Fall 2013 - Issue 6

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

The Beacon

For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Volume 77 ◆ Issue 6

Th u r s d ay, O c t o b e r 2 4 , 2 0 1 3

Better health service is new director’s goal

“The guilty ones”

By Ryan Flynn

Senior News Editor

Photo by Shannen Adamites

The cast of ‘Spring Awakening’ opens the second act with the poignant number, “The Guilty Ones.” From left: Rebeccah Szczygiel, Ben Balon, Clarissa Henebury, Courtney McLaren, Erik Dabrowski and John Hurley. Above them from left, Bradley Thurston, Callen Gardener and Jimmy Dunn.

Read more about the Fine and Performing Art’s performance of ‘Spring Awakening’ on page 7.

Seasoned nurse Jackie Krzanik was named director of Health Services and has two main goals she says she’s tackling this semester: provide the best possible health service for students and hire more staff to make that possible.

Following multiple staff changes at health services, Krzanik was asked to take over the position of director after being a nurse at the College since spring 2011. While acknowledging the new position has definitely been a huge learning curve, she says her biggest focus right now is making sure her staff does the best they can to try and keep students healthy.

“Our main focus right now is addressing the student’s needs,” she said.

Currently, Krzanik said health services has been dealing with respiratory issues, cases of strep throat, and even a few cases of Mono, an illness that can keep a student out of classes for weeks.

“Lots of folks have got upper re-

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Krzanik is the new director of Health Services spiratory symptoms,” she said.

With flu season just around the corner, Krzanik says she is hoping that the free flu vaccination that was offered to students until earlier this week will help keep students healthy, but her staff is ready and prepared. Vaccinations

HEALTH, continued on page 3

Corwin captivates campus, community

By Gabriel Kogel Staff Writer

To say Jeff Corwin’s visit to the College as a Hardman Lecture Series featured speaker generated excitement would be an understatement. The Church Street Center was filled to capacity on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

A number of disappointed attendees found their only option was to shuffle downstairs to the Center’s lower level and watch via a closed circuit monitor.

The biologist, conservationist, and Emmy Award-winning star and producer, best known for his numerous series on Animal Planet, enthralled the audience with his presentation: “100 Heartbeats.” Corwin was candid, sharing often humorous moments from his travels to the remotest locations of places like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.

One of Corwin’s anecdotes recounted his first time seeing a wild South African elephant during the filming of his first TV series “Going Wild.”

“All of a sudden there was this boom, explosion, and a whole wall of acacia trees just blew to make way for this giant African elephant. Big tusks, full muscles, temporal glands weeping his love juices, and he had one focus: a need to breed or squish anything in his path,” Corwin said.

Corwin never used the podium, preferring to get as close as possible to the au-

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dience from the stage apron. Dressing informally in denim jeans and a slightly wrinkled sweater, he moved around the stage, guiding the audience along with gesturing hands.

At the heart of Corwin’s presentation was the ever-increasing threat endangered species and the natural world face from human overpopulation, global warming, pollution and poaching.

“We lose a species of life every twenty minutes on the planet,” he said. In a philosophic twist, Corwin later added “The world we have today, we don’t inherit from our ancestors; we borrow from our children.”

Corwin likened humanity to the asteroid that allegedly ended the age of dinosaurs 50 million years ago. He noted that the factors responsible for habitat loss and the extinction of species are not isolated, but instead combine to make matters worse.

“If you cut down that rainforest in Sumatra, you take all that carbon in the trees, 700 billion tons of it, sending it into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

When you cut down the trees, you expose the orangutans, the Sumatran rhinos, the Asian elephants and tigers, and they become exploited for the black-market trade,” he said.

Yet, there are reasons for optimism, as many endangered species have been protected. Corwin’s favorite example

was the story of the blackfooted ferret, a species thought to have become extinct in the 1970s.

“A rancher in Wyoming opened his door one day, and his dog dropped a dead black footed ferret at his feet.

The rancher Photo by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon brought it to his local fish Corwin shares travel experiences and anecdotes on Oct. 16. and wildlife office, and they asked ‘where’d you find the message Corwin presented, saying they this?’ and he said ‘I think it’s on my land.’ learned a great deal as well.

They went, and sure enough, it was the lost “I think it was very inspiring. He does colony of black footed ferrets,” Corwin said. what I want to do,” junior Morgan Valois Corwin, who grew up in Bridgewater said. “It’s nice to see someone who’s been Mass, said he lived in an apartment com- doing it for many years and seeing his acplex in the city as a child, far from nature. complishments. Hopefully, I can do the He joked that “My mom isn’t Jane Goodall same.” and my dad isn’t David Attenborough,” re“I didn’t really know that I’d be so interferring to the famous naturalists. Instead, ested in the environment,” junior Karissa his father was a Boston police officer and Myers said. “He’s so personable and makes his mother a nurse. everything so relevant to my life as a colStudents expressed an appreciation for lege student.”

Senior math major aims to teach

Harvest Jams to take place on Sat.

Midnight Maddness kicks off at midnight

Mike Vogt also enjoys music, poetry and chemistry

Clubs bring folk bands and student performances

Wear your class colors and get ready for class competitions

Arts & Entertainment, page 6

Sports, page 9

News, page 3

News Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Opinion Local Events Photo Essay

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Campus News

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Weekend Weather

Beacon.MCLA.edu

SGA swears in new senators

Thursday, October 24

Partly Cloudy High: 51 Low: 31 Precip. Chance: 20%

Friday, October 25 Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Seven new senators and six new class officers raise their right hands as they are sworn into the SGA cabinet at Monday’s meeting.

By Ryan Flynn

Senior News Editor

NEASC

Partly Cloudy High: 47° Low: 28° Precip. Chance: 10%

Saturday, October 26

Few Showers High: 49° Low: 33° Precip. Chance: 30%

Sunday, October 27

Partly Cloudy High: 49° Low: 29° Precip. Chance: 20%

Director of Student Development Celia Norcross gave a PowerPoint presentation on the upcoming NEASC accreditation taking place Nov. 3 through. 6.

Primarily, Norcross urged SGA, as well as the student body, to be aware of the process and the role they can play as students.

She said the nine visitors will be interested to hear what students think about the school.

“What they really want to check is how your experience here has been,” she said.

She also encouraged the student government body to attend the NEASC community meeting on Monday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge. She emphaPhoto by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon sized the importance of having as many student voices present President Jake Powers calls the names of the senators to be as possible. Norcross also en- sworn in. couraged each SGA member to Shuttle hour reduction tell at least five people about the Sam Gomez Classic accreditation process.

Senator Ama Adwetewa-Badu President Jake Powers an- spoke on behalf of her class, Club Awards nounced the Sam Gomez Clas- who were confused as to why sic Road Race and Chowderfest there are fewer and less frequent raised more than more than shuttles on campus. Norcross Coordinating Vice President $2,000 over the weekend. provided some insight, stating Hannah Sterrs announced that The total is the highest amount that due to a decrease in students SGA will be giving out weekly in 45 years. using shuttles based on logs each awards to a stand-out club and Executive Vice President driver fills out, it was decided to club member. Starting each Brendan Peltier gave a special shorten shuttle hours, which is Saturday, club members would thanks to those who volunteered expected to result in more stube able to nominate other club for either event. dents riding each shuttle. members and clubs for the “The volunteers were the ones Senator Stephan Rochefort, week’s award, with nominations who did all the work,” he said. a van driver himself, acknowlending the next Sunday. The Peltier said the amount raised edged that he, as well as other winners would be announced was a feat, but the real battle will drivers, is not always able to fill during Monday night meetings, making sure all the money gets out completely accurate logs, which Sterrs said would be an put to the Windsor Lake Project’s particularly on weekends, which incentive for club members to agenda in an efficient and proper is something to take into considattend SGA meetings. SGA has fashion. eration. not yet decided whether only Speculated reasons for fewer the executive board or the entire students riding the shuttle insenate will vote on winners. The clude a decrease in enrollment tentative date for the first set of and an increase in freshmen with nominations is Nov. 2. cars on campus.

