ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
CATALYST
NOVEMBER 20, 2019 VOLUME XXXIX ISSUE VIII
New College of Florida's student-run newspaper
SRQ MAYOR INT'L EDUCATION pg.
4
pg.
3
GAZA AIRSTRIKES pg.
5
Short films, original compositions and innovative performances at New Music New College: Images BY HAYLEY VANSTRUM On Saturday, Nov. 16, a select group of students, led by Professor of Art Kim Anderson and Professor of Digital Media and Music Mark Dancigers, presented their own collaborative compositions, performances and animations at New Music New College: Images. The students, including Margaux Albiez, Elizabeth Barrett, Parankush Bhardwaj, Gillian Boll, Freddie O’Brion, Harold Gonzales, Lev Gurt, Aniston Hoffman, Cindy Kim, Hunter Mundy, Hugh Roberts, Emma Solloway, Rose Schimmel, Rolando Tate and Claire Thomas, worked together closely over the course of the past few months. Some students produced original musical pieces. Others simultaneously developed the score and animations to craft six distinct short films. While most of the production for this event took place during Anderson and Dancigers’ fall tutorial, the Images
out to Danciger’s Electronic Music class to see if his students might be interested in scoring the animations. The short films that resulted from this collaborative effort between duos of art and music students, which were screened last May, were highly successful, prompting Anderson and Dancigers to ask a few of those same students to make new pieces in the same style within a Fall 2019 tutorial. Last semester, the Photo courtesy of Nancy Nassiff animations were created before the More than an evening of sound and music, this program was an event that invited the score, but Anderson and Dancigers encouraged their current students audience to experience sound with a sense of space and animated visuals. to work on both pieces of the film concert has been long in the making. animations were designed through simultaneously for this project, cre“I co-taught an animation analog methodologies, we wanted ating a more harmonious workflow course with Professor Buyssens in to demonstrate the historical range and final piece. Spring 2019 entitled ‘Scopes and of these traditions and so we asked “Music students took cues from Tropes,’” Anderson said. “This class students to digitally document their the visual elements in the early was based on the legacy of cinematic work, in a way, addressing the confla- stages of the animations so that the antecedents including animation and tion of the past and the present.” scores could be developed in tandem animation devices like the zoetrope, After Anderson’s students with the visual elements,” Anderson phenakistoscope, thaumatropes and translated their work from physical continued on p. 10 even flipbooks. Although student to digital objects, the group reached
Dive into “Dark Waters”: new movie shares the legal battle between DuPont and alumnus Robert Bilott BY SIERRA LAICO
https://doc-0k-18-docs. googleusercontent.com/ docs/securesc/s7jurnmk912se8sp3mgg3hd8llrh0uos/obdpo7fpcdn719 co01n4qb7t57rv346b/1 506448800000/0533393 9401667025082/025783 83506865688437/0B4ze ECbsUTILVjVXY25YUU 52ZUk?e=download
Robert Bilott, a 1987 graduate of New College and member of the New College Alumni Association Board of Directors, has been regarded on Twitter as a “real-life superhero” by actor Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo plays Bilott in the new legal thriller “Dark Waters,” based on the true events of Bilott’s 18 year-long battle with DuPont, one of the world’s largest chemical companies. Todd Haynes directed the story of the legal battle between Bilott and DuPont, which is Haynes’ eighth feature film. “Dark Waters” stars some of Hollywood’s biggest names: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins and William Jackson Harper. Bilott’s story gained national at-
WHAT’S INSIDE
tention when Nathaniel Rich wrote a feature for the New York Times Magazine titled “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare” in 2016. The story detailed his discovery of DuPont’s wrongdoings in a small Appalachian town, which were called to his attention by a concerned cattle farmer. The farmer believed that an upstream DuPont factory was responsible for dozens of dying cows. Bilott, who had previously defended chemical companies, was skeptical until the farmer mentioned Bilott’s grandmother’s name. Bilott agreed to help because of his sentimental connection to the area and ultimately believed that it was “the right thing to do.” Bilott’s tireless research led him to the conclusion that DuPont
6 Catalyst Field Trip
had known for years that a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), used in the production of nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, fire-fighting foams and a variety of household products, was responsible for serious illnesses including two cancers, thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. But DuPont also dumped thousands of tons of PFOA into the local water supply. Bilott spent months drafting a public brief that shared these findings against DuPont, which was 972 pages long and included 136 attached exhibits. “We have confirmed that the chemicals and pollutants released into the environment by DuPont at its Dry Run Landfill and other nearby DuPont-owned facilities may pose an imminent and substantial threat
9 Shelter Dogs
to health or the environment,” Bilott wrote in the brief. In 2001 Bilott sent the letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States attorney general Josh Ashcroft. He then filed a class-action lawsuit against DuPont on behalf of everyone affected by PFOA. This made him the first lawyer at his Cincinnati-based firm to ever file a class-action lawsuit. By 2011, over 3,500 personal injury lawsuits from West Virginia residents had been filed against DuPont. In 2017, DuPont agreed to pay $671 million to settle the lawsuits. To date, DuPont has paid over $1 billion in penalties from the PFOA discoveries. continued on p. 11
12 Crystal Classic
CATALYST
BRIEFS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
PAGE 2
BRIEFS BY IZAYA GARRET MILES
Cross College Alliance connects Sarasota students The course catalog for the Spring semester includes over 200 separate courses that students can add to their contract. But even with so many courses, it is natural to want an even broader selection of courses to choose from. For those willing to jump through a few extra hoops, the Cross College Alliance can provide students even more courses to choose from. The Cross College Alliance is an arrangement between New College, State College of Florida, the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus and the Ringling College of Art and Design that allows their students to engage in the others’ classes. A student can enroll in up to one course at each of the neighboring campuses per semester. To apply for this program, stu-
dents must fill out a form listing the courses they are seeking to take and turn it in to New College’s CrossCampus Coordinator and Registrar Brian Scholten. After he and said student’s advisor approve, the request is sent to the respective college. Students will be allowed to attend those courses on a space-available basis. Students must meet the requirements for the host institution as well as New College, including academic standards, immunization records and documentation for international students. Students would need to pay any course-required lab or studio fees. The deadline to apply for courses off campus for the 2020 spring semester is Nov. 27.
Illustrations Jacob Wentz/Catalyst The CCA connects four local colleges, granting students more opportunity.
Novoconnect enables students to start new clubs New College boasts myriad clubs: the website proudly claims over 60 clubs are in operation and the directory nears this aspirational number with 42 clubs listed, only a few of which are defunct. However, if none of the clubs present interest a student, or they simply no longer exist, a few friends and half an hour to fill out the forms is all it takes to start a new one. On Novoconnect, which can be accessed through the myNCF portal, there is a far more complete list of clubs and club contacts. Under the organizations tab, next to the list of student organizations, is a button offering to “register an organization.” Clicking this button will lead to a form, with spaces to fill out a club’s name, website, contact information and description. After placing the club in one of seven broad categories,
the organizer is obliged to upload a Constitution for the club. Finally, the organizer must upload a roster of students who have expressed interest. To meet the minimum requirement to become an organization, the club must have five or more members. While not part of the official registration process, it is also important to secure an actual meeting space. First, look on the ‘WebEMS’ site on the myNCF portal, which will have a ‘locations’ tab which will show all the scheduled rooms for the immediate future. After finding a space and time that is open, go back to Novoconnect and fill out the “Meeting Request Form.” Now that the club is registered and the meeting place is secured, the club is left with the far more difficult problem of getting people to attend.
