Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
The Beacon
For more content, visit online at: theonlinebeacon.com Volume 76 ◆ Issue 1
Th u r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 2
Topped off Officials gather as final steel beam is placed atop the Science Center By Nick Arena Staff Writer
“We should all be beaming today,” Mayor Richard Alcombright joked during the Topping Off ceremony for the Center for Science and Innovation. The final beam was fitted onto the skeleton of the building Thursday, Sept. 13. Construction on the Center, beginning with the groundbreaking ceremony attended by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray in October of 2011, has hit a major milestone and is running on schedule. James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance, confirmed that the project will be completed by fall 2013. With the completion of the steel frame, work will begin on laying the cement floors and raising the steel-panel walls. “They’ve loosely discussed August 6 as the possible date that we could have full access to the building,” Stakenas said.
The date is contingent on the building passing inspection and commission. During the process, the building’s ventilation, electronics, doors, and windows will be tested, Stakenas added. “By Thanksgiving time, it should look like the science building,” he said. He also stated that the construction process has stayed on budget with the allotted $30 million from the state of Massachusetts. As construction is being completed, MCLA prepares for the arrival of its first academic building in 40 years. Biology Professor Ann Billetz is preparing for the number of opportunities the new Center will provide, including a number of labs and research areas for independent study. There will be a research area utilizing 40 aquatic tanks, using roughly three tons of water, according to Billetz. “We wouldn’t be able to sustain that size program in the building we’re in now,” she said. “It literally has changed the scope of what we
Photo by Siyun Wu/Beacon staff
President Mary Grant addresses the crowd during the Topping Off ceremony on Sept. 13. can do.” The Center will also provide more opportunities for jobs and sustainability programs across Massachusetts. Andrew Martin, a junior, expressed his hopes that the new center will provide more interconnectivity throughout the state for current students,
alumni, and staff. “Research here is great, we have a lot of opportunities to talk with local businesses,” Martin said. “I think with this they’ll realize that MCLA is really stepping it up with the sciences.” Whether it is introducing tours of schoolchildren to the college sciences or working with teachers
and professors on sustainability and scientific research, Stakenas wants the Center to get people interested in the sciences and higher education in general. “We want this to be a model of science education,” he said. Come fall of next year, the 65,000 square foot, three-story high building will open.
A different side to North Adams This mural, one of three done by the artist collective Muralismo Publicó, covers the back of the Mohawk Theater on Main Street. The mural, along with two others, is part of a new initiative by Downstreet Art to revitalize downtown North Adams. Marta Gil and Estibaliz Vera created this first public mural which was dedicated during their Kick-Off celebration on June 28. For more coverage of art in downtown North Adams, see Arts & Entertainment Page 8.
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New Dean joins MCLA community
Pedrito Martinez shakes up the Quad
Volleyball offense comes to life
Howard Eberwein brings years of experience to new position
Students gather for a day of music, food and dance.
Team wins three straight before Tuesday’s loss to Sage
Arts & Entertainment, page 8
Sports, page 10
News, page 4
News Arts & Entertainment Sports National/World News Campus Opinion Advertisements Fun & Games Photo Essay
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Police Logs The week of 9/9-9/15
Sunday, September 9 ◆ 5:34 a.m. - Public safety responded to a medical call in Hoosac Hall. The subject was transported to the hospital. Monday, September 10 ◆ 3:33 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the Hoosac Hall resident student lot. The report was investigated. Tuesday, September 11 ◆ 3:30 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Wellness Center. The subject was transported to the hospital. Wednesday, September 12 ◆ 4:50 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a well-being check in Berkshire Towers. No action was required. Thursday, September 13 ◆ 1:45 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call in the Amsler Campus Center. The call was completed. ◆ 2:23 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Wellness Center. The call was completed. ◆ 11:20 p.m. - Public safety responded to a report of larceny/forgery/fraud at the Facilities building. A report was filed. Friday, September 14 ◆ 11:02 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a report of a drug offense in Hoosac Hall. Services were rendered.
Photos by Siyun Wu/Beacon staff
Left: The signed beam is hoisted into the air. Right: Workers prepare to secure the beam into place.
Students work to boost voter registration By Chris Goodell Editor-in-Chief
Voter registration stations and absentee ballots for the November elections will be available at several upcoming events. At Monday night’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Senator Catt Chaput stated that the Political Science club will have laptops available at the Activities Fair on Sept. 20, where students will be able to register to vote. MASSPIRG coordinator Caroline Webster added that hard copies of Massachusetts absentee ballots will also be available at the Activities Fair, as well as at the Rock the Vote concert on Oct. 5. Parliamentarian Brycen Waters inquired as to whether ballots for surrounding states could be included as well, as many students come from outside of Massachusetts. Currently, Webster explained, only hard copies of Mas-
sachusetts ballots will be available, as MASSPIRG is a Massachusetts organization. According to President Jason Brown, MCLA registered more new voters last year than any other state school in Massachusetts, a trend he hopes to continue this year. He added that discussions are in the works to make absentee ballots available in residence areas, although these plans are not finalized. Student Leadership Summit
Adviser Jenn Craig announced that this year’s Student Leadership Summit will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30 at Camp Becket in Becket, Mass. “We are taking the leadership summit off campus,” Craig said. Buses will leave campus at approximately 8:30 a.m. from Montana Street and return at around 5 p.m. the same evening. According to Craig, the summit
will provide a chance for students to meet with other clubs and learn about different organizations and leadership positions on campus. She added that anyone may attend, although students must sign up online beforehand. The link has been sent out on FirstClass via Announcements for Students. “It’s not just for club members, it’s also for general students,” Craig said.
SGA Fall 2012 Elections Tuesday, October 2: Bowman Hall
Executive Board retreat According to Brown, the SGA Executive Board recently established a number of goals while on a retreat at Camp Becket. Brown hopes to get more students interested in coming to SGA meetings and voicing their opinions. By setting these goals, Brown said he believes SGA will be better able to serve the students. SGA meets every Monday at 7 p.m. in Murdock Hall Room 218.
Wednesday, October 3: Campus Center Marketplace 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Weekend Weather 9/20 - 9/23 Thursday, September 20
Friday, September 21
Saturday, September 22
Sunday, September 23
Sunny High: 65° Low: 41° Precip. Chance: 0%
Partly Cloudy High: 70° Low: 48° Precip. Chance: 0%
Showers High: 70° Low: 52° Precip. Chance: 20%
Showers High: 60° Low: 39° Precip. Chance: 40%
Saturday, September 15 ◆ 12:39 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call in Hoosac Hall. The call was determined to be unfounded. ◆ 12:43 a.m. - Public Safety responded to an alcohol offense in the Flagg Townhouse Complex.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Hoosac Hall renovations complete By Amy Cubello Staff Writer
Hoosac Hall underwent a major facelift over the summer, with the construction and renovations finished before new and returning students came back to campus. Some of the new restorations include a new entryway and common area that was built on the ground level of the building. The common area includes a multipurpose room, meeting room, laundry room, kitchenette, sitting areas and offices for the building staff. The former lobby level was gutted and turned into a residential floor with 12 double bedrooms, two single bedrooms and two lounges. “The former study lounges on floors two through seven were each converted into two single bedrooms,” Dianne Manning, director of Residential Programs & Services said. This creates more room for new and returning students who want to live in Hoosac Hall, she said. “The new multi-purpose room, meeting room, informal seating areas and pool table area all provide space for Hoosac Hall residents to hang out, watch movies, study, chat with friends and more,” Manning added. However, these new attractions are not accessible to all students. Manning said the newly renovated Amsler Campus Center “is a facility that caters to the programming needs of the general student population.” Adam Genest, a junior, lived in Hoosac Hall during his freshman year. The renovations to Hoosac were really needed, Genest said.
