The Advocate, Issue 18, February 18, 2010

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 18

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

MHCC does the TIME Warp 'Rocky Horror' coverage

Pages 8-10

4

Men's basketball wins sixth straight game vs. Chemeketa

THERE WILL BE SCHOOL ON MONDAY, FEB. 21, PRESIDENTS DAY

12

Faculty contract impasse sets clock ticking

By Jordan Tichenor The Advocate The MHCC District board declared impasse Monday in the fulltime faculty contract negotiations, provoking a variety of responses and sharpening the focus on the impact on students and the college as a whole.

According to a statement on the MHCC website, the board declared impasse “in an effort to protect students from possible faculty actions that may impact students’ ability to successfully complete their coursework.”

Seven days after declaring impasse, both parties must submit their final proposals to the Oregon Employment Relations Board, and 30 days after declaring impasse, the administration may impose their last best offer. At that point, with a 10-day notice, the faculty may strike, making March 26 the earliest day a strike may occur.

Winter term ends March 18, and spring term classes begin March 28.

MHCC District board chairman Brian Freeman said the board’s action was taken so there would be “no possibility of strike action until after winter term ends,” and because “something else needs to happen or you could go on forever” with no resolution.

In addition to declaring impasse, the board agreed to more mediated sessions, according to a statement on the MHCC website. Two such sessions in January, where the parties sit in separate rooms but trade communications through a state-appointed mediator, failed to reach agreement.

No date has been set for another mediation session. The board has asked for a session on or after March 1.

Jack Schommer, the president of the faculty association, said the faculty association had previously sent a letter to the board requesting either face-to-face or mediated sessions.

See Contract on page 13

Jazz Band returns from Taiwan trip

2 OPINION

THE ADVOCATE

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Editorial

Editors-in-Chief

Jen ashenberner & Jordan tichenor

Sports Editor Jon Fuccillo

...Talk...

Living Arts Editor David Gambill

Assistant Living Arts Editor Anevay Torrez

Photo Editor

Devin Courtright

Opinion Editor L. John King

Assistant News Editor John Tkebuchava

Reporters Jill-Marie Gavin Chanel Hill Riley Hinds Laura Knudson Yuca Kosugi Mike Mata Jess Peterman Kylie Rogers Shelby Schwartz Jessica Winters

Adviser

Bob Watkins

Assistant Adviser Dan Ernst

E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax) www.advocate-online.net

Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

Submissions

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication.

All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600.

The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board.

The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length.

Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc. edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Front-page photos

by Devin Courtright

Discussion can not take place when no one will talk Responses to the stalled status of full-faculty negotiations have been intense. Threats about raising tuition by the administration are made in a letter to students published on the college website. A letter in response to the board from the faculty association is published on page 3 of this issue of The Advocate. Students last week rallied hoping to convince both parties to sit down again.

Much has been said, charges have been leveled and many issues remain to be debated.

First of all, The Advocate has noticed through its coverage of the negotiations since last spring that the administration has not been very willing to come to the table and actually negotiate. Any final agreement will no doubt be unsatisfactory for both the administration and the full-time faculty but at least it will be resolved and there will be a new contract that will allow business to continue as normal. The full-time faculty (as photographed and printed in the last issue of The Advocate) marched to the district board meeting chanting messages like “Let’s talk!” and carrying signs that silently reverberated their goal to sit down and work it out. They have asked for a return to faceto-face negotiations since the 150-day negotiation period ended. The students rally, was not to take sides but simply to ask that the administration sit down again and resume talking.

Isn’t the point of having negotiations to actually negotiate? Where is the haggling typically involved in contract discussions? Where is the discussion? Why is there no talking?

Second, in its website letter to MHCC students and in an advertisement today on page 7, the administration states it has declared impasse because it wants to “protect students from faculty actions — such as a strike.” Well, who is going to “protect” us from the administration’s lack of interest in looking elsewhere to find the funds to fill in the $5.5 million black hole they call a budget shortfall? Their contract proposal has suggested the majority of the lost state funds should come from the full-time faculty because, they say, our teachers make more than any other community college in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Furthermore, in its advertisement in this issue of The Advocate, the administration states, “The gap between the college and the full-time faculty is $3.75 million. If the college provides all the salary

and benefits faculty are demanding, it would be operating with money it does not have. To balance the budget, the college would be forced to raise tuition $15-$16 per credit hour.” Just as the faculty should not bear the whole brunt of the deficit, why would anyone assume the students should be responsible for all of the budget shortfall? Why wouldn’t money be taken out of a variety of areas so that no one area is hit too hard?

It’s not a question of whether the faculty is willing to take a hit. You could ask full-time faculty members and we believe most would say they fully expect a freeze or decrease in salary and expect to make concessions in health care benefits and retirement contributions. In fact, in one of their proposals they gave up $900,000. What was not expected was for the administration to put their offer on the table and not want to bargain here and there to make the final agreement a little more acceptable to those who have to live with the cuts.

Lastly, why can’t the administration talk without a mediator? Randy Stedman, the labor relations consultant hired by the board to bargain the contract for the administration, said in front of about 300 people at last weeks rally demonstration, that he did not know the rules about whether the two parties could meet face-to-face without the mediator. Why would the administration hire someone who doesn’t know the rules? The Advocate is happy to inform him that after a brief call to the Oregon Employment Relations Board we have been able to confirm they can meet face-toface without waiting for a mediator. So since there are only about 35 days left before the full-time faculty can strike, why don’t the two parties order some Chinese and lock themselves in the board room and get this thing done?

The fact or the matter is the two sides need to talk, and find a compromise somewhere between the positions the two sides have carved out. The compromise will be found eventually so why waste time with an impasse? The “protection” the administration uses so loosely in its letter should have been their acceptance to meet with the faculty again and not leave the room until a reasonable agreement has been reached. Perhaps it would take a month anyway, but at least some progress could happen. Nothing can be accomplished when communication is shut off.

OPINION 3

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Guest column: To MHCC board from Faculty Association An open letter to the MHCC Board: We are dismayed by your decision to declare impasse in our negotiations — a decision that will impact this college, our students, faculty and community.

The faculty wants to be clear in our communications with you. Consistent with our concession of $1.2 million dollars last year, and our initial mediation offer of $900,000 this year, the faculty is willing to be part of the solution to reach a fair settlement. However, we represent only 160 people, and cannot shoulder the entire burden of the college’s current economic woes. We ask that you reconsider your directives to your consultant and empower your team to negotiate a reasonable settlement. We invite you personally to peruse our website www. be-informed.net to ensure that you are getting our information and analysis directly, rather than filtered through your consultant.

In addition, we want to express our frustration that you continue to use the college website to market your point of view. Your information is inaccurate or incomplete, therefore producing inaccurate analysis and misleading projections. Specifically, you recently provided a “calculator” to individual faculty

members to “help” us understand the personal realities of your proposal. This calculator is a good example of how you are marketing rather than analyzing.

You have chosen to provide a calculator for only 2010-11 — a year that is more than half over. As a result, the impacts of your proposed cuts are disguised by the shortened period. If you want faculty to have valuable information in order to make a decision, you need provide opportunity to calculate the years 2011-12 and 2012-13, where the cuts will become even more dramatic and will “count” for the whole year.

The faculty is committed to work toward an acceptable resolution of this bargaining process. As faculty, we remain steadfast in what we know is right: first, a reasonable contract without significant economic loss, and second, deserved recognition of the valuable and necessary contribution faculty provide to MHCC. Sincerely, Sara Williams, MHCC instructor for the Faculty Association

Eye On Nature: Natural phenomenons of the transition of seasons In February, the cosmos and the cosmological intertwine as the sign of Aquarius and the force of winter unite. And while the month dawns bright, we are never far from the awesome power and incomparable beauty of water.

