Oct 10, 2013 (45.1)

Youth Violence PG. 2

Ski Swap PG.7

Spokane helping troubled teens

Allicia Villa PG. 5

Finding deals for ski season

Meet your new ASG President

Volume 45 | Issue 1

Oct. 10 - Oct. 24, 2013

Food stamp cuts affect studentbody Christian Koch

The Communicator

Bryce Gray | The Communicator

A food stamp recipient uses their Quest Electronic Benefits card.

Washington state is going to have the eleventh largest cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the country. These cuts start affecting participants on Nov. 1, 2013.

According to The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, national cuts this November are estimated at a total of $5 billion, and Washington State is forecasted to cut $114 million for the 2014 fiscal year. Households of two relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may see as much as a $20 drop from the October maximum of $367.

Daniel Wilcox, an employee of the Spokane Falls Community College Food Bank, said that he is nervous about the potential cuts. “Food Stamps are my only source of food currently,” said Wilcox.

The Spokane Falls Community College food bank supervisor, Mira-

Gas station fees upset customers Conner Nuckols

The Communicator Students who use their Bigfoot cards to fill up their cars will be faced with a new fee even if they run their card as credit.

As of July Safeway fuel stations have added a ten cent fee when using a credit card. Customers can avoid the fee if they pay with cash or use their debit card. In addition to the ten cent fee last Summer Safeway also got rid of their three cent program for being a club member.

Safeway also still offers there ten cent discount program allowing cusMeghan Kirk| The Communicator tomers who shop at Safeway to be Safeway fuel employee Chris Larson puts items out able to save up to one dollar off per on display during his shift. gallon up to 25 gallons.

Lori Belnap, the NW Blvd. Safeway able to save up to one dollar off per Cheap Gas Fuel Manager, has noticed a dramatic gallon up to 25 gallons. However the ten cent discount decrease in sales program is what due to the fee.

Gas Buddy “We used to sell around prompted the cred“We’ve gone Available on it card companies down 18% in gas 78,000 gallons a week and iPhone and to make Safeway sales,” Belnap now we sell about 65,000 Android add the new fee. said. “We use gallons.”

“We (Safeway) to sell around Gas Guru had to ask the cred-Lori Belnap 78,000 gallons Available on Safeway Fuel Station Manager it card companies a week and now iPhone to use their cards,” we may sell and Android Belnap said. “We get charged fees about 65,000 gallons.”

Source: Safeway also still offers there ten to use them, and the discounts on Gas Buddy cent discount program allowing cus- gas were costing us too much with Organization Inc. tomers who shop at Safeway to be them.”

Gas Fees | Page 2

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Food Stamps

1 in 7 People receive SNAP benefits $1.00 In SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity 1 in 6 Americans suffer from hunger hardships Source: www.FRAC.org

Food Stamp | Page 2

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FOCUS

cle Jones, said that there is no postcut plan to compensate for potential losses within the student body.

“The budget is very restricted as it is,” Jones said.

Already, the SFCC food bank gives out an estimated 2400lbs. of canned goods to students in need every quarter. This does not include the produce donated to them by 2nd Harvest, a non-profit organization which provides food to individuals and families who cannot provide for themselves.

“Because students are currently on financial aid, the food bank doesn’t usually get busy until the end of October,” Jones said.

However, she followed this by explaining that she would need to request a budget extension should the cuts transpire, because she did not see the budget as being sufficient in the face of the $114 million difference.

Jones says that the “people who

Emily Mitchell | The Communicator

News

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The Stats on At-Risk Youth Homicide remains the third leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 700,000 youth between the ages of 10-24 were treated in ERs for injuries sustained from assaults.

Leading Causes of Death for 10-24 year olds: -Injury -Suicide -Homicide -Cancer -Heart Disease Source: www.cdc.gov

Nichole Iwan | Editor

News

Spokane Youth in need of outreach Nichole Iwan

Spokane native and a current SFCC Gateway student. “I started to party Within the last year the rate of vio- when I was 15, and it seemed house lent crimes in Spokane has risen 40 parties were the only source of enpercent, according to Krem 2 news. tertainment for teenagers my age.

