The Pennon: May 2012

MAY 2012 THE PENNON IS ONLINE AT:

northshore.edu/pennon • A Monthly Publication For The Students of North Shore Community College, Danvers, Lynn & Beverly, Massachusetts •

Essence of Leadership

BY JESSIE PAIVA GENERAL EDITOR

“The essence of leadership is about building teams and engaging others in your work and your vision.”

These words, spoken by Framingham State University’s president Dr. Timothy J. Flanagan, epitomize the 2012 Students United! Leadership Conference held at the FSU

solutions for some of the country’s most pressing post-secondary education problems. One of the main issues which the committee is presently discussing is the gargantuan cost of higher education.

Students were fortunate to be addressed by Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Charlie Desmond.

Dr. Desmond advised his constituents to fight for their right

Student Government members, staff and interns at the BHE Conference campus on March 30, 2012. to be educated. Funding for Fourteen student leaders (plus public higher education has two Student Life faculty membeen dwindling over the last bers and one intern) from our twenty-five years and one way North Shore Community Collfor students (and concerned parege stirred from bed around ties) to help reverse this negasunrise on that chilly Friday tive trend is to get involved with morning in order to hear the local and federal legislation. Dr. wisdom of Dr. Flanagan, as well Desmond suggests that all lobby as motivational speaker Michael the leaders to not let public Miller, several members of the higher education fall by the Massachusetts Board of Higher wayside. Furthermore, he instrEducation, and to dialogue and ucted the room to always network with other student leadbelieve in what they do. ers from across our great state.

The next guest speaker was After being introduced by the Richard Freeland, Commispresident of FSU Student Govsioner of Higher Education for ernment Association Sarah Massachusetts. He proposed an Howe, Dr. Flanagan informed interesting paradigm to answer the audience of the key to sucthe pertinent question: “What cess: “Become invaluable to an can one person do to change the organization.” Along those world?” According to Comm. lines, Dr. Flanagan has become Freeland, one person by theminvaluable to FSU as one of selves cannot do anything to twenty-six university presidents change the world. At the same across the nation to meet with a time, one person by themselves special White House committee can do everything to change the on higher education to devise CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

INSIDE:

Friends of the Forest Page 8

Motivational Speaker Michael Miller Makes an Impact at NSCC

BY JACKIE BLUNDELL INTERN

On Thursday, April 12, 2012, North Shore Community College was graced with the presence of the animated and vivacious speaker, Michael Miller.

Miller hosted three sessions, focusing on motivation, time management, and communication. One may think that sitting through four straight hours on these seemingly dry subjects might be boring; however, Miller managed to keep the room in high spirits and was nothing short of entertaining the entire time. These subjects may seem straightforward, but Miller brought new perspectives to each one, with information useful to both one’s professional and personal life.

The first session was on motivation. To get the class started

Michael Miller be broken. Both groups became he separated the class into two very emphatic about getting this groups. The objective for each hula hoop around the circle in group was to get a hula hoop around the circle while holding record time and the groups even hands, and the circle could not CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Congratulations to Three Student Trailblazers

BY DR. IONA BLACK PROFESSOR OF SCIENCE/MATH

The following students are to be congratulated for being the

first NSCC students to be accepted to Yale University Medical School Summer Medical Dental Education Program (SMDEP): Luisa

Nadgla Anilus

A Summer of Sequels Page 12

Graduating Class of 2012 Page 16

Pereira, Olexandr Zolotov, and Nadgla Anilus. Luisa Pereira and Nadgla Anilus are current students and Olexandr Zolotov is a recent transfer from NSCC. The Yale University Medical School SMDEP program is an intense six-week program where students take chemistry ( General or Organic) , biology ( Introductory or Advanced) , physics, english, public health, and a variety of seminar courses. The program also offers career development, a learning skills seminar, limited clinical exposure, and a financial planning workshop. They are taught

by Yale professors and the teaching and resident assistants are Yale University medical students. Transportation, housing, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

The Imaginary Invalid Page 11 & 21

PAGE 2 – NSCC PENNON

Dean’s Corner

BY DR. JOANNE LIGHT DEAN OF ENROLLMENT

As May 24th quickly approaches I want to congratulate all our graduating students – you should be so proud of your accomplishments as you continue on your journey to jobs, additional higher education and opportunities. Your hard work and perseverance have paid off, and we honor you as you prepare to walk across the stage and receive your diploma with your family, friends, classmates and NSCC staff watching with delight. Do not doubt yourself

time to register for your fall classes in order to get the best choices. Bills are not due until August 1, 2012. The best action at this point is to see your advisor so you can build a schedule, discuss your education goals and plan ahead both academcally and financially. If you don’t know who your advisor is, login to Campus Pipeline and follow these steps: Click on the School Services Tab

Select the Student Services and Registration link

Dr. Joanne Light

and continue to dream and accomplish your goals. Hopefully we have conveyed to you the importance of “community” in your college experience, and you become engaged in your own community.

The Commencement speaker, Dr. Patricia Meservy, president of Salem State University, promises to be inspiriting as she shares her story and provides advice. Many of you plan to study at SSU in the future so you should find her perspective valuable in learning about the culture at SSU. If you believe you are eligible for graduation for a degree or certificate in May or in August of this year, be sure to submit your “Application to Graduate,” available online or in the Enrollment Centers. It is not too late to apply. You want to be sure to receive your credential in a timely manner! This will be important in both your job search or transfer application.

You can complete a summer class and still be eligible for completion in May. Continuing students, kudos to you as well for moving forward with your academic progress.

Consider summer as a means of making up time or moving ahead with your degree pursuit.

There is still time to register for summer classes. There are 6 week, 8 week, 10 week and 12 week options - so carefully check the course search on the Web or in Pipeline so you can see your options and choose appropriately. It is now also

Click the Student Records link Select Student Information

Your advisor will be listed at the bottom of the first paragraph.

Meeting with an Advisor is one of your best decisions and resources on campus.

Finally, at the risk of information overload, I am including some important information regarding financial aid regulations that may be different from the past. Please read below and call us if you have questions.

Submitting your financial aid application and documentation in a timely manner will serve you well!!!

New Processes for the 20122013 Aid Year The FAFSA priority filing date for 2012-2013 is Tuesday May 1, 2012. While this is not a deadline, students are strongly encouraged to apply before this date in order to maximum their financial need. SFS is working on different FAFSA initiatives to encourage applicants to submit their application early electronically at www.fafsa.gov.

IRS Data Retrieval Tool As a way of eliminating possible mistakes and streamlining the application process, FAFSA filers will be encouraged to use the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Data Retrieval Tool.

How does the IRS Data Retrieval process work?

When students fill out a FAFSA they will have the option to automatically transfer their federal tax information directly from the IRS into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Who can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

Anyone who filed an IRS tax return within the last two weeks prior to completing their FAFSA can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Students can also make corrections using the Data Retrieval Tool if they did not use that option when they first completed their 2012-2013 application. To use this feature, students need their FAFSA pin and must answer a couple of questions regarding their tax filing status, i.e. married filing jointly or single, street address, etc.

Why use IRS Data Retrieval?

There are some key advantages to using the IRS Data Retrieval.

For instance, students who are eligible to use this feature will: • Reduce their probability of being selected for the verification process • Ensure accurate financial information is reported on the FAFSA • Experience a faster way of completing the FAFSA application

Tax Transcripts in 2012-2013 Beginning 2012-2013, the Financial Aid Office will no longer accept a copy of the students or parents’ federal tax return. The new regulations will require that financial aid offices use IRS Tax Transcripts, which is not the same thing as a Tax Return. If selected for verification, students and parents will be required to submit upon request an IRS Tax Return Transcript. Students can request a tax transcript, free of charge, of a 2011 tax return from the IRS in one of three ways: • Online at www.irs.gov and click on the “Order a Return or Account Transcript” link • By calling 1-800-908-9946 • By mail using the IRS Form 4506T-EZ If you have not visited the new Enrollment Center in Danvers, we would love to see you and show you around. As always, we are here to help you navigate this educational journey. I am always happy to answer your questions and listen to your suggestions. Have a safe and productive summer. I look forward to seeing you in September.

Again, congratulations graduates!!!

“This is Your Life” Gregor Shelkan

BY KRISTEN SWINDELL

In 1954, Holocaust survivor Cantor Gregor Shelkan, a native of Latvia, was visibly surprised as Ralph Edwards bellowed his name out into the televison studio in his emmy-winning-voice, “Gregor Shelkan...This is your life!” Gregor was unaware that he had been selected to be the subject of the day’s broadcast; he had only anticipated performing a song in his revered voice.

As he's whisked away to the stage by Edwards, Shelkan, now the focus of the episode, is aware of what this show is capable of: exposing the lives of celebrities or extraordinary common people. Of all lives to be thoroughly exposed on television, Gregor's was about to open a once-locked box, of which he believes was one of the first times the Holocaust was mentioned in front of a television audience.

Edwards begins to narrate to Gregor his own life, barely giving him a chance to get a word in. He swiftly moves through the years, reiterating Shelkan's experiences throughout the Holocaust. Does this television host realize the subject he is dealing with?

Upon hearing voices speaking about Gregor in the distance, he is sequentially reintroduced to several of his friends and colleagues with whom he hadn't spoken in years, since before the Nazi plague.

It is an unreal experience to hear such a life narrated casually to an audience. The hardest part to swallow is the nonchalant reunion of Gregor with his two sisters who escaped to Palestine (now the State of Israel) before the war. This encounter was an extremely emotional moment for the three siblings. The context of how much these three people had missed each other and how dire their situations had been before contrasted quite strangely with Ralph Edwards and his Hazel Bishop Cheek Glow actress smiling and hurrying things along. How could they speak to the Shelkans in their Hollywood voices and peachy dispositions as they bled out their emotional heartstrings for all to see?

Dr. Deborah Shelkan Remis, Gregor's youngest daughter, recently visited North Shore Community College on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 to share with us her father's story and allow us to view his episode of “This Is Your Life”.

Watching the show itself brought most of us to wipe away tears. As part of Dr. Shelkan Remis' presentation, she showed us several pictures of her father and his family as well as Gregor's own striped

jacket that he was given to wear throughout his incarceration, in all types of weather.

In a previous presentation given by Gregor Shelkan himself, a question was asked of him, “What force kept you going through five years of ghetto and concentration camp horrors?” Gregor suddenly pulled out his striped pajamalike jacket and exclaimed, “Here it is! I was expected to know that number each day, J96510, when lining up on the Appelplatz in all kinds of weather extremes and made to stand at attention for hours on end.”

Dr. Deborah Shelkan Remis, Guest Speaker on March 27, 2012 at Dr. Sheldon Brown's Literature of the Holocaust. Dr. Remis is standing next to her father's jacket worn in the concentration camps. In the background is a poster advertising his vocal program in his native Latvia before the Nazis invaded.

The Cantor continues with his answer to the question, “Nobody would believe what happened during the Holocaust; no one would believe what survivors like me had to go through. So I hold this shmateh, this rag, used to dehumanize me, as proof. What surely kept me going as a slave to the Germans was my will to tell everybody about the hatred and genocide perpetrated against innocent Jewish people and about 5 million others. Since 85 percent of survivors have passed on, the few of us who remain must each tell the young about the Holocaust. And history must not repeat itself. This lesson must indeed continue to be taught to every future generation.”

Today, Dr. Deborah Shelkan Remis continues to carry on her father's legacy. Aside from educating students in the United States, she has also traveled to Germany to educate school children about the Holocaust, which her father was extremely proud of. As long as Cantor Shelkan's story continues to be circulated, his will has been done.

Slice of Culture

BY BEATA RICE

My husband and I love to travel.

Two years ago we had the opportunity to go abroad for ten months, which was pretty exciting. We were able to spend two of those wonderful months in a Mediterranean city called Barcelona.

“I think I fell in love with Barcelona at first sight. It`s cosmopolitan, urban, quaint, vibrant, full of hidden cornerssand sights. There is something new and exciting behind each corner, the architectural mix of modern, modernism, and old. There is this Mediterranean feeling - the beaches, ferries

Barcelona Barcelona.

However, tourists that know some Spanish can often understand Catalan Spanish. The city of Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, with a popof approximately ulation 1,670,810 in 2010. Because of its location, Barcelona is a port city with long history trade and the biggest seaport in Spain.

Barcelona is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its geographic location but also, and above all, because of its history, tradition and cultural influences. Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic

Downtown Barcelona, in the self-governing district of Catalonia

pulling in and out of the port.

It`s simply one of the most beautiful and exciting cities of this planet” (Cowboy 1968).

This quote describes exactly how I feel about Barcelona. I would like to share with you my personal experience of living in this beautiful city.

The city of Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain, about 100 miles south of the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with France. The capital of Spain is Madrid, but Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, which is a region with its own history, gastronomy and language; they have a special dialect that is spoken in Catalonia. This dialect of Spanish is used for most of the street signs, in restaurants or in newspapers.

This is the official language of

revival at the onset of industrialization during the second half of the 19th century.

During our two month stay in Barcelona we were able to explore modern and historic Catalonian architecture. The best way to explore this beautiful city is by walking, as each quarter of the city is filled with its own unique identity.

Barcelona`s best known promenade, The Las Ramblas, runs from the Playa Catalunya to the Port. The Las Ramblas is a very busy street know as the “heart of the city” down through the centuries and today continues to be the most typical, popular and cosmopolitan of the city`s streets.

The reason The Las Ramblas is so popular is because of the many street performers and vendors who use it as their stage.

You will also find many outdoor cafes and newspaper kiosks there. It is a great area to experience the vibe of the city, as you see a very diverse mix of people who have such varied interests!

One of the most well known Spanish architects is Antonio Gaudi. If you visit Barcelona you will see evidence of his work everywhere: from small streetlamps he designed, all the way up to the most famous cathedral in Spain, La Sagrada Familia. This Gothic cathedral is over 100 years old, and construction is still going on to this day. Barcelona hopes to finish it soon, the exact way Gaudi wanted it done. The detail of the building is unbelievable and it is well worth seeing.

Another famous person who spent a lot of time in Barcelona was Pablo Picasso. He loved Barcelona because it inspired his many paintings. Today, his work is displayed in Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, where you can see his many masterpieces.

I had the opportunity to visit Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s football (soccer) team. If you visit Barcelona you can’t help but get caught up in theire team spirit. The last few years have been very good to the team; they have won the championship two out of the last three years. I never really liked “football” until I lived in Barcelona. Now I catch myself trying to find games on TV here in America!

Since Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean, a lot of the local diet is made up of seafood.

Lucky for me, seafood is my favorite. In the mornings you will see little boats heading out for the days catch. If they are lucky they will be back in the afternoon, selling it to local restaurants to be put on their daily “specials” board.

Of course, being such a diverse city, you can find any kind of cuisine that you are interested in. Eating at little local restaurants was one of my favorite ways to meet the locals and ask them about their lovely city. If you ever have the chance to go, please do. You can thank me when you get back... unless you decide to stay!

PAGE 3 – NSCC PENNON

Los Reyes Magos

BY ANGELA CHAINEY

Los Reyes Magos is a religious Hispanic tradition known as Three Kings’ Day, or the Epiphany. This is a very special event, especially in Puerto Rico.

There is a statue of the Three Kings at the center of their dining room table to remind the children of the day. The holiday is held on January 6, in remembrance of the Three Wise Men that followed the star to Bethlehem and found Jesus Christ in the manger. The men were Barthazar, Melchor, and Gasper. They presented gifts to Jesus, bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Los Reyes

it was burned in temples to honor God. He was also said to have brought more gifts. Saint Gasper’s feast day is January 6.

Los Reyes is especially exciting for the children of the Hispanic culture. Before the day of Los Reyes, Alameda, which is part of Mexico City, hosts a huge bazaar in preparation for the holiday. This event occurs between January 2-5. There are stands with many different foods, toys, and there is also an area where the children can have their picture taken with the Three Wise Men. At the festival, the children have an opportunity to write a letter to the Three

A symbolization of the Three Wise Men Wise Men, stating the gifts they has been celebrated for cenwish for. The letters then get turies in honor of the Three sent to the men through helium Kings’ visit. The whole family filled balloons. comes together while participaOn the eve of Los Reyes, famtiong in many festivities. ilies add the Three Wise Men to Melchor was the Sultan of the nativity scene. The children Arabia and the oldest king. He anxiously wait to see if their presented Jesus with the gift of wishes came true, as the chilgold. It is said that he might dren prepare to receive their have brought even more gifts. gifts in different ways. Children Saint Melchor’s feast day is will cut the grass and then place January 7. it in a box under their bed.

