Volume VIII, Number 1 September 21, 1998

Hello from

"Down Under.," . -': .. " ".' . . , .' • by Marti Martin That's what you could say if you took a trip to the BuzzWords bottom of the world - to New Zealand and Australia like my husband and I did this past May & June. New • by Toni Magaldi Zealand is beautiful - an unspoiled land of beautiful Did you get a chance to respond to the district's ten-page scenery where you can drink the water, eat delicious questionnaire about new initiatives? food, and walk around at night without looking over your shoulder (but do watch out for drivers on the I hope you had your dictionary handy as some of the wrong side of the street!). They say there are 3.2 vocabulary was rather "challenging." I'm sure many of us million people but over 47 million sheep. A must-see is use 'pedagogical' when we're discussing the characteristics a stop at a sheepranch to feed the sheep and watch a of teachers and teaching. (I can think of some others too.) sheepshearer prepare them for winter. Especially What a supereminent paradigm for accreting our own enjoyable is watching the border collies at work. It is "lexicons! incredible to watch them move the sheep mostly by ~ And speaking of building one's vocabulary, sometimes intimidation, using head and body posture in a menac­ you'll hear or read a new word with which you're not ing manner. You will also pass one of the many deer familiar. And then, 10 and behold, you'll see or hear it again farms in the countryside (much like cattle ranches) within a few days. It's like youjust weren't aware or didn't where the Kiwi's (the term used for New Zealand tune into it before and now you're more cognizant of it. people) have turned the problem of deer overpopulation into a profitable venture. The venison and hides are We've all seen those calendars that have a new word for sold mostly to Asian countries. each day of the year. There was a sitcom episode on tv recently that showed co-workers secretly trading the real The two islands are quite different. North Island has the word-a-day calendar with one that had fake words. The largest city, Auckland (which has a Harrah's casino in person that they pulled the practical joke on was going the 300 foot tall Sky Tower located in the center of around the office using the "new" words in all her sen­ town). The Sky Tower is the 7th highest tower in the tences. What a riot! world and offers great views of the city and the pleas­ ant harbor. An all-day trip will take you out of town to The Reader's Digest has a couple of pages in each issue Rotorua, which has hot springs, geysers, and bubbling called It Pays to Enrich Your Word Power. They list twenty hot mud. It is also the location of a Maori Cultural words usually revolving around some kind of theme. The reader tries to define the words with one of the multiple­ continued on page 5 choice answers. (The correct definitions are on the second page.) Reader's Digest also lists a web site Astronomy Observations www.rdinteractive.com. Look under Word Power. There will be two astronomy observation sessions in the Back in high school I had an English teacher who was fall semester conducted by instructor Karen Castle always assigning new vocabulary words for the students to (weather permitting). They are free and open to the public. '----' define and use in a sentence that was supposed to (kind of) Friday, September 25 7:30 p.m, continued on page 2 Friday, October 30 7:00 p.m. Classified Members WeAre on Committees The Classified Selection Committee would like to thank on the Move the following cfassified members who have agreed to Welcome to: serve on committees and task forces: Classified Senate Newspaper Viola Hallett, Instructional Laboratory Coordi­ Nicole Gomes nator for the Learning Center Economic Development Program Manager Paper Screening Magdalena Servantes, PBX Operator-Recep­ Roshan Dahi tionist (evening) Economic Development Program Manager Interview Audrey Johnson, Office Assistant II at CHE Cynthia Heilesen Cheryl Summers Christie Schwandt, Senior Office Assistant for Business Services Non-Instructional Program Review Task Force Leslie Nath Heather Harlan, Admissions and Records Sue Garcia Assistant II DYC Governance Council Gloria Zaraboza, College International Educa­ Tammie Trujillo tion Coordinator Budget Review Committee Congratulations to: Stu Fogg Budget Oversight Committee Nona Peterson, transferred from Campus Sue Handy Facilities Assistant at LMC to DYC Keith Craven Kathy Reilly, transferred from Secretary to the If you are interested in serving on campus committees, Dean of Instruction to Secretary to the Dean please contact one of the selection committee members: of Students Donna Carreon (chair), Julie Catalano or Marti Martin. Hedy Wong, transferred from Administrative Secretary for Matriculation and Research to Administrative Secretary for the Division of Social Science Boyce McKelvy, voluntary transfer from Secre­ tary to the Dean at Contra Costa College to Secretary to the Dean of Instruction at DYC BUZZ continued from page 1 Marianne Martinez, transferred from Admis­ sions/Records - EOPS Assistant at DYC to explain what the word meant. Out of all the words he gave us, the only one I really remember is 'blitz.' I think Admissions and Records Assistant II for DYC that's because I was the one who got credit for using it Linda Robbins, promotional transfer from properly. I used it in context with football which, I Administrative Secretary for the Faculty guess, he thought girls didn't know much about. He was Senate Office at DYC to College Human a good teacher. He used to sit on the top of his desk, legs Resources Assistant for the Business Services crossed lotus style, hands held in a prayer-like pose and office at DYC expound on the "English" relationship to life. He was a great pedagogical example.

2 Spotlight on Kelleye Llyn Bennett-Vinci • by Toni Magaldi Birthplace: Portland, Oregon Book Occupation: Media Services Technician II (a.k.a. Audio-Visual Slave) Bites Years with the district: 18-Ten as a Classified employee and eight as an hourly and student worker. Kelleye started in 1980 in the Media Lab then Bite-5ize Book Reviews did the run to CHE at night. • By Sue Rohlicek Family: Yes! Kelleye boasts ofone "spousal unit," one daughter, and one new son-in-law. Straight Man, by Richard Russo. I liked this book because it is funny and Pets: Two cats, Squido and Girl Cat; one 150 gallon reef tank and one intelligent. The narrator is a tenured freshwater tank both of which keep her busy especially in the hot weather. English instructor serving as Department Favorite pastimes/hobbies: Kelleye and her husband acquired a house a Chair during a tense period of piercing few years ago and have been spending many hours doing home improve­ budget cuts that further divide an already ments and remodeling. (Watch out Norm.) They've put on a new roof, bickering, paranoid faculty. SUffering remodeled the entire kitchen, and landscaped the whole yard. When she's from what he thinks is a kidney stone, not twirling her tool belt, Kelleye spends a lot of time "mucking" about Hank wrestles with the dawning realiza­ with computers. tion that he is, in fact, very much like his cruel, self-absorbed father. My favorite '-..../ Most admired person: Stephen Hawking part is when Hank discovers that his Life's philosophy: "Groove on the Confusion, this too shall pass like a secretary writes better fiction that he bad kidney stone." does. This is a well-written, entertaining novel, slightly over the top but with a lot Favorite book: Canticles for Leibowitz by Walter Miller of insight about campus politics. Favorite music: Alternative Into the Forest, by Jean Hegland. This Typical day: "I come in waaay too early, grab the ringing phones, take a is an intriguing and compelling fantasy zillion last minute orders ... Hello, this is Teacher X. (Cough, gag) I've about a family with two teenage sisters got this terrible case of laryngitis and (whisper) I need a tape and tv/vcr who live in an isolated Northern Califor­ delivered by 8am.... nia forest. The story takes place in the near future when electricity and phones After that I 'flog' the student help into action, replace burned out bulbs, gradually fail, the Internet crashes, gas tighten loose cables and connections, and find four lost videos. Then I becomes unavailable, and mysterious answer more phone calls, take more orders, flog the student help again fatal diseases appear. The girls become Gust for luck), answer five computer related questions, troubleshoot orphaned and must learn to survive computer/video projectors, and grab lunch. entirely on their own. They struggle to In the afternoon it's time to reorganize the falling piles of paperwork on come to grips with their altered futures, my desk, create new piles of paperwork for everyone else, handle another Eva is forced to give up her dreams of crisis or two, flog the student help one more time Gust to be safe) and head Harvard, and Nell her obsession with home." ballet. The story breaks down once or twice, especially toward the end, but Weirdest thing you've come across on the job: A lot of weird things overall it was surprisingly believable and happen here at the Media Center but this past July (on my birthday, no I couldn't put it down. '-..../ less) one of the metal louvers from the library window fell out onto my last year's birthday present, my car! 3 Episode 4 The Further Adventures of a Boy Named Jill

