The Advocate, Issue 12, January 13th

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Former MHCC student talks American Idol

January 13, 2012

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Brooklyn native becomes new Fireplace Gallery artist

Men’s basketball continues winning streak Volume 47, Issue 12

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Today’s date is one of three Friday the 13ths this year, sending some into a phobia frenzy

by Mike Mata The Advocate

Some people walk into an elevator, look at the floor levels — and freeze in terror. These same people look at a calendar and get rather nervous near the end of the second week of every month. They suffer from triskaidekaphobia. They fear the number thirteen.

And for all the triskaidekaphobiacs out there, here’s a heads up: There’s more to fear than today’s Friday the 13th. There will be two more this year, in April and July.

A fear becomes a phobia, according to MHCC psychology instructor Stephanie Cram, when it begins to interfere with how a person normally functions.

Triskaidekaphobia stems from many different mythological and ancient superstitions. Some of these myths point to Christianity in that Jesus and his disciples attended the Last Supper, with Judas purportedly being late to the meal and consequently the thirteenth member.

A similar story exists in Norse mythology, where twelve gods attended a feast in their version of heaven, Valhalla. However, the thirteenth god, Loki, interrupted the meal, becoming the thirteenth in attendance. A spear provided

by Loki is later used in an accidental killing of one of the gods, Baldr. These two examples have been used as support the superstition that when a thirteenth person intrudes upon a meal of twelve, one person will die within a year.

“I suspect that for the longest time it was kind of a Western phenomenon, maybe starting in Europe and spreading to the United States because it’s so old,” said Cram of triskaidekaphobia’s spread.

However, with the exporting of ideas and cultures linked to global trade, other corners of the globe may also be affected.

“I don’t know if there’s a hotel in say Tahiti that is missing its thirteenth floor. I would bet there is because people absolutely refuse to set foot there. I suppose I some ways, it makes it tied to the global economy. If you want a person’s business, you have to cater to their phobia,” Cram said.

“It’s a worldwide phenomenon. It’s bizarre.

There are department buildings, hotels, businesses that pretend—that’s what makes it irrational— that there is no thirteenth floor just because they number 12 to 14 or they rename thirteen ‘mezzanine’,” said Cram of the reach of triskaidekaphobia.

MHCC History Instructor Pat Casey called the phobia “[A]n interesting insight into human psychology, since there is still a floor above number 12, regardless of what you call it.”

Cram also said it takes a ”fairly high level of denial and rationalization to believe that it doesn’t exist when it does, anybody who can count knows that.”

According to a USA Today from Halloween in 2005, Columnist David Grossman explores some travel superstitions related to the number 13, citing how Fairmont hotels in Acapulco, San Jose, Quebec City and Vancouver don’t have thirteenth floors. He also adds that Air France, AirTran, Continental Airlines and Japan Airlines also skip a row 13.

“Phobias, lots of times, they just show up out of nowhere, no specific event really. People experience high anxiety when they are in a situation or just thinking about the object or thing that creates that anxiety,” she added.

“Avoidant behavior is you don’t want to have that fear experience, so that can really alter people’s behavior, in that avoidant way, where they literally will not go someplace where they think their phobia exists,” said Cram, adding that someone who fears spiders most likely wouldn’t fix burst pipes under their house in order to avoid a place that may contain their phobia.

In her classes she discusses the effect of triskaidekaphobia. According to Cram, most of her students dismiss it, yet when confronted with the scenario of staying in room 13, they become more suspicious.

This proves another point that Cram brought up, being that humans are suggestible to suspicions and paranoia, in effect looking for something they expect to happen.

Whether it is a day on the calendar or number on a door, the number thirteen continues to strike anxiety and plain fear into the hearts and minds of those who adhere to triskaidekaphobia. And that’s not taking into account any masked killers named Jason.

Board extends president’s term for second year

by John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Interim MHCC President Michael Hay’s contract was extended until June 2013 by the district board Wednesday night.

Though Hay’s contract extension was never mentioned verbally at the meeting, it was approved as a part of the consent agenda at the beginning of the meeting, along with a variety of “housekeeping” measures.

Asked why the contract extension was not given its own item instead of including it in the consent agenda, chairman Dave Shields said, “No particular reason. We had previously decided to extend his contract.”

Sara Williams, president of the faculty association who was present at the meeting, said, “It was a little bit unusual that rather than a description of the contract parameters in the board packet, they had a contact to view the public record. I thought that was a little odd.”

Asked if she felt Hay’s extension approval was underplayed at the Wednesday board meeting, Williams said, “I don’t feel it’s a contentious issue because they discussed extending Hay’s contract at the September board retreat and at the November board meeting, as reflected in the minutes for those sessions.”

The board agenda states that chairman Shields, as a representative of the board, negotiated the terms of the contract with Hay in December and that all parties agreed to the contract, extending Hay’s presidency to June 13, 2013.

