By:Cynthia Jones

ccc journalism class

Camden County College women’s basketball team, the Lady Cougars, recently brought in 7 new recruits.

The Lady Cougars recruit all year round, bringing in as many players as they can as each new season begins.

Entering her third season as head coach, MaryAnne Light says she’s excited about all of the recruits.

New recruits include Ayanna Williams, Mercedes Williams, Jennifer Kline, Siani Blackson, Sha-Maine Rudolph, Kathleen Velez, and an unnamed player.

Although all recruits are talented, ironically one in particular stands out.

Siani Blackson, a point guard from Camden high school, is set to have a break out year.

“She is only 4’9” tall, but a force to be reckoned with.” says Light.

The recruiting process consists of the head coach going to high school games, speaking with different teams, and talking to potential players fit for CCC.

The recruiting process doesn’t stop there; once new players are committed to the team they are entered in a summer league to start playing together.

By Zach Bender
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The bridge over Holly Run Creek is being renovated, affecting traffic to and from Camden County College’s Blackwood campus.

The 12-year-old bridge, which is located at the college’s main entrance just before the roundabout on Washington Drive, is a dirt and steel culvert. The corrugated pipes under it, which are used to drain water, have given way. The bridge has begun to collapse as a result of constant use, said Executive Director of Safety and Facilities Edward Carney.

The college has known for four years the gradual collapse was happening. Throughout the ring road project, the construction was being planned. Before anything could be done, the college needed to get permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, which took about a year.

The college hoped to work on the bridge during the summer to avoid making life for students more difficult, said Carney, but because of environmental restrictions and the urgency of the situation, it could not wait until then. The collapse was getting to the point where the work had to be done as soon as possible to ensure the safety of those who use the bridge each day. Construction began April 8.

The construction is being completed in a three-phase process. Work was done on one side of the bridge in the first phase. Work was then done on the other side in phase two. In phase three, the culvert is being worked on.

The culvert will be replaced by an open-bottom concrete bridge. Construction is expected to be complete by July 1, but Carney is hoping it will be done sooner. Complications are anticipated, and buffer time was given to accommodate them. “Whenever you dig a hole, you can always expect to find problems,” Carney said.

The project costs about $1.5 million. It’s being paid as part of the ring road project budget. The budget is part of a “major transformation initiative” and is being funded by county-supported bonds.

As for traffic concerns, Carney recommends following the detour signs. He suggests making a right out of the college onto Peter Cheeseman Road and following the signs around through Sicklerville Road and Hickstown Road. It adds about two miles, but it will save time by avoiding traffic.

“When you’re back in September, it’ll be open and brand new,” Carney said.

This is one of the many detour signs posted while construction takes place on the bridge at the entrance to the Blackwood campus. Following these signs will lead you through Sicklerville Road and Hickstown Road. Executive Director of Safety and Facilities Edward Carney recommends following the detour to keep traffic to a minimum. By Zach Bender, CCC Journalism Program

By Jasmine Conyer
CCC Journalism Program

Earth Day 2013 is the 43rd year of celebration for some and first-time celebration for others at Camden County College. “I actually bought my first hybrid car this year,” said student Christina Rizzio.

Like Rizzio, many students on campus have become aware of the need for environmental change. Second-year student Brandon Jones stated, “Although I really don’t know the exact date of Earth Day, I pretty much play my part every day. I make sure I recycle, especially my papers because in college you run through a lot of paper in our 15 weeks.”

To raise awareness and educate about a mass environmental movement, Earth Day is a national holiday that most students at Camden County College take pride in. Rochelle Brown, veteran student, stated it is important to start a green movement at home and on campus, “I spend a lot of hours on campus and I love water but I would love to know what is in my drinking water because I can’t spend money all day on buying water bottles.”

As Earth Day does not get all the rave it did when it originated in 1970, some tend to forget about the holiday, which can leave students wondering if Earth Day is even the same.

“Every day is an earth day to me,” said Rizzio.

“I am trying to live a greener life. I have slowly started switching out to natural foods and I carrying around my own water bottles so I don’t waste any water and I’ve even started walking to school since it became warmer because I only live down the street,” stated Brown.