"Wait, we're not a club."
On-campus job opportunities found through Handshake A little extra money is not something that many college students would easily pass up. A bank account is like the top of an hourglass: slowly but surely, it drains away. Many students would be interested in a job, and even better if it’s on campus, especially for students with limited
transportation options. One of the most common jobs on campus is to be a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) for a course. TAs will often help grade assignments or hold extra study sessions outside of class. Some professors may reach out for a TA, or some will offer a position if ap-
"Act now before you have a missed connection." © 2019 the Catalyst. All rights reserved. The Catalyst is available online at www.ncfcatalyst.com, facebook.com/NCFcatalyst instagram.com/NCFcatalyst twitter.com/ncfcatalyst The Catalyst is an academic tutorial sponsored by Professor Maria D. Vesperi. It is developed in the New College Publications Lab using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and printed at Sun Coast Press with funds provided by the New College Division of Social Sciences.
proached about it. The details of each position, as well as if they are even offering one, are up to the professor. Other positions offered on campus will be posted on the Handshake website, which can be accessed through the myNCF portal. There are plenty of different offices on campus
Editor in Chief Copy Editors & Writing Coaches Layout Editors Digital Editor Staff Writers & Photographers
Jacob Wentz Izaya Garrett Miles & Anna Lynn Winfrey Cait Matthews & Sergio Salinas Adriana Gavilanes Chris Marie De Felipe, Vianey Jaramillo, Sierra Laico, Sofia Lombardi, Claire Newberg, Erin Niehaus, Kali-Ray Skinner, Hayley Vanstrum
and each requires different duties. After making an account on Handshake students can apply to any of the open positions on campus, as well as some promoted off-campus positions. Whether Admissions or Physical Plant is looking for a student to hire, they will post it on Handshake. Direct submissions, letters, announcements and inquiries to: The Catalyst 5800 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, Florida 34243 catalyst@ncf.edu The Catalyst reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, space and style. No anonymous submissions will be accepted. Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. Friday for consideration in the next issue.
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
NEWS PAGE 3
New Sarasota Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch appointed, advocates construction growth strains infrastructure BY SOFIA LOMBARDI On Friday, Nov. 8, the city commissioners of Sarasota unanimously appointed a new mayor, Jen AhearnKoch, to replace previous Mayor Liz Alpert. Elected to the commission in 2017, Ahearn-Koch served as vice mayor last year, setting up a smooth transition to this position. Commissioner Shellie Freeland-Eddie was appointed vice mayor. In the city of Sarasota, the mayor and vice-mayor are not directly elected by the people, which is uncommon compared to the majority of U.S. municipalities. Instead, Sarasota constituents vote in nonpartisan elections for five city commissioners—two of whom are elected at-large and three of whom are elected from single-member districts. The position of mayor is largely ceremonial as she is granted no more power than her fellow commissioners, and does not typically hold the position for longer than a year. Outgoing Mayor Liz Alpert gave
a State of the City Address on the day of Ahearn-Koch’s appointment that heavily focused on Sarasota’s growth. According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the city has grown by 45 percent in almost two decades, while Sarasota County has grown by 238 percent. “So much of what we’ve been experiencing is due to the pressure of the county’s growth and the strain that puts on our infrastructure,” Alpert said in an interview with the Sarasota Herald Tribune, pointing out the nearly two dozen construction projects initiated or completed during her term as mayor. Former Vice Mayor AhearnKoch will have to handle significant growth, battle a chronic shortage of affordable housing and confront homelessness in the city. In Alpert’s State of the City Address, she emphasized many new initiatives Ahearn-Koch will take responsibility for. Alpert mentioned that Sarasota has developed its first master plan to ensure safer transpor-
tation. The plan, deemed “Sarasota in Motion,” will ensure roads, bike lanes and sidewalks are safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. The city of Sarasota has created another master plan, costing $300 million, to upgrade local water and sewer treatment systems throughout the next decade. To address affordable housing, Sarasota has established an action strategy that prioritizes a section of city property and allocated nearly $1.5 million from city and county funding to build housing. “As Sarasota grows, the need for thorough discussion and grounded decision-making grows. This happens best when civility is fostered and exercised," Ahearn-Koch said in an email interview. "The City Commission will continue to work with City staff, constituents, and the community to tackle the challenges of compatibility in a growing city along with other challenges like climate change, traffic, development and public safety." As a woman, for Ahearn-Koch
to be appointed to a seat previously held by a woman is a rare phenomenon in the United States. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, as of September 2019, only 22 percent of the 1,366 mayoral seats of cities with populations over 30,000 were held by women. Ahearn-Koch has an extensive background in academia and service. In 1986, she graduated from the American University in Paris with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs. She went on to receive her Master of Arts in International Affairs from Columbia University’s Graduate School of International and Public Affairs in 1989. She also holds a Benjamin Franklin diploma from the Institute d’Etudes Politique. AhearnKoch served as a marketing consultant for the majority of her professional career. Ahearn-Koch has served as the president of the Tahiti Park neighborhood association for nearly a continued on p. 11
City commissioners reject current Selby Master Plan BY KALI-RAY SKINNER After months of negotiation, the Sarasota Planning Board held its long awaited meeting to finalize the city commissioners decision for Selby Gardens’ “Master Plan” on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Sarasota City Hall. A supermajority vote from the city commissioners was necessary for Selby to move forward with the plan but Selby received only two out of five votes. The Selby Gardens Master Plan is a $92 million, three phase plan to improve existing infrastructure and add new infrastructure like a herbarium, a library and a parking garage with a restaurant on the roof. Selby unleashed the plan in 2017, but has dealt with backlash from local residents with qualms about neighborhood livability. Selling Out Selby, a community organization formed of “concerned neighbors,” was formed in Jan. 2019 to voice these opinions. In order to implement the Master Plan, Selby Gardens requested a change to its land use classification, moving from “Community Office/ Institutional” to “Metropolitan/Regional.” Then-Mayor Liz Alpert and Commissioner Hagen Brody voted for the land use change, while commissioners Jen Ahearan-Koch, Willie Shaw and Shelli Freeland Eddie voted against it. These three cited increased traffic and other aspects of the plan that Selling Out Selby similarly pointed to.
Photo courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Selby Gardens is a 15 acre botanical garden located off of 41 on Sarasota’s bay-front.
