December 13, 2012 - Issue 12

The Beacon

Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.

For more content, visit online at: theonlinebeacon.com Volume 76 ◆ Issue 12

Th u r s d ay, D e c e m b e r 1 3 , 2 0 1 2

Firearms training nearly complete Public Safety set to be armed when students return in January

By Nick Arena Staff Writer

Campus police officers will have completed their final firearms training session by the end of the week.

Director of Public Safety Joseph Charon said this is one of the few remaining steps to the arming process.

“Officers will complete one final training, and upon completion of that training officers will successfully meet certification requirements necessary to carry firearms as campus police officers,” Charon said.

Currently, Public Safety has completed a number of different tasks involving suitability screening for officers, acquiring equipment necessary to arm the officers, and policy review in the department, Charon said.

“We’ve also enhanced the department of Public Safety campus police headquarters with some physical security measures, as well as some security directives and operational procedures,” he said.

He added that the department has continued to work with other law enforcement agencies

Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff

Joe Charon, director of Public Safety, says the goal is for officers to be armed by Dec. 31. for guidance and to ensure that officers will continue to meet with proper certification standards.

Charon expressed a great deal of confidence in how the officers have performed throughout the entirety of the implementation process.

“The officers have qualified throughout every phase of the process and I’m personally proud of the dedication and the unwavering commitment everyone, especially

the officers, brought to this important endeavor,” he said.

“I have confidence in how the implementation process was planned, confidence in how it was carried out, confidence in its quality, and confidence in its overall value that it’s contributed to the department.”

The decision to arm campus police officers was made by a ten to one vote by the Board of Trustees in February of this year.

According to an MCLA Student Life report, the process was originally inspired by a report released in June 2008.

“In June, 2008, the company Applied Risk Management (ARM) delivered the report Campus Violence Prevention and Response: Best Practices for Massachusetts Higher Education to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education,” the report stated. “The report was commissioned in response to high-profile incidents of gun violence on college campuses including Virginia Tech in 2007 and Northern Illinois University in 2008.”

Despite the majority vote by the trustees, students and faculty opposed the arming. In a campus

vote 68 percent of students, 93 percent of the department chairs, and 87 percent of the faculty voted against the arming, according to iBerkshires.

Despite the resistance, Charon has assured the campus that safety is still his top priority.

“Each day I, along with all the members of the campus police department, commit ourselves to ensure that we provide quality law enforcement services based on shared values: our values, the community’s values, and always with the community’s safety and well being at its core,” he said. “I do not expect that commitment to change, and as long as I’m chief I promise that it won’t.”

The final remaining step after the officers complete their last training will be a completion report, which Charon will present to President Mary Grant.

“I expect to be able to report to President Grant that officers met the certification requirements necessary to carry the firearms as a campus police officer, provide her my recommendation for officers to begin doing so by the end of the calendar year, and to seek her final authorization to do so,” Charon said.

Dance Co. dazzles See page 7

Photos by Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff

Students weigh pros and cons of revamped meal plans

By Ryan Flynn Staff Writer

Over the past two years, the school’s meal plan and food facilities have undergone several improvements, including the additions of Subway and Starbucks, the new Campus Store, and drastic renovations in the cafeteria. Director of Dining John Kozick said that he’s really pleased with all of the changes that were made possible.

“From my perspective, I like it a lot. It has a much lighter look and there’s a lot more space,” Kozick said.

Since changes were made, meal plans include more buffet style meals, and with the addition of Subway and Starbucks there are a lot more options for students when it comes to declining balance.

Students seemed to agree for the most part that one of their favorite changes is the renovated Campus Center.

“The Campus Center looks so much better from the first time I came here,” said Brian Ellithorpe, a senior. “It really gives it a more modern and updated look that is more open and inviting than the previous one.”

twitter.com/ BeaconMCLA_EIC facebook.com/ MCLABeacon

Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff

Students enjoy the buffet style meal plan, one of the many new additions to the dining program.

According to Kozick, ARAMARK conducted a student research marketing program in order to find out what chain restaurants students would be interested. They came to the conclusion that Starbucks and Subway were the best choices. He also said that students really seem to be enjoying the late-night hours that Subway provides.

Club looks to break world records

Josh Nitti, a senior, said Subway is his favorite aspect of the improvements, but he really hasn’t been using his meal swipes.

“I use very few of the meals and 90 percent of my declining balance at Subway,” he said.

There have also been a lot of small changes. Kozick said that he’s extremely pleased with the f ’real

Lucy Tremblay nets 1,000th career point

Have eyes set on breaking record for Only fifth women’s player in longest dodgeball game school history to reach milestone News, page 3

Sports, page 6

milkshake machine in the market place and the new pizza station, both of which were added this year.

According to Kozick, the f ’real milkshakes have been popular and Ellithorpe said that he’s enjoyed the pizza station.

“If I had to choose one favorite thing that stuck out to me it would have to be the pizza station,” he said.

Acoustic duo Dala returns to MCLA Will perform tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Church Street Center Arts & Entertainment, page 8

According to Kozick, besides all of the new options and improvements, the new meal plan is fundamentally similar to the old one in the sense that students are compensated with more meals as opposed to the great declining balance that was offered to new students a couple of years ago.

Ellithorpe noted, on one hand, that while Subway and Starbucks have been beneficial for him, he hasn’t noticed a huge difference in the quality of the cafeteria food.

“I feel that the changes over the past year have been relatively neutral; the food quality inside the cafeteria is still the same,” he said.

As far as other concerns, Kelly Lewis, a senior, said he wishes he could eat off campus more often.

“I wish I had more off campus bucks with the standard meal plan, but I spent most of my declining balance at the campus store,” he said.

Overall, students seem to enjoy the renovations and Kozick said he feels that so far they’ve been really successful in meeting students dining needs.

“We saw that’s what they wanted so that’s what they got,” he said.

News Sports Arts & Entertainment Campus Comment Fun & Games Photo Essay

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News

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Leadership conference set for February

By Amy Cubello Staff Writer

The 2013 Student Leadership Conference is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9.