“The best improvement I’ve seen has been the bathrooms,” he said. “Since my freshman year, I’ve seen mix-matched sinks where each one has different faucets or different drains, and the showers were very small and enclosed.” “Now, the bathrooms are more spacious, you can almost call it “Hotel Hoosac,” he added. Genest also said it was a great idea to change the quads to singles because rooming with three other people makes college life more stressful. Juliana Correia, a junior, said she loved living in Hoosac freshman year because it was the perfect environment to meet close friends. Correia was disappointed to find out that The Harbor is not going to be recreated. “The one down side is that everyone who doesn’t live in Hoosac can’t enjoy it, because of how it’s in the lobby and not downstairs where we didn’t need to use our IDs to get in.”
To read student opinion on the newly-renovated Hoosac Hall, see the Campus Comment on Page 13. To see more photos, see the Photo Essay on Page 16. Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
Students walk toward the new Hoosac Hall entrance, located on the basement level.
Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
The summer renovations included a new laundry room adjacent to the common lounge area.
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News
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Former Pittsfield superintendent joins MCLA administration
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff
Howard Eberwein, dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, sits at his desk in Mark Hopkins Hall.
By Marc Latour Staff Writer
The College welcomes Howard “Jake” Eberwein III as the new dean of Graduate and Continuing Education. “I was offered the job in early August,” he said. “I’m really impressed by the connectedness of everyone. There is a lot of pride in this school and a great level of passion, both on the student and faculty level.” Eberwein began his career as a science teacher at Mt. Everett Regional High School in 1994. By 2007 he was the deputy su-
perintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools. During his time as superintendent, drop-out rates lowered while graduation rates went up. “I’m proud of my time there. I enjoy being part of public education,” he said. Eberwein earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Skidmore College. In 2002, he earned his principal certification from MCLA as a graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Academy. In 2003, he received his Masters in Education from the College . While earning his doctorate in
education at UMASS Amherst, Eberwein wrote his dissertation:
“I want this college’s school of education to be a destination for those prospective teachers and school leaders.” “Raising Legal Literacy in Public Schools, a Call for Principal Leadership: A National Study
of Secondary School Principals’ Knowledge of Public School Law.” This earned him the Education Law Association’s Joseph C. Beckham Dissertation of the Year Award. Cynthia Brown, vice president of Academic Affairs said after looking at the College’s needs, Eberwein proved to be the best choice. “Jake is an accomplished and dedicated educator who will be an outstanding leader for our graduate and continuing education programs,” she said in a statement.
Eberwein will have oversight for policy, curriculum, course delivery, recruitment, and enrollment, as well as maintaining responsibility for administration and management of offcampus sites. “I’m excited to be in a position to work with prospective teachers and school leaders,” he said. “I want this college’s school of education to be a destination for those prospective teachers and school leaders.” Eberwein’s office is directly adjacent to the Education Department on the second floor of Mark Hopkins.
Students cultivate community garden By Tano Holmes A&E Editor
Over the summer, while most of us worked menial jobs or sat around at home being bored, Seniors Matt Ham and Jenna Johnston worked as co-interns caretaking the College’s community garden located directly behind Smith House. Not only are they co-interns and both Environmental Studies majors, but they have also been dating since their freshman year. Mentored by Environmental Studies Professor Daniel Shustack as well as the previous intern, Felipe Aedo Avila, the pair worked steadily throughout the unseasonably dry summer months to grow a myriad of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, which are
available to students for free. Vegetables currently available in the garden are kale, cabbage, broccoli, bell peppers, beets, spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and a variety of tomatoes, including cherry, plum, heirloom, and golden. They have donated approximately 16 percent of the produce to the Friendship Food Pantry in North Adams. “It has been a great opportunity to get the community involved with the local food production and to raise awareness of issues with food security,” Johnston said. For those who have a green thumb or are just looking to learn how to garden, stop by the garden on Sundays between 2 to 4 p.m. Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff to help harvest produce. Students are alThe community garden is located behind Smith House. lowed to keep what they pick.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Pulitzer Prize winner talks immigration, foreign policy
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Photo by Jess Gamari/ Beacon staff Sonia Nazario addressed a full Church Street Center auditorium, using her own experiences to provide a different perspective on illegal immigration.
By Ryan Flynn Staff Writer
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Sonia Nazario addressed the MCLA community this past Wednesday, delivering a passionate speech that focused on several key issues involved with immigration. Using her award-winning book “Enrique’s Journey” as a platform, there was a re-occurring theme throughout her presentation: determination. Nazario discussed her personal life and the efforts she took to attend Williams College and go on to be an acclaimed journalist. She also noted that Enrique and his story taught her what it means to be truly determined. “I couldn’t fathom this kind of determination,” Nazario said. “but to Enrique, it was nothing as long as he could get to his mom.” “Enrique’s Journey” is a collection of Pulitzer prize-winning articles previously published in the Los Angeles Times about a young boy embarking on a dangerous trek upon train tops from Honduras to the United States in search of his mother. Complimented by a slide show of pictures, Nazario’s speech touched upon a massive epidemic in Mexico and Central America. Single mothers are forced to migrate to the United States in
order to feed their children, leaving their families behind. As a result, these abandoned children illegally migrate to the United States on dangerous journeys that stretch thousands of miles. The book, which was part of the First-Year Experience reading for freshman, was made more significant for some by attending the lecture. “It was really eye-opening,” said freshman Catie O’Neill. “Seeing all of the pictures and hearing what she had to say really emphasized on the whole thing.” Nazario concluded her speech by elaborating on immigration and explaining what America should do to change current policies. “Our goal should be to keep migrants with their families,” she said. Nazario said the United States should spend money to create jobs in Latin American countries, potentially eliminating illegal immigration. She urged students and faculty to play a small part in helping struggling families by donating money or buying fair-trade products. Nazario’s speech received a roaring applause. Paul LeSage, the associate dean of Academic Affairs, noted Nazario’s public speaking ability. “She was not afraid to tell it,” he said. “Some people can write it,
but she can tell it.” Monica Joslin, the dean of Academic Affairs, was impressed by Nazario’s lecture as well. “It was a very heartfelt presentation on an important and really special subject,” she said. Nazario said she was pleased by the positive reception of her speech. She also hoped the audience learned from what she had to say. “My hope is that people come away with a better understanding of migrants and that they will be moved to help with these conditions, even in a small way,” she said. Though “Enrique’s Journey” was published in 2006, Nazario wanted to let it be known that this is a very prevalant issue. According to her, 300,000 illegal immigrants are coming to the United States each year. She also mentioned that there are certain things Americans must become aware of regarding immigration. “There are two things we need to be open to going into this: immigrants families and why they’re coming here. Also, it’s important to try and look at a new approach to dealing with immigration,” she said. Nazario was the first featured guest speaker of the 2012-2013 year. Howard Kurtz, host of CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” will speak at Church Street Center on Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Semester Lectures September 21: Brown Bag Lecture “Diversifying the Sciences” Presented by Chris Himes 3 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge October 17: Hardman Lecture Presented by journalist Howard Kurtz 7 p.m. in the Church Street Center Auditorium October 19: Brown Bag Lecture “Team Based Learning vs. Traditional Lecture” Presented by Sharon Claffey 3 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge November 8: Public Policy Lecture Presented by former senator George Mitchell 7 p.m. in the Campus Center gymnasium November 16: Brown Bag Lecture “News Literacy & The First Amendment” Presented by Joseph Ebiware 3 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge
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Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Emily Minns balances academics and extracurriculars By Haley Costen A&E Writer
Tano Holmes A&E Editor
