyler Prendergast
Hedda Gabler featured a 360-degree stage that made audience members peer through the windows and open doors to watch the performance.
Hedda Gabler’s small cast intense and artful By Nora Weiss A&E Writer
The Theatre Lab performance class’s production of “Hedda Gabler” was intense in the aspect of a physical work-out and mental capability. With a small cast, but big passions, “Hedda Gabler” was a great success. Lily Cardaropoli, senior, played the role of Hedda, and knocked it out of the park. With deep passion transfixed into frustration, lust, and intimidation, Cardaropoli left an impact on Venable Theatre’s stage this past weekend. Playing Hedda’s bookworm of a husband, Jorgen, was senior Jimmy Dunn. Giddy, with a sensitive side is Jorgen’s character in a nutshell. Dunn crafted his every movement, jump, and cringe around those precise qualities and mastered the perfect husband: an oblivious man.
Erik Dabrowski played a meaningful, but elusive part. His character Ejlert is a brilliant recovering alcoholic who has apparently written the best soon-to-be book ever. Dabrowski, though his part is short, portrays an even account of a man struggling to move on from a former love. The ever so creepy and conniving Judge Brack was played by Thomas Leidenfrost. He floated across the small staging area for two hours casting an eerie spell over his fellow characters and shuffling audience members. Freshmen Jacquelyn Gianetti gave a convincing performance as Thea Elvstead, an insecure, but determined young woman with a mind for being quite the scribe. Determined to piece back together the jumbled notes of Ejlert’s lost book, Gianetti provides the hope and innocence the play needs. Supported by Lily Urquhart’s
loyal performce as the maid and Mary Rose Petrozola as the caring and exuberant aunt to Dunn’s character, “Hedda Gabler,” was a well rounded production; much more than a class assignment. The on-the-round environment took the production to a new level. An audience member not only sat on the stage, they got to peer in windows, and move around like a professional nosy neighbor watching a family fall apart right before their eyes. With the closing of curtains and slamming of prop doors, audience members had no choice but to be on their toes. Directed by professor Laura Standley, assisted by Tyler Pendergast, “Hedda Gabler” created a whole new stage. Despite the play being longer than an amateur theatergoer may have expected, the professionalism and depth of acting past the time without a glitch.
Student directed production of King Lear takes to the stage
North Adams – The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’s (MCLA) Shakespeare Club, Yorick, presents the age-old tragedy of “King Lear”, on April 26, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. in Venable Theatre. The production is directed by junior Mary Marcil, who previously directed last spring’s “Taming of the Shrew”. The main plot of “Lear” concerns a king (played by senior Robin Russell) who descends into madness after dividing his kingdom based on the flattery of his three daughters (played by Christine Pavao, Brittney Gerber, and Lynn McEnaney). This results in disastrous consequences. The subplot concerns Edmund (played by Jordan Cohen), the illegitimate son of one of Lear’s lords, who manipulates a host of other characters in order to gain power. According to Marcil, the show is vaguely Easterninspired, and takes on a kabuki theatre-like aspect to
emphasize themes of family and honor. “I wanted to focus mainly on family relationships and losing control,” she explained. A few of the key scenes feature shadow workings, or actors in silhouette dancing and representing the scenery, or performing with exaggerated movements in student-designed masks. She explained how this indicates the plot is driven by people’s actions and reactions to various situations. Yorick was first established in fall 2004. The club is dedicated to performing Shakespeare’s plays in ways that are more accessible to modern audiences. This is their 14th production. Admission is free. House opens at 7:30 p.m. on all three nights. Email yorickreservations@gmail.com to reserve tickets. Any further questions about the show should be sent to Mary Marcil at mm7465@mcla.edu.
The Student Activities Council (SAC) continued to provide quality comedy as part of the Spring Fling last Monday. Comedian Myq Kaplan performed before an audience of approximately 50 students with a range of relatively clean humor. Kaplan has also preformed on Conan, the Letterman Show and was a finalist on The Last Comic Standing. “I am excited about this show because I think you guys are my intended demographic, and by that I mean people who understand the word ‘demographic,’” Kaplan quipped in the beginning of his show. “The show was really funny,” said Ziggy Scipio, a junior. “I liked the joke about Will Smith.” Kaplan’s comedic style was constant and fluid. He spoke rapidly, but eloquently. And barely took time out for sips of water. Generally, he began his next story or joke before the audience even stopped laughing, creating a relentlessly amusing atmosphere. He also made lots of references to the fact that he was preforming for a college audience and how happy he was that the students could understand his jokes. Kaplan was extremely self deprecating which allowed him to make a few politically incorrect jokes. “My grandmother corrected me on grammar so often, I called her grammar.” Kaplan joked at the beginning of a story about his experiences with his grandparents. Kaplan also explained how to be a good audience member. He clari-
fied that when asked a question one should answer honestly, and not try to be a comedian. He compared it to a magician asking for a volunteer, and not expecting a fully trained wizard. “Is it weird for me to say ‘chivalry,’ when I open doors for ladies?” Kaplan asked the audience. “I’ve heard that it is chivalrous for men to throw down their coat in a puddle of water for women. I have never done that but I have left clothing all over my apartment before.” “I think sleep driving is worse then drunk driving because when you are drunk driving you can have double vision which is twice as much vision as no vision when you are sleep driving,” Kaplan joked as he told a story about a time he was pulled over. “I am basically looking for the one….who will let me be with others.” Kaplan explained as he talked about his relationship with his therapist. As the show ended Kaplan spoke to a few members of SAC and stayed for a short time for a brief meet and greet. “We always like to go out with a bang,” Nora Weiss, the president of SAC said. “We try to end the year with a bigger comedian. The last two years we have had a way larger audience than before, probably because comedy is really a college business, and it has been easy to set these shows up.” “I pretty much just research the comedian and decide if he would be good or not and then we just call their agent to see if they are free or not and if they have time we generally just move forward,” Dylan Glaser said, the SAC comedy stop chairperson.
Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Staff
Myq Kaplan visited MCLA last Tuesday night and entertained students with a mix of silly jokes and clever puns.
8
A&E
Thursday, April 26, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Mr. MCLA highlights student talents, silly and practical By Andrew Hodgson
A&E Writer As the rain fell outside and the Boston Bruins fought for their season a few hundred miles away in Washington D.C. on Sunday night, five students competed to be the first-ever Mr. MCLA. Venable Gym, outfitted with speakers, a stage and the ever-coveted purple crown of monarchy, was the venue for the competition. It was hosted by Student Activities Council (SAC) as part of their Spring Fling Week. The day was won by one daring competitor who separated himself from the competition with a verbose sense of humor. The event kicked off when candidates sauntered into the gym, one at a time posing for the drooling audience, to the booming bass of “I’m Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. And then Jakob Conway dropped the bomb that won him the competition. After hopping onto the stage, Conway’s “pose” was to drop his shorts in front of the audience to reveal his…other pair of shorts. The crowd exploded with laughter. “I think the win was due to a combination of the fake flash, Hulk Hogan shirt rip, and just going out there and having fun with the competition,” Conway said in an interview after the competition. The competition was composed of three parts. First candidates answered questions, and then they showed off their personal talents, and their swimming-suit-clad physiques in the traditional pageant format. The first portion of the competition was the question and answer segment. Candidates fielded questions that ranged from what they would do if they were given permission to run an unlimited budget event and what one contestant’s fondest memory of the College was. Senior Eddie Damon said with an unlimited budget he would fill Venable Gym with ice cream and hot fudge hoses. After the candidates were asked two hard-hitting questions each, the talent competition began. Eric Edmonds, an FPA Major and Pi Epsilon Pi brother from Brooklyn, N.Y., started the group off with a well-executed dance routine to Rihanna’s popular track, “Only Girl in the World.” Tim Range, a psychology major, self-described “Renaissance Man,” and member of Dance Company, followed up with an original song and acoustic guitar accompaniment. Then Jakob Conway, a psychology major and self-described “First Man on the Moon” stepped onto the stage and turned it up a notch with an impression routine. Audience members shouted the names of classic personalities like Chris Rock, Bill Crosby, and a crowd favorite drunk John Madden. His act culminated with a Hulk Hogan impression in which he tore through his shirt in an explosion of Hogan’s signature steroid-amplified personality. “His fun-loving attitude was successfully conveyed to every person in the room today. He was absolutely hilarious,” student-judge Katrina Kovalski said. Jonathan Sapienza from Stowe, Mass., followed Conway’s hilarious performance with a showcase of his good listening skills. Someone in the audience referred to this as “text time.” Damon, from Rockland, Mass., running on the platform “Over-all’s 2012,” his grass-roots effort to bring more denim into student leadership, resurrected the crowd with a dancing and lip-syncing performance of ABBA’s “Waterloo.” As the performance ended and the smoke from the final salvo of the talent competition cleared, the crowd was left chatting while the contestants left the gym to prepare for the last leg of the competition, the dreaded swimsuit contest.
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon Staff
Senior Tim Range performed an original song for his talent.
Mary Redstone A&E Editor
Three semesters later and I still can’t write headlines
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon Staff
Senior Jake Conway was crowned Mr. MCLA. Tim Range separated himself from the pack by sporting American flag boxers and red hipster glasses. But it was Conway whose “fake-flash” will forever be remembered as the clincher, the Hail Mary, the equivalent of Doug Flutie’s game winning bomb against Miami. The win. After the swimsuit contest concluded the judges began deliberation. The panel of judges was composed of Kovalski, a townhouse RA and former pageant contestant herself, townhouse Resident Director Brendon Goodridge and alumni Brandon Pender. Several minutes of hushed discussion was all the time the judges needed to confirm what the crowd already knew to be true: Jake Conway was to be the first-ever Mr. MCLA. “Jake was the contestant that went above and beyond in having a good time and making the best out of the pageant,” Kovalski said. As Conway was coroneted by SAC staff with a crown and scepter, the crowd roared their approval. One thing is certain, if SAC decides to continue the tradition of Mr. MCLA next year, they have a tough act to follow.
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon Staff
Senior Jonathan Sapienza showcased his listening skills.
This is my last column of both my college carreer and as A&E Editor on the Beacon, and I can promise, in fact I can guarantee you, it’s not going to be sappy. I’ve learned a lot of things working on the Beacon the past four semesters. Some of these things I wish I had never learned (such as how to calmly tell people I’m very disappointed in them or chase down people for one more quote or one more photo), and some things I really think have made me a better writer, person, and benevolent dictator. These are some of those things. You don’t get free CDs of upcoming releases for free as an editor on a state college paper. However, artists really like streaming their music for free up on their website or through AOL Music. This works well to hold you over until the album drops. Never trust the first article you read on a subject. Did “Bully” get an R rating or an NC-17 rating its first time through? It took me four articles and two blogs to find out for sure. Campus activits are fun. It’s not “uncool” to go hang out in the quad for a few hours for Community Day or get an airbrushed hat (for free, by the way) in the Marketplace. Stop complaining that there’s nothing to do when there clearly is, and it’s actually fun. If something is broken, and it can’t be fixed, pick up the spare parts and make something new. Everything is good in moderation, and this includes caffeine, vending machine snacks, and that one song by Fun. Listen to your peers and respect your copy editors; some of them know more than you do and being humble is like taking a nice vacation from your ego. Just remember all vacations end, though, and acclimate yourself accordingly. Don’t look back in anger and don’t blame the break-up of Oasis entirely on Liam. It’s been probably the greatest four years of my life and the best semesters were spent between the four walls of the Beacon office trying to not rip out my hair or toss my computer out the window and onto the front lawn of Mark Hopkins. Never let the music, art, theater, film, humor, or creativity die. Never turn down the chance to listen to something on vinyl or view a real, original painting, or see something performed live. And, like a great musician, and subsequently a great A&E Editor before me, said: Enjoy every sandwich.
