Security may tote guns
Nicole Smith-Johns
nicolesj@myway.com
Beginning this fall the campus security guards may be fully qualified pistol carrying police officers.
College President Steven Wallace told the Board of Trustees on March 4 that the main reason for this move is to make the college more responsive in emergencies. Currently if an emergency occurs, the officers have to call the city police and hope they arrive before something major happens.
Trustee Suanne Thamm said she had doubts about whether the college actually needs a police department right now.
Wallace said the administration would address the trustees' concerns over the next few months. Another concern was that once the officers complete the training, what would keep them as college employees when they would now be qualified to go elsewhere.
At a meeting of the board of trustees in June of last year, an additional tuition cost was approved to improve security measures.
If approved, the college officers will be certified to carry weapons and have more enforcement options to deal with situations.
Currently the security officers are not able to detain people because they are not certified police officers. In the future officers will have that authority.
The officers will also have more judicial options, such as community service for misdemeanors and media control. They will also be outfitted with handguns.
Made up of full time and part time employees, the college currently has the equivalent of 64 full time officers.
If the board approves the plan to make the security officers police officers, the college will need to hire at least 20 more full time officers.
The college has studied the police departments of Tallahassee Community College, Pensacola Junior College, and Santa Fe Community College. It has also studied UNF's police department. Based on these studies FCCJ will pattern its own department after them.
The board will further discuss the plans to certify security officers in the April 1 board meeting.
Kent fair relives days of yore
 |
photo by Michelle Martin
Kent Campus: breech loading cannon.
|
Michelle Martin
mmartin80@myway.com
Ladies in flowing gowns, fencing tournaments, jousting competitions and a breech loading cannon firing into the air; while this may sound like a scene out of a Shakespearean tale, in all actuality it was what many Kent Campus students saw on Wed. Feb. 26, in the court yard. Kent Campus hosted an extremely informative, as well as, fun Medieval fair.
The local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, which meets regularly at Kent Campus, set up many educational booths and scenes in which to give all who came an educational and entertaining experience. There were herb shops and dental stands, hand painted eggs and face painting. All who visited this extravagant event were sure to have a great time and learn something.
" I really enjoyed the Comedia Del Arte' shows" said Kathryn Hope, Kent Campus student, speaking of the lively, short, comedy style plays which were very popular at the fair.
Bush's budget breaks the bank
Michelle Martin
mmartin80@myway.com
The governor's budget has been submitted to the legislature, and the proposal does not look bright to those with interest in education.
Florida Community College at Jacksonville stands to lose a total of $5.2 million in annual budget funds with this proposal, as well as another $1.5 million in retirement funds, said Susan Lehr, FCCJ's vice president for government relations.
With this year's Public Education Outlay (PECO) funds, a utility tax used to build schools, fund community projects and provide maintenance, being $2 million less this year than in previous years, that's a cumulative loss of $8.7 million.
Never before has the governor's budget become law without drastic changes by legislature. "This year it probably will with even further reductions," said Lehr. "The only thing that will prevent this from happening is an outcry from the people."
There is a high probability that education will lose billions of dollars over the coming years, with enrollment increasing and funding decreasing high cost programs such healthcare, law enforcement and information technology are almost certain to be sacrificed.
"We simply can't afford to do it," said Lehr.
"I think that the citizens of Florida need to decide what kind of state they want to live in. If education, work force training, healthcare and public safety are issues that are important to people they need to speak up now," she said.
While 54 percent of state revenue is currently going to education, this state is not generating the revenue needed to fund all the public services.
Last November Floridians approved two far reaching amendments which changed the governance of higher education and limited public school class sizes. Governor Bush blamed these for the states budget crisis.
"This can only change if Floridians finally decide what is important to them," said Lehr. "They voted for it, now live with it.
To students,
Recently, in our SGA meeting, our group discussed the upcoming budget for the Community College System. As I am sure all of you are aware, we are facing some drastic budget cuts which are going to impact community college students statewide! These will hit home next year. In light of these circumstances, our group has decided to hold a letter writing campaign next week. Tues. through Fri. from 11am-1pm, we will be setting up a table so that students will have the opportunity to write legislatures about this issue. All materials will be provided ( including sample letters for reference) and students who write the letter at the table will be given a free Hollywood video movie rental coupon (good for any rental) and refreshments. I would like to encourage all of you students to come out and write a letter. I would also be very grateful if any staff and administration would encourage students you know to come out and write a letter as well. It is imperative that we make our concerns and thoughts known to the legislatures. I am thankful for all of your support and look forward to seeing you stop by the table. Community colleges have done so much for so long, the system simply can't survive another budget that doesn't recognize the raising enrollment and fund the needed programs.
Sincerely,
Brittany Jowers
SGA President, Kent Campus
The tables will be set up at the following locations:
Kent: Cafeteria, 11am-1pm, Tues. -Fri.
Downtown: C103, 11am-1pm, Tues.-Fri.
South: Student Service, 11am-1pm, Tues.-Wed.
All locations dates and times are contingent upon student response
Based on Research
by Susan Lehr
Susan Lehr is vice-president of Government Relations for FCCJ
If the governor's proposed budget for 2003-2004 were enacted:
· The enrollment growth of nearly 67,000 FTE since 2000-2001 in the state's 28 community colleges will not be funded.
· When compared to the state funding levels just three years ago, the proposed budget provides a decrease in state funding of $693.50 per FTE.
· The proposed budget shifts the burden of cost from the state to students. In 2000-2001, 27 percent of the cost of a community college education was borne by students. The proposed budget requires students to pay 34 percent of the cost. This is a regressive tax that targets students so that the state can fund other priorities.
· The 27.5 percent enrollment growth since 2000-2001 in the state's community colleges will be addressed by only a 1.8 percent increase in state appropriations since 2000-2001.
