Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
The Beacon
For more content, visit online at: theonlinebeacon.com Volume 76 ◆ Issue 8
Th u r s d ay, N o v e m b e r 8 , 2 0 1 2
OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY By Chris Goodell Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Derrick Z. Jackon/Boston Globe
Barack Obama speaks at a rally in New Hampshire on Oct. 18.
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff
Students take an MCLA van to vote in the Tuesday elections.
Campus reacts to elections
Incumbent Barack Obama collected 303 electoral votes Tuesday to defeat Republican candidate Mitt Romney and win a second term as U.S. President. According to the New York Times website, Obama was the clear winner, garnering 97 more electoral votes than Romney. However, the President received just 50 percent of the popular vote, three percent lower than in 2008. “Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come,” Obama said in his victory speech at around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Obama captured victories in swing states Ohio and New Hampshire, as well as Massachusetts, which Romney governed
from 2003 to 2007. Romney garnered a total of 206 electoral votes, winning many states across the south and midwest. “This is a time of great challenges for America,” Romney said after the loss early Wednesday, “and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation.”
“For the United States of America, the best is yet to come.” - Barack Obama Battleground state Florida was the closest race, with Obama edging out Romney by less than 50,000 votes. Obama earned 49.9 percent of the popular vote in Florida while Romney earned 49.3 percent. However, the overall balance of power in Washington re-
mained unchanged as the Senate remained Democratic and the House of Representatives remained Republican. Republicans lost two seats in both the House and the Senate, but it did not effect the overall composition of Congress. Among the new Senators are 19 women, the most ever in U.S. history. Among those is Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, the first openly gay person to be elected to Senate. Obama’s victory all but ensures that his health care plan, a key point of debate throughout both candidates’ campaigns, will remain in tact. “While House Republicans continue to oppose it and may find ways to attack it legislatively, they now know that they do not have the ability to overturn it,” writes Peter Baker of the New York Times. As of 3 p.m. Wednesday Florida’s electoral votes had still not been counted, but it would not have been enough to sway the outcome of the election.
Former Senator to address College By Ryan Flynn Staff Writer
Former Maine senator George Mitchell will address the College and North Adams communities today in Church Street Center at 7 p.m. The lecture is the second annual Michael S. and another four years,” she said. “ It Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture. was unfair that he had to come There will also be a benefit dinner at 5 p.m. with into office with what Bush left for Mitchell and Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis in the him.” Sammer Dennis Room in Murdock Hall. Tickets The Senate race between Eliza- cost $250. Dean of Academic Affiars Monica Josbeth Warren and incumbent lin said proceeds will support a very good cause. Scott Brown took a similar path. “The donations will support public policy initiaThe senate race was anticipated tives at MCLA,” she said. to be heated. For most of the race, Mitchell is well known for his peaceful negotiaWarren and Brown were battling tions with foreign countries as the U.S. Envoy for to be on top. Although Warren Middle East Peace from 1995 to 2001. He was also stayed on top for the most part, the U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland from at some points it was a tie. When 2009-2011. all Massachusetts polls were ofJoslin said Mitchell will speak about his acficially closed, Warren had taken complishments in foreign conflicts. She also said the Senate seat. Mitchell is ideal for the lecture due to his impres“I am absolutely for Warren, sive background and experience. her ideas can better the econo“Former Senator George Mitchell is a remarkmy,” Segalla said. able person and internationally known for his The Associated Press said when peace-keeping initiatives,” Joslin said. Warren goes to Washington, she Public Policy and Political Science Professor will go there with the belief that Petra Hejinova, who also served as the lecture orthere is a “lot of room for com- ganizer, said students can learn quite a bit from promise” when dealing with the Mitchell. most pressed issue: deficit. “We are hoping that students will have a better For the Massachusetts ballot understanding of international conflicts,” she said. questions, two of the three most Joslin and Hejinova said Mitchell is a very imtalked about questions were portant figure and holds an excellent reputation passed. in his field. “Early on in his career he had a reputation as ELECTIONS, continued on page 4 a talented negotiator,” she said. “He is highly re-
Faculty and staff weigh in after Obama’s win By Kelsey Marini
Special to The Beacon The nation voted and the results are in. President Barack Obama will to serve his second term in office. At the beginning of election night, Mitt Romney stayed steadily ahead of his opponent. It was obvious that Romney was winning the popular vote; both candidates were neck-and-neck for electoral votes. Once California’s results came in, Obama shot ahead, 40 votes above Romney. When Oregon and Ohio’s votes were accounted for, Obama’s victory was sealed, pushing him over the required 270 electoral votes to win. Obama won seven out of the nine battleground states, which led to his victory. By the end of the night, Obama’s electoral votes sky rocketed to 303 while Romney held 205. Library Collections Assistant Melissa Segalla said she was elated with the results. “Obama gets to prove himself
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Former Maine Senator George Mitchell was a peace negotiator with the Middle East. spected.” In addition to the benefit dinner and speech, students and staff will have the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with Mitchell in Murdock Hall at 4 p.m. Joslin said this could be very valuable for students. “The Q&A session is an amazing opportunity for students to ask questions and interact directly with Senator Mitchell,” she said. Hejnova noted that this will be the only opportunity to truly pick Mitchell’s brain. “It’s a little more intimate and students will be able to ask several questions,” she said.
‘Stereo Talk V’ looks at female politicians
Cross country to compete in NCAA
FPA show to premiere next week
Women’s Center’s event examines gender issues in politics
Men’s and women’s teams gear up for final tournament on Saturday
‘Scenes From an Execution’ to run Nov. 14-17 in Venable Theater
News, page 3
Sports, page 6
Arts & Entertainment, page 9
News Sports Arts & Entertainment Campus Comment Fun & Games Photo Essay
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News
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Good news for east coast Nor’easter to be weaker than first expected Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Weather experts had good news for beleaguered Northeast coastal residents Tuesday: A new storm that threatened to complicate Hurricane Sandy cleanup efforts on Wednesday now looks like it will be weaker than expected. As the storm moves up the Atlantic coast from Florida it now is expected to veer farther offshore than earlier projections had indicated. Jeff Masters of the private weather service Weather Underground says that means less wind and rainfall on land.
“As the storm moves up the Atlantic coast from Florida it now is expected to veer farther offshore than earlier projections had indicated.” Even so, he said winds could still gust to 50 mph in New York and New Jersey Wednesday afternoon and evening. And Lauren Nash, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, said wind gusts might blow down tree limbs weakened from Sandy and cause more power outages. On Wednesday night, gusts may occasionally reach 60 mph in coastal Connecticut and Long Island, she said. Storm surges along the coasts of New Jersey and New York are expected to reach perhaps three feet, only half to a third of what Hurricane Sandy caused last week, Masters said. While that should produce only minor flooding, he said it will still cause some erosion problems along the New Jersey coast and the shores of Long Island, where Sandy destroyed some protective dunes. Coastal Virginia could also get a surge of two or three feet, causing minor flooding on the east side of Chesapeake Bay during high tides Wednesday morning and evening, he said. However, most of the storm’s rain will stay offshore, with maybe an inch or two expected in Massachusetts and less than an inch elsewhere along the coast, he said. Up to an inch of snow may fall in Northeastern New Jersey and the lower Hudson River Valley, weather service meteorologist Mike Layer said. Central Massachusetts and Western Connecticut also could get an inch or two of snow, according to Masters.