9
Sports
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Men’s tennis wraps up inaugural season By Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer The tennis team will soon finish their first season in over 20 years. The team has a lot of positives to look forward to in the years to follow. Ending with a record of 3-6, they have become more prepared for the future seasons. Sophomore Mitch Mabardy has learned a lot from this season and is looking forward to the next. “With this year’s experience, we can improve on our mental game along with our technique,” Mabardy said. “We have a good chance of putting up a winning record for next year,” he added. The team played nine games this season. The leaders in single wins are Mabardy, freshman Taylor Krowitz, and junior Daniel Nesti. Mabardy and Krowitz have over four wins out of the nine games played and each have wins in double games as well. Nesit and Krowitz are also leaders in double wins along with senior teammate Joseph Whitehouse, each of them with over three wins in double games. The team is very proud of their accomplishments this spring season. “Our team has played well considering that this was our first season,” Mabardy said.
Photo courtesy of Mitchell Mabardy
The first NASC/MCLA Men’s tennis team in over 20 years completed their first season recently. Freshman Brendan Peltier agrees with his teammate. “It is the first time in years the school has had a tennis team, and to be doing as well as we are
is a wonderful accomplishment for the foundation of the MCLA men’s tennis team,” Peltier said. The team has seven players on its roster, and next season will
only lose one player, Whitehouse, who is graduating in May. “Every player but one will be coming back next year, Joseph will not be returning,” Peltier ex-
plained. “Our team plans to stay strong,” Mabardy said. TENNIS, continued on page 11
Senior Profile: Kayla Koumjian By Ariana Tourangeau Staff Writer
Senior catcher/utility player and co-captain for the softball team, Kayla Koumjian, will graduate in May after four years of demonstrating leadership skills and a passion for her team at MCLA. Koumjian started playing softball at the age of five and gained a love a passion for the sport that has stayed with her ever since. She also participated in soccer and basketball but had to later quit the two sports because her real focus was on softball.
“She takes each game as it comes, and wants to win them all. She has high expectations of herself and works hard to try to achieve these goals,” Galli said. She started playing for a travel softball team at the age of 12, which did not leave much room for spare time, let alone other sports. Two years later, the team became more competitive and time-consuming and set the tone
Photo courtesy of MCLA.edu
Senior captain Kayla Koumjian (center, kneeling with white headband) has been playing softball since she was five years old. for Komjian’s softball career. She learned to work hard and play with different types of teammates.
Kate Galli, the assistant coach for the Trailblazers feels Koumjian sets a great example for her
fellow teammates and contributes all that she has to the team. “She is the quiet, lead by exam-
ple type of softball player,” Galli said. “I have seen Kayla grow over the last two years and transform into one of the best teammates to play at MCLA. She continues to push herself and her teammates to their fullest potentials.” As a captain, Koumjian managed to keep a positive attitude towards every game, set a good example for her teammates. “She takes each game as it comes, and wants to win them all. She has high expectations of herself and works hard to try to achieve these goals,” Galli said. Koumjian played for the varsity softball team at Shaker high school in Latham, NY. The Trailblazers coach at the time, Kristin Parzych, recruited her to play for MCLA. She played for Parzych for her freshman and sophomore year and was named all-MASCAC twice in those two years once for utility and once for catching. As a junior Koumjian led MCLA in batting, HR and RBI’s while still making the Deans List. Koumjian was the catcher for the Trailblazers for the last four seasons but she is also a utility player. As a utility player, Koumjian can play any position on the field. She has the ability to play any position but she also is willing to step up whenever she is needed.
KOUMJIAN, continued on page 10
10
Thursday, april 26, 2012
Sports
theonlinebeacon.com
Trailblazer softball continues to struggle By Brendan Foley Sports Editor What has been a largely disastrous season for the softball team took yet another downward spin this past week as the team dropped two straight doubleheaders. The week kicked off on Saturday, April 21, when the team travelled to Salem to square off with Salem State. The Trailblazers were put into an early hole by the opposition, as Salem racked up six runs in the bottom of the second inning. MCLA responded with one run in the third inning, but Salem put even more distance between the two teams in the bottom of the fourth with another two runs, putting the score at 1-8. Another run in the bottom of the fifth gave the game its final score of 1-9. The team’s struggles continued in the second game with the Trailblazer bats staying silent for most of the game. Through six innings, they only managed one hit, courtesy of designated hitter Erin Kelly. For their part, Salem State battered the defense with 11 hits for eight runs. On Tuesday, April 24 the Trailblazers travelled to Westfield for a doubleheader. The first game got underway at 2 p.m. MCLA struggled to get their bats to come awake during the game, and reached only four hits for the entire game. The defensive side of the team was tasked throughout the game, with pitcher Ainsley MacDonald giving up 12 runs throughout the game. Westfield landed on the scoreboard first, nabbing a run in the first inning of play. The Trailblazers held the opposition to just that run into the fourth inning, when Westfield snagged another
Photo by Serina Stimpson/Beacon Archive
The softball team has plummeted to an overall record of 4-24 for their 2012 season. run. In the bottom of the sixth, Westfield pulled even further ahead with an additional two runs. The Trailblazers came back to score one run in the top of the seventh but it was not enough and the game concluded with a final score of 1-4. While the team had held its own in the first game, the second game
of the Westfield doubleheader would prove to be an out-andout catastrophe for the Trailblazers. Kelly Pirzl held the mound for three innings, over which she gave up 16 hits for 18 runs. The route began at the very outset of the game, with Westfield bombing the scoreboard with five runs in the bottom of the first. The second inning would pass
scoreless for both teams. It was in the bottom of the third inning that Westfield began to pummel MCLA into submission, racking up an astounding 12 runs before the Trailblazers finally escaped the inning. Westfield would add another six runs in the bottom of the fourth for a total of 23 runs in four innings.
