December 4, 2019 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4 8 PAGES The Mount Observer “Voices of the students of Mount Wachusett Community College” Small Gifts are a Big Help PREVIEWS Dobby Sock Drive collects donations for local women’s shelter

By Maya Douglas program provides housing for Observer Contributor recovering addicts and young The Dobby Sock Drive will single mothers. According to be held December 9th and 10th in Roberto, when met with the Student Center for anyone some of the women at this who wishes to give back as shelter, they told her one thing the holiday season approaches. they truly needed was socks. According to Vanessa Roberto, The shelter is very similar to a group home, so items, president of the Parent Support December Date Night Group, who is organizing the particularly clothing, frequently With the Holiday season event, the socks will be donated go missing or get stolen. approaching quickly, it can to a local women’s shelter. Roberto said that she was be difficult for some of us to Anyone who donates is eligible touched by this story and justify spending boatloads of proposed the idea to her to win Harry Potter-themed money on a night out with prizes. coworkers. She is calling the our significant other. All proceeds will be donated fundraiser the Dobby Sock For the full article, see to a local women’s shelter continued on page 2 page 6 Photo by Les Triconautes on Unsplash located in Leominster. The “Sock Drive” >>> When Food Becomes A Weapon Becoming a Positive Bystander Food allergies are a growing issue that calls for a Leadership training fosters a compassionate school community lot of attention throughout the world. By Maya Douglas the bystander stepped in and For the full article, see Observer Contributor changed the situation in a page 3 Jason Zelesky, Dean of positive way. Students, recently led a One effective way to be a Let’s Get Physical Leadership for Life Bystander positive bystander is to walk Fitness is particularly training in the Murphy around with your head up, beneficial to college Conference room. Zelesky making eye contact, and paying students seeking better said the goal of the program is attention to your surroundings, overall health. to imagine a college campus Zelesky said. Many people walk For the full article, see community which uses its around with phones, earbuds, or page 5 abilities to look out for others listening to music or texting. at all times. He said there is a “People are constantly Reviews need to build a strong, safe, and occupied,” he said. “It is Check out our thoughts respectful community. becoming more challenging to on ’s latest offering, The Bystander Program has be a positive bystander.” Living with Yourself, as been able to make a difference However, every day at least well as the new book from and report concerns to invoke ten items end up in the lost YouTubers Rhett & Link, The change. According to Zelesky, and found. Zelesky said the Lost Causes of Bleak Creek the program started six years beautiful thing is that our lost Full reviews on ago because of an issue on belongings get turned in rather pages 6 & 7 campus. One student walked by than taken. There was only one another student who was crying incident of theft in the past year. in the hallway, and that student Zelesky has worked on five admitted that he/she was not colleges and he said he has okay. never seen that level of empathy Together, they walked to on any other campus. Zelesky’s office and the student Zelesky said there is a culture received help. Zelesky said the student had planned to take his/ continued on page 2 Photo courtesy of MWCC “Bystanders” >>> her life that day, but thankfully Jason Zelesky, Dean of Students

@MountObserver The Mount Observer @MountObserver www.issuu.com/mountobserver www.mountobserver.com 2 Observer NEWS Sock Drive Achieving Success with