This year’s theme “There’s no place like leadership,” is a way to encourage students to quest for leadership in a variety of ways and to discover new ways to teach others what they have learned.

Jenn Craig, advisor of Student Affairs, coordinates the Leadership Conference and reads through each proposal sent in by students who express an interest in presenting. Faculty members are also encouraged to present.

Some of the suggested topics include assessment, community service, dress for success, networking, stress management, speech making and many others.

Craig said presenting at the conference is a great chance for students to show their strengths in multiple topics.

“We are giving students the ability to work, research and present like any other conference, thus giving students the confidence to present at other student conferences,” she said. “Presenting skills are transferable directly to the classroom and to future jobs students might be applying for.”

The conference is also a great opportunity for students who want to learn about a specific topic, she said.

Brycen Waters, a senior, has presented at the Student Leadership Conference before. Working with fellow student Alyson Carey, his previous research talked about the essentials of how to successfully program on a college campus.

“We covered the basics of recruitment, retention, PR, fundraising, and much more,” he said.

Waters currently has two proposals submitted in hopes of being chosen to give another presentation in February. His topics include the benefits of ePortfolio compared to the traditional resume, and recruitment and retention.

There are many benefits to a student presenting at this conference, according to Waters.

“First, the public speaking experience that one gets from presenting in front of a large group, such as at the Leadership Conference, is invaluable. Second, MCLA student leaders accomplish amazing things each and every day. Having an opportunity to share our knowledge and ideas with other student leaders is a very rewarding experience I encourage all to take part in,” he said.

The deadline for presentation proposals has passed, and Craig is currently in the process of looking them over.

For more information on the Student Leadership Conference, contact Jenn Craig at (413) 662-5129 or Nicole LeBlanc at (413) 6625139. Craig and LeBlanc are also available through FirstClass.

theonlinebeacon.com

SGA approves money for substance abuse awareness

By Chris Goodell Editor-in-Chief

The Student Government Association (SGA) voted Monday night to approve up to $400 in donations toward substance abuse awareness.

Project Purple is an initiative founded by Chris Herren, a former NBA player who struggled with drug abuse and visited the College in September.

During the Dec. 3 SGA meeting, Kaylyn Smith, co-advisor of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), spoke about Herren’s story and how Project Purple helps those struggling with substance abuse.

“All that money goes to somebody who needs the help,” Smith said.

“People are suffering from [substance abuse] and there aren’t always resources to get the people the help they need,” she added.

The Senate debated at length whether to contribute monetary support to the campaign or con-

tribute in some other way. Some senators were wary about contributing SGA funds, saying that it was not clear exactly where the money would be going.

Senator Alyson Stolz assured SGA that 100 percent of the money donated to Project Purple would go toward helping someone struggling with substance abuse.

Ultimately, the Senate voted to transfer up to $400 from SGA’s supplemental budget to its operating budget, with nine in favor, two opposed, and two abstaining from the vote. This move allows the Executive Cabinet to allot a sum of money at their discretion, without needing an official vote by the Senate.

Since SAAC plans to hold a “go purple” event during the Jan. 17 home basketball games against Framingham St., the Executive Cabinet will have the ability to allot any amount of money they see fit before that time, whereas the Senate will not convene again until after that date.

Public Safety Update Joe Charon, director of Public Safety, updated SGA on the firearms implementation process.

According to Charon, officers are undergoing their final training session this week, and his goal is for officers to be carrying firearms by the end of the calendar year.

“The implementation process is near completion,” Charon said.

To read more details of the implementation process, see page 1.

Referendum on Student Involvement

According to SGA President Jason Brown, students overwhelmingly voted “yes” on the SGA’s referendum concerning student involvement in the College’s governance process.

A total of 211 students voted on Dec. 4 and 5, with 205 (98 percent) voting “yes,” 5 (2 percent) voting “no,” and one recording an invalid ballot.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who participated in this process,” Brown said. “I believe we’ve arrived at an outcome that will be most beneficial to all students at MCLA, not only this year but for each of the remaining years of this faculty contract.”

The approved referendum means that students will have a place on College committees and a voice in the decision-making process at MCLA for the remainder of the current faculty contract.

Upcoming Events Advisor Jenn Craig announced that Late Night Breakfast will be held tonight from 9:30 to 11 p.m. in the Centennial Room.

She also announced that SGA’s Winter Week will take place from Monday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 23.

Executive Vice President Kate Moore said Winter Week’s annual Midnight Skate event is likely to take place on the Tuesday of that week.

Colorado legalizes recreational marijuana Associated Press DENVER (AP) _ Marijuana for recreational use became legal in Colorado Monday, when the governor took a purposely low-key procedural step of declaring the voter-approved change part of the state constitution.

Colorado became the second state after Washington to allow pot use without a doctor’s recommendation. Both states prohibit public use of the drug, and commercial sales in Colorado and Washington won’t be permitted until after regulations are written next year.

Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, opposed the measure but had no veto power over the voter-

approved amendment to the state constitution.

Hickenlooper tweeted his declaration Monday and sent an executive order to reporters by email after the fact. He told reporters he didn’t want to make a big deal about the proclamation, a decision that prevented a countdown to legalization as seen in Washington, where the law’s supporters gathered to smoke in public to celebrate.

Fewer than two dozen people publicly marked Colorado’s legalization day. A small group puffed away at 4:20 p.m. on the steps of the state Capitol, with no arrests and no police officers in sight.

“It smells like freedom,’’ said a smiling, puffing Timothy Tipton, a longtime marijuana activist.

Colorado law gave Hickenlooper until Jan. 5 to declare marijuana legal. He told reporters Monday he saw no reason to wait and didn’t see any point in letting marijuana become legal without his proclamation.

“If the voters go out and pass something and they put it in the state constitution, by a significant margin, far be it from myself or any governor to overrule. I mean, this is why it’s a democracy, right?’’ Hickenlooper said.

Adults over 21 in Colorado may now possess up to an ounce of marijuana, or six plants. Public use and sale of the drug remain illegal.