Let's recap the events that have Two, pretty teen-age girls, one wearing he had died and gone to heaven. occurred to Little Jill since last we a shon skin and a pullover, the other in His eyes went wide and his smile talked: he's been chased by a "friend" jeans and tank top, were involved in a. disappeared like dust in the wind as he with a baseball bat, been shot at and friendly discussion. Occasionally, they watched six more teenage girls pop up nearly killed by two hot shot cops and would look or point in Little Jill's from behind the garbage cans that were Le Stat the Vampire went for a ride direction. Bill watched as one of the standing along the walls of the alley­ with him in big brother's Mustang to a girls staned walking toward them, way. The new girls were all dressed in 7/11 for a Big Gulp. stopped halfway and beckoned to Little jeans and leather jackets with small, Jill to follow her. She walked back to In this episode we find three of our four white filmy veils that rested on top of her girlfriend, several times looking "desperados," Big Bill, Little Jill and their heads and draped down to their over her shoulder, smiling, making sure Benny, the frustrated jazz musician, shoulders. Jill was coming along. And he was. standing on a sidewalk in front of a B They quickly encircled Jill. He of A branch late one morning. Big Bill Big Bill grinned as he thought to struggled with the two girls holding was beginning to detail his plan for himself, "It's about time he got some him, but their grips tightened the more their upcoming armored car caper. action." he struggled. He couldn't free himself. "Okay," Big Bill began, "this is how I Bill turned back to Benny just as Jill "Wha', wha' what do you, you wa', see it happenin'. Hey Jill, are you followed the two girls around a corner, wa', want?" Jill stuttered. Sometimes, listenin'?" Lillie Jill was leaning into an alleyway. when he got real scared he'd stan to against a lamppost, staring up the Little Jill's heart was pumping. Small stutter. Other times he stuttered street. Big Bill noticed Jill's face was beads of perspiration had broken out because he thought people would feel extremely pale, and he seemed thinner. on his forehead. What did they want? sorry for him and give him what he His clothes didn't fit him; they hung on Could it be they liked him? But they wanted. For the same reason, he him. A large band-aid covered the side hadn't even spoken to him. Maybe it sometimes wore a fake hump on his of his neck. Thick, dark sunglasses was the sunglasses. He thought they back. This time though, he was scared ­ completed this sickly picture. He made him look cool. But what if ... ----less. looked like hell. could they be pros? Oh ... my ... "First things first." Began a tall, skinny Benny gave Jill's shoulder a quick jab gawwd' He touched his back pocket, blond facing Jill. "Let us introduce with a knuckle sandwich. making sure he had hi s wallet. ourselves. We're the Holy Order of the "Hey, oww'" Jill yelled. grabbing his These thoughts whirled through his Gangsta Nuns. This is our turf. So you shoulder where Benny hit him. "Yah, mind as he followed the two teen-age hafta' pay some fees. Let's have your I'm listenin'. eez!" cuties. wallet, watch and empty out your pockets." "Okay," Bill began again, his voice low The girls stopped well into the alley, so he couldn't be overheard by a turned, and waited for him to catch up, Jill handed over his wallet and the few passerby, "this is how I see it." His two inviting smiles shining on their pretty odds and ends that were in his pockets. cohorts-in-crime came in close. "Jill faces. A pocketknife, the small blade broken will be the inside man. He gets a job "Hi ,,, The girls said, practically in off, a small ball of waxed string, a fake with the company as a guard. He learns unison, smiling seductively as he diamond engagement ring, and a little the schedule for pick-up and deliveries. joined them. black address book that had no num­ When they have the max in cash on bers in it. His hands shook slightly. "HiI" Jill grinned back. "What's up?" board, we hit 'em. Okay? Hey Jill," Big He asked, trying to sound casual but "Thanks. Now you have to help us with Bill asked angrily, "you with us or one other thing. We have several not?" didn't. His hean was racing a mile a minute. His mouth was dry and his novices here who need to take vows to Jill was again staring up the street, palms sweaty. Wow' Not one girl but become full pledged members. But seeming not to be paying any attention two' He couldn't believe his good luck. before they can do that, they have to to what Big Bill was saying. He nodded prove their worthiness to enter our Still smiling, the girls walked up to absent-mindedly. Bill, annoyed, turned order. Any ideas how they could do him, one to either side, each slipping to look up the street to see what was so that?" an arm through one of his. Jill thought interesting to his little brother. Several ideas passed swiftly through 4 continued Further Adventures Jill's mind, none of them good. He began to Quick Bytes shake. '-.J A couple of the girls chuckled while the rest Little Dragon grinned at him. Suddenly, a little red-haired girl stepped forward, spit, then made a fist and punched him in the gut. The air whooshed from BIG Choices his mouth as he doubled over. The rest of them, • by Marilyn Joyce screaming foul language, came at him, punching and kicking him. When a good new restaurant choice opens near the campus, it is Jill had one thought before everything went time to spread the word. Little Dragon Chinese Restaurant fearures black, "Why me?" Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine and serves lunch Mon.-Sat. from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Their service is fairly prompt especially To be continued ... since they have only been open since June. The menu fearures almost 50 luncheon choices, and nineteen of Down Under those are oil free. Ten choices are hot and spicy. Lunch consists of continued from page 1 soup, hot tea, rice (fried rice or chow mein on cenain days), won Center where you can learn a bit about the ton, main dish, and a forrune cookie. There are also many vegetarian indigenous people of New Zealand. They are choices. Take out orders do not include soup. of Polynesian descent and migrated across the Little Dragon is open for dinner 7 days a week and features both ocean many years ago in large canoe-like family style dinners or a la cane. Little Dragon is quite small, so boats. Their culture is quite interesting and arrive early for lunch, as they fill up quickly. seems to have much in common with other Polynesian peoples. A little known fact is that This new restaurant is located in the Safeway shopping center across there are no mammals (except for a bat known the street from the campus on Golf Club Road. It is next door to as a flying fox) native to New Zealand. You Baskm Robbins (on the back side). '-J .I will find many native birds and fish but all the Little Dragon Chinese Restaurant . mammals there were brought in by settlers. It o Mon.-Sun. 11 :00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 0 .' . o is also unusual to find that no snakes live in ::> ,~ New Zealand, especially since their nearest Lunch 11-3 p.m. Mon.-Sat. g ~ ~ o neighbor, Australia, some of the world's only ($4.25 up) o ~ deadliest snakes. 270 Golf Club Road iii'" Pleasant Hill ~ ~~~ OJ c. Another interesting stop enroute is the Phone: 363-9398 " Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The larvae of a Golf Club Rd. local fly attach themselves to the roof and sides Dye of these caves and glow with a blue light. They glow to attract insects that they catch with long WANTED: A replacement freezer in good condition spider web-like strings that they send down. for the Museum. Chest or upright. Call Audrey at ext. 303. They live in the caves for nine months before maruring into a fly that lives only long enough to mate to produce another generation. The caves are really a beautiful sight and it's hard to believe that the star-like blue lights covering The CLASSIFIED SENATE Newsletter the walls come from the bodies of insects. • Next deadline October 25 If you want to catch a bit of England, I've been Please submit your articles to members of the Classified Newsletter Commit­ told that you should spend the day in tee, preferably on disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newsletter Commit­ tee members are Julie Catalano. Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni Christchurch before venruring south. You can Magaldi. Jan Quick. and Sue Rohlicek. The Commi~tee reserves the right nOI also take a trip up to Mount Cook from there. to publish articles based on qualiry and quantity of anicles submitted. Letters ,--",Unforrunately, we didn't include it on our published in the Newsletter reflect views of the authors. not the Committee. plans. Next stop - the South Island. 5 EXERCISING HEALTH IN THE WORK PLACE Wrist Stretch Thumb Stretch Finger Stretch

Neck Flex & Extention Head & Neck Rotation

Whole Head, Neck Seated Pectoral Upper Arm Stretch Body & Shoulders Stretch Stretch

Upper Back Stretch Arm Press Shoulder Stretch Side Stretch

Middle/Upper Back Arm Circles Standing Corner StretchStretch Stretch Toe Raises

Reformatted from Workstation Comfort A Stretch & Exercise Guide 6 KG G 6/2198 Volume VIII, Number 2 October 14, 1998

Orange from One to Ten • by Toni Magaldi Asurvey will be sent out to all Classified Staff (mid­ 1) A Halloween color. Think pumpkins and Jack-O­ October) for your input to make Joblinks 99 a suc­ Lanterns. In recent years pumpkins come in other cessful conference. Joblinks 99 will be held on two colors like white and a bluish color. th days, Wednesday April 7 and Thursday April 8, 2) A reddish-yellow, round fruit of the citrus family with 1999 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for professional a sweet, juicy pUlp. It is one of the most important training and enhancement. The Chancellor supports fresh fruits of international commerce. It is also one all Classified Staff in attending this conference on of the oldest cultivated fruits, probably native to the both days. He will be sending out a memo to all Malay Archipelago and tropical Asia, and was managers. cultivated in China many centuries before reaching The Joblinks 99 Conference will be held at Diablo Europe. The first orange to reach Europe was the Valley College. Volunteers are still needed to help sour orange, which was introduced by the Crusaders; with presenting workshops as well as helping to set culture of the sweet orange did not start until the up and clean up. Please contact Cathy Walton­ middle ofthe 15th century. Columbus brought the Woodson at ext. 625 or Ann Williams at ext. 632 if orange to the New World, and it is known that trees you are interested. were well established in Florida by 1600 and were growing in California about 175 years later. 3) There are several cities in the United States named th Orange. They are in southern California, Connecti­ DVC's50 cut, Massachusetts, Texas, New Jersey, Iowa, and Virginia. Anniversary Campaign 4) Florida's state flower is the orange blossom. • by Cathy Walton-Woodson, Classified Employee 5) One ofthe M&M colors. The Classified Staff will be asked to help support 6) Usually associated with black as in Halloween and DVC's 50'h Anniversary Campaign. You may ask, the San Francisco Giant's baseball colors. what is the 50th Anniversary Campaign? This cam­ 7) A cautionary color for road signs, rubber cones and paign is a fundraising activity among all employees at dangerous areas. continued on page 6 continued on page 2 ------~---

..//~ ~ ~~Oagain ~/ f "Down Under!" • by Marti Martin On the South Island of New Zealand the scenery is spectacular - mountains, fjords, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls. Queenstown is surrounded by mountains (up to 7800 feet high) and with a short walk from town you can take a gondola up to enjoy a wonderful view of the mountains and the 52-mile long lake adjacent to the town. At the top, the daring can take a plunge with a parasail or take the very fast luge down the mountain. Queenstown's proximity to the Antarc­ tic means it is very cold. We were there before the snow but it is a very popular area for skiers from all over the world with many nearby ski fields. For the real daredevils, a short bus trip takes you to where bungy jumping began. We watched several brave South Island souls take the plunge off the bungy bridge - but New Zealand didn't try it ourselves. Our guide told us that they used to offer a jump for free to anyone who would jump without clothing but the government put a stop to it Orange when so many people took up the offer. (Now they continued from page 1 offer the free jump to anyone over 60 but we didn't see any takers.) 8) Orangemen were named after William III ofEn­ gland, Prince of Orange. Members of a society A trip to Milford Sound (one of the wettest spots on organized in northern Ireland in 1795 to support ear1h with 27 feet ofrain a year!) and/or Doubtful Protestantism. July 12 (anniversary ofWilliam's Sound takes all day in a motor coach but is well worth victory over King James II) and November 5 (the the time for the wonderful scenery. Milford Sound day ofWilliam's first landing in England in 1688) looks a lot like the Yosemite Valley with water instead are the principal holidays of the order. To celebrate of land at the base of the mountains. With all the rain, these holidays the members wear orange-colored there are many waterfalls and because of the cold, flowers and orange sashes and march in parades. many glaciers. The boat took us out a bit into the Tasman Sea and it was easy to see why Captain Cook 9) Not a very popular car color but I've seen quite a sailed right by it twice as you cannot see the harbor few orange semi-trucks. (One time my car broke opening at all. It was not discovered by the English down and the shop let me use a loaner car that was until 1832. There were almost no cars on the route to an orange Duke's of Hazard type car. Ugh!) Milford Sound but a number of tour buses. (They told & us they get up to 60 buses a day in the summer.) 10) Always found in a crayon box. (It MUST be impor­ tant!) A few interesting things to note about New Zealand. The mountainsides around Milford Sound are fre-

continued on page 6 2 Spotlight on Jean Phillips • by Nicole Gomes Birthplace: Skowhegan, Maine, USA Jean came to California when she was Book fifteen in an old Chevy station wagon with her family. "We lost the hood in Wyoming Bites so arrived in California hoodless." Bite-Size Book Reviews Occupation: Math Lab Coordinator • by Sue Rohlicek Years with the district: 15 Always Outnumbered, Always Military: None herself, but Jean did accompany her husband, Chuck, Outgunned, by Walter Mosley. Life is to Morocco where she says, "WE" were stationed in the U.S. Navy. tough in Watts, but not as tough as it Family: Husband of 3I years, Chuck; four adult children, Chris, Craig, used to be for ex-con Socrates Fortlow. Tom and Cathy; one grandson, Shane. Socrates struggles throughout the book with his violent nature, looking for Pets: None, but Jean enjoys watching the birds, squirrels, and deer ways to make amends to his victims, who frequent her property. That way there's "no responsibility just pure and his young friend's victims, as a enjoyment." way to heal himself. Socrates and his Favorite pastimes/hobbies: Jean enjoys being with her family and companions have plenty of insight, and friends, dinners out, travel, doing family history research, swimming, he comes up with some very creative knitting and gardening. ways to manage his anger. My favorite part is when he goes to the ocean for '-..../ Extra activities: Jean teaches and assists other people with family the first time in his life. The trip history research. becomes his personal statement of Most admired person: Anyone with a cheerful attitude as I must freedom and self-affirmation. This work at having one." beautifully written book is sad and often harsh, but it is also a celebration Life's philosophy: "Do my best and let God do the rest." of friendship and survival. Favorite book: "It's a tie between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Witch ofExmoor, by Margaret They are all I find time to read anymore." Drabble. Set in contemporary England, Favorite music: Jean usually prefers quiet but when she does listen to this is the story of an old woman's music it's hymns, classical or 50/60's rock. "With my beginner piano attempt to live a solitary life at her skills I sometimes play hymns or Disney tunes." remote seaside home, and how her family fights back. Grown children can Typical day: "What does a Math Lab Coordinator do? I think she be such pests! This is a different kind walks 20 miles a day responding to needs and trying to keep things of mystery, with acute social commen­ running smoothly. I go between my desk in the back, the open lab and tary, brilliant characterization, and the division office. I hire, train and supervise 60-70 student and hourly wonderful storytelling. It's sad, but employees. I am sometimes in the back office working on Tutor, Peer also occasionally hilarious, and el­ Advisor or Aide schedules, dealing with room reservations and egantly written in classic Drabble changes, or ordering supplies, creating fliers and printed schedules. I style. also do a lot of interviewing and training, monitoring oftime cards and budgets, plus record keeping. I am constantly up and down as I go to continued on page 5 3 EpisodeS The Further Adventures of a Boy Named Jill