Many of these crimes involve the Things like movies cost money, and city’s youth. as a broke student its hard to find Some of these juvenile crimes things to do.” have included the murder of WWII Alene Alexander is the program vet Delbert “Shorty” Benton, and an manager for attempted murder the “Passport involving a 13 and “Spokane’s main youth to College” 14 year-old, who outreach programs have program at claimed to be under been shut down due to lack SFCC. Alexthe influence of preander has scription drugs. This of funding.” been working influx of crime has at-risk -Bridget Cannon, VOA Youth Services with citizens questioning and foster what Spokane offers to help troubled youth for nine years. teens.

“Spokane had a street youth-outSpokane currently lacks youth reach program through Volunteers clubs and organizations, and many of America (VOA), but they lost their teens need after-school activities to funding about a year and a half ago. keep them off the streets. Teens on I feel like that has contributed to the the streets are at greater risk of being influx of youth in Spokane who are influenced by drugs and violence. street kids that have no where to “Spokane doesn’t really have turn,” said Alexander. “I think they many places to go that are fun. Un- need to put that program back in. less you’re 21 the city is dead at 5:00 “There is Crosswalk, which gives at night,” said HaliRaye Battin, a teens living on the streets a place to

The Communicator

Meghan Kirk | The Communicator

The Juvenile Justice Center, located in downtown Spokane. live. Mockingbird is a teen activist group, and there are other outreach groups in our community.”

“Spokane’s main youth outreach programs have been shut down due to lack of funding,” said VOA Director of Youth Services, Bridget Cannon. “The youth outreach program recently shut down due to lack of funding, but was a great source of support to the youth in Spokane living on the streets.

“In Washington state alone 17% of youth ages 16-24 are living on the

streets and are involved in crime, and never graduated high school,” said Cannon.

There are many ways to get involved to help at risk youth. From donations at your local food banks and/ or clothing drives, to being a mentor through Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Cannon also mentioned that Crosswalk is always looking for volunteers and individuals to walk around and hand out fliers to teens on the street so they’re aware of resources available to them.

Building 30 up and ready for school Emery Byrd

The Communicator

Bryce Gray | The Communicator

The Falls Gateway holds the new counseling center.

Food stamps cont: come to the bank are usually in dire need,” and come when they no longer have the ability to obtain food with their food stamps.

The SFCC food bank is located in the Student Union Building (17) opposite the students’ recreational facility, and is open to any student with a current SID card and sticker. Students are limited to three visits per quarter, and are allocated food based on number of dependents.

Students can also take advantage of the “Farmer’s Market” events that take place on campus October 10, November 7, and December 4.

At these events the SFCC food bank staff hands out food donated by 2nd Harvest in building 17. The event works to alleviate part of the stress being applied to the current budget, and provides the SFCC’s food bank with another outlet for assisting students in need on campus.

“The events are usually very popular, and widely attended by students,” said Wilcox. “They will only become more popular when these food stamp cuts come to Washington.”

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Building 30, which is across from Student Union Building is a brand new addition, helping enhance our school one students at a time.

The purpose of the new building is student services, counseling, tutoring, testing, the administration office and even classrooms. ‘A welcome door’ for students looking to get the most out of their education.

“We are very satisfied, even though the budget of the building plans were cut by about 15 percent,” said SFCC Vice President, Darrin Pitcher.

This resulted in the building being smaller than the original plan.

But that did not short the buildings technologies! The heating and cooling system is top-of-the-line making for a dependable heat source in the winter.

With a larger testing center, the availability of students getting into

Gas fees cont:

Belnap claims to have received mostly negative reactions to the new fee.

“Most of them say we are liars and that we don’t advertise it well,” Belnap said.

Fuel station clerk Chris Larson has experienced a variety of angry customers and has grown numb to the yelling.

“I can usually just shake it off and move on,” Larson said. “One guy called me a skin head back when I was bald.”

Safeway is not alone when it comes to unpleasant experiences at the pump. Chevron and ARCO also have a new rule that has been causing frustration with some customers.

The only difference between ARCO and Safeway is you don’t lose the extra 10 cents per gallon.

is all conveniently within building 30 The Falls will be much higher. They will be able to get into admissions for better technology for students!

“More changes are in store starting much faster thus decreasing the wait with the Early Learning Center, curand time that everyone would have to spend. In the end, it will be saving rently under construction as you may have noticed.” said Pitcher. “This is our school money that it could be spending elsewhere. estimated to be completed within the year, Building 17, will also be unThe classrooms are far more addergoing a slight remodel. Building vanced than any others on campus, 1 will be completely taken out and offering students to expand their become grass as an opportunity to skills and knowledge. But the technology doesn’t stop there. view our campus from the street and create a more open structure.”