MCLA would only manage two runs for the entire game. The Trailblazers only have six games remaing in the regular season, including two upcoming doubleheaders at home. The season will wrap up with a doubleheader against Williams College on April 30.
Kayla Koumjian plays wherever her team needs her to be TENNIS, continued from page 9
Due to the team’s low numbers and amount of injuries this season Koumjian has had to challenge herself more than ever and step up as the leader she is for her team.
“We will miss Kayla’s leadership next year, but do hope that some of her character has rubbed off on some of the younger players,” Galli said. “She took the challenge of becoming a pitcher in her senior year, due to us only having one pitcher on the team at the time. She got into some games in Florida and hasn’t had to pitch since the return of Kelly Pirzl,” said Galli. Koumjian is the type of player who is willing to do whatever it
Photo by Ian Grey
Kayla Koumjian has worked hard on and off the field in her time at MCLA. takes for her team and she works hard, not just for herself but for her team as well. She is a true team player and works well with
her teammates to get as far as they can. “We will miss Kayla’s leadership next year, but do hope that some
of her character has rubbed off on some of the younger players,” said Coach Galli. Although the team is 4-28 over-
all and 2-9 in conference, each player, including Koumjian, tries not to let the losses affect them too negatively and they keep pushing themselves to get better as players. “It’s been great playing here, I’ve learned a lot and made a lot of great friendships. I’ll really miss the girls and playing competitively after I graduate in May,” Koumjian said. Along with her on-field exploits, Koumjian has been a valuable member of the staff of the Beacon student newspaper. She routinely cranking out needed articles on deadline while at the same time juggling her journalistic duties with both the team and regular studies. “I don’t know what we would have done without Kayla. She met every challenge I ever put in front of her and has always worked hard,” Beacon sports editor Brendan Foley stated.
Sports
Thursday, April 26, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Standings
Baseball team strives for wins Trailblazers struggle for a win in backhalf of 2012 season By Brendan Foley Sports Editor
Brendan Foley Sports Editor
I don’t have a whole lot to say anymore. There are any number of great pieces that you can read this week about the process of graduation and what it means and what we all have to look forward to out there in the real world. I don’t have anything to say about the real world, except that I am scarted and exhilarated by the next step. But I do have one last thing to say about MCLA and my time and experience here. Thank you. Thank you to the people who were friendly and let me into their lives, it was thanks to you that I knew I had some value. I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you to the jerks and the bullies and punks, it was thanks to you that I was able to define myself and my own beliefs and morality. I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you Jen Augur and Gillian Jones and Paul LeSage for giving me a chance with this section and always being there with advice and well-wishes. It meant the world to me. Thank you to all the people on this e-board for the arguments, the jokes, the pizza dinners and the crazy deadline days. Thank you to Bobby, Kaitland, Kayla and Ariana for making every week a learning experience. That’s not always necessarily a GOOD thing, but thanks all the same. Thank you to all of the professors and teachers walking down these halls, imparting my peers and me with knowledge about the world and all the beauty that there is in it. Thank you to Chuck and Liz in the mailroom for being great bosses these last couple years. I will never take my mailman for granted ever again. Thank you Spencer Moser for being a great boss and for giving me the chance to demolish a house with a sledgehammer. That was awesome. Thank you to everyone who has read these pieces and this section and who have responded. It was always good to know someone was reading. And finally, thank you to Boston, Josh, Pete and Tony (MF) Tofani, for making these past months some of the happiest in my entire life. Thank you for a year of bad German accents, Kansas singalongs, cramped backseats and so, so many more incredible moments. I don’t know where I go from here, but I can say that I will always carry you lunatics in my heart with me, wherever that is. Thank you, all of you, for these past four years. God Bless.
The 2012 baseball team has continued its late season backslide after a promising start to the year with another five losses in a row. On Thursday, April 19, Skidmore came to the Athletic Complex for an afternoon game. Skidmore got off to an early lead, landing two runs in the top of the first inning. MCLA responded in the bottom of the second with two runs of their own, making the score dead even. The tie was short lived as Skidmore began to pull away in the next few innings. The top of the third saw Skidmore snag two runs in the third and another three in the fourth inning for a score of 2-7. MCLA would lag behind, scoring a run in the fifth, sixth and seventh to put the score at 5-7. But then came the killing blow from Skidmore, who went on to score two runs in the seventh, two runs in the eighth and another four in the ninth, for a final tally of 15 runs off of 14 hits. MCLA could not recover, and the game ended with a final score of 8-15. The weekend got off to a bad start on April 21, when the Trailblazers travelled to Salem State for a doubleheader. The first game of the day saw MCLA lose 1-9 as Salem scored consistently throughout the game while the Trailblazers bats did little work. It was in the second game of the day that the Trailblazers fell into real trouble, suffering one of their worst losses of the season. Salem struck early and often, hitting for two runs in the bottom of the first inning, then adding another four runs in the second, for a score of 0-6. MCLA would finally answer with two runs in the top of the third and another in the fourth. Salem State had no intention of
11
(As of Press Time)
Baseball
All
bridgewater framingham salem westfield mass. maritime MCLA worcester fitchburg
23-12 9-1 21-12 8-2 26-8-17-3 15-15 7-3 11-15 3-7 11-22 2-8 10-23 2-8 8-24 2-8
Softball salem worcester bridgewater westfield framingham fitchburg MCLA mass. maritime
Conf
All 23-7 22-7 13-13 11-16 11-19 11-17 4-24 2-15
Conf 9-1 8-2 7-3 6-4 4-6 4-6 2-8 0-10
Baseball 4/28 vs. Framingham 1 p.m. 4/28 vs. Framingham 3:30 p.m. 4/29 vs. Newbury
1 p.m.
