Issue 10, Volume 49 by The Current

thecurrent the award winning student newspaper of green river college

Apr29.2015

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue010 volume49

Green River Proposes Cuts: Programs to be terminated include active union members Page 2 & 11

#GreenRiverCuts @thegrcurrent Cover By | Ian Lobdell

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New and Innovative Technology used in Science Classes

Find the Art around Campus: Artists and Dedications

Student Government Invisible on Campus

Science department uses new videos and tools to teach students about physics. Page5

Background behind student and professionally made artistic pieces around campus. Page10

Students do not know what ASGRCC does or has accomplished. Page11

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

PROGRAM CUTS? By: Ian Lobdell Managing Editor

A letter sent out on April 20 by Green River president Eileen Ely outlined four programs to potentially be cut: Geographic Information Systems(GIS), Auto Body Technology, Carpentry Technology, and Parent Child Education. As stated in the email, both the GIS and Auto Body Technology programs are going to be cut due to “declined enrollments”, while the Carpentry Technology and Parent Child Education programs are considered due to low return on investment. It is important to note that these cuts are proposed and have not been finalized. Eight full time and part time faculty will potentially be affected if the programs are cut. All of the affected programs have small faculties, no program having more than one tenured faculty member. Mark Millbauer is the faculty union president, as well as one of those who would be affected by the cut. Millbauer is the only full time faculty in Auto Body Technology. Two other active union members are affected by this proposal: Glen Martin, treasurer of the faculty union and full time teacher in Carpentry Technology, as well as Leslie Kessler, part of the union’s

Four programs have been put on the chopping block amidst high tension between the administration and the faculty union during contract negotiations.

current negotiating team and overseer of the Parent Child Education program. In conjunction with the release of the letter, a thirty day recommendation period has begun. This period is where a select number of Green River staff can bring forward alternative plans or recommendations to cut costs in other areas or provide information on why these programs should be spared. The staff members allowed to propose ideas are Mark Millbauer, as the union Agent, the division chairs for each instructional program, and any Green River staff with an administrative contract. Green River is projecting a four million dollar budget deficit for the next fiscal year. This is partially due to proposed state legislation that re-defines the allocation of higher education funds. It is unclear how the college is going to make up the deficit at this time. “I don’t really understand, and most of us don’t, how these pretty small amounts are really going to save the kind of money that they are talking about” Kessler said when asked about the cuts. Questions have been raised about the ties between the union members involved in each program

affected, and administrations decision to cut the selected programs. Administration adamantly denies any connection between the two. When asked about the potential correlation, “We took a look at all the programs and their enrollment, and which programs had declining enrollment” said Marshall Sampson, vice president of human resources and legal affairs. “The programs were chosen based on enrollment and cost to the college” said Allison Friedly, Green River spokeswoman. Millbauer disagrees, stating that these programs were targeted for termination based on the union members affected, as well as the current on going faculty contract negotiations. He went on to talk about his belief that if Green River faculty had been more submissive, this reduction in force may have played out differently. “We are definitively not targeting union based programs,” Friedly said when asked about these allegations This is all happening in the midst of very tense contract negotiations between Green River faculty union and administration. These negotiations have been on the table for over a year and have not been

without conflict. Over the past year, the faculty has picketed, protested, walked out, and refused to overload classes. It’s important to note that the Parent Child Education program is tied to but separate from the Early Childhood Education program. Parent Child Education links up new parents with fresh information about early childhood development and helps education the community in regards to the new world of parenthood. The biggest distinction between these two programs is that Early Childhood Education focuses on future educators where Parent Child Education is directed at helping parents. “It’s such a valuable program because parents who are in the coop go on and are in leadership rolls in their elementary schools and in their PTAs” said Kessler. Auto Body Technology is also separate from Automotive Technology. Where automotive technology is a program the workings of the internal combustion engine, auto body technology puts the focus on collision repair. Two of the programs slated for termination or reduction are trades programs: Auto Body Technology and Carpentry Technology. These

two programs are slated to move into the new Trades building come fall quarter. “We’re 34 percent of the [new] building,” Millbauer said. “You got the five trades moving in there and we are two of them. So you could say we are two-fifths, or square footage wise we represent 34 percent.” If the trades programs are cut the Science programs may benefit. Friedly said that STEM programs have a clear need for space, especially chemistry and biology. The empty space left in the trades building may be renovated into lab space for these programs. “I highly doubt that those buildings will be vacant for too long,” said Sam Ball, director of capital projects, when asked what would happen if the programs were cut. “There’s just too much demand across campus.” At the time of this article nine days have passed since the email was sent, leaving 22 days in the recommendation period before the next step is taken. The Current will follow and update this story as new developments arise. For The Current’s view on this matter, visit page 11 and check out the editorial. Alina Moss | The Current

The United Faculty members and allies during a protest. President of United Faculty Mark Millbauer is having his program cut by the administration for low enrollment numbers. The union is currently in negotiations with the administration over a wage increase along with other benefits, but the process has been slow. There is a possibility of Millbauer being fired along with other important members.

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Robotics Club President Builds DIY 3-D Printer By: Courtney Snyder Staff Writer

Matt Todd, president of Green River’s Robotics Club, built his own 3-D printer for $100 using materials from The Home Depot. Last year, the Robotics Club purchased a 3-D printer for $650, which is now being overshadowed by Todd’s home built rig. The 3-D printer at GRC uses filament to make its prints, dripping out plastic layer by layer. Todd’s first print was a small model of the Eiffel Tower. At first, Todd was skeptical about building his own 3-D printer, saying it seemed, “way too challenging and way too expensive,” as many of the parts recommended on do it yourself (DIY) websites came from obscure websites. Most materials for the DIY 3-D printers were not only expensive but complicated; a motor costing $300 and uses an uncommon, fairly limited program. After seeing a video of a home made photolithography 3-D printer on YouTube, Todd was inspired to make his own. He was determined to construct a better, cheaper machine than the creator of the video. He bought 90 percent of his materials from The Home Depot because he hopes to create an Instructables site on building a 3-D printer at home, and reasoned that almost everyone has access to hardware store. Todd’s DIY photolithography 3-D printer is worth $5000-$6000 because of its accuracy. When asked why he doesn’t build 3-D printers and sell them for 50 times more than the cost of the materials, Todd said, “Since I used so many open source materials to build my printer, it didn’t seem right to not make my project open source.” When designing the printer, Todd also took the programming aspect into consideration; RAMPS is a complex and uncommon programming language that is typically used to move the motor of 3D printers. He wanted the program on his printer to be “something a student could look at and understand.” Todd’s printer uses photolithography to print objects, a projector shows a cross section of the print and a platform “lifts” the liquid plastic out of a holding tank, which is dried by a UV light. The photolithography 3D printer has an accuracy of eight microns, which is about ten times closer than two fingertips pressed tightly together. Instead of using the recommended motor, Todd’s printer uses an

Arduino board programmed with C++, a very flexible programming language offered at Green River. If the builder isn’t familiar with C++, there are many open source programs available on the internet, much like the one Todd used. Timothy Moore, vice president of the robotics club, has more plans for 3-D printing at GRC when he is president of the club next year. “Now that we have a prototype, we want to make a 3-D printer with a more robust design,” Moore said. “Though the current 3-D printer will still be available for smaller prints.” Moore intends to make a photolithography 3-D printer similar to Todd’s, using wood for the frame instead of metal, though the motor will use a program very similar to the one in Todd’s. Though he plans to build a 3-D printer, Moore aspires to build more with wood next year. He believes that plastic is good for complex designs, but wood is easier to use, faster to build with and sturdier than the plastic prints from any 3-D printer. He also plans to make 3-D printing more accessible for students, members of the Robotics Club or not. “Anyone can walk up and print,” Moore said. Users need to use programs compatible with 3-D printers to create their design. Moore recommends SketchUp, a free and user-friendly 3-D design program. If users would rather find their desired print already created, such as a model of a dog or a television character, they can visit sites such as thingiverse.com. As of now, Green River students can print items less than or equal to six inches by six inches by six inches in dimension for about 10 cents per print on the filament 3-D printer. The dimensions of prints are unknown for the photolithography 3-D printer, but Moore estimates that they will be at least ten times more expensive. The liquid plastic for photolithography 3-D printing costs $60 for one liter, while the spools of plastic for the filament 3-D printer cost $5 each. One spool of filament is roughly equal to one liter of liquid plastic. The photolithography 3-D printer generates more waste than the filament 3-D printer since the plastic is in liquid form until the UV light touches it, dust and bacteria get into the holding tank and contaminate it. Whatever plastic is unused after 12 hours is thrown away. Moore says that the club’s new 3-D printer will be done by fall quarter.

