SMCC Beacon 10/27/2015

Southern Maine Community College Issue 1, #15, October 27 2015 By the Students, for the Students

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Campus News Pied!

Other World Tech Talk

Op & Ed The Broccoli

Arts & Features Seeing Africa

Sports USCAA

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By Ashley Berry Liberal Arts – Political Science Major

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weapon or use of other forms of weapons is prohibited on College property. Exceptions to this policy are: 1. Law enforcement officials in the execution of their duties, 2. Supervised and approved educational programs.

Any

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n light of recent violent events across the country, there are many questions that students have regarding guns, violence, and whether or not we at SMCC are prepared. On October 15th, 2015, LD 652 went into effect in Maine.

This law now allows anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon.

The previously existing permit system, while still in place, is not a requirement.

However, this law does not alter the SMCC weapons policy in any way.

For people who may be unfamiliar with that section of The SMCC Compass, the weapons policy states, “Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all of its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Therefore, SMCC does not permit the possession of weapons, firearms, ammunition, or any other type of explosive device in its buildings, campus grounds, and extension centers. Discharging of firearms or any other type of projectile

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violation of this policy is subject to sanction under the SMCC Student Code of Conduct and/ or applicable state laws”.

Some may think that the new law should supersede the college’s policy. This is not the case.

Tiffanie Bentley, Dean of Student Life, said, “Because the College has a right to set its policies in support of our mission, which sometimes means those policies are more restrictive than the law, that is really not necessary,” in response to questions regarding change of the weapons policy.

There have been at least 153 school shootings in the United States since 2013.

According to everytownresearch.org, that

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From Paramedic Student to African Explorer

By Jeff Toorish SMCC Paramedic Program, Graduate

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averages to about one a week. With this violence constantly circulating throughout society, one can’t help but wonder what would happen should they be in that situation. We raise questions like, What should I do if there is an active shooter event?

And, Does my school have any kind of emergency plan?

Most institutions of learning have some kind of emergency plan in place.

Everyone hopes to avoid these types of violent situations, but the reality is that this violence is prevalent and could happen anywhere. SMCC is no different and has had an emergency plan in place that can be used in any type of emergency event, and was designed according to national standards.

On Friday, the Executive Team and key staff at SMCC participated in a tabletop exercise in which they worked through two scenarios using this plan. According to Tiffanie Bentley, this group will continue to reconvene to make sure they are always prepared. In regards to what an individual should do in an active shooter event, SMCC has provided a resource to demonstrate the correct course of action for individuals.

On the Security page on the SMCC Portal, there is a video entitled Run. Hide. Fight.

This video was produced jointly by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

The video takes place in a typical office building, but the strategies the video details are applicable in any public setting. The video explains the most important actions

ivingstone, Zambia - The trip into the gorge is nearly 700 feet, practically straight down. At the bottom is the mighty Zambezi River.

There is not much of a path, more a series of crumbling rocks and slippery dirt. The nearest town is called Nsongwe, mostly stick huts with thatched roofs. The people who live there can hike down the gorge in about ten minutes, barefoot. It took me nearly two hours, wearing boots. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much.

I was in Zambia to teach emergency wilderness medicine and survival to

an individual can take are run, hide, and fight. If you can possibly get out safely, do that. That is always the best option. If that isn’t an option then the next best option is to hide. The very last option is to fight. If you work together or as an individual, put everything into disarming the shooter. For more detailed information on what to do, all students should take the time to watch the video.

According to Bentley, there will also be a lockdown drill taking place in the near future that will involve the entire SMCC Community. Specific information regarding the drill will be sent out to students soon.

In order to have access to this information, it is incredibly important for students to be enrolled in Emergency Alerts, which can be done via MySMCC.

According to the New York Times, schools across the country have been strengthening security measures since the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre, which remains the most deadly school shooting in modern U.S. history. This includes hightech communications systems that send emergency alerts to students, very much like the system SMCC has in place. It is extremely unpleasant to think about these horrific situations but they are a reality, and it’s important for everyone to be prepared. It seems much easier to ignore the topic because people think, It will never happen to me. That’s the common phrase that goes through everyone’s mind when these violent shootings come to mind. Most unfortunately, that is false; this could happen to anyone and anywhere.

This applies to SMCC as well. All we can do as a community is make sure we are prepared should we all ever find us in such a nightmarish situation.

PHOTO SAFPAR RAFTING

Christian missionaries. But a large part of my job was to photographically document the expedition. Another instructor, a former African hunting guide, spotted a dead hippopotamus that had fallen over Victoria Falls and settled below our classroom at a spot called Rapid 14.

My job was to hike down the gorge to take pictures and video of the Nsongwe residents as they butchered the animal for much needed protein.

My incentive was hippo stew for dinner.

Let me begin with a confession.

Unlike many of my former classmates (Continued on Page 2)

Rafting the Zambezi River, this is Rapid 18 which normally capsizes 95 percent of rafts.

Author in front of raft. (Additional Photos on Page 9)

Campus Exposed TRANSFER FAIR

By Megan Prevost Biotechnology Major

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f you’re like me you might be thinking about transferring after two years or so here at SMCC. Not only is the thought of transferring a daunting task but then there’s what follows: choosing and applying to a school (or ten). Yeah, remember when you applied to schools your senior year of college? Now you get to go through that whole process again!

Searching the internet and sifting through vast amounts of colleges and universities, using their websites to make or break your

decision to even apply there.

College fairs, while extremely helpful, can be a little overwhelming.

College’s pulling you in every which way, grasping for your attention so they can tell you every little detail about their school in attempt to sell you on their finest points.

The booths set up in standard rows.

If you’ve ever been to a fair you could probably imagine it, think science fairs or craft fairs, or even a job fair. Tables lined up end to end with a smiling college representative standing behind it.

Information about the college or university spread across the top.

If you walk around the room looking

lost a representative will stop you, try to figure out your interests and whether or not you’d be a good match for the school or not. They then reel you in closer with their high scholarship numbers and retention rates.

To not only get intel for myself, but also to see how a transfer student chooses their next college, I talked to a second-year student here at SMCC, Autumn Cornellier.

When asked what she looks for in a transfer school, Autumn explained that things like size (a larger school), a high success rate and location of the college are all important to her. She talked to me about how she would miss things about SMCC, especially the fact that the campus is right

on the water.

So, if you plan on transferring schools, make sure you do your research.

Determine what you want in your school and what your school is looking for in an applicant such as yourself. Go to a transfer fair and talk to as many representatives as you can; it’s possible they’ll remember your name when they see your application cross their desk.

And don’t forget that the SMCC transfer fair is an annual thing. If you missed it this year, make sure you check it out next year if you plan on transferring.

It’s a big help, and trust me when you’re applying to schools - you’ll want all the help you can get.

based primarily in central Florida. We hunted Mayan relics mostly in caves.

Our expeditions normally lead to some very remote diving and climbing which has the potential for serious injuries. One day it occurred to me that while we had a paramedic on the team, we didn’t really have a reasonable plan if he became injured or sick. When I asked him about that, he said if that ever happened, he hoped he’d be conscious enough to tell us what to do. That didn’t sound like a very good plan.

The next day I enrolled in an EMT course at SMCC. I loved it, and in short order became a wilderness EMT. Then I enrolled in the SMCC Paramedic Program, eventually becoming an instructor at the suggestion of Eric Wellman and Scott Cook, two of my teachers at SMCC.

After Paramedic School, I applied to SOLO Schools in Conway, NH, for their high-level GeoMedic course. This program designed to equip people with medical training to work in remote areas as a provider of definitive care. In other words, to work in a situation where there is no hospital, no golden hour, and no ambulance coming.

At the invitation of the senior staff, I wound up taking SOLO’s first ever instructor course as well as GeoMedic, spending nearly a month in Conway at a location called Tasker Hill in sub-zero temperatures where I learned everything from suturing wounds, to navigating by compass in harsh conditions to avoiding

being kidnapped by terrorists.

