From the Editor

David Aston
Montgazette Editor-In-Chief

Stories come in many forms and styles. It’s what makes life so colorful and dynamic. This month, we’re springing off this idea by telling some of our stories with pictures.
Our writers pulled out the stops by sharing their vision on every story in this issue. Sometimes, words aren’t just enough. Chuck Palahniuk, author and essayist famous for works like “Fight Club,” I think said it best. “If emotion can create a physical action, then duplicating the physical action can re-create the emotion.”
This is one of the ultimate goals of The Montgazette. You read and view stories in a fluid fashion; that’s why many newspapers are printed digitally now. The Montgazette strives to achieve a balance by bringing the stories that relate to you and reflect your voice.
The need is greater than ever for college students to stay engaged in their history as they live it. Because of this, The Montgazette is seeking a better way to reach you.
We tried many forms of digital “outreach.” Now we’re reaching out to you, the readers, to tell us how you want to receive The Montgazette digitally. Send an email to montgazette@gmail.com. Or reach out to us on Twitter or Instagram @montgazette.
All stories that are told, but especially those told as we live them, really do make an impact and tell future generations how we spoke about the world in our own voice. So, bring out the emotion. Make a physical act. Contribute to the future of the paper that truly is The Students’ Voice.

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Women’s March in DC

Erin Ilisco
Montgazette Contributing Writer

A march that began as one retired grandmother being stirred up about the newly elected president’s policies and controversial election campaign, turned out to be one of the most massive single-day demonstrations in recent memory. On January 21, The Women’s March on Washington drew a crowd estimated at over 500,000, with more than 600 worldwide sister marches altogether drawing an estimated 4.5 million marchers, according to The Washington Post. The demonstrators’ myriad signs revealed the numerous issues they were significantly concerned about. Organizers and celebrities mentioned many of these issues in the speeches that they gave before the actual march commenced. Numerous topics were talked about, including climate change, clean water, immigration, pay equality, affordable healthcare, LGBTQ rights and pipeline construction.
Nearly everyone there wanted more than just a conversation with a ubiquitous message. They wanted everyone to be steadfast in not allowing the extraordinary feelings of unity and solidarity to be all that the day was about. Rather, to be constantly moving forward in the pursuit of sustaining the freedoms and rights that they so deeply cherish.
Kathy Daidone, from Feasterville, Pennsylvania, was extremely worried about the possible defunding of Planned Parenthood. As a long-time healthcare professional, Daidone was aware of the tremendous importance of continued funding for the non-profit, reproductive health services organization. Countless men and women have told her how they rely on their local Planned Parenthood for low-cost healthcare services, including life-saving cancer screenings, that they would otherwise not be able to afford.
There were few, if any, harsh or inciting words to be heard and there were no arrests. The awe-inspiring unity that was so incredibly palpable, regardless of gender, age, race or political leanings, ultimately defined the entire day. The underlying factor that brought each person together at the march was the unshakable fear that a number of human and civil rights may be in danger.

Photo by Erin Ilisco

Photo by Erin Ilisco

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Photos from the Women’s March

Photos by Erin Illisco

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“My Journey”

Kayla McGruder
Montgazette Contributing Writer

When I was born, my mom found out that I had cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination.
Later on, the doctors found out that I couldn’t talk either. It took a toll on me when I was growing up. One time, when I was in elementary school and about to enter middle school, my old principal told my mom that she thought the best thing for me was go to a disability school. My mom told me what she said and I thought to myself, “How does she know what is best for me? She doesn’t know me. I know what is right for me.”
When I go to a public place, people stare at me. When people see me, they think that I’m not smart and I can’t do anything because I’m in a wheelchair and use an iPad to talk. Even though I’m in a wheelchair and use a device to speak, it doesn’t mean that I’m not smart. I’m an honors student and I graduated from high school. I’m going to attend college like other 18 year olds. We are all humans. We all have disabilities and feel the same thing.
I have a disability, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t do what everyone else can do. People think that if they were not born with a physical disability, then they could never have one, but it could happen to everyone! A person could have a car accident or a sports related accident and be in a wheelchair tomorrow.
We all have some kind of disability or disadvantage, whether it is physical or mental. So look at me, not my disability.