· The declining appropriation to community colleges in Florida has driven Florida to the bottom of the southeastern states in funding for community colleges, ranking the state fourteenth out of fifteen, just above Louisiana.
· With only a 1.8 percent increase in funding since 2000-2001 and enrollment increases of 27.5 percent, colleges will be forced to serve the most for the least. This means high cost programs like nursing, health sciences, technology, etc., will have to be cut back and these are the programs where graduates are needed most.
· With enrollment increases far exceeding funding increases, class sizes will be compromised, access to particular programs and courses will be limited, and the steady progression of students through the curriculum will be compromised.
· The expansion of programs in much needed high tech, teacher education, and allied health areas will not be possible with funding increases of only 1.8 percent since 2000-2001.
· Florida's community colleges currently rank first among the sixteen southern states in graduation and retention rates. The proposed budget will not sustain that accomplishment.
· With only a 1.8 percent increase in funding since 2000-2001, the 46 percent increase in health insurance costs far out weighs any raises the colleges have been able to give employees.
· The Consumer Price Index has increased 11 percent since 1999-2000, yet community college funding will increase only 1.8 percent during the same period. Something has to give.
· Part-time instructional personnel currently teach approximately 35 percent of courses. The proposed budget will increase that percentage substantially limiting access for students to faculty who are full-time and on campus to assist students.
· With approximately 60,000 unfunded FTE next year, who should be denied access and what programs and services should be cut?
· With the dollar cost of goods, services, utilities, insurance and everything else going up, can the state expect the cost of educating a community college student to go down by some 500 dollars per FTE without effecting access and quality.
· Funding for Workforce Programs in the community college system has declined by 7 million dollars since 1997 and enrollment has increased by 11,000 FTE in these same programs and performance is up.
Form protest
If writing letters isn't enough, Susan Lehr has presented an idea. All students wanting to voice their protests more clearly may contact Florida Community College at Jacksonville's Vice President of Government Relations, Susan Lehr to form a "protest" group to go to Tallahassee over Spring Break and be heard by legislation. Since legislation began Tues. March 5 the time to act is now, before the issues are decide on.
For more information or to volunteer your assistance please contact Susan Lehr at the Martin Center 904-632-3391.
Men's hoops team loses bid for title
Dustin Tyler
The men's basketball team was defeated 75-68 in the first round of the state community college championship on Thursday, March 7, by Polk Community College.
Still, the Stars end their season with the distinction of being the winningest team in FCCJ history, and already looking forward to next year.
A roaring crowd of 1,500 watched the Stars go down fighting.
Freshman Javon Collier led the Stars with 22 points; another freshman, Magic Hall, had 14 points.
At half-time, the Stars headed for the locker room with a one-point lead, 37-36. The second half, however, was a different story as the Vikings scored 39 points to the Stars' 31.
The single-elimination tournament was hosted by Chipola Community College in Marianna-west of Tallahassee. It featured eight teams from around the state.
The Stars qualified by winning the Mid Florida Conference Tournament; the team ranked fifth in the state. The Polk Vikings were ranked sixth.
But the difference between the teams on Thursday night was clear in the game percentages: Polk's players hit 51.3 percent of their two-pointers, 41.7 percent of their three-pointers, and 83.3 percent of their free throws.
The Stars hit 46.8 percent of their two-pointers, 20 percent of the three-pointers, and 75 percent of their free throws.
The state tournament ended Saturday, March 9, in the championship game with the Okaloosa-Walton Community College Raiders defeating Polk by a score of 70 to 50.
Okaloosa-Walton is in Niceville near Ft. Walton Beach in the state's Panhandle area. Polk is in Winter Haven, in the central part of the state.
Okaloosa-Walton, the new state champs, earn a bid to the National Junior College Athletic Association's Nationals, which will be held March 18-22 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
In other tournament action, Polk moved from its victory over the Stars to win its semi-final game against Chipola Community College and went on to play in the final against Okaloosa-Walton Community College.
Okaloosa-Walton defeated Miami-Dade in the other semi-final game.
The other teams competing in the tournament:
• Broward Community College, Ft. Lauderdale.
• Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville.
• St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg.
The Stars had an outstanding regular season. They finished with a 26-6 record, and a 7-5 record in the Mid-Florida Conference.
FCCJ was the runner-up in the conference to Santa Fe Community College.
"We had a chance to win late in the game of all six losses," said Gregg Gierke, head coach of the FCCJ Stars. "So I am disappointed that we aren't undefeated right now, but that is hard to do. And the purpose of the regular season is to move on to the state [tournament] and we have done that."
The Stars' 26 wins tied them with Okaloosa-Walton for the most wins in the state this season, and tied them with the 1981-82 FCCJ Stars team that finished the season 26-5.
Over the season, FCCJ was led by leading scorer Collier, who averaged 18.6 points per game. Sophomore Ronnie West and freshmen Hall and Shawn Mitchell also averaged double-digit points per game for the season.
This was an important event for every team involved. Eight teams compete, seven teams go home, and one team moved on to the national tournament.
Expectations were high, for not only this team, but also every team that Coach Gierke leads .on to the court.
"I always expect to win every time my team takes the floor, so I see a state and national championship," said Gierke.
"That has been our goal from the start."
The Stars have put together a great season, advancing to the state championship tournament.
"I am very proud of what these student-athletes have accomplished both on the court and off," Gierke said.
First formal in four years
set for April Andre Segui
"I never had a prom," says Tamara Jones, a member of the Student Government Association, and that's one good reason why, after four years, the SGA is once again putting together a spring formal.
The FCCJ Spring Formal - Lady St. John's River Cruise promises to be quite a different affair and should be a good venue for bringing together participants from Florida Community College's large community.
