SMCC Beacon November 21, 2017

THE

I S S U E DAT E 11•21•17

BEACON

VOLUME 14 NO. 6

BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS

History of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

By Cassie Marceau

gallery brackets, beams, floor, landing platforms, ladders and ladder railings, needed to be assembled and inspected. A chisel was used to number We see it every day, but not many people the plates according to a system created by the know the history of our own lighthouse, Spring Board. Some of these numbers are still visible on Point Ledge Light. Here is a little history about the cylinder. Afterward it needed to be reassemthe creation of our lighthouse here at SMCC. bled on site and put into position at the end of By the late 1800s, Portland Harbor was busy the ledge, where it would be filled with cement. with schooners and steamships transporting Construction started August of 1896, with coal, food and fish to and from the city. There divers putting together the cast-iron caisson was also traffic between Portland and other East plates underwater. The work went smoothly unCoast cities, with a growing number of traveltil a storm on Sept. 6 deformed many of the 1 ers to the nearby islands, which were becoming 1⁄8-inch iron plates already in place. The damage more popular as vacation places. was around $5,000. Another setback was that By the time construction of Spring Point the time lost getting new iron plates from the Ledge Lighthouse had been approved, sevrolling mill in Pennsylvania, which took almost en steamship companies were carrying over a month, made people think if it would be done 500,000 passengers past the rock ledge. At the

by December. After the wait for supplies, the same time, active military was also at Fort Preble in South Portland, Fort Scammel on House Photo by Troy Hudson work continued in October.

Shortly after construction continued, Dwyer Island and Fort Gorges on Hog Island Ledge. became part of a dispute with the Lighthouse Several big shipwrecks on the ledge finally made Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Board and the 1st Lighthouse District Engineer the steamship companies begin a campaign for a lighthouse to mark the ledge. The United States Light- house Board was into cast-iron construction, and probably over the cement used. While there is no indication that the house Board was finally persuaded in April 1891 to estab- chose a New York City contractor because of his experience. cement used was actually flawed, Dwyer was not allowed lish a fifth-order light at Spring Point Ledge. But it was not Experience allowed him to submit the lowest bid, beating to use materials that had not been tested and shown to be within specifications. He had filled the caisson with cement until March 1895 that an amount of $45,000 was approved out any local firms which might have competed.

Before construction of the tower could begin, Dwyer without first submitting it for quality-control testing. Dwby the Board to begin construction.

Thomas Dwyer of New York City received the contract was required to put together the three lower parts of the yer was penalized $300 for doing it. from the Lighthouse Board to build a cast-iron caisson cylinder in the shop for inspection. Then, they were taklighthouse of standard design. During this time, the Light- en down, and the remaining part of the shell, along with (Cont. on Page 2)

Buisness Club Hosts O.R.E.O. Obstacle Run

Photos Courtesy of SMCC Buisness Club Participants in the SMCC Business Club’s first-annual O.R.E.O. obstacle race running for a good cause on Willard Beach last Sunday, Nov. 12. The event brought in $750 that will be donated to help victims of hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. The full story can be read on Page 3.

Campus News

Campus News

The Silhouette Project

O.R.E.O. Fun Run Benefits Hurricane Victims

The Stories Behind the Numbers

By Daniele Amandolini It was not more than a few weeks ago when President Trump allegedly told a veteran’s widow that her late husband “knew what he signed up for.”

The idea that death in battle is to be expected was soon debunked — only one out of every 5000 soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan or Iraq since 9/11 — but that doesn’t mean that the pain will vanish once back home.

Like many, Linda Strout Lajoie wasn’t aware of the extent of that pain.

Not until her 22-year-old son, Dustin, an Afghanistan veteran, took his life in December 2014.

PTSD is a whole new battlefield for a veteran, one that no training will prepare him or her for because it’s so personal. Most will conceal the pain, hide the signs, and go through this alone… until it’s too much.

Every day, approximately 20 veterans

commit suicide. It’s an astonishing number, but one that doesn’t tell the whole story. For this reason, Ms. Lajoie developed the Silhouette Project, consisting of a collection of life-size silhouettes with pictures and memories of Maine veterans who lost their lives to PTSD. I was able to visit the exhibition, on display in the SMCC Library in the Campus Center during Veterans Day week, and read through the book containing photos and biographies of the fallen veterans. Although many of them took their lives in their early 20s, soon upon returning from service and unable to outlive the horrors of war, I was surprised to see some who lived into their 40s or even 60s: It shows that it doesn’t get any easier. And that time won’t simply heal the wounds.

It was hard to go through their stories, and some of the details really stuck with me. Even in their waning moments, they kept thinking about others, whether it’s

By Taylor Markee

Photo by Daniele Amandolini The Silhouette Project on display in the Student Center. making sure their organs would be donated or sharing a few written words with their families to make sure they knew they’d done everything for them. This kind of generosity and altruism is what should be remembered, and something that a cold statistic will never convey.

This is why this exhibition was so powerful and moving. As it leaves SMCC to continue touring around Maine, its legacy can live on in raising awareness on the struggle that veterans face every day of their

lives. Ms. Lajoie set up a Facebook page so you can learn about the resources available and contribute with a donation to the more than 400 organizations devoted to helping veterans with PTSD. Visit Amy Lainoff, coordinator of student success and VA certifying official, in the SMCC advising office to learn more about our school’s support to veterans.

Check out the Silhouette Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themainesilhouetteproject/

raise awareness of Veteran suicide risk has been up in the Learning Commons for students to view.

Within the next few weeks there will be a firefighting food drive. There will not be a Student Senate meeting the day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, Nov. 22) so students can spend more time with their families.

Student Senate met on November 15th, 2017 in Jewett Auditorium. The Seawolves leadership club is reinstated through CeSIL. Their goal is to assemble a team of six students to compete in a collegiate leadership competition. They were granted their funding request of $1,995 to pay for the team entry fee.

On Wednesday, November 29th and Thursday, November 30th, tables are going to be set up from 12pm to 1pm for the I March For campaign. The I March For campaign is where students can go over to the table, write down something they march for, and then have their photo taken with it to be shared with the larger campaign. That same Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. there was an open dialog about the I March For campaign.

A “Movies for Mental Health” workshop is being put together for the spring 2018 semester. It will be held at SMCC and the Student Senate granted $1,400 to be used towards it.

Student Senate Update

By Kate Bennett SMCC’s Student Senate met for its weekly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

During this meeting, the Business Club was granted their funding request to pay for up to 50 students to participate in their obstacle-course race on Sunday, Nov. 12. The Activities Committee showed the movie “Baby Driver” on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in

Jewett Auditorium and reminded students of this during the Student Senate meeting.

Within the next few weeks, the Activities Committee will be hosting another Candy Bingo night and a hot-cocoa morning.

A trivia night was hosted on Monday, Nov. 13 by Sodexo. Sodexo gave away Flex Cash during the trivia night.

There was a Veterans Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 16. A silhouette display to

THE

BEACON Executive Staff

Production Manager

Managing Editor

Art Director

Digital Media Manager

Graphic Designers

Midcoast Section Editor

Troy Hudson Ben Riggleman Paul Moosmann Daniele Amandolini Daniele Amandolini Taylor Freeman Joanne Smith Dan Elliott

Contributing Writers

Daniele Amandolini, Kate Bennett, William Chabot, Katie Champlin, Dan Elliott, Alivia Hallett, Troy Hudson, Noor Ibrahim, Destinee Linscott, Cassie Marceau, Taylor Markee, Ryan Marshall, Lloyd Metcalf, Ben Riggleman, Joanne Smith, Sudeep Stauble, Justin Taylor Illustrations Troy Hudson Contributing Photographers Daniele Amandolini, Noor Ibrahim, Destinee Linscott, Cassie Marceau Advisors Chuck Ott & Rachel Guthrie

2 The Beacon • November 21, 2017

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (Cont. from Page 1)

Even after all of this, construction of the lighthouse continued. By now, Dwyer’s contract had been extended to April 1, 1897, because of delays. On April 8, 1897, the Board accepted the lighthouse. The first keeper, William A. Lane, with 1st Assistant Keeper Harry Phillips, lit the lamp at Spring Point Ledge lighthouse for the first time on May 24, 1897. At first, it was painted red, but by October 1897, the Corps of Engineers recommended the color of the lighthouse be changed to its current blackand-white scheme, probably so the light would stand out from the nearby shoreline.

In early 1898, at the height of the Spanish-American War, Portland Harbor was mined and both Spring Point Ledge Light and Portland Head Light went dark for approximately three months. Both resumed operation on the evening of July 26. One of the oddest incidents occurred on Aug. 20, 1908, when the schooner Electric Flash ran into the lighthouse in broad daylight, destroying one of the station’s lifeboats. On May 1, 1934, an underwater electrical cable was routed from the shore at Fort Preble to the lighthouse. A second underwater cable was laid between Spring Point light and

the nearby Portland Breakwater Light in Cushing’s Cove, and existed for many years; Portland Breakwater Light was monitored by the keepers at Spring Point light.