By Frank Beitz
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Ned Morgan, the head of the South Jersey Beekeepers Association, held a two-and-a-half-hour informational session about honeybees and the state of beekeeping April 25 at Camden County College.

A live bee display, made up of mostly female bees, is part of the presentation at Camden County College. By Frank Beitz, CCC Journalism Program

With a slideshow, a documentary and a display table with live bees and even homemade items made of honey, plenty of things were going on to draw people in. The event took place in Civic Hall, with the display table in the Civic Hall Atrium, visible to passing staff members and students to catch their eye. With bees being so common, there are plenty of resources for us to learn about and better understand them.

Morgan’s wife and business partner, Darce, accompanied him, headed the display table and fielded questions. Now a huge bee lover, Darce Morgan admitted she was once scared of bees.

“When I first met Ned, I was watching him keep and care for the bees with a pair of binoculars so I didn’t have to get close to them and risk getting stung,” she said. “He eased me into it slowly and now we are both beekeepers and it is our passion.”

Civic Hall was packed with about 140 visitors who were enthusiastic about the presentation and eager to get involved. Matt Bealor, a student at Camden County College, attended the session for a class but said he was happy to be there.

“I was assigned to attend this for a class, but once I was here I enjoyed myself because it was a fun way to learn about bees in a fun environment,” Bealor said. “Although this was an assignment, I would like to think I would have attended even if it wasn’t.”

Darce Morgan said she hoped the event will occur again at Camden County College.

“The crowd was great and we really believe the people were interested, having fun and also learning at the same time,” she said. “Ned and I would love to come back and do it again next semester.”

Professor Fran Gillett (to the r) works with a student during class . By : Kumarr Clark

CCC Cougar have a goodtime at Spring Fling. By: Kumarr Clark.

The US military shows off the wardrobe at CCC Spring Fling. By: Kumarr Clark

By Joel Davidson
CCC Journalism Program

Distraction. There’s an app for that.

As new devices enter the public sphere, both teachers and students have found ways to use technology in the classroom.

Dan Fischbach, adjunct professor at the Camden Technology Center, has integrated some of these tools into his teaching.

“It’s interesting from a teaching standpoint,” Fischbach said, “because… I’m able to integrate links and video into my slideshows, so… I can jazz it up.”

Fischbach, who teaches an Internet Tools and Techniques course, also uses Google Drive so students can access notes, quizzes and tests online.

However, Melissa Priore, a senior communications major, has seen another side to technology in the classroom.

“Students use the computers for other classes when they’re in the classes that have the computers.” Priore said. “They use their phones for the social networking. It seems like a lot of the time that the technology is used, it’s not for the particular class that they’re in.”

Fischbach believes paying attention is up to the students.

“If they choose not to listen to me and … go off on a social network… they can,” Fischbach said. “They’re adults, and they choose to pay for this class… If they want to waste their time and waste their money, that’s on them.”

Priore has had professors who agree with Fischbach, but she’s also had professors who are proactive against distractions.

Priore cited Drew Jacobs, a communications professor at CCC, as someone who enforces a no-texting policy during class.

“I’ve always gotten the most out of his classes… because he makes it a point to say ‘This class time right now is this class time, and you need to… disconnect,’” Priore said.

To students entering technology-filled classrooms, Fischbach reminds them that “it’s your money and your time… If you want to spend your time goofing off, then you’re going to pay for it down the road. Your status updates can wait.”

By Kim Broomall
CCC Journalism Program

Sonya Davis, President of the Human Services Club at Camden County College in Blackwood, ended her two-semester term on May 2.

“It was a very positive experience,” said Davis, an addictions counseling major. “I met many students that I probably wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t joined the club.”

The Human Services Club is dedicated to serving the community, often through volunteer work. On average, the club sees eight to 10 students each semester.

Though most students who join the club are human services majors, it is not a requirement to join the club. “Having a variety of students is encouraged,” said Davis.

Davis had been a member of the the club since 2011, three semesters before she accepted the role as president. She was recruited by a former member who visited classes for recruits, and eagerly accepted the offer.

