The SMCC Beacon 9-12-2012

THE SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER | Volume 8 • No. 1 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

Sustaining Higher Education: A Conversation With Angus King Senatorial Candidate Angus King Discusses Higher Education

PHOTO BY DENISE MICHAUD

By Daniel E. Gagne tudents today face the continual increasing burden of debt in order to obtain a degree. As technology has evolved we are no longer the farmers of yesteryear. We are a race of technologically savvy capitalists. Thriving in society today requires us to get training beyond primary and secondary schools, although not always a four year degree or better. Of course a bachelor’s, master’s degree, or a doctorate is not necessary in many fields, but the largest growing sector is in training short of these. It seems however, that most of us today are bombarded with advertisements of many forms that lead us to believe that attending a university is an absolute must in order to succeed.

The average cost of that college education has been out of control for decades at a rate triple that of inflation.

Here at SMCC we have been lucky to have those rates at just over 2% annually since 2001, only one third of most other institutions matching very close to the rate of inflation, while simultaneously grow at around 15%.

Send Them to the Streets SMCC Photo Students Exhibit Work

By Sarah Dutil of street photography is to capture that pivhe Art House, a cozy gallery located at 61 Pleasant Street, located just outside Portland’s Old Port district, ended their summer season of exhibitions with the display “Street Photography.” Students from Liz Bieber’s summer Photo 1 classes had the wonderful opportunity to exhibit their photographic responses to a “Street Photography” assignment given them earlier in the summer semester. The gist of the assignment is to explore, and document a sense of Portland, or any city streets, by using the subject matter found in and around these streets.

When asked to expand on the parameters of the assignment Ms Bieber explained, “One idea 2 Welcome Back!

Career & Transfer Connections 3 Free Money Medical Supplies 4 PSTD On Top of the World 5 Soul-Making True Love?

6 Networking Identity 7 Op-Editorials 9 Gluten-Free

The Candidate 10 Off Beat Music Events 11 Sports

otal moment when light, composition, and moment converge. Initially many students can have trepidations about shooting strangers. The thing about shooting strangers is, it is, a little nerve racking. It’s controversial.

Shooting in a public space is a right, but it doesn’t always feel like it is. In the end, the very same students presented the most captivating images.”

Hosted by Liz and a handful of students from the class, one could easily tell that each photographer’s take on the assignment was coming from a different perspective. Faculty, fellow SMCC students and the curious trickled into view the work, entering and leaving the space with a warm and cheerful energy. Students spoke about their learning process throughout this project, saying they found that strangers were more likely to take a real photo when they were unaware they were being photographed. Over all, the event had a very pleasing turn out.

PHOTOS BY SARA DUTIL

Angus King, now running for the U.S. Senate, agreed to be interviewed by The Beacon to discuss this very problem. He grew up in Alexandria, Va. to a family whose parents were the first to go to college. His mother, in order to attend college in the 20’s and 30’s, had a scholarship which stipulated that she become a teacher for every year she had a scholarship after graduation in order to repay the foundation. Before becoming Governor, or running for Senate, he taught at both Bowdoin and Bates colleges, and continued to be an educator as recent as last spring. Having such a history in post-secondary education, as well as being governor for two consecutive terms, he has quite a unique view on how the system works. That being said, he also has a lot to say on why college cost is such a huge problem for students and families struggling with how to finance an education without creating unsustainable debt.

In response to whether or not colleges and universities should be penalized for higher than average default rates, King exclaimed, “Boy, I’ve never heard that! That’s a really interesting idea… That implies their really not taking care of their students. That’s an idea that deserves some real consideration. That’s a way of indirectly policing what we talked about, which is giving them more help when they come in.” When asked if allowing students to utilize bankruptcy protection to wipe out overburdened student debt would act to help stimulate the economy, King replied, “I don’t know.

(Continued on page 10)

CampusNews Welcome Back Students and Staff, Welcome Back!

By Mary-Alice Mercier

here. Last year was a great year for the clubs and we are hoping this year will be even better.” The CeSIL office oversees the clubs and activities here on campus and they are excitedly looking forward to the new school year.

Everyone seemed to be anticipating the new semester

and it is good to see the returners coming back as well,” pointed out Spring Point Hall Director, Jessica Fontini. rom The Beacon to all SMCC, welcome back for After talking with both directors it was quite obvious that another great year! The 2012 fall semester has begun, the dorms are booming with new energetic students. and word is buzzing that it is off to a great start! The

The campus is alive with those looking for a great teachers, and students alike, are looking education while making friends that could, forward to a fantastic and interesting year. and in many cases, will last a lifetime, both The annual “Welcome Back Barbeque” gave with teachers and students. “It’s wonderful students and teachers a warm welcome with to be back!” Began Philosophy Instructor great food provided by our own Ocean View and new Chorale Director, Richard Pitre. “I Dining Hall. The Barbeque also offered, as am looking forward to some very interesting usual, a chance for students to check out the and stimulating discussion in my philosophy campus clubs! There are so many opportunities classes. And as the new Chorale Director, offered here at SMCC and most, if not all of I am looking forward to exploring new avthem, were shown off on the 13th. enues and we welcome anyone to come and

As the Dining Hall and Hildreth parkjoin us!” ing lot filled with hungry SMCC students Several instructors wandered around the and staff, all lined up for the massive buffet event as all had a chance to catch up with of burgers, hot dogs, salads, and dessert! Of one another. Physics and astronomy instruccourse we should not fail to mention the tor Kevin Kimball commented on the new three attractions for the students to enjoy, a semester with the observation that, “I look rock climbing wall, a bucking bull, and all forward to having a ball! If you can’t have of the SMCC supporters and clubs. Teachfun here then you have a problem! Who ers welcomed back former students and new can’t have fun with a trebuchet or with asstudents were gladly accepted into the open tronomy!” Instructors are clearly ecstatic and arms of the myriad of SMCC clubs. anticipating a great new year.

Of the clubs who attended the event Tom Ryan, a returning student emphatithey included: Phi Theta Kappa, Student cally stated, “It feels good to be back here on Ambassadors, Choral, Amnesty internationcampus. I was starting to get bored, I enjoyed al, The Beacon, and more. Supporters such as, Students gather around the tables for informtion about clubs at the Welcome Back BBQ. my classes last semester and hope for the the American Legion, Planned Parenthood, same. It is good to see old friends and I am and the Metro Bus Representatives were also there. Shane in a great way. Even the resident hall directors were exexcited to make new ones.” There were several returning Long from the CeSIL office (Center of Student Involvecited for the new and returning arrivals. “I am glad to have and new students here on the campus each one happy to ment and Leadership) was present to inform students how students back in the dorms. It gives them such a great be here if for nothing more than friends and education. to get involved in SMCC’s clubs and events, helping guide opportunity and I am glad to be a part of it,” said Surfsite

“The main reason I am here is to get my degree in new and old students to a place that is right for them. “I Hall Director, Katharine Gergosian. am excited about the number of clubs trying to recruit

“It has been fun getting to know the new residents (Continued on page 8)

Career & Transfer Connections Should a Four-Year Degree Be in Your Future?

2 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon

By Sharon Bannon, Director of Career and Transfer Services areer & Transfer Connections is now a regular column covering topics in career and transfer planning. Guest writers, including professionals from the worlds of education and employment and your fellow students, will be regularly featured in this column. Information packed into the submissions is sure to be interesting, thought provoking and useful.

Speaking of interesting and thought-provoking information, consider transferring for a bachelor’s degree or even continuing on for a master’s. Why? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site, employees with a high school diploma have median weekly earnings of $630.00. Someone possessing an associate’s degree will earn a figure of $768.00. Holding a bachelor’s degree will offer the possibility of $1,053.00 per week. A master’s degree could net an employee $1,263.00 each week.

Here are some other thought-provoking numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2011 unemployment rate that people holding only a high school diploma was 9.4%. Workers who had earned an associate’s degree did better with a 6.8 % unemployment rate. Job seekers with bachelor’s degrees had an unemployment rate of 4.9 % during 2011. People with master’s degrees experienced a 3.6 % unemployment rate in 2011. More education doesn’t only mean higher earnings. It also means more employment opportunities!

Visit the Web addresses below to view these figures and, additionally, information on specific career earning potentials in the state of Maine and national figures on job prospect projections with an associate’s degree: • http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm • http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm • http://data.bls.gov/oep/noeted?Action=empeduc Of course, higher education can be expensive. That is why doing research and choosing the right institution is critical. Here are several basic areas you will want to investigate when shopping for your four-year college:

Major – Do they even offer the major in which you want to study?

Quality of the program – Do they welcome transfer students and their courses/credits? Do they offer internships in your major? Did you review the profiles of faculty in the department? Do they have information on where their alumni have gone on to work? If you want to spend a semester studying abroad, are there opportunities for that?

Go to the department’s Web page! Start your research early! Visit this Website to read reviews from students who are attending colleges around the country and have submitted their comments online: http://www.studentsreview.com/

Program Logistics – Will you be a full-time or parttime student? Do they offer both day and evening courses?

Are any of the required courses offered online? What are the academic and technical resources available? How sophisticated is the equipment or software that they use for teaching?

Cost – Public College? Private College? In-state?

Out-of-state? Search their Web site for the “Net Price Calculator” that colleges are now required to have on their Web sites (usually located in the financial aid section). Do they have scholarship funds dedicated to transfer students?

Location – How far away is the college from home?

Will you have to fly or drive?

Living Arrangements – Will you be living in a dorm and dining on a meal plan? Will you look for an apartment and have roommates sharing costs? Will you be close enough to commute from home?

College Culture – What is the right environment for you? Are you a focused, serious student and the idea of a “party” school is repelling? Are you looking for a large, vibrant University that is almost a small city? Are you hoping for something a little more intimate where you aren’t one of 250 students in your course? What kind of student organizations and activities are offered on campus?