Federal arts budget at risk? Big promises and grand claims are being made by candidates in both the Democratic and Republican parties as the 2012 presidential campaign kicks into full swing. The majority of these will never come to fruition. There is one law, if passed, that should concern all of us attending a liberal arts college. The former Massachusetts governor and current presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, claims to have devised a strategy to lift the American economy out of its continued recession, and to reduce the national deficit, which currently stands at a whopping $16 trillion. While Romney has been widely vague about how he plans to turn around our stagnant economy, he did divulge some of his plan in an interview with CBS last month. Romney claimed he would cut ‘Obamacare,’ a program which is estimated to cost the federal government approximately 100 billion dollars per year. Interestingly, Romney passed an extremely similar plan while acting as Governor of the Commonwealth. Additionally, Romney has pledged to cut all funding for PBS, National Public Radio (NPR) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA.) In 2011 the grants given by the federal government to PBS amounted to $444 million, while the NEA received $146 million from the federal government and NPR received just under $10 million. While these numbers seem substantial it should be noted that the federal defense budget for 2011 was $265 billion. While it is clear that the United States government needs to find ways to stimulate our economy and save money, the question we should be asking ourselves is what are we willing to sacrifice? NPR has been providing neutral reporting of all major national and world issues since its inception. In a world where Fox News leans right and CNN leans left, it is all the more important to have at least one neutral news source to turn to. NEA is one of the very few organizations which provides grants for artists and their projects. It is an essential aid in an industry, where the artist often is overworked and severely under paid. (hence the “starving artist” saying.) Destroying NEA’s funding would severely set back many of the large art projects of our country. Indeed North Adams’ own Mass. MoCA has received funding from NEA. With the U.S. military being unarguably the most powerful in the world, and the current price tag of just one Stealth Bomber sitting currently at $1.07 billion, I am simply wondering if why we cannot build one less war plane. This would give the arts the fairly menial amount of money they need to continue existing with $400 million (and change!) to go towards the national deficit.
Senior Emily Minns exudes an image of sophistication without looking unapproachable. Wearing a vivid green sweater and a white scarf tucked around her neck, with minimal makeup and her red hair tied up neatly, this is what a successful student looks like. Minns has never had lower than a 3.8 grade point average since her start at the College, even achieving a 4.0 last year while taking 21 credits. She insisted that she does not devote more time to school than any other student. “Time management is my secret to success,” she said, adding that reading is one of her hobbies. “I try to devote my time to things I love.” It’s easy to wonder where she finds time for her school work with all the activities she is involved in on campus. Minns is currently the president of the Kappa Delta Phi sorority, a peer advisor, a student ambassador, and works as an academic resource assistant. Currently, she is running for the Student Government Association’s (SGA) Greek Senate seat.
“The people I’ve met, the teachers I’ve known, there’s been such a great community helping me succeed. They’ve made me who I am.” Minns, who hails from Gardner, Mass., has always been a very involved person. She was even active during her high school years, and was eager to submerge herself into the clubs and activities at the College, making sure she spent her time here well. “I like being busy because I’m
never bored. Everything is worth doing if you’re going to do it well,” she said. Her drive to be involved and busy does not simply end with the school year. This summer Minns worked as a children’s summer enrichment coordinator at Mount Wachusett Community College. She was even offered a full-time position but turned it down in favor of seeing what the future holds for her. Minns is an arts management and business major concentrated in event management and plans to declare another concentration in marketing this fall. She claims that she’s very “OCD” and would like to organize events for art museums, do wedding planning, or even plan fashion week one day. While she has no solid plans after her graduation, she is confident that she will have a bright future. Minns was an undeclared major in her freshman year and had no idea what she wanted to do. In fact, MCLA was not even her first choice. In her senior year of high school, Minns was accepted to every state school and planned on going to a college with a huge campus like UMass Amherst. However, a small liberal arts school tucked into the Berkshires offered her its Presidential scholarship and the rest is history. “Get involved. Make your mark because everyone has something to offer. Four years isn’t a long time,” Minns said, advising younger students who are just beginning to find themselves at the school. With sincerity coloring her face as her eyes slightly watered, Minns struggled to name just one thing she will miss the most after graduation. Instead, she referenced her entire college experience. “The people I’ve met, the teachers I’ve known,” she said, “there’s been such a great community helping me succeed. They’ve made me who I am. Other people who visit here just don’t understand.”
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff
Emily Minns maintains a 4.0 GPA while remaining active on campus. Minns added that one of her biggest influences was one of her advisors, Lauren O’Neal, who always pushed her to reach out and take extra classes. She claims that she would not have been where she is today as an arts and business major without her. The support of her family, especially her mother and her aunt, inspired her to push harder and
encouraged her never to let failure get to her head. Her family never pressured her, Minns said, stating that she put the most pressure on herself in her desire to succeed. “My main goal was to leave my mark.” Minns said with a solemn smile. “I’m happy with what I’ve done here. It’s most important not to do something to make others happy, but to do it for yourself.”
Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff
Rena Douglas at an exibit by Sanford Biggers in one of the main gallery halls at Mass MoCA
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
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Banquet honors successful multicultural students
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff
Multicultural students from multiple student organizations stand with Thomas Alexander, the director of ALANA (Left) and President Mary Grant (Right) at the ALANA banquet.
By Michael Feloni A&E Writer
Students, faculty, and friends of MCLA’s African, Latino, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) group, joined together to celebrate diversity, academic achievement, and social progress at Venable Gym, last Wednesday evening. Over a buffet dinner of lasagna, salad, and roasted vegetables, Tom Alexander, the advisor of Campus Conversations on Race opened up the evening. Students from each of the ALANA groups: the Black Student Union, Asian club, Campus Conversations on Race
(CCOR), Latin American Society, and the Multicultural Student Society, congratulated their peers on bettering the College community. One of those students was Nalaja Caesar, a senior. “I started off working with ALANA through a work study,” Caesar said. “Once I participated, I got hooked!” Caesar is now in the process of becoming the official coordinator of CCOR. Along with the other clubs, the Asian Club has made quite an impression on the college community by holding sushi dinners in the Campus Center’s Sullivan Lounge, which draws a large number of students. “I’m not part of the Asian club,” said
Jeanine Wong, a senior exchange student from the Shanghai Province of China, “but we all work together.” Wong also added how being affiliated with a club on campus can affect a student’s experience. “We have so many members that help us out with so many things,” Wong said. “They help a lot. The Asian club has helped me settle in very well.” As well as congratulating the accomplished students, President Mary Grant did not fail to mention that the ALANA banquet was “one of (her) favorite nights of the year.” “We have some very hardworking, smart, and talented students,” Grant said. Some new faces appeared in the crowd
What’s going on around town? Who and When: MASS MoCA’s Annual Freshgrass Concert on Sept. 21 - 23. $15 for students per day What: Contemporay live Bluegrass music headlining David Grisman BlueGrass Experience, and Trampled by Turtles. Barn Dance on Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 22 at 9:15 p.m When: Sept. 21 6 to 9 p.m. Free Mini-golf, with student ID, at The Range, 1190 South State St. When: Sept. 21 4 to 5 p.m Society of Music Meeting in Murdock 302
Who: Beliver, an Ozzy tribute band Where: The Polish National Alliance (PNA) 13 Victory St., Adams, Mass. When: Sept. 21 at 9 p.m., 21+ What: Autumn Arts and Crafts Fair Where: Main St., North Adams When: Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
during the ceremony as well. “It’s been so easy to make new friends, here,” Isaibella Gaston, a newly welcomed freshman, said. “It’s like an expansion of a big family.” Gaston plans on becoming a member of ALANA’s Latin American Society. “I heard from people that it was a nice school,” freshman Tiarra Burges said. “I am definitely going to attend ALANA meetings.” Along with the awards ceremony, students and faculty alike took a moment to celebrate Board of Trustee’s member Shirley Edgerrton’s birthday and Grant’s twenty-fifth wedding anniversary to her husband, Jim.
