MMA + College Students = A Good Time!

By James O’Hagan

From its original marketing as a blood sport competition with no rules to becoming one of the fastest growing and very competitive combat sports in the world, mixed martial arts or MMA is a few short steps from becoming as main stream as baseball, basketball, and football. MMA is a mixture of styles, including but not limited to Boxing, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing. MMA has been adopted as a sport style that is now practiced in most martial arts school around the world.  With this progression, the age of the average mixed martial arts student has become younger and younger and has garnered the attention of many college students. Some non-believers may not see this as a positive aspect, but it seems to be adding discipline and self-confidence to participants who may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience.

Two students of MMA and professional MMA competitors, Cumberland County residents Patrick White and Bryan Danner are strong believers in youth in MMA programs. White & Danner train at Shark Tank BJJ in Vineland, NJ, had some insight on college students training in MMA.  White, a graduate of Rowan University, became a pro fighter while in college after realizing that college wrestling wasn’t what he wanted to pursue, “I just always had that competitive side,” White explained.  After a career in high school wrestling and looking for something more during White’s college tenure, he felt that MMA was his niche. White reflects, “I loved working out, but just lifting weights and running wasn’t doing it for me anymore.”  When asked, if a MMA club or team was started at Rowan, how would he feel about that? “I would absolutely join, I would have been the first in line.” White stated.

CCC’s Bryan Danner, on break from school until the winter session, is also a pro fighter and also agrees with the idea that not only college students, but also, anyone, that wants to get into shape should participate in mixed martial arts training. “Definitely health wise, it’s definitely a benefit,” Danner explains. Also, he sheds light on the benefit to sometimes, wild college students. Danner, who fights this October 22in Atlantic City, along with his trainer partner White, believes that MMA will help focus students involved in MMA.  Danner states, “it will keep their mind busy, they will be focused and they will strive to be the best they can be.”

The benefit of MMA, whether you become a fighter, grappling competitor, or just want to become healthy is obvious. “There are guys out there that are 80 years old, rolling around on the mats still”, says Danner who also is a Marine reservist. White explains, “We got guys in here, that come in here, that are overweight, train for six months and drop 50 pounds.” Many students are engaging in mixed martial arts training to enhance their health and build confidence.  For more information about mixed martial arts programs, visit www.sharktanknj.com.

Vineland’s very own Bring the Music festival ’09

By AARON RILEY

Staff Writer

The music is being brought on June 24th, 2009 at Vineland, New Jersey, courtesy of the 2nd Annual Bring the Music festival. Boasting moderately unknown bands, many from the tri-state area, infixed into the smaller and more intimate (at least relative to most venues) setting of the U-Sell Flea Market, the Bring the Music festival has been a successful new concert. Beginning in 2008, the Bring the Music festival has spotlighted lesser-known bands with strong local and online followings, many of which you wouldn’t see at Coachella or the Pitchfork Music festival.

These bands’ vital lifelines of fan support have been achieved primarily though the Internet. In the age of Myspace and Facebook, a striking portion of the problems facing local and regional bands has been thankfully eradicated, leading, for many of them, to record deals. There are still however, bands that continue to be independent, either by choice or by as of yet remaining undiscovered. With that information in mind, festivals like this are important for establishing fanbases for many unrecognized talents.

Bands performing at the festival this year are You, Me, and Everyone We Know, The Morning Of, Go Crash Audio, The Lives of Famous Men, Raccoon Fighter, Where the Ocean Meets the Sky, Losing Ground, A’s Rage, Liam and Me, Eyes on the Prize, Van Atta High, I Know the Struggle, The Crosstown Rivalry, Cheezy and the Crackers, and Cassonova Brown. Expect to see more bands perform that will be announced in the coming weeks. Last year’s Bring the Music festival was held on June 25th, 2008, and included headliners Houston Calls, Person L, and Socratic.

The Bring the Music festival is being held on June 24th, 12:00 PM Noon, at the U-Sell Flea Market, 2896 S. Delsea Dr., Vineland, N.J. 08360. The tickets cost $15 presale and $20 at the door.

The forgotten allure of Jersey foods

 

By MELISSA PILEIRO
Editor-in-Chief

 

Summer is fast approaching, and most of us will readily admit to daydreaming during class about our upcoming summer plans. For me, though, there’s one thing about summer in South Jersey that stands out the most: the food.