Your continued education is a substantial investment in your future. Take the time to be a savvy consumer and make smart decisions. There is help available for this process at SMCC. You can contact the Office of Career and Transfer Services at 741-5626 and set up an appointment for assistance with your transfer plans. Also, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the annual SMCC Transfer Fair will bring over 30 four-year colleges to the Campus Center Lounge on the South Portland Campus to offer SMCC students information about their institutions. Colleges also visit the South Portland Campus on an individual basis and you can view all of the dates on the Career and Transfer Services OnCampus Calendar by clicking on the “Students” tab inside your portal and then scrolling down on the left to “Career & Transfer Services.”

Best of luck with your further higher education!

CampusNews Directions to “Free” Money This is a two part story, part one follows, part two will be in the next issue of the Beacon, due out on September 26, 2012

By Shawn Veasey ould you like directions to “free” money? Now that I’ve got your attention—No, wait! Don’t put the paper down because I’m really going to give you directions on how you can find “free” money. And no, you won’t need a shovel or a map. Well, there will be a map of sorts and this article is part of it.

We’ve all heard the word “scholarship,” but what do we really know about scholarships? One thing you may have gathered from the title is that scholarships can be considered “free” money. Investorwords.com defines scholarship as, “A type of financial aid, in the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid by the recipient. Scholarships are most often given to students for one of two reasons: achievement in academics or other areas, or financial need.”

What do scholarships mean to you, the student? In today’s financial climate it can mean the ability to pay for your education with little to no student loans and/or even paying for tuition at that dream school you never thought you could afford.

So not that we’ve established the what (scholarships), and the why (“free” money), let’s move on to the how?

How can you win a scholarship? If you answered, “I can’t win one because...” let me stop you right here because you’re wrong. You can win a scholarship. Nearly every student at a two, or four-year college qualifies for some kind of form of scholarship. While there’s no guarantee you’ll be awarded a scholarship, the only 100% guarantee you will never win one is by not applying.

We won’t be able to cover everything about scholarships in this article but never fear, this is just part one of a series of articles written about scholarships. We’ll go into further detail on “Where to find scholarships?” “The Dos & Don’ts of Scholarships” and “How to Write a Scholarship Essay,” so make sure to tune in to the next installment of The Beacon. Before we close I’m going to give you a few quick, easy and safe (Yes, safe. Please see the end of the article), tips on where to find some local scholarships.

The first place to look is in your SMCC email. Sharon Bannon, the Director of Career & Transfer Services, emails students with a wealth of information regarding scholarship and transfer opportunities.

Information also can be found on SMCC’s website.

To locate SMCC’s scholarship list from www.smccme.edu, just click on Business & Community, then under Alumni & Foundation, click Scholarships. About mid-page there are two links; click the one that reads “Apply For A Scholarship”

and it will take you to SMCC’s scholarship page. As of 9/7/2012, SMCC was still accepting applications.

Are you a graduate of Morse High School in Bath, Maine? If so, do you know about the Morse High School Tuition Scholarship? If you qualify, tuition for the classes you take at the SMCC Bath and/or Mid-coast campuses can be waived, in other words FREE. Applications are available at the Bath Campus.

We’ve covered quick and easy, now on the to safe.

While there are many scholarship websites and scholarships out there, not all of them are legitimate. Be careful when divulging your personal information to sites with offers that seem too good to be true and never give your credit card and/or bank account information. A legitimate scholarship site will not ask for these things.

Respiratory Therapy Students Collect Medical Supplies for Worldwide Distribution

tion containers around campus for donated supplies. If you would like to donate items you can find those containers in the Campus Center, Health Science Building, and Gym. The respiratory students are also collecting from several of the local hospitals in the hopes of gathering many items that the organizations need.

Items to donate include: • Durable equipment such as crutches, walkers, potty chairs, orthopedic supplies, etc.

• Wound care items such as bandages, gauze pads, first aid kits, etc.

• Smart phones (iphones, international phones, all phones except Verizon phones) • Unused body lotions, protective barriers, skin cleaners, toothpaste, mouthwash, baby powder, etc • Personal care items such as combs and toothbrushes sheets and towels

If you have any supplies you are no longer using, they can be utilized in areas of the world where supplies are hard to come by. If you don’t have any items to donate but would still like to donate, please consider purchasing a first aid kit or bandages and drop them into a collection container by October 19th.

By Barb Ramsay his year the SMCC Respiratory Therapy students are participating in the college Day of Service initiative by conducting a drive to collect much needed medical supplies for underdeveloped countries. Three organizations that will benefit from the collected items include: Rotary International, collecting crutches for Africa, Partners for World Health, collecting unused disposable and reusable durable medical supplies to redistribute across the world, and Konbit Sante, improving healthcare in PHOTO COURTESY OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL northern Haiti.

The respiratory therapy students have set out collec A more complete list of donation items will be posted on the boxes.

For more information about these organizations, please logon to: • http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/090610_news_crutches.aspx • http://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/ GET_INVOLVED.html • http://konbitsante.org If you have questions about what to donate or have an item that may not fit in the boxes, please call Karen McDonald in the Respiratory Therapy office at 7415510.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KONBISANTE WEBSITE

The Culinary Arts Dining Room is now Open for Business Every Wednesday & Thursday enjoy an ever changing four-course lunch and enjoy Friday’s, the buffet luncheon.

All seatings are at noon at the affordable price of $14 per person with a suggested gratuity of $2-$3. Call ext. 5612 for reservations, Tuesday - Friday between 11 and 2.

The food is amazing.

The service is fantastic.

And the view is

unbelievable!

Beacon

• SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 • 3

TheOtherWorld On Top of the World

By Thomas Sharpe n a warm and muggy afternoon in August, about two decades ago, I set sail for the North Pole on board a nuclear power submarine. As the submarine headed down the Thames River to open waters, I was topside preparing the deck for under ice operations.

While conducting my duties, which I trained for the past six months, it was difficult to fathom the impending under ice cold weather mission. I could feel the sun burning my exposed skin and the spray of warm, brackish water on my face. The submarine headed for open water yearning for the freedom of the vast open ocean.

My duties were completed topside and as I entered the hatch to descend below decks, I was overwhelmed with the smell of unfiltered air that is unique to all submarines before they submerge in to the darkness and abyss of the sea. This smell reminded me that we are about to embark in to the depths of a world that was not naturally meant for man and can be unforgiving if not respected. Pushing those thoughts aside, I proceeded with my task at hand.

Event free and twenty-nine days after leaving the protection of the Thames River, the submarine arrived at its assigned destinations. The crew was conducting final checks before the submarine surfaced through the ice at the North Pole. I was at my station, the Ballast Control Panel, conducting system checks. Hearing the Captain give commands with confidence in his voice and various sound of the systems coming to life, brought me back to the training the crew endured over a half a year ago. It was as though I was watching a rerun of the entire train-

••• “I can vividly recall that the absence of smell in the air and how smell was replaced; the air stung your nose as if you were inhaling bumble bees.”

•••

ing. My drifting mind was brought back to reality when the order was given, in a commanding voice, “Hover the submarine… Prepare to Vertical Surface.”

As the submarine successfully surfaced through the ice, you could hear the groans of the steel hull trying to be compressed by the heavy ice. The crew was preparing to embark in to a world were very few had ventured before. The crew’s excitement and anticipation radiated like a young child waiting for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. As the hatch was opened, the wind blowing through the hatch sounds as if a car window was down while driving on the freeway. In an orderly manner, the crew members one-by-one ventured topside. It was cold, harsh, and barren as if they were walking on the moon in the vacuum of space. As I entered the hatch to go topside, the air heavy and numbing, took my breath away and I felt I had the wind knock out of me. I can vividly recall that the absence of smell in the air and, how smell was replaced; the air stung your nose as if you were inhaling bumble bees. I ventured away from the submarine, the absence of color and the brightness of the snow was disorientating as if you were walking in a complete whiteout.

With the suns azimuth at a constant, day and night had become one. It was as if time stood still like a picture of scene hung on the wall. For one brief moment, I felt as though I was alone in the world.

Tom Sharpe is currently enrolled at SMCC in the and is President of the SMCC Veteran’s Club. He also served in the U.S. Submarine Service.

Workshops in Studying Here at SMCC, is a series of three one-hour workshops with an emphasis on college study and success skills. These workshops are free to all SMCC students and no advance registration is required. Come to one or all three of the workshops.

Workshops are held in the 1st floor classroom in the Hutchinson Union Building (HUB) on the South Portland Campus, and on the Mid-Coast Campus, in room 117 of the Academics building. Please see the attached schedule for details.

These workshops are also available as video tutorials on SMCC’s Portal. Students may download them under the student tab/resource page. Recorded in MP4 format,

4 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Hindering the Transition from Combat to Home Life

By Tom Sharpe ost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after a person goes through an extremely traumatic experience. These traumatic experiences could be caused by reason such as: near death, serious physical injury, combat or any event that causes extreme fear, and when one feels an extreme sense of helplessness. Since the beginning of the war in Iraq, one in eight soldiers has been diagnosed with PTSD. However, in some cases, soldiers will not develop the symptoms of PTSD until several years after returning home from combat missions.

The Veteran Administrations (VA) has documented over 500 cases were Vietnam War veterans didn’t show symptoms of PTSD for more than 20 years after returning home.

The VA is concerned that many combat soldiers may not realize they have PTSD and not receive treatment.

There is documented evidence that soldiers, when returning from combat deployments, experience PTSD in some form. The severity of PTSD depends on the soldier’s own ability to cope with the stressors involved during the traumatic events that are associated with combat.