The idea to extend Hay’s contract was first presented at a board retreat in September, where board member Rod Monroe suggested that the board extend Hay’s contract for two years.

The board took a vote, and all but Bob Coen reached a consensus in favor of pursuing a contract extension with Hay. At the time of the retreat, Coen said he did not know enough to make a decision about Hay’s extension.

Hay’s contract extension was then discussed during the board meeting in November, where Shields and other board members spoke of their satisfaction with Hay’s performance and publically announced their intention to extend his contract for two years.

At the meeting, board member Brian Freeman, in regards to extending Hay’s presidency said,

Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day There will be no school on Monday. In 1994, Congress designated the the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. For information on how to get involved in community projects, see Page 8.

Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, Oregon

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January 13, 2012

Editorial

Board could have followed different path in contract extension At Wednesday’s board meeting, the MHCC District Board of Education approved Interim President Michael Hay’s extension of term to two years.

While this may not sound unusually controversial, this was approved via the consent agenda in the board meeting. Therefore the board, without discussion, approved it.

In simpler terms, the board approved Hay to be the interim college president for another year without any public input or announcement.

When the board decides to keep such an impactful decision to the college like this, almost completely hidden from the public eye, it is neither ethical nor fair to the paying students and staff of MHCC. It’s an insult to students and staff alike.

The board may argue that Hay is simply serving as a temporary interim, so such an extension is not of any significance. But what they fail to realize is that many of the students that come to MHCC are not in it for the long haul. For many, Hay is the only MHCC president they will know, interim or not.

How would U.S. citizens react if after President Obama’s term ends, before a new president is even elected, a new interim president is secretly placed into power with basically no public hearing whatsoever?

While this is obviously an exaggeration, it does highlight the amount of publicity such an action should have warranted. Placing someone into a position of power that no one, besides the six board members, has had a say in, is rather a leap of faith on the board’s part.

The first stirrings of this move were at the September board retreat, where all of the board members minus Bob Coen agreed to extend Hay’s contract for another year. It was at the October meeting that the board talked about the extension with those in attendance at the meeting. When the Jan. 11 meeting came around, the words “contract extension” were not even uttered once.

The problem here is that most people at MHCC, students and staff alike, don’t attend board meetings. So, part of the burden to educate remains on their shoulders.

However, the board also ought to have made more of an effort to publicize this move.

As happy as we at The Advocate are to provide knowledge as a public service to our fellow students, it is troubling that we are having to write such an editorial, revealing to our fellow students who their president will be for well over a year, when it should be common knowledge to all.

Students are the lifeblood of MHCC, and like any other college or university, our dollars are what keeps this school’s gears running.

Should we not have the right to know when something of this magnitude happens?

What we hope, is that next time the board is responsible for making such an important decision that they will first hear the opinion of those impacted by it. Talking about it once in privacy and once in public is hardly the notice they should have given the student body and faculty about the specifics of this contract extension.

At the very least the action should have been given its own item on the agenda rather than tucked away in the consent agenda, which is passed through in the first unnoticed minutes of a board meeting.

Are you making your New Year’s resolutions for the right reasons?

by Jeff Hannig The Advocate

New Year’s resolutions are promises, challenges and goals that we make in hopes of a happier new year. But on average how long do resolutions really last? Or better yet, is the pain we put ourselves through in order to achieve this so-called happiness really worth it?

Happiness is funny that way — we are all running toward a goal that is constantly shifting and ducking just around the next corner. The goal in this case, the glory of successfully sticking to a far-fetched and hero-like view of ourselves, depends solely on our desire. The ability to stick to our resolution is at the root of our happiness.

So if we do stick to our goals, then we will be better people for it and live a happy and productive year, right? Well, what if we don’t?

Are we doomed to a year riddled with regret, depression and failure?

I hope not, and hopefully this column will provide some insight to helping you avoid this perilous fate.

Regret, mistakes, bad music or the smell of microwave fish can ruin your day, weekend, or semester. How we deal with these problems is the key to overcoming the pain they inflict on our lives.

Running from problems, blocking them out, or drowning them with cheap vodka are all options and aspects of our personalities unique to our own disorders.

I employ the ever-so-classy tactical defense of denial. The full gravity of the problem, I’m oblivious to, and charge into the confrontation head on. Whether it’s me flaking on something, breaking my own sobriety or showing up somewhere late, I just suck it up and deal with the consequences. That’s what works for me.

So does a New Year’s resolution count for confronting a problem?

Or is it like cramming all night for a final in a desperate attempt to pass the class?

The answer is . . . well, the answer isn’t important. What’s important is you made a resolution and that you want to keep it.

Here is my advice to keeping your resolutions: Look at your motives for making the resolution. If you are the beneficiary of the resolution, then fight for it; otherwise, scrape it off.

To better understand your motives, I’m going to recommend an ancient teaching known as Dukkha. It is one of the central teachings of the Bud-

dhist tradition in the Four Noble Truths, defined as a lack of satisfaction, a sense that things never measure up to our expectations or desires.