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SGA looking into space for student center
College urges SGA to contribute to fundraising campaign
By Amy Cubello Staff Writer
Photo by Siyun Wu/Beacon staff
Brandon Pender speaks to SGA about contributing to the Sowing Seeds for Success campaign.
By Chris Goodell Editor-in-Chief
The College called upon the Student Government Association (SGA) Monday night to consider contributing to the Sowing Seeds for Success campaign. Alumni Relations Coordinator Brandon Pender asked SGA to consider developing an endowment to contribute toward the campaign over the next several years. “It’s about you using your resources,” Pender said. Sowing Seeds for Success, launched on Oct. 3, is a comprehensive campaign with the goal of raising $22.5 million over the next three years, Pender said.
“This is a big three years we’re about to go through right now.” - Brandon Pender This money will benefit several different aspects of the College, from the new Science Center to athletics and more, he said. “This is a big three years we’re about to go through right now,”
Pender said. President Jason Brown said he supports the idea and asked the rest of SGA to carefully consider the possibility of creating an endowment. “I wanted the students to be involved,” Brown said. “I challenge you all to think about this over the next couple of weeks.” Public Safety update According to Senator Adam Tobin, Public Safety is still on track to complete their arming process within the five-month window that ends in January 2013. Tobin delivered an update of the arming of Public Safety during the Public Safety Advisory Committee report, and said officers are currently undergoing the necessary trainings and certifications. “The efforts have been careful and deliberate,” Tobin said. “[The officers] are being safely trained.” He also relayed the findings of Joe Charon, director of Public Safety, regarding the Clery Report, released last month. “Most of the crimes [on campus] have been crimes of opportunity,” Tobin said. Cheer Club’s supplemental budget The Cheer Club submitted a re-
quest for a supplemental budget to cover the costs of their coaches for next semester, but the initial request was denied by the Budget Finance Committee (BFC). “We have two coaches that our club uses,” explained Cheer Club president Julia Buettner. Without certified coaches, the club will not be able to perform stunts or compete in competitions, she said. “I ask you guys to really put a lot of consideration into this revised budget.” Treasurer James Wetzel said the request was denied by the BFC because the club already had funds allotted for these purposes in their budget. Supplemental budgets are intended to cover the costs of unforeseen circumstances, he explained. “It’s not that we feel they don’t deserve it – that’s not the case,” Wetzel said. “I would love to be able to write blank checks,” he continued. “We just don’t have an endless amount of money.” The Cheer Club submitted a second, reduced, supplemental budget request that SGA will review over the next few weeks. There will be no SGA meeting on Monday due to Veteran’s Day. The next SGA meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in Murdock Hall room 218.
The Student Government Association (SGA) is contemplating bringing back a student center for commuters and on-campus students. Sophomore Brendan Peltier, SGA Senate Chair, said money and space are big factors in the decision to make a new center for students. “The key aspect is space and there’s very little of that right now with the Center for Science and Innovation being built and Bowman in the works of being redone,” Peltier said. Hoosac Hall currently has a space for students to unwind and hang out with friends, but not all students have access to this area. Students must live in the building or be signed in by a resident who lives there, otherwise the space is unavailable.
“The key aspect is space and there’s very little of that right now.” -Brendan Peltier A new student center would bring together all students living on or off campus. “This is something I am working on personally because I think it’s well needed in the school for things such as building a community, letting students unwind from school, and a safe option for students at all times,” Peltier said. Sam Sears, a junior, said a new student center would be beneficial to all students. “I feel upperclassmen should have a spot to hangout. I think right now commuter students have a tiny room in Bowman with a couch. Sharky’s was better,” she said. SGA will continue discussions in upcoming meetings about a student center that is accessible to all and provides entertainment in spaces other than the student residential buildings on campus.
Weekend Weather 11/8 - 11/11 Thursday, November 8
Friday, November 9
Saturday, November 10
Sunday, November 11
Showers High: 44° Low: 23° Precip. Chance: 20%
Partly Cloudy High: 46° Low: 30° Precip. Chance: 0%
Mostly Cloudy High: 46° Low: 31° Precip. Chance: 0%
Partly Cloudy High: 55° Low: 39° Precip. Chance: 0%
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News
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Puerto Rico considers U.S. statehood Associated Press SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) _ Puerto Ricans were facing a fundamental question on Election Day: Should they change their ties with the United States? Citizens in the U.S. island territory cannot vote in the U.S. presidential election, but many were excited to participate in a referendum that could push the territory toward statehood, greater autonomy or independence. Car horns blared and party flags waved as voters headed to polling stations, many carrying umbrellas against the blistering tropical sun as temperatures neared 90 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees centigrade). The two-part referendum first asks voters if they want to change Puerto Rico’s 114-year relationship with the United States. A second question gives voters three alternatives if they do want a change: become the 51st U.S. state, independence, or “sovereign free association,’’ a designation that would give more autonomy for the territory of 4 million people. “Puerto Rico has to be a state. There is no other option,’’ said
25-year-old Jerome Lefebre, who picked up his grandfather before driving to the polls. “We’re doing OK, but we could do better. We would receive more benefits, a lot more financial help.’’ But 42-year-old Ramon Lopez de Azua said he favors the current system, which grants U.S. citizenship but prevents Puerto Ricans from voting for president unless they live in the United States, and gives those on the island only limited representation in Congress. “Puerto Rico’s problem is not its political status,’’ he said. “I think that the United States is the best country in the world, but I am Puerto Rican first.’’ Both President Barack Obama and rival Mitt Romney have said they supported the referendum, with Obama pledging to respect the will of the people if there is a clear majority. Any change would require approval by the U.S. Congress. The island also is electing legislators and a governor, with Gov. Luis Fortuno of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party seeking a second term. Fortuno, a Republican, is running against Alejandro Garcia Padilla, whose Popular Democratic Party favors the status quo.
Financial Aid Announcement AVOID A HOLD ON YOUR SPRING REGISTRATION!