The student government has chartered the Lady St. John's riverboat for the cruise and dance. The riverboat's two decks will both feature dancing to DJs spinning music of all kinds.
"It's not just for students, though. This is open to students, faculty and employees of FCCJ," Anna Corum said, "and their dates."
Corum, the president of the SGA at North, hopes to reach a goal of 300 participants. And if they don't? "Why, we'll go ahead with the cruise, of course." Anna said.
The formal is set for April 19. Boarding begins at 6 p.m., with departure scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Wharfside Way, next to the ChartHouse restaurant on the south bank. The cruise will return to shore around 10 p.m.
Even though this is a formal, the attire is semi-casual, coat and tie for the guys, and dress or pantsuit for the ladies.
Laser to the eye clears line of sight
Mike Vatter
opinion
They told me I wouldn't feel a thing. They told me the eye drops would make my eyes numb. For me, that was only partly true.
Let me back up a bit.
I decided a few years ago that I wanted to have LASIK eye surgery (LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea using an excimer laser) performed on my extremely imperfect eyes.
The only thing stopping me was money. Okay, money and fear.
About 10 years ago, when the surgery was still considered new and somewhat risky, my parents' neighbor had the procedure performed. She came out with 20/20 vision and no problems.
Around the same time, another woman in the area had LASIK too. She left the operating table with 20/40 vision (which is legally fine for daytime driving) but for driving at night, she required glasses. Both women were in their thirties and (although I am not sure of their pre-surgical eyesight) ended up with nearly perfect vision.
I knew then that I wanted the operation.
Of course, ten years ago, I was too young (in Florida, LASIK patients have to be at least eighteen) and my eyes were still changing. Having worn either glasses or contact lenses since the second grade, my 18th birthday couldn't come soon enough.
However, it was still a few years away.
In the meantime, several media reports surfaced of patients who had been blinded by the operation and others whose vision was no better or worse than before the procedure. These were not encouraging reports.
When extended-wear contact lenses were invented, my dreams of LASIK took a back seat. I could now put a lens in each eye on Sunday and see perfectly through to Saturday.
This appeased me until I would get an eyelash or a speck of dust under the lens and it would feel like an ice pick stabbing me in the cornea. Each time this happened, I would curse the lens, rub my eye and swear to save enough money for LASIK.
As a surprise this past Christmas, after years of hearing these rants and proclamations, my parents stepped in. They told me to shop around for a price they were comfortable with and they would pay for the operation.
I was so excited that I think I called every certified eye doctor from here to Miami. With prices running the gamut, I had them all send me brochures.
Some priced the procedure as low as $99 per eye. Talk about scary! The phrase "you get what you pay for" rang in my head.
Other clinics charged as high as $5,000 for both eyes. Since Mom and Dad don't have the bank account of Donald Trump (or even Donald Duck), I called my insurance company. Fully expecting my insurance representative to laugh in my ear and hang up, I was shocked to hear her say I was entitled to a $1,000 discount.
So, after weeding through the various brochures, I narrowed my choice down to five local clinics. I had a phone consult with each, and made my appointment. During my initial visit, the technician measured my eyes and showed me a video of the operation.
It was not as scary as I thought it would be. I was blessed with a very intelligent mother who emailed me a list of questions to ask the doctor. I added them to my own list and quizzed him for quite a while.
I was assured the procedure would be painless and my eyes would be numb. I would be given a valium beforehand to calm my nerves and special drops to numb my eyes. All of this is necessary because during LASIK, the patient is completely awake.
I had the surgery on Thursday, Feb. 20, and the truth is that I did feel everything from the initial cut of the laser to the ice cold solution used to flush the eye toward the end of the fifteen-minute operation.
I did not feel any pain.
However, after the surgery was complete, I sat in the recovery room with an itching sensation that felt like having shampoo in my bandaged eyes. This lasted about twenty excruciating minutes, but it felt like an eternity.
Firmly believing that positive thoughts equal positive results, I had my mother and father join my partner and me in the recovery room.
They squeezed my hands to keep me from rubbing my burning eyes. I writhed in my chair and begged for more valium. The nurses told me that this was not unusual. My mother tried to distract me from the pain by telling me that some women are in labor for twenty hours.
"Push a baby through your eye socket and then we'll talk about pain," I yelled.
After the required twenty minutes in the recovery room, the clinic sent me home with a bottle of sleeping pills and two vials of prescription eye drops. I slept for a few hours and woke up to a pain free world.
Later, the nurses told me that every eye is different and reactions vary: some patients are like me and others experience no pain or discomfort at all.
But for me, it was all worth it.
After 20 years of not being able to see past my nose without glasses or contact lenses, I could see across the room. I could see the numbers on my alarm clock. I could see the color of my kitten's eyes. I could see tears of joy on my mother's cheeks.
Mike Vatter attends classes at South Campus
Spring break filled with don'ts
Shyla Jenkins
Well it's that time of year again, when the weather turns warmer and we shed our winter clothes for a more Floridian look.
Many of Florida Community College's students have already begun to bring out the beach sandals and summer clothes despite the cool weather. Although it isn't officially spring till Mar. 21, many people will be hitting the beach and participating in spring activities long before then.
Edwina Thomas a South Campus student said, " I love spring! Any excuse to get new clothes I'm all for! Just remember to use your sun screen so you won't get burned."
With Spring Break right around the corner and the prospect of warm weather to boot, here's what some of your fellow classmates had to say about their Spring Break plans and Safety tips:
"I would check the local papers for upcoming events like local concerts or festivals maybe I'd look for events I could take my kids to like the library book readings or area parks hosting spring events. Also I'd make sure to call ahead of time to see if I'd need to reserve seating or if parking would be a problem." Kaysi Brandt
" I plan on spending time with my wife and taking our dogs for walks. I know this time of year there can be a lot of accidents on the road so to use common sense while driving and buckle up." Jason Snyder
" Studying for exams and finishing up all my class projects is what I have to do this spring break, it's boring but someone has to do it." Ronda Murphy
Here are some Safety Guidelines students should follow to make your Spring Break a more enjoyable experience:
When Drinking
· Never drink and drive always use a designated driver or public transportation.