>>> continued from page 1 and their children can have two Accommodations Drive because of the symbolism pairs of socks. She said too many behind Dobby’s character in the people pass judgement and get Harry Potter series. All Harry caught up on the idea that they Disability Services helps students help themselves did was give Dobby a sock, but are donating their hard-earned by doing so, he set Dobby free. money. She argues that people Roberto said it may seem like cannot possibly understand the a little thing, but that small acts struggles of others until they can have a huge effect on these have gone through it themselves others. She also said that socks or lost everything just like these are in high demand at these sober women have. houses, and most of the women This fundraiser will consist at the shelter cannot have jobs. of a raffle. Donating one pair Roberto said these women are of socks, both adult and/or for a taking responsibility for their small child, earns one ticket. A decisions and are now looking pack of socks earns five tickets to improve their future. She has and a donation of two packs even seen some of them walking receives ten tickets. Raffle to their Alcoholics/Narcotics tickets can also be purchased for Anonymous meetings first thing cash dontions: one for $2, six for in the morning and taking their $5, or twelve for $10. Photo by Charles from Unsplash babies with them because they Roberto said that the college cannot afford childcare. does a lot for the community, Disability Services is a helpful resource for students with many different needs “I personally think addiction but she feels it is important to is a disease,” Roberto said. “A do something a little bit different By Hannah Bennett After documentation is their coordinator of the change lot of people turn a blind eye to and outside the box to help Observer Contributor people who don’t have a certain others. presented, a coordinator will with new documentation. appeal.” Roberto believes that if “People are so quick to have As the end of the fall semester have a conversation with the “If something changes, they we show others we do not look empathy, but what are you approaches, students are filing student about what they might should come down and tell us,” down on people because of their doing to help them?” Roberto for their FAFSA and arranging need in terms of accommodations said Labarge. struggles, it will help remove the challenges. She said that it does their spring semester schedules. over the course of the semester. Accommodation letters are stigma that addiction is a choice. not take much to simply be a nice What students also have to do Learning style is discussed as picked up by students upon their Roberto wants to bring in person. Sometimes all it takes is for next semester is renew their well as self-advocating. completion, within a few days enough donations so that each one act of kindness to change the student accommodation forms. “We try to help them become after their appointment with one of the women in the program course of someone’s life. Coordinator of Disability self-advocating in the process,” of the coordinators. Students Services Amy Labarge is one said Labarge. then go to each of their teachers of the two coordinators who The types of accommodations for signatures and provide one Editor’s note: students can qualify for include copy to each teacher. The Parent Support Group was also mentioned last month in “The works on campus with students extended time on tests and “It’s a student-driven process,” Triple Play,” Volume 14, issue 3, page 4, and was incorrectly with disabilities to aid them in quizzes, a low distraction setting said Labarge. “Students can apply abbreviated to PSO. The correct abbreviation is PSG. achieving success at MWCC. Additional corrections can also be found at www.mountobserver. “Every student is entitled to com/category/corrections/ equal access and opportunities To Schedule Appointments with in the classroom,” said Labarge. Disability Services: For a student’s first set of accommodations, an Amy Labarge, M.Ed.: 978-630-9330 appointment must be scheduled [email protected] Bystanders with one of the two coordinators, Room 142, Gardner Campus >>> continued from page 1 Labarge or Ann Reynolds. Ann Reynolds, B.S.: 978-630-9190 challenges students to reject that Labarge and Reynolds walk of distraction which has now mentality and help people for the [email protected] every student who comes to them Room 143, Gardner Campus become normative. There is a sake of being good. through the accommodations lack of commitment to people, to According to Zelesky, over process. each other. He said it is important 3,000 people walk in and out At the appointment, for academics, audio recordings for accommodations anytime, to create a culture of positive of the campus school doors documentation of the student’s of lectures, five minute breaks, but preferably at the start of each bystanders, where people can Monday through Thursday. “We disability dated within the last preferential seating, and more. semester. It’s better to put them learn to recognize a situation and are like a small town,” Zelesky three years must be provided. These accommodations last for in place in the beginning of the intervene or help. said. He mentioned that almost This documentation must a semester until classes change semester, so you don’t need them Zelesky discussed the half of the students have been be either an Individualized and new accommodations are and wish you had them.” bystander effect, which states sexually abused before coming Education Program (IEP) with needed. Some students may be self- that it is more common people to MWCC. He said knowing this evaluation, a 504 Plan, or For any accommodations after conscious about their disabilities for people to not help others statistic gives awareness, which documentation from a health the first set, an email can be set and not want to fully disclose in need. He said at times there allows students the opportunity care provider or specialist. If to either Labarge or Reynolds them to their professors. is a psychological disconnect to practice sensitivity on no documentation exists yet, including a student’s request “The teacher only knows the between doing the right thing campus when it comes to these Disability Services will provide and the next semester’s class student is involved with our and not doing the right thing topics. Being a good bystander a request form for a health care schedule. If a student’s diagnosis office and has accommodations because of uncertainty or the is knowing who is part of the provider to fill out and send back changes, the student should then continued on page 7 risk of embarrassment. Zelesky community and how to react. make an appointment to inform to them. “Accomodations” >>> December 4, 2019 Observer 3 OPINION Climate Change: Should We be Worried? Professor Montagno offers his expertise on climate change