“It’s a really fancy, really expensive hot glue gun,” said Matt Todd, president of Green River’s Robotics Club. The DIY 3-D printer created by Todd is fully functioning and was used to create the design of a skull (below). Though it is cheaper, the printer can still be used for a multitude of uses and has even overshadowed the clubs current 3-D printer.

Photos by Alina Moss | The Current

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Campus Crime Blotter

Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from March. 5 to March. 27 among others. All information is from Campus Safety Incident Reports.

3/5 1:00 p.m. Holman Library Student Conduct Rule Violation

A member of the library staff reported to campus safety about an incident that had occurred the previous day. A group of students were being loud and brought food into the library. The victim approached who he determined to be the “leader” and asked them to be quiet and to remove the food. The suspect became verbally abusive to the victim and claimed he could do whatever he wanted because he had ADHD. According to the suspect, Disabilities Services said he could act however he wanted and no one could stop him. The suspect then went around the library collecting all the “no-food“ signs. He then slammed the signs onto the front desk of the library. The suspect was also involved in a previous incident in the library. He had been asked to be quiet and became hostile towards the staff, claiming that because he was partially deaf he could be as loud as he wanted. The incident was undocumented due to it being resolved and the suspect apologized.

3/21 11:00 a.m. Student Housing Harassment

Campus safety responded to a report of harassment in student housing. Safety officers met with a “lady/mother” who claimed that her daughter’s roommate was harassing her on social media. The “lady/mother” said that she will take roommate to court. Safety officers attempted to enter the room but the roommate was not home. The “lady/ mother” attempted to bang on the door but safety officers informed her that no one was home. The “lady/mother” said she will take the roommate to court and left.

3/21 7:45 p.m. Student Housing Complaint

Campus safety received a phone call from a concerned student. The student said there was going to be a “party that would be happening tonight with drugs mushroom and alcohol.” She also said that one of the students would be bringing marijuana. The students in question were given a warning.

3/26 Unknown Time Lindbloom Student Center Intimidation/ Interference

An employee at the Paper Tree bookstore reported to campus safety that he had been harassed. The victim was working when he received a phone call from a woman asking about the price of books. The woman became irritable when she heard the price and eventually hung up. The victim then received a call from a man asking about the same books. He also became irritable when he heard the price and demanded to know when the victim worked. The victim refused to answer and the suspect then asked if the victim felt scared.

3/27 7:44 p.m. Parking Lot Auto Accident

A woman reported to campus safety that her car had been damaged while in the parking lot. The reporting party had driven her car under a chain, blocking off the P5 parking lot. Safety officers arrived and saw that the chain had done significant damage to the hood, roof, and trunk of the car. She claimed that the chain was difficult to see and that there were no signs warning that the parking lot was closed. Safety staff took pictures and lifted the chain for the woman so she could leave.

Photos by Jessica Packer | The Current

Environmental science new rain garden can be seen near the library where plants can grow in a healthy environment. The students also set out to inform people about the dangers of using bottled water on the environment.

Green River Celebrates Earth Day with New Rain Garden by Library By: Jessica Packer Staff Writer The environmental science (ENV S) 204 class celebrated Earth Day by raising awareness to the environment. On Tuesday April 21 and Thursday April 23, several groups of students stood outside the Lindbloom Center spreading environmental awareness in light of Earth Day. Topics and posters represented include issues such as bottled water, light bulbs, lighting, food, and amphibians. Each topic tackled was led by a small group of students from the ENV S 204 class. Many of the students were very enthusiastic to share with their peers how they could help the environment. “There are many important environmental issues which people need to be informed about,” said Daniel Gallegos, an environmental science student. “This was the main reason why we decided to go ahead and spread the word about some that felt most important to us.” There was a group on Thursday that had a presentation of a rain garden. The display illustrated how a rain garden is a ditch in which smaller plants grow towards the top, and as the ditch goes down larger plants are present. A representative of the group said it was necessary for the larger plant or plants to be in the center so that it will be able to absorb the majority of rainwater. “Students [of ENV S 204] not only spread major awareness of important environmental issues such as the dangers of plastic water bottles and the importance of eating less

meat, but also deciding to make a little change to the actual campus,” said Riley Kreman, a student in the Environmental Science 204 class and one who took part in the Earth day presentations. “Students and faculty have begun work on a brand new rain garden in hopes of reducing water pollution in the school,” Kreman described how a rain garden filters out excess nutrients that is contained in storm water runoff. “Excess concentrations of nutrients are caused by water washing over prominent areas like farms and roads that contain fertilizer, fecal matter, break pad pollution, and car fluids. Most of the water ends up in the Puget Sound with little to no filtration. All this pollution is extremely harmful to the Washington ecosystem,” Kreman said. Next to the Holman Library they were working on an actual rain garden that they are installing. They picked the spot due to its location, and that it was already the form in which the rain garden needed to be. It is located next to the library because it gives the garden ability to catch the run off rain water coming from the building. Tom Trindl, a maintenance specialist in facilities, has been coordinating with the group to get an ideal spot for the rain garden. The geology department donated rocks for the construction of the rain garden, and the forestry department donated plants and trees for planting in the rain garden. The class was grateful for the willingness of the departments to help them help the environment. The rain garden is located to the left of the Holman Library and will serve its purpose to collect runoff

rain from the Library while simultaneously watering native plants and trees donated to ENV S 204 by the Forestry department. Several students explained about light bulbs and how LED light bulbs are more efficient, illustrating how you can save around a hundred dollars a year compared to incandescent light bulbs. On Tuesday and Thursday, their group had a display of light bulbs outside, showing which light bulbs were most efficient and good for the environment, as well as your pocket. Another group of students were supporting the agricultural aspect of environmental preservation. They explained simple ways that one could help the environment through agriculture, one of being purchasing locally grown food, which reduces the amount of fuel used to transport the food from other places around the country. Bottled water was another topic which was displayed in front of the Lindbloom Center. The visual exhibit showed how much water and oil is used to make one bottled water. According to their National Geographic website source, a liter of bottled water uses one quarter of the liter of crude oil and three full liters of water to make only one liter of bottled water. The class received donated Douglas fir trees on Thursday, which they handed out to students in front of the Lindbloom Center. Many people got to take home a tree, and in some cases several, to plant near their homes and apartments. “We are all part of this environment, and we have a responsibility to make sure we take care of it.” Gallegos said.

