Volume IX Issue 9 The Student Newspaper of Passaic County Community College, , NJ March 2010 Fabian 8 Cinema- Now

By: Sadia-adu Phillips children and seniors. For all digital 3D movies there is a $3 surcharge. Downtown Paterson—On Friday, As many know, the last time Pater- February 19th, 2010 the Fabian 8 Cin- son had a movie theater was about 17 ema re-opened its doors to the public in years ago. The city is giving it another a new location. The theatre is located at splendid attempt. Fabian Theatre was 301 Main Street on the upper level of able to restore some of its original seats the new Center City Paterson Mall. in the lobby to mirror Paterson’s previ- Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres was present ous theater. for the ribbon cutting at 4 PM to cele- The theater has eight screens and brate the Grand Opening of the theater. approximately 30,000 square feet with A few of the famous movies such as almost 1,200 seats. It also has extra- Valentine’s Day, Dear John, Avatar, wide elevated rows with DTS and Dolby and Book of Eli gave the theater a great Digital sound on all screens. The theater start. has two auditoriums in conjunction with Paterson families now can take Christie D-Cinema projectors for a real advantage of a movie theater right in 3D experience. their hometown. It will be a new but Many have expressed concerns on grand experience when families visit the security of individuals not only at the mall. They will be able to walk the mall, theater, but also at the mall. According eat, and catch a movie all in one place as to the Herald News, “Paterson suffers a wonderful social event. from its reputation as the North New Prices are $10 for adults and $7.50 Jersey nexus of illicit recreation, the for children and seniors. Matinee mov- local capital of anything goes. This is a ies, which are movies that start before 6 PM, are charged $8 for adults and $6 for Continued FABIAN on Page 2

By: Jerry Gutierrez 14 individuals, who throughout two Eileen Byrne. Dean Stankiewicz intro- Ms. Byrne, a registered nurse (RN) years have gone beyond the call of stu- duced Eileen Byrne as the Community for many years now, has much experi- As the Spring 2010 semester be- dentship to achieve their goal of gradu- Burn Educator at St. Barnabas Medical ence in the field. She mentioned that gins at Passaic County Community Col- ating the program. More simply put, the Center, where she is responsible for she, like many RNs, are “passionate for lege and students and faculty say their Pinning Ceremony is for nurses what a professional community education in- setting a good path” for new RN gradu- hellos, the December 2009 Nursing graduation is for other students. cluding nursing, firefighters, and emer- ates. Graduates were captivated as they Class says goodbye and farewell. The auditorium was filled with gency service professionals in both the listened to Ms. Byrne give 5 great moti- On January 28, 2010, the PCCC family, friends and faculty to recognize pre-hospital and hospital setting. Her vational tactics to make it in the nursing Nursing Education Program held their and congratulate the graduates. Presi- professional experience includes serving field. traditional Pinning Ceremony. The cere- dent Steven Rose mentioned that he and in the role of wound care educator at Continued NURSING on Page 2 mony marked the culmination for 14 his colleagues were proud of the gradu- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and strong-willed individuals who made it ates for their hard work and dedication Medical-Surgical Educator at Union through the “rigorous academic pro- to their studies. He encouraged their Hospital. She received her Diploma in In This Issue gram,” according to Donna Stankiewicz, will to continue their education by let- Nursing from Elizabeth General Medi- News ...... Pages 1-5 Assistant Dean for the Nurse Education ting them know that the PCCC family cal Center school of Nursing, her associ- Health ...... Page 6 & Health Sciences. During her welcom- would always be there to help them if ate in Science from Union County Col- Feature ...... Pages 6-9 Opinion ...... Page 10 ing speech, Dean Stankiewicz men- they needed. lege, and will graduate with her Bache- Art ...... Page 11 tioned that the ceremony was meant to The class was given a wonderful lor of Arts in Organizational leadership Crossword ...... Page 12 “recognize the achievements” of these treat when they heard guest speaker in May 2010. Page 2 News March 2010

Associated Collegiate Press Visions Staff

Editor in Chief Jerry Gutierrez

Co-Editor Sadia-adu Phillips

Editors Malcolm Dickson Nursing students during ceremony Derek Teixeira NURSING continued from page 1 throughout the Nurse Education Pro- graduates. The graduates light Nightin- Photography/Design Editor gram. This was determined by Nursing gale lamps and recited the International Abe Sharkas Ms. Byrne started by telling the Faculty in the following areas: provider Council of Nurses’ Pledge. In the pledge graduates to laugh. She explained that of care, manager of care, and member of they acknowledge their responsibilities Faculty Advisors they needed laughter in their lives in the profession. The Academic Achieve- as not only professionals and but hu- Elizabeth Nesius order for them to enjoy their careers and ment Award was given to Sindy Gon- mans as well. They promise to uphold Christine Redman Waldeyer to be happy. She continued by telling zalez for the Highest GPA, and Karri their obligation to care for the sick and them that they could do anything they Samuels received the NJ League for to continue their education for the well Faculty Proofreaders wanted. If they had what it took to finish Nursing Award for her achievements of being of themselves and others. Pamela Cavanaugh Marilyn Newborn such a rigorous and strenuous program, being a resident in the State of New then they would be able to do anything Jersey, being evidently involved in stu- Staff Graphic Designer they set their minds to. Ms. Byrne gave dent activities and being evidently in- Anny A. Almonte them the example of the refining of volved in community activities, particu- iron—that though the process was diffi- larly those related to consumer health Staff Writers cult, it delivered an incredible end prod- projects. Karri Samuels also was hon- Guillermo Aguilar uct. She explained that this same mind- ored with the Spirit of Nursing Award, Delores Chandler set took place with their careers in that an award given by the U.S. Army, to the Malcolm Dickson although it may seem difficult at times, candidate whom most demonstrated Jerry Gutierrez they are doing the hard work now for a professional involvement, leadership, Sadia-adu Phillips career that they will truly enjoy. and academic achievement. She also mentioned that their edu- Dean Stankiewicz was proud to Contributing Writers cation was not over. Instead she encour- announce that two students, Michael Walfrin Batista aged them to keep learning and to “be Davis Abbey and Roseanne Raymond- Meryem Bidav like sponges and absorb and learn from Alessandra, had already passed the Na- Sara Jamal every person you meet in and out of tional Council Licensure Examination Lauren Mehra Melissa Petrina your career.” Ms. Byrne insisted that the better known as NCLEX. The NCLEX Matthew Petrasek graduates have a vision for their lives. is an examination for the licensing of Merlena L. Shattuck She told them that the nursing field nurses in the United States. needs “people with visions and dreams.” For this 100-year-old traditional Cartoonist She finished by reading “Nursing is an Pinning Ceremony, the graduates wore Graduates: Maurice Cooper Art” by Florence Nightingale. the traditional white nursing uniform. Michael Davis Abbey During the ceremony the graduates The women, taking it a step further, Yesenia Baez FABIAN continued from page 1 presented a slide picture show. The wore traditional nurses’ hats and skirts. Sindy Gonzalez pictures showed the different stages of The tradition is that the graduates select Joel Martinez golden opportunity to replace negative the education and their training, as well a registered nurse to place the pin on Lovan Oloko – Nelson stereotypes with a wholesome image. as the fellow classmates that had been their uniform. The graduates received Kikelomo A. Oyinlola The stakes are high. The city can never with them but for some reason or other their school pin (a unique pin for every Roseanne Raymond-Alessandra truly recover its former glory until resi- had not finished. They did this to re- program “awarded to the graduates by Karri Samuels dents, visitors, neighbors and potential member the struggles that they had to the faculty to welcome them into the Stacy A. Schreiber investors can trust that the crime and endure during this past two rigorous profession”) by their nursing instructor Tyrone Wilson corruption that sped its decline have years. Professor Heather Griffiths, RN. It is been routed.” Three students were recognized for the tradition that the students wear the In Absentia Patersonians need to work as a their hard work and dedication to their pin on their uniforms as they begin their Paul Babitz community to keep Paterson, the new education. Michael Davis Abbey was nursing careers. Elizabeth Ann Bongiovanni Center City Mall, local citizens and awarded the Professional Nursing The Candle Lighting Ceremony is Yasu Igarashi visitors safe. Award for his clinical excellence a solemn and profound act for the Aaron Romain Most Patersonians are happy to see the city doing well and prospering. Along with new buildings being con- structed all around Paterson, 600 new jobs have been created to help the cities inner community during these hard eco- nomic times. For more information on Fabian 8 Theater contact the General Manager of Community Theaters, John Hackley at 973-754-1616 or email him at [email protected] For show times please call 973- 754-1111 or visit www.fabian8.com