“It is also a ‘green’ building,” Connie Carlson, a receptionist in Pitcher said. “in that there are no the new building, paper towels in “It’s also a green buiding” is one of many the bathrooms; -Darrin Pitcher staff members instead, it has a SFCC Vice President who believes that more modern way of doing the job.” this new building will help the completion of the colAll of this state of the art technology would not be possible without the lege, working with the most important piece, the students. efforts of John Muiler, our computer “The goal of this building is to put technician. Before building 30, the students on the right path,” Carlson computer system for every building said. “by helping the function of was scattered throughout the campus, the majority being in the basestudents and even helping them sign up for classes.” ment of the science building. Now it

to pump $20 worth of gas,” said Financial institutions that carry Gerald Appel, SCC mechanic stuthe credit or debit cards customers use also charge authorization fees to dent. “If a bank charges an authorization fee that’s more than what you customers who swipe their cards at have in the bank, that $20 gas ticket the gas pump. An authorization fee just turned into $75 plus an overdetermines if you have the money draft fee.” on your card to cover the cost of the gasoline purchase, and is charged Authorization fees are not determined by the gas stations, but the to your credit or debit card typically financial institutions that the credit in the amount of $1, but can be up or debit cards are drawn on. If you to $100. Most financial institutions have a question release the autho- “It’s really no wonder about these fees, rization fees back people hate banks.” contact your to the customer within 24-48 -Gerald Appel, SCC Student bank or credit card issuer. hours, once their gas purchase is completed. If an au“I just avoid using my card at the thorization fee is $100, for example, pump, and pay inside like I would with cash,” said Appel. “It’s really and a customer only pumps $40 worth of gas, the remaining $60 will no wonder people hate banks; it’s because of all their fees.” be credited back to the customer within 24-48 hours.

When asked about the holding fee, the Manager at the Wellesley St. “It’s really frustrating if your bank Chevron refused to comment. automatically charges you $75 just

Did You Know?: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that 60 percent of bank profits came from customer paid fees.

Source: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/

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College is expensive, and paying your way through it while having to worry about eating is even more stressful.

Whichever side of the fence you find yourself standing on, the controversy revolving

Perspectives

around the impending SNAP food stamp cuts is worth the discussion.

After approaching and talking to some of the students on campus about the up-coming changes, it became clear that a healthy body of students were unaware that it would happen at all. However, the students who were, had nothing but fighting words to throw.

Cutting spending helps everyone determining this. Categorical eligiThe mostly GOP House of Reprebility looks to see if you’ve already sentatives decided $40 billion will gotten low-income help and makes be cut from the Supplemental Nutria decision off of the persons welfare tion Assistance Program (SNAP) in history.

September within the next 10 years “There are two basic pathways to because of the increasing governgain financial eligibility for SNAP: ment spending on the program. The (1) having income and resources becut will not only save our country low specified levels set out in federal billions of dollars but it will push law; and (2) being ‘categorically,’ or states to automatically, eligible based on remake deciceiving benefits from other specified sions on who low-income assistance programs.” gets food said the Congressional Research stamps, so Service. less frauduAlthough people who are on other lent stamp low-income assistance programs receivers will tend to need help elsewhere, it’s not be able to always true for everyone and the waste taxpayonly way people should receive aid ers money. from SNAP is by the standards set by Abuse has the program and government not by been a big Corbin other welfare options. issue when Bronsch “A small number of households it comes to would not have met gross income getting benefits from our state and and asset eligibility,” without catfederal government, and it is the main reason why this cut was passed egorical eligibility according to the in the house of representatives. With SNAP website but this still amounts to billions of dollars that is possibly government spending about $78 being wasted on billion on the pro“Reformation is not only people who don’t gram each year, require this aslowering our fund- needed in SNAP but in all sistance. ing will not only kinds of welfare programs.”

