The Cardinal

Updates

2009-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming to the website for the Cardinal Newspaper at Skagit Valley College. The last two issues of the Cardinal have not yet been published online, and I'm here to tell you that it's for a good reason! We started out by copy/pasting the articles from the paper, along with photos, into the Blogger interface. While this was a practical way to make the articles available, it was a very time consuming process and didn't reflect the energy put into the aesthetic from of the paper.

In this day and age, it is my personal belief that the internet is a more practical, efficient way to traffic news. Printed press is now an art form instead of the artery of mass communication. The art lies just as much in the composition of the printed page as it does in the writing and photography that makes up the heft of the publication. It's personal for me, because that is where most of my energy goes this year. I'm not writing articles or taking (many) photos, but I am spending over 48 working hours on each issue organizing the articles and formatting the layout of the printed pages. So to me, taking the articles and photos out of the page and posting them in a blog post is like taking a Rembrant or Monet and photocopying it.

The news I have for you is that soon, we will have a way to make the entire paper, as designed, available on the web as a PDF file for download and viewing. This site can then become a vehicle for news about the Cardinal's plans and projects as a club, information about the Journalism classes that support our publication, and hopefully supplemental news between publication dates. It is also my intention to provide a forum for interaction with the student body and community, via the comment system on the site.

We want to be part of the experience of attending Skagit Valley College.

Your Editor,
Liz

Early Birds Feel Parking Pressures

2009-10-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Enrollment goes up as available spaces go down.

Elisa Telidetzki
Staff Writer

You pull in. It’s the first day of school. You live in Mount Vernon, and you think you have enough time to find a parking space because you left thirty minutes earlier than usual. Being on time is one of your virtues. As your eyes survey the parking lot, you swallow hard. There’s not a parking spot in sight. In fact, you notice that people are parking at the church and playfields. What is going on?
Well, this isn’t the first time parking has been a problem.

“This is not the largest enrollment,” says Interim Dean of Students Services, Alan Muia. “Parking was as scarce in 2003 as it is now.”
It may not be the largest enrollment, but it is up from last year, and we are short one parking lot.
According to Muia, classes are fuller now than ever. When people become unemployed, they look for ways to enhance their employment skills. Whenever unemployment rises, so does enrollment.
“We have a large number of students and staff attempting to park in a limited number of spaces,”says Muia.
“This fall enrollment is running at 7-8% higher than last year,” says President of SVC, Dr. Tollefson, “That’s quite a bit.”
“I haven’t seen a parking crisis to this extent,”says Tollefson, “From 2003-2004, we had some similar difficulties. We added an additional parking lot (on the east side of campus, by the church). We added 65-70 parking spaces with that lot. Since 2004, it’s been empty most of the time.”
Ashley Seib, an SVC student, comments, “I feel like I have to get here early to get good parking. It would be really helpful if we had more parking space.”
Tollefson sympathizes with students, saying, “The first two days of school I had to park in the church area. I know and feel your pain.”
For the last two years, the southwest corner parking lot has been available. “This parking lot will open again in three weeks. I’m pushing as hard as I can,” says Tollefson. The number of parking spots to be open in three weeks, in the south-west parking lot, will be sufficient for all students who had to resort to parking in the playfields and at the church parking lot.
“My impression is that people are doing very well considering what they have to resort to,” says Tollefson. “Because enrollment is up and it’s difficult to find parking, I want students to consider two alternatives. The first one is carpooling. We put our carpool spots closer to the building. If there aren’t enough carpool spots, I will create more. Taking the bus is also a great idea. Bus passes are cheap. Both of these ideas are beneficial to everyone. Fewer vehicles driving means less carbon emissions, and it’s a good way to save money,” says Tollefson.
Students could also bike to school. Bikes are available to all who are interested. Students can find bikes on the two bike racks outside of the counseling offices. Students who borrow bikes are on the honor system.

SVC student Salina Tapia says, “I had to change my schedule around and I carpool, now. I have to get here at 7:30 to find a parking spot and my class starts at 9:30.”
There will be an additional parking lot next to Lewis Hall that will be ready four years from now. If they decide to build the lot first, before they build Lewis Hall, we can expect the parking lot to be ready as early as two years from now.
Muia comments that illegal parking is common now, but will lessen as parking improves over time. For now, the only other available parking is the Skagit Playfields parking lot off of Martin Road, behind the college.
Josh Ray, a student here at SVC, says, “The parking is pretty bad in the actual parking lot, so I park near the church to avoid trouble.”
“We believe that the situation will improve in the next couple weeks as students settle into their schedules and aren’t on campus for as many hours each day.” says Muia.
Dean Alan Muia informs us that several business owners have requested that students do not park in their lots and have notified the college that they may be forced to remove student vehicles if the trend continues.
“We’re expecting a higher enrollment rate next year. But it’s all sort of speculative. The unemployment rate is still steadily climbing,” says Tollefson.

What's New with the Swine Flu?

2009-10-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Emily Akland
Staff Writer

How concerned should students be about Swine Flu on campus? Society has expressed their concerns about the Swine Flu, but fortunately it’s not a critical situation. Upon being asked whether he thought that the Swine Flu was a pressing issue, Peter Browning, The Director of the Skagit County Health Board, replied “It’s not going to be a big plague; it’s going to just be dangerous for medically vulnerable populations.”
The Skagit County Health Board website states that there are 700 people in Washington State with confirmed cases of Swine Flu since April 2009; 157 of those people have been hospitalized, and there have been 14 reported deaths. Peter Browning says that within the period of one week, the positive lab results for Type A influenza doubled. If you test positive for Type A influenza, it means that there is a 99% chance that you have Swine Flu.

