The Advocate, Issue 11, December 7, 2012

Gresham, Oregon | December 7, 2012 | Volume 48, Issue 11

advocate

The independent student voice of Mt. Hood Community College

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Troubled waters for WLEE students Mike Mata The Advocate

With its flagship instructors still on administrative leave, the students of WLEE are making progress towards completion of the program – but at a cost.

Second-year Wilderness Leadership Experiential Education (WLEE) student Kevin Yule said much has changed with instructors Bryan and Kim Anaclerio being put on leave. “Drastically. Bryan and Kim did seem really busy, but they always had the permits and everything always worked out,” he said, adding that the program was based on hands-on-learning and learning through experience.

“When things first started going bad, we were having a circle meeting and they (the college administration) came and pulled Bryan off to the side,” Yule said. “And it was kind of weird and it felt disrespectful that if they needed to talk to Bryan, do it on their time, not on our time, because we’re paying students. That was kind of irritating.”

The Anaclerios were placed on leave last spring.

The administration and the office of the Oregon secretary of state conducted an investigation into claims made against the couple and the WLEE program, which included mismanagement of funds and reimbursements, inventory issues and conduct around students, according to a press release from the MHCC website in October.

Yule reports the program went a little downhill and, then, “I noticed that once they (the Anaclerios) were gone, it became a shit-show because everything went down the tubes… I don’t think they (the college administration) calcu-

lated for when they took away Bryan and Kim, they didn’t seem to have a plan other than removing them. They didn’t think how that would affect students. The students became secondary.”

Yule pointed out that instructor Shane Conrad has “stepped up as best as he could and saved everything” since the Anaclerios’ departure.

Jimmy Story, a third-year WLEE student, said that morale was the biggest negative from the Anaclerios’ exile.

“When we found out that they weren’t here it was like hitting a brick wall. Luckily…

(Shane has) been our savior,” said Story.

Ben Walsh, a second-year WLEE student in his fourth year at MHCC overall, said, “I noticed that it become really hectic to get things figured out, including schedules and internship stuff. A lot of it is because we have one person trying to the do a job that they had three people doing.”

During that time, Yule said, “There were normal hiccups, but I think that part of the experiential education is that Bryan would let things play out because we’re in school to learn those things hands-on…

This isn’t the Boy Scouts. We’re learning how to be leaders and part of that is him setting us up in scenarios where we have to learn those things.

Story said the Anaclerios “allowed us to make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment. If it got too risky, they’d step in.

“They got to know us,” Story continued. “So, were able to know who could do what, as far as skills,” he said. The replacement instructors didn’t know the students’ abilities and therefore treated them all the same, regardless of skill level.

Don’t be late For a full schedule of Finals week, see Page 6.

Yule said the administration explained little when the Anaclerios were placed on leave. “They didn’t really tell us anything, because it’s an investigation. We knew what pretty much everybody else did, that they were suspended indefinitely,” he said.

Another aspect that negatively impacted students was the immersion term last year.

The immersion is where students are taken out in the wilderness for 35 days to test what they’ve learned and try to earn certifications in rescue skills related to mountaineering, white water rafting and climbing. The students are split into three groups and rotate between each skill every 10 days, with a few days’ rest between.

With the Anaclerios gone, the students who went on immersion were led by guides the college had provided.

“I’m pretty sure it affected (students) pretty greatly to learn that the guy who they had confidence in, (who has) been taking them out into the wilderness and has been teaching them these skills, now they were going to be handed over to somebody else from some company they didn’t know, so it’s not the same thing,” Yule said. “It’s not your instructor, now it’s a guide company.

Without being students, we can pay some guide to take us out into the wilderness, but you’re not learning what you should be learning like under your instructor.”

Yule said the high-angle rescue certification didn’t happen and that the mountaineering course happened on Mount Hood instead of at the Three Sisters as it was supposed to, because Bryan Anaclerio held the permits.

Walsh said all the classes required for completion of

the WLEE program have been offered, but that students couldn’t sign up for them until August.

Walsh and Yule said they never had a problem with the Anaclerios, and felt they could have worked out any issues that might have surfaced.

Regarding gear checkout – a point of allegations against the program – Yule explained that Kim Anaclerio would assign the students gear and would keep a log of any missing or damaged gear.

“I never was allowed to just go take stuff,” said Yule.

He said he never saw students simply grab gear.

“For me, it was kind of like passing the buck,” Yule said of the MHCC’s program oversight. “You put all this expectation on Bryan and Kim to lead these people out into the wilderness, but yet you don’t even know what your own systems are.

“You don’t even have your own checks and balances for them. So then when it goes bad, they’re the martyrs, the scapegoats,” he said of how the administration handled the situation. He had expected the administration to have a coherent back-up plan for its own program.

“I don’t know what Bryan and Kim were actually accused of, and what they did and didn’t do… but as far responsibility goes, the institution shoulders just as much blame,” said Yule.

Walsh said that MHCC administrators didn’t accept the WLEE students’ invitation to attend day trips and to learn how the program worked.

All three WLEE students interviewed are on track to complete the program by the end of the year. Bryan Anaclerio has not responded to requests for an interview.

tis the season As the holidays get closer, see our spread for infomation on how to give back.. pages 4-5

Never too early to begin graduation prep Dorothy Ocacio The Advocate

Graduation in June is not something most students are thinking of right now.

But for those taking the last of the required classes for a degree in the next two quarters, it should be.

The Admissions, Registration and Records (AR&R) Office recommends students apply for graduation two terms before their date of completing requirements for a degree or certificate.

Now is the time to learn the process of leaving MHCC, if you are a student close to completion. Admission applications and program requirements, such as writing samples, letters of recommendation, transcripts, FAFSA and scholarships applications, should be taken care of as soon as possible. Once those are in progress, housing and a job will more than likely be needed. When looking at a school for transferring, don’t forget to consider these things, as well.