Jill slowly opened his eyes. He Ya' not hurt. ya' big whoosie.... the You're in Mary Magdeline Memorial '-./ blinked hard several times. It was gruff voice remarked with some Hospital and your arms are strapped to pitch black. as black as the deepest disgust. the bed taO keep ya' from pawin' at dark of a moonless night. He your eyes and screwin' up your Jill. his eyes all squinty-like. stared couldn't see a thing. He tried to raise bandages. Jerome chuckled," Some- for several seconds at the figure his arms to touch his eyes but they body really kicked the crap outa' ya·." seated next to his bed. Recognizing were so heavy he couldn't move who it was. a wide grin split his face Jill couldn't see that he had two huge them. He could move his hands. but, as he yelled. "Uncle Jerome!" black eyes and a host of bruises and ... then he felt the sheets. He was in contusions covering the rest of his a bed! Oh my gawd, I'm blind and Jill noticed, as always. Uncle face and upper body. my arms are paralyzed. Oh my Jerome's make-up was impeccably gawd. oh my gawd! Thinking these applied, if not a trifle overdone in How long I been here?" Jill asked. places. Jerome was sort of stuck in hellish thoughts. beads of perspira­ Goin' on two days." Jerome replied. tion broke out on his forehead and the sixties when it came to lipstick upper lip. He felt himself slipping and mascara. A thick shade of blue How'd I get here?" on the eyelids and a very. very red into the depths of a deep and dark Billy brought ya·. Listen kid." lipstick on the lips. All of this was in despair. He started to yell, "Oooh. Jerome began abruptly as he stood I'm blind, I'm blind. Oooh, I'm stark contrast to his five o'clock up, placing the strap of his handbag paralyzed, I'm paralyzed." He shadow. cheap wig and an unlit stub over his shoulder. " I'd love to stay gulped for breath between yells. of a cheap cigar that was tightly and chat. but I gotta' get goin·. I'm clenched between his teeth and Shaddap, ya whiny little ...," Jill late for an important meetin·. Uh, ya' protruded out of the side of his gasped in shock at the sound of the gonna' be okay?" mouth. Otherwise. Jill noticed, Uncle gruff male voice. There was some­ Jerome's ensemble, dress. shoes. bag Yah, sure. I guess so." thing familiar about the voice that he and accessories were all tasteful. as couldn't quite place. His large Okay. Well, then," Jerome unsnapped usual. It was good to see him. nostrils flared. recognizing a scent he the bag and rummaged in it for some hadn't smelled in ages. It was White Hi ya' kid." Jerome removed the stub seconds. looking for something but Shoulders. but ...Yah! Jill smiled to of the cigar as he spoke. "How ya' not finding it. Looking perplexed, he himself. his fit ofdespair forgotten. feelin' ?" said. "Geez. I got taO get a cab and...," Jerome looked at Jill with a I guess I'm doin' okay. but. ..• "Then He felt fingers touch his face and a puppy dog look he thought was cute Jill noticed his arms were tied to the cloth was lifted away from his eyes. but would tum most peoples stom­ The sudden blinding brightness of bed by leather straps. And looking achs."I don't seem taO have any cash. around he realized he was in a small. the overhead fluorescent lights felt Say Jill, could ya' spot your favorite six bed hospital ward. The beds to like a hot knife being driven to the unc a twenty?" Jerome asked, his either side of him were empty, one hilt into his brain. Jill jammed his eyes wide in supplication. eyes shut and started yelling again. with crumpled sheets, as if someone "I'm blind, oooh, it hurts. It hurts!". had slept in it recently. Across the Yah I guess so. Check my wallet ...,'. he rocked his body, side to side. room. the other three beds were filled Jerome broke in hurriedly. "Yah. I with silent. unmoving bodies. Clean. know where it is." He went directly The voice had an arm with a fist white sheets covered them up to their to the partially open drawer of Jill's attached to it and it nailed Jill's chins. nightstand and reaching in. pulled out upper arm causing Jill more pain. Jill's billfold. In the blink of an eye, Where the heck am I? And why are and something else to think about. he emptied it of all the cash, shoved my arms strapped to the bed?" He stopped yelling. the money into his open bag and '-.J 4 continued Further Adventures Bouncing baby boy closed it with a loud snap. Bradley John Betsekas Well, I'm off." Smiling, Uncle Jerome leaned was born at 2:25 a.m. on '-..J over and patted Jill on the head. Jill winced September 20. Weighing in at from the pain. Jerome whirled about, sashayed 6 Ibs. 2 oz. and 18'h inches out through the doorway and with a quick tall he will be enrolling in tum, waved and was gone. the spring semester: HRM 150 Eating without utensils, Jill's eyelids slid down over his aching, PE 150 Country Line Danc­ burning eyeballs and in a few moments, he ing before walking, and BUS was asleep. 150 Cashiering with Pizzazz What seemed like a very short time later, (like mom). Parents Julie and someone was shaking him awake. At first he John Betsekas are very proud. thought his uncle had come back but as his eyes fluttered open, he saw, standing over him, a smiling, male nurse, holding a huge syringe Spot Light in his right hand. He was saying something to continued from page 3 Jill, but he couldn't quite make it out. Then he heard, "... and in a very short time, it'll all be the open lab to respond to needs there, or to check on the tutoring over." He smiled constantly while he talked. and pitch in to tutor math if the waiting list is huge or workers are absent. I ask a lot of students to take their food and drink outside I'm sorry," Jill said sleepily, his eyes just and shoo smokers away from the entrances. We have limited on­ partially open. "I didn't hear what you said. site technical support for the computers so I am constantly fixing Whadaya' mean, it'll all be over soon? Am I jammed printers and responding to computer problems. I listen to going home?" many complaints each day and try to respond in a helpful way." '--../ The nurse sighed, his smile temporarily Weirdest thing you've come across on the job: Jean can't replaced by a look of disgust. "Well," he said, remember a really weird thing but she was able to recall an the smile back," I'll start over. My name is unusual incident involving an outgoing student who called a lot of John Thompson, but the newspapers call me attention to himself as he used the Math Lab. the Angel of Death." He approached me to ask if he could be a tutor. I tried to tactfully Jill's eyes popped wide open. He was fully explain that tutors must be professional and that he didn't seem to awake now. The nurse put his free hand over fit the qualifications. The wheels moved in his head and he said, Jill's mouth, muffling his screams, while 'Oh, you mean I couldn't do things like this!' and he bounced telling him that very shortly, all his pain would across three tutor tables and back to me with a satisfied smile." be gone forever. I said, "Yes, that is what I mean and I just don't think it would A weird thought flashed through Jill's mind work out. (Even though TIGGER is my favorite POOH character, during this fight for his life. A sort of mental I don't want to supervise him!)" shrug as he asked himself, "What pain?" Jill thrashed from side to side, his arms still strapped to the bed, trying to escape in vain as The CIASSIJIIED SIINA.'I'E Newsletter the needle descended towards his naked arm. • NEXT DEADLINE: Monday, November 2 Feeling the needle puncture his arm, Jill, Please submit your articles to members of the Classified Newsletter Commit­ hyperventilating from fear, passed out. tee, preferably on disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newsletter Commit­ tee members are Julie Catalano, Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni To be continued ... Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The Committee reserves the right not to publish articles based on quality and quantity of articles submitted. Letters published in the Newsletter reflect views of the authors, not the Committee.

5 DVC's 50th Down Under continued from page 1 continued from page 2 Diablo Valley College. This important campaign is quently sites for tree slides. There is very little soil and being initiated to promote "Excellence in Education." the trees have shallow roots which become entangled with each other. Once a large tree falls, it starts a chain '-" Diablo Valley College does not receive sufficient funds reaction and causes a tree slide much like a rock slide. to support and maintain its facilities or programs from Some are quite large. New Zealand makes extensive the State of California. We must seek funding, inter­ use of traffic cameras and mails tickets to those caught nally as well as externally, to sustain and improve on film. J(jwis warn each other of an upcoming traffic ourselves and our college. camera by flashing headlights. You don't "yield"- All Classified Staff will be asked to help support Diablo you "give way" and you don't "pass" - you overtake. Valley College through this campaign. A note on the food - tea is excellent and always The Classified Staff are recognized as the heart of the served with rich whole milk. The coffee was not so college. We keep this college operational and function­ good. The silver service had large spoons only with ing day and night, weekdays and during the weekends. small (demi-tasse size) spoons available in a bowl next It is vital that we participate in this campaign to help to the sugar bowl - no teaspoons as we know them. ourselves as well as to show the community our desire The continental breakfast is very large - juice, tea, to preserve Diablo Valley College as an exceptional coffee, fresh and cooked fruit, several types of toast, college. several types of cereal and yogurt. Butter, marmalade, honey, and the very popular vegemite are on the tables Please consider making a contribution to DVC's 50'h (but no jam or jelly). Vegemite is an acquired taste- Anniversary Campaign. It can be a one-time gift of any the J(jwis and Aussies love it but to us it tasted like amount, or it can be a payroll deduction gift. The dollar very salty beef bouillon in a paste. If you go, try the amount of the gift is not the critical factor, what is Hokey Pokey ice cream - a real treat. needed is that the employees show 100% participation in supporting our facility and programs. This 100% Next we headed for New South Wales, where Sydney participation will make a difference in seeking large, will be hosting the year 2000 Summer Olympics. But '--./ private gifts from community members and businesses. that adventure can wait for the next issue. These are a few areas in need of support: Program Development for Classified Staff Classified Staff Scholarship Fund Facilities Fund (Construction, Equipment, and Furnishings) Endowment Funds ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Program Funds Information Technology Fund The DVe Pastry Shop Thank you in advance. is located in the comer of the cafeteria. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. M-TH (closed on Fridays) Bring this coupon and your staff card for this special offer. TWO for the price of ONE equal or lesser value. Does not include special items.