New officers sworn in

The seven new SGA senators and six new class officers were sworn in and welcomed to st dent government on Monday.

Elected senators senate at large Jennifer-Jean Baptiste Samantha Beaton Nicholas Hernigle Cale Hough Lanette Simmons

Athlete seat

Anthony Cancilla

Class of 2017 Senate representative: Bridget Forson

Elected class officers Class of 2015

Secretary: Rhea Werner

Class of 2016

Secretary: Nicholas Hernigle

Class of 2017

President: Devante Rosa Vice president: Geraldine Rios Flores Treasurer: Timothy Williams Secretary: Shelby Gauthier

Campus News

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Music, mathematics, and sensibility Increase

By Hannah Sterrs Staff Writer

After a 10-hour day of classes, Mike Vogt finally makes it back to his apartment to enjoy what is left of a beautiful day.

Vogt, a senior math major, has a coffee in one hand and a black pen tucked behind his right ear. In the 30 minutes he’s been home, five different people have approached him to say hello.

“That happens a lot,” says Vogt, with a wide and sincere smile.

Vogt, originally from Millis, Mass., entered MCLA in the fall of 2010 after experiencing ‘love at first sight’ upon touring the College the previous year.

“MCLA was the first college I visited,” says Vogt. “I came in October, saw the foliage, and knew I wanted to come here.”

In the future, Vogt says he hopes to achieve his goal of becoming a high school math teacher. The education career path is no surprise to many of his friends, says Ben Willnow: it seems to be the perfect fit for Vogt.

“I wasn’t surprised when Mike told me he wanted to be a teacher,” Willnow said.

Willnow, a friend of Vogt, is a member of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) club on campus.

“Every time he leads a meeting, I think of how great a teacher he will be,” Willnow continued.

Vogt is now going on his second term as president of SSDP, after previously serving as treasurer, and is also one of the founding members.

Vogt says he’s doing all he can to make sure his college experience

in health staff

is the best it can be. And so far, he has done quite well.

Other than his presidency of SSDP, Vogt is a supervisor for the intramurals program, a program coordinator of the Center for Service program Problem Solving, and secretary of the Math Society, among other titles.

Surprisingly enough, Vogt did not find himself involved in clubs and community programs until he came to the College.

“When I got here, I decided I wanted to get involved,” says Vogt. “Now, I’ve certainly gotten my feet wet.”

HEALTH, continued from page 1

“When friends come to visit, Mike is the first person you want them to meet.”

-Chris Tate Not only did the College inspire Vogt to get involved but he also found another interest: chemistry.

On top of his math major, he is also working toward a minor in chemistry. Vogt is even a tutor for organic chemistry–the same class he says showed him that chemistry could be fun.

Having so many responsibilities can elongate a day. Vogt says his schedule usually consists of “late nights and early starts,” but he fills whatever free time he has with the things he loves.

Some of those loves include writing poetry, playing music, spending time outside, and hang-

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Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Michael Vogt is a musician, poet, the President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and he is very connected on campus. ing out with friends.

“Mike is always ready to do anything creative or fun,” senior Chris Tate said. “When your friends from home come to visit, Mike is the first person you want them to meet.”

Tate first met Vogt at the Play Fair, which takes place during First Days. Now both seniors, they continue their friendship in and out of school.

SSDP and the Inter-Greek Council, which Tate is president of, collaborate once every month to host an open mic night in Sullivan Lounge that has a record of attracting a full room.

Vogt regularly performs songs on guitar at these open mic nights.

He’s a self-taught musician who

began learning at an early age.

After stumbling upon his mother’s old acoustic guitar in a closet in his family’s home, Vogt taught himself to play at the age of 13.

Now 21, he’s known to perform music written by others. However, he also writes some of his own songs.

Using the skills he has learned in classes and his love for helping others, Vogt thinks he will stay in Berkshire County after graduating in May. “This area is in need of change,” said Vogt, “and I feel like I have something to offer.”

Until then, Vogt can be found almost anywhere sporting an ever-present grin.

were offered exclusively to students until Monday and then became open to faculty as well.

She also said she would like to improve communication between students and health services, as well as provide discharge instructions for students so they have more information on whatever illness or health issue they’re dealing with. She said she’s willing to hear more feedback from students.

“We’re open to suggestions from students if there’s something that they want here that we don’t offer,” she said.

Krzanik also added that within the next two months there will be four or five new Health Services staff members. Krzanik noted that she is a bit understaffed right now, and said she will be hiring two new nurses and two or three nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants.

“I think what we’re trying to do is have enough staff so that the students are seen in a timely fashion,” she said.

Krzanik has been working as a nurse since 1994 and currently also works as an emergency room nurse for North Adams Regional Hospital. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s from Russell Sage College.

New management at Supreme To attract customers, the Kostopoulos hold special contests and raffles.

Winners of the dance competition will recieve cash prizes or a donation toward dance lessons.

By Nick Swanson Staff Writer

Supreme Pizza has new management under owner Alex Kostopoulos and a general manager who wishes to remain unnamed.

The Kostopoulos family has owned the restaurant for three years.

“My father is getting older now, so he needs to take his own time, but I am willing to take over the family business for the community and to support my family,” Kostopoulos said.

The new managers have created ideas that give back to the community and keep people interested in going to the pizzeria. Every month, prizes such as a large pizza, a party-size pizza, and gift cards to Supreme are granted to raffle ticket winners.

The Kostopoulos family originally owned a video store in Roslindale, Mass., which was comparable to Hollywood Video and Blockbuster. There, raffle tickets were also used to attract customers.

“Right now we are doing a

special contest that is directed at Dance Company at MCLA, or anyone who loves dancing, which has always been a passion of mine,” Kostopoulos said. “To win, all somebody has to do is upload their best 15-second dance video on our Facebook page.”

The prize which will be awarded to the first place winner is $50 dollars cash, and the second place winner will receive a donation for the purpose of taking part in break dancing lessons at a studio in North Adams.

Supreme Pizza has participated in the Blazer Bucks program since it was applied to the meal plan provided to students at MCLA. According to Kostopoulos, although the form of payment is still accepted in store, it is no longer allowed for a delivery order.

“Some people started using ID cards that were lost or stolen, and that didn’t seem fair to us, that the money could be used by the wrong person,” Kostopoulos said.

The pizzeria will make food deliveries to locations as distant as Stamford, Vt., and Williamstown, Clarksburg, and Adams, Mass.

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon

Supreme Pizza, located at 117 Main St. in North Adams, accepst Blazer Bucks for dine-in meals.

The managers have donated to the Have Hope nonprofit organization, which supports drugaddiction awareness and prevention. Rebecca Dodge created the group after the loss of a close friend in a drug-related situation.