In other words, Dukkha, or desire, is at the root of suffering. My advice to apply this Buddhist idea is to cut out anything that isn’t completely necessary to your success.

If you are trying to stop binge drinking because it is counterproductive to going to school, then that is certainly a good resolution to hold onto. If your resolution is to eat less so you can lose weight, you might want to question why you want to lose weight. Is it for you or someone else? Do you want good grades so you’ll get a good job and not be miserable for your parents, or do you just want a fancy car?

The idea is to think, “Why do I want to make this change?” If the answer benefits anyone other than you, or is a material want, than maybe it’s time to reevaluate your resolutions.

If this advice has left you disenchanted with the whole idea of annual selfimprovement, fear not.

There is a flipside to discarding resolutions at the turn of a new page. You can always make new ones. Don’t wait until next year to make a positive change. Who’s to say there can’t be a January 13th resolution?

This column very well could have been full of statistics and polls of what student resolutions were and how long they were expected to keep them, but I feel there is enough of that on TV. Instead, this column’s focus is to hopefully help you evaluate your resolutions and make your year a success.

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January 13, 2012

News Briefs Forensics to compete at Northwest University Eagle British Parliamentary Tournament Four members of the MHCC forensics team will compete at the Northwest University Eagle British Parliamentary Tournament in Kirkland, Wash., this weekend.

The tournament will offer only British Parliament debate. MHCC forensic students Kevin Craig, Kaylyn Lewis, Ryan Rhoades and Stephanie Saracco will debate on current event issues.

The forensics team is also hosting

the second Greater Portland Parliamentary League at MHCC on Jan. 21.

Shannon Valdivia, director of forensics, said the teams are not finalized but she knows that MHCC students will be competing in the IPDA and the British Parliamentary Debate.

Valdivia said Oregon State University, Clark College and Lower Columbia College will be competing along with other colleges.

Game design instructor and Japanese instructor win part-time faculty award for excellence in teaching At the Jan. 11 board meeting two part-time faculty members were recognized for winning the 2011 Part-Time Faculty Award for excellence in teaching.

Japanese instructor Yoko Sato and Game Design instructor Erika Ruhl were given trophies during a presentation by Christi Plinksi.

Early in the fall term MHCC interim President Michael Hay presented the two part-time faculty members with flowers and balloons.

Sato was nominated by her students. Along with teaching at MHCC, Sato helped organize a fundraising effort following the Japan earthquake last March that resulted in donations of $3000 to Mercy Corps.

Ruhl was also nominated by her students and said she is a passionate gamer herself.

Both faculty members received $250 at the district board meeting.

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“(Hay) is providing the institutional knowledge, stability and vision we need to navigate through the next couple of years.”

“The board is quite pleased with his leadership, and believes that it affords us the opportunity and continuity to deliberate more carefully on the subject of a long-term Presidential recruitment.

In our January retreat we will determine what our challenges are, and what it is we may need in a future president.”

“We don’t feel pressed or pressured to find a new president,” said Freeman, adding, “We’re confident in (Hay’s) ability to lead the college. Having him remain for two years, with his consent,

would be good for the college,” he said.

In an interview in November, Shields said the board felt it necessary to extend Hay’s contract in order to allow more time to find a permanent replacement.

“It allows the board some breathing room,” he said.

Shields said the next step for the board would be to establish the criteria for an ideal president when they begin their search for a permanent presidential replacement.

Those wishing to review the contract, which is a public document, may do so by contacting Mara Kershaw, chief human resources officer, at 503-491-7681 or at Mara.Kershaw@mhcc.edu.

ASG to host health-focused ‘New Year, New You’ event on Jan. 26

by Kayla Tatum The Advocate

“New Year, New You” will be held on campus Jan. 26 to help motivate students to make better lifestyle choices for the new year.

This event will help students with their choices in diet, exercise and volunteering and is coordinated by Teresa Vega, MHCC Wellness Programs coordinator, and Brieanna Cave, Receptions Coordinator for the ASG Student Activities Board.

There will be motivational speakers and interactive discussions at various tables on Thursday, Jan. 26. The day includes two sessions. Session #1 is from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and starts with Dr. Robert Ramsey giving a seminar on weight loss, fitness and nutrition. From 1:45-2:45 p.m., there will be interactive activities focusing on popular New Year resolutions. From 3:15-4:45 p.m., motivational speaker “Yo Pal Hal” will speak about how to “love the life you have while you create the life of your dreams.”

Session #2 is from 4:45-5:30 p.m. and will focus on interactive activities involving popular New Year resolutions.

INCLEMENT WEATHER ALERT Seven-day forecasts are calling for a mixture of snow and rain on Sunday through Monday.

On the Weather Channel website, www.weather.com, the lowest temperature is estimated to be Sunday night at 28 degrees. After Monday snow showers, the rest of the week is expected to be rainy with average high of 45 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.