Colorado and Washington officials both have asked the U.S. Department of Justice for guid-

ance on the laws that conflict with federal drug law. So far the federal government has offered little guidance beyond stating that marijuana remains illegal and that the Controlled Substances Act will be enforced. Of special concern for state regulators is how to protect state employees who violate federal drug law by complying with state marijuana laws.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a statement Monday shortly after Hickenlooper’s announcement restating its position.

Hickenlooper also announced a state task force Monday to help craft the marijuana regulations.

The 24-member task force includes law enforcement, agriculture officials and marijuana advocates.

Weekend Weather 12/13 - 12/16 Thursday, December 13

Friday, December 14

Saturday, December 15

Sunday, December 16

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News

Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Club looks to break world records

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Members of the World Record Breaking club hold a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records.

By Marc Latour Staff Writer

A World Record Breaking club (WRBC) is under works, according to the proposed club’s vice president Anthony Cancilla.

“As far as we know, this is a pretty original idea,” Cancilla said.

The purpose of the WRBC is to “organize and compete in activities that will break and/or set records in accordance to the Guinness World Record Book,” reads the club’s constitution.

The idea for the club came to the proposed executive board while at a cross-country meet at Castleton State College in Vermont .

Castleton currently holds the world record for the longest dodgeball tournament, lasting 42 hours, Cancilla said.

“It was a dodgeball record,” he said. “The world’s longest dodgeball tournament.”

Cancilla was at Castleton with other interested club members

Nick Hernigle, Cody Blain, Brendan Peltier, and Kelley Bryant, who was at a volleyball match.

“The first plan is to get the club started; we’ve been talking the club up,” Cancilla said, “[Everybody’s] interested in being park of breaking a world record.”

The WRBC will have to wait a full year of operation to be eligible for a budget, but according to Peltier the club will not need one so soon.

“A lot of things don’t really call for a budget,” he said.

Peltier is expecting to be able to team up with the intramurals club for the equipment, he said.

“They have all the equipment we need for a dodgeball tournament,” he continued.

Beating Castleton’s 42-hour long record is one of the first records on their minds for the WRBC, he said.

“We’re expecting to have this club up next semester,” Peltier said.

The possibility of the WRBC was presented to the Student Govern-

ment Association (SGA) on Tuesday, Dec. 4, Peltier said.

To introduce the club, the Eboard is considering putting on a smaller event.

“Something like, how many marshmallows can you fit in your mouth, or eat in one minute.” Bryant said.

Beyond beating Castleton the group hasn’t picked a second world record to either set or beat. The proposed club has a new edition of the Guinness World Record Book to flip through when considering new records to tackle.

The proposed WRBC is open to all matriculated students who have paid their Student Activities Fee, which is part of the bill paid by each student every semester.

“Anyone interested in joining should keep an eye out for the Facebook page,” Cancilla added.

He said he is expecting the club to be fairly popular. Cancilla plans to put out a Facebook page once the club is passed.

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News

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Associated Press REDFORD, Mich. (AP) _ President Barack Obama says right-to-work legislation in Michigan is more about politics than economics. He is criticizing a measure that would prevent requiring nonunion employees to financially support unions at their workplace.

Obama received loud applause at a Michigan engine plant when he said we shouldn't be “taking away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions.”

The president says that the right-towork bills are more about “giving you the right to work for less money.”

The Michigan House and Senate approved the legislation last week. Democrats have urged Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the measure that he has pledged to sign.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to take final action on the bills as early as Tuesday

Cal State student shot by police identified Associated Press

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) _ Authorities on Sunday identified the graduate student shot and killed by California State University, San Bernardino police during a fight in an off-campus dorm.

The campus officers went to the University Village dorm on West Northpark Boulevard Saturday evening after receiving reports of a disturbance, said San Bernardino police Sgt. Shauna Gates.

A fight erupted when the officers confronted 38-year-old Bartholomew Williams in a hallway, Gates said. Williams became violent toward the officers, who fired their weapons when they feared for their safety, she said.

Williams was shot in the torso. He was declared dead at the scene.

One officer was hospitalized with nonlife threatening injuries.

The San Bernardino Police department is investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting.

The university said Williams, who was majoring in educational-instructional technology, was enrolled in one course during the fall quarter which ended Friday. He began taking classes at the university last summer.

Students were alerted of the shooting via text message and phone calls, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported.

The statement to students said the crime scene was secure and there were no outstanding suspects.

The incident occurred hours after the university celebrated December graduation.

theonlinebeacon.com

Woman found guilty of faking hate crime Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ A Nebraska woman who claimed she was attacked by three men who carved anti-gay slurs into her arms and stomach was found guilty Monday of making a false report.

Charlie Rogers, a former University of Nebraska basketball star, entered a no contest plea, which allowed her to not admit guilt but state that she wouldn’t offer a defense.

Her attorney said Rogers maintains her innocence but didn’t want a court fight or more of the intense publicity that her case has generated.

“She has a very sensitive personality, and this has been a very frightening experience

on many levels,’’ attorney Brett McArthur said after the hearing in Lincoln. ``She’s not a particularly outspoken person in the gay community.’’

The 34-year-old could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine when sentenced in February.

Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly declined to comment Monday, saying he could not discuss the case until after Rogers was sentenced. He wouldn’t say what sentence prosecutors would recommend.

Rogers was charged a month after telling police in July that three masked men broke into her home in Lincoln, assaulted her and carved derogatory words into her body. A neighbor told police that Rogers crawled from her home naked, bleeding and screaming for help.

Police believe she faked the attack because she believed it would spark change.

Investigators have said that evidence gathered at her home undermined her account of what happened, including a pair of gloves that Rogers said didn’t belong to her but contained mostly her DNA and none from a male. Police said she deleted several text messages she’d sent the evening of the alleged attack, and that she’d recently purchased a box cutter and zip ties.

Police also pointed to a message she posted on her Facebook page shortly before the incident that read: “So maybe I am too idealistic, but I believe way deep inside me that we can make things better for everyone. I will be a catalyst. I will do what it takes. I will.

Watch me.’’