Baltazar was the Nubian king When the Three Wise Men and ruler of Ethiopia. His gift come, there will be food for the was myrrh, which comes from camels. Then, hopefully, their African trees and symbolizes boxes will be filled with gifts. If suffering. Myrrh was used as the child had been naughty, their medicine and perfume. Baltazar box would be filled with coal. was also said to have brought Others will also leave water and many other gifts. Saint hay. However, milk and cookies Baltazar’s feast day is January are left for the wise men. Some 8. Gasper was the Emperor of children will leave their old the Orient and ruled those lands. shoes under the bed as well.

He gave Jesus frankincense, an This holiday tradition is filled aromatic gum from trees in CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Arabia. It symbolized prayer, as

PAGE 4 – NSCC PENNON

New Study Reveals Discouraging News About College Condom Use

BY HEALTH QUARTERS STAFF

Women gradually use condoms less frequently during their first year of college, according to a new study by researchers from The Miriam Hospital in Rhode Island. This was particularly true for women who binge

“always.” Women also provided information on high school GPA, religious beliefs, parents' education levels and whether they had smoked marijuana or engaged in binge drinking during the month prior to college entry (August). Nearly threequarters of participants were

pregnancies to both women AND men. Usually, when people say that condoms break or fall off, it’s because they are not using them in the right way!

The following tips will lead to success every time: 1.Talk about using condoms with your partner—before sex!

drink, have lower grade point averages or come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The findings, published online in the Journal of Sex Research, offer some of the first clues to how condom use changes during the college years - a time when young people are sexually active and use condoms inconsistently.

"We know unprotected sex puts women at greater risk for unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, yet there has been a gap in research specifically focusing on changes in condom use during women's college years," said lead author Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D., a researcher with The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine. "Identifying the demographic and behavioral changes associated with decreases in condom use can eventually lead to more targeted educational and intervention efforts."

The study included 279 firstyear female college students from Northeastern University who provided monthly reports on condom use. The women reported on how often they used condoms during sex, on a fivepoint scale of “never” to

White.

Results revealed that the women started out with moderate to high levels of condom use, but their overall use decreased by about 10% over the course of the first year of college. The decrease held across all types of sexual relationships, whether long term or not.

However, the study revealed several unexpected predictors of initial condom use. African American women, women who did not smoke marijuana, women who said they are less likely to practice safe sex after drinking and women with more previous sexual partners were less likely to use condoms at the start of the study.

Changes in condom use during the course of the year were predicted by women's socioeconomic status, high school GPA and substance use.

College women often engage in serial monogamy, resulting in multiple partners during the college years, and they are often unaware of their partners' risk.

This makes continued condom use important for women's health," said Walsh.

At Health Quarters, we promote the correct use of condoms to prevent STDs and unplanned

2. Open condom package carefully—don’t use your teeth or fingernails.

3. Make sure condom unrolls correctly—don’t put it on inside out!

4. If you choose, add waterbased lubricants to inside and outside of condom.

5. Squeeze tip of condom to remove air as you place it on erect (hard) penis. Unroll c o n dom all the way to the base of the penis—down to the pubic hair.

6. After sexual activity, hold the rim of the condom at base of penis and pull out while still erect.

7.Remove condom from the penis, well away from partner’s body.

8. Throw condom in trash; condoms clog toilets.

9. Use a new condom before every sexual act.

If the condom breaks or slips off, you can get emergency contraception over the counter at a pharmacy or at a reduced cost from Health Quarters. And, remember, condoms are ALWAYS FREE at HQ! Call 978.922.4490 or visit us at 900 Cummings Center, Suite 126-R, Beverly!

Transgender Awareness at NSCC

BY JESSICA TOWER

of the word. Being a highly active member of the queer community, I have learned the complexities of the definition and did not believe that others whom were not a part of the community would be aware of what “transgender” truly means.

Thus, there seem to be two ways to look at my findings.

Either transgender awareness really is present at NSCC, or the participants of the survey really only understood part(s) of the definition. While speaking with a fellow honors program student, she stated that it is possible that some, or even many, of the participants only knew the basic idea of being transgender.

I feel that it is essential for there to be both awareness and acceptance of transgender people everywhere. At NSCC, I personally know quite a few transgender students. It is important for everyone to feel welcome and to feel that they are receiving an education without discrimination.

I hope to create another survey in the future to better assess the

Shore Community College.

Followed by this definition, I asked participants whether or not they knew what the word “transgender” meant before reading the definition. When I tallied the results, I was very surprised.

Out of 73 participants, a total of 65, or 89%, revealed that they did know what “transgender” meant before reading the definition on my survey. Only 8 of the people surveyed, or 11%, did not know what the word meant.

This was surprising to me because I had hypothesized that only a small number of participants would know the definition

awareness of transgender people at NSCC. In this future survey, another section should be included where students can indicate that they only knew part of the definition.

I am not stating that I do not necessarily believe that the 89% did not know the full definition.

It is completely possible. Even if all of these people did not know the full definition, this survey still indicates that there is a lot of transgender awareness at NSCC. It is my hope to work with my peers at NSCC to create transgender awareness in every student, and to also begin the process of creating acceptance.

The following definition of “transgender” was taken from the American Psychological Association (APA): Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else; gender expression refers to the way a person communicates gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, voice, or body characteristics. “Trans” is sometimes used as shorthand for “transgender.” While transgender is generally a good term to use, not everyone whose appearance or behavior is gender-nonconforming will identify as a transgender person.

The definition written above was how I began my survey on transgender awareness at North

PAGE 5 – NSCC PENNON

Student Trailblazers Continued from Page 1

Michael Miller Continued from Page 1

began to compete against one another.

Once seated again, Miller made everyone realize how silly they had all acted over the simple objective of getting a hula hoop around a circle. From this activity the class saw how one could create a situation in order to motivate those around them.

This could be particularly helpful in the work environment, while attempting to get a group of people to complete a task. By separating us into groups, we, by human nature, became competitive. Using this same idea in the office or classroom could cause people to become more productive once tasks are presented to them.

The next session was on time management, which is an area in which many of us could use improvement. In today’s fastpaced society, having the ability to manage one’s time is crucial to being successful.

Miller suggests that knowing yourself inside and out can be helpful in not wasting your time. If a person knows how they will react in certain situations they will not waste any time being caught up in things they do not know how to handle. Knowing yourself and knowing what you can handle is vital to time management. He also suggests making a “to do” list, then “making and appointment with yourself” to make sure the task is completed.

Making a simple schedule for

each day will help a person get the tasks they need completed done within a reasonable amount of time. We made a pseudo schedule during the class and it was surprising to see how much time was left once the tasks were blocked out throughout the days.

Lastly, we discussed the importance of communication.

Miller explained to us the difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive people. Passive people tend to be “door mats” while aggressive people can be too demanding and can be very set on getting their own way. Being an assertive person is in the middle of those two extremes. There are times in life where it is necessary for people to make sure they get what they need, however, a person also needs to know when to let certain things go and be a little passive. Knowing this is essential to one’s life in a professional setting because being able to communicate is very important when it comes to working with a variety of other people.

Michael Miller was definitely a very interesting and informative speaker to listen to. He was inspiring and made one have the desire to try these new ideas whether it was as a student or as an employee. If presented with the opportunity to sit in on some sessions with Miller, do not pass it up.

food and a stipend is given to all participants.

In 1988, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation established the Minority Medical Education Program (MMEP) to increase the number of highly qualified medical school applicants from minority groups that were underrepresented in medicine— primarily African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians. MMEP supported six medical schools in offering a free, six-week medical school preparatory program.

The Association of American Medical Colleges assumed the role of National Program Office for MMEP in 1993. Over the years, MMEP's intensive academic preparation program expanded to 11 campuses. The 11 campuses are: Case Western Reserve University Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, Columbia University of Physicians and Surgeons and College of Dental Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA School of Dentistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Howard University College of Arts and Sciences, Dentistry and Medicine, The University of Texas School of Dentistry and Medical School at Houston, New Jersey Medical and New Jersey Dental Schools (UMDMJ), University of Louisville Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and Yale University School of Medicine.

In addition, the program broadened its initial focus on specific minority groups to include students who were from rural areas, economically disadvantaged, and came from

groups that have historically received substandard health care regardless of their racial or ethnic background. In 2003, the program changed its name to the Summer Medical Education Program (SMEP), reflecting the

(SMDEP) builds on the lessons learned from those earlier programs. It expanded to include pre-dental students who face challenges similar to those of pre-medical students, and it focuses on students in the first

Olexandr Zolotov

inclusion of students representing a wide range of economic, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program

two years of their college education because the experience of previous programs indicates that this is when students derive the most benefit.

Luisa Pereira

Los Reyes Magos Continued from Page 3

with many exciting festivities.

There is plenty of great food, such as tamales and hot chocolate. They enjoy this tasty snack in the late afternoon, between 4:30-5:30 in the evening. A snack in Spanish is called “la merienda.” This is interesting because Hispanics do not usually eat dinner until 9:00 at night, or as late as midnight.The children love to play with their toys throughout the day. They discuss the arrival of the Three Wise Men with their friends wondering how they got into their bedrooms to place the gifts.

It is nice to have a celebration in honor of the Saints. I absolutely love the Christmas holiday because my whole fam-

ily is together, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I wanted to learn about the Christmas holidays that the Hispanic culture celebrates.

Los Reyes is a great Hispanic tradition because it is important

to remember the Three Wise Men that brought Jesus wonderful gifts. The holiday is very similar to Christmas. Los Reyos Magos is a great opportunity for families to come together and make lasting memories.

The Three Kings

PAGE 6 – NSCC PENNON

Ever Wake Up

To a Monkey on Your Roof?

A Field Study in Costa Rica

BY CATHY MCDONOUGH

Chances are you're used to waking up to the song of the morning birds, but what about the roar of a howler monkey?

Howler monkeys are the largest of the New World primates that Mexico, Central occupy America and South America

by many as the most beautiful bird in the world! Each student was assigned one species to study prior to departure and when we encountered it in the field they got the opportunity to teach the class everything they had learned.

Costa Rica is more than just monkeys and wildlife and we

Howler Monkey

and their calls can be heard up to 3 miles away! I've been to Costa Rica twice with Professor Stimpson on the Scott Neotropical field study and both times we've had howler monkeys on our lodge roof. It may sound irritating to be woken by a howling monkey, but once you go on your porch and see the troop carrying their baby’s overhead you'll be glad you were up to see it.

On the most recent trip in

2010 we not only saw howler monkeys, but also all four species of monkey native to Costa Rica, including squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchins. The trip took us all over the country where we got to visit many different ecosystems such as dry, moist, wet, cloud and rainforests as well as marine environments. We also saw a variety of wildlife, including pit vipers, hummingbirds, three species of toucan, two species of sloth, blue-crowned mot mots, iguanas, crocodiles, caimans, red-eyed tree frogs, coatimundis, fer-de-lances, basilisks, and the clay colored robin, the national bird of Costa Rica. We also had the privilege of seeing the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, regarded

got to explore the other aspects as well. One of Costa Rica's major exports is coffee and we were able to attend a tour at the Doka coffee plantation where we not only learned about the economic and environmental benefits of growing coffee, but the techniques used to get the beans from the crops to store shelves. An interesting cultural experience was seeing the huge stone spheres on the southern Pacific coast. These 300 or so

Squirrel Monkey

spheres, ranging from a few inches to over six feet in diameter and weighing upwards of 15 tons, have long puzzled archaeologists and still hold mystery today. As for the food, it was more than just rice and beans as we got to sample many local dishes at truck stop eateries and also gourmet meals at fancier restaurants.

One restaurant even had a huge tree growing through it! Over dinner we would discuss chapters from our book, Tropical Nature, and share photos and stories about the day. In our down time we got to spend time exploring the beaches and zip-lining through the canopy, where we got to see the forest from an entirely new perspective.

Professor Madeline Logan,

who is now retired, started the Costa Rica Field Study.

Professor Scott Stimpson has led the past four Neotropical Ecology Field Studies and will be bringing his fifth group of students to experience the rain forests of Costa Rica at the end of this semester. Scott says, “It gives me a great thrill to see students on the Costa Rica Field Study forming an effective team and in some cases forming lifelong friendships.” The trip also influences many students in their career paths later in life and also provides them with the opportunity to experience life in a foreign country first hand and see many animals and plants that they wouldn't experience outside a zoological or botanical setting. Don't forget you're also earning college credits! That's right, this 3-credit class fills a number of requirements including open, liberal and when taken with Bio 128: Ecology of the Rainforest, fulfills laboratory science sequence electives. But don't think you have to be biology major to have a fun and fulfilling experience. In fact, students from all majors take the course and for many different reasons, such as a cultural experience, enhancing a resume or transfer application or just trying something new. Financing is

PAWS Picks This month I am returning to my listing multiple pets. I have here two cats who are incredibly adorable, a lovely lady named Tiny and a gentleman named Swany. Both are very deserving of permanent homes.

Persian / Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat): Female (spayed): Small

About Tiny • Status: Available for Adoption (adoption info) • Species: Cat • Rescue ID: C110161 • General Color: White (Mostly) • Color: white w/black spots / Bicolor • Eye Color: Yellow • Ear Type: Erect • Tail Type: Long • Current Size: 5.5 Pounds • Current Age: 7 Years 6 Months (best estimate) • Microchipped: Yes • Declawed: No • Housetrained: Yes

More About Tiny Tiny could be your Lucky Cat. Petite Tiny has an uncanny resemblance to a Maneki Neko, the Japanese cat with its big eyes and waving paw. This figurine is thought to bring luck (fortune and/or money) to its also available through scholarships, financial aid and fundraising so that every one has a chance to participate in this unique adventure.

The Costa Rica Field Study is a hidden gem of North Shore Community College offered every two years. This May, the next group of explorers will take the journey of discovery and experience the beauty and wonders of Costa Rica. For more information, contact professor Scott Stimpson. If you like hiking, having fun and learning new things then this class is for you!

Photo credits: Howler Monkey by Dan Perez Squirrel Monkey by Kyle Krigest

Tiny lived with her first family from birth. When they adopted a dog, however, it terrified her and she fled to the basement where she felt safe. Now that she is in a dog-free foster home, Tiny is gaining confidence. This lucky cat is really starting to come out of her shell. She has cleaned her beautiful coat and

BY TANYA GREEN

Tiny

she is no longer afraid to sit out in the open. She enjoys gentle petting and loves being brushed.

At night, Tiny likes to cuddle on the bed or, if you are watching TV, Tiny is happy to be on your lap or beside you. Most exciting of all, Tiny is once again enjoying playtime! The laser pointer is her current favorite toy, as you can see in the video Tiny is a wonderful example of a Lucky Cat. She has blossomed into a beautiful and charming feline. Tiny is looking for a quiet environment with an adopter who has the time and patience to follow her lead and allow her to settle in and trust.

Cats like Tiny are special because once they feel your love, they will bond closely and be a friend for life. If that is not lucky, what is?

Please log onto the PAWS web site to check out my videos and more photos Ragdoll / Domestic Medium

Swany

owner. Tiny is the PAWS version of the Lucky Cat. She is sweet, adorable, and an omen of wonderful things to come for all who are near her.

Hair / Mixed (medium coat): Male (neutered): Senior : Medium CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

PAGE 7 – NSCC PENNON

The Americas: Religion

BY GRACE DURAN

Would it truly be too hard to except a fact like there is only

you “believe.” All faiths deserve their opportunity, and when given the opportunity each religion will have some sort of

Who are we to call any land holy as God created in equality and in equality you will find that all land, ocean, space and even

one God? If you do not believe in God you must at least see with your own eyes that life was built with grace and beauty, and to see this divine architecture is to stare at the face of God. The belief in what we call religion has separated humanity more relentlessly then the color of our skin. Why should believing in a being who feeds on faith separate mankind, who feeds on trust? With religion forcing us into opposition, one must wonder why God would do this. I came up with a simple conclusion for there to be a moment like this, a moment of unity.