The student newspaper of Passaic County Community College, One College Blvd., Paterson, NJ, 07505-1179, (973) 684-5288

Visions is an independent student newspaper. The staff of Visions tries to adhere to the standards and ethics of the Associated Press Stylebook and guidelines. Any errors are solely the responsibility of staff members and advisors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and are not necessarily representative of the college in any manner.

Visions encourages all members of the college community to express their opinions. Letters should be submitted to [email protected] or to Visions c/o the Student Activities office, and must include the name and phone number of the author to verify authenticity. If possible, sub- mit letters typed with a copy on a computer disk. Visions reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, and space considerations. March 2010 News Page 3 “Green Energy” “Real numbers about real people”

a new course, a possible career By Melissa L. Rolon

By Guillermo Aguilar energy,” published in February 17, Letters, bills, 2010, ’s PSE&G has set a packages, documents Competition in today’s job market location where it will build a wind farm and especially tax is becoming more and more challenging. 16 miles from the coastline. In addition, refunds- these are the According to the Bureau Of Labor Sta- the FPL (Florida Power & Light) plans things that we expect tistics unemployment has hit its highest on building a series of several new solar in our mailboxes peak since 1982, reaching 10% in De- plants to harvest the power that flows every day. But this cember 2009. However, the “Going abundantly in the Sunshine State. upcoming March, we Green” movement is expected to pro- With the threat of global climate should expect more duce a substantial amount of jobs in the change, environmental regulations are than just a single years to come. The demands for both becoming more strict, not only in the white envelope. Environmental Engineers and Environ- United States, but around the world as The 2010 Cen- mental Engineer Technicians are ex- well. China’s increasing demand on sus is a 10 short pected to increase by 30% within the power and energy for its 1.3 billion citi- question survey that next 10 years. zens has encouraged the nation to sup- counts every resident Passaic County Community Col- port a $400 to $600 billion investment in the United States, and is required by of birth, Hispanic origin, race, or house- lege offers degree programs in Engi- in environment friendly energy produc- the Constitution to take place every ten hold size. neering Science, Electronic Engineering tion. President Obama has dedicated $80 years. The data collected by the Census Here at Passaic County Commu- Technology, and Energy Utility Engi- billion to the same cause, and the Inter- will primarily help determine the num- nity College, most students and faculty neering. In addition to these programs national Energy Administration has esti- ber of seats each state has in the U.S members would think that the Census is offered, PCCC has also introduced a mated a total of $10 trillion in invest- House of Representatives. made up of real statistics. In fact, many new “Green Energy” course taught by ments to occur worldwide within the According to the website of the results from previous censuses are Professor Thomas Yip where students next two decades. 2010.census.gov, this year’s census will used in our Sociology and Basic Statis- develop a fully functional model of an This influx of environmentally help communities receive more than tics courses. environmentally friendly energy- sound energy production will give way $400 billion in federal funds each year For Reference Librarian Mrs. Ruth producing machine. to a rising demand of low skilled main- for things like hospitals, job training Hamann, The Census plays an important An Associates Degree is prerequi- tenance and high-level engineering jobs centers, schools, senior centers, emer- role for all future endeavors. “The Cen- site for an entry-level position as an throughout the world. PSE&G alone gency services, and public work projects sus is real numbers about real people,” Engineering Technician, where as a plans to spend millions of dollars in such as bridges and tunnels. she said. “The more we learn about our Bachelor’s Degree is the minimal re- their new energy ventures. This along When we all answer the Census, population, the more we can anticipate quirement to be considered for an entry with FPL’s estimated $500 million to $1 our needs are heard. This year the cen- our needs taken cared of.” level Engineering position. billion per year in production and main- sus aims to count all U.S residents – Moreover, Hamann feels that it is Environmental Engineers manage tenance for their solar plants. citizens and non-citizens alike. During important that everyone- especially large-scale developments for the pro- Starting salaries for engineers can the mid-week of March, census forms young people- knows what direction our duction of clean energy. They are in- be anywhere from $40,000 to $130,000 will be delivered to every residence in population is moving towards. Other- volved in water and air pollution control and more depending on one’s experi- the U.S and Puerto Rico. wise, the future of our country is in and public health issues, in addition to ence. Environmental Engineers have When someone receives their jeopardy, if they do not get involved. evaluating scientific data to control haz- received starting salaries of around form, they should just answer the ten “Young people need to learn how the ardous waste management in munici- $45,000; however, salaries in the field short questions and it should be done in government works,” she said. “The palities and industries. of Engineering can easily near six digit exactly ten minutes – that is it. Once the more [information] they know, they According to the article by The figures. form is completed, they should mail the better decisions they will make.” Baltimore Sun “Washington stalemate To obtain more information on the form back in the postage-paid envelope Many issues affect our lives and blocks job-creating investment in green opportunities or the programs available provided. we need to know the reasons why. That at PCCC you can con- If they do not mail the form back, is one of the many goals of the 2010 tact the following pro- then most likely a census taker will pay Census. This year’s Census data would fessors: Hisam Dada, a visit to their residence and ask them be put into better use for better infra- Geoffrey Wang and the questions from the form. A census structure, more opportunities, and hope Thomas Yip. All can taker must follow up in person every for a cure in cancer and other diseases. be located in room H- address that does not mail back, the According to the website 309 in the Hamilton form in order to obtain the responses. 2010.census.gov, participation is not Building. Or to obtain Any personal data they provide is just important- it is mandatory. There- information on the job protected under federal law. The census fore, we should expect the forms in our growth and average does not ask about the legal status of mailboxes no later than March 15, 2010. salaries go to respondents or their Social Security Just like the commercials on TV, we www.bls.gov. numbers. Instead, the Census might ask should remember this aspect “We can’t questions regarding name, sex, age, date move forward until you mail it back.” Job Security? Consider transferring your business credits to Berkeley By Melissa Petrina Dr. Guy Adamo (Berkeley) and Ms. transfer to Rutgers, Montclair State, or Also, there were 78 graduates in Are you interested in studying Elizabeth Harrison (PCCC). Then you William Paterson University, but do any the international business program, fashion marketing or international busi- must complete a Berkeley admissions of these colleges offer up to $5,000 in which 20% worked in internships and ness, but don’t know if PCCC offers application and speak to the PCCC’s scholarships per year? 96% worked in jobs related to their ma- courses for these studies? Do you dream Registrar’s office to send your college Also, Berkeley College has more jor. Some of the numerous companies of working for fashion designers such as transcript. Finally, you must meet with than twenty Career Services profession- that hired these graduates were the fol- Vera Wang, or Bloomingdales, or even Berkeley College officials and apply for als, who collectively specialize in each lowing: Cynthia Rose, Vera Wang, MTV Networks? If you never thought financial aid. Because Berkeley knows field of study and actively pursue job Bloomingdales, Tribeca Technology, you could, think again! PCCC has education costs are expensive, they are opportunities for every student even in BCBG, and MTV Networks. The begin- joined hands with Berkeley College to offering a variety of scholarship oppor- these hard economic times. There are ning salaries ranged from $16,640 to facilitate opportunities for students who tunities. Berkeley will offer scholarships even seven convenient locations in the about $40,000, depending on the com- wish to transfer from PCCC’s Associ- to Passaic County Community College metropolitan area. As an in- pany. ate’s degrees in fashion marketing and Associate’s degree graduates of up to dication of Berkeley’s success, every In these rough economics times, international business to Berkeley Col- $5,000 per academic year to students year a high number of graduates gain students want job security once they lege’s Baccalaureate degrees in the who maintain continuous, full-time employment in positions related to the graduate college. The partnership be- same courses. Since early 2009, their status. This is a great chance for anyone their studies. Last year, Berkeley’s tween PCCC and Berkeley College for agreement has enabled many students to interested in fashion marketing and in- graduate employment rate was ninety fashion marketing, international busi- transfer smoothly from one school to the ternational business to look into the pro- percent. ness, and other related courses can ac- other. gram. Here are some of the most recent celerate a graduate’s career. If you have If you are planning to transfer to So ask yourself some questions: Is statistics from the 2008 Fashion and any more questions, you can request Berkeley in the future, there are some this something I want to do? Why International Business Rollover-In Ma- information from Dr. Thomas Cox, the simple steps to follow to find yourself should I choose these options and trans- jor Report from Berkeley College. Out Chairman of the Business Administra- there quickly. First, you must decide on fer to Berkeley College? For one thing, of the 162 graduates in the fashion mar- tion Programs or Ms. Elizabeth Harri- either fashion marketing or international Berkeley College is one of the only col- keting program last year, 20% were in son, the Student Development and business. If you are unsure of what you leges in the area that offers both of these internships and 84% of the total gradu- Transfer Specialist. want to do, there are officials at both options with low education costs. Most ates were working in their major the campuses that you can contact, such as Associate degree graduates from PCCC next year. Page 4 News March 2010