Damage by ice during the winter caused the circle of rocks around Spring Point in the 1930s with large granite blocks for protection. In 1951 the Corps of Engineers completed construction of a 50,000-ton granite breakwater at the Spring Point Ledge that connected the lighthouse with the shore at Fort Preble. Flatbed trailers were backed out onto the breakwater and the blocks were positioned by crane. The breakwater consists of 50,000 tons of granite and is 900 feet long.

The lighthouse was fully automated in the early 1960s, and the Coast Guard keepers were removed. Under the Maine Lights Program, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light and fog signal as an active aid to navigation. Today, Spring Point Ledge Light is automated, and marks the entrance into Portland Harbor. One of its lights is a 1-second flash every 6 seconds, visible for 1 mile. The automatic fog signal makes a 1-second blast every 10 seconds.

If you want to know more about the lighthouse, there is a museum with a display in Bug Light Park.

On Sunday, Nov. 12, 55 participants in the first annual O.R.E.O. fun run (an acronym for “Obstacle Race for Each Other”) enjoyed stunning views and plenty of sunshine while running/walking throughout SMCC’s seaside campus for this fundraising event.

The cost to participate was $10 for students, alumni, veterans and kids under 13, $20 for adults, and $25 for families — with all proceeds benefitting the victims of hurri-

canes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

The event began with a mile-long obstacle course for kids at 10 a.m. The obstacles started with the limbo, followed by hopscotch, and then a short run to “get down” at the “Dance-Dance” station. Participants continued their run down stairs to scenic Willard Beach for a sack hop across the sand, and then up a hill for the final obstacle: an egg-and-spoon walk. The 2-mile adult race kicked off at 11 a.m., and required two trips around the obstacle course. SMCC’s Pres-

ident, Dr. Ron Cantor, participated in the festivities. Additional honorable mention goes out to a couple of kids who participated in both the kid and adult fun run! Along with the satisfaction of completing the fun run while helping others, there was plenty of water, apples, bananas and Oreos (of course) to revitalize the runners.

O.R.E.O. was planned, supported and run by the SMCC Business Club, with the SMCC Student Senate funding student participation. Additionally, the event was

What Is ACE?

By Makala Thibodeau We are not your ordinary science club.

Along with studying the vast universe that surrounds us and toying around with the idea of making thermite, SMCC’s Association of Cosmic Explorers (ACE) occasionally travels out of state to join in scientific and social events, visit observatories, camp on islands, and explore the pale blue dot we call home.

We’ve accomplished many exciting activities in the past, such as traveling to Boston on numerous occasions, engaging with one another in the halls of museums and sites such as the Boston Museum of Science, MIT’s museum, and Skywalk at the Prudential Center. We made a point to stand firmly with science by joining our allies around the globe during the April 20, 2017, March for Science.

Boston isn’t our only ideal destination to travel. We’ve traveled north to the University of Maine-Orono’s Emera Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium, and we keep a constant eye out for star

sponsored by Poland Spring, Sodexo Foods, Yarmouth Community Services and SMCC. The Business Club raised $750, which will go towards disaster-relief organizations.

Members of the Business Club are hoping for an even larger turnout for next year and seeking other worthy causes to support. Besides, who doesn’t love eating Oreos after a nice run?

The club sends a big thank-you to everyone involved.

VETERAN BAKE SALE STUDENT

parties up north. We also host our own Star Parties right here at SMCC! Our biggest trip yet has been our summer trip to Wyoming! An ACE crew pooled together and managed to swing a cross-coun-

crew camped their way across the country for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For photos regarding this journey, follow ACE on Instagram at southern.maine.ace.

Our future events consist of Star Parties, and a trip to New York next semester! If you’re wondering what Star Parties are, they are events typically hosted in the Hildreth building. They consist of pizza (of course!), Sci-Fi movies, and the visible universe to be admired through our telescopes and binoculars. Star Parties are the perfect opportunity to check us out and have a fantastic time!

Our usual meeting time is on Tuesdays in room 211 in the Hildreth building at 6 p.m.! Any cancellations will be announced on our Facebook page, @ACE (SMCC’s Association of Cosmic Explorers). We’d love to see you there!

Monday, December 4th

Campus Center 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Photo by Makala Thibodeau

try road trip to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to witness the total solar eclipse. With a rented seven-passenger mothership, the ACE

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Attend free/discounted jjjjjjj workshops by joining the

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Visit mainefilm.org to learn more and join!

November 21, 2017 • The Beacon 3

‘You Are My Teammate, Not My Cheerleader’

By William Chabot I’m no writer, but I have some thoughts to vent that could stand to benefit others.

I’m struggling with my first love, and I am having trouble finding the adequate vocabulary to convey the abstractness of it. In many discussions I was told she was my “cheerleader” and that is why I loved her. The person I loved viewed this as “co-dependent” and saw it as a largely negative trait. I took conflict with that, and this was my unvoiced rant in rebuttal.

“You are my teammate, not my cheerleader.”

In my search for love I am confronted with a big vaguely defined term: co-dependence. The term carries heavy negative connotations. Being co-dependent implies that one is unable to sustain oneself without the help of another. This puts one at risk, for in the absence of the other party one is doomed to fail. The responsibility of the success of both parties, therefore, falls onto the party who is depended on. This tips the scale of the relationship heavily to one side, weighing it down with the accountability for future success, akin to putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Under the right circumstances these relationships can thrive — with one clear-cut set of interests: Whatever benefits the party who is depended on, the energy of the relationship can be focused on furthering those interests at the expense of both parties rather than just one. The dependent party then benefits indirectly, being provided with an enhanced situation to depend on. This gives the party being depended upon a high worth to the dependent party. The danger is in the realization of the party who is depended upon that the dependee is not unique, and that the encouragement and support provided comes at an equal cost from any alternative party. Thus, the dependent party loses all worth, and lacks the security of commitment.

It is clear that the most successful relationships are balanced, where both parties are equally independent of each other. In this new relationship there does not have to be no co-dependence, only a balanced amount. If the eggs are equally divided into both parties’ baskets, then both parties hold equal responsibility for the relationship’s success. In this situation the energy of the relationship is focused on furthering each party’s own best interests, rather than the other’s. Each party stands to benefit equally from the advance of another, and is dependent on the success of the other party. Thus, each party has equal worth to one another.

I argue now that there is a third, even more successful relationship where both parties are entirely independent. Untied to anyone else’s best interests, each party is free to further their own best interest without reservation or fear of failure. You may ask, how can a relationship form without a necessity for another party? Only if both parties share the same best interests can this form of relationship be successful. Working as a team, playing one’s strengths and filling in for another’s weakness, both parties stand to benefit immensely from another.

While it is possible to achieve independently, a much higher state of achievement can be obtained as a team.

Each player knows that the other is just as valuable. When one teammate falls, although they can pick themselves up, another teammate can quickly get them back on the field. In contrast, a cheerleader, while encouraging and supportive, without a team would have no purpose.

Each teammate offers a different perspective, a different set of strengths and weaknesses, each benefiting the team as a whole in their own way. It is then clear to me that in the game of life I am not looking for a cheerleader to support me, I am looking for a teammate to play by my side.

Being co-dependent implies that one is unable to sustain oneself without the help of another.

4 The Beacon • November 21, 2017

Dear Editor, I am writing in regards to having recently read the Nov. 7, 2017 Volume 14, No. 5 issue of The Beacon during a class assignment for Huey’s Intro to Mass Communications course. It had been many months since I had sifted through a copy of the paper and I was heartened to find the overall readability of the product has improved. The quality of the writing seems better, from what I gleaned, and the general layout has a certain je ne sais quoi that feels a bit more polished. These small improvements haven’t drastically altered the feel of The Beacon, with many stylistic elements remaining consistent with previous issues, retaining the unified aesthetic and voice of the paper.

Overall, I am impressed with the product and it appears to be much closer to a professional level paper than previous issues I’ve read.

Having said those things, there are a few areas that I think could potentially be further improved upon, mostly regarding layout and editing. The first article on the front page, “Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts New Honorees” seems a bit niche to be the headline story. I feel that placing this article in the sports oriented section of the paper and using an article like the lower front page story, “Massive Wind Storm Uproots Historic Trees” would get more people to pick up the issue and generate more readers.

That first article also has a couple of awkward and confusing hanging paragraphs that could have potentially been eliminated by shifting the photo up or down a bit.