“15 percent of help decrease our American are now country’s spending but also will make policy makers collecting benefits,” according to a more vigilant in the process of hand- USA today article . That is around 47 million people who are using ing out food stamps. taxpayers money to help them with We as a country know that our their grocery shopping whether they spending is out of control and loose need it or not. ends need to be cut in order to go Reformation is not only needed in back to a surplus. So why not take SNAP but in all kinds of our welfare away funding from a program that programs. How will we continuousmany people abuse anyways? ly let people abuse our system and Rather than focusing on the cuts live off of other people’s hard earned being made for the program we money? People who are going should be concerned about the way through a job loss or a difficult fithe government decides who gets nancial time are losing out to people food stamps or not because of the who would rather not work for what budget cut. they have and this mindset can only The system they are using now is be changed by making it difficult for called “categorical eligibility” and the abusers to abuse. isn’t an efficient or accurate way at

Christian Koch | Editor

Stop picking on those who need help Once upon a time, I worked for their next one of the biggest banks in the Unit- meal ed States. I won’t name this bank of- comes ficially, but I will say that when they from) are laid off 35,000 people in the wake passing the of receiving a $80 billion bailout economic from the United States Government bill off to in 2008, it was not fair. It wasn’t fair those who because I was one of those 35,000 can barely people who was out of a job and a afford to paycheck, and it wasn’t fair because buy mac & they were the portion of the wealthy cheese. who have screwed over our country, These Emily and have sat back and laughed in wealthy Norton our faces while doing it. [expletive] At the time of the lay-off, I was are laughing at the American public a single-mother and was solely all the way to the bank, and perpetufinancially responsible for the care ating the lie that “lazy welfare users” of my then 3 year-old son. Losing are responsible for the nation’s the salary that I worked hard for was economic woes. In reality, the perdevastating; I received a mere $68 centage of lazy people on programs in food stamps when I applied for like SNAP cost the average tax-payer assistance, and I had to wait almost very little, especially when com8 weeks for my first unemployment pared to the percentage of corrupt check. To say this was a luxury or politicians and their corporate lobentitlement is laughable; I dutifully byist cronies who are manipulating looked for another job to make ends the system for their own financial meet, as I was laid off with no sever- gain and driving the middle class ance pay. into the ground.

I remember the outrage I felt; According to the Census Bureau, there was no bailout for me or any Spokane County has a population of of the other laid off workers, but roughly 300,000 people and about the CEO’s of this 106,000 people in particular bank “This is not people choosing to Spokane County were celebrating live high-off the government rely on the SNAP their multi-million food program to hog, this is poverty. Poverty put food on their dollar bonuses and slapping each is not fun, and no one tables each day. other on the back realistically chooses poverty.” That’s a third of for a job wellthe population in done.

Spokane, and many of these people The American economy and are not “lazy mooches.” They are it’s people have been effectively the elderly or disabled, who cannot screwed over by the wealthiest work. They are families of veterans people in the country, and these who have served this country. They elitists have had our government’s are single-mothers, who work fullsupport through all of it. time and still cannot afford basic And what about the middle class? food expenses. They are the homeWith stagnant wages and rising livless, the destitute. They are folks ing costs, the middle class has rapwho have been dealt a bad hand idly crumbled under this plutocracy with corporate downsizing, just like of wealthy overlords, some of which I was in 2008. call themselves the United States This is not people choosing to live Congress. high-off the government hog, this is These particular Congressional poverty. Poverty is not fun, and no overlords voted in September to one realistically chooses poverty. slash $40 billion in funding from the We need to address the fact that a SNAP food stamps program over the working family could possibly make next 10 years. A program that aims such a lousy wage through their fullto feed the poor, disabled, elderly, time job that they would need food veterans, and working poor who stamps. Why is this okay for corponeed the program often just to buy rations to do to workers, but workers milk for their kids or meat & cheese who need food stamps are shamed? for their lunches.

That seems a little backwards.

They couldn’t possibly spare the Why aren’t Americans calling expense from the war in AfghaniCongress in droves, and reminding stan, which is racking up a bill of them who they really work for? Why $100 billion a year. Or perhaps aren’t we in a state of civil disobediclose a few of those tax loopholes ence against these rich [expletive] that prevent many of them from pay- who think that it’s acceptable to ing taxes on things like their private slash essential food services to peojets or yachts, or the money some ple struggling just to make it every of them have stored in off-shore day -- but can’t stand to actually pay accounts. taxes into the system themselves?

Yes, you read that right: a ConRobert Kennedy said it best, “I begress that consists of mostly millionlieve that, as long as there is plenty aires (who are not debating where [for the rich], poverty is evil.”

Washington’s Poverty and Food Insecurity 1,108,090 residents in WA state receive food assistance from SNAP. This is a 90.7 percent change in participation compared to 2007.

Emily Norton | The Communicator

The Food Research and Action Center reports that 1,108,090 citizens in WA state participate in SNAP, and 915,278 live in poverty.

$126.69 is the average monthly benefit WA state SNAP participants receive.