ducted “Ice Breaking” exercises that nesses of a team allowing good leaders helped club members become more fa- to encourage progress from within the miliar with each other. team. Once students were nourished and Organizations were reintroduced to well acquainted, Professor Caffie Risher proper forms and procedures for re- of the PCCC English Department de- questing and or planning any event in or scribed the qualities of a great team and on the school premises. Students were the characteristics that make up a good reminded that these requests were at the leader. She related teamwork and lead- discretion of the Office of Student Ac- ership to the way Canadian Geese inter- tivities. Organizations were asked to act with one another in flight. make suggestions on simplifying the With a short video clip she intro- processing of these forms, which grow By Walfrin Batista duced the way Canadian Geese fly in to be a tiresome delay in the event plan- Perovic, President of the Student Gov- that well-known and seen V-shaped ning process. Many ideas were ex- ernment Association, gave a speech to On January 23, students of various pattern. This held a particular message, pressed to the Office of Student Activi- assure the students of PCCC that the club organizations met to reinforce often exemplified in the animal king- ties including providing and processing SGA represents the opinions and issues teamwork essentials. In the Hamilton dom that only through teamwork is online forms. Both directors made notes of the student body. Mr. Perovic dis- Club, on the Paterson Campus of nothing impossible. Professor Risher of these suggestions. Easing this process cussed proper election procedures along Passaic County Community College, explained that the geese at the end of the would allow clubs to both plan and suc- with prerequisites needed before the students practiced activities that V-shaped formation honk to encourage cessfully host these events held for consideration for candidacy can take strengthened clubs, both individually the PCCC stu- place. Towards the end of the seminar and in conjunction with other school weaker of dents. selected leaders of each organization organizations. Provided with the appro- the forma- After a had individual meetings to discuss the priate materials, they took part in activi- tion to great lunch new and resurrected policies held in the ties that allowed them to reflect on out- pick up provided to College Constitution. standing leadership qualities. After their pace. us by Chef The seminar brought to light many morning pastries and beverages, the This is the Jeff and issues that throughout the course of the clubs were introduced to the new Direc- same with students of semester will be addressed and hope- tor of Student Activities Doris Alcivar, recogniz- the Culinary fully resolved. Though we are individual Assistant Director Deeanne V. Hackett ing the Arts Pro- pillars as a collective we make up the and the members of the Office of Stu- strengths gram, Kris- very foundation of this great college. dent Activities. Together, students con- and weak- topher The Themes of Revenge and Forgiveness in Western Culture