The Planning Board heard again from both sides of the equation: Selling Out Selby and Selby supporters and staff. According to the recording on the City of Sarasota website, the meeting lasted about eight hours. Shortly after the commissioners’ decisions were made, Jennifer Rominiecki, the CEO of Selby Gardens, and Ty Hall, a supporter of Selling Out Selby, both submitted op-eds to the Herald Tribune. Rominiecki reflected on the process Selby Gardens underwent through the negotiations with the public and Selby’s hope for future interactions with locals in regards to the Master Plan. Both op-eds accused the other side of antagonistic behavior. “The individuals responsible for launching smear campaigns they called ‘Selling out Selby’ and ‘Flowers Not Towers,’ and claiming to ‘love’ Selby Gardens, took it upon themselves to disparage Selby Gardens’ employees, board members, volun-
teers and the Master Plan itself,” Rominiecki wrote in her guest editorial piece published on Monday, Nov. 11. In Hall’s response to Rominiecki’s op-ed, he cited Lolly Daskal’s “The Leadership Gap,” spelling out four key points of advice for Rominiecki in her leadership position. “In Monday’s op-ed, Ms. Rominiecki specifically assigned blame to an ‘extremely vocal minority of citizens who successfully chose to use incivility, fear mongering and circulation of false information to get what they want’ and implied that we have ‘defaced the property,’” Hall replied in a Guest Editorial published on Wednesday, Nov. 13. “The Selby management team’s actions over the past week call to mind Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” In a phone interview, Hall stated that he has never had a one-onone meeting with Rominiecki.
“We’re optimistic that Selby Garden’s board and management team will engage with its neighbors and work out a Master Plan that is compatible with the community and their current zoning that will help them achieve all of their goals,” Hall said. Sarasota Herald Tribune columnist Carrie Seidman commented on the ardent feud that developed between Selby and it’s opposers in an article titled “What we should learn from Selby Gardens’ battles” on Thursday Nov. 14. “The rejection of Selby Gardens’ master plan should serve as a warning that it’s time to find a better way to resolve Sarasota’s contentious battles over growth issues,” Seidman said. “Over the past decade, as recovery from the recession has spurred a quantum leap in Sarasota’s development, both natives and newer residents have become increasingly alarmed by the pace with which the local landscape is changing, and increasingly defensive and protective of their surroundings.” Although the decision has been made, Selby can make alterations to the plan and present it to the Planning Board in its own time. The entire Planning Board meeting can be viewed at https://www.sarasotafl.gov/services/ meetings-agendas-videos under “Special City Commission Meeting (Afternoon)” on Tuesday, Nov 5.
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
NEWS PAGE 4
Information sessions on studying abroad happen in conjunction with International Education Week BY VIANEY JARAMILLO This week marks the 20th anniversary of International Education Week (IEW), an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. In honor of this week, New College will be hosting a series of events between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22 to discuss the opportunities students have to study within and outside the U.S. Although students may learn about global regions in academic classes, they have the opportunity to participate in domestic and international study abroad programs to contextualize their coursework. Programs can span anywhere from a few weeks to a full academic year. Students are encouraged to study abroad during their second or third year after completing two satisfactory semesters. The information sessions throughout the week focus on different international education options. Monday’s discussion covered basic questions about the logistics of studying abroad, from finances to planning. The following discussion on Tuesday featured three student guest speakers that shared how they studied abroad in a cost-effective manner, usually done through the National Student Exchange (NSE). Tuesday evening also brought a Bomba Dance Workshop hosted by Professor of Caribbean/Latin American Studies and Music Hugo VieraVargas, featuring Antonio RosarioFernandez. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, an information session about the annual Boren Scholarship will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m in LBR 141. The Boren Scholarship gives awards to study a plethora of critical languages, from Javanese to Japanese. Students at all levels of proficiency are encouraged to apply. The application is due on Feb. 5, 2020. On Thursday, Nov. 21, two student speakers who studied abroad in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs will share their experiences in the Heiser Conference Room from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be a campus conversation, "Vengo a ofrecer mi corazon," featuring Cuban writer Anna Lidia Vega Serova. The Assistant Director of Language Resource Center Florence Zamsky is the primary on-campus resource students meet with to discuss their study abroad options. Any student who plans accordingly has the opportunity to study abroad, and for Zamsky, IEW is about making those experiences. “IEW is to promote opportunities to study abroad and bring an
awareness particularly to students who may have never thought about it,” Zamsky said. A common barrier that holds students back from studying abroad is the cost, but Zamsky recommends seven international programs facilitated with NSE, which allows students to pay New College tuition with some added fees. However, the NSE is mainly a domestic program, but students cannot attend schools in the same state. The application for domestic NSE options is due Feb. 15, 2020 for Fall and Spring semesters. For international locations, there are two application deadlines: Feb. 15, 2020 for Fall semester and Oct. 1, 2020 for Spring semester. According to Zamsky, study abroad provides positive experiences for the students she has worked with. “I have yet to meet a students who came back and was unhappy,” Zamsky said. Zamsky also notes that it is normal for students, especially those who have never been outside of Florida, to experience culture shock. “The first couple of weeks are
all great and then all of a sudden it's like, ‘wait a minute, things are really different here and people are getting on my nerves because they don’t do things like we do at home and this is driving me crazy,’” Zamsky said. Agnes Bartha and Cassidy Myers are two third-years currently studying abroad. Each student is enjoying their experiences and shared how they are benefiting from their international education. Bartha, who is studying in Budapest, Hungary, feels empowered to return to New College not afraid to speak her mind. “I think at New College people might be a little afraid to speak their mind if it differs from most of their peers,” Bartha said. “[In Hungary] everybody is so bold about what they think of their experiences that I am just inspired to be more like that.” Because of her experience so far, Myers feels more confident to be independent outside of her comfort zones. In an email interview, Myers noted the benefit of language immersion, despite initial embarrassment. Myers is studying in Bordeaux, France, through NSE.
Photo courtesy of Agnes Bartha
Bartha visits Vienna, Austria in her spare time to see the Schönbrunn Palace. Photo courtesy of Cassidy Myers
Myers poses while looking back at the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, France.
“As embarrassing as language barriers can sometimes be, it can also be really fun in a low-stakes situation and it forces you to have to actually fully immerse yourself into the local culture,” Myers said. Because some study-abroad programs are not as academically rigorous as New College, students have time to plan outside trips. Bartha is taking five courses and has visited four other countries so far. “It’s such as amazing opportunity here to hop on a bus or train, even a car and just go,” Bartha said. Finding travel routes in most parts of Europe is fairly practical and spontaneous. For instance, a $15 bus pass can be booked a night before a trip to go from one country to another, which Bartha has done. If students want to study abroad but are concerned about culture shock, Myers recommends Western Europe since there are many similarities in the restaurants, shopping and music. The study abroad programs available to students are vast and include programs that put students side by side to other international peers which gives students the opportunity to learn about cultures outside of the country they are in. Zamsky recommends that students thinking about studying abroad should make an appointment with Zamsky during their first year or as soon as possible. Zamsky warned students about not waiting until the last minute to plan for a trip. “It takes not only academic planning but financial planning as well, and that’s not something that you want to figure out two months prior to going,” Zamsky said. For many students, international education gives academic and personal experiences that add enrichment to the American college education. At New College, students usually come back from study-abroad programs eager to tell their stories. Aside from the personal growth that can come with studying abroad, Zamsky also believes that it can benefit students in the workforce. “I think [international education] is very valuable when you look for a job and be able to show that you have this experience [plus] cross cultural awareness and adaptability,” Zamsky said. The possibilities to study abroad are plenty, and students should inform themselves about all the requirements needed to make it a reality. “The paperwork can be daunting, getting visas can be a pain, and there are lots of logistical things you'll have to figure out,” Myers said. “But I promise it’s worth it.”
