SMCC Beacon Nov. 12th, 2019 by The Beacon

Vol. XVIII

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Symbolof Suffrage

by Jade Densmore

ovember 7th, 2019 was a momentous day for Southern Maine Community College, as dozens of daffodils were ceremoniously planted on the grounds to represent their support for woman suffrage- women's right to vote. Southern Maine Community College became the first college campus in Maine to partake in this Daffodil Tribute. These daffodils not only represent woman suffrage, but also honored the support towards the battle many women have fought and the battle many more women will continue to fight as we all move towards a more equal future. Many students (including David Lane, Lydia Hollen, Tyler O’Brien, Connor Hudson, Nicholas Roukey, Jehad Alromaih, Joshua Parks, Celina Simmons and Jade Densmore) came together to plant these

Lydia Hollen, Jade Densmore, Celina Simmons, and Tyler O'brien clearing the plot of weeds. Below from left to right: Conner Hudson, Tyler O'brien, Joshua Parks, Celina Simmons, Prof. Herb Adams, David Lane, Nicholas Roukey, Lydia Hollen, and Jehad Alromaih The daffodils will bloom in Spring 2020 for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote. Why daffodils you may ask? Gass explains perfectly that in February 1917, “the room at the state capitol that day was decorated with bouquets of daffodils, and the men who favoured suffrage sported a jonquil in their lapels (the anti-suffragists used the rose as their symbol)” hence the famous title of her book. This being a particularly special topic to Gass as her own great grandmother, Florence Brooks Whitehouse, stood before the men of

the Judiciary Committee of the Maine State Legislature fighting for women's right to vote. As Anne B. Gass shared, “Ultimately, on November 5th, 1919, the Maine legislature ratified the 19th Amendment through which most women won the right to vote. This fall we are honoring Maine suffragists’ hard work by planting thousands of daffodils all over the state; your ceremony today is part of that effort.” SMCC will hopefully be visited by her in the Spring when those beautiful yellow daffodils bloom.

sented in recognition of those who carry confidence and commitment through their work in helping Maine grow. They also awarded Mr. Dempsey with this award after his speech on his non-profit, the Dempsey Center, and climate change; how we can be more aware The first award, “Professional of and conscious of our actions. the Year” was presented to Deb NeuI knew I couldn't leave without man, president of the Bangor Chamber at least one picture with Patrick of Commerce. She earned this award Dempsey. I had prepared some for the leadership she’s demonstratquestions throughout the night just in ed through her passion for learning. case I could get an interview with him Following was a video and- lo and behold, I did! When the presentation of the seven awards ended, more people gathered out of eight past Maine for pictures as well, but before leavGovernors. For a more ing, he agreed to take an extra 10 minutes out detailed recap of this of his night for our interview. video and what the Regardless of the governors had to say, big name Dempsey has check out “Recapping made for himself, he Past Governors” on says he always carries a page 5 of this issue! piece of Maine in his After the heart. I first asked video presentation, him how he felt Janet Mills, Joseph about what the Brennan, and governors had to Kenneth Curtis say in the video. were awarded the He responded “Dirigo” Award with the biggest on behalf of all the take away being governors featured to get to know in the video. As each personal the state motto, story and seeing Managing Editor, Celina Simmons, Dirigo translates the humanity posing with actor, Patrick Dempsey, at the to “I lead” and the behind it that can Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner award was presometimes be for-

gotten and how important it is for leaders to show that humanity. I was curious about what he himself does in the fight against climate change after hearing all the suggestions he made in his speech earlier. “We are very conscious of what we bring into the house now… It’s very tricky in California because we are seeing the profound impacts,” he explained, “It’s really horrifying when you have children and they say we won’t have anything in 30 years.” In regards to what we (as a community) can do and have done, he responded with, “There is always more. This is not enough.” He mentioned how we need more government support and individual responsibility to force our leaderships to change. That is why this upcoming election is so critical, especially for young voters. He is encouraging young voters to step up, “This is what is democracy. Democracy is your vote.” I would like to encourage you to take a moment and place yourself into an evening unlike your own. Imagine standing where you stand under rules you don’t agree with, under a power residing so far away that your opinion never mattered in the slightest. Now, imagine your voice was heard. Imagine the government took action with that voice and now, there is hope hope that your voice will continue to be heard in a brand new democracy. Welcome to America and welcome to Maine. As Janet Mills said earlier that evening “we are blessed to live here, not burdened.”

bulbs and to hear the words of professor and Faculty Advisor for the Senate Herb Adams. Unfortunately, SMCC President Joe Cassidy, and Anne B. Gass, the well known Maine-born author of “Voting Down The Rose” which encapsulates her great grandmother’s story and her fight for suffrage, could attend this event. Their speeches were read by the Student Senate President, Joshua Parks, and by the Director of Records and Managing Editor of SMCC’s school newspaper the Beacon, Celina Simmons.

Maine’s 200thDreamy" c M " Birthday with

by Celina Simmons

t the Annual Dinner for the Maine’s State Bicentennial, special guest speaker Patrick Dempsey said, “There’s strength in compromise, not weakness,” when reflecting on the history of Maine and our past governors. Through what was said that evening by each guest speaker, the statement stands true. The dinner was held October 30th by the The dinner was held October 30th by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, celebrating 200 years of Maine being an independent state in the United States of America. The first hour of the evening began with a reception for all the guests to mingle and during that hour, Patrick Dempsey (also known as “McDreamy” from the hit series Grey’s Anatomy) arrived. Dempsey is a Maine native, born in Lewiston, and also founded the Dempsey Center, a non-profit organization focused on providing services and treatments to individuals dealing with cancer and their families in Maine. He posed for pictures and conversed with some of the attendees before President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Dana Connors, welcomed us to a lovely dinner.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKE CANFIELD

Issue Date 11|12|19

“We are blessed to live here, not burdened.”

Student Talent Shows! SMCC's 2nd Annual Open Mic night presented by the Student Activities Committee was October 30th, 2019. Students of all musical backgrounds came to show their stuff in front of the student body in the Noisy Lounge. The music varied from classic songs to renditions of cartoon show songs. It was a great time to listen to long time musicians and first time performers! PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN RUBY

Managing Editor Celina Simmons Art Director Morgan Dyer Copy Editor Bridey Boyle Chris Hedgpeth Webmaster Molly Pooler Production Manager Michelle Kapschull Graphic Designers Timothy Randall Madeline Rheaume Celina Simmons Illustrators Dan Elliott Arden Leigh Contributing Writers James Little Timothy Randall Lauren Ruby Arden Goodwin Chris Hedgpeth Jessilyn Rich Kiki Morrill Jade Densmore Emma Campbell Kara Trott Sonny DaBica-Fetras Parris Cayer-Leary Claire Christensen Magella Cantara Cedric McLeod Photgraphers Lauren Ruby Celina Simmons James Little Clarke Canfield

Thanksgiving Food Drive happening now!

by Kiki Morrill

ave you been wondering what the orange boxes around campus are all about? Look no further; the Student Senate's second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is happening now! Student Senate has partnered with Phi Theta Kappa this year to collect food to donate to benefit the Captain's Cupboard on campus for this Thanksgiving season. The team's goal is to help our community by gathering together and supporting each other. While the food drive mainly focuses on collecting non-perishable foods in the boxes, there are other ways to pitch in too! Hygiene product donations are accepted, but unopened whole packages & boxes are strongly preferred. Perishable food donations contributors should

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Above: President Joe Cassidy putting the first donation for the food drive with PTK's Tetty Collins and S4's Kiki Morrill Below: Collection box located in the Campus Center

Mid-November. It’s starting to get a bit chilly, and night creeps in sooner and sooner. It’s the perfect season for a cup of tea and a nice long think - perhaps with a logic puzzle? Pro-tip: Make a chart to help you solve it! Five tutors discovered they all have their birthday in a different month AND on a different day of the week. Using the clues below, determine the month and day of the week on which each tutor’s birthday falls.

More Photos From the Daffodil Tribute

continued from Front Page

Adiel was born in March, but not on Saturday. Shaden’s birthday was not on Friday or Wednesday. The tutor whose birthday is on Monday was born earlier in the year than Ollie and Than. Sierra wasn’t born in February and her birthday was on the weekend. Than was not born in December, nor was her birthday on a weekday. The tutor whose birthday was in June was born on Sunday. Sierra was born before Ollie, whose birthday wasn’t on Friday. Than wasn’t born in July.