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Sports

Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Tremblay joins Wehner in 1,000 club

By Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon archives

Former MCLA athlete Jen Wehner hit her 1,000th career mark in 2011.

It couldn’t have been more fitting than when senior guard Lucy Tremblay broke the 1,000 point mark for her career at MCLA, one face in the crowd knew how big this accomplishment was. She had done it herself a few years before.

On Friday, Dec. 8, Jen Wehner watched as Tremblay joined her, former teammate Allie Dobrovolc and two others to earn 1,000 points while playing basketball at the College.

For Wehner to be there to cheer on her team-mate was a special moment.

“I was glad I was there and able to see it. I was so excited, certainly one of the loudest ones,” she said.

Once Tremblay passed into the 1,000th point club, every basket was a celebration.

“Every time she hit a bucket we jumped up screaming,” she said.

“She showed great poise with it.”

This fall was a transitional period for Wehnerm, who went from being a two sport player to a coach and from a student to a mentor. She finds herself in increasingly different roles.

“It is difficult. There are times

when I go through a mental stage where I feel the need to play, and coaching helps a little,” she said.

When she watches her former team play she misses the game the most, the squeak of the sneakers, the satisfaction of hitting the court hard, hearing the whistle and making that threepoint play.

She stays in touch with her former teammates and catches games whenever she can get back to campus.

“I contact a lot of the girls for support. Every game I’ll text them good luck. After a loss I’ll tell them to keep their heads up, that’s what I want to be for them,” she said.

Wehner knows how hard it is in the locker room after a loss, and how just a text message with a little something supportive can make all the difference.

But text messages can’t rebound. Losing the all-time rebounder along with a few other stand-out rebounders is hard for any team.

This year the team has taken up the slack, averaging 40 rebounds per game already this season. “I don’t think I’ve seen better boxing-out from this team than last night (last Friday),” she said.

5

The team might not be as tall as when Wehner played, but she doesn’t doubt their abilities to control the paint. “[The MASCAC] is only going to get more physical. They might not have the height but they have the strength,” Wehner said.

Though she walked with her class in May, the last piece of Wehner’s education is an athletic training internship at Hartwick College near her hometown of Oneonta, N.Y. After December, Wehner will officially complete her education at the College.

Though her work this fall dealt mostly with the Hartwick football team, seeing the women’s hoops team in passing just reminds Wehner of the court, and the itch to play comes back.

She’s staying busy, working 60 to 70 hours a week from August to October with the football team as a trainer. She also has taken up coaching a U-16 girls travel team in her hometown, the next best thing to taking to the field again.

When asked if Tremblay could take her one-on-one, she cracked that signature smile, “Oh yeah, easily, she’s much faster than me.”

Men’s hoops splits two games in tournament

By Ariana Tourangeau Sports Writer

Over the weekend, the men’s basketball team played two heated games in the Hoops for Hounds tournament, triumphing over SUNY Canton, but falling to Keene State after a hard fight.

On Sunday, the team tried their luck against Keene State. Down three points to Kenne State with precious seconds left on the clock, sophomores Mike Muller and Ruben DelRosario each got off a three-point shot that would have tied the game, but both fell short as the buzzer sounded.

In the last four minutes of the game, the Trailblazers made their final push for a win. The team forced Keene State into numerous turnovers resulting in points for the team as well as poor free throws from Keene.

With a minute and 30 seconds left in the game, junior John

Jones ran the floor and forced a foul. His free throw and a steal from the Trailblazers caused them to only be down by five points with under a minute left.

On Saturday, the team played at home against SUNY Canton.

Jones led the College with 22 points, sparking the run that overtook SUNY with a final score of 78-67. The team had the lead in the first half with a score of 32-21, but just before halftime, SUNY moved past the Trailblazers with a 43-37 lead.

The Trailblazers came on strong defensively in the second half, causing SUNY to have 18 turnovers in the half.

Junior and captain Ray Viches said the team’s defense is improving.

“Defensively we are working to be better, but we need to be better at help defense,” Viches said.

The Trailblazers showed their defense skills by pressuring SUNY, and were able to hold

them. The game resulted in both teams coming out with the same record, 2-5 overall.

DelRosario benefitted from missed foul shots by Keene and moved the score up to 82-80.

Keene finally made some free throws, which brought the score to 89-86, Owls. Viches said the team’s offense is improving, but it wasn’t enough to beat Keene.

“We scraped and clawed back and ended up losing by three at the buzzer to a really good team,” he said.

While their wins boost team morale, Viches said he hopes the losses will prepare the team for conference games in the upcoming year.

“Playing all these great ranked teams, although we’ve come up short, is good for us because it’s prepping us for conference time,” Viches said.

The Trailblazers begin conference play against Salem State on Jan. 8.

Photo by Siyun Wu/Beacon staff

Senior Vernon Cross gashes the defense for a layup.

Photo by Siyun Wu/Beacon staff

Junior Richard Johnson leaps for the ball.

6

Sports

Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Senior Tremblay celebrates 1,000 career point

Photos courtesy of Sarah Howard/North Adams Transcript

Recent Achievements ·Tremblay earned 1,000 career points.

For the Week of Dec. 10: ·New England Women’s Basketball Association (NEWBA) player of the week. ·Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) player of the week. ·Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England player of the week.

Trailblazers defeated St. Joseph, 86-75.

Coach Holly McGovern with Tremblay.

Friends and fans create signs and t-shirts to celebrate Tremblay on Dec. 7.

·According to the campus website, Tremblay is the second Trailblazer in MCLA history to earn these three awards, joining former teammate Jen Wehner who accomplished the feat in 2010 and 2011.

Teammates embrace Tremblay, No. 15, following her 1,000 basket.

Cowboys player death raises question of safety Associated Press

IRVING, Texas (AP) _ San Francisco 49ers defensive end Demarcus Dobbs walked away from a one-vehicle accident on his 25th birthday last month and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Less than two weeks later, with the NFL rocked by the car crash that killed Dallas Cowboys player Jerry Brown and left his teammate, Josh Brent, facing a manslaughter charge, Dobbs swears he’ll find another way home whenever he does too much partying.