In all its forms--a tear-shaped drop, a drenching rain, a fog-enshrouded moon, a crystalline flake, a torrent breaking its banks--water shapes and defines our landscape and this season. For every biome, on every continent on this blue planet, water is the prime mover and shaper. In the Pacific Northwest we expect our strongest rains to come in winter, but this, of course, is simply a feature of our latitude and proximity to ocean. In other regions, it is summer skies that open up, and this year, the symmetry of winter rain and summer monsoon is reinforced as we watch the news of an Australian flood and Sandy River breech.

Like so many dualities in life, water's capacity to destroy is matched by its power to sustain and nourish. The action of water on our campus ecosystem may be less dra-

matic than a cyclone or winter ice storm, but you can be sure that the banks of Beaver Creek are being altered by this season's rains. The stream that will reveal itself in Spring will not be the same as the one that flowed in Fall--new channels will be carved, debris taken away, rocks moved and added, new opportunities created.

In Hinduism, the god Shiva is known both as the Destroyer and the Auspicious One, an explicit acknowledgement of the need to dismantle in order to build, to remove in order to create. During this season of watery destruction, we can know that a promise for the future flows as well. That water, in all its glorious forms, brings with its beauty a link to the future that waits for all of us.

With an eye on nature, Wally Shriner Wally Shriner is an MHCC biology instructor and the Natural Resources Technology program faculty advisor.

Left: Shiva, a Hindu god is known both as the Destroyer and the Auspicious One. Photo courtesy of Flickr

Grammys performances are less than sensational

By Chanel Hill The Advocate

The red carpet at Sunday’s Grammy Awards included the traditional gowns, glitter — and an entrance by Lady Gaga carried in on a litter while inside of a giant plastic egg.

Yeah, that’s right, as if her in-yourface antics haven’t blurred the lines of controversy and crazy enough. She left no doubt in the minds of television

viewers that she is, yes indeed, weird.

While performing her song, “Born This Way,” adorned in elastic-like spandex flesh-toned material with sharp pointed shoulder pads underneath, I was forced to wonder a few things. Mainly, what the hell has happened to the state of the music industry? Gone are the days of talented artists taking to the stage, singing songs they’ve written with nothing backing them but a piano. Nowadays we are lucky to hear a note sung that isn’t being overpowered by voice-altering effects, gimmicks or drowned out by a drum or guitar solo.

There are no more Marvin Gaye,

Correction: There was an error in the Feb. 11 issue of The Advocate in the story titled “Lady Saints end losing streak with win over Panthers.” The Advo-

Teena Marie, or Michael Jackson caliber artists, and my bet is that they wouldn’t be in attendance if they were still around. While I appreciate the evolution of music and giving power to individuals coming together, the highlight and pinnacle of the show should not rest on the shoulders of a 16-yearold former You Tube sensation, with a funny hair cut, bad dance moves and a squeaky mid-puberty voice.

The state of the music industry is in desperate need of resuscitation, of life and of originality. Never before has the music taken a back seat to the production of a show which, let’s face it, has become a bit of a circus and one

big popularity contest. You’ve got recent Super bowl champion and Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews presenting an award. A painful opening performance including Christina Aguilera trying desperately to make us forget about her recent National Anthem flub, and a brief introduction by Ricky Martin who’s desperately hoping you won’t forget his “Livin’ La Vida Loca” days.

Maybe, I’m being overly judgmental. Maybe I should take Miss Gaga’s advice and not be a drag, just be a queen. But this queen prefers good music, her eggs hot, scrambled and served up on a plate, hold the Gaga.

cate reported that freshman guard Natalie Humble is the sister of former Saint Brooklyn Humble Bahme (2008-10). They are actually first cousins.

4 SPORTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Mt. Hood Saints 94, Chemeketa Storm 73

Saints winning streak has team knocking at playoffs door

By Jill-Marie Gavin The Advocate

Photo by devin courtright/the advocate

Saints freshman guard Otho Lesure (20) dunks over a Storm defender Wednesday night in the Mt. Hood gymnasium. The Saints went on to win 94-73 en route to winning their sixth game in a row.

After a rocky start to the season, the Saints are heating up just in time to make a playoff run, winning six games in a row including a Wednesday night victory over the Chemeketa Storm 9473.

The teams were within two points for most of the first half, and it wasn’t until the second half that the Saints began to pull ahead. MHCC established a commanding 22-point lead at 74-52 with nine minutes left in the contest after freshman guard Otho Lesure dunked over two Storm defenders, bringing the entire gym to their feet.

Sophomore guard Delroy Gibbs scored a team high 18 points, while freshman point guard Marcus Moore and freshman forwards Gerron Powell and Spencer Clayton chipped in 15 points.

Freshman forward Rei Jensen grabbed a doubledouble off the bench with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

“Delroy was splashing on guys tonight,” Lesure said minutes after the game.

The Storm were led by sophomore point guard Tyrone Philips, who scored a game-high 23 points, followed by sophomore shooting guard Trent Roos with 18 points.

A cohesive approach by the Saints may have been the main contributor to such a one-sided game.

Dave Abderhalden, the Storm’s head coach, said, “We knew it was going to be a tough game and the Saints were doing really well. They took us out of some things, and we didn’t respond well.”

Asked what the Saint’s approach was coming

into this game riding a five-game win streak, Saints head coach Geoff Gibor said, “We were looking to play hard in this game. In the beginning of the season we weren’t playing at league level and now were playing smarter.”

The Saints came out of the game with 24 points gained from turnovers, while the Storm only scored nine.

The Storm shot 8-of-17 from behind the arc; Roos and Philips together connected on seven of them. The Saints were a bit sluggish from the three-point line shooting 9-of-23 from downtown.

Asked how he felt about gaining “the dunk of the game” in their sixth win of the season, Lesure said, “Is this our sixth, or seventh win?

I’m losing count we’re winning so much.”

Lesure also said, “It’s crazy that most of the team are freshmen.” He said he felt it was a statement game to prove to the NWAACC that the beginning of the regular season was only a fluke. “We wanted to prove to the whole NWAACC that we’re as good as we think we are.

We aren’t cocky. We just think we’re that good.”

Moore added, “I don’t feel like anyone can break our confidence (right now). We play so hard it’s going to make us hard to beat for the rest of the season.”

Jensen still feels the team has a lot of unfinished business and doesn’t want to rely on this win streak, though he enjoys the spot that they’re in.

“It looks great on paper but we’ve got a lot of progress to make before NWAACCs, so we can’t settle,” Jensen said.

— Jon Fuccillo contributed to this story

Men's Basketball Briefs

Gerron Powell

Saints Player of the Game Gresham — The Saints are on a hot streak, having picked up six wins in a row. As it stands, the Saints (7-4) are tied for third place with the Lane Titans in the Southern Region with three games left in the regular season. The Linn-Benton Roadrunners are breathing down both teams' necks with a 6-5 record. If the Saints win two more games, they are guaranteed a spot in this year's NWAACC Championship held March 5-8 in the Tri-Cities.

Alumni Report

Where are they now

Michael Wohlers

The 6’1’’ former Saints shooting guard (2007-09) plays for Vancouver Island University. Wohlers is averaging 15.5 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. The Mariners are 16-3 in conference play and 22-3 overall. This past week, Wohlers a senior, was named the British Columbia College Athletic Association Player of the Week.

The 6’3’’ former Saints small forward (2008-2010) plays for the No. 13 NAIA team in the nation: Eastern Oregon University. Johnson is averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds on the season, while shooting 50 percent from the field.

The Mountaineers are 21-5 overall and 12-4 in conference action.

Jamar Johnson

The 6'7'' freshman power forward from Carbondale, Ill., helped the Saints gather their sixth win in a row Wednesday night in a 94-73 victory over the Chemeketa Storm at home. Powell scored 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Two of his seven field goals were slam dunks. On the season he’s averaging seven points and six rebounds.