· Don't drink to much because alcohol poisoning can occur.
· Drink responsibly; this decreases the chance of you doing something to embarrass yourself or being taken advantage of.
When at the Beach
· Always bring sunscreen SPF 15 and above, visor, shades and lots of water.
· Never leave your valuables unattended on the beach.
· Stay out of the sun during to hottest hours noon to 4 p.m. to avoid heat/sun stroke.
· Watch for symptoms of over exposure.
· Beware of undertow and rip currents and when caught in one swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
· Never swim alone.
By applying these simple guidelines, students can prevent unnecessary damage to themselves and others. Remember to have fun and play it safe during Spring Break so everyone can have a good time.
Tickets are 15 dollars, and available at the following Student Government Locations:
Downtown - C101b - 633-8272
Kent - G149 - 381-3490
North - E277 - 766-6788
South - U202 - 646-2284
Nassau - Contact Erika Coplan at 548-4400
The Student Government Association takes cash and checks. For more information, you can contact Anna Corum at 889-6742 in the Student Government offices at North Campus, or email her at anastasiacorum@yahoo.com.
Ex-Navy officer praises military
Brad Hall
variablerush@myway.com
On Feb. 26, inspirational speaker Jennifer Carroll came to talk about how African Americans have progressed in the military over the past 200 years.
Carroll is a native of Trinidad and moved to America when she was eight. In 1979, she joined the Navy. When she retired after 20 years, she had attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
She talked of the dangerous world that we live in with the constant threat of terrorist attacks and war with Iraq. Also, she said that it is good to have people in the military who are willing to risk their lives for this country.
In reference to Black History Month, she spoke of various black people who were heroes in the military, some famous, some not so well known, for example, people like General Colin Powell, the Secretary General.
She talked about Doris Miller who was the first black hero of WWII. He was stationed on the ship, West Virginia, on Dec. 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He carried wounded sailors to safety, then shot down 29 enemy planes with a 50 caliber gun that he did not know how to operate.
Carroll's speech was well documented and many people came to hear her. Carroll is married and has three children.
Firefighters train hard
Nicole Smith-Johns
nicolesj@myway.com
Flames engulf the room, the smoke is thick and the temperature is rising every minute and the only thing between the men and women in the room is their fire resistant suits
 |
photo by Nicole Smith-Johns
Fire Academy at South: Wayne Pickett refills fire extinguishers..
|
and extinguishers.
The building is not a real one and the firefighters are still in training, but the situation has the feel of an actual fire emergency.
The fire academy at FCCJ's South Campus is equipped with a burn building that simulates fires. This million-dollar building allows the fire academy to get the whole experience of fighting an actual fire.
The program offers students strenuous training as they are prepared several different types of fires. The training in this program is very physical, said Rick Nelson, dean of workforce development at the South Campus.
The equipment required for the firefighters adds about 45 to 50 extra pounds to the body. While harboring those excess pounds, the students must drag a fire hose, and climb a ladder.
With all the training that is involved in the fire academy, there is a rather extreme selection process the candidates must go through before being admitted, said Nelson.
Each of the candidates must pass the TABE test, which is the test of adult basic education. They must also pass a physical fitness exam. The physical is extremely strenuous, said Nelson.
However, there is an eight-week course offered to help students perform better on the physical test.
While there is no financial aid offered for this program, there are several scholarships available.
The average cost for the program is only about $1,500, said Nelson, which is considerably lower than some of the other vocational programs the college offers.
A semester in the fire academy begins about every 19 weeks. Day and evening classes are available to accommodate all types of students.
The fire academy program is VA approved, said Nelson.
"This program has an outstanding reputation," he said.
Silence is golden at war protest
Nicole Smith-Johns
nicolesj@myway.com
There was silence, no one spoke, no one moved, except to widen the circle as people joined in.
People from every background and every religion, men and women, black and white, rich and poor, all gathered for a common purpose--peace.
The peace vigil at friendship Park began at 2 p.m. with the ringing of a bell. Protestors quietly held their signs and focused their energy on peace.
It seemed as if the weather would ruin the demonstration, but the rain held out for a solid hour as demonstrators formed a circle.
The demonstration was a silent one, no speaking only meditating and praying. That hour of silence was more than most people spend in stillness for an entire week.
An elderly lady clasps her hands tightly and prays for peace. Quietly, she protests the war and cries out for an alternative solution.
Demonstrators come and go. A young woman and her dog joined in the vigil. As everyone stands quietly, a man walks up waving an American
flag and bearing a poster that read, "God bless our president and our troops."
Nevertheless, as the man circled the peace vigil, showing his support for the war, all remained silent.
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words; Sunday at Friendship Park was proof.
No words were necessary at the vigil. Sixty people, thirty signs and peace in the hearts of all, the signs and actions of the people there said it all.
One sign simply read, "Peace is patriotic."
Experience extends deadline
The college's literary magazine, The Experience, is accepting submissions from students from now until March 27.
Kathleen Ciez-Volz, the magazine's adviser and an English professor, said she is looking for poetry, fiction, and most other kinds of writing.
"We would love to see you become a published author," she says.
Submissions may be made by e-mail to kciez@fccj.edu.
Submission may be made by snail mail to Kathleen Ciez-Volz, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, 501 W. State Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.
For more information, Ciez-Volz may be reached at 633-5947.
Forensics team soars at state
Blair McCrone
The Speech and Debate Team reached an all time best, winning 42 individual event and debate awards at the State Forensics Championships.