“I’m never going to put myself in that situation ever again,’’ he said.

This is, of course, exactly what the NFL, its teams and the players’ union wants to hear amid fresh questions about whether all the warnings and safety nets because players in most of the major U.S. sports leagues arguably have more than the general public will ever

be enough to prevent accidents and deaths.

“There’s a lot of pressure being in the NFL ... but it’s no excuse for bad decisions,’’ Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. “Players have a lot of options, tools at their disposal, that they need to take advantage of, but it comes down to individuals making good decisions.’’

Brown’s death on Saturday and the arrest of defensive tackle Josh Brent after police say he caused the fatal wreck by speeding and driving drunk put the NFL Players Association’s safe ride program back in the spotlight.

It was revamped three years ago after concerns that enough players weren’t using it.

Union spokesman Carl Francis said the program was a strong point of emphasis, and every player’s membership card includes the contact information.

And CEO John Glavin of Floridabased Corporate Security

Solutions Inc., which runs the program, said he was happy with how the union gets the word out on the program.

He also stressed the confidentiality of the program, saying the company doesn’t even tell the union when players call for rides.

Jacksonville cornerback Rashean Mathis, the team’s union representative, said players rarely, if ever, use the program.

“Confidentiality is the problem,’’ Mathis said. “Guys are going to go out and have fun. We’re just like the regular guy that works a 9-to5 job. On a Friday night, he goes out and has some beer. It’s not the best-case scenario, but it happens in life.’’

To use the program, players can either work in advance to set up a full night with a driver or make a call for a ride home. The brochure says most response times are less than an hour. The program is available all year, and Glavin said

his company also serves the NBA and NHL. In Major League Baseball, designated drivers are available to players and fans through the teams, and the players have access to a confidential program that will take them wherever they need to go.

In the NFL, some teams rely solely on the NFLPA’s program, while others have an additional system. In Cincinnati, the Bengals pay a company to make two drivers available when an employee calls. One drives the caller home, and the other follows in the employee’s vehicle.

Glavin said some players hesitate to use that kind of program because they don’t want others driving their expensive vehicles. Either way, the program hinges on a player making the first move.

“We can’t make them make the phone call,’’ Glavin said.

League owners are gathering in

the Dallas area on Wednesday.

The agenda was set to focus in part on player safety through the addition of leg padding, but it’s likely to change. A week before Brown’s death, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend before driving to the team’s stadium and shooting himself in front of his coach and general manager.

“I am sure the events of the past two weeks will be discussed at the league meeting,’’ league spokesman Greg Aiello said. “We are always looking to do more.’’

Several coaches said on Monday they were talking again about issues of safety and good decisions after Brown’s death.

They also acknowledged there was only so much they could do, as did Mathis.

“We’re not immune from life because we’re athletes,’’ Mathis said. “We’re not, but there are smarter choices.’’

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Arts & Entertainment

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7

Dance Co. pumps rhythm into Venable Theatre

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff

Dancers dress in red aprons for the opening number, ‘Hip-hop Diner,’ choreographed by Emily Dessingue, for the fall semester performance of Dance Company.

By Shannen Adamites A&E Writer

As finals week approaches and classes begin to wind down, Dance Company brought back all the energy and excitement during their annual fall semester show.

According to box office records, the performance sold out on Friday night, and the theatre was nearly filled to capacity on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Brycen Waters and Tyler Prendergast, Masters of Ceremony, provided comical skits and bits of audience interaction between numbers.

After Dance Company co-presidents Makayla Lemaire and Emily Dessingue introduced the performance, Waters and Prendergast sang a parody of “We Are Young” by fun., changing the lyrics to suit the show.

Right before they were about to sing a grand chorus, dancers from the aisle and wing entrances galloped onto the stage for a brief jam session to “Gangnam Style,” the hit by Korean-pop sensation, PSY. The audience cheered and laughed as the dancers flawlessly performed the absurd choreography. The amount of energy set the tone for the rest of the show.

“The Gangnam Style opening was really great,” said Will Herrero, a junior. “I couldn’t have thought of a better way to kick off a Dance Company show.”

Dance Company showcased a variety of dances ranging from lyrical and modern to hip-hop and belly dancing. Along with themed costumes and colorful lighting effects, the dances were incredibly expressive, theatrical, and very creative.

Chelsea Crowe choreographed a theatrical hip-hop number titled “Nightmare on Blackinton Street.” Her dancers demonstrated a wide array of creepy, monster-like movements to intense alternative hip-hop beats.

A soloist dressed in flowy white clothing opened the number with beautiful and graceful bends and twists before “falling asleep” and awaking within a crazy nightmare of dancing ghouls.

Herrero said he particularly enjoyed this piece for its clever use of lighting effects and external visuals to help set the mood.

Shaun LeBlanc, Dance Company’s secretary, choreographed a hip-hop piece as well, but to the upbeat “Pound the Alarm” by Nicki Minaj.

He featured a cops and robbers theme, with each group showing their moves as

smooth policewomen or edgy thieves.

The group solos showcased very well, and came together very nicely in a fun-filled piece.

Freshman Kathleen Sansone said, “This dance was my favorite. Shaun and his dancers were incredibly ferocious.”

Jenna Pappas choreographed a beautiful number to an acoustic cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless.” Her simple set and costuming emphasized her choreography and the skills of the dancers.

“I loved the simplicity of ‘Heartless,’” said Stephan Rochefort, a junior. “I loved that we [the audience] could focus on the choreography and dancing without being too distracted by external visual effects.”

Alexa Hebard and Melanie Grocott choreographed another lyrical piece to Coldplay’s “Fix You.” While the crowd took a while to calm down after the previous piece, Grocott and Hebard brought a great deal of power and emotion to the stage.

Like Pappas’s number, the overall piece was simply designed and placed an emphasis on the choreography, concept, and skill.

Christine Brandao and Joseph Goncalves brought some Cape Verdean culture to the stage with “Nos Cultura,” a tribute

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff

Ghouls and zombies strut across the stage in Chelsea Crowe’s dance, ‘Nightmare on Blackinton Street.’

to the island, by mixing contemporary and traditional dance routines. The piece brought the audience to a tropical paradise with whimsical and romantic partner dancing, and upbeat prancing and bouncing that represented unity, pride and positivity.

