May 5, 2011 - Spring '11 Issue 13

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

Volume 73, Issue 13 www.theonlinebeacon.com Thursday, May 5, 2011

Public Safety outlines plan to arm officers

By Andrew Roiter Editor-in-Chief

At a meeting of the Student Government Association Monday night, Public Safety Director Joseph Charon outlined a plan to train and arm existing public safety officers with firearms.

“There is no precipitory incident that is driving this discussion,” President Mary Grant said.

“This conversation has been going on for years.”

Charon added that 9 out of 10 colleges that have a sworn police force with armed officers.

The College has been considering this plan since 2008, when the Mass. Department of Higher Education released a report recommending, among other things, 27 ways to improve campus safety. One of these stated, “Sworn campus police officers should be armed and trained in the use of personal or specialized firearms.”

The entire report is available at www.mass.edu.

There are two open meetings on the topic in Sullivan lounge. The first was earlier today at 8:30 a.m. in Sullivan lounge. The second will be on Monday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. The Board of Trustees has yet to make a decision. But public safety officers, Grant and other faculty have input.

“I think community commentary is very important, and I don’t know where we’re going to be at the end of that period so I’m not

Photo by Dan Sheehan/Beacon staff

Public Safety Director Joe Charon addresses SGA Monday night on the subject. going to offer a judgment about duty to act if a crime is reported viding them with a firearm creates what’s going to happen following to them or if one is being commit- that balance and creates the opportunities to be able to respond that. But the concerns that come ted in front of them.

2. All officers follow a model of to those levels.” forward in these meetings are 3. The MCLA campus is expandvery important. This is a consid- force. Without firearms, campus ered process,” Dean of Students safety officers are left without ac- ing. This will cause Public Safety cess to the highest level of force. to operate outside of the central Charlotte Degen said.

Charon discussed four points “Not having that level of force cre- campus area and in the greater that were reasons behind the de- ates a disparity of force between North Adams area more often.

“With officers using city streets potential assailants and campus cision.

1. Campus safety officers have a safety officers,” Charon said. “Pro- to gain access to those outside ju-

Commencement approaches

By Chris Goodell Senior News Editor

Members of the class of 2011 will say their final goodbyes to the College as commencement takes place on Saturday, May 21 in the Campus Center gymnasium.

Guest seating will begin at 9:30 a.m. on a first come, first serve basis, and the commencement ceremony will begin at 11.

The class of 2011 leaves behind a legacy that, according to President Mary Grant, is built around their hard work and dedication to making a difference in their community.

“This is a powerful class,” Grant said. “I’ve been truly privileged to know a lot of these students very well. I’ve noticed in this class students determined to make a difference.”

Dean of Students Charlotte Degen also noted the impact that the class of 2011 has had on the College during their time here.

“The class of 2011 is composed of amazing individuals,” Degen said. “These students have a spe-

cial way of investing in and supporting one another.”

“They have created and served in programs that touch the lives of youth to encourage their interest in doing well in school,” Degen continued. “They have also worked to preserve the environment. This is the class that led the celebration of 100 years of student governance. To celebrate, they established and raised funds for a scholarship.”

According to Grant, these graduates’ determination to make a difference is what makes civic leader Hubie Jones such an appropriate speaker to deliver the keynote address.

“Hubie’s work has all been about social justice, civic engagement and making a difference,” Grant said. “Anybody can make a difference. I think that’s the message that Hubie Jones is going to deliver.”

Jones is a former professor and dean of Boston University’s school of Social Work and has served as a community leader in Boston for the past several decades. Aside from being the

keynote speaker Jones will also receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service.

Also receiving honorary degrees during the commencement ceremony are Berkshire attorney John DeRosa, receiving a doctorate in law; Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto, receiving a doctorate in public service; and Sister Eunice Tassone, receiving a doctorate in humanities.

On Friday, May 20 graduates are invited to attend the baccalaureate ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Church Street Center. At 4:30 graduates who have made reservations can enjoy dinner at the Senior Banquet in the Campus Center gymnasium.

Grant said that although she will be sad to see the class of 2011 leave MCLA, she is confident in what their future holds.

“I’m so proud of them,” Grant said. “I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

“The future belongs to them,” Degen added. “It is now in their good and capable hands.”

risdiction areas they are subjecting themselves to influences within the city limits,” Charon said.

“Even outside our jurisdiction, we have a duty to act and help those people.”

4. “There’s a great deal of national attention both from the media and from all aspects of government agencies … that are specifically related to the increase in the number of violence related instances that have happened across the country…those types of things can happen anywhere,” Charon said. “It would make sense that when society’s awareness is heightened, there is an expectation for people to respond to that behavior and put preventative measures in place.”

Charon said he was specifically referring to a perceived increase in events such as the Columbine, Virginia Tech and Fort Hood shootings; not to a statistical increase in the rate of violent crime, which according to the FBI Database has been trending downward in Mass. since 1993. (This data is available in an organizable table at www.ucrdatatool.gov.)

Although six of the eight public safety officers are already trained in firearm use for positions they hold with other criminal justice groups or institutions, they will receive additional training in MCLA policies regarding firearm use. The plan is to arm officers solely with law enforcement-standard sidearms.

Main Street Stage Closing

By Edward McCormick Staff Writer

On Sunday May 22, the final curtain will fall on the Main Street Stage production of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull”. That Sunday is also the last time the theater group will perform at its 57 Main Street location in North Adams.

Main St. Stage lost its location downtown after negotiations between its landlord, Scarafoni Associates, and the owners of Creations and Empire Antiques.

The antique store and the theater group vied for the same space.

“It ultimately came down to a business decision,” Dave Bond of Scarafoni Associates said. Bond handled negotiations for the 57 Main St. retail space. While the theater group explored options for a three-year lease with the landlord, the owners of the antique store next door expressed the need to either expand or move from downtown according to all parties involved.

“If I signed a deal with Main St. Stage, I risked losing two retail

spaces downtown,” Bond said.

The owners of the antique shops located at 59 and 61 Main St.-

STAGE continued on page 13 Inside the Beacon: Pg. 5 President Grant addresses the graduates.

Pg. 3 Campus Center upgrades.

Pg. 10 Vivid Rhythms.

Pg. 12 List of graduates.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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News

Kan Jam!

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon staff

Jimmy Maloney plays Kan Jam in the fire lane.

That’s...interesting Stories of the bizarre from around the globe FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – The sewer system at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fine Arts Complex has suffered $15,000 worth of damage, and campus maintenance workers think they’ve found the culprit: children’s socks.

The Fairbanks Daily NewsMiner reports the socks have been flushed down toilets in the facility’s lower level since December.

When campus officials posted signs requesting the sockflusher or flushers to stop, 40 socks were flushed down the toilets in one week.

Maintenance superintendent Bill Cox says campus officials are powerless to stop the sock assault.

The socks are making it through the toilets but are getting caught in a series of pump motors at a lift station.

The maintenance staff has a 30-gallon bucket nearly full of socks retrieved from the sewer system.

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. (AP) – A man angered by people speeding in his Melbourne Beach community, climbed onto his roof and started waving what turned out to be an air rifle at motorists.

Melbourne Beach Police Chief Dan Duncan says the man started “yelling and screaming at people in the cars going by” about 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Police blocked off the street and evacuated neighbors. Duncan and other officers negotiated with the man who finally gave up.

Duncan says the man had “some obvious anger-management issues.”

No one was injured. The man was taken to a hospital for a mental health screening.

This week in MCLA History May 3, 1984 North Adams State College Acting President Raymond Campion passed away at age 49. Campion had been acting as president since October of 1983. Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral and the entire campus was closed until the following Monday.

May 4, 1989 The Board of Trustees voted 7-2 to suspend the Winter Study program for the next two years. According to the report, “The decision was made despite an overwhelming appeal from the faculty and students for the program’s continuation.” Donna Richard, President of SGA said, “This is a gross injustice to the students. We’re here for a quality education and unique learning experience. That’s what the college is supposed to offer us, but now the Trustees have stolen that away from us.”

May 8, 1997 The Beacon reported that the College was seeking status as a “special purpose institution,” which would also include a name change for the College. The name under consideration was Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. President Thomas Aceto believed that the status change would allow the College to be compared to other liberal arts colleges of similar size rather than being compared to other state schools in Massachusetts.

Police Logs 25 April 2:01 p.m.

Public Safety responded to a report of suspicious activity in Mark Hopkins Hall; The Beacon office received a suspicious package.

The report was investigated.

26 April 3:28 p.m.

Public Safety responded to a report of vandalism in Venable Hall.

A report was filed.

28 April 4:13 p.m.

Public Safety responded to a report of larceny/forgery in the Townhouses. A report was filed.

29 April 11:57 a.m.

Public Safety responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the Freel Library. The subject was warned.

By the numbers During the week ending April 30 Public Safety responded to: 32 Requests to unlock doors 3 Reports of disturbing the peace 3 Reports of vandalism 1 Mental health issue

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Thursday, May 5, 2011

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News

MCLA students help spruce up the Berkshires

By Andrea Whitney Staff Writer

Approximately 200 students, professors, and community members showed up for the 19th annual Community Day of Service, according to MCLA Center for Service Director Spencer Moser.

Check-in started at 10 a.m. with bagels, coffee, juice and water available for all who volunteered.

Groups of all kinds showed up: Greeks, clubs, individual students and community members.

President Mary Grant, Spencer Moser, Dean of Students Charlotte Degan, vice president of administration and finance James Stakenas, State Representative Gail Cariddi, and North Adams Steeplecats President Dan Bosley also showed up to help out.

The project covered a plethora of local sites with groups taken by bus or car to different sites, including West Shaft Road, Joe Wolf Field, Windsor Lake (Fish Pond), the Houghton Community Garden, the Louison House, and many others.

At Joe Wolf Field, students and community members worked together to pick up trash around the field, sweep the stands, and paint the bleachers. Since the sites were not announced or

dealt out to groups until that morning, the students were not prepared for the painting, and many left with paint on their clothes.

This was the 19th year of the event, but only about the fourth or fifth year where it was this big, according to Moser.

“It’s a successful and effective event on a couple levels,” said Moser. “Groups removed trash, painted benches, even painted wooden flowers.”

The event is also a good community bonding experience for students and the city.

“Students come together, and it’s the city and the school coming together for a good cause,” Moser said.

Moser said he was very impressed and happy that so many students decide to participate, even though they have so much work at this time of year.

There were also members of the North Adams Department of Public Works that came out on a Saturday to help out.

North Adams Mayor Dick Alcombright was also at the event, speaking in the morning, as well as driving around to the different sites with snacks and drinks. “[This event] shows the deep collaboration between the city and the college,” Alcombright said.

Centennial Room Farewell to all to be upgraded retiring over break

By Kayla Koumjian Special to the Beacon

In the summer of 2011, MCLA’s Centennial Room and market area will undergo renovations to enhance student life on campus.

The renovations will be done in time for the 2011 fall semester.

There will be many additions in the campus center, along with removal of certain features. One addition will be a Mediterranean Pizza Bar, in the Northeast corner of the Centennial room. There will also be addition of booth seats and more table seating.

“With the new renovations, our cafeteria will be more like other campuses’,” said Dean of Students Charlotte Degen. What Degen means by the cafeteria being more like other colleges’ is breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be on meal plans instead of a few on declining balance.