The club’s last major activity for the semester was to visit the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey in Camden on April 28. Davis and the other club members cooked meals for the house’s residents, families of children with serious illnesses.

“It was one of my favorite things to do with the club,” Davis said.

During the last meeting, the club members talked about their experience with the club and said their goodbyes to each other. The club is expected to run again in the fall, though there is no word on who the new president will be.

After graduating on May 18, Davis plans to transfer to Drexel University, where she will major in behavioral health counseling.

By: Cynthia Jones
CCC Journalism program
Camden County College offers the public a chance to view and submit artwork to the college’s gallery.
The Marlin Art Gallery is located in Lincoln hall, room 24 on the Blackwood campus.
Admission to the gallery is free. The gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
Students and public can submit art to be reviewed by a committee of faculty. The committee decides whether to keep it on file or offer the artist an exhibit.
Exhibitions vary monthly, but at least one month is dedicated to students and one month is dedicated to faculty.
Not many know about the art gallery.
Cassandra Martin, a sophomore at CCC said, “I didn’t even know we had an art gallery.”
Professor William Marlin established the gallery. Therese Marlin is the gallery director.
“I wish more students would take advantage of visiting the gallery.” Therese Marlin.
The gallery is open during the summer until August.

Coach Damminger

CCC Cross-Country Women

Macauley, Felicia

CCC Cross-Country Men Team

CCC Cross-Country Team Coach and Athlete’s Chance Meeting

By Pauline Taylor
CCC Journalism Program

After 26 years, Camden County College (CCC) has added co-ed cross-country to its athletic roster and the new team has proven to be fierce in both academics and athletics.

Terry Damminger, the athletics coordinator who coaches the co-ed team and said, “Dr. Peter DiLorenzo, director of athletics, was instrumental in bringing this sport back to CCC and Ray Negron, student athlete who place first in the males category, got the team off the ground.”

“The team collectively has the highest GPA of all the sports team at CCC;,” said Damminger.

Damminger also teaches at CCC and she stays abreast of the runner’s performance inside and outside of the classroom because there are disciplinary penalties and disqualifications when team expectations go unfulfilled.

Damminger said, “I am only as strong as the team and I regard the student’s personal achievements more rewarding than a win because they all add up to the team’s win.”

The coach’s face lit up like a proud mom when she explained the personal success stories on and off the track.

Felecia Macauley, a second year criminal justice major, member of CCC’s women’s basketball and cross-country teams is the epitome of one of the team’s personal achievement stories that Damminger shared.

The Damminger/Macauley meet was an actual happenstance. , “I came to basketball practice one day and it was cancelled and I ran into Coach, and she talked me into running. I never thought I would be running except up and down the court,” Macauley said.

As a result of training, Macauley has lost 55 pounds and a total of eight dress sizes. Macauley is running in multiple races and is able to run 10 miles non-stop.

She said, “I still played basketball and was able to start in every game this season, cross-country has improved my performance on the court, I was able to play other positions designed for smaller people. Thanks to cross-country I was able to run for longer periods of time and much faster; I was always the first one down the court.”

Macauley received the CCC’s Women of the Year 2012-2013 title and was recognized in January of this year at Seaton University. As a first-generation college student, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue her education and, “wants to leave a legacy of helping others better themselves, the Good Samaritan,” said Macauley.

Damminger said, “Macauley leads by example, she is a great competitor who always puts her best foot forward, I am lucky to have had the opportunity to make a runner out of her.”

Damminger also said, “ Cross-Country is my love and I am very excited and looking forward to next year’s cross-country season, a lot of students are returning and I have great recruiting opportunities lined up for next year.”

The men’s team was third runner up out of 15 teams and the women came in fourthout of 14 teams that competed in the region.

The picture represents a test of the system. Captions would have to go below image.

By Samone Jackson
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Rutgers School of Nursing will hold a transfer event on Dec. 4 at Camden County College.