All that is what led me to hiking down an incredibly steep gorge in Zambia to take photos and videos of people cutting the edible meat from a dead hippo.

One question I am often asked is, how does one go about getting involved in this type of international teaching and expeditionary work? In my case, the answer is education, and normally that involves some type of advanced training,

made me more valuable to expeditions that were looking for people to document their work. Gaining medical training and eventually a degree in paramedicine from SMCC had the same effect. Becoming certified as an EMS instructor/coordinator helped as well.

I’ve been to Africa twice this year, once in June and recently returned from the second trip. During the next year I may return to Africa. I have also been asked

From Paramedic to African Explorer

EXECUTIVE STAFF Garrick Hoffman Executive Editor Aiden Bothwell Art Director Samuel Carlson Social Media Manager Craig Stanley Illustration Editor SECTION EDITORS Megan Prevost Campus News Ashley Berry Op & Ed Dierdree Glassford Arts & Features Illaria Dana Other World CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexander Balzano Joe Lambert Paula Limba Dan-Herley Mathieu Emily McFarlin Nicholas Moll Hali Sarah Parsons Elizabeth Taillon Jeff Toorish Christopher Wilkes Sam Underwood

SPECIAL THANKS TO Kenneth Reddinger Photographer Alexander Balzano Videographer Seth Buchanan Graphic Design Chuck Ott Editorial Advisor Rachel Guthrie Publications Advisor

Author teaching in classroom perched 700 feet over the Zambezi River.

possibly in more than one discipline. But all that education begins with something simple; I learned how to scuba dive, then I increased my training to become a cave diver. Because I have a background in photography and video production, that

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TO JOIN THE BEACON STAFF CONTACT CHUCK OTT AT cott@smccme.edu

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Southern Maine Community College Produced by the students, for the students

PHOTO TONY MEIKLEJOHN

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at SMCC and colleagues in emergency medicine, I was never really interested in being a firefighter. In point of fact, I didn’t really contemplate working as a paramedic in the back of an ambulance when I decided to attend paramedic school.

I originally became an EMT because of my involvement in underwater cave exploration with a team of elite divers

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ar m s te Perkinu Lemons and Lemo nad e”

Jewett Auditorium, SMCC, South Portland, 5:30-7:00pm

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to participate in a medical expedition to Nepal and a research trip down the Amazon River. But none of that would have been possible without gaining the necessary knowledge and training. Degrees from schools like SMCC are often the first step, or a place for continuing education.

If I was to give one piece of advice, it would be to never stop learning. Make it your priority to learn something brand new every year because you never know where it will lead; maybe even down a gorge in Zambia to watch a hippo being butchered.

We never did get any hippo stew.

--Jeff Toorish is a graduate of the SMCC Paramedic Program and an adjunct instructor at SMCC. He is a National Fellow in The Explorers Club. You can read more about his exploration and see photos and videos, including a video of white water rafting at his blog, jefftoorish.tumblr.com.

Professors Get Pied for the Captain’s Cupboard

By Garrick Hoffman Liberal Arts Major

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ies were flying from the hands of students and into the faces of staff and faculty – including President Cantor - in an effort to raise funds for

the SMCC student food pantry, The Captain’s Cupboard, on October 16.

Sodexo helped organize the event, and it was quite evident that the pie-ers and pie-ees were rather jubilant to make a mess and get messy for a cause.

Student Interviews: Nour Alsammrai HER JOURNEY FROM IRAQ TO SMCC Paula Limba Nursing Major

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week ago last Friday, Nour Alsammarai and I met in the Captain’s House to videotape the second installment of “5 Minutes Student Interviews.” For those of you who would like to see the interview in it’s entirety, please look for it on the Beacon WordPress and Facebook websites.

Nour Alsammarai who is the second oldest of 6 children, has 3 brothers 2 sisters, is from Iraq. Her family first lived in Basrah then moved to Bagdad, and in 2005 they moved to Kuwait for reasons of safety where they lived for 4 years.

In 2009 Nour and her family made it to the United States. Nour went to Portland High School for 9th through 12th grades.

While “it was difficult to communicate with others students and made friends,” earning her high school diploma, she enrolled at SMCC where she took the Accuplacer test to evaluate her skills in

English. Before getting into her major, Nour had take ESL classes in order to improve her ability to understand and speak the English language.

Her first concentration was Medical Assistant but as “she wasn’t finding herself in that field,” she decided to change concentrations and choose Business Accounting where she feels comfortable.

Once she gets her degree, Nour wants to work for her father who runs a car dealership business and would also like to run her own saloon business.

Nour also sees a family in her future hopefully with 3 children, two boys and 1 girl, living here in Maine.

As education remains important to her, Nour would like to see her siblings and her future kids completing their education at SMCC, “because it’s a good place to start and they will receive all support they need.”

Thank you Nour for taking the time to sit and share with me, and the SMCC community a part of your life’s journey as we are so glad to have you here.

PHOTO: KEN REDDINGER

Professor Eric Wellman, Emergency Medical Services Department, and Shane Long, Director of Resident Life and Student Activities... Pied.

Hydrate Humanity

By Emily McFarlin Business Major

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ere at SMCC, there are three Political Science classes that are taught by Ellen Moy and Julie Mueller. Ellen and Julie have combined our classes in an effort to raise the funds in order to place a water pump in a remote Cameroon village. This water pump will help the lives of 7,500 people currently residing in this village.

Our classes are working on setting up ways to fundraise. We have a bake sale that will be happening in the campus center on November 3rd, 4th, and 6th running from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

In addition to the bake sale, we have set up

a website to further our fundraising efforts.

Our website is similar to a GoFundMe page. At our website you can learn about the village we’re helping and our fundraising goal. You’ll be able to donate any sum of money you’d like. One dollar would go a long way. The website is listed below.

Finally, on November the 19th we have arranged for Colin Woodard, a renowned journalist, to come speak about his efforts to help and stop the water crisis.

You can find our website at https:// www.razoo.com/story/HydrateHumanity?referral_code=share.

If you have any questions regarding our project please contact us at our email: Hydratinghumanity@smcc.me.edu.

SMCC ACE: Observing Our Unfolding Galaxies ASTRONOMY CLUB TAKES TO THE NIGHT SKIES

By Nicholas Moll Liberal Studies - Mathematics

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n the evening of October 14th into the 15th, the Southern Maine Community College Association of

Cosmic Explorers met for the first time to host a space party.

After a period of being dormant, approximately 20 students met in front of Ocean View cafeteria to dust off their telescopes and focus them into the heart of our solar system.

The club meets every Wednesday at

We need volunteers to assist adults with vision loss in recreational activities at our newly established Rehabilitation Center.

Volunteers will lead evening card or board games at the State and Grant Street residencies, and can assist, lead or drive for weekend community outings. Training in visual impairment and mobility is provided before starting. Volunteer commitment can be at almost any level over a three-month term, such as an afternoon in a weekend or an occasional night.

For more information, speak with Dr. A. Jan Berlin, Medical Director of the Low Vision Clinic at Iris Network or Diane Richard: 207.774.6273 | drichard@theiris.org.

3pm, in Hildreth 201 to plan future events, develop research initiatives, and discuss their place in the cosmic scheme of things.

During the first meeting the club observed many celestial objects such as Betelgeuse (the highest star in the Orion constellation, possibly the only star we will

Rumor Has It Megan Prevost Biotechnology Major RUMOR: To prevent extreme budget cuts, the tuition is going to increase hundreds of dollars by the semester, making the overall tuition quite a bit higher each semester.

FACT: The student senate is proposing that we raise tuition by $3-5 dollars per credit hour to reduce the debt over a longer amount of time. Though there are still suggestions going around that that would put a larger credit hour increase into place, neither of these are set in stone.

see, with the naked eye, explode in our lifetime), the Pleiades star cluster, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter and its moons.