This means cashiers will be at all the doors to swipe cards. Students will not be able to walk through the cafeteria anymore to get from one place to another.

“Students will have to reroute to the athletic gym and the dance complex,” Degen said.

Degen’s main focus is the amount of space the Centennial Room and market area do not have right now.

“The context is we need more space,” Degen said. She hopes the renovations will help with the

problem and create a less crowded area for students.

One aspect many students maybe excited for is the addition of a new chain restaurant. The restaurant has still not been decided, but the school has narrowed it down to three choices: Taco Bell, Subway or Panda Express.

“The brand-name restaurant will be in the Market area, and students will use their declining balance for it,” said SGA member Amanda Borsotti.

Borsotti said the C-Store will be upgraded. “The C-Store will be moved only a few feet, but it’ll be bigger than it is now,” Borsotti said.

One problem with the new Centennial Room is club and event posters will not be posted in there anymore. Degen would like to have an electronic board at a different crossroad area where students often walk past. This location has yet to be determined Students coming back next year seem very excited for the new and improved cafeteria.

“I can’t wait to see the outcome next year. It’ll probably more like other schools’ cafeterias,” said sophomore Megan Boyer.

Boyer went to school at Ithaca for a semester her freshman year and knows what other college campuses’ cafeterias are like.

“From what I’ve been told about the new cafeteria, it will kind of be like Ithaca’s,” Boyer said.

Kailai Huang:A tradition of Academia

By Nicole Knapp Staff Writer

Kailai Huang sits in the conference room of the History House, contemplating what he loves about history and what brought him to the United States in the first place.

“I have always been fond of history,” he said, adding that he comes from several generations of professors. His grandfather was a law professor and his father was an English literature professor. He wanted to pursue a teaching career and earn a livelihood teaching his own passion: history.

Huang is the the chair of the history, political science and geography departments. His specialty is Asian history, including China, Japan and India. He has been taking students on travel courses since 2001, alternating between China (seven times so far) and Japan (three times). He took students to China this past spring break and will take students to Japan next year.

Born in China, Huang received his early education there, as well as his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in American History.

He was already a professor before he came to the United States. He taught American History in Chi-

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon Staff

History Department Chairman Kailai Huang’s grandfather and father were both college professors. na and taught graduate students in the U.S. He liked that the College values teaching and interacpart-time.

Huang came to the United tion between faculty and students.

“I like this area very much,” States to get his Ph.D and in 1993, earned his doctorate from SUNY Huang said. “It’s very scenic with Binghamton. That same year he a lot of cultural activities. It’s a was hired by MCLA, where he has small, rural place but you don’t remained ever since. feel isolated.”

MCLA was his first teaching job Huang was always interested

in history from a young age. He feels very lucky and very blessed that the one trade he has learned is history and that he made a career out of it. He says he is fascinated by all of the colorful people and diverse stories.

“I think learning history will make you appreciate culture,” he added.

Because he did not go to high school in the U.S, a part of culture Huang was not familiar with was American teenage culture.

What helped was learning a lot of things from students and having a daughter born in the U.S. “From her and interactions with students, I feel like I can understand more about American culture, including their aspirations and dreams,” he said.

In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, fishing and swimming.

For the future, Huang said that he will keep improving his teaching and as chair, he hopes to expand course offerings.

“I find other people love history like me, so I want to share my passion with other people,” he said.

MCLA

employees Gail Boyer Registrar’s Office 15 years Peggy Brooks Psychology 20 years Roselle Chartock Education 24 years Erica Forrest Counseling 10 years William Hurley Facilities 17 years Irene Miller Health Services 19 years Barbara Petro Business Administration 30 years William Spezeski Computer Science 31 years Darlene Truskowski Psychology 15 years Myles Whitney Sociology/ Anthropology/ Social Work 34 years

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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NEWS

Changes coming to BlazerBucks

Campus Comment What do you think of the death of Osama bin Laden?

By Kristen Rubano Special to the Beacon

Blazer Bucks will be undergoing some adjustments within the next few semesters.

More advertising, more participating businesses and making sure that a fraction of the money paid by students is available for the program are all things that students can expect come the fall semester.

James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance, said it is important to understand that not all of students’ declining balance will be available to use toward the Blazer Bucks program.

“Students need to understand that declining balance and Blazer Bucks are two separate programs,” he said. “But we are talking with ARAMARK about making a fraction of the declining balance available for Blazer Bucks.”

Sophomore Kristen Young said that expanding the number of businesses would interest her more in the program.

“It would be cool if I could use it at The Hub, the Freight Yard Pub, or Jack’s,” Young said.

Director of Dining John Kozik said the College wants to recruit more vendors. MCLA provides the card reader and any other equipment needed for any businesses who participate in the program. The College also pays for any other expenses related to Blazer Bucks. Kozik said that he believes students would benefit from a variety of different vendors.

Kozik said that the Blazer Bucks program has potential, but students need to be more aware.

“When the brochure is put out for students, the program will be advertised there,” he said. “We want to do another blitz so that people remember that it’s an option.”

Stakenas agrees, hoping that education and advertising will increase the involvement in the program.

“Blazer Bucks hasn’t caught on as well as we had hoped,” he said. “We would like to see more students enjoying downtown, we would like to see more activity downtown, and we want students to be more comfortable spending money downtown.”

Blazer Bucks began in the Fall of 2010. Six business in North Adams participated: Village Pizza, After Hours Laundry, Christo’s Famous Pizza, Supreme Pizza and Wings, Angelina’s Sub Shop, and Domino’s Pizza. Kozik said the program is a good way to get students involved in the community.

Controversy and confusion arose when the program was first implemented, because students were unaware that they had to put money on their account separately from the money that was already on their card. The confusion was clarified when students realized that the system acts more as debit card than a tangent of the declining balance.

“Blazer Bucks brings unity to the College and community,” he said. “It also gives students more options for things that they want.”

Stakenas encourages students to take part in this ongoing process.

He said that students should attend meetings about food service, which are held periodically. He also said students should feel free to email him with any suggestions they may have regarding any of these issues.

“I think it’s getting overhyped, people make too big a deal out of it.”

– Becky Ramos ‘13

“Some people think it’s a good thing, I still think it’s overhyped.”

– Aimee Hudon ‘13

“It’s good he’s dead, but we’re waiting to see what happens next.”

– Jessica Dailey ‘14

“I’m angry that they buried him in the water and mad that Fox spelled his name ‘Obama.’”

– Hawa Umarova ‘12

“What does it really change? Can our troops finally come home?”

– Jillian Gregoriou ‘12

“I’m glad to have him gone.”

– Nate Pichette ‘11

“I thought he was already dead.”

– Sarah Dion ‘12

“It’s probably a good thing, but people are getting too excited but terrorist attacks aren’t going to just stop.”

– Tim Fish ‘12

Compiled by Mark Burridge/Beacon staff

The Beacon

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Andrew Roiter Managing Editor Edward Damon Senior News Editor Chris Goodell Sports Editor Christopher Fries A&E Editor Mary Redstone Features Editor John Durkan Design Editor Siobhan Tripp Photo Editor Dan Sheehan Copy Chief Melissa DeGenova Ad Manager Tatyana Gorski Business Manager Melissa Notarangelo Web Editor Jeffrey Shapiro

Writers News Andrea Whitney Skyla Seamans Nicole Knapp Ed McCormick Laura Field Sports Brendan Foley Phil Mabey Kaitland Hager Costia Karolinski

A&E Robert Mangiamele Steve O’Connor Siobhan Tripp Contributors Cartoonist Kaleigh McKinley

Photographers Tyson Luneau Cara Sheedy Mark Burridge Dennise Carranza Videographers Kim Pincus Gena Conlon Columnists Mark Burridge Jack Deming Shataya Pride Horoscopes Angelena RouseMcCarthy

Copy Editors Shataya Pride Jack Deming Melissa DeGenova Liz Wear Jessica Wright Charles Baker

Crossword Jacob Wheeler

Design Team Kristy McCluskey

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The Beacon is located in room 111 of Mark Hopkins Hall at Ad Representatives MCLA. The news desk phone number is 413-662-5535. The business Andrew Elliot Corinne Beauchemin office phone number 413-662-5404. To contact us via the web, the e-mail address is Beacon@mcla.mass.edu. The Beacon webJennifer Kesewa site address is www.theonlinebeacon.com Jacob McCall Mission Statement Tano Holmes The Beacon newspaper strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.

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Op-Ed

Just A Thought

By Shataya Pride Columnist No pressure. It’s not like this is the last column of my undergraduate career or anything. It’s not like there are a little over two weeks until my graduation. It’s not like I’m swamped with papers, about five or so to be exact.

It’s not like I’m suffering from a

I guess this is the end severe case of senioritis. It’s not like the real world is going to knock the wind out of me in a little while.

College, for most people, is a period of self-discovery. It’s a period of immense growth: learning how to coexist with others and fostering independence. All of one’s growth might not necessarily come from the classroom, but instead it comes from the moments in between. College is about stepping out on the edge and giving yourself the chance to learn how to fly.

I was an okay student when I graduated from high school. I had potential; I just lacked motivation. I went through the Individual Enrichment Program with the attitude that I would make the best of the environment around me. I wasn’t accustomed

to the high altitude, the wooded areas and the minimal public transportation. I was frequently homesick I still have moments when I’m extremely homesick even now. I missed corner stores, beef patties and the convenience of the train station being a few blocks away from my house. I wasn’t ready for the independence that I was to acquire.

These past four years have flown by. I did so many things that I never expected for my life. Every day I seem to ask myself: “What is my life about?”

I’ve grown so much as a person because of the people that I’ve lived with (almost all bad experiences); the people I’ve met who hold a special place in my heart (The Dream Team and SMA); the people who stepped out of my life; and the pressure that I’ve put

on myself so as not to maintain that lackluster attitude I graduated high school with.

Regardless of all of the bad that came from initially being unable to handle this distance from home, so much more good has come from being at MCLA. I thought that I wouldn’t be impacted by graduating from here because of all of the drama that I have endured over the years, but the fact that I cried at the Resident Adviser brunch last Sunday tells me otherwise.

Make the most of this time here. Take the good with the bad.

Smile at the people around you.

Study abroad. GO TO CLASS! Find that potential that is stored deep inside of you. That was all I really needed to get through these four years. Good luck with finals! Bienvenue.

What the world needs now…

Jungle Work

By John Deming Columnist The limp has been taken out of the American leg. This week we have successfully shed ourselves of the nagging piece of the collective national subconscious that never met its just deserve. May 1, 2011 will go down in history as the day

that Osama bin Laden met his demise.

For President Obama, there will never be a bigger decision. Acting on instinct and ordering a raid of bin Laden’s Pakistan compound will be the defining moment of his Presidency. Politically speaking he gambled, and he won big. This is all well and good for the election in 2012, but when such a high-profile decision to end a life is in order, mental strength must be the victor above anything and everything.

Bin Laden was the face of evil, more of a myth than a man, and for some his ability to disappear into the mountains of the Middle East drove the helpless American psyche nuts. This snowballed into conspiracy theories for years or left individuals with their own levels of hatred and desire for revenge. Just like we couldn’t believe 9/11 had

happened, it was hard to grasp that some level of justice may never be served.