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Techno Gadgets Advance Student Success By: Emma Autrey Staff Writer

The science department is utilizing new technology to teach students. Physics Instructor Chitra Solomonson is all about hands on experience. She believes that technology makes learning all the more real for students. Physics classes are held in an integrated lab so that all of the necessary equipment is at immediate disposal. This results in a more proactive classroom where questions can be responded to immediately rather than being delayed due to lack of availability. One of the many pieces of equipment that allows students to learn through hands on experience are sensors. Some of the different sensors available to science students include velocity, force, rotary, and light. Each sensor is hooked to a computer where the data collected is displayed on the screen as it is happening. One of the first and foremost things that physics students learn is how displacement is related to velocity, Solomonson said. The sensors help them to understand this better by showing how the two are directly related when displayed in a graph. By seeing their results appear on the screen while they are occurring, students can better understand the concepts and the effects that they have. For example, students learn about motion by walking in front of a sensor and seeing their velocity (speed) displayed on the computer in a graph. This way, they get to see exactly how the graph looks at the same moment when the speed of the object passing in front of the sensor is changed. These experiments all happen in real time and are therefore near identical to how they would be conducted out in the real world. “Students are able to see the changes while they are happening rather than after,” Solomonson said. Another effective technological asset to the sciences are Turning Point clickers. These clickers act as a polling system where each student has one of the devices and can select an answer out of multiple displayed on the board. This response system meets the needs of almost any learning environment. With all answers being anonymous, students can answer freely without the fear and embarrassment of being wrong. This has created a significant increase in participation. All calculus based Physics courses have switched over to “Flipped Classrooms.” What this means is

Photos by Alina Moss | The Current

The Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (above) is a powerful measuring device that can measure in the infrared. The Atomic Force Microscope (below) can allow students to observe the insides of cells on an atomic level. This allows students to study the insides of a cell and how it functions. that instead of getting assigned readings on new material, students are required to watch online videos referred to as smartPhysics. These videos introduce new material in an interactive way that is more beneficial and to the point than reading from the text book. After finishing the videos students write what they understood and what they did not. This gives the professor an idea of what to go over in more depth and also saves valuable class time. By getting the students engaged and familiar with the new material before class, they are able to come prepared with any questions they may have. This ensures that more time in class can be dedicated to actually implementing the new information. Another significant asset to the sciences are their Atomic Force Microscopes obtained through funding from the National Science Foundation. These microscopes have the ability to show the depth of cells as well as how the structures are being formed. The depth of the cells can be determined by scratching it to reveal all the inner layers. This allows students to physically see the cell makeup rather than simply learning about it through a lecture. The microscopes have also allowed for Solomonson’s extensive STEM research on compact solar cells. Something that many of the sciences have in common is their use of the Vernier software. Chemistry instructor, Jay Mueller, incorporates Vernier software into his classroom through interfaced experiments. “This allows students to collect data

in a way that mirrors experimental work in the real world.” Mueller said. Chemistry courses use the fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) as well. It’s rather expensive and is not commonly found in community colleges. The FTIR is used to obtain the infrared spectrum of absorption, emission, photoconductivity, and more. It is able to collect high spectral resolution data over a wide spectral range. This presents a bit of an advantage over varying spectrometers that can only measure a narrow range of wavelengths at a time. These technologies are not only available to chemistry majors, but non majors have access to them as well. Kathryn Hoppe of the Geology department shared the new use of digital imaging in the classroom. By using GigaPan, a robotic camera mount, students are able to immerse themselves in a digital field trip. GigaPans capture digital images with billions of pixels and life like detail. It works by taking 100 overlapping pictures and stitching them together to create a panorama. This allows students to see a broad picture and zoom in for further detail. The outdoors are brought straight into the classroom without hassle. This saves a tremendous amount of class time, resources, and allows students to examine samples more easily than ever before. The GR science departments implement technology in a way that advances learning and gives their students a competitive edge in the work force.

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Tracking Tuition at Green River College Learn Where Your Tuition Money Is Going By: Nadine Ntibarufata Staff Writer Interim Vice President of Business Affairs Debbie Knipschield said in an email that the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges sets the percentage that goes to each of these categories. With the exception of the student activity fee, which she claims is recommended or budgeted by Green River students. None of the students could be contacted that have control over this budget. According to Knipschield, student tuition is divided into five categories: operating fee, building fee, student activity fee, innovation fee, and institutional financial aid. The distribution of fees is the same at all community and technical colleges and the student activity fee has a minimum and maximum amount. “Each college can select the rate for their college. The majority of colleges, to include Green River, have selected the maximum allowable,” Knipschield said. The building fee and the innovation fee amounts are consolidated at the State Board and used for system level initiatives.

The institutional financial aid portion is distributed through the college’s financial aid process. Financial Aid Director Mary Edington said that financial aid has an impact on the amount of money the college gets. “We give students money, whether it is through scholarships, or grants, or loans, and they use that money to pay tuition money, which then goes to the school,” Edington said. According to the Green River financial aid charts, as of last year 16,161,406 dollars were distributed to students through scholarships and grants, 6,976,957 dollars through loans and 881,151 through employment. In total, over 24 million dollars was used by students. Edington said that not all the money they give students is used on just their tuition. She said that sometimes, with the money that is left, students can use that to buy books, take buses to school, or any other thing they might need. The operating fee amount is added to the allocation of State funds that the administration receives for operations. “Operations include functions such as instruction, student services, academic support, library, information technology

infrastructure and support, administration, facilities including utilities, building repair, custodial support, and grounds,” Knipschield said. International students do not pay tuition, rather they pay a contract fee amount that is appropriate to cover the full cost of operations. “The college does not receive state funding for international students,” Knipschield said. “The contract fee that international students pay is used to cover operations including instruction, student services, academic support, library, IT infrastructure and support, administration and facilities.” The administration did not comment on exactly how much of student tuition has been used in all the five categories, as of last year, or so far this year. None of the students’ tuition is used to pay instructors. According to the Knipschield, funding for salary and benefits for faculty, both full-time and adjunct, comes from a combination of state and local funding, which includes operating fees, international contract fees and Running Start contract fees. One of the claims made by adjuncts earlier this year was that the administration uses students’ tuition for self-benefits such as

giving themselves raise. Knipschield, however, said that the legislature provides the authority associated with salary raises, and that the college must follow this legislative authority in negotiating changes in compensation. If the legislature provides authority for cost-of-living or other increases, the distribution of this funding is a negotiation process with the appropriate unions. “The college can only provide increases within the scope of the legislative authority, in other words, the college cannot provide raises for either faculty or staff unless directed to do so by the legislature.” Knipschield said. After the adjuncts’ protest against poverty level wages earlier this year, many students at Green River College are still wondering about how the administration uses their tuition. ”I’m curious about what my tuition is being used for if my instructors are poorly paid,” said Sheila Deeley a Green River student. “The president and the administration don’t really care about us, if they did they would be using our tuition to what it’s supposed to be used for, namely paying our teachers enough money,” said Hong Wei, another Green River student.

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This red rocket model was built in the 3-D printer during a design technology class trip to Boeing. If you look carefully, there is a tiny staircase winding its way through the interior of the rocket. Though this was made at Boeing, the 3-D printer at Green River can also replicate this design. “One of the companies I worked a lot with said they would never go 3-D and 10 years ago they changed to where they are 90 to 95 percent 3-D,” said Felix Serna, design technology instructor. ” The industry has changed so much.” Photo by Alina Moss.

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Artwork Interacting with the Environment By: Jessica Packer Staff Writer Gary Bates is the lead sculptor of the rain scale behind the tech center and science center. Its purpose is to catch rain on one side, which then makes it unbalanced, causing it to tilt back and forth. According to an article about Bates by Ray Sikorski for the Belgrade News, Bates has sculpted many pieces around the United States. Each sculpture has a greater design than to simply look cool. Each piece is created to often interact with the environment, like how the sculpture we have on campus interacts with the rain. Bates grew up on a farm and spent most of his time there working in the fields, where his inspiration first started. Wind would blow through the field, and he discovered ways to create objects that interacted with the wind. He also needed to be able to see his sculptures from far away, as it was a large field, so that is why most of his sculptures are very large in scale. “The reason I build these pieces is to find out what they do,” Bates said. “I don’t have the answer. I have the question. I guess you could call it visual research, to see how these forms will react to nature.”

“I think of my pieces as receptors of information from the land, and then transmit it back in a visual way,” Bates said, “These are built to heighten people’s awareness ... of the world; that there’s something going on beyond the day-to-day stuff that we’re in. If you watch any of these pieces, you’ll get an appreciation for what’s going on, on the surface of this planet.” Bates displays his feelings for Mother Nature through each and every piece that he creates.