Now that we know the strength of the Swine Flu virus, what do we do about it? We can’t just stop going to school because we are afraid of catching this virus can we? Luckily there are things that you can do every day to strengthen your immunity against the Swine Flu.
Peter Browning says that on campus we need to be aware of the Swine Flu and make sure we don’t infect each other. An example of this would be coughing into your shoulder instead of into your hands. If a person coughs into their hands, or they have an uncovered cough, then their germs have spread to the people around them. He says that students need to be “peer-pressured” into making smart choices on campus every day. “The virus can live on hard surfaces for a long time,” replied Peter Browning while discussing the Swine Flu. This means that we should think twice before putting our hands on a door knob, a stairwell railing, or all over the tables in the library.
Since we can’t avoid germs all together, it is crucial that everyone keeps their hands away from their face and that students wash their hands. There are several openings on the face that could let a virus into the system. The eyes, the mouth, and the nose are all places that the Swine Flu virus can possibly enter, so you should wash your hands before eating.
Students should wash their hands after using the bathroom. To do this the most effectively, use a paper towel to turn the water on and off. Then, after drying your hands with the paper towel, you would use it to turn the bathroom doorknob so you don’t touch it with your newly cleaned hands. Another way you can keep your hands clean is by using hand sanitizer. Any hand sanitizer is sufficient. Browning says that washing your hands for 30 seconds is the best way to cleanse but that hand sanitizer can also be effective.
Getting vaccinated may also help prevent from getting the Swine Flu. The nose mist, which is one form of the vaccine, was made available the week of October 5 at the Skagit County Health Department in Mt. Vernon, WA. The live vaccine, which is the next form of vaccine, will be available until October 18. This vaccine will not be available for pregnant women because the Skagit County Health Department has reason to believe that the live vaccine may cause serious side effects for these women. That is why the “killed virus” vaccine will also be available. The “killed virus” shot is supposed to be better for the systems of pregnant women and also for people with suppressed immune systems. The first people in line to receive the vaccine are children 4-18, pregnant women, health care workers, and people with suppressed immune systems. The Skagit County Health Department is hoping to receive at least 25,000 doses of vaccine. This amount will cover the people with the most priority. If they get more than 25,000 doses, then more people will be able to become recipients of the vaccine.
If a student finds that they have a sore throat, headache and a fever of 100 degrees or above then he or shes should isolate themself from the public. These are symptoms of the Swine Flu and infected people must make sure that they are quarantined from those who don’t have it.
Be sure to stay well hydrated. Browning says that fluids will flush your body out and help you get better. It is also good to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and to fight mucus These things will help the virus pass through your body safely and quickly.
As we wait for the vaccine to come to our area, we must continue to watch out for our own health. We can do things everyday that can make us less likely to contract the Swine Flu.
Most importantly, Swine Flu could potentially take people away from their jobs or their classes. The AOL News website states that over 2,000 students at Washington State University (WSU) came down with the Swine Flu during their first week of classes. These students probably had to isolate themselves from school which is why SVC students need to make sure that we stay well.

College Copes with Crowded Classrooms

2009-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Juliet Jones
Staff Writer

As students walk the halls of Skagit Valley College this fall it feels as if our student population has seemingly escalated. Students crowd classrooms, hallways, and study spaces. But the feeling in this case seems to belie the actual numbers. The current student population at Skagit Valley College is comparable to that of the more densely populated school years, such as 2002-2003. Our current student count for the Mount Vernon Campus is, however, up only three percent from last year, with 4,387 students attending this fall quarter versus 4,258 students attending fall quarter of 2008.

Despite the relatively modest increase in the number of students, school administrators still have their hands full this year because of a decrease in the staff hired to serve the students. As with the rest of country, budget restrictions require remaining College personnel to cover much more ground with fewer resources. The slightly higher student population and fewer staff members have combined to create some difficult obstacles. To this point, Interim Dean of Student Services, Alan Muia, observed, “Lines are longer, parking is harder to find. I think it makes it more challenging to spend the kind of time we’d like to with students.”
The counselors are also feeling the pressure. Just this summer, one particular member of the counseling staff met with 41 students in one day. With this information came the suggestion that students make their appointments earlier and be patient while they wait.
A sense of anonymity that quite often accompanies an increase of students. Sarah Cater, a second year student at Skagit, has this to say about the rise in student numbers. “I usually see a lot of familiar faces, but this quarter I don’t feel like I know anyone.”
Administrators, food service workers, counselors, instructors, librarians, and others are working to maintain a positive, educational environment despite their daily challenges. Administrators also suggest students can help bridge the gap between student population and available resources. For example, students can help by picking up and cleaning up after themselves. In short, little contributions by everyone can combine to create a better college experience for everyone.
As our student population continues to rise and resources remain tight, students and staff will have even more challenges ahead. As with the rest of the country, Skagit Valley College can hopefully weather the storm of the current recession until better economic times relieve the pressure created by more students and fewer resources to serve those students.

Banned Book Display in Library Included Bible

2009-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sinclair Hucke
Staff Writer

Often when students enter Norwood Cole Library on campus, they are looking for books to finish research for a project, ace a test, or do some light reading. What students don’t know is that there are many people fighting on behalf of them for the right to keep these books on bookshelves. The last week of September each year, is deemed “Banned Books Week” by The American Library Association and has been since 1982. Libraries across the United States create displays to educate people about the censorship of books and their freedom to read during this week, including the library here on campus.
The censorship display was located in the front of the Norwood Cole library and included two rows of bookshelves. Books that have been banned in numerous countries throughout time, sat alongside quotes about censorship. The books included classics such as Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and Catcher in the Rye. The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and The Wizard of Oz, right alongside The Bible, The Holy Qur’an and 1984.
In America most of the controversy surrounding The Bible regards its place in school libraries. This debate is the result of separation of church and state. The Bible has been banned in many countries including Russia and Singapore. In Saudi Arabia, distributing The Bible is outlawed as well. Signs can be seen in airports warning those with non-approved religious books to surrender them to customs immediately.
Among the banned books in the display were three children’s books, one titled Daddy’s Roommate about a little boy whose father is gay. Daddy’s Roommate explains the relationship between a little boy’s father and his roommate Frank, eventually stating that they are gay; “My Mommy and Daddy got a divorce last year. Daddy and his roommate Frank live together.”
Andy Schmokel, a student here at SVC, said that he was most surprised by the banned children’s books and Harry Potter when he viewed the display. “People are afraid of something that’s uncomfortable,” he said.
“Banned Books Week” gives us a chance to observe one’s freedom to read a publication or express an opinion that may be unorthodox or uncomfortable.
Schools are a very common place for banning books to occur. It’s easier to ban books within a school system than on a larger scale, such as a city. Voices speaking against a piece of literature deeming it inappropriate may not be challenged in a small setting such as a school. If an opposite view does come forward, usually the majority will win. Most books are banned in schools because of profanity, sexuality or violence in their content.
“You have the right to knowledge,” said Susan Kent, a reference librarian at Norwood Cole. She believes that censorship is an obstacle to education because it affects students’ ability to choose their own resources. Where some books are banned in schools, some books aren’t even ordered, for fear of a negative reaction. There are claims that this is a quiet form of censorship which is not always observed. “Knowledge is power,” said Schmokel. “By banning books you are hindering knowledge.”