SMCC ACE is also planning to visit nearby research institutions like U-Maine Orono and MIT to discuss how professionals conduct research, to gather more information about how their programs operate, and to get some advice about their telescopes. They will also discuss the universe and the beauty of the entirety of it.

The first project they’ll be working on is the construction of a few radio telescopes to make observations of our ionosphere. This will be actual research that will be sent off to aid a coalition of scientists who need as much information as they can get!

So come on down to Hildreth 201 to check them out. Have you ever looked at the night sky in wonder, and wanted to know more? All are welcome! Astronomy and Chill?

For more information about SMCC ACE please contact our advisor Kevin Kimball at kkimbal@smccme.edu, or the club president Evelyn Waugh at evelynlwaugh@smccme.edu.

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Values Echo into Today TRUMP AND HITLER IN 2015

By Elizabeth Taillon Liberal Studies Major

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ith the 2016 United States Presidential Election coming up quickly, the right and left have begun their dirty battle for leadership in one of the most socially unstable times in recent American history. Despite his unusual tactics and shameless racism, Donald Trump, conservative Republican, is gaining attention and support at an alarming rate, appealing in particular to older, white, less educated citizens.

Considering Trump’s experience, a four-times-bankrupt real estate mogul and former reality television star, it’s no wonder that his campaign is gaining attention in our entertainmentobsessed nation despite the doubts toward the actual possibility of Trump’s presidential victory. With civil unrest disrupting livelihood on almost every continent, America’s ignoranceis-bliss-attitude is currently casting a dangerous shadow on the reality of our world with Trump carrying the torch; a similar shadow which was cast upon Germany in a time of economic collapse. It is disturbing to see the many striking similarities between the rise of Donald Trump, Republican

US candidate, and Adolf Hitler, the German dictator who was responsible for one of the largest genocides throughout history.

Adolf Hitler’s compelling speeches gave hope for opportunity to the lower middle class, the unemployed, and young people.

With the majority of the population being so vulnerable and powerless in a post-war state, financially suffering citizens became an easy target to Hitler’s ideals of eugenics, nationalism, and mass-extinction. Of the people who he claimed produced strain on German society and the well-being of its citizens, Jews, Poles, immigrants, disabled people, and homosexuals - among other minority groups - were blamed for contaminating the German race.

Eventually, Hitler was able to gain power through his effective use of scare tactics as he slowly stripped away the rights of non-Aryan citizens as well as those who dared to oppose him. However, it was through gentler tactics that Adolf Hitler was able to initially win the general public and the German government’s support, providing him with the opportunity for power that he used to violently exterminate an estimated 11 million people during WWII. Hitler obviously did not give a detailed description of his evil plans during his election; instead, he

used persuasive speech tactics to appeal to vulnerable and powerless citizens who could be easily controlled.

What’s frightening is that Trump, undoubtedly among the wealthiest in our nation, blames our country’s entire economic lament on immigrants by captivating poor and gullible citizens with reckless blame tactics. There is no compelling evidence that immigrants are destroying our country any more than the leaders are; Trump’s claims are based upon misleading statistics and staunch racism. The 57% of Republican support in favor of Trump, who has confirmed that he keeps a book of Hitler’s speeches next to his bedside, proves that it is unbelievably easy to blame and target a disadvantaged minority group to sell hope in the form of hatred to lower class citizens.

Like Adolf Hitler, Donald Trump captivates his targeted supporters by relieving taxes from those in the lowest tax bracket, which puts money back into the pockets of Americans who make less than $25,000 per year. But in addition to this bribe, Trump has woven his hatred of immigrants deeply into his politics, calling for all immigrants to be sent back to their countries along with children of immigrants, ending birthright citizenship and completely negating the Constitution. Trump threatens to defund

Airborne Illnesses in College Environments Megan Prevost Biotechnology Major

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ll around us there are people with health issues that you could never even notice just by looking at them. People have allergies to all kinds of things: peanuts, fruits and yes, even condoms.

The proper name for it is a latex allergy. One’s allergy can cause a reaction in many different ways. Some people have an ingestion-based allergy or a touch-based allergy, though in most cases (usually nuts and latex) these allergies can be airborne.

Airborne means that something is being carried through the air; in this case, a certain allergen, or more specifically, latex.

This means that if a condom or even just a latex balloon is left open in say, a

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any US “Sanctuary Cities” (like Portland and South Portland) that would continue to provide programs for immigrants seeking refuge from the many areas of the world that are being ravaged by war, echoing the authoritarian tactics of the Nazi regime against those who express opposition.

Though most people would be quick to dismiss the comparison between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, it is important to consider the terrible consequences of government supported racism.

Though post WWI and WWII Germany was indeed a much different place than present-day America, the blaming of a particular minority for all the problems of a nation is again being used to pave the way for power. It is crucial that the world never forgets the consequences of the Holocaust and the irreparable damage that it caused by hate disguised as hope. If America elects Donald Trump as President, racism and hatred would be woven into the laws of our government, irreversibly compromising the lives of millions of immigrants in the name of power, and making our world more vulnerable to the horrors of widespread racism.

hallway, anyone with a latex allergy could have an allergic reaction just by being near an open condom.

If you’re going to open a condom or a peanut butter sandwich, make sure you use it in the comfort of your own home for its originally intended purpose. Whether it being having sex or simply eating a sandwich, make sure you’re not using either associated object around anyone with an airborne illness.

But most importantly, be careful and make sure you know the allergies of the people you care about and the people around you, and if they tell you that they have a certain allergy, be understanding and listen to the rules.

And definitely make sure that you don’t mix the latex and the peanut butter.

Young Voters into Action

By Sam Underwood Sociology Major

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s organizers and political operatives, my colleagues and I have spent countless hours spinning our wheels in the dilemma of how to engage younger voters—people our own age, really. The machinery of governance is distant and inaccessible to many college students and young adults, so it’s not hard to understand why almost

anything is more important than voting when we suddenly realize that Election Day is upon us. This week, though, I’m afforded a rare opportunity to lay it down for my fellow students. I hope some of you will find my writing informative.

If you’re studying at SMCC and plan on being here for the duration of your degree program then you have a stake in how our community is governed, and that community extends beyond the campus.

Any student at SMCC can register to vote

in Maine at any time, up to and including on Election Day at your polling location. If you register using your address at SMCC, your polling location is the Boys & Girls Club at 169 Broadway.

To register, new Maine voters must fill out a voter registration card and present it to their town clerk. The card is pretty straightforward. A common hang-up is the residency requirement, but this really just means that you need proof of a physical address in Maine. To help the clerk verify

A Look at Writers in Maine Illaria Dana Education Major

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he Lewis Gallery in the Portland Public Library is hosting an exhibit called the Maine Literary Portrait Project from October 1st through November 1st. The project is the work of photographer Doug Bruns. He captured fifty Maine writers in their workspaces.

Their photographs are mounted with excerpts from their poems, short stories, novels and memoirs. Bruns told the

Portland Press Herald that, “[The project] started with the motivation of needing something to do, and logically, as a reader, I thought of all the writers I admire who live in Maine.”

The exhibit includes Megan Grumbling, professor at SMCC. Her collection of poetry, Booker’s Point, received the Vassar Miller Prize for poetry and is being published by the University of North Texas Press in 2016. She was one of three readers at the reception for the exhibit on Friday, October 16th.

Tech Talk IMPROVING BATTERY LIFE IN ANDROID PHONES

By Joe Lambert CSEC Ma

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t seems that the common theme of phone developers is to try and sell us the biggest phone with the fastest processor and the newest (and not always useful) features. I don’t know about you, but I would like to see a phone that can go more than one day of use without a recharge. It seems crazy, but shouldn’t we live in a world where we don’t have to plug our phones in every single night? We all know closing apps and dimming the screen are ways to improve battery life, and all batteries are prone to degradation after a number of repeated charges. This article aims to shed light on some of the things going on behind the scenes, and hopefully help you take full control of the content your phone delivers to you, and as a result, to take full control of your battery life.