Wednesday night's box score Saints: 94

Storm: 73

Jake Rickert Marcus Moore Spencer Clayton Coletun Tarr Otho Lesure Delroy Gibbs Robby Rivers Alan Yates Gerron Powell Rei Jensen Daniel Hutchinson Blake Westbrook

Min FG, M-A FT, M-A 10:08 1-3 0-1 26:06 5-11 0-0 21:55 7-9 1-2 28:57 2-6 4-4 17:20 2-3 2-3 29:37 6-14 2-2 5:49 1-4 1-2 11:25 1-3 0-0 22:57 7-8 1-2 21:40 4-7 2-7 2:03 0-0 0-0 2:03 0-1 0-0

R 3 2 7 3 2 2 0 5 7 10 0 0

A 2 6 1 1 5 5 2 1 3 1 0 0

Pts 2 15 15 8 6 18 3 2 15 10 0 0

Totals

200

44

27

94

36-69

13-23

David Smith A. Freeman Jr. Tayler Branch Tyrone Phillips Trent Roos Grant Skoog Jesse Pratt Adrian Snow Colin Allen Ronnie Banks

Totals

LIVE Southern Region Coverage Live Saints men's basketball coverage play by play at www.advocate-online.net Coverage begins Saturday at 6 p.m. vs. the Clackamas Cougars @ home

Min FG, M-A FT, M-A 22:01 1-4 1-1 22:39 4-6 0-3 18:48 2-5 1-2 36:12 9-19 1-3 37:57 5-10 5-6 2:03 0-0 0-0 17:55 1-3 0-0 33:01 5-10 1-2 6:07 0-0 2-2 3:17 0-0 0-0

R 1 8 1 3 0 0 3 4 2 0

A 0 0 2 6 1 1 2 1 0 0

Pts 3 8 6 23 18 0 2 11 2 0

200

26

13

73

27-57

11-19

SPORTS 5

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Mt. Hood Saints 75, Chemeketa Storm 74

Saints come from behind to edge out the Storm

By Laura Knudson The Advocate

With less than a minute left in regulation, Wednesday night’s game came down to sophomore forward Jackie Cannon sinking two free throws to seal the deal.

Cannon came through and the Lady Saints (9-14 overall and 5-6 in the Southern Region) walked away with a 75-74 victory over the Chemeketa Storm (913, 2-9). Not bad considering the beating the Storm put on the Lady Saints on Jan. 22 in Salem when they won 92-75. That was actually the last time the Storm won, who are now riding a six-game skid.

After a sloppy start where the Lady Saints gave up 17 first half points to turnovers, they were able to pick it up in the second half and kept up with the Storm.

Although the Storm led by as many as 11 points during the first half, the score teeter-tottered throughout the game with six different lead changes the first half and seven during the second half, which included a total of nine ties.

Cannon, who ended the game with a doubledouble 18 points and 10 rebounds, had no points more important than the final two from the charity stripe with less than 30 seconds to play. She said she wasn’t nervous even though the outcome of the game was riding on it. “There was a lot of pressure, but it’s something I do every day,” Cannon said moments after the game. “My whole bench was supporting me so it made it easy.”

Near the end of the game the women were alive and energetic, fighting for each possession and for the lead over the Storm.

Credit the Storm, who moved the ball well but were frustrated by the strong offense of the Lady

Photo by Devin Courtright/The advocate

Lady Saints freshman guard Natalie Humble drives to the basket against the Storm’s sophomore forward Mindy Cox Wednesday night in the Mt. Hood gymnasium. The Lady Saints picked up a 74-73 victory to improve to 5-6 in Southern Region action.

Saints in the second half. MHCC was led by freshman backup point guard Maria Nolan, who scored a team-high 20 points, which included 5-of-10 shooting (one was a three-pointer) from the field and 9-of12 from the free throw line.

“She (Nolan) was tremendous for us,” head coach Larry Davis said. “When her confidence is going, she’s a very tough player. When her confidence is low, it’s a long night. It was the best game of her

career at Mt. Hood.”

Sophomore guard Charlie Neilan was the only other Lady Saint to chip in with double figures with 13 points.

The Storm were led by 6’1’’ sophomore center Erin Stephens who lit up the stats sheet with a double-double of her own and game highs 23 points and 14 rebounds, including six offensive. Freshman guard Janelle Weiss added 17 points, while Danielle Padilla chipped in with 16.

With just under 20 seconds left in regulation, one of the many highlights came when the Lady Saints launched a full-court pass to Nolan for an easy bucket to put the Saints up 73-69. The Storm refused to go away and quickly sank a long three-ball from the hot-shooting Padilla. A series of fouls favored the Lady Saints who eventually put away the nailbiting finish. That included a foul by freshman point guard Emily Burch who fouled the Storm’s Weiss on a three-point attempt. She went to the line with less than a second left and hit all three free throws.

“This game was a big win for us,” Cannon said.

With three games left in the regular season and the Lady Saints only trailing the Southwestern Oregon Lakers by one game for the number four seed in the Southern Region, it has made things even more interesting.

“It’s up in the air,” Cannon said. “Everyone is fighting for those spots.”

Davis added, “We know the severity of each game. We know obviously that our work is cut out for us, but we’re up for the challenge.”

The Lady Saints look to make a run at the postseason with a game Saturday against the rival Clackamas Cougars. The same Cougars (20-2, 10-1) are ranked No. 1 in the NWAACC poll.

Women's Basketball Briefs

Maria Nolan

Lady Saints Player of the Game Gresham — The Lady Saints took a major blow last weekend during the Linn-Benton Roadrunners game when they lost freshman guard Noelle Laffoon who suffered a season-ending concussion. She had only played in four games this season due to injury. "It's something we were gritting our teeth about," head coach Larry Davis said on losing Laffoon. "It hurts a bit. She provides a certain spark and leadership while she's out there."

Alumni Report

Where are they now The 5’11’’ former Lady Saints center (2006-08) plays for NAIA Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla. Clark is averaging 10.5 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds, while shooting 44 percent from the field. The Royals are 13-15 overall and 8-5 in conference action.

The 5'7'' freshman backup point guard from Clatskanie had a stand out performance for the Lady Saints Wednesday night in a 75-74 victory over the Chemeketa Storm at home. On the evening she scored a team high along with season high 20 points in 22 minutes. On the season season she is averaging 4.7 points and 3.4 rebound per game.

Wednesday night's box score Saints: 75

Storm: 74

Haley Chovich Melissa Carey Teri Gilbert Natalie Humble Charlie Neilan Jackie Cannon Gina Bianchi Emily Burch Maria Nolan

Min FG, M-A FT, M-A 34:55 2-3 1-2 10:10 2-4 0-0 10:17 1-2 0-0 26:04 2-10 0-0 28:21 6-14 0-2 28:21 6-13 6-8 15:47 0-3 1-2 18:30 2-3 1-4 21:56 5-10 9-12

R 4 2 0 6 4 10 5 0 3

A 3 1 1 3 1 3 4 2 1

Pts 5 6 2 6 13 18 1 6 20

Totals

200

36

19

75

26-62

18-30

Sam Whitaker Janielle Weiss Erin Stephens Mindy Cox Chantell Stanton Marissa Angulo Danielle Padilla C. Van Huffel Michelle Wilson Totals

Sammie Clark

The 6’0’’ former Lady Saints power forward (2007-09) plays for the NAIA Idaho College. Beus is averaging 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds on the season in only 5.1 minutes per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. The Lady Yotes are 14-12 overall and 9-7 in conference action.

Kathryn Beus

LIVE Southern Region Coverage Live Lady Saints basketball coverage play by play at www.advocate-online.net Coverage begins Saturday at 4 p.m. vs. the Clackamas Cougars @ home

Min FG, M-A FT, M-A 13:25 1-3 2-4 35:11 6-11 3-4 26:20 9-19 5-6 22:22 1-4 1-2 19:27 1-4 2-2 23:31 0-1 2-2 37:05 6-17 0-0 14:49 1-3 0-1 7:50 1-2 1-2

R 1 4 14 4 4 3 1 3 1

A 0 6 1 1 2 3 6 1 0

Pts 4 17 23 3 4 2 16 2 3

200

42

20

74

26-64

16-23

6 SPORTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

(LEFT) Contributed photo by Paul Kester; (RIGHT) Photo by Devin Courtright/The advocate

Freshman basketball player Gina Bianchi plays her guitar at her Troutdale apartment — and shoots free throws in a January basketball game against the Umpqua Riverhawks.