CATALYST
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
Giulia Heyward/Catalyst
The Activist Newsletter Throughout this week (11/20-11/27), activists have the opportunity to participate in group discussions, strikes and trainings. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding LGBTQ+ rights and representation, disability justice and climate action.
BY HAYLEY VANSTRUM Thursday, Nov. 21 Dialogue on Disability Justice within the New College Community @ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Gender and Diversity Center Hamilton Center - 5850 General Dougher Pl., Sarasota, Fla. Discuss ableism and disability discrimination at New College with fellow community members at Dialogue on Disability Justice, presented by Intergroup Dialogue tutorial. Speak out regarding personal experiences with ableism, learn how to be a better ally to disabled community members and consider the best pathways to make lasting change to the way disability is viewed and discussed, both within the institution of New College and elsewhere. This event is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Signing up via the email on this event sent to the Students’ List is encouraged. Friday, Nov. 22 Youth Climate Strike @ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Marina Jack’s “Unconditional Surrender” Statue - Island Park Drive, Sarasota, Fla. Join Sarasota Students 4 Climate Change, a student-led movement encouraging young people to protest environmental injustice, to demand climate change awareness and action at the group’s weekly Friday for Future strike sessions. The Friday for Future movement seeks to actively involve Sarasota youths in making the change they want to see in the world regarding protecting the planet. This event is free and open to the public. Saturday, Nov. 23 UnCoverstories: LGBTQ+ Book Fair The Grand Central District - 2529
Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL Peruse queer literature, win free books and craft with classmates at New College’s first LGBTQ+ book fair. This event features free lunch, black out poetry, zine making, book swaps and student vendors selling a variety of wares including art, food and clothing. The LGBTQ+ Book Fair is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Sunday, Nov. 24 Equality Forward Training @ 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Florida SouthWestern State College 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers FL Participate in Equality Florida’s Equality Forward Training to learn about how to fight back against LGBTQ+ discrimination and inequality within the Sarasota community. This activist training will include discussions regarding women, people of color, transgender folks and immgirants in the queer community, along with talks on living with HIV and reducing gun violence. This event is free and open to the public. Monday, Nov. 25 Responding to Trauma @ 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Venice United Church of Christ - 620 Shamrock Blvd, Venice FL Discuss how to heal and thrive after encountering traumatic life events with SPARCC victim advocate and Resilient Retreat founder Sydney Turner at Sarasota Strong’s Responding to Trauma event. Sarasota Strong is a local group promoting awareness about trauma, supporting individuals throughout their healing process and working towards creating a community that cares for all of its members. This event is free and open to the public.
PAGE 5
Airstrikes on Gaza: a personal perspective from Palestine BY ADRIANA GAVILANES On Nov. 12, an Israeli missile struck the home of Baha Abu al-Ata, a commander in the political faction known as Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Abu al-Ata and his wife were assassinated, leading to PIJ to retaliate with locally-made rockets against Israel with a result of no casualties. Israeli forces carried out waves of airstrikes in response, which killed 34 Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims 25 of the Palestinian deaths were militants and the rest were civilians. A ceasefire, facilitated by Egyptian and United Nation officials, was brokered on Nov. 14 in Gaza. A PIJ spokesman Musab alBuraim explained that Palestine agreed to a ceasefire sponsored by Egypt after Israel was forced to accept the conditions set by the Palestinian resistance. The conditions included a ban on assassination operations and the use of fire against protestors near the Gaza border fence. Ultimately, the conditions have the goal to permit action to terminate the blockade of Gaza. Israeli officials have yet to publicly confirm the ceasefire but privately agreed to the terms. Thesis student Dalia Aita, who is Palestinian, shared her personal experience with similar conflicts. “[Israeli forces] usually bomb mosques or empty lots from underground,” Aita said. “Sometimes it happens so that a family lives next to an empty lot and they die as collateral damage. Yes, some of the people who were killed worked for Jihad or other resistant movements, but those other civilians [who were killed] had nothing to do with the resistance movement.” Aita explained that in the Gaza strip approximately 20 percent of the population works for different resistant movements. These movements have many names like militant groups or political factions but the distinction between the ideologies is how each group believes they
should deal with occupation. “The rest [of the people in Gaza] are just normal people like my family,” Aita said. “They just want to go to school and work. For the past two days school and work were canceled and my family stayed at home. Yesterday my sister sent me a photo of a house that was bombed right next to them. I was obviously worried all day long, I was just in a haze walking around campus.” Aita added that Israeli airstrikes and Egyptian mediation happen regularly, but “this is the worst it has been [in] four months.” Aita also shared her view on the disparity of the defense forces between Israel and Palestine. “The rockets [in Palestine] are locally made,” Aita said. “They’re like home-made rockets. We do not have an army because we are not a country, we are considered territories. Before [the conflict] was stones versus guns, it wasn’t bombs versus home-made rockets.” Hamas, the fundamentalist militant organization that the United States, European Union and Israel consider a terrorist organization, received an electoral victory in 2006. Clashes with their rival political faction led to Hamas becoming the de facto governing power of Gaza in 2007. In 2008, Israeli forces attacked Gaza, targeting Hamas, and more than a thousand people were killed. Israel also led another military operation in 2012 and 2014. “There hasn’t been a major operation [since] 2014 when about 3000 people were killed, but everyone is scared about a fourth military operation,” Aita said. “These ‘one night’ bombings scare us because sometimes if they get intense they can drag on to become a war, but this time people were worried that it was going to turn into a full blown operation.” continued on p. 11
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons From a 2003 protest in Beirut, this banner reads "Life, Land, and Liberty to Palestine. Stop the massacre."
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
FEATURES
PAGE 6
All photos Anna Lynn Winfrey/Catalyst
HOW IT'S MADE: CATALYST EDITION BY ANNA LYNN WINFREY Before copies of the Catalyst are scattered on the tables in Hamilton “Ham” Center and placed in faculty mailboxes on Wednesday afternoons, Sun Coast Press produces 500 copies at their printing facility in Venice, Fla. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the staff and sponsor of the academic tutorial, former Tampa Bay Times journalist and Professor of Anthropology Maria Vesperi, took a trip down Tamiami Trail to see the newspaper roll fresh off the press. John Black, a sales manager at Sun Coast Press, led a tour of the facility. Sun Coast Press prints for school and community newspapers throughout Florida, as well as flyers for local businesses such as Detweiler’s Farm Market. Black has been involved with newspapers for all of his adult life. “I've been able to do everything from answering the phone and getting the guys coffee because I was the lowest one on the totem pole to being told, ‘Hey, you've got a month to write a feature,’” Black said. Originally from Maine, Black wrote for his high school and college newspapers and interned at local papers. After five years of reporting in the sports department for the Bradenton Herald, Black transitioned to commercial sales. He later switched
to the printing business and has been working at Sun Coast Press for ten years. But Black admits that he sometimes misses writing for the newspaper. “I write emails now instead of byline stories,” he said wistfully. The printing press spits out 500 copies of the paper in a matter of minutes, but Catalyst staff writers and editors, who also write articles most weeks, collectively work over 100 hours on every weekly issue. Staff writers turn in first drafts of their articles on Friday mornings. After a first round of edits, they submit a second draft to the copy editors by noon on Saturdays. The copy editors fine-tune each article by Sunday evenings, when the layout crew, thesis student Cait Matthews and firstyear Sergio Salinas, arrange the articles and photos into final print form in Adobe InDesign. Editor in Chief Jacob Wentz double-checks the text and design and sends in a PDF of the issue to the press on Tuesday afternoons, where the digital newspaper is turned into a tangible object. The pre-production team at the Sun Coast Press facility in Port Charlotte, Fla. checks the document and sends it to the printing press in Venice. Then, a computer-operated machine, the Kodak Trendsetter, etches the design onto large aluminum plates. Four pages of the Catalyst fit on each plate.