The Staff The Communicator, is a student run newspaper that hopes to maintain a forum in which students are able to voice diverse opinions on campusrelated issues.

The Communicator also aims to inform students about import events concerning SFCC and SCC, sports and other fun activities for students to check out to make their college days memorable.

Editor-in-Chief Conner Nuckols Managing Editor Emily Norton Web Manager Corbin Bronsch Sidelines Editor Bryce Gray Focus Editor Emery Byrd Perspectives Editor Christian Koch Photo Editor Meghan Kirk Photographer Emily Mitchell Advertising Teja Carsen Marketing Amanda Good Adviser Mark Doerr Staff members can be reached via email with the following format: sfcc.firstname. lastname@gmail.com We encourage our readers to email us and give us their comments and suggestions.

Please Note: The Communicator is an open forum that is entirely student edited and produced, with no prior review from the faculty or administrators.

Content in this publication is the responsibility of the student staff of The Communicator, and as such does not necessarily reflect the view of SFCC administrators, faculty, or the student body.

Individual student contributions to the opinion page or any other section of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or the student staff of The Communicator.

The Working Poor make up for 82% of SNAP recipients, and do not earn enough at their jobs to purchase food on their own.

Did You Know?: SNAP studies show that 90% of benefits are redeemed by the third week of the month, and 58% of participants turn to Food Banks six months out of the year.

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Images

Meghan Kirk | Editor

Photos by: Meghan Kirk and Emily Mitchell

Colors of Fall munity m o C s ll a F e n a Spok

College

house

Court y t n u o C ane

Spok

W. Broadway Ave

Hatch and Highway 195, Spokane WA

Did You Know?: The aroma of pumpkin pie is a natural aphrodisiac.

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Meet the new ASG President

Focus

Emery Byrd | Editor

Teja Carlen

the campus is lacking,” said Alicia Villa, ASG President.

This year Villa plans to focus Alicia Villa, our new ASG, Ason improving the campus. While sociative Student Government, president she wants to build more president, has a lot planned for this sustainability around the campus. year.

To have more items around diWith having been involved with versity and have events that are this school since her first year here centered toward equity and global Alicia now has a voice for the awareness. Recycling is one of student body. their focuses this year. The events The winter quarter of 2012 she are arranged to be more extensive was a News reporter for The Comthis year through having a strong municator and through reporting student representation. Also, the she ended up talking to a lot of club representation is planned to ASG students, and in that found be bigger this year. some job opportunities. She then Everyone on ASG plans to make became involved in the lecture it more prominent in the school. program in “I hope Alicia ASG, leading to “...Alicia is an extremely will make the ASG her running for nice individual who wants more presently president. known to the stuWith her new to work as hard as she can dent body,” said role she is now Rockford Radke, do get things done.” the managing the I.R.P Club -Dylan Mishler officer of the ASG Secretary Representative.

Student GovEven though the ernment, event programmer and ASG president doesn’t normally go represents the student voice among to the events Villa plans on being other things. She and her staff plan there. events like lectures, camping and “I want to go to events, be more ski trips and concerts. involved,” said Villa.

“We try to put in what we feel Villa’s staff is eager to help her

The Communicator

Colten Cain | Contributed Photo

ASG President Alicia Villa listening to a band play behind the cafeteria last Spring. achieve her goals of having a strong and successful year. The students of ASG speak very highly of her.

“I feel she can really help us get the word out,” said Vice-president, Crystal Aguilar.

“I think Alicia is an extremely nice individual who wants to work as hard as she can to get things done,” said Dylan Mishler, the ASG Secretary.

Alicia admires and respects the ones around her as much as they do her. “I love my staff,” Villa said, “they're willing to make an effort”.

Her objective for when she leaves ASG is that the incoming president will be able to pick the projects up from where Villa left off. She plans to have all projects and any ongoing events in a place so that’s easy for the new president and nothing will be jeopardized.

Villa, along with being the ASG president, is working to obtain her Associates of Arts degree, in order to transfer to a university. As of yet, she’s not sure what university she will be going to. Villa plans to major in either Journalism or Business.

Meeting Days Club Meeting Day Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Senate Meetings Thursdays @1:30 p.m.

How to start volunteering

Meghan Kirk| The Communicator

A old Shih Tzu dog at SpokAnimal waiting to be adopted.

Emily Mitchell Meghan Kirk

The Communicator Finding time to volunteer can be difficult for students, but the time given to others can be a rewarding experience.