MHCC basketball player splits time between two passions

By Chanel Hill

caster via Skype. “Sara came up with the name Makeshift but when I Googled it, MHCC freshman basketball player there was something like 12,000 MakeGina Bianchi has a confession to make: “I shifts,” Bianchi said.

But while double checking the name, Blip a lot,” said an always-cheerful Biana typo led to the name Maekshift, which chi Monday night.

Blip.fm is a music-sharing web- aside from the spelling still holds true to site that allows users to interact, give its de�inition, “It’s pretty funny the way it “props” and creturned out lookate a disc jockey ing back,” said a name, a site Bian“I’m the jokester. I’m always cheerful that Bianchi frechi, whose outquents. The Car- the one doing crazy things.” going personalson City, Nev., ity is apparent native moved to in all aspects Portland after of her life. On graduating from the Lady Saints, Gina Bianchi Carson High last she is referred spring to attend to as “SpiderMHCC on a basketball scholarship. monkey” by teammates because of her Bianchi, a 5’8” forward who averages energy and style of play. “Spiders are evsix points and three rebounds per game erywhere and monkeys are always �lying for the Saints, said she has loved bas- around.” ketball since she began playing in third Bianchi is all business on the court — grade. Another love interest of hers: mu- coming off the bench, pushing the pace sic. and diving for loose balls — but also The self-taught guitarist is one half knows how to keep things light. “I’m the of the group Maekshift. The other half is jokester, I’m always the one doing crazy long-time friend Sara Lancaster, who still things,” she said. But she admitted that lives in Carson City. even though she likes to have fun, she The name sparks originality, some- never got into trouble growing up, something most singer-songwriters strive for. thing she knew better than to try with a Before Maekshift, it wasn’t so original. juvenile parole of�icer as a dad.

“We started playing open mic nights “I never really had the temptation to under the name Gina and Sara, but it was do anything bad. It did help with peer too close to the group Tegan and Sara,” pressure. I’d always say, ‘Do you know said Bianchi, who writes songs with Lan- who my dad is?’” said Bianchi. She reThe Advocate

mains very close to her family despite the distance, especially her dad Ben whom until this year had not missed a single one of Gina’s games and �lies up to see her play as often as possible. “I have him wrapped around my �inger. We’re very close.”

Bianchi approaches her life with the same carefree spirit that she exudes in her music and says one of the main reasons she selected MHCC was because it is so close to the City of Roses, a city known nationally for its indie rock and singersongwriter status.

“I had offers from other schools but one day I checked my voicemail and I had a message from Mt. Hood,” said Bianchi, whose father attended Portland State and played baseball, “My dad told me that Mt. Hood was in Oregon and that immediately

got my attention because I knew of all the awesome concerts that happen there. After looking into the basketball program, I pretty much made up my mind.”

Bianchi, who seems to be split into equal parts fun, drive and t a l e n t , loves both basketball and music and doesn’t want to give either up. As for the future, Bianchi said, “I don’t really know what the future holds for me, but if I can do both for as long as possible, I’ll be happy.”

GINA BIANCHI FUN FACTS

IN I-POD: Mumford and Sons, Local Natives, Angus and Julia Stone, Two Door Cinema Club, to name a few.

PETS: A frog named Banjo that basketball teammates don't like because he jumps on them.

SUMMER JOB: Last year Bianchi and bandmate Sara Lancaster went to downtown Reno and played their music on the street, with a hat for donations, and made a "decent" amount of money.

ABOUT HER NICKNAME "SPIDER-MONKEY": "I'm not sure what a spider-monkey does. I just kinda picture them in a tree eating a banana."

Photo contributed by Paul Kester

SPORTS 7

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

S p o r t s C a l e n d a r

Look for upcoming Spring sports live coverage of baseball and softball

Sunday, February 20

Mt. Hood Saints softball team will host a softball clinic in the Mt. Hood gymnasium 9 a.m.-noon. The cost for the clinic is $50.

Friday, February 25

Mt. Hood Saints vs. the Southwestern Oregon Lakers @ Coos Bay 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men).

Saturday, February 26

Mt. Hood Saints vs. the Umpqua Riverhawks @ Roseburg 4 p.m. (women) and 6 p.m. (men).

Wednesday, March 2

Mt. Hood Saints softball team will kick off the season with a doubleheader vs. Concordia University @ home 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 5

Mt. Hood Saints baseball team will kick off the season with a doubleheader vs. the Edmonds Tritons @ home 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 5

Mt. Hood Saints track & field team will compete in the Eric Anderson Icebreaker @ Linfield College (McMinnville).

Check out www.advocate-online.net for sports and more

Saturday, March 5 - Tuesday, March 8

NWAACC Championship for men's and women's basketball @ Kennewick, Wash., in the Toyota Center.

OUR #1 PRIORITY: STUDENTS Students have been – and always will be – our number one priority.

We know you have questions about contract negotiations with the Full-Time Faculty Association. We’re here to help.

The bar graph below shows the current cost of tuition and fees for a fulltime student (12 credits) for three terms, versus tuition and fees with the estimated $15 per credit increase required to meet faculty demands.

The simple truth is this:

•

It makes no sense to increase salaries that are already the highest, on the whole, of all community colleges in Oregon, Washington and Idaho We have called upon the faculty to make the necessary reductions, just as our other two unions have, as well as our nonrepresented employees

To learn more, we invite you to visit mhcc.edu

$3,384

I’m a full-time student in the business program, taking 12 credits. What do the negotiations mean for a student like me – and why would my tuition go up?

$4,000 $3,900

Tuition and fees after $15 per credit increase

•

$3,924

While the state is cutting back on funding, we’re serving more students than ever before

Tuition and fees

•

Q)

$3,800 $3,700 $3,600 $3,500 $3,400 $3,300 $3,200 $3,100

A

The gap between the College and full-time faculty is $3.75 million. If the College provides all the salary and benefits faculty are demanding, it would be operating with money it does not have. To balance the budget, the College could be forced to raise tuition $15 - $16 per credit hour – a 16% increase.

8 LIVING ARTS

FEBRUARY

Transexua

Cast

In order of appearance

Popcorn Girl Janet Brad Narrator Riff-Raff Columbia Magenta Frank Rocky Eddie Doctor Scott

Kara Pierson Elizabeth Sanchez Colton Sticka Jordan Brown Joe Janey Kara Pierson Hana Hailey James Sharinghousen Kory Keeny Michael Mitchell Nick BufďŹ ngton Chorus of Minions

Audrey Fisher Ian Countryman Jordan Snyder Lauren Fylan

Marissa Hanson Quinci Daoust Roanna Mitchell Tyler Ankenman

LIVING ARTS 9

18, 2011

al Transylvania

Y

MHCC brings the risque musical, 'Rocky Horror Show,' to life in the College Theater

Photos by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

"A lot of stuff you have to make because they are not really things you can buy. You can't go out and buy a man's corset, generally" -costume designer Liz Hoover

Showtimes Friday, Feb. 18

7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19

7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19

midnight

Thursday, Feb. 24

7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25

7:30 p.m.

Friday Feb., 18

Saturday, Feb. 26

7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27

2 p.m.

Box Office 503-491-7154 Upper left: Riff-Raff (Joe Janey) shoots Frank (James Sharinghousen).

Bottom left: Cast dances while Frank sings “Sweet Transvestite.”

Center: Frank seduces Janet (Elizabeth Sanchez) in her bed.

Lower right: Columbia (Kara Pierson) dies in Frank's arms.

See the review on page 10

10 LIVING ARTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Review

the 'rocky horror show' is as humorous as it is shocking

M

By Jessica Winters

The Advocate

HCC’s production of the “Rocky Horror Show” is a must-see for all “Rocky Horror” fans.