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contact kierstenmorrill@smccme.edu. If you don't have the ability to donate goods, consider donating your time! Volunteer at the Captain's Cupboard to help increase accessibility for students; email inquiries to liammwoodworth@smccme. edu. The Food Drive will run until the 22nd of November, but just because the boxes are gone doesn't mean you missed your chance! Contact the Captain’s Cupboard to set up a time to donate your goods after the drive ends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Solutions to last issue’s falling letter

The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you. - B.B. King

Above: Jade Densmore showing off the residue of her hardwork. Below: Jehad Alromaih digging into the soil, kicking off the work.

Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Neujahr

by Jessilyn Rich

What is your position at the college? Associate Professor of Business Have you always wanted to teach? If so, what inspired you? If not, what made you change your mind? As a little girl, I wanted to be a motivational speaker. I loved watching inspirational speakers and hoped to one day be one. I am so grateful I was able to fulfill that dream, Yet as I grew my speaking career I began to be pulled towards teaching. I loved being a keynote speaker but I usually only interacted with an audience once. There did not seem to be a lasting impact. With teaching, I’m able to connect with students over the course of one or more semesters. What part of your job do you find most challenging? Seeing the potential students have but watching them not use it. I can challenge them and offer help but students have to choose it. It is so hard to watch students not take advantage of the opportunities they have here. What part of your job is your favorite? Watching students dig in and overcome challenges. It is so rewarding to watch students come in, work hard, ask for help and

Fort George’s Lounge

they go out in the world and do their thing!

by Jade Densmore

What is your best advice you have for a students success in college? Ask for help! We are all here to help. There are so many resources available. What is the best advice you have ever received? My grandma always told me “It’s not where you start it’s where you end up that matters!” She encouraged me to focus on where I wanted to go, what I wanted my life to look like. What are a couple things on your bucket list that you hope to do in the future? Sky dive, give a talk on the Ted mainstage, spend a month in Italy What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work? Reading, hiking, cooking, swimming and being with my grand girls

Photo of Michelle Neujahr book changed how I operated my business A Gift from the Sea by Anne Moreau Lindbergh Hey Girlfriend! Live Passionately Real by me ***This may not be the best book ever written but I had a dream to write a book and did it at 25. Now I need to write a business book Top 3 favorite movies of all time? Liar Liar! Top Gun Grease

What is something we would never guess about you? I am an introvert!

If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead who would it be? Zig Ziglar

Top 3 favorite books of all time? This is a tough one – there are SO many. The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield + Mark Victor Hanson – this book helped me focus on and go after my dreams years ago The eMyth by Michael Gerber – this

Is there anything else you would like students to know about you? I love what I do and I passionately believe in this college. SMCC is a great place. I am proud to work here and plan to be here for a long time.

cy, who is a veteran and former student of SMCC. Amy was his advisor and he is now the head of the advisors of Maine Colleges and Universities. He briefly spoke of some of the challenges and what was happening with veteran benefits. The next speakers were two Presidents, Joe Cassidy of SMCC and Glenn Cummings of USM. They let the veterans know that their service to this country was well appreciated and that willingness to meet the challenges and their discipline within the class-

rooms helps some of the younger students. The keynote speaker was Chris Tyll who served as a Navy Seal and told us of what it meant to him to serve our country. He also talked about one of his fellow Seals, who he grew up with and was killed in action. He told us that he felt it was a privilege to serve this country. He expressed how it did not matter if the people who have served or are serving did so on the front lines or in the rear for they both had important roles for the success of our militaries.

Friday October 25th members of the Student Veterans Organization gathered at On the Border in Portland for Vets Night Out.

Breakfast for Vets

by James Little

he dining hall was packed with faculty, veterans, active duty and spouses on November 6, 2019 for the 2nd annual Southern Maine Community College and University of Southern Maine Veterans Day Breakfast held in the Culinary Arts Building, arranged by Amy Lainoff, SMCC’s VA Certifying Official. The event started at 7:00am, with breakfast that was cooked, set up, and served by the Chef and the Culinary Art students. They made the following for the event, which was enjoyed by all: pumpkin muffins and blueberry muffins, pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and roasted red peppers, onions, spinach, parmesan cheese frittata, and a platter of fresh fruit. At this event we had six speakers who spoke briefly about how they were thankful for what the vets have done for this country and what the veterans bring to the schools. Amy Lainoff and Lorrie Spaulding of University of Maine (USM), who are veteran representatives and advisers, told the audience what some of the changes were. Amy introduced Camden Ege, Director of Veterans State Approving Agen-

ou’ve heard of the noisy lounge, the Surfsite lounge, the Spring Point lounge, and you may have used the study lounges, but have you heard of the Fort George's Lounge? Probably not, so let me explain. Hi, I’m Jade and I’m part of the Student Welfare Committee! Our goal is to enhance the welfare of the student body here on campus and a project that we recently took on was the cleaning up and reorganizing of the lounge areas inside the Captain’s House. The Fort George’s Lounge is a fun space that we believe can be capitalized on by students. It’s on the second floor, above the Beacon Tuesday meeting room and we hope everyone likes what we’ve done with the space. We’ve worked hard to make it a relaxed spot where friends are welcome to come sit down, chill out, and enjoy themselves but there is always more that can be done. We hope to have a stocked mini fridge, plenty of games, comfortable furniture, and a means for students to play their music. So watch out for updates on events and open hours once it comes together! You’ll find them either in the next issue of the paper or in flyers around campus. To get to the Captain's House, turn right when leaving the front of the Campus Center and follow the road towards the coast line. You will see three tall brick buildings after the Culinary building. The third of those is the Captain’s House. We are still looking for our next project! Anything that can help us help you, we would love to hear your ideas! Feel free to email me, Jade Densmore, directly at jadeedensmore@smccme.edu. Chris Tyll thanked all the veterans of the different eras, and told us that if we did not know anybody who had served in past wars like WWI, Korean, or Vietnam, we should try to and get their aspects and history of their time serving this country, and give them our appreciation. He asked that when people thank us for our service that we share about others we know that gave it all on the battlefield for this great country and keep their story alive.

VSO is open to any students who want to support Veteran activities and events. You do not need to be a Veteran to join and it is not a political organization. VSO is about bringing students together who want to support Veterans on campus. If interested, please email: marcustaylor@smccme.edu the smcc beacon | lighting our community 3

Homelessness in Portland, Maine and Beyond

What do Maine’s new homelessness laws mean for Portland? by Emma Campbell ORTLAND - On September 19, a new law went into effect in Maine, requiring all towns to provide housing locally for homeless residents, rather than forcing them to relocate to Portland for their shelters. But how will this law change anything? “An Act To Include Homelessness in the Laws Governing Emergency General Assistance”, signed by Governor Janet Mills in July, hopes to stop Portland’s homeless shelters from constantly overflowing. The law clarifies homelessness at anytime of the year as an emergency. Anyone living in standards unfit for human habitation is classified as homeless and can receive general assistance. Cumberland County has nine homeless shelters. Seven of those shelters are located in Portland, which is more shelters than any other county in Maine has. What about the many towns in Maine lacking emergency shelters altogether? This law requires them to dip into general assistance funds and provide housing at nearby hotels or motels until, ideally, they get back on their feet. Every Maine town is provided with general assistance funds; 70% of the funds will be reimbursed, but the town is responsible for paying the remaining 30%. Senator Ben Chipman of Portland

has sponsored the legislation of the law because of the “measurable impact” he believes it will have on Portland. Chipman originally sponsored the legislation of the law three years ago, but it was vetoed by Governor LePage. Chipman brought it up again this year because of his passion for helping those with low income. The majority of homeless people in Portland came to Portland to access its shelters. “One-third of people checking into Portland homeless shelters are Maine residents not originally from Portland,” said Chipman, “An additional one-third are people who are not from Maine.” When towns displace their homeless residents into Portland, they do not only overcrowd Portland’s shelters, they also harm their homeless residents. “Homeless people have friends, family and support in their towns,” said Chipman, “When their town does not help them, they are forced to relocate and are separated from everything they know, which makes it even harder to get back on their feet.” Portland has attempted to accommodate the influx of homeless people by opening overflow shelters. Portland police officer, Jeff Tulley, says that during the colder months of the year, the Oxford street shelter fills up quickly. And in the overflow

Governor Mills prevents Maine towns from displacing homeless residents to Portland