All photos | Alina Moss

In memory of Willard and Catherine Bixby

SS HL

Sculpture of an unraveling scroll inside the front door

Metalwork pieces on display

TIC

Metal Eagle Sculpture

“All who serve in our armed services”

Welding Sculptures

TIB

TIA FUTURE SITE OF NEW STUDENT LIFE BUILDING

Admin Building Fountain

TID

Peaceful waterfall with surrounding garden

RLC PA

Solar Panel Array

Fully-functional solar panels

Student Art Gallery Featured student-made artwork in various mediums

OEB

ZWC

Memorial Bench

Zen Garden

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Dedicated to Gerald Miller

IVB

A serene garden with seating

In memory of Divien Gonario

Science Center Garden

IVC

FC IVA

Memorial Picnic Table In memory of Dave Watson

IVD Rain Scale Environment-interactive arch over a small pond

Student Artwork and Vic’s Garden By: Nichole McHugh Staff Writer

Holman Library Stone and Tile Tube

Aiesha Morrison-Screen, a student at Green River, stated that she thought the sculpture is cool and interesting, but needs to be better advertised, so all students and staff will have the opportunity to see it. Bates’ sculpture at GRC is located over a small pond with a fountain behind the Tech Center.

Commons Fountain

SE 320TH ST

To honor the John D. Nixon family

“It’s really interesting, and I guess that’s the point,” said Nancy Lane, an environmental science instructor at the science center. She likes the idea of art combining with the environment to create an interesting piece, and drawing attention to the environment. What makes Bates’ pieces so intriguing is that they are also experiments. Each sculpture is unique and has a special function. Bates’ sculptures are meant to increase appreciation for nature, and how we can interact with it.

CCA

Nixon Memorial

Vic Garden In memory of Victor Rivet

Examples of student work are gaining recognition around the GR campus. The display cases on the first floor of Salish Hall showcase a countless amount of assignments and projects created by real students of the fine arts programs. Ceramics technician and instructor, Heather Cornelius says that these types of displays are important to communicate the students’ amazing learning and ideas with the Green River community. “It would be a shame not to share with the campus,” Cornelius said, “Art is a visual language, it’s meant to be seen.” Photo tech, Aaron Hartzell says displaying student work is a terrific way to spotlight the fine arts department, “Showing that you can succeed motivates students to get their artwork shown,” said Hartzell. These displays also get students outside the program inspired and interested in taking fine arts classes. The cases feature current work of students as well as student artistry that has been featured in past shows. Art instructor, Cindy Small says that towards the end of spring quarter, the 3-D art students will take over the larger case for about a week to display some of their work as well. Hartzell says that displaying work is a mixture of highlighting student work and the diversity of art that the fine arts department has to offer. For instance, the drawing kids may not know what the photography kids are working on and vice-versa but because of these displays it creates the opportunity for all art in the community to be recognized and appreciated. Near the art department on the west side of Salish Hall, there is a designated space in remembrance of the influential, Victor Rivet who was a major part of the ceramics department for 17 years. Also known as “Vic’s Garden”, this garden is tended to by former GR Forest Tech, Alex Kamola. Kamola and art faculty, Paul Metivier worked very hard to establish the garden in a meaningful and improved way after the construction of Salish Hall. “Paul Metivier and I agreed to pull out that landscaping and to establish a new memorial garden in Victor’s memory - a garden that would feature the native plants which Vic loved, and which would show off samples of ceramic work made by students in the program,” Kamola said via email. Kamola says that since the completion of the garden, they have invited students and staff to freely display examples of their work. Rivet’s widow, Jennifer Rivet, also contributed some of his favorite plants from their home garden as well as some ceramic pieces. “The garden is now well established. It displays a fair representation of what comes out of the GRC Ceramics Program kilns” said Kamola via email. Cornelius says that keeping up these traditions is what keeps the garden and Vic’s legacy alive.

a&e

thecurrent

2014-2015

Drew Monson | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

LGBTQ Club Raises Awareness on Campus and Acceptance of Students Movie Calendar

By: Jordahn Nelson Satire Editor The LGBTQ club here at Green River exists to create a sense of community among queer individuals and allies alike. Above all, the club, which meets every Wednesday from 12-12:50 in CH210, strives to create a safe space for all. It is a place to mingle, make friends, discuss important gender issues as well as the latest and greatest movies and TV shows. The club focuses specifically on understanding gender with activities discussing gender stereotypes, society vs. science, and issues faced in every day lives of the members. When first entering the club you are asked to state your name and preferred gender-pronoun. This exemplifies the respect that is shown between club members. It can be frustrating when, not conforming to societal gender-norms, people refer to you in the wrong pronoun, especially when you take the time to correct them. Caleb Stumbaugh, club president, outlined previous issues with instructors not referring to students with preferred gender pronouns. While not a huge issue, this club space still gives students the liberty of being in a community where they are addressed how they want to be. There have been other issues regarding students, such as

May

An example of one of LGBTQ’s safe zone signs around campus. Photo by Alina Moss. verbal altercations that were dealt with swiftly. The most surprising of all, however, were the issues the club ran into when introducing gender neutral bathrooms for a day at Green River. Some students, taking it as a big joke, chose to enter the women’s restroom and expose themselves to girls, undermining the overall cause of the gender neutral bathrooms, and essentially being immature. Even if some issues of intolerance

exist at Green River, the club is optimistic about spreading community and awareness among fellow students. Around Green River campus you can look for safe-space stickers signifying solidarity and support among LGBTQ and allies. The club has done a great job in the past of rallying specific gender equality related events such as protesting against the religious speaker that speaks out against them in the courtyard, and recognizing

LGBTQ Day of Silence on April 17, a day when people choose to remain silent in solidarity with LGBTQ victims of abuse. In the near future, you can expect a Pride Prom on May 16. Whether you identify as gender queer, gay, cis gendered, or any of the like, the club would be happy to have any curious and respectful students to drop in and see what it is all about.

May

Hot Pursuit

Vergara, Witherspoon

Genre: Action Comedy Rated: PG-13

The D Train

Hahn, Marsden, Black

Genre: Comedy Rated: R

5 Flights Up

Freeman, Keaton, Preston

Genre: Drama Rated: PG-13

Maggie

Schwarzenegger, Breslin

Genre: Horror, Thriller Rated: PG-13

Pitch Perfect 2

Kendrick, Wilson, Steinfeld

Genre: Comedy, Music Rated: PG-13

Tomorrowland

Cloony, Robertson, Laurie

Genre: Sci-Fi Rated: PG

Dragoo’s Den: Grand Theft Auto V Steals Spotlight with PC Release

GTA V Features and Fixes as this Legendary Titan Franchise Finally Makes its way to PC By: Josh Dragoo Guest Writer When it comes to video games, Grand Theft Auto needs no introduction. Its been a video game staple since the Late 1990s and has consistently brought in acclaim and much more from reviewers galore. The newest entry, Grand Theft Auto 5, continues this trend in Rockstar’s staple series. This review is a bit different in that it has taken me 2 years to review it. Not because of time constraints, but because of the recent release onto PC, which this review will be based around. Keep in mind that all versions are the same, with just a few minor differences. Grand Theft Auto 5 is a Third/ First Person Sandbox game developed by Rockstar Games and released in September 2013 for PS3 and 360, followed by a re-release

for PS4 and Xbox One in November, 2014, with the PC version in April, 2015. The game marks a shift from the use of one protagonist to three. You play as Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Trevor, who are in pursuit of the American Dollar in the City of Los Santos. From the moment I started playing the game back in 2013 I have been replaying it, even now. I was hooked on the story as well as many of the characters that the protagonists interact with. GTA 5 provides some of Rockstar’s best writing, really focusing on each of the three protagonists’ backstory, opposed to the vague “you are a criminal out for revenge” theme evident in the previous games, with the exception of GTA 4. I’m not going to go in-depth about the plot of GTA 5, mainly to avoid spoilers, but the story of GTA

5 is rock solid and provides a nice laugh while being serious at the same time. The graphics of GTA 5 vary from system to system but it is still a very beautiful game. The city of Los Santos is a bustling metropolis with different landscapes and countryside to explore, and it all shines, especially on PC. If you own a powerful PC, I would highly recommend it on PC, but all versions look beautiful regardless. Even the PS3 and 360 versions look beautiful, though there are a few blurry textures here and there. The soundtrack of GTA 5 is also solid, with a great original score composed by four different artists such as Tangerine Dream, Woody Jackson, The Alchemist, and Oh No. The score provides a great backdrop to the world of GTA 5, as well as some tension and suspense added to the missions.

