Jan 25, 2018 (49.4) by SFCC Communicator

The

Volume 49 Issue 4 Jan. 25 2018- Feb. 14 2018

ommunicator Spokane Falls Community College

Activities and date ideas for students on a budget Features: PAGE 8 NEWS:

MLK DAY

PHOTO CREDIT: ZACK DA SILVA

OPINION: MEDITATION/STRESS ARTS: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: HUY LE

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Contents

MISSION STATEMENT

As a newsroom we aim to cover stories, events and achievements close to campus which affect students, staff and our community as a whole.

Editor: Aiden Swank sfcc.aiden.swank@gmail.com

NEWS

3 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 4 Magnuson and Lodge 5 Ice Ribbon / 50 Year Preview

ARTS

6 Artist Spotlight : Huy Le 7 Rocky Horror Picture Show 12 Rebecca Cook and Local Film

FEATURES

8 Cheap Activities and Dating on Dollars 9 John Whitmer and the Planetarium

OPINION

10 Meditation and Stress Relief 11 Too Much Technology Riley McKenna | The Communicator

Activities Vice President Dylan Stanley, Senator Rhiannon Cork and Club Liaison Cole Bond prepare food for ASG's bi-weekly Farmer's Market that is free to all students. Correction to 49.3 Jonathan Adamshaspert did not take the photo in the Features article World AIDS Day, the photo was contributed to us by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Find us on Facebook at: TheFallsCommunicator

Visit our website at communicatoronline.org

Staff members may be contacted at: sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

OUR STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chandler Pedersen MANAGING EDITOR Aiden Swank

Chandler Pedersen

Aiden Swank

Andrew Mark Mariano

Zack Da Silva

Madison Pearson

NEWS EDITOR Magdalena Clough FEATURES EDITOR Joseph Pumphrey OPINION EDITOR Cheyanne Ross

Magdalena Clough

Joseph Pumphrey

Cheyanne Ross

Hannah Ortiz

Juan Lopez

ARTS EDITOR Hannah Ortiz PHOTO EDITOR Zack DaSilva WEB EDITOR Andrew Mark Mariano ADVISER Jason Nix

Jasmine D'Amico

Makenna Lillis

Dominique Arce

Riley McKenna

Jason Nix

WANT TO JOIN THE COMMUNICATOR STAFF? Any SFCC student is welcome to join our staff by enrolling in College Newspaper Production I (JOURN 101). No previous experience is required.

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News

Editor: Magdalena Clough sfcc.magdalena.clough@gmail.com

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

A photo essay on MLK day observance, and how our students come together to honor values of equality Zack Da Silva

The Communicator

The crowd was a mosaic of diversity, MLK Jr.’s dream manifested on the streets of Spokane. Signs and banners paid tribute to the celebrated leader with messages of love and acceptance.

Several speakers took to the podium on Monday, January 15th to honor the civil rights leader and speak words of unity, compassion and respect. After the rally, attendees stepped outside to march the streets of downtown Spokane.

Clockwise from the top: Community members stood wall to wall at the Spokane Convention Center in observance of the late Martin Luther King Jr; Reverend Percy “Happy” Watkins announced he will be retiring, but not before recounting MLK Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech with new perspective. late Martin Luther King Jr; A variety of people took the podium at the event, Stephy Nobles-Beans, or “Mama Beans” to Whitworth University (pictured) presents a unique perspective.

Zack Da Silva

| The Communicator

Zack Da Silva www.communicatoronline.org

| The Communicator

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Magnuson and the Lodge, college launchpads

A spotlight on a supportive area of campus Hannah Oritz

The Communicator The Magnuson and the Lodge are both, in a way, more focused on the skills learned while in college and how those skills can be applied in life after college. With the Magnuson, building 27, and the Lodge, building nine, being so disconnected from the main campus here at SFCC, it’s no wonder students have been in the dark about the main functions and benefits both buildings bring to the cam-