Students Serve Students at the Cardinal Cafe

2009-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Elisa Telidetzki
Staff Writer

At SVC we all know where the cafeteria is, right? But on the 30th of September, the culinary department opened something a little different … their very own café! It’s called the Cardinal Café, and it is run by student chefs. Chef Gilbert Rodriguez says, “We’ve had the café for years, but marketing hasn’t been too good. We changed the menu and rearranged the place. It looks great now.”
Tyler Murphy, an SVC student says, “I love it and I didn’t even know it was already here a couple weeks ago. This is amazing. I wish I heard about this place a long time ago.”
The Cardinal Café is open to everyone--the whole community. The most popular entrée is the sage roasted chicken flatbread sandwich. “We sold ten yesterday,” said Rodriguez proudly.
Joe Weeks, a culinary student, says, “My favorite entrée is the Honey Dijon chicken. The service is nice. They’re doing a good job. Their deserts are superb!”
The chefs figured they would serve around 25 customers a day. The numbers are slowly increasing. It’s open Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-1:30pm. The Cardinal Café just serves lunch. The Café promotes local and organic food, and cooks vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Chef Rodriguez suggests the grass-fed beef burger, and welcomes everyone, “Come and check it out!”
Lisa Forst, a visitor, says, “The service is very nice. I never had a grass-fed burger before. It sounds cool.”
Machel Hill, one of the servers, explains, “Part of the Culinary Arts program involves doing some customer service. We don’t get paid. All of the money, including the tips goes back to the Culinary department.”

Mark Kiele, a student at SVC, comments, “The food is awesome here and the plates are well designed.”

While having lunch at the café, I enjoyed the classy ambience. As I munched on my bread, which was smothered with garlic butter, I couldn’t help but feel relaxed. Frank Sinatra was playing, creating an atmosphere of utmost serenity. I stared out the windows, watching students walk by, and I almost forgot I was on campus. The dim light and professional service reminded me of a first class restaurant. The wild mushroom gnocchi melted in my mouth. The price range is excellent, with salads starting at $2.50, and the most expensive entrees priced at $8.00—just right for a student’s budget.
Christopher Clatterbuck, a student at SVC, says, “I’ve been here before. The food is always good. Good price range. It’s good for students and customers. Students are making food for students. It’s great.”

October Brings Observance of Domestic Violence Awareness

2009-10-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Leslie Spangler
Staff Writer

Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (SDVSAS) in Mount Vernon is promoting “Purple Light Nights”. The color purple has been used to symbolically remember victims of abuse. The Purple Light Nights campaign expands the symbolism to encompass a greater public awareness of domestic violence issues. By simply shining a purple light from a front porch, business window, tree light, or some other visible location, supporters can signify remembrance of victims who have lost their lives from domestic violence, support of survivors working at a better life, and hope to those still living in abusive homes.
Colleen of SDVSAS says, “This campaign is a good way to raise awareness of the issues and what we do here at the agency.”
Purple Light Nights is the brainchild of the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force. The campaign started in 2007 and was well-received by the Covington, Washington community, ballooning from 100 participants to 800 in just two months.

Bulbs are available for purchase through
Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services.
$3 per bulb or $5 for two
For more information, contact Colleen at 336-9591 or colleenc@skagitdvsas.org
Bulbs will be sold at various locations

Shine your light October 1-31
Domestic Violence Has NO Place in Our Community.
www.skagitdvsas.org

Club Day Takes Bull by the Horns

2009-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Mike Scaringe
Staff Writer

SVC Students may have noticed a mechanical animal bucking fellow classmates off its back on Tuesday the 6th in the cafeteria. The slick-saddled bull was brought in to bring awareness to the quarterly event known as Club Day sponsored by the Student Life office. The animal attracted waves of curious students who either rode or cheered on the brave riders.

Student Elizabeth Hopper, who had ridden the bull, said, “It’s really hard. Harder than it looks. But it’s a great experience in not being shy.”
“If you get all robot you’ll lose it. If you’re loosey goosey you can ride it out,” said student Cody Connite, who had been on the bull three times.
Attention to the bull did not overshadow the clubs themselves with tables set in the campus center with eager volunteers wanting to talk with students.
“Clubs enrich our learning environment and allow students to participate in the college in a way that is nonacademic,” says Student Activites and Health Services Coordinator Laura Morris “They enable students to experience new levels of responsibility such as leadership, financial management projects, planning and event coordination. Clubs also provide a venue for students to connect with their communities through service or learning projects. This gives them a sense of belonging or identity; students who identify with a social/activity group on campus are more confident and successful in their academic work.”
According to Morris, “Clubs are created when a group of students decide they wish to unify for a common purpose and be recognized as an official organization by the college. The students select officers, an advisor and create their governing documents (bylaws and constitution). When these tasks are done the club is granted seed money by the student government. Some are service oriented, some promote education or multiculturalism. All try to provide opportunities for members and interesting experiences events and service for our campus community”
When asked what the school does to support clubs, Morris replied, “Lots! Recognized clubs, those that have gone through the process to become official, can reserve meeting space on campus, reserve college vehicles and use other college services on campus. Every year the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College give funds to clubs participating in the Services and Activities budget process, so the college supports clubs with funding as well.”
Morris says there are no negative aspects to having clubs on campus, although she jokes, “Some clubs eat lots of popcorn.”
Adds Morris, “Every group possesses interesting challenges and we welcome them.”

Sports Announcers' Revolution

2009-10-15T13:49:00.001-07:00

Jeffers Haile
Staff Writer

What do you get when you combine sports and three local talented radio entrepreneurs? Skagitradio.com. It is a website that has a big fan base and continues to spread across the state.
It was started by three guys—Wade Tonkin, Kris Drake, and John Fasso—all local former sports radio talents. They came up with the idea after being dissatisfied with the local radio stations doing a poor job of covering local high school sports.
Wade and his two partners agree, “The local radios only covered a few games during the season, their sound in AM was poor, they hardly covered playoffs, and they never covered girls’ games.” Wade and his partners started in July of last year with their focus on Burlington Edison High School’s football team.
The website followed the team all the way to the semi-finals, all the while reporting play by play at every game that season and streaming it on their website for anyone anywhere to listen to. The website even covered the semi-final game for football, bringing in 400 listeners even though it was the same day as the Apple Cup.
As the year went on they continued to cover Burlington Edison sports, and they followed the boys’ basketball team to state, which got a huge hit of 800 listeners.
Over the course of the next year the website grew immensely. They now cover all Burlington Edison games for all sports, all of Sedro-Woolley games, most of Mount Vernon games and have even started announcing at small schools such as Concrete. On a Friday night in early October they were announcing four different games simultaneously, one of which was as far away as Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett.
The site is completely free, running mainly off of advertisements. On the site people are able to listen to live games. Then the day after they can download the game on iTunes, which is a great feature for players to enjoy because they can listen to their game the next day.
“We want to do the best job we can for the kids,” said Wade Tonkin. The website is even partnered with Skagit Valley Herald, which brings previews for what’s coming up on the website.
No wonder this site is such a huge hit. It is the only place where people can get live coverage and experienced announcers, listen live to every game during the season, and the only site that has boys and girls sports, which normally don’t get the coverage they deserve. So how about Skagit Valley College? When asked about it Wade replied, “If approached we would be happy to do it.” He even went on to say that they would be willing to train local SVC students to announce SVC sports.
The three entrepreneurs are looking to expand all the way to Snohomish county and to the border. And they are always looking for interns to write, broadcast, and graphic design for the website. If you are interested email Wade Tonkin at wade@skagitradio.com.