By Meryem Bidav eye and a tooth for a tooth. Not much Movies especially influ- has changed since then. We are still in ence our concept of revenge Looking back at History we can an age of revenge. and forgiveness. When we conclude that revenge was a common “Western culture is full of evil watch a movie it is rare that act among people. The earliest of civili- actions but religion and common sense the villain is forgiven. Why zations attributed to our definition of encourage people to forgive,” Professor is it that Western Civilization revenge. Forgiveness wasn’t common Richard Marranca of the English Dpt. looks down at forgiveness as either. Their motto was an eye for an said. a sign of weakness? Religion tells us to forgive. “Some movies send the wrong message, some the Congressman Bill Pascrell right message or no message at all. We don’t go to movies announces good news for PCCC to get morals; we go there to have empathy,” Professor Andrew Pawelczak, also known as for the Honors Scholar-in-Residence Professor Andy added, teacher of our Program, to be her fourth guest speaker Intro to Film course. invited to Passaic County Community Movie goers love to see movies College. Every year Professor Redman- about heroism and the enemy getting Waldeyer chooses a scholar as part of what they deserve. People watch those the Honors Program initiative to better movies and look up to the characters as educate our students. She first saw Dr. role models. We imagine ourselves in Winters speak at Middlesex County their shoes and doing all those stunts College on the topic and said it “was a and catching the bad guy without show- topic students showed an interest in.” ing them any mercy. “We are in our own Universe and “Movies have influenced society we don’t think about the community for a hundred years. Movies are our around us,” Professor Redman- greatest illusion; it seems the most real Waldeyer said referring to how we look By Malcolm Dickson and it fools us,” said Professor Mar- up to role models who act out of self

interest and how their actions affect the Earlier this semester, Congressman Bill Pascrell made a trip to Passaic community. County Community College with excellent news. Just barely a week after a se- Professor Redman-Waldeyer and ries of national healthcare grants totaling $226,000,000 were given to numerous Professor R.G. Rader, Coordinator of schools across the country, PCCC was given the only grant in the state of New the Theatre program, joined together Jersey. their Literature and Drama class to In an effort to try and provide our nation with quality jobs in the healthcare watch the Dustin Hoffman version of sector, PCCC was given an astounding $4,500,000 to provide training to stu- “Death of a Salesman,” prior to a class dents. This is extremely important because healthcare is expected to be the high- visit on March 2 where Dr. Winters vis- est demanded job in years to come. ited the combined class. Professor Win- Congressman Pascrell stated in the year 2020 there will be a shortage of ters also gave her presentation on March over 40,000 nurses as well as over 2,800 doctors in New Jersey alone. Nation- 4 for the college community. It was lo- ally these statistics stretch out to over 1,000,000 nurses and over 55,000 doctors. ranca. cated in the Paterson room from 1:12- These grants are meant to help put a huge To tackle this topic about movies 2:25. Everyone was invited to attend dent in those numbers. The primary goal of these ending in revenge or forgiveness we had this presentation sponsored by the Hon- grants is to create a pipeline workforce of people a guest speaker, Dr. Laura Winters, visit ors program. whose skills will very shortly be in a much from the College of St. Elizabeth where In past years, Professor Redman- higher demand than they already are. she has taught literature, writing and Waldeyer said that presenters included Dr. Rose, the president of PCCC, stated film for over twenty-five years. She Dr. Vicente Medina from Seton Hall this is important because “we desperately need talked to us about the choices we make University who spoke on Terrorism, to train people for these job openings.” The stag- and the outcomes we face because of 2007; Dr. Cynthia McCollie-Lewis of gering $4.5 million is said to provide over 1,150 them. She also discussed the impact New Jersey City University who spoke entry level positions in the healthcare sector over movies have on us when they end in on her research done on Ebonics, 2008; the next three years. Job openings are expected revenge or forgiveness and visited sev- Dr. Maxine Susman of Caldwell College to be in a plethora of different places, like St. eral clips from well known films. who spoke about her book publication Josephs Healthcare Center, St. Mary’s Health- Dr. Winters was chosen by Profes- where she combined her art of poetry care Center, and Walgreens Pharmacy. sor Christine Redman-Waldeyer, liaison with the history of the Holocaust, 2009. March 2010 News Page 5 We are Strange People The road to Baltimore