Coupon valid October 12 through November 12, 1998

6 Volume VIII, Number 3 November 11 , 1998

East MeetsJB1l~ West • by Marilyn Joyce From the Boggs • by Toni Magaldi What used to be a large Breuner's furniture store at the When the Pilgrims came to America they found a thornless base ofAlbany Hill off highway vine growing thick over most of the low, semi-swampy areas of 80 is now a one-stop tour of the Pacific Rim, referred to the countryside. On the vines were red berries, unfamiliar and as Pacific East Mall. This building is an immaculately bitter to the taste (yuck, pOOl). Later the Pilgrims learned that the kept culinary destination for anyone who enjoys Asian Indians valued these berries very highly, both as a food and as a cuisine of almost any kind. In one trip around the center, poultice for blood poisoning. The Indian name for them was 1­ you can enjoy preparations from the Philippines, bimi, "bitter berry." Perhaps because the berries were a favorite Thailand, China, or Korea. of cranes, the colonists called them crane-berries, and eventually, The inside of the building is configured in a circular cranberries. But who knows whether they were at the first pattern with restaurants lining the walls, interspersed Thanksgiving dinner? with children's candy and toy stores, a couple of elec­ tronic shops, an upscale boutique, specialty oriental tea A letter believed to have been written by Governor Edward and herb shops, a coffee & ice cream shop, a health food Winslow tells of fowl and bear being served at the first Thanks­ store, and a grocery store. "Ranch 99," the grocery store, giving dinner. Nothing about cranberry sauce. Ed probably didn't has all the excitement of a farmer's market along with spend a lot of time writing about condiments though. He was your basic kitchen staples. I lost count after about 10 probably talking up the great hunt for the main course. Cranber­ varieties of bok choy. The seafood section is a sight to ries, however, would have blended admirably with the menu. behold with a large tank of sea creatures from which to The Indians pounded them with meat into a paste called pemmi­ select, as well as the "old-time" butcher department can. And at that time of the year, cranberries should have been where you make your own selections. plentiful. But, I guess we'll never really know. (Sorry Ocean Goldilocks features .food from the Philippines, cafeteria Spray.) styIe, and has a glorious bakery and, yes, you can get In 1677 Massachusetts sent King Charles II ten bushels of these coffee. They also serve traditional breakfasts, lunch, and dinners of their homeland until 8 p.m. berries as a gift, calling them "choicest product of the colony." Restaurant 168 is Chinese and serves very traditional The American cranberry is native from Nova Scotia, Canada food such as you would find in Chinatown. They serve a south to North Carolina and west to Wisconsin. It is found in la carte, except for weekdays when complete luncheons boggy sites that flood in winter and drain in summer. Cranberries are served from 11-3 p.m. Dim Sum is featured and is are harvested chiefly with large rake-toothed scoops pulled available at any time. Their hours are from IJ a.m. to through the vines to remove the berries. The berries are sorted Midnight. and then sold. One early sorting method was to roll the berries Sheng Kee is a bakery and cafe with delicacies ranging down a series of 10-30 steps. The good ones, being firm, from French-styIe escargot, borscht, salads, curries, bounced to the bottom like little rubber balls; the soft, damaged sandwiches, noodle and rice dishes, seafood, and steaks. berries stayed on the steps (and became sauce....,just kidding). They feature a complete dinner combo each day that Prepared with sugar or other sweetening agents, cranberries are includes soup or salad, roll, cake a la mode, and coffee great and can be eaten any time of the year. They come fresh, or tea. There is also a brief children's menu. whole, canned, sauced, jellied, dried and juiced. continued on page 4 Episode 6 The Further Adventures of a Boy Named Jill Little Jill felt himself falling, flutter­ hung to mid-calf. One man was cowboy draw his gun, drew their ing like a leaf from a tree in autumn, carrying a short, double-barreled weapons up to their shoulders and down, down. He touched bottom ever shotgun and another one was carrying fired. 'then everyone grabbed for their so softly and his eyes blinked them­ a Henry repeating rifle. They all pistols and started shooting. Jill selves open. What he saw stunned him. carried side-arms. sprinted for the bam. Bullets landed He was standing in the middle of an near him and in front of him, kicking The air was thick with tension as Jill empty horse corral with four other men. up dirt and dust. Fearing he wouldn't watched the cowboys in the corral They were all dressed in dirty, authen­ make it to the safety of the barn, he follow the approach of these men. It tic, cowboy outfits, replete with dove behind the only piece of cover he was obvious to Jill that the men in holstered six guns strapped to their could find, a water barrel. black were looking for trouble and the hips. They talked in low tones, some men in the corral were prepared to give The firing was hot and furious. The smoking hand rolled cigarettes. A it to them. The cowboys slowly spread cowboys were going down one by one. bearded member of the group was out, now grim looks on their faces. A Jill didn't know if any of the men in taking long swigs from a jug, his eyes young man standing near Jill drew his black were hit. He didn't dare poke his bleary and bloodshot. Jill looked down pistol from his holster and spun the head up to see. Several rounds hit the at himself and noticed what he was cylinder, verifying he had all six barrel and water streamed from the wearing. Old, patched dirty jeans, boots chambers loaded. Then he eased the holes. with spurs, a dirty red, button-down pistol back into its' holster. His hand shirt, a yellow bandana around his Jill decided it wasn't safe where he was hovered nervously over the pistol grip, throat and to top it off, a wide­ and he'd better move. He decided to his fingers moving incessantly. brimmed, straw, Mexican sombrero. fire a couple of rounds from his pistol And in a holster on his hip, he carried a Jill, wide eyed, didn't understand what in the general direction of the men in long-barreled, .44 Navy Colt. was happening or even where the hell black, hoping it would keep their heads he was. The last thing he remembered, down long enough for him to escape. The man with the jug offered it to Jill. he was on a bed in a hospital and He drew his pistol, stood up, snapped Jill, in a daze, accepted the jug, not somebody was trying to kill him. Now off two quick shots, then ran the few knowing what was in it. His mouth and he was somewhere where people steps to the corral, flew over it in a throat being bone dry, he brought the dressed like 19" century cowboys and single bound, and ran to the edge of the jug to his lips and took a long swallow. were about to get into a fight. He was bam. As he vaulted the top rail of the The fluid seemed tasteless at first. As it totally confused and so he stood there corral he heard someone yell, "Wyatt's flowed down the back of his throat, it frightened, not knowing what to do. hit'" He turned to make another mad began to warm up and after landing in dash to someplace safer. Instead, he his stomach, he felt a fire in his belly The four men in black spread out as jerked up short. He was staring down like he'd never felt before in his life. they came up to the large, open corral the barrels of a double-barreled shot­ He gagged. Falling down on all fours, gate. They stood staring at the cowboys gun, held by a man in black. The man he spewed his guts up. The men, who stared back with the same inten­ in black smiled as he yelled, "Hey doc, watching him vomit, laughed riotously. sity, gun hands hovering over their I got one!" pistols. The tension thickened. Jill, The laughter was cut short as the sensing an eminent confrontation, Jill, not realizing he still held his pistol' cowboys spied a group of four armed decided to make a move toward safety. in his hand, moved his hand with the men walking toward the corral, down To his right stood a large barn, its' pistol up to ward off the danger the dusty, wagon rutted dirt track from double doors wide open, offering some imposed by the shotgun. As he did this, town. Jill, finished retching, stood up kind of safety. He started to move he saw the smile on the man's face tum and looked to see what caused the toward the safety of the bam. As he to a grim look of determination as he immediate silence. did, the cowboy standing next to him, cocked the two hammers of the shotgun He saw four men, grim, determined seeing Jill move, broke under the and as Jill screamed, "No," pulled the looks on their faces, walking toward tension and drew his pistol. Then all trigger. them at a steady pace. They were all hell broke loose. To be continued. .. dressed in black. Black hats, black The men in black holding the shotgun waistcoats and one mustachioed man and holding the Henry rifle, seeing the wore a long, black lightweight coat that 2 Greetings from Oz! • by Marti Martin Spotlight on Leslie Milis-Nath

I'll bet you didn't know that many Aussies refer to their country as (Unsung Hero) Oz (in fact, there is a long-running Broadway-type musical there • by Nicole Gomes about Peter Allen called "The Boyfrom Oz. "). Sydney is a wonderful city, very cosmopolitan, with a wonderful transporta­ Birthplace: Peralta Hospital, Oakland, CA. tion system - buses, trains, ferries. Driving would take some getting used to with the steering wheel on the right and driving on Occupation: Assessment Center TechnicianlDSPS the left side of the road, but the public transportation is so good Years at DVC: 1992-1998 (hourly) 4/98 permanent and reasonably priced, there is no need to try. The double decker trains and ferries can take you almost anywhere. Family: Three fury daughters: Precious- English A good place to start your tour of the central Sydney is the Tabby Cat, Abigail- German Shepherd, Callie- A lost Centrepoint Tower. It is right downtown and gives you a 3600 cat that was found in her garage view of the whole city so you can see where everything is located Favorite pastimeslhobbies: Leslie enjoys horseback and then use the tower as a landmark to find your way around. Of riding, playing tennis. water coloring, laughing with course, a must-see is the Sydney Opera House. There is not friends and family. another building in the world like it. It was designed by a Danish architect to invoke a vision of the many sailboats that fill Sydney Extra activities: Leslie is a volunteer for Xenophon. Harbor. Unfortunately, he had a disagreement with the city over this is working with disabled children. Through this how to finish the inside of the building so he left Australia and program the use of horses are used in the children's never saw it completed. The Opera House itself is only one of four physical therapy. '-- theaters in the building. The largest is the concert hall which seats 2,679 and boasts the world's largest mechanical pipe organ with Most admired person: Her parents for raising her 10,500 pipes. All the theaters are designed for optimal acoustics. and always being there. The building is beautiful inside and out and very photogenic. Life's Philosophy: "Take each day as a precious Downtown Sydney is a mix of old and new and is now in the gift." midst of a massive construction boom. There are giant cranes everywhere. A lot of renovation and expansion is taking place to Favorite music: Leslie enjoys all types of music have everything ready for the year 2000 Olympics. They are from the '30s to today's trends, although she prefers extending the railroad lines to the new Olympic center and are to listen to the '80s music. renovating old buildings and building new ones. We've never seen so much construction going on in one place. The Olympic Center Typical day: Leslie works for both the Assessment is a massive project with new housing units, roads, and sports Center and with DSPS this makes her time very facilities. The swim center is completed and in use. It was exciting limited. She works closely with both students and to be where the Olympics will actually take place. instructors. She is usually trying to help nervous students to relax before taking an exam. Leslie is One of the old buildings that has been renovated is the exquisite serving on 5 different committees that tend to fill up Queen Victoria building. It was scheduled for destruction but a preservation campaign saved and restored it. It now is the home of the remainder of her day. art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Other restored areas in Unsung Hero: The committee was called to solute downtOwn Sydney are the historic Rocks area whose renovated Leslie for her wonderful work in both the Assessment Victorian era buildings house shops, galleries, and restaurants and Center and DSPS. Her wonderful smile and cheerful­ the modem Darling Harbour area. This used to be the major entry ness is refreshing to all. port for cruise and cargo ships but the converted warehouses now are the home for the Maritime Museum, the Imax theater, the Aquarium. and a wonderful Chinese Garden. This garden is an oasis of calm and peace in the midst of the city. A Chinese garden continued on page 4 3 BookBites Bite-Size Book Reviews • by Nicole Gomes Be It Ever So Humble... Make the Connection, by Bob Greene and Oprah Winfrey • by Mary Jane Long This book was a refreshing new look on a healthier body Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. He and life. Oprah shares personal stories aboUl her own work works for the Federal Govemment under to get into great shape, excerpts from her personal diaries the auspices of the FHA program (Federal Housing and advice on how to make the connection. I felt this was a Administration) and he can help you buy a house very interesting book full of great steps to making the of your own with no down payment or closing costs. connection in your life. I know this to be true. A single parent (again), I recently bought my dream home through the FHA program. East Meets West continued from page 1 The only money I had to front was $440.00 This is a good destination for a cool autumn or winter day, to cover the first years' fire insurance on the since all of these locations are indoors; and there is plenty of house. My monthly mortgage payments parking available. From East County, take your best route to (including taxes & insurance) are set at $800 Highway 80 for 30 years at a fixed interest rate of 7.5% (Highway 24 or Highway 4, depending on where you reside). Exit Highway 80 at Central Ave. El Cerrito. Turn east onto . .. AND J have it as a tax write off. Central and right (south) onto Pierce St. which is the first For more information, please contact me on campus block off of the freeway. Pacific East is on the left about a here at DVC at x208, or call Eric Ahlswede at half mile down Pierce SI. before the large condominium Golden Home Mortgage. He can pre-qualify you complex. over the telephone by calling (925) 603-8981. Open seven days per week. Also, you may contact Teresa Ruiz-Huidobro, Realtor Associate, at New American Realty, Inc. for a current listing of available FHA homes on the market. Greetings from Oz! continued from page 2 Her pager number is (925) 702-8203. differs from a Japanese garden in that there are many cut-out windows in the walls throughout that allow you to view the Why rent when you can own? Start putting garden from different perspectives. your hard-earned dollars to work today and build equity in a dream house of your own. More on Sydney in the next issue. 'Til then, "You'll be right. " ... there's no place like home. • • The CI..,tSSIl1I1m SllNATE Newsletter The DVe Pastry Shop • Next deadline Thursday, December 3 is lomed in the corner of the cafeteria. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. M-TH (closed on Fridays) Bring this coupon and your staff card for this speCial offer. Please submit your anicles to members of the Classified Newsletter Committee, preferably on TWO disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newslet· for the price of teT Committee members are Julie Catalano, Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni ONE Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The Equal or lesser value. Committee reserves the right not to publish Does not include special items. articles based on quality and quantity of articles Coupon valid SUbmitted. Letters published in the Newsletter Nov. 5 - Dec. 10, 1998 reflect views of the authors, not the Committee.