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Homeless on bench, Wikimedia Commons photo by Tomas Castelazo shelters, conditions are not up to par. “Overflow shelters have gym mats,” said Tulley. “That’s their bed. Less than an inch piece of foam, with 15 people crammed in each room.” The overflow shelters also fill up and police officers struggle to find a place for homeless people to sleep for the night. Officers will check homeless people into hospitals for the night, or will allow them to sleep on benches inside the police station “just to give them a warm place for the night,” said Tulley. A homeless man in Portland, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is one of many who came to Portland because of their shelters. Originally from Massachusetts, he has been homeless, hitchhiking across the country for five years. “I used to live in Skid Row [in Los Angeles, CA]. I’d rather walk through Skid Row with $1 million in my pocket than the Bayside neighborhood,” said the man. “People in the Bayside neighborhood would immediately stab me, because they’re all so desperate for their next high or just money in general. I hope this law changes that.” There have been many times where this homeless man has slept on the streets instead of going to a shelter because they are full. He says that while the overflow shelters are less developed, he prefers them to the main shelters,“People are constantly shooting up and overdosing in the bathrooms. I do not want to stay in the homeless shelters - to avoid that because of my own substance abuse problems. I’d rather stay in an overflow shelter where there aren’t as many private places that people can get high in.” Tulley was unaware of the new law, as are the majority of homeless people throughout Maine. The Maine Equal Justice Partners, an organization that testified in support of the bill in April, are working to hang up flyers throughout Maine to make homeless people aware of their rights. It is too early to see a change in Portland but towns will abide to the new law, as long as homeless residents seek general assistance through their own town, said Chipman. According to Chipman, by spring the homeless population in Portland will be significantly reduced. THE UNITED STATES - Homelessness is a major problem in Portland, and throughout the U.S. Most homelessness occurs in major cities, but homeless people reside in almost every town in the U.S. This is because of a lack of policies and laws to prevent and help homelessness. According to a statement made by the White House, “Over half a million people go homeless on a single night in the United States.” The majority -65%- of homeless people are found in emergency shelters, but the remaining 35% are found sleeping on the streets. People most often find themselves in a housing crisis because of another hardship in their lives, usually substance abuse and/

or mental health problems. There are several factors that have led to a rise in homelessness throughout the U.S., other than personal situations homeless people have been facing. Overregulation of housing markets in the U.S. has increasingly grown more and more expensive, making it incredibly difficult to secure housing for a family. The White House estimates that if the 11 metropolitan areas with significantly supply-constrained housing markets were deregulated, overall homelessness in the United States would fall by 13 percent. Deregulation would most greatly impact larger cities. For example, deregulation would decrease homelessness in San Francisco by 54%, and homelessness in New York City by 23%. Tolerable conditions for sleeping outside, the warmest places attract a higher homeless population. This is also true in Maine. According to Tulley, Portland’s emergency shelters do not fill up as fast during the warmer months of the year. In Portland, there are also many homeless camps set up during the warmer months. While building Westbrook’s new concert venue, Rock Row, police officers found tons of homeless people camping out in tents. A lack of policies policing street activities has also led to many homeless people camping out. Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. all have something called a right-to-shelter policy, guaranteeing shelter of some kind immediately. All three of these cities have 2.7 times the amount of sheltered homeless people. Shelter is absolutely necessary, but policies like this have led to an increase in homelessness. Prevalence of individual-level demand factors in the population, substance abuse and mental health as mentioned previously, are two of the root causes of homelessness. Other things that cause an individual to become homeless are histories of incarceration, low incomes, and weak social connections. Without proper resources for these people to improve their current situation, homelessness becomes almost inevitable. Addicts will choose their next high over next month’s rent. Ex-convicts struggle to reintegrate into society because of how horrifying their time incarcerated was. People with severe mental illness are most susceptible to three main causes of homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability. People with mental illness are often unable to secure employment, which will lead to no way to pay for housing. Homelessness has become a very big problem not only in Portland, but throughout the country. Maine has taken a step in the right direction by creating a law to help homeless people throughout the state, but there are still many other steps that need to be taken in Maine and beyond.

Tattoos and You

by James Little

e see people all the time walking around displaying their tattoos. Some on their necks, some on their arms and legs. You might hear terms like “full back”, “chest pieces”, or even “sleeves”. You might think that they are cool. We see them on TV shows like Ink Master. You might want to get one because you saw someone who has a few, or because your parents told you not to get one and you want to defy them. My suggestion is that you think hard about it, for tattoos are permanent. They are not temporary. It costs a lot of money to get a tattoo and even more to get it removed, so make sure that it is something you like. For a lot of us that have tattoos, we feel like they are addictive. For most people, once they get one, they want more. Allison Palmer, whose first tattoo says, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, said she got this because she believes that change starts with you.

I was one of those who got my first tattoo because I was told by my dad who had tattoos that I shouldn’t get any, and I was not going to be told what I could and could not do with my body. My first was to show the love I have for my mom and dad. Then it seemed like every few years I would get the itch to get another one. Gregary Roberge says, "When I got my first tattoo, I had turned eighteen earlier that year. When I was younger, I wasn’t huge into the idea of tattoos, but I had grown to respect them as I knew people who’d gotten work done. I decided to get my first piece done on the inside of my arm on the inner bicep. The meaning behind this piece goes back to my aunt who had battled cancer

throughout my childhood to early teen years. “Livestrong” originated from the cyclist, Lance Armstrong, and the organization he developed to support those battling cancer.” According to Celina Simmons, “I got my first tattoo as soon as I turned 18 because I had been wanting one for as long as I could remember. I loved the idea that you could fill your skin with art, and I grew up with the notion that it was my body and I could do whatever I wanted it with it, so I knew I wanted one from a young age. I always loved my uncle’s tattoos and the few that my mom has. I don't regret getting it, not one bit. It's my zodiac sign that an old friend drew and what I've realized is that it means a lot more to me than just my zodiac. It sort of represents my independence and my own choices that are solely mine to make.” Those of us who have tattoos have them for many different reasons, and the art that is on our skin has many different meanings for each of us. If you are thinking of getting one, you should do research on the tattoo artist before going to them and again remember real tattoos do not come off in the wash, so think hard before making a choice to get a tattoo or not. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES LITTLE

Recapping Past Governors; a Continuation from Celebrating Maine’s 200th

by Timothy Randall

t the 2019 Maine Bicentennial Dinner, we celebrated Maine’s 200th anniversary as a State and got to see a video presentation of our highest elected living governors. They talked about what they really looked back on with admiration and gratitude, as well as their difficult times, favorite places and what newly elected governors should consider. In 1967, Ken Curtis Kent became governor at the age of 35. He held office in the midst of the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon resigning from the Presidency, until his final term in 1975. Kent witnessed Democrats and Republicans coming together to work on things Maine needed as a state. Kent mentioned how he was thankful that the Maine people saw the need to help the state and its people, and supported a tax increase to create more revenue for Maine. Regardless of party, the Democrats and the Republicans saw what really needed to be accomplished. James B. Longley followed Kent; after Longley, the next governor featured was Joe Brennan. During his 8 years of governance from 1979 to 1987, there was an Indian Land Claim in progress and tribes were filing claims for over half the real estate in Maine. He said other ongoing issues faced at the time were creating jobs, economic development, and working to create the Finance Authority of Maine, which is still in place as of today. “The best human service program is a job,” he said. One of Brennan’s proudest moments as governor was seeing a headline in the Portland paper saying, “Promises made, promises kept.” One of Joe’s favor-

ite places in Maine is Portland Harbor and said newly elected governors should really look at what the state needs. “It was the best of times and it was the worst of times,” said John McKernan, Jr., who was governor between 1987 and 1995. He recalls being pleased with the economic development, low unemployment rates, and incomes rising in Maine. Four years later, the whole country was in a recession. And the worst thing about it, was having enough money to fund government work while making investments in education, the economy and our businesses at the same time. John’s proudest moment was fixing Maine’s workers compensation insurance system because the costs were so high. It led into a 13-day government shutdown but by the end of it, he formed a bipartisan Blue-Ribbon Commission to make recommendations on how to reduce workers compensation and it was a great success. John thanked the Chamber of Commerce, businesses and Maine people for working towards the issue and convincing legislators to finally create the Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company to protect Maine workers while having reasonable costs for employers. John’s advice for future leaders is to listen to the other side before making final decisions and listen to the people. Upon coming into an economic recession, Angus King was governor from 1995 to 2003 where there were declines in old industries and rises in new ones. King was proudest of giving the same access to technology for kids in Fort Kent as in Cape Elizabeth. He said, “If we cannot do it for everybody, let’s not do it.” The most difficult time for Angus was