Kayla McGruder

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Anthropology at the Club Fair

Kyle Murphy-Tuggle
Montgazette Contributing Writer

The Archaeology & Anthropology club or A & A for short was one of many clubs represented at the Montco Club Fair. The club members all had smiles on their faces, ready to inform you about the ancient culture of humanity and other species.
Professor O’Brien kindly described the benefits that come with joining the A & A club. Club member’s schedule events were the entire club travels to different locations to see Anthropology in real life. Ancient artifacts, famous corpses, and humanoid skulls plastered all over the walls and shelves. These field trips help developing students to visualize how far humanity has come. According to Professor O’Brien, “We travel to many places around the world studying and analyzing the ancient artifacts of humanity. Other species inform us of how similar, but different we humans are”. Professor O’Brien teaches as a professor in the anthropology department, and she is also the advisor for the club.
Newcomers gather at Montco for these events every semester, as clubs are a very big part of the school. They help students get involved in after school activities, as well as educate the youth and hope to guide them in the direction they believe is great for them.  For more information on all of the student clubs, student can contact the office of Student Leadership and Involvement located in College Hall.

Photo by Kyle Murphy-Tuggle

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MCCC Hosts Annual Faculty and Alumni Art Exhibition

Sara Wilkerson
Montgazette Contributing Writer

On Feb. 8, Montgomery County Community College hosted its annual multi-media “Meet the Artists” reception featuring artwork from faculty and alumni at the college’s central campus Fine Arts Gallery. The reception was part of the Faculty and Alumni Art Exhibition that was on display from Feb. 1 – 24.
The purpose of the art exhibition is to display artwork from the talented artists among current MCCC faculty as well as alumni, current students and members of the community. Their artwork was reviewed by MCCC’s art gallery director Patrick Rodgers before being considered to be put on display.
Rodgers, although relatively new as art director, seemed excited about the process of inviting alumni to display their artwork.
“I put out calls for recommendations of ‘If you know of talented alumni, please send me their name.’ If they have a website, ‘I wanna view their work.’ There’s a ton of alumni that I don’t know, [but] I do want to tell them there’s always chances to exhibit here and I’m always open to a conversation.”
In addition to discussing the procedures of processing and reviewing alumni artwork for the art exhibition, Rodgers talked about the challenges of his new position. He explained that he started his position in late November of 2016 and that he oversees both of MCCC’s art galleries.
When it comes to displaying artwork, Rodgers said, “This gallery [the Central Campus gallery] is really strong in light, sometimes almost too strong in light and you have to be careful where [you place] some paper [so] you don’t fry them. Or wash out the color with too much light exposure. So all those little tricks and things that I’m still figuring out about the behavior of each gallery, what’s going to show best.”
Artists featured in the Faculty and Alumni Art Exhibition included some noted alumni and faculty artists like Eva Hozinez, Cas Sidoti, Victoria Rivers, Ronald Dorfman, Christopher M. Stanley and Jean Thobaben.
To find out more about upcoming art gallery events at MCCC, visit the Lively Arts page in mc3.edu or contact Patrick Rodgers at prodgers@mc3.edu.

Attendee examining artwork — Photo by Arnold Winkler

Sculpture displayed in exhibit — Photo by Arnold Winkler

MCCC faculty member Mike Connelly with his son, Julian — Photo by Arnold Winkler

Eunice Choy proudly gazes upon her hand-crafted pottery. — Photo by Arnold Winkler

Marlene Gaudio with her sculpture — Photo by Arnold Winkler

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Spotlight: Mary Burch

Rahul Thevar
Montgazette Contributing Writer

Mary Burch, M.S., LBS from Telford, Pennsylvania, is a Senior Lecturer of Psychology  at Montgomery County Community College. She loves studying human behavior, teaching and sharing her love of gymnastics. Burch was the 2015 Recipient of the Barnes and Noble Part-Time Teaching Excellence award.
Her passion for helping the community extends to holding food drives for Manna on Main Street. Her humanitarian work along with teaching made her a good choice for the teaching excellence award.  On top of that, the way she teaches makes students excited about learning.  “Personality is my favorite course to teach,” she said of her teaching style.
“I first met Mary when I started gymnastics at Spirit Gymnastics,” Melissa Ann, a former coaching assistant, said. “She was an awesome coach and very good at gymnastics so it was awesome getting to learn and train with someone who knew what they were talking about and was good at gymnastics themselves.”
Kerry Stone liked Mary’s personality. “I met Mary two years ago at Spirit Gymnastics. She started working with my daughter when she was 4. Mary is a great coach for [both of my] girls. She is funny
but still strict. She is a good example for the girls as she always works hard but has fun with her work.”
Mary’s tireless work and dynamic teaching style make her an amazing MCCC teacher and personality to match.