“The community has always been a big thing to me, so I do what I can in different areas to improve customer service,” Kostopoulos explained. “If I can possibly make you feel half as good as I do when I come in here, then money is not an issue in doing that.”

A new option is available for customers who pay with their debit or credit card, which al-

lows 10 percent of the total bill to be donated to local charities that help churches and schools.

The managers also trade Supreme gift certificates with other food establishments. Both Supreme and the other establishments can benefit from the shared advertising.

“I get a lot of gratification out of seeing employees helping and being helpful in the pizza shop and to the customers,” Kostopoulos said.

Kostopoulos has a work week of around 84 hours. He performs multiple jobs in the restaurant, from preparing the food to, at times, delivering it.

“In my experience, leadership is meant to be ‘lead from the front with everyone else,’ not by giving orders from the back,” Kostopoulos said.

“We have fun working here, and the new managers are doing things that will definitely benefit the community, including promoting things online that will keep them updated on new things we will be doing,” Maria Denaul, employee at Supreme Pizza, said.

According to Kostopoulos, the most signature items on the menu are the garlic parmesan chicken wings, the house special pizza, and newly added fried dough and dunkers.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

News

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Jobless rate drops to 7.2% Dolphin slaughter in Peru MCT Campus

WASHINGTON Employers added a disappointing 148,000 jobs in September but the unemployment rate trickled down a touch to 7.2 percent, the government said Tuesday in a closely followed report more than two weeks late because of the partial government shutdown.

Economists had been flying blind in October as several key government reports were sidelined by the shutdown. Chief among them was the September jobs report since employment has become a key real-time barometer of the economy’s health.

And Tuesday that report came in mixed.

Mainstream economists had expected as much as 180,000 new jobs last month, so the actual number was a letdown. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised prior months’ numbers, and the 169,000 jobs first reported in August was revised up to 193,000.

Given the strong August, Tuesday’s report suggest the economy was decelerating before the partial government shutdown that began on Oct. 1 and threat of a voluntary default on U.S. bonds.

“The bad news is that the job market was soft even before the government shutdown and debt limit brinksmanship,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for forecaster Moody’s Analytics. “The good news is that if lawmakers don’t make significant changes to policy in the upcoming budget negotiations, and I don’t think they will, the fiscal drag will fade going into next year and job growth will re-accelerate.”

The drag he cited includes this year’s end of a payroll-tax holiday that meant American workers were again contributing the full amount of their payments into the Medicare and Social Security systems, reducing what had been extra spending money for consumers. The drag also

comes from the budget sequester, which imposed across-the-board cuts in spending by parts of the government including defense, a big part of the U.S. economy.

The private sector created 129,000 jobs in September, Tuesday’s report said, the average for the past three months. It’s a soft number for the world’s largest economy, and Jason Furman, the new head of the White House Council of Economic Advisers said the average is “lower than we can be fully satisfied with, partially reflecting the effects of fiscal contraction.”

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, pounced on the sluggish jobs report, using a statement minutes after the release of the report to re-engage on the fight that shut down the government over Republican opposition to the Affordable Care Act. “Add the higher costs and rising premiums of ObamaCare on top of disappointing jobs numbers and underwhelming wage growth, and you have a recipe for economic stagnation,” the speaker said.

“That’s why in the weeks and months ahead Republicans are going to continue to work to stop the president’s health care law, and to pursue pro-growth policies that strengthen our economy and expand opportunity for all Americans.”

Economists think the political turmoil dinged job growth in October and expect it will result in slower economic growth for the remainder of the year. The White House’s Furman said it was already apparent in the data.

“Prior to the shutdown, the four-week moving average of (first-time unemployment) claims fell to 305,000, the lowest level since May 2007. But initial claims spiked in the first two weeks of October,” he said.

The October jobs report also has been delayed, with a release date now for Nov. 8 as statisticians try to make up for a lost half-month of data collection.

MCT Campus

LIMA, Peru _ The Peruvian government has promised to investigate charges by an environmental group that the out-of-control slaughter of dolphins in Pacific coastal waters has put the ocean mammal at risk.

At least 15,000 dolphins annually are being killed off the Peruvian coast by fishermen who use them as shark bait, the environmental watchdog group Asociacion Mundo Azul, or Blue World Association, said late Saturday. The organization conducted a months-long undercover investigation by placing informants aboard fishing vessels.

Killing of dolphins was outlawed by Peru’s legislature in 1997, but Stefan Austermuhle, executive director of Blue World, said fishermen have continued to target the mammals, which they harpoon.

Sharks, an increasingly coveted catch for meat, which is sold in Peru, and for fins sold on the black market in Asia, are also depleting rapidly, he said.

“This ecological crime is an open secret in Peruvian fishing,” Austermuhle said in an interview, adding that most fishermen spear the dolphins swimming in schools as far as 50 miles from the coastline. Austermuhle himself accompanied fishermen and filmed the harpooning of several dolphins.

His group calculated the approximate number of dolphins killed each year by multiplying the number of registered fishing boats by the average number of annual trips, and multiplied that number by the two to six dolphins that fishermen kill per trip on average, according to the organization’s on-board intelligence.

“The fishermen even buy harpoons known as ‘dolphin killers,’” he said. “This happens in front of the entire world, and no one does anything.”

Peru’s vice minister in charge of fishing, Paul Phumpiu, said Saturday that the gov-

MCT Campus File Photo

An animal rescue team begins to assist an injured dolphin. ernment has opened an investigation into the allegations that will be completed by June.

Gonzalo Llosa, a consultant to Peru’s environment ministry, said evidence gathered by Blue World had been forwarded to environmental police to demonstrate “the level of cruelty that is going on, as well as total impunity.”

The consultant added that education programs sponsored by regional and local governments are the answer to the slaughter.

“We can attack this best as a social problem,” Llosa said.

Shark killing is not prohibited but is tightly regulated. Catching sharks less than 5 feet long is illegal. Illicit fishing boats targets juvenile sharks, a practice that over time has put Peruvian coastal shark populations “on the verge of collapse,” Austermuhle said.

Blue World and other groups warn that killing of dolphins and sharks poses a threat to coastal food chains. Fishermen along Panama’s Pacific coast, for example, have said that shrimp and lobster populations have vanished because the killing of sharks has eliminated a natural predator of the octopus, which feeds on shellfish.

World News

Thursday, October 24, 2013

iPhone 5c sales declining MCT Campus

Is the iPhone 5C a rare miss for Apple?

Little over a month after its release, analysts are questioning how well Apple’s new plastic-encased smartphone is faring with consumers.

That scrutiny is being driven by a number of warning signs that have raised the prospect that the 5C might be the first new iPhone to be anything less than a runaway success.

Retailers have already been offering discounts on the phone, and several analysts are alleging that Apple has told suppliers to cut back on iPhone 5C parts production. One Verizon Communications executive said Thursday that the iPhone 5C had “undersold expectations.” And although the pricier iPhone 5S remains hard to find, the 5C appears to be readily available just about everywhere.

With Apple being Apple _ it keeps sales figures close to its vest and refuses to comment on the reports _ no one can be quite sure how the iPhone 5C is doing.

“The real answer is that no one outside of Apple really knows,” said Carl Howe, a Yankee Group analyst.