Are humans contributing to consumption of fossil fuels. luck, there is still hope, but we climate change? According to Another way to help slow climate do not know the answer to that at Montagno, we absolutely are a change is gathering more fuel this time, Montagno said. major factor in climate change, from the sun, and less from fossil There are several measures with “our insistence on primarily fuels, according to Montagno. students can take to help in the burning fossil fuels for energy.” When asked about nature’s effort to combat climate change, According to Montagno, we course causing climate change, according to Montagno. Actions need to utilize the sun more Montagno said, “there may be include: writing to legislature, for fuel, relying less on fossil some truth, but the rise in sea joining the Citizen Climate fuels. Burning fossil fuels levels in the last 200 years shows Lobby, investing in renewable releases greenhouse gases such it’s more.” Montagno followed energy, eating locally, and as methane and carbon dioxide, by stating, “We can’t deny CO2 consuming less meat. Montagno which are capable of damaging levels and temperatures have stated, “students should strive the ozone layer and polluting the increased dramatically.” to live sustainable,” including environment. using less plastics and recycling According to Montagno, whenever possible. “In the last ten years there are other human factors Montagno stated his top contributing to climate we have recorded the concerns with climate change change. Montagno said, “cattle highest temperatures include, “rising sea levels, an production, specifically the beef worldwide in increase in extreme storms, and Photo by Ryan Lyesiuk industry, should be reduced to recorded history.” more flooding to rivers.” When Professor Thomas Montagno slow the increase of methane you piece it all together, it’s By Ryan Lyesiuk gas in the atmosphere.” Eating – Professor Thomas tough to deny climate change is October in 2019. Montagno a higher plant-based diet is one Montagno real, according to Montagno. Observer Contributor stated, “In the last ten years course of action individuals can Professor Montagno received Is climate change real? Are we we have recorded the highest take to help the environment. his PHD in Horticulture at the experiencing global warming at temperatures worldwide in “Beef requires lots of feed In reality, it doesn’t matter Ohio State University in 1991. this very moment? If so, is there recorded history.” and water and produce lots of what is causing climate change, He immediately began teaching anything we can do to reverse “CO2 levels have risen methane,” said Montagno. Since the fact is that it’s happening now, at the college level in Ohio, this process? Professor Thomas significantly since the advent people have consumed beef for and we need to act, according to Virginia, and Massachusetts. Montagno provides his expert of the industrial revolution.” many years, and will always Montagno. As world leaders, the Montagno has been a part of opinion on these questions. Montagno added. desire more, a total ban on beef United States needs to send a the MWCC staff for 16 years. According to Montagno, CO2 levels increased from 260 is not practical, according to clear message that the time to act He currently teaches Biology, climate change is a reality, with parts per million in the 1850’s to Montagno. is now, if it’s not already too late. Weather and Climate, Plants the warmest global temperatures 407 parts per million as of 2019, Driving and flying less are “We could be doing much and Society, and Global ever recorded in the month of according to planet.com. other options to reduce the more,” said Montagno. With any Environmental Issues. When Food Becomes a Weapon Student sheds light on food allergy bullying

By Hannah Bennett growing food safety and public Observer Contributor health concern that affect an Food allergies are a growing estimated 8% of children in the issue that calls for a lot of United States. That’s 1 in 13 attention throughout the world. children, or about 2 students per And while the allergy itself can classroom… The prevalence of be difficult and dangerous to food allergies among children deal with, there are children with increased 50% between 1997– food allergies that not only have 2011, and allergic reactions to to worry about the foods they foods have become the most are allergic to, but people who common cause of anaphylaxis in would intentionally harm them community health settings.” using those foods. In terms of awareness towards According to the Centers for food allergies, many groups, such Disease Control and Prevention Photo by Evan-Amos from Vanamo Media (CDC), “food allergies are a continued on page 4 “Food Allergies” >>> One of the more commonly known food allergies is peanuts; and, subsequently, peanut butter

www.mountobserver.com 4 Observer PROFILE Life is a Balancing Act A student’s perspective on juggling work, school, and family