By Yota Daniil

The student actors of Acting I and II classes, along with Professor Rader, put together a phenomenal presentation of talent on Wednesday December 9, 2009 in Founders Theater on the Paterson campus. Parents, professors, siblings, and friends poured into the theatre, eager to observe the skills that the acting students ob- tained over months of practice and hard work. Professor Rader, director and professor, opened up the night by welcoming and thanking everyone for coming. “The scenes may be short but they will cer- tainly not fall short of talent,” he announced to the au- dience. He spoke of his students with pride explaining how they’ve worked hard to pull this performance to- gether. Professor Rader is an actor himself with a great passion for teaching, and by watching his plays one recognizes that he is also an excellent director. The Acting I students each had their own scene or monologue, each one different and full of talent. The theme of all their performances was “We Are a Strange People,” and it was carried through out all the acts per- fectly. Every scene had a different tone; some were funny, some sad, and others were very moving. “The Boom Boom Room” scene, performed by Cieara Wade and Deniz Gongor, was about a daughter and her anger towards her mother. It was full of dramatic fury and emotion as both actors shed tears and brought the scene PCCC students on Baltimore trip to life. A scene from “Woman in Motion” was performed By Malcolm Dickson W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, by Desiree Rosando and Milagros Guerra, in which two and Mary Church Terrell were just a few female co-workers decide to go on a Caribbean vaca- On February 19th, 2010 a group of of the group’s first African American tion. The act was comical and realistic, showing how students embarked on a trip to learn about leaders. two different people form a relationship and how they black history. They left Passaic County After a few hours the group took a deal with it when they have to live together, even for a Community College with open minds and trip to the harbor which held a plethora of short time. One of the women is very ditzy and talka- sleep still in there eyes. Three hours later activities including an aquarium, restau- tive and the other is more conservative and practical; they arrived in Maryland. rants, and shopping. After checking into both roles were played well as the audience demon- After a brief stop for sight seeing at the the Marriot Hotel the group was very ex- strated with their loud applause. Maryland House, the group found them- cited to venture to the Golden Corral Buf- Carlos Luis Perez and Vince Vercellino per- selves at the NAACP building. It was here fett. formed a scene from the play Of Mice and Men and it at this former nunnery turned building for the National The next day proved to be just as educational as was a very moving one. The play is about two ranch Association for the Advancement of Colored People the first with trips to two museums including the Black workers, Lennie and George, who have a dream of where these students and administrators learned about Wax Museum. The trip concluded with another trip to owning their own piece of land one day. Lennie is men- this organization. the harbor as well as tours through Baltimore and some tally challenged and has a ranch owner after him for The NAACP is a non profit organization that has of the old neighborhoods of very prominent African having accidentally killed the owner’s wife. His fought tirelessly for years to obtain equal rights for men American influences including Thurgood Marshall, brother, George, spares him a painful death by shooting and women of color. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is Harriot Tubman, and singing group Dru Hill. him in the back of the head after reciting their dream the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized “Overall I think it was a good learning experience. for the future. Vince Vercellino did an outstanding job civil rights organization. The NAACP was formed I definitely left Maryland with new information about playing Lennie. It was almost as if I were watching partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of African American people.” – Derek Tesauro, PCCC Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. It lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois. student. is fascinating how people can act out such roles and get into character so deeply. Many other acts were performed by the Acting I will conquered students, and they were all very enjoyable to watch and Just Dance them with the full of passion for acting. The Acting II students did By Valois Rodriguez help of Profes- something unique and creative, they wrote and directed sor St’Am- their own play. “Just Dance” is what the professor St’Ambrogio brogio and my Davey J. Morgan, Elizabeth Del Toro, and told me once. She also said “Dance your problems colleagues. I Stephanie Aliaga delivered a great performance when away.” Thus this is why she and I decided to start the am the presi- performed their original play Becoming Othello. The Dance Club. We have mixed the Dance Class and the dent of the student actors added a little twist as they did a play Dance Club together and performed in school events Dance Club and within a play. The original play was about three actors such as The Latin American Month inauguration, the we have meet- coming together and practicing for the Shakespeare African American Month inauguration, and the ings or at least play Othello. Romance develops between two of the Women’s History Month inauguration/Women’s Rec- we try to on actors and jealousy arises from the third. Throughout ognition. We are trying to teach every type of dance Tuesdays and the play the actors are rehearsing for the opening night we know to anyone that is interested in school, and we Thursdays from of Othello and emotions of anger, confusion, and jeal- are also learning some new ones as we go along. Being 3 to 5p.m. We ousy start coming out from all three actors. By the end, a performer has its ups and downs in this school, some- cannot meet despite their personal problems, all three actors come times we don’t have any place to rehearse so we have to during the regu- together and perform a scene from Othello. look for a place where we can rehearse for our perform- lar activity Valois Rodriguez dancing during the Latin All three students showed a great deal of passion ances. Our schedules are also very different and this hours, which is Heritage Ceremony Last semester. and skill. It was exciting watching each one of them can create problems to rehearse so we all have to find a from 1 to 3p.m. play two different characters in one play. Davey Mor- way to work around our schedules and sometimes we because there is a class in the theater during that period gan shocked the audience with his ability to change don’t have enough time to rehearse. However, besides of time. Current PCCC students are more than wel- characters, making each emotion seem truly genuine. all the obstacles we always seem to pull through and come to come and join the club. The school also has a Both Stephanie Aliaga and Elizabeth Del Toro dis- perform our best. The rewards of performing are all Dance class as I mentioned before; the course code is played true passion for acting as they also moved into worth the troubles we go through in the end. DAN-101 if anyone is interested in taking it next se- character once on stage. The audience was captured by By rewards I don’t mean that we get trophies, mester. It is given every spring and fall semester by all the performances. Their eyes were anchored towards money or anything like that. Just by knowing that peo- Professor St’Ambrogio and it’s worth 3 credits. The the stage at all times. The entire production was a great ple liked the performance and that we gave our 100% is professor and I are trying to bring more students into success and consisted of brilliant directing and coach- reward enough for me. Compliments and cheers are the performing art that is dancing. We know that ing by Professor Rader, along with students that pos- sometimes worth more than anything for a performer PCCC has a lot of talent and I’ve seen this with my sessed the desire to learn and succeed. This was only a and this is one of the reasons I enjoy performing for own eyes. I encourage students to join me, the profes- glimpse of the talent that exists at Passaic County Com- PCCC. Although we are not yet recognized beyond the sor, and the family that we are becoming and “Just munity College; I can assure you there is more to come. stage, that is one of the goals I have for the Dance Club Dance” with us to forget your troubles and lift your These students have obtained a fraction of knowledge and the Dance Class. I want people to know that PCCC spirit. It has been a rough start for the Dance Club and and experience that has them moving forward. This has lots of talented people and so far I’ve encounter Dance Class, but I know in the end it will all be worth fraction is vital because it will lead them to a fuller un- many obstacles that have stopped me in my tracks, but I it. derstanding of what their futures hold.

Page 6 Health / Feature March 2010 LGBTS Club Continues to Bridge Gaps this Spring!

By Matthew Petrasek

As the fight for civil rights continues to make na- tional headlines by way of the gay marriage debate and the possible reevaluation of the US Army’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, more and more young people are beginning to pay attention to an issue which was once deemed an underground political niche. As inter- est increases, PCCC’s own Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual- Transgendered-Straight Club remains committed to providing a safe-zone for LGBT students and their al- lies to socialize, share ideas, and get involved at a local level. Since the fall of 2008, Professor of Sociology Robert Getso has been one of two passionate co- advisors for the once dormant LGBTS Club. “When I was approached about advising the club, I was as en- thusiastic as the students, the Student Activities staff, and many supportive faculty members. It was about time that PCCC again had a club to support LGBTQA students…” Recently, the LGBTS Club co-sponsored a Valen- tine’s Day dance fundraiser with the Dance Club. This March, a bake sale event will be held on the Paterson campus. Proceeds from fundraisers have been donated to organizations servicing Passaic County, such as CAPCO (the Coalition on AIDs in Passaic County.) Club members regularly dedicate their time and efforts to Garden State Equality, arguably New Jersey’s largest grassroots organization in the fight for full marriage equality for the gay community. Several students are planning on attending a queer theory conference this sues, their dedication to equality has not been weak- of how far the gay rights movement has come. May, to be hosted by the New School for Social Re- ened. In fact, club members are encouraged to raise “Walking to and from classes, it’s always spiritually search in . awareness of the contributions that gay men and uplifting to see [club members] interacting with many Over the past several years, several politicians and women have made to all areas of society. According to other students in the PCCC community,” says Getso. members of the media have claimed that gay rights Professor Getso, “In this way, students getting involved “It’s good to see people respecting each other.” issues are just not as important as the faltering econ- in activities outside the classroom promote awareness For more information or to get involved with the omy, the collapse of the healthcare industry, and envi- of these issues and civic responsibility.” LGBTS Club here at PCCC, drop by room A206A on ronmental degradation. While club members recognize Above all, witnessing unity on campus inspires the Paterson campus any Thursday at 1:15 PM or con- the significance of these national and international is- Professor Getso each day and serves to remind all of us tact the Office of Student Activities.

