Communicator_40_1 by Jason Nix

The

ommunicator Spokane Falls Community College

Celebrating 40 years of campus coverage.

October 16, 2008

Volume 40 Issue 1

CCS enrollment rises as economy struggles More students walking the halls of SFCC

Jon Brown

The Communicator Enrollment figures at the Community Colleges of Spokane have shown a significant increase this year in a trend that has spread throughout Washington’s colleges and universities, according to recent articles in the SpokesmanReview and the Seattle Times. Anne Tucker, Public Information

Students aid in campus cleanup

Officer for Community Colleges of Spokane reports a combined 3 percent increase in enrollment at SCC and SFCC. While that number may not seem large, it trans-./! lates to 155 additional students at SFCC *,,! alone. “Downturns in the economy historically result in increased enrollments at community and techni-

cal colleges,” says Tucker. Tucker cites lower tuition increases at community colleges compared to

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four-year schools, a difference of as much as 5 percent that can save some students hundreds of dollars per quarter. Tucker was uncertain if the recent increase in enrollment would lead (&%%! to the hiring +233!$""0! (&#&! of more in+233!$"")! structors or the expan'0(1! sion of CCS ')#&! facilities. In an arti("""! )"""! cle from the ! September Communicator staff

The economy: impact on students

Jon Brown

120 students, faculty and staff gathered on a bright October afternoon to remove littered cigarette butts from SFCC’s campus in a coordinated effort to cleanup the school grounds. Pam Foust, Workforce Education Coordinator for SFCC, helped organize the cleanup in response to numerous complaints from students and co-workers. “There were a few letters to the editor last year (SFCC Communicator, vol. 39, issue 12) about cigarette butts, and I’ve heard many conversations complaining about them,” said Foust. The cleanup was initially planned for before the start of fall quarter, but Foust and other organizers felt it would have more of an impact if it could be done in a more visible, interactive setting involving the student body. Each participant in the cleanup project was given a pair of rubber See gloves, a plastic bag and 20 minutes to gather as many spent cigarettes as possible. All who

Photo illustration/ The Communicator

“Many students are hearing that loans for school are going to be harder to get, forcing some to resort to plan B: attending local community colleges or taking a year off,” - Claudio Sanchez, NPR Story by Jon Brown. Page 2.

SFCC hosts blood drive Page 6.

The Communicator

Contact Jon at (509) 533-3602

Student plans assault with broken glass Zac Whitman

The Communicator

See Cleanup on page 2.

23, 2008 issue, the SpokesmanReview reported record numbers of freshmen enrolled at Whitworth, Gonzaga and Washington State University, with Eastern Washington University poised to join them, though official numbers from EWU were not yet available. “When the economy goes down and jobs are harder to find, students go back to college,” said Janelle Runyon, spokeswoman for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in an Associated Press story in the Seattle Times on October 7, 2008.

Welcome week Page 7.

(509)533-3602

Terrain art show Page 8.

A subject was taken into custody by the Spokane Police Department for threatening a student on the SFCC campus and admitting to the intention of robbing the cashier’s office, armed with only a shard of broken glass. At 10:50 a.m. SFCC Campus Security office received a call to their security cell phone from a male student, claiming he had been threatened by another student. The victim described his assailant as a Hispanic male wearing a maroon tee shirt, jeans, and a backpack. The suspect had approached the victim asking for his help. The suspect then turned, placed a tee shirt over his face bandana style and said “I am going to assault you.” The victim then ran off and the suspect ran towards the library. While in route to meet the victim, the SFCC Security Officer saw the suspect in front of the building 17. After making contact with the suspect, the officer convinced the suspect

See Broken Glass on page 2.

Spokane Frisbee golf Page 11.

www.spokanefalls.edu/communicator

News and Events

page 2 October 16, 2008

The Communicator

Broken glass: Plan thwarted

Financial issues Economy impacts students Jon Brown

The Communicator The impact of the current global financial crisis that has forced many banks to suspend loans has already been felt by students in the United States, many of whom found it difficult to borrow enough money to attend college this fall. National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” broadcast a story last spring (May 1, 2008) describing the financial aid shortfall that led many students making the jump from high school to college to consider more affordable educational options. “Many students are hearing that loans for school are going to be harder to get, forcing some to resort to plan B: attending local community colleges or taking a year off,” said NPR reporter Claudio Sanchez. According to the same report the credit crunch has led many private lenders to pull out of the nation’s college financial aid programs. In an effort to ease the lending freeze and bail out the sagging economy President Bush recently signed into law an unprecedented $700 billion federal financial rescue package, giving the U.S. government a controlling interest in the nation’s financial sector. Lawmakers in Washington had previously rejected a bailout plan, citing concerns about the financial burden the plan would have

on American taxpayers. “There is less impact on someone who is going through loans and grants via the college itself, but if they use bank financing there could be an impact,” says Don Brunner, an economics professor at Spokane Falls Community College. “So far most of my students don’t see this affecting themselves so much as they are angry at corporations. “In my opinion if we can’t get past political party affiliations and start acting together to accomplish what needs to be done, then the standard of living for my students could be significantly impacted. “ The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2.2 million jobs lost over the last 12 months, putting U.S. unemployment at 6.1%. For college students those numbers may be deceiving. The USBLS also reports a significant employment gain in the leisure and hospitality sectors - industries that traditionally offer jobs that attract students. After graduation, however, the future of today’s college students in the job market is less than certain. “In the 1900’s the average life expectancy was closer to 45 years old, more than a third of us were involved in agriculture, and an eighth grade education was sufficient.” says Brunner. “We live another 30 years now almost twice as long - aren’t on the farm, and jobs are significantly more sophisticated, thus education - particularly higher education - is playing a bigger role than ever.” Contact Jon at (509)533-3602

Jolene Denny/ The Communicator

SFCC Student Government organized a campus event at Camp Reed from Friday Oct. 10 through Sunday Oct. 12. There were more than 40 students that attened from multiple clubs. Everyone participated in team building activities that taught leadership, working together and building trust between one another.

For more pictures of SFCC students at Camp Reed visit The Communicator website at www.spokanefalls.edu/ communicator.