Many people volunteer, whether on their own or as part of an obligation, and many volunteers find that they enjoy being active in the community. There are many opportunities for those wanting to do volunteer work to take advantage of in the Spokane area. The website www. spokanes.com/volunteer lists volunteering opportunities from places like Hospice Care and local animal shelters.

SpokAnimal is a local non-profit that is always in need of volunteers to help care for pets who are available for adoption.

“I was compelled to volunteer after bringing my dog to the shelter to get its registration,” said Taylor Olsen, a Lewis and Clark High School student. “ My favorite part is being able to work and bond with the dogs.

When we can help them be calmer, they have less of a chance of being euthanized.”

Key Club, which is an organization sponsored by the Kiwanis, helps high-school students get a jump on volunteer work. Students can continue volunteer work into college through Circle K, which is a branch of Key Club for college level students.

“I started volunteering in high school by joining the Key Club, and continued in college by joining Circle K,” Brynn Hand, a volunteer at Deaconess said. “Key Club is an organization for high-school students who participate in community service projects.”

The Center for Service-Learning here at SFCC has students covered for volunteer opportunities. Students interested in volunteering can find the application form and contact information on the SFCC website.

Once you find a place you want to volunteer, be aware that not all places put students right to work.

Some places, such as Horizon Hospice, require an orientation and background check.

“We have an orientation that takes place over a couple of weeks and the content covers a variety of subjects which is mandated by Medicare,” said Lori Bradeen, the volunteer coordinator for Horizon Hospice. “It includes class time, discussion, instruction, videos, take-home reading, and comprehension checks.

“We also require TB testing, background checks, and driving record checks. Once volunteers are trained they go out with someone else on their first visit, and we have ongoing quarterly training,” Bradeen said.

Volunteering looks good on resumes or if students plan on continuing to a four year college. Students can find out more about volunteer opportunities by contacting SFCC’s Center for Service-Learning.

Meghan Kirk| The Communicator

Talyor Olsen holding a Pomeranian at SpokAnimal.

Meghan Kirk| The Communicator

A tabby cat in it’s litter box waiting to be adopted.

Did You Know?: The first five seat bicycle, the quindem, was built in 1940.

Source: didyouknow.org

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F ocus The Communicator celebrates its 45th birthday

Emery Byrd | Editor

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Emily Mitchell | The Communicator

Journalism advisor, Mark Dore, looking over a students page layout.

Teja Carlen

The Communicator In 1968 The Communicator came out with its very first issue. This year marks The Communicator’s 45th anniversary.

When the paper started it didn’t even have a name, so there was a contest between the students on what the name should be. Since

back then the college wasn’t yet The Falls, but just Spokane Community College, they decided to call it “SCC Communicator”.

“It was cheesy, but then it was the 60’s.” Said the former adviser, Jason Nix, of The Communicator.

Back then the paper looked as if it was written all from a typewriter and put on a long vertical piece of paper. The newspaper also didn’t

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have any pictures put in the paper it started to pull through. In 2005 for years. Nothing like the format the paper was still printed in black that we have now with pictures and and white. Nix then decided to add graphics. some color to it.

But why was The Communicator “We revamped it to look like a created. professional newspaper,” Nix said.

“I think they wanted a sense of In 2007 the website for The Comcommunity. To learn about each municator was created, and over the other, but didn’t have that before the years videos and podcasting have paper, so they thought why not do it been uploaded to the website. For ourselves?”, said Nix two years in a row, 2009 and 2010, The focus of the paper has broadthe paper won the ACP Pacemaker ened over the years. For the first few award, the highest national honor years the paper only wrote about for student journalism. The paper news that was happening in the also won the SPJ mark of excelschool or that involved them. Only lence award which honors the best towards the beginning of the 80’s in collegiate journalism. They also did the paper start reporting news won awards for their achievements and ongoings outside the school. that they did on the website. Even Some of the headlines throughout though the newspaper didn’t have a every decade radio they would “We’ve revamped it have been: record stories in “Pentagon their audio room, (The Communicator) to Papers Defenput them on the look like a professional dant to Speak web, and compete newspaper.”