Nursing students discuss the Rutgers transfer event. By Samone Jackson, CCC Journalism Program

Heather Houser is a pre-nursing student at CCC who takes online classes to finish her degree. Houser also works for CCC in Camden as a public safety worker. “I have thought about Rutgers as a choice for a transfer,” Houser said. “Of course I have to keep my GPA up.” Houser has been looking at different options for transfers such as Rutgers, Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing and Gloucester County College. “Maybe I will take a trip down to Blackwood for the event,” Houser said.

Rutgers is welcoming nursing students who want to attend the two-year or three-year nursing programs. They want all nursing students who may want to attend Rutgers School of Nursing in the next couple of years to come to get information about the school.

Jenn Schrank is a licensed practical nursing student at CCC in Blackwood. Schrank has a bachelor’s degree and wants to become a registered nurse. “I would like to find a four-year school to transfer to,” Schrank said. “I like Rutgers but it depends on what they have to offer.” She works as a certified nurse’s aide part time and will attend the transfer event.

The transfer event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Community Center on the Blackwood campus of Camden County College. For more information, call 856-225-6226.

By Essence Money
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Students who find themselves struggling to manage WebStudy can now rest assured with the help of the WebStudy Workshop. The WebStudy Workshop, scheduled for January, has been created to help students become more comfortable with using WebStudy for their online or hybrid courses.

Mere’Line Green, a student, tries to navigate WebStudy. By Essence Money, CCC Journalism Program

“In the past, students would register for online classes and they really wouldn’t know how to navigate our learning management system,” stated Rosalia DeNardo, e-learning specialist. “A lot of times students are computer savvy in the fact they can search on the Internet, load pictures, maybe edit things but when it came to our learning management system they really couldn’t navigate [it] and didn’t know what to do.”

Most times students opt for online classes due to hectic schedules and really can’t afford to be set back due to lack of knowledge on how to navigate WebStudy. “We understand that students don’t have the time to figure it out,” DeNardo explained. The workshop will allow students to come in and have a tutorial of WebStudy with the most used functions; however, students are advised that all help for other functions can be sought at the student help desk. The workshop will also allow students to see firsthand if online classes are the best option for them. “Students will be able to figure out right then at the workshop if they would want to continue on with the online classes,” stated DeNardo. At the end of the semester students will be invited back to track their progress.

“The purpose is to make students more comfortable with using WebStudy,” said Scott Purdy, the assistant director of distance learning. “We’re hoping to alleviate all confusion to make the process as smooth as possible. We want all students to be successful.”

“I’m looking forward to attending the workshop,” stated Mere’Line Green, a 19-year-old student of Camden County College. “I already have a few online classes and still find WebStudy’s layout confusing.”

The WebStudy Workshop will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2014 in Madison Hall Room 204, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28, 2014 in Wolverton Library Room 012, 2 p.m. Jan. 29, 2014 in Wolverton Library Room 012, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2014 in Wolverton Library Room 012, and 1:30 p.m. Jan. 31, 2014 in Madison Hall Room 212. The workshop is optional and free to attend; however, seats are limited. Students must RSVP to the Distance Learning Department at DistanceLearning@camdencc.edu. The RSVP should include the student’s full name.

By Christian Berry
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD — Have you ever speculated which American civil liberties have been affected during wartime? What about life for the average American during different periods of war? Look no further, Camden County College will be offering a mini-course which will focus on the history of American civil liberties during wartime. Justice at War: A History of American Civil Liberties During Wartime is a five-week course that will begin on Nov. 14 and end on Dec. 19.

‘Justice at War: A History of American Civil Liberties During Wartime’ is a five-week course that will begin on Nov. 14 and end on Dec. 19. Photo illustration by Christian Berry, CCC Journalism Program

The mini-course will delve into an assortment of topics regarding the history of the United States federal government trampling upon its citizens’ civil liberties during wartime, and whether or not the interest of national security was the true justification to carry out those acts. The first mini-course meeting will cover civil liberties from the Federalist Period to Lincoln. Other topics will include “Lincoln and the Civil War,” “World Wars I and II,” “Korea and Vietnam,” and “the Age of Terrorism,” all of which are in order of their respective weeks. The mini-course will also cover specific subject matters such as the Alien and Sedition Act, Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus, the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and much more.