Zack Da Silva

| The Communicator

Magnuson Building provides a variety of services to students

News

Editor: Magdalena Clough sfcc.magdalena.clough@gmail.com

pus and community as a whole. programs offered for students. The Magnuson building offers all sorts “It is a smaller, safer, and more comof different classes and testing, depending fortable environment where students who on career paths and goals each student has. Robert Robinson, a facility worker offers some insight as to what the Magnuson building has to offer. “Any form of testing you need to get done, it gets done here,” said Robinson. “If you want to be a carpenter or a teacher, there’s testing availZack Da Silva | The Communicator able here for that.” Inside the Lodge building is a welcoming area wiith a Among other things, there are ESL rireplace, and a warm, rustic feel classes (English Second Language), PTA programs (Physical Therapy Assistance), and GED need a little extra help can get it (General “It is a smaller, safer, and without feeling completely cut off Educational from the campus as a whole,” said more comfortable enviDevelopBocchi. ment) tests ronment where students PACE, People Accessing Caavailable at reers and Education, and SEER who need a little extra the Magnuoffer an opportunity to further a son buildstudent’s education without feelhelp can get it,” ing. like they’re thrown into a class Jessica Draine ing The that’s too fast paced or a classroom courses with little to no instruction. offered at the Magnuson building provide “It feels more like a mini-school than a different and more technical approach to just a classroom for these students,” said career and educational pathways students Draine. can explore. The Lodge building offers students a smaller scale experience at college life while also preparing students for life after college. The main focus of the program SEER: Supported Education & Employment Enhancing Rehabilitation, is to help students build skills for life and future employment, provide students with a smoother transition from college to the workforce, and much more. Zack Da Silva | The Communicator Jessica Draine and Kaylee Bocchi, The Lodge provides support for those overcoming from WSU have volunteered at the Lodge disabilities on many occasions and talk highly of the www.communicatoronline.org

Editor: Magdalena Clough sfcc.magdalena.clough@gmail.com

News

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Spokane ice

New Attraction at Riverpark Square Joseph Pumphrey

The Communicator

Joseph Pumphrey | The Communicator Our city’s month old Ice Ribbon takes center stage in downtown Spokane as a new hangout spot.

The Ice Ribbon at Riverfront Park in Downtown Spokane opened up in early December, and has made records on the recent attendance with approx. 41,000, breaking the Ice Palace attendance of 29,877 in 2016. While all of the record-breaking attendance appears good to the City of Spokane, they have now experienced a first for the city: A death on city-owned ice. On Jan. 19, a skater fell on the ice and hit their head. They succumbed to their injuries on Jan. 21. The city is now reviewing safety precautions to prevent an event like this. To start off, t he Ice Ribbon has since made helmets available for free to any skaters wanting to wear one.

Keep an eye out: 50th anniversary Magdalena Clough The Communicator

As The 50th year of the college is in full swing, the school is celebrating in a variety of ways. Every month holds new events in commemoration of the school’s historic year. Before the full story is printed in the next issue we have a few events coming up on campus, notably the SFCC History Fireside Chat on Feb. 13. The Chat will include a panel of guests, including author Donald Cutler discussing the history of the area, and of Ft. George Wright. Admission is free for CCS students and faculty, and it will be held in the lodge at 5:30 p.m. A full list of events can be found at ccsfoundation.org/sfcc-50th.

Riley McKenna

| The Communicator

The SFCC Food Bank mans a Farmer’s SFCC Food Bank market sponsored by 2nd Harvest, where students can get fresh produce SUB Building 17, room and healthy food at no cost. Cole Bond 139 (pictured) hands out apples while Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. connecting to students at the farmer’s to 4:30 p.m. market. (509) 533-4198

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The Communicator 01.25.2018

Student Spotlight: Huy Le

Pianist on the rise at SFCC Makenna Lillis

The Communicator You can find student Huy Le in the basement of the music building teaching himself the piano in the soundproof practice rooms. “Well, when I was in grade four, my parents told me that I needed to know how to play an instrument, so they sent me to learn the keyboard, until two months ago when I realized we had pianos at SFCC. I got into the practice rooms and just started to play, I inspire myself to learn the piano,” said Huy Le, a 17 year old, self-taught pianist from Saigon, Vietnam who came to Spokane through an International Exchange Student Program. Huy recently started his second quarter at Spokane Falls and is majoring in music. Huy