An online application can be found on the MHCC portal, starting from the home page. Click on Current Students at the top of the page, then Graduation Information in the left hand column on the next page.

There is information on DARS (degree audit reporting system); transferring and transcripts; requirements for graduation; the graduation application; and more.

Among the requirements are at least 90 credit hours towards the degree and a GPA of at least 2.0.

After submitting the application, the student is informed by e-mail with an evaluation of progress.

For those who have attended other colleges before MHCC, official transcripts for those schools will be needed for graduation, if not already on file here.

The walk-in advisers, located in the Student Services Center to the right after entering the lobby, are available to help students. They can answer most questions

See “Graduation” on Page 6

Sports central: Our sports staff predicts bowl results page 8

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Opinion Dec. 7, 2012

Column: The tale of two terrors - end of the world scenarios End of the world scenario #1 Mike Mata

the Advocate

With the End Times only two weeks away, some people are no doubt readying their apocalypse bunkers with canned food, bottled water and a copy of Cormac McCarthy’s hit “The Road” to keep them company.

However, this is not the first prophetic doom-saying. Many early Christians believed the year 1000 A.D. would be the year of Rapture, the second coming of Christ. Nostradamus predicted in the sixteenth century the end of times via an Antichrist leading an army of Muslims to invade Europe.

In 1999, people pointed to the year 2000 as the point when all data would be destroyed due to a programming error.

The Cold War was also a popular time for the apocalypse. Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) posited that the Soviet Union and the U.S.A. could and might launch enough nuclear missiles to erase human life, either from outright explosions or radiation poisoning.

Some horror movies, such as “28 Days Later,” “I Am Legend” and “Dawn of The Dead,” and even some comedies like “Dogma” and “Shaun of The Dead,” handed out an endof-times theme that suggested the apocalypse through religious or biological means.

The recent craze for Armageddon owes to the end of a Mayan Long-Count Calendar.

The Long-Count Calendar was utilized by the Mayans and other Mesoamerican peoples to keep track of the ages, believing that humanity was currently in the fourth age, the first successful age created by their deities. However, the last Mayan Long-Count Calendar concludes on the day Dec. 21, 2012, or the date 12.21.12. The Mayans predicted that at the end of each Long-Count, an act of significance would occur. Some scholars interpreted this to mean Armageddon, hence the craze over Dec. 21.

Rather than one swift blow, however, it seems as though if the world were to end, recent events point to an unending chain of natural disasters rocking the Earth until humanity was snuffed out.

This may seem fantastical to some, but one need only look at the disturbing regular-

ity with which the American South and Southeast Asia get rocked with hurricanes and tsunamis to see the veracity of such a statement. Add the super storms that are beginning to appear in the Northern Hemisphere, the ever-present Ring of Fire along the Pacific coastlines and the shifting of tectonic plates to trigger earthquakes and you’ve got yourself a doomsday stew. It would take only a quick succession of these disasters to decimate the planet.

Skeptical? According to a magazine article on Science 2.0, the Pacific Northwest is due for a major earthquake, exceeding 8.0 on the Richter scale, within 50 years. Anyone who has taken an MHCC class with Shannon Valdivia will have heard her argument that the Northwest is woefully unprepared for such a cataclysmic occurrence. That would plunge this region of the world into chaos, and if in tandem with super storms, tsunamis, hurricanes and even tornadoes, the U.S. would be overwhelmed.

Make it a global occurrence and all peoples will be felled in droves. If the natural disasters don’t get us, the ensuing pandemonium

a n d anarchy could.

If you survive that chapter, then it’s a fight for survival.

And then, your copy of “The Road” will be of much help.

End of the world scenario #2 John Tkebuchava the Advocate

It’s finally here, everybody. Only 14 days left in the year, and no, I don’t mean the days until Christmas (which is 19, by the way). I mean the end of the year, the last year of all life, as we know it, on this planet. Yes, I am taking about December 21, 2012.

Truly the “Y2K” of my generation, the “doomsday” of doomsdays is hastily approaching. And, as it creeps ever so closer, many of us are wondering in just what fashion the world will be ending.

Will we see ourselves running, driving, flying, and falling amidst explosions and crumbling floors and buildings (somehow just scraping by, every time) just as John Cu-

sack did in his prophetic 2009 film, “2012”?

Or will Bruce Willis have to sacrifice himself once more, much to Liv Tyler’s dismay, to stop an asteroid from smashing into our planet?

Cheesy holiday flicks aside, there are many ways the world could conceivably end, some more likely than others.

With the popularity of shows such as AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, an apocalypse of an undead origin is certainly one of the more popular theories (eh, more like hopes).

Though hoping the dead come crawling out of their graves or even hoping a virus might mimic zombielike behavior in its hosts are a bit of a stretch, the chances of a killer supervirus are not so unimaginable.

With the rise of biochemical warfare, it will only be a matter of time before bacteria and viruses are engineered to function as deadly weapons.

After all, a virus is a much cleaner killer than a nuclear bomb. Though the victims may not die immediately on the spot as they would with an explosion, a properly developed killer virus should be able to kill within days, at most. After it has run its course, you won’t have to deal with the nasty side effect of nuclear weapons that is lingering radiation.

As is the case with all viruses, those nasty, invisible buggers are experts at adapting.

Even if by chance the nation that engineers this invisible killer might have a hidden “cure” for the virus it unleashes on the planet, a virus has no master. Its goal is to live off its host and mutate to survive as long as it possibly can.

Just like the governments in films always do (and as they like to do, in real life), it will have bit off more than it can chew, and the virus will turn on it as well, effectively wiping out all other life on the planet.