The article about the wind storm has a few pacing issues, as well, in that it is constantly referencing the reader to other articles within the paper, which distracts from itself and makes for a choppy, unfocused reading experience. Additionally, the pages that the article redirect the reader to do not seem to contain the correct articles being referenced. This seems to be a recurring problem in the issue, as it also occurs on the back page sports articles, which both attempt to redirect the reader to the page that they are

My best, Justin Brady

Dear Editor, I found that your paper, once I picked it up had some great elements to it. The logo, darker columns on the sides and the small advertisement-like features made the newspaper stand out. An element’s I would like to suggest, may be beneficial to your growth.

In this edition I read, the headliner felt like it could have been switched with the story below it to entice a larger group of people to pick up the paper and read it. The headliner in this edition was about hall of fame athletes or something… I don’t really remember because it didn’t pull me in as well as the second story on the page about the storm. I think that choosing a story about athletes for your cover page doesn’t include all audiences, thus resulting in a smaller amount of people initially picking up the piece in the first place. I suggest placing the athlete story in the sports section and a putting a more diverse piece, that will interest many audiences, on the cover. In this edition of the newspaper I really enjoyed the column on service and emotional support animals on campus.

Informing students the difference between these types of animals was super helpful. I also enjoyed the section that talked about events happening on and around campus.

Finding out that my favorite coffee shop, Omis, will be opening a second location 5 minutes away from campus, is something I appreciated from this edition. The “What If ” section is also really interesting. Letting different students post their own what if stories is a wonderful concept and sparks creativity for the writers. I hope you found this letter helpful, thank you!

Mia Suarez

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Phuntira Tiparos

on. One article appears to just end abruptly, without continuation at all. Lastly, the featured comic is serviceable as drawn piece, but the content is a bit perplexing, as if there is some context is missing. Perhaps, with its characters referring to spending money and apparently gambling with dice, it was meant to be on the same page as the “Gambling on an Empty Promise” article. Despite this, it does look good on the layout of the page.

I submit these critiques to you with the acknowledgement that endeavoring to publish a newspaper each month, especially while taking college courses, is not a cakewalk.

Overall, I am impressed with the product and it appears to be much closer to a professional level paper than previous issues I’ve read. The compositional aspects feel unified, even down to the advertisements feeling relevant to the pages they appear on.

Other standout features for me were the authentically written Thor: Ragnarok movie review and the eloquent culture pieces interweaved with current events reporting. With just a few tweaks to tighten everything up, I think The Beacon could become elevated to a professional quality product. Keep up the great work going into the new year!

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to worry about when it comes to AI. As stated in the article our biggest threat right now would be the hackers. The article made me think more about the devices I would purchase because it spoke about how the more expensive more updated devices tend to be more secure which is very advantageous. I use my phone for everything from my banking, social media, recipes, and everything else. So I really enjoyed the article it made me think more about my decisions in the future about what I will and won’t be purchasing when it comes to technology.

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By Lloyd Metcalf “I’d like to buy the world a home, and furnish it with love. Grow Apple trees and honey bees and snow-white turtle doves.” https://youtu.be/2msbfN81Gm0 In 1971 the coca-cola company ran an ad that would set the tone for a generation of media advertisements and an attitude that would permeate media culture for years to come. They wanted to buy the world a coke and keep it company, they wanted to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.

What would this mean? What IF we could buy the world a home and furnish It wot hove? Buying the world a coke could be taken to mean “what if we could feed and provide sustenance” instead of “provide the world with our corporate fat American products of excess.”

After all, in 1971, the tone on the street was more about opposition to the Vietnam war, peace and love, than it was about corporate greed and domination (which was real on wall street and the newly discovered color TV world).

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Cameron Fogg

Dear Editor, I enjoyed reading Nicholas Saball’s article “What is the Internet of Things?” I also learned the new term IoT from the small article. The information provided in the article makes you wonder if there are soon to be over 35 million devices connected through the internet all sharing information, at the rate technology increases then there is the issue of AI gaining access to that information.

Hacking and security is a big problem with all those devices even if they don’t have a screen they can still be hacked. AI is a threat some of the biggest tech giants have spoken of because of advancements in technology. The thought that AI could connect to the IoT and gain all of that knowledge is startling. As of now though there is not much of anything

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Dear Editor, Hello, I was given an assignment to write a letter to the editor of the Beacon on what we thought of the latest issue. I thought that the paper organised well and all the articles were written very nicely. I did have one thing about it that I thought was a little misleading. There was an article that was titled something like “Apples New 4K Apple TV” what I thought was a little misleading about it was that the Apple TV was only brought up once in the very first paragraph while the rest of the story piece talked about 4K TVs and what HDR meant. Other than that I felt the paper was pretty good so keep up the good work!

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Lifted from http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/coke-lore-hilltop-story is the following account: Bill Backer, creative director on the Coca-Cola account for the McCann Erickson advertising agency, was flying to London to meet up with Billy Davis, the music director on the Coca-Cola account, to write radio commercials with two successful British songwriters, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, to be recorded by the New Seekers, a popular British singing group.

When he finally arrived in London, Backer told Billy Davis and Roger Cook what he had seen in the airport café. After he expressed his thoughts about buying everybody in the world a Coke, Backer noticed that Davis’s initial reaction was not at all what he’d expected and asked him, “Billy, do you have a problem with this idea?”

Davis slowly revealed his problem. “Well, if I could do something for everybody in the world, it would not be to buy them a Coke.”

Backer responded, “What would you do?”

“I’d buy everyone a home first and share

Is Your Perception Holding You Back?

By Katie Champlin Some days, it can be hard. Hard to see how fortunate we are. Most of us walk through our lives, recognizing our problems and allowing them to consume our minds effortlessly. So much that the consumption of our minds becomes the consumption of our bodies, and we stop doing. Relationships, obstacles, illness, death: the nemesis of positive thinking. But what is positive thinking, anyway? Why would it benefit us in the slightest?

Rewind. The consumption of our minds becomes the consumption of our bodies, and we stop doing. What happens when we stop doing? We become numb. Each action and spoken word becomes a reflection of our subconscious. We eat out of habit, brush our teeth out of habit, repeat conversation about said problem, out of habit.

We are simply doing the things necessary to survive without a reason to perform them.

Life becomes mundane, and when someone asks, “How are you?” your response is probably, “Just another day.”

Really? Just another day? Is that because you suppose that yesterday is a mirror image of your tomorrow, and now is a pit of pig dung? Hold up. Do you have two hands? Right there, your day is off to a good start. Do you have a mode of transportation? A car, the bus, a bike, Uber, your own two feet? Still going strong. Do you have all your senses today? Can you see, can you hear? Do you have a snack in your bag, a meal to look forward to? A cell phone, a computer? Do you have a family to reach out to? Friends for support?

And if your answer to all of this is no, then you have the world. The world around you may seem like a gaping, unforgiving

black hole, only offering a full plate of nothing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Even when you think you have nothing or that you are nothing, this is simply your current perception, and perception is always susceptible to change.

Positive thinking does not always mean love, light and hippy-dippy; however, it does mean changing a degrading thought process into one that encourages progression. A thought process that helps one accept her current stance in life and how her future could unfold — that while one may currently “amount to nothing,” a dream to become something will be realized intent and determination. Positive thinking is being grateful for the things which you do have, and faithful that the things you still need will fall into place according with time.

It is remembering that things are in fact just things, and we are lucky to have awoken once again today. It is considering your standpoint and recognizing there is always someone who has it worse off today. Maybe you have it even have it good enough that you can find time to help another.

At some point, we all wonder why we are here. We all ache to be something better — a hero of our time — but repeating self-degrading thoughts every day for the rest of our lives will not get us to our farfetched idea of our perfect selves. It is action, commitment, perseverance, and a will for positive change that create progression within us. Progression that could be strong enough to change others’ perceptions and encourage them to be their best selves too.

It is time to move on from darkness — to be at peace with its presence, to learn from it, to let it live inside us and simultaneously tell it to piss off and let us perform what is needed to thrive.

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Letters To The Editor

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with them in peace and love,” Davis said.

Backer said, “Okay, that sounds good.

Let’s write that and I’ll show you how Coke fits right into the concept.”

The famous concept and ad campaign was born. What IF we could buy the world a home furnished with peace and love - and sustenance?

Set aside that a giant corporation arranged this hill-side serenade in Italy to sell a product.

What would it mean to the world if every member of the planet had a home, food, hope, love and peace? It’s a utopian ideal, it’s the future set forth by Star Trek’s creator Gene Roddenbery. If people of earth no longer concerned themselves with survival, religion, race or geography, what would the world look like?

Consider for a time if we “bought the world a coke and kept it company”. What would be possible with 7.2 billion minds focused on bringing peace love and prosperity to the human race as a whole? How would this sudden influx of peace and cooperation change our future as a species?

Where would this sudden change lead us?

What would it look like? How would the world change tomorrow?

Unified societal goals are possible, they have happened in the past, can they still happen in today’s world? Can you be part of it?

