Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
The Beacon
For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Volume 79 ◆ Issue 2
Th u r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 2 5 , 2 0 1 4
Constitution Day
New addition to Wellness Center By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Osakpolo Igiede/The Beacon
Freshman Lauren Galloway converses with Constitution Day speaker Martha Davis after “Brown at 60: The Promise, and Limits, of Law,” Wednesday Sept. 17.
Web site launch and Wi-Fi changes By Nick Swanson Senior News editor
The MCLA website now has a new look, the end result of a year’s work by Conputer Services. Some web pages and links were unavailable last week, while MCLA staff worked to repost content, according to Chief Information Officer Curt King. “We changed the navigation of the website and people had hardcoded links in their web pages that did not transferred accordingly,” King said. According to King, about 50 people were in charge of transferring college information and then instructing departments on the procedure for switching over their pages. “After just a few days, people are re-publishing their sites,” King said. King said it has taken a year of work on this project to redesign the MCLA website. One main reason for changing the website was to come up with a more modern look that appeals to the new audience now using the site. He said the website can help recruit new students because the efficient design makes it easier to access information. “My objective was to make it so the person using the website ends up with all the info they need in front of them quicker and easier,” King said. Another advancement is the
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Every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the MountainOne Wellness Center will host Tapestry Health, a confidential reproductive health care and family planning program for students and the community. It will provide these services to women, men and adolescents at low costs. “The demand was imperative by students because they didn’t want some services to appear on their parents’ health insurance,” said Jacqueline Krzanik, Director of Health Services. On Wednesdays between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., the service is exclusive to MCLA students and available for walk-in or appointments; after 2 p.m., other community members are welcome. Tapestry has limited hours, but appointments can be made through the Pittsfield office at 413-443-2844 or the campus office at 413-662-5258 to make an appointment for Wednesdays. For more information contact MountainOne Wellness Center, or visit tapestryhealth.org. Tapestry is a Western Mass. based non-profit organization, providing services include STI
screenings, HIV counseling and testing, confidential reproductive health exams, affordable reproductive options, pelvic exams, pap exams and other necessary treatments. Other Tapestry locations include Pittsfield, Springfield, Holyoke and North Hampton. Its North Adams location had previously been on Hospital Avenue. “We’ve struggled to support MCLA students due to our location and hours,” said Katrina Mattson, Tapestry Health Services manager. “Now that we are centralized, we can support both the students and the community.” Two counselors and one clinician will be on staff once a week. “The availability and opportunity for the campus will be wonderful,” she said. “I hope students, even males, take advantage of the open door. This age is high risk for testicular cancer, so any issues should be addressed.” Tapestry was established over 40 years ago under Title X of the Public Health Service Act, the only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning providing for low-income, under-insured, and uninsured individuals. Salem State College also offers this service.
Enrollment goal achieved MCLA’s new Web site is among many recent technological changes. campus-wide Wi-Fi initiative ‘cold spots.’ which will soon be completed. These ‘cold spots’ are areas where According to King, the Wi-Fi Internet connectivity is limited project was broken up into four because of distance to routers. separate phases and is near the According to King, access points final stages. will be added where the cold spots The Wi-Fi runs off a new Voice- occur to improve connectivity. over IP (VoIP) system introduced In phase four of this project, acto the college last year. King said cess points will be set up attached the starting phase was setting up on the outside of academic buildthe Wi-Fi connectivity in the Fei- ings on campus. This will enable genbaum Center for Science and Wi-Fi access in areas like the Innovation when it first opened. quad. The new Wi-Fi system will not The same Wi-Fi system will be have any effect on cellular service added to Bowman Hall after the on campus. renovations are finished. The third phase of the project “These improvements will open - adding the Wi-Fi service to the up a lot of new things and possiresidence halls including Berk- bilities in the next year,” King said. shire Towers, Hoosac Hall, and The same Wi-Fi system will be the Flagg townhouses – is almost added to Bowman Hall after the complete. renovations are finished. King said Wi-Fi connectivity is “These improvements will open difficult to perfect in the town- up a lot of new things and possihouses because of how they are bilities in the next year,” King said. structured – they have a lot of
SaVE act expanded to Campus Sexual Violence Annual public safety reports have been added to protect vcitims. News, page 3
Students involved in promoting EDM Electronic Dance Music listeners become one with the music Arts & Entertainment, page 6
By Nick Swanson Senior News editor
Over 500 new students have enrolled at MCLA this semester, which is a 25 percent increase compared to the start-up enrollment from last year. Records show there are currently 350 freshmen and 165 transfer students new to the MCLA campus. The college was recently granted a 10-year accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) after a long-term review process. The NEASC final report: Standard 9 stated the college’s enrollment goal for first-time freshmen was 335 students. According to the report, the prediction did not seem feasible due to a declining number of graduating high school students in the region. However, the college actually surpassed the goal and increased enrollment close to its peak in the past 10 years.
Men’s Soccer takes the win versus Worcester Trailblazer’s win 3-1 Tuesday with Castro making second goal of the year Sports, page 9
“We are in a position to compete against other top schools because of everything that we have here,” Denise Richardello, executive vice president of Enrollment and External Relations, said. Richardello said some of the main characteristics are the college’s location, high quality academic programs, and 1-13 faculty to student ratio. The NEASC report also showed 77 percent of the student body is from Mass. and more than 35 percent are from the Berkshires. “There is a highly competitive admissions market today, but we’ve had a successful strategy for recruiting new students,” Gina Puc, director of Admissions, said. Puc said the average student applies to between 12 and 15 schools, an increase from previous years. According to Puc, more students are asking about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. 32 percent of the new students have declared majors in STEM fields.
News 2-5 Arts & Entertainment 6-7 Sports 8-9 Campus Opinion 10 Local Events 11 Photo Essay 12
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Campus News
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Weekend Weather
SGA strengthens alumni pride
Thursday, September 25
By Nicholas Swanson Senior News Editor
Rain High: 61° Low: 49° Precip. Chance: 80%
Friday, September 26
Mostly Sunny High: 76° Low: 52° Precip. Chance: 10%
Saturday, September 27
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The Student Government Association (SGA) hopes to increase future alumni relations by collaborating with the Alumni Association in the Office of Institutional Advancement. “SGA will work with the Alumni Association and help in any way that we can,” SGA president Brendan Peltier said. Alumni Relations Coordinator Jamal Ahamad attended an SGA meeting to explain the details of two projects for soon-tobe alumni. Ahamad said the first part is a video project called “#FlashbackFriday,” a compilation of videos and pictures of senior students. “Flashback Friday” will be pre-
sented to graduates at the end of the year as a way to reflect on their time at MCLA. The second project is a philanthropy fundraiser for students. According to Ahamad, students who make a $15 donation will receive a navy and gold cord to wear as an addition to their graduation regalia. “The cord they receive will represent their ever-growing support for their alma mater even after graduation,” Ahamad said. “While planning the philanthropy for MCLA’s 120th year, it was decided that any money donated will go towards scholarship aid in the Alumni Association, which is the area of most need.” Two representatives from SGA now attend Alumni Association board meetings on Saturday mornings to determine how they can give assistance, according to Peltier. Ahamad said one of the main jobs of the alumni association is to keep everyone connected with one another on campus. “I hope everyone understands the value of this education [at MCLA] and what it means to have it,” he said.
Student Governance Referendum In an upcoming referendum, Students will be asked to vote yes or no on the question, “should students be allowed on College Governance at MCLA?” The vote will coincide with the SGA senate elections on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. The referendum will be sent to all students electronically between Oct. 7 and Oct. 9. According to Peltier, everyone needs to take part in this vote in order for students to stay on college governance committees. Faculty and administration will vote following the results of the student referendum. The results from their vote will determine the final outcome on whether students will continue to be on college governances. Sam Gomez Funds Last year the SGA raised over $2,000 through the Sam Gomez Road Race to fund construction of a volleyball court at Windsor Lake in North Adams. However, city officials were unable to start
Campus Police Logs The week of 9/14-9/20 Sunday, September 14 ◆ 2:42 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Hoosac Hall Complex. The subject was transported to the hospital. ◆ 6:13 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Hoosac Hall Complex. The subject was transported to the hospital. Monday, September 15
Sunny High: 78° Low: 52° Precip. Chance: 10%
◆ 10:12 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical at Murdock Hall. Services were rendered.
Sunday, September 28
◆ 1:30 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a parking/enforcement issue at the Church Street Center Parking Lot. A citation/warning was issued.
Wednesday, September 17
Friday, September 19
Tuesday, September 16
◆ 7:03 p.m. - Public Safety responded to an alarm at the Flagg Townhouse Apartment Complex. The call was completed.