Volleyball Leads the Way

2009-10-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Jeffers Haile
Staff Writer

The Skagit Valley College volleyball team had a very good start to their 2009 season. Their league record is 2-2 and their overall record is 6-5. Their two wins were from rivals Edmonds and Everett, a loss against the tough first place Whatcom team. Skagit Valley has a very strong team.
The team is being lead by fourth year head coach Kelsey Savage-Swapp and third year assistant coach Lianna Neyens. Both coaches are very qualified individuals. Head coach Kelsey was named Northern Division coach in 2006, played volleyball and basketball at Skagit Valley College, and was named female athlete of the year in 2000. She also went on to play at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR.
Lianna Neyens is also very qualified, playing two years at Skagit Valley College, earning team MVP and being on first team all conference. She then went on to Oregon Institute of Technology. Not only is the team lead by two qualified coaches, but also by nine returning sophomores: Lauren Hope, Ariel Erienbach, Shelbi Vopnford, Lauren Slaymaker, April Bobadilla, Shelby Zanoni, Jordon Braga, Rachel Stephenson, and Clarissa Boyer. These nine returning sophomores are all very experienced players. Expect this volleyball team to lead the way for Skagit Valley College.

Women Build a Better World

2009-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

A dream comes true for an SVC student and her family.

Leslie Spangler
Staff Writer

Women Build: Skagit Habitat for Humanity is building a home in Sedro-Woolley. Habitat for Humanity International is a well-known organization that was established in 1976. It was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller of Southwest Georgia because of their strong desire to address issues of poverty housing. Women Build was founded in 2007, according to Women Build board member, Carla Tucker. Women Build creates an opportunity for women (16 years or older), who share a passion for eliminating poverty housing and homelessness, to take action and learn new skills. Women Build is currently building their first home, a 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom house for SVC student, Belen Martinez and her 4 children (ages 5, 8, 11, & 13) in Sedro-Woolley. Martinez has worked very hard to accomplish this dream. She works full-time, attends SVC to earn her degree in business, raises her four children, and has completed more than her required 500 hours of sweat equity.

Women are invited to show up every Friday and Saturday any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Home building skills are helpful, but not necessary. Volunteers are trained on site. The only requirements are to be physically capable, have a willing spirit, and know your limits. First time volunteers are required to watch a 10 minute safety video before starting work and must sign a release form. With those tasks out of the way, site coordinators and/or leads will be on hand to show volunteers the ropes. The first order of business is to get set up with tools and safety gear. Supply trailers are located at the edge of the construction site. Volunteers are issued tool belts, goggles, a hard hat if needed, and tools for the assigned jobs. Women can expect to be asked to do any number of jobs: pouring foundation, framing, tiling, roofing, painting, dry walling, hanging cabinets, insulation, window installation, hanging doors, etc. Plumbing and electrical are taken care of by professionals who donate their time or offer discounted rates.
Volunteering for Women Build is a great opportunity for women to work together on a satisfying project, and potentially, gain skills that could prove invaluable to them. My 17 year old daughter, Jessie Spangler and I volunteered for the first time with Women Build in September. Jessie really enjoyed the experience and plans to return for weekends to come. “Everyone was really supportive”, says Jessie. “If you didn’t understand something, someone would explain it to you. I was more comfortable working with a group of women.”

Carol Tjeerdsma, the site coordinator, says the experience of building a home with other women has been “Absolutely wonderful!” To encourage women who might feel intimidated about building a house she says, “This house is sewing, just a lot bigger.” Women Build has set a goal to finish this house by the end of November with a dedication ceremony by mid-December. Help is still needed to accomplish this goal and make it possible for Martinez and her children to have a home of their own by Christmas.
Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful opportunity for college and high school students. Involvement looks great on university applications and resumes, plus volunteers gain skills while helping others in need. It’s an all-around, win-win situation. Fortunately, right next door to the Women Build house is another Habitat house in its early stages and two more will go up after that. These projects also need volunteers: men and/or women.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian-based, non-discriminatory organization that helps and welcomes people of all faiths or no faith. The organization holds the belief that God’s love extends to everyone. One of the myths about this program is that the house and property are given to the occupants. The truth is ‘partner families’ accepted into the program will pay a minimal down-payment, and obtain a no interest mortgage carried by Habitat for Humanity. Partner families must also agree to donate hundreds of hours of personal time (sweat equity) assisting in the building of their house. Habitat for Humanity uses the mortgage repayments to build more houses. The concept of Habitat for Humanity is to “provide a hand up, not a hand out.”
Potential occupants must go through an application and interview process that determines whether or not they qualify. Acceptance is based on the level of need, the willingness to become partners in the program, and the ability to repay the loan. The process can be a long one. Belen Martinez started her application process in early 2007. Once a family is accepted as a partner, volunteers in ‘lead’ positions begin the process of seeking donated funds (approx. $130,000 is needed to begin a project in our community) and supplies, scout for a suitable piece of property, acquire permits, and finally, round up volunteers. The partner family is allowed to make choices in color schemes, cabinetry, and flooring within budget.
As for moving in, Martinez says, “The kids are very excited.” She has found this experience to be rewarding and feels it’s “great that Habitat for Humanity gives you the experience of working on your own house.” Belen sums it up for the Women Build volunteers saying, “Whatever men can do, women can do.”

Prickly Pets Participate in Pageant

2009-10-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jett Morris
Staff Writer

Hedgehogs were in abundance on October 3rd, marking the seventh hedgehog show gathering in Anacortes, Washington. The show was a statewide event. Having two hedgehogs myself, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend. The primary event of the show offered judging, where hedgehogs were pitted against one another for a “Best in Show” ribbon based on a list of standards. But it also offered educational lectures, and vendors were present as well.