4/29 vs. New bury 3:30 p.m. Softball 4/27 vs. Southern Vermont 3:30 p.m.
Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Archive
The MCLA baseball team got off to a solid start this season but has struggled to keep their record up in the past few weeks. giving the Trailblazers any corner, striking back with four runs in the fifth and another six in the sixth inning. When the dust settled, Salem State stood triumphant with a final score of 4-16, with 18 hits over the Trailblazer’s 10. Things did not improve on April 24, when MCLA was swept in
4/27 vs. Southern Vermont 5:30 p.m.
4/29 vs. Framingham 1 p.m. another doubleheader, this time against Westfield State. MCLA’ final games of the regular season will be held this weekend in a pair of home doubleheaders the first against Framingham on Saturday, finishing with Newbury on April 29.
4/29 vs. Framingham 3 p.m. 4/30 @ Williams
4 p.m.
4/30 @ Williams
6 p.m.
Men’s tennis loses Sunday match TENNIS, continued from page 9
The team lost its match against Johnston State on April 22, losing with a final of 2-7. Joseph Whitehouse and Amory Galili were able to win their single matches. With players returning, it will be easier for them to come together as a team and more comfortable with one another next season. “As well as with most of the team returning in the fall, our team has a bright future, for the future seasons,” Mabardy said. This past season has been a learning experience for Mabardy, Peltier, and the rest of the tennis team. “I have personally learned the fundamentals of college tennis and the ability to push myself to newer heights every single day,” said Peltier. Both teammates are satisfied with their first spring season and are eager for the next to come.
Photo courtesy of MCLA.edu
The tennis team lost its penultimate match against Johnston State. “We, as a team have done wonderful.” Peltier said. Mabardy added, “Overall I feel
that this season was a great starting point for the future years of the program.”
The team’s last two matches have been postponed to an undetermined date.
12
Opinion
Thursday, April 26, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Campus Comment compiled by Serina Stimpson
“What are your thoughts about the athletic season this year?
Ed Damon
Editor in Chief
So long, and thanks for all the fish Saying goodbye is never easy. Especially when you’ve been working with the same people for years. But rather than be mopey, I want to be optimistic. I want to use this space to give students advice, give my thanks, and say what I’d like to see in the future of MCLA. One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard from students is they don’t know what’s going on. My advice to students: search out information for yourself. The Beacon is one source of information on campus. But there’s a lot going on around campus, and not everything is in there. Go to SGA meetings. You learn a lot. Do you ever wonder why other colleges have a “a lot going on?” One reason is because students go to SGA meetings. Talk to your senators, representatives, and your SGA president. They are there to represent the student voice. And they want to hear your opinion. Talk to your professors. They have a lot to say. One of the greatest things about MCLA is how easy it is to reach them. Keynote speaker of the Tenth Annual URC, Jarrod Abbott-Washburn, agrees. (He also said he had an advantage over other students in graduate school, who were used to larger lecture classes.) I also wanted to use this space to give thanks. I thank professors who have helped me learn and grow in the past four years. I’ve changed quite a bit since I walked into Berkshire Towers in 2008. Thank you, members of Student Government. This year’s SGA was the best of the four years I’ve been here, mainly for its dedication to listening to what students want. I have nothing but optimism about the upcoming Beacon staff, who I know will continue to cover campus news professionaly and extensively. I also know the students will continue to expand on student life opportunities after I graduate. While a lot of good programs exist, there’s room for more (such as a center for GLBTQ identified students and more space for clubs and events.) The student-led initiative for a bike share program shows us this is possible. I’ll end this with my favorite quote: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I end this way because over my four years here I’ve found it to be true. Now get out there and start something.
“I would have to say the season went well. When things didn’t go our way, we fought through and came together. We never gave up on ourselves and always pushed each other, and that means a lot.”
“It’s been a building year, but the team chemistry is awesome!” - Kaitland Hager, Softball, class of 2012
- Ryan Shewchuk, Men’s Soccer, class of 2013 “Our season ended well, making it to the championship game. Of course it was a let down that we couldn’t take home the title, but we never stopped fighting.”
“We have a lot of young kids on the team. I think next year we will be a force in the league and have a good shot of winning.”
