September 26, 2022

THE FREE PRESS

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022

Vol. 54

September ISSUE

Inside:

The truth behind enhanced occupancy pg. 6

Pulped under preassure pg.8

the free press

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Editorial

InTERIM EdIToR-In-CHIEF Kelly ledsworth

nEwS EdIToR

ARTS & CUlTURE EdIToR Ben reed

CoMMUnITy EdIToR

SPoRTS EdIToR

wEB EdIToR

STAFF wRITERS

Brandon Kennedy, Cayley Bowman, Melanie Wiggins, deklin fitzgerald, CoPy EdIToRS

EdIToRIAl BoARd: Kelly ledsworth, Kyle Mercier, Ben reed

BUSInESS MAnAgER lucille siegler

dESiGN aNd PHotoGraPHY

dESIgn dIRECToR Kelly ledsworth

dESIgnERS

dIRECToR oF PHoTogRAPHy Kyle Mercier

STAFF PHoTogRAPHERS Camille alipalo

FaCUltY

FACUlTy AdVISoR

adVErtiSiNG

AdVERTISIng MAnAgER

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Kelly Ledsworth Interim Editor-in-Chief

As we say goodbye to tan lines, freckles, and cranking the air conditioner, we welcome the cold air. I personally call this weather “Crisp and Delicious”, the crispy leaves crunching when I step and not feeling like I’m going to die of heat stroke while just existing, is what gives fall such a title. Fall is by far my favorite season and I look forward to having some apple cider and baking a killer apple crisp. Everyone should be starting to feel settled into their classes and be getting into the routine of school, homework, work, eating, sleep, and repeat. I’m still getting into a rhythm with my homework. It doesn’t help that right when school started I got covid, I managed to be really careful and had not gotten it up until this point. At first, I didn’t even know I had it and was kind of looking forward to having an excuse to stay home, draw and play video games. After telling my doctor I did manage to get this medication called Paxlovid and it helped me a lot. I was hoping to be unphased but my lungs still have this ache and heaviness that

The fall and the future

falls between the feeling of anxiety and that of a long-term smoker. I did manage to keep up with most of my school work and do some art but the anxiety of not being in school was hard. I genuinely enjoy learning and creating and it becomes a very different learning environment when you need to stay home, as I’m sure most of us know. As much as that all sucks I am very fortunate and grateful to have not ended up in the hospital or need an inhaler after, like my poor niece. As this cooler weather has crept in it has made me shift from just thinking about this year to now thinking about graduate school. A very big undertaking and lots of money and preparation, which is scary. I came to USM to have little to no debt so the thought of going to an actual, full-on art school to get a master’s in fine arts feels almost unreachable. I don’t want to drown in debt but after consideration, it feels worth it. On the, being an art teacher side of things, getting a master’s is a good plan, you make more money and develop your craft more. The part of me that is tired, truly just so tired, doesn’t want to do that to

myself. Like I have so much life to live outside of school and I haven’t ever had a time where I wasn’t in school. Another fear is I’ll enjoy my time away from school so much that I won’t want to go back and get my master’s. I know I will get my master’s degree at some point, but I feel to my core that I will do it. So I’m going to make my portfolio, write my letters, probably cry at some point, and apply. I’ll decide later if I still want it, this is my future and I don’t have to make too many drastic decisions for now. Plus I still need to finish this year out strong or else graduate school won’t be an option at all next year.

So if you’re thinking of going to graduate school make sure you’re doing it for yourself and not for anyone else. And if you apply and get accepted that could be a good confidence boost either way. So no FOMO for me because I’m giving myself options, and you should too.

A two lane road; the banking of success Students lived experience with the Disabilities Service Center

Deklin Fitzgerald Staff Writer

With a student focus ideology, students at The University of Southern Maine spoke their minds to me about experiences they have held with the Disability Service Center (DSC). To allow for complete clarity, I first want you to understand what DSC is and what they do as a department on campus.