The judging aspect of the show divided hedgehogs up into three specific groups. First, by gender. Secondly, they were split by age. Three to six months were in the juvenile class, while 6 months and onward are considered adult. Thirdly, they were classed by color. Hedgehogs come in a wide array of colors and coat variations, ranging in ninety-two sanctioned and widely received possibilities. Hedgehog quills are typically banded with a color, and patterns can arrange by how many banded and pure white (non-banded) quills are present. Patterns are determined by how many non-banded and banded quills are in the hedgehog’s coat. Band colors can range through the light and dark spectrum, from black to a light cinnacot. Albino hedgehogs are considered in a class of their own.
International Hedgehog Association member, Marc Hines, judged the show. Before the show, Hines went over judging standards in an educational lecture.

“They [hedgehogs] are judged on attitude, form, and their quill coat,” said Hines. Hines handled every hedgehog in order to assess the coat density, form, and their temperament. However, many hedgehogs simply don’t wish to cooperate. They do this by raising their quills in defense, or rolling into balls. Hines then added, “I need to be able to hold them in order to accurately judge them, and so I cannot give them a first place ribbon.” The show was small so many of the hedgehogs were the only one in their color class, but did not receive a first place ribbon because of their stubborn or shy personalities.
The hedgehogs were then narrowed down to four: the top of their gender, age group, and color class, before they competed head-to-head for the best of show. Many hedgehogs took home two or more ribbons, not including the best of show. One of these was Amy Dreyer, and her hedgehog, Lesotho. Lesotho was one of the few to take home a grand champion ribbon. But, other than the judging aspect and educational lectures, it was a great opportunity to access the hedgehog community, and those interested in learning more about these unique animals to perhaps own them as a pet.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal mammals, surviving on a diet of insects in the wild. In captivity they thrive nicely on a high protein cat food. Most people don’t know that there are seventeen different beeds of hedgehogs. The breed kept as pets is known as the African Pigmy Hedgehog. Native to the continent of Africa, hedgehogs have strict heating requirements.
One of their only defenses are their quills, which cover their backs completely. Controlled by intricate muscles just under the skin, hedgehogs can raise certain parts of their quills, and even flatten them once relaxed. Hedgehogs have a habit of “self-anointing.” This is when a hedgehog likes something so much, that they will nibble and take in as much of whatever it is they like, and lather it in their mouths until they produce a foam. They then spread this foam all over their quills with their tongue. They will anoint themselves with anything. Fruit, fabric, cologne on your shirt, even the carpet. It’s not exactly clear why hedgehogs do this, but it’s widely accepted that in the wild, they might do this to hide their scent from predators.
One of the most typical toys you’ll find a hedgehog playing with is a toilet roll. They will stick their heads into the toilet roll, and walk around with it on. No one knows exactly why they do this, but many believe it has to do with their peripheral vision, or maybe the fact that the toilet roll is significantly darker, and gives the hedgehog a sense of tunnel vision. Or maybe, they think that because they cannot see you, that you cannot see them.
Keep in mind they are first and foremost considered an exotic pet. Because of this hedgehogs are illegal to own in Hawaii, Georgia, Nebraska, and California. In Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, a permit is required to keep them as pets. Fortunately, they are legal to own in Washington.

The Art of Teaching

2009-10-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

SVC is filled with color and the staff knows how to use it.

Mike Scaringe
Staff Writer

Artists!
Yes artists, serious ones, are walking the halls and even teaching. How is this possible? How could someone be both an artist and professor? Shouldn’t they be in some bohemian café in a major metropolitan city consuming heavy drugs and smoking alongside their “masterpieces?” Not really! As active contemporary artists they are here to teach the next generation how to move color, metal and the objects into the future.
Mary Iverson came to SVC two years ago shortly after receiving her masters in painting from the University of Washington. She teaches Modern Art History, Painting 1, Panting 2 and other basic skill classes. With an upcoming show at the “Museum of Northwest Art” in La Conner October 10, Mary has a lot going on in her painting life alongside her teaching. She was happy to sit and answer a few questions about her work, how she balances the role as artist painter, and how the two overlap with one another.

How long have you been painting?
I committed to it I would say in ‘92, so I’ve been doing it a long time.
What were you painting originally?
I was painting buildings, urban paintings.
Have you tried other mediums?
I tried other things, but you can’t get away from what you are.
Are there movements or specific artists that influence you?
Yes, I’m really interested in the Hudson River school, the painters of the sublime. They painted the American west in a romantic, crazy, beautiful way. I’m referencing their work a lot. I’m combining that with my interest in the Port and my interests in the environment. So it’s all coming together.
How would you describe your work or style as a painter?
My work is abstract landscape painting based on the Port of Seattle, the containers the container cranes and the sculptural elements there.
Looking at your website, I noticed things really changed in your style when you painted the containers. What was there that made a difference?
Art is a process of searching, and I found my subject matter there, I just found it, it’s like falling in love or infatuation, you’re…you’re just stuck. You’re there, like it or not. Then I got to know it and went deeper. Why do I love it? What is it about me? And just flipping it around and trying all different things, so that’s its just a long path really that we never arrive at the end.
With your recent show at the Museum of Northwest art, what are you going to be showing?
Those paintings are just what I’ve been doing really recently. Combining environmental concerns, my focus on the Port and industrial activities and with the idea of the frontier coming from the Hudson River School’s sublime painters.
How did you come to teach? Did you go to school with intentions of teaching?
Yes... Most people in master [of painting program] are looking at teaching as a really wonderful career to have. So you do have your professional life to stay in academia but you also have time to focus on the studio in the summer and holidays. It’s a very good career path for painters; there aren’t very many painters who get to live solely off their paintings. [That’s] a very rare thing.
Are you getting inspiration from your classes?
Definitely! Teaching’s very creative. Its funny sometimes, I will be teaching a basic skill or basic assignment or concept, and I have a eureka moment in my own work. It’s like a philosophy: ‘I think therefore I am,’ and all of a sudden you have this really simple epiphany. Every time I face the basics, every time I face the building blocks I think about painting in a new way, so that’s really fun!
So it really gives you a new perspective?
Yeah! It’s really inspiring. To be enthusiastic and bring art into people’s lives that aren’t going to be artists, they’re going to be biologists. That gets me riled up again and enthusiastic in my own work. To see that happen in someone who wouldn’t have done art otherwise is very exciting.
So you do think learning art is as a positive thing for someone who doesn’t follow an art career. Someone who studies biology?
Absolutely! I think everyone should. It helps with our connection to the world. It helps connect with our soul and the world, the inner and outer. It connects those two in a way nothing else can. I mean by looking out and looking in at the same time. While we do art, we’re solving problems and solving ourselves at the same time.
Do you get a lot of people who are in other programs coming into your classroom?
Yeah, especially in painting. I get people that have never done any art at all and are really worried, worried they are going to fail painting class. I say it doesn’t matter where you start as long as you move forward. No matter where you start you’re going to learn something about yourself, and art. You’ll be able to walk into a museum and have an appreciation.
How often are you in your studio?
Well this year I’m hoping it’s more. Last year it was my first year here and it was hard to get up to speed with everything, so I rarely get into the studio except for holidays. But this year I hope to get 5 to 10 hours a week. Start at 5 maybe...But in the summer when I’m not teaching I’m in there everyday. You know, I get up, get my coffee, and go to the studio. Try and take weekends off when I can, I work just like any other week.
How long does it take you to finish a piece? Is there a time frame you try to work in?
Gosh, it’s so variable. Really, really depends. There are paintings I’ve done in a day and there’s a painting that’s taken me four years and I’m still working on. Like some people are done with school right away and some are still going. Lifetimes later.