America was not built with a being opposing unity, yet it was done in the early stages of history with slavery. Even today, some states forbid homosexual marriage. Around the world, sins were committed in the name of religion. Instead of using faith as a tool, humanity chose to weaponize it. Instead of faith bringing humanity closer together, we use it to drive us apart. In the process of driving the people apart, some found it easier to not believe in a God. White, Black, Latino, Asian and Indian.

Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Satanist and even Atheist all have one thing in common. When you believe,

truth. I call this truth “divine reasoning.” For even if the bible is not taken literally, one must acknowledge the message it sends: to love all as you would like to be loved. The message of the Jewish faith is that of unity and reality. Islam, believe it or not, has some similarities with Christianity. While Buddhism brings a message of peace and love, Satanism does the same.

The peace Buddhism brings is a universal one, as satanic peace is the peace in mind. I believe even Atheists have some “right” to their system of believing, in that they only believe what they can see.

Do not get me wrong, all religions have their rights but they also have their wrongs. Within death the son of God rises to live again? To believe you are the “chosen ones” and have your country named the Holy Land? To believe your prophet will come back from death to walk with the living? And to believe that you can have no violence, fear, or hatred in your mind and heart? I believe we are all the sons of God and if we cannot resurrect, why should He? I believe we are all so different, so unique, and so proud in our own way, that we all possess something another does not, so who is the chosen one?

the stars are holy. The whole divine architecture, including life, is God. God will not give rebirth to any of his children; they live in their time for a reason. Listen to the words of the prophet now, that will not and should not be replaced. To live life with love and peace is bliss, but to blindly let that lead you in the face of death may not be wise. I think it is important for us to sometimes follow our instincts. It is okay to be afraid, because bravery is born out of fear.

Maybe it could be easier to believe that the whole divine architecture including human kind itself is not only a piece of God, but our grace and beauty is God. Religion may have separated us like a body which has lost its skin, but faith is the only potential force that could unite us again.

The only way to unity is with trust, and it is a human quality to fear that which is different.

However, if we could feed faith to a God that can unite us, trust will be the inevitable outcome.

With religion opposing us against each other, one might wonder why God would do this.

Again it is for a time like this: a time of unity.

Response to Grace Duran’s

“The Americas: Religion”

BY BENJAMIN LITHGOW

Grace Duran raises a number of issues, the complexity and importance of which would be nearly impossible to exaggerate.

Issues of identity and the hereafter are central to how we live in the here-and-now.

Duran argues that the existence of the universe and in particular its beauty and grace is not merely evidence for God but is indeed part of what we call “God.” Her ideas seem mostly pantheistic (the doctrine or belief that God is the universe and its phenomena). It is crucial to recognize that this kind of god is not the kind most of our neighbors believe in. Our neighbors believe in a personal god who can enact miracles and answer prayers. Our neighbors generally believe in prophets, messiahs and holy books partially authored, or at least dictated or divinely inspired by deities.

Duran does make one mistake, though, in her treatment of atheism as a “faith” and “system of believing” like any other and stating that “they only believe what they can see.” Atheists do not share any particular belief.

They do, however, share in the dismissal of a certain type of belief. As Stephen F. Roberts once said: “I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do.

When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”

Ms. Duran argues that, despite the role religion has played in the division, hatred, and misunderstanding we see throughout history and in the world today, religious faith “is the only potential force that could unite us.” I completely share Duran’s desire to see the world united. I also happen to share with her the recognition of the fact that religion, with all its divisive doctrinal malarkey, is a primary cause of suffering. It is this recognition that has lead multitudes to rally behind the banner of atheism. Duran questions whether it is too much to ask that the people of the world believe in one god. As a partici-

We need your written opinions to fill up this page!

pant in the recent “Reason Rally” in Washington DC (described by Wikipedia as “an event celebrating irreligion, nontheism, and secularity”) I feel entirely confident that the thousands of my comrades in attendance would issue a resounding “yes!” to this question.

I agree with Duran when she writes that “the only way to unity is with trust, and it is a human quality to fear that which is different.” However, I don’t for a moment believe that this trust must be in a god that we do not have good reason to believe exists. I’m afraid that the differences people see in each other are no more deeply contrasted than among the rival faiths that divide our species. When people do not reach their conclusions based on reason and evidence, how can we expect reason and evidence to change their minds?

And without a hope that we can change their minds, how can we hope to unite the world?

I am of the ilk that think faith (the strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence) is the single worst idea we’ve ever had. Having made such an outrageous statement, I anticipate your wanting to write to the editor making the somewhat confused case that science is itself based on faith. It is as the author Sam Harris wrote in a debate with fellow author Andrew Sullivan: “The fact that the underpinnings of our knowledge are in some sense inscrutable (and may remain so)… does not place every spurious claim to knowledge on an equal footing with science. The discomfort induced in mathematics by Godel does not make the doctrine of Mormonism even slightly more plausible.”

I encourage Duran to investigate these matters further, but I must caution her against making such sweeping statements about the nature of the cosmos and our place in it. Such statements trespass onto the territory of philosophy and it is crucial for us all to recognize when we do not have enough understanding to merit strong judgment. For goodness’ sake may reason prevail.

Send us your opinion about anything! Up to 500 words. Preferably in MS Word Document.

Send to pennon@northshore.edu It will be edited for spelling and grammar. Opinions and editorials are not necessarily those of The Pennon.

PAGE 8 - NSCC PENNON

Versatile Writer Steve Almond

Gives Advice to NSCC Students

BY LYDIA WAHL FEATURES EDITOR

This year North Shore brought in Steve Almond as a writer in residence to talk to students.

Almond was professionally refreshing. No topic was too taboo to discuss, while staying respectful. Throughout his talk, he read pieces from his books and gave advice on writing.

One of the most insightful things he offered was advice on inspiration. Almond believes you should look into what inspires you before you write and find a way to recreate that situation again and again. This would be how you would find your process.

One student asked Almond if he considered himself successful. He didn’t think he ever quite would say that because he could always point to someone else and want to do what they had done.

Almond was very humble and poked fun at himself, saying his basement was full of his unsold books. Most of his books were available for signing and purchase after his talk. He offered students and teachers a generous discount, selling them for

five dollars apiece. The table was swarmed with students and he was very conversational as he personally signed and wrote a message to each buyer.

Almond currently writes for The Boston Globe and has several published books. On his website you can find several essays he has written including “The Decade of Magical Thinking,” which is an outside the box look at 9/11’s effect on American society. He also wrote “God Bless America: Stories,” his latest book, “Candyfreak: A Journey the Chocolate Through Underbelly of America,” a homage to candy.

Almond believes you should write about what you're obsessed with. “(Not That You Asked): Rants, Exploits, and Obsessions,” in which he talks about his chance meeting with Kurt Vonnegut. “The Evil BB Chow and Other Stories,” “Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life: A Book by and for the Fanatics,” “Among Us” and “Which Brings Me To You: A Novel in Confessions,” and several others. For more about Steve Almond visit his website www.stevealmondjoy.com

PAWS Picks

Continued from Page 6

About Swany • Status: Available for Adoption (adoption info) • Species: Cat • Rescue ID: C120002 • General Color: Gray (Mostly) • Color: gray/brown/rust with white / Tabby • Eye Color: Green • Ear Type: Erect • Tail Type: Long • Current Size: 11 Pounds • Current Age: 16 Years, 3 Months (best estimate) • Declawed: No • Housetrained: Yes • Grooming Needs: Moderate • Shedding Amount: Moderate

More About Swany Do you need a co-pilot?

I always say, a feline can never be too handsome or too friendly.

That is my mantra. I do think I am the very handsomest fellow you will find with my elegant gray and white markings, soft medium coat, smashing green eyes, and large, but elegant paws. I am also the friendliest guy around, a total love bug. I love to play, to be patted, and to hang around with you any time of the day or night. I even liked the tech at the vet and tried to cuddle her. I thought maybe that might distract her from my vaccinations, but that did not work.

At least I made another friend.

Of course, I do not need more

friends. I need a permanent home. I like my foster, but honestly, I want to settle down. Do you like toys? I love balls and strings of all kinds. I also love to purr, especially when I see someone I like (and I like everyone). I am a very mellow guy.

So mellow you can even take me in the car, as you can see in my photo. Do you need a copilot? Maybe I will replace your GPS? As a friendly and playful cat who is settled and calm, I can fit into many kinds of homes. Are you a family? Have kids? Live alone? Have other cats? I can get along in any situation. The most important for me is that

you have love in your heart to worship me and give me the best forever-home in the world.

Please log onto the PAWS web site to see my videos and more photos; I especially like the photo of me in the car.

To find out more about Tiny and Swany or to view more of the pets PAWS has up for adoption, please log onto pawswakefield.recuegroups.org. PAWS is also on Facebook.

Friends of the Forest: Earth Fest 2012

BY BENJAMIN LITHGOW SGA SENATOR Earth Fest is one of the events I look forward to most each year.

It offers good people, a good cause, and good exercise. It marks the beginning of the season for enjoying the outdoors, and what better way to kick off that season than by beautifying our favorite parts so we can enjoy them all summer? That’s exactly what a group of NSCC students and faculty did on Saturday April 21 when we gathered at Lynn Woods and celebrated our dedication to the environment by making the place spick and span.

Don’t think the day was an arduous one, though. Upon arrival I was greeted by friends, directing me toward the Starbucks table where I got a coffee and hot chocolate combo and sampled a variety of tasty cakes. After signing in and getting my brilliantly designed tshirt, I bade good morning to all my friends and began equipping myself with gloves, trash bags, and garbage picker-uppers. I was a leader of a team that picked up around Dungeon Rock, a really neat place with a lot of history. There is a dark and dingy manmade cave created by a Spiritualist who believed his dreams were directing him toward buried pirate treasure beneath tons of rock (go figure).

Later, after descending down into the dungeon, our team ascended up the Stone Tower which looks out over the entire landscape! Thankfully, both were pretty clean. However, I did get a few plastic and glass bottles and cans, and a big old boot. I’d say that the single most common pieces of (recyclable) trash were bottles and cans, most of which were from beer carelessly tossed aside by thoughtless partiers. I really think that people should start carrying around plastic grocery bags to clean up after themselves, just as people pick up after their pets!

After picking up for a few hours, which quickly flew by, thanks to the company of good friends, we reconvened at the entrance for some live music, all the pizza we could eat, and, my personal favorite, the Snake Show! I hesitate to belabor the quantity of snakes in all sizes and colors that the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team displays at the end of the day knowing how many people don’t care for the creatures. Yet, the beauty of these serpents was enough to help many fearful viewers overcome their repulsion and get up close and personal with them.

The team makes the creepy

SGA Senator Ben Lithgow showing a snake to a spectator at Lynn Woods

crawlies seem as cute as kitty cats. Before the show, I went around asking environmental

trails fit for all levels of ability.

The bugs weren’t bad at all and the sun felt great after a winter

Carlo Lovasco, Yvonne Milan, Jackie Blundell, Nicole Saraceno, Tiffiany Rosten, and Nicole Labreque

trivia questions to the audience and giving them a pack of energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs, if they got them right. Do you know how many giant pan-

indoors. It is easy to forget how beautiful, inspiring, and in need of protection our local forests and parks are. Earth Fest serves as a welcomed reminder. I’ve

SGA Senator Leonard Leteure, Kaitlyn Heathman and Donovyn Pickler

das are estimated to be alive in the wild? Only between 1,500 and 3,000!

Lynn Woods is certainly a local favorite, with extensive hiking and mountain biking

enjoyed it so much these past two years that I intend on making a trip home from UMass Amherst so I can help out next year too!

Essence of Leadership Continued from Page 1

world. We are all an integral part of the community as a whole and our actions affect and cause other actions. Therefore, one person by themselves can do both nothing and yet everything to change the world.

After the introductory speakers delivered and breakfast had been supplied, students made their way into the first of their two morning breakout sessions.

These included Breaking Boards (literally) a high-energy, empowering exercise which increased self-awareness and self-confidence by challenging participants to break a one-inchthick pine board, Leadership Styles and Roles where participants came to understand that different leaders work with their groups in different ways by learning how the five different leadership styles work during an interactive and engaging session, Crossing Borders: Communication for Effective Cross-Cultural Leadership which inspired thought on differences and similarities that culture and diversity bring to interpersonal communication and interaction and provided tools and strategies to communicate better, and finally Building Leadership Fundamentals: How to Work Successfully With Campus Administration and Advocate for Your Organization during which participants learned how to work effectively with campus administrators to help ensure their organization's success in carrying out its mission.

When the morning sessions had completed and students were in great need of a mental break, lunch was provided.

During an appealing buffet, keynote speaker Michael Miller, who had also been instructing some morning sessions, delivered an impassioned and motivational speech about developing courage and vision, which in turn births risk-taking. Miller has a local connection as a FSU alum and seemed to truly connect with his audience. This segue reenergized participants and propelled them into their afternoon roundtables.

Afternoon roundtables offered students the opportunity to sit with state leaders in order to learn about and discuss current issues involving Massachusetts higher education. These included the Governor’s Plan for Community Colleges where partakers were able to learn about and get answers to their questions on the Governor’s recent budget proposal Outside Section 30 (see any of many past Pennon articles for more information on this topic), Civic Engagement which gave information and tools to members to help transform their passion for

community service into an effective initiative or even a successful career, and of course State-Funded Financial Aid where participants gained tips to help better advocate for this critically important resource on campus and with state legislators.

Student Government senator Ryan Griffis attended the sessions Crossing Borders, Leadership Styles and Roles, and Governor’s Plan for Community Colleges. Griffis said of his day, "I greatly enjoyed the leadership conference. I learned different effective leadership styles and how to effectively engage and support my ideas as a leader and an individual."

After the keynote speaker Michael Miller, a young but veteran student leader and president of the state’s Student Advisory Council (created to set up a dialogue between student leaders from every public coland university in lege Massachusetts and the Board of Higher Education) David Chapin spoke of the great responsibility thrust upon student leaders. That is, leaders are often and continuously asked to become more involved.

The truth is there just aren’t enough people who choose to make a difference in the world.

Scratch that, there aren’t enough people who choose to make a positive difference in the world.

Many are unaware of how simple and easy it is to affirmatively affect a situation. Writing from my own experience, once one joins the ranks of visionary leaders it becomes addicting and one feels compelled to do more and be more. (Can you not sense that I want all reading this article to step up and join some group, any group, on campus to make our college community better?)

The final speaker of the day kept it short and sweet, perhaps taking a cue from one of Michael Miller’s sessions by using “clear, concise communication.” Neil MacInnes-Barker presented an opportunity to his audience. MacInnes-Barker is a founder of the newly-formed EducateMA.org. He explained the organization’s plan of a cross-country campus tour in order to create dialogue on a grand scale to lobby for reducing the cost of public higher education and make it more available to all. EducateMA.org is in need of many volunteers willing to help with this cause, be it via web design, marketing, or participating in the tour itself.

Visit www.EducateMA.org for more information about the premise and the tour. “Invest in Public Education; Invest in Massachusetts.”

Just when it seemed the event was winding down, organizers announced it was time to award the door prizes. These were not just ordinary prizes, but the perfect ending to a wonderful conference. Four of the five major prizes were won by NSCC students, simply for being in attendance. Asa Seeley won a brand new iPad, Chris Serra won a Keurig coffee maker with a Green Mountain coffee pack, and Courtney McQueen and Yvonne Milan each won a fiftydollar gift card to Barnes and Noble bookstore. Next, the audience formed teams at their tables for a game of trivia resulting in a second place finish (lost only during a tie-breaker) for NSCC students John Hruska and Asa Seeley along with Michael Miller as the “Charlie” to their “Angels.”

Two things will have transpired since the publication of this article: Michael Miller will have been brought to NSCC by our Program Council to motivate our students on April 12th, and the next SAC will have passed on April 26th at Worcester State University. Now, if you want to attend these events and you have access to a time machine they are/were/will be worth your effort. Also, if you have a time machine, please contact me so we can be friends. If you have misplaced your time machine, keep an eye on Pipeline, the Pennon, and Student Life for upcoming astounding events brought to you by our Program Council.