◆ 6:15 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call for a wellbeing check at the Hoosac Hall Complex. The issue was referred to another campus.
◆ 10:16 - Public Safety responded to a motor vehicle accident at the corner of Church Street and Bradley Street. Services were rendered.
◆ 9:09 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a report of disorderly conduct at the Berkshire Towers Complex. Peace was restored. Thursday, September 18
◆ 7:06 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a domestic disturbance at the Boardman Apartments on Montana Street. A report was filed.
◆ 11:03 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a call regarding a nighttime breaking and entering at the Hoosac Hall Complex room 515. A report was filed.
◆ 6:19 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Flagg Townhouse Apartment Complex. Services were rendered. ◆ 11:29 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Flagg Townhouse Apartment Complex. The subject was transported to the hospital.
◆ 7:05 p.m. - Public Safety responded to an alarm at the Berkshire Towers Complex. No action was required.
◆ 10:26 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at the Flagg Townhouse Apartment Complex. No action was required.
◆ 9:56 p.m. - Public Safety responded to an alarm at the Berkshire Towers Complex. The issue was referred to another campus.
Want to read more? Scan the code to read on at Beacon.MCLA.edu Sunny High: 79° Low: 54° Precip. Chance: 0%
the project, according to Peltier. The SGA considered what to do with the funds. One option was to withdraw them completely and either give them to another organization or add them to the proceeds of the next race in October. In the end, the SGA chose to keep the donation to fund the Windsor Lake volleyball court. Peltier said the SGA will find try to find a way to get the project done as soon as possible. Senator-At-Large Kelsey McGonigle suggested that the volleyball project be part of the Community Day of Service this autumn. This would allow volunteer students to participate in building the court. The next Sam Gomez Road Race will take place on Oct. 19. This year the money raised will be donated to the YMCA youth program. According to Alexandra Kadell, SGA executive vice president, students can walk or run in the Sam Gomez Road Race for free. Sign-up applications can be picked up in the SGA office on the third floor of the Amsler Campus Center.
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Saturday, September 20 ◆ 9:18 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call regarding suspicious activity on the corner of Montana Street and Blackinton Street. The call was investigated.
Campus News
Thursday, September 25, 2014
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Violence Against Women Act expands to colleges Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act adds requirements to annual public safety reports in an effort to increase protection for victims of violence By Idalis Foster Staff Writer
This past year, the Violence Against Women Act was expanded to include the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act. The SaVE Act expanded on which incidents of sexual violence must be reported in colleges’ annual security reports to include domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These incidents were already reported in MCLA’s security reports since before the VAW Act’s reauthorization in 2013 and its March 2014 addition of the SaVE Act, following the Title XI guidance from the Department of Education. This summer a taskforce of MCLA officials went over the current policies page by page to make sure they were well-worded and properly updated. “The Violence Against Women Act was fairly broad,” director of Human Resources Mary Ellen Olenyk said. “This part, which got added last year, was specific to college campuses and it really clarified the rights of victims.” According to a study by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 20 to 25 percent of
women experience either completed or attempted rape during their college careers. Of those completed rapes, 66.3 percent occur off campus, as opposed to 33.7 percent on campus. Underclassmen are at greater risk than upperclassmen, particularly freshmen within their first 6 to 8 weeks of school.
“We just want to create a safe environment for students to have access to an education that they can enjoy.” - Mary Ellen Olenyk, director of Human Resources The college is taking measures to increase education about sexual assault for all students, regardless of age or gender, and encourages them to act immediately if a situation does arise. “The goal being, we want to prevent things by educating people, but then if something unfortunate happens we want people to understand the processes, and
we want to deal with those things quickly and effectively to protect our victims,” Olenyk said. According to another report by the NSRVC, “one in 20 women reported being raped in college since the beginning of the year – a period of approximately 7 months – and nearly three quarters of those rapes happened when the victims were so intoxicated they were unable to consent or refuse.” The College makes a point of educating freshmen about not only sexual assault but also the dangers of over intoxication regardless of age. “We include [the alcohol-related] portion of the orientation skits because the two are interconnected,” said Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Theresa O’Bryant. The skits O’Bryant mentioned are performed during summer orientation sessions by orientation staff and address issues including underage drinking and events that occur before sexual assault. The college is also dedicated to protecting students and caring for victims if an incident does occur. “MCLA will work with victims and will protect people. We respond to every complaint; we do
not ignore any victims,” O’Bryant said. “I always encourage all students to go onto mystudentbody. com and complete that as part of their first year seminar. We just want to create a safe environment for students to have access to an education that they can enjoy safely.” In the college’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, between 2010 and 2012 there was one reported on-campus sexual offense by force. “We want to make it clear to all students that they can go to anyone they feel safe talking to on campus,” O’Bryant urged. “If someone is making you uncomfortable, we want to hear it. We are trained to know exactly what to do and we want to make sure everyone feels safe.” Both O’Bryant and Olenyk urged students to be safe when going out late at night by staying in groups of friends and engaging in bystander prevention. “We’re a community and we want students to take care of each other,” O’Bryant said. “As a college, we are always diligent in our crime reports because it’s the right thing to do. We want to keep our students safe.”
Sexual violence on campuses 20 to 25 percent of women in college experience either attempted or completed rape during their college careers 66.3 percent of rape attempts of college students occur off-campus One in 20 women in college reported being raped in college within the past academic year Underclassmen, especially new freshmen, are at greater risk than upperclassmen The SaVE Act expanded on which incidents must be reported in colleges’ annual public safety reports
Diane Scott, new FPA prof., prefers Consistency behind the scenery and small school size new hiring process By Isabel McKenzie
By Juanita Doss Staff Writer
The mountains, the fresh air, the small class rooms, and the beauty of art brought Diane Scott, professor in the Fine and Performing Arts Department (FPAD), another step closer to accomplishing her longtime goal of making MCLA her new home. Every ten years, Scott makes a strategic plan of goals she wishes to accomplish. Working at a small liberal arts college and being surrounded by mountains was one she hoped would happen sooner rather than later. She achieved that goal and crossed it off her list when she opened her email one summer afternoon and saw a job opening for teaching arts management at MCLA. “I am living proof that strategic planning works,” Scott said. “MCLA has everything that I was looking for.” Scott has a passion for theatre and business. During her undergraduate years she studied theatre production and went for her master’s degree in business administration. She worked for Wichita State University where she taught business management for 12 years. Later, she moved to Kansas City, where she created and directed the Artist Inc. professional devel-
Photo By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney/The Beacon
New professor of Fine and Performing Arts Diane Scott embraces MCLA as her new home and hopes to get more involved. opment program at the University stead of teaching such large classof Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), es, she aimed for a smaller school which gives artists all the tools, in order to form a relationship resources, and opportunities they with each student. She was able to need to develop their entrepre- do this at MCLA. “This is a great school,” Scott neurial skills as well as strengthen said. “Every student I meet is so their artistic practices. Scott creinvolved with the campus.” ated this program to help fine artScott said she feels inspired to ists with the business end of their get more involved by seeing the careers. Artist Inc. is now spread students and faculty participate across six states in the Midwest, in events, including those put towith over 600 alumni. gether by Down Street Art. “I am very grateful to have Scott hopes that her goals at worked with both art and busiMCLA will be accomplished so ness students,” Scott said. she can bring new ideas to the taAfter being out of the classroom ble and contribute to the success for 10 years, Scott set out to find of the department. another teaching position. In
Staff Writer The process clubs use to hire students has changed to align with the new employment policy for all student workers at MCLA. Mary Ellen Olenyk, director of Human Resources, held a meeting to review the new employment policy for clubs on Friday. Olenyk stressed that if clubs need to hire a student for employment, they must post the job listing well in advance through the Human Resources office. Clubs hire students for special needs that cannot be fulfilled by the organizations themselves. Possible job opportunities can be anything from DJ work for an event, drumming for a performance, or driving a van for an outing. Club E-boards may interview and hire students from the applicant pool. The Human Resources office is available for assistance for guidance with the process. In the case of van drivers, there will potentially be one application posted online. Clubs must go through Diane Collins, Student Government Association Manager, when employing a van driver. “One of the reasons we changed the process was to try and create a fairer, more consistent [process] for all students,” said Olenyk. Along with the changes for clubs, the new policy requires students to apply for employment
positions on MCLA’s job site. Job listings can be found at www. mcla.edu/career. Students applying for a position must create a profile on the site, complete an application and upload a resume and/or cover letter to complete the process. According to Olenyk, the online method helps to maintain statistics on the hiring practices of the college. Hiring managers will interview and hire prospective student employees directly. Required student employment paperwork includes the Federal I-9 Form, W-4 Form, Student Employee Data Sheet, and a direct deposit form. These forms must be completed and processed by Human Resources before a student employee begins working. Two forms of original identification (not copies) are also required. Examples include a driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport. According to Olenyk, paying student employees is easier from a processing standpoint by requiring direct deposit. As part of the new policy, student employees cannot work more than twenty hours a week. According to Human Resources, this has been enacted in the interest of maintaining the student tax
EMPLOYMENT, continued on page 4
News 4 Pentagon provides arms to Georgia colleges Thursday, September 25, 2014
MCT Campus Scenes this summer of police in armored vehicles and riot gear launching tear gas on protesters in Ferguson, Mo., have brought increased scrutiny of a federal program that transfers surplus military supplies to local law enforcement agencies. Georgia colleges and school systems are among those who have taken advantage of the program. Some have acquired refrigerators, firefighting gear and even an electric floor polisher. Others obtained assault-style rifles better known for their use in combat, spurring calls for limits on the program. University and school officials, many of them citing past campus shootings at places such as Virginia Tech and Newtown, Conn., have said they need the weapons to protect their students. The 1033 program, named for a part of the National Defense Authorization Act, has been around since the 1990s and extends to local agencies, including school systems and public state colleges and universities.