Do you have a problem separating with your work? Do you always want it to sell?
Yes, always. Because I know there’s always the next one. But I always get professional photographs of it so that I always have the image that’s never gone. But even though it’s the perfect thing that I’m looking for right now, there is going to be a next one. So I always prefer it being out in the world looked at and enjoyed then in my shelve sitting there. I think that’s why we do art; to communicate and share, not to squirrel it away. Even though its hard to grip it away, give it away. Once it’s out of my studio in a show I would rather have it stay out and go further then come back.
What has been the greatest accomplishment for you now as a painter?
This show is a big deal for me! Very, very exciting for me. It’s my first museum show.
I would say right now I’m doing something that for years I wanted to make artistically. I have been tossing this idea around in my mind for 5 years and haven’t been able to put it together right. I have been messing around with it in ways that didn’t satisfy me. So having that at the same time as the museum show is really great timing.
So what happens after this then? Are you already thinking about what’s next?
I’ll just keep going with it. It’s like surfing—you finally get on that wave and you’re like ‘Oh Gosh! I’ve wanted to get on this wave forever!’ and you ride it out, and it’s eventually going to crash on the floor. You can’t control it, so just ride it out—the subject matter and the imagery—and then eventually start over. But I do have shows planned. I have one in San Francisco in January and at the gallery that represents me in Seattle scheduled out.
When you’re teaching do you talk about riding the wave of an idea? I mean really what do you want to show your students?
Well, a lot of it is basic skill. That’s hard enough right there, just getting to be able to use the materials. But once people are in Painting 2 and Modern Art History we start talking about this stuff. More of a Zen creation thing happening and what it does to you. But a lot of it is skill building.
What would you say is the biggest problem for students in the beginning art classes?
Confidence and fear. Fear of imperfection, fear of mistake. These people really have to learn to redefine mistakes, and find that they’re really successes, you don’t learn anything if you don’t make mistakes. That’s what erasers are for. That’s the biggest fear and expectation. You know, ‘if I’m not perfect I’m not anything,’ just breaking through that. Perfection’s not required. Progress is required and effort and trying to be perfect can help.
We are all built to make art. Anyone can do it. We’re supposed to.
We’re supposed to?
Any innovation in society started with us playing in the mud, with idle time and materials and then we built on that. Like this mug somebody was messing around in the mud and left it in the fire. Now we have modern ceramics. So the impulse to create is basic. That’s why we’re not dogs.
I don’t know. My dog’s pretty creative?
Yeah, I know, I love dogs. I have three but they just run around and love you. They don’t create anything.

Who is the Student Government?

2009-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Blymyer
Staff Writer

“The student government is everybody,” says Student Activities/Health Services Coordinator Laura Morris. The student government creates fees and takes suggested improvements into careful consideration. They discuss the issues and problems presented around the school and make changes in the best ways possible.
What does this have to do with everybody? Well, it has everything to do with the students. Without them the student government wouldn’t know exactly what to work on. It is there to represent the interests and concerns of the students and to let the students’ voices be heard.

Being in the student government isn’t an easy task. Many challenges are presented and complicated decisions need to be made. One of the hardest challenges the student government must face has to do with student fees. Whether they should be lowered, raised, or kept the same is the task to be undertaken.
Student fees pay for programs and activities that are not instructionally based such as clubs, career services, and even athletics. Students do not want to pay expensive fees. However, if the fees are lowered, the cost of clubs and other programs goes up. There wouldn’t be enough money to have as many clubs and organizations as we do now.
Don’t let these minor difficulties drive you away. The student government lets students express their opinions in the level they are comfortable with. It is for those who are up to a challenge and for those who want to be heard but not have a sworn-in place in the student government. A student does not necessarily have to be a representative or a part of the committee to make a difference or voice their opinions and suggestions. They can be a part of it by doing the simplest things—getting involved in school activities and service projects, joining clubs and, most importantly, expressing their opinions.
A student can also be a part of the student government by voting for and supporting representatives in the upcoming elections. This year elections are being held via e-voting. October 19-22 an e-mail will be sent to all currently enrolled students. To vote simply open the e-mail, follow the link provided, and fill out the form. Students have one chance to fill out the entire form before submitting it. All votes are anonymous.
Students should feel free to visit the student government meetings. They are held every Tuesday at 12:30 P.M. in room 48 in the Campus Center. Students are encouraged to participate. For any questions or concerns speak to a student government representative or visit the Student Life office, located in the Campus Center.

Showcase Singers to Join Skagit Opera and Symphony

2009-10-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sinclair Hucke
Staff Writer

The Skagit Opera has paired with the Skagit Symphony, opening its 30th Anniversary season, and included The Skagit Valley College Showcase Singers for one night to honor light classics in opera. “A Night at the Opera” will be a showcase of classic operatic songs, most of which are well known if not by title, then certainly by ear. The best love songs from famous operas and a few serious compositions are included in the line up. Though the Skagit Opera and Skagit Symphony often work together, this is the first time that a group from Skagit Valley College will be joining them on stage. The Skagit Valley College Showcase Singers are a small ensemble group made up of students who share a love for vocal performance. Pairing with The Skagit Opera chorus is an opportunity for these musicians to observe and participate in a professional setting. The two choirs will come together to form a forty-five voice chorus on the night of October 17th at 7:30 p.m. and the following afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at McIntyre Hall. Tickets can be bought at www.mcintyrehall.org, and range from $22 to $35, for the coveted box seats.
There will be solos from Skagit Valley’s music director Diane Johnson, as well as a reunion between teacher and student as Gwendolyn Lytle joins her on stage for a duet. Johnson studied under Lytle at Pomona College, where Lytle still lends her talents as a Professor of Music.
The Skagit Opera and Skagit Symphony are both non-profit organizations who run on the support from those in the community. Unfortunately, the economy has hurt local non-profit groups including the Skagit Opera this year. As a result they have had to reduce their shows from the usual three a year, to only two. Joining forces lessened the financial burden on each group in order to create a wonderful night for all.
“They put together a concert that has something for every opera and music lover,” said Johnson. “People will recognize a lot of the tunes.”