Photo by Devin Courtright/ The Advocate

Columbia (Kara Pierson) sings “Science Fiction, Double Feature” during the beginning of the “Rocky Horror Show”

The production, seen Tuesday in its second dress rehearsal, includes well-cast and talented actors, crazy costumes, some interesting set pieces, a sprinkling of Lady Gaga, audience participation, all mixed with an obscure plot that has had audience members watching for 35 years with antici . . . pation.

Upon entering MHCC’s College Theater, Lady Gaga songs play overhead and there is a large picture frame-looking object on the stage.

At the start of the show, the picture frame is revealed as a shadow box. During the opening song, “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” which reminisces about late-night showings of old science fiction movies, the actors create shadow pictures behind the screen that represent the different movies mentioned. It was a humorous way to begin the play and much more entertaining than simply singing the song.

The plot begins with “Brad Majors” (Coleton Sticka) and “Janet Wiess” (Elizabeth Sanchez) getting engaged and driving to tell their old friend, Dr. Everett Scott (Nick Buffinton), the news. Amid a thunderstorm, they get a flat tire and walk to the house of Dr. Frank-NFurter (James Sharinghousen) to use the telephone.

The house looks like a stereotypical creepy house in the middle of nowhere that no sane person would enter. The house is seen on stage for the entire show, but is easily imagined as the outside of the house, the inside, different rooms, or not there at all due to the actor’s staging as well as the changes in lighting.

As Janet and Brad sing and walk to the door, lightning flashes behind the house and thunderclaps follow. The second level windows of the house are lit up showing people inside, dancing provocatively, foreshadowing the night ahead.

The piece that acts as a door, in this and future scenes, comes down and is a solid black rectangle that has a mirror like surface. It made the scenes visually interesting as the actors are faintly reflected on it.

The actors are wonderful.

James Sharinghousen, from Clackamas, was a fantastic “Dr. Frank-N-Furter.” He stood out, not just because the character is shocking in appearance and speech, but because he plays the character so effortlessly.

He appeared completely comfortable wearing very little clothing, sparkling corsets and fishnets, while strutting about on stage, commanding the attention of not only the characters in the show, but the audience as well. He stays true to the character of “Frank” as fans of the movie will appreciate, but does not attempt to mimic Tim Curry. He makes the character his own. He was so convincing that it seems some of what he said was ad libbed.

“Riff Raff,” the butler, is played by Joe Janey.

Instead of the traditional hunched-over monster with long hair, he is tall with short hair. He has a more modern look that works for him. His height and dramatic movements give him a definite stage presence.

“Magenta” and “Columbia” are played by Hana Hailey and Kara Pierson, respectively.

Both have beautiful, strong singing voices. Although at times Pierson’s vocal clarity was hard to understand, they both had strong performances.

Elizabeth Sanchez plays “Janet” who is seemingly innocent. She rolls in her shoulders like she is self-conscious. She shuffles her feet like a young girl, almost to the point of annoyance.

However, when she stops shuffling and is no longer displaying her self-conscious mannerisms, it emphasizes the change in her, which occurs during the song “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me.” The switch from innocent to not so innocent, showcases Sanchez’s acting talent.

Lady Gaga’s music playing before the show and at intermission is not the only Gaga-related part of the show.

There are numerous points in which the famous okay sign over one eye is implemented. It is used in choreography for songs such as “Dammit Janet” and “Time Warp.” At one point, “Dr. Frank-N-Furter” uses it as he says the word “zero.”

Pieces of choreography from Lady Gaga music videos, such as the chorus of “Bad Romance,” are danced in some of the musical numbers.

It maybe a bit surprising to see “Dr. Everett Scott” walking around on crutches with hand grips instead of having a wheelchair. In the music video for the song “Paparazzi,” Lady Gaga moves around relying on crutches with hand grips. Not having the wheelchair may confuse some in the audience, but it is a clever connection.

Over time the movie version of this show began to have showings where the audience “participates.” Audience members of this play are invited to participate. Director Jennifer Hunter said toast, squirt guns, newspaper, and bubbles can be brought to the theater — but not rice. “It is a nightmare to clean,” she says. The narrator begins the show telling the audience to dance when they want, but not on the stage.

The “Rocky Horror Show” performances are today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24 to 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. There is also a special midnight showing Feb. 19.

LIVING ARTS 11

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Students are treated to speed dating on campus

By John Tkebuchava

S

The Advocate

tudents gathered in the Jazz Café Monday at noon to participate in a speed dating event hosted by the Student Activities Board.

About 15 minutes into the event, nearly 20 people had gathered in the café, which was decorated with balloons and tables set with linens and chocolates, all in the Valentine colors of pink, red and purple.

Couples (though some speed-dated in threesomes) conversed until a bell rang after two minutes, switching up the groups.

Along the side of the room, students could Photo by John Tkebuchava/The Advocate treat themselves, or their love interests, with Students flirt during “Speed Dating” Monday afternoon in the Jazz Cafe. heart-shaped cookies and red punch.

If students did find someone they were interAlthough some participants appeared interested ested in, small slips of paper were at each table where they could leave their names and phone num- in meeting new people, others (some already with boyfriends/girlfriends) had come just to “screw bers for the other student.

around,” as one group of girls, who wished to remain anonymous, put it.

Asked why he had come, Florine Plesa said, “To fall in love.” His friend, Rubin Rotari, quickly added, “I came to find the ‘one’,” and both grinned broadly.

At each bell, students moved to new group, whether they were of opposite sex or not, and jokingly discussed their complicated love lives and cracked cheesy pick-up lines, all the while professing love-at-first-sight.

By 12:25 p.m., students who had gone through all the groups began to filter out back into the hallways as a few curious others peeked in.

The event was the first of this week’s homecoming events along with Monday’s “Pajama Day” and karaoke on Wednesday. Casino Night was scheduled for Thursday and the Friday events include a Player-Student luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vista and the Homecoming Dance, which will also be at Vista from 8-10 p.m.

Review: Karaoke heard by the few, lost to the many

By Shelby Schwartz

W

The Advocate

ednesday’s homecoming karaoke event started late and the uneven talent of the performers attracted minimal interest from students and faculty in the Vista Dining Center.

A large projector displayed the song lyrics and during short lulls when people were still scurrying to the stage, the projector showed music videos to popular songs such as “F**k You” (clean version)

by CeeLo Green and Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” There were more than 130,000 songs for students to select.

Once the karaoke began, only a few students were watching and participating, perhaps because of the delay. The event started almost 75 minutes late.

To start the event, two guys attempted to sing “Blue” by Eiffel 65. They had their backs turned to the audience most of the time and missed so many of the lyrics that they started the song over. They even added some fist-pumping in at the end. They

received some applause but students in Vista were still not interested.

Keishan Dorsey, SAB’s seasonal event coordinator, and another student Aida Antonio, sang Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.” They were pretty good and probably the most accomplished of the performers.

Next were three girls who appeared to have a lot of fun singing “Stop” by the Spice Girls while flinging their arms and dancing.

The next act was a woman who sang Evanescence’s “Save Me from the Dark” in a loud and offkey rendition. Many people at this point took the opportunity to exit the event, either because they were voting with their feet or since it was close to 1 p.m. they may have been leaving to go to class. But either way, no more than 50 people remained in the seating area. The crowd was spread throughout the room and not very focused on the event.

Then the two guys who started the event came back up to redeem themselves by singing, “Where is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas. It didn’t work for them; this song is for the most part a pretty catchy one but their rendition was not. The only

C a l e n d a r Monday, February 21

•Web registration for continuing students who have earned 46 or more credit hours and have attended MHCC Spring 2010 or later begins at 12:01 a.m.

•Sandy Actors Readers Theatre 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

"A Thousand Clowns" 410 North Main St., Gresham

Tuesday, February 22

•Mock funerals in Town and Gown Room 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday, February 23

•Josh Ritter / Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit) Crystal Ballroom 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show

Thursday, February 24

•"Rocky Horror Show" in College Theater 7:30 p.m.