Kate Moore showcased a belly dance/hiphop fusion where traditional belly dancing moves were paired up with modern beats.

The audience cheered and applauded the dancers’ elegant and technical dancing skills, as well as their ability to make contemporary hip-hop tunes seem exotic and mysterious.

The show concluded with another piece solely directed by Hebard to “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. Her performance featured a cast of fierce ladies in war paint and feathers, giving off a feral and beautiful representation of female empowerment.

“I was inspired by the beat of the song and imagined a tribe of strong, Amazoniantype women,” Hebard said. “I’m so proud of all my dancers for pulling this off so beautifully.”

Hebard’s signature complex and precise choreography reflected well within her cast, and managed to balance skill and visuals in this showstopper.

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff

Dancers perform a modern piece choreographed by Alexa Hebard and Melanie Grocott.

Arts & Entertainment 8 Dala returns to College for a holiday show Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Photo by Tyson Luneau/Beacon archives

Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther of Dala perform at last year’s MCLA Presents! event at Gallery 51.

By Aya Lanzoni A&E Writer

Tonight, acoustic duo Dala will return to the College as part of MCLA Presents!

Back by popular demand, Dala, whose music is best described as a blend of acoustic pop and folk, first played at the College in 2011. The duo, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine, loved their initial visit to the College.

Some of their influences include The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young, who write songs that

are both “catchy and insightful,” according to their website, dalagirls.com. The two women are Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year.

“The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans. Dala are equally entertaining between songs, telling funny and down-to-earth stories that make every show unique,” said their website.

The two have opened for artists such as Tom Cochrane, Stuart McLean of the CBC’s

Vinyl Café, Arlo Guthrie and Richie Havens. They have also performed at various festivals in New Orleans and California, as well as the only Canadian act invited to play at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival back in 2009.

“We decided it would be wonderful to bring them back for a holiday show this time,” said Shannon Costello, an alumna of the College and marketer for the event.

“Dala is very excited to return,” she added.

Melody Rolph, a junior, will open for Dala, playing a folk music set including instruments such as the piano and ukelele.

Rolph has also been an opening act for the MCLA Presents! “The End” by Samuel Beckett .

On campus, she is the copresident of the Allegrettos, the class of 2014 secretary, and a group leader for an Introduction to Leadership Course.

She’s also been a LEAD Academy staff member for two years. Recently, she played Hope in Mainstage’s production of “Urinetown,” Polly Peachum in “Threepenny Opera” and Olive in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Rolph is a huge fan of Dala’s music, and they have been an inspiration to her, she said.

MCLA Presents! personally asked Rolph to perform the opening act for Dala since they know of Rolph’s love for their music.

“They did a workshop in one of my classes and immediatly had me hooked with their smooth

harmonies and musical insight,” Rolph said. “These two girls have a lot of the same musical influences as me and I look forward to opening for them and listening to them again.”

The event will take place at Church Street Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. “[Dec. 13] is reading day, so it will be a nice opportunity for students to take a break from all the stress that comes during finals!” Costello said.

The performance is $10 for general admission, $8 for MCLA alumni, $5 for faculty and staff, and free for students.

Tickets can be reserved by calling MCLA Presents! at 413662-5204.

For more information, call 413-664-8718, or go to www. mcla.edu/presents.

Review

‘Life of Pi’ delivers stunning visual effects

By Haley Costen A&E Writer

Photo by Tyson Luneau/Beacon archives

Ang Lee’s most recent film, “Life of Pi,” uses astounding visual effects and a mesmerizing score to tell the story of a young man trapped in the middle of the ocean with a Bengal tiger.

The film follows teenager Pi Patel after his family is forced to sell their home and zoo in India and move to Canada to start anew.

While on the massive ocean liner transporting his family and the animals, a powerful storm hits. This leads Pi to seek refuge on a lifeboat. In the confusion,

a few animals survive with him on the boat, including the zoo’s tiger, Richard Parker.

The film is not the typical story in which man and beast learn to live together in harmony—Pi is kept aware and sane on his 227 day journey out of fear of the vicious animal. It is more so a story about keeping faith, even when things couldn’t be worse (because really, what’s worse than your family dying and being stuck on a raft with a Bengal tiger?).

Some of the images in the film did not seem to have a point or even a place in the story, such as a scene in which a glowing

humpback whale dives next to the lifeboat. Nonetheless, the visuals were dreamlike and beautiful.

For people who are more interested in the story rather than the cinematography, the twist at the end of the film is what really defines “Life of Pi.” “Life of Pi” received an 88 percent rating on the “tomatometer” on Rotten Tomatoes, and an 8.4 rating on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB).

It is currently No. 5 in the box office, with a total grossing of about $60 million, according to boxofficemojo.com.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Arts & Entertainment

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9

Lauren Antil exemplifies ambition and hard work

Tano Holmes A&E Editor

Ode to MCLA A pristine small school nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, Where behind iron wrought gates knowledge fountains, A place where three years ago on Hoosac’s fifth floor A small group of friends aspired for more, To succeed academically, socially, and to grow Well, we made it, because look what we now know!

Oh, how I will miss the red and yellow leaves, or the building anticipation on weekend eves, How the trees turn bare at the end of fall, And navigating the tunnel to Murdock Hall, From listening to the wisdom of the Nnodims, And realizing I can be whatever I dream, The rising brick majesty of Berkshires’ own towers Or waiting for buffalo chicken wraps for an hour, A memory of lonely walks to the Hoosac Tunnel, Or racous parties where fraternity brothers funnel, Or the crowds who roam Blackinton on Friday nights, And how they scatter from the blue flashing lights, Quiet evenings at home with my Nhi, I hope you know how much you have meant to me, And the galleries of MoCA where abstract is the norm, To watching Yorick, Harlequin or Dance Co. perform, Oh, I will miss this small school for the arts, A place that has been my college right from the start!