Although Apple makes big money selling Macbooks and iPads, the performance of the iPhone remains the closely watched barometer of the company’s success. Barclays Research estimates

Beacon.MCLA.edu

China wary of U.S. financial crisis MCT Campus

MCT Campus Photo

The iPhone 5s is selling more than the iPhone 5c. that the iPhone accounted for 53 percent of Apple’s revenue for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, compared with 19 percent for the iPad. When Apple first revealed the iPhone 5C last month, it marked a departure from the company’s usual strategy of releasing one new iPhone at a time.

On Sept. 10, the company debuted the iPhone 5S as its new high-end phone, complete with faster processor, fingerprint scanner and improved camera. But it also rolled out the 5C, which sports a plastic case and comes in five colors but is otherwise largely similar inside to the iPhone 5 that was released a year ago.

“IPhone 5C is beautifully, unapologetically plastic,” Apple design guru Jonathan Ive gushed in a promotional video.

Though the plastic case was expected, the price surprised many analysts. As rumors spread that Apple was making a plastic smartphone, analysts assumed this was the “cheaper” iPhone they had argued the company needed to better compete for first-time buyers of smartphones and customers in emerging markets.

Instead, the 16-gigabyte iPhone 5C costs $99 with a two-year service contract, about $100 less than the 5S, but it’s more expensive than the iPhone 4S, which many carriers were offering free with a contract. Without a contract, the iPhone 5C costs $549, putting it out of reach of many consumers in countries where carriers don’t subsidize the cost of the phone.

Typically, the iPhone 5 would have become the mid-priced phone, but Apple discontinued it.

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Despite the end last week of the 16-day U.S. government shutdown and the extension of the debt ceiling until next year, there are few signs that the situation has reassured China, the largest holder of American debt.

With around $1.28 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds already in its portfolio, China has little choice but to continue to buy U.S. debt, economists say. Government bonds from Japan and Europe are a less attractive investment, and finding other avenues to diversify the country’s huge foreign currency reserves would require major economic reforms and could result in unwanted volatility.

Yet the partisan infighting that brought the U.S. government within hours of a default is increasing domestic pressure on Beijing to reduce its exposure to America.

“The challenge for China is if they don’t own U.S. Treasurys, what would they buy instead?” said William Adams, an international economist for PNC Financial Services Group. “There are not a lot more attractive options out there.”

China, with an economy still heavily dependent on exports, needs a robust American economy to continue to bolster its manufacturing sector, and that makes

it unlikely that China would stop buying America’s debt in the near future, said Arthur Kroeber, managing director of GaveKal Dragonomics, a global economic research firm in Beijing.

That doesn’t mean, however, that China’s leadership isn’t worried that repeated fiscal crises _ Washington must once again confront the issues that prompted the shutdown in just a little more than two months _ could dampen America’s economic recovery and, in turn, hurt China.

“There clearly is a level of concern,” Kroeber said. “From a strategic standpoint, the Chinese realize they live in a world where the rules are set by the U.S. They resent that on the one hand, but on the other hand, they benefit from that a lot.”

That level of concern was expressed in China’s state-run media last week after the House of Representatives approved a budget and debt ceiling deal that had been drafted in the Senate. An editorial in the People’s Daily, a newspaper considered the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, expressed resentment about the deal, which funded the government only until Jan. 15 and raised the debt limit only through Feb. 7, and the fact that there was little China could do to protect itself in the face of Washington chaos.

To the MCLA Campus Community, I have been honored to serve the City of North Adams as its Mayor for almost four years. What has been most important and inspirational are the friendships I have made. Of these friendships, none have been as fulfilling or important than those made on the campus of MCLA. Upon taking office and at the invitation of President Mary Grant, I immediately became engaged with MCLA both on and off campus. I was brought into discussions regarding the Center for Science and Innovation, was asked to meet with prospective students and parents at “Accepted Student” days and asked by faculty and students to speak with classes and participate in class projects. As this relationship continued to grow, I became more involved with significant college/community collaborations such as DownStreet Art, and our Community Days of Service.

I have always conveyed that the MCLA Campus Community is truly a community within the community and a cornerstone of the City. I love nothing better than to visit the campus to be part of the diversity, and welcoming environment that make MCLA a true gem.

Thank you MCLA for allowing me to be your Mayor and your friend. I very much hope to continue to serve our City and our Campus..... Dick VOTE NOVEMBER 5

Dick Alcombright

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Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Dispatch from Disney

Internship program provides arts management opportunities

By Nick Arena

Managing Editor Photo courtesy of Candice Crow

Candice is spending the semester interning for the Disney College Program in Disney World, Orlando, Fl. Candice Crow

Disney World Correspondant

E

arlier this week marked my two months at Disney. I sat there on the bus to work thinking how time is flying by. It feels like only yesterday I was sitting at my MCLA dorm room filling out my application, and now I’m here in the sunshine state working at the happiest place on earth.

One of the amazing things about working for Disney is there is always something happening. My housing complex puts on movie nights, blood drives, and themed bingo events. Not to mention everything that the theme parks offer.

As a cast member, I am allowed entrance the park whenever I want, excluding black-out dates.

This internship has introduced me to a side of myself that I never knew before. Through the program I have come out of my shell. Everyone in the program always has a smile on their face.

It’s a very positive atmosphere that has given me a new outlook on life.

Disney expects all of their cast members to go above and beyond, and knowing that they expect that from me makes me work harder to do my job the right way.

The Disney College Program allows people to grow as individuals while working in a friendly environment. I’m not saying that it’s easy–in fact, it is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life– but it’s easily the most rewarding.

Cast members who are enrolled in the Disney College Program are given the opportunity to live in a dorm setting with fellow college program cast members. Disney’s motto for the program is “Living, Learning, Earning.” I feel that sums up my program thus far.

I live in an atmosphere with my peers and co-workers, learn not only through the classes they offer but the experience I gain at my work, and earn respect from my leaders.

If any of you are interested in applying for the Disney College Program now is the time! They are currently accepting applications for the spring program. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to take a chance and try something new, without having to leave the country.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

The Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP) gives students the opportunity to gain experience working in the field of arts management.

B-HIP involves working with an upper-level arts class, and is available for both international students and students from the United States.

Students attending B-HIP “are placed at full-time upper-level internships tailored to their interests and skill sets,” according to the MCLA website. “They have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in development, marketing, film editing, arts education, programming, and more.”

Melody Rolph and Jenny Beers, two seniors from the College who attended B-HIP this past summer, enjoyed working with students from around the globe while learning more about the field of arts management.

“It’s an upper-level internship, a really intensive internship program that has a class portion, so every Wednesday we would have a three-hour class in the morning that was sort of an intro to arts management mixed with a general upper-level arts management course,” Beers said. “We covered everything from grants to fundraising and all of the basic arts management techniques.”

Rolph added that the class primarily focused on the latest term in the art world.

“We started the class by reflecting on our internships, and then faculty would come in and teach

various lessons,” Rolph said. “It was mostly revolving around the new art term, the most popular art term right now called creative placemaking, and the whole class was based around that.”

Rolph’s internship involved marketing and development.

“My internship was at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, and I was a marketing intern, so I worked hands-on with the marketing coordinator and then I also worked a little bit in development,” she said.

Beers’ internship involved coordinating camp programs.

“I interned at IS 183 Art School in Stockbridge,” she said. “I was their camp coordinator, so I was in charge of their whole summer camp program, and I talked with the teachers for those programs as well as the other interns and coordinated everything.”

One of the benefits of the program is being able to work in the field and share experiences with one another, according to Rolph.