By Brandon Feliz said Martinez. for each job, considering they Observer Contributor Working so much out of all had an employee uniform,” As the school year continues, necessity can not only be said Martinez. “Not having some students find it difficult to physically draining, but mentally everything included in your juggle schoolwork, social life, as well. Thankfully, Martinez ensemble was frowned upon at-home responsibilities, and said she has a go-getter attitude and sometimes unacceptable, work at the same time. Time that got her through all the especially in a corporate management becomes a major hardships. business.” factor in order to succeed, but “It did give me a motivated Martinez said that she later time management is a skill that rush being able to manage it all, made it a priority to “build up is not taught in school. as well as just remembering all more confidence” after learning For some of the students here of my job requirements when that confidence promotes better at Mount Wachusett Community going from one job to another,” work, both in school and the job College, having no time even said Martinez. “I feel really field. with time management skills proud of myself looking back.” “I took it upon myself to build on their side is a harsh reality. But even getting from one up more work-load management, Take the life of 20-year-old job to another was an issue. “It time management, social skills Tatiana Martinez. Martinez is was annoying and made me feel and people management while a nursing student who works a little uneasy having to figure going to school and working in as a receptionist with a steady out how to get from one job to the food and customer service income. Before reaching this another, especially on time with industries,” she said. point in life, however, she was no car,” said Martinez. After going through what a student who worked a total Being out of uniform can seems an everyday struggle, of four jobs in order to support also be an issue while working Martinez finally found the time herself and her loved ones. multiple jobs, and can lead to to breathe, knowing that after “I felt tired all the time because being sent home or even being going this far, the sky is the limit. I’d be working all types of hours Photo by Andrew Neel from Unsplash fired. “It was more overwhelming from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.,” Life can get crazy balancing multiple jobs, home life, and school making sure I had the right attire Food Allergies

>>> continued from page 3 this kind of harassment. I have and my classmates were never but one in particular relates those who allow it to happen can several food allergies, most reprimanded for their actions. I to my experiences: “a local be sued for negligence among as the CDC, provide information of which are life threatening. grew up thinking what they were educational agency… system of other things. on how best to treat them and Throughout my time in my doing was more acceptable than vocational education, or other Food allergies are a disability, prevent exposure to them. Other elementary school, I was met my medical condition. I had no school system.” By federal law, and one that can kill. groups formed online to further with students who either did not idea what they did was a crime no public education system, The issue remains as a educate those uninformed about understand my allergies or found until I was a teenager. like my elementary school, can detrimental and necessary topic food allergies, and those who die them “funny.” According to Section 504 of allow discrimination based on a of discussion when it comes to because of them. One of the most prevalent the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, disability. the welfare of our populace and One such site is a blog called, instances I remember when “(a) No otherwise qualified Harassment and bullying the safety of students in schools. “Remembering Those We Have classmates tried to hurt me was individual with a disability in well qualify as a form of FARE, CDC, and personal Lost to Food Allergies,” run by when they replaced my allergen the United States, as defined in discrimination and should accounts from people with food Lisa Rutter. free sandwich with a peanut “I would like to take this time butter sandwich. and remember some of the recent I opened the Ziplock bag, and Throughout my time in my elementary school, I was met and not so recent deaths that have the smell was enough to make with students who either did not understand my allergies or occurred from food allergies,” me feel sick. I didn’t eat the found them “funny.” wrote Rutter. “These are just sandwich and saw my classmates some of the reported cases. It is laugh at me as I sat there. There – Hannah Bennett very sad that there have been so were many other instances many and yet we have not heard before and after this. section 7(20), shall, solely by therefore have been and should allergies are great articles you about most of them.” What discouraged me at the reason of her or his disability, be be in the future addressed as can use to educate yourself on According to Food Allergy time not only the cruelty of my excluded from the participation such an offense. Yet dozens how to best help those with food Research & Education (FARE), classmates, but the lack of action in, be denied the benefits of, or of people are faced with this allergies and prevent reactions. “about one-third of kids with from my teachers and school be subjected to discrimination form of harassment every year. All anyone has to do to become food allergies report that they administration. I told them and under any program or activity Because of the federal laws in more aware of food allergies and have been bullied because of my parents about the first several receiving Federal financial place, people can be met with their impact is to take the time to their allergies.” incidents, and nothing came assistance” criminal charges for engaging read them. I myself have experience with of it. A report was never filed, Several examples are included, in this kind of harassment and December 4, 2019 Observer 5 SPORTS Let’s Get Physical Fitness Center director discusses benefits of exercise for students