Or, for even more current information, join NSCC’s Program Council or Student Government Association to not only learn about these outstanding events in advance but to give input on what events should occur.

For more information about Student Advisory Council and how to participate please visit their website at www.mass.edu/forstudents/advisorycouncil/a dvisorycouncil.asp. For more information about motivational speaker Michael Miller please visit www.reallymotivated.com or locate him on Facebook, Twitter, or email via Michael@funent.com.

As the hyperactive and energetic Mr. Miller explained, “Diversity is not necessarily about differences, but similarities. Diversity values various perspectives.” Make your perspectives and your differences count for the betterment of your education and your community.

Thanks to the faculty members for accompanying students on their journey. Most of all, thanks to student leaders for giving up your Friday and committing to learning more about bettering our student organizations and our college community.

PAGE 9 - NSCC PENNON

Developments on Community College Unifications Pt. II

BY RYAN GRIFFIS SGA SENATOR

On Friday, March 30th, I was fortunate to attend the Massachusetts Student Leadership Conference at Framingham State University with other members of the SGA. The conference started off on the topic of public education with Board of Higher Education: Charles Desmond speaking of how he is “an advocate for education,” and that “if you can't stand up for education

bers than the national average, and is continuing to grow, I would not call that a “crisis”, I would call that a recovery.

I asked Mr. Weber if he believed by implementing this plan, he could make Massachusetts recession proof and/or keep the unemployment rate below a certain point, to my amazement, he said yes. The idea Massachusetts can develop an economy immune to recessions and financial hardship, however nice it would be, it a pipe dream. With technology

SGA Senators Benjamin Lithgow and Ryan Griffis

in the greatest democracy ever existed on earth, what can you stand up for?” It was ironic how that speech started the day, and how a speech on Governor Patrick's plan to unify Community Colleges ended it.

The meeting was conducted

by Undersecretary of Education Tom Weber, sent by Gov. Patrick to “dispel” any incorrect information on his proposal. He was unwavering in his speech, and in all honesty, a great salesman; unfortunately for him, none of us were buying. People from each school fielded questions, in which Mr. Weber offered unnerving answers.

When someone brought up the topic of why Community Colleges were picked to start training technical jobs, Mr. Weber did offer a genuine response, that they were chosen because they already do a great job. However he must have felt compelled to answer that the proposal would “elevate the status of Community Colleges.”

Community Colleges already do a public service, offering affordable classes for student who plan to transfer, already providing technical job training for certain fields, and our own NSCC has one of the best nursing programs in the state.

When asked what the purpose of the proposal was, he answered it was to “take on the serious jobs crisis.” However when our state has constantly had higher employment num-

advancing at an unprecedented pace, the need for technical job training is absolutely needed, but this is the wrong way to go about it.

Other concerns with the proposal such as the Board of Higher Education being able to fire College Presidents, cut school funding based on job training performance, and raising or lowering tuition at their discretion were raised; and they were all quickly dismissed. It is unfortunate how most of Mr. Weber's answers are contradicted by the proposal he was supposedly talking about.

Perhaps the most concerning topic of all was the question of “what if a Governor who opposes public education is elected?”

Mr. Weber couldn't help but chuckle and assure us that it was the democratic process, and we couldn't be afraid to make progress. Although this is very true, if the Governor was more focused on actual education, rather than making an unnecessary grab for power, the idea of unification may not be so disturbing. Mr. Weber did raise some valid points, such as how our community college system “is the least connected in the nation.” Despite his best efforts though, most of us (if not all) left with the same concerns we had when we entered, that if not stopped, this plan would change our Community Colleges into something else entirely.

AUGUST 25, 2011

PAGE 10 - NSCC PENNON

BY NELSON BAKER

For the second year in a row, bucket drummer Lev Neyman finished first in the Talent Show.

He didn’t fail to amaze the judges with yet another great performance.

There were other returning participants as well, including

NSCC Talent Show 2012 comedienne Michelle Melendy, Erin Skinner, who sang Skid Row’s “18 and Life,” and Kleber Costa. Costa finished in second place, singing opera in dedication to Professor Teresa Whitney, his former teacher from the class Artistic Vision.

As in every year, there are several new and interesting acts.

This year, we had Kevin Hogan, a freestyle footbag player, and Kaitlyn Heathman, a flute player who performed the song “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt.

Finishing in third place was the multi-talented Daniel Teo, who sang “Contigo” (“With You”), by Abraham and

Matt Harris, Victoria Pasciuto, John Hruska, and Talent Show winners Kleber Costa, Daniel Teo, and Lev Neyman

Bethliza, while playing the piano. Tiffany Rosten sang “Leave the Pieces,” by The Wreckers in a cappella fashion.

The Dancing Dolls performed to “Lady Marmalade,” a song from the movie Moulin Rouge.

Krista Williams sang the popular “Someone Like You,” from Adele, while Sarah Archer sang one that her father wrote called “Angels Don’t Need Legs to Fly.” Other performers included Alma Hoxhaj, singing “My

Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion, and Emmanuel BiggerAllen, singing U2’s “One.” The participants did their thing, with dozens watching and judges judging. They searched for the greatness that they know they have inside, and the courage to bring it to the surface just like they had in practice so many times. Few are brave enough to even try. No matter what the end result was, respect is well deserved.

The Judges Panel: Dr. Lloyd Holmes, Nicholas Lovasco, Jennifer Sokol, Michael Cappozzi, and Matthew Woods

Pennon Student Newspaper

Wishes All a Great Summer!

This year has been interesting, to say the least. We have had some exciting events on campus, some that are popular every year, such as the Talent Show and the Spark Launch, and some new events such as Program Council’s Michael Miller visit, and the Arm Wrestling Competition that is happening on May 2.

It feels good to be part of such a thriving and active college.

Students seem to genuinely like

being here. More and more students brag about how comfortable they feel at NSCC, how the staff and faculty have created an atmosphere that keeps students coming back day after day.

Thank you to all new writers for the Pennon this year, and, of course, thank you to those who continue to support us. Your work is appreciated more than you know.

Pennon Staff

Good to be Back:

Surviving the Ambush of Lyme

BY ANTHONY HARRIS POLITICAL SCIENCE EDITOR

I had a revelation recently, and I can’t pinpoint exactly when it dawned on me. It might have been last July, when I got behind the wheel of our ’97 Passat and drove solo for the first time. Or, maybe it was when I embraced the world of social media, reviving my dormant Facebook page and excitedly sending my first tweet.

Perhaps it was when I played guitar for my family and every-

one noticed a significant improvement in my vocal strength. Or it could have been in December, when I took the commuter rail home by myself – another milestone.

Admittedly, determining a moment in time isn’t all that important. Life’s major turning points don’t always come in neatly-wrapped packages. Oftentimes, they are simply the culmination of many small changes occurring simultaneously. Still, I had this realization at some point, and for that I am truly grateful. Because after 7+ years of battling a debilitating, frustrating, ever-present disease, I could finally say with conviction that I had made tangible progress. I was feeling better.

Even now, it feels strange to put those words to paper. It’s something for which I had worked, prayed, researched, and fought for the better part of a decade. Naturally, there were times when I doubted I would ever reclaim my old abilities, moments when I had all but given up hope of turning the corner. But I didn’t stop fighting – rather, I found the inner strength and tenacity to keep going. Eventually, after years of hard work, I started to improve.

The illness that sent my life veering off track is one you’ve probably heard of, but you may not know the whole story. Lyme Disease has not been deemed an epidemic by the federal government, and it doesn’t get regular coverage in the mainstream media. But anyone who has

been touched by Lyme knows what an insidious creature it is.

People like me, who eluded early detection and developed chronic Lyme, face an even greater challenge than a debilitating, persistent infection. They must also brave the treacherous waters of controversy that have made Lyme a minefield for patients and physicians alike.

Two conflicting sets of guidelines exist for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease. One is published by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), which maintains that Lyme is hard to catch, easy to treat with a short course of antibiotics, and incapable of persisting in the body as a chronic infection. The IDSA staunchly refutes the existence of “chronic Lyme” and insists that a single dose of antibiotics is the only proper treatment. If a patient’s symptoms continue, they are caused by something other than Lyme. These guidelines have been endorsed by the highest levels of the federal government, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The second set of guidelines is published by the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), a nonprofit medical group, and they paint a far different picture. According to ILADS, Lyme is much more common than it is portrayed and presents with a litany of symptoms that mimic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. The disease must be diagnosed clinically because blood tests for Lyme are wildly inaccurate. ILADS asserts that chronic Lyme is real and should be treated with long-term antibiotics – a position that puts it in direct conflict with the IDSA. What does this controversy mean to you? It means that if you’re unfortunate enough to contract Lyme, you could face an exhausting battle with doctors and insurance companies, all seemingly determined to deny you a Lyme diagnosis.

Even here in Massachusetts, where there is more awareness about the disease, patients routinely fall through the cracks and become chronically ill with a once-treatable illness. The story has played out countless times: outgoing kids become bedridden, hard-working employees are forced to leave jobs, marriages are strained, friendships lost, and entire lives derailed as patients and their families search for answers.

Having seen and read so much about the devastation wrought

by Lyme, I know how lucky I am. Not only was I was blessed CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

PAGE 11 - NSCC PENNON

PAGE 12 – NSCC PENNON

A Summer of Sequels

We are counting three months of the year’s best money making movies that will guarantee a gross up to $100 million. Can

been re-written and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) has been dead for over forty years. So, Agent J (Will Smith) must travel back in time to 1969 to warn him that his life is in danger and

anyone think back of a summer that was filled with sequels or reboots? Because by my count there are at least ten movies that are either sequels or project reboots that are coming out between the months of May and August.

1. “Men In Black 3” Release Date: May 25th

then save the world from a massive attack.

What will be an enjoyment, is watching Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Tommy Lee Jones’s younger version of the character K. I am sure that one of the main things he did to prepare for this role was to study

BY NICK STILIANOS

“The Killer of Little Shepherds”

BY JESSICA TOWER

The novel “The Killer of Little Shepherds,” by Douglass Starr, is a nonfiction story of how forensic science came to be. The book highly focuses on the story of the late 19th and early 20th century serial killer Joseph Vacher of Beaufort, France.

Starr states that “Vacher confessed to eleven killings, but was thought to have committed more than twenty-five.” This is an extremely alarming amount, and part of the reason why Vacher took so long to be captured was because very few people during that time believed that one person could commit so many murders. Jack the Ripper, who was a serial killer at large in the United Kingdom just before Vacher committed his murders, did not kill nearly as many victims.

A large part of the reason for Vacher’s capture was the growing field of forensic science.

The capture of Vacher was largely a team effort, though two men are mentioned often in

BY NICK STILIANOS Birth Date

Ten years since the last movie and three and a half years since Will Smith’s last movie, Seven Pounds,” a sequel is only as good as its top-dog returning team; which is Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, executive producer Steven Spielberg, and director Barry Sonnenfeld. But, we will miss Zed, the head of MIB who is played by Rip Torn, and Jeebs, played by Tony Shalhoub. The only reason we will miss Shalhoub is because there will not be a scene involving Agents K or J blowing off his character’s regenerating head.

This time, in the third installment, history has somehow

Tommy Lee Jones’s acting and mannerisms.

2. “The Amazing SpiderMan” Release Date: July 3rd

This just seems wrong! Starting the whole project over when the last movie of the original trilogy came out five years ago; especially when the original movie trilogy made almost $2.5 billion. It seems that Sony Pictures is to blame because they started the fight with director Sam Raimi over the creativity of how the story should be told. The studio could not settle on CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Book Review

May 6, 1961 May 9, 1949 May 12, 1966 May 13, 1939 May 14, 1961 May 16, 1953 May 16, 1971 May 21, 1966 May 25, 1963 May 26, 1966 May 31, 1930 May 31, 1976 Facts:

the novel in reference to the final arrest of Vacher: Émile Fourquet and Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne. Fourquet was the first to recognize a pattern in killings, and Vacher’s

Lacassagne was a very wellknown forensic scientist who used his knowledge to determine that Vacher was not insane and able to stand trial.

The way in which Starr writes is highly captivating. He presents the reader with lots of

information, though not in a dull or dry manner. He writes similarly to the way crime shows are presented. One never feels overwhelmed or bored; instead, one is excited and interested the whole way through.

Starr also weaves in many opportunities for critical thinking. Toward the end of the book, he poses questions about the psychology of criminals. He asks whether we can ever truly, as humans, understand the human brain.

The only complaint I really have about the novel is the placement of illustrations. They are a great addition, but I would suggest moving them closer to the beginning of the book rather than the middle in order for the reader to better understand the sequence of events.

All in all, The Killer of Little Shepherds is a great read. It was an enjoyable story and also opened my mind to thinking critically about many subjects such as forensic science, criminals, and the legal system.

Celebrity Birthdays Name

George Clooney (The Descendents) Billy Joel (“Uptown Girl”) Stephen Baldwin (The Usual Suspects) Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs) Tim Roth (Lie to Me) Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye) David Boreanaz (Bones) Lisa Edelstein (House M.D.) Mike Myers (Shrek) Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter) Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino) Colin Farrell (Total Recall)

Age 51 63 46 73 51 59 41 46 49 46 82 36

• Aside from singing, Billy Joel was once a successful Long Island boxer, winning 22 out of 24 fights. He took up boxing lessons because he was a victim to the neighborhood bullies. He left boxing and went into music when he broke his nose in his 24th fight.

• Clint Eastwood thought that Gran Torino was his final acting, but now he is starring in a new movie entitled Trouble with the Curve coming out September 28th. This movie will also be his first one where he is not in the director’s chair; his last movie that he starred in but did not direct was In the Line of Fire over nine years ago. Eastwood has directed the last eight films that he has starred in.

• Not only has Helena Bonham Carter starred in the last six films directed by Tim Burton, but she has been in an eleven year relationship with him. They have given birth to two children since.

• Tim Roth was considered for the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies, but turned it down to star in Tim Burton’s remake of Planet of the Apes.

Our Own World

“Jam, Funk, Rock Hybrid”

BY NEZIHE HEWSON

A local Beverly band, Own Our World, has a unique sound that is influenced by The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Phish, The Doors, and most of all their own life experiences. They have many original songs with their own authentic twist, while also playing covers like “Sugaree,”

by The Dead, and many other amazing jams to get down and

tual experience while listening to The Grateful Dead.

When he’s not on stage he is an electrical worker and builds motors for the MBTA in Boston.

Aided by the wealth of knowledge from his coworkers, he stumbled upon the craft of making guitars, handcrafting the one he now uses on stage.

His next endeavor is to handcraft everyone in the band their

Our Own World own instrument, built to the dance to. specifications of each musician.

You can find the band at the Brandon Michael Cyr, lead Spotlight Tavern in Beverly guitar and notewriter for the every Tuesday at 9:00pm for band, Malden-born, moved to open jam night. They perform Beverly when he was 9. He met until 10, and then open it up for Curtis in middle school while other musicians to show their Cyr was attempting to spit cartalents. They come back on rots in his face. Needless to say, stage from 12 until closing time they didn’t like each other much

at 12:45. They also play at various other bars in the North Shore area. They have even played a few summer music festivals like Strangecreek and Wormtown.

Lead singer and rhythm guitar player Colin Curtis, Beverly born, has loved music from the very beginning. When he heard “Strawberry Fields,” by the Beatles in 5th grade, he was blown away.

Soon after that he realized that the mainstreamed Beatles wasn’t all that was out there. He got very interested in Jim Morrison’s lyrics from The Doors. Around this time he started going to festivals and ended up having quite the spiri-

at first.

When Cyr was 12, his father passed away. During this emotional time, he found his sisters acoustic guitar and started to teach himself how to play.

He is mostly influenced by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Phish. “Music is my life. If I’m not working, I’m playing or thinking about what I can do with my band,” Cyr said, very ambitiously.

Curtis and Cyr started out by writing songs for their friends around campfires and realized that they were actually pretty good at what they were doing.