Continued from page 1

to go to the Campus Security Office. While escorting the suspect to the office security questioned him about if he was carrying a gun and the suspect said, “I might.” After searching the suspect in the office, security discovered a piece of glass clenched in his fist. The subject then stated his intention to assault the cashiers. After questioning his motives for assaulting the cashiers he said to “get a lot of money and that he was angry for being wronged, so he was going to hurt someone.” The Spokane Police Department was then called to book the suspect and then take him to Sacred Heart for a psychological evaluation. Earlier that morning at around Jolene Denny/ The Communicator 9:00 a.m. an SFCC employee One week after campus clean up, cigarette butts began to appear went to the Campus Security ofon the ground, even by the canisters that the college provides. fice and asked the security officer heard casual discussions, though on duty to accompany her to the nothing official, about a smoking other end of building 17 to conban at SFCC. tact a subject who been banned “I think many individuals have from campus due to his “disrupsuggested it as an option due to tive nature in classes.” This acthe problems with litter and indi- cording to an incident report obviduals not following the law about tained by The Communicator. staying 25 feet away from building The security officer and ementrances,” she said. ployee made contact with the Continued from page 1 “It’s litter, just like any other gar- subject near the admissions ofgloves, a plastic bag and 20 minutes bage thrown on the ground, and fice and convinced him to come to gather as many spent cigarettes it’s frustrating to see how quickly to the security office where they as possible. All who helped were certain spots have become littered could have a conversation. treated to a free lunch of ham- with butts again.” During this conversation, it burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, So far no further official campus was ascertained that the subject chips, brownies and lemonade pre- cleanup efforts are scheduled for had been enrolled the dis-enpared and served by, among others, the remainder of the school year, rolled because he did not have a SFCC President Mark Palek and though Foust couldn’t say whether diploma or G.E.D., though the facilities personnel Arden Craw- that might change. subject claimed that he did have “I think it boils down to personal a diploma. ford and Bob Haley. The American Lung Association responsibility,” she said. The SFCC employee asked the “Personally I don’t smoke, but if student to go home, retrieve his reports that over 130 colleges and universities across the nation have I am walking across campus with a diploma and to return but not banned smoking on campus, with water bottle I find a recycling bin without the diploma. Pennsylvania being the only state to put it in.” Contact Zac at that has completely eliminated on(509) 533-3602 Contact Jon.at campus smoking at its state-spon(509) 533-3602 sored schools. Foust says she has

Cleanup: Butts targeted

News In Brief

Candidate Barack Obams’s name misspelled on ballot causes controversy Rensselaer County in upstate New York, hundreds of absentee ballots were sent out with Obama’s name miss spelled as Osama. The ballots were reissued with the correct spelling and any with the misspelling were shreaded. The Associated Press

Shark “Virgin Birth”

The discovery at a Virginia aquarium marks the second time scientists have used DNA testing to verify what would have been a “virgin birth”—if the pups hadn’t died. National Geographic News

Coe defense aims to thwart psychologist claim Testimony in Kevin Coe’s civil commitment trial ended Tuesday with a defense lawyer angrily questioning the state’s expert psychologist about her objectivity in concluding that Coe has a mental abnormality that makes him likely to re-offend. The Spokesman Review

Teenagers may face charges after party accident, injury Four Coeur d’Alene teenagers could face charges of obstructing justice and minor in possession

of alcohol after police say they lied about the location of a beer party where a drunken friend fell from a balcony and suffered serious injuries. The Spokesman Review

Rossi subpoenaed to testify against allegations of campaign fundraising violations Dino Rossi has been subpoenaed to testify in a lawsuit concerning allegations of campaign financing violations, perpetrated by the Building Industry Association of Washington. Former state Supreme Court Justices, Faith Ireland and Robert Utter, filed a lawsuit against the BIAW, alleging that Dino Rossi illegally coordinated fundraising with BIAW. Rossi’s lawyers claim that the suit is a political ruse designed by Gregoire supporters to derail the election process. The Associated Press

Edited By: Jessica Knapp

Our View:

Opinion

he economy is experiencing a recession and the main focus is on how to get the stock market back up and running. The stock market is important, but the priority should be the future. Students are the future of this country. The bar rises every year making life more difficult for a person to make a living without a college degree. Yet, community college and university students are usually the ones that suffer the most because of limited hours to work, high financial aid requirements and eligibility for student loans. Sen. Chuck Schumer asked the government to include student loans in the $700 bailout to help students pay for college. “The price we’ll pay (if these loans are not included) will be that of a generation,” Schumer said, which was quoted from a USA Today article. Including these loans in the plan would momentarily fix the issues and alleviate some of the stress students are experiencing between academics and working long hours. We support this notion in the hopes of our community college benefitting from it. If the lending of student loans is made more difficult to obtain, the results will be less people going to school, leading to a possible weaker economy in the future with less educated scholars. According to an USA Today article, “Congress last month approved a measure that will allow students who rely on loans to continue their educations, regardless of current difficulties in the private credit market.” Whether this bailout is going to help our economy or not will unfold in the future. If this works, college and university students should still receive the aid that is necessary to finish school and therefore benefit our society. If it fails, a new plan needs to be established to secure not only the possibilities for people to receive a higher education, but also secure the future of the country in our students. To learn more information about the affect of the recession on student loans or how your loans are being affected, visit the Financial Aid office in building 17 or www. usatoday.com.