By Ryan Lyesiuk Observer Contributor fifteen minutes of cardio is a perfect starting point,” he said. Fitness is particularly Gradually increasing workouts beneficial to college students to sixty minutes maximum is a seeking better overall health. great way to approach fitness, but According to Jason Snoonian, not needed to reap the benefits of director of the Mount Wachusett exercise, according to Snoonian. Community College Fitness & “More than sixty minutes leads Wellness Center (also called to burnout in most individuals, the Mount Fitness Center), particularly those who are new improved health often leads to to fitness,” Snoonian said. Photo by Thomas Hill Jr. MWCC Fitness & Wellness Center better classroom performance. The Mount Fitness Center in the fall. The big rush comes attending MWWC at the Gardner hour sessions, at a cost of only According to Snoonian, offers over seventy classes per in mid-September once students Campus. “The Mount Fitness $33 per meeting. This is a great increased brain stimulation week, all with certified group get their acts together in school.” Center is the cheapest around for deal for students, according to during exercise may assist fitness education and CPR Snoonian also mentioned a slight students, has more to offer, over Snoonian. a student in and out of the trained staff. These classes are increase in students in January, 70 classes, olympic size pool, Snoonian has over 22-years classroom. free to all members of the Mount but noted the New Year’s and trained personal trainers/ of work experience in the “Exercise and increased fitness Fitness Center. Regarding resolution crowd is mostly older staff,” Snoonian said, “it’s the fitness industry. He received often leads to better study habits, which classes students should adults, not students. best game in town.” his Bachelor of Science (BS) better-quality sleep, significant participate in, Snoonian said, Students might wonder what Prices at the Mount Fitness degree at the University of overall health advances, and “students should try every class to expect upon joining the Mount Center for students are set at Massachusetts. Upon completing improved confidence,” he said. if possible, and if not start with Fitness Center. According to $49 a semester or $99 for an his BS degree Snoonian worked Between school, work, and Group Ride, Centergy, Yoga, or Snoonian, students will receive entire calendar year, plus a two- as a personal trainer in multiple other obligations it can be Fight.” Snoonian recommends a friendly welcome from all month promotional bonus. A free fitness clubs before becoming challenging to find time to these specific classes for two the staff. He said, “we have top equipment orientation is offered the director of the Westboro exercise. Thirty minutes a day, a reasons: they are fun, and seem notch equipment available to to all new members as well. Club for 12 years. In March few days a week, is all you need to be popular with young adults. all members, and the best class Snoonian also said “anyone 2018, Snoonian left Westboro to to see significant health benefits In regards to the time of year experience around.” seeking a personal trainer to help take over as the director of the from exercise, according to students typically join the Mount According to Snoonian, the get them on the right track can Mount Fitness Center. Snoonian. “Four to six exercises Fitness Center, Snoonian said, Mount Fitness Center is the purchase a tri-pack for $99.” for fifteen minutes, followed by “there’s definitely an increase perfect location for students This package includes three one- Nutrition with a Mission Staff suggestions for eating well at school