Joanne Benica, Director of Disability Service Center (DSC), has held the position of director for close to twenty years, with the first ten at the American University in Baltimore, Maryland. She had been the director of DSC for close to ten years at The University of Southern Maine. Benicia Graduated from Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania in 1994 with a Bachelors in social work, she went on to take a five year hiatus and resumed her academic career at the University of Arkansas in 1999 and graduated in 2001 with a Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling.

To Joanne Benica it isn’t a title but an eagerness to be hands-on when it comes to meeting with students, forming an action plan, and following through with acquiring the right accommodations. Benicia works alongside Associate Director, Adrea Jaehnig, and Learning Specialist William Ferreira to meet one on one with each student to determine if someone needs accommodation(s) to pass a “barrier” in their path.

Although those are three names to know, the department wouldn’t be student focused without the staff, graduate student(s), and student staff. Rebecca Gray is the administrative specialist, Stacey Brownlie is the accommodation coordinator, Leila Rollins and Amelia Pretrucci are both graduate students.

During my conversation with Director Joanne Benica, she pointed out that there are many resources on campus(s) available to every student; the Learning Commons, the University’s Health and Counseling Services, and the Disability Service Center (DSC). In addition to partnerships with departments throughout the university, Benica stated that the department “partners with multiple offices on campus, because of a shared responsibility to provide access for students with a disability.” Some of the partnerships include but not limited to, Faculty and Advising, Health and Counseling Center, the Dean of Students, Public Safety, Facilities, Jobs for Maine grads (JMG), and Trio.

The DSC is centrally located on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Cam-

pus, in room 242 Luther Bonney Hall. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 though more “realistically” like 8:00 to 5:30.

They can be reached via email, zoom, face to face interactions, or you can fill out the form on the website to seek an evaluation; https://usm.maine.edu/dsc/overview.

“It is a place where we work towards an inclusive community on campus.” -Joanne Benica, director of Disability Service Center.

A standard meeting with DSC will typically last closer to an hour. During the meeting they assess the barrier(s) at hand, accessing if they “might impede learning,” that is a task the DSC office must complete as they are “charged with facilitating accommodations for students,” and determining what is a “visual” and “non-visual” disability.

Visual disability; something you witness immediately. Whereas Non-Visual; is something you don’t immediately perceive or “see”.

In the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, “disability” is defined; “The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual,

(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (B) a record of such an impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment (as described in paragraph (3)).”

This is the definition that Benica referenced to when asked about what the DSC would classify as being a disability. However in her own words, described it as two lanes; The medical model and the social model. Themedical model refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Whereas the social model refers to diversity and discrimination.

Now I was granted the liberty to speak to several different University of Southern Maine Students (USM), about their own experiences and thoughts about DSC.

Student A: An anonymous USM student interacted with DSC a couple of times throughout these last several months.

According to said student their experience with the department was “very unpleasant,” all because of a singularity in their response. For clarification after reviewing all the proper paperwork emailed this student with great news, that their “documentation did meet the threshold,” for the item in question. However not even twelve minutes later this student received a followup email stating that “there was an error” in the previous email. Ultimately crushing this student’s moment of joy and pure bliss just

to be replaced with despair and discomfort.

In my own conversation with the Director of Disability Service Center, she stated that those with a previous 504 or IEP plan from high school should take an initiative to reach out. However this poor interaction startled this student and is now greatly hesitant to reach out for academic accommodations, with the fear of being turned away again.

Student B: Another USM student, of whom wishes to remain anonymous, has also had several interactions with DSC. This student told me that they felt helpless during and even after their meeting with the Disability Service Center, “I thought I would receive accommodations that would make me capable of succeeding in school. However I feel like my disabilities are just seen as laziness. It didn’t feel like they were trying to help me individually and only wanted to give me a pre-prescribed plan.”

This is an unfortunate situation that many students are facing currently. This same USM student had to reach out to their professor when a personal situation arose compromising their ability to succeed and abide by deadlines. The response they received by their professor, in short, was asking them to touch base with their accommodation specialist. However that same specialist heavily “encouraged” them to find a solution without their assistance. According to this student they feel that their specialist is “just doing a job, compared to actually wanting to help people.”