"In each press crew we have 4 pressmen," Black said. "Press operators are not an easy find because it is a skilled position. A lot of these guys have worked here since they came out of high school but a lot of them have come here from different parts of the country."
“We go through a lot of aluminum—and paper,” Black said. Plates can only be used once but are recycled. Press operators seamlessly fasten the plates around large cylinders, which are the same size as the plate, and hook up extra-large rolls of paper to the start of the press. Instead of pre-cut sheets, the paper comes tightly rolled onto giant spools, which are stacked to the top of a high-ceilinged storeroom. Layout Editor Cait Matthews asked about the fire danger in the densely packed space and Black said that a greater risk for damage is water. If any moisture seeps into the tightly wound rolls, they could expand and break open the side of the building. “Thankfully it hasn't happened to us, but I’ve seen some pictures and it can do some severe damage,” Black said. When the press is turned on, the cylinders rotate as ink is deposited onto the plates. The inked up plates transfer the ink onto identically sized rubber tubes that roll the impression onto the paper. The paper speeds through a system of lofty rollers before it is collated, cut and folded into its final form. A machine counts five stacks of 100 papers and the papers are delivered the next morning to campus. Punctuality is paramount at every stage in the process. When staff
writers turn in their work late, the editors have less time to polish the articles and produce a quality end product. Similarly, at the printing press, a late submission can snowball the entire production line. “One thing depends on the next,” Black explained. “And if one thing in that process is delayed, it impacts getting it out the door on time.” Original printing presses, first credited to 15th-century German blacksmith Johannes Gutenberg, featured moveable typesets. Although press operators had to place each letter manually, this innovation was much faster than transcribing and enabled books to be mass produced and distributed widely. Printing presses and information dissemination technology has evolved since Gutenberg’s era. Digital technology is becoming more integrated into daily lives and some predict the soon demise of print culture. But Black emphasized the remaining popularity of printed products and envisioned intertwined print and digital media. “People still like the printed product,” Black said. “It's very important to have digital, but there’s still a lot of people who are still really passionate about print and I think you can have both.”
A pressman grabs a newspaper off the press to inspect. “When we start a publication, we run a couple copies, maybe a hundred or so," Black said. "We stop and all the press guys at the different units check the color and the registration. And once they feel like they have everything in register and it’s ready to go, then we put it on the palate, strap it and it’s ready to go out the door.”
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
The Catalyst staff, Professor Vesperi and Black posed for a picture with the freshly printed ninth issue.
"Looks like right now this warehouse is full of paper, but we will go through this paper really quickly,� Black said.
Prof. Maria Vesperi held freshly printed newspapers next to the same-sized roll that they came from: 34-inch 35-pound newsprint.
Black explained to Cait Matthews, Sierra Laico, Kali-Ray Skinner and Sofia Lombardi (from left to right) that four plates are needed for color printing: black, magenta, yellow and cyan.
FEATURES PAGE 7
CATALYST
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
PAGE 8
Breaking down budgeting, insurance and banking BY CHRIS MARIE DE FELIPE Phones are built to trigger adrenaline rushes: Google Calendar, Gmail, banking apps, social media and games all vie for attention with stylized notification sounds. Prioritizing these notifications are a part of the daily organizational tasks that give many young adults anxiety as the complex scheme of fiscal responsibility approaches. The world of personal finances and legal responsibilities can be daunting, but they are the foundation to living life independently. Broken down, these tasks can actually be satisfying to complete and form a part of building an optimal lifestyle. In the digital age, phones can make or break the organizational structure of someone’s life. Certain apps can be excellent at assisting people to budget, manage time and focus: the unmeasured skills needed to navigate adulthood. “All of the hard and soft skills you don’t learn formally,” health education coordinator Robyn Manning-Samuels said. Some apps highly recommended for organizing life and meeting
personal goals are Google Calendar or Wonderlist for managing time, Daylio for regulating and recording emotions, Mint or Qapital for a useful mobile budgeting tool, Groupon for finding good discounts on services and Slack, Join.me and Trello for collaborative project management. Manning-Samuels urges students to find tools that work for them. “Do your research,” ManningSamuels said. “Find something that works for your brain; what’s popular isn’t always what works for you. There’s a ton of resources available for people to manage their brain.” Budgeting When designing their future, people should have decent idea of where money is coming from and where it goes. By tracking down the pesky dollars that push the boundary of the budget, a consumer has clarity over the best possible strategy for conserving money and growing their savings. “It’s a combination of personal values and practicality,” Director of the Center of Career Engagement and Opportunity Dwayne Peterson
said. “If you have a budget, you see what you actually need to make at the bare minimum to sustain the lifestyle that you desire.” For students looking to calculate their living situation, Peterson recommends the website Paycheck City, which allows users to simulate their personal finances with a calculator to examine their expenses and project savings. Peterson discussed how the cost of living and negotiating a salary affects constructing a budget, as the amount of money earned is just as valuable as tracking the amount saved. Peterson offered an example: “Let’s say you get offered a job earning $40,000 a year, there’s going to be a lot removed before you take home your net pay.” Although income can be difficult to track, constructing a budget is essential to managing finances from a place of control and awareness. Mistaking essential income needed to satisfy obligations—such as tuition, bill and grocery payments—for spare spending money can place students in a difficult position. However, the biggest benefit to budgeting
is the potential to allocate a certain amount of earnings to savings. There are a multitude of model budgets available to adopt. The 50/30/20 budget allocates 50 percent of earnings towards needs, 30 percent for wants and extra expenses and 20 percent to savings. This setup ensures long term funds grow but also marks for obligations and additional purchases. Zero sum budgeting assigns each dollar earned to a purpose. The method, personalized with online budgeting tool You Need a Budget (YNAB), divides financials into categories and follows four major rules to reduce extra spending. Cash Diet, also known as the envelope method, directs a certain amount of money to labeled envelopes to represent the different needs and wants. 60 percent solution has two pools of money, where 60 percent goes for committed expenses and the remaining 30 percent goes to retirement, short term and long term savings. The final 10 percent is dedicontinued on p. 11
The remarkable histories of Sarasota theaters Claire Newberg/Catalyst
BY CLAIRE NEWBERG Sarasota has a considerably large artistic presence, with the Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Ballet and multiple theaters clustered around Tamiami Trail. These theaters stand apart because there are so many of them in a relatively small area. Among the most historically interesting of these are the Sarasota Opera House, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Asolo Repertory Theater. Sarasota Opera House Located downtown, the Sarasota Opera House has roots that go as far back as 1926, when the A. B. Edwards theater was unveiled. Born in 1874, Arthur Britton Edwards was a Sarasota native who had a passion for business management from a young age. In 1903, he established Sarasota’s first real estate office and became the mayor that same year. In the early 1920s, Edwards commissioned Jacksonville architect Roy A. Benjamin to build the opera house to draw tourists to Sarasota. According to the Opera House’s official website, when the theater was unveiled in 1926, “The Sarasota Herald Tribune hailed Edwards for ‘having admitted Sarasota into a fairyland of costly decoration, rich furnishings and never to be forgotten artistry.’”