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In Georgia, a handful of school law enforcement agencies — in three public school districts and at six colleges or universities — have participated in the program, according to data obtained from the Georgia Department of Public Safety. (Emory University’s Police Department received two pair of night-vision goggles but is returning them because the private school is no longer eligible to participate in the program, school officials said.) Police departments for the Dooly County school system and Fort Valley State University received a mix of supplies, cleaning equipment and wet weather gear. In addition to dozens of ponchos, duffle bags and sleeping bags, Fulton County Schools received two Humvees, which district officials say have been helpful during inclement weather. Other school systems, including the Bibb County School District, have gotten a collection of combat rifles, such as M-16s and M-14s. Officials from Bibb did not respond to calls for comment. Last week, leaders from about a dozen national civic and education organizations, including Gwinnett SToPP (Gwinnett Par-
ent Coalition to Dismantle the School to Prison Pipeline) and the NAACP, signed on to a letter asking the Defense Logistics Agency to stop arming school police with military weapons through the program. Also last week, Democratic U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson of DeKalb County filed the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, which would limit the program by preventing local agencies from receiving certain weapons such as tanks, flash-bang grenades, rocket launchers and all guns greater than .50-caliber. “It’s so unfortunate that our society has come to this, that we feel that more militarizing will actually solve a problem. It has yet to do that,” said Marlyn Tillman, a cofounder of Gwinnett SToPP, which opposes stationing police in schools. “We’re turning to a solution that really is the problem.” Public safety officials in Georgia and across the country say the weapons are needed to protect school campuses and students in case of emergencies, such as the massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007, when a student killed 32 people. Officials called the shooting a turning point for school safety.
“That caused our Police Department — as well as just about every other police agency around the country — to re-evaluate its training, protocols and preparedness,” said John Lester, a spokesman for Columbus State University. CSU police received three M-16s, records show. The weapons were part of Columbus State’s “active shooter” preparedness efforts, Lester said. “Fortunately,” he said, “we have never had to use them.” According to Kennesaw State Police Chief Roger Stearns, the benefit of the program is that it allows campus departments to have weapons that have already been widely used by law enforcement agencies. He said that for years, the “bad guys” had been better armed than police. KSU received four M-16s and two M-14s through the program. The six rifles are assigned to officers who have completed 30plus hours in rifle training. “We have more than 25,000 students, then add faculty and staff … a university is a small city,” Stearns said. “We have a responsibility to provide the same level of protection as that provided by any other city.”
Blackberry launches Obama asserts US Leadership new smartphone MCT Campus
MCT Campus
BlackBerry doesn’t care if you call it a square. In fact, the company is embracing it. The struggling Canadian company Wednesday launched Passport, its newest smartphone, which has a distinctively square 4.5-inch screen. “As we set out to design BlackBerry Passport, we were guided by a simple yet challenging idea _ to set aside the limitations of traditional design and to instead simply build a device that fundamentally changes the way business professionals get work done on their smartphone,” Chief Executive John Chen said. “The BlackBerry Passport was created to drive productivity and to break through the sea of rectangularscreen, all-touch devices.” BlackBerry said it had been inspired by actual passports (which aren’t square, but no matter). And perhaps in a subtle dig to the massive iPhone 6 Plus, as well as the whole bendable iPhone controversy, BlackBerry noted that the Passport “is portable enough to
easily tuck into pockets.” It is also made with forged stainless steel “for added strength.” The Passport is being marketed as a productivity workhorse for the professional and is one of the first devices to launch on BlackBerry’s latest operating system, BlackBerry 10.3. The company said the 3450 mAh battery provides up to 30 hours of mixed use. The company said the screen is optimized for viewing and creating content, and will purportedly make tasks such as reading and writing emails, reviewing and editing documents, Web browsing and map navigation easier. Other specs include a 13-megapixel camera, 32GB of internal storage, a 1440 x 1440 resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 3. BlackBerry has also upgraded its keyboard. It’s now touch-enabled with gestures that will make typing and editing more efficient and accurate. The phone costs $700 but BlackBerry is offering a limited-time offer of $600 for the phone, which is already available at local carriers and online.
Timesheets replace vouchers Ashton Darrett, of the Center EMPLOYMENT for Student Success and Engagecontinued from page 1 status for those who attend school and work. The voucher system has been done away with in favor of time sheets. Olenyk said it is a better practice to pay hourly. The vast majority of student positions are paid hourly. The practice of paying students on a stipend is in review. This new policy was officially implemented for the fall semester, but has been in the works since the spring.
ment and Career Services, led training sessions to familiarize students with the new policy during the first week of September. “We just wanted to make everything more streamlined,” said Darrett. “It benefits the department (Career Services) and even the College as a whole because instead of having different departments do different things, we can all be on the same page as far as what student employment is, pay rates, and earning limits.”
President Barack Obama urged the world’s nations Wednesday to follow the lead of the United States in combating a variety of crises around the globe, from the threat of terrorist groups in the Middle East to the Ebola epidemic killing thousands in West Africa. “We can renew the international system that has enabled so much progress, or allow ourselves to be pulled back by an undertow of instability,” Obama said in his annual speech to the United Nations General Assembly. “We call upon others to join us on the right side of history.” In his speech, Obama acknowledged that despite advancements and opportunities, the world remains at a crossroads. “There is a pervasive unease in our world _ a sense that the very forces that have brought us together have created new dangers and made it difficult for any single nation to insulate itself from global forces,” Obama said. But Obama said the actions of other nations in some specific areas could go far in promoting a renewed sense of stability and peace: fighting the Islamic State terrorist group, which has taken over wide swaths of Syria and Iraq; rejecting the ideology of groups such as al-Qaida; and pushing countries in the Arab and Muslim worlds to focus on the potential of their people. Obama had been criticized for months for not having a strategy as one global problems erupted. In recent weeks, he has taken a stronger role in foreign issues, earning praise from even some of his critics. He used his speech Wednesday to recap some of those actions and reassert the leadership of the U.S. in the world. He said the U.S. brought together a coalition against the Islamic State, imposed
MCT Campus Photo
President Barack Obama delivers a statement about the U.S. strategy against ISIS at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Sept. 23. sanctions on Russia after its intervention in Ukraine and pushed Iran to curb its nuclear program. “At this crossroads, I can promise you that the United States of America will not be distracted or deterred from what must be done,” Obama said. “We are heirs to a proud legacy of freedom, and we are prepared to do what is necessary to secure that legacy for generations to come. Join us in this common mission, for today’s children and tomorrow’s.” Obama acknowledged that the U.S. has had its share of problems, noting the violence this summer in Ferguson, Mo. Barry Pavel, vice president and director of the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security at the Atlantic Council, said Obama’s visit to the United Nations this week offered him a time to trumpet some of his recent actions.
Obama arrived Tuesday in New York for two days of meetings and speeches centered around the U.N. General Assembly meeting. He met Wednesday with new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi to reaffirm a “strategic relationship” as Iraq looks to bring feuding factions together and fight the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. Obama was leading a special Security Council meeting to press other nations to pass a resolution designed to place additional requirements on governments to halt the support of so-called foreign fighters who travel abroad to join terrorist organizations. The National Counterterrorism Center estimates that 15,000 fighters from about 80 countries have attempted to join ISIS or other terrorist groups, including 2,000 Europeans and about 100 Americans.