Photo courtesy of Lauren Antil

Lauren Antil belongs to three honors societies and has never received a grade lower than a B in her life.

By Michael Feloni A&E Writer

After three and a half years, three different schools and multiple internships, senior Lauren Antil is preparing to say goodbye to North Adams and move further on in her academic career.

“I’m really excited about graduating early.

It’s really going to give me a head start to find a place that will value my time that I can apply what I’ve learned in an academic setting,” Antil said.

Antil already had 21 credits coming in as a freshman. Throughout her entire time at the College, she maintained a very high reputation in her academic life.

“I started my undergraduate degree in my fall semester of my senior year in high school,” she said. “I was dually enrolled at Holyoke Community College, then I went to Framingham State for the second semester.”

She sustained a high GPA throughout college and has never received lower than a B in her life. Along with studying between classes, she also spent at least four hours a day studying and completing schoolwork at the library.

“I should literally pay room and board to Freel Library,” she said.

Antil later revealed that the giant stack of at least 100 notecards was for one class along with three other books.

“I put a lot of pride and effort into being a studious person and being able to express myself academically,” she said.

She disclosed that the most satisfying feeling is being able to cross everything off of her to-do list before she goes to sleep.

Antil is a member of three national honor societies: Alpha Lambda Delta, Psi Chi, Alpha Chi. She has also accepted two internships, one of which was at New England Center for Children in Southborough, Mass.

Antil doesn’t plan to go right into the field after receiving her Bachelor’s degree. She

Congratulations to MCLA’s Allegrettos on winning first place and $2,000 at Lenox’s Second Annual Caroling Festival!

intends to move on to higher education and earn her graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Westfield State University.

She also enjoyed other aspects of being a college student outside of the classroom.

“I had a great freshman year… definitely my best year here, socially,” she said.

Since her freshman year, she also held a long-lasting job at Big Y on top of classes.

One thing many students worry about, Antil said, is whether or not they’re ready for the real world. She believes that there is no question in it.

“I’ve always been ready, but I’m going to miss the small community base,” she said.

“It’s growing, but it’s such a small little community that you develop this wonderful group of friends and they’re from different cultures and educational backgrounds.”

Antil said that students play a big part in keeping a strong atmosphere at MCLA . Even though she did not have a lot of time to take part in many extracurricular activities, Antil still found time for herself to enjoy a few clubs on campus.

“I never really got involved in too many clubs, but I did do the Alternative Spring Break when we went to Belize,” she said.

“We planted a bunch of fruit-bearing trees [to replace ones] that were destroyed by a hurricane that went through.”

Antil became a member of MCLA’s Good Vibes yoga club during her freshman year and has remained part of the group ever since.

“Good Vibes club has definitely been a big part of my MCLA stay,” she said. “There’s no limit to what I can say about Good Vibes.”

Antil described how the yoga club allowed her to look back at her day and relax, and let her feel like she was part of a community.

Seeing Good Vibes grow from ten people to now over 60 members gave her a great feeling of happiness, she said.

Antil has gone to all the Dance Company performances and loves how all the clubs are

AUDITIONS for the role of Prospero in Yorick’s production of THE TEMPEST will be held

student-run. She said it goes to show how many motivated people there are, and that it makes other students feel motivated as well.

Antil said she will look back fondly at the team of professors that helped her through her time here at the College.

“My advisor Tom Byrne has held my hand the whole way through my academic career,” she said. “He’s opened so many doors for me and has helped me pick out classes.”

Antil also said that Byrne has not only been a professor, but also a companion and someone she trusts.

“Lauren has done very well academically at MCLA,” said Psychology Professor Thomas Byrne, also acting as Antil’s advisor. “I look forward to seeing how her career in the field unfolds.”

Byrne mentioned Antil’s good analytical skills and understanding of the value of taking a data-based approach.

Antil said that the aid from her professors and advisor sculpted her into the students she is today. She also believes that personalized assistance is a big factor in becoming a successful student.

Antil plans on working in her field after her graduate studies.

“I plan to work hands-on with autistic individuals, better the quality of life through early intensive behavioral interventions,” she said. “Nothing is more rewarding than working with a child who doesn’t speak to having him answering questions and interacting three months later.”

Antil’s hard work and self-discipline did not go unnoticed.

“Lauren is one of the hardest working people I know,” said Jordan Cohen, a senior and friend of Antil. “She’s someone who truly understands the purpose of being at school, doing the work and learning.”

“I’m confident in saying she’s going to go on to do meaningful and important things, and contribute to the field of psychology and just hard working people in general,” Jordan said.

Thursday 12/13 in Bowman 211 at 6 p.m.

& Friday 12/14 in Sullivan Lounge at 6 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to audition, regardless of gender!

No preparation necessary!

10

Campus Comment

Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

The Beacon

How are you handling finals week?

“I’m very stressed out. I clean a lot when I’m stressed.”

“It’s not as stressful as everyone else’s. I just need to make sure I get my materials ready. I just have projects and performances, so I’m one of the easy cases.”

-Brittany Wood, 2014

-Brandon Roy, 2016

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.

“Not going well. I’m not really studying.”

“I just do the work. That’s it.”

-Josh Nitti, 2013

-Corban VonOuhl, 2013

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.

“I have three finals. I’m doing deep-breathing exercises.

“I’m a little stressed. I multi-task and procrastinate, and that’s not good. To de-stress, I talk a lot.”

-Josh Hunter, 2016

-Ali Elwell, 2013

Students appeal to governor concerning Trustees There is a serious breach of trust at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Despite significant dissent on part of students and faculty, the Board of Trustees voted to arm the college’s campus police starting January 2013. Since the spring of 2012, both students and faculty protested this decision. Whereas some protested the act of arming, others protested the Boards refusal to heed both student and faculty opinion.

Prior to this letter, the results of a Student Government Association referendum showed 68 percent of MCLA students voted against arming.

Furthermore, MCLA’s only student trustee represented our majority opinion with only one vote.