A yummy recipe for the college budget Kale Chips Ingredients:
Directions:
-Bunch of fresh kale (free at the MCLA community garden) -olive oil -salt & pepper -parmesan cheese -garlic powder
-Preheat oven to 320°F -While oven is heating, cut kale into bite-sized pieces and mix in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. -Spread over nonstick baking sheet. -Sprinkle parmesan cheese over kale. -Bake for 20 minutes. -Allow to cool and enjoy!
What: Campus Gardening Where: Taconic Lawn When: Sept. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. What: Dance Company auditions in the Campus Center Gym When: Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Healthandloveandchoclate.com
Kale chips.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Arts & Entertainment
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North Adams offers a lively arts scene
By Shannen Adamites A&E Writer
The North Adams art scene never sleeps, even when most MCLA students return home for the summer. An extensive mix of art ranging from traditional landscape paintings to sculptures made from tag sale furniture can be found in many of the galleries around Main Street. While many of these exhibits are in their final weeks of showing, there is still time to catch a peek at the talent residing only a ten minute walk away. MCLA’s Gallery 51 features Richard Criddle with “Compendium”, an eclectic mix of intricate sculptures and drawings with a vivid sense of nostalgia. The exhibit runs through Sept. 23. Criddle, director of fabrication and installation at Mass. MoCA, uses various objects in the creation of his sculptures. Old furniture, scrap metal, and antique props bring forth dynamic characters reminiscent of old science fiction movies, “steam punk”, and World War II propaganda. Detailed mixed media portraits and conceptual designs accompany the sculptures, providing viewers with two different perspectives and a glimpse into Criddle’s thought process. Criddle’s fusion of old and new accentuate his concept of a “do-ityourself ’ work ethic and the “ability to make a difference through [the] joy in discovering, extracting, blending, articulating, manufacturing, building, sharing, and showing art.” According to his website, Criddle studied at The Central School of Art and Design in London and the Royal College of Art. His work has been shown throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. Criddle’s meticulous sculptures
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff
A vibrant mural by artist Maya Hayuk, painted this year in downtown North Adams. and designs show an incredible amount of innovation and selfexpression, which provide viewers with exceptional accessibility. PRESS, another MCLA-affiliated gallery and studio focusing in traditional printmaking, features six artists who participated in an international mail exchange project, including the College’s own assistant professor of art, Melanie Mowinski. Their collaborated efforts transformed the space into an interactive scrapbook. The exhibit, titled “Postal Pinacotheca”, runs through Sept. 27. “Postal Pinacotheca” started in the summer of 2011 with a piece
featuring a certain theme, such as money, travel, or weather, due every two months. A variety of media were used, including pen and ink, collage, and different kinds of paper and stationary. Every aspect of the artwork related to each theme from the addresses’ typefaces or handwriting, to the stamps and the envelope’s design. The themes “Weather” and “Habitat” had an incredible variation of interpretations ranging from eloquently folded and painted envelopes, and bold and colorful conceptual pieces. While the exhibit exerts a certain
sense of minimalism and quaintness, it also expresses a great deal of intimacy and personality, making it a very unique approach to showing art. Fans for more traditional approaches may appreciate the exhibit titled “Black and White (more or less)”, which can be found at Studio21South on Eagle Street. Amongst the wide selection of paintings and prints by several different artists are a plethora of creative tactics from the technical charcoal cityscapes by Eric March to the 150 small, earthy and fluid abstractions of the Natural Bridge by Karen Walter.
Impressionist enthusiasts may find the work of Thor Wickstrom to be especially appealing due to its soft colors, visible brush strokes, and picturesque scenery. Print maker Frank Curran displays numerous etchings and prints with a vague influence by the geometric abstractions of Picasso while maintaining a complex eeriness that can be compared to Dali. An even broader assortment of art can be found not only just within the galleries, but also around town with large-scale murals, quirky and functional benches and bus stops, and other decorative touches added to the streets and buildings in town.
Pedrito Martinez brings hispanic culture to the Quad
Famous percussionist plays free concert for MCLA students By Aya Lanzoni A&E Writer
Partnered with the Latin American Society (LAS), MCLA Presents! kicked off its 2012-2013 season with a Latin American musical performance by the Pedrito Martinez Group in the Quad on Saturday. Jonathan Secor, the director of special programs at the College, said he wanted to start the season off with something “unique,” where everyone could have fun and listen to great musicians. Secor said Martinez is unique because he is a drummer and percussionist as well as the leader of the band, something that is uncommon in America. “Pedrito meets the goal of talented musicians,” he said. “He makes you want to move and feel good.” Secor said he tries to find good musicians for MCLA Presents!, but also wants to bring a party everyone can enjoy. Pedrito Martinez is Cuban born, and his tight quartet consists of percussionist Jhair Sala from Lima, Peru; electric bassist Alvaro Benavides from Caracas, Venezuela; and keyboardist/vocalist Araicne Trujillo from Havana, Cuba. The Pedrito Martinez Group played traditional
Latino beats throughout their entire set. Half way through, Martinez, Benavides, and Sala rotated each other’s instruments to give a crowd-pleasing performance. Both students and members of the Berkshire community were dancing and eating food, provided by Lucia’s Latin Kitchen in Pittsfield, as well as ARAMARK. “The music was lively, and the food [was]delicious,” Chantel Baptista, a senior, said. “This truly is a first-hand experience of the Latin American culture.” Students from different backgrounds and cultures gathered in the Quad to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of Pedrito and his band. “The musicians are fantastic. Their rhythm really hits a chord,” sophomore Lynn McEnaney said. “The music is really inspirational and makes you want to do something.” Sophomore Emily Fonseca said the food made her think of home and hopes the College can get Pedrito and his band can come back. “I am, however, a little upset that more people aren’t here. Students need to experience more music, especially good music like Pedrito,” Fonseca said. To find out more about the Pedrito Martinez Group, visit their website at pedritomartinezmusic.com.