News
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Nation and World Briefs
Nation Student Counter protest to an Anti-Protest Curriculum ARVADA, Colo. - A new conservative school board majority in the Denver suburbs recently proposed a curriculum-review committee to promote “patriotism, respect for authority and free enterprise” and to guard against educational materials that “encourage or condone civil disorder.” In response, hundreds of students, teachers and parents gave the board their own lesson in civil disobedience. -New York Times United States - U.S. hospitals may be unprepared to safely dispose of the infectious waste generated by any Ebola virus disease patient to arrive unannounced in the country, potentially putting the wider community at risk, biosafety experts said. -Chicago Tribune
World U.S., Arab allies struck 24 militant targets in Syria, officials say WASHINGTON - The deadly Tomahawks roared in from two directions in the predawn hours Tuesday, as the guided-missile destroyer Arleigh Burke in the Red Sea and the cruiser Philippine Sea in the north Persian Gulf fired 47 cruise missiles across the cold desert and into the heart of northern Syria. Half an hour later, stealthy F-22 Raptors, F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, supersonic B-1 bombers and unmanned drones swarmed overhead and unleashed scores of precision-guided bombs. The third and final bombing wave, about three hours later, involved Navy F/A-18 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush in the north Persian Gulf and F-16 fighters from regional bases. -Los Angeles Times Thousands Stream into Refugee Camp on Syrian-Turkish Border MURSITPINAR REFUGEE CAMP, Turkey - Tens of thousands of Syrians fleeing ISIS militants and the fighting in their country poured across the Turkish border in recent days, swelling refugee centers amid an undercurrent of tension. A throng gathered Wednesday morning at a crowded center along the Syrian border, surging toward tents to escape rain and a driving wind. The flood of humanity, which relief workers say tops 138,000 people, has come as ISIS has captured more than a hundred villages in northern Syria in the last week and a half, according to Reuters. -NBC News
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‘Maze Runner’ director Wes Ball a ‘newbie’ MCT Campus
Untested directors have been the trend on big Hollywood movies for a while. They offer to producers and executives the appeal of “new blood” - and, not insignificantly, the lure of budget-friendliness and/or malleability. In an era when a movie’s brand is as important a selling point as any directorial flourish, who needs an expensive filmmaker with a greater propensity for pushback when a first-timer can get results? And results are what they’ve gotten. Many neophytes’ movies have indeed turned into solid box-office performers. Over the weekend, Wes Ball became the latest newbie to reach base. The first-time feature filmmaker guided the dystopian young-adult adventure “The Maze Runner” to the top of the box office. The film took in an estimated $32.5 million. This comes only a few years after Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, known previously for just a (well-regarded) short, took the reins of the Sam Raimi-produced “Evil Dead” remake. Josh Trank made the jump from a short titled “Stabbing at Leia’s” to the foundfootage superhero pic “Chronicle.” Both movies also topped the box office on their opening weekends. The newbie boom is happening in certain genres, and in this era, for a reason. When effects drive the action, it’s most important for studios to know a director can handle those.
Robert Stromberg was a visual-effects guru who had worked on a lot of big productions but never directed a movie when producer Joe Roth handed him the keys to “Maleficient.” That worked out pretty well. And if directors can make effects look good with just a few dollars at their disposal, imagine, the thinking goes, what they can do with a briefcase full of money. Gareth Edwards showed his chops on the ultra-low-budget “Monsters,” and landed the job on Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla.” Ball fits the category too. A Florida State film school alum with a professional background in graphics and visual effects, he was best known for the CG-animated short film “Ruin,” which has a similar post-apocalyptic vibe to “Maze Runner.” Fox’s “Planet of the Apes” franchise has been especially adept at this - it’s taken directors of smaller movies such as Rupert Wyatt and Matt Reeves and allowed them to paint their sensibilities on a much bigger canvas. Marvel has practiced this for a while too. “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” helmers Anthony and Joe Russo were not first-time filmmakers when they took the chair for their latest projects, but they certainly were taking a big step up and over. The Christopher Nolans and Bryan Singers of the world aren’t going away. And even sunny-eyed producers will acknowledge there’s a learning curve when a director goes
MCT Campus Photo
Dylan O’Brien and Kaya Scodelario star as Thomas and Teresa in “The Maze Runner.” from shooting a small movie on a tight schedule to working for studios on some of their biggest projects; there’s a reason that resume and pecking order has existed in Hollywood as long as it has. Of course, pecking order doesn’t matter quite as much when the directorial style of a film isn’t the reason people are coming out to see it - e.g., Josh Boone, the relatively unknown director whose “The Fault in Our Stars” grossed over $300 million worldwide, in large part for the film’s name and stars. Is all this a laudable sign of Hollywood’s willingness to bet on new talent or a sign that established auteurs matter less than ever? Maybe a little bit of both. It may not matter. Faced with cost-cutting pressures and an uncertain box office - and a generation of directors willing to do what it takes to get the job done - studios are picking up the Ball and running with it.
Renewed Vandalism in Ferguson, MO MCT Campus Tensions again boiled over in Ferguson, Mo., as a crowd of people smashed the windows of at least one store and three people were arrested in the suburb that has become the latest symbol of the continuing racial woes in the United States. Tuesday’s demonstrations, which spilled into Wednesday, are part of a series that wracked the city, though violence had lessened in recent weeks. The protests come as the nation awaits grand jury action on the case that touched off the summer of discontent. On Aug. 9, Michael Brown, an unarmed young black man, was shot by a white policeman, leading to riots, protests and national attention to the problems of racial friction.
The issue took on a global dimension on Wednesday when President Barack Obama took time in his speech at the United Nations to mention Ferguson and how the United States, through democratic means, is trying to heal its own wounds. After calling for new global cooperation to fight terrorism, Ebola and other woes, Obama urged the world to find common ground in shared principles to fight for a better world. “I realize that America’s critics will be quick to point out that at times we too have failed to live up to our ideals; that America has plenty of problems within our own borders,” Obama said. “This is true. “In a summer marked by instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, I know the world
also took notice of the small American city of Ferguson, Mo. – where a young man was killed, and a community was divided. So yes, we have our own racial and ethnic tensions. And like every country, we continually wrestle with how to reconcile the vast changes wrought by globalization and greater diversity with the traditions that we hold dear,” the president said. On Tuesday, a fire destroyed one of two memorials to Brown near the site where he was shot. People gathered and rebuilt it Tuesday morning, but many remained angry, according to social media and local media reports. By Tuesday night, a crowd estimated at about 200 had gathered and rocks and bricks were thrown at police. Windows at Beauty Town, on West Florissant
Avenue, were broken and a fire was reported at another store. Police officials, including Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ronald S. Johnson, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar and St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson, went to the scene to calm the crowd, which had dwindled to about 50 to 75 before midnight, according to the St. Louis PostDispatch. Juan Santos, manager of Beauty Town, told the newspaper that this was the third time the store has been broken into since the fatal shooting. Santos said the windows had been replaced just a week ago at a cost of $1,300. He got the boards from the basement and put them back on the newly smashed windows, saying he “will probably leave them up for a while now.”
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Thursday, September 25, 2014
Arts & Entertainment
Beacon.MCLA.edu
FreshGrass returns with blues, funk and more
Photos courtesy of Shannon Adamites
From left to right: Festival-goers enjoy an outdoor performance from string band The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Iconic bluegrass singer Emmylou Harris entertains the crowd. Blues singer Valerie June performs behind Mass MoCA.
SAC returns with fun-filled fall semester By Rachel Fitterman
Arts & Entertainment Editor The Student Activities Council (SAC) has a full semester planned for this fall. Popular favorites, such as the Animal Adventures Petting Zoo, which brings exotic animals to the Campus Center, and Halloween’s Freak Week, will be returning. “I’m currently planning Family Weekend,” said sophomore and traditions chair Cat Lima, who will also be planning upcoming once-a-month “blue plate specials,” the free giveaways that have included bamboo plants and custom airbrushed items. Sophomore Lindsay Maselli,
Saturday Night Spotlight chair, has planned game nights and other activities to make sure students always have something to do every single weekend. “I’m trying to find a ghost hunter to bring in for Freak Week,” she said. “It’ll be interesting to see what ghosts they can find on campus.” Comedy Stop chair and junior Kyla Graves has a similar mindset. “Other than comedians, I can also hire hypnotists and magicians, so I’m hoping to get one for Freak Week.” Graves brought in comedian Michael Harris earlier this semester, and hopes to continue with more successful Wednesday night Comedy Stops
and gather a larger audience. Although the highly anticipated SAC-sponsored concert, which has recently brought in big names like Reel Big Fish, We the Kings, Mayday Parade and Four Year Strong, isn’t until the spring, concert chair Jordan Goyette has already begun the planning process. “This week we’ll be tabling for students to vote for which genre they want the concert to be,” the sophomore said. “I’m also working on coordinating an off-campus trip to a venue in Albany to see a show this semester.” SAC has also introduced the idea of co-sponsoring events with other clubs on campus, something that vice president and junior Jo-
elle Dumont has been working to encourage. “We’d really love to work with other clubs and help promote them as well,” Dumont said. “As vice president, my job is to promote events and run public relations, make flyers and posters, post on social media. If [other clubs] are going to co-sponsor with us, our goal is to promote ourselves as well as others.” President Alex Lopez added, “I’m really happy about cosponsoring events. It’s a big thing I want to do this year. [SAC] does a lot of events, but we also want to give light to other clubs as well. We recently had a Saturday Night Spotlight dance that was
co- sponsored with BSU, and I thought it went really well. I enjoyed working with the BSU eboard, and we want to try really hard to bring more co-sponsored events to campus.” SAC’s e-board has brought in a newer crop of chairs, but Lopez showed his enthusiasm for it. “Each year we definitely have a different dynamic of people. This year it’s total 180 from last year, but I appreciate everyone who comes in and helps and takes these positions because it’s not easy,” he said. Co-advisor Michael Obasohan added, “I’m very excited to see where this new group of e-board and chair members take SAC this year.”