October 16, 2008 • Page 3

Economic crisis world-wide

Maybe a better plan would have been to let the people that created the debt pay for their own share of it. I would be included in this because of personal Judy Johnson loans but that is also why I am forced to The Communicator work full time while in school full time. I have to keep my head above water just The crisis of money and the strug- as everyone else and will do what I have gling stock markets world- wide is on- to get there. going. Governments are trying to find Another option could be that banks ways to get rid of this financial scare give more time on the loans so that but it seems to be never-ending. those that are having a hard time payAs of Mon. Oct 13, Britain began to ing them could pay lower monthly paytake control of their two largest banks ments for a longer period of time. The and promised around a trillion euros to problem with this is that people would help bring their economy back. probably not pay their debt off either In Germany, France and the Neth- because they do not care or they just erlands similar precautions are being can’t afford that payment. taken and some are even participating In that case, there needs to be some in bailouts similar to that of the United kind of government plan that monitors States. public money and helps them strategize Are these bailhow to use it. This outs what are would take a part of necessary to bring the freedom away “Bailouts were the idea these economies from the people and we went for it. We back? The bailin our country but have yet to see what the outs could help at the same time consequences of it will be.” it would make it but will not solve the problem for where the rest of us the future. What are not paying the this is creating is citizens knowing that way for others that are not even trying their government will buy out personal to help the economy. debt and therefore causing higher debt A third possibility could be to have than before. The solution is going to the government’s just wipe out the debt be taxing the citizens to make up the and start over. This would not be ideal money for the growing debt. because the world is based on money These are not solutions. These and the country that has the most of it things are going to affect our genera- is the most powerful. Plus, what would tion’s retirement plans, making people that truly do to the economy; fix the work harder and longer to hit that re- problem or create a more troubling one tirement range. where currency would not have meanThis will also effect the generations ing anymore. to come. These bailouts are large numThere are no simple answers to what bers, impossible for our generation to is going on in the world today. Bailouts pay off and therefore the future is going were the idea and we went for it. We to suffer because of the past. have yet to see what the consequences If our children’s generation cannot of it will be. pay off the debt, it will then go down to their children. The cycle will never end Contact Judy at (509) 533-3602 because the debt will always be there.

The Way I See It

Organic stretches student budgets too far percent of the U.S. population, according to the New York Times, there isn’t a debate but Hilary Vandenbark for those who eat organically The Communicator because it’s in vogue; just save some money and wait for the As the economy stretches next, hopefully cheaper thing, students’ wallets to even far- to come along. ther limits, those seeking to eat The price of the bare neceshealthier may find the stretch sities can vary drastically from to be too much. organic to conventional foods. As a general rule, organic Philadelphia is home to Whole foods are more expensive than Foods, an organic grocer, acnon-organic foods but, for the cording to the New York Times. most part, the truly commit- For triple cream goat cheese a ted have been making it work. customer would pay $39.99 per Organic foods are known to pound. For a gallon of organic have numerous benefits, such milk the price is $5.69. Whole as a decrease in the consump- Foods charges $6.99 per pound tion of pesticides. While eating of chicken breast. The New organically has developed more York Times also discovered orpopularity in recent years, the ganic customers would still buy economic downturn may make organic meat, dairy and prothese healthy foods less afford- duce but were more likely to able and possibly hinder the give up on item such as organic production of them if organic cereal due to ridiculous prices. Without doubt, we’d all be farmers have to pay more than better off for eating natural and they take in to produce it. unenhanced foods. Yet paying For the truly committed up to $5 more for a grocery item health enthusiasts, roughly 15

To Put It Nicely

that should cost $2 is unreasonable. Cutting back to inorganic on a few items will help thwwe student budget a lot with minimal risks. I’m extremely skeptical that going from organic to non-organic eggs for possibly just a few months will cause any great damage or sticking with organic veggies will save thousands of dollars in medical bills later in life. The fact is, due to people already declining to go organic; grocers will raise prices on organic items to cover the decrease in the quantity of sales. This is not always the case but it appears to be the general rule. There is always the exception that proves the rule and, in some instances, buying organic can save health and green. Quamut.com compared the price of some common grocery items in New York in 2007. Coffee was $9.99 for conventional and $7 for organic. Soy milk was 10¢ cheaper as an organic product. One pound of tomatoes costs

50¢ less for organic. Another side of the issue is found in the vast amount of expenses attached to growing or farming organically. The turn of the economy may induce organic farmers struggling with the cost of producing organic vegetables and other food, to go the more conventional, less healthy routes or even choose to just close up shop. The state of the economy isn’t going to be fair to anyone involved with organic foods; it seems that if the farmers win, the grocers and the customer loses. If the customer gets a good deal, the farmer is not making adequate profit. In the vicious cycle of our economy, I’d pick saving a student’s wallet over the rest. We have enough on our plates, adding organic chicken will certainly not help. Contact Hilary at (509) 533-3602

The Communicator creates opportunities for students to take away life lessons, encouraging each individual to work with a team to produce every issue, multimedia project and web page. The students are responsible for every aspect of putting the newspaper together, including advertising, writing, photography, and page design.

Editor In Chief Judy Johnson communicator.judy.johnson@gmail.com

Managing Editor - Madison McCord

communicator.madison.mccord@gmail. com

News Editor - Josh Pearce communicator.josh.pearce@gmail.com

Op/Ed Editor - Jessica Knapp communicator.jessica.knapp@gmail.com

Features Editor -Samantha Blehm

communicator.samantha.blehm@gmail. com

A&E Editor - Hilary Vandenbark communicator.hilary.vandenbark@gmail.com

Sports Editor - Allen Stover communicator.allen.stover@gmail.com

Photo Editor - Jolene Denny communicator.jolene.denny@gmail.com

Multimedia Editor -Jason Cooper communicator.jason.cooper@gmail.com

Marketing Director - Jessica Knapp communicator.jessica.knapp@gmail.com

Advertising Director - Zachary Feider advertising@spokanefalls.edu

Senior Reporters Zac Whitman Staff Reporters - Jon Brown, Rea Droter, Heather Jones, Conner Keogh, Jean Loeffler, Shae Longston, Chris Lyons, Megan McRoberts, Lindsey Oliver, Shannon Owens, Alex Peer, Sarah Radmer, Melissa Ross Photographers - Rea Droter, Heather Jones Multimedia Staff - Sarah Radmer, Shannon Owens Web Intern - Jessica Mann Adviser - Jason Nix jasonn@spokanefalls.edu

To contact The Communicator with story ideas: comeic@spokanefalls.edu

To contact staff members: communicator.firstname. lastname@gmail.com

*Please Note*

The Communicator is an open forum for student coverage and opinion that is entirely student edited and produced, with absolutely no prior review from the faculty or administrators of Spokane Falls Community College. The content in this publication is the responsibility of the student staff of the Communicator, and as such do not necessarily reflect the view of Spokane Falls Community College administrators, faculty, or the student body. Individual student contributions to the opinion page or any other section of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or the student staff of the Communicator. *The first copy of an issue is free, additional copies are 50 cents*