Left: Pedrito Martinez and his band mate jam out. Right: Williams students dance on the quad. Below: Students gather for the concert and BBQ. Photos by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sports
theonlinebeacon.com
Men’s soccer hopes chemistry can beat early season difficulty By Ariana Tourangeau Sports Writer
With players confident in their team’s chemistry and potential, the Men’s Soccer team hopes to have a winning 2012 season. The team started its season with two wins at the Norwich Cadet Classic, winning against Newbury College on Aug. 31 and Green Mountain College on Sept. 1. Senior Captains Jake McCall and Joe Mecca led the Trailblazers to the win against Newbury. Mecca scored one goal, and McCall, assisted by senior Pat Endy and sophomores Tyler Russell and Luke Fisher, punched in two scores of his own. McCall grabbed two more goals against Green Mountain College with Fisher and freshman Edgar Asamoah each scoring additional goals for the team. Goalkeeper Dillon Wager, a senior, feels the team’s chemistry is what will lead them to triumph this season. “The team chemistry is better than anything I’ve ever been a part of,” Wager said. “When a group of people come together to execute a common goal there is always great potential, and I think we have a ton of it.” The team fell to SUNY-IT and Salve Regina in the CIAO Classic Sept. 8 and 9. The final score was 2-1 against SUNY-IT, with
a goal scored by senior James Brown, and 1-0 against Salve Regina. “Losing three games in a row is never a good thing,” Wager said, “but you learn from losing and hopefully we can gain from these losses and put it all together for more wins.” Co-captain Ryan Shewchuck, a senior, also agreed that the team’s chemistry is something that will result in more wins despite previous losses. “I wouldn’t want to be captain for any other team out there,” Shewchuck said. “We’re a team. If one of us struggles, we all struggle, and if one triumphs, we all triumph.” On Saturday, the Trailblazers played their first conference game against Salem State and fell 4-1. “We worked hard and that’s all we can ask for,” Shewchuck said. Senior Pat Endy agreed, saying, “If we stick to our strengths and work on our weaknesses, we have the potential to have a playoff worthy season.” Despite the team’s early season struggles their coach is confident that the players will all come together and make the 2012 season special. “I see us making MASCAC and making a name for the Trailblazers,” Shewchuck added. The team will be in action at home against Mass Maritime on Sept. 22.
9
Photo by Jess Gamari/Beacon staff
Senior Ryan Shewchuk takes on a Salve defender in the first home game of the season.
The Men’s Soccer team is home against Mass. Maritime on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Women’s soccer falls to Salem By Chris Oxholm Sports Writer
Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
Sophmore Ashlee Schofield avoids the Salem defender to move the ball upfield.
The Women’s Soccer team took a tough loss on their home field Saturday. The Trailblazers battled the Salem State Vikings but failed to come out on top. Salem State struck early when Casey Connolly netted a goal in the first five minutes of play. As the half continued, the Trailblazers struggled to possess the ball and create scoring opportunities. Salem kicked in two more goals at 30 and 33 minutes, leaving the scoreboard grim at halftime for the Trailblazers as it glowed with the 3-0 Salem lead. Keshia Devoe scored on a through pass from Lindsay Borbolla at the 74 minute mark, finally putting the Trailblazers on the scoreboard. The goal was an affirmation of what the team knows, they have
a great chance to be successful if they posses the ball and work it methodically upfield. “The goal scored was a connection of the team as a whole,” Devoe said. “The movement from midfield allowed a gap in which I was able to do my part and finish. We are a strong team and I’m confident in our future endeavors.” Salem hit the back of the net one last time with just a minute and a half left in the contest, ending the game with a resounding 4-1 Vikings final score. The team was supposed to face Sage on Tuesday but due to the torrential rain storm the game has been postponed to a later date. On Thursday the team is looking to stop their two game slide on the road against Albany School of Pharmacy.
10
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sports
theonlinebeacon.com
Volleyball offense springs to life By Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor
As music blared last Saturday in the academic quad outside, the MCLA Women’s Volleyball team was finishing off a resounding third win in a row inside the Amsler Gymnasium. This one came in a 3-0 victory over Green Mountain College. What seems like an entire season ago from the team’s current winning streak was the seven-loss slump the team started in. Even after suffering repeated hard-fought losses early in the season, coach Amanda Beckwith knew her team was getting through their slump. “It’s going to come together, it’s gelling,” she predicted after an emotional battle the team lost 3-2 last Tuesday against Worcester State. Her prediction couldn’t have been more right. After the Worcester State heartbreak in their homeopener and first MASCAC contest last Tuesday night, the Trailblazers have been clicking individually and as a unit. This last week since
Photo by Tekeya Lee/Beacon staff
Junior Julia Christian and Junior Kendra Hobbs try to save the ball.
going winless the Trailblazers have won their last three matches by a combined nine games to their opponents’ two, including the win against Green Mountain
State last Saturday. One of the most striking turnarounds for the team has been their serving. In the first games of the season, Beckwith watched the team
struggle. “We had six service errors during the first game (against Worcester State). You can’t give away 6 points and win the game,” she said.
Changes Abound for Women’s Tennis Team By James Hunter
Special to the Beacon
Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
Junior Kendra Hobbs prepares to serve.
In the summer when the recruiting season began, the Women’s Tennis team moved back to the College earlier than most students and started to work toward success in a season that has already presented the team with many new challenges. The team is undergoing several changes this year including a new coach and a new conference. On top of that the team is almost comprised of freshman. The team hit off their season with two home matches and one away match. The squad collectively struggled, outscored in the three meetings by a combined 24-3. Now a member of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC), MCLA will now have their conference matches with teams outside of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Colby Sawyer, Lyndon State, Johnson State, Castleton and Thomas College are some of the opponents MCLA will face in the NAC. Being in a more competi-
tive league, MCLA looks to step up their game to meet the challenge of a new conference with unfamiliar teams. The changes for the team this season didn’t end with the conference change. On July 1, Holly McGovern was introduced as the head coach of the team. The new coach is excited for a successful year with a fresh start in a new conference , “We are going to improve as a team and individually throughout the season,” she said. The team has two returners from last year and the rest are entirely freshmen. Sophomores Sara Murphy and Megan Holmes will have to bring experience and competiveness to the young squad during the 2012 season. The new coach is ready for some great competition on the court but she is also mindful of her student-athletes’ performances in the classroom, “As much as I want my players to do well while in their matches, their academics come first,” she said. The team has two games this week, the first at Worcester State Sunday at 1p.m.
Lately serving has become a strength instead of a liability. In the game against Green Mountain College the Trailblazers dominated with 22 aces to Green Mountain’s 4. The team’s turnaround has been led by their juniors. Captain Kelley Bryant was an all-MASCAC player last season and is the anchor to the Trailblazer defense. Any spectator would be hard pressed to watch an MCLA game without seeing Bryant diving and flying across the court, putting her body on the line again and again to save the point. With junior talent and sophomore standouts like Allie Chang, Beckwith doesn’t see a lack of seniors as a negative. “It’s exciting that our team is so young,” Beckwith said. After going 12-21 last season, and with two upcoming MASCAC matchups against Bridgewater State and Framingham State—as well as the MCLA Tournament to end September— the team hopes they can ride this current wave of success all the way into the MASCAC playoffs.
Cancilla Starts Season Strong MCLA junior Anthony Cancilla was named the MASCAC Runner of the Week on Sept 9 for his win at the Castleton State Spartan Invitational. The win was the first of his college career. Not only did Can-
Photo by Jess Gamari/Beacon staff
Anthony Cancilla
cilla have success, but the team finished second at the meet. Cancilla, a Pittsfield native, went on to lead MCLA to a win at the Vermont Tech Inviational on Sept 15. The Men and Women’s Cross Country teams are both in action this week at Elms College on Sept 22 at noon.