Student C: This USM student has had several dozen different interactions with the Disability Service Center since they committed to the university. This student would rate their interactions with DSC as being “very good,” because they have always been really helpful and accommodating to these students’ necessities. Speaking from the heart this student felt that “they made me feel like I was someone... that I was a person... that I was an individual not just a college student. And that I belonged, they gave me a sense of belonging.” With the interactions they’ve had with DSC this student feels like their accommodations were met, especially when it came to talking to residential life and faculty.

Students D: Of many of the students that gave me their input, was one USM student that had to seek an accommodation from DSC last academic year. This student’s interaction with DSC was “good, it was excellent,” that was primarily due to the accommodations provided and DSC’s “willingness to accommodate.” It was evi-

dent to this student that DSC met their standards and helped them feel “excellent,” and comfortable.

Student E:

One of the many USM students I had the liberty to speak to, has had several interactions with the Disability Service Center ranging from the various emails, zooms, and even in person encounters. According to them, the interactions they held were “mediocre,” as they were able to provide some basic necessities but weren’t able to create a tailored plan for this student. One of the accommodations this student requested was granted and has since greatly helped this student be closer to the feeling of success and prosperity needed to thrive in college. Though one of the accommodations they desired was simply forgotten about.

Student F: These USM student’s, who wish to remain anonymous, have held numerous encounters and conservations with the Disability Service Center in the time they’d been committed to the university. After these interactions they feel like their needs have not been met by the Disability Service Center.

Though both students had experienced radio silence from the staff at the Disability Service Center. No matter how many times they reached out. Whether it was a phone call, an email, or even a zoom meeting invite there was no response or reason given to explain their lack of communication. Both students expressed their feelings during our interview; Student one:“in general USM preaches about mental health but they don’t take it seriously.”

Student two: “It is ironic of them, they are supposed to accommodate anyone’s needs but they neglected to respond to my roommates emails or my own.” These students wish the counselors and staff were more present and willing to help the students that seek them out. In the long run because of their lack of communication these students are more hesitant to reach out now for the accommodation that’d help them succeed and would likely shy away from seeking their assistance when in need of help down the road with the fear of being “ignored.”

Although these are just the thoughts and encounters of six separate USM students, their feelings and experiences should not be ignored. Now, the DSC can’t provide accommodations for everyone who contacts them, though they will try. If you feel you qualify for a possible accommodation follow this link to the website to fill out the online form; https://usm.maine.edu/ dsc/over

Husky Veterans Bring POW/MIA Memorial to Gorham Campus

Chair of honor symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice

Katherine Reynolds Veteran Services Staff

Next time you attend a game at the Costello Sports Complex, keep an eye out for a folding chair with a very important job. A Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor, unveiled this month during a ceremony in the Hill Gym, sits empty at the entrance during sporting events as a reminder of soldiers who have not returned home.

In a fitting detail, the ceremony took place on September 16th—National POW/

MIA Recognition Day is held on the third Friday in September each year. Brenda Lopez, president of the Husky Veterans student group and a Marine Corps veteran, hosted the event, beginning with a reverent reflection.

The bleachers were dotted with motorcycle jackets and vests, a sign that Rolling Thunder had rolled in. A POW/MIA awareness and veterans support organization, Rolling Thunder has donated these chairs of honor to public spaces across the country.

Placing a chair of honor on campus has been a goal of Husky Veterans past and present, and Lopez brought the project home this year with the Veterans Services team. Cindy DeCosta, associate director of student financial services and a member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Maine, shared the history of the POW/MIA issue and chair during the ceremony.

Community was top of mind at the event, with guests from across the university lending their support. University President Jacqueline Edmondson spoke about the im-

portance of the POW/MIA issue and noted the collaboration between members of USM’s Husky Veterans, Veterans Services, Osher School of Music, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Athletics, among others.

School of Music director Alan Kaschub provided his trumpet services for Taps, and student Kaleigh Hunter sang the national anthem a capella as ROTC students posted the colors. Veterans shared reflections and memorial readings, among them Robert Placido, vice chancellor of academic affairs for the University of Maine System,

and Camden Ege, assistant director of veterans services at the University of Southern Maine.