In this day and age when information is readily available, many individuals may discover various histories regarding American civil liberties that may not have been thoroughly covered in mainstream educational institutes. Justice at War will provide an atmosphere for discussion of such topics. “After hearing about the recent Edward Snowden exposé regarding the mass surveillance carried out by the National Security Agency, I’ve been eager to learn more about the history of American civil liberty violations,” states CCC student Aristotle Zografos, who says he’s interested in the Justice at War mini-course.

The Justice at War mini-course will meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays from Nov. 14 to Dec. 19, except Nov. 28, in Madison Hall, Room 210 on the Blackwood campus of Camden County College. A $25 fee is required upon registration for the class. However, you may pay $50 if you wish to become a member of the CCC mini-course program, which grants unlimited access to all mini-courses offered at CCC. To register for the Justice at War mini-course or to become a member of the mini-course program, download a pdf of the registration form to mail in or contact Barbara Palmer at bpalmer@camdencc.edu or 856-227-7200, ext. 4333. For more information about registration and the schedule for the Justice at War course, visit http://www.camdencc.edu/civiccenter/Mini-Courses.cfm.

By Richard Camacho
CCC Journalism Program

Camden County College is holding a coat drive from Nov. 4 to Dec. 6.

Coats can be dropped off in this large bucket on the CCC Blackwood campus. By Richard Camacho, CCC Journalism Program

“The coat drive is a positive community service event where used and gently worn coats can be used for students in need,” said Jacqueline Tenuto, assistant dean for student development and support. Tenuto has been working on the annual coat drive for nine years. “You would be surprised at how many students don’t have a coat. They may come to my office and ask for a coat themselves. Of course, we give them a coat if needed because the students come first within the coat drive.”

Tenuto and the student government usually run the coat drive. The student government usually handles the transportation of the coats, whether it be delivering them to the desired location or meeting up for the coats to be picked up.

Stephanie Pistone, 21, a student at Camden County College, said this about donating clothing to those who need it: “I think it is a good idea but I prefer to donate to the Salvation Army. Nothing against the college coat drive but I have been donating my clothes to the Salvation Army for a couple of years now and it is just something I prefer to do.”

The coat drive began on Nov. 4 and will end when the campuses close on Dec. 6. Additional information about the coat drive can be obtained by contacting the Student Life and Activities Office in the College Community Center in Room 200 on the Blackwood campus. The telephone number to call is 856-227-7200, ext. 4282.

By Nicole Morozin
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Beatle mania is set to invade Camden County College’s Blackwood campus this December as Professor Mike Billingsley’s music ensemble takes on the classic Beatles album Rubber Soul.

The concert, which happens every semester, will this time open with Camden County College’s jazz ensemble, followed by Billingsley’s ensemble and their personalized version of Rubber Soul, and will conclude with a movie presentation of musical artist Beck’s new album of unreleased sheet music the students have been working on.

Rubber Soul, released in December 1965, is a folk rock album that has grown widespread appreciation from various sources. With each student undertaking a different song on the album and making it their own for this concert, Billingsley believes he is able to help his students connect to the audience, melding together the very classic musical aspects of The Beatles with his students’ personal interpretations. Each student brings a different musical aspect to the album, resulting in a vast diversity throughout the show. “There is so much there for us to infer,” he explained.

The students practice every week to prepare themselves, but student Brittney Aristone assures it doesn’t mean they aren’t having fun. Aristone, who will be participating in the concert for her second time this semester, claims everyone is always having a good time and singing along throughout practice. She continues her favorite song thus far she has been working on is “In My Life.”

Originally starting out with about 100 attendees per semester, the audience has doubled since a gradual increase of Beatles music has been added to the picture over the last four semesters. “I only think of [my students] via The Beatles,” Billingsley joked.

And his students seemed to agree. Student Greg Mele joked they have gone from being Mike Billingsley’s ensemble to The Beatles ensemble.

As the date of this semester’s concert fast approaches, both Billingsley and his students are growing more and more thrilled. “I get more excited every semester,” Aristone said.

“It’s a blast,” Billingsley stated. “I am always terribly excited. This concert is a place where a jazz instructor can meet his modern rock students.”