Arts

Editor: Hannah Ortiz sfcc.hannah.ortiz@gmail.com

Jasmine D’Amico | The Communicator

is a completely self-taught musician who Tran, a Vietnamese exchange student. uses YouTube video tutorials as guidelines for Tran expressed her feelings on Huy’s songs he wants to learn. talent. “Most students who are self-taught tend Although Huy has been playing for two to have a more developed musical ear to months, his friends were introduced to his hear first what they want to play, and then skills about one and a half months into his try to play it back with the skills they have piano studies. acquired on their own,” said “When I listen to him, Rosi Guerrero, piano and “When I listen to him, and I watch him, I can feel theory instructor of 20 years and I watch him, I can the enthusiasm. He had at SFCC. worked for 3 hours per feel the enthusiasm.” day starting last quarter for “I want to learn how to play with singing,” said Le. everyday just playing the - JoyTran “I can’t sing and play at the piano,” said Tran. “Only same time, so I’m learning to playing for two months do that.” and you can play a bunch of songs, well, I He added that his influences for his pasthink that’s a great improvement.” sion for singing came from the artworks of Students like Huy Le are able to play at Bruno Mars and Boyce Avenue. Bruno Mars the Spokane Transit Bus Plaza. This venue had also generated Huy’s admiration for has a piano students can use to perform. dancing. “Students just need to apply at STA and For Huy, playing piano is a getaway from let admin know what times they would like stress. to perform,” said Guerrero. “My students “I can feel free with my fingers,” said Huy. perform there often during the Holiday sea“I’ve learned some emotional songs so I find son. Churches around Spokane also welit relaxing to play at school.” come music in their Sunday and/or weekly Being able to play piano in between class- programs.” es gives Le an outlet to express his affections. Not only is he a talented musician, he is also a loyal friend. “He’s hilarious, I think. Huy is also good to people, he will listen to you,” said Joy

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Editor: Hannah Ortiz sfcc.hannah.ortiz@gmail.com

The Wonders of Rocky Horror

Arts

The Communicator 01.25.2018

The Absolute Pleasure of preforming Jasmine D’Amico The Communicator Released August 14, 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has united people of all different backgrounds and interests. Our local Garland Theater hosts midnight showings of the famed blockbuster multiple times throughout the year. Unlike live theater and traditional movies, Rocky Makenna Lillis | The Communicator Horror features a shadow cast that mimics Alyssa Collins (pictured above) prepares for a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show. the film as it is projected. Spokane’s own shadow cast, Absolute Pleasure, has been active for nearly thirty years. SFCC student, Alyssa Collins, joined For more information: Absolute Pleasure three years ago in 2015. Her first impression as a virgin (one who has not been to The Rocky Horror Picture well as the face of Absolute Pleasure. Show) made its mark on her. “Rocky is is a very politically incorrect enOffice: (509) 327-2509 “It felt like a new way to express myvironment, which is kind of one of the things self,” said Collins. “Everyone could come Showtimes: (509) 327-1050 together, regardless of any defining charac- I love about it,” said Jason. Political incorrectness is another definteristics. We were all united.” Show date: Those who have attended a showing for ing feature of the show. The audience will shout names at Rocky Horror can attest “With Rocky Horror, you really the characters to the liberating enviSaturday, February 10, 2018. would prefer to hear what the as they appear ronment surrounding the show. Newcomers rest of the audience is saying in on screen, and sing along to tend to range from the sound track. age 15-25, but having relation to the film.” Time: Midnight At one point, been active for so long, -Swan Laws everybody Rocky Horror attracts even stands people of all ages. AuCost: $5 and dances the dience participation is also a unique part “Time Warp Twist,” along with the shadow of the show. cast and film. The Garland Theatre is located at “At movies, you want to sit and hear Whether performing or participating from the movie,” said Swan Laws, Shadow Cast the audience, going to a showing is is a Director. “Whereas with Rocky Horror, you 924 West Garland Ave, chance to be your true self with no limitareally would prefer to hear what the rest Spokane, WA 99205 of the audience is saying in relation to the tions or fear of judgement. “There’s so much diversity and so much film.” Jason Laws is the Master of Ceremonies acceptance at The Rocky Horror Picture Show that it’s much easier to connect to peofor shows, and is also married to Swan. ple than it is in daily society,” said Collins. Together, they are the face of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Garland, as www.communicatoronline.org