Mary Burch

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Montco Drama Club

Montco Drama Club’s President Kevin Sene is the nicest, most enthusiastic person. He has a drive and has a passion for theatre that is unmatched by anyone! The Drama Club meets every Wednesday 1 – 2 p.m. Stop by anytime for fun and games. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in upcoming events. See you there!

~Dominique Brown

Keven Sene — Photo by Dominique Brown

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MCCC’s New Health Sciences Center

Rahul Thevar
Montgazette Contributing Writer

Montgomery County Community College’s new Health Sciences Center broke ground in 2015. Replacing the old Physical Education Building, the new center was completed in January of 2017 and opened its doors on the first day of the spring semester.
The Health Sciences Center was part of the larger construction project the renovated and revitalized MCCC’s Central Campus. Bruce Bach, Athletic Director of MCCC, stated that he likes, “the new gymnasium” and how, “the athletes have a new quality locker room.”
A.J. Carter, a student at MCCC, says he, “loves the building, it’s wider, [has] bigger room [space], doesn’t looks gloomy. [I love] the new classroom[s] and the new labs.”
Althea Zanecosky, a Registered Dietitian Nutrition Instructor at MCCC, likes the, “… Openness [of the new building]. Everyone in [the] Health program – such as the professors – are together. It’s a bright, cheerful space…to encourage students to be healthy in class and [to give them more] fitness opportunities.” Bach also likes the extra 5,000 square feet over the old P.E. Building.
Angelina Capozzi, another MCCC student, states, “It’s high tech and [a] nice building to be in.” Another student, Brittany Francis, said she likes, “the environment [because it’s] easier to find classes. [I like] the weight room and it’s newer compared to other building. It’s separated based on what major you’re taking.”
Tyler Gahagan, a campus recreation student staff member says, “It’s a great building to be in and [has a] fun environment.” He also can’t wait to start using the new equipment to start working out.
MCCC student Nick Mikesic, also likes, “The new weight room. The gym is newer, better than the old one and they can offer more classes for the students.”
The Fitness Center is scheduled to open on a future date. Be sure to not miss out on all the fun and openness the new Health Sciences Center has to offer.

Photo Courtesy of the MCCC Communications Dept./Amelia Fox MCCC– Students make use of the new gym in the Health Sciences Center at the Central Campus.

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Spring 2017 Lunch & Learn Workshops — Join Us for a Workshop and Free Lunch!

Central Campus – Always Wednesdays, 12:20 – 1:15p.m.

March 22
Note-Taking
Come learn ways to organize your notes and make your studying more effective!  — College Hall, Room 147

March 29
Meet the Dean
Have you met the Dean of Student Affairs? Dean Nicole Henderson will be available to meet with students and answer questions. Stop by for lunch and say hello.  — College Hall, Room 147

April 5
Test Anxiety
Come join us for a workshop to assist you with study strategies and dealing with test anxiety.  — College Hall, Room 147

April 12
Grit and Motivation
Join Dr. Smith as he helps you to unravel your intrinsic motivation through self-discovery of your internal GRIT. This workshop will help you to identify the essential components to develop your confidence and motivation. — College Hall, Room 147

April 19
Getting Ready for Finals
Come join us for a workshop to assist you with study strategies and dealing with test anxiety. — College Hall, Room 147

April 26
Zumba and Nutrition
Come learn some Zumba moves and understanding good nutrition. — College Hall, Room 147
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West Campus – Always Monday, 12:20 – 1:15 p.m.

March 20
Note-Taking Skills 101
Come learn ways to organize your notes and make your studying more effective! — South Hall 216

March 27
Meet the Dean
Have you met the Dean of Student Affairs? Dean Nicole Henderson will be available to meet with students and answer questions. Stop by for lunch and say hello. — South Hall 202

April 3
Career Planning
Learn what career best suits your talents, skills, and training you need for your chosen career. — South Hall 202

April 10
Interviewing Tips and Techniques
Learn the right tips and techniques that can help you present yourself effectively at interviews, and get the job you want. – South Hall, Room 222

April 17
Grit and Motivation
Join Dr. Smith as he helps you to unravel your intrinsic motivation through self-discovery of your internal GRIT. This workshop will help you develop your confidence and motivation.  – South Hall 202

April 24
Composing a Resume: Best Practices
This workshop will outline the essential information you need to develop a great resume in a competitive job environment.

May 1
What Next?
Using Your My Career Plan Results for Career and Life Planning – South Hall 216

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