Personally, beyond the more flashy and “explosive” apocalypses we have conjured in our heads, I feel that such an end as predicted above is most probable. As such, the end will come much like T.S. Elliot once predicted in his famous poem, “The Hollow Men”. He writes that it would end, not with a “bang, but with a whimper”…though we can only hope the extermination of the human race might end on a more interesting note than some whimpering.

the advocate Co-Editors-in-Chief

Sports Editor

Reporters

John Tkebuchava & Mike Mata

John Tkebuchava

Photographers

Daniele Caldwell

Tyler Heyl

Associate Editor

Copy Editors

Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Jonathon Long

Kylie Rogers

Kylie Rogers & Dorothy Ocacio

Living Arts Editor

Webmaster

Shelby Schwartz

Logan Scott

Assistant Living Arts Editor

Photo Editor

Dorothy Ocacio

Jeff Hannig

Brandon Kissir Shaun Lutz Aaron Marshall Cameron Miller Danny Perez-Crouse Lisa Sorenson

Opinion Editor

Kayla Tatum

Jeff Hannig

Jackie Garrity

News Editor Mike Mata

Advisers Howard Buck Dan Ernst Bob Watkins

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

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

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

Living Arts

the advocate

Review:

Movie takes a peek behind FDR’s curtain

Jeff Hannig The Advocate

The film “Hyde Park on Hudson” is about closed doors and secrets, relationships and truth.

I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to, but I liked this movie. I kept waiting to be disappointed, but it just never happened.

There was a point towards the end where it sagged a bit, but overall it was incredibly

entertaining as well as revealing. I would recommend this movie to anyone who would be interested in any of the following hashtags: #periodpiece, #scandalous #womanizer #BillMurray, #history, #pastpresidents, #LauraLinney, or #Bertie.

Roger Michell, a South African director probably most well known for his 1995 movie “Notting Hill,” did a wonderful job depicting an untold story about a man who knew how to keep up appearances.

From the web: In this frame from the movie Hyde Park on Hudson, photographers snap pictures of FDR, played by Bill Murray, after he has settled in to his car and lit his cigarette.

Although not covered in the movie, FDR, played by Bill Murray, contracted Polio when he was 39 and was paralyzed from the waist down as a result. This is worth mentioning for two reasons: one, Murray is brilliant in his performance as a man constrained to a wheelchair and two, his disability plays a large part in the audience’s understanding of FDR’s strength, resourcefulness and shrewd cunning.

When King George VI, played by Samuel West, comes with his wife Queen Elizabeth, played by Olivia Colman, to visit FDR at Hyde Park, there is a scene where FDR uses his disability to form a stronger bond with George and ultimately the ties between America and Britain.

You may or may not have seen “The King’s Speech”, where Colin Firth does a marvelous job in portraying King George VI or “Bertie” – a king with a very pronounced stutter. Bertie and FDR are casually talking in FDR’s study after a dinner and Bertie is stuttering while reading a list prepared for him expressing the c o n cerns of his country w h e n

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FDR stops him short. With one swift sentence he puts Bertie at ease while also agreeing with the concerns he has not heard but anticipated. He does so by pointing out his own disability and relating it to Bertie’s. This was one of the most important scenes of the movie. Scenes like this one and many, many others were at the core of the film. This is a movie about what made FDR such a talented man of relations. The love affair he had with his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley, played by Laura Linney, and how he was able to keep that relationship from the rest of the world was one of the most entertaining parts of the movie.

The cinematography, done by Lol Crawley who has up and to this point has done almost entirely short films and a few documentaries, adds a lot to this movie. The opening scene for instance, does a great job of creating a beehive atmosphere that surrounds FDR’s life but is largely left out of view for the rest of the movie.

Key shots throughout the movie reminded me that we were watching FDR’s life from a completely new perspective. In the closing shot we see FDR being carried like a baby to his car, placed into the car and all the while the photographers are waiting for his cue, him lighting his cigarette, to snap their flashbulbs.

I recommend, “Hyde Park on Hudson” to those who love Bill Murray and would like to see him in a serious role, those interested in gossip and scandal and those interested in seeing a past president from behind the curtain.

Auditions for the winter musical bring together student and public talent Danny Perez-Crouse The Advocate

There was a large turnout at auditions for MHCC’s winter musical, “Rent.”

Auditions took place Nov. 28 and 29, and callbacks were on the 30th. The leads have already been chosen and released with Aidan Nolan as Benny; Cole Hampton as Roger; Elizabeth Sanchez as Maureen; Jeremy Wray as Tom Collins; Mariah Leewright as Joanne; Matthew Rowning as Mark; Peter Molof as Angel; and Vi Phan as Mimi.

Fifty people came out, with 29 of them rock n’ rolling their way into the fairly large cast.

Those wishing to audition were told to prepare a song, their lines, and to rock out.

“Rent” is a Broadway rock musical set in 1989 at the height of the AIDS crisis. It is about a group of young people dealing with AIDS, drug addictions, and other challenges. They forge a community and face these problems together.

Being from the 80s, the play will feature music of the time performed by a full live rock band, including wailing guitars and loud vocals. Theatre instructor Jesse Merz said, “It’s really something else.”

This musical will feature strong language, innuendos and adult themes that may not be suitable for children.

Rehearsals start Jan. 7, and run through Feb. 21. The musical will begin playing Feb. 22 and will continue through Mar. 3.

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Living Arts Dec. 7, 2012

the day tripper your weekly event planner

saturday 12.8

W Portland

The Crystal Ballroom will host the First Annual

Video Dance Attack Christmahanukwanzaa Party inside Lola’s Room.

A time

Participants are encouraged to bring their holiday sweaters and celebrate the season with VJ Kittyrox and holiday music videos.

Tickets are $6 and the event starts at 8 p.m. The Crystal Ballroom is at 1332 W. Burnside St. in Portland.

SAT. 12.8 & Sun. 12.9

Ne PORTLAND

The annual Crafty Wonderland holiday sale will once again take place today and tomorrow featuring over 250 artists selling handmade items such as art, accessories, paper goods, clothing and much more. Admission is free.

The event will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days in Hall C of the Oregon Convention Center at 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd. in Portland.