The Sarasota Opera House is located in the art district of downtown and opera music can be heard from outside the building.
The theater came with a pipe organ, which was soon severely damaged in a 1928 hurricane. Due to wear and tear from decades of operation, the theater closed from 1973 until 2007 when it underwent renovations. “The interior of the auditorium was gutted to allow the digging of a new larger orchestra pit and a regrading of the orchestra section floor to improve sightlines,” the Opera House’s website elaborates on the renovations. “New seats and historically appropriate decorations enhance the theater space. The backstage facilities were updated, and the orchestra fitted with a hydraulic lift. The lobby features a restored threestory atrium as well as additional
restrooms, lounges, and other audience amenities.” In 2008, the Opera House finally reopened to the public. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was built in 1968 with funding from philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel. After its opening, the theater received attention for being the only purple seashell-shaped theater in the world. The theater’s architect, William Wesley Peters, was the son-in-law of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who was famous for his work on Falling Water and the Guggenheim Museum. Peters drew from Wright’s architectural philosophies in the construction of the Van Wezel. This became evident to ar-
chitect Anthony Puttnam when he was given the job of renovating the theater in 2001. “[The Van Wezel] was designed based on the relationship to nature and with the site; the roof based on a seashell, opening the building to views of Sarasota Bay, the dramatic interior spaces, and use of humble materials to achieve an unexpected richness,” Puttnam said on the Van Wezel’s official website. “They all add up to a ‘celebration of circumstance,’ as Frank Lloyd Wright said of other designs.” The surrounding area played a large role in the design of the building, from the shape to the bright purple color. “Even the bold color evokes the seashell theme,” the Van Wezel’s website said. “It was chosen by Wright's widow Olgivanna, based on a seashell she found near the Sea of Japan. That seashell now is on display in the Van Wezel lobby.” Asolo Repertory Theater The Asolo Repertory Theater started as an annual summer acting program started by faculty of Florida State University in 1960. It then became a year-round acting program that partnered with the Ringling Museum. In 1989, the acting company expanded beyond the bounds of the Ringling Museum and decidcontinued on p. 11
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
Canine Christmas aims to find homes for shelter dogs BY SERGIO SALINAS As Christmas shopping season approaches, everyone is out on the hunt for a special gift. One gift that is usually atop many kids' wish lists is a puppy. Horror stories of breeders abusing their animals have detracted many potential buyers from purchasing bred puppies, leading to adopting from shelters to become more popular. The Bishop Animal Shelter Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) of Manatee County, Fla. held a Canine Christmas adoption event on Saturday Nov. 16 to find loving homes for their shelter dogs. The Bishop Animal Shelter works primarily as an adoption facility that houses cats, dogs, birds and other small animals, with the goal of finding them permanent homes. Bishop Animal Shelter receives their animals from other shelters who cannot hold onto those animals any longer or from owners looking to surrender a pet they can no longer take care of. Adopting a pet is a big responsibility and the shelter vets potential adopters through a series of checks. First, the shelter sees if the person looking to adopt has had any charges of animal abuse or neglect in the past. Then, a home inspection is done to ensure the animal will have sufficient space and be comfortable. Occasionally, when there is another pet already in the home, a behavioral check will be done to ensure the two pets get along in the same living space. If all the checks go through then a pet can finally be adopted into a new home. The Canine Christmas had a variety of events and booths for visitors to attend and learn more about adopting, the needs of the animals and the services shelters and rescue
teams provide. In one booth the Gulf Coast Golden Retriever Rescue (GCGRR) team brought three golden retrievers to show off. One was named Bella and she walked around the event with a Santa outfit and a vest where people could slip in donations. Bella was abandoned and found by a nice lady who took Bella in. However, she eventually could no longer take care of Bella due to health problems and turned her over to the GCGRR. Bella eventually found a permanent home over three years ago but remains a part of the GCGRR family. The GCGRR’s slogan reads “Healing Golden Hearts” and by simply meeting Bella it is easy to see that the GCGRR follows its slogan very closely. The Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) also had a booth where they presented information about adoptions and volunteering. The HSMC has six volunteer programs: canine care, feline friends, office angel, outreach, fostering and veterinary center assistant. Like many other shelters, the HSMC is a nonprofit, fueled by private donations and volunteers. Of the three dogs the HSMC brought along to the event, two found homes. Shelters provide a better alternative for animals without a home, as they operate without killing any animals. With a dedicated volunteer force and donors willing to pitch in, shelters are able to operate efficiently providing the care necessary for the animals in their care. With Christmas shopping season around the corner, plenty of people will be looking for new pets. Hopefully, there will be a lot of forever homes waiting for the animals of Bishop Animal Center and the Humane Societies in Manatee and Sarasota County.
Bella, a Golden Retriever, happily poses in her Santa outfit.
FEATURES
PAGE 9
Been there, done that The NEW New College advice column
SUBMITTED BY SYDNEY ROSENTHAL
How do you speak to someone you're attracted to? Especially in the dawn of dating apps, it’s a struggle to find someone you’re attracted to. Then, once you finally do find someone you’re interested in, figuring out how to talk to them can be especially challenging. I often go into dating situations with a “friend first” mindset. I want a partner who is my best friend, so when I think I’m attracted to someone I talk to them the way I would any new friend. I find out their interests, passions, and goals.You may also have deal-breakers, so it’s helpful to identify if the person you’re attracted to exhibits any of those. I listen to how my crush talks about their friends and family and I pay attention to how they listen and engage with me. For me it’s important to have a partner who’s willing to share but is also a good listener. Obviously, relationships take time—I’m not saying to interrogate your crush or judge every one of their responses and questions. I’m just suggesting that you pay attention. Are they asking you questions? Are they texting on their phone as you’re talking? Does it seem like they’re uncomfortable? When talking to a new crush it’s important not to just talk to them through apps on your phone. For one, things can be misconstrued over text, as well as the fact that facial expressions and body language are extremely helpful in communicating attraction. I try to show my crush that I’m interested through body language like leaning forward, smiling a lot, and sitting close to them. This is a give and take as you don’t want to overwhelm your crush but it usually is a genuine reaction from me. Above all, when talking to your crush, be genuine. I know it can be difficult, but if you aren’t your real self to begin with, the foundation of the relationship is going to be faulty. If all else fails, just do their birth chart. Just kidding.