Many times a soldier may have to physically hurt or kill an enemy soldier. Circumstances force them to end someone’s life. This act of theirs brings them to deep sorrow. However, the enemy soldier is a human being too. Witnessing death and destruction becomes an everyday incident for a soldier in combat. They have to bear the grief of the suffering and deaths of their fellow soldiers as well. Such situations definitely have a depressing effect on soldiers. Being around death is bound to disturb the soldier and deprive them of peace of mind.

While being surrounded by sorrow, soldiers often think of happier times. The memories of happier times become more painful. Moreover, the soldier is away from home and family. This constant emotional struggle results in severe mental stress. The undulating emotions a soldier may have to go through results in great mental strain.

Many soldiers suffer from, as a result from combat, feelings of detachment and irritability. This is in addition to sleeplessness and difficulties in concentrating. The trauma soldier’s endure due to witnessing death, violence and destruction result in mental and physical distress.

Coming home from a combat deployment and transitioning to home life can be best described as returning to the three dimensional world after experiencing a fourth dimension. A soldier may feel the rest of the world can’t comprehend the concept of the fourth dimension, never the less relate to it. This often will leave the soldier feeling they are wasting their time dealing with people who can’t relate to their perspective and may feel more at home in a war zone. One infantry soldier returning from Iraq said: “Through all the hell and anguish I have experienced fighting a war, I would rather be fighting a war than wake up everyday to the bullshit I have to deal with and overcome here at home in what I call my job and Life.” It is a they can be played on a computer or mobile device.

Resources are available for all WISH topics on the Portal under the academic departments tab/academic student support/academic achievement resources.

Wednesday 9/12 12:30-HUB Conference Time Management & Avoiding Procrastination Thursday 9/13 12:30-Mid-Coast Time Management & Avoiding Procrastination Tuesday 9/18 12:30-HUB Conference Effective Reading & Note Taking Wedsnesday 9/19 12:30 HUB Conference

Effective Reading & Note Taking

general feeling among combat soldiers, when transitioning from combat to home life, that a lost feeling is experienced when they return home. There is a gap between soldiers and civilians, which is having an effect on understanding one another.

Every soldier who has been in combat cannot help but to be changed for life. When a soldier returns from combat they believe that everything will be OK. The soldier believes he will be comforted if he can just get home. How soldiers transition from combat to home life varies for each individual soldier. A soldier, who spent a year living 24/7 in a hostile environment where people are trying to kill you, may take more time to adapt to the so-called “normal life.” Evidence suggest when a soldier finally arrives home there is an element of euphoria, followed by disorientation. Soldiers slip into what can only be described as an illusion of normalcy.

As time passes, most commonly three to six months, the soldier can no longer suppress what he has become as a result of combat. The soldier true self begins to emerge. This can be expressed in many forms. Most commonly, and not in any particular order, the soldier may show signs of anger, isolationism, and depression. The worst case is the soldier resorts to suicide. The soldier will become sensitive to being around others, startle easily and may show little interest in doing things he once enjoyed. Additionally, the soldiers may turn to alcohol, drugs or other unhealthy choices to escape the realities of the effects of war. When the soldier reaches this mind set, it will affect many aspects of his life and most likely with negative consequences. It is at this point the soldier is experiencing (PTSD).

Although PTSD is considered a mental disorder, it’s actually a physical condition that affects the entire body.

Physical symptoms include fatigue, chest pains and shortness of breath. In addition, muscle shaking and headaches may occur. The behavioral actions can be rage, agitation and fear. The soldier may likewise experience panic and the inability to think clearly. When a soldier experiences one, or any combination of these physical and behavioral symptoms, this will affect the soldier and those around him. With the onset of PTSD, the soldier will have difficulties with what is considered normal to his family and friends. This transitional experience for the soldier and family often reflects the gap in perspectives. A soldier just returning home from a combat tour can’t possibly understand what can be worse than being shot at every day, or living under the constant threat of imminent danger. The family feels it was they who had it worse off. They were left behind waiting, worrying and running the household alone. In some families this meant single parenting. These two experiences seem incompatible. However, the reality is that each person matured individually during the soldier’s deployment and is not the same person they were when they parted. The transition from combat to home can and will be stressed when a soldier is burdened with PTSD.

Thursday 9/20 12:00 Mid-Coast

Effective Reading & Note Taking Tuesday 9/25 12:30 HUB Conference Study Skills & Test Taking Wednesday 9/26 12:30 HUB Conference Study Skills & Test Taking Thursday 9/27 12:00 Mid-Coast

Study Skills & Test Taking

TheOtherWorld The Temperamental ‘True Love’

By Anastasia Taylor true love’ is nothing but a bunch of bologna. Everything he statement by William James in The Pragmatic that I’ve experienced and held to be truth has pointed me Theory of Truth says; “…the greatest enemy of any to this conclusion; there is no such thing, no matter how one of our truths may be the rest of our truths.” is a great the relationship is, it rarely lasts ones lifetime, and if perfectly valid statement in my life that I associate with it does then someone had to have been lying. A very dismy view on ‘true love’. mal view, I know, and perhaps my take on love will come

There are many people who fantasize about findback to bite me in the ass someday. ing their soul mate, their matching puzzle piece, and

But I’ve seen too many peoples’ love lives to accept their forever lover. Some goes as far as to say they believe this truth that others believe in. My mother is on her third whole-heartedly that there is someone out there for them marriage, my father on his second, my grandfather on his as well as for everyone else in the fifth wife now and my great grandfa••• world. These people believe that ther was married seven times. Even it is an absolute truth that your in my own love life things haven’t “I’ve come to the realization other half is out there just waiting turned out so well from the start. The that this ‘one true love’ is to bump into you on the sidewalk, first boy that kissed me, although it nothing but a bunch spill coffee on you at a café, rescue was very romantic during the pledge of bologna.” your cat out of a tree or help you of allegiance, later pushed me down pick up your school books after the slide backwards. That was in the ••• you’ve fallen on your face. Yeah, fourth grade and since then it’s been this is the stuff that always makes a good sappy romantic nothing but build up and let down. comedy, which always seems to end with a man or woman This is not to say that there haven’t been moments in running through the airport to catch the love of their life my life where I have been close to accepting this idea of before they’re gone forever. And you know they’ll kiss and one love for a lifetime. But I’ve always come back around hug in front of a crowd, get married and live happily ever to the examples in my life that never worked out, and the after in a cute little house with a wrap around porch and a truth that I hold near that someone will always break your white picket fence. heart. Call me a cynic, an anti-marriage advocate or a

Fortunately, or unfortunately for me, depending on fairytale hater, but the truth of the matter is it’s difficult to how you see it, I’ve come to the realization that this ‘one accept one truth if everything you know contradicts it.

Soul-Making Teaches you Power and Evil Have the same DNA This is the beginning of a story, written by Tom Sharpe, who is sharing his experience in Iraq. Look for regular installations of “Soul-Making” and follows Tom’s fascinating story.

ne may ask what is soul-making and how does it apply to human beings? If soul-making is part of life for all human beings, then when would one’s soul be considered made or complete? Moreover, what are the rules governing soul-making, and what role does evil play in this quest? There are no cookie cutter answers to these questions. More important than the answers, is the knowledge to ask the right questions. Questions must be asked so that when answered, the answer does not induce other questions to clarify answers.

According to philosopher John Hick, soul-making comes from one’s own findings and not solely through biblical rules. Human beings have the choice to decide their paths to soul-making and to decide what evil is or what evil is not. The story is clear in the bible about how Adam and Eve through their own disobedience brought themselves to suffer such consequence, and it is not that God himself has brought them suffering. Furthermore, Hick states that, “There is a reason why God allows evil”.

Does God allow evil? I do not think God allows or condones evil. I believe we should ask this question; why does God give humans the ability to be evil? As human beings we have free will. Because of this free will we have a choice to follow God’s plan or reject it. If all human beings were perfect in God’s eyes and did not have free will, we would be slaves to God instead of having the choice to prove to God we accept him. Look at it this way; in general terms, when two people get married it is because they love each other and have similar interests and willingly accept each other. However, if a marriage is arranged or forced on two people then there is not acceptance. This analogy, I believe, applies to God’s plan as well. God has given human beings the ability, through free will, to accept his plan or reject it.

In my short time on this earth I have experienced several life changing events. There is one event that made me question who I am and understand how power and evil share the same DNA. The one event I can vividly remember and still struggle with today occurred while I was deployed to Iraq eight years ago. I was assigned to a Military Police (MP) Unit responsible for detainee operations at Camp ___________ . The detainee population was 5,200 spread out over eight compounds. Military Intelligence (MI) determined that over half of the detainee population could not read and comprehend plus write in their own language. This was a concern because those detainees

with deficiencies in reading and writing skills could easily be convinced that the Koran tells them to kill infidels (Americans). The decision was made to start a school, teaching detainees deficient in reading and writing in their native language.

The Detainee School of Basic Learning Skills was officially opened in July of 2004. Fortunately, or unfortunately as you will see, I was selected to be the principal of the school based on my background as a Military Training Specialist and my background and experience interacting with peoples of nations around the world while serving in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. At first, I thought what a great opportunity to put down my weapon and pick up a pencil and fight this awful war through education and understanding. My vision was that peoples of different cultures, geographical location and religious beliefs, with acceptance, could peacefully coexist. Although MI supported my vision, I was reminded that my job as principal had two functions: education and intelligence gathering.

I was to win the hearts and minds of the detainees, have them gain my trust, spend every waking moment among them (live by their rules) and never let them find out I was also collecting information for identifying detainees who may pose a threat to the safety and security within the compounds. Additionally, I would forward any information gained from detainees concerning planned hostile activities against Coalitions Forces in Iraq.

Within six weeks I was accepted by the detainees.