World War II veteran and proud Mainer Leon Tanguay was seated front and center; Tanguay spent nine months as a prisoner of war in Germany before being liberated in 1945 and making his way back home to Sanford. Rolling Thunder members on motorcycles escorted Tanguay and family to campus and, parking their bikes in an impressive herd outside, made their way into the gym to lend support. The sun outside provided a bright backdrop for the solemn procession.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered in classic veteran fashion—over a cup of coffee. Vets ranging in age from 28 to 98 shared stories and memories. The chair served as a reminder amid the social gathering, holding in quiet significance the weight of those not present. Their stories and memories live on, shared by family members and friends, now to be brought to the attention of spectators attending a game at the University of Southern Maine.

Photo courtesy of USM Public Affairs

Photo courtesy of USM Public Affairs

Civil Interactions

The truth behind enhanced occupancy

Deklin Fitzgerald Staff Writer

The term Residential “Res” Life is a familiar name on many collegiate and university campuses. For the University of Southern Maine’s branch, their goal is to provide “A collaborative, inclusive community that engages, educates, and supports students,” in their quest for higher education and success. Their office is accessible Monday through Friday, 8:00 Am to 4:30 Pm. The Office of Residential Life for the university is centrally located at 125 Upton-Hastings hall. Just down the hall from the Office of the Dean of Students and Health and Counseling Services.

The Director of Residential Life on campus is Christina Lowery, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education at the University of Maine in Orono. In 2016, Lowery joined the Universities Residential team upon embarking from previous employment at a university in Massachusetts.

A Senior student at the University, Bryson Bouffard is well over ninety credit hours into his major. This previous semester he resided in Woodward hall. However, this semester is different, Bouffard feels that he has been “forgotten about” and “downgraded,” in a time when there wasn’t really “much of a plan” in place for the overflow of Residential students. Currently, he is residing in a triple in Upton-Hastings hall. Feeling much better about the predicament Bouffard still “wishes it was different.”

One student with the University of Southern Maine, whose name is undisclosed, feels that having two roommates is “definitely an adjustment,” something they are still adapting to. They find it difficult to have a roommate that is consistently in and out of the room at varying times of the night with random strangers to be intense and nerve-racking. Whereas with their other roommates they feel that the other roommate is “pretty chill,” because they keep to themselves. This student informed me that there isn’t enough room or privacy in their dorm for three people, calling their space a “little corner” in a little room.

Students from around campus chimed in with their thoughts on Enhanced Occupancy.

Two USM students informed me about the living conditions they are currently in. Initially, when Student 1 found out they were pretty annoyed, this student vented their frustration to their friend group. Explaining how they felt a little prepared coming onto campus knowing they’d share a room with not just one person, but two. Currently, this student is fine with the accommodation. They get along with their roommates, though they feel there is “not enough room for three people” in such a packed room. Whereas Student 2 wasn’t sure what to think, explaining that their first thought was “how big is the room? Will there be enough space?” However, when they moved in their feelings changed. They weren’t impressed by the bunk bed though were surprised to see how big the room really is. Even after a month they have adjusted to the

situation and feel it is ok and they get along with their roommates really well.

Three USM students, all roommates, all upper-class students who live in Upton Hastings Hall. Student 1: Is fine with the change, though remarks that they did “apply for a single room, though everything was taken.” Though they don’t care too much about it because for starters they get along well with each other, though also “it is much cheaper for me. I could go either way.” the idea of the price difference being there, and the twenty percent discount, is a seller for many students. One of their roommates, Student 2: is joyful with the price difference and immediately went to ask their USM friends who’ve been in Enhanced Occupancy before just how big the room is. Noting, “I feel really good about it now.” Their final roommate, Student 3: is irritated and “quite annoyed” about the situation. This last semester they had been residing in Upperclass hall, “so being demoted to a lower class dorm irritated me.” With less space and no say in who they get dormed with, finally, the difference in environment is vastly different to that of Upperclass hall. However, they remark how they are doing better with the change, noting “we are all on the same wavelength.”