Here”-1973 against four year “Richard -Jason Nix colleges. And our SFCC Journalism Instructor newspaper, The Gere in Breathless”-1983 Communicator, “West Side Story” Civic Thewon. ater-1993 For the future Mark Doerr, the “Off to War-SFCC students on the current advisor for The Communicaway to Iraq”-2003 tor, plans to continue the work that “Children brought to U.S illeNix has started. gally should be allowed citizen“I’d like to see the students ship”-2013 publish an award winning colThe paper had some ups and lege newspaper and website,” said downs throughout time but in 2006 Doerr.

Communicator Awards and Honors Online Pacemaker 2009 winner 2010 winner 2011 finalist SPJ Mark of Excellence Best 2 year Website in 2009 Best New Podcast for Campus In Brief in 2010 Best Online Feature Reporting won by Sarah Radmer in 2010 Pinnacle Award Finalist for Best Sports Broadcast for Squatch Center in 2013

Keeping up with Fall fashio trends With the cold weather coming to Spokane fashion designers are releasing their Fall clothing line.

Emily Mitchell

The Communicator It’s starting to cool off in Spokane, and the cold-weather fashionistas are emerging from the warmth of Summer and letting their Fall ensembles shine.

While sweaters and boots are an autumn staple in the Inland Northwest, it isn’t time to put your summer clothes away just yet. A big trend this season is mixing different styles, like pairing summer crop-tops with high waisted jeans and a baggy cardigan.

“Putting tights under a pair of shorts is a great way to get some extra use out of them,” said Sarah Davey, SFCC student. “You get to create new exciting outfits that are really wearable because you’re still warm, even though you’re wearing clothes from spring and summer.”

Another Fall trend is leggings paired with an oversized sweater and combat boots, which gives the outfit a “shabby chic” appearance.

“Things I have been seeing sell out the most are our prairie pants,” said Patricia O’Callaghan, owner of Tangerine Boutique in downtown Spokane. “They are leggings that look like jeans, but are made with all organic materials.”

Emily Mitchell | The Communicator

Jean jackets and cathcy t-shirts are in style.

“I’ve seen [high low skirts] everywhere this summer and they aren’t going away anytime soon,” said Sheila Tomlinson, a local seamstress. “They feature a hemline that is higher in the front and cascades to floor-length in the back, giving it a dreamy feel. Pairing it with jean jacket and scarf is great way to transition the outfit for chilly weather.”

While these suggestions are currently the most popular for Fall, no matter what you wear the most important thing is that you feel good about yourself.

“Confidence is key. If you have confidence, than any outfit will look great,” said O’Callaghan.

Did You Know?: That you can submit articles, photos and letters to the editor for The Communicator to publish?

Source: communicatoronline.org

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spokanefalls.edu/communicator

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Bryce Gray | Editor

Ski Swap offers ski, snowboarders new gear Emery Byrd

Contributed Photo

Snowboards on display for customers to swap.

the Ski Swap one of a kind, but also the variety.

The Communicator “We have the widest range of items available,” said Voss. “A pair Your closets are filling up with small jackets and old skis or snow- of skis can range anywhere from boards from last season. Spokane’s $15 to $1000 depending on the condition and name brand. Used annual Ski Swap is a good way to get rid of old gear or pick up inex- and new items are sold here for any member of the family.” pensive gear for the new season.

Ski Swap is also one of the few The Ski Swap, held on October places that you can go to and sell 25 through the 27 at the Spokane your used equipment. All equipFair and Expo Center, is hosted by the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol. The ment must pass the current safety standards, and broken items will Ski Patrol is a non-profit organizanot be accepted. tion and one of the oldest patrols in the country. Everyone on staff is The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol a volunteer. The Ski Swap funds the also hosts a VIP Pre-Swap Party on October 25 from 8-11p.m. Tickets patrol’s medical equipment, first aid supplies, and the required 200 to this are $50 and include preswap shopping, beer, wine and a hours of training.

The very first Ski Swap was out of smaller crowd which gives buyers the back of a pickup truck between a better chance at scoring deals before they’ve three people. been picked With advertis“The Ski Swap has over. ing and the ski definatley increased the

Ski Swap and snowboardcrazed residents tickets sold at Mt.Spokane.” tickets can be in surrounding -Katie Valentine ordered online Ski Swap Cordinator for $12, and areas, the Ski buyers can Swap took off. also get early Now there are entrance along with a $10 voucher over 200 volunteers.

“It’s the perfect kick off to ski sea- to Liftopia and a FREE Thursday son,” said Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Mt.Spokane lift ticket. Or you can pay $5 at the door and stand outDirector, Kevin Voss. side in the line.