For us to go past this chapter in global history we must keep an open mind to the idea that while killing is necessary, it need not be celebrated or fantasized. It is our enemies after all who celebrate, and praise ideals and God’s for mass murder. That is not the American way; it never has been.

Our philosophy is that killing is an unfortunate yet realistic necessity in the path to securing human interests.

Yet there will never be an end to the suffering inflicted on those who lost a loved one on 9/11. In an interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Bob Ewart, a Quebecer who lost his daughter in the World Trade Center, put it eloquently: “This doesn’t bring me

any personal closure. It doesn’t really affect my life in any way. It certainly does not replace my daughter in any way. I never felt any great need for vengeance.”

While justice may never be felt by those who lost a part of their family on 9/11, it is an undoubted fact that the execution of Osama bin Laden was an international necessity, morally and physically.

Any man who is able to commit the mass murder of 3000 people using horrific tactics and justify it with an ideology serves as a rallying point for the weak-minded that are prone to resort to violence instead of reason.

May reason prevail, and may this be a rallying point for a new chapter in the world’s history, one of peace and understanding. Let us gaze upon the chimes of freedom flashing.

Letters to the Editor Students are an asset to North Adams On behalf of the City of North Adams, I want to thank all of those who organized and worked at the Community Day of Service event held this past Saturday. I will not name names, at the risk of missing some, however this day of service requires months of planning and willing bodies to grow and be so successful year after year. What is so special about this event is that it highlights the rich and strong relationship between MCLA and the greater North Adams community. Our student residents do so much within the community to help not only clean up our streets but also mentor and tutor our children, serve

neighborhood groups, provide for strong internships and much more. Our MCLA students are an incredible asset. I would also like to thank our DPW and Public Safety personnel as well as our local Boy Scouts.

I ask the community that as you move about the city this week, observe the wonderful work provided this past weekend by students, community groups and residents and that we all make a conscious effort to keep our neighborhoods clean. Finally, please take note of our colorful crosswalks at the intersection of St. Anthony Drive and Marshall Street. Once again, thank you to all.

Dick Alcombright - Mayor

Community Day of Service in the Campus Garden Just as the flowers and herbs that grow in the MCLA Meditation Garden are perennial, reemerging on cue from the soil, so too is the spirit of volunteerism alive and well at MCLA and campuses around the country. On Saturday, April 30, after a long-awaited spring, the students reemerged in strong numbers to claim their places as people of service and responsibility in our community. A spirited and hardworking group, including members of the Pathways student organization, gathered at the garden to remove the remaining hedges on the south side so as to allow for the garden’s expansion. Students, faculty, staff, and community members came together to rake,

weed, trim, and dig, and when the day was done, we all looked at the newly tended, rejuvenated garden with satisfaction. This season, new perennials and native shrubs will be added and the space will serve to grow vegetables as well, in place of the Wellness Garden off Porter Street.

The Garden sub-committee of the Green Team invites you to join us on our work days in the garden this season, soon to be announced. Felipe Aedo Avila will be the student intern for this third season of the MCLA Gardening Project, begun in 2008 by Emily DeMoor of the Education Department, in collaboration with the MCLA Sustainability Committee, the Environmental Studies Program, and the Center for Science and Citizenship.

-Emily DeMoor & Caroline Scully

To the Members of the Class of 2011: It is difficult to believe that another academic year has come and gone. Like the many classes that have come to this day before you, here we are, getting ready to celebrate your Commencement!

While Commencement is part of a rich history and tradition, every class is unique. It has been a great privilege to get to know the Class of 2011 during your time at the College.

You have been true Trailblazers in every sense of the word – in your studies, in clubs and organizations, and in the community.

You have been great students in the classroom, and engaging presenters at the Undergraduate Research Conference. As student-athletes, artists, and performers you inspired and moved us. As student leaders and service-minded citizens, you have shown your commitment to making our campus, our community, and the world better places in so many ways.

The commitment and dedication that many of you demonstrated in balancing your education with family and work commitments has been aweinspiring.

Through all that you have accomplished, you have demonstrated the very best of MCLA, public higher education, and the liberal arts tradition of scholarship, engagement, and generosity of spirit.

Your example affirms and deepens the commitment of the administration, faculty, and staff to work hard to steward, sustain, and strengthen this institution. The example you have set during your time here, and the good and important work you will do in the future, encourages us to ensure that future graduating classes have access to the same range of educational opportunities.

As you celebrate your Commencement, please share this achievement with your family and friends. As you leave MCLA for a world that will present both opportunities and challenges, I know you are well prepared. Your MCLA education gives you a strong foundation.

Build upon it with focus and dedication. Never stop learning. Be an engaged citizen and a supportive friend, and always have the grace to recognize and acknowledge the support you receive from friends, family members, and colleagues.

When you graduate, you will become members of a network of alumni, associates, and friends. Look to your fellow alumni for support, and offer your support to them in turn.

Remember that the hub of the alumni network is right here at MCLA, and that our social media presence puts MCLA just a click away, no matter where you are. Please, stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

On behalf of everyone at MCLA, I wish you all every success and happiness. Congratulations, Class of 2011!

Sincerely, Mary K. Grant, Ph.D. President

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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Fun&Games Aries (March 20-April 20) This week the new moon is calling you to assess how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Your personal goals need to be your priority, and you need to surround yourself with those people who you feel are more in line with your destiny. Random commitments for fun are not important now.

Taurus (April 20-May 21) This is a great time to show your joy and appreciation for those who are near and dear to you.

This week your spirits should be high and you’re likely to start seeing some promising results on some much anticipated efforts.

Rid yourself of any negative influences and reflect on the regrets of yesterday. Only by forgiving yourself can you truly move on and continue your quest toward a

brighter future.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Although it is your nature to remain calm, cool and collected and always reassuring your peers, you must take note of the reality of the situation. There are some things that have been going on in your life that oppose your core values. Your compassionate nature has lent its hand in others mistreating you. This significant other needs to know that if things don’t change, and right now, that you’ll have to move on. It may hurt, but in the long run know that it’s all for the better.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Let’s face it: You feel more comfortable around a group of friends that is constantly supporting you.

These people are like your cheerleaders, always encouraging you

but never showing you care or concern by calling you out on your B.S. Well, brace yourself for an entirely new group of friends who are going to challenge you.

If you can muster up the courage to step outside and lower your guard, you will find your niche within this new clan.

Leo (July 22-August 23) You are one of the most equipped signs when it comes to becoming successful, but sometimes it’s as if you have everything you need to get going but the GPS. This new moon should help you shed light on the goals that mean the most to you. You need to scale back your ego and come to terms with the fact you can’t do this alone.

You have plenty of friends who are capable of helping you get your feet wet in the field you desire.

Virgo (August 23- September 23) The universe is calling you: Take a gamble. Go somewhere; do something; talk to someone out of the ordinary this week. You tend to feel more fulfilled when you allow yourself to live outside of your head. Prepare yourself to go back into the world and show people what you’re made of. Like an athlete trying to go back out on the field after sitting out for a while, I recommend a good stretch.

Libra (September 23-October 23) This week it’s time to have “the talk” with your love interest/ significant other. You’ve been longing to know if you guys are actually on the same page. This collaboration is extremely beneficial to your life. You are two very independent people who truly make each other better. This is

The Beacon’s Crossword

By Jacob Wheeler

not a partnership in which you will lose your identity. Having a strong sense of self is nothing to be ashamed of and your fears cannot replace what is real.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22) You’ve been longing for beauty and comfort in your surroundings as well as your relationships.

This is the perfect time to flirt with a stranger, or maybe you want to rekindle an old flame – it’s up to you. Tap into your inner confidence and let it shine through. If you still feel strongly about an ex now is the perfect time to approach him or her and let them know how you feel. If you can’t come to an agreement at least you’ll get the closure you’ve been searching for.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) In life you’re like the eye of the storm, the center of chaos, but the new moon in Taurus is calling you now more than ever to stay grounded. Now is the time to find some discipline. Instead of being like the ocean waves rocking the boat, you should try to be an anchor. There is a way to structure your free time so that it is constructive without stifling your creative energy.

Capricorn (December 21-January 20) This week your chart is all about Libra. Confused? Don’t be. The planet that rules your sign (Saturn) is in Libra. This energy is calling you to reevaluate your current path to affluence as well as happiness. You need to start looking at your life in an objective manner, like a Libra. The Libra’s keen sense of perception as well as forethought makes them a worthy sign to emulate. Perhaps you have a good friend or significant other of this sign; cherish them and talk to them about EVERYTHING. They are more of a key to you finding balance in your life than you’ll ever know.

Last week’s solution can be found at: The Beacon Online at www.theonlinebeacon.com

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) You are a friend collector. No other sign in the Zodiac possesses the diversity of friends that you do. That being said, some of your closest companions may not be feeling the love lately.

There needs to be a deeper level of intimacy with the people who constitute your inner circle. This may mean that you’ll have to slow down your professional networking as well, but all in all it’s for the best at this time.

Pisces (February 18-March 20) This week is all about finding your niche. You need to feel like an essential part of your community. Go out and meet new people, and do something different. If you’re getting tired of the same old feelings of emptiness, maybe it’s time to move. At this time you’re better off coming together with your partner. You can cover more ground and expand your horizons if you both share a vision for a better tomorrow.

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Who is next on the list?

Features

rabble! rabble!

Now that the $27-million man is dead, let’s take a look at who’s next.

By John Durkan Features Editor

The FBI Most Wanted Terrorist List needed some updating after the death of the infamous Osama bin Laden.

Even if you missed out on the $27-million reward from the United States Department of State ($25 million) and the Airline Pilots Association and Air Transport Association ($2 million), there’s still a lot of money left to be made.

Let’s take a look at the both the FBI Most Wanted Terrorist List (www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists) and The National Counterterrorism Center (www. nctc.gov). All of the following info is found at those Web sites unless otherwise noted.

By John Durkan Features Editor

Let’s take a step back for a second.

Photo Courtesy of nctc.gov

Photo Courtesy of thebusinessage.com

Ayman al-Zawahiri (left) and Mullah Omar (right) top off the list of most wanted terrorist according to The National Counterterrorism Center.

Ayman al-Zawahiri Reward: $25 million Ayman al-Zawahri might have been the most important person to the now-deceased Osama bin Laden. Speculation suggests that Al-Zawahri was the advisor and doctor of bin Laden.

The 59 year old founded the Egyptian Islamic Jihad. According to a BBC.co.uk profile, some experts believe that the Egyptian Islamic Jiiad essentially took over al-Qaida when the groups formed a coalition in the 1990s.

Officially, according to fbi.gov, he is wanted for: “Murder of U.S. Nationals Outside the United States; Conspiracy to Murder U.S. Nationals Outside the United States; Attack on a Federal Facility Resulting in Death.”

Al-Zawahri has been indicted by the U.S. government for his involvement in the bombings of the U.S. embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, on August 7, 1998. These bombings killed 224 civilians and wounded over 5,000 others.

Mullah Omar Reward: $10 million Mullah Omar was the Head of the Supreme Council of Afghanistan from September 1996 until November 2001.

Leading up to the September 11, 2001, attacks, Mullah Omar sheltered bin Laden and his terrorist network in Afghanistan.