the ‘98 ice storm, which was one of Maine’s greatest natural disasters. He remembers saying, “It’s neighbor to neighbor, go check on your neighbors, especially if they’re disabled or elderly and make sure they’re okay.” Angus wants future leaders to not lose sight of the core assets of Maine – forests, ocean and its people. When John Baldacci was governor from 2003 to 2011, Maine had the highest taxes in the country but was still able to invest in research and development to ensure we would grow as a state. His proudest moment was creating Dirigo, a health program supported by Harvard Pilgrim, which allowed Mainers to afford health care without going on Medicaid. John was also proud to see people working together, developing relationships regardless of their political party and views. From 2011 to 2019, Paul LePage was governor and at the start of his time, unemployment rates were over 8%. Maine owed hospitals over $750 million and we had the second highest taxes in the country. Paul is most proud of lowering unemployment to 2.7%, paying off the debts to our hospitals and lowering taxes by bringing back the liquor business. His advice to Maine is to be good to the people, our environment and our industries; “You’ve got a gold mine and should use it properly.” When Janet Mills became governor in early 2019, she was impressed and proud that younger generations are concerned about climate change and Maine’s opioid epidemic. She says, “People have a lot more in common than we think – Maine is one state, not a state divided but a state united.” Her advice to future leaders is to listen to the people whether you agree or not.

10 Ways to Cope with Stress

By Lauren Ruby

ello SMCC! Here are some more ways to deal with stress and also a couple ways to have some more self confidence in yourself. Schedule play time into every day. It’s not just for kids! Having time during the day to use your imagination in any activity can improve mood, enhance learning, and increase physical activity. Take a bubble bath. Bubble baths can release endorphins in your body that can improve your mood and relax your mind and body. They can also decrease joint pain and improve blood circulation. Be aware of the decisions you make. Sometimes you try to push yourself to get something done, but this can put more stress on your body than what is needed. Listen to what your body is telling you! If you are sitting down doing homework for a long time and you are not retaining information or having a brain block, maybe it’s time to walk away and do something else (take a nap, go on a walk, have a snack/eat dinner, etc.) Believe in yourself. Having self confidence in everything you do and say will help you lead a more focused life, give you positivity and help achieve your goals. Stop saying negative things to yourself. Putting yourself down and believing negative things people say about you puts extra stress on you to fix the things that you believe are bad. This can be harmful if taken too far, so just remember that you are beautiful just the way you are and you don’t need to change for anyone! Visualize yourself winning. When you focus on failure before you even begin a task, then it is bound to fail. Visualizing being victorious in something can give you courage and foster purpose in what you are doing. It can also combat negativity that you are facing. Develop your sense of humor. Read a joke book, watch a comedy show, look up comedians online; just a couple of things to do. Stop thinking tomorrow will be a better today. Taking things head on in the present instead of waiting until a future date to get them done will battle stress and procrastination. You will also feel better knowing you don't have to worry about it in the future. Have goals for yourself. Setting goals for yourself can relieve stress by organizing things that need to be done. Just be sure not to set goals that are too difficult to achieve. This will just add more stress on you. Find a happy medium. Dance a jig. Get the blood pumping! Dancing is a great way to exercise and relieve any stress that builds up. Even if you have no idea what you are doing, just move! (Youtube is always a great source to look up dance routines ;) )

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the smcc beacon | lighting our community 5

From the Desk of the Managing Editor

hy should you consider joining the school newspaper? Well, because there are more benefits than what’s on the surface. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s a lot easier than you may think. You may be thinking by now, “I don’t do journalism, why would I join the newspaper?” You may even be so quick to say you just aren’t good at writing. I can’t be the one to decide that, but I can say that our copy editors are fantastic for that. Typically, every article submitted will get at least some editing suggestions, which is not a bad thing. They’re just doing their jobs and trying to help everyone a little here and there along the way. Maybe you aren’t trying to be America’s Next Top Journalist, uncovering all of the government’s top secrets (it’s not for everyone). But did you know that having your name published could be what makes the difference between you and your next job competitor? All it takes is to send in one article, one short story or illustration, one piece of photography and you can check off “published” on your resume. Now that’s something to brag about! Fields where this can be beneficial: graphic art/ design, film, liberal studies, psychology, sociology, business, music, political science, etc, etc. - you get the point. Still not convinced? We help you improve on skill sets you may have never known you had. Say you can’t write. Why not practice? Aren’t comfortable with your graphic design skills? Let’s help you get them to where

HUMAN.

by Kara Trott

’ve always been curious about the differences between men and women, but unlike many, my curiosity didn’t focus on the physical distinctions for very long. My main concern was why they are so segregated. This concern was first realized when I was taking a shower one day and read on my brothers’ shampoo bottle, “For Men” written in bold blue lettering. I thought about it for a while, as one does in the shower, and I became convinced that there were special chemicals in that soap that where only to be used by men. This was the only logical reason I could come up with for why there would be such specific labeling on something as simple as soap. HOW MY WORLD VIEW HAS CHANGED. I’ve pondered this odd segregation of genders and unnecessary

you want to be. You will be building your portfolio with each issue you work on. Our cover page reads we are “Lighting our Community.” In doing that, you become a bigger part of that community before you know it. You may find a passion in the work, and hey- maybe you will be America’s Next Top Journalist. But you’ll never know if you never try. For more information about how you can be a part of the Beacon and what we do, you can contact me at celinamsimmons@smccme.edu.

5 Songs I can't Stop Listening To

by Armin St. Cloud

ILLUSTRATED BY DAN ELLIOTT

by Celina Simmons

1. “Fire Woman” - The Cult It's hard to believe that it's been thirty years since The Cult released the 'Sonic Temple' album. Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy have a phenomenal musical partnership that's still working today and this song really shows it off. 2. “See You Tonight” (MTV Unplugged) – KISS Despite The Beatles being a common thread of influence among all original members of KISS, you don't often hear the influence. This song is a rare exception to that, thoroughly Beatle-esque and a superb song to hear. 3. “Nerve”- Brandon Prinzing & The Old Revival I don't make it a habit of listening to 'newer' artists. But when it gendering of inanimate objects ever since then. I now understand that it has to do with corporations. It is a selling point, or a branding tactic. This segregation is very unhealthy for a society, as it splits it in half and prompts each side to feel that they are different. This feeling of difference causes one side to convince the other that they are inferior. This plays on the human psyche causing both sides to act according to their status, leaving one to act violently and the other to act hopelessly. HOW I HAVE CHANGED. Making a significant change on this grand scale issue requires multiple solutions and mass effort, because it has to do with a stubborn way of thinking that the majority of people share - as well as giant corporations that have far more power than necessary. Since realizing

ILLUSTRATED BY MORGAN DYER

6 lighting our community | the smcc beacon

ILLUSTRATED BY DAN ELLIOTT

How the Beacon can Benefit You

this frustrating issue, I’ve noticed that everyone just buys into and emphasize this segregation. As a result, I’ve avoided following this pattern like a sheep. My awareness of this issue from a rather young age has had a big impact on who I’ve become and how I express myself. I am not limited to the ideas and rules of a single gender, I feel more free to be a person first. My gender isn’t a huge part of who I am, but rather, one small fact about me. It does not define what I can and cannot do as long as I have a say in the matter. WHY YOU SHOULD CHANGE. This freedom is readily available to everyone, especially if the majority of people join in. Don’t follow the norms of your gender, do what makes you happy; what you find cool, and what makes you feel healthy and improved. Though it is an important step in the right direction, we don’t even need to begin with the large feat of removing gendering from items, we just have to be brave enough to break the mold and follow our own paths, being who we want to be, rather than who we are expected to be. HOW WE MAKE THIS CHANGE. A very integral part of changing the way a society thinks and acts is by influencing the children of the next generation. Therefore, it is vitally important that we stop alluding to young children that there is a stark difference in gender; that certain objects

comes to this song, it's hard to deny that it has one of the most original and frankly, very well delivered choruses of any song in the past decade.