EDM gains popularity on college campuses Mass EDMC allows students to take leadership roles and interact with music on a personal level By Nicole L’Etoile
Arts & Entertainment Writer EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, has become very popular in recent years. EDM festivals are hosted for people to become one with the music and experience it with others around them. Many believe that drugs need to be involved at an EDM festival for the audience to have a good time, but that’s not what EDMC (EDM Community) is trying to promote. “[Taking drugs] changes your experience and the way the music touches you, and that’s why I don’t get involved with that,” Kristina Alexander, a campus representative for Mass EDMC
and MCLA student, said. According to Alexander, along with changing the musical experience, drugs purchased at festivals are not safe because their one cannot be certain where they came from or precisely what they are. Alexander added that there are often workshops at EDM festivals, including crafts, meditating, and yoga to help people “become one with the music.” Mass EDMC promotes and sells tickets for EDM shows in Western Mass and all over the East Coast. The different EDMC groups meet up and go to shows together, which helps them establish connections for the future. Alexander got involved
with EDMC after attending her first festival in 2012. “I realized it was like event planning but bigger, and I wanted to get involved in that and be a sort of booking artist for DJs,” she said. EDM has been consistently rising in popularity for about four years, and has many faithful followers. “I like EDM because it has a fast beat and is fun to listen to,” sophomore Bryan Doughty said. To become a campus representative for Mass EDMC, there is a thorough application process wherein one must explain why they want to be a representative and what they could bring to the organization.
Get Involved with Mass EDMC! • Join the street team • Become a campus rep • Learn valuble social media marketing skills • Write about your festival experiences Learn more at massedmc.com
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Arts & Entertainment
Beacon.MCLA.edu
7
DownStreet Art season ends The summer-long programs closes with a host of celebrations in downtown North Adams tonight By Rachel Fitterman
Arts & Entertainment Editor DownStreet Art closes its summer season tonight with a final Closing Art Party, with a multitude of activities to keep participants busy. Galleries will be open all day, and the celebrations begin at 4 p.m. with Art About Town’s Crosswalkabout project, which invites the community to transform North Adams’ crosswalks into works of art. Paint and paintbrushes will be provided. The Mortal Beasts & Deities’ Splendiferous Stilt Dancers, who have appeared at DownStreet art in the past, will be performing starting at 6 p.m. Local DJs iamsam and Elixir will play a set from 6 to 9 p.m. at Berkshire Bank. Gallery 51 will present an in-
terpretive dance response with dance and poetry inspired by its current exhibit, “Things You See,” at 6:30 p.m. Avant-garde band The Leafies You Gave Me will perform at the Ed Cormac Stage under the Mohawk Marquee, also at 6:30 p.m, followed by Albany-based neopsych rock band Linear North at 8 p.m. The Paper Dress exhibit in the PRESS Gallery will come to life with “Who’s In That Window?,” starting at 7 p.m. Tupelo Press and Curtis Asch will read poetry from 7:30-9. At 9 p.m., CONcourse Gallery will present “The Painter’s Vision,” a short film by William Oberst, which explores figurative art and the way artists anticipate their finished works. The film
runs a total of 20 minutes, From 9-11, DownStreet Art will hold its official closing party at the Sushi House. A free trolley will run from 6 to 9 p.m. between Gallery 51, the Rudd Art Museum, and the DownStreet Art murals. DownStreet Art is a non-profit public arts project. They are celebrating a sucessful season with both local and international artists, including Egyptian arits Alaa Awad, taking part to raise awareness for the growing artistic community in North Adams. Photo by Agnella Gross/The Beacon
Right: “Cognition,” by Hideyo Okamura, appears at Gallery 51, which will host an interpretive dance response based off of the exhibit tonight.
Healthy alternatives Yorick begins abound in N. Adams rehearsal for ‘A Winter’s Tale’
By Christopher Johnson Arts & Entertainment Writer While the popular image of the college food situation involves students shriveling away in their dorm rooms eyeing empty wrappers, healthy food alternatives abound in this small college town. Brewhaha and The Parlor Café serve a variety of “home-cooked” meals for the exhausted student, and the weekly North Adams Farmers Market offers diverse fruits and veggies, as well as foods like sauces and jams. Jason Morin, who co-owns The Parlor Café with Elizabeth Osimo, said that people appreciate food made from scratch, like pies and quiche. “We’re not cutting open a plastic bag, putting it in the microwave, sticking it on a plate, and putting it out,” Morin said. Additionally, Morin said people like that the prices are affordable for the quality of the food, and The Parlor has only received one major negative comment, with the rest being rave reviews “Neither Elizabeth nor I would be able to live with ourselves if we were serving food to people that we wouldn’t ourselves eat,” Morin said. “And we have standards of eating. We stay away from foods that have little or no nutritional content.” Morin said that Mr. Spicy (and Italian bagel with roast beef, melted provolone, red onions, hot peppers, and horseradish sauce) is “the best-tasting item on the menu.” Elizabeth Osimo, a graduate of MCLA, is The Parlor’s chef. She said The Parlor will sometimes sell an entire quiche
Photo by Christopher Johnson/The Beacon
Barry and Nancy Garton of Brewhaha. before lunch. “We feel badly running out of what people come in expecting,” Osimo said. “When it comes to Elizabeth,” Morin said, “mention the food. Elizabeth is the food. I come up with ideas for things to eat and stuff like that but she’s the one who makes it; she comes up with the recipes; she does the baking; she’s really the driving force.” Upon entering Brewhaha, the first things one notices are the compact coziness of the place and the colorful décor. Also prominent is the music, selected by Barry Garton, who co-owns Brewhaha with Nancy Garton. “It’s just the kind of food I’ve been making ever since I got started in the food business in the 70s,” Garton said. “If anybody’s looking for alternative choices and good quality food, we would be the place to choose.” Their menu offers an extensive array of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. The North Adams Farmers Market is the place to go for those looking for ingredients, rather than prepared food. Two diverse
and well-stocked stations at the Farmers Market are Mountain Girl Farm, located in North Adams and open for business outside the Farmers Market, and. Jen Barbeau owns Mountain Girl Farm with her daughter, Katie. They began the farm after giving up processed food and looking for something more wholesome. Barbeau said that younger people have seen their parents’ health deteriorate and are seeking alternative nutrition options. At her station, she offers various sauces and jams, a pickled corn mix, and other all-natural foods. Natalya Benko, the namesake of Natalya’s Ethnic-European Cuisine, grew up on a farm in Ukraine and loves to bake. Whenever she has time off from her job as a teacher to bake and sell food at the Farmers Market, she takes the opportunity. She said she makes all the food at the station herself and thinks it is well-priced, especially for students who may be financially hard-pressed. Her foods include several flat pies and other treats, and she makes variouslyflavored crepes on the spot.
Photos by Agnella Gross/The Beacon
Yorick Members (from left to right) Mallory Schettine, Sean Mahoney, Kate Rowell, Mitch Chapman, Julie Castagna, Kelli Furney, and Luke Thompson wait to receive stage directions, above. Kelli Furney and Sam Fox examine their scripts while Harmony Birch discusses her character, below.