The Communicator 1.25.2018

Features

Editor: Joseph Pumphrey sfcc.joe.pumphrey@gmail.com

Dating on dollars

Magdalena Clough The Communicator

A student on a budget can find activities to do like going to Lilac City Live.

Zack DaSilva | The Communicator

Cheap activities: having a life at low cost Where a student can go to for fun and amusement when they’re on a budget. Zack DaSilva The Communicator

Thin wallets and empty pockets rejoice, the need to spend hard earned cash in an effort to unwind is no more. Spokane is loaded with free or relatively cheap options for activities. Spokane has seven public library branches. Events can often be found hanging up on bulletin boards in library entrances. Spokane Public Library offers numerous free events from classes to art exhibits. “We always have art on display here,” said Marsha Johnson, a circulation desk employee. “Currently we have two exhibits including our permanent display.” The exhibits are located on the second floor of Spokane Public Library’s Downtown branch in the Northwest Room. According to SPL’s website, the Northwest Room houses five temporary display cases which feature art displays from local artists on a rotating schedule. Spokane’s libraries also participate in a monthly event downtown called First Friday. The event is a collaboration between the local arts and retail scenes, featuring wine tasting, live music and a social environment. According to the Downtown Spokane Partnership’s website, February’s First Friday will feature art from Kaiti Staib on display at the Maryhill Winery. Visit Pottery Place Plus to find custom bow ties cre-

ated by Cassandra Quintero and artwork created by Daniel Kytonen at Spokane Public Library. All events are free to attend. Sporting goods stores are another great resource for local fun and adventure. “First Friday makes for some great urban hiking,” Aimee, an REI sporting goods employee said. “If you’re looking to hit the trails though, check out Slavin Ranch Conservation area.” According to maps found on Spokane County’s official website, Slavin Ranch contains 628 acres with trails for both hiker and equestrian use. Dogs are also allowed, provided they remain on a leash at all times as Slavin Ranch is a protected wildlife habitat. REI also hosts public events such as classes and group hikes. “It’s all free actually, except for things that require a pass by state law,” said Liz, an REI customer service associate. “We even host open climb events on our rock wall a few times a month with gear provided.” A full list of events can be found on REI’s website. Some highlights from the list include a map and compass navigation class, a night run and an avalanche awareness seminar with the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, also known as the MAC, houses its own collection of courses, speeches and events although, there is an entry fee to attend exhibits and most events. “We always offer student discounts with valid ID,” said Jayme Benjamin, lead visitor services associate. www.communicatoronline.org

Breaking the bank can be heartbreaking, here’s how to avoid the shards on date night. There a wide variety of activities that are cheap or free for students, and taking your date somewhere creative can add a bit of class to your day out. The Visit Spokane events calendar has a search tool that displays arts and culture events by location and date. Taking your date to the Monarch Butterflies and More on Feb. 1, and there is no admission to the event. According to the Spokane Arts website, The Chase Gallery is a free art gallery in the basement of Spokane City Hall. The current exhibit, “Connectivity Matters” is up until March 29. If your date is more of a thespian, there are a variety of ways to make attending local theatre affordable. SFCC productions are free for students, and only five dollars with a student ID from any other college. After Dark, a longform Improvised comedy show, is only seven dollars every last saturday of the month at the Blue Door theatre. It’s also handy to keep an eye on ASG events, especially if your date also attends SFCC. According to the Activities Calendar, on Feb. 1 ASG has organized a free event at Laserquest. Pick up one of the calendars from stands around campus for a list of upcoming events.