So they decided to find other musicians to start a band. Cyr CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

PAGE 13 – NSCC PENNON

“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” Album Review by Neutral Milk Hotel

BY ANTHONY HARRIS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

If you’re well-versed in the alternative/indie music scene, you probably know a thing or two about Neutral Milk Hotel.

Otherwise, you’ve probably never heard of this Georgiabased quartet that disbanded in 1999. Even in their heyday, NMH was hardly a household name. Along with The Apples in Stereo and Olivia Tremor Control, the band was one of the original members of the Elephant 6 Recording Company, a record label and music collective formed by four childhood friends from Ruston, LA, including NMH singer/guitarist Jeff Mangum. In the years since they parted ways, NMH’s following in indie rock circles has grown considerably, largely thanks to the band’s seminal 1998 release “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.” Even among alternative acts, Neutral Milk Hotel is something of an odd duck. One look at the album’s bizarre cover art – a modified European postcard circa 1900 depicting a beach-going woman with a tambourine for a face – and you know you’re in for something a little off the beaten path.

Mangum, the founding member and driving force behind NMH, wrote all the songs on the album and played a laundry list of instruments, from the conventional (bass) to the downright weird (shortwave radio). His songwriting, which had shown promise on the band’s 1996 debut LP “On Avery Island,” really blossomed on “Aeroplane.” Over 11 tracks, Mangum puts on an aural and lyrical tour de force, cementing his reputation as a true indie pioneer and even warranting comparisons to folk giants like Bob Dylan.

Opening track “The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One” sets the tone for the LP with its lo-fi acoustic guitar strum, instantly memorable melody, and Mangum’s heartfelt, yearning vocals. While his pipes are far from polished, there is a sincerity and urgency in his voice that makes you sit up and listen.

The song achieves a simple beauty through its graceful organ and horn section, while the lyrics speak to coming of age amidst family turmoil. Just when you’re getting comfortable with the earthy folk vibe, however, the album abruptly changes gears. Part Two is a druggy, psychedelic haze, with Mangum repeatedly keening “I love you Jesus Christ” over a churning well of feedback and assorted background noise. Part Three erupts into a full-fledged punk anthem, with guitars dis-

torted almost beyond recognition. Mangum’s vocals become almost comically strained, but the rough edges give these songs a raw, visceral edge sorely lacking in today’s AutoTuned musical landscape.

After the three-part opening salvo comes the title track, another gem full of bittersweet, Beatles-esque melody.

Mangum’s lyrics on this song are especially contemplative,

barred indie-punk on “Holland, 1945,” a poignant song inspired by the diary of Anne Frank. In contrast to the relative optimism of the title track, this tune is a somber lament of loss, war, and the madness that all too often engulfs us as “the world just screams and falls apart.” It’s another odd yet deeply moving amalgam of mosh pit rocker, vivid lyrical imagery, and deep philosophical reflection. “Oh

“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” album cover

painting heavenly imagery and reflecting on the transient beauty of the world around us. He ruminates on the timeless questions of life, death, and creation, confessing he “can’t believe how strange it is to be anything at all” and pondering how our very existence is wondrous, miraculous, and puzzling. The verses take on an otherworldly quality thanks to an eerie, quivering musical saw that cartwheels underneath the vocals.

It’s an unusual instrument, but it reinforces the song’s theme that oddness and beauty often go hand in hand.

While you’re still glowing from the serene title cut, the album jumps right into another impassioned slice of indie angst with “Two Headed Boy.” The minor chords and harsh acoustic guitar grab the listener right off the bat and never let go.

Mangum’s vocals on “Boy” are more rough and strained than ever as he reaches for notes far beyond his range. His voice is full of pain and heartache, haunted by old scars or perhaps longing for something just beyond his reach. The track slows to a mellow conclusion as the vocals come back down to Earth for a series of quiet intonations. “Boy” blends right into “The Fool,” a slow, gut-wrenching funeral march replete with rat-a-tat drumming and wailing horns.

It’s right back to the no-holds-

Comely” somehow manages to fly even higher. The 8-minute epic is the album’s emotional climax, a stark ballad built around a simple chord progression. The song moves at a slow, almost agonizing pace, exuding a primal, powerful energy that leaves the listener breathless.

No frills on this one – it’s just Mangum and his guitar, weaving an ode to a lost love and laying his soul bare. And just when you think it can’t get any more heartrending, that horn section kicks in once more and pushes the song right over the edge.

Finding a few choice sentences to sum up “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is a difficult task. It’s an outstanding musical achievement, to be sure, but there’s more to it than that. It’s the kind of album that, when the last note has faded from your speakers, leaves you sitting in hushed silence. You feel spellbound, invigorated, morose, perplexed, and humbled, all at the same time. You suddenly want to throw off all your inhibitions and live each day like it’s your last. In short, listening to this album makes you feel alive and reminds you of all that’s amazing and wondrous in this life. Therein lies the enduring power of music, and perhaps an explanation for why this strange, beautiful album continues to grow and inspire year after year.

PAGE 14 - NSCC PENNON

Spark Launch

BY NELSON BAKER

Moves to New, Creative Setting

This year marks NSCC’s fourth volume of Spark, its literary and artistic magazine. To better showcase the chosen pieces, and to provide more of an “artistic” feel, complete with classical music in the background, the event was moved to a new location.

Under guidance from Student Activities Advisor Victoria Pasciuto, of which the idea for

the arrangement originated, the Spark Launch was set up in the old cafeteria in the math/sciences building in Danvers. The pieces were displayed on easels, fanned out in a circular fashion, with others pinned onto drapery.

The students were called to the podium to speak about their work, and the inspiration that may have moved them toward creating it.

The new setting made it easi-

er for people to communicate, since there was ample space to walk around and peruse. Each piece was open and available for anyone to casually analyze, or ask its creator any questions that came to mind.

The cover photograph, titled “Topsy Turvy,” was taken by Jonathan Cwiok.

Below are three of Spark’s best. Pick up a copy to see the many great works that were chosen this year.

Jonathan Cwiok’s “Topsy Turvy” (cover photograph)

“Our Own World” Continued from Page 13

has said that it can get tense at times with the band but they are all here for the same reason, they know what they need to do to get in the zone they need to be in. Bella is a huge part of Brandon’s life and the bands mascot is a husky, lab mix that loves to chill on stage whenever they have open jam night at the Spotlight.

Another Beverly born musician, Billy Sullivan, is OOW’s bassist. He currently attends Salem State University as a music major and also plays in the Salem State jazz band.

Sullivan also plays bass for Motherton, another local Beverly band. “Music is definitely a huge part of my life.

You got to jib it to live it and then put it in the dish -wish.

That sums it up right there,” Sullivan said.

His father inspired him to live, love and play music from an early age. He was introduced to country, rock, a little rap, but mostly jam bands. Bass guitarists like Victor Wooten, Mike Gordon, and Phil Lesh definitely have influenced the way Sullivan magically makes soulbeating sounds come through the speakers.

Jake Snyder, the drummer, is the only band member who did not grow up on the North Shore.

He came to Massachusetts from Elberfeld, Indiana to study law at New England School of Law. He and his wife, Jen, moved here 6 yrs ago so he could finish school.

The members of the band

found Snyder through word of mouth. He had this awesome set-up at his house, with several sets of headphones. They could play music into the late hours of the evening without waking neighbors. This set-up brought many people through the door and it just so happened to bring his current band in as well.

Snyder grew up around musicians his whole life. All the members in his family play all different kinds of instruments.

His brother taught him how to play the trombone when he was 5. When Snyder was 6, he found a drum set in his room when they came back from vacationing in Massachusetts and has not put the sticks down since.

His major influence is Zigaboo Modeliste, the drummer for The Meters. Other influences are Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden and punk rock. He has been with the band since 2009.

Though there may be some conflicts of egos and personalities, they all love each other and work through their problems in their own ways. They currently have 22 original songs and continue writing ambitiously.

The band has an amazing support group of friends and family.

Everyone loves to help them in any way they can because everyone wants them to succeed. Hopefully, someday, we will hear them on the radio or see them at one of their shows.

Please don’t be shy. Come on in and see them at the Spotlight Tavern, listen, and get down!

Good to be Back Continued from Page 10

Yelizaveta Osipova with her self-portrait

Kyle Johnson, also with a self-portrait

with parents who never stopped fighting for me, my excellent integrative care physician referred me to one of the leading Lyme doctors in the country.

Thrilled as I am to be making progress, my thoughts are never far from those less fortunate – people who don’t know they have Lyme, chasing an elusive diagnosis, valiantly trying to hold onto their lives in spite of ever-mounting symptoms, as I was for years. It is for these people that I am continually motivated to raise awareness about this disease and make it easier for patients to get the treatment they need.

Living with Lyme has opened my eyes to the harsh reality of injustice, both in our broken health care system and the broader world. It has instilled in me a deep compassion for others, especially those whose suffering is overlooked or discredited by the powers that be. In a world teeming with harmful chemicals, how many others have had their symptoms dis-

missed as “medically unexplained,” when in reality their bodies have gone haywire from environmental toxins? What other epidemics are festering out there, destroying lives while the medical establishment turns a deaf ear?

As my life grows increasingly busy and exciting, I am careful to count my blessings each day and take nothing for granted. I know that with my improved condition comes a responsibility to help others and make this world a better place.

Advocating for Lyme patients will always be close to my heart, but issues like our nation’s dire financial predicament and the environmental toll of climate change are just as pressing. Perhaps that is the biggest way Lyme has transformed me – it has given me a take-charge attitude toward life.

My eyes have been opened to the problems in the world, and I am determined to help solve them – one small step at a time.

Summer of Sequels

PAGE 15 - NSCC PENNON

Continued from Page 12 Returns.

Lastly, rumors of the return of Liam Neeson’s character seem to be correct. Neeson will be making an appearance in this movie, even after his character was killed off at the end of the first one. Heck, people are so excited to see it that tickets for the IMAX screenings of the midnight premiere in New York were sold out six months in advance.

4. “Total Recall” Release Date: August 3rd

Colin Farrell in Total Recall Dark Knight appeared in theRaimi’s choice in which the vilaters, but it has been eight years lain should be portrayed in the in the storyline that Batman has fourth installment. been away. Now that Gotham One thing that they did to the City is being terrorized by new storyline, which was needBatman’s new foe, Bane, the ed in the original, was that they Caped Crusader must resurface provided a background into for one final time to stop his acts what happened to Peter’s parof terrorism in the last installents. However, in the new one,

Josh Brolin and Will Smith

the police are providing an even bigger part into making SpiderMan a menacing vigilante, whereas in the original the newspaper, The Daily Bugle, did just that.

With no Osborn family members, no Mary Jane Watson, and also no Daily Bugle; this remake will surely be very controversial.

ment for both director Christopher Nolan and actor Christian Bale.

This will surely be a hit in many ways. First, Christopher Nolan will be the first director to complete a full trilogy telling the story of the Dark Knight, but the second one to direct a trilogy of films on one superhero.

Secondly, Christian Bale will be the first actor to play the

This movie tells us the story of a factory worker who thinks that he is a spy from resurrecting nightmares. He feels like he was meant for something else, something bigger. After hearing about ‘Recall,’ a place that sells fake memories of being someone different, he goes for a visit and gets an implanted memory.

When the procedure goes horribly wrong, the federal police barges in to arrest him on the spot, but he fights back and ends up killing several men.

Afterwards, he realizes that his wife is also trying to kill him.

So, with his world being turned upside down, he joins forces with a rebel fighter named Melina and ends up discovering his true identity, true love, and true fate.

Many of people say it’s a remake to Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 original, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others say it is not. The preview shows a futuristic setting, the ‘Recall’ store that implants fake memories, and about half-a-dozen original characters from Verhoeven’s movie as well.

What makes this different from the original is that Mars does not seem to play out as a setting in this story and it does not give any assurances that there are any mutant, alien characters.

The actors’ and actresses’ footsteps they are stepping into includes: Colin Farrell playing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character (Doug Quaid), Kate Beckinsale in Sharon Stone’s footsteps (Lori, Quaid’s (fake) wife), and Jessica Biel in Rachel Ticotin role (Melina).

This will be a bigger difference because this movie is also the first movie that director Len Wiseman is doing that stars his wife, Kate Beckinsale, which is not Underworld related.

been then the perfect young and old action-hero movie cast ensemble for an explosive, action picture to end the summer. Heck, just after seeing the teaser trailer for this movie made my face glow because of the unstable testosterone levels that it will provide.

may start in September. Maybe this time Steven Seagal will say “Yes!” to Stallone on appearing in the third movie after previously turning down a role in both films. Hopefully, if he accepts his offer it will bring Seagal out of his direct-to-video slumped that he has been in for

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Two years later, Mr. Church the last decade. reunites the Expendable group for a mission “to hell and back”.

Other sequels that are coming What they did not expect, was out this summer include: having one of their members of the team getting murdered in the • Madagascar 3: Europe’s process. So, the team plots their Most Wanted revenge for their fallen comrade (June 8) • G.I. Joe: Retaliation in this gun blazing, knife throwing, bombs dropping picture (June 29) • Ice Age 4: Continental Drift directed by Simon West (Con Air).

(July 13)

5. The Expendables 2 Release Date: August 17th

Duane Johnson and Bruce Willis in G.I. Joe: Retaliation

3. The Dark Knight Rises Release Date: July 20th

Four years have passed since the

Caped Crusader for the third time in a live-action movie; Michael Keaton is behind him ,starring in Batman and Batman

We have Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Statham, Li, Norris, and Van Damme all in one movie! The only person that is missing is Seagal. Had he been included it would have

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted Even though, we are months • The Bourne Legacy away from the premiere date (August 3) Randy Couture is spreading rumors of the third project that

PAGE 16 - NSCC PENNON GRADUATES

Vivian Akwudolu Catherine Cantrell Alvord Joelle Amero Alexandre Amicone Michele L Anderson Jesus A Anyosa Evelyn Soraya Santana Rossi Amy Arnold Goulart Svetlana Bakhtinskaia Briana Michelle Barker Jessica Michelle Bashore Amy M Bastos Mathew Dale Beaver André Kimarley Bennett Curticia B Callender Alexander R Carey Caitlin Caruso Eric T Ciulla Eileen Murphy Comiskey Jacqueline M Connors Vincenzo Cunsolo Rafael Guillermo De Leon Castro Ian DeSantis Matthew Louis Myrick Diamond Christina DiPesa Erin Leigh Doherty Peter Roy Down Michael F Dulock Nicole Dunn Efe Ewansiha Ruben Fernandez Kevin P Flaherty Jr Jillian Foisy Travis Fontaine Elaine M Frattaroli Jesse S French Catherine Elizabeth Gagnon Christina Marie Gandolfo John Edward Gill Medelyn Barbosa Gondim John R Gravallese III Evan Griffith Elizabeth A Grossheim Jillian Hanley Kenneth Donald Hanley Jr Jaafar Hashim Barrett James Hathaway Cara Maureen Hunter Elaine M Ireland Brett D Jauss Megan W Johnson Wendy Karin Wright Mandeep Kaur Michael P Kenny Jr Erik M Lawless Lynn Ann Lazdowski Timothy W Leighton Carol Ann Light Vy Long Katherine Rose Loveday Jason M Maher Fungai Marange Yvan-Pierre Marlier Laura Maroni Galina Medeiros Jenna Marie Melanson Kristin Minichiello Jason Moore Laura Katelyn Moore Yaritza Sofía Morales González Matthew P Morrison Katie Mulholland Jessica Lynn Natti Kaitlyn Ann O'Donnell Zachary M Osborne Heidi Pangratis Adriana Maria Paz Diaz Reynaldo Pepen Christina M Pesente Robert Peterson Sanayra Pimentel Eulogio Portes Mirna Portillo Yelena Potapova Liliana Ramirez Jeron Rachard Reddick Khrystine Rhodes Jacky Sainval Daniel Harrington Sargent Paulo Azevedo Sathler Sue M Scandrett John Serodio Majlinda Shuka Ieshia Tyr'ma Spillane Alexander J Stone David Strassburger Frederick Sylvester Christine Varone Polina Vikhrau Ellis Webber William Jordan Wheeler Adam J Williams Anjanette R Wilson-Lopresti