4. “Look Away” - Ozark Mountain Daredevils Ozark Mountain Daredevils are a criminally underrated band that never get the recognition they deserve. Most people will think of 'Jackie Blue' or 'If You Wanna Get to Heaven' and immediately assume that's where the good songs end. A deeper dive into the OMD catalogue brings you on a sonic journey that is not soon to be forgotten. 5. “Peg” - Steely Dan Admittedly I really only listen to this song to hear the guitar solo. But even beyond that- it's very easy to come away from listening to this song with the saxophone fills echoing in your head. and themes belong to each gender by ceasing to label products as “for men” or “for women”; and by refraining from the usage of products that one is expected to simply because of their gender. GENDERED OBJECTS AND THEMES. There is no reason we should designate inanimate objects to a particular sex. From trucks and princesses, to the colors pink and blue, it simply fuels a debate over which of the two sexes is “better,” when there is no such thing. There are obvious differences between men and women, but none that make one better than the other, nor separate one from the other. Contrarily, these differences typically provide for a good pairing. THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GENDER SEGREGATION. The way we currently approach gender puts restrictions on who an individual can be. As Amber Winn (in her 2017 thesis Biased Neutrality on gender segregation and clustering in retail) states, “Classifying someone as male or female, therefore, conjures specific mental expectations for the individual’s masculine or feminine characteristics, a process that implies an inherent reliance on gender stereotypes”. It makes people uncomfortable when someone breaks out of those stereotypical restrictions, just because we as a society have made it a custom over many years with seemingly no reasoning. HOW TO CHANGE AND

WHY YOU SHOULD. By ceasing to use one’s gender assigned products, we can go against this custom and change our way of thought. If this practice becomes more common, it will grow to be more understood and as a result, more accepted. This will allow future generations to gradually evade this unhealthy tradition we have unintentionally poisoned our society with, while at the same time gaining more freedom of expression and license to be one’s self. ANOTHER SOLUTION/ CHANGE. Another crucial change we can make to minimize gender segregation is through making an effort to stop reinforcing gender stereotypes in the media. In their 2015 paper arguing that building media literacy skills in young people will help them grow more realistic and healthy views of themselves in the modern world, Naomi Berman and Alexandra White iterate that, “The media plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms and attitudes, concomitantly reinforcing “body” and “beauty” ideals and gender stereotypes. Unrealistic, photoshopped and stereotyped images used by the media, advertising and fashion industries influence young people’s body image and impact on their feelings of body satisfaction, selfesteem and confidence.” Therefore, it is important that this aspect of modern life be changed in order to give future generations the opportunity to live in a

Are You There Satan? It’s Me, Chris.

by Chris Hedgpeth

t’s mid-December, 1990-something. A young me is ogling the presents under the Christmas tree. I recognize the shape of NES game boxes. I know the sound of rattling VHS tape spools. I’ve got everything worked out. Calendars. Clothing. An enormous box from my aunt that I know contains a series of nested boxes that lead to a roll of toilet paper with something small and valuable stuffed into the center. Something catches my eye. A tag attached to one of the gifts has a name I don’t quite recognize. It looks like my Nana’s handwriting. Sandra? Is that one of my mom’s friends from work? No. Santa. It’s from Santa! But wait, it’s not Christmas for another week. Something suddenly clicks inside my young brain. My family is lying to me. There is no Santa. Sometime later, during my adolescence, I reasoned that God is analogous to Santa and I became an atheist. Like with my Santa-believing friends, I learned to avoid talking to people about my lack of belief in supernatural deities. The conversations usually didn’t end well, plus it seemed silly talking about something of such little substance. You wouldn’t talk to someone about activities you don’t do, right? “So how was your weekend of not skiing?” “I had a great time not going to the Grand Canyon.” This non-confrontational approach lasted until I became an adult and realized the negative impact that irrational beliefs could have on the world. The events of 9/11 shaped my opinions

world without gender stereotypes and segregation where your can be yourself without being governed and judged by something as miniscule as your gender. THE EFFECT OF THE MEDIA ON GENDER STEREOTYPES. Movies and TV are powerful forms of media that shape young people and leave a big impact on a generation, making them dangerous contributors to gender stereotyping and segregation when made using said stereotypes. In their 2019 paper about the effects of gender stereotypes on children, Eike Wille and her co-authors found that "t.v. programs often transmit stereotypes about gender roles such as ‘math is for boys and not for girls’” causing less motivation and interest among girls to learn about and pursue math-based careers. This creates a gender inequality in the math field based solely on stereotypes suggested to children, rather than capability and interest. Most girls think math is not for them, or are convinced that they are not good at math. When really, they were just subliminally taught to believe so through TV and movies. Similarly, the way that characters are portrayed in movies, particularly in those “coming of age” movies geared towards a teen and/ or tween audiences, is problematic in many ways. The girl is usually pressured to change from her unique self into someone more feminine and sexual in order to “fit in.” The guys are typically portrayed

as being perverted and acting in predator-like ways to woo the girl and are never punished for doing so, nor taught the negative effects of this type of behavior. One of the more recent examples of this type of movie is 2019’s “After”, directed by Jenny Gage, where these exact roles take place, particularly in the first half. THE EFFECTS OF GENDER INEQUALITY ON DEVELOPING MINDS. Gender inequality in government and businesses also affect the way children grow to understand gender and become accustomed to gender inequality. In their 2008 study on children’s and adolescent’s developing perceptions of gender inequality, Kristin D. Neff, Carey E. Cooper, and Althea L. Woodruff found “an age-related increase in perceptions of male dominance. Men were seen to have more power and status in politics than in business whereas relative equality was seen to exist in the home”. This means that as children grow, they are being shown a very heavy gender inequality in positions of power. This gives the impression that male-dominated industries and positions of power are normal and okay. HOW AND WHY WE SHOULD SOLVE GENDER INEQUALITY. Growing gender equality in all fields and aspects of life will make an important change in creating a less gender-focused and divided world. If children are shown how few differences

between men and women there are, they will grow to see people as equal and united, rather than segregated and different based on gender stereotypes. WHY WE ARE CURRENTLY STUCK HERE. In their 2017 research on the influence of gender based intelligence stereotypes on children and their interests, Lin Bian, Sarah-Jane Leslie, and Andrei Cimpian found that “gendered notions of brilliance are acquired early and have an immediate effect on children’s interests.” This creates a cycle of new generations being shaped by the previous, and continuously being dictated and influenced by their gender. CONCLUSION. As I’ve pondered the segregation of gender throughout my life, I have discovered that it has many negative impacts on society, and fixing these problems begins with children, the next generation of humanity. No one person alone can easily reverse all of the biases and restrictions we have created over many years to define and segregate humanity by gender, but you can still make changes to help. Ignore gendered products and ideas whenever possible, support accurately represented characters in shows and movies, don’t let stereotypes hold you back, and lead by example for your children and other’s. We can make the world a better place with a simple change in attitude and perspective.

on religious extremism, but unlike many other Americans, I saw the problem as being bigger than one specific religious ideology. I acknowledged the root of what made religion potentially dangerous: dogma. The idea that certain things are unquestionable allows people in positions of power to rationalize any action as righteous. Murder, oppression, hatred - all things justified by dogma. And so I asked, what is the opposite of dogma? Catma? No. It’s free thought. It’s opposition to authority. It’s disobedience. And so I embraced the mythological being that represented all of these qualities: Satan. To reiterate, I am still an atheist. I don’t believe in a literal Satan. I do, however, believe in what Satan represents, and several years ago I discovered an organization that embraces those same ideals. The Satanic Temple (TST) was founded in 2013 by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry to “encourage benevolence and empathy among all people”. Recently, TST has been recognized officially by the IRS as a religion. It has seven simple tenets, paraphrased: Act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures, justice comes before law, your body is yours alone, respect others’ freedoms, form your beliefs through scientific inquiry, fix your mistakes, and don’t let the other tenets get in the way of doing the right thing. TST’s headquarters is appropriately located in Salem, MA, and it has at least 18 other chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. The church is dedicated to promoting religious pluralism (the “melting pot” image of America), preventing the use of corporal punishment and solitary confinement in schools, and repairing the damage done by the “Satanic Panic” of the last quarter of the 20th century. If you want to know more, check out thesatanictemple. com. Have fun out there and Hail Satan! the smcc beacon | lighting our community 7