Story by Dorothy Oca Briefs by Katelyn Hilsen

A

..ll of the things go to the cause. Don that go with the mation found onlin holidays, including 503-226-4211. They ca shopping, sales and to Gas Assistance Pro parties, will often leave you exhausted and 300, Portland, OR 97 irritable. Not to mention, the stress of trying

The City o not to spend an insane amount of money. helps out Gresham r It is sometimes easy to forget what the Helping Neighbors P holidays are about, and that is giving to those 100 percent, go into less fortunate, and to anyone, really. Finding the vices supplied by th time and money to help out those in need during or to find more info N w PORTLAND the season can be near impossible while attending gov/city/departmen classes and carrying on a life outside of MHCC, 618-2373.

Portland Center Stage presents “The Santahowever.

Many utilit land Diaries,” a play written by David Sedaris Many of us are living on tighter budgets than in bill to make a donati based on his experience playing Crumpet the Elf years past, with not much money to help out. None- doesn’t have to be m theless, there are those going through much harder to help pay someone in Macy’s Santaland display. times, as many of us know. The list could go on and

If you are a Performance times are Tuesday through Sunday on as to how life’s unexpected twists can disrupt information for sign evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matipeople’s lives, such as losing a job or becoming dis- found on the utilitie nees at 2 p.m. and Thursday matinees at noon. abled. offices.

The play runs 70 minutes with no intermission For those who would like to help, there are

Radio Cab and tickets cost $30- $54. Shows will run through ways that require little time and a small amount families with the pro Dec. 30 at the Gerding Theater at the Armory 128 of money to cheer up someone’s Christmas sea- mas dinner. By goi N.W. 11th Ave. in Portland. son. Here, we offer some very reasonable ways tions.html, donation to “give” this holiday season. donations can be ma

One way to help that requires little Turkey Project Don time is donating money to the utility depart- Portland, OR 97209. ments.

The MHCC NW Natural Gas has the GAP (Gas has blue barrels set Assistance Program), which takes dona- land Police Bureau’ tions it receives to help pay the bills shine Division assist of those who are having trouble with food and clothi MHCC students need not be an Islander to be apart of Danny Perez-Crouse paying them. The ones receiving also can be dropped o The Advocate R.I.C.E. Membership is open to anyone interested in learnthe assistance are NW Natural land, OR 97227, from ing and sharing more about the mosaic of cultural tradiGas customers in Portland 3:30 p.m., Monday t There’s a club here at MHCC where the tropical breezes tions, language and celebrations related to the Pacific Isand the surrounding drop-offs can be foun flow and the hospitality is served with a little straw um- lands. area. One hundred more information on Club Adviser Robert Weinman said, with a good-nabrella. No, you will not go to any islands, but the R.I.C.E percent of do- tact criminal justice tured warning, “These students are welcoming, fun and Club can get you pretty close. n a t i o n s Gorsek@mhcc.edu The R.I.C.E. Club stands for Remarkable Islanders Cre- full of energy, but watch out: If they ask you to try some Sunshine Division, ating Excitement. The club was started four years ago by of their traditional food, enjoy the R.I.C.E., but beware the contact, e-mail k four Pacific Islander sisters, Jessica Phillip, Alexis Cabrera spice.”

The R.I.C.E. Club extends the island love by working and Sayoko and Ideara Sasao, all of whom came all from Belau, Chuuk, and Saipan (different Micronesian Islands in closely with Pacific Island student groups across Oregon and with other universities. It has plans for an exchange the Pacific) to seek an education at MHCC. The club’s purpose is to unite Pacific Islander students program between students at MHCC and students at of MHCC and to recognize and encourage students from Guam Community College. Scholarship workshops and Hands On Greater Portland is an organization that has m different nationalities to share their heritage and learn an annual Luau are events the club looks forward to, and it volunteer work more accessible and convenient by hosting we about different cultures. R.I.C.E looks to empower the Pa- is also very active in community service. and daily events and offering in-depth volunteer projects.

White, the group’s leader, said, “This club has taught cific Islander students by creating a positive educational projects that do not require experience or any ongoing com experience that reflects the best wishes of the institute and me how to come out of my shell a lot and be more outspoment, the group is motivating more citizens to help in the c ken and learn all the different processes with being a part the cultural upbringing of its members.

munity.

The R.I.C.E Club offers a unique perspective from stu- of a club. This club has supported me and my family in so Hands On accepts donations, but mostly focuses on organi dents who hail from islands and speak languages that may many ways; it is more like a family in many aspects.” volunteer work opportunities based around the schedules, i Weinman said his adviser role for the R.I.C.E Club is a be unfamiliar to many people. Some of the islands that ests and abilities of volunteers. members have come from are Guam, Chuuk, Yap, Saipan, pleasure. “Although, with their organization and energy, The organization was formed in 1996 by a group of fri there is very little I have to do,” he said. “I feel very lucky Palau, Tonga, Samoa and, new this year, Jamaica. seeking to re-create a hands-on type of volunteer work; it qu Some of the languages spoken are Chuukese, Cham- to have the privilege to work with this club.” became successful, gaining many volunteers every year, w If you are interested in joining the R.I.C.E Club, contact orro, Palaun, Hawaiian, Pidgin and Yapese. prompted the organization to start Hands On Washington Cou Club President Christina White said, “It brings a sense them via e-mail at R.I.C.Epic@mhcc.edu, or stop by one of of pride and joy when you are able to share differences their meetings. They meet from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. every Monday in the Bob Scott room in the MHCC Library. amongst one another as well as similarities.”