In response to Operation Enduring Freedom, which launched in October 2001, Mullah Omar went into hiding and abandoned his position.

Photo Courtesy of nctc.gov

Photo Courtesy of nctc.gov

Jamel Ahmed Mohammed Ali al-Badawi (left) and Abdelkarim Hussien Mohamed al-Nasser (right) can fetch up to $5 million a piece.

Jamel Ahmed Mohammed Ali al-Badawi

Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed al-Nasser

Reward: $5 million

Reward: $5 million

Jamel Admed Mohammed alBadawi is wanted in connection to the October 12, 2000, bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.

The bombing killed 17 American sailors.

The Yemeni government caught al-Badawi on two occasions, but he escaped both times – once in 2003 and again in 2006.

According to an October 2007 CBS article, al-Badawi turned himself in to the Yemeni goverment. After pledging his loyalty to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, al-Badawi was sentenced to house arrest.

Al-Badawi is Yemini and was born sometime in the early 1960’s.

Abdelkarim Hussein Mohamed al-Nasser’s list of alleged crimes is quite long: “Conspiracy to Kill U.S. Nationals; Conspiracy to Murder U.S. Employees; Conspiracy to Use Weapons of Mass Destruction Against U.S. Nationals; Conspiracy to Destroy Property of the U.S.; Conspiracy to Attack National Defense Utilities; Bombing Resulting in Death; Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction Against U.S. Nationals; Murder While Using Destructive Device During a Crime of Violence; Murder of Federal Employees; Attempted Murder of Federal Employees.”

Wow.

On June 26, 1996, members of the terrorist organization Saudi Hizballah drove a tanker filled with plastic explosives into the parking lot of a housing complex that housed U.S. military personnel. As a result, 19 U.S. servicemen and one Saudi citizen was killed. 372 other people were wounded as well.

The Khobar Towers, the housing complex, was located in Saudi Arabia.

For more information on the mostwanted terrorists, visit www.fbi.gov/ wanted/wanted_ terrorists and www.nctc.gov

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Sunday, May 8, is Mother’s Day.

Osama’s dead.

So what does this mean?

Does this justify the 10 years of military occupation in the seemingly hopeless war in Afghanistan? Does this mean the trillions in debt that we acquired for our two military operations is worth every penny?

Does this bring our boys and girls back home?

Does this really bring closure to the families who lost loved ones during either the attacks?

Does this mean al-Qaida will fall apart rapidly?

Don’t let this media field day cloud the actual problems we face in this country.

Economically, we’re in a rough spot. Gas prices are still increasing.

We’re looking at $4 a gallon. Aside from the growing cost to fill your tank more problems arise. The transportation of goods via truck rates are increasing. As a result, so do the price of the goods, most importantly food. The increased costs always fall to the consumer.

Furthermore, unemployment is still high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of March 2011 the country held a 9.2 unemployment percentage.

The strength of the dollar is also a concern. Wall Street Journal’s David Wessel wrote that a long-term perceived weakening of the dollar and the view of the U.S. empire declining could start an “avalanche.”

He continued: “Imagine gridlock in Washington, add rhetoric from China about diversifying out of US Treasurys, throw in some talk – that doesn’t even have to be true – about OPEC pricing oil in a basket of currencies instead of the dollar, all at a time when Europe (whose currency is the only rival to the dollar today) is getting its act together and pow!”

The problems are vast. Remember that social security talk? Me neither. How about building an adequate health care system? Or how about creating a more efficient education system, one where students aren’t led onto enormous debt in exchange for a degree that seems to feel less and less valuable as the fees increase.

However, in another week or so we’ll return to the other topics: Donald Trump’s hair, the NFL lockout, the celebrity controversies.

But if you decide to hide under a rock all summer, I don’t blame you.

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Vivid Rhythms Festival Spring 2011 Compiled By Andrew Roiter, Dan Sheehan and Cara Sheedy

A&E

Thursday, May 5, 2011

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A&E

BGLAD’s Annual Drag Dance brings the fun

By Mary Redstone A&E Editor

Colorful balloons scattered the floor. Streamers hung from the basketball hoops and bleachers. Christmas lights strung up the railings. The Spice Girls sang loudly out of the speakers. It was Saturday night, and BGLAD was having its annual Drag Dance in Venable Gym. At 8 p.m., the doors officially opened. Gender lines were blurred as men walked in dressed as women and women dressed as men. Women were even dressing as women, and men as men, demonstrating the official definition of drag as “an exaggeration of gender norms.”

Beverages, chips and salsa, and cookies and cupcakes were served throughout the night to keep the dancing fueled and hydrated.

Attendees danced throughout the whole night to music provided by MCLA student Sam Boyden. He played newer music, remixes of said new-

er music, and a lot of dance staples that were quite reminiscent of high school dance music.

Throughout the night, the dancing was interrupted by contests. There was a small talent competition, featuring Jamie Rose lip-syncing to Justin Beiber’s “Oh Baby”; Alyssa Labonte doing accoustic punk covers on her guitar; and a group of girls announced as Melanie, Kim, Shawna and Jess who performed “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. The girls ended up winning the competition, receiving a raffle basket.

Later in the night, there was a catwalk contest as well as a dance-off. Freshman Bruce Morrison, dressed in a blue dress and blonde wig, was the winner of the catwalk contest, a two-song opprotunity for anyone who wanted to strut their stuff across a circle of people.

The winner of the dance-off, a three-song free-for-all, was Christin Pavao. Both the catwalk contest and the dance-off

were awarded a prize basket.

Awards were also given out for the most outrageously dressed participant of the evening.

Sophomore Dylan Gallagher, going by Priscilla Obsidian for the evening, won most outrageously dressed for their flowing wig and black dress stuffed with round fruit.

At the end of the night, the winner of the raffle basket was announced. The basket was filled with a box of Mac ‘n’ Cheese, a single Warm Delights, a slinky, and a beach ball among other unusual goodies. The whole basket was topped off with a kitschy pink flamingo in homage to John Water’s 1972 cult classic “Pink Flamingos.”

The winner of the raffle was freshman Samantha Schneiderman.

When the evening was over, BGLAD raised about $100 for Live Out Loud Youth Project, a group for queer and allied youth in Berkshire County.

Tyson Luneau/Beacon Staff

Students dance and play with glow sticks in Venable Gym during BGLAD’s Annual Drag Dance.

Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

A student looks at a piece of art done by an MCLA student at Gallery 51s’ Student Art Show.

Students show off art at Gallery 51

By Steve O’Connor A&E Writer

The students of MCLA have worked hard over the past year on creating their art, and at the opening of the Student Art Gallery at Gallery 51 on April 28, it seems that their work has not gone unappreciated.

With refreshments such as lemonade and ice cream provided in the Gallery, the art presented covers art forms from photography to sculpture. The gallery repesented design classes, drawing and painting, showcasing the various talents of students, from paintings and photographs of “Star Wars” stormtroopers to an entire gallery corner devoted to interpretations of Adam and Eve. However, the gallery opening was also graced by several

key speakers to commemorate the event. In particular, President Mary Grant provided a speech to congratulate the Fine and Performing Arts department for its work over the past year, along with the students providing work for the gallery.

Melanie Mowinski was responsible for coordinating the gallery opening, saying that the gallery was conducting on and ahead of schedule.

In addition, a number of scholarships were presented for students as awards at the gallery opening, such as the MCLA Presents award and visual arts scholarships.

More information on Gallery 51 and future FPA works can be found at the Fine and Performing Arts office.

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A&E

MCLA Quad brings Vivid Rhythms

By Mary Redstone A&E Editor

MCLA’s Performing Arts Management class could not have asked for a more perfect day to host their Vivid Rhythms Festival on the Quad. Sunday saw cloudless skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for the students to lay out their blankets and enjoy everything the festival had to offer.

The quad was colorful and lively even before the doors officially opened, i.e. before most of the students poured in. Vendors lined the sidewalk around the quad and a stage was set up in front of Bowman Hall.

At 2 p.m., Spooky and the Nomads kicked off the festival with their cool jams. The audience, though still small, was more than appreciative to see the festival start.

By the time The Smokey Wambas took the stage just before 3 p.m., the crowd from earlier seemed to almost double. The grassy space in front of Freel Library was almost completely filled with blankets covered in bodies. The Smokey Wambas seemed to be the musical energy shot that the crowd needed; their high-energy songs helped get them off their feet and walking

around, even dancing.

The next act was Rice Cakes, a three-piece band from Providence, RI. Their vocal-centric indie-pop brought the audience back to a mellow, yet still excited mindset.

While the stage was being prepared for the next band, the cement space in front of Freel Library became the “Dance Stage.”

MCLA’s step group NEXXUS put on a unique performance of stomping and clapping that caught the audience’s attention, even though they weren’t on the main stage.

When the stage was ready and NEXXUS was finished, Amherst Mass.’ “self-proclaimed power reggae” band Wolfman Conspiracy began to play. If there was anyone in the audience torn between staying sitting on their blanket or getting up to dance, Wolfman Conspiracy helped them make up their mind. A medium sized crowd formed in front of the stage, dancing through the entire set to the funky grooves.

MCLA student Cameron Hamlet took the stage next, filling the crowd’s ears with his own smooth, fresh beats and powerful lyrics. Even those who were not normally fans of rap could not

help but listen to Hamlet’s performance.

BAKEZ + DIXON, frequent performers at Elf Parlor and hailing from Berkshire County, entertained the audiences after Hamlet with their mix of hip-hop and electronic sounds.

Another band with a uinque blend of sounds was the next band, Full Service, who combined reggae and metal. They came all the way up from Austin TX. They amped up the audience in preparation for Badfish, making sure they were ready for dancing.

As the sun was setting, and the temperature dropped to a cool degree, Badfish took the stage.

The crowd had gathered around the front of the stage in anticipation and excitement. There were still a handful of people appreciating the music from the comfort of their blankets, but most of the crowd was on their feet.

Badfish is an award-winning Sublime tribute band for a reason. Not only are their shows full of energy, but if one was to close their eyes, they might actually believe they were listening to Sublime themselves. Singer Pat Downes is probably the closest thing the world has to former Sublime singer Brad Nowell.

The audience was definitely en-

joying themselves in the huddled crowd in front of the stage; there was hardly a still body. At one point, a circle pit was started, a swirling mass of bodies in the middle of the crowd. A few students were even heaved atop the crowd and surfed around.

At 8:30 p.m., Badfish left the stage, but returned a few minutes later for an encore, including Sublime’s biggest hit, “What I Got.” Confetti and streamers shot over the audience as they finished.

Students were definitely pleased with the festival and all it entailed.

“It was very well put together,” junior Jen Smaltz said. “There were a lot of fun things to do for free like henna tattoos and tie dye. The best part was probably just being able to sit in the quad with friends and relax in between so much work for finals.”

In addition to the free henna tattoos and tie dye, there was also papermaking. Also, Persnickety Toys was selling summertime toys, such as kites and ribbon dancers, and Toonerville Trolley was selling records and CDs. “I thought the festival was a good opportunity to get the MCLA community and North Adams involved with each other,” junior Ken Borter said. “It had a mix of different kinds of music

and really tied it together well.”