NSCC Graduating Class of 2012

Darren William Wright Hovsep Yeretsian Alissa Younkin

JANUARY 12, 2012 GRADUATES

Kehinde Abdul-Kareem Livan R Adames Tanim Ahmed Rosemary Ifeoma Anaba Melanne Angel David J Antin Selina Ayala-Moran Jasmeen O Baajun Guiseppe P Barrasso Elizabeth Aleika Barreto Jessica Michelle Bashore Daniel Wellington Bates Raidelin Batista Paul Daniel Beals Tori E Beliveau Daniel Robert Belschner Dawn Benson Jonathan H Bernhard Cindy A Black Andrea Nicole Boardman Michael J Bonin Jodi M Boyd Susan P Bridge Michael Budnik Cristhian C Buitrago-Bernal Stephanie Buonaugurio Michael John Buonfiglio Meaghan Byrd Nicholas Albert Capobianco Dina Carangelo Robin Ann Carpenter Tabitha L Carty Michael Patrick Caruso Georges Charles Melissa Charles Limei Chen Chhoeub Chin Eric T Ciulla Deborah Ann Collins Vickie Lee Comeau Kathleen Ann Conant Rachel Angela Conant Rebecca A Constantino Courtney J Corey Josh Cote Vanessa Lee Crespo Axell Vincent Cusolito Jonathan C Daley Emily Renee Darisse Cody A DaSilva Steven P Davis Rafael De Leon Castro Anthony Delisi Jr Michael J DeMarco Garen John Demirdogen Jessica A Dempsey Tanya Marie DeNino Ryan Philip Devaney Danielle Marie DiCarlo James Anthony Dinarello Katherine Aimee Dion Denise M DiPesa Jarrod Christopher Douglass Shannon Dropski Amanda L Economou Arely Fagan Amy Joy Fineberg Gail Fons Amanda Krystal Fortin Darguin Fortuna Richard Mark Forziati Chad W Freeman Matthew Freeman Hayley Elizabeth Freer Jessica Freitag James W Gallagher Maritza Janet Garcia Eva-Lena P Ghika Christopher J Gonzalez Rachael Gray Terrell Anthony Greene Joshua Henry Halstead Lisa M Hampton Katharine Anne Hanlon Peter Hann Thomas M Harris Amanda Ruth Hayes Dana B Hayward Alexander B Hebbel Ian Thor Henderson Nicholas Antonio Hernandez Meghan M Hilton Summer Joy Hoermann Emily Ann Hunt Lydia Ursula Ikhine Sandra Iriskic Shannon Jamieson Steven A Joseph

Jeffrey M Judge Maria Kachinski Lorimer Margaret Kaplan Ashley Keighley Allison Elizabeth Kelleher Michelle Lyn O'Neil Margaret Ann Knowles Tammy E Knowlton Steven Koudanis Allissa Lee Kummel Kimberly Ann Kyle Paris Larrabee Jacob A Laughlin Alexander David Lawson Thai Paul Le Matthew Farrell Leahy Kristen Ashley Leblanc Heather Marie Ledbury Laura A Lefebvre Peter S Lekkakos Diane M Lennox Melissa Elizabeth Lezynski Lisa Lomba Marleny Lopez John Mading Mach Carleen M MacKay John Thomas Maffei Julia Elise Magnet Daniel R Mahoney Meredith Lee Malionek Christopher Maloney Marika Mamillo Amanda Matvichuk Vera Mazina Thomas McCaul Melissa Jimenez McCullough Jennifer McGill Douglas Addison Cantwell Mead Yureidy Medina Christine M Mendonca Kerline Millien Erica Theresa Miranda Michael Montanino Wesley Saar Moreira Samantha Alyssa Morrissey Jason Marsh Mulligan Alicia Muse Diana Claire Nalubega Evaristus Taabi Ndum Niraji Nesaratnam Amy Catherine Ness Raympnd A Novia McKenzie O'Keefe Matthew Olga Christopher T Olivolo Antonina A Orlando Elizabeth Ortiz Evelyn R Palmer Danielle Parent Michael Parris Andreina Yomaira Percel Rodriguez Nelson Arturo Perez Jr Gregory Kenneth Perry Albert F Petronzio Jr Steven J Pfister Jr Joseph M Phillips Kairem Nohemi Pimentel Keith Poole Jenna Porciello Robert B Porper III Bonnie Porter Huggins Ashley R Pothier Lauren Rebecca Pudvah Tiffany Ann Purcell Daphnee Puryear Juan Mauricio Quiroz Rosa A Ramos Michelle Marie Rankin Ronald Ransom Jr Lourdes Cristal Reynoso Gonzalez Michael Scott Richards II Wanda I Rivera Jenni-Lyn Rogers Daniella M Romeo Jaris B Rosario Jennifer Lee Rubalcava Julia Delain Rubin Kristina Rue Kelly Ann Ryan Kristen Sabella Claudy Saint-Vil Stevi-Lyn Salafia Samuel Sam Melissa Marie Sampson Maria Sanchez Soeun Sath Sarah Sheehan Ashley Shepherd Kathryn Silva Laurie L Silva Susan Sirois Alyce L Slepoy Toni A Sloan

Maria N Solomos Johanny Soto Deanna Marie Spallone Richard M Staff Christopher Sullivan Danielle Sutera Ariela Franshesca Tejada Sovanmatry Sovann Thou Adilson Tibes Jr Theresa F Toe Annette T Townsend Linna Tran Charlene Eugina Troncoso Madeline Troncoso Elise M Turcketta Lisa Maureen Greeley Dayla Marietta Umana Gail Allison Upton Reinaldo Valdes Jr Tiffany Denise Valentine Tabatha N Veilleux Gisselle R Ventura Amanda Lauren Vieira John F Villada Benjamin Charles von Staats Kirby Barbara Walk Isaiah Richard Walsh Christopher A Watson Ann Weston Desiree Wyckoff Travis Yacovitch Mia Zaniboni Erilda Zhugli

MAY 24, 2012 GRADUATES

Maura Burke Abramo Ann Adams Friedgen Vanessa Adamson Melissa Rose Addonizio Temitayo D Adejumo Farah Ahmad Irena Ahmetaj Manuel Alejandro Alcantara Ardeen Beth Alexander Christopher N Amadi Susan Amaral Jeffrey J Amero Jesse Amero Kurtis C Anderson Susan Christine Anderson Albert Andino-Aponte Christopher J Angelo Jennifer Hartmann Anthony Evan Ardolino David V Ardon Mark Armitstead Adam Shawn Arsenault Margaret Grace Asaro Jacqueline Adair Ashton Emmanuel Atemnkeng Candy Avalo Garcia Ashley C Bains Adam James Baker Sara Marie Bakken Donald Casey Ball Jermaine J Bandoo Jennifer M Barbaro Wanda M Barnett Anthony J Barone Guiseppe P Barrasso Patricia L Barrasso Sara Barrientos Marleny de la Luz Barrios Escobar Kevin F Barry Brenda Batista Coralis A Batista Adriana M Bautista Andrew James Beauparlant Alicia A Beeman Jennifer Alice Beers Naizak Idriss Bellemsieh Kyle James Benson Jennifer M Bernabel Patricia A Berninger Colleen M Bertolino Khadija Aartie Bhulasar Marc Patrick Bibaud Melissa E Bilo Jenna M Binelli Margaret Agnes Binelli Freddy Birritteri Nicole Amy Blakeman Clifton L Blankenship Jr Robert B Blomberg Ashley Boereau Anthony Bonanno Heidi G Boomhower Joshua Boucher Kayla Marie Boucher Monique Marie Boulay Janelle Joy Bourque Ashley Bovarnick

Kimberly L Bowman Kirsten Michelle Boyd Bianca Braga Jefferson Braga Airen Briceno Yissel Brito Jose R Brito Dominguez James Francis Broderick Tyler Heath Brown Michael Budnik Rathanak R Bun David Scott Burke Dennis Anthony Burke/McCarthy Naomi M Burtt Andrew Watts Butler Jeanne M Butler Cynthia Byrne Guerrero Kimberly M Callahan Jacqueline Cameron Leah Anne Camire William C Cammett Carlos Enrique Campos Johanny Carolina Candelario Karen Cardavelli Maddalena Cardinale Frank Carolan Sheryl-Ann Carolan Nadine M Carpenter Jesse Estel Carrasco Ana Carrion Nicholas Carter Elias D Castillo Jean L Castro Christina Ann Cavagnaro Angela Chainey Christina M Chambers Sotheara Chan Karen D Cheever Roun Chin Vanessa Viola Cimino Peter A Cinnamon Maghan Laura Ciruolo Linda Ann Cisto Elizabeth Blake Clark Diane M Clausen Allison Marie Colbert Victoria Colonette Kathleen Ann Conant Tracey Connaughton Tracy M Connolly Jacqueline M Connors Candace Lee Constantine Ashley K Contarino Valerie Ann Cook Laura Lee Corbosiero Nicole Cormier Breanna Cornell Christopher E Corricelli Carrie Anne Costa Kleber Martins Costa Sheila Nunes Costa Tara Ann Costin Leonard A Cote Sarah Ann Cousins Bobby Cowan Matthew J Crescio Christen L Croft Alfreda Cromwell Brenden Matthew Cronin Trista M Cronin Chantal Suzanne Croteau Christopher A Croteau Ryan W Crowther Monica Noel Cuda Joan A Cummings Kristen Meredith Cunningham Carolyn Cuscuna Brian Patrick Daly Gabrielle M D'Amour Christina Marie Danek Nicole Alexandra DaSilva Wilson I Davis Bryan E Davison Yajaira M DeJesús Reyes Gisell Alexandra De La Cruz Rojas Andrew Joseph DeCorpo Robert Joseph DeCourcy Christina M DeFelice Gabriela Del Canto Dana Marie DelCore Daria DeLeo Daniella Delisi Samantha Leigh Dellus Mark Sebastian Demski Jesula Denis Carol A DeSantis Rory Michael Desmond Kelly Deveney Michael Anthony Diaz Alyssa Lyn DiBiase Joseph M DiMartino Susan Roberts Dinion Cherylann Dion Andrea Diorio

Andrew DiResta Amy Do Erin Leigh Doherty Rebecca Nichols Alexandra Dominguez Ariel Dominquez Kristine Ann Donovan Kevin Richard Downey Daniel Edmond Ducheneau Meghann Louise Dunn Melanie Rae Dyer Michael Benjamin Eaton Voleak Eav Juliet Edebiri Debra El Shrafi Cala C Elder Sean Michael Ellis Jamila Karima Elnagger Justin R Engdahl John I Erevwiohwo Sandra P Escobar Arlette Espindola Efe Jerry Ewansiha Leah S Faddoul Tiffany Kiri Fagan Meaghan Fahey Danielle Marie Fauci Emily Wood Febiger Elizabeth Felings Julia A Fellows Eloi Ferguson Tanya M Fernandez Michael T Ferris Jessica Ann Figueiredo Karl P Fish Ruth J Fisher Cally A Flaherty Emily P Fleming Miriam Flores Courtney Flynn Delphine Ngamlita Fonta Sophie Katharine Ford Robert P Fortune Adrienne Jean Foti Stephen B Fowler Ashley Freeman Roberta Hicks Freeman Bethany M Frontierro Paul A Fuanyi Jessica L Fultz Roger Gagnon Ayuen Mach Garang Kevin Edward Gargan Alicia Nicole Garrity Thomas L Garrity Bobbi-Jo Gately Megan Ghirardi Christine Giancola Megan Elizabeth Gilbert Justen Girard Arwen M Gleason Alyssa Reneé Gold Amanda Marie Gold Karen De Medeiros Gomes Jeison R Gonzalez Jose D Gonzalez Katerin Gonzalez Matthew Richard Goodwin Patricia Elizebeth Gordon Michel G Gravel Maria Gravini Peggy Sue Gravlin Melody Green Sara Ashley Greene Michael Grella Caitlin D Grenier Bonnie Marie Griffin Danielle Alexandra Grover Carol Grueneich Isaac Grullon Colon Shannon Marie Guerin Nalda B Guerrero Yaris Marcel Guillen Jordan Haddad Kyle William Haines Lora Lynn Haines Danielle Paige Hall Carolyn Rose Ham Rawda M Hamdan Cary Kirkpatrick Handler Kristin Marie Hansen Samuel D Harden Cheryl S Harold Christina Harris Joseph Harrison Ashley Dyer Haskell Carolyn R Haskell Lyndsay Hassan Christine J Hayden Susan Marie Hennessy Jennifer C Herlihy Amanda J Hill Daniel Hillery Kelsey Himmler Dana C Hirst Dieu Hien Nguyen Hoang Edward Holdgate

Kevin J Honan Bridget Anne Horgan Shannon L Horgan Allyson Hosman Michael House Atiba Khary Howard Todd R Howcroft Jaclyn C Hoyt John Hruska Dawn Hubbard Shauna Ann Labrie Hubisz Sharon Hunjan James Hunter Charese Elisa Iannitelli Nisa Larnda Im Ferdinand Imafidon Pavel Ivnitskiy Kara Valerie Roach Kassandra Jean Jackson Sean G Jackson Ryan Michael Jacobs Carolyn Cuzako Jarvis-McManus Pamala S Jefferys Guito Joassaint Christopher T Johnson Kaleigh Johnson Monica Jones Richard L Jones III Jazmine Marie Julien Joseph Chege Kahora George K Kamara Susan P Kaminski Reema Kanj Katherine Kay Kanu Peter Morris Austin Kaplan Natallia Karasik Dawn Karolides Christine C Keating James Timothy Keeley Christa Kelley Grant M Kellner Valeria Bolcome Kenny George Charles Kerle Michelle Lisette Ketcham Anthony Leap Keung Tara M Keyes Sarah Halsted Joy King Gabriel Oliveira Kingsbury Dana Kirwan Nancy L Klebart Samantha Knibbs Jack D Knisely Chelsea Knowlton Nancy Ann-Victoria Kobierski Xhezmi Kordha Jennifer Marie Kugel Kenneth A Larson Kerril Ann Laverdiere Elena Lazar Ngoc Kim Le Sharon Leach Roberta Goulart Leal Theresa Learned Stephanie Ann Leary Lucille LeBlanc Robert G LeBrasseur II Mark H Ledewitz Arleia Ann LeDonne Christina Jenal Leeman Felicia D Legare Bianca Lepore Jennifer A LeSage Kayla Letham Ashley Em Levesque Jillian Lewis Paige Loren Lewis Tatyana Lisichenok Benjamin Jeffrey Lithgow Charlene Ann Logue Amanda Lee Lombard David Lopez Wendy Lopez Susan Mary Nickless Lorenz Gladys A Lorenzo Rijo Rose Michelle Louisert Amanda J Lovell Diana Lucey Andrew Darren Luscomb Kristin Lynn Lussier Paul C Lynch Sr Robert J Lyons Kelly Macancela Jada MacDonald Michael A Madden Danielle Makosky Joanne Malley Lakisha M Mallory-Pless Melanie Loren Maloney Richard Oren Maltagliati Michelle E Mangos Ian Lordito Marcelino Hayley Winslow Marks Angela Martignetti Sean David Martin Jose Antonio Martinez Rebecca Masone Rachel Sharpe May