To my advantage, in the Arabic community, teachers are treated with the highest regard (God-like and referred to as “Teacher”) and protected. To prove my loyalty and trust, I would enter the compounds, each housing 650 detainees, without my guard detail of six MP’s. In fact, I was guarded by loyal detainees by order of the Elder Imam (head religious leader who also was a detainee) with orders that I would not be harmed and that guards would give their lives if necessary to protect the “Teacher”. Additionally, my Iraqi counterpart inside the compound was an individual who had served as a high level official and had been one of Saddam Hussein’s Cabinet members. To my advantage the detainee population feared him, and this was valuable in maintaining peace within the compounds.

With the mission going well and with my unexpected celebrity status and prestige among the detainees, and having been given a “God Like” status, one would think I was on top of the world. Plus I wasn’t dodging bullets anymore.

However, I was not on top of the world.

Religious Observances

T

he Southern Maine Community College campus community is enriched by the diversity of faith traditions represented in its population. While SMCC is, and will remain, a secular institution, we recognize that for many of our community members, faith, spirituality and belief play significant roles in their lives. To help promote a climate that is sensitive to religious and cultural diversity and to honor the diverse faith traditions embraced by members of our community, we would like to note the following religious holidays and days of observance occurring in the coming month. The observances listed are representative and not meant to be all-inclusive of the vast number of diverse faiths and observances celebrated world-wide.

September is the ninth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. In the Roman calendar, it was the seventh month. In Latin, septem means “seven” and septimus means “seventh”. On September 21st in 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and became the first woman to sit as a justice of the United States Supreme Court. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and, after her retirement in 2006, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., by President Barack Obama. National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The September 15th date was chosen for this celebration of Hispanic and Latino Americans because it’s the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.

September marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

September 8 Nativity of Mary (Christian) This feast day is celebrated in the Roman Catholic liturgy as well as in most Anglican calendars. The day celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary and occurs nine months after the observance of the Immaculate Conception in the Roman church.

September 17-18 Rosh Hashanah ( Jewish) Rosh Hashanah, literally “head of the year” in Hebrew, is more informally known as the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days which occur in the fall. In Jewish liturgy, it is described as both a day of judgment and one of remembrance. At this time, God is said to open the Book of Life and take an accounting of the deeds of humanity. The righteous are inscribed in the Book and sealed, while those who have fallen short are given a respite of ten days to reflect and repent until Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is marked by the sounding of the shofar, a ceremonial ram’s horn.

September 19 Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) This festival honors Ganesha who is the son of Shiva and Parvati. During the festival, Ganesha manifests his presence for all of his devotees. Ganesha is widely worshipped by Hindus as a god of wisdom and prosperity and he is traditionally called upon at the start of a new venture as a means of securing good fortune.

He is portrayed as having the head of an elephant, a symbolic representation of his wisdom.

September 22 Mabon (Pagan/Wiccan) Mabon is a mid-harvest festival coinciding with the autumnal equinox when the day awnd night are of equal length.

It honors the changing of the seasons and is celebrated as a time for giving thanks for abundance and blessings. It also commemorates the balance between light and dark.

Note- Some dates may vary depending on whether Gregorian, Julian or lunar calendars are used to mark observance

(To be continued in the next issue of the Beacon)

Beacon

• SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 • 5

Editorials&Opinions

Interested in Networking Successfully?

By Patricia Mancini

Depending on the company you choose to work with, ake another look at volunteering! Are you looking to the commitment levels will vary as greatly as the tasks you secure some contacts within your area of study? Are may be challenged to undertake. You will find yourself in a you wondering if the field you are studying is a good unique position as the person offering the skills sought. The fit for you? Set aside any outdated ideas and roll up your greatest challenge can be to take full inventory of the time sleeves and venture out into your local community, give you have to give to a new endeavor. Volunteering should be back, cultivate, encourage, and of mutual benefit to both parties foster growth all while sorting out doubling the satisfaction factor, ••• the answers to critical questions “What is your passion? What are so take a step back and honestly of your own. Create a whole new the time you can offer. you curious about? Where can you see evaluate win/win situation for yourself and Review what your goals are and be yourself offering the most good while realistic with regard to your availyour neighbors.

It is hard to hear a news re- supporting your own vocational goals?” ability. Be sure to consider your ••• port that does not touch on some commitments to family, work, and sort of cutback, budget shortfall school (including study time - be or staffing shortage, whether it is a local start up or an honest!) The worst-case scenario would be making promises international business. The result? Volunteering is not just a you can’t keep. Remember, these organizations depend on nice thing to do, and more than ever, the lifeline for many the dedication of their volunteers. organizations. As volunteers we are breathing a breath of

What is your passion? What are you curious about? fresh air, bringing new and current talents, and a desire to Where can you see yourself offering the most good while discover the intricate in and outs found behind the scenes supporting your own vocational goals? Perhaps there is of an organizations. an organization that has touched your life or the life of

9/11 and Its Affect On My Identity

By Pious Ali

hen I was in middle school my teacher asked us to do a profile of some one we adored and I choose my s/hero: my grand mother. During the exercise she turned the tables on me, and taught me something that I didn’t grasp until now.

The exercise was simple you have to find someone in your community and write a profile, but you were also supposed to spend some time with them so you could ask a lot of questions. I decided to choose my grand mother since we lived in the same house, and also, I wouldn’t have to sacrifice any of my soccer time with some one else. I swamped her with lots of questions: from how old was she when she got married, and if she chose not to go to school or if her parents chose not to sent her to school. I was able to get a decent one paged paragraph from her and she said something on the last day of the interview that didn’t made it into the profile because I didn’t comprehend it then. But it has always been in the back of my mind and it unraveled for me after I became an adult. It literally translates like this…“Your identity is not completed until the day you die”

How true. You see at birth you have only one I identity, a member of the human race, simple and straight.

Then the nurses will ask your parents what your name is and you are then given a name, first, middle, and last. Then down the list on the birth registration form another identity is added to the growing list, your race. So far you have three identities within a week of being born, before you leave the hospital, and you don’t have any control over any of this. As you grow older you add more identities some by

Why War…

It’s a Tool used for those in Power and Politics

By Michael Scofield

he organizing principle of any society is for war.

It is the basic authority of modern state in which people reside. In its war power, today it is oil and tomorrow it is water. It is what those in power like to call “The God Business;” Guns, Oil and Drugs. However, there is a problem…our way of life. It’s over, unsustainable, and in rapid decline. That is why those in power implement and demand destruction. Those in power will continue to make money as the world burns. For this to work, the people have to remain ignorant of the problems until it is too late. This is why those in power have triggers in place; 911, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and War on Terror. A population in a permanent state of fear does not ask questions. War will be the desire of those in power and will become the people’s desire as a willing sacrifice. The fear of the people will become justification. Fear is control. Fear is money.

6 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon

someone close to you. Conversely, if there is something that holds no interest do not take it on. If the thought of cold calls on a phone bank make you cringe, it may not be your thing; there are others who have the tools to take it on.

Once you begin to look within a certain field, it will quickly become clear that there is something for everyone to do.

From recruiting other volunteers, to marketing, to mentoring, to fundraising, or meal preparation, to a companion for the elderly, or advocating for a child, there truly is a place for each of us to strengthen our communities while simultaneously strengthening our resumes. See this as an opportunity to reach mutual benefit through mutual exchange.

While on the road to self-discovery if we allow ourselves to develop a connection to our community we may happen upon a path that leads directly to our future.

My goal is to undertake some adventures in volunteering and pass on the experiences to you over the next few months. My roll as volunteer started with writing this article, but I won’t stop there. There are several organizations that I have in mind. I would also love to hear about your personal connection to a group or business, and would love to help the curious get started with volunteering.

choice others you acquire naturally, some of these identiIsrael they detained me, I am coming back to a continent ties give you a life long invincible bubble, whereby others that I call home and you guys are also detaining me, what leave you out there like a golden fish in a glass bowl. the ‘H%^#’ do you want me to do, change my name or

Being a Blackman and a Muslim puts me into the what?”At this point he stamped my passport and said, later group and proves my grandmother is right. My basic “enjoy your stay Mr. Ali.” identity to the govern Its been more than ment used to be very a decade since 9/11 simple, an immigrant, happened, thousands of male, black non-Hiseducational conferences, panic. To the world I interfaith dialogues and was the guy next door. open houses to mosques When traveling by air have happen all over domestically I was but our nation, but there is one of many passengers still a large percentage and if I was flying interof Americans who think nationally I may be susevery Muslim, whether pected of being a drug American or not, is out ‘mule’ because of my to kill Americans. And then “dreadlocks” hairsome politicians and style. After September misinformation experts 11th everything change who are taking advanfor me, and many other tage of other people’s people. All you need ignorance to incite is a certain look and a hatred against American certain name. And it Muslims worsen the sitdoesn’t matter where I uation; we are less than am flying to I will be 1% of the populations. A ‘randomly’ picked by the couple of years ago some computer to go through one threw a pigs head extra searches. into a mosque in Lew I once travel to an iston, and in 2010, there African country (not was Muslim bashing my home country) and political speeches and ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW HOLMES their computer ‘ranattacks over the Ground domly’ picked me. I was Zero Mosque. This year shocked and surprised, but I kept my cool and waited to we have seen a spate of shooting and burning of mosques see what they were going to ask me. The officer took my and the wrongful shooting of Sikhs who the shooter may passport (US passport) and asked me to follow him. At have thought were Muslims. first, I thought he was going to ask for money, a “bribe,”

Our country is the most diverse in the history of our before he let me enter the country, a common practice in world, we have people coming from every corner of the many third world countries. I was thinking of which one globe, we are the most racial, religious and gender diverse of my western acquired ideals on patriotism I should use nation that have ever existed and yet we have not been to point out to him that he was representing his country able to use it as much as we should. Whereas I believe and should not be asking bribes from visitors, as that will 9/11 is an awful thing to happen, it gave us an opportunity not speak well of him and his country. When the first to reach out to people who are different from us, which we question came I was stupefy. did immediately after the attack. However with the spate

Officer: Mr. Ali what nationality are you of hatred going on against minorities of any type across

Me: American citizen of Ghanaian descent our nation and the high level of intolerance between dif Officer: What were you doing in Israel? ferent political and social ideological groups. It seems like

Me: Visiting friends, we need to work harder than ever.