What if… is an editorial piece written to ask the question “What if…”. The intent is to ask the question, imagine the result, maybe spark the imagination and conversation.

Healing a Hurting World

By Sudeep Stauble I recently went on a retreat with a Christian group called InterVarsity. The topic that weekend was healing a hurting world.

I found myself contemplating the meaning of suffering, and why we suffer. But as much as I would like to tell otherwise, I admit I don’t have all the answers. However, I have experienced circumstances that have enabled me to gain insight.

Recently I received some devastating news that really brought me to my lowest and darkest point in a while. Heavy thoughts have been racing through my mind. I just wanted to matter. Will people be as disappointed in me as I am in myself ?

To provide some context, a few months ago I submitted an application to a program with a service organization called AmeriCorps. I would have gone for 10 months to different regions of the country as assigned, building, clearing landscapes, educating, anything to serve communities or people in need. However, for complex reasons I would rather not go into, I received a phone call from them a few days ago telling me that this would not work out. Needless to say I was utterly broken.

I felt not only anger but disappointment, despair, shock.

Since then, each day is a battle between despair and acceptance. All I can do is cling to hope. But even that sometimes feels daunting. I’ve done a lot of crying, a lot of giving up. Yet there are times I felt at peace.

On one hand, I wanted to matter and make an impact. I wanted to prove to people that in spite of my visual impairment I too could make a difference. I wanted to inspire others with disabilities by proving to them that they can achieve anything. I wanted to take a break from college, after two straight years of school and being stuck in a stalemate in which I have not known what I want to do with my life. I hoped that by going places and achieving things, people would accept me or like me for my accomplishments. But all that is gone as a result of this rejection. I failed. I seem to bring more pain to people than healing. I can only hope that people won’t be disappointed in me. Those are the thoughts.

By contrast, as a Christian, I have learned that when I fall, someone will be there to pick me up. That is the case here. In spite of feeling inadequate or like a failure, there is at least someone who doesn’t care about my accomplishments, someone to whom I don’t have to prove anything. As a result, there have been moments when I feel at peace, moments of acceptance. Someone else has plans for me that are greater than my own. I have no idea what they are, and I wish he’d reveal them to me now.

For me, my faith has influenced the way I choose to see the world. Yes, I acknowledge that there is brokenness and that we suffer. But how we deal with adversity is up to us. We can either give in to despair, as I have been tempted to do and as I havdone in the past. Or we can rise from our desolation and look beyond our flaws and circumstances to a brighter future, even if that future seems hazy.

As an update, about a week after I started this article, I applied for a creative writing program at the University of Maine at Farmington. I was accepted. So, this spring, I will be leaving SMCC to finally pursue my passion. As for AmeriCorps, I was able to compromise with them. As a result, they may be able to push my application to a later session, either this coming summer or fall. So not all hope is lost. That’s the beauty of a positive outlook. I try to see the situation as a glass half full. I try to see the bright side of a seemingly hopeless circumstance. Besides, I’ve seen and experienced way worse.

So many of us have experienced tragedy.

So many of us have suffered, although we don’t want to admit it. But what do we do in the midst of our travails? It occurs to me that we need to be willing to heal ourselves before we can revive those around us. Part of healing is delving into ourselves and acknowledging the pain buried within the depths of our hearts.

I hope that by reading this, you will feel comforted in the midst of whatever is happening in your life. Maybe you’ve experienced tribulation or are still experiencing it. But there is a way out, a way to heal.

November 21, 2017 • The Beacon 5

Arts & Features

Arts & Features

The Maine The Importance of Men’s Fashion: Tips on How to Look Refined Mayhem Connection: Breanna Penney

By Ryan Marshall The purpose of these interviews is to celebrate the efforts and ambitions of those who are about to embark on the grueling yet wholly rewarding cinematic journey that is SMCC’s annual Maine Mayhem Film Festival; and to shed some much-needed light on the school’s budding community of visual artists.

For this interview, I sat down with Breanna Penney, a close friend and collaborator, to discuss her own experiences with Mayhem as she is in the throes of pre-production on her film “42 Atwood Lane”: Ryan Marshall: Who are you and what do you do in the local film industry (or what do you aspire to do)?

Breanna Penney: Hello, my name is Breanna Penney. For the past two years, I’ve jumped at any opportunity I could to forge my way into the Maine film community. I’ve interned at Lone Wolf Media, a local documentary company, and I am currently interning for Bonfire Films. In the beginning of the summer, I directed a music video that premiered in downtown Los Angeles, and I had also key gripped on two Damnationland films.

RM: Have you been involved with Maine Mayhem in the past? If so tell me about your experiences.

BP: Last year I co-produced and assistant directed “The Mustang, The Hand, and The Big Man.” It was technically my first real set I’ve ever been on and I learned so much from the combined efforts of everyone around me.

RM: Tell me a bit about your upcoming Mayhem film (discuss background, logline, any crew you would like to single out).

BP: I’m going to be directing the film “42 Atwood Lane.” It’s a self-discovery story about a teenager who runs away from home after discovering her parents divorce.

She winds up befriending a city taxi driver, in hopes to escape her reality at home.

For crew, I’m going to be working with local filmmakers, including Ant Wheeler (director of photography), Jack Rohner (gaffer), and Ness Hutchinson (assistant director), all three of which have taken the Mayhem class in the past.

RM: After Mayhem, what do you expect will be next?

BP: University of Southern California. My goal, as of now, is to jump right into the shark tank of film once I finish my education at SMCC.

Photo by Noor Ibrahim

By Noor Ibrahim For a couple of years now, I have had great interest in creating, styling, and analyzing menswear. Because fashion is such an important element of society, I have researched the different kinds of style and what they symbolize.

Some styles can symbolize many things.

For instance, bomber jackets are often seen

as sporty, while at the same time, they can be worn with a dress shirt. Such combination can project a youthful yet well-put-together look.

Another example: Combining a black turtleneck shirt with ankle-length khaki pants, and accessorizing it with gold-framed glasses will not only look classic and vintage, can also give off a sense of effortlessness.

My research has led me to look for a connection between how a man chooses to dress and his personality. This connection, however, is quite difficult to analyze. For instance, some businessmen and inventors may present themselves differently than would be expected. People like Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs dress casually rather than in high fashion, despite their social and financial status. They do invest in deceptively simple clothing items that can also be ridiculously expensive.

Should the general public also dress down, because these influencers do? What are the benefits for an ordinary man to put a little more effort into the way he dresses?

‘Loving Vincent’

By Joanne Smith

man, played by Chris O’Dowd, and whose character in real life was very fond of van I recently attended the Portland Muse- Gogh, pleads with his son to find Vincent’s um of Art’s screening of “Loving Vincent.” brother and deliver the letter. This sets the From the “Loving Vincent” website, this is postman’s son, Armand, played by Douglas the “world’s first fully oil painted feature Booth, on an unwanted and ultimately enfilm.” Now, to know me is to know that at- lightening mission.

I do have to confess that van Gogh’s style tending movies at a museum isn’t my usual thing. My tastes are more in line with shows of painting, and those of others in his genre like “Arrested Development” and movies and period, have never been that appeallike “Shaun of the Dead.” But, when you’re ing to me. The short, thick, blobby strokes a Communications & New Media student, always make me think of finger painting, studying motion graphics and Adobe Af- which makes me think of sticky fingers. ter Effects, this is one of those events you’re And I don’t like sticky fingers. Several of the scenes in the film (told as the “present”) more inclined to tune in to.

The film has a surprisingly good cast, emulate this style and actually incorporate including Chris O’Dowd, who you may many of van Gogh’s paintings into the storyline. The animation remember as the cop in makes every brush “Bridesmaids,” and Saostroke vibrate and irse Ronan, who has had an pulse as though each amazing run in movies like scene has a beating “Brooklyn,” “The Grand heart.

Budapest Hotel” and “The And while the Lovely Bones.” Before atconcept of a film tending the film, it hadn’t created entirely in occurred to me that there oil paint is quite would be an actual cast of fascinating, it is the recognizable actors bringing flashback scenes in the story to life. I thought it black and white that would simply be animated completely captivatcharacters with anonymous ed me. If you sketch voiceovers.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia with pencil or charAs a refresher, van Gogh coal and appreciate was a Dutch post-impressionist painter in the 1800s. Whether you’re the amazing spectrum that can be achieved an art aficionado or don’t know a Manet with black, gray and white, you too will find from a Monet, you’ve likely seen his famous these scenes engrossing. So much so that a works, including “Starry Night” with its few times, I actually lost sight of the aniindigo, cobalt and golden swirls hanging mation and thought I was just watching a over a small village. He was also known to black-and-white film.