FAT: The Road By M.Reese 1/3/10 our food

By Jerry Gutierrez

It seems that in today’s society many people are talking about how much fat they consume. It seems that science come up with new reports about fat almost everyday. But do we really know what fat is and why we need fat in our diets. When it comes to our daily diets the media has painted a bad image on fat. Fat is associated with weight management, heart disease, and certain can- cers such as breast, prostate and colon cancer. According to the American Heart Association fat is a nutrient. It is crucial for normal body func- tion and without it we could not live. Fat is essential for providing essential fatty acids which our body cannot make. Fat it is needed to aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin A, D, E and K. According to a study by the Medical Journal the problem is not that we consume fat, but, rather how much we consume. Improving eating habits does not mean that you have to eliminate your favorite foods because they are fatty. It just means that one needs to cut back on the amount of fat. For example, choose foods with less fat and prepare meals with little or no added oil. Remember to maintain a healthy balanced diet with fruits & vegetables, dairy, wheat meat and finally fats and sugar. Remember that moderation is the key to a healthy life style. As always if you have any questions or con- cerns contact your health care provider. March 2010 Feature Page 7 “They Learn By Doing” By Megan Portorreal the play Rumors by Neil Simon will be taking place For many students at this spring from April 13- PCCC, acting isn’t just an- 16 and A Doll’s House by other extra-circular activity, Henrik Ibsen is set to pre- but a lifestyle. The rapidly- miere at PCCC next spring. growing acting course has Also, with the help of a opened its doors to a wide New Jersey playwright variety of students who Rose Soy, Spanish- have a passion for perform- speaking plays will hope- ing different roles. fully be surfacing periodi- “It is the kind of cally in the near future. course that opens up our Professor Rader’s top understanding of ourselves priority is to make the pro- on a more visceral level,” gram better and better each says Mr. R.G. Rader, the year and to meet the stan- Acting Professor and Assis- dards of his many talented tant Professor in the Eng- students. He makes it very lish Department here at clear that although acting PCCC. “[Acting] helps us classes are not college level get to a core of knowing classes, they still have who we are as human be- many life skills to learn ings deeper than most from. “I might add new courses would.” exercises one semester or For the past three some activity that I might years since it first became have recently learned in my an official program under own acting career,” he says, the Liberal Arts degree, “but acting classes are Professor Rader, who is Student actors in a production of Three Sisters based on the principle that also a poet, playwright, and one doesn’t lecture to stu- an actor himself, has dedicated much of his time to making the acting program plays is also in the cards for Fall of dents. They learn by doing.” the best that it can be for all students 2010. It will interested in a career in acting, among give other stu- many other careers that the program dents a chance benefits. To up the standards of the act- to participate in ing course, Professor Rader has con- the theater structed both Acting I and II classes to courses, espe- put on a final performance in front of cially if they are their friends, family, and the college more interested community to express their devotion in creating the and talent. plot and charac- “Acting [also] can help in becom- ters instead of ing less concerned about how shy we acting them out might be and more concerned in com- on stage. municating effectively in ways we are According not used to,” he explains. “I know peo- to Professor ple in law, business, and other occupa- Rader, future tions who have benefited from taking an shows will be acting course.” coming soon, A Dramatic Writing course for very soon. Per- Mr. R.G. Rader students who are interested in writing formances of Acting students of Mr. R.G. Rader

Page 8 Feature March 2010 Phenomenal Woman

By Delores Chandler Award" by Maretta Hodeges-Brown. She was chosen out of many women from different fields by the Black History Month is a time when we honor people of Afri- Women's Day Committee and then voted on by the can American decent who have done something outstanding for the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.—Iota Alpha Sigma community and have proved that they are worthy of recognition. Alumnae Chapter for her phenomenal work in the com- This year a woman close to us is being honored. She not only falls munity and abroad. The criterion for this award is ac- into the Black History Month category, but the Women's History complishing something great in a particular field, and Month category as well. Her she has done that. When asked how she felt when she “Don't spend valuable name is Mrs. Nina Alsbrook- was notified that she would be one of those being hon- Jackson, a professor in the ored, she replied, "I felt, and still feel, extremely hon- energy wanting to be English Department at ored and humbled by the entire experience. I feel that anything but uniquely Passaic County Community the work I do is important, but in many ways, education you!” College. is a field that is seen as self rewarding, so I'm used to She was nominated for working without accolades...so this is a new experience - Professor Alsbrook-Jackson the "Dedicated to Service, for me, and I find it extremely exciting. Most of all, I Committed to Progress feel Blessed!” She was selected for many reasons. One of those reasons is that she is a proficient poet and journalist, with an intriguing background prior to becoming an educator. She was a journalist working for "The Staten Island Advance," a large daily publication by the time she was 20 years old. She had a Master's Degree by age 22 and was a tenure-track instructor by age 24. As a valuable asset to the English Department at PCCC, she instructs many courses, including African- American Literature, which is a multimedia survey of the writings of African-Americans from their origins through the present. She also coordinates the curricu- lum, textbooks, and student services for Writing Skills I at the college and successfully averages an 80% pass rate, which is rare at that particular writing level. Stu- dents from her classes are success stories at four year institutions all over the state, as well as working profes- sionals in their fields, with several returning as employ- ees to PCCC. Also, as an educator, she has had the ability to turn her love and passion for writing into a pedagogical belief that refocused education back to a student- centered profession, and away from test scores and the business of academics. To her, her students are stu- dents, not numbers or statistics. If they are struggling in class, she sees a potential threat to the future of their success, not the retention rates. This reflects the things that she has been able to do at Passaic County Commu- nity College, like successfully transitioning a stagger- ing number of students through the developmental se- quence of classes into college level courses, in spite of the additional time added to their degree programs. She is striving to be of assistance at many aca- demic levels. She is also an instructor for the Urban Pre -College Consortium bringing "Black Film" and most Black History Month Spotlight: recently The Modern Shakespeare to high school stu- dents that are taking pre-college courses at PCCC. She is currently investing in several things; for example, via Dr. Elliot Collins work with the Basic Skills Committee and the whole By Malcolm Dickson He answered me by stating English Department at PCCC, she is helping to research that it made him very competi- funding and implement new procedures to establish a When many people think tive in showing that he could comprehensive developmental studies program, com- of Dr. Elliot Collins, they don’t accomplish just as much, if not plete updated support services and innovative ap- immediately think of his pic- more, than his fellow students proaches to this unique population. She is seeking to ture that graces a line of former and co-workers. And his hard continue post graduate studies in the fall of 2010. She is and current College presidents. work has definitely paid off. truly a role model for us all and when asked if she To many of his students he is a Dr. Collins holds a B.A. in thought of herself as one, her reply was, "Yes, and I great professor and an excellent history from the University of think in the position I occupy, I have to be. Whether I role model. Delaware, an M.A. in arts like it or not, students see me in a certain way, and how What many people don’t from Drew University, as well they see me affects how they learn. To me, this means know is that Dr. Collins has as both an M.A. (Public Ad- that I always have to be at my best, well researched, been involved with PCCC for ministration), and his Ph.D. eager, and ready to go, even on days when I feel Blah. I over 30 years. He became (American studies) from New think as a young professional, it is important that I Dean of Students in 1979. York University. show them what is expected in the real world... I owe Over the years he moved Dr. Collins believes that that to them." through various positions in- Black History Month is a time There are many professors in our school, as well cluding many in academic ser- for people to realize and ap- as across the country, but, there aren't many like Profes- vices, as well as being an ad- preciate the contributions of sor Alsbrook-Jackson. She really cares about her stu- junct professor. In 1989 he the African American people. dents and their academic welfare. Her credentials go became the active President of “Not only to society, but na- beyond the classroom. She is a phenomenal woman that PCCC, moving to the same position full time the next tionwide, African American people have contributed to we've gotten to know and grown to love. It is evident year. After eight years of his presidency he moved to the United States becoming an economic superpower.” that she is dedicated to the work she does and the com- teaching history full time in 1998. When asked who his role models were, Dr. munity has definitely benefitted from it as well. In the Dr. Collins was born in Georgia, but spent most of Collins listed a plethora of individuals. He gave special everlasting words of Professor Alsbrook-Jackson, his adolescence in Wilmington, Maryland. He is one of recognition to his former Boy Scout master, church "Don't be just like me. Don't even want to be just like seven children and has four sisters as well as three pastor, older siblings, and his 6th grade teacher. He me. Be the best you possible. It is ok to share some of brothers. As a youth he attended segregated school stated that there are a bevy of African American role my aspirations, to follow certain academic roads I've systems until he reached high school. He stated that his models for young black people as well, including Presi- travelled, but you are uniquely gifted and wonderful in most cherished family values were hard work, honesty, dent Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. ways that are all your own. You need to own that. Pos- God, and being fair to others. He ended this interview by stating: “The African sess it. Don't spend valuable energy wanting to be any- Being an African American student myself I felt American people have expanded so far that role models thing but uniquely you! Keep God first, in all things, compelled to ask Dr. Collins if the color of his skin are present in every fabric and aspect of life.” and he'll develop you in ways that are absolutely fabu- provided difficulty throughout the course of his life. lous, original, and unique!" March 2010 Feature Page 9 Education open to all ages: A profile of a PCCC student