Officer: Who are your friends and how did you meet We have a great and diverse community here at them?

Southern Maine Community college I hope and wish

At this point I lost my “cool” and asked him if my visa that in memory of the 9/11 Victims you will reach out to to his country was good. He said yes, but insisted that I some one you haven’t spoken to before, in your class, at answer his question. I calmly asked what does my travel the “noisy lounge,” or at the cafeteria and say, “Hello.” Tell to Israel have to do with me coming home to Africa? He them who you are and ask them to tell you about themresponded and said, “Your (U.S.) Government wants to selves. That is how we build a caring community. know.” Then I yell and said, “I am tired of this, I went to

Editorials&Opinions

Why Are Republicans Lying?

Because the truth hurts

By Jeff Toorish n 1990 Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan ran a marathon. During a recent interview he claimed he finished in under three hours.

He lied.

His actual time was more than four hours.

Serious runners will tell you that the difference between running a marathon in under three hours and more than four hours is something no runner would confuse. It’s the difference between driving your family sedan to work and screeching around a racetrack. In a formula one car.

thwart the Obama agenda, often to the detriment of Americans everywhere. It is clear the GOP will do or say anything to deny this president any victory at all costs no matterthe pain it causes hundreds of millions of Americans.

There are many more examples of the GOP not merely playing fast and loose with the truth but simply ignoring it and making up new false realities. During all this Republicans disingenuously decry the Obama Administration as having no significant successes, in other words, a failure.

Romney, Ryan and the rest of the GOP would like you to believe they have some brand new plan to get the nation out of this crisis. They claim they can balance the budget; cut taxes (or at least cut them for the very wealthy and corporations which are the cuts they propose), preserve Medicare (by turning it into a voucher system that will destroy it) all while bringing down the deficit with some sort of secret plan the details of which they will not discuss. That is also a lie.

The truth is, they have no real plan. They have the tired old failed policies and ideas espoused by the GOP that have been proven for decades as harmful to nearly allAmericans.

PANTS OF FIRE STRATEGY Ryan has shown an almost pathological tendency to not merely stretch the truth as so many politicians do, but to break it, smash it to pieces and then reassemble it into something twisted and evil. Sadly, there is growing evidence this is the Republican victory strategy for the White House this election cycle. Examples are abundant: The Romey/Ryan campaign has spent weeks criticizing President Obama for allegedly saying “you didn’t build that” in reference to the THE REAL QUESTION accomplishments of small businesses across the US. The So the real question is, if the Obama Administration is such problem is, Obama’s words were cynically taken out of cona failure, why do the Republicans led by Ryan and Romney text to create a false impression of something the president find the need to lie about the president’s record? never said. What the president actually said was if you are a There should be ample factual material to truthfully critcize small business, the road that brings your customers to you President Obama and his administration. The answer: the was built with state and federal help, you didn’t build it. criticism of the Obama Administration being a failure is the

The Romney/Ryan campaign leveled withering critibiggest lie of all. This administration came to power in the cism against the president for cutting medicare to help pay worst economic crisis since the Great Depression brought for healthcare reform, also known on by policies favored by conserva••• as Obamacare. The GOP ticket has tives. While he has tried to solve the claimed that these will be draconian nation’s problems, the Republicans When you hear everyone in the cuts that will harm America’s elderly. have battled the Obama Administraparty saying the same things over tion every step of the way, refusing to They fail to mention that in Paul Ryan’s own budget, he proposes almost and over, that is a plan, an agenda, make even rudimentary concessions exactly the same cuts to Medicare. The fear of angering the GOP/Tea a strategy. In this case you might for Romney/Ryan campaign continues to Party base. call it the “pants on fire” strategy The fact that Romney picked cynically suggest the cuts are not the same thing. That is simply not true. In Ryan as his running mate is evidence --as in liar, liar, pants on fire. other words, a lie. of just what a grip the extreme right

During the GOP national wing has on the Republican Party. A ••• convention, Ryan criticized Obama different running mate, perhaps one for not taking strong action on the federal deficit. Ryan with some diversity and who does not lie about things like neglected to mention that Obama did, in fact, create a deficit Medicare cuts and marathons would have served the GOP reduction panel on which Ryan served. Ryan did everything ticket better with independent voters. But Romney was so possible to thwart the panel’s success to prevent the presifrightened that he had not really sealed the deal with all dent from claiming a victory on deficit reduction. those rightwingers who wanted someone else as the RepubWhen he talks about it now, he also seems to forget that lican candidate that he was willing to risk adding Ryan to he served on that panel --much as he seemed to forget his the ticket. marathon running time.

It is safe to say that many liberals are marginally disap In talking about jobs, Ryan claimed Obama broke a pointed with Barack Obama. Many are not as energetic in promise to help keep a GM plant open in Ryan’s congrestheir support as they were four years ago because they sional district of Janesville, Wisconsin. During the last believe he did not stand up to the right wing. But that marcampaign Obama did speak about keeping the plant open ginal disappointment in Obama is exactly why he has thus with the help of the federal government (something Ryan far been reasonably successful. If Obama had taken would likely oppose a different congressional district). The the tack of backing those policies that merely played to his problem is, GM closed the plant before Obama took office. base, as George W. Bush did, then liberals would be much Ryan continued to make this claim, and continues to make it happier but the nation would have suffered. Rather, today, even though it has been pointed out by media outlets

Obama has championed policies and politics that have across the spectrum that Obama was using that particular tried to include all Americans, even those not naturally his plant as an example and, more importantly, it closed during base. All this with exactly zero cooperation from the GOP, the administration of George W. Bush. including Paul Ryan. In other words, he has been a President

Political conventions and campaigns are tightly scripted. for all of us, which is what successful presidents try to do.

For the most part, there are very few surprises. When you hear everyone in the party saying the same things over and over, that BEATING THE CHAIR is a plan, an agenda, a strategy. In this case you might call it the During the Republican National Convention those of us “pants on fire” strategy --as in liar, liar, pants on fire. paying attention saw a party led by a man, Mitt Romney, who

It is clear Romney/Ryan campaign and the entire refuses to release most of his tax records because he Republican Party have settled on this strategy with the cyni- knows Americans will be shocked and repulsed that someone cal notion that Americans are not really paying that much of his wealth pays so little in taxes. A man who has had to attention and won’t. Just throw enough muddy lies against a continually reinvent himself over and over again by wall and some of it will stick. repudiating things he once believed. A man who refuses to explain even the most fundamental elements of his proposals.

KEEPING IT UNREAL

We were also treated to the utter horror of the number Lying is not limited to Ryan, the man at the top of the GOP two guy on the ticket, Paul Ryan, being caught in lie after presidential ticket, Mitt Romney, has made many veracity lie, to the point that newspapers began calling him, “Lyin’ devoid statements as well. Romney tried to make the utterly Ryan.” The culmination of the GOP making its case to the ridiculous case that Republicans, while not fully acceptAmerican People for this election was an octogenarian actor, ing the president’s agenda, tried to work with Mr. Obama Clint Eastwood, having a surreal debate with a chair --this during the past four years. That is absolutely false. In reality, was the absolute best the Republicans could come up with.

Republicans have done everything they could think of to Guess what? The chair won and it didn’t even have to lie.

“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you’ve got something to say.”

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

There is something you have to say and this is the place to say it.

So what’s stopping you ?

Be involved. Be heard.

Be a part of shaping your own reality.

Next writer’s deadline: 9/17 Send submissions to mbeacon@smccme.edu

Beacon

• SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 • 7

The Gentlemen Spruce Up the Eastern Prom

Arts&Features

know if it was because of the hot weather, the hundreds of tourists, or just because this city is so great, but the air was simply buzzing with weird excitement nearly every night.

Now, I’m not sure if ya’ll heard, but Portland hosted a reasonably large event up on the Eastern Prom in August.

By Brittany Williams A group calling themselves, The Gentlemen of the Road o. Here we are once more, back to the ol’ grind stone formed an alliance and chose some small (but lovely) with noses to the books, ladies and gents! Of course, cities to share their music with, to promote local growth you’ll have to be prepared for a week of, “Oh, how in economy, and showcase the well-kept secret gems in was your summer?!” and, “You look great! I missed you so each place. We happened to be one of them. The lineup much!” And if you’re not being asked it, you’re bound to be included names such as The Maccabees, St. Vincent, Dawes, around about ten people who are. and others, while being hosted by the very funny Reggie

Now, I’m not generally one to brag, but I just really Watts. want to tell you all how awesome my summer was. Before

However, the biggest name on the list, drawing the spring classes even finished, the State Theater announced most from the crowd, was Mumford and Sons. Without several impressive shows including, Of Monsters and Men a doubt, they rocked it. Their set was brimming with from the great country of Iceland, energy and affection for the crowd ••• The Lumineers who recently with every single face turning exploded with their single, “Hey “Their set was brimming with energy and toward the stage, rising to their affection for the crowd with every single Ho,” the beautiful Fiona Apple, feet, and swooning for this group face turning toward the stage...” and so many more. I was also exof gentlemen. The grassy nook of tremely fortunate to have hopped ••• Eastern Prom provided wonderful on a plane to Colorado this sumstadium-like seating, and as the mer, and experienced the natural beauty of the Red Rocks sun began to set over the bay, the clouds blushed reds and Amphitheater first hand. I’ll say this just once, if you ever oranges, illuminating the stage that had been lined with get the opportunity to travel that way, DO IT. I’ve never old-fashioned carnival stringed lights. Needless to say, it experienced anything quite so awe-inspiring. And upon was enchanting. As the evening was drawing to a close, my return, the local scene was hopping with music in the band announced that several local locations would be the streets of the Old Port just about every night. I don’t

Welcome Back (continued from page 2)

Above, Kevin Kimball, Assistent Professor of Physics, enjoying the atmosphere at the Welcome Back BBQ, Fall 2012.