The film raises some interesting questions be a deeply troubled individual who cut off his ear and attempted suicide by shooting about the actual events surrounding van himself in the stomach. Additionally, of his Gogh’s death, but ultimately seeks to reveal many works of art, only one painting sold in more about his life. For those of you who his lifetime. For someone in pursuit of cre- missed it (PMA shows in November are ative endeavors, I can relate to how that lack sold out), there are still dates in December, of recognition must have stung. Although and more information can be found on the museum’s website, www.portlandmuseum.org.

I’ll probably keep my ears.

The film takes place one year after van Gogh’s death. A letter he has written to his brother remains undelivered. The post-

6 The Beacon • November 21, 2017

Although many may argue that an individual should do whatever he pleases, there are social norms involved. These social norms exist because for centuries (if not millennia), we were programmed to believe that a person’s external appearance reflects what is on the inside.

I personally do not support this idea fully; however, some parts of it are somewhat true.

From my personal experience, when I started to pay closer attention to my external self, I understood my inner beauty better. Or, in simpler words, when individuals put effort in how they present themselves to the world, it is in fact how they see themselves.

So, how much effort should you actually put in? The answer depends on your personality. For example, if you wish to achieve a preppy-casual look, you will only need a polo shirt and a pear of a nicely fitted bottoms. Tuck the shirt in, and voila. Even if you choose to dress extremely casually, you can invest in other elements that will highlight the T-shirt or the ripped jeans you are wearing. An element that you can invest in is perhaps how you style your hair! This feature has been quite trendy in many forms of media.

The reason is it helps to refine and refresh an individual’s appearance.

Men’s fashion can be complex and difficult, but it will never reach womenswear complexity.

The general rule to follow is “less is more”! Not only will fashion help you dress up and allow you to express yourself, it might even inspire and motivate you to do incredible things!

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What the World Needs Now Is Polka

By Troy Hudson

Yet I would argue that we need polka now more than ever. Unlike the often I’m driving down Highland Avenue to- cynical songs that populate the airwaves ward South Portland, my morning coffee (or streaming services) today, polka muquickly losing heat to the still-frigid air in sic is optimistic­— not out of some dopthe cabin. My hands are tapping a familiar ey preoccupation with a utopian future rhythm on the steering wheel in quick 2/4 or an idealized past, but founded instead time, with a strong emphasis on the sec- in a basic faith in humanity as we truly ond beat that intermittently causes me to are now. Polka is folk music with peasant that has come to touch every activate my windshield wipers, to my em- r o o t s stratum of society with barrassment. My foot is tapping, my its universal appeal head is nodding gently and to simply engage my face has broken in a few moments into an easy smile. of frivolity to help I’m listening to ease the sufferpolka, of course! ing of life. Does Many have tried it succeed? Conto identify what it sidering polka has is about polka that been going strong arouses such great, since its introduction unbounded joy in the in the 1830s, it’s difreceptive listener, but ficult to deny that the for all the academic jolly rhythms, major-key discourse on the subject Illustration by Troy Hudson melodies and light-hearted lyrical themes (not to mention countless heated discussions at stimulating cocktail have struck a chord with a diverse audience parties everywhere), polka has remained looking to have fun on the dance floor.

You don’t have to dance to enjoy polan enigma. After all, this traditional Czech (or maybe Polish? It seems everybody ka, of course, although the quick skipping wants a piece of the action when it comes dance is said to be one of the most enjoyto polka) music and dance has lately ac- able steps ever invented. You can listen to quired an unfortunate but unmistakable polka in the car, while studying or anytime stink of lameness. Put on a Frank Yankovic you need a pick-me-up that won’t bring record at your next social gathering if you you down. Polka may seem exotic at first don’t believe me, and watch the faces of listen, but with a few tunes under your belt your companions transition from bemused you’ll be singing along to “Beer Barrel Polgood humor to troubled confusion to ab- ka” in no time: “Roll out the barrel, we’ll ject horror. In our modern age, polka, it have a barrel of fun!” seems, is not for the faint of heart.

Cinema Corner ‘Blade of the Immortal’ Is Samurai Action at Its Finest

By Justin Taylor “Blade of the Immortal” is a Japanese action film based on the manga of the same name. It follows Rin, an orphan seeking revenge on the ruthless samurai clan that killed her family, as she enlists the help of a legendary swordsman cursed with immortality. The 100th film by Takashi Miike (“Dead or Alive 2: Birds,” “13 Assassins”), “Blade of the Immortal” is a delight. It plays heavily into the conventions and cliches of the genre, but those moments are when this outlandish samurai flick is at its finest.

The film centers around a simple revenge plot that has been told countless times.

Even the convention of a girl hiring a mercenary to help her pursue revenge is played up in this flick. It’s how Miike portrays his character and the things he does with them that make this film both memorable and engaging. Beginning with the bloody samurai battle over the killing of his sister, the audience gets to see how swordsman Manji is first cursed with immortality. This way we get to see Manji’s emotional journey as opposed to thinking of him as a blank-faced killer. He is just as much the protagonist as Rin. The path of revenge, the central point of the film, often gives way to Manji’s emotional arc, specifically overcoming his past deeds.

The film is laced with dynamic villains as well as heroes. Some are brooding and powerful, while others are unhinged and chaotic. They are many in number, but each is more memorable than the last.

One of the key highlights of its film is its action sequences. Most of the fights are between two lone opponents and are rather short and confined. They are small-scale, but effective. Some demonstrate Manji’s brutality as a warrior, while others serve as strong character moments for either him or his opponent. One scene in which he battles a swordsman cursed with the same affliction is surprisingly poignant.

However, the truly memorable battles come at the start and finish of the film.

These fights aren’t anything groundbreaking, but do in some way enhance the story. Both are sprawling and intense, pitting Manji against an army of warriors. These fights are lengthy, but are intense enough to keep you engaged.

“Blade of the Immortal” is at its core a typical samurai film, conforming to the general tropes in almost every way, but this is not always against its benefit, as it serves as a fun and devoted send-up of the mythic samurai films that inspired it.

Poetic License

By Rebecca Dow Greetings, fellow students! Although only a small portion of you may read this column, I appreciate your interest nonetheless. I understand that when it comes to poetry, many writers feel embarassed or uncomfortable sharing their work. Poetry, in particular, tends to extend a golden thread of truth to the world. This thread can be frightening and deep-rooted, wrapping intricately around the tender vulnerablilties housed within one’s heart. Objectively speaking, there is no need for hesitation or fear when sharing one’s work.

History is precious, the musings of the soul cannot be helped, and there should never be any shame in allowing beauty, or the lack thereof, to be translated into words for others to read. Below, I have gathered three student-written poems to share — both passionate and personal in their own right. Enjoy!

P.s. If ever you wish to publish your works, email me at Rebeccadow@smccme.edu and I will see about getting them into the school paper!

Arches of Rust ~ Kyle Thayer When the night grows old And the screen grows brighter, I can see in the reflection The empty gaze of a forlorn man, The only light, being cast upon my face A picture of you, from within my case.

And while she told me where she was going When she left me in this room, she didn’t tell me She wasn’t coming back.

Leaving me with little more than memories, And slices of cellular data, To remember your face.

Her casket, a loaded metal vessel, lies to the north Beyond the cemetery arches, rusted Not from the rain, but from my bleeding heart, And what was once rust, has now turned to rot.

Time is not a clock on the wall we command, But, more than anything, would I like to turn the hand back, And kiss you goodbye

SOS ~ Gregory Bailey

Trouble communicating restrictive, repetitive behavior lonely hurt myself aggression is how I talk Learn to reach me, THEN TEACH ME! Mary-Jo O’Connor explains the assignment that led to this poem:

Love Everlasting ~ Ashlyn Rose Windows rolled up Headlights shining bright Back road to our left Wide open field to our right A backseat, a bed, and time to kill Nowhere to be Nothing to see Just you and me The song we slow danced to Rolling throughout your truck My boots by your worn-out shirt Our bodies rocking side to side in perfect rhythm Lips meet Hearts beat Together you and me Connecting more than ever Breaths mingling Limbs tangling Chests heaving

“In my Exceptionalities class, students needed to read a chapter on autism and then develop a “$2.00” summary of the chapter — where they could “spend” 10 cents on a word (with articles not counted) to summarize what they learned.”

Rating: A-

November 21, 2017 • The Beacon 7

Other World

Other World

Losing My Hero on 9/11

By Alivia Hallett On September 11th, 2001, my world shifted upside down. The words “agony” or “pain” do not even come close to what I felt on that day. It was the day I lost my hero: my dad. That day is commonly known as the “9/11 terror attacks,” because there were four coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda, a terrorist group, targeting the United States. Two planes were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists and crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within an hour and 42 minutes, both 110-story towers collapsed to the ground. The attacks caused at least $10 billion in property damage, injured over 6,000 others, and killed 2,996 people. Out of 2,996 people, only one name stands out to me, Lieutenant Jim Hallett, my father.

My dad was a firefighter for about six years; he loved his job with all of his heart.