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Sports
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Fair territory
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Tennis serves up wins in conference play By Jesse Collings Sports Editor
Where have all the heroes gone? By Jesse Collings Sports Editor
The media today loves to talk about the moral shortcomings of not just athletes, but all famous individuals. We rarely see media coverage of athletes doing great things, and why would we? As humans, we crave to hear about the failure of others, particularly those who have achieved a great amount of success. “Star Quarterback Has Drunken Outburst” makes for a much more marketable headline than “Star Quarterback Builds Home for Orphans.” According to thee media, you would think that we are currently in moral crisis. Athletes are supposed to be good, honest folk who supply a healthy example for young kids to follow in. Why are so many of them suddenly turning out to be scumbags? The truth is, athletes haven’t gotten any worse; it’s just that the media has changed its coverage of athletes. It has been proven that violence and criminal activity sells, so that is what the media likes to focus on. In addition, times have changed, and what we interpret now as shameful behavior was perfectly acceptable. I can only imagine how many athletes in the 1950s figured it was okay to physically discipline their kids. Who was a bigger sports idol than Babe Ruth? Ruth was a drunk, routinely cheated on his wife, and nearly ate himself out of baseball, but did the public really care about that? No, all that mattered was his career as the most exciting player in baseball. Mickey Mantle was notorious for getting plastered at bars after games and starting fights. Did people look down on him for that? Of course not; in fact, they revered him more for it. After all, he was the Mick, the ultimate man’s man. Today, if a player was always going into bars and starting drunken brawls, he would be suspended and dragged through the mud within 24 hours. Where have all the heroes gone? The better question is if they were ever there to begin with. Plenty of athletes, surely a majority of them, are nice, caring people, who do a lot of good in the world. But just because someone can throw a ball or run really fast doesn’t mean they are morally superior to anyone. Only when we stop caring so much about athletes being great people can we truly get past their misconduct.
MCLA defeated North Atlantic Conference rival Green Mountain College on Tuesday, sweeping the match, 9-0. MCLA improved to 4-3 on the season an to 2-1 in conference play. The team dominated in doubles competition, with the teams of Sarah Mikutowicz and Sarah Murphy, and Rebecca Waterhouse and Shelby Gauthier each winning their matches 8-0. The duo of freshmen Emily Deaso and Mariza Sfakianaki were the only team to allow Green Mountain on the board, but they still managed to win handily, 8-1. In singles play, the Trailblazers were just as dominant, winning all six matches to complete the shut-out. Deaso, Waterhouse and Kylie Dumas all won their matches without allowing a single point, sweeping them 6-0, 6-0. Photo From MC LA Athletics Sfakiani defeated Green Moun- MCLA senior Sarah Murphy follows through with a backhand. Murphy was named the NAC player tain freshman Paige Vlahos 6-0, of the week on Sep. 22, joining teammate Sarah Mikutowicz as the second Trailblazer to earn that 6-1. Murphy defeated senior Ka- honor. tie Getts 6-0, 6-2. In the number Mikutowicz teamed up with se- ence and I have made such great ah Murphy talked about helping one slot, Mikutowicz defeated nior Sarah Murphy to defeat the friends with them, that all of our along the freshmen as they get sophomore Alex Reedy, 6-1, 6-1. duo of Lyndon freshman Nicole levels of play have risen. We feed ready for more conference play The team earned its first conferJones and sophomore Alexandria off each other’s energy and it “It’s incredible. I love guiding ence victory of the season, defeatMaynard by a score of 8-3. Miku- makes us stronger and makes us them almost as much as I love ing Lyndon State on Saturday 8-1. towicz then moved onto singles want to improve ourselves fur- learning from them. They bring MCLA also earned its first road play, defeating Lyndon freshman ther. We hope to continue playing so much passion and energy to victory of the season, traveling to Christina Boyce, 6-3 and 6-4. our best!” the team,” Murphy said. “Being Lyndon, Vermont, to pick up the Despite being a first year stuFellow Blazer freshman Mariza co-captain of this team has been key conference victory. dent, Mikutowicz has been strong Sfakianaki also picked up two one of my greatest experiences The team opened the game for the Blazers, and has already points for the Blazers. She teamed in life. These girls mean so much strong, sweeping all three doubles established herself as one of the up with fellow freshman Emily to me, more than they probably matches. In singles play, the Trailconference’s most fearsome oppo- Deaso to defeat Boyce and sopho- know!” blazers remained strong, sweepnents. Mikutowicz talked about more Alexa Richard in doubles Sophomore Rebecca Watering all but one of the matches, to maintaining her high level of play play, 8-3. She then served up a house and junior Ama Adwetewafinish off Lyndon 8-1. into NAC play. hard-earned victory against Rich- Badu also earned two points each Freshman Sarah Mikutowicz “I have three words: practice, ard in singles play. Sfakianaki lost for the Blazers, who are back in showed strong play in her rookie practice, practice!” Mikutowicz the first set 6-3, but then came action on Saturday, when they season, earning two points in said. “Playing with the rest of back to take the next two sets, host Thomas College at 1 p.m. at the victory. In doubles action, my teammates is a good experi- 6-0 and 6-1. Senior captain Sar- the Zavatarro Athletic Complex.
Women’s Soccer Begins MASCAC Play By Jesse Collings Sports Editor
Photo by Jesse Collings/The Beacon
MCLA’s Nicole Zacchio beats the defender and heads into the box last Wednesday. MCLA earned its first victory of the season, defeating Bay Path 2-0.
The Women’s soccer team started conference play on a sour note, falling on the road to Worcester State on Saturday, 4-0. It dropped MCLA to 1-5-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Worcester State improved to 5-1 on the season, and 1-0 in MASCAC play. The game started out even, with both teams locked at zero after the first half hour. In the 34th minute, Worcester State senior Margo Clifford completed a pass from the top of the box to junior Alicia Macomber, who beat Trailblazer keeper Kat Daly for her teamleading seventh goal of the season, putting the Lancers up 1-0. In the second half, Worcester State junior Kendal Bergenholtz collected a cross from Macomber and put in her third goal of the season, and extending the Lancer lead to 2-0. Seniors Shelby Archer and Cassie Giardina would each add a late goal to seal the victory. It was another tough day for an MCLA defense that has struggled this season, allowing twelve goals over the last four games. “The Blazers were able to earn
their first victory of the season, defeating Bay Path College last Wednesday, 2-0. MCLA came out to impress a large home crowd, and significantly outplayed the visiting Wildcats. Bay Path used a conservative game plan, and it led to a calm day for Daly and the rest of the Blazer defense. Freshman Brittany Whitford scored the first goal of her MCLA career in the 59th minute, and sophomore Natalie Caney added some insurance in the 73rd minute, to give MCLA its first victory of the season. MCLA faced SUNY-IT on Wendesday, before they dive back into conference play. The team is back in action this Saturday, when they host MASCAC rival Salem State. The game begins at 1 p.m. and will take place at the Zavatarro Athletic Complex. The Trailblazers will look to build on last year’s promising campaign, when they finished the season 3-4 in MASCAC. MCLA will look for even more goal scoring from Caney, who led the Trailblazers last season with 17 goals as a freshman, the second most in the conference.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Sports
Beacon.MCLA.edu
9
Finding the open net Scores Tuesday, Setpember 23
Women’s Tennis MCLA vs Green Mountain 9-0 Volleyball MCLA vs Sage 1-3 Saturday, September 20 Women’s Soccer MCLA @ Worcester State 0-4 Men’s Soccer MCLA vs Worcester State 3-1 Volleyball MCLA @ Curry College 3-2 Photo by Kasey Conklin
MCLA freshman Oscar Castro celebrates after beating the Worcester St. Goalkeeper and finishing off his second goal of the year. Tim Schmidt, for a quick 1-0 lead. Pereira said. “We all did exactly snuck a shot past MCLA’s keeper The Blazers’ aggressive play last- what we were supposed to do and Matt Robinson. By Tyler Bacon The Blazers tied the game when ed into the second half. In the 60th it showed with the result.” Sports Writer minute, Nolan Burke scored on a “It’s great to start 1-0 in the Kwadwo Kusi stole the ball from The Men’s Soccer team opened through ball from Anthony Basile MASCAC. It was a big game and a Skidmore defender and beat the conference play on Saturday, to increase the Blazers lead to 2-0. we need to win,” Castro said. ”This keeper to the lower left corner for coming out on top of Worcester The goal was Burke’s first of the means a lot because it builds our the goal. MCLA had opportunities to season. confidence for our next MASCAC State by a score of 3-1. The Blazers appeared to be in game and in general. It’s just great take the lead, but could not capiThe Trailblazers received goals by three different players as they cruise control when Freshman to begin our conference schedule talize. Skidmore broke the tie in the 74th minute when Tim Sulimproved their record to 4-2 on Oscar Castro snuck past the Lanc- with a win.” The win on Saturday was impor- livan secured a loose ball and the year and 1-0 in the confer- er defense to increase the lead to ence. Worcester State falls to 0-1 3-0. The three-goal lead proved to tant because in recent seasons the poked it past Robinson. Skidmore tacked on another in MASCAC play and 1-5-1 over- be too much for Worcester State Men’s Soccer team has struggled to make the playoffs. with only eight minutes left. goal just 81 seconds later when all. “It feels good to start conference Smukler lofted a shot 25 yards Worcester State answered quickThe game saw the Blazers score in the 23rd minute from their top ly as Alec Ostrowski scored on a play strong,” Vona said. “A win out and past Robinson for the 3-1 scorer, Dylan Pereira. The goal loose ball in front of the net in the is always a confidence booster. I lead. MCLA could not answer came when the Blazers were 84th minute. The goal reduced the think if we recreate the same ef- back. With the win, Skidmore imawarded a corner kick. Edward Blazer lead to 3-1. MCLA would fort we put in today, we will colproved to 5-3-1 and MCLA Boateng kicked the ball quickly rebound and run out the clock for lect another win at home.” On Tuesday, the Men’s Soccer dropped to 4-3. The Blazers look to Tyler Vona on the left wing, the win. Sophomore Dylan Pereira talk- team took on Skidmore College to rebound on Saturday when who sent a cross into the box and and suffered a 3-1 loss. they travel to Salem State and rePereira headed the ball past the ed about the team’s win. Skidmore took a 1-0 lead in the sume MASCAC play. “We defended as a team and diving Worcester State keeper, attacked even better as a team,” 23rd minute, when Robby Smukler