- Alie Dobrovolc, Women’s Basketball, class of 2012 “Bringing in a lot of freshman, this year was definitely a rebuilding year. The good thing was they got a lot of real experience which will benefit the team in the future. As a senior I just hope I set a good example for the new players.” - Karrah Chapman, Women’s Soccer, class of 2012
-Chris Koch, Baseball, class of 2012 “The team worked hard and pushed through this season. Unfortunetly the season hasn’t turned out as well as any of us wanted, but we wont stop working for the future.” - Ainsley McDonald, Softball, class of 2013
A letter from the President President Mary Grant reflects on the upcoming Commencement and wishes the class of 2012 good luck. To the Members of the Class of 2012: We’ve come to the end of another academic year together, and stand poised to celebrate your Commencement. Congratulations on this achievement! Commencement is an annual event, and part of the history and tradition of MCLA. Like every class, every Commencement is unique, shaped by the character and personality of the graduating class. It has been a great privilege to get to know the character and personality of the Class of 2012 during your time at the College. You have been dedicated and engaged students in the classroom, and have demonstrated what you learned in class through internships, community service projects, and research presentations. You have been active members of the campus community, developing your leadership skills and serving as examples to your fellow students. Many of you have been true multi-taskers, balancing academic, family, and work commitments. You have challenged yourselves, and all of us, to give our best every day, and truly to exemplify the excellence, community,
stewardship, and public purpose that are the hallmarks of MCLA, public higher education, and the tradition of the liberal arts. As you celebrate your Commencement, know that we celebrate your achievement, and share the pride of your family and friends in your accomplishments. As you leave MCLA, you are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead, in your work and in your life as an engaged member of your community. When you graduate, you will become members of a network of alumni, associates, and friends. Look to your fellow alumni for support, and offer your support to them in turn. Remember that the hub of the alumni network is right here at MCLA, and that our social media presence puts MCLA just a click away, no matter where you are. Please, stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. On behalf of everyone at MCLA, I offer my best wishes and sincere congratulations to the Class of 2012! Sincerely, Mary K. Grant, Ph.D. President
1346 Curran Highway North Adams, MA 01247
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Opinion
Thursday, april 26, 2012
F
Operation Beautiful
or my final column of the semester, I would like to invite my readers to STAGE’s third annual Body Positive Picnic in celebration of spring and to promote a healthy self-image. On May 4, members from Students Taking Action for Gender Equality are making homemade foods for everyone to enjoy. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., anyone can help themselves to a plate full of potato salad, fresh fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, brownies, and other picnic treats on the Quad.
“I would like to invite my readers to STAGE’s third annual Body Positive Picnic in celebration of spring and to promote a healthy self-image.” The only requirement before digging in is to sign our petition to end fat talk. Fat talk is stating or having negative comments and thoughts about yourself or someone else regarding the way you or they look. This is something that affects all people of all sizes. Sometimes, these comments are not even meant to be hurtful. They just focus on a person’s weight and size instead of what is truly important: their health and the way they view themselves.
Skyla Seamans Columnist
May 6 is International No Diet Day, which is an annual celebration of body acceptance body shape diversity. Unfortunately, 54 percent of women say they would rather be hit by a truck than be fat. Eighty-one percent of ten-yearolds are afraid of being fat. Sixty-seven percent of 15 to 64 year-olds avoid life engaging activities, such as speaking their minds, attending school, or visiting the doctor because they feel bad about their looks, according to dosomething.org. Our culture has a serious problem with body image. Junior Brianna Vear and president of STAGE said she hopes our posters and petition will rattle everyone’s personal images of themselves and how they view the people around them. “The first step to promoting a healthy body image,” Vear said, “is through ending fat talk and hurtful words that can make oth-
ers feel bad about themselves or to cause them to only focus on their weight and size, instead of their health. We need to change the conversation and start a movement towards positive and diverse body image.” What many people do not realize is that healthy looks different for every person and a person’s size does not measure up to his or her actual health. Our society has created one standard of beauty, which only fashion models can seem to reach. Most models are thinner than 98 percent of most American women, according to dosomething.org. “In a society that is plagued with an incredibly strict and unforgiving definition of beauty,” Vear said, “it is no surprise that so many women and girls have a negative view of their bodies.” Our picnic will encourage conversation and awareness to pay attention to what we say to others, about others, and how we view our own bodies. For starters, don’t compare your body to someone else’s; everyone is different. Consciously correct yourself if you fat talk. Switch those thoughts with something more realistic and positive. Appreciate your own body for all that it can do. So, between classes or on your way to the library, come to the Quad and tell us what you love about your body. Share your positive thoughts. Take a look at our posters and sign our petition. Then, delve in! You are beautiful.
“The Wright Way” Oh look! Another senior with a goodbye column!
O
h, the final column, the most hallmalarkey of writings, the culmination of a semester of the marginally coherent Page 13 ramblings of a world-weary super-senior. Alas, five years is far too short a time to learn at such an excellent and admirable college. I don’t know half of MCLA half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of MCLA half as well as it deserves. My impending graduation is… bittersweet. On one hand, I’m not ready to leave the warm, coddling womb that is MCLA. On the other hand, I am so [expletive] done. I came to this establishment a red-headed, bombastically nerdy single girl teetering on the brink of social ineptitude, and I leave… pretty much unchanged. Barring the facts that I’ve since acquired a boyfriend, stopped dyeing my hairs and that, at the ripe old age of 23, I’m probably a woman now. I suppose I’ve expanded my horizons a bit, gone outside my comfort zone on multiple occasions (though not nearly as much as I should have), and befriended people who, five years ago, I never would have considered talking to, let alone allow myself to open up and befriend them. At my core, however, I remain unchanged. I feel as if I should be disappoint-
Jessie Wright Columnist
ed… wasn’t college supposed to turn me into a completely different person? A cooler, significantly more awesome person? If possible, I have things even less figured out than before I started college. I’ve always been, for better or worse, a jack of all trades (and a master of none), but at least I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. A novelist. Well, now I’m a grown up, a jaded, vaguely bitter 20-something plagued by a persistent writer’s block brought on by the stress of academia, and heck if I know what I want to do with my life. Well, there’s quite a handful of paths I want to travel down, but the threat of point-
ing to one and saying “Career, I choose you!” sends me running for the hills. I do not regret the things I’ve done while at MCLA (both the good and the not-so-good), but I sure as heck regret the things I never tried, the chances I never took, the opportunities I let slip by me because I was too scared of rejection, failure, or humiliation. If I could redo my time at MCLA, I’d try and be less of a loser. To my significantly-younger friends and acquaintances, I say: Don’t let your fears get in the way of being as freaking awesome as I know you are. Take classes taught by Newby, Mooney, Augur, Shustack, and Chris Thomas… even if they don’t teach classes in your major. Learn for the sake of learning. Be excellent to each other. To my fellow seniors I say: Go, then. There are other worlds than these. And also: Whoohoo. In less than a month, I will clutch that in English/Communications BA to my chest as I ride off into the sunset with a glass of victory scotch in one hand and a success cigarillo between my lips. And then… I guess I’ll see where life takes me? *Cue that one song from the end of The Breakfast Club* Over and out.