He would always love to come home and cuddle right next to me in my little princess bed and tell me what he did that day.

Today, I still remember his stories, smile, laugh and the cologne he used to wear. His smile would make someone else smile, like it was contagious, and his laugh was always so loud and obnoxious that everyone else would laugh at him. My dad is my hero. I remember when I was little and I was stuck in my room crying because I couldn’t get the door handle to open, my dad used all

the tools he had and his own body weight to break the door to free me. As soon as he opened the door with his weight, I could see instantly that a massive weight lifted off his shoulders while he hugged me so tightly.

My dad dedicated his life to helping people, so that is what I want to become today. I want to be a nurse to help people and make a difference, just like my dad did.

I can still remember the day perfectly. I woke up that morning and thought that my life was perfect and how happy I was. I was happy about how the sun was so bright it lit up the whole kitchen, how my mom was finally washing my Princess Belle dress, and how my dad was making my favorite breakfast. He made golden-brown buttery toast, crispy hash browns and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

My dad would be sitting at the table drinking his coffee and reading the newspaper while I would eat my breakfast across the table. Before even getting into the comic section of the paper, my dad got a call. He was told by the fire chief to come to the fire station immediately. My dad immediately got everything he needed, and as he was about to walk out the door, I asked him if he was coming back to play princesses and cow-

boys with me. He just looked back, kneeled on the floor and said that he would be back soon. He kissed my mother’s and my forehead before he walked out the door.

Only 20 minutes had passed when my mom called me to watch the TV. I remember hearing my mom yelling at me from downstairs with such distress that I knew it was serious. She was kneeling in front of the TV, and when I came over she held me tightly. I asked what the matter was, and she said something bad happened and everything was going to be okay. Literally seconds after my mom was telling me everything was okay, I saw pain and destruction; I was devastated. A couple of minutes passed by, and my mom received a call from my dad to grab me and to come to the fire station because it was in lockdown.

When the fire station goes into lockdown the fire chief liked to have the families of all the firemen in one area. My mom without hesitation grabbed everything and loaded us in the car.

I was so confused because of what was going on that I couldn’t piece together in my mind on what I was thinking. My dad would always tell me that if we were in lockdown and had to go to the station, I should

All we could do was watch the screen or pray.

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follow every rule and be a big girl. I was scared; I just wanted to see my dad in that moment, and I also knew my mom wanted to see him too. We got to the fire station and we immediately ran inside. I remember walking in and smelling this horrible body-odor smell, like someone just bathed in sewage or something foul. There were approximately 20 families standing together, watching a giant projection screen of what was going on. At the time I was two, and I didn’t really have the best understanding of what was going on. I remember my mom squeezing me and hugging me like it was going to be the last time she would see me.

A few seconds later the fire chief came over and informed the families that everyone’s loved ones were at the scene dealing with the disaster and he was going to join them. I looked around the room and saw everyone’s heart drop when they found out their loved ones were there. All we could do was watch the screen or pray. This is the sad thing about a lockdown: There was nothing we could do to help.

Hours had passed, and still no sign of our loved ones walking back into the fire station . Then we saw a light. The light was so bright it got everyone’s attention, and it lit up the entire room in seconds. Everyone was looking at the door and hoping their husband, father or loved one came back.

Almost everyone made it back. My mom was standing in total shock and distress that my dad hadn’t walked in. The fire chief came up to my mom and handed her my dad’s fire helmet. He then informed her that he hadn’t made it back. My mom knew instantly what happened: that my dad had passed away. While holding the helmet in her hand, my mom dropped to the floor screaming, crying, saying, “Why? Why did he go?” My mom was a total wreck in that moment. It only took me a few seconds to realize that my dad had passed away.

At first, I was in denial about the whole thing, but finally I knew from my mom’s tears that it was true, that my hero was gone forever. I cried that whole night, which felt like eternity. The fire chief told my mom that my dad ran into the building to help rescue people, and when the chief told them to come back down, my dad decided not to.

My dad heard a woman crying and was going to save her. Before he could get to her, the whole building collapsed on him. The only thing they could find of my dad was his helmet and pieces of him scattered all over.

When I think about heroes, I don’t think of Superman or Spider-Man. I think about my dad. My dad, the real superhero, who dedicated his life to help and save people.

In my father’s final minutes on this earth, he decided to not follow orders from his captain and decided to go and save a woman. To this day, my family still mourns the loss of my father’s life, and he will never be forgotten. I will always be grateful for what firefighters do for us every day and cherish the memories I have with my father. Every day I wonder if he is watching over me and watching me make my own decisions. Just like my dad used to say to me, “You’re a light, so shine bright, my darling.”

I will love you forever, Dad.

Temple Grandin and Deep Pressure Stimulation

By Ryan Marshall Temple Grandin has long been recognized as one of the most outstanding advocates for further studies into the true nature of the autism spectrum — and how could she not be? The Boston native, having just reached her 70th year this past August, was diagnosed with autism when she was well into her 40s and has since been consistently active in trying to provide better representation for those on the spectrum.

Among her many modest achievements in the field is the device known as the “Hug Box” (or “Hug Machine,” if you will), the practical application of which is to soothe hypersensitive individuals when overstimulation threatens to take hold.

Before delving into the often formless depths of human psychology, Grandin had accumulated a fair amount of experience working with livestock, and it was here that the first seeds were planted; it’s been said that a device which squeezes cattle in order to calm them after branding was the primary inspiration for Grandin’s own invention.

The Hug Box has long been a staple of

contemporary occupational therapy as we know it, and further research has indicated that usage should by no means be limited to its initial demographic.

Deep-touch pressure is the sensation which the mechanism seeks to comple-

Photo courtesy of Flickr ment, and is distinguishable from “light” pressure in the sense that the latter has the capacity to upset a hypersensitive individual rather than calm them; understanding this very concept can benefit a child’s early physical and mental development whether they suffer from high anxiet y, hyperactivity, or are on the aforementioned spectrum.

An alternative for those who have limited space in their homes is the weighted blanket, a sleep aid which provides many of the

same comforts as Grandin’s notably larger mechanism. The heaviness of the blanket is the key to its success when stimulating various deep pressure points; it allows for total relaxation, which is often required for those who experience overstimulation.

The blankets are said to release serotonin and decrease heart rate as well as blood pressure, and much like the Hug Box, are equally as useful to those who simply experience sleep deprivation on a regular basis.

In this sense they are perhaps even more widely utilized in contemporary living than the machine, but as game-changing innovations, they are equally as valuable.

Grandin has proven to be an inspiring individual and, since her success in the field, has encouraged those like herself to follow their obsessions wherever they may lead them, as this gave way to many unique opportunities in her personal experience. The application of tools such as her Hug Box in the lives of youth on the spectrum is perhaps one of the first steps to establishing healthy coping mechanisms which can be carried into adulthood; in this sense, the mechanism is truly invaluable.

Fryeburg Fair

Captain’s Cupboard The Captain’s Cupboard is a service for anyone with a student ID (with a current semester sticker).

This service provides food at no charge and no questions will be asked.

By Destinee Linscott A family tradition going back generations in families throughout Maine, the Fryeburg Fair is the largest fair in Maine. There’s a little something for everyone. Boasting agricultural barns and exhibits on everything from old tools to homemade honeycomb.

Let’s not forget a child’s favorite part: the rides. There’s those for the daredevil, the Graviton, and those for people with a calmer stomach, like the Ferris wheel. Plus, you can’t beat fair staples like fried dough and candy apples (both of which I had). The Fryeburg Fair is an ever changing, old time favorite. Yes, it’s the same basic fair every year, but there’s always new stalls that show up one after another.

Photos courtesy of Destinee Linscott Top: Display of antique wagons.

Middle: A sow and her piglets in one of the livestock barns.

Bottom: (from right to left) The author, author’s nephew Eliijah and cousin Terri riding the Ferris wheel.

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For more info, check out the club page @thecaptainsclub November 21, 2017 • The Beacon 9

Midcoast Insecurity Issues

By Dan Elliott November is in full swing, and that means only one thing: Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. While to many this means fighting for a seat on the couch during the football game or listening to Uncle Carl reminisce about his road trip to Omaha, others are arguably less fortunate. According to the USDA, 16 percent of families here in the Pine Tree State struggle with food insecu-

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rity, with a staggering one in five children going hungry this holiday season.

One resource families in the Midcoast area have access to is the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, located in the heart of Brunswick. MCHPP has been providing assistance to the local community since 1983, and since then has expanded its operations greatly. In addition to its soup kitchen, which is open every day except Sunday, and its food pantry that offers the needy both perishable foods and personal-care items, the program also includes more unique services. One is the Common Good Garden, run by volunteers who use the cultivated produce as provisions in both the soup kitchen and the food pantry. Another is the Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for children who would otherwise go hungry.