Sports
Thursday, September 20, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Scores, Schedules and Standings
11
(at press time) Scores
Men’s Soccer 9/9 Salve Regina L, 1-0 9/15 @ Salem St. L, 4-1
Women’s Soccer 9/12 @Castleton L, 2-1 9/15 Salem St. L, 4-1 9/18 Sage Postponed
Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor
Women’s Volleyball
Money or Integrity for Goodell As Michael Vick stumbled backwards, his arm jerked forward sending the football careening, only to thud into the turf about three yards in front of him. The officials ruled it a fumble before over-turning the decision after what seemed like an eternity of deliberation and replays. Monday morning, Sportscenter ran a montage of coaches and players complaining about their season’s NFL officiating. But where is the focus on the real issue? Last off-season, when the threat to the NFL was a player lockout, commissioner Roger Goodell was eager to settle the dispute. (Billions of dollars in revenue will usually do that.) Now when the NFL officials want a slice of the behemoth that is the NFL, all we hear are complaints. No reassurance from the league, no Roger Goodell talking about the “integrity” of the game. It seems Goodell’s focus has switched from the integrity of the game to the almighty dollar. Players are the face of the league, millions of Americans tune in every week to see Tom Brady and Victor Cruz. But officials serve a vital function, they keep the athletes as safe as possible. In any NFL play you have 23 highly trained athletes moving fast and injuries are likely to happen. Maybe it is just the fact that being aware of new referees has made players more likely to try and give away with infractions. We have certainly seen more pushing and scuffles this last weekend than would ever stand in years past. The players are familiar with their boundaries with old officials, and the NFL admistration should see the value of having officials who can control the fiercest athletes in the world. The reign of Roger Goodell has seen the rules tightening to prevent injuries, but without adequate enforcing of the rules, there is no protection. So let’s see Roger Goodell explain why money, not the game’s integrity, is his number one priority.
9/13 @ Castleton 9/15 Becker 9/15 Green Mt. 9/18 Sage
W, 3-1 W, 3-1 W, 3-1 L, 3-2
Photo by Jess Gamari/ Beacon staff
Former NBA player visits the College By Justine Cozza
Special to The Beacon September 27- Due to a grant provided to the MCLA Choices program, the College will host former NBA player Chris Herren in the Campus Center gym on Sept 27 at 7 p.m. Herren, a native of Fall River, Mass., was drafted into the NBA in 1999 by the Denver Nuggets. He played one season for Denver and the following for the Boston Celtics until 2001.
Chris Herren
Photo courtesy of A Hoop Dream
Herren was plagued his entire college and NBA career by addiction, first to alcohol and then to cocaine and heroin. He was out of the league for three years
before his life would change forever. In December 2004 Herren was charged with possession of heroin and driving under the influence. Since that moment he has dedicated his life to overcoming his addiction and communicating his journey to others all over the country. Being clean now from drugs and alcohol since 2008, Herren is now a sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring students and athletes all over the country. He is also the subject of an ESPN documentary, “Unguarded” and runs a basketball training program called Hoop Dreams that has been running since 2009. “Having a former NBA star come to North Adams is very exciting,” MCLA athlete Tia Polona explained. “Everyone likes a good comeback story.” With admission being free, the College Administration is especially excited for an event of this nature being so close to home. “I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we at MCLA can’t wait to host such an inspiration and mentor,” Celia Norcross, director of Student Development explained, “Chris Herren has a great story to tell and North Adams is a great place for the story to be heard.”
9/8 Johnson St. 9/9 Bay Path 9/12 @WENU
L, 7-2 L, 8-1 L, 9-0
Women’s Cross Country
Men’s Cross Country
9/8 @Castleton St. 3rd 9/15 @Vermont Tech 2nd
9/8 @Castleton St. 2nd 9/15 @Vermont Tech 1st
Schedule
Standings
Men’s Golf
Men’s Soccer
9/22 @ Williams College 11:30a.m. MCLA tries to contain a run by Westfield on Sunday Sept. 16
Women’s Tennis
Conf
All
Westfield St. 1-0 2-2-1 Bridgewater St1-0 2-4 Salem St. 1-0 2-4 9/23 @ Williams College Framingham St1-0 1-3-1 Mass. Maritime0-1 3-1-1 Tee Times MCLA 0-1 2-3 9/26 @ Elms College Fitchburg St. 0-1 1-4-1 Worcester St. 0-1 1-4 10:00a.m. Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer 9/22 Mass.Maritime 1 p.m. Conf
All
Westfield St. 1-0 Bridgewater St.1-0 Salem St. 1-0 Worcester St. 1-0 Women’s Soccer Framingham St0-1 9/20@ACP 4:30 p.m. MCLA 0-1 Fitchburg St. 0-1 9/22@Mass Maritime1 p.m. Mass. Maritime0-1
6-0-1 4-2-1 3-2 3-3 1-4 1-4 1-6 0-4
9/25@Mt Holyoke 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball
Women’s Volleyball
All
Framingham St1-0 10-3 Worcester St. 1-0 6-5 Bridgewater St. 1-0 4-4 Westfield St. 0-0 1-9 MCLA 0-1 3-8 Salem St. 0-1 1-6 Mass. Maritime0-1 1-8
9/26 Castleton St. 12 p.m.
9/22 @ Bridgewater St. 7 p.m. 9/26 Framingham St. 7:00p.m. Cross Country Men/Women 9/22@Elms College 11:00a.m. Women’s Tennis 9/23 Worcester St. 1:00p.m. 9/26 St. Joseph’s CT 3:30p.m.