The Price of Warmth

Part 1

It wasn't necessarily a gift either. I hadn't stolen it. It was Ezra's; his mother had handed out his clothing and I'd grabbed it sat in the breezy tomb of the embrasure. up, promising to fit into it sometime soon. The autumn grass to my left was midAfter a while, I clambered down from dle-aged, unashamed of its telltale streaks. the edge, grabbing the olive green backpack To my right was a window I was tempted that had loyally served me for years. It was to sit in, but the rust was sure to stain my hardly worn, save one small seam towards clothing. Waves pounded the stone wall, the top. I'd need to repair that. I believed shaking the whole structure. I had one in quality things and maintaining what leg dangling down over the edge towards you owned. Throw-away culture was for the grass, my back up against the sucking people like my grandparents, who balked cold of the granite wall. The other leg was at the idea I was some version of queer. outstretched and my leather boots struck My legs were stiff with cold as I walked, as a stark contrast with my cotton blue jeans. if I’d swapped legs with a newborn foal. A cap on my head kept my dark, tousled He was gone. locks under control. The cap didn't stop the The thought hit me in the chest, young white women that walked past from threatening to squeeze tears out of my huddling close to each other when they mossy brown eyes. I cleared my throat and saw my face. I was used to that. Ignoring trudged up to a set of rickety, waterlogged them, I brought the turquoise sweatshirt stairs. They swayed with every step I took, I was wearing a bit closer to my body. It but I made it to the top. Almost heading to was a size or two smaller, not meant for my bulky frame. I hadn't bought it with money. the left, I stopped halfway through a stride and continued forward to some crumbling concrete steps. One of the women from earlier was sitting on a bench to the left and she didn't need to see my mixed-race-self experiencing emotions. She was wrapped up in her phone and the view. I descended out of sight. By this point, I felt like I needed a shower. Not only because I'd worked up a sweat, but for the privacy. It was the one place I could grieve in peace. I woke up one morning to his brother texting me that he was gone. I thought he was pulling ILLUSTRATION BY MORGAN DYER by Cedric McLeod

my leg. I tried messaging Ezra, but nothing. For hours. Days passed and his brother posted a video of Ezra laying very still, his brother looking at tattoos, documenting them. I half expected Ezra to sit up and grin for the camera. I wanted it with every fiber of my being. All the movement I saw from that body, just laying there on that metal table, was a limp wrist turning a hand outward as his brother turned an arm over to look at the tattoos that graced a forearm. They barely seemed to belong to him now. He loved to dress up, to be decorated, adorned. I would have been sending him a text soon, "Hey buddy, it's almost Halloween. What are you going to dress up as?" The last time I saw him, he had hugged me goodnight. I felt the breeze fade away and warmth flooded back into my legs as I reached the ground. This was an isolated part of the fort, rusted chains bound iron doors that were either rusted shut or askew at the hinges. If you looked inside, you might only see darkness until your eyes adjusted. Some chains were newer than others, but the doors all seemed to be the same age. We had plans to hang out, we were going to go to Canada, I could always text him anything. I felt like those plans were now locked away forever. He was shorter than me, with dark locks like mine and glasses that framed his smiling eyes. I'd met him at a bar on our favourite holiday, Halloween. I was dressed as a pirate with materials I'd only barely found, released early from work due to a slow night. He was in blue scrubs, tipsy, but not that it affected the conversation. I was immediately drawn to him, he was like an old friend. The music was loud, I was with my girlfriend and my buddy, Even. They had both gotten the night off and I was lucky to be out on the town with everyone. We played darts, then pool, and I ordered a pitcher of beer for the four of us. He had been with a group of people that left, and

Secret Keeper of the Sea

Part 4

by Jessilyn Rich

ilence hung in the eaves of the village like burnt out Christmas lights in July. Mundane tasks kept anxious hands busy, as the morning wore on. No one complained about the fatigue that weighed heavy on heart and soul as the day ticked by. Fishermen had returned home for fresh clothing, warm showers and hot meals before moving towards their normal day. No one was concerned with getting to market before noon today, just tending the traps. Wives held goodbye kisses a moment longer than usual, before tired husbands slipped out the door and back to the sea. The only signs of a tiny village still holding its breath from the night before was the silence that ached even the strongest heart. Even the school children seemed to know that this morning was different, as they quietly walked the main street to school. There was no yelling or laughter, no flamboyant gossip from shoppers nor shopkeeps alike; everyone just quietly marched through the motions of the day. I stayed on the docks until my legs ached from the wooden slats so badly,

8 lighting our community | the smcc beacon

I thought they might never forgive me. The wind had burned my fingers and cheeks, worse than the July sun, and yet they both felt numb. People passed me as they hustled about their mornings, looking through me as if I was part of the normal landscape. I knew what everyone was thinking, I knew that everyone knew. I pulled myself away from the edge and returned home. I stood in my kitchen for a long moment as if I was supposed to do something here, that I hadn’t done. I picked up the kettle from the stove and began to fill it. I wasn’t thirsty, and didn’t really want a cup of tea, but habit was soothing and the only thing I could think to do. The flame of the stove felt warm as it erupted beneath the kettle. My nerves tingled, as I came to realize this was the first time in twelve hours that I had felt something. The thing I felt was the flames. Tears threatened the edges of my eyelid as I steadied myself against the frigid rim of the sink. Swiping at my eyes with the sleeve of my shirt only to be overcome by the smells of the night, smoke, fuel, salt air, and grief. I ripped the clothes from my back, throwing them into the trash can beside the counter. I wanted them

gone, I needed them gone, I couldn’t ever look at them again. I turned off the stove burner and sprinted towards the stairs, trying to outrun grief’s haunting shadow. I took the stairs two at a time, throwing my weight into the bathroom door, crashing through it like a lunatic. I was trying to seek comfort from a chilled tile room, like a fool. I yanked the handle to the shower, water gushing from the tap, beating against the stone below. My aching body collapsed against the shower wall, and slid to the floor, like the discarded wedding dress of a woman that had been left at the altar. Grief heaved the air from my lungs, in a tug of war with my aching heart. The heat of the water pouring from the shower head beat against my bare back. Why was it happening again? It can’t be happening again. Haven’t we paid enough for a crime which we did not commit? Cursed by an unpaid bargain that I didn’t make. Tears blurred my vision as I sobbed on the shower floor like a child. I couldn’t do this again, it couldn’t expect me to do this again. Grief had haunted my heart all these years, waiting in the shadows to return, and it had. It was happening again.

he took a while to notice. There was a break in the game as we finished and he excused himself outside. The group had gone out to smoke, and that was the last time I would've seen him, had we not exchanged info. I trekked past the fort and onwards to school. Dead leaves fluttered to the ground, painting the ground with yellows and reds. No signs of life rustled about here, not that I could see, anyways. I was far too warm and I wanted to rest, but there were no benches here. The sky grew darker with heaps of puffed slate slowly building in the distance. I had a lump in my throat. I'd tried to quench it before, but it wasn't brought on by thirst. I ascended the next hill, step by step. As I did, I could see islands sitting in pools of fog out in the distance. They looked like battleships. My cheeks felt hot and puffy. I'd met his mother at his funeral. I'd given her a timid hug and told both his parents that I hoped I'd become half the man he was. His mother had wiped tears from her eyes and his father would later clap me on the back as he asked me about my plan for life. His father is taller than me, but exudes a warm energy that made me trust him. I'd talked about how I was on my way to be an accountant. Then, the wasps came. To be continiued

Rhythm and Flow

by Magella Cantara

etflix isn’t what it used to be but there are some good shows and movies if you dive deep for them. There’s one in particular I’d like to bring up. It’s a series called “Rhythm and Flow.” It’s known as a rap competition- essentially the American Idol of Hip-Hop. Famous producers and artists are featured throughout the contestants’ challenges. Cardi B, T.I., and Chance the Rapper are judges - even Snoop Dogg weighs in as a guest judge. They travel to big cities like Chicago, Atlanta, NYC, and Los Angeles in search of talents that could be like them one day: having a fanbase, personal achievements, and successes. Now, there won’t be any spoilers here. What I will say is that there is an EP out by one of the contestants known as D Smoke. His EP is called “Inglewood High”. I highly recommend giving it a listen. His album is blowing up by the day as well as his fanbase. He’s right behind artists like Post Malone on the charts. Even if rap music isn’t your first choice, give him a chance. His lyricism is genuine and honest, what a lot of people are trying to bring back into today’s music industry. If you want a truly well rounded artist to look up to and get to know their story and everything they stand for, check out D Smoke on all music platforms. Even if you want to listen to the music without watching the series at least try to invest in some of the episodes. It’s not sugar coated. It gives off a more raw sense than most competitive music shows. They tell it how it is and that's what more of the world could use. Showing that vulnerability and how you can take that then make something beautiful out of it. Who knows, watching this series might even inspire you to embrace the artist in you more, giving you the hope of succeeding by using a creative mind.