Opinion

page 4 October 16, 2008

The Communicator

One citizen’s struggle to comprehend economy

problems in our economy. Newspapers nationwide are flooded daily with stories trying to break Jessica Knapp down the issues to normal terThe Communicator minology. Taking all this into account, As a college student with as- how did Wall Street become too sets that equal the value of a 94 complex for even the so-called Geo Metro and debt less than experts and educated to under$200, all this talk of a mortgage stand? crisis, stock market crashing and There may not be a clear-cut banks failing only slightly makes answer to this question, but I sense to me. have a few ideas that others It’s not that I don’t want to may share. Not to beat a dead understand all that’s going on or horse, but President George worse that it’s not important for W. Bush may have some blame me to know. It’s that I don’t re- in this. As arguably one of the member a time that anybody has most educated presidents of all actually sat down, whether in a with a MBA in Business Admineconomy class or just in person istration from Harvard, Bush and explained the connection understands the economy. Yet, between government regulation we all question his intelligence and Wall Street, or big compa- on account of the bills he has nies like Fannie Mac or Sallie pushed through furthering naMae and interest rates. tional debt and deregulation of While researching for a sepa- Wall Street. rate piece, I searched through As a person who admittedly countless New finds talks of York Times, Wall the economic Street Journal and “How did Wall Street crisis head random economic spinning, even become too complex blogs in order to I can see why glean some sort for even the so-called his economic of understand- experts and educated theories don’t ing of what was to understand?” work in the going on in our long run. Cuteconomy. Durting taxes at ing this intense record heights search, it occurred to me that I in order to help out all people was relying on other journalists is all fine and dandy in my book that may or may not understand if it affects me right now, but this as well as other questionably looking into the future, it will reliable sources to make sense of not help to improve an already what directly affects me as an high national debt. Neither will American citizen. starting wars and policing naAm I and other uneducated tions we do not belong in. But students the only ones strug- besides China who’s counting all gling to comprehend credit de- that foreign affair debt anyway? faults and the effect of this $700 Letting Wall Street bankers billion bailout plan? run their own show without As a student of journalism, much regulation is like letting a I struggle not only to compre- 4-year-old run around in a candy hend for myself the complexities store without any sort of adult of this economic downturn, but supervision. At least that’s what also to explain to others clearly it looks like to me, a person only how it works. It is apparent to slightly educated in economics. me that those other journalists This lack of regulation has I have been relying on to break created a runaway Wall Street, it down for me are struggling causing complexities even the as well. National Public Ra- educated cannot comprehend. dio or NPR has created its own blog space recently called Planet Money, dedicated to helping Contact Jessica at average people understand the (509) 533-3602

In My Terms

Economic self-appraisal Enough is enough

Joshua Pearce

The Communicator

The American dream is being recast as the one who reaches the grave with the most debt wins some sort of twisted game of ‘I am the most ignorant fool on earth.’ If we look at ourselves rather than Wall Street we would find a place that powerlessness over our situation will cease to exist. The blame game is not a solution to any problem. It is our own greed and lack of responsibility, not the markets, which put us in this troubled situation. Our own deviant behavior can be attributed to the demise of the ideal of a happy and healthy economic status in the world and at home. The truth is that we are all a bunch of crying babies that pound on our highchairs when things do not go as planned. We lack foresight and common sense when it comes to economics. Our best efforts, to be better than the Jones’, are the driving force that perpetuated our lack

of sustainability and sensibility in the realm of finance. We buy SUVs at 32 percent interest compounded over the next 84 months, charge up our credit cards to the max and then turn around and consolidate all these charges on second and third mortgages with variable interest rates, in hopes of looking good to the others living in our neighborhood who can not really afford to live there either. Learning to adapt to any given situation is a skill that should be taught in Elementary school. We as Americans try to change circumstance to meet our desires rather than change our desires to meet circumstance. To be upset over today’s economic shortfalls is acceptable and frankly deserved, however to put all the blame on the current Administration and the markets is truthfully dishonest. It is apparent to me that the current Administration has failed, however it does us no good to find a scapegoat at this stage of the game. It is only when I take responsibility for my actions that I have the power to do anything about my future decisions or current situation.

I believe that if we accept where we are and change what our strategy is to live happily, we then have the ability to do so. I am not saying that we sweep lessons learned under the rug or recklessly pardoning those that have wronged us, however acceptance is the key to living without delusion. We can all do more to help fix the situation that we are in. If we vote responsibly, spend reasonably and are rigorously honest about our instant gratification tendencies in the American culture, we have a chance. If not we are all screwed on a level that is larger than I am willing to subscribe to. To those that pay their bills on time and live realistically I would like to say thank you in advance, because it is all of you that will ultimately bail us all out. I someday hope to join in the effort, as for now I am still hoping to win the lottery and complain about the price of gas for my Ferrari, the color of my mansion and the death tax.

Contact Joshua at (509) 533-3602

Superstar athletes salaries skyrocket as economy plummets Chalk Talk Madison McCord The Communicator

With the recent economic downturn, many Americans have been left pondering their fiscal future. In extreme cases, some have been left without any retirement plans, stock benefits or even jobs. In the worst recession since the Great Depression in 1929, every American is stuck in a state of panic. That is everyone except professional athletes. On average, professional ath-

letes in the four major American sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL) make over $2.3 million a year. With salaries ranging from third-string left guards in the NFL making 500,000 per year to New York Yankee third baseman, Alex Rodriguez making 25.3 million, these athletes incomes are astronomical. If you look into the sports archives, such legends as Jackie Robinson or Jim Brown broke barriers but were only paid salaries equivalent to doctors or lawyers. They played for the love of the game and for the fans. Compare that to recent years where NBA stars refuse to visit the cancer ward of a chil-

dren’s hospital without some year. Now that we can realize there type of endorsement from said is a problem we can find a soluhospital. tion. Option one is obvious: cut Although most athletes only players salaspend one ries. By payto two “On average, professional ing players years in half of what college and athletes in the four they currently then leav- major American sports get you can ing with leagues make over $2.3 boost the area no degree million a year...these economy by to fall back athletes incomes are placing the on, they other half are deemed astronomical.” into said city. superstars. According to Fi n a l l y, the U.S. Centhey get sus, the average income for an signed to that first round draft American household is 48,000, pick contract worth two houses in Aspen, eight Lamborghinis by cutting salaries in cities with and three Playboy Bunnies a professional sports teams like

Seattle, Portland or Salt Lake City you can disperse the money raising the average income and in turn, the local economy. It is safe to say that making athletes feel more like humans instead of superstars won’t instantly put the U.S. economy back to where it needs to be, but it will help. I’m not saying that what professional athletes do is not impressive, they have had to work extremely hard to get to where they are in life, but I feel that they are being over compensated for what they do.