“I learned a lot about how an arts organization runs, because I had never spent that much time in a full-on non-profit, so it was really helpful to work in an office and see everybody’s roles actually going together and attending all of their meetings,” she said. “At the same time, when we go home at night we bring home our experiences and then we talk with all of the other ‘BHIP-ers’ and hear about their experiences in their institutions, so it’s helpful to see where we want to be in the future.”

Both students said that their favorite part of the program was

Photo courtesy of Jenny Beers

Jenny Beers interned at IS 183 in Stockbridge as a camp coordinator this past summer through B-HIP. getting to interact with all of the other members of the program, including students from Pakistan, Japan, England, France, Italy, and other U.S. schools.

“My favorite part was meeting the different people. It’s an international internship. Meeting them was probably the best part – people from all different cultures,” Beers said.

Rolph added, “We all live together, we eat together, we do everything together; we’re basically best friends throughout the whole summer. It’s just really interesting because we all come from different artistic backgrounds and we’re

all from different cultures too, so just merging those things is really interesting.”

Beers and Rolph encouraged students interested in arts management to apply for the internship to find focus in their artistic careers.

Beers said, “It seems intimidating, but go for it. I knew that I needed to be sure that I could handle it and that arts management was something I really wanted to do. It’s a good way to see if it’s something you want to do. It’s a good way to put you right in. It’s like a job – you don’t really feel like an intern.”

Clubs to host folk concert

By Shannen Adamites

Arts and Entertainment Editor Spires, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the Outdoors Club, and Good Vibes Yoga are collaborating to bring noteworthy bands and student performances to their first fall concert event, Harvest Jams.

The 8 p.m. show will take place in Sullivan Lounge this Saturday, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Admission is $2, and all of the proceeds will go directly to the artists to support their future musical endeavors.

Senior Christopher Hantman, one of the coordinators of the event, encourages students to come out for a delightful night of folk music, creativity, and autumnal enjoyment.

“We hope that it will instill creativity and community on campus, as well as give everyone a safe place to enjoy a fun Saturday night,” Hantman said.

Featured student performances include a set from Tim Schiebler and his brother, Matt, who regularly play original songs and

covers at The Parlor Café’s weekly open mic nights, and singer-songwriter Justin Hillman, who recently released his debut album, ‘Momentous Change,’ on BandCamp and possesses a uniquely ethereal folk sound.

Hilman also recently performed at MyGlo, a music festival that primarily focuses on bringing electronic dance music (EDM) to North Adams, but many other acts are able and encouraged to perform as well.

Headlining the event are New York City-based folk group Noble Hunter, and Attleboro, Mass., folk/bluegrass band and local favorite Cactus Attack.

Hantman compared Noble Hunter to the sweet, structured, and iconic falsetto vocal sound Bon Iver popularized, and said, “This band is one that will give you goose bumps.”

Cactus Attack’s gritty sound is well-loved by many students at the College, and has frequently been covered by student musicians at The Parlor Café’s open mic nights. Hantman adds, “Cactus Attack is a much grittier

Photo from Cactus Attack’s Facebook Page

Local favorite, Cactus Attack, headlines Harvest Jams Saturday. band, with a thrashed upright bass, banjo, and guitar, and awesome harmonies.”

Harvest Jams will also feature a raffle, and anyone who comes in costume will be automatically entered to win a large pumpkin

to carve, paint, or decorate as a way to promote creativity and celebrate autumn coming to an end. Free apple cider courtesy of fraternity Pi Upsilon Pi will also be provided.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

7

‘Spring Awakening’ gracefully delivered controversy Review by Ryan Flynn Senior News Editor

The cast and crew of ‘Spring Awakening’ delivered a memorable show. However, the plot seems rushed, which at times takes away from the show’s emotional impact.

Based on the controversial German play written in 1891, ‘Spring Awakening’ is a rock musical about teenagers discovering the pains and joys of sexuality in 19th century Germany. The play touches upon issues such as child abuse, rape, suicide, abortion, and sexuality.

The teenage characters are clueless when it comes to sex, with the exception of male lead Melchior (Erik Dabrowski).

Due to a talented cast, the audience is able to believe that the repressive era the characters live in has rendered them extremely naïve about sex. While it might seem absurd that a teenage girl could have sex without realizing it could lead to pregnancy, Courtney McLaren (Wendla) is able to effectively embody an innocence of character in a way that makes it work and makes her eventual demise much more tragic.

The idea of a teenage boy believing his sex dreams are driving him towards insanity could come off as a little strange, but Joshua Lapierre is able to portray the nervous and frantic Moritz Stiefel in a way that makes his dilemma understandable and, sometimes, hilarious.

The innocence executed by an efficient cast displays that the ultimately tragic ending is the fault of a repressive era and neglectful parenting, and not at

all of the teenagers themselves.

The second act seems much more rushed than the first, which results in a lack of buildup for some aspects of the plot.

Though Moritz’s suicide scene was wellexecuted and his conversation with Illse (Jacquelyn Gianetti) makes for one of the best acting scenes in the show, his suicide seemed a bit out of nowhere. This is by no means the fault of the actors, but rather just the script itself.

It’s clear that flunking out of school and his bad relationship with his parents are primary motivators, but due to a lack of the character’s buildup made suicide seem a bit extreme.

Dabrowski does a good job displaying Melchior’s maturity compared to his peers–Melchior is certainly much more of an intellectual and has more control over his emotion. Sometimes he seems to overplay the introversion in his character’s archetype, which takes away from his emotional reactions. That is not to say he doesn’t show range, however,

Photos by Shannen Adamites/Beacon Staff

Above left: Veronica Gibson and Jacquely Gianetti express their characters’ pain in “The Dark I Know Well.” Below right: Callen Gardener and Bradley Thurston sing “The Word of Your Body (Reprise)” together. Above right: Josh Lapierre performs his emotional final scene as Mortiz Stiefel. as the scene where he is bullied by a group of boys proves his strength as an actor.

Credit is certainly due to Mary Petrozola and James Dunn as they portray every adult role in the show and give each one a distinct voice and personality.

While sometimes the rushed plot scheme takes away from emotional impact, strong musical acts such as “Totally (Explitive)” and “The Song of Purple Summer” do make up for this.

Vocally, each cast member holds their own. Dabrowski and McLaren both shine in this respect as the leads, while supporting actor Benjamin Baylon (Georg) provides some of the best solos in the show.

There was an issue involving the audience’s perceiving certain serious scenes as comical.

During one scene, Wendla asks Melchior to hit her. As she tells him to hit harder and harder, he eventually curses at her and strikes her as hard as he can;

Wendla runs away bawling. At this scene’s conclusion, the audience burst out into laughter.

While uncomfortable scenes can sometimes cause laughter as a nervous reaction, the cast and crew certainly did not intend for the audience to laugh at this scene of physical abuse.

The Encore Series presented a well-done rendition of an acclaimed musical which, though rushed certainly provides some great commentary on growing up.

Theater major prepares for future career in the arts

Photo by Shannen Adamites/Beacon Staff

Erik took on the role of Melchior Gabor in ‘Spring Awakening.’ he describes as “a city where the arts are close to non-existent.”

By Hannah Sterrs In high school, he particiStaff Writer pated in organized sports, like swimming and baseball, but he After skipping an important traded sports for stage lights afswim meet to audition for a ter enrolling at the College. school musical, Erik Dabrowski “It was the best decision I has been sold on theater ever have ever made,” Dabrowski since. said.