GET A TASK KILLER Task killers help kill some of the background services and processes that are started by your apps. These processes aren’t necessarily bad, or even battery intensive. They do, however, occasionally time out. This can cause repeated attempts to get back to the developer’s servers, which is a battery drain if left alone all day. Killing these services periodically ensures that they don’t stack on top of each other.

UNINSTALL USELESS OR REDUNDANT APPS Is there a mobile site you can use for the same purpose as some of those apps? Banking/ credit card sites are usually fully functional. Downloading the app just gives them an excuse to gather data on you and use up your precious battery life!

MANUALLY INSTALL UPDATES Has an app ever updated itself and the resulting changes were terrible? A less noticeable bug that can occur with periodic app updates is a massive battery life drain. Only update the apps that you have complete confidence in. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

DISABLE APPS YOU CAN’T UNINSTALL Do you use the Google Play suite (books, games, music, movies & TV) of apps? If not, it’s in your best interest to go into Settings > Apps > All and disable them for good. This should keep Google Play Services down to a minimal impact on battery.

“BATTERY SAVER” APPS? In my personal experience, these apps apply more of a placebo effect than anything.

They have fancy loading bars and animations but don’t seem to do much more than a simple task killer. I don’t personally use them, but your mileage may vary. Many of their methodologies for saving battery life are flawed, such as requiring location services to determine whether you sync your phone more often at home or at work. Just having the location services enabled will drain more life than the app will save you.

In conclusion, battery conservation isn’t that difficult, but in order to keep from always having a charger on hand, some measures might need to be taken.

Until phone developers understand that most people just want a significant improvement in battery life, we’ll have to take some extra measures to be sure we’re getting the most out of our smartphone experience.

Ms. Grumbling spoke about her experience in the project. She said, “I was thrilled when Bruns asked me to take part in the project. I knew immediately where we would shoot: my summer writing work has long been at either Crescent or Willard Beach- I pack up all my drafts into folders and clipboards, plus some binder clips to keep things from blowing too much, and hop on my bike. All day I can interrupt work for a mind-clearing jump into the waves.

“I think it’s a remarkable service to the writing community, a testimony to the richness and character of its many writers, and an opportunity to celebrate our friendships and connections within the writing community.

“Between those gifts [of community] and the natural beauty of where we live - I can walk out of class and jump into the ocean! - there’s no place I’d rather live and write.”

As Bruns stated, this project was not only a way to explore and expose the creativity found in Maine. It was a journey of personal expression that allowed him to get to know himself.

Reading is a form of art - of expression - for readers who are enabled to explore aspects of themselves as they are mirrored through the works before them. Patrons of the exhibit are greeted by the faces of many writers, their words, and encouraged to find their own means of expression. The faces of living people creating in Maine seem to say, “You can do this too.”

your residential status, bring a piece of mail, a lease, or a utilities bill with you when you register. This document will show that the postman recognizes that you live where you say you do, and that’s good enough.

After registering you’re entitled to vote on Election Day or cast an absentee ballot prior to the election if that’s your preference. The good people at Maine.gov have also set up a webpage where you can plug in your address to check your polling location, see a list of your elected officials, and even review the ballot questions you’ll be voting on. Once you’re in the voting booth, you may abstain from any question you don’t understand or can’t decide on.

The important thing is that your voice be heard on the subjects you do feel strongly about.

Every year we have an election, and this year the ballot is refreshingly uncomplicated. South Portland voters will join the rest of the state in deciding with Question 1 whether or not they want to strengthen campaign finance laws and stiffen penalties for those who break them. Questions 2 and 3 are bond issues requesting voter approval of funding for affordable senior housing and construction projects. Additionally, a myriad of citizens are competing for municipal offices, including seats on the City Council, the Board of Education, and the Water District Board of Trustees. They usually have platforms and opinions that you can investigate on their websites and Facebook pages.

A final word on apathy: I often hear people, especially those in my own age bracket, subscribe to a belief that the entire system is broken and a single vote doesn’t count anyway, and in this fashion they justify not going to the polls.

If you’re grappling with such thoughts, consider how President Bush won Florida in the 2000 election by a mere 537 votes, securing his final victory by a very narrow margin. Together we create the world we live in, either through action or inaction. I’m here to tell you that your vote absolutely counts when the chips are down.

I sincerely hope you’ll join me at the polls on November 3rd.

Bowl for Free!

At Easy Day

Join your fellow SMCC students on Tuesday evenings from 6-8, and bowl like the Great Lebowski!

A current and valid SMCC student identification card is required.

THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

5

News from the Broccoli Reporting this semester with honesty, integrity, and broccoli

commentators have surmised that the parents’ chagrin and coddling of their child are the culprits.

PARENTS TRY TO SUE TEACHER FOR FLUNKING CHILD IN CLASS, FAIL

HITLER REQUESTED FORGIVENESS FROM CHRIST; WAS SAVED LAST MINUTE

CUMBERLAND, ME - Parents in a small, mostly white town recently tried to sue their child’s high school English teacher for failing their son after their son continually received an F on all his essays and tests. The judge seeing the case denied the parents a victory, leaving the parents to know what to do next to help their son succeed in school.

“It’s unjust,” the parents said after the court hearing. “Our son did not deserve even a single F, despite not meeting minimum length requirements on any of his essays, leaving most questions on his tests unanswered, and only occasionally showing up to class. The teacher must be brought to justice for this abomination and we’ll continue to fight it, for our son!”

When the teacher was questioned, he said, “95% of my class has an A, if that illustrates anything. I’m not sure where the parents’ indignation stems from.”

The school, teacher, and even internet

PETERSBURG, KY - New evidence has emerged from the International Historical Society of Dictators that Adolf Hitler, before he committed suicide, asked Jesus for forgiveness. According to Christians who speak with God, Hitler now has a comfortable life in Heaven.

“He’s definitely up there,” says Ken Ham, founder and director of Answers in Genesis. “We have no doubt about that in the wake of this new evidence. The Lord is magnanimous; if one asks for it, he will forgive them and allow them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, including anyone who orchestrated the killing of over 6 million Jews.”

Christians around the world celebrated the news by hanging up pictures of Hitler in churches everywhere to honor their newly-discovered convert. They agreed that all secularists and atheists – including philanthropists of this cloth - will still be subjected to eternal suffering in Hell after

they die unless they send an application to Jesus asking for forgiveness.

WOMAN WITH TYPE II DIABETES SAYS OBJECTION TO BEAUTY STANDARDS WAS “WORTH IT” MOBILE, AL - A woman from Alabama who was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes – a condition chiefly self-induced – said the disease she developed was “worth it.”

“I’m still beautiful,” she said with a bit of a defensive tone. “Society wants us to believe that to be skinny is beautiful and to be plus-sized is ugly. This is a disgusting social construction. Big people can be beautiful too, even if that means they’re at risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, gout, sleep apnea, stroke, or diabetes.”

She is now imploring people to donate funds to her Kickstarter campaign to help pay for her triple-bypass surgery scheduled for next year.

I Think We Already Have the Answer Dan-Herley Mathieu Liberal Studies/ Science Major

M

an, I don’t like the world. There are too many bad things going on at once. There is too much violence right now, too much corruption, too much bad news, too many people dying, and too many people without a human heart alive.

As far as I know we have tried to come up with some solutions to those problems. But, unfortunately we have tried all the wrong solutions possible. We fight other countries in order to have what we call “peace in the world.” We kill those who don’t want to follow us to make the world a “better place.” We invented laws to command others. Man, we are going too far with all that shit.

One of us needs to step up and say that those are not the solutions, and show the rest us that we have been doing the wrong thing since day one. One of us has to show to the rest that we are going to lose the world if we continue to act the way we are acting now. One of us has to do something. One of us has to raise his voice to say no to what we are actually doing.