•4 Volume VIII, Number 4 December 5, 1998

Tis the Season ~~~~..B_.'~~ o~~'1~~~'

• by Toni Magaldi Been to the mall recently1 It has been transformed. Santa has come to town and all the stores are festooned with Christmas decorations and gifts. I figured something was up when I noticed Macy's had red and green lights atop it's building and Contra Costa Boulevard was bedeck with holiday banners shortly after Halloween. There's a store next to the Disney store that has nothing but wind-up type toys. Very interesting but it's so noisy in there all the employees will be deaf by !';lew Year's I '----' There's a store that just sells calendars. The number one seller is the Christmas' Far Side calendar. I bought something in there a couple of years ago and went back in February or March to get something else 1'd seen. I Wonderland couldn't even find the store. It disappeared. I went where I thought it • by Marilyn Joyce was but it wasn't there so then I thought it must have been on the other floor so I went up and back and still couldn't find it. Turns out the Each year the John Muir National Monu­ calendar store is seasonal. ment offers some special Christmas events, and they were kind enough to provide me There are several cart vendors that are selling everything from Elvis with their schedule for this year's special wig-wag clocks (hunk-a, hunk-a) to curly shoe laces to soup fixin's. events. They are as follows: There's a whole store selling Christmas ornaments and they've got a Christmas storytelling about Muir and his big window of Dickens type houses and scenes in the snow that's animal friends will be conducted from II :00 pretty neat. a.m. to noon on December 19, 20 and 23, There are "street" entertainers that are dressed in jester type costumes under the Christmas tree at the John Muir (pointy hats and shoes) strolling around with puppet theaters over their Home. heads, banging drums, singing, playing flutes, and dancing. Victorian Christmas celebration - Saturday, There's a store that seems to only be selling shoes with at least 3" December 19. Hourly tours of the home will thick soles and heels. be given between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. See the home decorated for the holiday season Fleece is in. and participate in the holiday music and All in all quite interesting and entertaining. So when you open your caroling from I to 4 p.m. presents this year and find platform sneakers with curly laces next to a The John Muir Historic Site is open Wed.­ continued on page 5 continued on page 5 Episode 7 The Further Adventures of a Boy Named Jill "Hey, wake up. Wake up!" Jill thought "Come on," Bill said loudly, "Speed it Two small heads, wearing peaked he heard someone shout from a long up. We don't want to miss the kick off." green caps, each with a large, white distance away. Then he felt the sharp feather stuck in the headband, were Jill quickly dressed, any doubts about sting of a slap in the face. He sat up­ staring at him from over the foot of his what's real and what isn't definitely right with a start Jill blinked once, bed. Jill shut his eyes tight, hoping he dispelled. Then in twice. He was silling up in a hospital was dreaming. When he opened them the time it takes to bed with his brother, Big Bill, Benny again, the hailed heads were gone. Jill shake a lamb's tail, and Bobby, all standing around him, let out a long sigh of relief. He defi­ they were all en­ their faces a mixture of concern and nitely needed a break from bad dreams. sconced in their amusement. spots in front Jill rolled over onto his side, yawned Big Bill, seemingly of the TV, and closed his sleepy eyes while nest­ concerned, asked Jill," drinking beer ling his head deep into his pillow. Sec­ Man, you were havin' and watching onds later, his eyes snapped open when some bad dreams. You the Niners he heard the rustling sound again. okay?" womp Atlanta. He sat upright and intently surveyed the Jill found his voice and began rat­ Jill felt tired and a little darkened room, peering into the deep­ tling off what he remembered had dazed. He still couldn't est shadows, straining to see the vagu­ happened to him, starting with the believe his luck. He'd est hint of a shadowy figure. Angel of Death injecting him and come so close to cashin' Jill watched in frozen horror as two then his dream about the gunfight in. All he wanted to do elves, all dressed in green with large and how it seemed so real. now was slip between the feathers in their caps, ran toward him hopefully clean sheets on his Big Bill, rolling .his eyes and shaking from out of the darkest comers of his bed and sleep the dreamless his head, clamped his hand over Jill's room. They jumped on to his bed and sleep of the pure at heart. At mouth and told him to "Shad up, al­ in the blink of an eye one of the elves half-time, Atlanta was down by ready!" He said they knew all about had tied him up with a silken strand of 20, Jill told the guys he was go­ the Angel ofDeath. The cops jumped elvan rope while the other elf had ing to take a nap and went to his him just as he started to inject Jill. placed a black hood over his head. bedroom. He was asleep be- But although they got him before fore his head hit the pillow. Jill's mind raced. He kept biting his he could kill Jill, he managed lower lip, tasting the blood, making to prick Jill with the needle and A rustling noise woke him. sure he was awake. Suddenly, a light inject some ofthe poison into him. He had been asleep for bulb went on over his head and he re­ Bill told Jill he'd been out for hours, some time because it was dark outside. alized what was happening. He had trippin' on the drug. Bobby and Benny Jill listened for the TV but the house read about this in the Enquirer but he nodded their heads in agreement. was completely silent. He looked at his never thought it could be true, but sure bedside alarm clock and the large, red "Man, you were trippin' big time, fer enough, it was happening to him. digital numbers said 1:30 a.m. He lis­ sure!," Bobby piped in. ELVAN ABDUCTIONl Jill was re­ tened for a moment longer and not hear­ ally scared now. Bits and pieces of the Big Bill handed Jill a large, brown pa­ ing anything, yawned and fell back articles he had read about elvan abduc­ per bag that held Jill's clothes and told asleep. tion came to him. him to get dressed so they could get Jill awoke frightened. He'd heard this home. The Niners were playing Atlanta El ves abducted their victims, all tall rustling noise again. He drew his cov­ and they didn't want to miss any ofthe people and the odd super model, in or­ ers up to his chin, ready to pull them game. der to conduct biological experiments over his head. Jill cautiously peeked on them. It seems Santa wants to in­ LillIe Jill opened the bag and carefully down at the foot of his bed and what crease the size of his elves thereby in- pulled out his clothes, not really sure if he saw frightened him even more. this was real or not. continued on page 3 2 The Further Adventures continued from page 6 creasing their strength and doubling Jill tried to speak but found he was "So ... you haffbeen a gudt boy, yes?" their work capacity. The articles talked gagged and could only make guttural He asked Jill as an elf slapped a scal­ "'---' about a low elvan hirthrate compared sounds. pel into his outstretched hand. Jill de­ to the increase in the human popula­ tected a slight German accent when the The gray haired, elderly woman, still tion and Santa was finding it harder old gentleman spoke. He had an ear for smiling, spoke to him, "Don't worry, every year to meet the increase in toy that sort of thing. we'll have you back in your nice, warm production demands. He needs to in­ bed in no time and this will all seem "Ve voId normally giffyou some anes- crease production but can't because la­ just like a dream. So just relax and take thetic, but 1'm afraid ve haff no borers are in short demand. The locale it easy, it won't hurt much." more. So Mr. Elf, if you please." ofSanta's shops demand a certain type Something hard hit Jill on the head and of individual to be successful in this Jill's eyes bugged out when he heard he slipped into a deep unconsciousness. type ofendeavor. Since the elves have that! a very strong labor contract which When Jill woke up, it was morning. Someone entered the room behind Jill states who Santa can hire and who he The sun was shining, the birds singing and came toward him. Jill frantically can't, Santa saw the need to biologi­ outside his bedroom window and the tried to tum his head, straining to see cally increase the size ofhis work force, sky was clear and deep blue. He was in who it was but couldn't get his head thereby taking care of his problem his own bed. far enough around. He noticed all eyes while keeping that damn elvan union were riveted on the entrant. Jill smiled to himself as he yawned off his back. himselfawake. Wow, he thought, I have A short elderly, gray haired, roundish Something hard hit Jill on the head. got to stop eating those chorizo burritos man, sporting a long, gray beard, came Everything went black. before I go to bed. What a dream. into Jill's line of sight. The elves When he woke up, he found himself stepped back as he approached the He started to get out of bed and shoot­ strapped to a cold, metal table, naked, table. Jill saw he was dressed in poly­ ing pains in his head and his side, jerked in a bright but smallish room. Several ester from head to toe. A stray thought him back to a prone position. elves stood arouQd the table, talking elf intruded on his fear, "Tacky!," and was "What the ... ," He pulled up his '-.-/ among themselves in low tones. They as swiftly gone again. Snoopy jammy top and saw the stitches were dressed in light blue surgical The elderly woman, a broad smile on on a small incision on his right side. gowns and masks and wore bright, yel­ her face, said tenderly, "Dear." Then he touched his aching head and low rubber gloves on their hands, like felt a couple of large lumps. Oh no, he you see people wearing in dish soap The elderly gentleman, looking down thought dejectedly. commercials. at Jill, said casually, "Ho, ho, ho vhat haffve here? Let's get started. Gown?" Merry Christmas' At the foot of the table stood an eld­ He raised his arms into the air and the erly, gray haired woman dressed in a .. .To be continued. elves slipped a surgical gown over him, large, red Moo Moo. She was smiling masked and gloved him. at him.

\ .. , .. \ .. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

3 Hello Again Outdoor Adventures from Sydney! • by Jan Quick Black Diamond Mines, a regional preserve, consists of 3,914 • by Marti Martin acres located in the area between Antioch, Pittsburg and Clayton. The park is named after the extensive coal ("black diamonds") mining that occurred here from 1860 until around the tum of the century. The coal mining towns of Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, West Hartley and Judsonville were located in this area. In the 1920's sand was mined and transported elsewhere to be manufactured into glass and for foundry use. There is not much A surprise for us was the housing. All of the remaining of the towns, however, the Rose Hill Cemetery is still homes are made of brick (red, white, orange or there. yellow) with red tile roofs. Many are decorated with wrought iron that was brought along in the There are several entrances to the park. The main entrance is ships as ballast. Wood is a scarce building located by taking The Somersville Road exit off of Highway 4 in material so there are no wooden or stucco Antioch and continues on Somersville Road to the Preserve homes that we could see. We also saw no entrance. You can also find entrances from Contra Lorna Regional supermarkets as we know them. Most of the Park and from Clayton. neighborhoods seem to have clusters of small I was surprised by the beauty of this park even though my visit was shops - the butcher, the bakery, the in the late summer. There are many oak trees and large meadows greengrocer (just fruits and vegetables), the with streams. A new perspective on the area in which we live can chemist (like a small drugstore or pharmacy), a be had from the various ridges. There are views of the Delta, small hardware store, a post office, a newsstand Antioch, Pittsburg, Clayton, Concord and Mount Diablo. There are (for newspapers and magazines and a grocer some quite rugged and steep areas, but also some less challenging (for canned and packaged goods). areas. It is a great area for hiking, mountain biking, nature study, There are several museums in Sydney. They all historical study and walking the dog. There are two camping areas have merit, but our favorite was the Power­ in the preserve for overnight stays. The Star Mine Group Camp is house Museum. Housed in a converted power­ for groups only, and the general public can use the Stewartville house building, it is five floors of hand-on Backpack Camp. Reservations are required (925-636-1684) for science, Aboriginal dance and music, history, both. Using the fire roads it is possible to mountain bike or hike transportation, space, inventions, clothing, from Contra Lorna Regional Park in Antioch all the way to Clayton shoes, musical instruments, and more. Others (approximately 10 miles one way). If you are really ambitious you include the Modem Art Museum, the Australian can continue up Mount Diablo from Clayton. Museum, the Maritime Museum, and a couple There is a newly completed Greathouse Visitor Center located near of others. the main Somersville park entrance. It was open the first and third Australia is the home of several unique animals. Saturdays of each month through November and will reopen in the Besides the well-known kangaroo and koala early spring. Some up coming events at Black Diamond Mines are bear, there is the wombat (a marsupial about the as follows: "Winter in the Chaparral" on December 5, "Winter Dog size of a bear cub), the wallaby (a small kanga­ Walk" on December 12, "Hiking on the Level" for seniors (55+) roo), the platypus (much smaller than we had on December 17, "Reptiles in Winter" on January 16, "Birding at thought), and many other different animals. Black Diamond" on January 7, "Winter Hike at Black Diamond" Most of these can be seen at the Taronga Zoo, a on January 30. For further information on any of these events call short ferry ride across the Harbor. However, we (925) 757-2620. were totally unprepared for the abundance and The East Bay Regional Park District has an excellent Web site color of the birds. Beautiful green and crimson (www.ebparks.org) that contains information about Black Dia­ rosellas, rainbow lorikeets, pink galahs, huge mond Mines and all of their other parks and preserves. This site red and green parrots, and white crested cocka­ has maps, history of the areas, things to do, dates, phone numbers, toos are commonplace along with the well- and anything you would need to know to have a great time in any continued on page 5 of OUf area's regional parks. 4 WeAre on the Move Book Bites Welcome to: Bite-Size Book Reviews • Jose Estrada, Custodian II, effective October 26, 1998 • by Sue Rohlicek • Hung Ngo, Custodian II, effective October 26, 1998 • Paul Palizzolo, Custodian II, effective October 26, 1998 Into Thin Air • Jasbir Singh, Custodian II, effective October 26,1998 By John Krakauer • Eddie Wright, Custodian II, effective October 26, 1998 This is a gripping account of ascending Mount Everest during the tragic 1996 season. Krakauer is an insider who has climbed before, so he provides a fascinating insight into the world of Hello Again continued from page 4 mountain climbers. He describes horrible high known Kookaburra (also quite a large bird). The Aussies take all altitude sicknesses that are completely debilitat­ these beautiful birds for granted and were surprised that we made ing. You really get a feel for the altitude, and such a fuss about them. being at the top of the world, even if you do wonder why anyone would actually want to go Another wonderful spot to spend a few hours is the vast Botanical there! If you like adventure books, try this one. Garden, filled with trees, flowers, statues, birds, and ponds as well as the home of one of the few living seedlings of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine tree. This tree lived at the time of the dinosaurs and was thought to be extinct. It was discovered only a few years ago '--" Tis the Season continued from page 1 in a remote area of the Blue Mountains in Australia and several have been propagated and are growing. Because of it's special stuffed pig that oinks and then flips over back­ status, it is surrounded by a locked wrought iron fence. wards (again and again) don't fret, just go to your kitchen and whip up some soup with your A must-see for any tour of Sydney is a Harbour Cruise. A very fixin's and enjoy your calendar. reasonably priced 2 112 hour tour is available on the Ferry system. The Harbour is beautiful- very blue. Very expensive mansions can be seen along several areas of the tour and many sailboats. However, you won't see any swimmers or water-skiers as the water is full of sharks! You don't want to miss a great seafood meal before you leave. The size of the prawns is incredible' Our visit will next take us out of Sydney to several nearby areas. The (;JASSIFlllU SllNi\'I'Il Newsletter • Next deadline Thursday, January 28 •

