The SMCC Beacon

12/07/2023

The harrowing tragedy that took place in Lewiston on October 25th left every Mainer in shock. Eighteen innocent lives were lost and 13 people were injured. Maine is a small, close-knit state, and the ripple effect was felt by everyone across the state. Given SMCC’s proximity to Lewiston, it was inevitable that the school community would feel the impact of the tragic shooting in many ways....

The harrowing tragedy that took place in Lewiston on October 25th left every Mainer in shock. Eighteen innocent lives were lost and 13 people were injured. Maine is a small, close-knit state, and t…

12/04/2023

Photo by Grayson Fuller When you think of College Basketball, your mind typically thinks of Duke, Kansas, Villanova, and UNC. While these teams are the Powerhouses of the NCAA; there is a passionate, hardworking, resilient basketball team that is based right here in South Portland. Part of the YSCC (Yankee Small College Conference), SMCC competes with 10 different teams in this small conference....

Photo by Grayson Fuller When you think of College Basketball, your mind typically thinks of Duke, Kansas, Villanova, and UNC. While these teams are the Powerhouses of the NCAA; there is a passionat…

11/29/2023

Nobody wants to become addicted to drugs. But once they have, quitting and the symptoms of withdrawal can become even harsher and more severe than the symptoms of drug use. Fentanyl withdrawal for example can lead to involuntary leg movements, bone pain, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and more. In the case of alcoholism, withdrawal can lead to death. Oftentimes, homeless shelters turn away people who are active substance users....

Nobody wants to become addicted to drugs. But once they have, quitting and the symptoms of withdrawal can become even harsher and more severe than the symptoms of drug use. Fentanyl withdrawal for …

11/29/2023

From Angola to Westbrook: an Interview with Osama Bin Draco Osama Bin Draco is a Westbrook High School student. As a Senior, this is his last year in Westbrook High School. He is a producer, pianist , song writer and beat maker. He makes all songs by himself. L”ast week ,he released his first single, “What You On”. Born and raised in, Draco recorded “What You On” by himself and there’s more material on the way....

From Angola to Westbrook: an Interview with Osama Bin Draco Osama Bin Draco is a Westbrook High School student.  As a Senior,  this is his last year in Westbrook High School. He is a prod…

11/29/2023

A gift guide for children, family, and friends to shop for their family members they know. Lots of things that could work for your uncle or your little sister at the same time....

A gift guide for children, family, and friends to shop for their family members they know. Lots of things that could work for your uncle or your little sister at the same time.

11/29/2023

The words mass shootings have become far too common in the average American’s vocabulary. In the past three years, the U.S. has had over 1,800 mass shootings; defined as an incident where four or more people are wounded or killed, excluding the shooter. Growing up, I spent far too many nights curled up on the couch beside my family as we stared at the TV screen in collective horror....

The words mass shootings have become far too common in the average American’s vocabulary. In the past three years, the U.S. has had over 1,800 mass shootings; defined as an incident where four or m…

11/21/2023

On November 30th 2022 we welcomed ChatGPT into the vast and ever expanding internet. Though it wasn’t the first AI tool, ChatGPT exploded in popularity, giving people their answers within seconds. Over the past year or two more and more students have begun using AI for school. Whether they only use it occasionally or everyday, most students I know have used it in the past year....

On November 30th 2022 we welcomed ChatGPT into the vast and ever expanding internet. Though it wasn’t the first AI tool, ChatGPT exploded in popularity, giving people their answers within seconds. …

11/15/2023

The Beacon learns life is music for this Omani rapper in Maine...

The Beacon learns life is music for this Omani rapper in Maine

11/15/2023

We sat down with Ian Erskine to discuss how he’s become the artist he is and where he wants to take his music career. Not only is Ian a hardworking Electrical Engineering Technologies student, but he’s also a kick-ass drummer....

We sat down with Ian Erskine to discuss how he’s become the artist he is and where he wants to take his music career. Not only is Ian a hardworking Electrical Engineering Technologies student, but …

11/15/2023

A gift guide for parents, friends, and family members to shop for a student they know and love....

A gift guide for parents, friends, and family members to shop for a student they know and love.

11/15/2023

Don't miss the 19th Annual Animation Show of Shows on 11/15 and Damnationland on 11/30. Both screenings are free at SMCC's Jewett Hall and brought to you by SMCC's Communications and New Media Studies Program.

Two film events at Southern Maine Community College’s Jewett Hall this month promise to challenge and entertain the most sophisticated of audiences.

11/11/2023

As a student, I definitely understand how stressful school and homework is. I have been constantly trying to find activities that help take my mind off things and give me a breath of fresh air, and I've finally found them....