The radio stations are amazing, featuring 19 unique stations to listen to while cruising through Los Santos and its surrounding areas. The stations provide a huge amount of variety in terms of genre and type of music, all of which are hosted by real life musicians, from Kenny Loggins to Soulwax. The PC version even includes a custom radio option which plays any music that you want, making the experience of GTA 5 even more unique. Simply put, this is probably the best GTA game that I’ve ever played; controls are much improved from GTA 4 and provide sufficient fluidity. With good controls, the gameplay is also great, with solid driving physics and gunplay as well. Many of my problems with GTA 4 are mostly absent from GTA 5, and that’s what makes me like it even more.

Photo credit: Rockstar Games This game is something that I see myself coming back to constantly for the gameplay and GTA Online. GTA5 is like the new Skyrim, it provides a near endless amount of entertainment, with over 70 hours of content.

opinion

thecurrent

David Price | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

2014-2015

Program Terminations Cause More Grief

Editorial

In the midst of negotiations over faculty contracts, the faculty and administration have been in an on and off conflict for over a year now. These conflicts have resulted in various protests by faculty outside the administration building, demanding much needed pay raises and for the administration to come to a reasonable agreement. At this point the administration’s retaliation towards the faculty is currently culminating in a climax, where the administration – led by college President Eileen Ely – are now utilizing underhand means in order to eliminate dissenters, who they otherwise would not be able to fire. In particular Mark Millbauer, president of the United Faculty, and Glen Martin, treasurer of the faculty union, would lose their jobs because of the cuts to auto body and carpentry technology respectively. The other two programs proposed for being terminated, Parent Child Education and Carpentry, are being considered because the college is not getting a high enough return on investment. However, the case is different with Auto Body Technology and Geographic Information Systems, which makes this whole scenario

all the more suspicious. They are being proposed for the chopping block because there is supposedly little interest in these programs as of now, and they have low enrollment. They are probably too small to reduce them further. The administration would greatly lose out by getting rid of the two trades programs. They were both intended to go into the new Trades Building when it opens up next fall, but now if these two programs are terminated there will be an empty space in the Trades Building unless they dump money into repurposing these buildings. Thus the college is deliberately wasting a large amount of resources by getting rid of these programs. According to the Union Press Release, “John Avery, chair of the Transitional Studies and Wellness Division, said that new equipment for these programs has been purchased, sits boxed and is ready to use in what will be empty new buildings.” It is insidious of the administration to abuse their powers in such a way. They are basically shooting themselves in the foot by sturring up more controversy then is needed. Administration should morally not be allowed to proceed with

their plans, but it is already under way. In Article XII Section A Reduction-in-Force of the contract, the administration is using a vague line to slash the proposed programs, defining a Reduction-in-Force as simply, “Program termination or program reduction,” giving the college the power to put any disagreeable program on the chopping block. Currently, we are in the process of Section B Preliminary Procedures of Article XII. In this stage the college president notifies everyone of the need for a reduction in work force. Recommendations for other plans and responses can be sent within thirty days of the notice. It feels like the college is only abiding by this 30 day rule because it is in the contract and they are legally bound. It would be very surprising if the these programs survive because the administrations minds sound fairly made up. The college so far has done the legal minimum to communicate, collaborate, and work with the faculty on this issue. This will only serve to push a larger rift between the administration and the faculty.

Student government is supposed to be a key part of our academic journey here at GRC. Within student government lies our representation, our voice, and our power over the decisions that shape our time here. In hearing about programs such as CLEO (special event coordinators) before attending this institution, I expected student government to be a large part of what makes Green River such a desirable place to be. To my disappointment, I found that the elected representation here fell short of not only my expectations, but the expectations of my fellow classmates. I tried attending one of Student Government’s regularly scheduled Thursday meetings, but after waiting for 20 minutes past the scheduled time, I walked into the Student Life Center to ask if the meeting had been moved to another location. I saw members of student council walk by just outside the Student Life Center. Someone asked about the meeting. They told this person that there was no meeting and ran downstairs. No action was taken to tell me or other students that the meeting had been canceled. Not even a note was left on the door. I was left hanging with many questions, hoping that someone could explain to me why I waited so

Editorial Policy

long just to have my elected officers run away. In asking other students about their feelings toward student council and how they felt they were being represented, I found that similar opinions were shared among many others. Jaelyn Krafsky, an active member of student government at her former high school, opened up to me about how she viewed her elected representation. I asked her about what she had seen around campus pertaining to activities sponsored by student government. Krafsky said she had seen student government do some things here and there. “I am not entirely sure what the student government does or what impact they have.” I then turned to someone who was not involved in student government in the past, hoping to get a perspective that was, essentially, pure from any prior experience with a well-functioning ASB system in place. Student Sunny Ostendorf was willing to share her views. “I don’t even know who those people are,” Ostendorf said. “What do they even do?” I think that her attitude reflects greatly on the vast majority of the people here at Green River. We do not know the people who are representing us. After spending much time attempting to get in contact with a member of student government, I was able to sit down with ASGRCC Vice-President, Dema Issa. In speaking with her I gained some insight into what her job entailed,

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. Editorials reflect the views of the editing staff of The Current. Opinion articles reflect the opinions of their writers.

Theft Policy

hoping to shed some light on her duties and what it meant to be a part of such an esteemed elected body. Issa was lovely and personable, and willing to answer all of my questions. I asked her directly how she feels about the perceived disconnection. “It’s understandable,” Issa said. “People are more focused on the clubs then how they actually got there.” She went on to clarify that all of the clubs and student activities have to be approved, as well as funded, by student government. The means by which student government operates is more covert than overt, meaning that a lot of the decisions made are not necessarily seen by the larger student body. Much of the dissatisfaction that comes from the students of GRC stem from the fact that they do not seem to reap the benefits of these ‘covert efforts’. A government doesn’t only need to be representative, it needs to answer to the people in which it is representing. Students crave a student government that is visible and that shows compassion. The intention of these criticisms are not to tear down a person or group. Rather, it is to make it better for the benefit of everyone. Student government has some PR to do. Whether it’s more active participation through the cafeteria, announcements outside of Lindbloom, or better publicity on upcoming events, our student government needs to get closer to the people they are trying to engage. After all, they were elected for a reason.

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Jesse Torres Editor-in-Chief 253-388-3457

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Student Government Should be More Available Rochelle Hale Staff Writer

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Letters to the Editor

Staff Writers: Cassandra Houghton, Taylor Lopez, Nadine Ntibarufata, Mitchell Johnson, Torey Black, Cameron Grimes-Hess, Rochelle Hale, Symbii Posey, Mikenna Abercrombie, D’Marye Dedrick, Nichole McHugh, Joshika Krishna, Jessica Packer, David Torpey, Sarah Jones, Courtney Snyder, Emma Autrey, Anzhelika Iskindyarova, Michael Meressa Photographers: Ian Lobdell and Alina Moss.