I think we already have the answer, but we choose to ignore it. We know what to do to make the world a better place, but we choose to do differently. We know that love, true love, is the key that can make the world a better place. But, we are afraid

of trying it.

Imagine a world in which everybody loves everybody. It won’t matter where you come from, what color your body is, your race, your ethnicity, what religion you believe in, what your sexual orientation is, what things you value the most. All of those won’t be a problem. What will be considered important is the fact that we are all the same, we are all one. We are all humans and we can love each other as we are.

Imagine a world where everyone can embrace other people’s cultures, beliefs, styles. Imagine a world where we know that we have different taste, but still love each other. Imagine a world in which we will send our children to save lives instead of military forces for human destruction.

Imagine a world where every country is truly happy and celebrate when a new country gets rich instead of stealing its resources. Imagine a world where we will smile to anyone that we pass by. Imagine a world where we can laugh with everyone.

Let’s consider each person as a human being. Let’s consider each other as someone who is equal to us. Let’s have a different mindset about power. Let’s see the world differently. It’s not too late.

We have enough time to start loving and embracing each other just as we are. We might have different points of view on many topics, but we still have respect for each other. The world can still be a better place.

THE POWER OF IDEA CLUB NEEDS YOU!!

Ever had a big idea that you wanted the world to know about? Join us to help plan and produce the first ever TEDxSMCCMaine. TEDx is an independently organized event that creates a TED-like experience for the local community.

TEDxSMCCMaine will bring together students, alum, faculty, community members, and national figures to share ideas that matter to you! Local and self-organized are hallmarks of TEDx so we need your help! For more information, go to our Facebook page: The Power of Idea At SMCC. Next meeting: Tuesday, 9/29, 121pm in the CSEC Group Room.

Contact Katharine Lualdi FMI, klualdi@smccme.edu

6 THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

THE POWER OF IDEA AT SMCC

Let’s Rethink This?

By Ashley Berry Political Science Major

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n Thursday, October 15th, the only form of gun control legislation that was in place in Maine was thrown out the window. The 15th marked the first day of Maine’s “Constitutional” Carry law.

Previously, if someone wanted to carry a concealed weapon they would have to have a permit issued by the police. To obtain the permit, the applicant would have to go through several steps to make sure that they would be able to conduct themselves safely while armed.

Although no test is foolproof, this acted as a filter to oust those unstable enough to carry guns. This test consisted of a background check, fingerprinting, and proof that the applicant passed a gun safety course. There were also six pages of questions that asked about the history of the applicant’s criminal charges, domestic abuse, drug use and mental health disorders.

Now anyone that is over the age of 21 is able to carry a concealed and loaded weapon on themselves anywhere that is not an exempt carry zone. This includes places like the State House, federal courthouses, and nearly all learning institutions. This means that every time you are at the movies, driving down the street, or at the grocery store, you can know that the person next to you enjoying the flick or buying their milk could be “packing heat.”

There is no way that this could possibly turn out well for us Mainers. Gun violence has started to outpace automobile accidents as the number one killer in the United States. These laws aren’t just more lenient - it makes them practically nonexistent. Of all the policies that need to be passed and of all the issues that need to be addressed, this was the wrong one.

Proponents of this gun law say that people who are against it are panicking for nothing. However, there are some very real life examples of people who have been or could have been negatively affected by these lax gun control laws.

On Tuesday, just two days before the new law would go into effect, the Portland Police responded to the Northgate Shopping Plaza in response to a tip that someone was threatening other shoppers with a gun. The police arrested the man who was carrying a loaded .45-caliber handgun. Although they could find no victims, witnesses said he was pointing the gun at a car that drove off. The weapon had also been altered with fluorescent pink paint so as to look more like a toy gun, indicating he wanted to deceive people as to what he was carrying. It seems safe to assume that he did this with malicious intent.

This new law is not sitting well with others besides the Portland Police Department. A ballot initiative was submitted to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office by Judi and Wayne Richardson on behalf of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense and on behalf of their daughter Darien. They would need to collect 61,000 signatures from Maine residents to get on the November 2016 ballot. The question would ask if Maine residents would support expanding the criminal background check requirements. The proposed initiative ensures that the purchases of guns in private and at gun shows would have to be purchased from a registered gun dealer who could perform a background check through the federal system.

The Richardsons are so invested in this cause because back in 2010, their 25-yearold daughter died from a blood clot that was the result of being shot several times when her Portland apartment was broken

Community: The Antidote to Violence Illaria Dana Education Major

P

eople hurt each other. It is what we do. There is a continuum of severity and intent to this pain. From gossip and breakups to the legal or tragic, no one makes it through life unharmed, without encountering loss. This loss can cause people to wonder what if, to believe their pain was preventable, and to, hopefully, accept what has happened to them and broaden their sense of self.

As we mature, accountability becomes important. Our actions, and how these actions affect others, define who we are.

According to the Gun Policy website, the number of legal and illegal guns owned by citizens is 270,000,000 compared to 310,000,000 citizens. There have been 152 school shootings in the United States since 2013. The math averages to about one school shooting per week. There have been 45 school shootings in the U.S. this year alone.

This phenomenon is distinct- school shootings in the United States vastly

outnumber those in other countries. School shootings have become part of our cultural identity. Is this something we are willing to live with? Are we going to ask ourselves why?

The threshold we have crossed is one that reveres violence. Our media sensationalizes mass shootings and their perpetrators. We have defined our grief in vigils for the dead. Through mourning, we are bound together.

But why does it take such loss of life to gain community? Psychologists try to profile shooters with mental illness. It is abnormal to kill others for no reason, however, it is becoming more normal. A common factor shooters have is isolation, not abuse or mental illness. As Maine closes its detox centers and limits funding for school, the shame and burden of isolation and disease increases. At a time when community is most necessary, we need to put our money where our values rest. It is time to heal, not through fads, materialism, and other quick fixes, but through the longevity found in supportive, communal structures.

into by masked men. The gun that she was shot with was then used to kill another Portland man. The shooter in the latter case refused to say where he acquired the gun, and because it was privately transferred, no background check had to be performed. Because of the negligent lack of gun control measures, Darien lost her life and her murderer may never be brought to justice. Once again, because no one seems to grasp this concept, the answer to gun violence is NEVER going to be more guns. So yes, let’s rethink this law, so murders like Darien’s cannot get away.

On the right Political Graphic Illustrated by: Craig Stanley

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program Assist top students graduating from two-year colleges in the U.S. with pursuing a Bachelors Degree at the country’s most prestigious four-year institutions. Approximately 85 scholarships are awarded to students (international students can apply, too!) for up to $40, 000, per year for up to 3 years.

The application is lengthy and the criteria is rigorous, most importantly - the reward great! If you are a high-achieving SMCC student (grade point average of 3.5 or better) you wanrt to apply!

The minimum requirements for eligibility to apply for phase one are:

• Current student at SMCC with sophomore status by December 31, 2015, or a recent graduate since spring 2011.

• Minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average of all collegelevel courses • At least sophomore standing (30 credits) by December 31, 2013 • Plan to enroll full-time in a baccalaureate degree program at accredited four-year institution starting in fall 2016 • Must have un-met financial need * Have not previously enrolled at or attended a four-year institution.

• Have not previously been nominated for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship For more details and a link to the application: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/undergraduatetransfer/?utm_campaign=UT%20Faculty%20Rep&utm_ source=email

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship phase one application is available on the Jack Kent Cooke Website now. The application is now open through December 15, 2015.

Please contact me: Sharon Bannon, SMCC Director of Career & Transfer Services, sbannon@smccme.edu, 741-5626, Room 113 Campus Center for assistence.

THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

7

Damnationland A REVIEW

By Alexander Balzano Communications & New Media Major

D

amnationland is a Portlandborn, independent horror film festival just finishing its fifth year. Opening to a massive audience at the State Theater, the festival has been touring around Maine with premieres in Bridgeton, Presque Isle, Ogunquit, and our own Nickelodeon cinema in Portland.