Contact Madison at (509) 533-3602

Edited By: Samantha Blehm

eatures

October 16, 2008 • Page 5

Students helping students

Zac Whitman/The Communicator

Students gather information about transferring to universities.

Looking past the falls Jean Loeffler

The Communicator

Sarah Radmer/The Communicator

Josh Basart and Karen Mannina participatie in a tutoring session, helping more than one on one.

A studying safe house for students Jean Loeffler

The Communicator Secrets in academic success are found deep in the library, in room 103, the tutor center. To students like Emily Marzalek, 16, help students in subjects English and biology. “The best students go to tutors,” said Emily. Tutors like Emily are now available for tutoring students everyday thanks to a title three grant. Title three grants give money to student support programs. With the grant money the school is able to offer a tutor for 12 subjects. The best thing about the tutoring service is that they are free to all SFCC students. Science tutoring is offered in the science building where the schedule is posted outside the door; subjects like chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology are offered. English tutoring is located in

day Mondays thru Thursday. He the library in room 103, where is a nursing major that is here on Emily tutors. SFCC campus from SCC for Math, logic, accounting and two quarters. “We are here and Spanish are located in Building waiting,” said Cahoon. 24 Room 329, for fall quarter For information on times please only. visit, their website. http://www. Donna Newman, who leads spokanefalls.edu/Resources/ the tutoring program, is new to Support/PeerTutoring.aspx SFCC. While SFCC plans to build a new tutor center in 2011, Contact Jean at finding room for tutor space is (509) 533-3602 hard. The tutor program is also new to SFCC. “We have lots to learn, we check with other school’s [best practices] and we follow things that are tried and true and use them here,” said Newman. “Teachers can only teach in a certain way. We offer more than one on one help,” said Joshua Cahoon. Cahoon is a chemistry and biology tutor; Sarah Radmer/The Communicator who is available for most of the Bill Manual and Everett Smith duing tutoring.

In the student union building, (17) the transfer fair featured all colleges in WA to talk with SFCC students about their transfer programs, credit requirements and financial aid status. “I like the advantage of talking with someone instead of a longer task trying of finding things online.” Tanell Laforte, a 21-year-old SFCC student majoring in business management said. Another SFCC student, Mark Kilner, 24, who wants to get a B.A in business/ public administration talked only to University of Washington. He found the Tacoma campus has expanded for freshmen and sophomores. Kilner commented that SFCC did a good job having more universities outside the Spokane area; such as Bastyr, Evergreen and PLU. Lindsay Bailey represented the

college Bastyr, which is a natural science based college located outside Seattle. Established 30 years ago, Bastyr offers undergraduate and graduate programs in natural health. Bastyr’s programs include health psychology, herbal sciences, nutrition, acupuncture and oriental medicine. Transfer students must have a 2.25 GPA. Jerad Sorber represented Evergreen, located in Olympia. Evergreen is a four year liberal arts college of arts and sciences. Evergreen requires a minimum of 2.0-2.5 GPA. They have a direct AA transfer from SFCC, studies ranging from visual arts to law science and pre-med. Bobbie Walston represented Pacific Lutheran University, located in Tacoma. PLU is best known for their school of nursing, business, arts and communication. PLU requires a 2.50 GPA. Contact Jean at (509) 533-3602

A fair way to find jobs Sarah Radmer

The Communicator With more than twenty companies in attendance, SFCC held their annual Fall Job Fair hosted by the Career and Student Employment Center. Students were able to explore job opportunities that were offering a variety of positions. The event took place on October 7th, in the SUB, lounges A and B, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Violet Kosyachenko, a careers student employer at SFCC, helped to organize the Job Fair. “It brings opportunities to people who donít put themselves out there. The employers always give people a shot,” Kosyachenko said. Bonnie Moerschel, a student from the 2008 spring quarter, came to the Falls to take advantage of the Fair. “It gives you an idea of whatís available in Spokane.” Moerschel said.

Moerschel currently volunteers at the Shriners hospital, but has been looking for a job and felt the Fair was a good place to meet potential employers. Companies held booths with both full time and part time positions available. The representatives were anxious and willing to work with students schedules. Also hosting booths were recruits from the United States Air National Guard, Army National Guard, and United States Army. Peter Higa, a recruiter for the Air National Guard was hoping to recruit students. “[We are looking for] anyone who could benefit from what we have to offer and who could benefit us with what they have to offer,” Higa said. The Air National Guard gives recruits a chance to transfer to a four year university. The Army National Guard

See Job fair page 6

Features

page 6 October 16, 2008

Job Fair

Continued from page 5 also offers higher education programs. They can award up to $4,500 per year for tuition and offer a $20,000 enlistment bonus. The National Guard trains recruits in over 200 jobs, according to SSG Ricardo Duran. Full time student, Emily Bickerstaff, is currently employed but came to the Fair looking for a part time job that offered more hours. “It’s really nice of people to come to us. I wouldnít know where to look.” Bickerstaff said. Ronna Patty, a nursing student, came to the Fair to see if there were jobs being offered in the nursing field. “ìIt would have been nice to see a better representation of nursing jobs, since there are so many of us at the Falls.” Patty said. Heather Kvokov, a Human Resources Specialist for Spokane County, was

advertising up to forty potential positions. Most of the jobs they were offering were full time but Kvokov used the fair to advertise the possibility of working for the county in the future. “A lot of people were looking for part time positions, and weíre offering mostly full time. But I can talk to a lot of people and let them know about the county jobs for their degree.” Kvokov said. Trisha Wais, a full time developmental psychology major, came to the Job Fair with hopes to find a job with less of a commute. “The Fair was worth coming to.” Wais said. The Careers and Student Employment Center at SFCC offers job placement, work study, and job referral year-round. More information is available at the Student Employment Office. Building 17 Room 226.   Contact Sarah at (509)533-3602

jolene Denny/the Communicator

Students gather information on jobs in Spokane area, including Costco.