Not only does the history make

Contributed Photo

Mt.Hood offers multiple courses for skiers and snowboarders such as rails to practice grinding.

New to The Swap this year is a Learn To Ski Ramp where kids can test out skis or learn to ski for no charge.

“Kids will absolutely love it!” said Ski Swap Coordinator, Katie Vantine. This is a new attraction at the Ski Swap. Season passes to Mt. Spokane will also be available for purchase.

“The Ski Swap has definitely increased the tickets sold at Mt. Spokane,” said Vantine. “Do not miss out on this opportunity to be involved in Spokane’s history as well as a great bargain!”

SPOKANE FALLS BOOKSTORE Do you need something done?

We can do it!

Textbook Rentals Check Cashing Electronic Book Exchange Gift Cards Textbook Buyback Notary Public AMC & Regal Movie Ticket Xeroxing Laser Quest Tickets UPS Shipping Silverwood Tickets (seasonal) Supply Vending Machine in the lobby of the library Faxing

Located in the Student Union Building (SUB) Building 17 533-3566 bookstore.ccs.spokane.edu/spokanefalls

Did You Know?: Snowboarding was originated from skateboarding and surfing. http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/info/snowboarding-facts.asp

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Bryce Gray | Editor

Harvester Is Upon Us Bryce Gray

The Communicator

Bryce Gray | The Communicator

On display and ready for battle is on of many pipe cleaner demons created by Nick Payne.

Fall has arrived which means pumpkin spice is back, its time to get out your scarf, and Harvester has begun.

Harvester is a local Warhammer 40,000 Tournament put on by local hobbyist and Warhammer enthusiast, Bob Kelly - owner of the Gamers Haven hobby shop off Pines.

“Harvester is a National Grand Tournament (GT) it is the first one in Spokane, and participants come from Seattle, OR, MT, ID, CA, and other states, to participate,” Kelly said.

Harvester caters to a large audience, with close to 100 participants every year. But why would someone want to play at the Harvester, and what are the benefits of playing there?

Stefan Shultz, a volunteer at Games Haven, attends Harvester for several reasons.

“Its super fun playing a weekends’ worth of games, and you get to see really cool painted armies and you can even get painting and scratch building tips,” Shultz said.

“You also get to play with some of the best players in our region, which lets you see what people are

playing with and how to counter for almost 100 people, and thats it.” just during the game before hand,” If you don’t have an army and said Kelly. would like to play in Harvester, “You have to get everyone listed or other Warhammer 40k events into your system, and you have to at Gamers Haven, can you still put their entry information and find participate? out how many people are playing, “Well, getting started playing and get their entry fees into the Warhammer 40k is a matter of books. And thats just the paperabout two accounts; the first is work aspect.” money. An average Space Marine Then the day before we have to army can go for $300, whereas clear up the gaming floor and set most other armies you’re looking up the tables and what not,” Kelly at about $400 or $500,” Caleb said. “out of a 6000 square foot Twitchell, a local hobbyist, said. shop the gaming area on tourna“The next question is what is ments like this it take up 4500 feet your play style; of that” do you like to be “You get to play with But Just hyper aggressive because its and more defen- some of the best players a local shop sive, or do you doesn’t mean its in our region which lets like fast armies, a safe or family you see what people or do you want Friendly place to to stand back play. are playing and how to and shoot?”

“We have counter it.”

Harvester is a never had any very large event -Stefan Shultz problems at our Volunteer at Game Haven tournaments no which needs a lot of prep work cheaters no one on many different fields. curses, no fighting and we always “A tremendous amount of work have parents come in and say that goes into preparing for Harvester. we are the only shop they take To enter, gamers have to submit their kids to so I think that testigame data and sportsmanship mony speaks louder than anything I information. They have about 25 can tell you,” said Kelly. minutes to submit that information

Harvester Fest.

When?

Oct. 26-27 Where?

2114 N. Pines St Suites 1 + 2, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Cost? $35 per player Time?

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Source: http://www. thegamershaven.net/ gamers_haven.php

Bryce Gray | The Communicator

Bryce Gray | The Communicator

Joel Wares (left) does battle with Caleb Twichells demons (right) during a tournament.

During Harvester players can bring many types of figurines for battle.

Demons, warriors and robots (as seen in photo) are popular choices.

Did You Know?: Games Workshop was Founded in 1975 but they didnt Start the Game Warhammer 40k (Origionally Rouge Trader) Until 1987.

http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Games_Workshop

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