Two weeks ago, the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program held its third annual Harvest Dinner. Dining guests

this year were treating to a cocktail party featuring a cash bar and music from local musician Charles Kemos, with proceeds going to help fund MCHPP and help with the prevention of food insecurity right here in our own backyard.

MCHPP operates on donations and through the work of volunteers. According to its website, 1,165 people volunteered their time and effort in 2015, and with the double loop-the-loop we know as the holiday season reaching full steam, the organization will be looking for individuals to help out with dispensing meals in both the pantry and the soup kitchen, which will see an increase in traffic and the average of 150 meals it serves a day.

For those who aren’t normally motivated by the thrill of altruism alone, volunteer work is an excellent skill-building activity that is great for network-building and looks divine on one’s resume. It’s also the perfect get-out-of-jail-free card for those wanting to avoid contact with family

members that prove intolerable, even those who pay a visit only twice out of the year.

Food insecurity during the holidays should be no surprise at this point.

Dramatized by such classic authors as Charles Dickens, there is no single point in the year that galvanizes the problem of hunger in our community more than Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rather than spending Thursday binge-eating complex carbohydrates this Turkey Day, consider volunteering some of your time at your local food pantry or soup kitchen. You need not commit to a lengthy term of service: Rather, a few hours out of a week can make all the difference to a family in need.

However you decide to spend your time these holidays, may happiness and good fortune find you and your loved ones, and remember that turkey meat is nature’s tranquilizer, and can put you to sleep faster than most over-the-counter sedatives today. Plan your travels accordingly.

Broadway on Maine Street

By Ben Riggleman You can’t walk a block in downtown Brunswick without hitting a restaurant.

Brunswick’s eateries run the gamut from hipster (Frontier) to haute (Henry & Marty), with every shade in between. On the more traditional side, there’s Broadway Delicatessen, an unassuming breakfast/ lunch establishment at 142 Maine Street.

With its home-cooked variations on traditional fare and its eye-catching decor, the Deli, in its current incarnation, has been a favorite of locals for going on 30 years now.

One quiet Monday morning, I decided to pay it a visit before catching the Metro Breez to South Portland.

Service was expert and lively. My waitress rattled off an impressive list of the day’s specials. From what I managed to jot down, these included scrambled eggs with spinach, bacon and cheddar; a “cup of oats” with fresh fruit, orange juice, and a chocolate croissant; and two pumpkin pancakes with Maine maple syrup and sausage links.

I ordered the pancakes, and a coffee ($1.95), for a total of around $11.

The ample flapjacks came dusted with a little confectioner’s sugar. With that plus the pumpkin-infused batter, they were sweet enough that I left the maple syrup untouched (but I’m not complaining).

Texture-wise, they were in the Goldilocks

SMCC Sports

zone: somewhat gooey in the center, from the pumpkin, but not overly so. And while I’m not the most discerning when it comes to my cup of joe, this one was smooth, and lacked nothing. The only disappointment was the sausage; the little processed pork cylinders were of the cafeteria type.

It must be said, though, that these are an exception. The main courses at Broadway are, as a rule, made from scratch, including the pancakes. Many ingredients are locally sourced. Most of the meats come from Topsham’s Bisson Farm; the breads, from Standard Baking Co., out of Portland, or Little Lad’s, out of Corinth, Maine. Eggs and cheeses are also from local farms. The famous turkey sandwiches are made starting with a whole turkey.

I know this on the authority of Broadway Delicatessen’s owner herself, Nancy Cuff-Bigelow. Ms. Cuff-Bigelow graciously fielded my questions and recounted the colorful history of her restaurant — all while effortlessly frying bacon, whipping up sauces and doing other tasks around the kitchen. Obviously a pro, she said she had gotten her cookery chops at a restaurant in Bath before purchasing the Broadway Deli in 1988. Owning such a restaurant, she said, was “something I always wanted to do. It was “either this or a grocery store,” she explained, because she was the mother of five small children at the time: “I was thinking

From the Mind of Dan Elliott

in terms of feeding them, and possibly future job employment.” All five have worked at Broadway; her youngest daughter will someday inherit the restaurant when Ms. Cuff-Bigelow retires, “years down the road.”

Two of her sons are now co-owners of a restaurant in Bar Harbor.

Broadway’s name and logo make you think classic New York-style deli. Under the former owner, an oral surgeon and culinary dilettante from New York, that was its schtick all the way. There are still traces of that lineage here and there, like Yiddish words that have been assimilated into the American lexicon. There are bagels, lox, blintzes and classic reuben sandwiches (the latter a lunchtime best-seller). But the Broadway Deli no longer has a deli counter, and its menu now hews close to standard American diner fare, with various artful twists. It has become, in the words of the owner, “not so much a classic deli as a sitdown family restaurant.”

Indeed, you can’t begin to appreciate the ambiance until you’ve taken a seat. Each of the tables is a work of art by a local artist.

Mine was painted with anthropomorphic zoo animals. Another sported a beautiful tree design. The walls, too, serve as an art gallery, and one of the attractions of the restaurant. They house a semi-permanent exhibit of the clock sculptures of Mark Royall, whimsical contraptions made with bicycle chains, circular-saw blades, golf tees and other artifacts.

I’ll surely be coming back to the Broadway Delicatessen, one of Brunswick’s most unique and charming eateries. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On the Home Court Cont. from Page 12

jumper 36 seconds later, after which Dylan Sylvestri’s one of two and Brown’s two for two from the free-throw line would push the SeaWolves’ lead to eight.

Over the course of the first half, the Skipper’s would hack away at the SeaWolves’ lead, cutting it to three at the sound of the half-time buzzer. The ‘Wolves would hold an 8-point lead (14-6) at the 10-minute mark, as Brown and Cloutier would provide the majority of the scoring with 5 and 4 points respectively.

The SeaWolves would only manage to score 12 points the second 10 minutes of the first half, allowing St. Clair to claw their way back into the contest. Brown and Jacobee Burpee’s three-pointers provided half of the scoring down the stretch.

Twenty-five seconds into the second half, Skipper Sam Pleszak’s layup would cut the SeaWolves’ lead to 1. The ‘Wolves would outscore the Skippers 23 to 17 to build a 7-point lead. Highlights include: three-pointers from Cloutier and Brown, which bookended 4 points from Anderson Kavutse, an old-fashioned 3-point play by second-year guard Timothy Dixon, 8 points generated by Dylan Sylvestri and Gregory Trinidad (4 points each), a statement dunk

by Cloutier that briefly pushed SMCC’s lead to 9, and a Sylvestri layup that pushed the lead back to 9.

The final 10 minutes of the contest saw the Skippers outscore the SeaWolves 2611. SMCC’s lead would last until the 1:15 mark; however, it was missed shots, free throws and turnovers that would aid the Skippers’ rally.

The SeaWolves were led by Junior forward Cloutier, who finished the day with 16 points, including an acrobatic put-back dunk. Dylan Silvestri would record his second double-double of the year, 10 points and 10 rebounds; and first-year forward Willie Brown had a notable performance, with 13 points, 3-6, from three-point range.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Matt Richards stated, “Although a loss, this game showed us valuable lessons that we plan to correct as we move forward in conference play. The Skippers were deep off the bench with a variety of skill sets — kudos to them for playing to the final whistle.”

The SeaWolves return to the Hutchinson Gymnasium on Nov. 30, when they will take to the court against New Hampshire Technical Institute in a Yankee Small College Conference game. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. for the men’s game and 8 p.m. for the women’s.

Red Claws Come Up Short in OT Thriller Still Lead Atlantic Division

By Daniele Amandolini Sporting a completely revamped roster and a new coach, the Maine Red Claws entered this new season with many unknowns.

But after three weeks of action, we know at least one thing: This team is wicked fun.

With Jabari Bird on and off the team to fill up the Celtics’ injury-depleted roster, some unexpected players have stepped up and carried the team. This trend started on November 3rd, when the Claws opened the season hosting the Delaware 87ers, with NBA veteran Emeka Okafor highlighting their roster.

Bird and his fellow Celtic Kadeem Allen shared playmaking duties and displayed great assertiveness. But it was the contribution of Andrew White and Daniel Dixon off the bench that sparked the comeback and sealed the win.

Maine followed up their winning debut with back-to-back victories against the Erie Bayhawks, before they hosted the NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins and his Canton Charge on Sunday, Nov 12.

The absence of seven-footer Daniel Ochefu created a glaring hole in the middle

Lady SeaWolves Return to The HUB Gym

By The Beacon Staff A few days prior to the SeaWolves traveling to Auburn to open their season by participating in the CanAm Tournament, the Lady SeaWolves took to the court to play Thomas College in the final exhibition game of the preseason.

Four SeaWolves alumni who played for the SeaWolves a few years back now don the uniforms for Thomas College. Pictured with Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Patrick Haviland (center) are (from left to right): Abigail Nielsen, Sammi Griffin, Jordan Turner and Amira Jones.