The festival is invite only and each year selects multiple Maine directors to each direct their own film. Each director

gives us a unique take on horror and provides the audience with a wide variety of films. There were multiple sci-fi films including Neurophreak and Last Flight of the Freya 7, as well quirky, dark romance Misandry, Vampire centric The Poet, and a documentary titled What Are You Scared of Kid? Others included a twisted revenge story called Snip, dark fantasy tale Thwack, a lighthouse set haunting titled We are the Ones, solemn dream-filled DarkEyed and an interstitial piece meant to serve as the framing piece for the festival similar in form to Tales from the Crypt or The Twilight Zone.

The festival started with a very interesting opening act with local singer Renee Coolbrith performing with a talented local harpist, pianist and a fascinating shadow dance behind a thin curtain. The show then commenced with various, extremely well done films. Of my favorites were DarkEyed and What Are You Scared of Kid? DarkEyed was a very quiet film with little dialogue. This gave the viewer a very unique experience as much of the film was left to interpretation. The music of DarkEyed was also some of my favorite and was utilized well along with the incredible visuals to make it a very haunting piece.

What Are You Scared of Kid? was another unique horror piece that was portrayed in a documentary format and was composed of interviews with children.

The film explored the fears of children and how those fears evolve as we enter adulthood. It was a quirky, lighthearted experience among the dark tone portrayed

in most of the other films.

The only criticism I would give is that many of the films ended too quickly for me and did not feel long enough. I mainly feel this because all of the films had so much colorful content and dynamic plots that they could have filmed a longer short film or even a feature length. However it is understandable given the festival’s 20-minute max time limit.

Overall the festival is an extremely enjoyable collection of films by very talented Maine directors. Many of the crews and personnel who had assisted in these productions are also SMCC alums from the Communications and New Media Department, which also includes the festival’s co-producer Charlotte Warren.

Damnationland is still set to premiere showings in the Braden Theater in Presque Isle, the Frontier Cafe in Brunswick and Park St. Union in Lewiston. Complete dates and times can be found on the festival’s website at damnationland.com.

Seeing the Unseen AN

ASTEP PHOTO SERIES WORDS FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Photograph by: Garrick Hoffman

Sometimes what’s considered just “vandalism” (with that ugly connotation) could instead be considered “positive vandalism.”

I often find in Portland and its surrounding communities that there are heartening signs of human activity, and that a lot of the “vandalism” of public property promotes compassion, love, and all that other fluffy stuff. It’s as unpredictable as it is great.

Poetic License

V

By Illaria Dana

FOREVER ENDEAVOR

By Garrick Hoffman

After the first cool day, the sky widens in the arc of a bullet. It can’t be traced. It will not stay.

Before me, the number is the universe Curiosity is the antidote to quench our thirst Was it the orb, or was it a deity that came first?

It’s choices- the stuff of situations that forces us open- exposing self.

Some days my death is quick- laced with maple syrup. It’s sweet going down.

8: marvelous because it goes on forever 0, too, but 0 is the universe’s empty endeavor

Some days my love changes. I no longer resemble myself.

Was there nothing before something?

Was there time before reason or rhyme?

Then the sap returns to the tree it came from. And I keep coming back each morning- like my first- at four pm; punctual, awake, open.

As I stare, the 8 is still standing Until it shakes and seeks its own landing

The maple is ash- alchemy, a mystery or garbage? Are you looking? Are you fragrance?

Love- to return to the womb- to come undone in blooming.

8 THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

Losing its balance, the 8 finally topples And the 8, then, becomes horizontal There it is, the grand design Infinity, at birth, must have signed Signed, so opaque, on the dotted line

PHOTO JEFF TOORISH

PHOTO PHILIP SMETHURST

Jeff Toorish on the banks of the Zambezi, preparing to climb back up the gorge.

Leopard, Chobe National Park, Botswana. Observing leopards is relatively rare because they tend to stay hidden during the day. They often attack baboons at night.

Bull Elephant covered in mud to help ward off the hot African sun.

Chobe National Park, Botswana.

A Giraffe in Chobe National Park, Botswana.

PHOTO JEFF TOORISH

PHOTO JEFF TOORISH

Citypass, Oh the Places You Will go!

By Dierdree Glassford Hospitality/Culinary Arts Major

W

hen deciding on what to do for a special occasion, as a college student with very limited funds, there is always so much that goes into it.

Where do we go? Do we stay local, or is travel an option? What would be enough, what would be too little? Where should we eat? Most of all though, the real question is, Is this affordable?

There are so many questions that it can be extremely overwhelming, and sometimes the better option would be to just stay in, order a pizza, and call it a night. Recently my partner and I celebrated being together for two years. Two years may not seem like a lot, but whoa, to us it was an incredible achievement.

Celebrating that was important, but just because time has grown, doesn’t mean our wallets have. So what to do?

Well, first step is to do your research!

The options are endless and nonexistent, depending on how you search. As a Boston native, I love going back into the city, but do not often find a decent enough excuse. My Portland born and bred partner in crime has never really experienced Boston in all its glory, and who better to show him around than someone who sort of remembers the way to the T subway station? The aquarium was the top of our list, so I researched ticket prices there first, and that is when I hit my jackpot.

The offer for the Citypass was simple: instead of paying separate prices for a handful of awesome venues and sites, pay one price for less than all of them combined! It offered the opportunity to attend the Boston Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, and either the Prudential

Skytower OR the Harvard Museum of Natural History! I could not believe the deal! $50 per person to see it all!

See it all we did! With excited smiles on our face, we started the day off with sting rays and eels, sea turtles and seals.

Once we had exhausted that option it was time for lunch, so we munched at Faneuil Hall, with its ever-growing list of food options, and listened to some live Latin guitar. Then off to the Museum of Science, where we napped on a bed of nails, got friendly with Sullie and Mike from Monsters Inc. at the Pixar exhibit (which we got a discounted admittance to because of the pass), and sparked up some love in the Lighting Theater.

After an entire day of exciting exhibits and way too many selfies, we yet again grew an appetite. As a huge fan of bubble tea and dumplings, we decided to head

over to Chinatown for some authentic cuisine! Then we headed to the Boston Commons, caught part of a ghost tour, and got some kettle corn to bring home.

At this point, our feet were swollen and we were exhausted, but we were still very determined to see our last spot.

Saving the best for last, we high tailed it to the Prudential Tower, where we went up 50 floors and saw the sight of a lifetime. Boston, with all of its twinkling lights, looking like our very own galaxy right here on Earth, was breathtaking. We looked out, as far as the eye could see, and were just in awe. Our day in Boston coming to an end, we could not be more grateful for a day spent with our loved one, exploring new sights, and experiencing the city. Looking for an inexpenxive way to see it all? Grab a Citypass!

PRINTING COSTS MONEY

It’s the middle of the semester and you have all done your fair share of printing and wondering how much you’ve spent. To find out what the balance is for your student printing account, simply follow these steps:

1

Log into My SMCC.

3

Find

Print Charge Information

2

Click the IT Help link at the top on the green banner.

on the left...

4

and click to see the 5 most recent charges and remaining balance.

To see all of the printing charges, click on All Fall Print Jobs.

On the Midcoast campus if you have any questions stop by the ASK Desk.

THE

ON THE

By Christopher Wilkes Communications & New Media Major Take a break from studying and go have some fun!

Check out these listings of upcoming Portland gigs.

Wednesday, October 28th at Empire | Pardon Me Doug (Phish Tribute) | 9:00pm| Cost: $5 | portlandempire. com Thursday, October 29th at Blue | Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs | 9pm | $12adv, $15 dos | portcityblue.com Friday, October 30th at Portland House of Music | Muddy Ruckus with Gunther Brown and GK & The Right of Way | 8pm | Cost: $8 adv, $10 dos | portlandhouseofmusic.com Saturday, October 31st at Port City Music Hall | Purple Brainz 3 (A Halloween Tribute to Prince | 9pm | $8 adv, $10 dos, $8 with costume |portcitymusichall.com

THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

9

The Dark Side of College

By Garrick Hoffman Liberal Arts Major

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Business Club The SMCC

ALL are welcome!