By Nick Arena Staff Writer
As the political season comes to an end, the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center addresses the misrepresentation and underrepresentation of women in politics. Tuesday night, students gathered in Murdock 218 for Stereo Talk V: Women in Politics. Jennifer Craig, coordinator of student activities, moderated the discussion which was led by a panel composed of students Catherine Chaput, a senior, Stephan Rochefort, a junior, Stephen Kullas, a senior, and consultant to the Women’s Center Ojae Beale. “Women are 50 percent less likely to seriously consider running for office and 33 percent less likely to view themselves as qualified as men,” Craig said. The discussion between the panel and the audience revolved around the disproportionate number of women in politics, the many possible reasons as to why this disparity exists, and the mistreatment of women in the political field. A recurring topic, brought up by the panel, throughout the discussion was the fact that gender roles play a big part in how women are treated. “The thing that I find curious
MCLA
about the 50 percent [of women less likely to run], is I think that it represents a confluence of a kind of old school thinking, cultural thinking, thinking in society that women really belong in the kitchen and in the home,” Beale said. The consensus of the panel was that, the political system is structured so that women with families are deterred from entering politics, as they would be expected to be homemakers and politicians all at once, with little help from their spouses. The panel discussed labels that women are given whether outright derogatory or more some more subversive, and which ones were possibly worse. “If a pundit today were to call a woman [a derogatory name], he would be very obviously condemned,” Kullas said. “If he were to say ‘What’s with her hair?’ I don’t think anyone would think twice.” Another topic that arose was the focus on fashion and the objectification of women who have entered the political field. “I came across this article talking about how Michelle Obama had given this great speech at the Democratic Convention and the next day, four morning shows were talking about her nail polish,” said Corinne Blake, a senior
and Women’s Center office assistant. Blake, along with the panel, saw a big issue where labeling and objectification met. “If they dress too feminine they’re labeled as slutty, there’s a huge focus on their clothes, but if they’re dressed not feminine enough they’re too masculine and they’re ‘ball-breakers,’” she said. “There are a lot of double standards women have to face. A number of other issues were touched upon such as biological differences between men and women being seen as a weakness, how often female politicians are often viewed with the stereotype of the nagging wife, and the difference in pay between men and women. “[The big problem is] this perception that they’re under qualified and it’s based on this tradition in this country and in the western world of disregarding women, and that’s just such a huge force that they have to deal with, they still have to deal with all of that before they can be seen as equivalent to men,” Rochefort said. While no immediate solution was found for these issues the panel concluded that if status issues between men and women are taken out of the picture, politics will follow suit.
2nd Annual Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis Public Policy Lecture
SENATOR
GEORGE J. MITCHELL
Find us on the Lobby level of Eldridge Hall or call us at 413-662-5219, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM.
http://deals.servicebundles. com/scholarship
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Women’s Center examines gender issues in politics
Please check with the Financial Aid Office and Student Accounts to make sure your paperwork is complete. You will not be able to register for classes with a hold on your account.
Scholarship Opportunity Education Portal’s Computer Science Scholarship List five ways how social media has impacted or improved your educational experience. Applications due by Nov. 30, 2012.
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Global Diplomat, Peace Negotiator, and Leadership Expert
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 7 PM MCLA Church Street Center Free and open to the public. Proceeds will benefit public policy initiatives at MCLA.
The Public Policy Lecture is made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA
The Commonwealth’s Public Liberal Arts College
413-662-5185 www.mcla.edu
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News
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Campus reacts to elections ELECTIONS, continued from page 1
Question 1 passed. Now, vehicle manufacture companies must provide the diagnostic and repair information to any potential buyers. Starting with model year 2015, all background information must be available to dealers and repair facilities to reduce any case of fraud. Question 2, the most heated question on the ballot, did not pass. By the end of the voting it was a close 49 percent yes to 51 percent no for the “death with dignity” law. Question 3 passed but the votes were fairly close. By passing this question, medical marijuana is now legal and can be prescribed to patients who qualify. “Question 2 was a tough issue but I wanted it,” Segalla said. “And I voted no on Question 3 with the concern of what will happen with drugs being regulated.”
College’s top 10 ranking fixed online By Marc Latour Staff Writer
U.S. News and World Report corrected MCLA’s missing recognition on their yearly online publication of the Top Ten Public Liberal Arts Colleges. The former list of only nine colleges became a full list of ten when their IT department fixed the issue a couple of weeks ago. The rankings had been officially published in the September issue of the magazine, but MCLA remained unlisted in the online publication. The college had been in constant contact with U.S. News and World Report, according to Denise Richardello, vice president
of External Affairs. The organization continually apologized for the online trouble. “We’re happy they finally fixed it,” Richardello said. “They took care of what they needed to do” “Having that recognition two years in a row of what we’ve already known to be true is significant,” she said, adding the significance of MCLA being recognized as a top public liberal arts school in a national magazine. MCLA rightly joins four other institutions from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) holding positions in the top ten, meaning COPLAC consortium members represent half the colleges on the list.
The COPLAC conference has 27 member institutions. Other members of the COPLAC conference were also eligible for rank in the national magazine, Richardello said. According to the recognition of U.S. News and World Reports rankings, MCLA is also part of the top five schools in COPLAC. “The fact that the College is the public liberal arts college of Massachusetts is recognition in itself,” Richardello said. “It’s a great distinction. We work very hard, and put in our best work every day.” “The rank is a cumulative effect, based on the work of everyone,” Richardello said, stating this is something students and faculty should be proud of.
Lounge area with couches and T.V.s Large assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
How will things change? By Lauren Coffey
Special to The Beacon Those who didn’t want to stay awake on election night woke up yesterday morning to a sea of blue. President Barack Obama will have another four years in office. The question many are now asking is, “How are things going to change?” History and Political Science Professor Jim Canavan had a lot to say on the matter. “President Obama’s victory underscores the point that the country has changed. No longer will white male voters constitute the bloc that elects the president,” he said. “That said, with the U.S. House continuing with a Republican majority, and the U.S. Senate without a Democratic super-majority, it appears that the status quo will hold.” News outlets were buzzing over more than the presidential election. Elizabeth Warren was announced as the winner of the Massachusetts Senate race, beating incumbent Scott Brown by eight points last night. Results of the Massachusetts ballot questions were also announced. Question 1, the availability of information on motor vehicle repairs, passed by a landslide with an 85 percent approval rate. Question 3, allowing the use of medical marijuana, was also approved. However, the issue addressed in Question 2, “death with dignity,” was not. Many states, similar to Massachusetts, passed new laws into their legislation. “Direct democracy, voting in referenda, has resulted in some interesting new state policies and laws - legalizing recreational marijuana in the Northwest and gay marriage in Maine and Maryland,” said Political Science and Public Policy Professor Robert Bence. “These state initiatives will aid the continuation of national debates.” Massachusetts was not the only state to pass laws related to marijuana. Both Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize the drug for recreational use. “One of the things that I found particularly interesting was that you can see how demographic changes in the American electorate that first appeared in 2008 have really continued to impact politics today,” said History and Political Science Professor Ely Janis. “We have also seen some big changes taken place with more states supporting gay marriage, in Wisconsin you had the election of the first openly gay U.S. senator in Tammy Baldwin, and there is the possibility in New Hampshire of an all female federal delegation.” Between Obama’s second chance and new state laws being implemented, the country is in a state of transition; but for now, it is a game of waiting.