All photos Sergio Salinas/Catalyst
Gulf Coast Golden Retriever Rescue spread its golden love at Canine Christmas.
CATALYST Images CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 said. “Eventually they worked together to develop things like timing and atmosphere to better coordinate the experience that was envisioned for each piece. We met every other week to discuss software and editing techniques and to review the development of the work so students had opportunities for feedback and technical support.” Finding the right match between artist and musician was vital when it came to achieving synchronized, smooth development. Thirdyear Lizzy Barrett and second-year Emma Solloway, who worked together on “KAMAKI,” were able to use their corresponding creative visions to their advantage throughout the production process. “The soundtrack and visuals mesh perfectly because they were created together,” Barret said. “I'm glad Emma Solloway and I had similar ideas while working on ‘KAMIKI,’ the end product turned out awesome. I also loved the whole collaborative process and being able to work with people who had similar interests to
CONT'D
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
mine. Emma and I were on the same wavelength the entire time which made the collaboration process so much easier and much more fun.” Although Barrett and Solloway enjoyed the time they spent working on short films for Images, the process did not come without its challenges. Time management, which almost every student involved in the show cited as a struggle during the pre-show Artist Conversation, posed major difficulties along the way. “All of the animation students, myself included, had to hand-draw each and every frame in our animations (around 100 for my first and over 200 for my second animation), as well as color everything individually,” Barrett said. “Some of us painted backgrounds—I had two—and I even went in with some color correction overlays and video editing effects. I worked with music students to score the music and it was a lot of back-and-forth trying to figure out how to get everything to fit. It was a lot of work to put together.” However, all the hard work put in by both students and Anderson and Dancigers, who also collaborated on a short film, “Lost and Found,” for the event, paid off in the end. Images was a unique experience, one which
encouraged the audience to explore the concept of sound in a whole new way. Although the short films functioned as the central point of the concert, Images also included several live and recorded performances of student, professor and professional musical pieces. The show began with a short set of surround sound four-channel audio works created by students that enveloped the space, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. “The concert [of four-channel audio works] takes sound as a starting point for an event that is quite immersive and features a range of media,” Dancigers said. “It's almost a prelude to get you to experience sound not only with your ears, but with your body.” After these four dream-like student sound pieces, Juilliard Keyboard faculty Aaron Wunsch performed Claude Debussy’s “L’isle joyeuse,” bringing the audience back into the physical world. Following Wunsch, student musicians Aniston Hoffman and Emma Solloway premiered their own original compositions, “Unlucky 13” and “Intangible” on solo cello and solo trombone, and student clarinetist Claire Thomas performed an excerpt from Missy Mazoli’s opera,
PAGE 10
Song from the Uproar. These pieces, much like Dancigers and Wunsch’s concluding performance as Grand Electric, featured both classical and electronic elements, exploring the sound possibilities of bringing the two genres together in one composition. “Hearing the two of them together opens up some new sonic possibilities which is something we’ve enjoyed about this project,” Dancigers said. For everyone who spent the past semester working on Images, getting to see everything come together in the end was worth the climb it took to get there. “What I found really inspiring was seeing the students push themselves to another level,” Anderson said. “This is a very new venue for me and I am excited to show my work alongside the work our students produced this semester. Everyone worked exceptionally hard, it was an intense push to meet the deadline. I am very proud of their work and for the opportunity to be able to present our work together. This is truly a unique and inspiring experience.” The following photographs are from the Images production. All photos courtesy of Nancy Nassiff
First-year Aniston Hoffman plays the cello.
First-year Claire Thomas plays the clarinet.
Professor Mark Dancigers plays the electric guitar.
CATALYST Dark Waters
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
legal offices and family homes in a recent interview with the New Yorker. In a 2016 interview in Sarasota Magazine with Susan Burns, who is also an alum and is now editor in chief, Bilott talked about his time at New College. “I was a political science major, I tried to avoid anything that involved
numbers and math,” Bilott said. “It was rather ironic that I ended up dealing with chemicals. They did a great job in teaching you how to think critically, how to analyze data, how to question what you’re seeing and look at it for yourself.”
cated to frivolous expenses. Banking Whether online or brick-andmortar, there are a variety of banking options for students. Every financial decision requires extensive research and individuals should consider factors such as the cost of extraction, encountered fees and available options for investment. Online bank Ally is highly recommended for students exploring banking options for the first time. Despite not offering a student specific checking account or cash deposits, all ATM locations are free to use and there are no monthly fees. With an interest rate higher than average amongst most banks, Ally can be helpful to students wanting independence who are not overly reliant on cash. Another online bank includes a mobile app for both banking and budgeting: Simple incorporates budgeting techniques in a platform similar to money management apps, but tied to the earnings and spendings recorded by the app. There are no fees for banking activity, but there is no way to deposit cash. Health Care Open enrollment for 2020 health plans lasts from November 1st to December 15th. To determine what health care plan is best suited to someone’s needs, they should examine the health care expenses from the past and oncoming year to gauge what category is most appropriate to their individual situation. The
categories are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum: 60, 70, 80, 90 percent of healthcare costs are covered by the plan, respectively. While plans with low coverage will charge lower premiums, a person in need of frequent medical services would benefit from the minimal out of pocket costs from a Platinum plan. There are five plan types: preferred provider organizations (PPOs), health maintenance organizations (HMOs), Point of service (POSs), exclusive provider organizations (EPOs) and High deductible health plans (HDHPs). Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are heavily used in employer based health care plans. Alongside HMOs, this is the most common individual type of plan, providing flexibility and a larger network of health care providers at the cost of high premiums and a deductible. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) make up 15 percent of health plans. They are a valuable option for those who require minimal medical services and want low premiums. The plan requires a primary doctor to refer the patient to specialists. High deductible health plans (HDHPs), which now cover 30 percent of workers, benefit those with low healthcare expenses willing to pay a high deductible. A blend of the Point of service plans (POS) and Exclusive provider organization plans (EPO) are less common among individuals but are also available to consumers. Typically, employers offer a choice of a PPO, HMO or HDHP health care plan. When judging healthcare pro-
viders, there are multiple ways to approach selection. Accessing websites that compare or search for plans, contacting a health insurance agent and using a health insurance marketplace specific to each state and investigating health insurance plans online are the easiest tactics. Thesis student Jesus Olive recommends the company he works for, First Alternatives, to students in need of low cost coverage. The healthcare provider includes unlimited video and phone consultations, to cover any non urgent condition for the consumer and household members for 35 dollars a month. For a dorm of four, the cost would be split to $8.75 each. Car Insurance After learning to drive, purchasing a car and getting a license, drivers have one last step to take before they are free to take on the road and all its hazards. Auto insurance is a massive industry and the available options can be overwhelming, but driving without insurance is a major financial and legal risk. Paying the full price of a car accident can devastate someone’s financial stability, and in Florida fines for offenses range from $150 to $500, not including a suspended license for three years. There are three primary types of auto insurance: liability coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage only covers the costs of bodily and property damage that occurs to others in an accident, but collision coverage also covers personal repair and replacement of a car. Comprehensive coverage is for any non collision damage such as natural disasters and theft,
New mayor
Airstrikes
Theaters
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Haynes said he sought to visualize Bilott’s eternal struggle infused with “anxiety, dread, futility and despair” onto the ordinary scenery of
Finances
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
PAGE 11
released on Friday, Nov. 22. Sarasota theaters will begin showing the film on Friday, Dec. 6. It is rated PG-13. Information for this article was gathered from ncf.edu, nytimes.com and newyorker.com.