As a student, I definitely understand how stressful school and homework is. I have been constantly trying to find activities that help take my mind off things and give me a breath of fresh air, and…

11/07/2023

RediUV is working to save the planet by encouraging people to bring their personal reusable cups into coffee shops....

RediUV is working to save the planet by encouraging people to bring their personal reusable cups into coffee shops.

11/04/2023

The days following the mass shooting in Lewiston, a Beacon reporter photographed the response of the people and businesses of the city of Portland.

The days following the mass shooting in Lewiston, a Beacon reporter photographed the response of the people and businesses of the city of Portland.

11/01/2023

On October 7th, Hamas terrorists crossed the border from Gaza into Israel and mounted an offensive against both civilians and the Israeli military. At the end of the first day, the death count of at least 700 Israelis was high enough to make Saturday, October 7th the day with the most Jews murdered since the Holocaust. After these attacks and the resulting Israeli retaliation, many demonstrations occurred across America....

On October 7th, Hamas terrorists crossed the border from Gaza into Israel and mounted an offensive against both civilians and the Israeli military. At the end of the first day, the death count of a…

10/30/2023

Photo by Grayson Fuller Regular patrons at Spring Point Tavern expressed immense surprise about the recent drug bust that took place at Spring Point tavern near SMCC. “I can’t believe that someone would sell M**h during working hours, like a pound and a half. That's just crazy” said one patron who spoke to The Beacon last week. Another patron expressed concerns “I just couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that this was going....

Photo by Grayson Fuller Regular patrons at Spring Point Tavern expressed immense surprise about the recent drug bust that took place at Spring Point tavern near SMCC.  “I can’t believe that so…

10/29/2023

Is Chat GTP replacing the need for learning? Faculty President Kendall Harnett weighs in On the discourse around AI. Once a thing of science fiction, artificial intelligence has arrived; but it’s being used far differently than we may have once imagined. While some worry that this technology will lead society into a dystopian downfall similar to Westworld or The Matrix…...

Is Chat GTP replacing the need for learning? Faculty President Kendall Harnett weighs in On the discourse around AI. Once a thing of science fiction, artificial intelligence has arrived; but it’s …

10/27/2023

If there is anyone following this page that knows of someone in the SMCC community (student, faculty or staff) that has been directly impacted by the mass shooting in Lewiston who might be willing to share their story with The SMCC Beacon, please reach out. Send an email to [email protected], or direct message us here.

10/26/2023

The Beacon joins the rest of our community this morning in mourning the tragic loss of life in Lewiston last night. Our sincerest thoughts go out to all affected by this harrowing tragedy.

Due to the ongoing search for the suspect in nearby municipalities, SMCC has announced the cancellation of all classes across campus today.

SMCC has made available to students many mental health resources to assist them, including partnering with Sweetser to provide counseling services.

The Beacon wants to know how this is impacting the SMCC community. If you have a story to tell, please direct message us here, or send us an email at [email protected].

Sweetser Promise Line - 1-800-434-3000 - (let them know you are an SMCC student)
NAMI Maine - https://namimaine.org/teentextline/ or (207) 515-8398
Strengthen ME - https://strengthenme.com/wellness-resources/ or dial 211
SMCC Advocacy Resource Center - 207-741-5809

StrengthenME is Maine Department of Health and Human Services program, offering free stress management and resiliency resources to promote health and well-being of all Mainers.

10/25/2023

An upcoming course at SMCC is one of thousands being implemented in schools across the country as educators wrestle with their latest foe: artificial intelligence. The five-module course can be found on Brightspace, its focus resting on Chat GTP can be used to both enhance and inhibit a student’s learning experience. Once a thing of science fiction, artificial intelligence has arrived; but it’s being used far differently than we may have once imagined....

An upcoming course at SMCC is one of thousands being implemented in schools across the country as educators wrestle with their latest foe: artificial intelligence.   The five-module cours…

10/24/2023

With fall here, we all want to know the best autumn activities, food, and events coming up. It's time for you to get pumped for some pumpkins....

With fall here, we all want to know the best autumn activities, food, and events coming up. It’s time for you to get pumped for some pumpkins.

10/18/2023

It's definitely no secret that boba is becoming more and more popular for young adults and teens – as it should be – but how do we know what's the best boba around for a college student? ...

It’s definitely no secret that boba is becoming more and more popular for young adults and teens – as it should be – but how do we know what’s the best boba around for a college student…

10/18/2023

I’ve already written about what it’s like living in USM’s dorms vs. SMCC’s dorms. Which college has the better overall campus? Can USM’s placement close to downtown Portland... Compare to being right on the ocean? Can the modern marvel of the Portland Commons… compare to the historic wonder of Fort Prebble and Springpoint lighthouse? Or are both campuses just filled with boring, boxy buildings?...