Local restaurants were scattered throughout the restaurant to feed the hungry crowd. Sushi House was selling sushi and seaweed salad, Christo’s Famous Pizza was selling slices and Jacks was selling their famous hot dogs and burgers. Also, Spice Root of Williamstown had traditional Indian food, “I believe the festival embodied MCLA as a whole being that it could pertain to many interests and diversities that the school embodies,” sophomore Chelsea Crowe said. “It was a great time and I hope instead of wasting our money on untalented narcassistic rappers, we have more day festivals where we can enjoy the sun and the company of other students.”

Also during the day was the Plein Aire Contest, which involved painting outside. The contestants were asked to paint the festival as it was happening. The winner, by judges’ choice, was Alex Jamel who made a painting on a newspaper article. Second place, chosen by The Rice Cakes, was David Lane with an abstract painting. Third place, chosen by the Performing Arts Management class, was Misty Eliot.

Senior Art Show features variety and talent

By Tano Holmes A&E Writer

The dark ink drawings and detailed black-and-white comics are contrasted by a splashes and swirls of vibrant colors.

Last Thursday, April 28, seniors Ben Warren, Brielle Rizzotti and Danielle Christensen displayed years’ worth of their work at the downtown art gallery on 28 Holden St. Each artist had their own distinct style. The gallery will be displaying the seniors’ artwork until May 22.

Warren focused on amusing comics drawn in in black ink. He seemed to meld real life and a comic world to create a humorous blend of believable and the surreal.

“The theme would be, ‘don’t take life to seriously or you won’t have any fun,’” Warren said, when describing his comics as a whole.

Christensen’s ink drawings were inspired by fairly tales and were serious and dark.

Cobblestones were persistent throughout the pictures and imprisonment and death appear as strong motifs. Additionally, she had a threedimensional piece that was a

pop-out book depicting the Rapunzel story.

“If you look at fairy tales, they are quite dark; not the way the way that Disney portrays them,” Christensen explained. “I wanted to flip it around and adapt the fairytales for a more adult audience.”

Rizzotti provided a dramatic contrast to the black ink of the other two artists.

She had a variety of styles of art on display, including collages, decorated panels and stuffed dolls. Her collages incorporated clip outs, buttons, paints and lacquered wood pieces. The pieces swirled and spun in paisley and floral patterns, adding a dash of color in an otherwise black and white exhibit. Rizzotti also sewed a variety of her own dolls which resembled endearing aliens. There were three different sizes of dolls, the largest of which were on sale for $60. ”I found the exhibit captivating,” MCLA alumni Andrew Burke said. “I think it was personal expression at its finest.”

Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

A student observes hand-made dolls by Brielle Rizzotti at the Senior Art Show in the Holden St Gallery

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MoCA closes out ‘Power to the People’ series with ‘Garden’

By Laura Field Staff Writer

If everyone said that something could not be done, woukd that be reason enough to stop trying? It did not stop one passionate community in Los Angeles when land developers tried to take away what they felt was rightfully theirs. The farmers of South Central fought for the 14-acre community garden that they farmed for over ten years.

“Without the land we are nothing,” said one Spanish-speaking farmer in the documentary “The Garden”, which chronicled the community farm. MASS MoCA screened the film last Thursday as part of the Cinema Lounge series “Power to the People”. Directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, the documentary reveals the story of the largest urban garden in the U.S. and the corruption surrounding its downfall.

Originally started as a form of healing after the LA riots in 1992, the garden transformed one of the poorest neighborhoods in L.A. into a vibrant community growing food and feeding over 300 families. Originally, the land had been seized from the first owner, Ralph Horowitz, under eminent domain to be used for a trash incinerator. Fortunately, heavy opposition from African American Activists ended the project. As a result, Horowitz sued the city and

received $4.7 million as a settlement. The land then became an unused, litter-filled lot until the LA riots. Due to the riots, the city offered the L.A. Regional Food Bank a temporary lease as a peace offering.

But in 2003, the fate of the garden became uncertain. Horowitz bought back the land for the same amount of money as the original settlement ten years earlier. The transaction was portrayed as a corrupt backroom deal, and for the next three years, the community fought for the land. With the help of celebrities such as Willie Nelson, Danny Glover and Daryl Hannah, the farmers raised the 16 million dollars supposedly necessary to buy the land back. In the end, Horowitz broke his promise and did not sell it. The final clips of the film showed the bulldozers destroying the green oasis, while the farmers watched with tears in their eyes. To this day, Horowitz has built nothing on the land and the South Central farmers have relocated to a farm outside of Bakersfield.

“It made me want to cry seeing that beautiful garden being bulldozed,” said Diana Wellington, who came all the way from Lee for the screening. “…It’s like going into your community and pulling down a shrine or a church, it means that much to these people.”

For those interested in helping create school and community gar-

A&E Writer

Los Munequitos de Matanzas performed at MASS MoCA last Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The performance was presented by MASS MoCA and Jacob’s Pillow Dance of Becket, Mass.

Los Munequitos de Matanzas is Cuba’s premiere folklore group that performs rhythms, songs, and dances from Afro-Cuban folkloric heritage.

According to the MASS MoCA website the group was formed in 1952, features 16 drummers, vocalists, and dancers, and was nominated for a Grammy Award

Mary and the Banshees

By Mary Redstone A&E Editor

Love for Jenny

Mark Burridge/Beacon Staff

There was a Q&A session after the showing of “The Garden” at MASS MoCA on Thursday. den programs in the surrounding Kim McMann of the North Berkarea, contact Jennifer Munoz, shire Food Policy Council at kmGrowing Healthy Program Man- cmann@bcacinc.org. ager at jmunoz@nbhealth.org or

Afro-Cuban folklore heritage featured at MoCA over two days

By Siobhan Tripp

A&E

in 2001.There are also strong family ties in this group as one man has three children and one grandchild also in the group.

The group first went international in 1989 when they performed in England. They first came to the United States in 1992 when Dance Theatre Workshop’s Suitcase Fund organized a 14-city

Dennise Carranza/Beacon Staff

Dancers from Los Munequitos de Matanza entertained crowds at MASS MoCA Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

tour.

The group also has put out a number of CD’s and they are featured on the DVD “A Tribute to the Ancestors.”

The performance was cut into two parts. Part one features songs and dances from Afro-Cuban folklore, and part two featured the Cuban rumba.

The dancers wore brightly colored costumes while other members of the group drum and sing.

For the first song the dancers played the part of tricksters. They teased one another and mocked the audience playfully. One woman even came out into the audience to engaged them in her trickery.

A second number featured a performer who was dressed like a queen. Then another had all the dancers wearing bright shiny purple attire.

All of the performers seemed to put their whole body and soul into each number, making the songs and dances really come to life for the audience.

The performance at MASS MoCA is part of a 16-city U.S. tour. Remaining dates are May 5-7 at the World Music Institute at SYmphony Space in New York, NY, and May 8 at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College in Purchase, NY.

Fans of The Decemberists were hit hard yesterday when it was announced that keyboardist/accordionist Jenny Conlee was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I am very sorry to say that I will be missing a few shows coming up as I go through treatment for breast cancer,” she said in a personal letter to her fans.

She will be missing all of the band’s tour dates in May and June, including the massive Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee.

The band’s newsletter stated that Conlee insisted that the band toured while she was undergoing treatment and surgery.

This raises a big question: who will be taking her place during those tour dates? An equally important question is that instead of putting someone in her place, will they simply tour without the keyboard/accordion accompanyment?

The latter seems the least plausible, considering the amount of music in their catalogue that contains either piano or accordion, and sometimes both.

Also, Conlee’s vocals are prominent on some of their most famous, and most requested, songs such as “The Mariner’s Revenge.”

In the song, she plays a single character with multiple voice parts.

I personally have plans to see The Decemberists twice this summer: once at the Newport Folk Fest on July 29 and once at Mountain Park on July 31.

I’m not really sure what to expect when I see them. While the band stated that she will miss all nine shows in May and June they never stated what was to happen after those dates.

It is very likely that she will have to miss the dates after June as well.

If her treatment and surgery is in May and/or June then there is a chance she will not be physically ready to tour in July.

Whatever is to happen, the collective fans wish her nothing but good health and a speedy recovery.

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News

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2011 John Theodore Adams Jamal Ahamad Kirsten M. Alberti Amanda Lynne Alibozek Nicholas B. Altonaga Gail Alvarez Deborah Lee Ambroseno Christine Amor Hannah Elizabeth Andrew Leah S. Andrews Rachel Lauren Appell Ricardo Neftali Arroyo Jean-Claude Attoumo Matthew M. Babeu Eric R. Bain Elizabeth Baisch Charles R. Baker Tania Banzi Ryne P. Barber Thomas Wesley Barnes Liam M. Barrett Mallory E. Barrow Michael Barry Hannah May Bartini Noelle Bartlett Russell Lee Beauchamp Mark Theodore Bedard Shannon Marie Behan Gary Bellows Tasha Berroa Anna M. Blackburn Brian Blazer Blaszynski, Jr. Anna Pauline Bliden Melissa L. Bloodgood Joanna Kathleen Bodnar Gregory Boino Anna S. Boisvert Crystal Megan Bolio Anderson Wentworth Boone Liann Marie Bordeau Kevin Borosky Amanda Marie Borsotti Emily Boshi Jeanette Marie Boucher Katelyn A. Bourneuf Carl A. Bowlby Carolyn Genevieve Boyajian Michael Brennan Molly Starks Broda James Albert Brooks Cory Alexander Brown Patricia A. Brown Adam Michael Brunelle Ronald Steven Bryant, Jr. Meagan E. Bullett Andrew Christopher Burke Chelsey L. Burke Mark Ryan Burridge Shabori V. Burton Amelia Rita Cahillane Jaclyn Marie Candelet Michael J. Candelet Kimberly Michelle Capriola Stephanie Marie Carone Joshua Robert Carty Christopher M. Cassels Douglas Michael Champigny Jennifer Lynn Chaney Samantha Judith Chase Ashley I. Chiorgno Danielle Christensen Adam M. Ciborowski Robin Marie Clapper Rebecca Clemons Jameek Robert George Clovie Nicholas Cody Evan Lee Coe Jessica Cohen Kathryn Logan Collins Ebony Constant Lynnett Marie Coss John J. Coyle Shaney Rayna Crafts Jamila Shatihfa Creswell Zachary Crochiere Benjamin Cuprill Megan Curran Kyle J. Danforth Ashton R. Darrett Charlene M. Davison Joseph Michael Deady Michael James Dearn Melissa Elizabeth DeGenova Jonathan Michael Del Sordo Trysta M. DeSantis