"This is the largest number of awards won by an FCCJ Speech and Debate Team at a single tournament," Director of Forensics Jeff Hess, a speech communication professor at Kent campus, said in a press release last week.
The team, he said, won slightly over 40 percent of the total awards given out at the Florida Community College Athletic Association Championship.
Each member of the team spends at least 20 hours a week practicing, said Rachelle Detky, a member of the team. Forensics, which means "search for truth," is the formal name of the team.
"It was a very tough competition, there was a lot of very talented people," said Detky.
The Forensics Team is very active. Detky has only been a member of the team for a few months and she has already been to three competitions so far.
"We meet every Monday night, have individual meetings with the coach, and our own separate practice time," said Detky.
The team publication states that members are required to attend weekly meetings, scheduled practices, attend tournaments, practice their individual events with the event coach once a week, and participate in at least two areas of competition for a full academic year.
The annual statewide tournament was held at Tallahassee Community College by the FCCAA, an umbrella organization for all student related activities, said Charles Smires, team co-coach and dean of liberal arts at South Campus.
The team placed runner up in the overall sweepstakes, which made it the second best forensics program among two year institutions in Florida, said Hess.
They won several notable awards at the tournament, including three state champs, but perhaps, the one they are most proud of is "Coach of the Year" awarded to Jeff Hess.
"We were all very proud about this," said Detky. "He deserved it!"
Next, the team will be traveling to Tifton, Ga., to compete in the Phi Rho Pi Regional Tournament. There they will face colleges from seven southeastern states.
Protect our environment,
local organization says
Nicole Smith-Johns
nicolesj@myway.com
The environment is a precious commodity. Most people never give much thought to the species that inhabit it and what can be done to protect it.
The North Florida Land Trust, a non- profit organization that aims at providing permanent preservation of natural and open spaces, clearly sees the importance of environmental preservation.
They will host a lecture on the natural disturbances that affect
Alaska's ecosystem and the effects those disturbances have on Alaska's plant and animal species.
Keith Boggs, program manager for the Alaska Natural Heritage Program, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held at the Ponte Vedra library on Mar. 31. The talk will begin at 5 p.m. and last until about 6:30 p.m.
This is a free event and open to all FCCJ students as well as the public.
Boggs will be speaking how Alaska's ecosystems are subjected to a significant amount of natural disturbances; however, there is usually no human activity associated with those disturbances.
Boggs and his crew go into Alaska's landscape for about a week at a time and study species and habitat distributions. They are dropped at the top of mountainous terrain by a helicopter, and as they make their way downhill they map the area.
The North Florida Land Trust plans to do a series of lectures concerning the environment, said Lynn Lisenby, a member of the board of directors for the Land Trust.
Like the upcoming one, all of the lectures will be free and open to the public.
Lisenby, who is also a professor of Biological Sciences at FCCJ's Downtown Campus, is encouraging her students to attend the event.
"I hope this will be an interesting talk on Alaskan ecology that will satisfy a curiosity among people," said Lisenby.
Surfrider Foundation waves at the South
Matt Cmar
Ponte Vedra. The very name conjures up images of million-dollar homes, pristine lawns, and golf courses. However, a new image may soon be associated with Ponte Vedra: surfing.
Rewind to San Clemente, Calif., in 1984. There, two surfers were outraged that their prime surfing spot was about to become a harbor. In response, the two men created The Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves to protect and preserve beaches and coastlines nationwide.
"People don't generally think about the beach and beach access - they go to the beach two or three times a year, and when they come back things have changed," said Scott Shine, 42, chairman of Surfrider Jacksonville.
Surfrider Jacksonville was organized in February of 2002, in response to concerns about urban growth and its effect on the coastal environment. The chapter has grown from an initial membership of five volunteers to close to 200 members.
Not all of the members are surfers either, Shine said, citing the contributions of many different volunteers.
One focus of Surfrider Jacksonville is making sure the beach is accessible to the public. The chapter is currently lobbying St. Johns County to open blocked, overgrown, or impassable beach accesses along Ponte Vedra Boulevard.
"Ponte Vedra Beach is probably one of the least accessible beaches in the United States - seven miles where essentially no one can access the beach," he said.
The chapter is also promoting a new adopt-a-beach program, in which organizations agree to maintain and clean a designated stretch of beach, including access points. Other items on the agenda include water quality testing and preservation awareness efforts.
Shine urges young people to get involved and contribute to these causes if they want to continue using the beaches freely.
"If organizations like Surfrider don't act to protect the beach now, it may be impossible to access the beach in the future," he said.