Meetings: Thursdays, 12:30pm to 1:15pm Place: 1st Floor Hague (Business Club Lounge)

epending on whom you are and where you plan to apply to, investing in college is barely considered a rational, calculated decision today. Today four-year universities come with an astronomical and unrealistic price tag, and people will enter majors with virtually zero pragmatic purpose, subsequently graduating into debt slavery.

Historically, usury – the practice of money lending attached with interest – has been not only condemned but illegal, and yet is happening ubiquitously with college loans.

Indeed, this debt problem comes with a host of other problems, such as economic stunting as a result of burdensome, outrageous student loan payments to be paid every month, and it needs to be resolved immediately.

Nonetheless, students should hold themselves accountable and cease their lamenting of student loans, since these same students accept the price tag with hardly any clear understanding of their goals. Many accept what they’re getting into. And they may not ask themselves, why saddle one’s self with colossal student loan debt if one isn’t going to acquire legitimate, useful, pragmatic skills that they could put into action? Is it the ticket in hand at the end of the journey that matters most to people? What substance

does that ticket bear if one cannot acquire a job with it, and if they didn’t effectively learn anything in college?

Observing our peers at school sometimes instills a sense of pessimistic doubt. We ask our own questions: Do you have a sincere interest in your academic pursuits?

Do you perform well in class? Do you put forth your utmost efforts? What’s your GPA like? What’s your goal while in school? In other words, why are you here?

Fortunately community colleges are a preventative measure: one can acquire an education while dodging the dizzying prices of a four-year college. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that many students in any college – community or not - don’t really give a shit about their education.

College is a social experiment for many students who find themselves in the throes of a component of the Americonformula – the conforming to the American formula, which consists of graduating high school; immediately enrolling in and graduating from college; and finding (what’s typically a vapid, subpar) job that just pays for one’s means of living. And a lot of people do this at a university level with university-sized price tags, not properly understanding how this affects their future. Of course, many students face pressure from family and peers – not to mention the workforce, which demands college education - to enter college immediately after high school, oftentimes leading to unnecessary debt and poor academic performance.

It gets even more dismal, too. For many, the end of college tragically means the end of curiosity. Many believe that

when they graduate, their studies end there. All curiosity, all exploration, all questioning, all pursuit of knowledge and wisdom and understanding is effectively terminated. They believe learning outside the classroom is devoid of purpose (“Well, that doesn’t help me find a job”). Reading proclivities are curtailed to nonexistence.

They’re done; they no longer have to toil away for a stamp of a letter on their paper, or for a piece of paper at the end of a journey. All they have to do now is toil away for a company that will pay for their means of living while they pretend they’re living a fulfilled, substantial life.

Ultimately if one invests in college, it is paramount they consider the implications. They must have a clear goal in mind. They must understand the magnitude of the burden that is their student loan debt. They must be in pursuit of a skill, not just general knowledge of things their professors lecture on (things which may not even be correct to begin with; remember that professors, though educated, are not infallible). They must harbor some reverence for education and learning and curiosity. Otherwise, it’s game over.

They also mustn’t subscribe to the “Americonformula” blindingly. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they must continue to study and read to further their understanding of the world, to expand their minds, to open their eyes and achieve disillusionment. Remember that the “A” on a paper or test may be more symbolic of diligence than understanding. It’s up to the individual to understand.

Public Awareness Conflicts HINDERING COMMUNICATION & SAFETY Hali Sarah Parsons Horticulture Major

O

ne of the most important senses to use publicly is our hearing. In Beverly, Massachusetts, a memorable tragedy occurred on October 27, 1999 where Andrew Cesa was crossing the train tracks with headphones on.

He looked down one track and saw a train coming so he kept crossing, but didn’t notice another train was coming in the other direction on the adjacent track. Needless to say, that was his last time in that body.

Similarly, events like being jumped, kidnapped or worse could happen if you can’t hear someone running up behind you. Those types of events we would have to live with - but would they teach us a lesson?

Less tragic are more common possibilities where people speak up

10 THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

(possibly introverts who won’t tap you on the shoulder or wave frantically at you) and they say, “Hey, you might not want to sit there, there’s a puddle,” or “You’ve got something on you.” Even kind remarks such as, “I like your hair today,” go unheard. These types of outreaches could prevent a bad day, or make gloomy ones better. Instead we stay secluded and tuned out.

Contrastingly, some of us can relate to being the person ignored by a headphoneconsumed community member, which could result in us feeling isolated in the same sense.

Listening to music or other audios is definitely a coping method that works for many people in combating stress or working with emotions. However, there is a time and place for that - “safety first.”

When we are in public, a mindful thing to do is “be in the present.” The “present” is a gift and the only time we can enjoy it is by being “in the now.”

Those types of events we would have to live with - but would they teach us a lesson?

The Seawolves Watch: Three to be Inducted into Hall of Fame Congratulations to Darcey Webster, Rachel Del Camp and Steve Patrick

On Saturday November 7th the total number of honorees in the SMCC Athletics Hall of Fame will grow by three when softball and basketball standouts Darcey Webster and Rachel Del, and basketball standout Steve Patrick will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The three honorees span 5-plus years of play here at SMCC as Webster and Del Camp graduated SMCC in 2010 and Steve Patrick graduated in 2010. A banquet honoring the recipients will take place on Saturday, November 7th at 6:30 in the Campus Center. Tickets are free.

Contact the SMCC Athletics Department at 207-741-5947, or Athletic Director Matt Richards at mrichards@smccme.

edu.

Highlights from Darcey Websters career include: 2009 and 2010 YSCC Softball All-Conference Selection and back to back Player of the Year award winner. She was also a 2010 USCAA All-American selection. Webster amassed a .515 batting average (4th all-time), 118 hits (1st all-time), 111 Runs (1st all time), 54 Stolen Bases (3rd all time), and 54 RBI’s (3rd all-time). The career statistics line, which is quite impressive, ranks her in the top five all-time at the college. Her basketball accomplishments include: 2009 YSCC All Conference Selection; 3rd alltime at the college for career assists; and 7th all-time for career steals. Webster, a Windham native, remains in Maine, as she is a program coordinator for the City of South Portland Recreation program and Assistant Softball coach for Bates College.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Rachel Del Camp 2010

New Brunswick-St. Johns.

On Sunday, the third of three overtimes games played by Seawolve teams over the weekend took place on the basketball court, when last minute heroics by the UNB-St. John’s squad fought back from an eight point deficit with five minutes to play, tying the game with one second remaining.

For the majority of the game the men’s squad kept a comfortable distance between them and St. Johns, as SMCC held leads of 9, 11 and 12 periodically throughout the second half.

With a minute to go in overtime SMCC held a three-point lead that they couldn’t hold as St John’s eventually took the lead with 5 seconds remaining and building a three point lead by outscoring the Wolves 6-0 over the last minute.

On the baseball diamond the Seawolves traveled to Dean College for a double header on October 12th, falling in both games 4-12 and 5-6. The baseball team finished the fall season with a 6-71 overall record while posting a 5-3 conference record. The Wolves dropped their last 4 games of the season, which nearly mirrored how they opened the season when they went 0-3-1.

In 2009 and 2010, Del Camp was a in rebounds, and 22nd in points. During selected YSCC Basketball All-Conference his two years the Seawolves played in and a 2010 YSCC Basketball Player of the two conference championships while also Year. Rachel ranks 2nd in career rebounds being selected to the USCAA National and 3rd for career scoring at SMCC. She Tournament. Patrick, a Dixfield native, also was a 2009 YSCC Softball Allgraduated with a Liberal Studies degree Conference Selection. Del Camp is and is now a project manager for Office currently ranked 1st all-time for RBIs and Pavilion in Houston, TX. tied for 1st all-time for Home Runs. Del

Athletic Director Matt Richards Camp, a South summed up the Portland Native, is three inductees currently studying by saying, “All for her ACSM three inductees personal training were instrumental certification and to their team’s also has applied to success when school to become they played a registered here and were dietitian. certainly leaders Patrick within their was a Yankee respective sports.