Please submit your articles to members of the Christmas Wonderland conUnued from page 1 Classified Newsletter Committee, preferably on Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Entrance fees are $2.00 for adults; disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newslet­ ter Committee members are Julie Catalano, children under 17 are free. There is additional parking available Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni across from the Post Office on Alhambra Avenue. Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The Committee reserves the right not to publish John Muir National Historic Site articles based on quality and quantity of articles (925) 228-8860 submitted. Letters published in the Newsletter 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez Oust off Highway 4) reflect views of the authors, not the Committee. Web Site (Nat. Park Service) http://www .nps.gov

5 Volume VIII, Number 5 February 8, 1999

Will you help pass President's Day a bond measure • by Toni Magaldi this year? This year President's day is on February 15th. We are • by Cathy Walton-Woodson called to remember not only Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays and their accomplishments but also the other 40 The CCCCD Governing Board is considering putting a presidents as well. (I don't think anybody will be forget­ bond measure out to the voter's for the November 1999 ting the current president and his escapades too soon.) Ballot. Will you (as Classified Staff members) help Here's a little quiz to stir up those old presidential brain support and work toward the passing of a bond to help cells: our college meet our facility needs? 1. Are you satisfied with how the campus looks, 1. Can you name more than ten presidents? functions, and operates on a daily basis? 2. Was Lincoln our 16th or 19th president? 2. Do the leaky roofs, outdated electrical systems, tom 3. Which two presidents died on the same day in the carpets, outdated plumbing systems, paint chipped same year? walls, and eroded walkways bother you 4. Which president is known as the Father of the Consti­ 3. Would you like to see our students learn in class­ tution? rooms and laboratories that have the capacity to 5. Who was the first president who was actually born an provide state-of-the art instruction? American and not an English citizen? If you have an interest in helping Diablo Valley College 6. Which president died one month after he was inaugu­ pass a bond measure let your voice be heard. Mark rated? Edelstein, our College President, wants to hear from you. 7. Fill in the blank: Tippecanoe and too! Please call his office at ext. 202, or send him an e-mail 8. Who was known as "Old Rough and Ready?" (No, message ([email protected], or write him a letter, or it's not Bill Clinton.) stop by and speak with him. Mark waits for your deci­ 9. Which president died a bachelor? sion. 10. Which president was the grandson of Old To successfully pass a bond measure the Classified Staff, Tippecanoe in question seven Faculty, Administrators, and Students will need to work 11. Who was the first president to reside in California? together. In 1996 our district was within 1.6% of passing 12. What are the names of the current First Cat and First a bond measure. A short while ago, another district came Dog? within 3 votes of passing a bond measure. I urge you all For more information on the presidents check out to take an active interest in Diablo Valley College. To www.americanpresidents.com/bios.html and have a great '-..-/ paraphrase a famous statement: ask not what Diablo four-day weekend! Valley College can do for you, but whatyou can do for Diablo Valley College. Answers to the president questions on page 2. Book Bites Bite-Size Book Reviews • by Nicole Gomes

Naked Truth by Tim Allen • by Nicole Gomes This book was very interesting, it was very helpful in understanding the male point of After reading a brochure called Crashed view. This book was very similar to Men it has come to my attention that some­ are from Mars and Women are from Venus. times it's better to be safe than sorry. For complete enjoyment and a good laugh I For example, you should take some would suggest reading this book. precautions just in case: 1. pack a first aid kit 2. keep a supply of water Chocolate Facts &Tips 3. organize your bills, what is owed & what has been paid If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too 4. keep at least 100 dollars in small slowly. currencies Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all This is just a little guideline to help you count as fruit, so eat as many as you want get started. Each newsletter will give Problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot more helpful hints to survive Y2K. If you car. have any specific topics you wish dis­ Solution: Eat it in the parking lot. cussed please contact Nicole Gomes Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal.' It'll take the edge X342. off your appetite and you'll eat less. A nice box of chocolates provide Answers to the president questions your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy? I. See the web site listed. If you can't eat all your chocolate, 2. 16th it will keep in the freezer. But if 3. John Adams and Thomas you can't eat all your chocolate, it Jefferson both died on July 4, may be a sign of a deeper 1826 the 15th anniversary of the problem. Declaration of Independence. If calories are an issue, store James Monroe also died on July 4 but in 1831. your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect 4. James Madison themselves. 5. Martin Van Buren Equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate is a balanced diet. 6. William Harrison Money talks. Chocolate sings 7. Tyler The preservatives in chocolate make you look younger. 8. Zachary Taylor Q. Why is there not such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? 9. James Buchanan A. Because no one wants to quit. 10. Benjamin Harrison If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An II. Herbert Hoover. Although born entire garment industry would be devastated. in Iowa, Hoover attended Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, Stanford and lived in Palo Alto. at least you'll get one thing done. 12. Socks and Buddy

2 Spotlight on Christie Schwandt

• by Nicole Gomes

Birthplace: California-raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Christie has traveled to many places and after looking around she still thinks the Bay Area is the top of the world and loves living here. Occupation: Accounts Payable, Business Services. Hourly Classified for 3 years. Permanent Aug. 17,1998. Soon the Classified Staff will receive Family: Husband Jim and two sons Luke and James. brochures listing the events and activities Jim took an early retirement and enjoys fishing, gardening and building for Joblinks 99. Please mark your projects. Luke is on the brink of becoming a Trader in the Stock Market and James is an Actor. Christie feels a well-balanced family should have a calendars for April 8, 1999 The money man and an artist. Joblinks Conference will be held at DVe. Ifyou are interested in assisting, Pets: The family has had every pet known to mankind, including chickens, please contact Cathy Walton-Woodson, rabbits, cats, dogs, snakes, birds, but now they only have one 15-year-old Co-Chairperson of Joblinks 99 Steering cat named Patches. She runs the property guarding against all other cats, Committee at ext. 625. Thank you for dogs, birds and squirrels. She is a great friend to the whole family. your assistance and support. Favorite pastimes/hobbies: Most of all Christie likes traveling and reading. Some day she would like to paint and draw, something she did in college, but felt too busy to take up again. Christie also loves plays, films and books, anything with a story. Extra activities: For now it is exercise. In the past it was participating in student exchange programs, volunteering in community and school pro­ grams, belonging to book clubs. Christie enjoys sewing, knitting, tole painting and crafts. Most admired person: Amelia Earhart because she did what she wanted to do in a time when women were generally defined into certain roles. Life's philosophy: Positive energy begets positive energy. Favorite books: Gone with the Wind. Hawaii. The Power of One. Also likes inspirational books, mysteries, spy novels and "how to" books. Birth Favorite music: Christie loves all kinds of music but especially enjoys Announcement Flamenco and gypsy music. We are pleased to report that Gregory Typical day: Up at 5:00 a.m. to begin a new self-imposed regime of Karl and Emily Wray Vickers were born exercise, then some housework and ready for work. Arrive at DVC to begin on December 17,1998. Both weighed in fielding problems with invoices, correcting yesterday'S input and process­ at 6 lbs. II oz. and both were 19" long. ing fOnTIS and invoices. On any day she may talk to vendors, district staff Proud parents are Lori (from Central and DVC staff regarding purchasing and payments. Research and solve Services) and Kenny. problems. Input all new forms for payment into our new Datatel System. - J Order fOnTIS and supplies. Train and help student workers. Go home. Go to bed. Get up and do it all over again. 3 Hello Again from Sydney! • by Marti Martin

Australia has beautiful beaches - clean and free to use. There are many right in the Sydney area. However, you must only swim in designated areas. They net swimming areas because of the large numbers of sharks. In Newcastle (about 100 miles north of Sydney), you could swim in a unique swimming pool that was carved out of the sandstone by convict labor in the early days. It was carved right out of the sandstone rocks on the shore and is filled by the ocean waves. Another unexpected happening in Newcastle was a rather large earthquake that they experienced on WeAre December 28, 1989. Thirteen people were killed, 160 injured and over $1.7 billion in damages, demolishing 192 buildings and . pn the damaging 55,000 others. It's not just California that gets the Move shakes! A wonderful day trip from Sydney is to take the train to the Blue • Dale Craig, Research StaffAssistant (Re­ Mountains. The scenery is beautiful - mountains, valleys, search & Matriculation), hired effective waterfalls. The bush area is all eucalyptus trees - did you know January 4, 199 there are over 400 different kinds? We took a ride on the skyway cable tram - 1500 feet long and 1000 feet up across a canyon. • Gerald Messier, Computer Center Technician Another must do there is a ride on the scenic railway - an almost II for CHE, hired effective January 4, 1999 vertical train track down the side of the cliff - a bit scary but • Randy Thorpe, Office Assistant II for Coun­ great views. The seats lean way back and there is a wire cage on seling, hired effective January 4,1999 the top and front of the car so you can't fall out. The town of Katoomba is picturesque with lots of little shops and art galleries. • Erlinda Florendo, Senior Account Clerk, hired The cost for the two-hour train ride (each way) was just $12.00 effective January 5, 1999 AU apiece - what a bargain! • Edward Oswald, College Computer Systems A very special part of our trip to Australia was meeting a large Specialist, hired effective January II, 1999 part of my family. My grandfather was born there but being the adventurous sort, he left Australia to come to California as a young man where he met and married my grandmother. All the rest of his six brothers and sisters and their descendents stayed down under so I have about 35 cousins there, most of whom we had never met before. They were so wonderful and welcoming the whole time we were there, letting us stay in their homes, taking us sight-seeing and filling us in on family history. However, the The CI.JlSSllllllU S11Nll'l'11 Newsletter second Saturday we were there became something very special. Next deadline' Thursday, March 4 They sent us out sight-seeing for the day with a couple of the Please submit your articles to members of the cousins. While we were gone, they decorated the whole house for Classified Newsletter Committee, preferably on Christmas - complete with a little tree, table decorations and disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newslet- their traditional Christmas dinner. They wanted us to have Christ­ tcr Committee members are Julie Catalano. mas with the family - we were truly surprised and overwhelmed Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The - they officially welcomed us as part of the family and they even Committee reserves the right not to publish sang some Aussie Christmas songs. "Christmas in June" was articles based on quality and quantity of articles something we surely won't ever forget. submitted. Letters published in the Newsletter reneet views of the authors. not the Committee. The next installment will take us to the nation's capitol. 4 Volume VIII, Number 6 March 15,1999