By Sara Jamal isn’t busy with the books, he enjoys playing soccer, catching up on the news and camping. Abubasma likes Rachid Abubasma, thirty-three, is a PCCC student Mediterranean foods, rich dialogues, and an intellectu- majoring in Engineering Science. He has a technical ally and academically rewarding lifestyle. His dream is degree in Mechanical Technology and wants to advance to be a successful engineer. He is almost ready to trans- in the field. fer to New Jersey Institute of Technology. Abubasma is originally from North Africa. He Abubasma explains that everyone goes through came here to fulfill the American dream. He realizes their life trying to discover their niche and find their this is by completing his education. He was working place in this world. “Education is the key that helps you different positions but he wanted to make the right ca- reveal your role,” he says. An Engineering Science ma- reer choice. He feels education is the “way to establish jor offers Abubasma the opportunity to do what he Abubasma reads technical magazines and keeps up success. In this economic crisis a high school diploma loves: design, production and technical analysis. He with modern science technology news. He likes to be is not enough,” he says. hopes to bring innovative ideas into the engineering familiar with new products (cell phones, computers, I asked Abubasma what is the difference between domain. music players, cameras, etc.) “When you see all these studying here in America as opposed to his birthplace. His role model is Steve Jobs. Jobs is known for exciting and new designs it motivates you to be creative He replies, “Where I grew up in North Africa, college his work with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Mike and come up with your own,” he said. “Science and was free, plus you get a student grant from the govern- Markkula and others, who designed, developed, and technology offer a stimulating career with lots of room ment for supplies and bus fare. However, there they marketed some of the first commercially successful for growth.” have an age limit and if you are over a certain age, you lines of personal computers during the 1970’s. He ad- Abubasma says PCCC it is an affordable and con- can’t go back to school. Here the door is open to all mires Jobs for coming up with groundbreaking and venient option. He commends the professors for help- people of all ages. Here you do get some financial aid, creative products. Jobs became the archetype for other ing the students achieve their best and is also happy that but I wish the financial assistance could be greater.” manufacturers because of his original ideas. the school has a parking lot and library for students to He spends most of his time studying. When he Abubasma hopes to contribute in a similar way. use. Diary of a Student Nurse Installment II

By Lauren Mehra to properly wash my hands. Sound simple? It wasn’t. am cranky (just ask my kids). I am beginning to feel One of the most important things I will do as a nurse that nursing school is a bit like childbirth – you can’t January 27, 2010 will be to protect my patients from becoming infected imagine how painful it will be until you go through it. with a hospital-acquired pathogen, so proper hand- However, like giving birth, you get a bonus at the end. I promised myself when I began this series of arti- washing protocol is a must. It took me forever to re- Thankfully for me, this bonus does not include another cles that I would tell it like it is. So, here goes: I am member to rinse with my hands pointed upward, yet baby. What I will get, however, is the honor of becom- completely exhausted and overwhelmed by my new keep my fingers straight to avoid drenching myself. I ing a member of the nursing profession and hopefully responsibilities as a Nursing 101 student. After my Ara- am not kidding when I tell you I had nightmares of hav- leaving an indelible mark on the lives of my patients. In bic II class this morning I thought I would pay a visit to ing to confess to family and friends that I had flunked a line taken from The Nightingale Pledge composed by my unofficial mentor who graciously told me I looked out of the nursing program before it had even officially Lystra Gretter, an instructor of nursing at the old like something the cat had dragged in. I can only pre- started because I failed hand hygiene. Bed baths and Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and first used by sume this was said because I rushed to class in the making an occupied bed also took some getting used to, its graduating class in the spring of 1893, “I will devote clothes I had slept in. To be completely honest, these but I am happy to report that I passed my first clinical myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.” are also the same clothes I wore to my nursing class last skills test. These night. I take pride in always trying to look my best skills will be put to (especially my hair), so hearing I looked close to road- use when I begin my kill was disheartening. Sartorially speaking, I fear I clinical work next may be circling the drain. Copious amounts of reading month at St. Joe’s have left me wondering if my hind quarters are at risk here in Paterson. I for developing pressure ulcers, and the strength of my will write about my reading glasses may triple when all is said and done. In experiences with real, spite of it all, however, I am happy because I am one live (hopefully) pa- step closer to becoming a nurse. tients in my next in- So far I am enjoying my classes. My instructors stallment. are smart and seem to understand how fragile we all I am beginning feel. After all, they were once in our ugly, white nurs- to think the most im- ing shoes. I have never been made to feel inferior be- portant skill needed cause of a thought I’ve expressed or a question I have as a nursing student asked. However, I have a hard time believing that one is proper time man- day I may be as skilled a nursing professional as they agement. I have other both seem to be. I wonder how much data my brain can things on my prover- realistically take in before my neurons self-combust. bial plate beside The work can be difficult, and some subjects can be a school. Nursing is not bit tedious, but learning how the human body functions my only class, and in is amazing. Happily for me, there is math involved in addition, I have the becoming a nurse. added responsibilities I am surprised at of maintaining a how quickly I am home and raising two learning to calcu- teenage girls. Many late the rate at of my classmates, which an intrave- however, juggle far nous medication more every day. This should flow. weekend I will sit Although down and try to make some days I feel up a schedule for the my nose is always week ahead. It is es- “I am beginning to think buried in a text- sential that I never the most important skill book, I also spend get behind on my needed as a nursing a good deal of reading which would time practicing in be tantamount to aca- student is proper time the lab. My first demic suicide. management.” order of business So yes, I am was learning how tired, and some days I Page 10 Opinion March 2010 The Marriage Equality Act: Graphic Design Program A Topic Worthy of Debate Design our Next Logo contest! The Graphic Design certificate is growing and will soon become a two-year (AAS) By Guillermo Aguilar According to The degree, and to celebrate we want to create a The students Huffington Post, there new logo to represent the spirit of the On January 7, participating in these were an estimated 564,743 program. It is important to showcase the 2010, the New Jersey gay couples in the United work of our students, so we wanted to give Senate voted 20 to 14 debates spoke with States in 2008. One would our students a chance to design our new logo. against the controversial such conviction and assume that such stagger- Marriage Equality Act. support of their ing numbers of “diseased”