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taking applications for bartenders
Sports
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Senior Profile: Ryan Shewchuk
By Ariana Tourangeau Sports Writer
Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor
The only fight worth watching I
can’t keep my head in sports today. Tuesday night was a bigger night for America than many people have yet to realize. Of course the tooth-and-nail bout between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney was the main event. And it was blood, coming down to districts in Ohio and Florida. In the end, Obama earned another term. But across the country, things are changing. After being on ballots 32 times across the country, gay marriage rights passed by popular vote in both Maine and Maryland, and possibly in Washington, a historic victory for gay rights activists. On the West coast the change came on a different front. Washington and Colorado have officially legalized marijuana for recreational use. In Colorado, Amendment 64 removes criminal penalties for marijuana possession in adults 21 plus. The amendment also allows adults to grow up to six marijuana plants. Washington’s Initiative 502 also removes all criminal and civil penalties from adults. In Washington marijuana regulation will fall under the liquor control board. While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, these two states are using a powerful weapon in the fight for their citizens’ right to use marijuana: safety in numbers. The DEA is unlikely to keep up enforcement with an entire state with potential “grows” of up to six plants in a home. The country is in a state of flux. The economy is still a quagmire, the NHL is locked out again, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin rocketed into relevance with a historically dominant 251 yard, four touchdown performance against the Oakland Raiders last weekend. The Obama-Romney race was the only exciting heavyweight fight we are likely to see anytime soon, unless “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather decides to take on Manny Pacquaio.
Senior Ryan Shewchuk’s personality is something that shines both on and off the soccer field; he plays the game from the heart. At the age of three, Shewchuk developed a love for soccer. He also played basketball, baseball and hockey, but it was soccer that rose above everything else. “I always picked soccer. If I had other games on the same day it was always soccer first,” Shewchuk said. “It’s just something that I always wanted to do over everything else. Instead of sitting at Photo by Kayla Degnan/ Beacon staff home and watching TV, I would Senior Ryan Shewchuk goes head-to-head with a player from be in the backyard kicking a soc- Westfield. cer ball.” Shewchuk said his mother hardworking player and he wantThis year was definitely our best would always tell him ever since ed someone like that on the team. year, so far, it just didn’t show in he was born he had a soccer ball Shewchuk has his own pre- records” he said. “Each captain is in his hand. Shewchuk said the game ritual to make sure each a different type of teacher and it support of his family and friends game goes well. Every morning really brings the team together.” is what keeps him going. on game days he eats an egg sandHildbrand said Shewchuk, as a “My parents always showed wich on a bagel and tries to eat captain, is a big part in who the their support. They went to every fruit or something light for lunch. team is now and whom they will game that they could,” Shewchuk Before leaving for every game, be in years to come. said. Ryan’s housemates wish him luck “The graduating class, along In middle school , even a broken and wear his warm up jerseys to with previous graduating classes, leg couldn’t stop Shewchuk’s de- every game. have set a foundation for the team sire to play the game. All of these things are important that will hopefully lead the team “My will to keep on playing was to Shewchuk, but one thing stands in later years, to a championship,” what made me go back into the out more than most: he has to eat he said. “On a personal level, Ryan game with a broken leg,” he said. a bag a Skittles before every game. is fun to be around. He has a great Shewchuk, along with two of “Last year I had a bag of Skittles personality and it’s something we his closest friends, was named before a game and I played really as a team will truly miss when he captain of the soccer team during well that game, so ever since then is gone.” his senior year of high school. He I have to eat a bag of Skittles beShewchuk hopes to go into the then chose to pursue the sport in fore each game,” Shewchuk said. criminal justice field, specifically his college career because giving As a co-captain, Shewchuk puts the K-9 unit after graduation. up the sport was not an option. his team before everything. “Ever since I was little I always Aside from MCLA, Shewchuk “He is sensitive to the needs of wanted a dog and my mom would was recruited by three other col- the group and he puts them first,” never let me have one. She said if leges: Nichols, Western New Eng- Hildabrand said. “He makes sure I was in the K-9 unit I could keep land University and AIC. everyone is okay.” the dog,” Shewchuk said. Adam Hildabrand, coach of the The team’s bond is strong on Shewchuk said he will miss Men’s Soccer team, said he was and off the field, though Shew- his team after he graduates, but lucky to get Shewchuk as a player. chuk said this didn’t show in the hopes to visit as much as he can “It was rare that I would beat records. and keep the relationships he has WNEC’s coach with recruiting,” “Our chemistry is powerful and made with each and every teamHildabrand said. “There were very we all play really well together,” mate. Soccer will not end for him few times where we would recruit Shewchuk said. “We just didn’t with graduation. Shewchuk wants the same person and I would get get as many wins as we deserved.” to be a part of a men’s soccer them on my team.” Hildabrand agrees the team league after college or find some Hildabrand said Shewchuk didn’t get dealt the best hand this way to keep the sport in his life. showed he was a respected and season.
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Morrison: coaching and culture By Kayla Degnan Staff Writer
Jamie Morrison is a man with two passions, basketball and the Native American culture. This semester he was given the opportunity to fulfill both all while making an impact on the lives of those who work with him. Morrison, coach of the Men’s Basketball team, has recently been accepted the position as the director of Native Tribal Scholars, a program under the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. “I’m Native American, my family is, and we have a strong passion for our culture,” Morrison said. “I have worked in several native communities since graduating college, but I have been removed from that a bit since coming to MCLA. This was a chance to get back to my community. It’s a best of both worlds for me.” Morrison said the Native American Scholars is similar to a pre-college academic prep program, which focuses on getting native American students enrolled in college with plans to graduate.
“This was a chance to get back to my community. It’s a best of both worlds for me.” -Jamie Morrison The year-round opportunity includes a six-week summer residential program offering academic classes, workshops, college visits, and field trips, all incorporating the Native culture. Although Morrison accepted the full-time position, he will still continue to coach basketball at the College. “I really enjoy sports and athletics and helping these guys be better players, students and men,” Morrison said. Morrison’s method of balancing both jobs is to manage his time and responsibilities wisely. He does aknowledge that balancing the team and his new job may create new challenges. “I think it’s a situation that will work out well, but will have to re-evaluate at the end of the year to see if it’s something I and everybody involved wants to continue,” Morrison said. Having previously worked for the Indian Center in Boston, Morrison said it feels good to reconnect with old friends through his new position. The Trailblazers are hoping to improve on their 8-19 record last season. Tehy open the season at home on Nov. 19.