The concert is set to occur at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater in Lincoln Hall on the Blackwood campus. Admission is free of charge and tickets are not required.

This semester’s concert will occur in Dennis Flyer Memorial Theater, home of the arts on Camden County College’s Blackwood campus. By Nicole Morozin, CCC Journalism Program

By Anna Tsiaras
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Head Coach Lou Abbattista and the young Cougars at Camden County College will open their season with home court advantage against the Burlington County College Barons Thursday night, in anticipation of a successful season.

The Cougars are a fresh new team and staff, with only two returning players (James Cooper and Noah McFarlane) and one returning assistant coach (Bob Right). Third-season Head Coach Abbattista has added Assistant Coach Dan Burk from Chestnut Hill College in Germantown, Pa., and former player of Abbattista, All-American John Chessmond, as a volunteer.

Although the coaching staff has gone smaller and quicker this season, “we do have talent,” says Abbattista. Height may come into play when battling Barons athletes who are equipped with two 6-foot-7-inch forwards (Freddy Rassmusen and Mims Andrus). “They [Burlington County College] do have an advantage,” states Abbattista.

Abbattista stresses his team must play tough defense, rebound the ball, and execute to compete this season.

It is hard for Abbattista to mimic a college game to his younger players and he says it will have an effect on their first game. “There are some things I cannot simulate in practice, referees and crowd noise, how fast and physical the game is,” Abbattista says.

He cannot foretell what this season will bring, but thinks the team will do better finishing the season in January and February, when players start to understand their roles on and off the court. He wants four or five players to average double figures this season.

Abbattista hopes to have prepared them well, setting them up against tough pre-season teams like Division I Harcum County College and Division II Chestnut Hill College. “They’re starting to follow the system,” explains Abbattista, who runs a very advanced style of play.

Players to watch for:

Shawn Russell, an 18-year-old, 6-foot-3, D1 prospect, from Brooklyn, N.Y., attended Willingboro High School in Willingboro, N.J. Russell says, “Coach Lou is a great coach, and I like the quick pace he runs.”

Shakoor Woodson, 19, from Uptown, Pa., standing at 6-foot-2, attended The Promise Academy of Martin Luther King in Philadelphia. Woodson has been a leading scorer in the pre-season. “The system works,” Woodson says about Abbattista’s style of play.

DeAndre Williams, 18, from Northeast Philadelphia, is a 5-foot-9 guard out of Northeast Philadelphia High School. Williams was also a leading scorer during pre-season games. “I want us to win Region XIX,” Williams says.

Camden County College will take on Burlington County College from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Papiano Gymnasium on the Camden County College Blackwood campus. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

Shakoor Woodson (25) looks on as his teammates practice. By Anna Tsiaras, CCC Journalism Program

By Michael Rubinson
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – The executive dean of students will lead a meeting Nov. 7 in Madison Hall to review the policies in Camden County College’s student handbook.

The ban on tobacco on campus is among the areas addressed by student disciplinary policies. By Michael Rubinson, CCC Journalism Program

Students may not often think about the guidelines and policies that relate to their discipline, but professors and staff frequently go over these points to ensure the students’ and staff’s concerns are being addressed properly. In the Nov. 7 meeting, which is held annually at CCC, Executive Dean of Student Services James Canonica reviews these policies with staff who attend.

“This meeting is very important for the instructors to determine good practices for discipline and standing rules on the matter,” Canonica says. “It opens conversation for review of policies regarding student concern. This meeting is the first step in reviewing policies and seeing what works.”

Some students wonder if these meetings are necessary to keep up to date on problem areas in discipline.

“It’s not like teachers I’ve seen have problems with students. It seems like they just invent their own ways to deal with us if they see a problem,” says Michael Cirulli.

Former CCC student Marilyn Bartusis adds, “If there is any problem with the discipline of students, I would think it is just with teachers not following through with certain rules. Once that happens then some students think they can just do whatever they want.”

However, meetings such as the Nov. 7 session seem to show positive results.

“With the participation of faculty in these and subsequent meetings, we have seen improvement in classroom conduct and how our faculty handles it,” Canonica says.

The meeting will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Madison Hall Room 105.