Masquerade Ball Meant for All

2009-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Emily Akland
Staff Writer

Some students feel like they missed out on homecoming in high school. Luckily for those students, a masquerade event called ‘Homecoming Coming Home’ will be taking place soon. Anyone, high school age and older, is invited to attend the masquerade dance at McIntyre Hall, Friday, October 23rd, 8 p.m. to midnight.
This masquerade event will be sponsored by the SVC Rainbow Alliance Club along with PFLAG (Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Tickets cost $10 for 18 years and under and $20 for 19 years and older. Tickets can be purchased from the McIntyre Hall box office and/or the McIntire Hall website.
There will be a DJ at the event who will provide a variety of music selections throughout the evening, everything from oldies to current songs.
A wine bar will be open for those 21 and older. Wine will be sold all evening long to those of drinking age. Soft drinks will be available for the younger crowd and free snack foods will also be available.
A photographer will be on site, similar to the photographers at high school homecoming dances. The photographer will take professional photos for those who choose to have their picture taken.
Participants are invited to be creative with their costumes. “It’s an open expression”, says Christina Garcia, co-advisor of the Rainbow Alliance club, adding, “I can’t wait to see the costumes and masks!”
Although this dance is open to the community, its purpose stems from a desire for gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals to hold an event where they can feel safe and free to enjoy the evening’s festivities with their significant others. Many in attendance couldn’t, or will not be able to, attend their school dances with their date of choice. This may have been because of school administrative rules or judgment from other students.
According to Garcia, the feedback on the upcoming event is, “Awesome! Everyone is stoked!”
The bottom line is: Everyone should feel welcome to join in on the fun. Garcia concluded, “I think it will be an awesome event and a lot of fun for people. I want people to come.”
The Rainbow Alliance Club, which is sponsoring the masquerade, is a unique club that supports gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, and straight people. The Rainbow Alliance Club otherwise acts as what Christina Garcia, co-advisor of the club, calls a “safe place” where people can be open about their sexuality. The Rainbow Alliance meets every Tuesday at 12:30 in the N building in room 120. Everyone needs a safe haven, and that is what the Rainbow Alliance club can be for people with different preferences.
If you would like to know more about the Rainbow Alliance Club, or the dance, contact Christina Garcia at: Christina.Garcia@skagit.edu. For online tickets visit www.mcintyrehall.org or call 360-416-7727 ext. 2.

New Equipment, Better Tech Options

2009-10-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Blymyer
Staff Writer

Students looking for the perfect way to make a premium presentation for class, room 131 in the Norwood Cole library is the place to go. Last spring with the help of the Student Tech Fee, a myriad of brand new, high-definition, top-of-the-line equipment was purchased. Among this wonderful selection are three Macs, a large format Epson Stylus Pro printer, a Canon scanner, two Canon XH A1 high-def camcorders, two Canon Rebel digital cameras, two Canon Vixia HF 20 video recorders, a professional editing program, microphones, tripods and more. All of this is available for a student’s use.
To gain access to this new equipment students can speak to Media Technician Norma Lisherness, whose office is located in the library building room 133. Provide information about the project and the name of the instructor who assigned it. Lisherness will be glad get students acquainted with the new equipment and help them get a login account on one of the computers so they can get started.
Don’t know much about computer and video equipment? No problem. Lisherness can give a brief hands-on overview on the best and easiest ways to use the equipment.
This great enhancement in SVC’s editing collection is easy to access. By presenting a Student I.D. and giving Norma Lisherness information on the project, a student can use any of the equipment. The doors to the editing room are always locked, but students can talk to the library receptionist, and they will let students in if they have touched bases with Lisherness first. This equipment will help students compose a class presentation or video project. Some of it can be checked-out like a library book and used at home for as long as a week. It is available to all students at any time.

International Students Experience American Culture

2009-10-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Danica Russell
Staff Writer

Having friends around the world is always a great feeling especially because you will always have a place to stay if you’re in the area. The college is helping students gain friends from all over the world.
The International Program offers students an opportunity to meet a student from another country, as Conversation Partners.
Conversation Partners are two people, an international student and a native English speaking student. The students meet at least an hour a week and can do any activity from having lunch in our cafeteria or going fishing on the weekend. This is a way students can be more involved on campus and be involved in our community.
There are 250 students participating in this program. Each student is paired with one other student of the same sex. There are students from many different countries involved this quarter, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan, China, and Mexico.
Jessica Edge, a participant in the program, wants to take more than just a friend from the experience but also to “learn a different kind of culture.”
Not only is this program a way to reach out to others but also it can help with a Learning into Action requirement. Participation in three quarters of the Conversation Partners can receive a Global Citizenship Award.
This is a way students can learn about each other’s diverse culture and personality. Not only are students learning each other’s background, but they also are gaining a friendship for life.

Say it to the Cardinal

2009-10-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Have something to say? Say it to the Cardinal!

This column is a new forum for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions on any subject. We want to know what’s on your mind. Watch for our table in the Knutzen Student Center.

Matt LaCanfora
“I don’t think that the political action group LaRouche should be allowed on campus. The last time they were here, they had a big poster of President Obama with a Hitler moustache. [...] Granted, these people have free speech as a right, but what they say and do is a disgrace to this country.”

Laura Morris
“Thank you! The Cardinal is a great way for staff to connect with students.”

Hon Laam Fung
“My favorite class is communication, although my performance of the speech is not that good, but I still enjoy it cuz I can learn to speak in the public and build up my confidence.”

Carrie Haffer
“What about all those cigarette butts? Need better receptacles and more personal responsibility.”

Xue Chuang Li
“I came from China. I have been here like 3 years. Peoples are so nice here and also this is first time I came to SVC . I think education is better than China.”

Local Halloween Festivities: Get Ready for the Holiday

2009-10-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Jett Morris
Staff Writer

The 11th annual Skagit Valley Festival of the Farms tied together thirteen local farms within Skagit County, providing an opportunity for those living in the community to learn more about the upcoming fall season. With Halloween just weeks away, now is a good time to stock up on pumpkins, apple cider, and have a scare or two. There were an assortment of activities for adults and children during the weekend-long celebration of the harvest. Some remain open to the public until October 31st.

Gordon Family Farms on McLean Road in Mount Vernon sells a large variety of different squashes, pumpkins, and gourds. During the Festival of the Farms, Gordon’s had a weigh-off with local large pumpkins, many of them so massive and deformed, that they can only be moved by crate lifts. One of the smaller pumpkins situated in the center of the farm weighed in at 397 lbs. Their weight was recorded on the side of them with pen. Larger ones were sitting on the back of a logging truck, while smaller ones were placed around the grounds of the farm.