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Thursday, November 8, 2012
Sports
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Cross-country competes in ECAC championships By Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor
The 2012 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Cross-country championships were held on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Mount Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, Mass. Both the men’s and women’s teams competed in the event. In front of a large crowd bundled up against a blustery and cold morning, over 100 colleges and 800 student-athletes from all over the Northeast made the trip to Saturday’s event, hosted by Williams College and the ECAC. Middlebury College won the women's championship with a final team score of 31. Drew University senior, Jennifer Van Wingerden, took first in the women's championship with a time of 22:54. The Trailblazers finished in 37th place in the championship with a score of 245. The Trailblazers were paced by Dani Sylvester's time of 27:49. Monica Conlin and Claire Photo by Jack Guerino/ Beacon staff Simmons were right on her The Trailblazers try to get a good start at the ECAC tournament on Saturday. Over 800 athletes participated in the men’s and women’s race. heels and finished in second and a senior from Tufts University finished 30th in the field of finish, covering the distance in Both squads finish their season third for the team. Amherst College won the won the men's championship 43 teams with a score of 252. 28:59. Keith Desilets was the on Saturday at the NCAA New men's championship with a final with an individual time of 26:22. Anthony Cancilla paced the next Trailblazer across the finish England Regionals, hosted by The MCLA Trailblazers Trailblazers with a 94th place line as he crossed in 30:28. Westfield State. team score of 44. Sam Haney,
Seven Trailblazers earn MASCAC honors By Andrew Hodgson Sports Editor
On Monday, MASCAC conference officials announced the conference honors for the fall season, as teams across the state wrapped up conference tournaments and prepared for the NCAA III tournaments. Seven Trailblazers made the allconference squads for their hard work this season. In volleyball, Framingham State’s Andressa Fernandes was named player of the year for the second straight year. Fernandes terrorized the MASCAC this year, earning 438 kills and 314 digs. Her efforts led the Rams to their first MASCAC title and helped earn them a birth in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Representing the Trailblazers on the second-team all-conference squad is junior co-captain Julia Christian. Christian led the Trailblazers with 222 kills and 164 digs. For men’s soccer, Salem State’s Eryk Fernandez took the player of the year honor. Fernandez finished the year with 14 goals and four assists, and looks to add to his total in the MASCAC Championship game. The Trailblazers are represented on the second-team all-conference by senior forward Jake McCall.
McCall led the Trailblazers with seven goals on the season, adding two assists as well. On the women’s soccer side, Westfield State senior forward Kayley Miller took player of the year due to a dominant 20 goal and nine assist season. Westfield took the MASCAC tournament title and remains undefeated (180-1) as they look forward to the NCAA III tournament. The women’s soccer team had five players honored by the conference. Three Trailblazers made the first-team allconference. Junior Jen Ferrari made the team even being sidelined by an injury for a few games. She ended the season with ten goals and two assists for 22 points. Four of her goals sealed victories for the Trailblazers. Sophomore back Tina Klich was also recognized for her contributions to the team this year. Junior goaltender Danielle Heinsohn allowed only 36 goals this season while making 161 saves to earn her spot on the allMASCAC squad. The second-team all-conference included junior midfielder Lindsay Borbolla and sophomore back Ashlee Scofield. Borbolla posted five goals and nine assists for 19 points this season. Scofield had two goals and one assist in the 2012 campaign.
Women’s soccer fall to Bears
Third seed Bridgewater State overwhelm Trailblazers, 4-0 By Chris Oxholm Sports Writer
The sixth-seeded Women’s Soccer team lost in the quarter finals of the MASAC playoff to third-seed Bridgewater State (88-2) last week in a 4-0 loss. The two teams were meeting in the conference tournament for the second time in the past three years. The Trailblazers end the season with a 7-11 record. The scoring for the Bears began with sophomore Emily Lane at 23 minutes. A shot by junior Erica Jonasson was turned away by Trailblazer goalie Danielle Heinsohn only to have the ball rifled into the net by Lane. Mackenzie Hatfield got the Bear’s second goal at 38 minutes, kicking the ball above Heinsohn’s outstretched hand. The last goal of the first half was scored by Erica Jonasson for the Bears at 43 minutes on a breakaway. In the second half, junior Olivia Creonte scored the fourth and final goal for the Bears at 64 minutes with an assist from Lane. They held off the Trailblazers for the last 25 minutes of the game. Bridgewater dominated the match with 25 shots to MCLA’s nine. For seniors like Kasie Harrington of the Trailblazers, the hard loss was the last game of their collegiate career. “It's sad that the season ended, but I am so proud of everyone and the
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon staff
Keshia Devoe makes a run towards Mount Holyoke’s goal.
hard work we all put in,” Harrington said. “I'm truly going to miss it, I loved every minute of my four years playing and I am grateful for all the memories made and the relationships that were formed.” Although the underclassmen aren’t leaving the team, they still share the same feeling of losing teammates. They are a team that possesses great deal of love and spirit. “I have been part of the program for four years with those girls and I wouldn't change a thing,” said junior Brianna Dandurant. “It's
crazy how much each of these senior girls have grown since our freshman year.” They know that everyone on the team is a good athlete and always use the best of their abilities. “Even though we lost the senior game I wouldn't change that game at all. Everyone gave their all and that's all that matters,” Dandurant said. The Trailblazers will hang up their jerseys until next season. Until then, they’ll be getting ready for another season of Blazer Fever.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Arts & Entertainment
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Lewitticisms: A flowing tribute to Sol Lewitt
Photos by Takeya Lee/Beacon staff
Williams CoDa performs at Mass MoCa. For more photos, check out the Photo Essay on page 12.
By Haley Costen A&E Writer
Life imitated art at Williams College’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble’s (CoDa) sold-out performance of “Lewitticisms” at Mass MoCA on Thursday, Nov. 1. This was not a typical dance show occurring on a stage while the audience sat and watched; it was interactive. Approximately 50 attendees were led upstairs and given packets with either a red or blue line at the top that indicated which dancers to follow. The crowd watched in hushed silence as barefoot female dancers in red, grey, and white dresses, along with a single male dancer, moved to calming music in front of
walls of grey, black, and yellow art. CoDa’s movements were described in the program as “integrating the foundational techniques of modern and ballet with contemporary and popular forms of movement.” In front of the neutral colored walls of “Sol Lewitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective” exhibit, the dancers made fluid, ballet-like movements while bouncing and flitting to Bach. Meanwhile, surrounded by bright orange, red, and blue walls, the music and dancing turned loud and dramatic. Movements became erratic during a solo routine for “A Not-Straight Line” in front of “Wall Drawing 793B.” “Lewitticisms” was performed
last spring at Williams College, but according to Erica Dankmeyer, coartistic director and choreographer of CoDa, art was displayed on the floor where the dancers performed, and the ensemble gained many new dancers who were unfamiliar to the routine. “We had the bones of it at last spring’s show, but there was a lot of restaging and scraping things that didn’t go with the art,” said Janine Parker, co-artistic director and choreographer. While the directors explained the ensemble had been rehearsing for about two and half months, the dancers only got to practice at MoCA three times before performing. The routine that earned the most
smiles and laughter from the audience was “Duet,” featuring two of the dancers performing to Etta James’ classic song “At Last.” The girls were dressed in multicolored ‘70s-style dresses that contrasted against the black and white geometric art, “Wall Drawing 792,” behind them. They moved slowly to the music, sharing playful smiles with the audience and each other, making it one of the more interactive performances. “I think it was a really creative use of the space,” said Courtney Parker, an MCLA alumna and asssistant to the managing director of performing arts. “It’s nice to see what’s happening with a local connection.” The final performance in
“Lewitticisms,” featured the dancers moving with long, silk pieces of fabric matching the bright yellows, oranges, reds, and greens that adorned the walls, earned a long stretch of applause by the audience before the crowd exited the Ruth E. Proud Charitable Trust Gallery, which hosts the Lewitt gallery. A musical performance by Karl Larson was scheduled to follow “Lewitticisms” but was cancelled because Larson could not leave New York due to the damage cause by Hurricane Sandy. “Sol Lewitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective” was installed in Mass MoCa in 2008 and, according to Mass MoCA’s website, will be on view through 2033.