However, the ten appointed trustees voted in favor of arming campus police. The Board of Trustees decision ignored the will of a ma-

Given that you appoint the members of the Board, we found it most fitting to contact you regarding this issue. We acknowledge the important role that trustees have in acquiring funding for and providing an outside opinion to the college; however, this does not justify their autonomy. The purpose of any institution of higher education is the instruction and education of students, therefore their views should be a vital component in decision making. Our concerns reflect the truth that there is a severe problem with how college governance operates in this state.

As a sovereign community, we should not be subject to an appointed entity such as the Board of Trustees; rather we all deserve and demand a democratic system whereby we play an integral roll in college governance. Increasing the amount of student and faculty representation on the Board of Trustees beyond the token status that we

currently hold will attain this ideal.

Furthermore, in addition to more representation on the Board of Trustees, binding referenda must be used to insure that students are truly represented whenever a controversial issue arises.

We, the undersigned, furthermore pledge to aid you in this endeavor so that faculty and students of the institutions of higher education in Massachusetts will have the proper representation they deserve at the highest level of college governance.

Yours Sincerely, Stephan Rochefort Class of 2014 Author Brian Fitzpatrick Class of 2015 Author Signed by over 40 students, alumni and faculty.

Church offers thank you to students and parents A big thank you from the First Baptist Church in North Adams, to all the young men and women at MCLA, for donating warm clothes as part of our community outreach program to provide needed clothing to our neighbors. MCLA students and parents donated up to 25 large bags of clothing – coats,

shirts, sweaters, shoes, gloves, etc. With what was also donated by members of the First Baptist Church, we had 40 large bags of items to give out.

We opened our church doors the first week of November to the public, as well as to people from the Berkshire Food Project and the Friendship

Center Food Pantry on Eagle Street. When we finished, the 40 large bags of clothing were packed into eight bags – a lot of needed clothing was given out.

Obviously, there was a need for many people and your donations and caring helped meet that need. Thank you all, and please thank your parents for

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

Editor-in-Chief Chris Goodell

Letters to the Editor

jority consisting of both student and faculty while satisfying the whims of ten.

Although many months passed, both students and faculty remain disconsolate. Likewise, though many of the trustees that made this particular decision have left, there is a problem that still remains.

Procedures in regards to decision making by Board of Trustees is our concern, but advocating for disarming campus police is not.

Both the vitality and the openness of MCLA is threatened by an overt disconnect between the Board and the campus community; in addition, MCLA faculty and the Board share a similar relationship whereby, they are subject to the whims and decisions of the Board of Trustees, due to their lack of representation.

Furthermore, since the Board decides on faculty tenure and student conduct issues, both groups need to be represented in higher numbers on the Board of Trustees.

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.

Editorial Board

Compiled by Jess Gamari/Beacon staff

Dear Governor Patrick,

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.

their participation.

We look forward to working together in the future.

Thank you, David Babcock, Chairman Board of Missions First Baptist Church of North Adams

Sports Editor Andrew Hodgson

Photography Editor Dennise Carranza

A&E Editor Tano Holmes

Business Manager Yvonne Camacho

Copy Chief Megan Cooney

Web Editor Ken Rodriguez*

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Copy Editors

Topher Lewis Lindsay Green Shannen Adamites* Korinna Dennehey Advisers

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Adrianna Caruso Lauren Coffey *Holds more than one position

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Fun & Games

Thursday, December 13, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Looking forward to the holidays...

11

Cartoon by Jackie Coughlin

Holiday Happenings!

Weekly Horoscopes Aries: March 21-April 19 Your social energy is fun and flirty – and you may surprise someone who thought they had you pegged! Now is a great time to hang out with your crush or a new romantic partner.

Taurus: April 20-May 20 You find yourself slipping into some odd behavior today – but it’s not so bad that you have to keep restraints on. You’re just a little less cautious than usual, and it could lead somewhere fun!

Gemini: May 21-June 21 Your social energy is abuzz with all the new people coming into your life – even if many of them are online! You don’t really care, as long as you get to keep chattering and showing off.

Cancer: June 22-July22 Your to-do list seems to have doubled in length overnight – what can you do? Try to get some help from friends or family, or see if you can delegate anything to an intern (or teenager) in your life.

Leo: July 23-Aug. 22 You need help – but there’s no shame in that! Just make sure that you ask the right people, or that you are surrounded by teammates you know you can count on. Things are looking up!

Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Everyone seems to be speaking at once today, so make sure that you are as clear as can be. If someone only gets to hear part of what you have to say, aren’t they likely to get the wrong idea?

Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Try to speak up today – you’ve got some deep issues that need resolution, and they aren’t going anywhere without some serious communication. It may be a family thing or it could be work-related, but it’s vital.

Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You see something that seems too good to be true – so do what you can to avoid buying it or taking the risk. It’s likely a scam or something with hidden costs, and you have to play it safe now.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You may have a full schedule today – and if not, watch out for interruptions and sudden invitations! At least some of them are sure to be fun, but you may have to say no now and then.

Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Too much chatter is sure to keep anything useful from getting done today – so make sure you turn off your ringer when appropriate and find other ways to keep your mind focused.

Christmas Cookies Family Gifts Gingerbread Hanukkah Hot Chocolate

Ice Skating Jacket Kwanzaa Mistletoe New Years Santa Sledding

Skiing Snowflake Snowballs Snowboarding Snowmen Solstice Vacation

Word Search Courtesy of http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com

Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 You meet someone today who shares many of your interests – and possibly more! If you’re looking for love, this could be a good match, so ask all the right questions and remember to be yourself.

Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 Things are moving a little too quickly for you right now, so make sure that you’re anchored and getting all the help you need. Things are sure to settle down in the very near future.

Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com

12

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Dancers take their bows during the finale of the show.

Photo Essay

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A Cape Verdean piece choreographed by Christine Brandao and Joseph Goncalves.

Dance Company Fall Performance Photos by Dennise Carranza

Makayla Lemaire choreographs a Scooby Doo themed hip-hop number for her final piece.

‘Nos Cultura’ shows traditional and modern dance moves.

Emily Dessingue, co-president of Dance Company, choreographs a group of energetic workers in a ‘Hip Hop Diner’ piece to open the show.