•Singer-songwriter-guitarist Bob Schneider Alberta Rose Theatre 3000 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Friday, February 25

•"Rocky Horror Show" in College Theater 7:30 p.m.

good part of the song was ASG President Larry Collins-Morgan sitting in the audience jamming out the song.

At this point in the event, it seems as if no more than 20 people were paying attention.

The event wasn’t a showstopper, the singing was for the most part awful but hey, that’s karaoke, right? And it probably would have had a better response if it had started on time. The event had a lack of theme and uniformity; it was for the most part misplaced and seemingly had nothing to do with homecoming.

The event was supposed to start at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m., although the Karaoke Company had trouble getting to MHCC due to inclement weather and the karaoke did not start until around 12:45 p.m.

“The guy got stuck in Hillsboro because of the snow, so it’s been moved back to 12:30,” said Leigh Oliver, director of the Student Activities Board.

“Hopefully, he will get here on time or we will have to cancel it because everybody leaves Vista at a certain time,” said Oliver shortly after noon.

Homecoming Tonight's dance to feature food, fun and photos

By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Mt. Hood Community College will hold its homecoming dance on Friday in the Vista Dining Center from 8-10 p.m.

The dance is free to all students and will have free punch, lemonade and appetizers.

Leigh Oliver, director of the Student Activities Board, encouraged students to attend saying it’s “something fun to do” here on campus.

DJ for the dance will be “3X.” A photographer will be present, to take pictures of students which they can later pick up.

The dance will be themed by MHCC’s school colors, red and black, in preparation for the homecoming basketball game Saturday against Clackamas Community College.

As for whether the dress will be formal or casual, Oliver said, “Some will be dressed up, some will be in jeans.”

Saying that students can come in “whatever they feel most comfortable in,” Oliver said she hopes students will come in red and black to match the theme, though it is not a requirement.

12 LIVING ARTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

MHCC Jazz Band returns with new perspective of Taiwan

By Yuca Kosugi The Advocate

The MHCC Jazz Band returned Tuesday from a week-long trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Fourteen members participated and stayed five days in Taiwan performing at different scenes for a part of the celebration of Chinese New Year’s. Kaohsiung delegates invited other cities from around the globe to participate as well.

Kaohsiung and Portland are sister cities.

The Jazz Band performed sets numerous times on different occasions. They also were able to tour the country and visit temples, local markets and schools.

“It gave us an idea of how modern and prosperous Taiwan was,” said Bob Smith, the lead trombone player.

Students were asked to pay for their plane tickets and were told that everything else would be covered. Initially, Susie Jones, the Jazz Band director, had told the Kaohsiung delegates that they would not be able to attend this year because of financial reasons, Smith said.

But the City of Kaohsiung insisted that the Jazz Band come and offered to cover the outstanding expenses. MHCC did not have to cover any costs, Smith said.

When they arrived in Kaohsiung Feb. 9, they were taken to a modern fine arts museum, Chinese temples and water temples. Later in the day they were able to experience the local mar-

ket in the evening and ate a traditional Chinese dinner in the market, said Smith.

They were also able to stay in one of the tallest buildings in the city, he said. They were on the 57th floor.

Over the weekend the group did a small performance on a small stage Saturday, and were able to do a large performance on a big stage in front of the waterfront Sunday.

On Monday, the band went to an elementary school, a high school and a senior home to perform. Some of the students at the high school, who are on the cheerleading dance group, had performed in the Rose Festival parade in Portland as a part of the sister city exchange.

The band was greeted by a marching band and acrobatic dancers as soon as the bus arrived and were entertained as they were escorted into the school.

On the last day, the group took the bus to Taipei where their flight was, and were able to do some sightseeing on the way. They visited the Photo contributed by Lin We Taipei 101 building, which is the second tallest building in the world with From left to right: Luke Tarter (tenor sax), Morgan Herst (tenor sax), Nick Nera 101 floors. (trumpet) from the MHCC Jazz Band play at the Lantern Festival in Kaohsiung, Susie Jones has taken the MHCC Taiwan, on Feb. 13.

Jazz Band to Taiwan seven times.

Hospitality and Tourism program to host annual fundraiser

By Mike Mata The Advocate

Food tradition meets contemporary flair in the Greek-themed Hospitality and Tourism Management program’s 20th annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction on Feb. 26 in the Town and Gown Room.

This event is an annual fundraiser for the Hospitality and Tourism program.

The funds go toward an annual trip where the students in the program pick a location for its educational value and use the funds to gain knowledge of the hospitality industry.

According to the gala’s page on the MHCC website, “All students in the program take part in working hard on planning, marketing, organizing, preparations and running the gala dinner & auction.”

The students also pick out the menu, the chef, and theme, gather donated items and work on decorations.

The Executive Chef for the event will be Eleni Touhouliotis, a native Cretan who immigrated to the U.S. in 1974. She opened her first restaurant, Eleni’s Estiatorio, in Sellwood, in 2000 and then opened another, Eleni’s Philoxenia, in late 2004 in the Pearl District.

According to a February 2006 Northwest Examiner article, “Her favorite

Movie review:

Michael Bay's 'I Am Number Four' is definitely no 'Transformers'

By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate

dish is kalatsounia (spinach, fresh dill and green onions rolled inside a covering of philo dough).”

The six-course dinner will feature a fully Greek menu, with past appetizers consisting of tomato mint sage meatballs, spanakotyropita (spinach and Greek cheeses wrapped in filo dough) and dolmathalia (rice and raisins wrapped in grape leaves). The first appetizer will be feta cheese mixed in with country olives.

The salad course will be a Lahano salad, which is thin cabbage. Fennel, toasted almonds and lemon smoked paprika dressing. The second appetizer will be Garithes Manatria or wild Tiger prawns that have been sautéed with green onion, mushroom, garlic, pancetta and white wine.

The entrée course is set to be Moschari, a dish of braised ribs served on black and brown rice with sautéed brocolini.

For dessert, the club shall be serving baklava, a layered filo pastry of walnuts, pistachio, candied berries.

Tickets/reservations to the event are $70 and can be purchased through the Hospitality and Tourism Club by calling 503-491-7698. The event will start at 5:30 p.m., with the auction available to be viewed immediately and the dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

I was so excited about the concept of “I Am Number Four.” I usually fast-forward through the commercials on my DVR, but I loved the idea of this movie so much that I would stop just to watch the trailer.

The producer Michael Bay rocked “Transformers” and “Transformers 2” so I expected nothing short of a semi sci-fi, action-packed, edge-ofyour -seat flick.

A brief synopsis is as follows: Nine aliens escaped the destruction of their planet and the annihilation of their race. Now the bad aliens that

took out their race have followed them to Earth and there’s a hit out on their lives. After the first three are killed, Number Four has to run for his life and ends up in the small town of Paradise, Ohio. He falls in love with a human girl and stays longer than he should and is tracked down by the bad aliens. Then it is realized that the nine were not only sent to Earth to save them but to save Earth from the bad aliens. It was going to be a Superman movie for the next generation.

I was sorely disappointed.

It wasn’t the corny Twilight-like special effects, or the rip-off attempt

to recreate the famous Twilight kiss — you know, the one where Edward (Robert Pattinson) looks like he is going to puke when he kisses Bella (Kristen Stewart) and you could just feel the hesitation seeping from the screen. Yeah sure, there were flashy lights blasting out big guns, creepy bad guys with bald tattooed heads and teeth that reminded me again of vampires, but the plot was the same old, same old young alien (Alex Pettyfer) fighting for his life meets human girl (Glee’s Dianna Agron) and falls in love amid jamming the alien battle of all time into seven minutes at the end.

However, this film lacked its own life. Agron who plays Sarah, a teenager who is just came out of an identity crisis, tries way too hard to be sweet and soft-spoken but at least she tries to be her character. I couldn’t even figure out the personality of the main character, Number Four, because Pettyfer was so blasé.