In the case of a closure due to snow or ice, the school will provide information about college closures on the MHCC website, on radio and television stations and through the flash alert system for those who have registered for it.

Signing up will enable MHCC to send information to users about closures, late openings, etc., via e-mail and text messages.

The flash alert system can register up to three e-mail addresses and text messages for cell phones, standard text messaging rates apply.

To sign up for the flash alert system, go to www.flashalert. net, select the “Portland” region on the map, enter MHCC in the search bar and confirm, then continue to fill out personal information. Information should be renewed and updated annually.

Financial Aid Day Students are welcome to attend a free “Financial Aid Day” event which will be held in the library in room 3333.

Those who attend will receive help on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from.

Attendees should bring their 2008 IRS tax returns, current value of assets, their social security numbers as well as their parents’ and driver licenses For more information, call the MHCC financial aid office at 503-491-7262.

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January 13, 2012

Off Campus Feature

Former MHCC student sings in front of celebrity judges

by Shelby Schwartz The Advocate

A Gresham resident and former MHCC general studies student had the opportunity to sing for the judges of American Idol during his time as an auditioning contestant for the show during its open auditions in Portland.

Andrew Serino is a 2009 graduate of Gresham High School, where he was involved in concert choir as well as being a part of the drama council and being involved with various plays and musicals. Serino is now the lead vocalist and guitarist for Gresham-based Christian band named His Legacy.

Serino was encouraged by his parents to try out for the FOX network reality TV show.

“My dad says out of my whole family (of seven, including parents), he believes in me first off and he believes that I’m the Serino that can probably get our name out there as far as music and talent,” said Serino.

Serino said he wanted to audition to make his parents happy. “I just love to honor my parents with anything because they have provided so much for me, my life. The only thing I do is just give as much as I can back and this is just a little thing but it ended up being a humongous thing for them,” he said.

When American Idol airs the audition process for the show during the first few weeks of every season, it makes viewers believe that each stop in the selected cities are taking place all in one day. In reality, this process takes several months. Serino recently had a firsthand experience of this process.

The first audition took place July 3 at the Rose Garden. Serino said there was around 7,000 people at that audition.

He said the first audition was in front of 10 executive producers in music. “When we went inside, there were a lot of people sitting down, Ryan Seacrest was telling everybody what to do and we sang in these tents in groups of four. Each person got 10 to 15 seconds to sing and it was a fast process, but it was really discouraging, too, that in the first 20 minutes no one made it. Only like two people got the golden ticket,” he said.

Serino made it through the large preliminary audition in July and the second audition took place in September at the Oregon Convention Center. Serino said 200 to 300 contestants were involved in this round. The second round has two parts: in the first part the contestant sings in front of some of the producers, and if they are well liked, they will audition for the executive producer of American Idol.

“It’s up to him to see if you get to sing in front of the real judges. The first part was like the last round: you would only sing for 10 to 15 seconds, they would tell you yes or no right away and they have to say yes for you to go to the next round.”

Photo contributed by Matt Walker

Andrew Serino celebrates with his mother, Chona Serino, outside the Oregon Convention Center in September 2011 after the second round of American Idol. Serino is holding a green pass to go through to the third round.

Serino received a yes from the judges to go to the sec- rities. I got to meet a lot of crazy weird people and the ond part of the second round. The next part of the audi- whole experience was worth it and it made my parents tion was in front of American Idol’s executive producer. really happy. My mom got to see J-Lo, so it was really The second part of the second round is filmed just as fun,” Serino said. it would be in front of the real Idol judges. This gives the As far as American Idol, Serino says he does not think contestant an idea of what the next step of the audition he will participate again, but would like to work with his process will be like in the third round. band.

“Going there, I was very excited. I hid my feelings as “I did have some pretty deep good conversations far as being nervous,” Serino said. “I sang the chorus of with some of the contestants about what we believe in. my song, ‘Harder to Breathe’ from Maroon 5.” The execu- I was just letting them know they are loved and everytive producer stopped Serino right after the chorus and thing. That’s one thing that I really, really got a lot out of the judges agreed he passed to the third round. was just being able to talk with people,” Serino said.

The final stage of Serino’s Idol journey was the third The music style of Serino’s band, His Legacy, is heavy audition, which took place at the Red Lion Hotel in Port- rock and ambient. According to Serino, their music is land in November. Serino said there were 50 to 70 people. “straight up for the Lord.” The band has been together for “When they called me up, I got really nervous when about a year and a half. Before His Legacy was formed, I walked in the room and saw all the TV sets and all the Serino performed with another band allshewrote, for a camerawork guys and I started hearing their voices. I year. The style of music was hard-core, screamo and elecheard Steven Tyler. Steven Tyler is like the man I wanted tronic. to see. He was the main reason His Legacy is made up of why I auditioned, to be honSerino as lead vocal and guiest, just to sing in front of him. tar, Brennan Dryer on guitar, I walked in there when it was Dustin Moore on bass and my turn and Steven Tyler says, Seth Zimmerman on drums.