March 10
FCCJ Women's Center presents Self-Esteem Workshop
Deerwood Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Room A-2100
Free - Call 633-8311
March 11
UNF: Women's History Month Continued Celebration with Manifesta, 7pm-8:30pm, Robinson Theatre
March 12
UNF: Student Session with Manifesta,10am- 11:30am Bldg. 14, 1604-6
March 12
FCCJ Downtown Campus Spring Career Fair
FCCJ Downtown Campus Lobby, 10 a.m. - noon
Free - Call 633-8224 for list of employers
Kent: Mary Lightfine, noon, G-121
March 13
Downtown: Gallery Opening, 5:30 pm A-2117c
North: Mary Lightfine, 11am, auditorium
South: Mary Lightfine, 12:30pm, Wilson center
March 14
FCCJ Challenge Program presents Mid-Life Career Makeover Workshop
Deprey Chiropractic in St. Augustine, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free - Call 633-8316
March 20
FCCJ Women's Center presents Nassau Center Women's Information Exchange Luncheon
Seminole Women: Lives of Courage and Obscurity
First Presbyterian Church, 9 North 6th Street, Fernandina Beach
Free - Call (904) 548-4400 for registration information
March 24
FCCJ Women's Center presents Codependency Workshop
FCCJ Deerwood Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Room A-2100
Free - Call 633-8311
March 25
North: L'n'L-Sheila Flemming, 11am, auditorium
South: L'n'L- Sheila Flemming, Noon, G121
UNF:The Body Image Project, 7pm-8:30pm, Robinson Theatre
March 26
FCCJ Women's Center presents Genealogy: Getting Started
FCCJ Urban Resource Center, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Room 218
Free - Call 633-8311
Downtown: L'n'L- True Colors, noon, C103
Kent: L'n'L-Sheila Flemming, noon, G-121
South- Poetry Reading, 2pm, Wilson Center
UNF: The Body Image Project continued
9am-1pm, bldg. 14, 1605-6
March 27
North: Spring Fling, 11am - 1pm, courtyard
March 29 and April 5
FCCJ Challenge Program presents Mid-Life Career Review Class
FCCJ Deerwood Center, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Free-Call 633-8316
March 31
FCCJ Women's Center presents Healthy Relationships Workshop
FCCJ Deerwood Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Room A-2100
Free - Call 633-8311
March 31 - April 17
FCCJ Challenge Program presents Three-Week Challenge Class
FCCJ Urban Resource Center, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free - Call 633-8316
April 1
Kent: Spring Fling, 11am-1pm, courtyard
College marks women's month
Cynthia Pereira
cpereira@myway.com
The culmination of women's history has been an arduous journey. The women's right to vote, the right to use birth control and to seek the jobs of their desires has taken courage and dedication by many women in history.
Over the past hundred years, the preceding women in American society have paved a road so solid that many would have thought it unimaginable.
March is the month that celebrates all of these courageous women who helped to make the lives of women today as free as they are.
The first Women's Day was held on the last Sunday in February 1908. It was started by a group of socialist's whose main objective was for women's right to vote. However, it wasn't until 1920 that women were finally allowed to exercise that right.
Inspired by the American Women's Day, the German socialist, Klara Zetkin, organized International Women's Day, Mar. 19, 1911. Many European countries banded together by demonstrating and marching for women's rights.
The most famous International Women's Day was Mar. 8, 1917. In St. Petersburg, Russia when strikers merged with rioters which resulted in the Czar Nicholas II to step down from power. The Soviet government then made Mar. 8 an official communist holiday. Today, International Women's Day is the parallel to America's Mother's Day.
During the 1910's and 1920's, many still observed International Women's Day; but then the interest in women's rights began to dissipate. By the 1960's, when the women's movement started to accelerate, the idea was once again embraced, but without its socialist ties.
The United Nations began it's sponsorship of International Women's Day in 1975.
Although the first women's right convention was held in 1848 in New York, it wasn't until 1976 that the first marital rape law was enacted in Nebraska, making it illegal for a husband to rape his wife.
By 1936, birth control was no longer classified as obscene; and in 1955, the first lesbian organization was formed.
The Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963. This said that employers could not pay women less than men for the same job.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, pilot and renowned author said in her book Gift from the Sea, "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class."
Women now have the right to choose abortion, the right not to be sexually harassed, and the right to give birth and expect her job to be waiting for her when she returns from maternity leave.
To commemorate all of these rights and privileges Florida Community College and University of North Florida are separately hosting an entire month of inspirational women's activities and entertainment.
Rebecca West, feminist author and co-founder of The Clarion, a socialist magazine, said in an article, "I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute."
Freaky Links
Brad Hall
variablerush@myway.com
Most people hate to take tests. However, this website has tests that people can enjoy, for example, like IQ tests, the Real Age test, and even some off the wall tests like the 'What Star Wars Character are You?' test. It's fun stuff and you'll learn a bit about yourself too.
http://www.emode.com/
Most everyone likes robots, whether it's the transformers or some giant monstrosity like a mobile suit gundam. This website features some very nice pictures of giant robots from many different television shows and various movies.
http://www.mahq.net
Everyone hates bugs, whether they are actually creepy crawly things or ones that mess up your computer or your video games. This site is about software bugs in video games and how to avoid them.
http://www.brokengames.com/
Tai Chi classes teach inner peace
Stephanie Gramling
Taoist Tai Chi cultivates both the body and mind to restore and maintain good health, a FCCJ professor and Tai Chi instructor says.
Free Tai Chi classes are being offered to anyone affiliated with the college. The six-week class meets every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and began Feb.11 in Building Q at FCCJ South Campus. The instructor is Professor Robichaud, a human anatomy professor.
These classes are part of the FCCJ Wellness Program, which promotes good health for students.
"I am hoping that those who take this class will get a sense of appreciation and tolerance for other cultures and also it can improve their health," Robichaud says.
The course will be taught free of charge at FCCJ because Robichaud said he wants people to get an introduction to Tai Chi and hopefully continue on to reap the benefits that come along with this constructive exercise.
Taoist Tai Chi takes about three months to learn the set. The instructor will demonstrate a move several times, then perform it with the class, and finally watch the students as they repeat it.
The exercises can be performed in any comfortable clothing, but wearing shoes that offer good support and balance is recommended.
The founder of Tai Chi was Master Moy Lin-Shin. An accredited Taoist Tai Chi instructor must meet the standards set by Master Moy and continually upgrade his or her knowledge and belief in the benefits of the art, says Robichaud.
Robichaud is an instructor and member of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, which is non-profit organization focused on helping others.
Tai Chi is practiced for the physical, mental, and spiritual well being of a community. It involves stretching movements and turning, that people of all ages can participate in, and it can be adapted to match any level of ability. Extending the limbs to the fullest extent of their range of motion provides a stretch for tendons and ligaments throughout the body.
The gentle movements of Taoist Tai Chi can be an effective therapy for a wide range of health problems including poor circulation, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, breathing difficulties, and digestive and nervous disorders, the International Taoist Tai Chi Society says.