Editor: Joseph Pumphrey sfcc.joe.pumphrey@gmail.com

Features

John Whitmer has been an instructor at SFCC since 1998

The Communicator 1.25.2018

Zack DaSilva

| The Communicator

John Whitmer: instructor, leader, astronomer SFCC’s Astronomy instructor who spearhead the movement to build a planetarium in the science building Dominique Arce

“I suggested [the planetarium] and The Communicator that got the ball rolling. Luckily, all the other science faculty were enthusiastic The current science building reabout it,” said Whitmer. “We went to a placed the old building, which was lot of school board meetings and probuilt in 1968 and was turning to ruins moting it – it was a community affair. due to the lack of air conditioning and A lot of people jumped in and helped outdated labs. but I got the idea off the ground and While the building was constructed made it a reality.” in 2011, the silver dome on top of the Jim Brady, Dean of the Computing planetarium was finished just a year Math and Science at the later. The planetariFalls, also helped paved um is home to many “We thought that the way to get the planscience classes and is the planetarium was etarium within the new a noticeable feature valuable because it was science building. when driving past the “We thought that the a way to connect with planetarium Spokane Falls camwas valuable pus. community and public because it was a way to John Whitmer, connect with community Astronomy instructor school.” and public school,” said here at Spokane Falls Jim Brady Brady. “In a same way, Community College, it’s like connecting the recalls that the new arts through drama, plays and music building was in shambles. He taught performance. We wanted something in Astronomy on campus for the past to allow science to connect with the fifteen years. science building as well.” www.communicatoronline.org

Aside from just teaching astronomy classes within the round room, the planetarium is also the host of other events as well. “Michelle [Moore] and I provide shows six days a week for the local K-12 groups in the schools,” said Whitmer. “Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Once every five or six weeks – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – we do shows to the public. Anyone can buy a ticket and come.” Both Whitmer and Brady are grateful for the work that the former ASG have done to lend a hand for the planetarium. “I’m eternally grateful for the students which is why we give them free shows,” said Whitmer. Student support is key to Brady when talking about the planetarium. “For me to be able to say ‘The campus students wanted it too!’,” said Brady. “That’s a tremendous asset for me.”

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Opinion

Editor: Cheyanne Ross sfcc.cheyanne.ross@gmail.com

Riley McKenna | The Communicator Dexter Amend teaching the relaxation of the mind and body.

Meditation and Stress

take even five minutes and let the heat of the moment pass (because everything is impermanent), it gives us a chance to consider things and let another perspective How to Cope with and Alleviate come in.” your Stress. This applies well to minor things that bring us unhappiness. However, more Jasmine D’Amico impactful stressors may demand more than five minutes of meditation to be silence. The Communicator Some benefits will show immediately, From minor inconveniences to incidents while others develop over time. Long term benefits include decrease in stress and that scar, we all experience stress as a anxiety, relaxation, less judgement of othresult. Over time, stress builds up. As students, ers, and a broader perspective. Student and buddhist, William Myers, this does take a toll on our education. relieves stress and prepares himself for the Cutting out a fraction of our day to medday. itate can relieve this stress and improve “I wake up early in the morning,” said our attitudes about the circumstances we Myers. “Relaxing face. Mary Webster, former “Learning what can my mind and body, teacher of a sitting group at help them for the rest of focusing my third Spokane Buddhist (used in many Temple, has shared her their lives, like lifestyle eye religions as the key insights on how to reduce to seeing and feelchoices and changes.” stress. ing spiritual revela“Take a pause before Sheri Staudinger tions).” taking action. Take five At SFCC, one minutes to breathe and sit,” said Webster. way to seek out stress relief is to sign up “When we’re under stress, it’s hard to get perspective on our issues. But if we can www.communicatoronline.org

for a yoga class or attend Wellness club meetings, both led by yoga instructor Sheri Staudinger. “The goal is to help students have the best experience possible while going to school but also learning what can help them for the rest of their lives, like lifestyle choices and changes,” said Staudinger. Webster uses a meditation approach known as Recollective Awareness and has provided instructions for those new to the practice: • Find a quiet place • Decide how long you want to sit. Set an alarm, or sit as long as you’d like • Realize that when we sit in meditation, we agree not to speak or move • Whenever we do something new or unusual for us, it is helpful to have support. If looking for support for meditation, teachers and classes are available at Dharmaseed.org