Small College Their career Conference accolades speak (YSCC) first team for themselves All-Conference and induction into Darcy Webster, 2010. selection in the Athletics Hall 2005, as well as of Fame is very USCAA All-American. During his two fitting for them as they exemplify what we seasons of play, Patrick ranks 6th all-time hope our current student athletes will strive in assists, 5th all-time in steals, 15th all-time to become.”

Steve Patrick, 2005

The Seawolves’ spring season starts on April 10th when they host University Maine Presque Isle in a double header.

On the links, The Seawolves golf team traveled to Portsmouth, NH to play in the YSCC Championship, which was hosted

by Great Bay Community College.

The Seawolves placed second as a team, finishing behind Paul Smith College who shot a 348. SMCC team score came in at 363. SMCC’s Greyson Waterman shot a 77 which secured him the top place on the leader board. Ville Wuorenjuuri finished the day with a 90, and teammates Brian Gallagher and Nicholas Conley rounded out the scoring with a 97 and 98 respectively.

Lastly, of all the rule changes the NCCAA made to the women’s basketball game, the best one was reserved for bands and amplified music. Music could only be played during time outs and intermission, and now music can be played during any dead ball situation. Did you hear that SMCC band?

The Beacon sends its congratulations to golf coach Dennis Leaver for being named YSCC Coach of the Year.

THE SMCC BEACON | October 27th | 2015

11

Lady Seawolves Win YSCC Championship – Basketball Tips Off

While this photo was taken during a previous match between SMCC and U-Maine Machias, there remains plenty to celebrate for SMCC. The Lady Seawolves beat the Clippers in the YSCC Championship game Sunday in the penalty kick phase of the match, sending SMCC to the USCAA Nationals for the first time.

INVITED TO NATIONALS IN NORTH CAROLINA

By The Beacon Sports Staff

to be quite exciting for the SMCC squads also. The Lady Wolves advanced to the YSCC finals with a 2-0 win over the Lynx of NHTI. Kym Hendrix’s goal at the 62 he last two weeks have seen the minute mark put the Lady Wolves on Seawolves active on all fields of the scoreboard first and was followed by play as the baseball, softball and Sunday’s star Hannah Fields. No extra men’s soccer teams have rounded out their periods or penalty kicks were needed as seasons, while the basketball teams opened NHTI never turned the goose egg over on their 2014-2015 season by participating in the scoreboard. the 21st Annual CanAm tournament hosted The Men Wolves suffered the worse

by Central Maine Community College. kind of defeat as they battled NHTI to a

The big story over from this past 1-1 tie after regulation and two extra time weekend is the Lady Seawolves soccer periods. After an initial shoot-out, with team winning the YSCC post-season the team that scores the most goals out of tournament over conference rival 5 shoots advancing, SMCC and the Lynx University of Maine-Machias in penalty were tied at 3 goals apiece. Goals for the kicks after playing to a 2-2 tie in regulation Seawolves came from Steve Rwendeye, and extra periods.

Sean Jackson and Brandon Ford.

SMCC got on the scoreboard first

The Lynx eventually won in a sudden when Hannah death shoot-out Fields scored as the NHTI Alicia Hoyt prepares to go to the basket on a free kick scored on against UNB-St.John’s on Sunday. from 27 yards their first kick Alicia lead the out at the 28 and SMCC Seawolves minute mark. 27 missed on their with 14 points. minutes later and equalizing approximately attempt.

7 minutes into The men the second half, Wolves finished Hannah padded the season 7-5-2 the SMCC lead as Sean Jackson, when she ruffled Douglas the back of Cloutier the net to give and Hughes SMCC a 2-nil Bakunda were lead. named all The Lady conference and Clippers were far Coach Brian from conceding Dougher was the match as named YSCC they scored 11 East Coach of minutes later and the year. then buried the equalizer in the back of the Cegep Champlain St. Lawrence’s net seconds before the 79 minute mark. women’s basketball team, the University

The remainder of the match went of New Brunswick Saint John’s women scoreless and continued this trend for 2 and men’s basketball teams, and the men’s extra periods, which forced a penalty kick squad from St. Thomas University were situation. They Lady Seawolves found the the three Canadian schools that traveled back of the net three times in the shootout south of the border to take to the court as Hannah Fields, Katy Owen and Marina against the Seawolve and Mustang squads West found the back of the net for the in the CanAm tournament at CMCC on Lady Wolves. The win at NHTI sends Saturday and Sunday.

SMCC to the USCAA Nationals, hosted by The Lady Seawolves opened up Warren Wilson College in North Carolina. the two-day tournament at 2pm on

Saturday on the soccer pitch proved Saturday taking to the court against

T

Cegep Champlain St. Lawrence. The Lady Seawolves picked up where they left off 9 months ago with a high-pressure defense and a high-octane offense in route to a 67-47 win. In Sunday’s action the Lady Wolves continued their high-paced offensive winning against the UNB-Saint John’s, 62-44.

What wasn’t evident in Saturday or Sunday’s win were the rule changes to the women’s game that were made this past summer by the NCAA Rules Oversight Panel. The panel approved changes to the format of the women’s games shifting from two twenty-minutes- halves to four ten-minute quarters. The rationale behind the move was made by the NCAA’s Women’s Basketball Rules Committee believing that the fourteen-minute quarters would enhance the flow of the game.

After ten minutes of play, the Lady Seawolves held a two-point lead 18-16 as six Lady Wolves contributed in the scoring effort. The second quarter saw the Lady Wolves out score the Lions 20-8, building a 38-24 halftime.

Other changes that affect the women’s game include: shooting two-free throws (known as the bonus free throws) on the fifth team foul in each quarter. Previously a team would reach the one-and-one free throw (if you made the first you were awarded got a second free throw) on the seventh team foul and then shoot the double bonus (two shots) on the tenth team foul.

Team fouls will also reset to zero at the beginning of each quarter with the exception that at the end of the fourth quarter the team fouls will remain if there are overtime quarters played.

Asked how much these changes would affect the Lady Seawolves style of play, Julia Howe, Lady Seawolves head coach, stated, “As we are a running team it will slow us down a bit with our transition game.”

In Sunday’s action the Lady Wolves jumped out to a six-point lead after ten minutes of play with balanced scoring from 6 players. Alicia Hoyt and Amira Jones lead the scoring with 6 and 5 points respectively.

The second quarter proved to be much more competitive as St. John’s defense clamped down on the Seawolves as their

offense hung with SMCC, scoring 11 points to the Seawolves’ 12. Nevertheless, the Wolves went into the break with a 34 to 27 lead.

The third quarter proved to be all Amira Jones as she lead the SMCC attack, draining 7 points, matching St. John’s output, and helping the Lady Wolves to build a 14-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

After two games in two days, the Lady Seawolves started the 2014-15 season with a 2-0 record.

As the women’s game went through some changes the men’s game remains the same. The men’s game Saturday started out rough as both teams took a while to get into the flow of their offensives. After 10 minutes of play, the men Wolves held a one-point lead of 12-11 when Jordan DeRosby sank a three point shot. Jordan would end up the game-leading scorer, draining 18 points, going 5-13 from the field, and hitting two out of three pointers and hitting both of his free throws.

After 40 minutes of play on Saturday the men Wolves walked off the court with a 23-point win over St. Thomas University and would return to Central Maine Community College Sunday to face a tougher Canadian team in University of

SMCC guard John Ambile gets mid-range a jumper off in Sunday’s action. John finished the day with 25 points.