CORRECTIONS

Last issue in the article “Fall is the Season of Change for Green River,” it confused the new Trades and Student Life Buildings, indicating they were both being housed in the same building in Kennely Commons, when Trades is being built across the street and Student Life is being built in Kennely Commons. Also the pictures were all of the Student Life Building when the story mostly focused on Trades. The subtitle read “new building brings cafeteria, classroom, and student life,” but there will be no classrooms in the Student Life Building. Also in the article it said the Student Life Building may include a fitness center and a gaming center, when this has already been confirmed. If you find an error in our facts or simply a name spelled wrong, please contact us at: editor@thegrcurrent.com 253-288-3457 or come in to our office in: OEB room 16

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The Current encourages its readers to be involved and will accept letters of 400 words or less for publication. Anonymous letters are not accepted and the editors reserve the right to reject or edit letters for space, taste and legal concerns. All letters become property of The Current. Send letters to editor@thegrcurrent.com.

opinion

thecurrent

2014-2015

David Price | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Opposing View Points: Should Vaccinations be Mandatory There is an ongoing debate concerning whether or not vaccinations on children who will be entering school and daycare in the United States should be mandatory. As of now there are no federal laws mandating that children have to get vaccinated but all 50 states require vaccinations for children entering public schools.

For

By: James Ristig Campus Editor

Measles was eradicated in 1963 through the use of vaccinations. Vaccines have saved millions of lives since the invention of penicillin. Doctors have been using this drug for years with, low failure rate, yet it has come under fire as the most dangerous toxin since asbestos. At least, that is what an enterprising former beauty pageant winner wants you to believe. The growing movement of anti-vaxxers are reintroducing long dormant diseases thanks to their beliefs against vaccines. Some people make the argument that vaccines are expensive. According to the Center for Disease Control website, the vaccine at the highest price costs $122 without insurance. On average a child will receive four of these vaccinations to enter school so that will costs the parents $488 if they do not have any form of insurance. This may be a high price if you’re below the poverty line, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act and other avenues, it’s fairly cheap to get vaccinated. California is in the process of passing a law that will require parents to vaccinate their children. Many parents, seeing this as a threat to their freedom, have been flocking to protest the law. Some have even considered the possibility of home schooling their kids as an alternative to vaccinations. Why are these parents being so ridiculous? If these parents would just break out of their echo chamber bubble and talk to an actual doctor about these issues. If this is about freedom, I’m sorry to say but you don’t have as much freedom as you

think. The government has the power to take away your children at any moment if they find you are neglecting them through a stringent vetting process. You may be able to dictate what your child does and doesn’t do, but there are limits and they are important. By neglecting to get your child vaccinated, you are purposefully exposing them to a possibly dangerous disease. Many diseases leave the door open for other disease to come and fester in your system. Some of the diseases that vaccines protect against aren’t dangerous on their own, but they can lead to more serious illnesses later on. You are also placing not only your child, but the immune systems of those too young, elderly or vulnerable to be vaccinated in harm’s way. As for building up your immune system naturally, the use of a vaccine may not occur naturally in nature, but your immune systems response is perfectly normal. Doctors are merely giving your immune system the tools to fight off these diseases without putting your life at risk. Studies by the CDC have shown vaccines are perfectly harmless aside from the normal aches and pains of the shot. Is it abuse to not get your child vaccinated? Not as of this moment, but I feel it’s at least a form of neglect. You’re neglecting to give your child the best health possible to take a stand against the big bad government that has been trying to make these things cheap and available for everyone. Imagine yourself in a third world country where vaccines are extremely limited. A disease like the measles can kill you if you’re not careful. If you’re at least going to deny your child the chance at a healthy life, at least give your vaccine to someone who really needs it.

Against

By: David Price Opinion Editor

Seeing my position as being against mandatory vaccinations for children, you might be thinking this guy is an anti-vaccine nut. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I think vaccinations are a wonderful advancement in modern medicine, one that has greatly increased the likelihood of surviving childhood illnesses and one that has kept the population much healthier and happy. However, this does not mean vaccines should be mandatory. It should be up to the parents whether or not their children are vaccinated. Our health is a very private thing that should not be decided by government. The government does not own our bodies. It is the responsibility of parent’s to get their children vaccinated and protect them from disease. If they don’t and their children get the measles, it’s their own fault and they’ll have to live with the consequences. Although it is true more and more parents are preventing their children from getting vaccinated because of fear that vaccines are linked to autism, most parents are more responsible than this and will make sure their children get the requisite immunization, regardless if such a thing is compulsory or not. As far as abuse is concerned, I would say the law that passed in California forcing parents to vaccinate their children is an abuse of power on part of the politician trying to pass it, worse than the supposed abuse of parents who don’t vaccinate their children. There are some who believe parents should be prose-

cuted for not getting their children vaccinated. I find such claims appalling. Many of these diseases are also either mostly eradicated or aren’t necessarily life threatening such as the MMR – measles, mumps, rubella –and polio. As of now the MMR is mandatory but it shouldn’t be. Rubella is just a little red rash that most people don’t even notice. I’ll admit mumps is pretty ugly but it’s not life threatening and after someone has had mumps once in their life they cannot get it again. Polio comes with almost no symptoms in most cases although in the most extreme cases it can lead to permanent paralysis. However, there are some diseases so bad all people should be vaccinated against them. Two such diseases are Tetanus and Diptheria, which are a part of the DTaP vaccination that includes a vaccine against whooping cough in its assortment as well. Tetanus is a non-contagious disease you can get from playing around in the dirt, therefore it is not possible to eradicate. Diphtheria is a very, very deadly disease, with death happening in five to ten percent of cases. The DTaP is an exception and needs to stay mandatory. There is a compelling argument some medical experts perpetuate regarding the building up of natural immunity to fight off sickness and disease. This argument states that the utilization of vaccines is an unnatural way to boost ones immune system, definitely something that does not happen in nature. The way your immune system becomes strong is by getting sick a lot. In the case of many of these vaccine prevented diseases, once people get it they cannot get it again or at least have a decreased likelihood of getting it.

Free Services of TRIO Denied to International Students Joshika Krishna Staff Writer

Green River is well known for having many international students. Not getting the extra support that TRIO offers because of a policy sparks feeling of neglect and unfairness among international students. TRIO offers many free student support services to students who are eligible to be participants. Among the many requirements to join there’s also a policy that allows only U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply in order to get the free services, restricting the international students. TRIO student support services at GRC is a federally funded program that provides academic support to eligible students who are intending to transfer to a four year institution.

TRIO’s goal is to help participants stay in school, graduate and successfully transfer to a University. “It’s unfair to be denied of services”, International student Cherry Quisora said. “I have heard from friends how helpful this program is and I am no less of a student than them.” Cherry is aware of the policy but thinks that since it’s a school program to benefit students it should benefit all students despite the income and residency status. When approached with this policy inquiry, TRIO’s support supervisor Annalee Dunn explained that the perception is that international students are well off. TRIO is a federally funded program mostly to help low income students who are first generation college attendees or students with a disability. “We believe the more the better but it’s a government program so we have to abide by the requirements,” Dunn said.

International students can be tutors for the program but they are not eligible to receive the services offered. Under code of regulations for student support services, part 646.3 specifically lists the requirements of whom to accept in TRIO. There is no specification on restrictions but it’s clear from the requirements that only citizens or residents can apply. Granted they must come from a low income family and are first generation college students or have disabilities. “We love what we do and wish we could extend it to every student but our hands are tied,” McMullen said Director of TRIO Christine McMullen and program supervisor Dunn want all students to receive the extra support. “We understand how difficult this path through college can be, which is why we do what we do and love it,” Dunn said.