This ongoing debate of beliefs that it is individuals would trigger marriage equality has the Center for Disease The Rules left some Passaic reasonable to assume Control and Prevention to County Community such strong beliefs develop a “gay vaccine.”  Entry must be the student’s original artwork. College students asking, would take almost a Not to mention that Bruce  Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  Entry should be a design suitable for flyers, brochures, and a Web site. “Should homosexuals life time to change. Bagemihl, a Canadian Bi- be allowed to marry?” ologist, has documented  This design should look good in both color and black and white, in a variety of sizes. Dr. John Fruncillo, homosexual behavior in  Participation is open to all current PCCC students. a Philosophy professor at Passaic close to 1500 different species around  Submit your final file in Adobe PDF format to [email protected] by deadline County Community College, moderates the globe. the “Philosophy Discussion Group” It took almost a half century for which meets on the last Wednesday of women to be granted the right to vote,  $50 Gift Certificate to the PCCC Bookstore The  Enhance your Resume! each month at The Hamilton Club. The and it was only 40 years ago that interra- Rewards Philosophy Discussion Group meets to cial marriage was illegal. The students  Bragging Rights debate on issues important to the stu- participating in these debates spoke with dents of PCCC. During a recent meet, such conviction and support of their DEADLINE for submission is April 26, 2010. the topic of debate was not health care beliefs that it is reasonable to assume reform or education, but rather the such strong beliefs would take almost a moral and ethical questions surrounding life time to change. Passaic County Cultural And Heritage Council the Marriage Equality Act. On February 19, 2006, New Jersey presents In a campus flooded with diversity, enacted a Civil Union Law; unfortu- one would assume that students would nately this law does not allow gay cou- WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ART EXHIBIT have a more accepting view of people ples the same rights offered to married who are different from themselves. couples, but it is a step in a progressive AT PASSAIC COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE However, views of homosexuality as a direction. Despite the law being passed, disease or illness are not uncommon. certain limitations still exist such as Some students went as far as to compare visitation rights, inheritance, medical images from china homosexuals to murderers, thieves, and decisions, burial rights, and custody the mentally ill, in full support of the rights. an exhibition of photographs by New Jersey artist New Jersey Senate’s decision to disal- For information on how to go low same sex marriage. Other students about joining the Philosophy Discussion believe homosexuality to be as natural Group, in addition to information re- laura cuevas as heterosexuality, and that the state is garding their next debate, one can con- March 6 through April 29, 2010 segregating homosexual couples from tact Dr. Fruncillo at jfrun- Broadway & LRC Galleries at heterosexual couples. [email protected]. Passaic County Community College - Paterson Campus

The Philosophy Discussion Group Laura Cuevas, an artist and art educator, works interchangeably in three basic mediums: digital photography, mixed-media on canvas, Meets on the last Wednesday of each month and mixed-media on paper. at The Hamilton Club. This exhibition features works from her visit to China. For information contact Dr. Fruncillo at [email protected] Artist's Reception For More Information: Thursday, March 11 Jane Haw, Gallery Curator 3:30 - 5:30 pm 973-684-5448 Broadway Gallery Admission is Free to the Exhibit and Reception Open to the Public

PASSAIC COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Exercise Science Program & Science Club Lifestyle Fitness & Wellness Fair Wednesday March 24, 2010

11:00 am - 2:00 pm Fitness Center & Gym Paterson Campus

Fitness Testing Workout Demonstrations Lifesaving Skills Demos and more.

All are Welcome | Admission Free March 2010 Art Page 11 Celebrating Black History Month with Art By Merlena L. Shattuck tion). However, because of the way they are drawn, you have to look closely On Thursday, February 11, 2010, to see them because they are inside Jane Haw, Gallery Curator, hosted a something else, such as roses. They are reception in celebration of Black His- in all of the artist’s drawings. tory Month in the Passaic County Com- I asked her if it had to do with hu- munity College gallery for painter and man growth development and she re- collage artist, Nette Forne Thomas. The sponded it was not necessarily her inten- gallery is located near the cafeteria ex- tion. “I left it up to the individual to tending the hall down to PCCC’s regis- interpret it. I needed to fill the space, trar office. somehow.” According to the press release, Gallery Curator, Jane Haw’s main Thomas was an employee of the Newark job is coordinating the art exhibits in all Board of Education as an administrator three galleries: LRC, Broadway, and and art educator for 36 years. In view of The Hamilton Club. There are the 19th the fact that she retired, she has been a Century Painting Collection, the PCCC full-time artist and has been serving on Contemporary Art Collection, and the the Board of Directors at the 1978 Ma- Federici Collection at the Hamilton plewood Arts Center in Maplewood, Club. N.J., The George Segal Gallery at Mont- Ms. Haw received her B.A. degree clair State University, and the Pen and from the University of North Carolina at Brush in New York City. Greensboro. She also received her Her art has gone to the fore from Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) and Mas- genre drawings and paintings of mater- ters of Arts (M.A.) from William Pater- nal and familial representations to the- son University, which is in Wayne, N.J. matic works about societal status and She has been working here for the women’s roles using multiple positions past nine years. It will be ten in Sep- of the female figure tugging and pulling tember. Ms. Haw says, “I absolutely (Women’s Struggle series). In the past, love my job. I give tours of Gallery it has been exhibited in many major Shows and the Hamilton Club to school African-American shows, in regional children, PCCC students, community museums, and on college campuses. organizations, and the public at large. If Figurines combined with symbols and anyone would like to schedule a tour, patterns resembling lace resulted in her you may contact me at: [email protected] series, Lace Doilies and Paper Dolls. It or (973)684-5448.” was created with watercolor inks on The Historic Hamilton Club Build- scratchboard. ing is part of PCCC. It’s located at 32 The artists work with symbols and rian Legacy series. This was presented Church St. at Ellison St., which is di- figures weaving in and out of lacy envi- at the Hamilton Club Gallery on vintage Taking in the gallery exhibit my- rectly across from the Pruden (Math & ronments, painted and cut into clay oval frames. self, I noticed the drawings appeared to Engineering) Building. board, was expanded to create her Victo- Taking in the gallery exhibit my- have fetuses or babies (in the fetal posi-

Page 12 Crossword March 2010

By M.Reese