“Plus, the swim team lost The senior theatre major hails anyway, which also helped to from Chicopee, Mass., a place solidify my decision.”

Dabrowski took on the role of Melchior Gabor in the College’s production of ‘Spring Awakening.’ He auditioned for the role in May, hoping to challenge himself as an actor.

“I knew it would help me expand my range in future roles to come,” he said. Even the theatre professor described the production as a challenging one.

Theatre professor Laura Standley directed ‘Spring Awakening,’ and describes the shows as “one of the hardest things I’ve ever worked on.”

To the relief of Dabrowski and his cast mates, he says the hardhitting themes discussed in the show were not taken lightly.

Standley held personal meetings with Dabrowski and junior Courtney McLaren, who played opposite Melchior as Wendela, throughout the rehearsal process.

Dabrowski saw many similarities between his character and himself, which he says made the rehearsal process much more enjoyable.

“I went to a Catholic school where the rules were very strict,” Dabrowski said, “not

only when it came to academic, but also in regards to the suppression of feelings that were seen as sinful, such as radical thinking.”

Describing himself as a progressive thinker, Dabrowski lives his everyday life confidently with humor and enthusiasm.

“Erik is great to work with.

He’s so passionate and enthusiastic about theater,” said Jimmy Dunn, a senior theatre major and cast member.

Dabrowski says he was able to face the challenge presented by the themes in “Spring Awakening” by confidently jumping in headfirst.

“The main thing I learned when approaching these complex characters, scenes, or moments is that one can achieve the desired effect by simply living in the moment,” he said.

Dunn agreed with his acting style, saying it worked well for him.

“He’s a confident person and seeing that confidence on stage serves the show well,” Dunn added.

Dabrowski enjoyed all of his

past roles, particularly The Herald in last spring’s production of “Agamemnon.”

“It was the first time I could apply my own organic, fresh thoughts to a character,” he said. “It was also one of the first times I had the audience so close to me that I could feel the emotional rollercoaster I put them on.”

‘Spring Awakening’ was vocally and physically strenuous for Dabrowski. He dealt with this through lots of herbal tea and honey paired with rest and downtime, he says, which is to hard come by for any theatre major. He believes that this small amount of downtime is pivotal to his performance.

“Occupying free time with things that you love and that make you feel good puts you in a great physical and mental state,” he said, “so when you do enter the rehearsal space, you can give it your all.”

With a clear mind, passionate heart, and a very enthusiastic personality, Dabrowski says he is looking forward to the rest of his senior year and his future career in a field he loves.

8

Sports

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Trailblazers fall at Senior day Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

The women’s soccer team hosted Westfield State Saturday Oct. 19 on senior day, losing 3-0 and dropping to 1-4 in MASCAC play.

“We were matched up pretty evenly, but unfortunately the ball didn’t fall in our court that day,” senior Brianna Dandurant said after the loss.

In the 22 minute of the game, Westfield came away with the first goal. The two Westfield captains ignited the chance.

Junior Ashleigh Chretien made a pass to junior Sarah Sypek who beat MCLA’s goal keeper Danielle Heinsohn to the lower right corner of the net.

A few minutes later, the Trailblazers’ leading scorer Natalie Caney had a chance, but placed her shot just wide of the net. The score would remain 1-0 into the half.

Westfield State outshot MCLA 13-5 after

the break.

In the 46 minute, Chretien scored on a shot just outside the reach of Heinsohn, catching the cross bar. The ball managed to squeak its way in the net for a 2-0 lead.

To perform better, senior Rebecca Hoyt said the team should have “Stayed organized during moments of panic,” “I think at times we got a little anxious and were running around crazily, and we just needed to take a breath, refocus, slow down and play like we know how,” Dandurant said.

About 20 minutes later, junior Ali Blanchette knocked in a direct kick to round out the chances for the Owls, finalizing the score.

The Trailblazers shut out Nichols College 1-0 at home on Ron Schrewcraft Field Wednesday Oct. 16. Leading scorer Natalie Caney netted the only goal of the game.

With her 13th goal of the season, Caney scored off a pass from teammate Darien

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon

Blazer attacking Westfields ball.

Sullivan giving their team the lead. Neither side had many scoring opportunities.

In the 53 minute, Caney dribbled past a Nichols defender to get the ball to senior Jen Ferrari who drilled the ball off the right post.

“We were very competitive and pressured the team well in this game compared to a few of the last games,” Dandurant said.

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon With the 1-0 advantage, The decorated fence with cups in honor of the seniors.

MCLA controlled the majority of the second it has helped us play as a unit,” Hoyt said. half, holding an 11-4 shot advantage The Trailblazers wrap up MASCAC play throughout the rest of the game. this Friday at home against Bridgewater “Since the first games, we have learned State at 2 p.m. and travel to Buzzards Bay each others’ strengths and weaknesses and to play Mass Maritime on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon

Justine Cozza, Kayla Lingel, and Erin McNulty on the sidelines.

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon

Blazer nabbing a steal.

Cross Country runs near home this Saturday

Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

The men’s and women’s cross country teams ran on Saturday in the Green Mountain Invitational.

Trailblazer Anthony Cancilla finished first for the men, crossing the line in 10 place overall, and Martha Pratt leading the women, finishing in 19 overall.

SUNY Cobleskill took home the team championship for the men’s race and St. Michaels won in the women’s race.

Cancilla finished the 8K in 26:51. The finish was the second

time he placed in the top 10.

Brenden Peltier crossed the line next for the Trailblazers at 28:28.

In the women’s competition, Trailblazer Claire Simmons and Monica Conlin followed Pratt.

Evan Quinones of Cobleskill won the competition for the men’s individual and Chloe Boutelle of St. Michael’s placed first for the women.

The next race for the Trailblazers is the Plansky Invitational at Williams College.

The Trailblazers do not have a home course to host races. The Williams race, held at Greylock High School in Williamstown, is the only local race this season.

Williams College is MCLA’s friendly competition down the road. Williams is also a Division III athletic school, but they don’t compete in the MASCAC for any sports with MCLA. Williams competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

The women will race first on Saturday, begining at 2 p.m. and the men will race at roughly 2:30 p.m.

Sports

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Blazers struggle on the road The volleyball team looks to make a comeback this weekend Jesse Collings Sports Writer

The volleyball team had a difficult weekend, dropping a conference bout with Salem State, and falling to Endicott College.

The team faced another two match game day, traveling to Salem on Saturday to play both Salem and Endicott.

Salem earned their first conference victory, winning the match 3-1. Salem won the first game 25-18, before MCLA evened the score, taking the second game 25-27. Salem then finished off the Trailblazers, taking the final two games, 25-21 and 25-20. Salem

improved to 4-12 overall, and 1-3 in MASCAC. MCLA fell to 9-13 overall and 1-3 in the conference.

Salem was led by sophomore Emily Peay, who led all players with 18 kills on the day. Salem senior and captain Jazmin Santos contributed eight kills.

MCLA was led by senior Kendra Hobbs who had a team-best nine digs. Freshman Rachel Mills led the team in kills with nine, adding another impressive performance to the season.

“I give this sport my all and bring everything I have in me to the table when its game time,” Mills said. “The fact that I am a freshman excites me because

Midnight Madness tonight

By Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

The Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams are hosting their annual Midnight Madness event in the Campus Center Gym tonight at 10:30 p.m.