The Vineland area is well known for its ethnic diversity, and the Greek Festival sponsored by St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox church always draws a crowd. It will be held this year the weekend of May 21 next to the church on Wheat Rd.

  New Jersey didn’t get its Garden State nickname for just anything—this half of the state is famous for its produce. Parts of Vineland are more rural and agricultural than even some sections of the South, and that only works as an advantage to us, whether you’re trying your luck at your own garden or just enjoying the spoils of someone else’s. Jersey tomatoes are a particular favorite, along with summer fruits like blueberries, raspberries and peaches. The 23rd annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival will be held in Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world, on June 28.

  If you’re looking for summer flavors with something sweet, your best bet is ice cream. The Royal Crown on Rt. 30 is well known for homemade custard and ice cream that’s mixed with whatever fruit is in season at the time. You can also get a twist of more than one flavor, like strawberry and blueberry or peach and black cherry.

  Of course, if you aren’t willing to travel that far for a treat, there are countless ice cream stands in the area to satisfy your sweet tooth. One such place that is both extremely popular and unique to this region is Rita’s Water Ice. Those of us born and raised in the Mid-Atlantic United States might be surprised to learn that water ice isn’t a universal dessert; in fact, people not from this area have been known to mistake water ice for snow cones. Ice cream fans should also be warned that ordering custard in any other geographic region will earn you a sweet, egg based confection, and not the soft serve you’d expect. Don’t ask for rainbow or chocolate jimmies, either—they’re sprinkles.

  The majority of South Jerseyans can’t imagine a summer without at least one trip to the Boardwalk, be it in Ocean City or Wildwood. No matter where your favorite location is, though, most don’t deny that eating your way through is often the most fun. Mack & Manco’s pizza is usually a resounding favorite, and if you don’t live down the Shore, there’s still hope—most of their locations will deliver. For dessert, there’s always the infamous salt water taffy—not made with salt water, ironically—fudge, or even deep fried Oreos. The latter might sound a bit sketchy, but go ahead and take a risk; it’s like eating chocolate flavored funnel cake.

  Some people might feel like South Jersey is boring and offers very little. This summer, I’d like to challenge you to expand your horizons—you’ll be amazed at how many interesting things to see (and taste!) you’ll find.

 

Mack & Manco’s pizza is a favorite of the Wildwood Boardwalk.

 

Tomatoes are a staple of Jersey foods, and provide for a number of cool, tasty dishes.

Actor Spotlight on Amanda Padro

Cumberland County College actor Amanda Padro

 

By AARON RILEY

Staff Writer

Aaron: I’d like to welcome actress and CCC student Amanda Padro.

Amanda: You know my major isn’t theatre, right?

Aaron: What is it?

Amanda: It’s Liberal Arts/Humanities.

Aaron: What about those who haven’t seen Beauty and the Beast and didn’t see how you were as Belle?

Amanda: I believe they’ll be releasing DVDs of the opening show. So for anybody who didn’t see it, you could see the opening night show on DVD.

Aaron: Ok, can you tell us about your acting style?

Amanda: With Belle, I had the Disney movie to go off of. I studied her movements, how she spoke, and the characteristics of a princess. I had to study and develop the characteristics very early so I could almost become the character. I tried not to watch too much of the movie because I didn’t want to become the character completely. I wanted to retain some of myself in the performance. It takes a lot of observation. Also, when reading the script and the songs, I find that you have to look at the context as much as the lines so you can portray the emotion of the words. And then the rest will follow. It’s observing when you have something to observe. When it’s something like The Crucible, when you obviously can’t observe the characters, or when it’s based off of a nonfiction event, I studied history. I looked to see how Puritan women acted, how quiet they were, I looked at paintings to see how they would sit or walk. It’s research and observation. I haven’t taken any acting classes yet. I’m taking my first class next semester with Deborah Bradshaw. But I’ve been able to come and sit in on a few of her classes. You want the audience to feel something, whether it’s happiness or sadness or even pity. You want to touch their souls. And you don’t ever want to let them know that what you’re doing is acting. You always want them to see you as the character you’re playing. Never act, feel.

Aaron: What are your favorite performances from other actors? I mean, both “celebrity” or “famous” actors and Cumberland County College actors.