Israel Diaz Christian Lindsay Dickinson Michaelia L. Dix Justin Michael Dolan Beth Ellen Dolle Sean Thomas Donovan Sarah Doolittle Michael Duffy Hayley Carter Dunham Nicole Marie Dunn John Clarke Duryee Halley Eacker Jesse Lee Egan Poirier Dominique K. Evangelisto Nicholas P. Fahey Vertine Alicia Falwell Esther Fan Fan Peter Farina Leanne Eberle Fernau Cara L. Finch Brittany Autumn Fitch Darren Fitzgerald Deirdre M. Flicker Kathleen A. Flynn-Kasuba Timothy R. Fogg Robert Stanley Fogwell Christopher Stephen Fries Danielle Leigh Gaisford Erica Catherine Gaizetis Keifer Gammell Patrick J. Geary Patricia Jane Gardina Jeannie Gilson Christina Elizabeth Gingras Kyle R. Gonthier Xhirley Jamileth Gonzalez Malaysia A. Goodnow Darren M. Gordon Jordan Amber Grace Kate Margaret Grady Steven E. Gray Jonathan Joseph Greenberg Kimberly Ann Gritman Michael R. Gromacki Alejandrina Guajardo Zachary Gundler Tanya Marie Hackett Jesse James Hadcock Steven L. Hamilton Kelsey Elizabeth Hanlon John A. Harmon, Jr. Joseph D. Harrington Timothy Paul Harrison Katlyn M. Hayward Nicholas Chandler Henderson Christopher M. Hess Madison Laura Hogan Alex Hogue Sandra Gayle Hunt Bobbie Jo Lynn Hurley Brianna Marie Inguanti Ashley Anne Jadlos Melissa L. James Timothy Daniel James Catherine Jensen Nancy Lynn Jewett Emily French Johnson Jodi Joseph Christine E. Joslin Stephanie Azniv Karian Costia Thomas Karolinski Jennifer Rose Kazarian Angela R. Kelley Christopher John Kelley Kathleen Kellogg Andrew P. Kelly Amanda Lee Kenney Cassandra Hope Kessman Paul Robert Ketchum Devin Quinlan Kibbe Christina Elizabeth Kidd Jessica L. Kiernan Eun Ha Kim Jonathan Francis Kipp Colby William Klein Samantha Christine Kone Jeanette M. Kopczynski Nicole S. Kordana Joanne Kozik Jessica A. Krason Laura Diane Krebs Jed Brandon Krivisky Rachael A. Kuni Amanda L’Etoile Christopher Adam Labaj

Gregory R. LaBonte Edward Robert Labshere Kristen Lee Lachapelle Kristen L. Lafond Laurie J. Lamarre Amanda Carroll Lane Amelia L. Larabee Christena D. Latimer Kimberly Anne Lawrence Mauro Amilcar Leiva Katherine Leja Angelina Lesniewski Chelsea L. Levine Cassandra E. Lillie Abigail Lindamood Rebecca Burke Lindamood Ashley Maye Lippincott Sarah Elizabeth Lomas Alexander William Lopes Robert J. Macchi Kelsey Lee MacNeil Shannon C. Maloney Kailey L. Maloy Robert Anthony Mangiamele Kayli Rebecca Manning James March Amanda Louise Marsh Mitchell David Maselli Juliana Matthews April Mayer Julianna Mazza John Edward McCarthy Kristy Rose McCluskey Maura McCormack Brenda McGuinness Justin Charles McGuirk Kaileigh M. McKinley Kristopher P. McLaughlin Meghan L. McMahon Michael P. Meaney Thomas Courtland Mellone Brendan M. Miller Gail Louise Miller Jennifer Marie Miller Samantha Joan Miller Jamie Lee Mohr Jennifer C. Momaney Katelyn Dorothy Monroe Jonathan G. Monroy Danielle Marie Morrissey Russell Dwight Murphy Stephanie Marie Naffah Julie Michelle Navom Krista Colleen Needham Jessica L. Nerbetski Wendy Kathleen McLatchy Norcross Melissa R. Notarangelo Laura Ann Nylic Brittany Marie O’Boyle Patrick Shea O’Connell Steven W. O’Connor Michael I. Obasohan Rebecca M. Ober Tanya Lea Ochs Alicia Anna Olson Vivian Ortiz Kaitlyn E. Ouellette Kirstie M. Padykula Danielle Alyse Parenteau Joseph Luigi Parillo Anita Esperanza Parker Kim A. Pemble Elizabeth Ann Penney Ashley Marie Perkins Hilary Rose Perks Michael J. Perreault, Jr. Kelley Lyn Petricca Jason David Phelps Nathan E. Pichette Diane J. Pike Kim A. Pincus Amy Lynn Porio Jacob Potrzeba Shataya M. Pride Elizabeth M. Purce Tammy Radlowski Samantha J. Randall David Matson Raymond Brian Reardon Keith P. Reardon Robert R. Reilly Hadley E. Reynolds Leah Elizabeth Rice John Thomas Ripepi, Jr.

Brielle M. Rizzotti Jesse Thomas Robillard Natasha Lee Robinson Christopher John Rodick Amanda Marie Rolli Meghan Helyne Rose Michael C. Rowland Barbara J. Rundback Elizabeth K. Ryan Jacqueline Rose Sanzari Christopher Satterlee Tricia Nicole Saunders Suzanne Schumacker Dustin Freeman Schwartz Kevin C. Seeley Rachel A. Seklecki Steven E. Senecal Calvin M. Shade William Isaac Shannon Jeffrey Clark Shapiro Brittany C. Shea Daniel Patrick Sheehan Jamie L. Signor Cory Silveira Stacy M. Simms Mariann Kathleen Simon Karl Alonzo Sims Abby Mary Skidmore Christopher Edward Skutnik Beth C. Smith Jessica Elizabeth Smosky Sean Austin Snead Carole M. Somerville Dino David Sookey Amy Charlene Spencer Lori M. Spencer Lois Mae Springer Michelle E. Strumeyer Meredith Pauline Sullivan Jessica C. Sweeney Colin D. Sykes Monique Symes Kevin D. Tappin Adam Richard Tarsa Meghann L. Tassinari Courtney Beth Taylor Erica Telle Carla Marie Thomas Marvin Ray Thompson Jessica Ann Tietgens Ronald S. Tirella Brendon T. Tomasi Natalie Grace Tottenham Kim Marie Tran Siobhan Sue Tripp Jonathan C. Tustin Jonathan Tustin Melissa Alison Twomey Emily Ann Underwood Kathryn Elizabeth Vaidulas Megan Elizabeth Vallieres Justin D. Vanderpoole Kali J. VanDyk Dale G. Veratti, Jr. Allison Noelle Volk Tara Alexis von Schmidt Kendra L. Vosburgh Gina Marie Wagner Tammy L. Walger Molly Kate Walsh Benjamin Christian McMahon Warren Ryan Kazumi Watari Molly Macfarlane Watson Michelle A. Webb Kathleen Weglarczyk Phoebe Rae Weiler Kayla Brittany Whitcomb Ashley Elizabeth White Octavia Victoria White David R. Wilfore Jonathan Richard Wlodyka Autumn Amber Wolf Melissa J. Wolfert Robert G. Wolfrum Samantha Gene Woodworth Rachel Laura Wright Petr Edmund Wronski Rebecca A. Yansak Maxwell Teal Yost Kachina Yuryan Sarah Elizabeth Zack Michele L. Zatorski Lesley Anne Zaya Michael J. Ziemlak

Clubs bring Wilderness First Responder Course to campus

By Dennise Carranza/Beacon staff

Environuts President Jason Brown believes the emergency response course will provide students with valuable skills. interest in first aid.

Skyla Seamans “The outdoors is something that Staff Writer I am passionate about,” he said.

The Environuts and Outing “It’s always beneficial to know Club are hosting a Wilderness what you are doing if you are First Responder Course from faced with these situations. You May 31 to June 7 for all interested will be so much more prepared.”

Outing Club treasurer Christine MCLA students.

The course, run by Stonehearth Amor said the course will be a Open Learning Opportunities positive addition to resumes and (SOLO), will provide students potential employers will look fawith an extensive look at first aid vorably upon having some type of and survival skills, from dealing emergency training for students.

“I am taking this class because with medical emergencies in the wilderness to soft tissue and mus- it is an opportunity to learn these skills at such a low cost,” she said. culoskeletal injuries.

The original cost for this course “It can open up a lot of doors for is $900 per person, but SOLO is job opportunities in most fields. bringing it to MCLA for only $360 Plus, we live in the Berkshires; per person. However, Environuts these skills are an essential part of and the Outing Club found fund- our lives.”

Senior Daniel Celentano, Outing for the course so the total cost ing Club vice president, said the for students is now $40, but stucourse is crucial for outdoors club dents will be refunded $30.

“There is space for 12 students,” members. He said most of the said Environuts president and club’s trips are far from civilizasophomore Jason Brown. “The tion and being certified is a necesdeadline for deposits is May 9. sary skill to have in case of emerYou do not need prior experience gencies. He also said participants to take the course. You can come of the course can assist at certain with nothing and leave with so events if someone who has first aid training is needed. much.”

“I think the wilderness first reThe cost for students to stay on campus is $20 a day and they can sponder course is an excellent also take the class for a physical certification to have,” he said. education credit for an additional “Even though we are really care$20. Students will become certi- ful, it never hurts to be prepared fied in first aid and CPR upon for the worst.”

Environuts treasurer Joshua completing the course and the Cook said the course focuses on certification will last three years.

“The class will teach students wilderness first aid but the conhow to respond to emergency cepts students will learn can apply situations and especially those to situations that arise on campus tailored to the outdoors,” Brown as well.

“We feel it is important that said. “These are good skills for members of the MCLA commustudents to have, particularly for students who are involved in our nity are able to respond to emergency situations,” he said. “It is clubs.”

Students will gain hands-on ex- important that people know how perience as well as work in the to deal with emergency situations classroom to learn how to treat and there can never be enough everything from serious head and people that have medical knowlspinal injuries to scrapes and cuts, edge.”

Students who are interested in he said.

“First aid is yet another skill for Environuts can check out weekly students to gain,” Brown said. club meetings on Thursdays at 8 “You never know when you’ll p.m. in Bowman 211. Students who are interested in the Outing need to use it.”

Brown said the course will be Club are welcome to join their especially helpful for biology, en- weekly meetings on Wednesdays vironmental studies, and sports at 9pm in the Outing Club Closet.

For more information about the education majors. He also said it Wilderness Course or these two is a great opportunity for athletes, people who spend time in the clubs, contact Jason Brown or outdoors, and anyone who has an Christine Amor via FirstClass.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Page 13

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News

Congratulations to the Fall 2011 Beacon staff!

Editor in Chief: John Durkan Managing Editor: Chris Goodell Senior News Editor: Skyla Seamans A&E Editor: Jack Deming Features Editor: Mary Redstone Photography Editor: Cara Sheedy Sports Editor: Brendon Foley Web Editor: Caleb Hiliadis Copy Chief: Edward “Danger” Damon Design Editor: Stephen Kilduff Business Manager: Tatyana Gorski Staff Writers: Andrew Hodgson Jessica Gamari A&E: Nora Weiss Copy Editors: Jessie Wright Meghan Cooney Kristen Rubano Sports: Kaitland Hager Photographers: Dennise Carranza Andrew Roiter Advertising: Liroy Ozinci Horoscopes: Angelena Rouse-McCarthy Cartoonist: Aurora Cooper

STAGE continued from page 1 -had the economic resources to offer rent at market value for the theater location, or move to a larger location away from downtown according to Bond.

“It’s really just growth, we have been in business for eight years and there are no other spaces that have this amount of space on Main St.,” said Keith Bona, the co-owner of Creations. There really was no other option for the business downtown according to Bona. “If we didn’t expand there we were going to close these two stores and move somewhere else,” Bona said.

“We’ll be nostalgic for the place because its where the group was born, but once we started looking at what a new theater could look like it could be the best thing that happened to us,” Ed Sedarbaum, the Chair of Main St. Stage, said.