Editor: Cheyanne Ross sfcc.cheyanne.ross@gmail.com

Too Much Tech

Opinion

The Communicator 01.25.2018

They want to know what makes you tick. Cheyanne Ross

The Communicator Too often Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram consumes the lives of millions of people. Stop and think for a minute, how does Zack Da Silva | The Communicator Malvika and Chen (pictured above) look at there phones, a common area where social media can be found. facebook know about the likes, comments and shares? When someone has a discussion with another person, the phone is continuously listening to every brand, every show, very song. The technologies danger to users. Still in others, the thrill of we use want to know what makes us tick. instant satisfaction outcompetes the need Although many people are aware of for privacy and security. their user data being collected and used Nevertheless, easy is the key word. It’s for marketing, they may not realize that easy to release banking information to buy they’ve explicitly agreed to having this things online, easy to fill out a job applidone. Nearly every business has a sign-up cation including a social security number. with hidden agreements that slip under the Easy to post a picture with your location on radar, but have tech companies taken it so people can see where too far? you’ve been/where you “We can nearly carry On one hand this Snapchat for instance everything about ourselves are. may be useful, but recently came out with a more often than not, in our pockets.” map to show you where it feels like an invaCheyanne Ross your friends are at any sion of privacy. Most given moment. people’s phones, Knowing young people, laptops and tablets pretty much hold entire some may not think about that unknown lives including; bank accounts, appointperson they added a year ago just because. ments, photos, tax information, car inforYet that person had been watching your mation and everything under the sun. We stories, and now he/she has a map straight carry nearly everything about ourselves in to you. Scary isn’t it? our pocket protected by a simple 4-digit It can’t be stressed enough to be safe out passcode. there. Know who you add on social media. Technology has taken over the world, Don’t just add the person for more followthat’s for certain. Not only has it complete- ers or because they’re cute. Turn off all ly changed everything we do, it’s even location sharing settings, and be cautious replaced people in the workplace. of what is being sent to any device. Watch People use to be excited for an email, what is being posted, and for the love of all now they are excited for a letter. Sendthat is good, keep the addresses of school, ing letters to grandparents has decreased and work and home off of all profiles. We immensely. are living in a fast paced time. Make sure Collin Masteller | The Communicator People don’t print photos, and they you’re security habits keep up. surely don’t use a phonebook. In some ways, the ease of use poses a www.communicatoronline.org

Arts

The Communicator 01.25.2018

Film in Spokane

Editor: Hannah Ortiz sfcc.hannah.ortiz@gmail.com

The development of film in the local setting Dominique Arce The Communicator Looking at the smaller picture, local film is a scene within the Spokane community. Rebecca Cook, assistant accountant on the T.V. show, Z Nation, is involved in the film community in town and is familiar with the scene. When she’s not working in the office, on set, or spending her off-season hours recording an audiobook, she spends her time on film projects. Contacted with an interesting project, Cook could take it on herself or let a fresh face take care of it to let them gain some exposure and experience. “College students reach out to me,” said Cook. “I give them pointers, sit down and have coffee, or give them a push in the right direction.”

To help get the community involved with local film events, one event - The 50 Hour Slam - was created to expose upcoming filmmakers in the Spokane area. Organized by Juan Mas and four other colleagues eight years ago, the Slam is a film competition and festival where teams come together to create a six-minute short film within fifty hours. Not only do they get to learn how to create a short film within a limited amount of time, but they learn about the business side of production: handling permits, filling consent forms, and filming people. “It’s a fun little crash course they get in fifty hours,” said Mas.

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Riley McKenna

| The Communicator

Spokane filmmakers are paving their way in the city. “There’s such small town mentality, a kindness and a sense of community here,” said Cook. Although the local scene hidden to everyday people, those in touch with the community know of one another and help one another out. “I don’t think the Spokane community ever ends in surprising me in the warm heart that they have and the very sort of quiet talent that they have,” Mas.