As the reader, have you ever had to share a room with someone else; If so, ask yourself how that experience was. Did you have a choice and was it memorable? The idea of sharing a room with anyone that isn’t family or a friend can be incredibly nerve-racking. With an amplification on your feeling when you find out you have to apportion the same size room for another person. Now imagine how you’d feel when you find out you are sharing a room with not one stranger but two; or not three friends but three friends and two strangers.

Transfer students Meylinde Cortes and Bianca Crandall are upper-class students residing in Upton-Hastings hall this semester, both students suffer from anxiety especially when it comes to meeting new people. Student 1: When Meylinde Cortes initially found out that she had been placed in a triple, she panicked and instantly became worried. Her family recalls her having a panic attack the moment she was informed. Now Meylinde is doing much better, “I am feeling fine about it,” she mentioned to Bianca, one of her roommates. Meylinde now gets along really well with her roommates, “they are pretty nice so I don’t feel so worried about it anymore.” This is a feeling that many feel after meeting their roommate(s). Student 2: For the other roommate, Bianca Crandall immediately overthought the situation, “I had to think two people’s thoughts instead of one,” with panic ensuing and her anxiety peaking she immediately went to her mother to rant. Even now on campus, Bianca is still a little ”weary” and “anxious,” though she has gotten better at handling the anxiety, “I think it helps that we all agree that as long as there is mutual respect we can get along better.” However, both Bianca and Meylinde agree that there isn’t enough space for the three of them.

With the liberty to speak to an upper-class student, who resides in Upperclass hall with five other university students, spoke their mind to this pencil pusher.

Initially, when this student was informed of this by residential life, they were frustrated. Practically angry that the university and res life “would accept so many housing applications,” despite knowing how it has gone in the past. In addition to a friend and roommate who struggles with their mental health from time to time.

Initially, when they found out, they felt awkward meeting two complete strangers for the first time. Granted these are two strangers they’d be living with for the semester. Though they felt relieved knowing that they could decorate their space, knowing that everyone’s schedules were different ultimately allowing everyone to have personal time and space within the comforts of their suite.

After almost a month of being on campus with their roommates, this student has come to enjoy these two strangers. Noting that they all get along incredibly well, with the exception of one student who is having difficulty adapting to the differences of Enhanced Occupancy. Later on in the interview, this student called the university out for doing anything just to make a quick buck. Pointing out that the university pulls in about $14,400 for a regular suite in the upper-class hall, approximately four people, whereas for a suite of six they pull in a total of $17,280. It isn’t much better for the Enhanced Occupancy rooms in the other dorm halls. A regular double pulls in $5,678 for two people, whereas a room of three pulls in $6,810.

After speaking with residential life, it became clear that all students in an enhanced occupancy dorm or suite get 20% off of the total cost of the room. However, the price difference didn’t amuse this student. They asked me to answer this question, who is really making it out with the win?

So what exactly is Enhanced Occupancy?

It is any room that holds more than it is designed to house; for a dorm that is three people and for a suite in Upper Class or Philippe a room that holds five or more students.

Residential director Christina Lowery mentioned how “Research shows living on campus is one of the biggest impacts on a student’s college experience. It positively impacts GPA, retention, and sense of belonging to their institution.” The ideology behind Enhanced Occupancy allows a greater number of students the opportunity for an equal chance at higher education without the barrier of traveling impeding their success plan.

In Lowery’s professional opinion, the Portland Commons residence hall which will house 577 students in the fall semester of 2023; will primarily house Graduate and Law students. Any excess beds going to follow the hierarchy list of upperclassmen who have lived on campus for a minimum of two years. Nevertheless, she doesn’t anticipate the need for a vast amount of Enhanced Occupancy rooms in the fall of 2023 as they had this semester.