Before the season’s first tip off on November 15th at the Wesleyan Tournament, the Trailblazers will be entertaining their fans with a late night of contests and fun.

As part of the event, there will be a “Battle of the Classes.”

The freshmen color is orange; sophomores, green; juniors, red; and seniors are representing their class in pink.

There will also be an official Basketball Season Showcase by the Trailblazers themselves, with a special dance from returning guard Pete Vasil.

This is the first year the basketball teams have with the new Golden Mountain Lion mascot, so be sure to support the Trailblazers with a loud roar as they bring the ruckus to kick off the 2013-14 season.

I have three more volleyball seasons to look forward to.”

In the second game, MCLA was overwhelmed by a talented Endicott squad, who swept all three games to win the match 3-0.

Endicott improved to 17-12 on the season, while MCLA slipped to 9-14.

Endicott made few mistakes, dominating all three games, winning by scores of 25-13, 2512 and 25-8. The Gulls were led by senior Callie Dolan and sophomore Mackenzie Guerre, who tied the team leading twelve kills. Sophomore Alleigh VandeMerkt lead all players with 24 assists.

9 Scores

Beacon.MCLA.edu

MCLA was once again led by Mills, who topped the team with six kills. Junior Sam Barbarotta tied her season high with 10 assists to lead the Trailblazers in that category.

“Considering we faced one of the top ten schools in the northeast, I think we played pretty well,” Barbarotta said after the match.

“It’s always a team effort because when passes are good, then so is the setting and hitting.”

MCLA will try and get back on track with weekend matches at home against Becker on Saturday at 1 p.m., and on the road Sunday at Daniel Webster.

Men’s Cross Country 5th at Green Mountain Invitational Women’s Cross Country 6th at Green Mountain Invitational Men’s Soccer @Westfield, W 4-0 Women’s Soccer Vs. Westfield, L 3-0 Women’s Volleyball @Salem, L 3-1 Vs. Endicott, L 3-0 Salem St. Tri-Match

Standings

Men’s soccer shuts out Westfield Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

Men’s Soccer had a productive second half, scoring four times to mount a convincing 4-0 win over Westfield State. The Trailblazers are now 4-7-1 overall and hooked their first conference win to move to 1-3-1 in the MASCAC. After a scoreless first half, Westfield had chance to get on the board in the 53rd minute, earning a penalty kick following a handball in the box. Trailblazer keeper Matt Robinson made a phenomenal save to keep the game at 0-0.

Dylan Pereira netted the first goal, just three minutes later, which stood to be the game winner. Pereira took a pass

Men’s Soccer Worcester St. 4-0-1 Bridgewater St. 2-1-2 Fitchburg St. 1-0-4 Mass. Maritime 2-2-1 Framingham St. 2-2-1 Westfield St. 2-3 MCLA 1-3-1 from Edward Boateng and Salem St. 1-4 moved around Owl keeper Kris Carrington.

Women’s Soccer Trailblazer Mitch Candelet Framingham St. 4-0-1 scored in the 70th minute to Westfield St. 4-1 double the lead to 2-0. The Bridgewater St. 3-0-2 Trailblazers added two more late Worcester St. 2-1-2 goals when Drew Webster found Salem St. 2-2-1 the back of the net in the 80th MCLA 1-4 minute and Boateng converted Fitchburg St. 1-4 one of his own in the 88th minute. Mass. Maritime 0-5 Both keepers were made four saves on the day. With the shutout, Trailblazer keeper Robinson earned a perfect game.

Westfield had a small lead in Oct 25, 2013 shots at 13-12, as well as a 6-2 Women’s Soccer advantage in corners.

Bridgewater St. at MCLA The Trailblazers play away on 2:00 PM Saturday, hunting a victory over the Bridgewater State Bears.

Oct 26, 2013 Men’s Cross Country at Williams College 2:00pm Plansky Invitational

Schedules

Women’s Cross Country at Williams College 2:00pm Plansky Invitational Golf at NEIGA TBA - Oct 28 Brewster, MA Women’s Volleyball MCLA vs. Becker @ Nashua, NH 1:00 PM @ Daniel Webster Men’s Soccer MCLA at Bridgewater St. 2:30 PM Women’s Volleyball MCLA at Daniel Webster 3:00 PM Oct 29, 2013 Men’s Soccer Sage at MCLA 3:30 PM

10

Opinion

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

What do you think about the government shutdown?

“I think they should have come to an agreement before it got that far.”

“The government should be more focused on people. A lot of people are hurting from it.”

-Mary Luke, 2015

-Alyssa Nieman, 2016

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: beacon.mcla.edu Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111 Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.

“They’ve sorta fixed it, so that’s comforting in a way.”

“It’s not fair that members of congress were still getting paid when others weren’t able to.”

-Kate Rowell, 2017

-Kenya Joseph, 2016

Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board.

Signed columns and commentaries that appear on these pages reflect the views of the writers.

Letters Policy The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor. Deadline is noon on Mondays for that week’s newspaper.

Letters should be kept to 500 words or less and are subject to editing for grammar and content. The Beacon will not publish anonymous or libelous letters.

“It’s devastating. There’s a lot of people who need [the government] such as low income-families and single mothers.”

“It’s full of malarky. It was a way to get around obamacare- the president won for now, but it’s not over.”

-Charrise Davis, 2014

-Helena Kemper, 2015

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.

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Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu.

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Editorial Board

Photos compiled by Gabriel Kogel

Drones 101

By Nick Arena

Managing Editor

With multiple wars still fueling across the globe, more powerful countries are turning to drone warfare to fight ‘the enemy’.

Mother Jones Online recently released an article detailing the history of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), its many incarnations, and its many uses.

“The MQ-1 Predator—used mainly by the CIA and the US Air Force—has seen action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Bosnia and Serbia. The subsequent (and larger) incarnation of the Predator is the MQ-9 Reaper,” Mother Jones reported.

The drones were originally developed to gather intelligence, but weaponry was added not long after, the report continued.

While we have all heard of these drones being used to take down

Al-Qaeda targets and “make America safer,” such an effective weapon has to come with a few drawbacks. One such drawback could be the price. The report stated that it costs roughly $5 million to make a Predator and over $12 million for the Reaper.

People could, and have, argued that it’s worth the money because the use of drones will cost less American lives. For every drone out in the field, a few less soldiers have to be, but has anyone considered that this is adding to a growing numbness to the death and destruction that is happening elsewhere?

The drones receive a target and fire. Yes, there is a remote control involved, and operators can see ant-sized targets eliminated through a grainy camera. This is not to say that the operators are not suffering mental side-effects, but it’s much easier to justify than sending more soldiers in.

Let us also not forget the arguments made earlier this year that American citizens can be targeted by the government, and its drones, should they be suspected of working with Al-Qaeda I wouldn’t go so far as to recommend everyone look up before they leave the house, or even that drones used for surveillance and other non-combat situations are a negative thing, but militarized UAV’s are just another way for us to distance ourselves from the horrors and brutalities of war.

Cool places!