‘Well, hello there, Sparky Spark.’

The guys worked as the worHe liked my outfit and he said, ship team at East Hill Church, ‘You enlighten the room, I like with Serino as a worship it,’” said Serino. leader, before officially formThe judges then asked him ing the band. The band’s first questions. “I hid my nervousshow was in the summer of Andrew Serino . ness very well from that, but 2010; Serino said it was a big when I started to sing, I sang success.

American Idol contestant the chorus and everything, I felt “It started as a side projI didn’t do up to what I could ect that turned into an have done. If I graded myself, I answer to prayer for all would do a 70 percent and then of us because it’s music they stopped me and they were that we generally love really nice,” Serino said. and that we can honestly give back to the Lord,” he said.

“Steven Tyler was the one who talked the whole time, “We on our own could not create this music without our which I was thankful for, but he told me, ‘Yeah man, I Lord and savior and we went through practices knowing could tell you were ready to go right when you started that, so every time we write music we just give it back to talking to us. We were engaged in what you were talking him. That’s the meaning of our name, too.” Serino said. about. When you started to sing, we started to see how Serino is not now a student at MHCC but has hopes nervous you actually got. You have a killer voice but it’s of returning. “I want to go back to school at Mt. Hood not going to be cut out for this.’ Randy Jackson jumped because I’ve been away from that for a while. But I don’t in, saying the same thing like, ‘Yeah man, you were swal- know yet what I want to do yet as far as music business lowing in between breaths and that’s a sign of being ner- or something else with music like worship pastoring or vous and we need your confidence, we need you to per- something else with the church,” Serino said. form,’” said Serino His Legacy will have a CD release show at East Hill According to Serino, Jennifer Lopez said, “I’m sorry Church 7 p.m. tonight. The cost of the show is $10 and it’s a no for me, honey.” At the end, all three said no but will include performances from His Legacy, as well My said, “Hi and best luck for you guys for that,” to Serino’s Favorite Season, Roads and My Mantle. Copies of His band.

Legacy’s first CD “Not Ours” will be available for pur“It was a ‘no’ but I came there, I did my job, I did my chase for $8. East Hill is located in downtown Gresham absolute best, my full extent of singing in front of celeb- at 701 North Main Ave.

I walked in there when it was my turn and Steven Tyler says, ‘Well, hello there, Sparky Spark.’

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January 13, 2012

Artist Feature

Your weekly reason to stand up and hit the streets

Today

Catch “Portlandia” for free from 7 to 8 p.m. at Cartlandia, 8145 SE 82nd Ave. They’ll have outdoor seating and a big screen to watch the show plus 17 food carts to pick from.

Jan. 14

Photos contributed by Jennifer Cutshall

A sampling of Jennifer Cutshall’s work not on display in the Fireplace Gallery.

Top: “Timekeeper” Left: “Many Suns Set On Rootless Houses”

Fireside Gallery artist reinvents her own paintings

by Kylie Rogers The Advocate

Brooklyn born and raised and a relatively new Portland resident, moving here last March, the current Fireplace Gallery artist is no stranger to moving boxes.

Jennifer Gillia Cutshall has worked in New Mexico, New Hampshire and recently Oregon. That’s just a sampling from her résumé.

“I used to want my artist statement to say I paint. I don’t really see it as changing the world, it’s just something I do,” said Cutshall.

Her main medium is acrylic on canvas but she also explores mixed media, she said.

Cutshall has done a lot of mural work and wall treatments as well, be it commissioned or as part of a job. Currently she is working on a private piece in Oregon and has just taken up work on set pieces for Portland Center Stage for their upcoming performance of “Red” beginning in late February.

Regarding the private mural she is currently working on, “That was through someone that bought original artwork and then they hired me. They found me online even though I don’t have a website,” said Cutshall.

“I know it’s the information age where you can send your artwork everywhere through technology, but I like when we had that set up of meeting people and seeing artwork live. I think it’s really important,” Cutshall said.

Although Cutshall doesn’t have her own website, she has began to sell her artwork on Etsy, a website that allows individuals to sell their handmade or vintage goods.

“We (Cutshall and her husband) have an Etsy site. We just started, we were really reluctant,” said Cutshall.

Cutshall admires the individuality in artwork. It’s not like people can make what one person makes, she said. “Sometimes I’m shocked at how people price for something they handmade – put in their time and their skill,” she said about items sold on etsy, “Everyone is selling art very cheap and it’s sort of devaluing it and believe me, I’m contributing to it as well with an etsy site because the first thing we did was lower our prices. We had to do it. People aren’t buying as much art.”

Her process isn’t formulated when it comes to her art pieces.

She starts with an initial image or idea that she may stumble upon when she’s trying to fall asleep, she described.