“There are other programs offered throughout campus that are similar to ours,” McMullen said. “We just want our students to find their perfect fit and get the additional guidance and support needed.” Other such programs include Service Learning Center, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Master Achiever Center, and the Vet Corps Office. “The policy makes it unfair,” second year international student Sabrina Chou said. “Other helpful resources are available but TRIO offers everything so it’s like oh well.” Chou interacts with CLEO and Student Government, “I have friends in these programs so it helps me a lot so I don’t really mind not being able to be a part of TRIO.” Programs like TRIO often get a negative light but there isn’t anything negative about it. Certain requirements are set to involve certain groups of people only to have

a program filled with people who can relate and be comfortable and excel together. It isn’t a matter of inequality. Only a way for the huge student body to find their comfort space. With all the information I was able to acquire, I learned that TRIO just wants to give a boost to struggling students who are often overlooked. In no way is it discrimination or anything, just a way for the government to reach out to those who are struggling. The Council for Opportunity and Education website says that in order to foster and maintain a healthy economy as well as compete globally, the United States needs a strong, highly-educated, and competent workforce. Furthermore, low-income students are being left behind. The growing achievement gap in our country is detrimental to our success as a nation. Which is why programs like these exist. There is something for everyone at GRC

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Student life activities, recreational sports teams and organizations. Experience all UW Bothell has to offer.

futurebook

Social Dystopia

How social media is changing how students interface with the world By: Jordahn Nelson Satire Editor

Meet with an advisor today! We have an outstanding team ready to help you choose from our exciting degree offerings. 425.352.5000 | www.uwb.edu

12912 SE Kent Kangley Rd NW Corner of Lake Meridian Market Place Shopping Center - Behind Shari’s -

The year is 3227. Everyone is wearing AskJeeves Glass over their eyes and Supreme Overlord Tom is number one in everyone’s Top 8. The preferred method of communication is AOL Instant Messenger which allows people to connect instantly into their LiveJournal to blog about the days in which Twitter was relevant. While we are not quite yet in this social media paradise, we can still work towards one day being as up on the latest technological communication trends. As a Green River student, it’s vitally important to stay connected with your fellow classmates to type about the latest celebutante gossip and facial mutilation. Kylie Jenner lip challenge anyone? Memes are also vital to success in school, where instructors are working hard to integrate chatspeak into the curriculum. The Apple Watch is part of this latest cutting edge technology, in which no longer having to stare disparagingly into the palms of our hands anymore for the latest viral video, we can now communicate through MS Paint quality images being drawn on the backs of our wrists. Time wasting technology is on the cutting edge right now, and your grades are only going downhill from here. In an exclusive interview with Green River social-mediaite Fluffy Meowington, he said “Selfies are a thing of the past. In 2016 you can expect the profile pictures of human’s boring faces to be overtaken by furry, whiskered celebutante Myspace circa 2006 angled pictures. We all know cats are the true masters of the interwebs, anyway.”

Microchips are another new, commonplace technology available among fellow Green River Gators. Science major Cy Borg gives us the scoop. “Implanted straight into the brain, these little chips give us immediate access to important college tools such as UrbanDictionary and renowned fact checker Wikipedia. Writing your dissertation and uploading school lunch to Instagram has never been easier!” Being a generation digital activists, these technological advances give socially conscious college students the ability to like images of kids with cancer and support GoFundMes dedicated to creating the perfect burrito at lightning fast speeds. Students taking online classes will soon have the option to never leave the safety of their incubation chambers with these innovative social technologies. Another new trend at Green River, supported by faculty member C.D. Rom, would allow students to SnapChat instructors all homework, making the ease and efficiency of procrastinating important assignments all the more easier. With things like love, money and food all available on the internet, this generation of students are the virtual future of America. Sites like IMVU allow you to be a beautiful unicorn werewolf, Tinder lets you find love with the swipe of your thumb, and Taco Bell will deliver unlimited chalupas to your feeding stations so that you can munch on fake Mexican food while buying the latest Game of Thrones mousepad to make your desk the envy of all the sheep in the herd. We are truly in a new, innovative and exciting world in which there is one web to rule them all.

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Crossword

Across 1. Green Rivers mascot 7. 3-D ______ 8. our hashtag for issue 10 11. grand theft ______ 12. ______ dystopia 13. offers services to only U.S. citizens 16. in the process of passing a law that makes vaccines mandatory 19. program termination and program reduction

Down

2 1

5 4

1 4

2 1

6 4

1 7

3 6

Across:

Down:

Crossword Answers

4 1. gator 7. printing 8. greenrivercuts 11. auto 12. social 13. trio 16. California 19. Reductioninforce

2. transform 3. atomic 4. rain 5. douglassfir 6. studentgovernment 9. vaccinations 10. Tom 14. Miller 15. garden 17. lgbtq 18. Puget

Sudoku

2. Fourier _________ infrared 3. ______ force microscope 4. ______ garden 5. Earth Day gift in front of Lindbloom Center 6. holds students ‘...representation, our voice, and our power...’ 9. eradicated measles in 1963 10. Supreme Overlord ______ 14. Elijah ______, Green Rivers’ starting pitcher 15. Vic _______ 17. this club has safe zone signs around campus 18. most of our water ends up in this Sound

Alina Moss | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Home Field for the Gators Baseball By: Mitchell Johnson Staff Writer

Green River baseball continues to struggle to find a home field close to campus. If anyone has tried to find where Green River baseball plays their home baseball games it may be farther you expect them to be. The Gator’s baseball team plays their home games at Heritage Park in Puyallup. This is about 20 miles, a 30-minute drive, from campus. “We have tried over the last three years to play at a variety of baseball fields,” said Athletic Director Bob Kickner. One option that is available to GRC is Russell Road, but that field has issues of getting rained out often from drainage problems. “There were no other adult men’s baseball fields playable at the collegiate level that we can get onto,” Kickner said. “We can play games on Sundays only [At Heritage Park], and we can practice from 12:30 to

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2:30 [weekdays].” The Gators baseball team regularly practices at Diamond Sports Training Center, an indoor facility in Sumner. According to Diamond Sports Training Centers website, they have a full infield for live game action, bullpens, batting cages, and conditioning equipment. The Diamond Sports Training Center is 12 miles away from campus, about a 20 minute drive. Former Gators baseball player from 2011-12 and Administrative Assistant in the Athletic Department, Kyle Rogers knows the set up of Gators baseball. Rogers played his first season at Heritage Park and the next one at Auburn High School. “The toughest part is not having a field to practice at everyday,” Rogers said. “Being limited to practicing indoors for two hours everyday was definitely the toughest part about it.” Playing baseball in a controlled air, indoor facility and making the change to play outdoors is not easy

Home For the Gators? to do. Rogers said that the ball plays different indoors, for example fielding ground balls indoors will feel much different when played outside. Rogers does not believe that traveling to their home games is a deciding issue for the team. “Pierce College, they also play at a high school field, they play all their home games at Mt. Tahoma High

Drew Monson | The Current

School,” Rogers said. “And they’ve won the western division four years in a row.” On the other hand, many schools like Tacoma Community College and Bellevue College have their own baseball field on campus. Their athletes have the luxury of being able to practice on campus. The Lady Gators Softball also plays their home games away from

15 2014-2015 campus, but they play at the Service Club which is 3.5 miles away from Campus, a 10 minute drive. The Lady Gators also get the freedom of more open hours to practice on their home field. “[Service Club] is the best sport complex in the area,” Kickner said. The Gators once had a home field on campus that was where the new trades building is being built. The teams had the ability to practice on their field at any time and fans were closer to give their gators more support. The field was torn down to expand the college and in result the baseball and softball Gators were left without a true home field. After the field was torn down Green River baseball played at Auburn High School, until construction started and again took away the baseball field. Despite these setbacks, Kickner said, “Next year they’re supposed to be opening their new baseball field [Auburn High School], which will be even better, and so were now starting to try to develop a relationship so that is a possibility for us to return.” Green River baseball hopes to find a new and closer home field within the next couple years so that the team can grow.