“Dark Waters” will be nationally
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
decade, served as a neighborhood representative to the Coalition of City neighborhood associations and served on the city of Sarasota planning board in 2015. “I consider Sarasota is my hometown. I have been deeply involved in the community as a neighbor, parent, marketing professional, planning board member and commissioner,” Ahearn-Koch said. “So, with all that said, I feel so deeply honored and fortunate to have earned the confidence of this Sarasota City Commission and to be elected as Mayor of my hometown.”
Aita expressed that it’s difficult to explain the conflict between Palestine and Israel on a surface level, which most Western media does. The lives of the people who have to live this reality gets lost in translation. “You can not understand what is happening if there is no personal perspective or else it’s just this monstrous issue that has been going on for a 100 years because the Middle East is ‘complicated,’” Aita said.
ed to construct a new building that could accommodate them. The name ‘Asolo’ comes from the Italian town of the same name. The Dunfermline Opera House, an 18th-century theater in Scotland, was purchased and deconstructed in order to be shipped to Sarasota. It was then reassembled into the Mertz Theatre, named for benefactors Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz. The theater has seen famous broadway names, such as actor Jeremy Jordan, who starred in the Asolo’s production of the show Bonnie & Clyde in 2010. Jordan has gone on to
Information from this article was gathered from the BBC.
CONT'D
which is more important for expensive cars. To understand the best possible match for auto insurance, thorough research is necessary. Some commonly used auto insurance companies for college students include Metromile, ideal for on-campus students who drive minimally. The base rate is 30 dollars and the rate per mile is 3.2 cents. Allstate offers students discounted auto insurance if going to school 100 miles away from primary residence, which coupled with a Good Student Discount is a fairly affordable option. Having a 3.0 GPA and being under 25 qualifies students for Liberty Mutual’s student discount, and for those under 21 completing a Driver Training Program qualifies a consumer for Driver Training Discount. State Farm, Farmers, Esurance, and American Family offer similar discounted prices for academic achievement and safe driving; Farmers has the highest discount, enabling students to save 24 percent each year for prowess in school. For students seeking answers regarding financial literacy or personal guidance on budgets, work plans, or success strategies, Anjali Cadena and Kaylie Stokes of the Student Success Center as well as all of the student success coaches are available for an appointment. Located in HCL 5, the Student Success Center will focus on the soft skills involved in meeting personal goals related to achievement in and beyond school. Information for this article was gathered from Insurance.com and Efile.com and a successquest powerpoint created by Kaylie Stokes.
star in numerous Broadway shows, playing Jack Kelly in Newsies and Dr. Jim Potmatter in Waitress. Jordan starred opposite Anna Kendrick in the 2014 film The Last Five Years, an adaptation of a Jason Robert Brown musical. The close proximity of the Asolo theater to New College allows for student interaction. Many students work there during the academic year, including third-year Caroline Newberg. Newberg has worked in the box office at the Asolo since Oct. 2017. “The theater is pretty old, and that affects more of what we do than you'd think,” Newberg said. “There's a lot of history behind the theater, including rumors of ghosts, that make it a very interesting place to work.”
CATALYST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
D I G G I N G
10TH
I N T O
ANNUAL
BY ERIN NIEHAUS At the tenth anniversary of the Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival on Siesta Key Beach, seven double teams and nine solo artists sculpted intricate people, animals and castles. From Friday, Nov. 15 to Monday, Nov. 18, attendees enjoyed four nights of live music, explored over 70 different product vendors and voted for their favorite sculptures. All art pieces were illuminated by iridescent lights at dusk after Siesta Key’s remarkable sunset. This widely attended festival offered ample opportunity for local vendors and international artists. Every year, small business owners can receive localized attention, small bands can expand their audience and sculpting artists from all over the world are recognized for their incredible ability. The sand masterpieces this year were beautifully intricate, and no
S I E S TA
C R YSTA L
two were alike. Two American artists sculpted all four members of the legendary rock band, The Beatles, inside the famous yellow submarine. Matt Long from Staten Island, New York, started using sand as an art medium 18 years ago. His partner Bruce Phillips is from Carlsbad, California has been in the business for 25 years. This piece was easily recognizable, and was a popular spot for attendees to snap pictures. On Saturday, Nov. 16, there was an opportunity for attendees to showcase their talent during the amatuer competition. The annual addendum can be a family bonding activity or practice for aspiring artists. Solo artist Bob Zimmerman from Indiana, who sculpted a lion he titled “King of Siesta,” noted how different artists sculpt the common medium. “Everybody starts out with a big pile of sand. You have to use a lot of water to compact the sand, and from there, people use their own tech-
niques,” Zimmerman said. Zimmerman uses his personal tool set. Included is a trowel, which he said he uses for leveling, and a straw for blowing away excess sand. He also uses a basic pottery set in order to carve and sculpt individual details on his lion. “I started doing this out of boredom,” Zimmerman said. “This is my first time pursuing any kind of competition. I don’t consider myself a professional. I enjoy doing this because I personally find it fun.” The festival offers 15-minute lessons to teach basic sand sculpting techniques for those interested in trying it out. Each participant is given a small amount of sand and can create anything, with the help of sculpting teachers. This activity can be especially fun for children attending the event. Climate change and pollution was repeatedly mentioned at the event. Emerson Shriener from
BACK PAGE
PAGE 12
K E Y ' S
CLASSIC Grand Rapids, Michigan and Canadian Craig Mutch worked together to build a powerful sculpture about environmental issues. Shriener and Mutch engraved “Ice-solation” onto a block of ice, emphasizing how climate change affects animal populations. Shriener gives sculpting lessons to eager hobbyists across multiple U.S cities. Mutch was part of the team that won first place in the Crystal Classic’s 2012 competition. He works as a set sculptor in the film industry and has worked on movies such as “Planet of the Apes.” This festival is widely attended and anticipated every November. With attendance numbers increasing yearly, more people are eager to visit this beautiful site, especially during a time with exceptionally lower temperatures. Information was gathered from siestakeycrystalclassic.com.
All photos Erin Niehaus/Catalyst
Bruce Phillips of Carlsbad, California works on perfecting the details of the faces of The Beatles on the side of his submarine.
Canadian Abraham Waterman and Texan “Amazin’ Walter McDonald” teamed up to create this surreal architecture piece.
People at the Crystal Classic feel strongly about pollution and how it affects oceans.
Canadian Mélineige Beauregard describes sand sculpting not as an art or a sport but as a “spiritual experience”. She works alongside Florida local Chris Guinto in creating this action-packed masterpiece.