“When I get to the canvas I might start with that initial drive for that image but it never sort of lines up like that. Sometimes I’ll get frustrated with an image or I’ll like it at the time and then I look at it again and I don’t like it. So I change it,” said Cutshall.

Recently, Cutshall has been resurrecting her pieces, “They’re not what they originally were… There’s still the memory of something sort of coming forward,” she said.

“You want to unveil something that maybe isn’t so controlled.

You want to unleash your best, the diamond in the rough. If we try to always make the diamond then you miss out on it,” said Cutshall about working.

Along with her set work being displayed in the Portland Center Stage’s performance of “Red,” Cutshall also has a show coming up this July and August in Texas at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts. Her work will be available for viewing in the Fireplace Gallery until Jan. 30.

Get help filling out your FAFSA and other information to get money for college from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in AC3333. For more information, call the MHCC Financial Aid office at (503) 491-7262 or visit mhcc.edu/financialaid.

Jan. 16 Pack lunches with Northeast Portland Backpack Lunch Program from 1–3 p.m. at the Woodland United Methodist Church, NE 15th Ave. To get information on what foods need to be donated, contact Marilyn at (503) 287-3014

Jan. 18 “The Economics of Happiness (Why Local Rules)” will be playing for free at ADX, 417 SE 11th Ave., from 5:30– 7:30 p.m. For more information, call ADX at (503) 915-4342

Jan. 20 ComedySportz performs in the Studio Theater.

For more information and tickets, contact the Theatre Box Office at (503) 491-7154

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January 13, 2011

“We have to continue to do what we’re good at. Games are going to get harder and harder.”

Geoff Gibor men's head basketball coach

Saints men’s basketball team racks up back-to-back wins

by Chanel Hill The Advocate

If credit is given where credit is due, then the Saints’ men’s basketball team deserves more than a few pats on the back after exposing the PCC Panthers with a 76-45 beating on their court Wednesday night.

Despite a slow start, the Saints experience and veteran leadership paid off when it counted.

“We didn’t start very well,” said head coach Geoff Gibor.

“PCC has big, tough players, but that’s where having good players and experience come in.

We played a little tight but they know when to pick it up,” he said.

The Saints, with a roster filled with sophomores as well as two third-year team members in Robbie Rivers and Drew Johnson, (who posted 18 points, 5 steals and 4 assists against the Panthers), have a talent-stocked experienced roster to pull from.

“In the second half, we pushed our style and went on a 14-2 run,” said Gibor. The Saints rallied to a victory with big offensive plays, and contributions from sophomore Curtis Papenfuss, who led the team with 20 points.

Photo by Riley Hinds/The Advocate

Sophomore Marcus Moore shoots a jumper against the Linfield JV Dec. 30.

Over the break, the Saints played in the Centralia Crossover

Tournament, where they won two and lost one in the three-day

tournament. They opened with a 82-56 victory over the Grays Harbor Chokers, but then lost 72-66 to the Spokane Sasquatch.

They finished with a 84-68 win over the Everett Trojans.

Since then, the Saints have been riding a five-game winning streak. On Dec. 29, they posted a 76-62 victory against the Lower Columbia Red Devils. The Saints took advantage of Devil turnovers, converting for 21 points, with sophomore Spencer Clayton leading the scoring with 19 points.

The Saints moved on the next night to an easy 92-57 victory over Linfield JV. The victory, which showed seven Saints players scoring in double-digits, was an indication that the Saints are starting to play the kind of basketball needed to push them into post-season play.

On Jan. 7, the Saints faced the Lane Titans at home, where they served up a hot plate of humble pie in defeating the Titans 10476. Sophomore Marcus Moore led the team with 22 points, three steals and two assists.

The Saints seem to be moving seamlessly through the competition, which to this point has included several tough NWAACC

teams, as well as a few California teams in a competitive SoCal tournament earlier this season.

But they still have a long road ahead. The real test — how the Saints will compete against teams in the Southern Region — really has yet to be seen. “I feel confident. We should definitely make it to the post season. I think we will win against big teams,” said Gibor.

Currently in a four-way tie for the lead in the Southern Region, the Saints will soon face a tough schedule against historically tough inner-region teams.

“We’ve played a really broad spectrum and different styles of basketball,” said Gibor speaking to his team’s experience, “We have to continue to do what we’re good at. Games are going to get harder and harder.”

The first big test for the Saints will be the Umpqua Riverhawks Saturday at home, where Gibor says his team will need to get off to a good start. “We’ve got to go into it early and keep them off balance. We can’t let them get going,” said Gibor. Game time is set for 6 p.m. in the MHCC gymnasium.

Be sure to check NWAACC website for game results.

Women’s basketball steady in victory over PCC Panthers

by Laura Knudson The Advocate

The Lady Saints posted a convincing 67-54 victory Wednesday night in their second league game against the PCC Panthers.