Conf
Women’s Tennis Conf
Colby-Sawyer 3-0 Castleton 3-0 Thomas 2-3 Johnson St. 1-3 MCLA 0-1 Lyndon St. 0-3
All
6-2 4-3 2-3 1-5 0-3 0-5
12
Thursday, September 20, 2012
National/World News
theonlinebeacon.com
More leaked video of Romney emerges Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Mitt Romney has seven weeks before the U.S. presidential election to overcome his latest campaign stumble, a secretly made video that shows him telling wealthy donors that nearly half of Americans are dependent on government and that his role “is not to worry about those people.’’ More footage was released Tuesday morning from the same event, with Romney saying Palestinians are “committed to the destruction and elimination of Israel’’ and suggesting that efforts at Mideast peace under his administration would languish. Not long after the video surfaced Monday, a tired-looking Romney held a hastily called late-night news conference and conceded his “off the cuff ’’ remarks were not “elegantly stated.’’ The Romney campaign has not disputed the video’s authenticity. President Barack Obama’s campaign quickly seized on the video, obtained by Mother Jones magazine and posted online just as Romney’s campaign was saying it needed a change in campaign strategy to gain momentum in the still-close race. As Obama opens a lead in the polls, Romney has been fighting off criticism from powerful Republican voices blaming him for missing opportunities at the party’s recent national convention, on Middle East
unrest and on the U.S. economy, which is seen as the president’s weakest point. Obama’s campaign called the video, taken in May at a gathering of wealthy donors in Florida, “shocking.’’ “It’s hard to serve as president for all Americans when you’ve disdainfully written off half the nation,’’ Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said in a statement. In the video, Romney says, “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. There are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe that government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you name it.’’ Romney added that 47 percent of Americans pay no income tax and said his role “is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.’’ About 46 percent of Americans owed no federal income tax in 2011, although many of them paid other forms of taxes such as sales taxes, property taxes and state and local taxes. Many were poor or in the military. More than 16 million elderly Americans avoid federal income taxes solely because of tax breaks that apply only to the elderly, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. In the video, Romney also said his father had been born in Mexico and joked, “Had
he been born of Mexican parents, I’d have a better shot of winning this.’’ In the seven-minute news conference late Monday, Romney did not dispute the authenticity of the video, but he called for its full release, not just the clips posted online. He sought to clarify his remarks but did not apologize. “It’s not elegantly stated, let me put it that way. I was speaking off the cuff in response to a question. And I’m sure I could state it more clearly in a more effective way than I did in a setting like that,’’ Romney said. “Of course I want to help all Americans. All Americans have a bright and prosperous future.’’ He continued: “It’s a message which I am going to carry and continue to carry, which is that the president’s approach is attractive to people who are not paying taxes, because frankly my discussion about lowering taxes isn’t as attractive to them. Therefore I’m not likely to draw them into my campaign as effectively as those in the middle.’’ In the footage released Tuesday, Romney criticized Obama’s foreign policy approach as “naive.’’ “The president’s foreign policy, in my opinion, is formed in part by a perception he has that his magnetism, and his charm, and his persuasiveness is so compelling that he can sit down with people like (Vladimir) Putin and (Hugo) Chávez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and that they’ll find that we’re such wonderful people that
Michelle Obama rallies the student vote Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - First lady Michelle Obama drilled the number 36 into the heads of supporters Monday as she asked for help in re-electing her husband. While President Barack Obama carried Florida by nearly 205,000 votes in 2008, the race was even closer when broken down to the local level, Mrs. Obama told a crowd of nearly 9,000 at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. “That’s just 36 votes per precinct. Alright? That’s 36. Now get that number in your head,’’ the first lady said. “That could mean just one vote in your neighborhood, in your dorm. Just one vote in your apartment building can make a difference.’’ And she said the 2012 election will be closer than the last one. “In Florida you all know about close elections, don’t you?’’ she said, a reference to the 2000 presidential recount, when it took five weeks to sort out President George W. Bush’s 537-vote Florida victory. “If there’s anyone here sitting and thinking to themselves that maybe their vote doesn’t matter, if there’s anybody here thinking that maybe my involvement doesn’t count, or maybe in this complex political process ordinary folks can’t possibly make a difference, if anybody here is thinking about that, I want you to think about those 36 votes.’’
Florida is the largest of the tossup states, with 29 of the 270 electoral votes Obama or Republican Mitt Romney will need to win the November election. Many political strategists from both parties call Florida the key to the election. Mrs. Obama was wildly received by a crowd that was largely made up of students from Florida A&M and Florida State universities. She was often drowned out by cheers as she talked about her husband’s accomplishments, possibly the loudest when she said the health care overhaul he signed into law
“It’s important, it is our right. I honestly say it doesn’t matter who you vote for just as long as you vote.’’ will allow people to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until they’re 25. She also depicted her husband as someone who realizes that the American promise means that even if someone doesn’t start out with much, they can be successful by working hard and doing the right thing. She said he also believes “that when you’ve worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind
you. No! You reach back and help other folks.’’ A large part of her speech was used to encourage people to register others to vote, to volunteer and to make sure they vote early by absentee ballot or when in person during Florida’s early voting period. “We don’t want to leave anything to chance,’’ she said. “We want as many of you to vote as early as possible so you can spend election day getting other people to the polls, right?’’ Frederick Cooper, 24, a Florida A&M graduate student, said he’s already encouraging whoever he can to vote. “I’m spreading the word,’’ he said. “It’s important, it is our right. I honestly say it doesn’t matter who you vote for just as long as you vote.’’ He also said he’s personally been helped by Obama’s presidency, saying he was kicked off his mother’s insurance plan when he was 23 and now he’s back on it. “When he came into office, it helped me,’’ he said, adding that he thinks the first lady is a good messenger for her husband’s policies. “She’s elegant and classy. She always says the right thing and she’s good for our country.’’ The first lady earlier spoke to a similar-sized crowd at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she delivered a similar message. “All our hard work, all the progress we’ve made, it’s all on the line,’’ she said.
they’ll go on with us, and they’ll stop doing bad things,’’ Romney said. “And it’s an extraordinarily naive perception.’’ The private remarks are the latest comments from the multimillionaire businessman whom Democrats have criticized as out of touch. During the primary campaign for the Republican nomination, Romney insisted that he was “not concerned’’ about the very poor and said that his wife drove a “couple of Cadillacs.’’ According to the August 2010 AP-GfK poll, a majority of Americans who make less than $30,000 a year are Democrats. But 27 percent identify as Republicans, and 15 percent say they’re independents. Looking to change the subject, Romney’s campaign rolled out a television ad Tuesday featuring a mother and infant, aimed at cutting into Obama’s advantage with female voters. Romney had fundraising events planned Tuesday but no public appearances. Obama headed to New York on Tuesday for a $40,000-a-ticket fundraiser with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Voters say they believe Obama has a better understanding of their problems and concerns than Romney does. A CBS/ New York Times poll showed 60 percent of likely voters said Obama understands the needs and problems of people like them, while 37 percent said he did not. For Romney, the same question found that 46 percent felt he did understand people’s needs, while 48 percent said he didn’t.
Thirty states’ obesity rates to surpass fifty percent by 2030 Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - A group campaigning against obesity predicts that by 2030 more than half the people in 39 states will be obese _ not merely overweight, but obese. Mississippi is expected to retain its crown as the fattest state in the nation for at least two more decades. The report predicts 67 percent of that state’s adults will be obese by 2030; that would be an astounding increase from Mississippi’s current 35 percent obesity rate. The new projections were released Tuesday by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The two organizations regularly report on obesity to raise awareness, and they rely on government figures. But in this case, their dismal forecast goes beyond the 42 percent national obesity level that federal health officials project by 2030. About two-thirds of Americans are overweight now. That includes those who are obese, a group that accounts for about 36 percent. Obesity rates have been holding steady in recent years. Trust for America’s Health officials said their projections are based in part on state-by-state surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1999 through 2010. Those numbers come from what residents say are their height and weight
when asked by interviewers over the phone. People aren’t always so accurate about that. The researchers then looked at other national data in which residents were actually weighed and measured and they made adjustments for how much people in each state might fudge the truth about their weight. They also tried to apply recent trends in obesity rates, along with other factors, to make the predictions. Officials with Trust for America’s Health said they believe their projections are reasonable. But their outlook suggests that even in the thinnest state _ Colorado, where about one-fifth of residents are obese _ 45 percent are predicted to be obese by 2030. Perhaps more surprising _ Delaware is expected to have obesity levels nearly as high as Mississippi. Delaware currently is in the middle of the pack when it comes to self-reported obesity rates. The report didn’t detail why some states’ rates were expected to jump more than others. CDC officials declined to comment on the new report. Whichever estimates you trust most, it’s clear that the nation’s weight problem is going to continue, escalating the number cases of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, said Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health. By 2030, medical costs from treating obesity-related diseases are likely to increase by $48 billion, to $66 billion per year, his report said.