Volleyball spikes competition By Jesse Collings Sports Editor
MCLA hit a roadblock Tuesday, falling at home to Sage College, 3-1, snapping their five game winning streak. MCLA took the first set in a competitive contest, winning 2522. Sage would rally back and take the second set in another close match, winning 26-24. Sage blew the game open with a dominant third set, overwhelming the Trailblazers and earning the set, 25-7. The fourth and final set was more competitive, but Sage was able to seal the victory with a 25-17 victory. Sage won it’s 8th straight game, improving their record to 11-4 on the season. MCLA fell back to 7-4. Sam Anderson led MCLA with 11 kills and Allie Chang led all players with 22 digs. Sage was led by Michayla Berard who finished
the game with 14 kills. On Saturday, the Volleyball team picked up its fifth straight victory, rallying back from two sets down to defeat Curry College on the road 3-2. This was the second game in a row in which the Trailblazers rallied from two sets down to end up taking the match. Curry assumed control of the first set, comfortably taking it 2516. MCLA made the second set a little bit closer, but Curry still managed to take it 25-20. The Curry Colonels were led by senior Christian Wallis, who finished the match with a team high of 8 kills, while freshman Courtney Carroll led all players with 21 digs. MCLA began its rally in the third set, taking it 25-22. The Blazers repeated their performance in the fourth set, defeating Curry 25-23 in the closest set of the game. In the fifth set, MCLA overwhelmed Curry, cruising to a 15-6 victory.
MCLA was led by junior Courtney Parent, with 10 kills on that day. Sophomore Sam Anderson added 9 kills and freshman Margaret Allen submitted another strong performance, finishing with 8 kills. Senior Allie Chang was the top defensive player for the Blazers, leading them with 11 digs. MCLA has been bolstered this season by several freshmen, including Allen, who currently leads the Blazers with 61 kills. She talked about making the adjustment from high school volleyball to the collegiate game. “The biggest difference between high school play and college play is the speed of the game. Everything is so much faster-paced in college volleyball,” Allen said. “Coach [Beckwith] did a very good job on preparing us freshmen for that big change.” The Blazers rallied last Thursday when they traveled to Elms
College, defeating the hosts 3-2. MCLA again dropped the first two sets, but won the last three and took the match. MCLA was led by Allen, with 11 kills, and Parent, who led all players with 33 assists. MCLA is back in action on Saturday, as they host Worcester State in their first conference match of the season. The match will begin at 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Gymnasium. With so much success in non-conference play, the Blazers are ready to start winning in MASCAC. Coach Amanda Beckwith talked about how their non-conference play is getting the team geared up for what is sure to be a competitive season. “It is great that we have had some good competition outside of conference, but it’s now time for us to shake up the conference and get to work on hosting a conference post season match and going for the championship,” she said.
Women’s Tennis MCLA @ Lyndon State 8-1
Schedules Saturday, September 27 Cross Country MCLA @ Elms College Blazers Classic Men’s Soccer MCLA @ Salem State 1 p.m. Volleyball MCLA vs Worcester State 1 p.m. Women’s Tennis MCLA vs Thomas College 1 p.m. Women’s Soccer MCLA vs Salem State 1 p.m. Monday, September 29 Women’s Tennis MCLA @ St. Joseph’s 4 p.m. Volleyball MCLA @ Bay Path 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 30 Golf MCLA @ Westfield State 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 1 Men’s Soccer MCLA vs SUNY Cobleskill 3:30 p.m. Volleyball MCLA vs Framingham State 7 p.m.
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Opinion
Thursday, September 25, 2014
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How do you feel about the new smoking policy? “It sucks for the people who used to smoke all over campus, because it didn’t really bother too many people.”
“Good and bad for people with asthma or other health problems so they aren’t worried about walking into walls of smoke, bad for smokers who have to go out of their way to smoke .”
–Alex Butfilowski, 2015
–Michaela Carpenter, 2015
“I appreciate what they are trying to do to help better the campus, but I would like to see the designated areas for smokers covered to protect from the elements.”
“It’s not bad, as long as you’re not in front of an academic building disturbing people. It’s good. ” –Evan Hess, 2015
–Philip Shedd, 2017
“I think it’s great. I don’t have to inhale secondhand smoke on my way to class anymore.”
“No problem with it; I’ve been a respectful smoker. If I ever need to move I’ll do it.”
-Jared Kahn, 2015
–Vincent Patella, 2018
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. 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. 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.
Photos compiled by Osakpolo Igiede
Bigger than biceps
Hot cup of sugar By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Editor-in-Chief
It’s that time of the year again when fall traditions take over social media: pumpkin spice lattés from Starbucks, selfies with pumpkins, apple picking, and football. All of these are usually enjoyable and good for your health…except the lattés. Lately, I’ve been following a Facebook page called “Food Babe,” run by a woman leading a movement to investigate the ingredients used in our food. One of her most popular posts is about the syrups and flavors used in drinks at Starbucks. According to her page, caramel coloring is made with ammonia and is considered a carcinogen. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latté also contains no real pumpkin; its
artificial flavors and sugars stem from substances like petroleum, pesticide residue, and milk from cows fed genetically modified (GMO) corn. Hmmm... it seems that we have a Starbucks in the campus center. Has anyone actually scanned the menu for something without these kinds of ingredients? Sure, you can order a plain coffee, but only if you have the willpower to avoid the double mocha-carameltwist-whip-chocolate chip frappe. Those same drinks include harmful and addictive syrups and flavors. The ingredients for Starbucks are not published online and the “Food Babe” claimed that the company was inconsistent in explaining the ingredients, depending on who was spoken to. Now, anything we see on Facebook should be taken with a grain of salt, but the “Food Babe” is a major activist with several awards for Best Health and Food Blog, and is also the 2008 and 2012 North Carolina Delegate for President Obama, so the information she publishes carries more weight than some. In addition to making an effort to avoid Starbucks, remember what unneeded sugar alone does to the body. Sugar that is not used and transferred into energy just sits in the body, while also decreasing energy and focus levels. Some say that drinking only small, eight-ounce cups of black coffee periodically throughout the day helps maintain a healthy all-day concentration. Drink responsibly for your only body.
In my humble opinion...
Don’t back down, Emma By Nick Arena
Multimedia Editor Emma Watson, the newly appoint United Nations Women goodwill ambassador, gave a speech on Saturday for the up and coming HeForShe movement, and the mysoginists aren’t taking it lightly. Members of the website 4chan have vowed to release nude photographs of the actress and ambassador to attack her for her statements about equality. For those of you who don’t know what the HeForShe campaign is all about, it is a solidarity movement towards gender equality that is working to increase the number of men fighting for gender equality. So Miss Watson’s speech, which simply encouraged people to step up and fight for equal rights for everyone, has earned her this humiliating
Editorial Board punishment from men across the internet. I’m using the word “men” extremely lightly here. What kind of gutless cowards are these people to just sit behind a computer desk in anonymity and threaten the very private elements of someone else’s life, simply because that person was trying to bring people together? Is it just to have some fun at their expense? I would hope that not all 4chan members are like this, and I would encourage anyone who isn’t to do what you can to fight back against this. The people who are threatening to spread these photos are supposedly hackers, well it’s time for the better hackers to take a stab at them. The Internet is a very difficult place to keep yourself safe and private, but for God’s sake what did she do that was so wrong? She asked men to step out of control, to share it with women, to display their feelings rather than being ice cold about them, she asked them to help make the world a safer and more level playing field. It’s time for us to stop trying to break feminists, and it’s time for more people to start standing up against this kind of treatment of women. Emma, you keep on fighting that fight and don’t let something as cowardly as this break that resolve. A strong enough character can take down any bully, no matter how big, or how strong. And to everyone else reading this, pay a visit to www.heforshe. org, spread the word and stand up against the bullies who probably wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to any one of you.