I am Not a Number

by Claire Christensen

Poetic

License

Untitled

by Magella Cantara

(CONTENT WARNING: this poem may be upsetting for readers who have expirenced sexual assault.) His eyes are black And starved Hands pinning me On a soft hotel pillow Where he was The opposite His lips maul Mine I’m sinking deeper Into this mattress I cannot move His grip of iron roots Has me naked as frostbite In my throat adrenaline has caught now I’m speechless He’s pounding me Like an ax to an oak tree I close my eyes count to 10 and imagine My last love How gentle he was how my waist Was teased with each touch he made How careful he was to take care of me How we laughed how kissing him was kind of fun Making me want to go back for more unlike this stranger I didn’t even know He devoured me with teeth that never smiled So I picture my last love’s smile to pass the time To somehow make this okay for My last love was nowhere near this rough and yet nowhere to be found This stranger is now full His eyes no longer starved So I guess that is that it’s Over now He was in for what he wanted Collecting all the good in me Just so he could survive himself The only thing he forgot to Take was “no”.

ILLUSTRATION BY MORGAN DYER

My Life

by James M. Little

When we are young, we just can’t wait to start school won’t that be great To become a preteen, then it arrives, and we feel so alive Then we say when I am sixteen, I cannot wait to drive the streets and stay up late Then when we turn eighteen, I can see what life has set for me, Twenty-one wow it is fun, I am legal and I do not fear, for now I’m starting my career Thirties are here, with a wife and two kids, When did my life begin to skid? It feels like life is way too big In my forties it feels great for both the kid will graduate Fifty is here and it is just you and me dear! Our new life will be fun for it has just begun In my sixties and wish you were here; we have two kids and four grandkids too and we truly MISS Little- Old -You. Here at seventy this old man still misses our walks and holding your hand Now that I am eighty it is alright for soon my Love; I will be holding you tight

Attention Poets and Poetically Inclined Individuals! “I am Not a Number” is a budding collection of poetry surrounding the topics of sexual and domestic abuse. The collection still needs willing contributions from anyone who has either experienced or witnessed abuse. Writers may choose to have their work published with anonymity. So far, all writers who are participating have requested to remain anonymous. Writers are also entitled to receive a copy of the book once printing is complete. Poetry is a form that is often intensely personal. For many, it acts as a therapeutic outlet. It is estimated that approximately one in four college-age women and one in ten college-age men have experienced sexual assault. This project hopes to communicate that sexual and domestic abuse is not a singular experience. “I am Not a Number” will show that individuals who fall under the statistic are not only a statistic. If you describe an action as abuse in your mind, that action is abuse despite what others might argue. Just because one circumstance is different than others doesn’t make it any less valid. Abuse is something that often sticks with someone throughout their lifetime, but it doesn’t have to keep one silent. Abuse is also an experience that is not limited to those directly involved. Allies and bystanders are also welcome

to share their experiences as outsiders. There is no word limitation. All work will be considered so long as it relates to the general topic of sexual or domestic abuse. If you or anyone you know might be interested in showcasing their poetry, please email Claire Christensen at clairemchristensen@smccme.edu. Submissions will be accepted through December 1st.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAIRE CHRISTENSEN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES LITTLE

the smcc beacon | lighting our community 9

SMCC MIDCOAST

WRITERS & POETS GROUP SHARE ORIGINAL PIECES. SHARE THE WORK OF OTHERS. COME ANF LISTEN. OPEN TO SMCC FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND THE PUBLIC.

Bring Back the Poets!

by Celina Simmons

oetry has a way of bringing people together, despite whatever differences appear on the surface. Poetry digs deeper than that. It’s when the pen and your hand start to have a mind of their own and words begin to spill out. That’s when it comes from the heart. In past semesters, SMCC’s Midcoast community recognized this once a month at their Poetry Gatherings. Facilitated by Derek Meader, he has hopes of getting this up and running once again. The events were open to all students, staff, and the public outside SMCC. They welcomed anyone who came to read their

own poems or ones they enjoyed that were written by someone else. Derek Meader shared, “Every now and again a member of the public would show up and read as well.” There was no pressure to read, though. In fact, many students came to sit and listen, which was just as meaningful. Some poems get personal and raw. As a poet myself, standing up in front of people and reading something like that can make one feel almost vulnerable. Having engaging and respectful listeners is support that goes a long way. If this is an event that you would love to see around Midcoast again, please contact Derek Meader (dmeader@smccme.edu) for more information or to see how you can help to get it back in action.

Jessica U. Meir First woman from Maine to see space

by Arden Leigh

his past September, NASA astronaut Jessica Ulrika Meir was launched on a six-month mission aboard the Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. She will be the first woman from Maine to go to space. Her crewmates (consisting of Oleg Skripochka of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, and Roscosmos spaceflight participant Hazzaa Ali Almansoori of the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre) arrived at the space station approximately six hours after launch to meet six other crew members already aboard. Meir will live and work at the space station until spring of 2020. Meir was selected to work for NASA in 2013, due to her aptitude in many sciences. She holds degrees and Doctorates from Brown University,

International Space University, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Meir was born in the city of Caribou, Maine, around six hours away from Portland. She graduated from Caribou High School, and has grown to become a hometown hero. Along with NASA astronaut Christina Koch, she also participated in the first all-female space walk in history while emerging from the International Space Station. At the Caribou schools Meir used to attend, teachers gleefully observe the way she has inspired female students not only from Caribou, but all over Maine and the United States. “We hope that we can provide an inspiration to everybody, not only women, that have a dream, have a big dream, and are willing to work hard to make that dream come true,” Meir said in a phone call with President Trump. “It is a pretty incredible feeling, I’m sure you can all imagine, and it’s one that I will never forget.”

Hungry? On campus Food Pantry. Free food for all students. Open from 10-1 Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, and 12-5 on Friday. Closed Wednesdays and weekends.

HOLIDAY

ART& RESERVE A TABLE |SELL YOUR ART |SHOP |ENJOY CRAFTING NIGHTS WITH FRIENDS| $$ MAKE $$

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DECEMBER 5TH & 6TH

10AM-4PM CAMPUS CENTER SOPO

CRAFT F O R MORE INFO

emilycplourde @smccme.edu

Why Soccer is the World’s Best Game

by Sonny DaBica-Fetras

n terms of global popularity, soccer (or football, as the Europeans refer to it) has the most fans and players of any sport - and the numbers from other sports are not even close. The World Cup is the most watched single-sport tournament in the world and again, numbers from other events are not even close. The World Cup is viewed by billions of people world-wide every four years. Very few nations have had the privilege of winning this highly sought-after prize. Previous winners include Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, England, Uruguay, Argentina and Germany. The most recent winner is France, and the two countries with the most World Cups are Germany and Brazil, with 5 each. In America, soccer is less so but in other countries, soccer is the most popular sport. Because of the popularity that this sport has, globally there are countless world class stadiums around the world. This is because soccer creates more revenue than other sports. A bulk of the money comes from the fact that so many people pay to watch games, and from the merchandising of soccer-related products. I think that soccer is perceived differently in the U.S. because unlike many

Teams Thriving (Continued from page 12)

Best Game” write-up to the Beacon. You’ll find Sonny’s write up on page 11. Hey, SMCC student body, does anyone else want to share their sports interest with the Beacon? If so, send your write-ups to mbeacon@smccme.edu and we’ll do what needs to happen in order for your submission to be published. Okay, back to the positive energy that is permeating throughout the SMCC athletic department. After the women and men SeaWolves took to the court against Navy Prep back on November 2, the men suffered a frustrating 76-82 loss to Navy Prep, friends, family, supporters, and SMCC athletic staff meet at Purpoodock Country Club for this years Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Michela Desjardins, class of 2013, was

popular sports, it has less physical contact and less violence. I have heard some people call soccer boring but would posit that this is because they are not familiar enough with the game, and don’t know what to look for while watching soccer games. Some say it’s a low scoring game, and that’s why they don’t like it, or because many games end in a draw, or a tie. Soccer lovers call it a beautiful game for a reason, soccer is a very tactical sport. There is a ton of emphasis on spacing and creating triangles, and also on flow. I believe that understanding the tactics of the game leads to a real appreciation for it; in comparison to other choppy, flow-less popular American sports, soccer is truly the best sport to watch. What it lacks in scoring, it makes up for in beautiful gameplay. The people I most admire in the sport are not just players but also coaches, like Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wanger, Marcello Lippi, and so many others. These people are visionaries who have revolutionized the way the game is played. So check out the next soccer game you run across you might just find a new passion.