Amanda: Goodness. Give me a moment to think. The man who played John Proctor in The Crucible here at CCC. The Crucible was a very good show. It was my first show here. It being such a serious play, we had a responsibility to portray events in Puritan times accurately. The witch trials did happen and hangings did take place. The actor who played John Proctor was Mark Yecco. I played his wife and we had to play off each other’s energy. And I think my performance was better because of his performance. A specific performance I like is Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta. I loved her performance and I thought it was wonderful. There are so many movies I like. Man, I can’t even think of them right now. I’ll get back to you on that.

Aaron: Did you act at all in high school?

Amanda: Yes. In 9th grade I was in a funny play. It was called A Midsummer Night’s Teen, a spin on the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was my first lead role. In 10th grade I had a lead role in a play called Robin Hood: The Next Generation in the 9-10 building [at Vineland High School]. It wasn’t a musical, it was a street show. I played the daughter of Robin Hood. It wasn’t serious at all. In 12th grade I was in the chorus in Singing in the Rain. I got a callback for one of the leads but I didn’t get the part. So The Crucible was my fourth show. Actually it was my fifth show because I did a show in middle school but that doesn’t count. So Elizabeth Proctor was my first dramatic role ever, and I was very blessed to get a lead. So I haven’t been in theatre for my whole life. It’s just something I love to do. 

Aaron: Are you acting right now?

Amanda: I’m going to audition for Bye Bye Birdie.

Aaron: Right now?

Amanda: Well, within the next two weeks.

Aaron: Were you in the “Night of Scenes” last semester?

Amanda: I was not. I believe only people in the Acting class can do Scene Night. Since I’m not, I can’t be in Scene Night. I would have liked to though. But in the Scene Night coming up I’m going to be an extra in one of my friend’s scenes. Hopefully.

Aaron: What are your favorite memories?

Amanda: First of all, when you and a bunch of actors are together almost everybody has that passion for it. And this is something I’ve just experienced now in college. I think these shows are Grade A quality while high school shows are like…B minus. Even though they were good shows, in college you’re usually working with people who want to pursue this as a profession. Everybody has that energy that is just like “wow.” During The Crucible, it was coming up on stage and being able to perform something that was adult and having that feeling of serving a purpose. It was being able to show to the audience what happened: something that was such a tragedy and something that was so sad. There were people in the audience crying or commenting that they felt as if they were eavesdropping on a conversation between a husband and his wife. Knowing that the audience felt like they were watching living history was incredible. Acting is not just entertainment. It’s a message you’re trying to evoke for the public. It was an amazing experience. Curtain calls are great too. Coming out, bowing and taking in the applause is a high that can’t be explained. I was talking to one of the women who was working with me during Beauty and the Beast. Since I was the last to come out I told her that it was like an incredible high that can’t be duplicated. She said, “I know. They should put addicts on stage and see if it’d give them applause addictions that’d break their drug addictions.”

Aaron: Out of all the roles in the world, in history, in all the plays in existence, what do you want to do?

Amanda: I’m a very young actor and I don’t even know if I want to pursue this as a profession. I’m wading the waters. But I guess I’m good at it. I’ve played such diverse roles I don’t even know who I’d want to play. Elizabeth Proctor and Belle are two completely opposing sides of the spectrum. I don’t know. If I continue to study and continue to practice and experience more shows, I know in my heart I can play even more diverse roles. I can’t tell you what I’d like to do next until I saw a script and saw it performed. I think any role is possible. Maybe not a man.

Beauty and the Beast: A beloved story takes the stage

Amanda Padro as Belle in the beloved classic "Beauty and the Beast."

 

 

By MELISSA PILEIRO
Editor-in-Chief

 

 Disney classics have always had a way of giving both children and adults a taste of magic. A few weeks ago, that magic came to life on the CCC stage as the Theatre Department presented the well-loved family musical, Beauty and the Beast.

The show is based on the extremely successful 1991 animated movie about Belle (played in the CCC production by Amanda Padro), the beautiful and odd young woman that just doesn’t fit in. An unexpected series of events leaves Belle the prisoner in an enchanted castle, whose master has been turned into a terrible beast (Richard T. Smith). Only mutual love can save Beast and the attendants of his castle, and Belle may just be the one they’ve all been waiting for.

 Under the direction of Broadway veteran and CCC theatre professor Debbie Bradshaw, the cast of students, faculty and community members committed to months of rigorous rehearsals. Their work had appeared to have paid off long before the curtain rose. By the morning of the first show on April 23rd, tickets for all five performances had sold out.