The SeaWolves won the contest against Thomas College 63-56.

SeaWolves

for Maine, but the team came together to provide rim protection and rebounding. After a diligent first half, the turnover bug hit the Red Claws, resulting in a 17 points deficit midway through the third quarter. That’s when the bench mob led by Dixon, Adeyeye and Davis came in for the starters and lit the Charge on fire from the arc. Pickpocketing opposing guards, contesting every shot and making ridiculous three-pointers, the Claws scrapped their way back into the game.

Before a fully awake matinee crowd, Allen took matters in his own hands and tied the game one last time in regulation to force overtime. Two more minutes on the clock meant one last duel between Allen and Charge’s guard Holland, who went berserk and matched Allen’s heroics, eventually stealing the game with back-to-back three-pointers that brought his total to 43.

Despite recording their first loss, the Red Claws showed the tenacity needed to make it in this league, and the skills to play with the best of them.

The Road Report

(Cont. from Page 12) ing as one could witness. Regardless, the SeaWolves won: They scored 38 points in each half, while holding Unity to their lowest score of the season.

Again, it was Dylan Silvestri making his presence felt, as he led all scorers with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Willie Brown extended his double-digit scoring to three games, hitting for 13 points.

The downside of the men’s road trip came at Vermont Tech as the SeaWolves could not hold a slim half time lead, faltering down the stretch. The ‘Wolves’ last lead of the game would come on a Gregory Trinidad 3-point jumper (61-60) with a few seconds worth of 10 minutes remaining.

Over the course of the final 10 minutes, the SeaWolves would stay close, pulling within 1 or 2 points seven times. The last time the ‘Wolves would have the Knights in their sights would be with 55 seconds left on Gregory Trinidad’s free throw (80-82).

The Knights would outscore the ‘Wolves 7-2 in the final 54 seconds, as faulty freethrow and field-goal shooting plagued the SMCC squad. The ‘Wolves would shoot a dismal 27.3 percent from the line (6-22).

Live Game Events Near You: November 30th: New Hampshire Technical Institute - Men at 6:00pm - Women at 8:00pm December 8th: Hampshire College - Women at 5:30pm - Men at 7:30pm

Photo by Ben Riggleman Clock sculptures by Mark Royall adorn the walls of Broadway Deli.

10 The Beacon • November 21, 2017

December 9th Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science - Women at 1:00pm - Men at 3:00pm December 13th: Centeral Maine Community College - Women at 6:00pm - Men at 8:00pm

November 21, 2017 • The Beacon 11

SMCC Sports

On the Home Court: SeaWolves Split With St. Clair Women Play and Win Soundly, Men Suffer Disappointing 6-Point Loss

By The Beacon Sports Staff

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff Above: Abigail Ramirez scores against SC4’s Brooke Junaud (#0) and Kiara Kelley (#2).

Below: Alicia Ruth (#5) shoots the ball as SC4’s McKenna Wolschleger (#24) tries to block it.

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff

For the second time in the history of the SeaWolves basketball program, SMCC hosted a community college from Michigan. A little more than a week ago, the St. Clair County Community College Skippers journeyed east for a two-game road trip. According to Matt Richards, SMCC’s Athletic Director and the Men’s head basketball coach, the SeaWolves previously hosted Rochester College in 2009.

The possibility of scheduling the Skippers for the 2017-18 season was first presented to AJ Burton, an assistant on the SMCC men’s basketball team, last winter break by St. Clair assistant basketball coach Craig Archer, who is Burton’s brother-inlaw. Burton also played his first two years of college basketball at St. Clair.

The Skippers would go 3-1 on their road trip. The women Skippers topped Massasoit Community College 104-64, as the men would beat Holyoke 88-76.

The Lady SeaWolves would take to the floor against the lady Skippers in the first game of the day’s competition. First year SeaWolve Emily Emerson would open the scoring for SMCC, as the ‘Wolves would grab a small lead in the beginning of the game. Emerson would lead all scorers, posting 5 points in the opening 10 minutes of play, as the Wolves built a 17-9 lead.

The second quarter saw the Skippers open up with a 4-minute, 17-point run that propelled the Skippers to a 26-17 lead before SeaWolves forward Emerson broke the SMCC’s scoring drought.

The ‘Wolves would outscore the Skippers 20-6 in the final 6 minutes of the second quarter, taking a 37-32 lead into halftime.

First year SeaWolves Emerson and Abigail Ramirez would help the SeaWolves’ cause, as they scored 13 and 7 points respectively in the first half.

Play in the third quarter intensified, as the SeaWolves could not build upon their lead, and the Skippers could not cut into it.

After 30 minutes of play, SMCC held onto their 5-point lead (53-48) as Emerson again provided the bulk of the scoring (8 points).

SeaWolves first-year point guard Ramirez would help the effort, adding 5 points.

The final 10 minutes of play saw the ‘Wolves outscore the Skippers 16-13, securing an 8-point win (69-61). The win would be the SeaWolves’ second in a row.

Alicia Ruth would lead the scoring for the ‘Wolves, draining 8 points on two-of-four shooting from behind the three-point arch.

Emerson would post 5 points, bringing her total for the day to 26 points. The first-year forward would also be perfect from threepoint land, making all three she launched from downtown.

First-year point guard Abigail Ramirez would break into double-digit scoring, making this her third time scoring 13. The feisty point guard would also grab eight rebounds and record seven blocks — all of which is remarkable for any 5’1” point guard.

Second-year guard Alicia Ruth ended the contest with 12 points, while maintaining a 30.6 shooting percentage from beyond the arch this season.

St. Clair’s Brooke Junaud led her team with 15 points, as Skipper teammate Zhiyon Mitchell posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 boards.

After the contest, SeaWolves Head Coach Katie Bergeron stated, “A result today against a talented SC4 team was what we needed before we dive into a three-game road slate. Playing from behind, down nine points in the second, and finding a way to get up 12 in the fourth is encouraging. Both Emerson and Ramirez have emerged as a high-low threat.”

The day’s second game would start off with the SeaWolf men jumping out to an eightzip lead. First-year forward Willie Brown opened the scoring, draining a three-pointer after 1:14 of play. Second-year forward Ryan Cloutier pushed the lead to five on a

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff Above: Ryan Cloutier (#34) dunks the ball against St. Clair County Community College as Kodi Badger (#12) tries to stop him.

Below: Timothy Dixon (#4) shoots the ball against SC4 as Ross Hinkley (#33) attempts to block him.

(Cont. on Page 11)

The Road Report

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff

‘Wolves Combine for 5-1 Record Away From SMCC

By The Beacon Sports Staff Since the beginning of the 2017-18 Yankee Small College Conference season, the SeaWolves basketball teams have hit the road five times. The teams are currently working their way through the longest road stretch of the season, as they will have played four out of five games on their opponents’ courts. The road trip concludes tonight when the teams travel to Augusta to take on the Moose of the University of Maine-Augusta.

Last weekend The Beacon traveled with the teams to Randolph, Vermont, to cover their YSCC games against the Vermont Tech Knights. The Lady SeaWolves started out the day’s games by jumping to a 21-4 first-quarter lead, holding it throughout the contest, and enabling all the Lady SeaWolves to see playing time. After 40 minutes of play, the Lady SeaWolves won their fourth game in a row (73-42).

Coach Bergeron was able to play all of the Lady SeaWolves against Unity College and Paul Smith College, as they won both games handily (71-29 and 75-35, respec-

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff Andrerson Kavutse takes on two VT Tech knightss for a rebound

Photo Courtesy of The Beacon Staff Emily Emerson scoring two of her 15 points against Vermont Tech

tively). Coaches often speak of establishing balanced scoring: when many players contribute, as opposed to depending upon one or two players scoring the majority of the

team’s points. Against Unity College, the Lady ‘Wolves managed to accomplish this.

Every player broke into the scoring column; high scoring honors went to freshman for-

ward Grace Karlotis, who drained the nets for 12 points.

On the men’s side of the court, the Men SeaWolves have won twice away from South Portland, while losing once. The men handled Paul Smith and Unity College, winning by 36 at Paul Smith College (96-60), and by 27 at Unity (76-59).

The win against Paul Smith College would be the fifth in a row for the men’s squad, and like the lady’s games, where everyone played, all of the SeaWolves saw playing time against Paul Smith.

As reported on the SMCC Athletics web page: Assistant Coach AJ Burton reflected, “It was great to see so many guys step up and play a role in a truly balanced attack, especially after a long overnight trip. The composure displayed in the execution of the game plan was well received by the coaching staff.

We still have a long road ahead of us, but are making strides in the right direction.”

Word on the street has it that the men’s game in Unity was as unaesthetically pleas(Cont. on Page 11)