Tuesday 12.11

Club Feature:

Club offers perspective on island cultures

Hands on Portland

Living Arts

the advocate

to give

acio and Shelby Schwartz nbeck and Daniele Caldwell

nations can be made and inforne at nwnaturalgas.com, or call an also be dropped off or mailed ogram, 619 S.W. 11th Ave., Room 7205. of Gresham water department residents through its Neighbors Program. All donations, the full o the program help pay for serhe water department. To donate ormation, go to greshamoregon. nts/finance/utilities or call 503-

ties have a spot to check on the ion when a payment is made. It much, as it all adds up in helping e’s bills. a student in need of assistance, ning up for the programs can be es’ web sites, or by calling their

takes $20 donations to supply oduce needed for a hearty Christing to radiocabcares.org/Donans can be made using a card. Or, ailed to: Radio Cab Foundation, nations, 1613 NW Kearney St.,

C Criminal Justice Department out to collect food for the Port’s Sunshine Division. The Sunts Portland residents in distress ing, six days a week. Donations off at 687 N. Thompson St., Portm 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to through Friday. Blue barrels for nd in any Portland precinct. For n the MHCC involvement, conadviser Chris Gorsek, at Chris. u. For more information on the go to sunshinedivision.org. To kyle@sunshinedivision.

made eekly With mmitcom-

izing inter-

iends uickly which unty.

org or call 503-823-2131.

Barney’s Pantry, located in the Student Union here on the Gresham MHCC campus, is always accepting donations for their food supply.

If you are a student in need, this is great resource. Provided you have a student I.D., you are able to receive up to two items a day.

So, if you are a little tight on the money because of the holidays, take advantage of this service on campus and grab a few things for your lunch or dinner.

Another service that is offered on campus is “Something Wonderful,” a program that helps support less fortunate families during the holidays.

Campus groups, staff and students are encouraged to sponsor a local family and help them provide presents and necessities for their families.

The program generally starts in mid-November, but this can be a great idea to keep in mind for next year. Or, take the initiative and buy a few presents and wrap them up for the struggling family down the street. Take a plate of cookies to the poor college kids next door, or offer to help an elderly neighbor put up his or her Christmas lights.

This is the season of giving and helping out, being friendly and neighborly, so take a few hours out of your Saturday to help out at the Food Bank. If you don’t quite have the time to volunteer, then gather up all your old coats and sweaters and find a shelter to take them to. And, while you’re at it: You know you are never going to use those 10 cans of beans and soup in the back of your pantry, so throw those in the box, too, and get out there and give back.

SnowCap SnowCap is a “philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor,” founded in 1967.

You may schedule a time to volunteer at SnowCap during the holidays by contacting kari@snowcap.org. SnowCap also accepts any cans or bottles, which they turn in for money. They also accept cars, trucks and boats.

SnowCap is selling auction tickets for Feb. 9 at the Portland airport Holiday Inn; tickets are $60 a person. Donations made now will help feed a family during the holidays. You can find money and item donation details at http://www.snowcap.org.

Volunteers may operate computers, conduct interviews, pack food boxes, drive trucks, assist food drives, and more.

SOLVE There are five events scheduled before Jan. 8 in Multnomah County. Volunteers will pick up litter and trash at three events, and planting trees at two sites.

SOLVE has been in Oregon since 1997 and aims “to restore our natural spaces and take good care of this great state of which we are all so proud.”

The group hosts beach cleanups at which volunteers collect debris along the Oregon coast. A complete list of events can be found at http://www.solv.org.

Oregon Food Bank Volunteers would help independent, nonprofit partners of Oregon Food Bank to distribute food to the hungry.

You may stock shelves, prepare emergency food boxes, or help with office or maintenance work. Volunteers are needed during the week and weekends.

A list of the partner agencies, requirements, details and contact information can be found at www.oregonfoodbank.org.

Toys for Tots Toys For Tots is a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects new, unwrapped toys from October through December to give to less fortunate children in the community Christmas presents.

The program strives to show needy children that there is hope and goodness in the world by providing them with one of the many joys of Christmas: gifts. To get involved, donate a toy at a drop off location, host a Toys For Tots event or volunteer at the local warehouse. The charity also accepts vehicle donations and online donations by credit card or Ebay.

My Father’s House The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international evangelical Christian movement and charity designed to aid all ages and kinds of people, while preaching the gospel. The organization was founded in 1865 and currently operates in 126 countries.

The charity is well-known for its representatives standing in the entryway of grocery stores with a red kettle, soliciting donations during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army accepts donations of money, old vehicles (working or not), and household items such as clothing, furniture and cookware. It also welcomes volunteers. To get involved, visit www.volunteermatch.org. The Salvation Army is also accepting donations for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

5

My Father’s House was founded in 2000, and aims to help homeless families get back on their feet by teaching them life skills. The facility on Powell Street in Gresham allows the organization to help more than 120 families each year.

Volunteers may help in the childcare center, computer lab, donation center, or with driving, family night, fundraising, maintenance, mentoring, and more.

Before volunteering, you may set up a house tour for a group of five or more by contacting sara@familyshelter.org.

A wish list of items currently needed by families, as well as donation information, can be found at http://www.familyshelter.org.

6

News Dec. 7, 2012

Finals schedule Class Starts 7:00-7:59 a.m.

8:00-8:59 a.m.

9:00-9:59 a.m.

10:00-10:59 a.m.

11:00-11:59 a.m.

12:00-12:59 p.m.

1:00-1:59 p.m.

2:00-2:59 p.m.

3:00-3:59 p.m.

4:00-4:59 p.m.

5:00-5:59 p.m.

MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF MWF

Class Starts 7:00-7:59 a.m.

8:00-8:59 a.m.

9:00-9:59 a.m.

10:00-10:59 a.m.

11:00-11:59 a.m.

12:00-12:59 a.m.

1:00-1:59 p.m.

2:00-2:59 p.m.

3:00-3:59 p.m.

4:00-4:59 p.m.

5:00-5:59 p.m.

Exam time and day 8-9:45 a.m.

Mon, 12/10 8-9:45 a.m.

Mon, 12/10 8-9:45 a.m.

Wed, 12/12 10-11:45 a.m.

Mon, 12/10 10-11:45 a.m.

Wed, 12/12 12-1:45 p.m.

Mon, 12/10 12-1:45 p.m.