Teacher Feature

Communicator File photo

Hilary Vandenbark

The Communicator Laura Read has been teaching her whole life. In eighth grade, her teacher split her class up into groups, with one person in charge of the table. Read was in charge of her group. Read said she is very shy but most people would not believe it. But overall, this experience positively affected her decision to become a teacher. “It was fun to help people with their writing,” Read said of her eighth grade classmates. Read was born in New York but moved to Spokane when her father took a job at Gonzaga University. Read’s parents were both professors at GU, her father taught religion and her mother taught Sociology. Read said that her father died when she was young and her mother had a huge impact on her life and her decision to

become a teacher. Read said her career matches her interests well because she enjoys writing and reading. She mostly reads novels and writes poetry. She said that she’s always been an indoor person. “You know curl up with a book,” Read said. Even earlier than eighth grade, Read had found her passion for teaching. She said as a child, she would teach her stuffed animals. “We went through all the subjects,” Read laughs. “My panda bear is very well educated.” Read has taught at SFCC for 10 years. Before SFCC, she taught high school English at Meade High School for one year, but decided she didn’t like teaching high school because the students would not listen. Read decided to go back to school for her MFA at EWU so she could teach at a Community College. After she graduated, she got a job here at SFCC. Read teaches literature, composition, and creative writing. “I remember my first day, I was so nervous,” she said. Her first class was a creative writing class, Read said she loved the students and loved teaching. “I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Read said. “Because this (SFCC) is such a great school, too.” Read said the thing she enjoys most about teaching is seeing her students feel good about what they do. “I like seeing them discover things they can do,” Read said. Contact Hilary at (509)533-3602

The Communicator

Student and faculty blood drive

Madison McCore/The Communicator

SFCC students donate blood, during the years first on campus blood drive.

Heather Jones

The Communicator On October 9 2008, the Inland Northwest Blood Center (INWBC) held their quarterly blood drive on the SFCC campus. All SFCC students, faculty and administrators were eligible to donate permitting they met the requirements set in place by INBC. Donors must be at least sixteen-years-old; with parental consent and be in good health standing. The Inland Northwest Blood Center comes to SFCC, on-campus, once every quarter. They had forty people register; out of those forty they hope to get thirty-two units of blood donated. “Eat a good meal two hours before donation and drink a lot of fluids,” said Terri Niska, the conductor of the blood drive said. After the students gave their blood, they must stay for ten to fifteen minutes after while having a cup of water and a snack; which are given to the students by Terri and her fellow workers. Students must wait approxamietly eight weeks before

another donation. INWBC also offered what they called double red cell donations; which takes only the red blood cells and separates the plasma and white blood cells, students who chose to do this must wait approx. sixteen weeks. “Students cannot participate in excessive exercise the day of donation, or heavy lifting; but the day after you may exercise,” Niska said “I donated at first just so that I could find out my blood type; but after that I did it just so that I could help others,” Paul Neibauer, 18, a business major said. “I will eventually donate again.” “I was encouraged by the college to donate blood.” Dennis Muttuon, 38, a social work major said. “I have donated at other places, and I will donate again.” INWBC has four buses in Spokane; and the fifth one is located in Lewiston, ID, you can also find the Inland Northwest Blood Center at Spokane Valley Hospital, every Monday from two to six p.m. Contact Heather at (509)533-3602

page 7 October 16, 2008

Special Feature

Photos by: Madison Mccord, Connor Keogh, Jessica Knapp, Allen Strover, and Judy Johnson. Designed by: Madison McCord and Judy Johnson

The Communicator

Page 8 • October 16, 2008

A&E rts

Edited By: Hilary Vandenbark

ntertainment

Display of faculty pieces

Megan McRoberts The Communicator

Rea Droter/The Communicator

Group Gun of the Sun rapping their beats for the crowds at the Terrain show at The Vault.

Art show brings culture to Spokane Poets, artists and taggers display work Megan McRoberts The Communicator

Spokane got its first taste of a new kind of arts and music tour which delivered an exciting night of music, visual art, photography, poetry and outdoor graffiti art. Wonderland Collective, an organization dedicated to young artist, put the Terrain show on. It took place on Oct. 3 at The Vault, the tour covered several floors. Admission was free and the event lasted from 5 p.m.1:30 a.m. Downstairs was a bar for the 21 and over crowd while ground level offered musical performances by Mint Chicks, Hockey, Kevin Long, Gun of the Sun, Matthew Winters, Kaylee Cole, and Dane Ulend. Various writers read their work on stage. SCC English instructor Maya Jewell Zeller read four poems throughout the night.

“I think Terrain was indicative application form before the of a culture shift in Spokane,” deadline. said Zeller. “They are trying to make Zeller says Spokane has been Spokane more cultured,” Long primarily viewed as a “family said. town.” While she does not Long, 24, Spokane native lives consider this a negative thing, in San Francisco and is a singer/ she believes that young adults songwriter. who don’t have kids are hungry “We just want people to for a scene to belong to. hear our music,” said Freetime Mariah McKay, 24, (coSynthetic, 31 of Gun of the organizer of Terrain) attended Sun. a similar event underneath a Upstairs, featured visual bridge in Portland , Ore. while art throughout the hallways she was attending Reed College. and small rooms. The first “Their music and exhibit on the 4th floor was a performance was less diverse,” series of photographs by RoJo said McKay. Bose. “Flags of Our Fathers” McKay also said the event in and “Pleasant Toilet” were Portland examples of had the her work. “I think Terrain was same In a small number indicative of a culture shift in room at of the end of Spokane,” artists, -Maya Zeller the hallway, but an exhibit it costs done in $10 while Terrain was free. charcoal and a visual projector “The criteria for selecting done by Scott Kolbo was artists was they had to be displayed. Hanging next to this 18-35 and actively engaged in exhibit was a three part piece the culture of our region,” said entitled “Heavy man hears his McKay. kid say the f-word.” The artists also had to submit At the end of this floor there digital images of their work, was a small TV. showing “James an artist statement, and an Pants Video.” Self described as R&B,Rap, and New Wave, James Pants is from Spokane and is currently touring Europe. This event, sponsored by the Platform Booking, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, KYRS thin air community radio, was a success according to the organizers. Artists could enter the show at no cost. Ryan French, 28, Spokane artist and former SFCC student missed the deadline to get his work in due to being in Hawaii. “Hopefully there will be more events like this,” French said. Rea Droter/The Communicator

The entrance to The Vault where the Terrain Festival took place.