For the cast of B&B, however, being a part of the show means a lot more than the number of seats filled or amount of money raised. Several cast members expressed their joy in being a part of a show that is a fond childhood memory for so many. Matt Kent calls Beauty and the Beast his favorite Disney classic. “What I love about it is that there are so many layers in the show that also exist in the real world,” he said. These layers of love, acceptance and personal identity can be appreciated by any age group, and is likely the reason for the show’s widespread popularity. Kent played the role of Gaston, the ridiculously good-looking and wildly vain man who could have had any woman he wanted–that is, except for classy Belle. Regarding his character, Kent said, “The Beast is hideous, yet changes into someone good. Gaston, on the other hand, is well-loved but is really a beast deep down.”

Tori Moratelli was cast in a comparatively minor role, and that was just the way she wanted it. “I really wanted to play Babette,” she said of her character, the castle’s ditzy and flirtatious feather duster. “At auditions there were so many girls trying out for Belle, but I wanted Babette. She’s the comic relief—funny and ditzy.” Having previous experience with the role helped as well; Moratelli also played Babette in a production of Beauty and the Beast with The Gabriel Project.

Both Matt and Tori said that having Bradshaw as a director was invaluable. “Shows with Deb go so much deeper,” Moratelli said, then explained, “Babette needed a French accent, sure, but what kind?” These little details end up becoming a huge contribution to the show. Matt added, “Deb is a wonderful director. She’s taught me so much.”

Stage Manager Kelsey Austin glams up Tori Moratelli for the role of Babette.

The impact that Bradshaw has had on her cast members extends far beyond the lead and supporting role; even the members of the ensemble have attested to her skill as a director and mentor. Samantha Williams said that “I did shows here before, and I really like working with Deb. All the shows that she’s done are phenomenal.”

After so many weeks of grueling rehearsals, it isn’t surprising that the cast members are no longer just colleagues, but very close friends.  “I knew some of the people beforehand, and I knew how talented they were, so I was really excited to collaborate with them,” said ensemble member Noel Gomez. ““When you walk into it you might not know anyone, but by the time it’s over you have a whole second family.”

Williams agreed with this sentiment, explaining that the cast would often spend time together after rehearsals, whether going out to lunch as a group or simply enjoying one another’s company. She also said that being around them has had a positive effect on her acting skills.  “With anyone you work with, just watching them and incorporating that into who you want to become is a learning experience.”        

Beyond the weekend of performances, this cast has done a lot more than just please crowds. Bradshaw wrote, “When I mentioned that just the costumes alone would far exceed any show we’ve ever done, the students in the Drama Club announced, ‘We can raise the money!’” From selling snacks in character at the shows, to bake sales and even a character breakfast, the cast went beyond the call of duty to ensure their audiences get the most out of the show.

All of the cast members spoken to agree that impacting their audience members is one of the highlights of being a part of the show. Like watching a good movie or curling with a book, drama has the ability to take audiences out of the present moment and transport them somewhere else, if only temporarily.

Samantha Williams said that coming into the lobby following the shows allowed her to interact with audience members, many of whom were in tears. She said that causing those sorts of reactions is both surprising and humbling for the cast. “To know that you really touch people—to know that you caused them to be so moved—that’s the best part.”

Amnesty International Club to hold film festival

 

By LENNY DESERIO

Staff Writer

The Amnesty International Club of Cumberland County College will be holding a film festival starting on Wednesday, March 25th and concluding on Wednesday, April 8th. Amnesty will be holding the film festival in the Conference Center here at CCC and will show the following films: The Devil Came on Horseback, Blood Diamond and Hotel Rwanda. The films will be shown at 2 p.m. each Wednesday of the festival (3/25, 4/4 and 4/8)  in their entirety.

The Devil Came on Horseback is a documentary about the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan, Blood Diamond deals with control of the diamond fields in Sierra Leone (a country in West Africa), and Hotel Rwanda deals with the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.  

According to Amnesty International Club member Mike Lorenzo, the club is focusing on these films since each of these deal with genocide, a major issue that the group works to put an end to. “Even though this is happening far away there is hope we can make a difference,” said Lorenzo.  “Students sometimes feel there isn’t anything that can be done to stop the brutality of genocide, but there is hope. That’s why we decided to show these films.”  

There will be no admission fee for the film festival. All students are invited and are encouraged to come out and attend. Students are also encouraged to ask their instructors whether or not they’ll receive extra credit. Since the films are about genocide, they are rated ‘R’ and are graphic in nature; students are asked to use their discretion when bringing children to the event.