From top left to bottom right: Mohamed Matan, Keto Tchiputo, Max Pushaw and Callie O'Brien were named to various USCAA All-American teams this past weekend. The SeaWolves soccer programs ended an nincredibly successful season on Sunday when they took to the pitch to play Penn State Brandywine in the consulation games after dropping their opening pool play games. The Lady SeaWolves ended their season with a 4-nil win over Penn State Brandywine. Logan Prey and Callie O'Brien each scored 2 goals leadng the SeaWolves their win The Lady Wolves end their season with a 13-2-1 record. The men SeaWolves would jump[ out to an early lead on a Joel Musese goal, to which Penn State Brandywine would score two to take a one goal lead. Again Musese would score to tie the game, however Brandywine wouls get their third goal and the win. The men Wolves finish the season with a 13-4 overall record.

inducted for her accomplishments on the soccer field, as was Alisa Sweet, class of 2011, was inducted for her accomplishments on the basketball court. Desjardins recorded 21 goals and 45 points over the course of two season as a SeaWolf, ranks 5th in all-time goals, as well as ranking 2nd in total goals and points among Yankee Small College Conference players in 2012. Michela was named a YSCC All-Conference selection in 2012 and 2013 and a United States Collegiate Athletic Association Honorable Mention All-American in the same seasons. Alisa Sweet scored 781 points as a two-year member of the women’s basketball program (2010-2011) ranking her sixth. Sweet averaged close to a double-double in 55 games played by scoring 14.2 points per game and grabbing 9.9 rebounds per game. Sweet sustained a .450 career field goal percentage, .381 three-point percentage, and

.594 free-throw percentage. Sweet also ranks 3rd in points per game and 2nd in rebounds per game among players having played 50 or more games at SMCC. The power forward was a YSCC All-Conference selection in 2010, crowned a conference champion in 2010 and 2011, and made USCAA national tournament appearances in the same seasons. Phil Desjardins, who coached the SeaWolf baseball team for 16 seasons, is the all-time winningest baseball coach in SMCC history. Coach Desjardins compiled a 220-163 overall record - .574 win%, won three YSCC championships in 06, 07 and 12, made three USCAA national tournament appearances in 08, 10 and 11, and was named YSCC Coach of the Year in 2007. Desjardins was inducted as the third coach into the hall of fame. Rounding out the inductees was Eric Bruneau, who is the first inductee in the “Friends and Supporters” category. Bruneau,

who is in his ninth year as President of the SeaWolves Athletic Club, has helped raise close to $310,000. Athletic Director Matt Richards summed up the event with these words, “Alisa, Michela, Phil, and Eric accomplished spectacular feats here at SMCC—those forever etched in the record books. All are true representatives of what it means to represent SeaWolves Athletics and the college in a positive and meaningful way. I am extremely pleased to officially induct these four as class of 2019.” On a final note, the Beacon offers up a hearty shout out to all of the student athletics who have put in long hours of work and have made SMCC athletics a culture to be proud of. Maybe someone out there in the SeaWolf Nation will start a SeaWolfProud hash tag.

the smcc beacon | lighting our community 11

Fall and Winter Teams Thriving

Soccer teams goes to Nationals - Basketball teams travel by the Beacon Sports Staff

ey SMCC student body. Hey faculty, staff and administration. Do you know what’s happening in the athletics department these days? Do you know what’s going with the fall and winter teams and in the department? Well, aside from tons of on field success, which the teams are experiencing and in the energy in the department that is percolating, there is also this - that one word that never makes it into the statistics line: chemistry. To tell you the truth, there’s tons of chemistry going on with the soccer and basketball teams, as well as that other hard

Top: The women and men’s soccer teams at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) soccer nationals in Virginia Beach. The women would drop their opening pool play match against Cincinnati-Clermont 2-6, while the men suffer an opening pool play lose to Berkeley-NY 0-1 in double overtime. Top Right: LtoR: Alisa Sweet, Phil Desjardins, Michela Desjardins and Eric Bruneau are all smiles as they are inducted into the 2019 SMCC Athletic Hall of Fame. Above Alisa Sweet flanked by women’s basketball head coach Katie Bergeron and assistant coach Patrick Haviland at the 14th SMCC Athletics Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

to qualify variable: gumption. While there are no statistic lines for chemistry and gumption, this sports reporter has been seeing their presence on the soccer pitch and basketball court. In the last Beacon, we covered the Yankee Small College Conference soccer semi-finals for the women and men’s teams only managing to cover the semi-final games as the finals were delayed because of poor weather conditions. After the delay, both teams would win their championship games and earned an automatic invitation to the USCAA National Tournament in Virginia Beach. The teams would square off against Central Maine Community College, who beat the New Hampshire Technical Institute teams to earn a spot in the YSCC championship game against SMCC. To recap: the women SeaWolves would outlast CMCC 1-0, surviving playing short one player for the final 7 minutes of the match after Callie Obrien was red carded. The men would not have to work through double overtime periods as they would post a 4-2 victory over Central Maine. Could there be a new rivalry taking shape in YSCC soccer? Only the Shadow and the future know for sure. Winning the YSCC crown earned both teams a trip to Nationals in Virginia Beach this past weekend. Unfortunately, the SeaWolf teams suffered opening round loses in pool play as the men would fall to Berke-

SeaWolves Place 7 on USCAA All-American Teams

SMCC represented on first, second and academic teams

he Beacon would like to congratulate the seven members of the women and men’s soccer teams who were named to the United States Athletic Association’s First, Second and Academic All-American teams this past weekend. Callie O’Brien, Mohamed Matan and Joshua Nagle earned first team honors, as Paige Lord and Keto Tchipu-

to were named to the second team. Callie O’Brien, Paige Lord were also named to the Academic All-American team and were joined by Katelin Bennett and Max Pushaw. The USCAA Soccer Nationals were held in Virginia Beach as teams representing small colleges from New Jersey, North Carolina Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and of course Maine played for the USCAA championship.

ley-NY 1-0 in double overtime and the women would fall to Cincinnati Clermont 6-2. The SeaWolf squads returned to the field on Sunday to play the Penn State Brandywine teams who also suffered opening game loses in the consolation game. The Beacon reached out to Women’s Head Soccer Coach for his thoughts on the SMCC teams earning a trip to Nationals and Ethan responded, “it’s a special opportunity to have both programs represented at a national tournament. I’m thrilled to have exposed my team to this caliber of talent on the biggest stage of our association. We hope to be back next season and continue building towards the ultimate goal.” How about shout outs to the team members who were named to the USCAA First, Second and Academic All-American teams (story on page 11), and to Ethan Wells for being named the USCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year? How about a shout out to the Lady SeaWolf basketball team, for showing real grit and gumption for their come from behind win against Navy Prep? Trailing by nine points at half (24-15), the SeaWolves outscored the Navy Cadets 34-21 in the second half to grab a three-point victory. The win was a fun one to watch as the SeaWolves won the game with their inside game and at

the free throw line. Rumor has it that photos of the game can be found on the official SeaWolves website. Follow the links and you will find photos from the Navy Prep games and the YSCC soccer final games against Central Maine Community College. The basketball teams were on the road this weekend with games scheduled against Holyoke Community College and Paul Smith’s College. The Wolves would sweep all of the games as the women would win 66-30 against Holyoke and 102-19 against Paul Smith’s. The men would win 72-68 and 77-61 against Holyoke and Paul Smith’s respectively. The teams have posted a 9-1 record to date, head to Great Bay Community College on Wednesday and return home on Saturday to play Vermont Tech. Back to soccer and a quick shout out; thanks a million to Sonny DaBica-Fetras for sending in the “Why Soccer is the World’s (Continued on page 11)

Below left to right, Paige Lord and Katelin Bennett named to USCAA All American Teams.