By Ryan Lyesiuk includes half a plate of fruits and these tips will reduce sugar and provided to them. Kusza said, Green Street Café is not Observer Contributor vegetables, half a plate of grains calorie intake, thus leading to a “donations are always welcomed subsidized by the state, thus Healthy nutritional habits in and proteins, and one serving of healthier overall diet, according at the pantry as well.” keeping food at a price that a college student’s life often milk. to Kusza. The Green Street Café located is reasonable to students, but lead to improved overall health, ChooseMyPlate.gov provides The Food for Thought pantry on the first floor of the main allows the café to break even, according to Katherine R. Kusza, other diet tips as well. Tips on campus is an excellent source building at the Gardner campus according to Legrand. Registered Nurse at MWCC. included sticking with low-fat of snacks, prepackaged meals, provides several healthy food When Legrand was asked the According to Kusza, a healthy dairy products, incorporating and other miscellaneous foods alternatives, according to Kyle most popular healthy choice diet consists of a balanced more fiber, consuming additional for students in need, according to Legrand, Assistant Manager made by students he said, nutritional intake, including whole grains, eating fewer fatty Kusza. Students are referred by a of the café. Nutritional foods “definitely the salads.” a blend of fruits, vegetables, foods, and avoiding excess salt. faculty or staff member, or they offered at the café include When asked what was the grains, protein, and low-fat dairy What other advice does Kusza can refer themselves if needed. salads, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. most popular less healthy foods products. Reducing your overall provide? “Drinking more water The pantry is open on Mondays, Healthy drink options include purchased by students, Legrand calorie intake by eating smaller and less sugary drinks is an Tuesdays, and Thursdays from water, unsweetened fresh tea, stated, “the chicken tenders, portions and more frequent important as well,” along with, 10 a.m-2 p.m., and Wednesdays coffee without added sugar, low- burgers, and french fries.” Soda, meals is important as well in “avoiding too much caffeine, from 4-6 p.m. fat milk, and V8 energy drinks, which contains a large amount maintaining a healthy diet. especially after 12 p.m.” Students are allowed to receive according to Legrand. of sugar, is a popular beverage Kusza provided a sample Avoiding soda, energy drinks, up to 20 items per month and “The café strives for local, option among the students as of a balanced meal from and alcohol is key to maintaining are encouraged to supply their organic options, while keeping well, according to Legrand. ChooseMyPlate.gov. The meal a healthy diet as well. Following own bag or reuse the pantry bag prices down,” stated Legrand.

www.mountobserver.com 6 Observer A&E December Date Night Student’s tips for seasonal fun on a budget

By Marissa Shea covered in Christmas lights that elaborate Christmas decorations are programed to flicker on and such as Santa with his elves and Observer Contributor off to music. The homeowners reindeer. There is often classic With the Holiday season use a good mix of classic Christmas music playing and approaching quickly, it can be Christmas music and top radio an array of Christmas lights and difficult for some of us to justify hits, so it gives everyone a trees. spending boatloads of money on chance to sing along. Driving through the exhibit a night out with our significant Each light show usually lasts takes about fifteen minutes but other. There are holiday dinners around thirty minutes. This is there is often traffic, so it could to attend, gifts to give, and a perfect holiday activity to do possibly take longer. No matter expenses to be paid. If you are with your significant other, and how cold it is outside, you looking to take your significant the best part is it’s completely get to stay cozy in your warm other on a romantic night out free. If you have a few extra car. If you are looking to go without breaking the bank, this dollars to spare after, try one out to dinner afterwards, there is the article for you. It will of Gardner’s local gems, Sawa is an Italian restaurant called discuss three date ideas, at three Asian Cuisine and Lounge. They Primavera right nearby with a different price points, at varying have great food for reasonable reasonably priced menu and a travel times. prices and have a 4.5 rating on 4.2 on Google Reviews. The first date idea is the Google Reviews. The third date idea is the cheapest and most local. Every The second date idea is also furthest away and most year in Gardner at 509 West St, free, but it is a little more of a expensive, the Tree Lighting there is a magical Christmas drive. It is a huge light show Festival at the Boston Common light show with hundreds of called Millis Wonderland, Visitors Center, located at139 colorful lights going to the beat located on 60 Causeway St. Tremont St. in Boston. There, of music. After you tune your in Millis. I have been to this you and your significant other car radio to 87.9 FM, you will lightshow ever since I was little, can walk around and enjoy the be blown away by how much Photo by Ian Stauffer from Unsplash and it will always be my favorite. beautifully festive city. The effort the homeowners put into When you visit, you drive event itself is free but keep in Light up your date nights with a Christmas light show the light show. down the homeowner’s long continued on next page Every inch of the house is driveway, which is filled with “Date Night” >>> Cloning Around with Review: Living With Yourself