Women’s head coach Jocelyn McIntire said the team went into the game with the expectation to win. “They’re

Photos by Riley Hinds/The Advocate

Freshman point guard Taylor Grote driving the ball against Lane Community College Jan. 7 at Mt. Hood.

a developing team,” McIntire said of the Panthers. “I would say that on paper we should have won that game.”

The Saints led early and were up 36-22 at halftime.

The Panthers put up a fight in the second half, and actually outscored the Saints by a point, but couldn’t erase the early deficit.

Sophomore Kelsey O’Neil was the top scorer for the

Saints with 15 points and added 4 defensive rebounds.

Asked how winter break may have affected the team, Sophomore Emily Burch put up 14 points and 4 assists.

McIntire said, “You’ve been on a break, kind of been in McIntire said she was happy with the bench players your own la-la land for a while, and now you’ve got to who came ready to play and contribute, but said, “There crack the whip and get back to business.” were parts that were good, but at the end I would say that The women play the Umpqua Community College it was kind of a sub-par game.” She said the team didn’t Riverhawks Saturday. It will be their third meeting with quite play to its ability but that it’s a long season. “A W is the Riverhawks after a loss in early November and a win a W so you’ve got to put things in perspective. You can’t in December. McIntire is excited and said, “It will be a hold on to wins or losses for too long because you’ve got battle.”The Saints will face the Riverhawks at home 4 another (game) coming around the corner.” p.m. Saturday.

McIntire said the women are working on practicing as if they’re in a game and working on staying positive.

“The difference between great teams and good teams is mental toughness and who’s going to show up night in and night out and perform at that top level,” said McIntire.

The Saints struggled with last Saturday against the Lane Titans when the Saints suffered their first league loss 63-53.

“I was disappointed in the way we started out,” said McIntire. “I thought we played a little scared and timid and we dug ourselves a hole, but once we got into our groove and started to just play the game, we ended up (outscoring) Lane in the second half.”

At halftime of Saturday’s game, the scoreboard showed the Titans leading 37-20. The Saints outscored their opponent in the second half, scoring 33 points to the Titans 26, but it wasn’t enough to snag a win.

Sophomore Emily Burch led the team in scoring with 15 points. She also had 5 defensive rebounds and one assist.

Freshman Kelsey Barnes had 12 defensive rebounds and put eight points on the board.

McIntire said because there were no games PORTLAND, OR over break, she feels the team may have gotten a little behind and hopes that it won’t expose the women too much in early games.

A new possibility changes everything.

WARNERPACIFIC.EDU

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by Chanel Hill The Advocate

Ducks football finally quiets the naysayers

Photo by Riley Hinds/The Advocate

Swimming instructor Diane Bangerter teaches students at the MHCC aquatic center on Thursday, with students climbing the rock wall behind. In a MHCC financial analysis for the 2009-10 year, total expenses for the aquatic center were $1,078,88,1 with total revenue equaling $326,875, resulting in a $752,000 gap between revenue and expenditures for the aquatic center.

Pool supporters pack boardroom to oppose closures

by John Tkebuchava The Advocate

MHCC Aquatics Center patrons, coaches and Mt. Hood Aquatics club members packed the board meeting room and outside hall Dec. 14, in hopes of dissuading the board members from any thoughts to close down the aquatic center.

The dozens of club members were headed up by Bill Paterson, an age group coach at the aquatic center.

“We’re just here to insure that not only the board, but also the full community and any voting members see the value that we (Mt. Hood Aquatics) offer in the community,” he said.

“We’re here to show the unified presence and the value that we offer in the community,” he said.

Paterson said that about of the a third of the club’s 250 members had come to represent themselves at the gathering.

One of the board members, Ralph Yates, is a frequent visitor of the aquatics center, something that Paterson said he hopes will help with their cause. “He knows our club well,” said Paterson. A signed petition was also passed around amongst the club members out in the hall during the meeting, in hopes that the board sees the value the aquatics center to the community.

Featuring an Olympic sized pool, the facility is regarded by

many as one of the best facilities in the nation.

Being a state of the art facility, the costs needed to maintain it are one of the main reasons the aquatic center has come under scrutiny by the board.

In a MHCC financial analysis for the 2009-10 year total expenses for the aquatic center were shown $1,078,881 with total revenue equaling $326,875 resulting in a $752,000 gap between revenue and expenditures for the aquatic center.

As such the board has been looking for ways to cut the costs involving the aquatic center, and the community. Nearly all the speakers during the public session held at the end of the board meeting were students, coaches and non Mt. Hood Aquatics club members speaking in opposition of closing down the aquatic center. One of the speakers was Skip Runkle, head coach of Mt. Hood Aquatics and president of Oregon Swimming Inc. “Our facility is a huge asset to Oregon swimming and constantly affecting the development of our athletes at the highest level,” said Paterson.

In the summer season, our aquatic center is known as one of the finest in the country,” he said, adding that the aquatic center has seen numerous Olympians compete at the facility.