Arts& Culture

Portland Art Community Booming

Portland’s Monthly art walk unites local art scene

Melanie Wiggins

Friday September 2nd Congress St. was abustle with Portland’s vibrant arts community. Since 2000 the Portland Art Walk has provided students and locals alike with a place to showcase original works and take part in this city’s growing subculture.

The monthly self-guided tour has become a time honored and loved tradition, especially because “it’s such a great way to get exposer,” says Art Ed student, local painter and art walk seller, Hannah Shultz. This may be especially true as other opportunities to display and sell artwork can be expensive due to fees.

It is also a great avenue for young student artists from USM, UNE, and MECA to mingle and support each other’s art. Student sellers often barter and trade pieces to each other. Hannah suggests for anyone hoping to join in the art walk arrive at least an hour early to set up and procure their desired spot.

Kelly ledsworth / Design Director

pottery. USM student and first-time art walk goer, Laura Chavoustie, says that it is a prime place to pick up unique and thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Laura says, “It was so much fun, I got so much stuff”. From a young gentleman selling his selfproduced cassette tapes, to novelty earrings made from mini mustard bottles and spice jars, to handmade bunny-rabbit magnets, to a man playing the dulcimer and handing out his business card, Laura says the art walk is an amazing place to experience Portland’s great art culture.

For anyone looking for more information on the Portland Art Walk or is eager to take part, learn more at https://www.creativeportland.com/firstfriday-art-walk

The art walk contributions go far beyond the traditional fare of painting prints and

Tiny Malone USM professor’s new rock album announced

USM’s Osher School of Music presents students with an opportunity to learn from a faculty that collectively has a wide variety of experience performing, teaching, and studying music in all its forms. Alumni of USM’s music programs often go on to perform in various institutions, pursue graduate studies, or teach the next generation of promising musicians. One faculty member among these programs is Dan Sonenberg, a professor of music at USM who has just announced the upcoming release of his sophomore rock album, titled Tiny Malone. The 10 song album is slated to be released on October 7, 2022 on various streaming platforms, as well as Sonenberg’s Bandcamp site. Accompanied in part by fellow USM faculty Hans Spencer and Alan Kaschub, as well as elite musicians from all over New England, Sonenberg makes a return to his rock roots, after experimenting with folk, electronic, and psychedelic rock in his previous EP Mint Explosion. After taking a break from this project when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sonen-

berg hit the ground running this past summer to create something extraordinary out of the seedling ideas he had when the pandemic hit. “Perhaps because of their origins as grooves and riffs, the album is guitar-heavy, and has the most rocking vibe I’ve done on anything since the days of Lovers of Fiction,” Sonenberg states of his new batch of songs in a press release.

Previous to his current project, Sonenberg has a rich history in composing and performing in various outlets. Famously, his original opera The Summer King has graced the national stages of both the Pittsburgh and Detroit Opera Houses in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The Summer King portrays the life of Josh Gibson, who was the second black baseball player ever to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Sonenberg’s compositions have also been featured by many major local organizations, such as Opera Maine, Portland Ovations, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

Sonenberg’s band, Lovers of Fiction, is where his recording career began with a 2013 EP titled, The Bear. Lovers of Fiction have also produced a full-length album, Long Overdue (2015). He has gone on to produce

his own solo works, such as his debut album Peaks Island Ferry (2014), his single Working for the Man (2020), and his EP Mint Explosion (2021).

When touching on the confessional, intimate themes that prevail within Peaks Island Ferry, Sonenberg stated that Tiny Malone will contain subject matter that’s much more cheerful to hear. He states: “This is not really a confessional work at all. I’ve got songs about my dog, about Questlove’s documentary Summer of Soul, alongside some old fashioned–but way more optimistic–love songs, and some songs that really aren’t first person at all, but more like little mini fictions. There is one political song–I couldn’t help myself. It’s called ‘Sick and Evil’.” While he doesn’t currently have any plans to immediately perform his works live following the release of his album, he does wish he could bring together a sizable group of musicians to bring his songs the justice they deserve.