Wed, 12/12 2-3:45 p.m.

Mon, 12/10 2-3:45 p.m.

Wed, 12/12 4-5:45 p.m.

Mon, 12/10 4-5:45 p.m.

Wed, 12/12

T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th T-Th

Exam time and day 8-9:45 a.m.

Thurs, 12/13 8-9:45 a.m.

Thurs, 12/13 8-9:45 a.m.

Tues, 12/11 10-11:45 a.m.

Thurs, 12/13 10-11:45 a.m.

Tues, 12/11 12-1:45 p.m.

Thurs, 12/13 12-1:45 p.m.

Tues, 12/11 2-3:45 p.m.

Thurs, 12/13 2-3:45 p.m.

Tues, 12/11 4-5:45 p.m.

Thurs, 12/13 4-5:45 p.m.

Tues, 12/11

Graduation: Preparation begins now and help to understand DARS, which gives a complete layout of progress being made toward a degree or certificate. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except for Wednesday, when advisers start at 10 a.m.

Also available to students is the staff at the Career Planning and Counseling Center. If you are unclear as to your future career or what you want to major in, the people here can give guidance. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and appointments are required.

To make an appointment, call 503-491-7432 or stop by AC 1152, a few doors down from the bookstore.

Students planning to transfer will have additional steps to take. To start, each school being considered should be researched for requirements, deadlines and any other infor-

mation to help determine if it is right for you. Look at the curriculum for the major you are interested in to be sure it is what you are looking for.

Application deadlines depend on the colleges being considered for transfer. Each has its own set of requirements for transfer students, as do various departments at each school.

Oregon Transfer Day is an event featuring at least 40 colleges and universities from Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho whose representatives will come to MHCC. Students can question advisers from these schools from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 31, in the Vista Dining Hall.

For more information, contact Calvin Walker at Calvin.

Walker@mhcc.edu.

A joint collaboration – between the Oregon Department of Community Colleges, Workforce Development and Oregon University System (OUS) – the Reverse Transfer Degree can get a student an Oregon Transfer Associate Degree from a community college after moving on to the next school.

Coursework completed at the next school can be sent back to MHCC for review of requirements met to obtain degree. There are just two steps to applying: Complete the online application for graduation and get official transcripts from each college from which credits are being transferred.

For questions regarding the Reverse Transfer program, e-mail ReverseTransfer@mhcc.edu.

Summer Jobs Career Fair takes on new partnership Kayla Tatum The Advocate

MHCC will host its 7th annual Summer Jobs Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 15 in the Student Union.

This year’s job fair is different. For the first time, the College & Career Center has partnered with MHCC’s Project YESS to combine the job fair with Natural Resources Career Exploration.

The Natural Resources Career Exploration portion of the event is open to anyone, ranging from high school students to adults, who might want to explore careers in natural resources and conservation.

Participants can learn about applying for federal government jobs and internships with agencies, including the Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife departments. They may learn how to turn a summer position into a full-time, career level job and can interact with natural resource professionals.

Bhaktirose Dawdy, MHCC career and academic group advising coordinator, encourages anyone interested to apply in January for summer positions.

Asked what the top mistakes students make when meeting a prospective employer at the

job fair is, Dawdy listed preparation and outfit choice.

“We surveyed the employers (at the fair) and they said they felt like students weren’t prepared for applying for the jobs. Being prepared is important,” she said.

Some tips she gives for students to succeed in landing a job: have an updated resume; dress professionally; and, be prepared to ask questions.

“Any company that has summer openings can be at the job fair,” Dawdy said.

The job fair usually draws about 400 attendees, but could draw more this time.

“This year we don’t know, since we’re combining it with career exploration,” Dawdy said. “We’re expecting it to be more than that.”

While many attend in hopes of earning a summer job, there are some people who visit just to observe and check things out.

“If you’re curious about it, attend. It is okay to dress casual, but for those who want the job, dress impressive(ly),” Dawdy said.

“It is important that everyone should stop by, even if you’re not ready to apply. Just get information,” she said.

The Summer Jobs Career Fair will be held in the Student Union of the College Center. For more information, contact Bhaktirose Dawdy, career & academic group advising coordinator .at 503-491-7526, or call the Advising & Career Center, at 503-491-7432.

Campus closure winter schedule Danny Perez-Crouse The Advocate

Winter break is almost upon us and that means the school will be closing down following finals week.

However, some services will still be available to students the week following finals.

Director of communications Maggie Huffman said the college has only closed once during finals in the past 46 years due to inclement weather. In case of a closure, individual instructors determine what action to take.

Be sure to have up-to-date contact information for each instructor for information on what will be done about a final cancelled due to weather. Also, go to the MHCC home page and register for free with Flash Alert, the campus’ system for closure notices.

From December 17 through the 21, all offices will be open. This includes administrative and student offices, so the College Center, Student Center, Humanities, etc, will all be available. The Library and Bookstore will also be open. Many of these services will run at the same hours they normally would. Vista will not be available during the entirety of the break.

Starting Dec. 22 the school will be totally closed with only Public Safety officers patrolling the campus, and will re-open to the new academic year on Jan. 3, with classes starting back up on the 7th.

Despite the scheduled closure, the Gresham Campus bookstore and library will be open to serve students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday Dec. 31 and Sunday, Jan. 2.

Activities of all kind, including performing arts performances/practices, instructional activities and events, student group activities, etc. are not to be scheduled without prior dean and/or vice president approval.

Employees that choose to come into offices during the extended holiday closure are required to check in with Public Safety upon their arrival to and departure from the campus.

—Dorothy Ocacio

Sports

the advocate

7

Young team looks to fight off early season issues Column: Severity of John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Poor rebounding was key at the Bellevue Invitational held last weekend, where the women’s basketball team went 1-2, losing to Highline Community College (76-47) and Big Bend Community College (59-40) before taking a win over Northwest Indian College.