• by Toni Magaldi

The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron Saint ofIreland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn. Far from being a saint, until he was sixteen, Maewyn considered himself a Flowers pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, he became closer to God. Flowers Maewyn escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul (an ancient division of the Roman Empire, consisting of France and Belgium, northern Everywherel Italy, and parts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland), where he • by Marilyn Joyce studied in the monastery under St. Germain for a period of twelve years. He wished to return to Ireland, to convert the pagans that had overrun the country. Patrick, an adopted Christian name, eventually was appointed as John Muir National Historic Site was second bishop to Ireland. kind enough to provide this season's list of Wildflower walks on Mt. Wanda. He was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic The following dates are all on Satur­ Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He days at 9:00 a.m. March 13, March 27, traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. April 10, April 24 and May 8. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conver­ sion of the Irish country to Christianity. Admission to these walks is free. It is suggested that you wear comfortable His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick clothing and sturdy hiking shoes, as the retired. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemo­ terrain is steep. (Rain or unsafe condi­ rated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. tions cancels the hike.) The hikes are Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Some of this lore includes led by Ranger Thaddeus Shay and the the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have meeting place is the Cal-Trans Park and given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road, Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into Martinez. (South side of Highway 4. more of a secular holiday. The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated You may obtain additional information in this country, in Boston. from the John Muir National Site by calling 228-8860 or visiting the site at (If only we could only think of a way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez. some kind of national holiday. March is such a very long month.) And The Winner Is ... Congratulations to Cathy Walton-Woodson, Book Bites who is the first recipient of the President's Exemplary Bite-Size Book Service Award for Classified Staff, sponsored by the DVC Foundation. Cathy was chosen from among 24 nominees Reviews for her consistent and outstanding efforts on behalf of • by Sue Rohlicek students in the Admissions and Records Office, on behalf of classified staff through her leadership of the Classified Every Man for Himself by Beryl Bainbridge Senate, and on behalf of the entire DVC community through her many college activities. In addition to her After the huge success of James Cameron's epic movie, regular work with students, Cathy created and developed who would think a simple novel could be so stirring? the DVC webpage for Admissions and Records, which is After all, we all know the ending, right? But Beryl beneficial to both staff and students. Cathy has worked in Bainbridge has written an extremely engrossing, fast­ Admissions and Records since she started working at paced book about the sinking of the Titanic that is a real DVC as an hourly employee in 1987. She was hired as a page-turner. Morgan is an upper class passenger whose permanent employee on January 8, 1990. Cathy wants to adolescent confusion about his future, his uncertain love thank everyone and she is very grateful and very honored interest, and the status of his early years, is touching and to have the award. Unfortunately, she is spending the sincere. While lacking none of the personal interest and $1,000 on income taxes! character development of Cameron's movie, Bainbridge's story gave me a better understanding of how the tragedy happened, and why it was historically significant. A Trip to The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver This is a story about a Southern Baptist missionary Canberra family that goes to the Congo in 1960. The four daugh­ ters tell their stories, and the mother describes her • by Marti Martin anguish. It's a big book that covers a lot of territory and a Canberra is the Australian national capitol. Like lot of time. Certain scenes are unforgettable, like the Washington, D.C., it sits in an area called the Australian driver ants invasion of their village, and the circle-bum Capitol Territory (the A.C.T.) which consists of nearly a for food during the drought. I also learned about Patrice thousand square miles carved out of the state of New Mumumba and Congo Independence, and then the South Wales. Australia was established as a Commonwealth American political influences that made a farce of it. This on January 1, 1901. Because of the intense rivalry between is a very well written and powerful book. Kingsolver's the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, it was decided to build masterpiece, to date, in my opinion. the capitol city in an area far from both cities. Of interest is the adopted coat of arms featuring both an emu and a kangaroo - because nei ther of these animals can move backwards, they represent Australia al ways moving forward. The city was designed by an American, Walter Burley Griffin, winner of an international design contest in 1911. On the Move The city was designed with broad thoroughfares that radiate from various points and with much use of circular streets and Congratulations to: roundabouts (sometimes called traffic circles). It is a very Denise Moran-Sabre on her recent transfer to the clean city with no obvious areas of poverty. Since almost all Administrative Secretary position for the Centerfor of it was built in the 20th century, there are no really old Higher Education, effective February 8, 1999. She buildings. transferred from her position as Administrative The new Parliament building is quite interesting. They Secretary for the EOPS Office. continued on page 4 2 Spotlight on Have You Seen Joe Gomes My Certificate of • by Nicole Gomes Appreciation? • by Cheryl Summers Birthplace: Acores, Portugal Occupation: Building Maintenance If you haven't, stop by my office and you will Worker see it proudly displayed in a golden frame above my desk. I received this certificate for my Years With The District: 24 Years participation in the DYC Foundation's Fiftieth Family: wife Amelia, son, Marco and daughter-in-law Nicole. Anniversary Campaign for Excellence in Education. I'll also be happy to talk with you Pets: One crazy cat and two birds (Oscar and Peaches) about the exciting things happening in our Favorite Hobby: Camping and spending time with my family. I Foundation Office. I've been serving as the also enjoy working on my motor home. DYC Foundation Board's recording secretary since 1981, and I'm very impressed with the Most Admired Person: My aunt for sponsoring my wife and I to new direction and focus the Board has taken in come to the United States. She opened her home and her heart to the last few years. my family. We're nearing the end of our internal campaign Life's Philosophy: Keep joking, have fun with life. and making efforts to increase our employee Favorite Music: John Denver participation rate which is currently 53%. It is extremely important to the success of the Typical Day: Since my workday begins at 6:00 a.m. I come in the Foundation's external campaign that commu­ office and first check my work orders for the day. When I have time, nity leaders and corporations know college since I know my boss is not a morning person I tend to give him a employees are participating, at a high level, in bad time. For example, I hide his pens from him. The office usually the future growth and development of the gets a good laugh. college. Weirdest Thing to happen at work: About 20 years ago when I There's no dollar amount required to be eligible was a night custodian there was a man who would come in all for the Certificate ofAppreciation. Any amount dressed up and try to scare the staff. (We used to call him stick is very much appreciated! And don't forget... man.) you will receive lots ofrecognition for your participation. As indicated in the DYC Cam­ - 4 • •••••••••••• _ • • • •••••••••••••••••• paign Update, panicipants will receive a personalized Certificate ofAppreciation signed by President Edelstein and a thank you receipt from the Foundation. Your name will also be listed in the Dye Foundation Campaign Update and the college's fonhcoming annual repon. I'm looking forward to having my name in­ cluded with other classified panicipants. Will you join us? Don't hesitate to stop by or give me a call. I'm always happy to talk about the exciting things happening in the DYC Foundation! Trip to Canaberra continued from page 2 Trail Use excavated a hill to build the building. After it was completed, they replaced the dirt over the top so the building is actually Etiquette in the hill. They have planted grass and people can walk up the grassy hill right over the top of the building. It is • by Jan Quick quite beautiful inside and in one area there is an out­ standing polished wooden floor that incorporates wood Have you ever rounded a from all the kinds of trees that grow in Australia. comer on our local regional trails and for one reason or another the trail is blocked Another interesting stop in Canberra is the Black Tower. This from one side to the other with groups of walkers, dogs is a Telstar communications tower that is built on top of a on long leads, or bikers side by side? Have you ever hill. The tower itself is 192.3 meters high and sits 870 stepped in dog poop on the trail or had a small child meters above sea level. The views from the observation suddenly change direction in front of you? The East Bay decks near the top of the tower are incredible. Regional Park District has some suggestions to improve Our next stop will take us North to tropical Queensland, the safety and enjoyment of our experience. Since these home of the Daintree Rain Forest and near the Great Barrier are multi-use trails bicycles yield to horses and hikers. Reef. Hikers yield to horses. I have yet to see a horse using the local canal trails, but it certainly is possible. Rules for all trail users: I. Keep to the right and go single file around curves Low Cost 2. Don't use headphones 3. Do use helmets when biking or roller skating Teeth Cleaning 4. Dogs should be leashed and close to owner 5. Clean up after your dog We offer teeth cleaning and dental x-rays at a low cost right here at DVe. You do not have to be a student, staff or faculty Rules for Bicycles: member to take advantage of these services. At this time the I. Ride at a safe speed at posted speed limit students are looking for more di fficult patients (haven't had teeth cleaned in 3 or more years). If you or anyone you know 2. Bells are required is in need of care, have them call us to set up an oral exami­ 3. Yield to pedestrians, slow down and ring bell nation appointment at (925) 685-1230 ext. 356. You can also 4. Yield to equestrians, call out, ring bell, ask for stop by in person in room TE 104. instructions to pass 5. Slow down, ring bell, ride single file on blind turns

Rules for Pedestrians: Automobile for Sale I. Keep to the right when being approached by others 1QQl, <;:il"pr J.:rnnr!-:l Prpllllip hI".. intprj"r with nf"w ,pt nf thp 2. Yield to equestrians 3. Look before changing your course 4. Don't block the trail from one side to the othe A simple solution for the dog waste issue is to carr plastic bag. A used grocery store vegetable bag wil nicely. Place your hand in the bag and use it as a g: pick up doggie's waste. Invert the bag over the han the poop. Tie a knot in the end of the bag and depc in the nearest receptacle. There is a Trail Hotline (: 733-6991 to report conflicts or violations. A pretty map of the Contra Costa Canal Trail can be found East Bay Regional Park District Web site . (www.ebparks.org) as well as lots of other paJ information. Volume VIII, Number 7 April 12, 1999