"The sole reason for practicing Tai Chi is that the movement is beneficial to health not to achieve self-defense skills like martial arts," Robichaud says.
According to the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, Taoist Tai Chi is now taught in more than 425 communities around the world.
Robichaud also teaches Tai Chi at the Unitary Church on the Arlington Expressway, classes begin April 1.
Secrets come out
Nicole Smith-Johns
nicolesj@myway.com
Dr. Thomas -Book
As Dr. Dana Thomas goes through her day as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts at FCCJ's North Campus, the teachers and students she meets see a soft-spoken educator.
 |
North Campus Art Gallery:
High School Student's work
|
Upon first meeting her, one would probably never suspect this literature major to have any secrets.
Thomas does have a secret; a hidden side that she lets show in her newly published book, The Ditchwalkers.
The hidden side of that quiet demeanor that Thomas possesses is an active and vivid imagination.
An educator for a good portion of her life, The Ditchwalkers is Thomas' first book.
Most of the writing I've done in the past has been research based writing, said Thomas; it was a nice change to write in a different style.
Thomas writes under the pen name Morgana MacArthur, the surname of her grandmother.
The book tells the story of a young woman who lives in the quiet little town of Providence, Florida. In order to really gain a sense of the people and the pace of life in Providence, Thomas paid the laid back town a visit.
Life is different there, things move at a slower pace, said Thomas.
Thomas grew up in Florida so it was only fitting that the story take place in her home state.
In the quiet little town of Providence, the sort of town that most people might not give a second thought to, Tammy Jean, the main character, acquires a restaurant from a woman who is from the Wiccan circle.
She also meets a man named Moe, who is dead. Moe has been sent back from purgatory to tempt the innocent, and as he and Tammy develop a relationship he gets a little closer to his mark.
The twist, Moe is dead, but Tammy is totally oblivious to that small factor.
The book weaves together two cultures and religions that are as opposite as black and white. Thomas, however, entangles the two cultures with grace.
The book won her the prestigious Word Weaver award and received several raving reviews.
"This book transcends the usual fare, offering complex characters forced to confront who they think they are and shatter their self imposed limitations," said Elizabeth Burton, author of Dreams of Darkness.
"The book has some deep seeded messages," said Thomas.
The author sprinkles underlying messages throughout the story; one is that of tolerance. The characters in the book are developed in such a way that one really gets to know them.
"They are much the same as you or I ... struggling with loves, hopes, ambitions, failures; the whole nine yards," said Sandy Williams, who reviewed Thomas' book.
Thomas describes the characters as being made up of a lot of different people she has met and had relationships with in her lifetime.
"You take bits and pieces of people you know and create a character that works," said Thomas.
Thomas' book gives her readers the option to take from the book elements that apply to their own life.
This is a story about people's beliefs and uses an exaggerated tale to help people realize that there is more than one way to worship, said Thomas.
This book is available at www.amberquill.com
High school art at North gallery
Thomas Eadie
hibikki-san@myway.com
The FCCJ has a long history of working together with Duval County schools hosting art exhibitions for their students. The gallery at Kent Campus annually hosts shows featuring art from elementary and middle schools.
 |
North Campus Art Gallery:
High School Student's work
|
This month, North Campus is proud to be reaching out to the schools in Nassau County. On Monday, Mar. 3, North Campus opened the art exhibit displaying 2-d and 3-d works by students from each school.
The North Campus Gallery is in its second year of operation, displaying the work of many local artists, with the exhibits changing monthly.
The gallery is open to the public and school groups are encouraged to take trips to view the gallery as well.
This exhibit is the first of what is hoped to become an annual event at the North Campus gallery.
Schools contributing works are:
Fernandina Beach High School, under the leadership of Marilyn Eflein, Rhonda Bristol, and Sharon Eells.
Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, under the leadership of Vickie Whigam
West Nassau High School under the leadership of Bettina Thrift.
The teachers from each of these schools have carefully chosen the work to be exhibited. Each student who has work on display will receive a certificate stating his or her participation in the show.
The exhibit is being judged by FCCJ art faculty and distinguished artist, Larry Jon Davis.
Davis has chosen artwork from the exhibit he has deemed outstanding, the students submitting these works will also receive a certificate of "Special Recognition."
South gallery opens show
Cynthia Pereira
cpereira@myway.com
The Jacksonville Watercolor Society is displaying their 2003 spring show at South Campus art gallery, which Lynn Lewis, art gallery coordinator said, "This is something that people who wouldn't normally walk into an art gallery can enjoy."
The spring show consists of local artists who are members of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society. This year's juror, Burton K. Bright, former director of the Cultural Center of Valdosta, GA., chose the works that appear in the show.
After selecting the works to be shown, Bright selected the award winners, said Lynn Lewis, gallery coordinator.
South Campus is not the usual venue for the show, although they have had it there at least three times before, said Lewis.
The response has been good, she said, "Everybody really loves this show."
The Jacksonville Watercolor Society also sponsors an outreach program where the artists work with local schools to promote skill and knowledge in the art of watercolor. There is a select group of paintings created by these school children that is also being displayed with this show.
Although many of the displayed artists are hobbyists, said Lewis, many do this for a living. Lee Murphy is an artist in the show who has her own show in town.
"It's a really accessible kind of medium…it's realism," said Lewis.
Classic opera draws raves
Nicole Smith-Johns
Cynthia Pereira
nicolesj@myway.com
cpereira@myway.com
Melodic voices of the performers blended with the orchestra creating an event any opera lover would revel in; however, the premise of the story may seem a bit disturbing.
On Mar. 2 the Times-Union Center presented Madama Butterfly.
 |
North Campus Art Gallery:
High School Student's work
|
The plot takes place pre-world war one. A Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, named Pinkerton who was assumed to be around 30 years old, marries Madama Butterfly, a 15-year-old Japanese girl who was willing to give up her family and religion for him.