Campus Comment
Thursday, September 20, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
What do you think of the renovations to Hoosac Hall? “I like Hoosac Hall a lot more than last year because of the spacious basement and a lounge to socialize in. Plus it looks a lot better.”
“Hoosac is very new, clean, and homey; a lot nicer than [Berkshire Towers].”
- Angel Baez, 2015
- Hannah Ewing, 2016
13
The Beacon
The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed free to the College community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and from ad revenues. Contact information: News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5404 E-mail: Beacon@mcla.edu Web site: www.theonlinebeacon.com Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111 Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.
“There’s always something to do here with friends and you can be loud.”
“I like the study lounge because it’s quiet and you can hang out and work effectively. People respect that it’s a study lounge.”
- Kelsey McGonigle, 2016
- Sam O’Brien, 2016
Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board. Signed columns and commentaries that appear on these pages reflect the views of the writers. Letters Policy The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor. Deadline is noon on Mondays for that week’s newspaper. Letters should be kept to 500 words or less and are subject to editing for grammar and content. The Beacon will not publish anonymous or libelous letters.
“Hoosac is a place to want to be, not where we need to be.”
“I was going to live in [Berkshire Towers] but I’m glad I got switched, especially because of the nicer bathrooms here.”
- Evan Patev, 2016
- Liz Staal, 2016
Compiled by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
Letter to the Editor
Coordinating Vice President welcomes students
To My Fellow MCLA Students, First of all, welcome back! I hope you all had an amazing summer and are ready to get back down to business. This year, I have the honor of being your Coordinating Vice President of the Student Government Association. As such, I have the privilege of working with the various clubs on campus. This also means that if you have any questions, comments or concerns with regards to clubs, please let me know. We have some exciting events coming up this semester! The first one is the Activities Fair Ice Cream Social from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Quad this Thursday, Sept. 20. This is an opportunity to learn about
the clubs and organizations on campus and what they have planned for the upcoming semester. On Sunday, Sept. 30, the Leadership Summit will take place at Camp Becket in Becket, Mass. This will be an opportunity to join members of SGA and other student leaders from around campus for an off-campus leadership building experience. The semester promises to be a good one with everything the clubs have planned. Make sure to check out some upcoming events and support our students and clubs! I wish you all a happy and healthy fall semester! Sarah DiMarino Coordinating Vice President of SGA
Did you know The Beacon gives each campus club and organization one FREE quarterpage advertisement a semester?
[Your Ad here] Contact Business Manager Yvonne Camacho on FirstClass for more information.
*All subsequent advertisements will be offered at a reduced rate.
Today, Thursday, September 20 Activities Fair & Ice Cream Social 2 to 4 p.m. in the Quad (Rain Location: Venable Gym)
Letters must be signed by the writer and include a phone number. Letters may be dropped off at the office or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Contributions Policy The Beacon accepts stories, photos and opinion pieces for publication. Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Advertising Policy The Beacon reserves the right not to publish any advertisement it deems to be libelous, false or in bad taste.
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Chris Goodell
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*Holds more than one position
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Intramurals department FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT offering Aqua Zumba ATTENTION FIRST TIME DIRECT LOAN BORROWERS: You must complete the online promissory note and entrance counseling before your loan can be disbursed! Loans that are not completed will be canceled. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 413-662-5219 for more information.
NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Intramurals department has announced a new addition to their activity list for the semester. Aqua Zumba, taught by instructor Becky Miner, will be offered in the Campus Center pool every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 4:45 p.m. This event is free for MCLA students with a student ID. The price for community members is $5. According to Zumba Fitness, Aqua Zumba incorporates Zumba techniques and traditional aqua fitness disciplines for “a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.” “This pool party,” as Miner called it, “transforms the body and provides an additional type of workout. It’s important not to get stuck in the same routine.” Miner also stressed that participants may wear workout clothes instead of a bathing suit. In addition to Aqua Zumba, Miner offers 12 types of classes in her studio at 69 Union St., North Adams, Mass. Prices vary from $5 to $10 per class. For more information, check out her Facebook page, Zumba in the Berkshires.
What: Aqua Zumba When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 4:45 p.m. Where: Campus Center Pool Cost: Free for MCLA students with ID $5 for general public
Fun & Games
Thursday, September 20, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
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Upperclassmen React to the Campus Center Construction
Cartoons by Jackie Coughlin
Back to School Word Search
Horoscopes Aries: March 21-April 19 Something new takes over your mental space today, and it could mean that you’ve got someone new in your life as well. You feel totally up to any new challenge, so embrace the novelty! Taurus: April 20-May 20 Avoid snap decisions today – in fact, it’s best if you avoid making decisions at all. It’s not that you’re confused, just that you won’t get all the info you need for another few days. Gemini: May 21-June 21 Listen carefully when people start telling you what’s what – they know things you couldn’t yet have learned. Things should be pretty great, but only if you’re willing to listen and adapt. Cancer: June 22-July22 You are in a big hurry, but try to do things right. If you go too quickly, you are sure to mess up the crucial detail that sends everything into a tailspin. Slow and steady wins the race. Leo: July 23-Aug. 22 Try to enjoy yourself today – though it isn’t hard! If you can slack off at work or skip out entirely, so much the better. Your people are sure to find your energy exhilarating! Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your colleagues are getting on your nerves – even more than usual! It’s a good time for you to step up and make sure that they’re at least listening to you. That does go both ways, of course! Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Business matters are much easier to attend to now – as long as you are focusing on the right people. Fortunately for you (and them), your ability to discern important relationships is strong now. Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 A simple disagreement could get really ugly today – so try to recognize it while it’s happening and then pull back as soon as you can. Things should be smoother in a few days.
ASSIGNMENTS BACKPACK BATHROOM BELL BINDER CAFETERIA CHALKBOARD CLASSROOM CLOCK COURSES DESK DOORS ENROLL ERASER EXAMS FIRST DAY
GYMNASIUM HALLWAY HOMEWORK INTERCOM JANITOR LANGUAGE ARTS LEARNING LIBRARY LOCKER LUNCHROOM MATH NEW FRIENDS NOTEBOOK NURSE OLD FRIENDS PADLOCK
PAPER PENCILS PENS PRINCIPAL QUIZZES ROLL CALL RULES SCHOOL BUS SCHOOL OFFICE SCHOOLYARD SCIENCE SECRETARY SEPTEMBER SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT STUDY
Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’re playing games – but you’re not trying to play anyone. You’re just having fun and getting things done, so if anyone asks why you’re smiling so broadly, just tell them it’s all good. Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Take responsibility for whatever went down recently – even if it wasn’t all your fault. You should impress the right people with your willingness to take a hit for the team, and that’s all you need. Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 You can see patterns where others just see random noise – and on a day like today, there are hidden patterns everywhere! It’s a good day for you to make predictions or to fill in the gaps. Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You need to get your head out of the clouds, at least a little. Things are getting even weirder for your people, and they need to hear from you. Make sure you’re speaking their language! Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Photo Essay
theonlinebeacon.com
Colin Clement (left) and Nicole Ngoon (right) sit behind the RASM desk at the entrance.
New furniture in the study lounge area.
Hoosac Hall Renovations Photos by Kayla Degnan
A view of the new renovations of Hoosac Hall as seen from outside the Campus Center.
Students play pool in the recreation area.
A group of students relax and talk in the lobby.
Osa Igiede checks on his clothes in the new laundry room.