The theater group is working with a non-profit organization called The Partnership for North Adams to try to find a new location. There are 20 acres of vacant buildings near downtown that the organization wants to develop according to Sedarbaum.

“We are one element of what they are putting together,” he said.

“I am really excited about going out and doing theater outside,” Kelli Newby a professor in the English department at MCLA and a board member for Main Street Stage said. During the summer, the theater group plans on performing Shakespeare at local parks.

They are also looking forward to a new performance space. Both Newby and Sedarbaum acknowledged that the 57 Main St. space

had its limitations, especially backstage. According to them both, entering and exiting stage is problematic for actors.

“I’ve run around the block in gym shorts and high heels at 11:00 at night, or in the middle of winter,” Newby revealed.

Main St. Stage’s production of Chekov’s “The Seagull” will run from May 7 to May 22. The performance is directed by Frank La Frazia and the cast includes MCLA students Jed Krivisky and Leandra Sharron. This particular adaptation sets Chekov’s play in the Berkshires. Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and seniors.

More information and reservations can be made by calling 413663-3240 or by visiting their Web site: www.mainstreetstage.org.

Curran Highway, North Adams

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Correction There was an error in last week’s story “New Student Gov. Inaugurated.” SGA President Todd Foy nominated Hannah Sterrs for Senate Chair.

College expects fee increase

By Kristen Rubano Special to the Beacon

Students will likely see a fee increase of up to $500 for next year, President Mary Grant announced at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting on Monday night.

This would be an increase of about 3 percent of the average total cost of attending MCLA. If passed, the fee, $250 per semester, will increase the college’s revenue next year by about $750,000.

“I cannot stand here and say that there will be no increase in fees next year,” she said. “It’s just not possible.”

The Board of Trustees will make the final decision later this month. Grant said that most campuses are seeing fee increases. She said that fees in smaller student bodies allows the money to be spread around to essential projects and allows more to happen regarding the fees.

“You will see fees go up every year,” she said. “I would be disingenuous to say otherwise. It would be helpful to put a number on it, but it is not possible because we don’t know future budgets.”

She added at the meeting that no senior administrator has received a pay raise in four years.

But in a later interview corrected

herself as it has only been three years since the last pay raise.

During the April 25 meeting, Jim Stakenas, Vice President of Administration and Finance discussed what the money where the money will go. It will help with renovations taking place around campus, including the remodeling of the Marketplace.

“Any time you see an improvement on campus, your fees go toward that,” he said.

Stakenas said that ARAMARK will provide a large portion of the money for the renovations to the Centennial Room, but the funds will not cover all of the expenses.

Senator Jay Cottle asked where students will see the fee increase.

Grant said it will be under the general student fee section of students’ bills. Senator Jason Brown asked Grant to clarify what measures have already been taken before student fees were increased.

“We have done a good job planning for an event like this,” Grant said. “We’ve looked at things we can do without.” She said they have not cut any faculty or staff positions, as other institutions have.

In response to a question from President Todd Foy, Stakenas said that it’s rare that a project is completed on time or stays under budget, and the renovations the Campus Center cost more

than initially thought.

The poor economy of the last two years has caused the state of Massachusetts to enact budget cuts. Higher education has suffered budget cuts for the last two years. Federal stimulus money has helped MCLA and other state colleges make up the funding difference, but those funds are no longer available.

Senator Catt Chaput questioned whether or not the tuition discount for New York students would be affected.

“There is no plan at this time to increase these fees,” Grant said. “The New York and NEBHE (New England Board of Higher Education) fees will stay stable for next year.”

Grant encourages students to communicate with one another and the administration.

“FirstClass is the primary source of communication,” she said. “If you have ideas as to how else you want to get information, please let us know. You can never over-communicate.”

Senator Jason Brown echoed Grant’s view on communication.

“As a campus, we really lack communication,” Brown said.

“This is a very good topic that we shouldn’t let slide by.”

President Foy agreed.

“You can count on us,” he said.

“When you need us, we’ll help you.”

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS: ONLINE EXIT COUNSELING FOR YOUR STUDENT LOANS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA! CONTACT THE LOAN OFFICE AT 662-5274 WITH ANY QUESTIONS *********** SUMMER FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN ELDRIDGE HALL

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Just Mabey

Page 14

Sports

Senior Profile: Cassels, growing through adversity

By Brendan Foley Sports Writer

By Phil Mabey Sports Writer

The Power of Lamar

This season in the NBA, just like last year and the year before, seems to be the Lakers to lose. Since Los Angeles picked up Pau Gasol in a mid-season trade during the 2007-2008 season, the purple and gold have made it to the NBA finals every year, winning the last two.

However, this year’s Lakers team has had a rough time getting to the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs, maybe because they are bored or maybe because there is just a good level of competition the West is offering. More likley, it is because they are inconsistent.

Despite their inconsistencies, they are still the favorites, to the dismay of Celtics and Heat fans.

This is coach Phil Jackson’s final season by the way. However, they still have Kobe, and the length of Gasol and Bynum, but throughout their inconsistent play this season, the one player who has been there game after game has been Lamar Odom. If the Lakers are going to go for the three-peat, then Odom is the guy that will get them there.

The recently named Sixth Man of the Year is a walking mismatch for any team that they play. Odom is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 14.4 points per game along with almost nine boards a game. The seven-footer also averaged 38 percent from behind the threepoint line. The left hander can handle the ball like a point guard and also post up a defender like the big man he truly is.

Compared to Boston’s beloved Glenn “Big baby” Davis, there are obvious advantages that Lamar’s game. Davis averages 11 points and five rebounds per game, well short of Lamar’s numbers. Plus, Davis does not have the ball handling skills, the three-point skills, and to be honest the low-post skills that Odom has.

In all fairness, both players will probably help lead their respected team to the NBA finals for a rematch of last year. Without Perkins roaming the paint for the Celtics, it will be up to Davis. Just like last year, Davis and company will be forced to foul Lamar, Gasol, and Bynum because they are over matched.

The Lakers got to the line a lot more then the Celtics last year, not because of the refs, but because they have a bigger, stronger frontcourt.

www.theonlinebeacon.com

For senior Christopher Cassels, the past season of Trailblazer’s basketball was the payoff of years of hard-work and perseverance.

Recruited out of high school to come play basketball for MCLA, Cassels was witness to the 1-24 season that represented the nadir of the basketball program.

In his time, he has watched the team regroup and rebuild eventually becoming a legitimate force in the conference, going 17-10 this past season.

“There’s been a core of nine guys, since sophomore year and we’ve been playing together.

We’ve had team leaders who kept at us, so we knew we could turn it around.”

Describing his proudest moments, Cassels only very rarely refers to his own personal achievements. He singles out this past Senior Night, in which he came close to getting a tripledouble as a major high point.

More often though, the talk turns to his esteem for his team and teammates and the heights that have reached together. Cassels excitedly recounts teammate Jon Greenberg getting his 1,000th career point. He expressed nothing but pride at the way his teammate and classmate had developed as an athlete and teammate.

His own growth can best be chartered in personal growth.

“I went from All-League in high school to just being one of the guys here. I definitely matured in my time here. I would sulk a lot because I wasn’t playing as much, but then maturity re-

ally hit me. I wanted to be part of the team that turned it around.”

He goes on, “I was a cocky kid. I was really humbled by my time here.”

Seeing and sharing the way the Trailblazers rebounded from their atrocious beginnings to the formidable opponent they are today has clearly left a very deep impact on Cassels. It’s an impact that can be witnessed in many different aspects of his character, from his attitude about the game towards how he would like to see his future go.

Cassels expresses a desire to one day become a basketball coach, preferably at the college level.

He is already well on Photo courtesy of Ian Grey his way towards earn- An MCLA Basketball award was named this year in honor of Chris Casing a coaching minor. sel’s dedication to his team.

Cassels explains that when speaking towards the awards ceremony when the sweat and tears for a program his team, he will use his time coaches named an award af- that could not have been at a at MCLA as an example of how ter him and teammate, Marvin lower starting point? to keep up a strong attitude and Thompson: The Cassels-ThompHe answers simply, “I love bashow every situation can be re- son Dedication Award. ketball. I wouldn’t know what to versed and improved.

Even now, there is awe in his do without basketball in my life.”

Cassels repeatedly returns to voice as he describes the moThe effect wasn’t limited to the strong bond between him- ment. “I had no idea.” the court. “It kept me good in self and his teammates, particuThe award was so-named in school, because otherwise I larly other seniors as something recognition of Cassels loyalty to couldn’t play. that he will carry with him long the program and his unwavering Cassels looks to the future and after he leaves MCLA behind. work ethic. imparts some words to the inThe experience of being on such “You have to put the team first coming freshmen to better help a losing team forced them to and play hard regardless. Even them manage the pressures and bond and to put aside all of their if we lost, we always came really temptations of college with serhang-ups. hard.” vicing the game. The words echo Now, four years after being reHe goes on, “The coaches really his longstanding dedication to cruited, Cassels has seen his per- appreciated the guys that stuck the school, to the team and to severance rewarded even more around.” the game of basketball itself. so than he could have imagAnd what was it that made him “If you love it enough, you’ll ined. Cassels was blindsided at stick around? Why shed blood, put games before partying.”

BASEBALL continued from page 16 Trailblazers.

Meaney took the mound for five innings, cleaning up the first inning with no runs, no hits and no errors. In the top of the second he got himself into some trouble, walking two batters in a row who advanced to third and second on a wild pitch. A onerun double and a hard shot to shortstop put the Rams up 2-1 and a single to left center gave Framingham a 3-1 lead.

MCLA woke their bats up in the sixth inning, tying the game at 3-3. Beauchesne, playing first base, singled through the left side. Weaver, playing right field in senior Osiris Mendez’s place, hit his first homerun of his collegiate career, scoring Beauchesne and himself.

The next two and a half innings remained scoreless until Mike Bullett threw Danny Chaisson a pitch he took advantage of, hitting it high and hard over the left field wall. It scored another

Framingham player, ending the game at 5-2.

On Sunday, after a long wait, MCLA finally took the field against the Bridgewater Bears.

Originally scheduled for midApril, the Trailblazers took Joe Wolf Field in North Adams for their doubleheader.

Left-handed junior Danny Gaines pitched a full seven innings in game one, giving up seven hits and no walks. MCLA backed him up with almostflawless defense, faltering in the 6th inning and allowing 4 errors.

Despite that, the Trailblazers played well, taking their time and cuts at the plate.

Beauchesne hit a solo homerun in the second inning that went unanswered until the sixth when Bridgewater scored a run.

The Bears secured the 2-1 win the top of the seventh with another run. Though MCLA had a chance in the bottom of the 7th

to retaliate, they couldn’t get the ball past the infield.

Game two proved to be more bittersweet. Falling 6-0 in the last game of the season, all seven graduating seniors started.

Sean Hermance took the mound for the Trailblazers and his infield filed in line behind him: Bobby Beauchesne at first, Mike Meaney at second, Paul Procopio at third and John Ripepi in the hole at short. Joe Parillo took left field and Osiris Mendez, despite a shoulder injury, flanked the right side of the field to round out the lineup.

Each senior contributed to the full seven inning game.