Against family protest, they were married and Pinkerton left town not knowing Butterfly was pregnant. Six years pass and Butterfly eagerly awaits the return of her beloved.
Pinkerton, however, comes back with his new American wife. After Pinkerton learned of his son, he proposed that he and his new wife adopt the boy.
He once again absconded with Butterfly's dignity; Pinkerton leaves his past wife and his present wife to figure things out. Butterfly made the decision to let her son go, but not before telling him she was about to kill herself.
Having the decency to wait until her son has left the room, she then plunged a dagger into her stomach.
In a plot that portrayed meager amounts of character in these two main roles, it could be difficult for a modern American culture, such as ours, to embrace. However, with a packed room and wall-to-wall people, there didn't seem to be much objection among those attending the performance.
In fact, opera enthusiasts as well as opera amateurs appeared to delight in artful portrayal of the story.
Vigorous debates produce
newspaper of high quality
Jerry Carver
jcarver@myway.com
People may not agree on issues, but the important thing is that they are presented to the public.
I have attended FCCJ for two years now. During this time I have worked with the Campus Voice. Currently, I am the editor.
Since I became editor I have had two main goals.
The first is to have a larger staff with a constant flow of people. This has been accomplished. When I first came here there were only about six people, now I have 17 people with more coming everyday.
My second goal was to better the reputation and repertoire of the paper. In the past there had been a few incidents when people had been misquoted or stories had been misleading. Because of this some faculty, security, and administration became careful in talking with reporters. Some people have even declined to comment for fear of being misquoted.
The writers on the Campus Voice staff are competent, honest, and objective. They also understand that a breach in ethics will disqualify them from writing for the paper. Writer's are also careful not to cover stories about subjects that they are directly involved in. Instead, another reporter has to cover the story.
Many of the staff now use voice recorders or email during interviews for accuracy purposes.
Networking has been an important resource for me since I started and has resulted in many contacts over several campuses.
The ambience in the newsroom is serious, but many debates over grammar, style, and content break out. There is also openness between the writers.
If one person feels that a story is hard or soft on an issue, debates will occur until a balance is found. Sometimes articles have had to be placed on hold until that balance could occur or so that more information could be obtained.
The editing process for each article is grueling. Grammar, style, accuracy, timeliness are just a few of the items that must be reviewed in each article. The paper tries to cover news items on all of the campuses.
Sometimes issues may come up that are sensitive to many people. Extra care is taken to make sure these articles are objective and contain views from all sides involved.
As the editor of the Campus Voice, I have full confidence in my staff and the accuracy and fairness of their articles.
Stray dog teaches old man new tricks
Tim Nicholson
timmyp@myway.com
This morning I awoke to find a strange dog sniffing around my garage.
This fellow had obviously been well taken care of and had only recently made his way out into the world.
I have a soft spot in my heart for strays, having been one myself for a while, so I took the lonely guy in to keep him from harm and incarceration.
I figure that someone will eventually put a sign up and I can return him.
That is of course, unless he turns out to be an incorrigible hellhound, in which case, we now know why he no longer resides at home.
The events of the day struck me as an allegory for life in college and otherwise.
The lessons I saw being learned today were as follows:
1. When you are young and wet behind the ears, you will fall for anything.
I could have been looking for the main ingredient in a pu pu platter, but that thought never occurred to this trusting dog as he followed me happily into the backyard.
2. When you're new in town, you always wind up as the low man on the totem pole.
As soon as my dog saw the new arrival, my dog sauntered over, John Wayne style, to show a little friendly dominance over this foreigner.
3. Yield to tonnage.
My dog out weighs this fellow by a solid 30 pounds.
4. Never bite the hand that feeds you.
Well OK, this is more for my benefit, but it's a good set up for the next lesson.
5. Wherever you find yourself, it won't be as nice as where you were before, so don't be a snob when it comes to your circumstances.
I poured the mutt a bowl of dog food and he had the gall to turn his nose up to it. Obviously, he was used to some high falutin' food like pizza crusts and whatnot.
6. Humility is easily learned on an empty stomach.
By mid-afternoon he seemed to convince himself that filet mignon was in that bowl because that baby was clean.
7. Some undeserving jerk is always going to seem to be getting ahead while you are left in the dust.
When my dog started to play a little rough and things got serious, I stepped in, gave old no name a shove, and ushered my dog inside.
8. Said undeserving jerk will rub it in your face.
My dog stood at the sliding glass door mocking him.
9. Crying won't help.
He began to howl forlornly, so I gave him a "shut up," for his troubles.
10. Some little nobody with not an ounce of power over you-nor you over him-will make a continual effort to make you believe otherwise.
The three little pug-nosed shitzus next door yapped at him impotently through the privacy fence all.
11. Some people never learn.
See the example for rule number ten.
12. It is better to accept others for who and what they are than to get angry or try to mold them into shapes you desire more.
After a while, he ignored the little monsters next door (or as I like to call them, the "Axis of Annoyance") and got on with his own affairs--rooting through my recycling bin, peeing on my house, etc.
13. Keeping your ego in check and making friends is better than strutting about full of bravado.
After they calmed down, I let my dog and no-name dog back together and they have been cordial to one another, if not friendly.
14. They still love you and miss you back home.
OK, this one's for me too, but this pooch can't just freeload around here forever.
15. There is always-and I mean always-someone trying to mount you.
I believe this one is rather self-explanatory.
So, if college or work or life in general seems to be getting the better of you, look no farther than our fine four-footed friend for guidance.
What they lack in intelligence, they make up for in uncanny or should I say "un-canine" wisdom.
Finally, if you happen to have lost a dog, my email is at the top of this column.
|
Articles 