Contact Megan at (509) 533-3602.

For returning SFCC students, the art instructors at SFCC presented the faculty art show, “While you were away.” The exhibit, located in Building 6, the Faculty show contains all types of media. From charcoal on paper to acrylic on wood, the gallery displays just about everything in this exhibit. The SFCC art Gallery is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. “The Faculty Show” runs until Oct. 22. “Mother of the Living,” by Cyndy Wilson, a female image done in charcoal appears on the left wall. David Saling’s piece “No Place like home,” an acrylic on wood image of a man in a tool belt appears in the right hand corner. For students who enjoy ceramics, “Carry On,” is a piece by Martis Neeno made with plaster and other materials. Tom O’Day , Head of the Art Gallery, is displaying a

multimedia piece entitled, “Exhume.” This is a project he has been working on for 20 years in which he buried 30 works of art outside the former fine arts building at Whitworth University. O’Day and guests recently dug these pieces out of the ground. According to O’Day about 50-60 people came to the dig. O’Day plans to put the pieces back together for an exhibit at the Brian Oliver Art Gallery at Whitworth University this coming Spring. On the day the show ends, Allison Saar will be a guest lecturer. Saar is an Los Angeles artist who mostly does sculpture. The lecture will take place at Sub Lounge at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 22. SFCC invites one artist per quarter for the art lecture series. For more information about the fine arts gallery and the “While you were away” exhibit visit spokanefalls.edu. Contact Megan at (509) 533-3602.

Sarah Radmer/The Communicator

Martis Nenno’s Carry On made from ceramic, wood, and plaster.

Pick of the week:

Japanese water bottle launch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4cNyQSVZo

Arts & Entertainment

The Communicator

October 16, 2008 page 9

Retrofits returning to perform

Contributed by The Retrofits

Four of the five band members of The Retrofits posing for a publicity photograph. The band consists of five members, Oken-Berg plays the piano and sings lead vocals. He is native to Portland, Oken-Berg has been writing songs and playing the piano since the young age of five. He studied voice, guitar and piano, while participating in the choir at Pomona College in Los Angeles. Rea Droter Vocalist and guitar player, George The Communicator McCleary moved to Portland when he The Retrofits are returning to SFCC, to was eight, and has been playing the guitar and singing his own creations of songs showcase their indie and jazz sounds. since he was 13. They will be sharing their new singles Brud Giles is the drummer. He moved titled What I’m Missing and Hands in to Portland in 1995. Brud started the the Dark. drums when he was 20. But despite his “We are looking forward to playing at late start, the drums have been his drive SFCC again, and we can’t wait to share since and nothing has held him back. our new singles,” Jake Oken-Berg said in Dusty Brooks plays the bass and Jason an email. Barlow is the band’s violinist. The Retrofits are visiting SFCC on This is a great opportunity for students Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m. from Portland, Ore. to enjoy the upbeat tunes of the Retrofits. where they started from the ground and worked their way up to performing with Contact Rea at the popular groups Everclear and Pink (509) 533-3602. Martini.

Latest of singles to be played in band’s concert

SFCC Activities Announcement Board From Oct. 16 to Oct. 30

Sponsored by The SFCC Bookstore for use by SFCC student services & SFCC clubs.

Edited By: Allen Stover

Sports

October 16, 2008 • Page 10

CCS volleyball beats Yakima Valley in first White Out Fans bring out the best in players

Allen Stover

The Communicator

The SFCC gymnasium was filled with the echoes of CCS fans, dressed in white, cheering the Lady Sasquatch volleyball team to victory over the Yakima Valley CC Yaks in the inaugural White Out Wednesday volleyball games. Two minutes before the match, the audience quickly found seats in the bleachers as both teams went through their warm up exercises. Among the crowd of enthusiasts, were the CCS men’s basketball team who came to support the volleyball players. “We bring the energy,” said Kevin Bond, CCS men’s basketball player. “We’re letting them know we’re here to support them.” According to the Scott Kramer, CCS men’s golf head coach, it was the CCS men’s basketball team who originally came up the concept of White Out Wednesday after the Big Pink volleyball event one-week prior, where CCS athletes came to support the volleyball team in their game against Columbia Basin. “The men’s basketball team led

Melissa Ross

The Communicator There is more to a student athlete than what a person may see on the soccer field or the cross country trail. The mind of an athlete can have a number of different levels, which many non-athletes may not understand. When they slip on their jerseys the mind set can change and they may turn into an entirely different person that what we know in the classroom.

Allen Stover/TheCommunicator

The CCS Volleyball team celebrates at center court. Their fans in white t-shirts leave the gymnaisium, awaiting the next match.

the spirit team that night,” said Kramer. “Their idea spilled over to the volleyball team and the girls promoted it.” In addition to the crowd, staff who worked the game also enjoyed the atmosphere of White Out Wednesday. “I think it’s cool if it gets people to come to the games,” said Sarah Petrino, CCS women’s basketball player and ball-shagger. From the opening whistle, the

Amy Durrance is a runner on the CCS Cross Country Team. “I am different from the trail to the classroom to just spending time with my friends,” Durrance said. Amy has been a student athlete since she was in the eighth grade, and is in her second year as a runner at Spokane Falls Community College. “I feel relaxed when I run,” Durrance said. “It’s like getting on a bike. Running is almost like my

fans roared as the Sasquatch and the Yaks went back and forth with strong serving and defense from both sides. By the game’s first time out of the first set, CCS had taken the lead 16-13. From there, the Sasquatch’s offense stepped up, earning CCS the first set, 25-14. Set two was similar with both CCS and Yakima Valley going back and forth, in terms of points and defense before CCS’s offense took control, winning

the second set 25-17. During the intermission, fans were treated to a Serving Contest where they had a chance to earn prizes while both teams went back to discuss strategies. In the third set, Yakima Valley began an early lead until CCS took back the lead. After the second time out, CCS finished the set and won the game with a score of 25-14. Aside from winning, another