Procopio went 1-3 at the plate, finishing the season with a .337 batting average. Hermance struck out two batters, allowing only seven hits overall. Ripepi, who finished the season with 13 stolen bases in the MASCAC conference, used his speed to beat out a throw in the bottom

of the third. Parillo, a clutch hitter, was 2-3 overall, putting runners in scoring position for a possible upset. Beauchesne, practicing patience, used his at bat wisely, waiting for the walk to put a runner on base. Mendez, off his injury, took his cuts at the plate. On the field, Meaney was impassable to any oncoming hit.

Still, the effort alone did not put MCLA in the running for the tournament.

“All I can really say about the season,” Ripepi said, “is that we are all disappointed in not making the tournament and that I am truly going to miss being able to play baseball with my close friends.”

While MCLA will lose seven regular starting players to postcollegiate life, the young and fresh talent of the underclassmen and the experience of the now-juniors will help to shape their program even more for the 2012 season.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Page 15

www.theonlinebeacon.com

Intramural playoffs this week

By Costia Karolinski Sports Writer The Intramurals Playoffs schedule was released yesterday. It’s posted on the Intramurals information board on the third floor of the Campus Center, and in the Centennial Room. Session four concluded on Tuesday with four Kan Jam (Frisbee) games, the most popular sport of the semester. Basketball and wiffle ball were not as well attended, but those playoff games will go through as well.

The Intramurals program brought some very successful events to campus this semester, however. The H20 Pro Pyramid (water pong) Challenge in Venable Gym, and the roller skating in the gym both proved very popular. Pick-up Ultimate Frisbee also saw continued success

this semester and session.

Intramurals assistant Ken Recore, overseeing the last set of Kan Jam games, mentioned the importance of getting a more diverse set of participants for intramural sports.

“Right now, we’re trying to get students that aren’t athletes (on an MCLA Division III team) to show up,” Recore said. “[That] is our biggest goal going forward.”

Kan Jam’s success may be in part due to teams being composed of two players, as opposed to basketball and Wiffle ball that require more players. Wiffle ball and basketball have also seen a high number of forfeits.

“We’re trying to be pretty strict with the forfeit rule,” Recore added.

Interstellar Space Jam, led by captain Jim Maloney and Nathan Crowell, admittedly missed three

of their five games, but are still excited by the potential of the playoffs.

“I tore my hamstring playing Ultimate Frisbee, so to me Kan Jam is lazy Ultimate Frisbee.

We are technically undefeated, which makes us the monsters of Kan Jam,” Maloney said.

Crowell was happy to see a different sport offered with this session of intramurals.

“I’ve never played in any intramurals before. We play Frisbee a lot so this is really nice,” Crowell noted.

Team Sim will expect to take home the Kan Jam championship t-shirt, along with the shirts for the other two sports as well.

Each team features sophomore Sim Sharp; his teammate for Kan Jam sophomore Ryan Shewchuk played with a substitute on Tuesday.

“Sim is not here because his grades are slacking, and we have a GPA requirement of 3.0 for anyone who wants to play on Team Sim. Student comes first in student-athlete,” Shewchuk said.

Team Sim has already won three championship shirts this year, and expects more victory in the playoffs.

“We accept nothing but 100% effort all the time, so Sim will be here for the playoffs, but if he’s not putting in his best he will be substituted quickly,” Shewchuk added.

Catch Team Sim and all the other intramural teams for the playoffs this week. Kan Jam was played on Wednesday, Wiffle ball playoffs are today, and basketball playoffs will be scheduled for this Sunday.

SOFTBALL continued from page 16

Photo by Dan Sheehan/Beacon Staff

The softball team celebrated a rare school victory over Williams College on Monday.

Photo by Dan Sheehan/Beacon Staff

(Above) Megan Boyer steps into a big swing. (Below) Jaclyn Candelet lays down a bunt.

and nobody gave up.”

According to Ouellette, the team was really close with each other, which lead to people stepping up in important situations and a lot of fun.

“Win or lose we always had each other’s backs and we had some good times together,” Ouellette said.

According to Candelet, her teammates are fun are considered family.

“No other team had as much fun as we did,” Candelet said. “I am going to miss playing with those girls. I will always remember my teammates.”

This season, the Blazers were led offensively by Koumjian. She led the team in almost every statistical category with a .310 batting average, 16 runs scored, 31 hits, 13 doubles, four homeruns, 17 RBIs, and 56 total bases. Kristin Robillard, Kendra Hobbs, and Kate Ouellette also had impacts with the bat hitting .290,

.284, and .283 respectively.

“Although we struggled to hit at times we definitely made up for it other times,” Ouellette said.

The Blazers are going to lose four seniors for next year’s season: Kelly Pirzl, Amanda Borsotti, Ouellette, and Candelet are graduating. Along with them, Kristin Robillard, a standout freshman, is transferring due to the athletic training major not being accredited.

According to Candelet, the team is losing half of their infield along with a key pitcher. However, Mike Ameen, the coach, is bringing in a quality recruiting class for next year.

“I know I am leaving this team in good hands, we have battled all season through wins and losses, injuries and sicknesses, good times and bad,” Candelet said. I know they will have a more successful season than we did this year. I am sad to go.”

Sports

FriesStyle

By Chris Fries Sports Editor

MVP! MVP! We have been all waiting for this announcement for months now.

And it is finally official. Derrick Rose is now the youngest player to win the MVP award in the NBA. Now this brings up the debate.

Is Rose more valuable than LeBron James or Dwight Howard?

My simple answer is: Yes. For one thing, we have to examine what this award means. It is not the Most Talented Player award it is the Most Valuable Player, so one of the important things to consider is if the team improved. In the case of Dwight Howard, who is far and away the most irreplaceable center in the league, his team actually seemed to get worse. In his defense, it was really of no fault of his own that the Magic brought in Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson, who basically made the team no better than they were a year ago.

The results speak for themselves.

Last year the Magic finished second in the East, won 59 regular season games and lost in the conference finals. This season they won 52, which was good enough for fourth, and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

In the case of LeBron James, you have to consider the fact that there is another MVP candidate on his own team. Dwayne Wade averaged only .1 points per game less than James, so essentially he provided just as much of a scoring threat. Granted, James adds a lot more to the box score in terms of rebounds and assists. But he also has Chris Bosh on his team, and he finished tenth in rebounds per game at the end of the season.

So before you lose yourself in awe of how much James means to his team think about the other two All-Stars on his team and how much they provide as well.

So this leaves us with the 22-year-old Bulls point guard.

Rose beat out James in both points and assists this season and as a 6’3” point guard he is significantly quicker and more skilled as a passer and ball handler.

Rose has even proven to be a better closer down the stretch than James, and this has been especially evident in the playoffs thus far.

If you saw Rose in the final minutes of games one through four of the Pacers series, you know exactly what I mean. The final argument for Rose is a simple one: The Chicago Bulls went from being an eight seed to being a one seed in one season. Sure they have Carlos Boozer now, but the real difference maker has been Rose’s numbers.

Let’s tip our hat to the kid that really deserved it.

IN THIS ISSUE: Intramural playoffs, MCLA Baseball and Softball seasons end, & Senior Chris Cassels Volume 73, Issue 13

Sports The Beacon

Page 16

Chris Cassels (p.14) Thursday, May 5, 2011

‘Blazers beat Williams in final doubleheader

By Phil Mabey Sports Writer

Photo courtesy of Ian Grey

Sophomore first baseman Ross Miner slides into second base.

Baseball team loses tenth in a row, finishes last in MASCAC

By Kaitland Hager Sports Writer

After dropping their last two doubleheader games of the season, the MCLA baseball team finished the 2011 season with a disappointing 8-22 overall record and 1-13 in the MASCAC conference.

The Trailblazers went into Saturday’s doubleheaders against Framingham with one goal in mind. Unable to make the tournament, MCLA hoped to knock the Rams out of the running as well.

Game one went to the Rams early. On the power of Framingham’s pitching staff, MCLA went 2-23 at the plate. Senior Mike Meaney singled up the middle in the top of the third and freshman designated hitter

Sean Coyle singled to right field in the first.

Both were stranded on base, just two of the four times a Trailblazer made it to the bag.

Senior pitcher Bobby Beauchesne threw a solid four and a half innings, allowing seven runs and striking out three Rams. Freshman Cody Weaver relieved Beauchesne in the fifth, giving up a double but recovering, ending the inning with minimal additional damage to the scoreboard. He gave the MCLA bats a chance at redemption in the sixth as well, allowing no runs scored and stranding three Framingham runners on base.

The bats were quiet, though.

Since April 14th, their last win against Berkshire rival Williams College, the Trailblazers

Last Week’s Scores BASEBALL

4/30 @ Framingham State* (L, L) 7-0, 5-3 5/1 vs. Bridgewater State* (L, L) 2-1, 6-0

SOFTBALL

4/30 @ Framingham State* (L, L) 2-1, 6-0 5/1 @ Bridgewater State* (L, L) 4-2, 2-1 5/2 vs. Williams* (W, L) 3-1, 11-2 * = Doubleheader

had been to the plate 156 times but only earned 34 hits over six games. Framingham won, 7-0.

Game two against the Rams was more of a challenge. Decided in 9 innings, MCLA lost a heartbreaker 3-5 off a two-run homerun by Framingham powerhouse hitter Danny Chaisson.

Starting early for themselves, the Trailblazers made it a quick 1-0 game off a Procopio-Parillo team effort.

Senior Paul Procopio singled to right field, followed by fellow senior Joe Parillo who hit a double to the right field. Reading the fielder, Procopio flaunted with a large lead and took advantage of the overthrow to third base, scoring a run for the Trailblazers.

The softball team ended their season in dramatic style against Williams College. The Blazers finished with an 11-21 record, 3-11 in the conference.

“In my eyes, the season went really well,” said Kate Ouellette. “I am extremely satisfied with how the season ended.”

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning on Monday, and the winning runner on second base, Kayla Koumjian hit a deep fly ball that snuck over the fence to win the game in walk-off fashion. The runner on second, Jaclyn Candelet, led off the inning with a single.

“There were two outs, so I was running on contact, so I didn’t see the ball go out. I actually thought it hit the wall,” said Candelet, the Blazer’s second baseman. “It was a big home run; it snapped our losing streak.”

Before Koumjian’s homerun, the Blazers were in the midst of a 10 game skid dating back to April 14.

According to Candelet, the main reason the team lost a lot

of close games this year was due to the lack of clutch hitting. The Blazers struggled to come up big with runners in scoring position.

Throughout the entire season, they managed 186 hits but only 98 runs.

Along with leaving potential runners in scoring position, the Blazers also failed to do the little things it takes to win the game.

According to Candelet, the majority of the games were either tied or a one-run difference going into the late innings.

“We were a lot better than our record shows. We worked hard every day and gave every team a run for their money,” Candelet said. “In softball, a lot of teams play small-ball, and we got beat a lot from small-ball down the stretch.”

In what has been an up and down year, there have been some positive aspects of the season despite winning three MASCAC games.

“Our defense was outstanding this year,” Candelet said. “We lost our share of games, but every game was close. Nobody folded,

SOFTBALL cont. on page 15

BASEBALL cont. on page 14

MCLA seniors Joe Parillo and Paul Procopio were named to Second team All-MASCAC

Photo courtesy of Ian Grey

Hadley Ameen had four strikeouts in the win over Williams.