Maureen Kaleta Maynard Taylor Maynard Tatiana Mazariegos Katelyn Mary Mazola Molly Mazola Steven James McCarthy Christine Ruth McClafferty Corrine Marie McClory Amanda Jean McCormack Bryan Micheal McCrea Courtney Elizabeth McCusker Julie Anne McDaid Linda Kathleen McDermott Meaghan Emily McDermott Shana McDonald Kristy Amber McGarr Letita McGhee Sarah Elizabeth McInnis Kristin McKeon Desiree McMahon Kenneth M McNair Galina Medeiros Heydy Medrano Michelle Annette Melendy Ashley E Melnik Karin Mercedes Janas Storey Mercer Christopher M Merrill Justin R Merrill Michael Arthur Miccichi Jennifer Lynn Michielsen Victoria Ironice Mikalixen Cameron Christopher Miles Sara J Militello Kendra T Miller Marc Anthony Miranda Nuru Mildred Mkeremi Ryan Monks John Richard Moore Nicholas J Morano Rebecca Lee Moreno Audrey Eileen Morgan George Moustakis Elizabeth Moya Kevin Muise Lauren Elizabeth Muise Rebecca Muller Francis Munro Shannon Claire Murphy Victoria Carol Murphy Renée Muse Doudou Musoko Heather Danielle Navaroli Elizabeth Ndungu michelle Karen Negip Samantha Elizabeth Newbegin Tatiana Deidra Nicolau Nicholas Njoroge Kaleena Marie Hildonen Kara N Noyes Kelly O'Brien Devon M O'Connor Patrick O'Donnell Elizabeth G O'Donoghue Karen E O'Donohue Karen Lee Ogden George O Ogola Barbara I Ojo Chinaza Okparaoko Ewemade Okunmwendia Camilla Fernandes Oliveira Lindsey M Oliver Amanda Oliverio Adenike Grace Omotosho Theon Kenri O'Neill Christie Elizabeth O'Neill Kechi F Orjiako Susan M Orlando Ana Ortega Kevin Emilio Ortiz Jelissa Osorio Kevin L Ostrander Yesenia Pacas David K Pace Victoria Anne Pacewicz Osvaldo Pacheco Kamee Leigh Paci Jaclyn Marie Paige Alicia Parini Andrew P Parisi Marissa Elizabeth Parisi Leo Pascale Kanchanathitar Patrican Jessica Patten Sara Lynn Pease Brittany Peck Onasis Peguero Dustin J Pelley Sophanna Pen Yibelis Tatiana Peña Julieta Maria Perez Leslie J Perez Kristina Pezzulo Anke Oberberg Pierce David Pierre Marie Yves Lor Pierre Bellanger Alicia Gayle Pierson

Derek Walsh Pitman Joselyn Polanco Meredith Kay Popp Jessica Porcaro Lorraine Portlock Dylan Powell Kyla Rose Powers Sean D Powers Kailey E Pratt Kim Drogran Prentice Glenda M Price Adrienne M Prince Adamo Pulzone Danielle Puopolo Christopher R Quinlan Dariana Lee Quintana Liliana Ramirez Abigail E Ramsey April Raynowska Carol Leigh Read Jacquelyn Marie Reppucci Sareouth Sally Reum Alexandra Reyes Jacqueline Reyes Jenny Lyn Reynolds Marissa Jean Rinaldi Jenna K Rizzo Stacey Lynn Robidoux Lynne Robinson Michael Edward Robinson Jr Stephanie Marie Robinson Gerardo Rodríguez Chávez Johanna Rodriguez Rossemary Rodriguez Erica Elizabeth Rollins Angie Y Romero Kerianne Rooney Jennifer C Rosa Kenny Rosado Miosoty Rosario Jennifer Lee Rubalcava Denita Lashay Rucker Ronald Ruggiero Veronica Ruiz Heather M Ruma Gregory Craig Russo Sara Ryerson Degrace Elizabeth Saint Dic Marceline V Saint-Felix Jheydi Sakum Angela Salamone Louvy Kevin Sam Bladimiro Sanchez Susana Sanchez Jacquelyn R Sanford Airony Santana Octavio K Santos Gail Greenblatt Saporito Aminata Christiana Sawyer Jessica Lynne Scafidi Nancy J Scannell Claudia Scenna Shannon Comeau Megan Averill Schwartz Cynthia J Scolamiero Allison Theresa Scolastico Kimberly Semenza Christopher D Serra Jr Margerie Serrano Lizmara Serrano Velez Isata Sesay Danielle Severino Andrea Shackleton Sarah Kelsey Sheehan Steven William Sheppard Brian Kennedy Damasceno Silva Michael D Silvia Jr Nicole M Simmon Nadine Fagone Simon Manpreet Singh Jacqueline Singleton Adeline M Slocum Ashley Lyn Smith Jesse Tyler Smith Michael Joseph Smith David Stephen Smolinski Bryanna Erica Snow Margaret Emily Snow Fereshta Sofie Sophan Som Sugeidy Soto-Vittini Jessica Souris Kamilla Souza Christen Noel Spacer Kristen M Spartichino Derek Spencer Ieshia Tyr'ma Spillane Jillian Spofford Kathleen L St Pierre Elizabeth Sarah Stanley Nathan Staples Meredith Ann Stavrinos Aaron W Steeves Ned W Stevens Jennifer Stone Jacqueline Talice Strzesak Amanda F Stuart

PAGE 17 - NSCC PENNON Jillian Sullivan Kristina Marie Susi Zak P Sweeney Kristie M Swindell Lori June Taibbi Michael H Taylor Michelle Catherine Tennant Gayle G Terhune Fatima Terif Meaghan L Terrio Kenneth Thimothee Saarla Thompson Amanda Vy Thornton Alison Lynn Tingley Eulises Gilberto Tirado Shannon Ann Titus Sonia Tobalino Guzman Elizabeth I Toerne Dritan Tola Joel Nathanael Tomchik Jessica Lynn Toomey Leyda Enid Torres Heather Ann Torsey Thang Quoc Tran Victor Tran Kara Travers Maria Christina Tremblay Emily Tremonte Erica L Trombetto Richard Tucker Laura M Tullercash Alan Turner Douglas B Ullian Savanny Van Diana A Vaquerano Algis Vargas Gonzalez Dawin Vargas Tina Vargas Yaneska Velez Bianca Venezia Maria L Ventimiglia Wendel Rodrigues Viana Sheryll Vidal Brittney L Voner Janet Lee Voner Ashley N Vorrias Paul F Vozzella Bianca Wade Daniel Wakeham Sherry Waldman Caitlin Maureen Wall Zackqueline F Wallace Zarnell Joanna Wallace Sonyaa Ward Michael Waring Jennifer N Warren Amy Catherine Watkins Sarah Elizabeth White Amanda Williams Nicholas M Wilson Tristan Ernest Wilson Robin Brittany Wood Deborah Carol Woundy Christopher B Wreh Darren William Wright Riaan Raymond Wykes Peter Walter Ylonen Glena York Alison L Young Younes Zarhani Wendy Zimmerman Jeffrey Zolla Kristen Pearson Zona Robin A Zubricki POTENTIAL MAY GRADUATES

Tracie Abbott Jennifer Mary Arnold Daryna Babayeva Emily D Belisle Sheryl-Ann Carolan Heather Champion Michelle B Cook Bryanna R Croce Leanna Michelle DeMarco Michael C Divecchia Shannon Marie Douglass Meghann Dunn Jamie Ann Elliott Amanda Estey Jennifer Giunta Elizabeth A Hook Sarietha L Im Wendy M Jeter Chantel Rita Labrie Juliet Larson Vy Long Eunice Njai Joselyn Polanco Lee Ann M Stone Amber R Tarasuik Michelle Varone Kathleen M Walsh Kate Woodford

PAGE 18 – NSCC PENNON

CREATIVE

WRITING

The Mother-Daughter Phone Call

(Dedicated to my daughter for Mother’s Day)

BY ROZI THEOHARI

--- Hi, Mama, why didn’t you tell me?

--- Tell you what?

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- A mother raises a daughter Teaching her confidence.

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- I told you how to love and to pray to God! --- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- No one knows how I caressed you, girl—reciting In tones so sweet-heart-touching stories…

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- And you’re still growing swiftly

My respect for you is mingled with admiration.

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- Listen, the love of a mother

Brings blissful days, doesn’t it?

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- Of course my dear,

Sometimes days are blue Becoming weary…very blue But you have a husband for praising!

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- Look…you did manage your first pregnancy I knew you could do it—I’m proud of The cutest girl that a mother ever had.

--- Why didn’t you tell me?

--- …Tell you what…my child!?

--- H o w m u c h I w o u I d l o v e m y b a b y !

Untitled

BY THOMAS WAKEMAN

Seeking soothing sounds She finds herself on the beach Facing the ocean

Sand between her toes Whispering waves washing clean Footprints of others A pair of seagulls As if pausing on their way Circle overhead

Smiling up at them She wonders where they’re going So begins her day

And I Count to Fifteen

BY NICHOLAS LOVASCO SGA PRESIDENT

and I count to fifteenthe empties on this bedroom floor.

then convert it to base two to show you in computer code all the empty promises I can count with two digits.

wings.

useless arithmetic! turning minerals into memory etchings on the chip in the phone I threwwhich flew-

like vestigial organs reawakened by evolutionary demand! forced from a genomic sleep to produce a bodily function unknown to man.

if only I could discover why it is upright I am born with a cock made to stand cephalized sterilized always up straight and looking at others who manage it a little easier... and without the numbersthe numbers are what kill me, man.

My Pestilence

BY DANIEL PARSONS

Are we the pieces to this puzzle?

Are we the solution to this problem?

Can we cure this world of this pestilence?

What is hate, and what is crime?

Why must we hear of it all the time?

Please someone, come save me.

Save me from this excuse of an existence.

Show me theres something else out there worth living for.

Something, someone...

What is the difference between the two?

This blade, can it speak to me?

Not in words, but it shows me things.

Things no person could.

Could this be the answer, To our never ending story?

I take this life, as i look at yours, And i say to you...

“You did this to me.”

“You’re the pestilence that plagues my very existence.”

So ill grant your wish, to be rid of this life.

Nothing but a bunching bag.

Im a person you know.

Im a vesicle with feeling and emotion.

Just like you.

What do you feel?

Do you know what i know?

Do you feel what i feel?

Here, take my hand and tell me.

What do you feel?

Flesh? Cartilage? Callus's?

All true, but i feel more.

More pain and suffering than you can even comprehend.

Just one more thing.

That’s all i need.

Just to know....

Who are you?

Grandma

BY JESSICA TOWER

In the ominous room below the landing, there are crowds of tears while I am standing.

While they seek refuge, I won’t budge; my heart of gold is melting.

Nothing parts me from them, though I feel the tug.

My cat is purring, I am waiting; my heart of gold runs.

They all cry: sitting, kneeling; I am standing high.

They all ask me why I will not even cry.

My gold heart, it shreds, it’s tinted black, but I say loud and clear: I’m sorry, but, you didn’t even know her, dear.

PAGE 19 – NSCC PENNON

Poems by Beatrece Varga

We Always Remember You Whenever….

Whenever waves crash upon the rocky shores of Maine, Whenever we see a light guiding us the way home, Whenever a seagull cries his lonely call for his mate, Whenever the sky is brilliant with colors, Whenever the clouds are dark with thunder, Whenever we see an ocean, boat or lighthouse, Whenever the sand drifts are swirling, Whenever the full moon casts a lonely reflection on the water, Whenever the sky is crying for a lost father, Whenever we are crying, as well, We will remember you whenever we breathe.

I Was a Victim Today I’m a Survivor!

Today I am standing the victor, not the victim!

Today I am not a statistic. I am a miracle!

Today I am not helpless, but helpful!

Today I am not what I was prior; today I am a priority!

I used to be beaten by someone I had loved.

I used to live in fear and isolation.

I used to think that it was my fault.

I used to wish for death I used to think I would die like that.

I used to think I was alone. I used to…

Now I go to school. Now I talk to people.

Now I have friends. Now I laugh. Now I Wake to each new day excited to see what It brings. Now I live.

Tomatoes

BY LYDIA WAHL FEATURES EDITOR

There is nothing better than setting your foot, hot from sleep, down into wet dewy grass. Each step is cooling and awakening.

In the back yard sun flowers bowed over the garden where my mother diligently grew tomatoes. I grabbed one and chomped into it like an apple.

The seeds and juice ran down my arm and shirt and dropped down onto my bare feet.

This is when I heard the chickens. They said, “Tomatoes, tomatoes?”

They trotted eagerly over to the edge of the fence and peered dutifully at me. They bobbed their heads side to side as I walked over, watching through the fence as to not miss a moment before tomato procurement. I listened to them talking to each other. In my opinion chickens don’t cluck; they observe like gossiping church ladies. It sounds like “Oohh!

oh!oh!oh!oh!oh!” but more judgmental.

I popped the tomatoes in over the fence and watched them skip like bouncy-balls in a toy store. The chickens scattered!

As soon as they caught up to a tomato, they pierced its skin with their beaks so the seeds and the juices ran down their throat. If they could see another chicken with the tomato they wanted, that one and would go running over to steal it. When they were done there wasn’t much left but splattered tomato skins on the grass and tuckered out chickens ready to sun bathe.

Chickens knew how to be cool. On hot days they would scratch down past the grass to cool dirt, eating spiders, beetles, and worms as they arose. Once they had accomplished this they would settle down into the dirt and open up their feathers to let them air. This is how I started the morning right and I had a feeling we had given that to each other.

PAGE 20 – NSCC PENNON

Student Receives Impressive Scholarship Denise Pavao, a Food Science and Safety part time student here at NSCC was just awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Northeast Branch of the Institute of Food Technologists to help her finish her degree here at North Shore and continue her career in Food Science.

Shown here in the picture is Denise and Professor Gregory Reppucci who encouraged her to become a student member and apply for the scholarship. More than $20,000 dollars are awarded to students from New England each year.

Nurse Education BMC Cancer Screening Event

On March 31, 2012, five freshmen and sophomore Nurse Education students volunteered their Saturday at Boston Medical Center’s Cancer Screening event. Students were accompanied by Nurse Education faculty members, Lorinda Latva RN and Linda Goodale RN. This event was coordinated with Anthony Shelton RN, OCN (oncology nurse) certified, amyloidosis stem cell transplant and research nurse, and 2009 graduate of NSCC’s Nurse Education program. A warm thank you and kudos to all volunteers is offered for their community service and stellar representation of NSCC’s Nurse Education program.

Lorinda Latva Professor Nurse Education

Denise Pavao and Professor Gregory Reppucci

Awards Presented to Mathematics, Engineering, and Industrial Technology Departments

Top row L–R: Jessica Taylor, Melanie Maloney, Linda Goodale, Anthony Shelton Bottom row L-R: Alicia Beeman, Lorinda Latva, Colleen Todd, Corie Keatley

Arm Wrestling Competition

Come watch our competitors in the first ever arm wrestling event at NSCC on Wednesday,

2 at 10:00am in the Danvers Student Lounge.

May

We now have our own professional tournament table that will have a permanent location either in the Lounge or the Pennon office. Practice at your leisure. Future competitions are likely.

There will be a table in which you will have the opportunity to test out 6 Strongman Grippers (handgrips), as well another that will have upcoming tournament information. Flyers will be available.

Finally, there will be a grid in which spectators will be able to follow the results of the matches, as well as see which competitors are still in it, and which are not. Since this is a double-elimination tournament, as most professional tournaments are, it will take two losses to be out of the competition.

Email pennon@northshore.edu for more information.

Sylvester Stallone in Over the Top

The Mathematics Department and the Engineering and Industrial Technology Department will present awards to outstanding students in a joint meeting on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

The Engineering Science Transfer Award will be presented to Michael Robinson, Robert DeCourcy, and Kleber Costa who have the three highest GPA (3.95, 3.93, 3.92) among the graduating engineering students.

The Engineering Department Award honors students who excel in physics and engineering courses and perform in the highest diligent and most consistent manner at North Shore Community. Their commitment to excellence is recognized in the consistent quality and presentation of their work and in the courage and perseverance demonstrated when attempting to master difficult subject matter.

The Math Department will present its Departmental Award to Kleber Costa, Robert DeCourcy, Michael Eaton, and Michael Robinson. This award is given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the upper level of mathematics courses at North Shore Community College.

Math Achievement Award recipients are Anne Frederiksen, Allyson Hosman, and Travis Gray. This award is given to a student who has made great progress in his/her math courses while at North Shore Community College.

Math Team Awards will go to Jonathan McAvoy (top scorer), Armel Foade, Kleber Costa, Michael Nguyen, Michael Eaton, Samantha Sprague, Albert Andino, Jesse Amero, Anthony Martin and Monique Coelho.

The Math Team participates in a national competition sponsored by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges.