emotional tale of the bitterness perfect as possible. He must act as two separate and accents. and depression that settles into a In Living with Yourself, an distinct versions of the same Tom Brady appears briefly person in their mundane life. aging and depressed Miles Elliot character, Miles Elliot. He rises in the first episode to make Living with Yourself is a new (Paul Rudd) feels that he has to the challenge in a rather what is certainly a rather Netflix show released on October nothing in his life going for him. remarkable way, making each infamous cameo. His character 19. It contains 8 episodes of His marriage is falling apart, his version feel like a fully fleshed has previously used the spa’s approximately 38 minutes for a job is in jeopardy, and he can’t out person. They have the services six times, once for each total of 215 minutes. The show is seem to find the energy to do same experiences, but the way of his Superbowl titles. created and written by Timothy anything to improve it. When his each feels and reacts is entirely What Living with Yourself Greenberg and stars Paul Rudd coworker suggests he go to a day unique, and Rudd gets that across misses on, it more than makes up and Aisling Bea. spa, he finds that he has nothing perfectly. However, some fans of for in its unique charm and bold In an interview with The left to lose. Paul Rudd’s previous works may direction. It avoids the obvious Hollywood Reporter, when The unique episode layout, with be disappointed to see him play pitfall of outlandish comedy, questioned about his inspirations, episodes alternately following a much more serious role than which Paul Rudd has regularly Greenberg said, “We should be the lives of each of the clones of they are used to. acted in before, and instead takes the best versions of ourselves Miles Davis, is rather brilliant Aisling Bea’s performance as a wacky concept and deals with By Nicholas Papini with the ones we love the most, and gives the show a style all to Kate Elliot is stunning, although related emotional impact. but we often are not. Why is itself. This style leads to some her character clearly had to be With excellent acting, a fun Observer Contributor that?” To that end, the show fascinating cinematography and tailored to suit her strong Irish plot, and a unique take on the In a world where genetics attempts to demonstrate what camera movements as scenes are accent. This does not in any way science fiction genre, Living and cloning are advanced and would happen if a person was viewed from different characters’ detract from the story nor the with Yourself is certainly not the common enough that the FDA either suddenly replaced by or viewpoints. character, but it’s worth noting worst thing that can be binged on has a division dedicated to related confronted with a version of Paul Rudd faces a unique that she likely does not have Netflix. crimes, Paul Rudd delivers an themselves which is as near to position in Living with Yourself. a good handle on American December 4, 2019 Observer 7 A&E