The best part of this movie was the very late entrance of Number Six (Teresa Palmer). She came through with her sexy Aussie accent, super powers blazing and kicked ass! She was the only reason why when the end credits rolled, I hoped for a sequel.

NEWS 13

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Contract: ASG president hopes both sides will resume talking Continued from page 1 “We’ve been very clear that that’s what we want,” said Schommer.

Larry Collins-Morgan, president of the Associated Student Government, was cautiously optimistic Thursday about the chance of renewed talks.

“They (the administration) want to open up talks,” he said. “ Whether that’s true or not is one thing. But the idea of them wanting to open up talks is a good thing.”

Sara Williams, the faculty’s chief negotiator, said, “We’re disappointed by the declaration of impasse. Nevertheless, we look forward to meeting with them to try to settle the contract.”

The article on the MHCC website also said, “In order for the college to implement each of the faculty association’s proposals, MHCC would be forced to increase tuition by $15 per credit hour.”

MHCC President John Sygielski said, “If we choose not to continue bargaining with the faculty and instead close the $3.75-million gap with tuition increases, we could have to raise tuition by $15 to $16 per credit hour.”

In “A letter to the students” posted on the MHCC website, the administration stated, “Unfortunately, the Full-Time Faculty Association has refused to do its part to help the

college avoid a $5.5 million budget shortfall that we expected in 2010-11,” But Williams said, “While the board may not be satisfied with our initial mediation offer, representing $900,000 of concessions, it’s false to say ‘we’ve refused to do our part’.”

Sygielski said, “The college is seeking a compensation package that not only addresses the short-term budget deficit anticipated for 2011-12 but also establishes financial stability for the long term. To get through this tough time, we need full participation by the full-time faculty, which, by the way, I believe will happen eventually since the fulltime faculty always helps the college when it is in financial need,” said Sygielski.

In “MHCC District board declares impasse in faculty negotiations,” posted to the MHCC website Monday, it is stated, “The college has emphasized the fact that MHCC full-time faculty are the highest paid faculty, as a whole, at all community colleges in Oregon, Washington and Idaho (Source: National Education Association data, April 2010).”

In response, Williams said the April 2010 data is out of date, and more recent comparisons of college contracts “show we’re either third, fourth, or sixth, depending on how you count, but not first.”

Winter bliss surprises MHCC

Photo by devin courtright/the advocate

Between the men's and women's basketball games Wednesday night, snow falls on the MHCC football field. Snow is expected to fall again tonight according to Weather.com on Thursday. For information about school closure or delay, students can visit the MHCC website and register for Flash Alert.

Students rally for bill in Salem

By Kylie Rogers The Advocate

i wonder ...

WARNERPACIFIC.EDU

what is my next move?

Ranked as one of the best values and best baccalaureate colleges in the West by U.S.News & World Report 2010, Warner Pacific is an urban, Christ-centered liberal arts college in the heart of Portland. With 27 undergraduate majors, you can choose from hundreds of career options.

2219 SE 68th Avenue t Portland, Oregon 97215 503.517.1020 503.517.1540 warnerpacific.edu

More than 75 students from across the state, including five from MHCC, went to the Capitol Monday to show support for the Tuition Equity Bill, according to Oregon Student Association Campus Organizer Josh Baker.

The bill would grant undocumented students in-state tuition costs if they went to an Oregon high school for at least three years and graduated, had been accepted into an Oregon University System institution and are working towards residency.

Currently, 10 other states including Washington and California have similar legislation.

The bill has been made a priority by the Oregon Students of Color Coalition (OSCC), a group within the Oregon Students Association (OSA).

MHCC students carpooled to Salem to deliver Valentine cards and fliers as well as speak to help rally support for the bill.

The bipartisan bill has at least 11 co-sponsors including Sen. David Nelson (R), Sen. Chip Shields (D), Rep. Chris Harker (D), Rep. Mark Johnson (R) and Rep. Bob Jenson (R).

The bill has been introduced to the Oregon house and senate multiple times but has failed to pass.

“Things have changed,”

said Baker. “It’s a new political field.”

Students are tentatively planning a trip back down to the Capitol Thursday when they are expecting a hearing on the bill, according to Associated Student Government Director of Communications Raul Reyes. Students will have the opportunity to testify on how the bill will impact the state.

Baker said there is also work being done to reconstruct higher education so it “isn’t detrimentally affecting students.”

If students are interested in getting involved in any of the campaigns, Baker encourages them to stop by the ASG office in the College Center.

Check the MHCC website for information on closures upon inclement weather

14 NEWS

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Child care center goes vertical

Be Sure to check out The Advocate online at www.advocateonline.net Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

Construction crew works to frame utilities, extend gas and power lines, and install the roof sheeting on the new Child Development Center complex on the north side of campus. They expect to begin installing windows, interior rough-in and utility tie-ins within the next couple of weeks, according to Paul Dunlap, MHCC construction manager.

Forensics takes home 8th place at beach

By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

The MHCC Forensics team finished in 8th place for overall sweepstakes and 6th among community colleges at the “Sunset Cliffs Classic” at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

The Sunset Cliffs Classic, also known as the “Bloodbath at the Beach,” was held all day on both Feb. 5-6.

Only four members of the speech and debate team, Jeff Lewis, Zach Nicholas, Kevin Craig and Dalton Hellman, competed at the tournament.

Other teams ranged in size from from 12-25 members.

“I was very pleased with their performance,” said Shannon Valdivia, forensics director, on the four’s achievements at the event.

“Having Zach and Jeff

make it all the way to the final round said a lot about their ability,” she said.

“Goes to show you that the community colleges, we’re very strong in tournament,” said Valdivia, in regards to the fact that six community colleges finished within the top 10 overall.

In the individual events, Kevin Craig was a finalist in open persuasive speaking and placed first in novice programmed oral Interpretation.

For the debate segment of the event, the team of Jeff Lewis and Zach Nicholas placed second in the Junior NPDA debate while Kevin Craig and Dalton Hellman were octofinalists in the same event.

For the NPDA Speaker awards, three of the four placed in the top 15 of the 68

competitors at the event, with Nicholas placing sixth, Lewis in ninth and Hellman in 12th.

Valdivia said, “A very good test for the guys. It shows that when we go to a national audience, we have to step it up.”

“This is a wake up call for everybody,” she added.

Next up for Forensics is the Lewis and Clark/OSU swing on Feb. 25-27. “It’s a really good chance for us to knock off the rust and have a really good tournament,” said Valdivia of the upcoming tournament.

“It’s a good practice run leading into nationals,” she said.

MHCC will also host a high school speech and debate tournament on campus Saturday, with 39 schools present.

Historians to probe historic 1911 New York City fire

By Mike Mata The Advocate

Historians Roundtable will convene at noon Feb. 25 in Room 1608 to discuss the impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire on March 25, 1911, in New York City that resulted in 146 deaths.

“The fire remains the worst industrial accident in NYC history, and led directly to a host of new worker safety and workers’ compensation laws,” said history instructor Pat Casey.

The fire occurred in the over-crowded and supposedly fireproof Triangle Building located on the corner of Greene Street and Washington in lower Manhattan.

The majority of the victims were younger girls working assembling women’s shirts.

They were Jewish, Italians, Germans, all working overtime on a Saturday in order to supplement the $6 a week they made. Had they left earlier, they might’ve lived; instead, many flung themselves from eight, nine and 10 stories high.

At first, bystanders thought the bodies were bolts of cloth only to find out that they were the corpses of these young women.

Several fire engines arrived to fight the fire, yet the hoses and escape ladders could only reach to the seventh floor, hence the decision to jump.

“We went with a February date to avoid trying to compete with finals week and the days leading up to it in March. Also the actual anniversary, March 25, falls during spring break,” said Casey.

Casey and Elizabeth Milliken choose roundtable topics based on upcoming anniversaries, historical, and/or cultural events.

With them on this panel will be history instructor Jim Barnes, who is a former Teamster negotiator and organizer.