Jonathan McAvoy will also receive an award from the New England affiliate of AMATYC. Contact Information Joyce Jeong X6250 jjeong@northshore.edu

Club News Club Directory

A F R I C A N S O C I E T Y : LOVE MAYA A V I A T I O N : JOHN KREEFT B I O L O G I C A L S C I E N C E C L U B : SCOTT STIMPSON C H R I S T O N C A M P U S : TIM WHITMAN C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E : CONSTANTINE SOURIS & ANN KOSHIVAS E C O N O M I C S & F I N A N C E : MOONSU HAN E N G I N E E R I N G : MARY BETH STEIGERWALD F I L M C L U B : JOHN ZAMPARELLI F O O D S C I E N C E & S A F E T Y : GREG REPPUCCI F R E N C H & S P A N I S H C L U B : IRENE FERNANDEZ M A R K E T I N G : PATRICIA MANNINEN M E D I A C L U B : JIM HARRINGTON M U L T I - C U L T U R A L S O C I E T Y : ESPY HERRERA IONA BLACK M U S L I M A S S O C I A T I O N : YUSEF HAYES N U R S I N G C L A S S F R E S H M A N : LINDA GOODALE N U R S I N G C L A S S S O P H M O R E : LORINDA LATVA P H I T H E T A K A P P A : FRED ALTIERI P H I L O S O P H Y C L U B : FRED ALTIERI P O E TS & W RIT E RS : P R E - M E D C L U B : RAY PARKER P S Y C H E D F O R P S Y C H : KRISTIN ERBETTA Q U E E R S T R A I G H T A L L I A N C E : ANNE TABET AND VICTORIA PASCIUTO R E S P I R A T O R Y C A R E : LEN LEBLANC S O T A : PATRICIA BANKS RUTH DELISIO S T A R S C L U B : NANCY TUFO S T U D E N T A R T C L U B : JAMES CHISHOLM S U R F C L U B : SEAN HANLON V E T E R A N S C L U B : MIKE MONAGLE W O M E N I N T R A N S I T I O N : MARGARET FIGGINS-HILL Y O U T H G R O U P U N I T E D : ALEXANDER GUZMAN

LE219 X.6693 DB366 X.5592 LW288 X.6288 ...................................

DB366 X.5419 X.5418 DB367C DB367 X.5456 LW321 X.6650 LW324 X6239 DH216 X.4375 X.5442 DB367A LE306 X.6665 LE307 X.2159 LW113 X.6274 LW113 X.6274 X.5414 DB367B DH206 X.4438 DH206 X.4427 DB267H X.5556 DB267H X.5556 X.6238 LE232 LW112 X.6683 DB367E X.5580 DH106 X.4051 DB125 X.5471 DH203 X.4170 DH 203 X.4174 DH 223 X.4168 LW114 X6680 DB366A X.5548 DB367E X.5467 DB217 X.5539 DB366B X.5515 LW157 X.6601

P E N N O N : VICTORIA PASCIUTO P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C O U N C I L : MATTHEW WOODS P R O G R A M C O U N C I L : VICTORIA PASCIUTO S T U D E N T G O V E R N M E N T : VICTORIA PASCIUTO W O M E N ’ S C E N T E R : VICTORIA PASCIUTO

DB125 LW172 DB125 LW125 DB125

Organizations

X.5471 X.6228 X.5471 X.5471 X.5471

Attention Club Advisors and Members!

Information about your club can be featured here!

This is your page and if you want other people to know about your club or what your club is doing, then contact us!

PENNON@NORTHSHORE.EDU

Join Program Council!

THIS GROUP PLANS AND COORDINATES A VARIETY OF SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE ENTIRE COLLEGE COMMUNITY. PAST ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED AIR BRUSH T-SHIRTS, PSYCHIC READINGS, AND MASSAGE THERAPY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT VICTORIA PASCIUTO AT (978) 762-4000 X5471 OR VPASCIUT@NORTHSHORE.EDU.

PAGE 21 – NSCC PENNON

North Shore Aviation Club

This month we, the NSCC Aviation Club, took a tour of the air-traffic-control tower at Beverly Airport.

Ten students, faculty, and flight instructors were provided a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of a key element of the air-traffic-control system. Toward the end of the semester and throughout the summer, we are planning several more outings. These include attending the Portsmouth Air Show, holding fundraisers such as barbeques, and providing free preflight lessons to kids during Beverly Flight Center’s “Learn to Fly” day.

We would like to invite students to come and see what the Aviation Club members do on a day-to-day basis out on the flight line. Weekly club meetings are held on the Danvers campus. The Aviation Club is open to all NSCC students, not just aviation majors, and we always welcome new members with new perspectives and ideas. For more information please contact club vice-president Derek Lagasse (dlagasse01@northshore.edu).

Pennon Challenge

The semester is almost over, and all submissions for the student newspaper have been tallied for the Pennon Challenge. As promised, all submissions that were chosen to go into the paper were counted, so there were many.

Names were pulled from a basket, and the first three will receive their prize of a Visa gift card. The Pennon would like to thank everyone who submitted, and not just for the contest. This semester, several new students submitted for the first time. The Pennon is always at its best when it has the opportunity to showcase a variety of work coming from the talented students of North Shore Community College.

Winners are as follows: 1st place: Jessie Paiva $100 Visa gift card 2nd place:

Daniel Parsons

3rd place:

Tanya Green

$50 Visa gift card

$25 Visa gift card

North Shore Community College and the Performing Arts Council presents...

Molière’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID Translated and adapted by James Magruder & THE LOVE DOCTOR Translated and adapted by Nagle Jackson Directed by Matthew Woods Showing: May 3-5, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Also May 5, 2012 at 3 p.m.

At the Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre at Lynn Arts, 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA. $7 General Admission, $5 Students and seniors (with ID) For more information or to rsvp contact Matthew Woods At matwoods@northshore.edu or call 781-593-6722, x6228

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

We’ve all heard the old adage “laughter is the best medicine!” Well, this spring the Performing Arts Council at North Shore Community College sets out to prove it with their rollicking production of Molière’s last play, The Imaginary Invalid, translated and adapted by James Magruder. Young love is forced to contend with old-fashioned quackery in a modern adaptation of this timeless farce.

SYNOPSIS

With the spirit of carnival swirling around him, Argan, a terminal hypochondriac, holes himself up in his sick chamber where he is dominated by doctors and a host of imagined illnesses. He’s also controlled by his second wife, Béline, a gold-digging schemer. But, when Argan’s obsession with the medical establishment culminates in a plot to marry his daughter Angélique to a quack, passions flare!

With the help of the trusty family maid, Toinette, the audacious and enamored Angélique attempts to subvert her father’s plans by continuing her secret affair with young Cléante. But can they amputate Argan from his army of charlatans and his temptress wife who are all too eager to purge him of his wits and bleed him of his money; or, will Argan continue to live in a life of illusions?

The Imaginary Invalid will be presented with a special curtain raiser performance of Molière’s The Love Doctor, translated and adapted by Nagle Jackson, in which a young woman in love feigns illness in order to fool her father into letting her marry the man she loves.

Director Matthew Woods’ whimsical reimagining of these 17th century classical farces is an ideal way to immunize yourself against being bored sick this spring! Costumes were designed by the IRNE-nominated Cotton Talbot-Minkin.

PAGE 22 – NSCC PENNON

by the main line and the emergency line. The location of the odor was in the kitchen of student support in the Health Professions Building. An officer reported that there was no actual fire or smoke on the site.

Only the odor was present. A sergeant ordered that the area was to be aired out. No further action was necessary.

4/2/2012 6:53am LYNN CAMPUS:

A three-car motor vehicle accident occurred on the Lynnway.

A blue explorer that was involved on the accident hit the North Shore Community College pillar facing the Lynnway and also caused damage to the grass. Danvers police and state police were on the site and another man assessed the damage. Pictures were taken of the situation.

3/25/12 10:53pm LYNN CAMPUS:

An officer encountered a male party at the west entrance of the building. He was attempting to pull on the exterior doors to get into the building and was also ripping signs off the light pole to Broad Street and appeared to be impaired.

3/26/2012 3:49pm DANVERS CAMPUS:

A female student reported that a male party opened his driver’s side door and hit her door, and then he proceeded to leave the scene. She stated that the man was very rude to her.

4/2/2012 5:39pm DANVERS CAMPUS:

A mysterious odor was reported

4/3/2012 7:54am LYNN CAMPUS:

An officer reported graffiti on a trash barrel next to the ATM.

4/10/2012 8:12pm LYNN CAMPUS:

A motor vehicle had been covered in post-it notes. The postits were taken off.

4/11/2012 4:05pm LYNN CAMPUS:

A student reported minor dam-

age to his vehicle.

4/17/2012 6:18pm LYNN CAMPUS:

A student reported a homeless man sleeping on the grass in the main parking lot off of Washington Street. The man woke up upon the arrival of the authorities and departed from the property.

4/19/2012 5:56pm LYNN CAMPUS:

A student reported that they had been receiving harassing text messages from another student.

4/22/2012 7:34am LYNN CAMPUS:

An officer reported that someone had attempted to break into his vehicle during his overnight shift. The CPL team investigated.

4/23/2012 7:05pm DANVERS CAMPUS:

A male had passed out in the driver’s side of a vehicle. The patient refused to be transported by an ambulance and was transported to the hospital by his mother. His vehicle was left in parking lot one overnight.

4/24/2012 12:51pm DANVERS CAMPUS:

A woman’s wallet was found in the Berry Building. After the wallet had been returned to the

owner, it was discovered that two hundred dollars in twenties were missing.

4/25/2012 11:12am DANVERS CAMPUS:

Graffiti was found in the men’s bathroom and was removed by the facilities department.

SUN

MON

TUES

May 2012

1 Yoga 9:30-10:30AM Lynn Gym

Zumba 4:30-5:30PM Lynn Gym 6

13

7 Program Council Meeting DB208 & LW307 2:30-4:00PM HIV Clinics LW126 11-1:00PM Zumba 4:30-5:30PM Lynn Gym 14

8 Pool Tournament DB129 10:00-1:00PM

Yoga 9:30-10:30AM Lynn Gym

21 Clean Out Lockers HIV Clinics

LW126 11-1:00PM

Project COPEInformation on STD’s

Lynn Cafe Outside 11-1PM

27

28

College Closed

DB208 & LW307 3:305:30PM

Arm Wrestling Tournament DB129 10:00AM

QSA Safe Zone Training 12:30-2:30 DB208 & LW307

9 Program Council Spring Fling Lynn McGee Bldg.

Outside 10:00-1:00PM Zumba 4:30-5:30PM Lynn Gym

THURS

3 Student Service Award Ceremony Lynn Campus Gym 2:30-4:30PM PAC Play “The Imaginary Invalid” Lynn Arts 7:00PM 10

Yoga 9:30-10:30AM Lynn Gym

FRI

4 “Imaginary Invalid” Lynn Arts 7:00PM PC Battle of the Bands Danvers Berry Parking Lot 6-10:00PM QSA Safe Zone Training 12:30-2:30PM DB208 & LW307 11 Queer Straight Alliance Meeting DB208 & LW307 1:30-2:30PM

5

12

Day Classes End

Student Government Association Meeting DB208 & LW307 3:30-5:30PM

Sigma Alpha Phi Induction TBA

18

19

22 Abolitionists Memorial Ribbon Project Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn MA 10-1:00PM 2 shifts of workers 1-3:00PM

23

24

25

26

29

30

CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS: Lynn: (781) 593-6722 Danvers: (978) 762-4000 Beverly Cummings Center (978) 236-1200

Library

Lynn (781) 477-2133 Danvers (978) 762-4000 x.5526

Book Store

Lynn (781) 477-2127 Danvers (978) 762-4046

Weather Hotline (978) 762-4200

PC = PROGRAM COUCIL WC = WOMEN’S CENTER PTK= PHI THETA KAPPA SGA = STUDENT GOVERNMENT

PAC = PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL

Events are Subject to Change

Commencement O’Keefe Center, Salem State

SAT

Performing Arts Play “Imaginary Invalid” Lynn Arts 3:00 & 7:00PM

17

Important Numbers

Math & Writing Lab Lynn x6254 Danvers x5417 Hawthorne x1544 Computer Lab Lynn x6296 Danvers x5569

2 SGA Meeting

16

15

Evening Classes End

20

WED

PAGE 23 – NSCC PENNON

31

NSCC Fall/Spring 2011/12 Schedule Day classes end May 11, 2012

Evening classes end May 14, 2012

Final Exam period, day classes only May 14, 2012 to May 16, 2012 Summer One-6 wk May 21 - June 28

Deadline to change from audit to credit or credit to audit May 31, 2012

Last day to drop a credit course or withdraw from the College with a "W" grade Jun 20, 2012 10-wk Session One May 21 - August 2

Commencement no evening classes (4 p.m. or later) May 24, 2012

Deadline to change from audit to credit or credit to audit May 31, 2012

Deadline to withdraw and receive 100% refund of tuition/fees May 24, 2012

Last day to drop a credit course or withdraw from the College with a "W" grade Jul 21, 2012

Memorial Day no classes May 28, 2012

Summer Break - no credit classes in session Jul 1, 2012 to Jul 7, 2012

Summer Two-6 wk July 9 - August 16

Low enrolled classes canceled Jul 5, 2012

Deadline to withdraw and receive 100% refund of tuition/fees Jul 12, 2012 Deadline to change from audit to credit or credit to audit Jul 19, 2012

Last day to drop a credit course or withdraw from the College with a "W" grade August 8, 2012

For a complete calendar listing, go to the NSCC homepage.

PAGE 24 – NSCC PENNON

Alumni Corner Frances Burke

BY SANDRA ROCHON ALUMNI COORDINATOR

Frances Burke may not be the oldest alumnus of North Shore Community College, but she is certainly one of the most enthusiastic.

Frances, who celebrated her 88th birthday at the Alumni & Friends Reunion last fall, is a true lifelong learner, holding three associate degrees from NSCC in Liberal Arts, Human Services and Gerontology, as well as two bachelor degrees from Salem State University.

She loves education - and not just as a means to an end. She is a veteran of World War II, where she served in the Coast Guard as a typist. After the war she went to work at GE in Lynn, got married and had three children, all of whom share her love of learning. All have master’s degrees and her son is a professor.

Frances began her education journey at age 47 when her daughter was seven, taking one class at a time. She was immediately hooked. Her formal studies continued until October of

Frances Burke

2010. “English was always my favorite… I love to write,” she noted. “I hated computers but I had to learn to use them to take my courses. I also had to overcome test anxiety… but I did it!

I have much praise for Professor Sheldon Brown, he had faith in me and it made all the difference,” Burke explained.

Her early military experiences also instilled a love for travel.

She fondly remembers a river boat cruise down the Rhine River in Germany and a Mediterranean cruise three years ago. She is active with veterans’ organizations, particularly the American Legion.

At 88, Frances remains selfreliant, living on her own. She goes to mass every morning, reads three newspapers daily, goes to the library to read and get books, takes walks and enjoys her children and three grandchildren.

“Education is power,” she said, as she smiles, knowingly.

“There’s just nothing like it.”

Faces in the Hall

Question: In the context of the recent controversy surrounding the rating of the movie “Bully” (a 2011

documentary film about bullying in U.S. schools), students were asked to answer the following questions: At what age did your parents first allow you to see R-rated movies? At what age will you allow your own children to view adult content in films and why?

BY BENJAMIN LITHGOW SGA SENATOR

“Around age 14, when I was in high school. I would probably allow my kids to see R-rated movies depending on the severity of the film.”

Luke Rossi

Max Laitinen “I was 15 years old when they let me, but 10 when I saw one. But it scared the life out of me. So I’ll allow my kids to see an R-rated movie when I feel they’re mature enough.”

Rudy Hall “I was approximately 10 years old. I am unsure if I will have children. However, I would say that 9 or 10 was a reasonable age.”

“I was 18. I think my parents were conservative.

I don’t want to necessarily go by ratings but on content, some movies that are so called “appropriate” may really not be and others that are Rrated may have an important message or topic that they could learn from.”

Merissa Evans

Andres Contreras

“I was 15 when I first attended an R-rated movie with my parents.

However, I did watch them behind their backs prior to turning 15. My kids will be allowed at the age of 15 as well because I know they will have laid their eyes on Rrated movies without my knowledge.”

Patrick James Sweeney “I was at least 13 years of age when my parents allowed me to see R-rated movies.

However, it was based around the content of the film and mostly what it stood for.”