Each week, look for a local place to visit in the area

Editor-in-Chief Jess Gamari Sports Editor Christopher Oxholm

Photography Editor Kayla Degnan Web Editor Michael Dahlroth

A&E Editor Shannen Adamites

Senior News Editor Ryan Flynn*

Copy Chief Marc Latour

Managing Editor Nick Arena*

Staff Staff Writers

Photographers

Nicholas Arena* Emily Boughton Jesse Collings Gabriel Kogel* Candice Crow Amy Modesti Ryan Flynn* Sam Thomson James Hunter Gabriel Kogel* Design Team Raanan Sarid-Segal Hannah Sterrs Shannen Adamites* Nick Swanson Nick Arena* Jess Gamari* Nicole Ngoon Copy Editors

Avery Finnivan Rachel Fitterman Advisers

Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Jim Niedbalski

Videographers

Adam Larson Aloysius Street Advertising

Darcie Sosa

*Holds more than one position

Online at: Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Dan Degnan and Puff pose at the lookout point.

The Top of the World The top of the world is located just off the Mohawk Trail. As you round the hairpin turn heading out of North Adams, look for the lookout point on the right for a wonderful view of the town below.

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Local Events

Thursday, October 24, 2013

‘A journey to the netherworlds’ MCLA Presents! will team up with DownStreet Art for a special All Hallows Eve multi-media event to feature music, projections, costumes, taxidermy and more on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 p.m., in the Branch Gallery, at 18 Holden St. The show also will include performances by C. Ryder Cooley and her band, the Dust Bowl Faeries, as well as Shana Falana, an experimental “dreampop” band.

According to Gallery 51 manager Cooley, the Halloween concert/music macabre event will invite audience members to pass through the gates of Branch Gallery into a carnivalesque sonic séance. The event will include projections, taxidermy, trick-ortreats, prizes for macabre costumes and ticket discounts for those who dress up, as well as a haunted photo and face-painting station.

“The Dust Bowl Faeries will serenade you with sinister songs on accordion, ukulele, lap steel guitar, and singing saw, and Shana Falana will transport you with psychedelic pop songs,” Cooley

said. “Please come to our musical masquerade in costumes. We will take you with us on a journey to the netherworlds. Take a picture at our haunted photo booth. We will post them on Flickr for you.”

Shana Falana is an experimental dream-pop band that emerged from Brooklyn’s “shoegaze” scene.

Combining live-looping of reverb-drenched vocals and guitar with drums, pre-recorded “backing tracks,” and stunning visual projections, Falana’s live experience has been described as transcendental, Cooley said.

Praised as “the most entrancing modern psychedelic pop now being made” by Chronogram magazine, Falana is touring the United States and Europe in support of her debut EP, “In The Light.”

“In the Light” has critics responding to its “effortless lucidity,” with DELI magazine calling the collection “positive music of wonderment and discovery.”

Ryder and the Dust Bowl Faeries, which consists of Cooley, Sara Ayers, and Karen Cole, is an avant-garde, electro-acoustic dark folk trio. Accordion, lap

Upcoming events on campus

Thursday, Oct. 24 NEASC Standards 8 & 9 Discussion Murdock Hall Room 218 9 a.m.

Midnight Madness CC, Gym 10:30 pm Photo from MCLA Presents! Flickr

C. Ryder Cooley (center), and her band, the Dustbowl Faries, will perform on Oct. 31 at the Branch Gallery at 18 Holden St. steel guitar, singing saw, ukulele, keyboards and three-part vocal harmonies combine to create a unique, other-worldly sound. Hazel, a taxidermy sheep, joins the Dust Bowl Fairies as spirit animal / go-go dancer.

Doors to “Halloween Concert: Music Macabre” open at 8 p.m., with the music starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Those who wear macabre costumes get in for $5. Tickets for MCLA staff and faculty are

$5. Members and MCLA students get in for free. Come by MCLA Gallery 51 from 5-8 p.m. for the opening of “Rewilderment,” an All Hallows Eve exhibit.

To reserve tickets, call MCLA Presents! at (413) 662-5204.

MCLA Presents! is a program of MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC), a collaborative project with Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), and the City of North Adams.

Attention

clubs!

Also, keep us updated on club events! We want to cover you!

Email your press release and information on First Class to MCLA Beacon Mailbox, or message us on Facebook.

AVOID A HOLD ON YOUR SPRING REGISTRATION! 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.

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. ************ SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY BIG Y SCHOLARSHIP Pick up an application in the Financial Aid Office or download it at www.bigy.com FEBRUARY 1st, 2014 DEADLINE ************ SALT MONEY Stop by the SALT table in the marketplace from 9 AM – 2 PM on October 30th for a chance to win an MCLA sweatshirt! saltmoney.org

Dance Co. Costume Sale CC, Marketplace 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

MCLA Presents!

The Chronicles of Rose Branch Gallery 6 p.m.

The first of a five-part puppet drama by local puppeteer David Lane, part of our year-long Puppet Fest!

Friday, Oct. 25 NEASC Standard 10 & 11 Discussion Murdock Hall Fitzpatrick Room 4 p.m.

Comedian: Kenny Smith CC, Sullivan Lounge 8 p.m.

Sponsored by SAC as part of Freak Week and welcoming our COPLAC student guests.

The Beacon wants to help promote your club!

We will print one free advertisement per semester.

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT

11 Check it out!

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Fall day of service planned for weekend

MCLA, the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and the City of North Adams announce that a “Day of Service – Fall Edition” will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillside Cemetery on Route 2 in North Adams. ~ For more than 20 years, MCLA and the local community have come together to clean up and improve the community. The scope and type of projects have evolved over the years, and the number of people participating has increased significantly over the years as come out for the day to make North Adams a better place to live.

This year, the focus will continue on the Hillside Cemetery Restoration Project.

The Hillside Cemetery Restoration Project is a large and long-term effort. With the ongoing work of local resident Roger Eurbin, with the support of Mayor Richard Alcombright and the City of North Adams, this project will continue.

Last year, MCLA students and local volunteers cleared brush and cataloged stones. ~This year, the cataloging will continue, along with some basic stone cleaning and maintenance.

The community is invited to join in this effort. Work will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. Volunteers should free to stop by for whatever time they may have to help, or to chat with Eurbin about the project.

Shake it Shake it Shakespeare Venable Gym 7-11 p.m.

Research Conference Murdock Hall and Center for Science & Innovation Oct .25 and 26 Students selected from the northeastern campuses of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges will present their own research.

Saturday, Oct. 26 Harvest Jams CC, Sullivan Lounge 8- 11 p.m.

SAC Murder Mystery Venable Gym 8 - 11 p.m.

Stitch Flix Murdock Hall Room 218 6 - 11 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28 The Residence Area Advisory Boards and the Center for Service and Citizenship will host the annual “Boo Bash” for children and their parents on Monday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Children from ages 6 to 11 are encouraged to come, accompanied by a parent, or guardian.

The Berkshire Towers residence hall will feature a decorated entrance, trick or treating and a costume party for those who attend.

For more information, contact Chelsea Stokes at (413) 662-5523.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

The tables set up in Venable Gym were full on Saturday as students’ families and local community members enjoyed the College’s family/alumni weekend.

Family Carnival

Photo Essay

SAC member Devon O’Dowd , right, serves popcorn at the carnival.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Popcorn was shoveled into red and white cones and served to the community at the Family Carnival.

Photos by Kayla Degnan

Chris Cozzaglio and Jenn Craig support SGA and serve chowder on Saturday during family/alumni weekend.

Children enjoy the blow up bouncy houses and obstacle courses that were set up in Venable Gym for the carnival.

Students brought their families to Family Carnival where they could participate at the arts and crafts table.

A young girl from the community came to Family Carnival on Saturday and got her face painted.