Editor-in-Chief Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Sports Editor Jesse Collings
Web Editor Jenna O’Connor
A&E Editor Rachel Fitterman
Senior News Editor Nick Swanson
Copy Chief Avery Finnivan Multimedia Editor
Design Editor Meg Gugarty
Nick Arena
Staff Staff Writers Isabel McKenzie Idalis Foster Juanita Doss Christopher Johnson
Photographers Agnella Gross
Osakpolo Igiede* Design Team
Nicole L’Etoile Tyler Bacon
Osakpolo Igiede*
Copy Editors
Advisers
Brittany Gallacher Caitlin O’Neill
Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Jim Niedbalski
Advertising
Videographers
Ryan Robison Angel Baez
Kayleigh Anderson
*Holds more than one position
Online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Facebook.com/MCLABeacon Twitter.com/MCLA_Beacon
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Events, Announcements & Horoscopes
Horoscopes
Check it Out!
Upcoming events on campus
Thursday,September 25
Today, Sept. 25
Gender Equality Bake Sale, Marketplace 11 a.m.-1 p.m. DownStreet Art Crawl, Main St. North Adams 4:30-7 p.m. Philosophy Speaker, Rebecca Goldstein, novelist and philosopher, Murdock 218 8-9:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25 Voter Registration, Marketplace 11 a.m.-2 p.m. SAC Meeting, CC 324A 3:15-4 p.m. RPS Fight Club Film, Sullivan Lounge 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26 Allegretto Rehearsal, Church Street Auditorium 1-4 p.m. Saturday Night Chat, Sullivan Lounge 7-9 p.m. SAC Board Game Night, Venable Gym 8-9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27 Leadership Summit, Murdock 218 3-7 p.m. Good Vibes Yoga, Dance Complex 8-10 p.m.
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Aquarius (1/20-2/18): A reassessment of your financial goals may be needed now. Some of your expectations may be unrealistic. This doesn’t mean they won’t happen, just that they’re apt to take a little longer than you’d like. Think of it as an opportunity to develop patience. Rework your budget and hang in there! Pisces (2/19-3/20): Are you romantically attracted to someone you know through work? If so, this isn’t a good time to pursue it. You might be wearing your heart on your sleeve a little too obviously. This could be unsettling for your friend, and it might sabotage the results you’re hoping for. Be patient and let the relationship develop. Aries (3/21-4/19):Inspiration for writing, music, drawing, painting, or other creative activities could hover just out of reach today. Great ideas could pop into your head and out just as quickly. The only way to avoid the frustration of missing out on wonderful ideas is to write them down as soon as they come. Making notes can also stimulate further inspiration. Taurus (4/20-5/20): Today you could run into an old friend and suddenly see him or her in a different light. A romantic, sensual attraction you never believed possible could suddenly seem overwhelming. Try to gauge if this person feels the same way. Don’t write this possibility off because you’ve labeled this person a “friend.”
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION STUDENT LOAN RECIPIENTS!! IF YOU’RE BORROWING A STUDENT LOAN FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU MUST COMPLETE ONLINE ENTRANCE COUNSELING AND YOUR MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE. COMPLETE BOTH AT www. studentloans.gov DON’T DELAY YOUR REFUND! CHECK WITH THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN ELDRIDGE HALL TO MAKE SURE YOUR REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE!
Gemini (5/21-6/20): A current or potential love relationship could hit a snag as you have a clash of wills. If either of you is stubborn, this could turn into an unpleasant power struggle. Try to work out a course of action that creates a win/win situation. In this way, the development of your relationship will progress rather than regress. Cancer (6/21-7/22): An opportunity to increase your income by working in an artistic or innovative manner could come your way today. Technologies like film or computer graphics may be involved. You may have doubts about your ability to take this on, but that’s only your insecurity. Have a little confidence in yourself. Leo (7/23-8/22): Circumstances beyond your control may frustrate your desire to get together with a love partner today. Work or family obligations could interfere. If your partner has to beg off, don’t get upset and start doling out blame. This won’t help and could put your friend on the defensive. Make arrangements to meet another day. Virgo (8/23-9/23): Visitors who mean a lot to you can make your home an even warmer and cozier place. You’ll probably spend a lot of time fixing it up and receive sincere compliments. The only downside might be that your current partner may not be there due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Enjoy the visit.
Libra (9/23-10/22): A long but necessary phone call from a close friend or love partner could come at work today. Matters of immediate concern need resolution. You might be uneasy about taking company time, and could even attract some unsettling attention, but you need to have this conversation now. It probably won’t have any long-term negative effects, so do what you have to do. Scorpio (10/23-11/21): Today you might discover a previously untapped talent, perhaps an artistic gift. This could be thrilling, but it will probably take some getting used to. Your first efforts might be tentative and uncertain, but this is what usually happens when you learn a new skill. Don’t get discouraged yet! Eventually you’ll probably love what you do. Sagittarius (11/22-12/21): You should be looking especially attractive. You may have an ethereal, mystical look about you that attracts attention from strangers. This won’t be lost on your friends, either. You could find it unsettling, particularly if people get too attentive or if a love partner gets jealous. Relax and enjoy it anyway. Capricorn (12/22-1/19): Expect to receive interesting communications today. You might hear from a long-lost friend and have a chance to catch up on the news. Perhaps you’ll hear something about success in reaching a goal you’ve been striving for these past few months. Expect some company. Horoscopes.com
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11
‘Paper Dresses’ to be new exhibit for Sept. DownStreet
MCLAs’ Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) announced a new exhibition, “Paper Dresses,” will open on Thursday, Sept. 25, as part of this year’s DownStreet Art summer season, in the PRESS: Letterpress as a Public Art Project Gallery, at 49 Main St. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., in PRESS Gallery. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Throughout the summer, the 12 “Paper Dresses” artists experimented and created work at PRESS that explores the tension between freedom and confinement within the dress form. Each artist made an edition of origami paper dresses that reflect elements of a larger wearable paper dress made specifically for this exhibit and/or a two-dimensional work. PRESS Gallery Chief Melanie Mowinski initiated this collaboration. She was inspired by Nicholas D. Kristof ’s upcoming visit to MCLA and his book, “Half the Sky,” co-written with his wife Sheryl WuDunn. “Half the Sky” chronicles Kristof and WuDunn’s encounters with extraordinary women all over the world and their struggles with the many injustices that women endure in the modern world. Participating artists include Karen Arp-Sandel, Suzi Banks Baum, Kate Barber, Valerie Carrigan, Adrienne Gale, Anne-Maree Hunter, Melanie Mowinski, Tara O’Brien, Tammi Lee Oak, Diane Sullivan, Erin Sweeney, and Yudelka Tavera. Each dress includes elements of typography and paper. The opening reception will feature visual and performance elements. The artists created twoand three-dimensional pieces, and MCLA Assistant Professor of Theatre Laura Standley advised and directed a performance piece in response to the exhibition. PRESS visitors contributed their thoughts in the form of “Permission Slips” pinned to a dress form and “Let Go” cards submitted anonymously. Both projects were incorporated into the exhibition. “Paper Dresses” will be on view at PRESS from Sept. 25 through Nov. 30 as a part of this year’s DownStreet Art offerings. For more information, contact Mowinski, 413-281-8108, or letterpress105@gmail.com, or go to http://www.letterpressasapublicartproject.wordpress.com. PRESS: LetterPRESS as a Public Art Project is located at 49 Main St., in North Adams, Mass. PRESS is a hybrid public art space as a gallery, studio and teaching lab. PRESS is open most days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
12
Photo Essay
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Sophmore Bryanna Bradley eagerly talks to students about Dance Company.
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Junior Marcus Neverson and senior Thomas Chang pass a rugby ball at the Rugby Club table.
Ice Cream Social Photos by Osakpolo Igiede/The Beacon The annual ice cream social hosted by the President’s Office welcomed students back to campus and gave clubs the opportunity to make connections with new students.
Timothy Williams tables for WJJW 91.1 College Radio.
Sophmore Kayla Quinn tables for Education Club.
Above: From left, sophmores Megan Chanowitz, Idalis Foster and Senior Aria Hatfield tabling for Artists Association . Below: Senior Giselle Sabido tables for the Christian Fellowship.