The Deregulation of Higher Education • by Leo Lieber Classified Senate President

Attempts to deregulate higher education appear to be Board Games flourishing in California as well as in the rest of the • by Toni Magaldi nation. One example of such activity is to be found in the Report of the Citizens Commission on Higher My friends and I like to play board games when we get Education, a special interest group made up mostly of together to celebrate a birthday or other occasion. The last business interests. In reference to this report I have time we got together we played a game called Preference. made the following observations and conclusions. (Don't blank out on me here. It's just a short list of direc­ '-.../ tions. There isn't going to be a test. You can read on without The report promotes the deregulation of higher educa­ fear or trepidation.) tion in the Community College System in the name of assumed collegiality. In many ways this could be seen There are 4 small boxes of cards: as being analogous to corporate deregulation in the box I has pictures of food items, name of competition. In reality corporate deregulation box 2 has pictures of famous people, has led to the squashing of competition through mas­ box 3 has pictures of activities, and sive buyouts and takeovers; also their employees are box 4 has pictures of events. overworked and underpaid for the most part. The end Everybody has a place marker and you go around a board. result of this has been a raw deal for most of the people of this country. When it's your tum, the square that you are on indicates what you are supposed to do. The deregulation of the community college system, including among other things, the gutting of the Ed. 4 cards are placed from the various boxes onto the board Code will more than likely have similar results. Some (maybe all from one box or I from each box depending on effects of such action will probably be higher student the indication). fees, lower access, low employee morale, overworked You're supposed to put these 4 cards in an order, the thing employees, and in the end a vast decline in service to that you prefer the most (or hate the least) would be number our students. I, then the second thing you would prefer would be number Another proposal that will have an adverse effect on 2 and so on. This you do secretly. our colleges is the proposed removal of local boards. After you're done, the rest of the players are supposed to This plan will translate into the real control of the guess your preference order. You get points for guessing community colleges falling under the influence of big right and that's how you move around the board, one space '-'" money in the form of campaign contributions and for each point. continued on page 2 continued on page 2 Deregulation of Higher Ed. continued from page 1 corporate lobbies. The higher the control ofsomething moves up the political ladder, the more influence money has on what is done. To run for a seat on a local board Book Bites takes far less in finance than to run for an office in the State Legislature and beyond. If this plan goes forward it Bite-Size Book is these higher offices that will be in control of our col­ Reviews leges. The more money plays a role in decision making, the less control people have in their outcome. • by Sue Rohlicek Finally, one must ask who really is the "Citizens Commis­ sion on Higher Education?" Looking at their credentials it Mara and Dann, by Doris Lessing appears that most of them are from big business. I feel This science fiction book takes place thousands of years their intent is to impose the deregulation of the private in the future. Mara and Dann are brother and sister sector upon the public sector. Their name suggests they fleeing drought-stricken lands and civil war. The thing are a group of people made up of a balanced cross section about this book is that you are made to see how you ofour society when in fact that is farthest from the truth. know things at some deep level, and keep them from In conclusion, I feel that there is very little credibility in yourself; knowledge about relationships with people, what they are promoting. I also conclude that local boards what people are like, and in this book especially it is should be retained and the Ed. Code left intact only to be knowledge of the environment and world around you. amended as needed, with full consensus of all those The grim beginning gives way to an interesting adventure affected, being required. and ultimately a happy ending.

Board Games continued from page 1

Let's say the cards are pictures of liver and onions, the Vietnam War, On the Move Tennessee Williams, and Congratulations to: playing volleyball. Cecelia Graeber, Education Center Secretary for Which of these would you put first, next, etc? the Center for Higher Education, effective March The last time we played, one of my friends got Tennessee 22,1999. Ernie Ford mixed up with Tennessee Williams and of Marie-Claire Starr, Administrative Secretary, course that threw the whole thing off. "I put Tennessee Faculty Senate, effective March 29, 1999. Williams first because I like the song 16 Tons and What Do You Get?" Her husband said, "What did that have to do with anything? That's not the right person. Tennessee Williams wrote plays like The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire." "Oh, yeah I guess I got them mixed up. Ha, ha." We all break out in a chorus of 16 Tons (except for the husband who found out his wife was dumber that he thought.) It all turned out in the end, though, as his wife beat everybody in Trivial Pursuit. For Sale Precor 9.1 Treadmill. In top condition. $600 or best offer. Call Barbara at ext. 635 (DVC) or 925-674-8625 (voicemail). A Visit to Queensland • by Marti Martin

Queensland is quite different from New South Wales (the state where Sydney is located), both politically and geographi­ cally. Politically, New South Wales is more like California and Queensland is more like the American South. Geographically, Queensland is in the Tropics, with much rain and jungle plants. We were there in the dry winter season but it was still quite damp with lush jungle and beautiful flowers. The birds here are incredibly beautiful and the cuisine includes many unusual and delicious tropical fruits (like the custard apple with creamy white flesh that tasted like yogurt, plantains, and a delicious purple-fleshed fruit that looks like a sea urchin from the out­ Spring Gardens side.) The menus here also include a lot of seafood, including the biggest prawns we had ever seen (some about 8 inches long) and a delicious fish only available in Queensland called the The DVC Horticulture Club is sponsoring a Barramundi. Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 1, 9-S p.m. at the Greenhouse located near the tennis The weather was perfect in the morning the day we went to the courts on campus (parking lot #9). There will be Great Barrier Reef. However, we were disappointed with this perennials, annuals, vegetables, trees and shrubs, trip but perhaps other people would have a different experience. and their prices are great! There will also be books, '-.../ We didn't do any snorkeling or diving but those on the trip that crafts, and Koi fish for sale. If you have never participated in those sports did not come back raving about the attended one of these plant sales, you may be beauty of what they saw. They showed a wonderful film that surprised. Support our students and staff by pur­ showed lots of colorful fish and beautiful plants but the views chasing your spring plantings at this event. All from the windows of the submersible were disappointing proceeds go toward improvements for the Horticul­ because everything looked blue. We did see some interesting ture Programs. Arrive early for best selections. This coral (braincoral that is shaped like its name and tube coral) and year there will also be speakers, demonstrations, some very large clams (at least two feet long). We also saw a and displays. Call ext. 443 or 448 for additional giant sea turtle swim by the window, but for us it was not worth information. the high cost of the trip. It was a long two-hour boat ride each way out and back and got quite rough on the return. An outstanding day trip for us in Queensland was the trip to the Daintree rainforest. More about that in the next issue.

The (;J.JlSSlIlllm SIINll'l'Il Newsletter Next deadline' Thursday, May 6 Please submit your articles to members of the Classified Newslet­ ter Committee, preferably on disk with a hard copy_ The Classified Newsletter Committee members are Julie Catalano, Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The Committee reserves the right not to publish articles based on quality and quantity of articles submitted. Letters published in the Newsletter reflect views of the authors, not the Committee. Volume VIII, Number 8 May 12, 1999

• by Toni Magaldi Like many of you I subscribe to the local newspaper. (MyoId boss once told me that the local newspaper was inadequate and that the only truly good newspa­ per came from "the city." I would retort that he wasn't getting any local news from that other paper. Did he know what was happening in his neighbor­ hood? Wouldn't he want to know the latest about the Spirit Poles?) Anyway, I've been taking the local newspaper for about twenty years and am still marveling at how it is delivered. Like all similar things delivered, the mail comes to mind, there are going to be good delivery methods, fair delivery methods, and meth­ "~ ods that barely demonstrate a rudimentary under­ standing of the PD.S. (paper delivery system). If your paper is supposed to be delivered in the morn­ Noteable ing then chances are you think that when you open your door in the morning there lies your paper. This John Muir Birthday Celebration has happened a few times. Sometimes I've actually Saturday, May 221999 had it rubber banded to my doorknob! (Good.) Most Noon to 4:00 p.m. times it's a short way down the hall. (Pretty good.) . John Muir Historic Site A few years ago the delivery person set it outside the Comer of Highway 4 and Alhambra Avenue elevator door to my floor. (Fair.) But lately it's been Parking across the street at the Retail Food downstairs by the front door to the and Commercial Workers Union Hall building. (Poor.) However, it 4121 Alhambra Avenue Celebrate Muir's Scottish heritage with these activities • Free entrance to John Muir National Historic Site • Bag pipe bands • Highland dancers • Muir poster contest winners • Tours of the Muir House •A special appearance by John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt For more information call (925) 228-8860 continued on page 3 Spotlight on Lori Vickers • by Nicole Gomes

Birth: Kaiser Oakland Occupation: Sr. Office Assistant Years With The District: IS Family: Husband Ken, 3 children Wesley 2 years old, and Gregory & Emily 5 months old Pets: 2 Dogs Queenslan heeler, Kellpee Mix ­ Makira and Cya, J Cat - Mot, 2 Chickens - Red and Mia Favorite Hobby: Enjoying fun times with my family Most Admired Person: My parents: Emmett and Wray Parr

fl.tEN O. T"US<:H£R ".. ..-""'.•-...-....0 Life's Philosophy: Take it one day -,~"""". """l><1"",e..,.._~ .... _-, ....'.. at a time, you never know what is ""~~' ...c. £OUIlWll! of t!Jt muitrb $tattli ,,,",••:<~,,,,""'l'" .. ~ going to happen. .~ "' ~ ,.. ... - ...... _..., ~Oll!l' of r"l'''lt,ntatilltil ...... -,....., ...... Favorite Music: Oldies-'60s, '70s, lR5binq1on. ae 20315-0510 -_....-.~.­...... , .,.,.-,.,. & '80s ....."..,.co_ March 9, 1999 ~--",,-.,,,, Typical Day: Get up at 5:00 am LoriVlCk~ feed the twins get ready for work. I Senio< Office A5sislant. Campus flCi1ilieo Use Diablo Valley College work from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. 321 GolfClub Rold Then go home and feed the family Pteasant Hill, CA 94S2J play for awhile, or go to Ken's Dear Ms. VickCTS: baseball game if he has one. Then 1want to personaJJ)' thank you for orpnizins the Just Genentions Ex~cisc: with the get home and get everyone ready for Concortl Coalition 1ast SalUrday. My szaffbu iDformed me ofbow responsive and bed and stop about 10:00 pm. cooperative you Wf:n in pnparing for the ~'t11t. YOUt flexibility in coordinating the arrangeroenu: was invaluable, and the event was Weirdest Thing to happen at • wonderlUl oJ>POrtUnity to impart muc::h-nceded information to comtituents oflne work: When I worked at the 10th CongressionaJ District. I £eft thai: people left the event with a greater understanding ofthe importance ofeosu~ the Iong-temllOfvency oCme SociaJ District a guy came in who just got Security and M~ programs. out ofjail and he wanted to go up 1 tpUlly Ippreciale ~'ou:r dl'orts mmaking 1M day so succeuful. Apm. thank you stairs and hurt anyone, I called the for your ho!p;lolity. police and they took him back to jail. liE:r~ Enen O. Twschc:r" Member ofCongress

EOT:jer

2 Paper Cometh continued from page 1

was in a plastic bag. (Extra points.)

"'-.../ Book At least my paper is not vulnerable to weather related prob­ lems since I live in an apartment building. It is just vulnerable Bites to other tenants who happen to pick it up for themselves. Bite-Size Book Over the Spring break I was out of town for a few days. I Reviews called the paper office to put my paper on vacation. When I returned I only had two papers on my doorstep instead of six. • by Sue Rohlicek (Pretty good. Where are those pilfering tenants when you The Hide, by Barry Unsworth need them?) This is a very funny book about an eccentric English­ I filled out a card to have my mail held at the Post Office. man who tunnels around his neglected property bird My little mailbox was so full when I got back I practically watching and spying on neighborhood women. His had to pry the mail out with a screwdriver. I assumed that slightly lunatic sister hires a so-called gardener, who they were not honoring my vacation hold card. I got mail might be about to discover the tunnels. The sister falls everyday for the following week. Then I stopped getting for the gardener, who falls for the maid, and there's an mail. I didn't get mail for four days in a row. I wondered if undercurrent of simmering violence encouraged by they had discovered the card I had filled out and were now, the gardener's carnival friend. A good read from start three weeks later, holding my mail. I paid the PO. a visit and to finish. low and behold the regular delivery person was also back from vacation and was dutifully holding my mail as in­ structed. Neither rain, nor snow, nor out of date vacation card shall keep the postal workers from their daily responsibilities. Back to the paper problem. It turns out that the managers changed the outside locks to the building and hadn't given the paper people a new key so naturally they can't get in the The Classified building to put the papers where they belong. (I hope they get a key soon.) Senate Newsletter is going on hiatus.

Enjoy the summer••• we'll see you

in September. The CIASSIJlIIm SIINA'I'11 Newsletter Next deadline· Thursday, September 2 Please submit your articles to members of the Classified Newslet­ ter Committee, preferably on disk with a hard copy. The Classified Newsletter Committee members arc Julie Catalano, Kathleen Gilmore, Nicole Gomes, Toni Magaldi, Jan Quick, and Sue Rohlicek. The Committee reserves the right not to publish articles based on quality and quantity of articles submitted. Letters published in the Newsletter reflect views of the authors, not the Committee.