“When the race is over there escape.” are also a number of things that For Amy running is a satisfaction. I does to wind down. Along “I feel strong when I do it, with the required team cool because it is one thing that I am off to stay loose, I usually talk quite good at.” to others about how they did For Amy being off the trail is and compares myself with my so much different for her than competitors when she is in my head,” running. Running is almost like my Durrance “I like the escape.” said ‘athletic -Amy Durrance, Amy also world’, I CCS Cross Country runner tries to guess better drink a lot than the of water to keep her hydrated world outside of sports,” Durrance after a grueling race, working to said maintain a healthy body as well Amy also talked about how as a focused mind. others have described her when As one can see the more she is both on and off the trail. competitive side of a person can “People have told me that I come out when he or she puts on look good and strong when I run. a sports jersey and steps on the That I look like I am really in my field. His or her personality may element,” Durrance said. seem completely different at that When not on the trail Amy time than when in the classroom. says that people describe her as It may be a side of that person a leader, outgoing, confident and that one will never see off that very friendly. field but, it doesn’t mean that it When preparing for a Cross doesn’t exist below the surface. Country meet Amy there are a The mind is a very complex number of things that she does, organ and it is possible that one starting with visualizing the trail may not know everything about the night before. a person until one sees them in “The day of the race, I will all aspects of that person’s life. usually get really quiet, I go over the course in my head and try to Contact Melissa at put myself there, and I try not to (509) 533-3062 talk to anyone” Amy says.

morale boost for the players were the fans in attendance. “Normally we don’t have that many people,” said Molly Blankenship, who had led the game in kills with 11. “It was good they came out.” Contact Allen at (509) 533-3062

Upcoming CCS Sporting Events Volleyball Oct 17-18 @ the Wenatchee Valley Crossover Tournament Women’s Soccer Oct 18 @ Columbia Basin College 12pm Men’s Soccer Oct 18 @ Columbia Basin College 2pm Men’s Golf Oct 17 Spokane Cup at MeadowWood Golf Course 12pm Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Oct 18 Runners Soul/ Bigfoot Open Spokane, WA @ Spokane Falls CC 10am For more information regarding CCS sporting events, visit their website: www.athletics.spokane.edu

page 11 October 16, 2008

Sports

The Communicator

The Cretin Hop

House of Sinister Rock n’ Roll Home of Projection Madness Spokane’s New All Ages Music Venue

Upcoming shows: Conner Keogh/TheCommunicator

Surrounded by green trees and dead grass Ben Ferguson fires throws his disk while Blake Wittig watches from behind.

Disc Golf soars into the hearts of SFCC students Sixties sport gains a following Conner Keogh Communicator

Disc golf, or Folf as it’s more commonly known, is a hybrid sport combining Frisbee and golf has been sweeping the nation. It was originally conceived by “Steady” Ed Headrick, the man who designed the first Frisbee for Wham-O Inc, a Californiabased toy company. The object of the game is to throw a disc from a tee pad into a metal basket in the least amount of throws possible. The Game is scored just like club golf, if the hole is a par three, the player must land his disc in the basket in three throws to remain at zero. If the player doesn’t make par the score will go up and if the player makes it to the basket under par the score will be negative. “Disc Golf is a fun past-time that anyone can learn. There are no teams, and it’s free,” said Blake Wittig, 18, an active musician and SFCC student. Just like traditional golf where a player uses different clubs for

10/17: Character Flaw, Idolatry 10/18: The Insurgence, Deadones USA, Reason for Existence, The Croups 10/19: Stormcrow, Scatterbox, Rutah Age of Neﬁlim, Merrick Diaries 10/24: Altercation Punk Comedy Tour, Sonic Death Ray, TBA 10/25: Lyrik Harrison Beneﬁt Concert 9 Bands inc; Deadones USA, Big Dirty Guns, Reason for Existence 10/31: Halloween Costume Show: Moral Crux, Deadones, USA, Reason for Existence

different approaches, a disc golfer A disc golfer also uses different stores and even Waluses different discs for different forms and throws to approach Mart, with prices approaches. the basket. The most common starting around $8. A Long Distance Driver, of these are the forearm throw “I like to see the named for its ability to fly long (throwing arm facing basket), discs soaring through distances, Sidearm the air, it makes me is usually (throwing arm feel warm inside,” said “Disc Golf is a fun past used for opposite to the Lars Erpenbach, 19, a time that anyone can learn. teeing off. basket), and the gardener for Manito There are no teams and it’s 1317 N. Howard Street Different vertical throw Park and SFCC free.” Spokane, WA 99201 drivers known as the student. -Blake Wittig, SFCC (509)- 327-7195 have tomahawk, used student and active www.myspace.com/ thecretinhop different to get the disc Contact Conner at musician www.thecretinhop.com flight over tree tops (509) 533-3062 patterns when the player and is in a sticky weights so that the player has situation. a choice for the right approach Spokane is home needed to reach the basket. to two disc golf The next disc is the Mid-Range courses; both within Driver; used to approach the three miles of the basket after a drive if the player is SFCC Campus. Fulfill someone’s lifelong still too far away from the basket One, the to putt. Downriver Disc dream by donating Once a player gets close enough Golf Course is your eggs. Fulfill yours to the basket to make the disc in located behind the a single throw, a putter is used. A Downriver Golf with the $16,000 IN THIS CASE UP TO $16,000. putter is lighter than the drivers Course, next to the we’ll pay you. For and is designed for accuracy. Bowl and Pitcher. It When putting a player will throw has 21 holes and lies more information, call the disc at the chains above the on the side of the 509-232-0134 or visit basket, the chains will stop the Spokane river bank, putter and drop it in the basket. and the second is the spokaneeggdonor.com. There are typically a plethora of 18-hole Highbridge Anonymity guaranteed. obstacles that must be avoided, Disc Golf Course in such as trees, bushes, rocks, Highbridge Park. hills and sometimes water. A Discs can be player must also factor in wind bought at most resistance when he putts. sporting goods

GIVE AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE.

CREF | SFCC | 4.75 x 7.75 | B&W

page 12 October 16, 2008