Blue Marble: The Universe of Josh Simpson
Josh Simpson is an internationally-renowned glass artist. His work is currently on display at MCLA’s Gallery 51. For descriptions and information on more art exhibits in North Adams, see page 8.
Photos by Jess Gamari/ Beacon staff
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Thursday, November 8, 2012
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Galleries offer variety of art in downtown North Adams By Michael Feloni A&E Writer
Just a 10 minute walk from campus, downtown North Adams is filled with new galleries and exhibits for every art fan’s taste. Studio21south Located on Eagle Street, right across from Desperado’s, this small gallery showcases artists from the Berkshires, New York, and the rest of the Northeast area. “We have had a lot of shows that have shown an industrial genre” said Gallery Coordinator Jaye Fox. “We did a show re-imaging New York City.” Inside the gallery, visitors will find everything from New York City bridges and old iron manufacturing factories to scenes from back roads in Berkshire County. The original location of the gallery was in the same mill building as the popular Frog Lotus yoga studio. “We used to be up at the Beaver Mill,” Fox said. “We’ve been getting a lot more traffic at our new location thanks to street traffic.” “Our visitors are about 70 percent New Yorkbased, 20 percent Boston-based, and only 10 percent local,” Fox said. “We’d love for more locals to come in.” Something to note about the gallery is its eccletic mix of frames. Studio21south has everything from black to wood to unframed work on their walls. Frank Curran, one of the featured artists in, currently has his work collection entitled “Ruins in Summer Light” on display at Studio21south. The
paintings feature scenes from an old iron works factory and the surrounding area. NAACO Gallery Located at the corner of Route 8 and Main Street, the NAACO (North Adams Artist Co-Op) Gallery is collection of local and national artists featuring multiple mediums. “NAACO Gallery was started in 2008 as part of Downstreet Art,” said Colleen Williams, co-director and curator of the gallery. “It ran for four month’s time and at its conclusion, the director and treasurer disbanded and the business ended.” The following year, the gallery was brought into Downstreet Art and was resurrected by Williams, her partner, painter and figurative artist, Nestor Valdes, and a number of other members. “Most of our artist-members are New England regional,” Williams said. The artists come from as far as London, England and as close as right down the street in North Adams and Bennington, Vt., she said. “We hold monthly receptions for our new exhibits, always held in conjunction with MCLA’s Gallery 51 exhibitions,” Williams continued. “We try to have a broad appeal with a varied selection of work, something for everyone!” The mediums used in NAACO’s artwork are split right down the middle with a healthy balance of fine art, including painting, photography, mixed media, and craft media, which pertains to anything from handmade clothing, to bowls and wine stoppers. Artist Franco Pellegrino blend a mix of pop art colors with natural subjects such as trees for bright prints.
The Downtown Saunter
With November comes beautifully crisp autumn days. These days can be spent walking around downtown’s many galleries. Here’s how to do it: • Start at the Mohawk marquee, a piece of North Adams history that has been part of Main Street since the mid-1930’s. Stop into PRESS and Gallery 107, but the focus here is on the street art. • Walk down Main Street and check out the “Wall of Sound” by Roger Savre and David Poppe, a sculpture made completely of CD cases. • Across the street is a brightly colored bus stop known as “Bus Stand,” which was designed by Victoria Polermo. • Continue down Main Street and take a right onto Holden Street. The mural on the left, “That’s Gneiss” by Melissa Matsuki Lilli, is part of a new initiative to bring more artists to North Adams by Downstreet Art. Lilli is also a local artist from North Adams. • At the end of Holden Street, take a left down Center Street. On the right there is a series of pillars featuring the work of Christina King and nine students from Greylock Elementary. These pillar murals were modeled after the famous Arnold Printwork dolls from the turn of the 20th century. • Head back toward the center of town and create an original gallery tour! • There are many more galleries and exhibits in North Adams that are open year round. For more information on other galleries, visit www.downstreetart.org.
Allegrettos and Harlequin join for ‘The Putnam Spelling Bee’
Photos courtesy of Cale Hough
Students from both Harlequin and the Allegrettos perform a joint show.
By Shannen Adamites A&E Writer
Harlequin and the Allegrettos came together for the first time to put on William Finn’s Tony Award winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The proceeds from the show went to benefit a $500 scholarship for one child to attend Barrington Stage Company’s “KidsAct” program. “Art should never be the thing that goes away when times are tough,” said Jay Cottle, a senior. The show was directed by Brittney Gerber, a junior, with the vocals directed by Cottle. Gerber is also one of Harlequin’s co-presidents, as well as a co-music director for the Allegrettos. Cottle is one of the founding members of the Allegretos, and directs their gospel choir section. He is currently in charge of public relations for the club. “We are very pleased to put on something so great together for such a great cause,” Gerber said to the audience. All members of the cast participate in both the Allegretos and
Harlequin. The show featured a plethora of high-energy musical numbers, quirky characters, and simple, but effective choreography. For an extra dollar, audience members had the opportunity to be selected to join the cast on stage as a guest speller. These guests included seniors Amanda Monick and Jackie Coughlin, as well as Celia Norcross director of Student Development. Joel Praino, a senior, as the exconvict comfort counselor, Mitch Mahoney, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sophomore John Geary, as the delightfully deadpan Vice Principal Douglas Panch, explained the rules. As each cast member was called up, Ms. Rona Lisa Peretti, played by senior Jessica Jean-Charles, gave comical tidbits about each speller’s life. Hannah Sterrs, a junior, adorned in mismatching clothes, a bandana and superhero cape, played the hyperactive homeschooler, Leaf Coneybear. When called up to the mic, she sang a poignant song (“I’m Not That Smart”) about how her family has little confidence
in spelling abilities, with her silly antics and gestures lightening the mood. Freshman Callen Gardner may be new to the Church Street Center stage, but he stole the spotlight as William Barfée, last year’s finalist with awful allergies and a touchy personality. Gardner’s jazzy number (“Magic Foot”) provided a great deal of laughs in the audience as he shuffled around the stage and ended with a chorus line. Even in larger group numbers, the cast never missed a beat or decreased their energy. The song “Pandemonium” got everyone up on their feet, dancing and singing wildly about the unfairness of luck in the spelling bee. The cast sang strongly and tightly, never missing a beat despite the chaos. The show was filled with several comical comments. Sophomore Courtney McLaren played Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, a politically aware perfectionist with a speech impediment and two sassy, overbearing fathers who make her victory their main priority, played by Praino and Jordan Cohen, a senior. Sophomore Lauren Feeney
played transfer student Marcy Park, who appears to be all business, is just overwhelmed with stress. In a moment of crisis, she encountered Jesus, played by Cohen, who gave her advice. Jon Kinney, a senior, played Chip Tolentino, a boy scout and last year’s spelling bee champion. His only demise was his inability to control his adolescent urges, as Coneybear’s sister, Marigold, in the audience, distracted him. After a brief dispute with Mitch Mahoney, where Chip refused to leave the bee and accept his complimentary juice box, he returned to the stage during a snack break, passing out candy to the audience and singing about his “unfortunate erection.” Melody Rolph, a junior, played the socially awkward Olive Ostrovsky, who made friends with her dictionary because her parents were never home. Rolph sings an emotional number, featuring Cottle and Gerber as her parents (“The I Love You Song”), where they give her words of encouragement and love even though they are far away. A variety of characters and voices came together very nicely for
a quirky show, balanced out with both upbeat and touching numbers. “I really enjoyed it, “ said recent alumni, Tim Range, “They balanced out acting and singing very nicely, and the music didn’t over power the singers.” Keifer Gammell, another alumni, said, “The combination of the two clubs was definitely a good idea.” “I’m very happy the Allegretos and Harlequin came together,” Kinney said. “We’re the two big singing clubs on campus, so it works out very well.” Sophomore Lynn McEaney was also very impressed with “Putnam.” “This show really emphasized the cast’s acting and singing abilities, and comedic timing,” she said. “I was blown away by their talents, and I know the whole audience was blown away, too.” For another perspective of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” check out Aya Lanzoni’s article online, which includes a review of the question and answer session with the playwright.
Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, November 8, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
Jonathan Secor: An arts maverick By Michael Feloni A&E Writer
Tano Holmes A&E Editor
T
he United States of America has long held itself up in the world’s eye as the shining example of what a good democracy should be. Yet we, the voters, only have two viable options for the president of the United States. Our political system in the United States is completely controlled by two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. Not only do we lack a variety of options for candidates, but having a two party system is exceptionally bad for progress. Look at the way policies and laws have been implemented by a single party when they have a president in office or control of the Senate. The opposing party attempts to overturn all proposed bills. This is a pattern of implementation and reversal. The republican desire to overturn Roe V. Wade is a prime example. Additionally, many people whose views differ from the two main political parties do not have a real way to vote for their values. This is evident in the lack of power the Green Party has. While it does exist, they have no members in the House of Representatives or the senate, and thus issues of the environment are left as minor discussion topics for democratic and republican politicians. There are many democracies that have more than two parties in the world, and they seem, by most indicators, to be fairing significantly better than the United States. Japan and Germany both formed new democracies after World War II, whose constitutions were written mostly by American generals and politicians. Germany currently has six main political parties which control their parliament (Bundestag) while Japan has 15 different parties represented in their congress. Both these countries have better healthcare, longer life expectancies (Japan has the longest in the world,) use a higher percentage of green energy (Japan and Germany combined produce 77% of the worlds photovoltaic energy), and have far more advanced education systems. These are by products of a government system that allows for progress and not for back and forth politics which keep our country behind the global curve.
Jonathan Secor has been a part of the MCLA community for a number of years, and continues to handle what seems like endless responsibilities with arts management at the College. Secor’s latest endeavor for MCLA Presents! was a concert featuring the internationally renowned artist BelÓ, a musician from the island of Haiti. “He is essentially the Bob Marley of Haiti, he’s a superstar,” Secor said. “He’s Haiti’s ambassador to the world for disabilities and the environment.” One of the main reasons MCLA Presents! wanted to bring BelÓ to North Adams specifically was to show him, and the rest of the world, what small towns look like in the U.S.. Along with a concert, BelÓ also held an event with the Allegrettos and went around campus and spoke to various classes. Secor, along with being an integral part of arts management at MCLA, is the man in charge of the College’s own Gallery 51. “I have a really great team, here,” Secor said of Gallery 51 and MCLA Presents!. “We all work very well together and they’re such a great help.” Secor also assisted in revamping the North Adams Artist Co-Operative (NAACO), a gallery featuring local and national artists on Main Street. “Jonathan Secor was looking to resurrect the Co-Op,” said Colleen Williams, curator of the NAACO gallery in downtown North Adams. “I had participated
as one of its artist-members… We realized what a success it was…” “Jonathan Secor has been an extraordinary partner of the Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department,” said Art History and Museum Studies Professor Tony Gengarelly. “His leadership in cultural events is felt all over Berkshire County.” According to Gengarelly, Secor has played an integral part in arranging national and international trips and events for FPA students for years. He also expressed how difficult it is to see the leap MCLA has made in the past several years without Secor. “He is brilliant and affable, a marvelous colleague with whom I have had the honor and pleasure to work with,” Gengarelly said. “I took Performing Arts Management with Jonathan in the spring of 2012,” said Hannah Sterrs, a junior. “At the end of the semester, we put on ‘Rock the Block,’ which had an attendance of over 1,000 people.” Sterrs continued to express how big a part of things Secor is in making things happen around campus and in town. “Although, we as a class put together the event, it wouldn’t have been possible without Jonathan,” Sterrs said. “Jonathan pushes us, in a healthy way, to be the best we can,” Sterrs continued about Secor’s work as an educator. “Because he has so much experience, he uses that to teach us how, we too, can be successful.” “Working with Jonathan really opened my eyes to the arts management world,” said Melody
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Photo by Jess Gamari/Beacon staff
Secor stands in front of display Rolph, a senior. “He has done an incredible amount of work within the field and has done it with poise.” “Not only does he teach multiple classes at MCLA,” Rolph continued, “but he works with BCRC, focuses on everything MCLA Presents!, interviews people for BHIP in the Spring, plans and coordinates the special arts management trips, works on community engagement through
at his office in Gallery 51 the arts and much, much more.“ Secor works hard to get things done and stands up for what he believes, she said. “Sometimes I think that Jonathan is a hidden gem within the Berkshires,” Rolph continued, “… but other days I see him saying hello to the general North Adams folk as they walk down the street and I realize that he has a very special place here.”
‘Scenes from an Execution’ to premiere By Aya Lanzoni A&E Writer
The Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department’s MainStage will perform Howard Barker’s “Scenes from an Execution,” Nov. 14 through 17. “‘Scenes from an Execution’ is the story about the great Venetian painter Ana Galactia, played by senior Jackie Coughlin, who is commissioned to paint the notorious Battle of Lepanto, a onethousand square foot canvas which is never seen,” said Lily Urquhart, a junior. “It bounces between trial and error of an artist’s life to create the spectacle drawn in her sketchbook.” A “Conversations in Catastrophe” discussion about the politics, art, and war represented through Barker’s play will take place on Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. Director Laura Standley, students, and professors from art, English, and history will join together to discuss these heavy topics, as well as their impact on the work. “An underlying theme could be female strength. Even today, it is somewhat hard for a female painter to become famous or ‘godlike,’” Urquhart said. “That, and when you have a program, look
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Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
at the characters and [see] how the actors have portrayed them to get a sense about who these people really are in relation to one another.” “You really can’t see anything coming until it’s in front of you,” she added. “Scenes from an Execution” will show in Venable Theatre on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and continue through Nov. 17, with a student matinee on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and a matinee at 2 p.m. The event is free for MCLA students, $5 for faculty and staff, and $10 for general admission.
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Campus Comment
Thursday, November 8, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
How do you feel about the election results? “I knew Obama was going to win because I am taking U.S. Public Policy with Robert Bence and the results were pretty similar to the actual results for the elections.”
“I think now the republicans would have to re-evaluate and reform the Republican Party platform for the future.”