GRCs Mascot: The Green River Gator By: Alina Moss/Torey Black Sports Editor/Staff Writer

Alina Moss | The Current

Typically, a mascot is associated with a particular sports team or all of the athletics in a school. Their main purpose is to represent a group and increase team spirit. Green River College has a mascot that represents the school as a whole, letting everyone who comes to the campus know that they are in the ‘Swamp’, home of the Gators. Green River also has a new official logo, “We are Green River Gators” that was created for the 2013-14 school year. This new logo was created based on the results from online surveys that were posted on Green Rivers’ Facebook and Twitter pages. This allowed students, staff, and members of the community the chance to take part in the design of the new logo. Every detail, even small details such as the gator’s teeth, were created with consideration of the results from the polls. With the new logo and the Green River Gator as the mascot, the college is bound to be alive with ‘school spirit’. Director of Athletics, Bob Kickner, has been overseeing the ath-

letic programs for the past 10 years. During that time there has never been an official volunteer for the position of Gator. Kickner pointed out that it takes the right kind of character to fulfill the calling of mascot and to do it justice. “Love it. I want the gator to be a community building (activity), a unifying symbol of the Green River sports,” said Kickner, in response to theoretical participation in athletics by the college’s mascot. Even with a student body of over 18,000, a new logo, and a vicious Gator mascot, Green River athletics have a very limited number of supporting fans. This could be due to many different reasons, but one may be that there is an absence of the Green River Gator. Special Events Coordinator, and occasional man behind the mask, Marc Bautista takes pride in his efforts as Green River’s spotlight gator. “I like to dance a lot and make people smile,” said Bautista. Bautista gets great results from the events where he is able to be in the crowd as the Gator. He is confident that his expression of school spirit brings positive vibes to student life on campus.

By policy, however, the gator costume can only be worn by members of student council. With this restriction on the ability to be Gator, there are very few brave students who are willing to do the job. Members of the council are paid to wear the outfit for advertisement, but understandably, the gator uniform could be considered far from comfortable. The mascot of Green River is meant for attraction, to engage students in the lively buzz of events, and to represent the school as a whole. The Gator has been seen around campus at events on many occasions, but at sporting events he is mostly absent. For the most part, the mascot’s game attendance is overseen by the cheerleading team, with the gator’s role being filled by a member of the cheerleading squad. Many colleges like Green River have a smaller crowd outreach than most high schools, due to lesser student involvement and fan base. If the Gator was to go to some of the sporting events, it is a possibility that the attendance and team spirit of the fans would increase.

16 2014-2015

Sports Calendar April

Baseball

May

Fast Pitch Softball

29 1

May

Bellevue 4 p.m.

Service Club 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Baseball Borst Park 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Track and Field Lacey

Fast Pitch Softball Aberdeen Noon and 2 p.m.

Golf Bellevue NWAC LEAGUE #4

Baseball Heritage Park 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Golf Bellevue NWAC LEAGUE #4

May

Fast Pitch Softball

May

Baseball

5 8

Service Club 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Aberdeen 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

May

Fast Pitch Softball

May

Track and Field

May

sports Gators Lose 38-1 in Four Game Series thecurrent

Heritage Park 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Seattle

Baseball Heritage Park 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Alina Moss | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

By: Cameron Grimes-Hess Staff Writer In the course of four games played over the weekend against Tacoma, the Gators were on the score bored for a total of one run while Tacoma added up to 38 runs. After the loss of both games from the doubleheader on Saturday, April 26 at a combined score of 16-0, the Gators played the Tacoma again the next day. The Gators lost game one of the doubleheader by a score of 13-0 and lost game two by a score of 9-1. The games on Sunday were originally supposed to take place at the Gators home field, Heritage Park in Puyallup, but was moved to TCC field because the threat of a rain out. With the games being held at the TCC field, the Titans were in their comfort zone and had the home court advantage over the Gators. For scoring purposes, Green River was still considered the home team. Over the course of the weekend all four games were played on the Titans home field and they outscored the Gators by a combined score of 38-1. Game two of Sunday’s doubleheader had the possibility of being a much closer affair than the end score indicated. Tacoma scored at least once in each of the first four innings, piling up an 8-1 lead early on. Green River pitchers struggled in the first few innings. Starting pitcher Elijah Miller gave up two runs in the first inning and was pulled from the game. Travis Blough came on in relief for the Gators, but he gave up four runs in two innings of work. Takahiro Tsujimara pitched

Cameron Grimes-Hess | The Current

The Gators gathered on the field after a disappointing game. They look forward to a chance to turn the season around. starting in the fourth inning and gave up another two runs in that inning, but kept the runs down after that. After a quick two runs in the top of the first by Tacoma the Gators responded with a run of their own. Thomas Richards got on base with a bunt single. Rob Ackerley followed up to bat after him. Richards stole second base and advanced to third on an error called on Tacoma. At bat, Ackerley singled to drive Richards home, successfully putting the Gators on the score board for the first time all weekend. In the bottom of the fourth, Green River was mounting a scoring opportunity following a home run by Tacoma in the top of the inning. Richards was once again in the middle of the action, with a leadoff single he eventually made his way to third base. By then there were two outs in the inning and the Gators were unable to get a hit that could bring him home. By the top of the fifth inning the Gators pitching was able to settle

down and hold back the Tacoma scoring attack. During the final three innings, Tsujimura held the Titans to one run, a solo home run in the top of the seventh. Richards started the rally himself for a third time with a double. Ackerley followed him by drawing a walk. With runners on first and the second, the Gators had a good chance to score, but were unable to capitalize. Despite the score, the Gators did not give up as once again in the bottom of the seventh inning (the last inning, as this game was only seven innings). Matt Seeley took one for the team getting hit by a pitch, and Jimmy Mai walked giving the Gators multiple runners on the second inning in a row with no runs to add to the scoreboard. The Gators were able to get plenty of base-runners on throughout the game with their patience at the plate despite only managing four hits all game. One of the hits for this game

was by Ackerley, the other three by Richards. When asked about his performance, Richards was quick to give credit to his teammates. “It was a team effort. So I wouldn’t of been able to have the game (I did) if it wasn’t for my teammates. I am blessed to have them,” Richards said. Regardless of the score the Gators still keep fighting for each other and continue to be good teammates to one another. In the future, if Green River can get a few of those clutch hits with runners on base the team should find themselves scoring many more runs. After the game, coach Brian Embery could be seen leading a team meeting telling his team to get ready for their important games against Centralia College. Centralia is one game ahead of Green River in the standings. The Gators are 3-14 in conference play and 7-27 overall. A win next week could go a long way for the Gators as they look to make a run towards the playoffs.

Tips for Athletes:

It’s the Mechanics That Matter By: D’Marye Dedrick Staff Writer

In a race, people tend to think that the fastest person wins. In most cases that may be true, but why was that person the fastest. Nine times out of ten the person who wins the race usually has the best mechanics. Running, no matter what style it is, whether its sprints or long distance, it all comes down to mechanics. Jeff McGlocklin, coach of the Green River track team, stresses the mechanics needed to get that edge when running to his athletes. “Little things, such as 1 inch knee lift could equal 1 step 3 inches

closer to the finish line” McGlocklin said. “In a distance runner’s case, 3 additional inches per stride towards the finish line multiplied by 10,000 steps at the same rate as before, that runner would reach the finish line sooner.” The little things go a long way when running. Knee drive arm swing (full motion) and forward directional shin angles. All these play a part. Anatoliy Staroverov, a current athlete on the track team, said high knees is one of the keys to having good form. He also said, “some runners run tense, and try to force the speed out.” In reality, the tension will take speed away. Staroverov said a free range of

motion with your arms and legs and running relaxed will help you run faster. These mechanics will not make you Usain Bolt, but they will take that split second off the clock that you need to win the race. Zachary Reynolds, a multi-event athlete for the track team, knows the different training you have to go through to for each running style. A sprinter should never train with a distance runner. For example, a sprinter should not go out and run a mile to train for a race. The sprinter should train with 100 or 200 meter sprints. Same thing for distance runners training, they should not sprint 100 meters but run a mile or more. When sprinters train with long

distance running techniques they will be getting rid of the fast twitch muscles in their legs that allow them to have explosive power in their running. Training based on your style of running is important and can effect your athletic performances. Breathing can also play a part in your running. Staroverov and Reynolds both said that when you have harsh uncontrolled breathing, it wastes energy and will cause you to run slower. You must keep your breathing under control and at a steady pace whether its sprints or long distance. These tips are not only for athletic runners, but also for anyone who wants to run for personal activities.