Hungry students and faculty enjoy food and fun

8 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon

hosting the events performers in after parties that would be running long into the night. Deejay events, and band meet-and-greets were sold out everywhere, while the streets flooded with happy campers.

Yet, as much as The Gentlemen and their goal impressed me, it also brought a strange ambiance to the day.

It was obvious that most in attendance were interested in the last performers more than the others, and just seemed to loiter until the closer. Unfortunately, one of the event rules included no one in or out of the gates once their ticket was scanned. This meant if you arrived early to get good seats, you couldn’t leave until the last show was over, which meant thousands of people were stuck in a generally small area for 8 hours. Not a great mix. Around dinner time, I ran up to indulge in a treat along the back side of the prom, hoping to score a piece of pizza or a batch of homemade fries, and to my dismay found that 75% of the vendors had run out of stock, and the remaining had lines so long it would take hours to get through. Perhaps it was my mistake for not bringing a few snacks along with me, but it certainly put a damper on the evening as many were becoming restless with hunger, and impatience for Mumford and Sons to arrive.

So one might ask, was it worth it? Even with the ups and downs and the lackadaisical crowd, it was still exciting to have such a large event local. Do I hope they do it again next year? Yes. Do I think everyone should go? Absolutely!

Just remember to bring a snack. -b

Computer Tech. I have always had a deep interest in computers and I want something that documents that I can do what I know I can,” returning student Uncle Boston added. Boston continued, “After being out of school for thirty years I decided to come back and get that documentation. It is definitely a culture shock!”

Second year student Kayla Magliozzi said, “The best part about being back is getting back together with my friends, we are like family here. I also love having the beach back!”

Returning students are not the only ones getting giddy for the semester. New students are all buzzing about the new friends they have made. An added plus, the location of the school, which has everyone smiling! “I chose to come here because of the beautiful location!” says Kate White, a new student to SMCC. “The people here are extremely nice and the teachers are really willing to work with you too!” Kate and her new friends were asked why they chose SMCC as a place to study? New student, Amy Fialkowski added honestly, “It was recommended to me by my councilor and I listened, I am definitely enjoying it so far and am truly glad that I had listened. I enjoy the campus especially the beach and I really like the friends I

have made so far!”

Only the best is wanted for the students on campus, and instructors and deans alike, were making that quite well known. “It’s exciting! It is a new year and I am getting energized again!” said Dean of Students Diane Vickrey.

“My door is always open for those who need to speak with me, I encourage it!”

We were also able to get a word with President Ronald Cantor. He honored us with some sweet words about having the students back on his campus. “I am terribly excited to see so many students joining us! I am looking forward to a wonderful fall semester! I am also eager to hear from them as well, so they are free to stop by my office when they need to.” A happy and pleased smile was found across President Cantor’s face as he spoke more about the campus and its students, “Also, they should check out my blog! The blog is where I share my thoughts about the college, the students, and the faculty, as well as good opportunities for the future.” In the end his final remark truly hit home, “I want to make sure the students on campus talk to me so that I can make SMCC everything I hope it to be!”

President Cantor truly is ecstatic to have students back on campus, as his hopes are very high for this new semester.

The Beacon wishes everyone the best of luck, as we are happy to have our fellow students back on campus, excited for what it has to offer. Welcome back, once again, students and staff, welcome back!

Amy F., Katie W., and Devin S. keep it real

An adventurous student hangs out

Arts&Features

The illustration on the left depicting Govorner LePage is

by Art major, Andrew Holmes. You’ll see several of his illustrations in this issue, and if you’d like your illustrations to apprear in the Beacon, contact advisor Chuck Ott, at mbeacon@smccme.edu

TODAY’S Quick fix:

POPCORN

By Kaila Magliozzi

A

M O V I E

R E V I E W

The Campaign

By KayLynn Russell

walked into the theater trying to have an open mind about The Campaign. As one who is not a fan of Will Ferrell, or Zach Galifianakis at all, but one who know their work, I believed that this movie would be just like the rest of them: stupid.

Unsurprisingly, I was right. The Campaign was explicit in sexual dialogue, filled with innuendo and crude humor, and nudity, along with one of the main characters having “sexual escapades” with someone other than his wife. With an ‘R’ rating, the movie completely lived up to it. At one point in the movie, after one of the debates, there is a woman with her breast half-exposed, an act that was completely uncalled for.

However, on the other hand, I surprisingly loved it. Although incredibly inappropriate, it was hilarious, and the writers made a great parody about politics. I was doing a mixture of shaking with laughter and shaking my head in horror.

Though badly acted, the character of Cam Brady (Ferrell) was hilarious, along with the character of Marty Huggins (Galifianakis).

Huggins and Brady are two rivals running for election to Congress. Throughout the movie, Brady plays dirty, trying to bring Huggins down with everything he has, making

A Gluten-free Perspective

By KayLynn Russell ver the past few years, I have been gluten free twice, once by the doctor’s orders and once on my own free will. For countless years I have had health issues, and everybody always asked, “Have you ever thought it might be gluten?”

Needless to say, I’ve since found out that I am not gluten intolerant. Yes, I still have stomach issues, but those have begun to become under my control.

When I was gluten free, I missed my favorite food: bread. I come from a long family line of carb-o-holics, so naturally, I love bread. I used to think that the long bread rolls were ‘miracle bread’ because they always got rid – temporarily – of my persistent sore throats.

One might think that being gluten-free would be a hindrance. It is, but there a lot of people in the world with gluten intolerance and who have to be careful about

fake television ads and degrading him any chance he gets.

Huggins is the good guy who loves pugs and honesty. He is only running to try to make good in his county and his home state of North Carolina.

As the movie plays out, we discover that the Motch brothers, Glenn and Wade (played by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd respectively), are evil. Two billionaire CEOs, they want to take over the North Carolina district, and recruit Huggins to help them do so.

As Huggins slowly realizes the campaign is slowly interfering with his marriage and forming him into a dirty politician, he has to decide whether to save his marriage or make his father finally proud of him (for the wrong reasons).

If you’re just looking for a good laugh, and don’t care about all of the inappropriate content, then this movie is great.

If you’re looking for a politically correct movie, you’re better off not watching it.

The filmmakers did a great job at selecting music for the soundtrack, the lighting was perfect, and the setting for the movie convinced me that they really were in the South.

I would give a standing ovation for the pugs that played in the movie, as they were way up there on the cuteness scale. For hilarity, I give it 5 out of 5 stars. For everything else, 1 star, because, as Marty Huggins says throughout the movie, “…It’s a mess!” avoiding wheat.

However, I managed to learn to live with it. It was annoying, however, because it wasn’t helping me (little did I know, that wasn’t the problem..), and some of the gluten free foods were not that great. I did manage to find things were really good, such as BioNature gluten free pasta, which makes amazing gluten free chicken noodle soup. I also discovered Blue Diamond Nut Thins.

Being gluten free was expensive, I won’t lie about that. But at the time, we thought it was necessary. I hated that a small package of noodles was $8, but I loved them. Being gluten-free can also have its advantages: weight loss, blemish free face.

Also, having to eat gluten free introduced me to baking. I love to bake now, and while I was on the gluten free diet, I was actually made my own recipe (see the recipe typed below).

Granted, I converted it from a non-gluten free recipe, but I called it my own invention, as I used a different combination of gluten free flours. It’s called Applesauce Sweet Bread, and it got my uncle, who is a tremendously picky eater, to enjoy it a lot.

opcorn is probably the most well known snack food in the world. Everyone loves popcorn, right?

It’s buttery, it’s crunchy, and it always satisfies.

Popcorn is personally my favorite snack; it can be made so many ways. Popcorn can be air popped or popped over a stove or in a microwave, even over a campfire.

Whatever way you like it, popcorn is always perfect. Of course, we all think of popcorn during a movie with a little bit of salt and butter; but did you ever think of who created popcorn or when it was made? Probably not. Here’s a little info for you:

Scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History uncovered fossilized cobs in Peru as early as 47,000 BCE. Surprised you? Me too. Popcorn was served at the very first Thanksgiving feast, too, brought by the Native Americans. Of course, the Pilgrims loved this idea so much they poured milk and sugar over bowls of popcorn and ate it for breakfast (I’d love to see someone do this in our generation). In 1885, the first popcorn “machine” was invented. These machines, called “poppers”, were made to be pushed on foot, pulled by horses, or mounted on trucks.

The most surprising fact I found about popcorn is there are, on average, around 300-500 kernels in a bag!

It doesn’t seem like you eat that much, right? Act II is found to pop the most kernels (91%) at the best price, but Newman’s Own pops about 97% of kernels.

There are millions and millions of different Popcorn Brands. 28 of those brands are gluten free. Popcorn can actually be very healthy if popped the right way (air-popping is best). However, it’s hard to eat popcorn healthily when there are over 200 flavors of popcorn.

That’s correct, 200 plus flavors! And if you thought “butter” was just a flavor, here are some crazy ones: Blast O’ Butter, Salted Butter, Butterlicious (clever…), Extra Butter, More Butter, Buttery Salt, Light Butter, Fresh Butter, Move Theatre Butter, Better Butter, Xtreme Butter, 94% Fat Free Butter, Ultimate Butter, Old Fashioned Butter, Butter Lovers Butter, Buttery Kettle Corn, and Buttery Seasoning. Not to mention some of us eat caramel popcorn, kettle corn, chocolate covered popcorn, marshmallow popcorn… The possibilities of this manipulative snack are simply endless.