Each roundtable begins with a short presentation from the panel, and then they answer audience questions for the rest of the period, said Casey.

Roundtables are hosted by Milliken and Casey once or twice a term.

Ready to transfer?

Interested in the creative arts?

ART

mar ylhurst.edu/art

MUSIC

mar ylhurst.edu/music

INTERIOR DESIGN mar ylhurst.edu/id

CREATIVE WRITING mar ylhurst.edu/english

FILM

mar ylhurst.edu/culturalstudies Join us for an information session:

Saturday, February 26 at 9 a.m.

Marylhurst campus BP John Administration Bldg., rm. 200 Register for this free event at studentinfo@marylhurst.edu or 503.699.6268.

MARYLHURST

U N I V E R S I T Y Academic excellence since 1893 www.mar ylhurst.edu 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy. 43)—10 miles south of Portland

NEWS 15 Board, president see hope amid contract disagreement FEBRUARY 18, 2011

By Jordan Tichenor The Advocate

With full-time faculty contract negotiations at impasse and a budget shortfall looming over the college, MHCC board members and the MHCC president were contacted in the last week to comment on the myriad of issues facing MHCC.

main hopeful we can settle these negotiations because the full-time faculty have a tradition of helping the college when it is most in need and the college has never been in greater need.

“One of the many positive aspects of this institution, I believe, is that every constituent group is willing to

“Contract negotiations are never easy but we have gotten through them in the past and we will again.”

Brian Freeman

MHCC District board chairman “This is probably the most challenging time as it relates to my time on the board,” said board member Dave Shields Feb. 10. “However, in all my years associated with MHCC, many of the same challenges existing today have been dealt with in the past.”

Brian Freeman, board chairman, said last week, “As to the faculty negotiations, I think it will take some patience. Contract negotiations are never easy but we have gotten through them in the past and we will again.”

MHCC President John Sygielski said Feb. 11, “I re-

sacrifice for our students so they don’t have to shoulder unrealistic financial burdens.

Thus, when all is said and done, I don’t think this time will be any different,” Sygielski said.

MHCC board member Duke Shepard voiced a less optimistic outlook. In a response to an email sent by an MHCC student, and later posted on a public facebook page, Shepard said, “Please note that two years ago I, then board chair, signed off on an agreement with the faculty that — as I recall — provided a 3 percent raise. I was

viciously criticized by faculty throughout those negotiations as well, and when, in the end, I met many of their demands I was (and remain) still hated.

“I only mention it to illustrate that it is part of the culture at MHCC, whether it’s a 3 percent raise or a rollback,” Shepard said in his Wednesday email message.

Regarding the budget deficit, Shields said declining state support is at the heart of the matter.

“The major problem with the budget is that much of the available revenue is contingent on the state level funding. Currently, the projected state-wide budget for community colleges will be $410 million. This is significantly less that the $500 million received in 07/09 and the $413 million in 09/11.”

Shields said, “When there is a loss of state funding, the only other alternative to replace the loss is by increasing tuition,” said Shields.

But Shepard said that option is unacceptable. “ I am personally done raising tuition. I won’t vote for more tuition increases and price people out of education and their hopes for economic opportunity,” he said Wednesday.

Freeman said reluctantly that when college expenses go up and revenues from the state go down, raising tuition

is a consideration. “But keeping our tuition affordable has always been a priority of the board. That is why we are doing our best to control all of our expenses,” he said.

Sygielski said, “The budget deficit is a challenge that is directly related to the dwindling resources we receive from the state of Oregon. As you know, we have sought ideas on how to cut costs and have implemented many of those ideas. In addition, we are focusing on other funding

what was asked and expected of me when I was hired as president, and that is my responsibility,” said Sygielski.

“The key elements to these situations are transparency, clear expectations, open and honest communication, sacrifice and unity.”

As for the search for either an interim or permanent president, the college is accepting applications from current MHCC employees. Deadline is Thursday, Feb. 24.

Sygielski announced last

“The major problem with the budget is that much of the available revenue is contingent on the state level funding.”

Dave Shields

MHCC District board member sources, such as private fundraising and grant writing, to bridge the financial gap.

“The challenges we are addressing today were the very ones pointed out by employees almost three years ago. Those challenges were then echoed by other stakeholders, including board members, community colleges, business leaders and donors. I am simply doing

month that he has accepted a job to become president of Harrisburg (Pa.) Area Community College and will leave MHCC June 30.

Freeman said, “I am confident that we can attract well-qualified candidates. The board has begun its search and is dedicated to finding someone who can build on Ski’s success.”

Caskets to roll in for mock funeral exercise

By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Join the leaders in

AVIATION, TRANSPORTATION, LOGISTICS and MORE! Undergraduate and graduate programs Learn in a NEARby CLASSROOM or from yOUR hOME! Continuously seeking adjunct faculty

worldwide.erau.edu/lead 800.522.6787

The MHCC community should not be alarmed if they see caskets rolled through campus next week as the Funeral Service Education program will be holding its 15th Annual Mock Funeral event Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will be in the Town and Gown Room and will be headed by Terri Canfield, a funeral management instructor.

“We will have an assortment of caskets, urns, markers, items that one would typically see at a funeral home and be exposed to during an actual arrangement.

It is an educational experience for both student and participant,” said Canfield.

“For the first time this year we will also have available pet urns and an opportunity to plan a service for a pet,” said Canfield.

Along with helping stu-

dents in the funeral service program learn, both Canfield and Doug Ferrin, the head of the department, feel that it is a good learning experience for volunteers as well.

Canfield said, “They (students) benefit from assisting the public with a mock arrangement, preparing them for their entry into the funeral industry as licensed funeral directors.”

As for volunteers, “By being exposed to the planning process when there is not an immediate need can lessen their stress when the actual need occurs,” said Canfield, as well as preparing for “something that invariably they will have to do at one point in their lives.”

All students in the program will participate in the event, with first year students posing as clients along with the other volunteers and second-year students posing as funeral directors and ac-

tually helping “clients” with funeral arrangements.

“We try to have each student arrange at least two services. Some students already work in the funeral industry and have been exposed to arranging and some have not,” said Canfield.

“Students are given a lot of responsibility in taking part in the planning of the event.”

Many of the items one would expect to see for a funeral arrangement will be present at the event.

The event is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome.

Canfield said the department still needs volunteers; anyone interested can email mhccmockarrangments@ gmail.com or call 503-4898505 to schedule an appointment for volunteering or for more information on the event.

16 THE FLIPSIDE 7 Day

Saturday Sunday Mostly Sunny 47o F

Partly Cloudy 47o F

THE ADVOCATE

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

Monday Partly Cloudy 46o F

Tuesday Few Showers 44o F

Wednesday Thursday Friday Rain/Snow Showers 44o F

Snow Showers 33o F

Snow Showers 44o F

Forecast Forecast gathered from www.weather.com

Cosmetology students to hold raffle The Image Makers Club, exclusively for cosmetology students, will be selling raffle tickets for $1 each to raise funds for a trip to Orlando, Fla., to attend a nationwide beauty show.

Winners of the raffle will receive a manicure and pedicure package or a facial and a haircut package and four others.

There are 100 tickets available to win one of the six packages; when tickets have been sold out for a specific package the club will move to the next raffle.

Image Makers Club Vice President Marsha Jackson said tickets can be bought in the salon and all cosmetology students should be carrying them as well.

The Premiere Beauty show in Orlando is held June 4-5 and is an expo that holds shows and offers more than 180 beauty treatment classes.

Forensics and the "Blood Bath on the Beach"

See page 14

Visit The Advocate Online at www.Advocate-Online.net

Mock funeral arrangement open to public Page 15

Lady Saint exposes her love for music on

Page 6

sports feature Check out the movie review for, "I Am Number 4" Page 12

BOOKBYTE.COM/MHCC

GBB_NSP_CM_Ad3_MHCC_4x8.indd 1

11-01-14 2:13 PM