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Farewells, thank yous, and well wishes
S
pring Fling is a staple in MCLA Student Activities. It was last week; you know, where every day there was a different activity? Well, as President of SAC, I would like to say thank you to basically the entire school. Thanks to the faculty who helped us focus our vision for SAC, and a special thanks to Jennifer Craig for being as supportive and energetic as she was for eight straight days. I would like to say thank you to facilities for literally doing the heavy lifting. Our events wouldn’t be nearly as comfortable or put together without your preci-
Nora Weiss Columnist
sion and dedication. And, of course, I would like to thank the MCLA students who came out the events, supported their school, and had a good time. To those 200 something people who came to the concert: we raised over $900 for Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter School; all the ticket sales are going to benefit their music program. For everyone who got those personalized license plates and came to see Bridesmaids on the quad, thank you. Just by being a face in the crowd to support makes SAC feel like gold. I’d also like to thank LAS for working with us on their spoken word night and for having some of the most delicious food out there. A special thanks to everyone who came out to Community Day: that tradition is a loved one and it makes the day sweeter to know that close to 300 MCLA students had a really good time. As a senior who’s officially been to four community days, I can say this one was really the best I’ve seen. A special thanks to Heather Mendiola, Michael Obasohan, and Tony Tofani for braving it all and getting in the dunk tank: that water was COLD!
This thank you, this one right now, is a big deal: thanks to the folks who stuck it out Saturday night with the Luau Party. MCLA had been… left behind with certain equipment changes, but you guys didn’t care and didn’t get mad at SAC (at least not to our faces, which we appreciate). You all had a super great time. Another heartfelt thanks to Katrina Kovalski, Brendon Goodridge, and Brandon Pender for being amazing judges for our bring back of the Mr. MCLA Competition. Thanks to the wonderful contestants, those who came to watch, and our winner, Jake Conway. Ok, here’s the biggest thanks of all: SAC. From e-board to general. I know no one gives us credit, like ever. I always tell you guys that SAC isn’t an interest club, it’s the place where you just go because you feel the yearning to be REALLY involved. We do event planning; we’re aren’t dicking around ordering crazy give always because we like chapstick. We do this because we love our school and feel our peers deserve to have some fun every week. We do this every week. People may not understand that we put in, altogether, over 48 hours of work last week (we built a stage and took it down!), but I know how hard you work. You take it when people make nasty statuses about SAC, you vote on how your peers may feel and not yourselves, and last Saturday – ohmigod – we found out we weren’t going to have the luau we thought. With people lined up outside waiting to get into an empty gym, you all communicated efficiently and we had a fantastic-looking gym in about twenty minutes. You all are gut thinkers and institution doers; not many people have that kind of courage. You all do. So, as my presidency in SAC comes to a close, let me say this: stand strong for SAC. Bigger schools have an easier time doing what we do, but we make big things happen ALL THE TIME. Don’t be sad when someone else gets glory for doing it once, or their office is stockpiled with awards. They worked hard too, but everyone just expects us to work even harder. You can do it and it will be fun because you saw SAC and you got in it.
14 Two new clubs join campus Burdick gets Thursday, april 26, 2012
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a well-earned send-off
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff
The Equestrian Club met in the the Townhouse Complex Greenhouse shortly after their constitution was ratified.
By Holly Johnston Staff Writer
Recently two new clubs at MCLA have been ratified. The Animation Organization and the Equestrian Club hope to find a place in the hearts of the MCLA community. “The Animation Organization was an idea that popped into my head a while ago, but I never thought enough people would be into it,” said Damian Gordon, sophomore and founder of the Animation Organization. Gordon explained that there is an Anime club on campus, but it is focused solely on Japanese animation, as well as a film/video club, but nothing that approached animation as more of an art form. When he decided to share his idea for the Animation Organization with others, he was surprised to find that many people were interested in it. “A lot of students on campus actually want to major in animation, but MCLA doesn’t provide any animation or cartooning classes,” Gordon said. Sophomore Aria Hatfield is a member of the Animation Orga-
nization, and according to Gordon, found many of the members that now make up the club. “Anyone can join, artistic talent or not, just as long as they are interested they are welcome,” Hatfield said. “Animation is more than just silly cartoons, it’s a beautiful form of art that takes hundreds and hundreds of people coming together.” Sophomore Morgan Nankivell founded the Equestrian Club. “At the beginning of last semester, myself and a few other students in the Equestrian Intramurals wanted to start an Equestrian Club so we could grow the sense of camaraderie between horse lovers and competitors at the school,” she said. Nankivell’s aspirations for the club are diverse. She explained that the club is looking to do some philanthropic work possibly at Equestrian rescue programs and volunteering at local barns. In addition, they hope to be an outlet for students who wish to go to horse-related events. One such event would be the Equine Affair in November, a
five-day long fair at the Eastern States Exposition Center that showcases a variety of different riding disciplines, professional clinics and extensive shopping. The club not only aims at horserelated events, but a way for students to become familiar with the horse world and allow them to begin to ride if they so choose. Being a club also allows us to join the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) so that students will be able to compete at the college level. “We would really love more students to get involved. So many people don’t get the chance to see what being involved in the horse world is about. There is a great sense of community and there is an endless supply of things to learn,” Nankivell said. “I think most people are surprised at how much these animals and this sport can change your life, and the Equestrian Club hopes to open up the door to these opportunities for students here at MCLA,” she said. To find out more information about these clubs you can contact Damian Gordon or Morgan Nankivell through FirstClass.