Email us at mbeacon.smccme.edu to let us know what flavors of popcorn are your favorites?

For the recipe, I used all Bob’s Red Mill flours.

Unknowing what the outcome would be, I was very surprised when the loaf turned out sweet and incredibly moist.

Applesauce Sweet Bread Yield: 1 loaf 1 ¼ cups original flavor applesauce 1 cup white sugar ½ cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 3 tablespoons of lactose free (or normal) milk 1 cup of Gluten Free all purpose flour ½ cup soy flour ¼ cup potato starch 1 tsp of baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon (plus a little more to your taste)

Beacon

Few shakes of salt Oven: 350 degrees Directions: In a large bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk; beat well.

Sift in flour, soy flour, potato starch, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir until smooth. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake in oven for 60 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

• SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 • 9

Substaining Higher Education (from cover)

This is a huge issue. We have to think about a whole series of answers.” He went on to describe how complicated the issue of student loans is. What we should be looking at is cost. If college is so expensive it is going to be a problem, wherever that money comes from—a grant, loan, family, etc. then we need to look at how we can help deliver that education more efficiently. He also added that the interest rate ought to be as low as possible.

THE

Off BEAT

PRESENTS

Music Events BRITTANY COMPILED BY

WI LLIAMS

Waylon Speed with Rugged and Marc Pinansky Waylon Speed is the convergence of four musicians

from Burlington, Vermont, bringing their unstoppable no frills country-metal blend of rock to a rapidly growing horde of devoted fans nationwide. The formation of this band could not have come at a better time. Seemingly overnight, they have become a staple in the music community, equipped with a full pallet of all original music.

EMPIRE DINE AND DANCE Thursday September 13th | Doors at 9pm | $5 day of | 21+

Dr. Dog with Delta Spirit

Founded on a creative relationship whose roots stretch back to when McMicken and bassist Toby Leaman met in the 8th grade, Dr. Dog was years in the making. After long hours practicing in basements, performing in barns, and tweaking knobs on cassette four track machines, Dr. Dog was officially established in 1999 with the Psychedelic Swamp record.

STATE THEATRE - Tuesdat, September 18th | Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm | $25 day of/$22 advance

A Band Beyond Description

A night with BBD and their special guests re-creating the timeless music of The Grateful Dead, Phish, and The Allman Brothers.

THE BIG EASY – Thursday, September 20th | Doors at 9pm | Free! | 21+

STARS

Stars is a Canadian indie pop band signed to the Arts and Crafts label. Originally formed in Toronto in 1998 by vocalist Torquil Campbell and keyboardist Chris Seligman, the band relocated to New York City and then subsequently to Montreal. The band also includes singer-guitarist Amy Millan and bassist Evan Cranley.

Drummer Pat McGee has toured with the band for years, despite not appearing on their albums until the release of Set Yourself on Fire.

PORT CITY MUSIC HALL – Thursday, September 20th| Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm | $22 | 18+

Arts&Features

One possible solution could be to limit grants and morning until 10:00 at night would increase the efficiency loans to students seeking degrees in growing fields, like of the facilities. We’re dealing with a world of limited healthcare, engineering, math, and sciences. However, King resources. King continues, ”We’re going to have to make it says we don’t want the government getting involved with fit within existing resources. And that will cause them to be student choices as to what is available to them with regards more creative about how they deploy their faculty and their to their degree. “We like French majors, but we don’t like buildings.”

Spanish majors (for example). That’s tricky there might be

In response to the question as to whether or not consome analysis… We know we have a shortage of teachers… gress should cap tuition and fees to better match inflation Maybe that’s an area where we can start a pilot program rates, King said,” I’m not a big believer in price controls.” and see how it works”.

He further explained that you end up with a bureaucracy

“What can we do as a nation to increase funding for and people get lawyers and find ways to work around the public universities, rules you set up. “I’m without creating more interested in a a financial burden competitive model… on taxpayers or I’d like to see a univerallow for tuitions to sity come along and increase?” Senatosay we can do this for rial candidate King $20,000 a year instead brings the converof $50,000, and this sation back to the is what you’re going idea of a partnerto get. And see if they ship between the attract the students,” universities and the he says. Of course, they political process would have to actuthat funds them ally deliver an educasaying, ”I think the tion with reasonable universities need to value, unlike some of show the politicians the universities with that they’re doing out of control default ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW HOLMES everything reasonrates like some of the ably possible to be for-profit schools that as efficient and productive as they can…Here’s an Idea for represent 26% of the borrowers and 43% of the defaults. the community colleges. You could double your enrollment

“Students often drive the price because they expect all tomorrow without increasing any infrastructure costs if you these amenities, facilities, and personnel,” King says. He were on a co-op plan and half your students were on intern- makes an interesting analogy saying his friend, who works ships at any given moment… this is the way N. Eastern at a private college calls it, “an arms race.” If one school University in Boston runs their whole program.” This congets a new art center than his school has to have a new art nects the students with the community and with real jobs center. It would seem that if students want to keep costs King goes on to say, “part of the problem is that quite often down than we also need to keep expectations low as well. school facilities are not fully utilized.” To further illustrate We drive the cost up almost as much as they do because this point King brings up the fact that in the private sector of our expectations. When most of us enter college in our if you build a factory, you can’t afford to have that facility late teens and early twenties, we want everything without to only run for eight hours a day, it must run for 24 hours considering the real cost—colleges and Universities cater to straight to be efficient. That may not work for schools he those desires. Can we really blame them for giving us what point out however, perhaps having classes from 8:00 in the we ask for?

As long as the federal Government continues to hand out money to those who don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions this pattern will likely continue. The truth is, that there is no easy answer. We all need to look at our real expectations.

Perhaps this means sharing your concerns with our administrators, talking to your state representative, or simply becoming involved with the student senate. We cannot expect any changes to occur if no one speaks up and shares their opinion. Your future and that of generations to come depend on your voice being heard.

The entire Angus King interview can be seen on the “SMCC Beacon Newspaper” YouTube channel. Let us know what you think. All comments are welcome email us at, mbeacon@smccme.edu. Please note ATTN: Editor in the subject box.

Julian Lage

Hailed by All About Jazz as “a giant in the making,” Lage grew up in California and was the subject of an Academy Award-nominated documentary, Jules at Eight. He gained pivotal early exposure as a protégé of legendary vibraphonist Gary Burton, recording and touring with Burton on two projects: Generations (2004) and Next Generation (2005). Solo on guitar!

ONE LONGFELLOW SQUARE – Friday, September 21st | Doors at 8pm | $20 day of/$18 advance

DADA LIFE with 12th Planet

The Swedish power duo DADA LIFE seems to be gracefully penetrating the world with their off kilter, shameless sense of humor and their harder hitting electronic style. Olle Corneer and Stefan Engblom, who say on their official website that they “destroy dance music, have fun, don’t look in the past, don’t think too much, and always follow the money,” STATE THEATRE – Sunday, September 30th | Doors at 7pm, Show at 9pm | $31.50 day of/$26.50 adv | 16+

10 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon

PHOTO BY DENISE MICHAUD

SportsReports Seawolves Fall Baseball Preview

By Chris Conlee ith the new semester starting and autumn upon us, our Seawolves baseball team is hard at work on the diamond getting ready for the upcoming season. I recently caught up with 1st year coach Jared Lemieux to learn a little bit about the new coach, get his take on the team, and his expectations for the upcoming season.

Coach Lemieux comes to us after two years as head coach of Maranacook High School in Readfield, Maine; where he was recently honored as the 2012 KVAC Coach of the Year. Prior to that, Coach Lemieux spent time as an assistant coach at various locations, as well as playing baseball professionally in the Canadian American Independent Professional Baseball League.

The coach described his coaching style as aggressive. As for his team’s philosophy the coach said, “We’ll be an aggressive running team but, we’re built around our pitching and defense.”

Coach Lemieux expects big contributions in the lineup from the corner outfield spots and shortstop, which each boast returning starters, as well as new comers at first and second base. “We expect to be a disciplined hitting team with tough outs up and down the line up.” He also expects to have a deep pitching staff this year.

The coach has been impressed with how quickly his team has been picking up the new system he implemented. He’s also very happy with the amount of team chemistry and energy they have showed. “I’m excited about the energy these guys are bringing. They are bringing high energy and a lot of enthusiasm. They obviously care about the game and are ready to work to get better at it.” With a short preseason and grueling schedule with occasional back to back days of double-headers; He feels he’s been pushing them quite hard and is excited with how they responded.

The only concerns Coach Lemieux noted were largely about him being new to the team and conference. “I’m not sure what to expect from our opponents, this being my first year. It’s a new gig for me we’ll see how well the kids adjust to a new style of coaching and new expectations.

Hopefully they respond well, it’s really in their hands.”

Coach Lemieux is very optimistic about this year’s team and the season ahead of them. “We’ve got a good mix of some guys who have some experience in the program and some fresh faces. I’m excited about what we have coming in for our pitching staff and I think we’ll have a solid line up with some key returning bats.”

The coach has lofty goals for the season, starting with winning the conference regular season and ending with going to nationals. “We’ve got high expectations but I think we have the right set of high expectations. We were successful last year winning the conference and I think this team can improve from there.”

The Seawolves’ first game is Wednesday at Bridgton Academy and their home opener is Sept. 15th, a doubleheader against Mass Bay CC. Come out and support your Seawolves!

The Men’s Sports Scene From the Links & the Pitch

Men’s Soccer Falls While Golf Places 2nd

Courtesy of the SMCC Athletics Department ean College proved to be too much for the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Seawolves as they cruised to a 6-1 victory in both programs’ season opening game. The Seawolves kept it tight before the Bulldogs of Dean College scored the first of their four first half goals at the 15:38 mark.