Tiny Malone is to be released on October 7, 2022 on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Sonenberg’s previous discography, including his works with Lovers of Fiction, are also avail-

able on all major streaming platforms. His solo pieces are available on his Bandcamp site at dansonenberg.bandcamp.com

Staff Writer

Camille alipalo / Staff Photographer

Ben Reed Arts & Culture Editor

Photo courtesy of Meghan Jones

Pulped Under Preassure

Gorham art gallery houses new exhibit

“Pulped Under Pressure” is the current exhibit being showcased within USM’s art gallery on the Gorham campus, as well as Glickman Library in Portland. At the heart of this exhibit is traditional hand papermak ing. The concept of this exhibit is the importance of contemporary issues “steeped in history and craft.”

According to the art gallery’s website, the exhibit has been described as, “enticed through touch, these works encourage a contemplative slowing down even as they urge acknowledgment of some of the most pressing is sues facing civilization today.” The issues expressed include environmental crises and global marginaliza tion. The artists that participated in this exhibit include Jillian Bruschera, Julia Goodman, Reni Gower, Trisha Oralie Martin, Melissa Potter, Marilynn Propp, and Maggie Puckett.

At USM, art is an accredited program that provides students with a unique opportunity to hone their craft and express themselves across several mediums. With our very own art gallery on the Gorham campus, students have a fully immersive opportunity to experience different perspectives. The art gallery has exhibits containing student work, each different in their own way. However, it also contains exhibits from other parts of the country.

“It is an exhibition of artists who use paper as their primary medium, often creating, molding, printing, and collating it as an integral part of their conceptual process,” says Kat Zagaria Buckley, the director of Art Exhibitions and Outreach. The artists use recycled materials, such as egg-cartons, ripped jeans, and bedsheets. The artists created the exhibit through using methods such as printmaking, letterpress, papercut -

ting, and installing the pieces together. All of the art in the exhibit was made between 2013 to 2015.

All of the artists for “Pulped Under Pressure” were brought together by curator and artist Reni Gower. Once this show leaves USM, it will move to Georgia Institute of Technology’s Mueseum of Papermaking to be showcased there. The exhibition is running on both the Portland and Gorham campuses from September 20 to December 9. The exhibit can be viewed when the library and gallery are open. The art gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM-4:30 PM and the Glickman Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

The artists in this exhibition are dedicated to their craft and wish to spread awareness about pressing issues that the world faces today. They achieve this through their work with recycled materials and hand papermaking, resulting in influential pieces. Before the exhibit closes on December 9, everyone should stop by either the art gallery or Glickman Library and look at this unique exhibit.

Cayley Bowman Staff Writer

Kyle Mercier / Director of Photography

Kyle Mercier / Director of Photography

Kyle Mercier / Director of Photography

A zoomed out view of the gallery featuring Trisha Oralie Martin’s native Filipino tattoo designs (Black and white on the right), Jillian Bruschera’s Broken Technology and waste paper sculpture (Middle front), and Marilyn Propp’s mix of marine life and our affect on it.

Emerita Reni Gower’s incorporated Sacred Geometry cut paper art

Doctor Strange: in the Multiverse of Madness

Welcome back everyone! It’s great to be back to talk about new movies that have just come out, or that were released during the break. The first thing to know is this film deals with the events of Loki and the multiverse being broken because of the death of He Who Remains. The film opens with a new character named America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, who is traveling across the multiverse with Doctor Strange, played again by Benedict Cumberbatch. But this Strange is different: he is a variant of the original Strange from the MCU. Essentially,

they’re being chased by a monster. He gets badly injured and eventually dies, and they both travel through the multiverse into the main MCU timeline. Now that’s all well and good, but what does this have to do with the main Doctor Strange? Well, he is dreaming these events at the exact moment it is happening. The dream ends as they enter the portal. Eventually America and our Strange meet, and they have to come face to face with a new threat. Scarlet Witch is in this movie as well, played again by Elizabeth Olsen, this time she is the more insane adversary they have to contend with, assuming you’ve seen the movie. Benedict Wong is back too as Wong, who is now the Sorcerer Supreme.