Heading into the Invitational, head basketball coach Jocelyn McIntire said that rebounding and turnovers were something the team needed to work on. While the Saints did a good job keeping turnovers to a minimum, with a total of 34 points scored off their turnovers in the three games, they were outclassed in rebounds, finishing with 87 total to 145 by their opponents.

In their first game against Highline, freshman Leslie Capps led the team in scoring with nine points, followed by sophomore Hannah Mocaby, with eight, and freshman Whitney Warren, who tacked on eight points of her own.

The Saints struggled in their shooting for the first half with 25 percent, picking it up with 41 percent in the second half to finish at 33 percent for the game.

Nonetheless, in combination with the Saints grabbing only 23 rebounds to Highline’s 51, they went on to lose 76-47.

In the their second game against Northwest Indian, it was a completely different story for the Saints, who came out hitting on all cylinders.

Warren and Mocaby, who have become consistent, leading scorers on the team, scored 14 points each and sophomore Sadie Jenks produced 11 points.

Asked if she expects those two (Warren and Mocaby) to lead the team offensively the rest of the season, McIntire

said, “I do see both those girls as our scorers. I do expect all season that we will have a fairly balanced attack, though.

“Depending on the game, we may have people that catch fire, but in general, I think we will have a balanced attack,” McIntire said.

The Saints also went positive in its turnover margin, scoring 28 points to Northwest’s 10 points off turnovers, helping them win the game 71-51.

In their final game of the tournament against Big Bend, the team was put back in the position where it began the first game, going negative turnover margin and finishing with a paltry 23 total rebounds to Big Bend’s 54.

However, Mocaby had her best game of the tournament offensively She finished with 17 points and was 5-for-5 with her free throws.

Despite the stellar effort by Mocaby, the Saints lost the game, 59-40.

All weekend, the team was without freshman Kelsey Barnes, who went down with a knee injury at the Saints’ last tournament at the Clackamas Thanksgiving Tournament.

According to McIntire, her loss has been very tough on the team.

“Our starting post, and really, only post we have, went down,” McIntire said. “Without Kelsey Barnes, we are very, very short. So, we are in the process of having to re-evaluate our plan of attack this year.”

The basketball team has three tournaments/games lined up in this month: A home game against Walla Walla at 7 p.m. today; the Whatcom Crossover Tournament in Bellingham, Wash., Dec. 14-16: and the Lower Columbia Tournament, Dec. 28-30, in Longview Wash.

Gun control discussions erupt amidst Belcher’s suicide

Shaun Lutz The Advocate

Jovan Belcher was a 25-year-old young man, living out what many consider a dream - to be a player in the NFL. That dream ended last week, when Belcher took it upon himself to end his own life, as well as the life of his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins.

This sent emotions flying around the the National Football League, and social networking and other media outlets into a frenzy. Why did he commit such a selfish act? Why take his girlfriend’s life away and orphanize their three-month-old baby girl? What triggered this unfortunate and tragic incident?

We can only speculate.

Reports are due soon discussing the severity of head injuries in football players, which has been a focal point for some time now, even more so since the suicide of Junior Seau this past May. Some may say alcohol played a role, or Belcher’s mental state (which seems to be most evident) might have

contributed.

Everyone involved with the NFL has taken a stance after this murdersuicide took place. In one of the betterknown cases, Bob Costas of NBC Sports took the national stage last Sunday for his weekly 90-second monologue during halftime of the Sunday Night Football game.

Instead of giving a brief overview of the weekends high’s and low’s throughout the league, Costas addressed the Belcher incident. Costas is one of the most well-respected, acclaimed and knowledgable journalists in the industry.

He later explained that he was only trying to emphasize the phrase, “This really puts things into perspective,” which has become a cliché when it comes to tragedies in sports. Costas believes these incidents aren’t what should put things in perspective for fans and viewers alike, because, as he

upon himself to rationalize the events that took place.

He first claimed the Chiefs game shouldn’t have been played that day, then brought the hotly debated gun control issue into his article. Despite his right to have any opinion and voice that opinion, Whitlock turned this into a political discussion as soon as he opened that door.

“Our current gun culture simply ensures that more and more domestic disputes will end in the ultimate tragedy, and that more convenience-store confrontations over loud music coming from a car will leave more teenage boys bloodied and dead,” Whitlock wrote.

He also referred to society as “numb” when the topic of gun violence and murder is raised. I feel as though Whitlock is just using this instance as his own personal way to express a specific view of gun control, which isn’t right.

Be that as it may, the writer is allowed to express his opinions, as am I. In the end, an act this reckless seems more likely caused by emotional distress and not gun-related violence. What might be most haunting is whatever led Belcher to drive to the team facility at Arrowhead Stadium and kill himself less than a quarter-mile from the Chiefs’ home field - in front of his head coach, Romeo Crennel, General Manager Scott Pioli and other team personell.

Belcher’s diminished emotional stability, along with his volatile state of mind, caused this, not a weapon he possessed due to lack of gun control.

Triggers don’t pull themselves.

“...Whitlock is just using this instance as his own personal way to express a specific view of gun control.” put it, “if that was true, we wouldn’t have that perspective adjusted every time the next tragedy occurs.”

He has spent the past week taking the heat and explaining himself, so I won’t criticize or praise his opinions and the statement he made, considering it was a response to a column written by sportswriter Jason Whitlock.

However, Whitlock, a former Kansas City Star newspaper columnist, took it

Winterhawks punishment questionable Cameron Miller The Advocate

The Portland Winterhawks were recently handed the harshest team penalties in Western Hockey League (WHL) history.

WHL Commissioner Ron Robison suspended the Winterhawks from participating in the first five rounds of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft (of underage players), and stripped their first-round selections in the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 bantam drafts.

An OregonLive.com article quoted Robison: “Our independent investigation in this case revealed there were multiple violations over an extended period for player benefits that are not permitted under WHL Regulations and were not disclosed to the WHL.” There was also a $200,000 fine, and the WHL banned Portland head coach/general manager Mike Johnston from coaching and all other team duties for the rest of the 2012-13 season, including the playoffs.