Freshman midfielder Matt McClure (Buxton, ME) scored the first Seawolves goal of the season with 2:35 remaining in the game.

The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) golf team finished second in the first Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) match of the season. SMCC hosted the match at The Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The Seawolves team score of 356 was just 9 strokes from Central Maine Community College’s winning score of 347.

Leading the way for the Seawolves was freshman Elliot Coats with a score of 85. Coats also finished the match individually tied for third place with University of Maine Machias’s Dylan Link. The other players contributing to SMCC’s finish included freshman Chris Pierce (Waterboro, ME) (pictured on page 12) with a score of 88, Isaac Greenrose with a 90 and Nick Curato (Oakland, ME) with a 93.

The Seawolves will compete again on September 15th in another YSCC match hosted by University of MaineAugusta.

Team Results SMCC Results CMCC, 347 Elliot Coats, 85 SMCC, 356 Chris Pierce, 88 EMCC, 375 Isaac Greenrose, 90 UMA, 379 Nick Curato, 93 UMM, 383 Bill Kirk, 93

Joe Falconieri, 92

Sean Doran, 97

Josh Woods, 117

The State of the Patriot Reality TV

By Gerry Foster ill Belichick is the funniest man in Football. Hard to imagine, but it’s true. Granted, the mans sense of humor is very dark, dry and sarcastic, but it’s prowess cannot be denied. If any of you saw the NFL Network special: “A Football Life,” you know just how funny he can be. I started thinking recently he’s even funnier than he led on.

This off-season Bill held his own reality game show, for all of the Patriots organization. The show was not televised, was not recorded, and if it was not for roster legalities, it wouldn’t have been known by the general public at all. The Patriots, as an organization, picked up a dozen big names in free agency, and signed countless “no-name” players as well.

All in all, the Patriots signed fifty players. If you look

Freelance Writing Opportunity for Students

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Student Health is currently looking for freelance student journalists to write features and shorts on health issues that are of concern to students. We are looking for writers with excellent reporting skills who can work under a deadline. Writers are hired on a freelance basis and paid a fee per article, based on article length and difficulty of the subject matter. Feature stories are 1,250 to 1,500 words, while short features are 300 to 600 words.

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a little bit into those signings you see a stunning trend.

Of the 50 players signed, 9 of them were wide receivers, 7 were tight ends, and 6 were running backs. 22 offensive players were signed to a team that boasted one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL in 2011. What is even more shocking is the amount of talent that they added to a team of tight ends that last season, had more yards receiving, and more touchdown connections than any other tight end tandem in the history of the NFL. In fact, of the top 15 tight ends in fantasy football, the Patriots have 4 on the current roster, 2 that were within the top 5 in almost every statistical category. Among the players that were signed, at least two of them played big roles in key Patriots losses throughout the years. Let the games begin.

I picture a room shaped much like a Cinemagic movie theatre with aisles on both sides of stadium style seating.

Bill Belichick is doing his best “you are the weakest link” and “you’re fired” impressions, all while destroying the hopes of men in their waning years of professional football, and laughing maniacally the whole time. Player after player is ejected from the room while the seasoned coach figures out new and embarrassing ways to fire them, some by vote, others by lottery, some by “eeny meeny minny mo,” and yet still others via games of playbook memory.

All in all, the Patriots made 137 roster transactions in the off-season for a final roster of 53. At least 3 of the players they signed, were fired, signed, and later fired again. It seems Billy just couldn’t get enough this summer.

Perhaps we will get to see even more of this behavior during the season, but it’s my guess he will go back to being what we are used to him being, robotic: “Ummmm...I mean, yup…ummmmm, well…they didn’t do what they were supposed to, and we’re just gonna have to get better.”

The jokes are over - let the real games begin.

Group fitness classes are free for students, faculty and staff with valid SMCC identification. Classes begin this Tuesday, September 4th. Have a happy and healthy semester!

ATHLETIC BOOTCAMP Monday - Thursday 7:00PM - 8:00PM - Turf Room (basement of HUB Gymnasium, next to fitness center) This course is designed to develop your speed, strength, agility, endurance, and power. Each high energy 60 minute workout consists of a series of functional drills and exercises, sequenced to be both challenging and accessible for all fitness levels (students, athletes, and faculty). We will use a variety of different equipment: agility ladders and rings, nautical ropes, medicine balls, steelbells, kettlebells, superbands, sandbags, jump ropes and weights. There will be sweat.

YOGA.PILATES.CORE Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:15PM - 1:15PM - HUB Aerobics Studio This course blends exercises from classical pilates, ashtanga yoga, and functional core work into a full body strength and endurance workout. Each exercise and movement will flow into the next, creating a seamless blend that will improve balance, energy, flexibility, concentration, and focus. This class welcomes students of all levels and abilities.

About Your Fitness Instructor: Michael Schwartz Michael Schwartz is an innovator in the field of functional exercise. Before moving to Maine in 2002, he created numerous workouts for the top health clubs in New York City, appearing on television, magazines, and newspapers. He has coached (soccer, hockey, cross country, track and field, lacrosse, and nordic skiing), designed sport-specific strength and conditioning programs (hockey, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, motocross, volleyball, basketball, kickboxing, sprinting, and distance running), and trained a variety of individual clients and athletes throughout his years as a strength and conditioning specialist. His workouts are highly motivational, effective, and fun.

Michael lives near the SMCC campus, and can often be seen, accompanied by his two daughters on their bikes, on his blades being pulled at a high rate of speed by his husky mix, Pre.

Beacon

• SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 • 11

SportsReports Seawolves Fall Softball Preview

By Chris Conlee

his past week, I caught up with the softball coach to get her take on her team for the fall season. While I approached the softball field, all I heard was laughter and loud voices. I immediately knew the fall softball team was going to be a fun team to cover.

After her practice, first year coach, Emily Leverone and her two assistants were kind enough to grant me an interview and tell me a little bit about herself and her team. Coach Leverone comes to us after 4 years at St. Joe’s in Maine where she was a 4 year starter and a team captain her senior year. She also owns most of St. Joseph’s softball hitting records. This is her first coaching job, but she’s run many camps and clinics teaching softball fundamentals. She will certainly be fresh breath of (extremely cheerful) air for the softball program.

Her main goals for her first year in the program are to build the program, get some new players involved, and build a sense of team unity. “We’re basically building from

the ground up this year. We’re looking to make it a welcoming program. Even for players who have never played the sport. We’ll bring in everyone and make it a family.”

She is hungry to win for the fall but, she recognizes her challenges in building a roster and looking forward a bit to the spring. “For the fall season, I’m looking more to see what the girls can do. In the spring, I’ll be pushing for wins, wins, wins.”

The coach’s main concerns for the season are just to get players committed to softball. “I’ve got a lot of athlete’s from different sports too switch over. The girls are great though, they want to be there.” She’s very confident in her team’s talent. Getting new players to mesh together and the team’s experience level are really the only possible issues she sees.

As for team philosophy, the coach quoted her centerfielder Yaritza Tejada, “No sacrifice, no gain.” Coach Leverone also expects to have a very potent hitting lineup.

“We’ll definitely have a power hitting team this year. (3B) Lindsey Howell and (1B) Kathryn Gilio can definitely rip

Women’s Soccer Drops Opener and Rebounds with 4-1 Victory

the ball.” She’s also excited from what she’s seen from her defense. “With the girls we have now, I think we’ll be solid all around. It’s just getting everyone to be a team. That’s it.

We’re solid everywhere I think.”

Coach Leverone also noted that the she expects the experienced players to be a strength for her, taking on leadership roles. “Team captain (SS) Casey Garrapy, will definitely bring a lot of knowledge and skill and all around game to the program as well as a positive attitude. Kathyrn Gilio she’s gonna be a big power hitter this year.” She also noted newcomer pitcher Colleen Davis, “She’s a pitcher who is going to be a force to reckon with.” “Dy-no-mite” her assistant added.

I know this team has been a joy to cover so far. I’m sure they’ll be just as much of a pleasure to watch on the field. Win or lose, I know they will be supremely entertaining. All they need to succeed is your support! Come out to see them at their first game Thursday Sept. 20th at 4:30.

seph’s College JV team 4-1. Sophomore midfielder Lauren Rafford (Bangor, ME) put the Seawolves on the board at the 25-minute mark. The unassisted goal was shot from beyond the right side of the 18-yard box. Rafford’s goal would be the only one in the first half.

The Seawolves turned up the heat after halftime, Courtesy of the SMCC Athletics Department scoring two quick goals to start the second half. The first came from Sophomore Bethany Gullbrand (Portland, he Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) ME) (pictured on the left) in the 50th minute assisted women’s soccer team dropped their season opening by freshman Brittany Young (Portland, ME). Freshman game to Dean College 5-0. The Seawolves kept things forward Michela Desjardins (Fort Kent, ME) scored two close in the first half, only trailing 2-0 at halftime. Freshman minutes later off a long assist from sophomore defender forward Michela Desjardins (Fort Ali Waterman (Cumberland, ME).

••• Kent, ME) battled a tough Bulldog Joe’s finally got on the board The Seawolves turned up the heat Saint defense and was able to get six in the 60th minute. The final goal good looks at the net. But Dean after halftime, scoring two quick for SMCC came in the 78th mingoalkeeper, Jessica Gelbman, would ute and was also scored by Desjargoals to start the second half. not let anything through as she dins off an assist by Casey Garrapy tallied 9 saves on the day. Neriha (Underhill, VT).

••• Bautista (Dixfield, ME) spent 90 Conference play begins Tuesminutes in goal for the Seawolves, recording 8 saves. day, September 11th with a 4:00 PM home match against

On September 8th The Lady Seawolves evened their Central Maine Community College. season record at 1 and 1 by resoundingly beating Saint Jo-

12 • SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 •

Beacon