Alleged ring leader arrested Associated Press A Massachusetts man who authorities say was a leading member of New York’s Colombo crime family plans to plead guilty to a federal racketeering conspiracy charge, according to a person familiar with the case. Ralph DeLeo, of Somerville, was indicted along with three others in Massachusetts in 2009. Prosecutors said he led a group known as the “DeLeo crew’’ that sold cocaine and marijuana in Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Florida and Arkansas. DeLeo initially pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. He is listed on an electronic court docket for a change-of-plea hearing Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Boston. The person who told The Associated Press that DeLeo intends to plead guilty was not authorized to speak before the hearing and requested anonymity.
Prosecutors said DeLeo’s crew was also involved in loan-sharking and extortion. At the time of the indictment, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said DeLeo was the “street boss’’ of the Colombo crime family, one of five Italian mob families in New York City. The indictments against DeLeo and the three other men came after authorities in Arkansas launched an investigation into illegal gambling that developed into a larger multistate probe.
Photo by Carly Samach/Beacon staff
Maintenance Working Foreman Wes Burdick (right) was given a luncheon in regards to his leaving after this semester. He was greeted with many friends and sweet words about his time at MCLA. He worked at NASC from 1970-1976, and 1983-2012.
Annual Spires Reading! Murdock 218 May 8, 2012 7 p.m. Come and read your poetry and prose! Hear the work published in Spires spoken by the authors themselves! All are welcome! Refreshments will be served! Invite your friends and professors!
For Fun
Thursday, April 26, 2012
This Week in MCLA History April 25, 1991
A Resident Advisor from Berkshire Towers was listed as in critical condition at the Berkshire Medical Center after hitting a telephone pole while on her bicycle. Reports stated that she was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The Beacon wished the student a quick recovery and extended their sympathies to her friends and family. The student passed shortly thereafer due to severe head injuries. and the following week’s Beacon was dedicated to her memory.
Comic by Aurora Cooper
April 22, 1993 Two students were arrested after allegedly assaulting memebers of the Beta Chi Gamma house on Blackinton street. A second fight broke out later with the same students at a Porter Street residence. The assault was related to a previous altercation at the Key West bar. That same week, North Adams City Councilor William Donovan called for the end to college fraternities and sororities at North Adams State College. He cited that they were the Greeks were to blame for the majority of violence on and around campus.
To view this and other comics online, visit us at theonlinebeacon.com
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Horoscopes
Aries: March 21-April 19 Your core values are on display -- there’s no hiding them, even if you wanted to. This may be an excellent time to see about acquiring new people on your team who see things the same way you do. Taurus: April 20-May 20 You are still feeling fantastic, and should be able to get yourself embroiled in sweet situations that are nothing but sheer pleasure. It’s fun while it lasts, and should make for good memories. Gemini: May 21-June 21 Someone needs advice, and you may be the only person who can give it to them. See if you can sit them down for a quick chat -your way with words should help you put it in the most positive light. Cancer: June 22-July22 It’s a good time for you to try something totally new -- original, even -- in order to distinguish yourself from the pack. It’s easier than ever to fall back on your creative side. Leo: July 23-August 22 It’s a good time to avoid bureaucrats as much as you can today -- they are sure to pin you down once they get their hands on you! If you can put off that trip to the DMV for another day, so much the better. Virgo: August 23-Sept. 22 You need to dig into someone’s past -- or present -- so you can figure out how best to approach them. It’s easy for you, thanks to your terrific mental energy. It doesn’t feel like snooping, either! Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You’re feeling much better about your new group -- or new members of an old group. Your energy is perfect for integrating almost anyone into your inner circle, so go for it as soon as you can! Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your intense ways are affecting you more deeply today -- which could mean that you are in quite a funk! Try to relax a little or to work your way through it using every tool in your toolbox. Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 See if you can swing a new intern or get some help from your mate -- you need to focus on the dates, numbers and cold facts of your new project, but you might not yet be able to wrap your mind around them. Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your ability to take care of chores others find odious is a blessing and a curse -- but today, you score triple the karma points for doing what must be done. Go for it and chill out later! Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Your past mistakes can help you to create tomorrow’s successes -- but only if you can face them boldly. Today’s mental energy helps you do just that, so make sure you’re rummaging through old baggage. Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You feel the urge to pour your all into domestic bliss today -- so call a family meeting or invite friends over for a feast! Your great energy ensures that all goes smoothly, and you might start a new tradition. Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com
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Photo essay
Thursday, april 26, 2012
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The crown and sceptor awarded to the winner of the Spring Fling Mr. MCLA competition hosted by SAC.
SPRING FLING 2012
Students tie-dye clothing in the quad.
Hosted by SAC Students pose for pictures at the Luau Party.
Students socialize at the Spring Fling Luau Party hosted by SAC.
Jake Conway was the winner of this year’s Mr. MCLA.