After the public input session was over, the board chimed in on their own thoughts and intentions for the aquatic center.

Board member Brian Freeman said, “Our goal is not to say we’re going to shut this (aquatics center) down because it doesn’t balance out. But we, as the board, have to decide what level of support we can give to this activity because of its value to the community and we have to balance that with the level of support we give to other activities with the programs that we have.”

Another board member, Rod Monroe, said, “It (the aquatic center) is one of the finest facilities of its kind in the world, not just North America, closing it is not an option.”

“We do need to be as prudent as possible in terms of reducing costs. Perhaps increasing revenue to a degree,” he said.

Dave Shields, the chairman of the board, also reassured those present at the meeting that the board would not close down the aquatic center.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @mhccadvocate for updates and conversation starters throughout the week.

Sitting on my couch, with two seconds left in regulation of last week’s Rose Bowl game, I nearly collapsed with anticipation. It had been such a long time coming — 95 years to be exact — since the town of Eugene and Duck fans nationwide had celebrated a victory in the Grandaddy of all Bowl Games..

The Ducks beat Big Ten champions Wisconsin 45-38 on Jan. 2 to take home the Rose Bowl championship title. The naysayers, who had previously called out third-year head coach Chip Kelly for his gimmicky offensive scheme and for failing to produce wins when it counted, including the Ducks sole loss last season to Auburn in the BCS Bowl, were silenced.

LaMichael James, De’Anthony Thomas, Lavasier Tuinei, Darron Thomas and a speedy offensive line took to the field like soldiers headed into combat. This heavy arsenal was outfitted in specially designed Nike uniforms, featur-

“On a day plagued with expectation and pressure, the Oregon Ducks showed up” - Chanel Hill Sports Editor

ing liquid metal reflective helmets. This time, the stars were in alignment, adorned in yellow and green.

It was the perfect time, like the story often goes, for the program to produce a big victory.

Despite the Ducks rough start to the season, dropping their first game to the SEC LSU Tigers, and a painful home loss to the USC Trojans, this time around just felt different.

On a day plagued with expectation and pressure, the Oregon Ducks showed up, dominating on offense from game start to game end. De’Anthony Thomas’ scary fast speed, including a 91-yard touchdown sprint, had viewers and fans in attendance looking around stunned. James, Oregon’s all-time leading rusher, operated like an old pro chuckling at the new-timers to the game.

It felt destined, something that was set into motion under the football Gods above and made a reality under the consistent, focused, “win the day” sound bites from Kelly. They showed up, they won the day and all at once the memoires of past couldas or shouldas didn’t seem to matter one bit.

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Opportunities to serve...

To volunteer for any of these projects visit www.HandsOnPortland.org and use the event name to find the page for online sign-up, or call 503-2003335. Volunteers under 18 will need to print and bring a waiver, from the website, signed by a parent or guardian to participate. Driving directions and meeting addresses will be emailed to volunteers after they’ve signed-up.

Saturday Recycle electronics with Free Geek. Volunteers will take apart electronics and recycle the pieces. Event is scheduled for Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Meet Your Watershed: Wilkes Creek Planting, ages 12 and over. Volunteers will spend the day planting native plants, cleaning litter, and weeding the area on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Planting in The Park: Clatsop Butte, ages eight and over. Volunteers will spend the day planting native plants, cleaning litter, and weeding the area. Event is scheduled for Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday - MLK Day Lend a Hand at SnowCap Community Charities, ages 16 and over. Volunteers will sort clothes, food and toiletries, do light office work and pantry repairs. . Event scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16.

January Spay Patrol with Oregon Humane Society, ages 18 and over. Volunteers will canvass neighborhoods and pass out information on spay and neutering services available at local shelters.

Event scheduled for Jan 16. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deep Clean Time with VOA’s Recovery Community, ages 12 and over. Volunteers will clean and organize the recovery center, share lunch with men in the program and listen to reflections on Martin Luther King Jr. and thoughts about recovery from addiction. Event is scheduled for Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

APPLY EARLY — get money on time If you need financial aid by the start of the academic terms:

File the FAFSA by these dates:

You must also complete all MHCC paperwork by the following deadlines:

Summer Term

As soon after Jan. 1 as possible

April 1

Fall Term

April 1 — earlier if possible

July 1

Winter Term

July 1 — earlier if possible

October 1

Spring Term

Nov. 1 — earlier if possible

February 1

TIPS:

1.

2.

3.

4.

File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online for faster processing (fafsa.gov).

Check MyMHCC regularly for your application status and turn in required documents promptly.

If you missed deadlines, financial aid will not be available until after the start of the term.

Students are served first-come, first-served for fairness - do not ask for exceptions unless the College made a clear error in your file completion date. This will help us serve you and all students faster!

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Remember: It can take up to 12 weeks for your financial aid to be ready after you file your FAFSA!