Schuh Farms on State Route 536 in Mount Vernon is a 300-acre farm, with a wide variety of family activities. They offer pumpkins, a 6-acre corn and tire maze, a few play areas for children, as well as access to barnyard animals such as pigs and chickens. Many local farms within Skagit County allow customers to pick their own pumpkins, which enable anyone to go out into the pumpkin patch to find exactly the one they want.

For more information on local farms and times they are open, visit: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/. This website is a great resource and also provides directions and contact information. Farms are organized by state and then by county.

Protest On Campus

2009-09-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Students, community to demonstrate as nation watches.

Liz Oiness
Editor

On Saturday, September 26, political radio and television personality Glenn Beck will be visiting McIntyre Hall to be honored by the Mayor of Mount Vernon, Bud Norris.
The ceremony, called ‘Welcome Home Glenn Beck,’ is sold out. Visitors are expected to come from far and wide to attend the event, which will take place after Beck speaks to a crowd at SafeCo Field in Seattle.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to bring someone of national prominence in their field—in his case radio and television—home to recognize them,” says Mayor Norris.
Glenn Beck is the host of his own network radio show, broadcast on over 300 stations, as well as a daily news show on the Fox News Channel.
However, some community members are planning to organize peaceful protest outside of McIntyre Hall.
“It is so regrettable that Mayor Norris has chosen Glenn Beck,” says Steve Crider, a Skagit County business owner who is one of many event committee organizers. “Of all people who have come out of Mt. Vernon and Skagit County, when so many others might be better honored and recognized. So that is the nature of the protest: not against any one’s right to free speech, but to show the rest of the country that we do not honor Glenn Beck and his unctuous views nor does Mayor Norris’s action in any way represent a large portion of this community’s values.”

“It’s not just going to be people protesting against Glenn Beck, but also people protesting for Glenn Beck,” responds Mayor Norris. “I believe those folks have a right to express their opinion, just as Mr. Beck has a right to express his opinion.”
“If they brought a far left-wing person in, someone who wants to socialize healthcare, the Mayor would have nothing to do with it,” says John Marks, a student applying for a position with KSVR. “He wouldn’t be giving them the key to the city.” Marks says he will be out there with the protestors on Saturday, because he feels that Beck is an extremist.
Whatever your political views, one thing is certain: This controversy has thrust Skagit County into the spotlight. The event has snowballed into a national news story, covered by local news stations and papers, such as the Skagit Valley Herald, all the way to national venues like the New York Times and the Fox Network. It’s expected that news outlets from around the country may be on location to cover the events—both the ceremony and the demonstrations.

Heavy Metal

2009-09-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

... in a small country town.

Liz Oiness
Editor

Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley, WA hosts an astounding quantity of Detroit Iron on display Sunday, September 13, 2009. It’s candy-apple red, sunfire yellow, and Pacific blue as far as the eye can see, with throw-back music and carnival food for visitors who weave between revitalized treasures that glisten in the sun.

Introducing KSVU

2009-09-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Skagit Valley Upriver Community Radio
New station office to open in Concrete.

Britta Eschete
KSVR Publicist

KSVU will provide opportunities for community volunteers to produce radio programs to reach local populations throughout the Upper Skagit Valley. KSVU is the “sister station” of KSVR, both of which are licensed by the Board of Trustees for Skagit Valley College.
KSVR has been on the air since 1973, and provides both local news and programs to the Skagit Community in both English and Spanish.
To learn about upcoming public meetings to discuss program ideas for KSVU, or to volunteer, please contact Rip Robbins at 360-416-7711.

KSVR will be raising money over the radio airwaves October 19-24th. Consider making a donation during this time (or any other time) to support local news and information to the Skagit Community in both English and Spanish.

Did you know you can also support KSVR by becoming a member? Members receive an annual membership card, with special discounts to KSVR events and discounts to local businesses. Get your “2010” Membership Card today! For information, contact Teresa Pantoja, Fundraising Director, at 360-416-7983.

Want to know why you should tune in to KSVR? Sign up to receive “KSVR Word Waves” a weekly guide to “What’s Happened and What’s Happening” on the radio airwaves and in the Skagit Community. Call KSVR at 416-7711 to be added to the free updates list, or send an email to britta.eschete@skagit.edu.

Who's Who On Campus

2009-09-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Name: Amber Williams

Where do you live?
Oak Harbor/ Dorms

Major: Culinary Arts

What brings you to the campus today?
Surfin the web and waiting for uniforms.

If you could go anywhere in the World where would you go?
Paris

Whats the longest you have gone without sleep and why?
Two days, just unable to sleep.

Name: Charissa Reeves

Where do you live?
Oak Harbor/Mt Vernon

Major: Fashion Design

What brings you to the campus today?
Financial aid business.

If you could go anywhere in the World where would you go?
Greece

Whats the longest you have gone without sleep and why?
20 hours school and was woke up.

Name: Glenda Landon

Where do you live?
Mt Vernon

Position: Trio Program assistant

What brings you to the campus today?
CS 100 class started today.

If you could go anywhere in the World where would you go?
London

Whats the longest you have gone without sleep and why?
24 hours while traveling.

Name: Edwin Olmsted

Where do you live?
Stanwood

Major: GED

What brings you to the campus today?
Starting classes learning about money management and bank terms.

If you could go anywhere in the World where would you go?
Australia

Whats the longest you have gone without sleep and why?
3 days for work--painting.

Name: Ann Brackinreed

Where do you live?
Hamilton

Major: Diesel Power Technology

What brings you to the campus today?
Tags for her vehicle.

If you could go anywhere in the World where would you go?
Amsterdam

Whats the longest you have gone without sleep and why?
2 1/2 days, baby crying.

Grade Your Instructors

2009-09-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

Liz Oiness
Editor

Students are needed for appointment to Tenure Review Committees. These committees are assigned to evaluate the performance and competence of instructors who will be eligible for a permanent faculty appointment. Such an appointment gives them some security in the face of class and staff cuts with recent budget restrictions.
Each committee has one student representative, and will evaluate a faculty member and then advise the Board of Trustees on granting or not granting tenure. Evaluation includes classroom observation, anonymous student surveys, and assessment of participation in student activities.
Applications are due October 2, 2009. Return them to Laura Morris in the Student Life Office or via e-mail to Laura.Morris@skagit.edu. To obtain an application, visit the TRC web page at Skagit.edu by following the Student Life, Student Government, then MV Faculty Tenure Review Committee links.