- Raj Ishmael, 2015
- Dominick Cooper, 2015
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.
“I was not really surprised. I knew Obama was going to win because I knew a lot people didn’t agree with Romney.”
“It was good I guess. I was sad that Scott Brown didn’t win for Senate. But I am certainly glad Romney didn’t win.”
- Osakpolo Igiede, 2015
- Devon O’Dowd, 2014
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 am pumped because I get to keep my marriage rights and we will not be regressing in time.”
“I am really excited and very happy. After seeing the results I got a sense of hope for change for this nation.”
- Chris Cozzaglio, 2016
- Charrise Davis, 2014
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
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Editor-in-Chief Chris Goodell
Letters to the Editor
Coverage of ballot Question 2 unbalanced
I would like to express my disappointment regarding the article, “Question 2: Death With Dignity,” especially the section regarding arguments against Question 2. By interviewing the same professors for both sides of the argument, perception is skewed and the arguments against the question seem weaker than those
in favor of the question. It would have been beneficial to interview someone that actually believes in the immorality of the question rather than two professors who have expressed their support for it. Even though I have infinite amounts of respect for Professors Silliman and Johnson, their affirmation of the question in the
first of the two articles gives the perception that the arguments against Question 2 are less valuable. Also, there was no mention of the major concerns of Question 2, such as the fact that not all patients need to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, the fact that a doctor need not be present during the ingestion of
the “treatment”, or the fact that doctors cannot predict the exact amount of time a patient has left to live. With such a serious issue that affects the lives of many people, a more balanced argument should have been given by The Beacon staff. -Stephan Rochefort Class of 2014
Navy veteran to deliver speech in Williamstown Howard Carter is a full time MCLA student who recently retired from the U.S. Navy. This is the beginning of a speech he wrote and is giving in Williamstown for Veteran’s Day. Driving through Williamstown these last few months since my return from service in the South, I have become re-acquainted with the nuances of Northeastern cause mobiles. These cars carry bumper stickers that are largely indicative of Northeast and West Coast thoughts and ideals, not exactly the sentiments I saw more commonly on display in Tennessee. That is fine, because the diversity of our regional political differences helps make our Republic strong. That noted, the Veterans in uniform with whom I served during my 22 years of service never focused on political differences. They never publicly stated political positions while in uniform. They never used the uniform for cause other than service to our great Republic. This Veterans Day,
just following a highly partisan election season, I am proud that loyalty, unity, and liberty are still the cause of our military; that the less than one percent of the population serving in our armed forces serves during a time of global conflict with distinction, pride, ethics, and sacrifice. That is a small amount, less than one percent. The hope that we will be able to maintain current levels of security with so few - or even fewer - in uniform is one that every American shares, but such hopes deny the lessons of history. Historical reality does not support the premise that we can guarantee liberty and security with so few at war forever. Now back to bumper stickers on cause mobiles. One particular set of bumper stickers that I saw a few months back here in town,
struck me as a contradiction. There in front of me as I drove down Rt. 2 was this stereotypical northern red rusted 90s Subaru Outback plastered with causes: stickers such as “unity with Haiti,” and “Save Darfur.” However, also on the rear panel were two stickers that I found in conflict with those very sentiments. On display just inches below “Save Darfur” were bumper stickers reading “Stop American Imperialism” and “End wars.” This naive contradiction hit me with a jaded familiarity. Veterans have come to understand that this odd disparity of American desire to stop oppression with minimal violence often sends our military into harm’s way, and that the public’s second guessing begins before boots even hit the ground. Thankfully, our Veterans sel-
dom did or do second guess their role in our service. Our military as always lawfully follows the orders, guidance, and policy as commanded by our duly elected civil authority. Service members do their jobs; and without our military, the largest humanitarian assistance organization currently on earth, our government, would not be able to project power - power that is required to create security, transport goods and services to those in need, and support the common good around the globe.
To view the rest of Howard Carter’s speech, visit us at theonlinebeacon.com The speech will be given at 11 a.m. at the American Legion at 117 Latham St., Williamstown
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Fun & Games
Thursday, November 8, 2012
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Evacuation and lockdown: preparing for the worst...
Votes and Vets!
Cartoon by Jackie Coughlin
Weekly Horoscopes Aries: March 21-April 19 You may find it a little harder than usual to get along peaceably with your friends -- but any fights should be playful, not serious. Your great energy keeps you from going over the line. Taurus: April 20-May 20 You can ease any tensions today -- so sit down and help people come to agreements! Your natural diplomacy makes almost any situation seem resolvable, so make sure you’re in the right place. Gemini: May 21-June 21 Your closest friends are harder to read today -- but they aren’t trying to keep anything from you! It’s just some downtime that’s crucial to any intense relationship, so don’t make too much of it. Cancer: June 22-July22 You need to drill down and pay careful attention to the small details of your work today. If you’re not working, that could mean that you need to go over your home budget or clean up. Leo: July 23-Aug. 22 You are feeling somewhat downbeat today -- but not depressed! You just would rather have a quiet day and night to yourself than have to frolic with your people, and they should understand that. Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your organizational skills save the day! A problem is quickly solved -- or never arises in the first place -- thanks to your deep awareness of where things are and how they should be. Congratulate yourself! Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Today is perfect for doing absolutely nothing -- if you can swing it! That’s not to say that every action is sure to end disastrously, just that sometimes you need to hang loose and let your energy recharge. Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 A tiny bit of new information comes your way -- and changes everything! You can feel your plans coalescing around this new wrinkle, and everything should go smoothly from here on out. Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You need to know that people aren’t actually trying to drive you insane today, so treat them with some measure of tolerance! They may have their own problems, but it’s probably best to just shut the door.
AMERICA ASSISTED SUICIDE BIDEN BIG BIRD CONSTITUTION ECONOMY ELECTION ELECTORAL
FOREIGN POLICY FREEDOM GANJA HOUSE IMMIGRATION JOBS MARIJUANA OBAMA
POPULAR PRESIDENT RIGHT TO REPAIR ROMNEY RYAN SENATE VETERANS DAY VOTE
Word Search created on PuzzleMaker.com
Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 People need to hear from you -- so reach out! It may require a bit of finagling to connect with some of your far-flung friends, but that’s a small price to pay to keep your relationships alive. Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Try to focus on the small stuff today -- otherwise, you may be at a loss when things start to get weird later tonight or tomorrow. It’s not a disaster, but the details are sure to really matter this time. Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 Your closest relationships all need a wee bit of adjustment today -or maybe you’re just more readily noticing small problems? In any case, you’ve got what it takes to make things right. Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com
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Thursday, November 8, 2012
Photo Essay
theonlinebeacon.com
Community members view the CoDa performers from all angles.
The CoDa dancers perform their final set in front of “Saturating II: Waning.”
Willams Dance Ensemble at MoCA Photos by Takeya Lee
CoDa peforms in front and in between the late Sol Lewitt’s art work.
A Williams student involved in CoDa performs a solo in front of one of Sol Lewitt’s paint wash pieces.
Dancers perform a modern piece in front of Sol Lewitt’s Wall Drawing 792.