THE MOUNT OBSERVER Telephone/E-Mail The Lost Causes of VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4, 978.630.9260 December 4, 2019 [email protected] Editor in Chief: The Mount Observer reserves Sophia Schlegelmilch Bleak Creek the right to edit and condense Contributing Editor: all submissions. The Mount Zach Adam Observer is a member of the Review of YouTube duo’s first YA novel College Media Advisers, Inc. Web Editor: troubled children and has an came from. Regarding the town, Anna Allen Printer: impressive resume with very Rhett said, “this is true all over Graphic Developments Inc. Staff Photographers: few failures. However, as teens the world, but there’s a certain Betsy Torres Mount Observer Advertising Rex McClendon and Leif Nelson flavor to the expectations of the Vanessa Roberto Policy: learn, not all is as it seems with small-town South and we knew The Mount Observer will the Whitewood School. how to conform and succeed in Graphic Designer: reject any ad that is libelous, The plot of The Lost Causes a way and be looked at in a way Thomas Hill Jr. obscene, violates any laws of Bleak Creek is very solid, that the adults would feel like we Contributors: or encourages discrimination if rather derivative. It isn’t were respectable young boys.” Maya Douglas against any idividual or group necessarily bad, but it is not The Lost Causes of Bleak Ryan Lyesiuk on the basis of race, sex, age, particularly unique. In many Creek marks authors Rhett Hannah Bennett color, creed, religion, sexual ways it is reminiscent of other McLaughlin and Link Neal’s Nicholas Papini orientation, national origin, teen detective stories like first attempt to write both the Marissa Shea or disability. The Observer or even Scooby supernatural, mystery, and fiction Brandon Feliz reserves the right to edit or Doo. The story doesn’t detract genres, and it does not truly reject any ad copy at any Image from Amazon from the overall quality of the show. The book is well polished Advisor: time. The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek novel, but it doesn’t make it with a multitude of interesting Susan Goldstein By Nicholas Papini stand out either. and unique characters and a fun Meeting Times: The minor aspects of The world surrounding them. Address: Wednesdays Observer Contributor Lost Causes of Bleak Creek It sometimes feels like the Room 344, MWCC, 12:30PM – 1:30PM While the characters and are the stand outs. The town of writing goes off on a tangent 444 Green St., overarching plot of The Lost Bleak Creek is colorful and well about certain aspects of the Gardner, MA 01440 Causes of Bleak Creek are solid, defined. It perfectly encapsulates world. They sometimes feel where the novel truly shines the friendliness of the small- strange and break up the pacing is in its minor characters and town South and also the way that of the book. The greatest issue moments of world building. same friendliness will die very is the novel’s rather weak prose, Youtubers Rhett McLaughlin quickly if a person does not fit but for a young adult novel there and Link Neal of the channel into their world view. The idea are certainly worse. Date Night Good Mythical Morning’s of the Whitewood School which The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek first foray into fiction novels would take in and reform “lost is a coming of age story set in a >>> continued from follows the story of two teens causes” is uniquely suited to the backdrop of a 90s supernatural previous page $50 round trip. You can also in the fictional South Carolina environment the town creates. mystery. It may not be the best mind you will have to pay for save a few dollars by driving town of Bleak Creek. The small When interviewed by Audible, of its kind at any of those things, transportation there and back. to the Alewife MBTA station in town has a rather famous local Rhett and Link were asked where but it is overall a fun novel and a This year, the tree lighting will Cambridge and taking the red business which claims to reform the inspiration for their book fantastic first for Rhett and Link. be held on Thursday, December line into Boston. 5th, with festivities beginning at If you are looking for a bite to 6:00 pm. The lights will be lit eat, after the tree lighting, head just before 8:00 pm. You can to Mike’s Pastries in the North Accomodations walk through over 50 acres of End. I can promise you will the Boston Common, and there not be sorry. They specialize in >>> continued from page 2 will be free entertainment and cannoli and have a 4.5 on Google listed on the form,” said Labarge. Appointments with Disability 25% of students [at MWCC] appearances from Santa. Reviews. “It’s up to the student to disclose Services can be scheduled over qualify [for accommodations],” Instead of driving and paying Even if you don’t have a more if they want to.” the phone (978-630-9330 for said Labarge. There is also an for parking, it is easier to take significant other, don’t worry. According to the Labarge and 978-630-9190 honor society, Delta Alpha Pi, the MBTA Fitchburg train into You can still share these fun accommodations form for Reynolds), vial email, or in led by Labarge and Reynolds Boston. The train will cost you activities with a group of friends. issued to students at MWCC, person in rooms 142 or 143 on for students with disabilities. and your significant other around Enjoy your holiday season! “the implementation of the the Gardner campus. The honor society promotes following accommodations is a “We have an open door policy,” awareness towards disabilities, requirement by law to promote said Labarge. “Come in for any services for them, and self help academic success.” Does this question or concern…We like to for those with disabilities. Want to see your art in print? mean all professors have to get to know our students. Let us “I’m really passionate about follow the accommodations sent know when you’re doing well or helping students do the best they Send scans or photos of your best pieces to to them? struggling at all.” can,” said Labarge. “It’s very [email protected] “Yes, by law, if it’s been Disability Services are exciting to see students achieve OR approved by [Disability applicable to more students personal growth and academic Come visit us in person in room 344 Services],” said Labarge. than one might think. “About success.”

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