Most of the infractions listed involve player benefits that went outside the WHL guidelines. These include airfare for parents who couldn’t afford to travel and see their children play and cell phones given to team captains, as well as special offseason training sessions.

While it makes sense the training sessions should be in question, it’s hard to understand how it could be unfair for parents to be involved in their children’s athletic career, or how a cell phone would give the team a better chance at winning.

Regardless, the Winterhawks have their hopes high this year and (through Wednesday) are a league-best 23-4-1-0.

Unfortunately, the largest impact this disciplinary action will have lies in the future. With limited draft picks, the chances of remaining competitive aren’t good. Also, the head coach and general manager may not be able to attend any WHL games for almost a year and may not even be allowed to scout talent.

Of critical concern to fans is the possibility a coaching change might damage the team in the short run. We are only one year removed from USC being banished from BCS college football eligibility for rule violations. Pete Carroll, head coach at the time, left the Trojans to become head coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

It is unlikely, however, that Johnston would be so quick to leave Portland, which still has high hopes. In a team statement, Johnston said, “Despite our objections, the league has made its decision, and our players will continue to pursue the goal of winning a WHL championship.”

The coaching duo of Johnston and Travis Green (top assistant named as interim head coach) seems to be a healthy one, bringing much recent success.

Portland hockey fans have been thrilled by consecutive trips to the WHL Championship Finals the past two years, and hope the team can finally win the Ed Chynoweth Cup this year.

I expect this season to be the best chance for the Winterhawks to win the championship for a few years. They have brought back an experienced and talented goalkeeper in Mac Carruth, and have a good blend of veterans and young talent. They also brought in a top NHL prospect in Seth Jones, an upgrade to their defensive presence and physicality.

Tonight, the Winterhawks host the Tri-City Americans (17-10-1-1) in the Rose Garden. They are likely to come away with a seventh straight win and maintain their WHL-best record. Game prediction, 6-1 Winterhawks.

8 Sports

Dec. 7, 2012

Men’s team starts off slow, hopes to rebound over break Aaron Marshall The Advocate

The MHCC men’s basketball team lost by a combined score of 184 to 149 this past weekend, falling to both Big Bend and Walla Walla community colleges.

“Defensive pressure is something that we did not do a great job of last weekend,” said head coach Geoff Gibor.

“We are a defensive-oriented team and if we are not disrupting the other team’s offensive sets, it will not work. We just need to play with confidence and stay tough,” said Gibor.

In Friday’s 83-74 loss to Big Bend, sophomore forward Colby Mitchell had 16 points and 16 rebounds in 36 minutes of play, while freshman guard Markeith Floyd added 13 points and four assists in 25 minutes of play.

Both are starters for the Saints.

“I am not set on a starting five right now, we have a long season ahead of us,” Gibor said. “If someone comes into practice and

outworks one of our starters with more consistency, then they would get the nod. I really look for guys who work well together, play defense our way and rebound the ball.”

For now, Gibor said the starters are Floyd (PG), freshman Landon Rushton (SG), freshman Brock Otis (SF), Mitchell and freshman Mac Johnson in the post at (PF) and (C). Forward Otis will miss this week’s games with a broken nose he suffered during practice.

After beating Walla Walla, 88-73, earlier in November during the Red Devil Classic tournament, the Saints lost to them on Saturday, 101-75. Mitchell had another doubledouble, with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Mac Johnson contributed with 18 points and nine rebounds. The shot only 36 percent from the field.

“We need to be more consistent shooting the ball. Our big guys had great looks versus Walla Walla,” said Gibor. “Defensively, we did not really disrupt anything they were doing. That was the difference from the first game: Once they got it going

Sport

from the three-point line, they were hard to stop.”

The Saints shot less than 50 percent from the field in both of the losses, but Gibor hopes for a change soon.

“As of late, we are playing with a lot of

volved more. At times, our offense has gotten stagnant. This makes it hard for everyone to stay engaged,” said Gibor.

Results of Thursday’s game against Wenatchee Valley were unavailable at The Advocate’s press time.

“As of late, we are playing with a lot of confidence offensively. We are still learning how to play with one another.”

Geoff Gibor Men’s basketball coach confidence offensively. We are still learning how to play with one another. We are much better shooters and scorers than (a team that shoots) 40 percent,” he said. “We are getting more and more comfortable every day with each other. I expect we will improve.”

Gibor said he is not too concerned. “We just have to get everyone in-

SC

The team heads to Vancouver, Wash., on Saturday to play Clark College at 7 p.m.

The team does not have any home games during the Christmas break, but will play Portland Community College at 7:30 pm. on Jan. 9, its first conference home game of the season.

entral

- Staff Bowl Score Predictions - Rose Bowl-

- BCS title Alabama Crimson Tide vs.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the BCS title game

Shaun Lutz The Advocate

Wisconsin Badgers vs.

Stanford Cardinal in the Rose Bowl

- Fiesta Bowl -

- Alamo Bowl -

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl

Oregon State Beavers vs.

Texas Longhorns in the Alamo Bowl

BCS Championship: Alabama 27, Notre Dame 13

BCS Championship: Alabama 31, Notre Dame 24

BCS Championship: Notre Dame 31, Alabama 28

Rose Bowl: Stanford 34, Wisconsin 13

Rose Bowl: Stanford 31, Wisconsin 21

Rose Bowl: Stanford 42, Wisconsin 21

Fiesta Bowl: Kansas State 38, Oregon 35

Fiesta Bowl: Oregon 45, Kansas State 38

Fiesta Bowl: Oregon 49, Kansas State 31

Alamo Bowl: Oregon State 31, Texas 20

Alamo Bowl: Oregon State 27, Texas 21

Alamo Bowl: Oregon State 34, Texas 17

Aaron Marshall The Advocate

John Tkebuchava The Advocate