Overall, the performances I’d say were very well done and the storyline does make sense. Wanda is searching for her kids in another universe, and is willing to go to great distances to do it, including killing America. Strange is bound to stop her from the moment he realizes what’s going on, and America just wishes she didn’t have this power until learning to accept it and control it. Even Wong has his own arc, where he is forced to help Wanda to save his fellow sorcerers. Each character has an overarching arc.

The cause of all this ruckus and many of the events of the movie, is the Darkhold. For those who haven’t seen Agents of SHIELD or Runaways, the Darkhold is essentially a book that people who read it are able to understand and use. However, it will and can corrupt everything it touches as illustrated in those shows and this movie. The Darkhold is “the Book of the Damned”, that’s what the movie claims and they’re right. It truly is.

One thing you’ll notice in the movie is the use of special effects. The special effects are always changing. You’ll also note that the movie has massive horror vibes throughout, because this is what Marvel Studios envisioned for this movie. The MCU is at a point where rather than doing the same type of storyline, they change the theme and present compelling new types of stories. Comedy’s, horror, space operas, it all could work in this universe. They even have a black and white slasher story in the upcoming Werewolf by Night. I’d say the general tone of the movie, as well as all of the pieces that the movie is meant to convey, work well for what they are.

The ending also makes sense. In it, Strange gains a new third eye he has from the comics... which not only reference his powers from the comics and the Eye of Agamotto, but that he was in a way corrupted by the Darkhold. We even met Clea, played by Charlize Theron, and they go to what appears to be the Dark Dimension to fix an “incursion” Strange caused. It’s all very poetic. I’d say that this is one of the best Phase 4 movies in a sea of controversy that has been Phase 4. Go see it now.

what caught your eyes and ears this week? let us know! arts@usmfreepress.org

September 19 - December 9

Pulped Under Pressure

USM Gorham + Portland Art Galleries Free

September 28 - October 1

Time Space

Southworth Planetarium, Science Building, Portland campus

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

$6 - $6.50

September 29

What is Book Arts: A Panel Discussion University Event Room, 7th floor, Glickman Family Library

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Free

September 30

Faculty Concert Series: All of the High Notes, an Encore Performance; Sponsored by University Credit Union Corthell Hall

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

$15

October 3 - November 30

Dinosaurs at Dusk! Southworth Planetarium, Science Building

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

$6 - $6.50

want to submit an event?

arts@usmfreepress.org

Brandon Kennedy Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of IMDB.com

*Spoiler Alert

Crossword

Level of difficulty: Medium

the object of a sudoku is to fill in the remaining squares so that every row, every column, and every 3 × 3 box contains each of the numbers from 1 to 9 exactly once.

Sudoku

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Circumstances are favorable for you if you’re contemplating investment in real estate. any sort of investment looks good for you right now,

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

You could be surprised by some heartening news from a friend or relative regarding a difficult situation that is now being resolved.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

if it’s true that you reap what you sow, Gemini, you’re in for a great harvest in the coming months.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Be open to opportunities involving the internet that present themselves. remember, there’s no glass ceiling online.

Word Search

Theme: fall activities

Horoscopes

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

follow your hunches and see what develops. don’t let your caution bog you down at the moment. it could be surprisingly wonderful.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) expect to receive interesting communications today, Virgo. You might hear from a long-lost friend and have a chance to catch up on the news.

Libra (September 23 - October 22) not only should you see significant advancements in your work life, but you’ll also achieve greater personal happiness. You have great momentum,.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

With the current celestial energy, you might be going on a trip, scorpio. it may be for business, pleasure, or both.

search for the list of words in the grid of letters. Grab a pen and circle each word as you find them.

apple picking Baking Camping Corn maze decorate drive in fair fall foliage football hayride hiking leafpiles picnic pumpkin patch pumpkin spice shopping

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) pay attention to any dreams that seem to repeat. they may hold a lesson about understanding your life path.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) do your homework and examine the potential risks, but this is a fine period in which to pursue something new.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

With today’s planetary energy, you can also expect greater intimacy in your personal life. enjoy this special time.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

if you’ve been considering honing your communication skills, consider joining the free press.