I’ve already written about what it’s like living in USM’s dorms vs. SMCC’s dorms. Which college has the better overall campus? Can USM’s placement close to downtown Portland… Compare to being…

10/16/2023

Photo Credit: Alexandersmap Colonel Thomas Westbrook, after whom the city of Westbrook is named, is credited with installing the first dam on the Presumpscot River in the early 1730s. While he’s gone down in the history books as a hero, a deeper look into the story casts him in a much different light. Construction of the dam was framed as a great accomplishment, but the impact it had on local indigenous tribes has been pushed to the side and largely ignored....

Photo Credit: Alexandersmap Colonel Thomas Westbrook, after whom the city of Westbrook is named, is credited with installing the first dam on the Presumpscot River in the early 1730s. While he’s go…

10/16/2023

Cigarette in one hand, book in the other. Always on a milk crate with a sign that reads “Homeless. Hungry. Sober.”...

Cigarette in one hand, book in the other. Always on a milk crate with a sign that reads “Homeless. Hungry. Sober.”

10/15/2023

The Portland Foreside Project is a waterfront development project that recently received a green light from the city. The city claims that the project will come with numerous benefits, however, residents seem to disagree. A few weeks ago, I opened Instagram to see a flurry of angry posts from my friends, co-workers and fellow students. Confused as to what all the fuss was about, I navigated to the source; a post from the official Portland Old Port Account detailing the Foreside Project....

The Portland Foreside Project is a waterfront development project that recently received a green light from the city. The city claims that the project will come with numerous benefits, however, res…

10/14/2023

A local demonstration showed how Hamas' brutal attacks and Israel's ongoing reprisals test concepts of legitimate resistance and self-protection...

A local demonstration showed how Hamas’ brutal attacks and Israel’s ongoing reprisals test concepts of legitimate resistance and self-protection

10/12/2023

Imagine my shock when I was returning to my dorm room and the fire alarm went off, just as I was about to head into my dorm and eat dinner! Despite the potential danger I did not panic. My thought process was basically, “What’s the chance of this being an actual fire? Someone probably just burned something and set the alarm off”....

Imagine my shock when I was returning to my dorm room and the fire alarm went off, just as I was about to head into my dorm and eat dinner! Despite the potential danger I did not panic. My thought …

10/11/2023

Photo courtesy of The New York Times While I am not the biggest fan of Pickleball myself, I was pretty intrigued when I saw an article that a brand new facility was being built and constructed right in South Portland. I became curious and started to look into the Pickleball scene. This has been a new trend going around in South Portland....

Photo courtesy of The New York Times While I am not the biggest fan of Pickleball myself, I was pretty intrigued when I saw an article that a brand new facility was being built and constructed righ…

10/09/2023

Photo Credit: George Rheault George Rheault is a write-in candidate for Mayor of Portland. He’s lived in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood for almost a decade and works remotely as a transactional attorney with active law licenses in the states of California and New York. Since he moved here, he’s been more involved in local politics than most other Portlanders, attending many city council meetings and workshops and contributing through the public comment system....

Photo Credit: George Rheault George Rheault is a write-in candidate for Mayor of Portland. He’s lived in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood for almost a decade and works remotely as a transactional at…

10/08/2023

The SMCC student and artist finds her way back to Casco Bay...

The SMCC student and artist finds her way back to Casco Bay

10/06/2023

SMCC has taken a significant step towards enhancing access to higher education by offering two years of free college tuition to high school graduates who faced the challenges of the pandemic. This initiative was made possible when Maine lawmakers allocated a substantial sum of $20 million on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, to support free college education. Under this program, recent graduates from the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are eligible for this remarkable opportunity, which relieves them of tuition costs....

SMCC has taken a significant step towards enhancing access to higher education by offering two years of free college tuition to high school graduates who faced the challenges of the pandemic. This …

10/05/2023

Photo by Grayson Fuller If you attend SMCC on the South Portland campus, you most likely have seen the Spring Point Tavern, located right near the main parking lot. What you might not know about the Tavern, and what has come as a shock to students at SMCC, is that recently a huge drug bust happened there. On September 11th, 2023 , the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency ended a month-long investigation that resulted in the arrest of the general manager of the tavern....

Photo by Grayson Fuller If you attend SMCC on the South Portland campus, you most likely have seen the Spring Point Tavern, located right near the main parking lot. What you might not know about th…

10/04/2023

Photo Credit: Eva Cooke So much for the massive Hurricane Lee that would cut off electricity for all of Portland for days. Most of Portland was underwhelmed and the wreckage on land was minimal, but the waves off the coast were anything but that. Surfers were stoked. Waves were projected to reach heights of twenty-five feet off Higgins Beach in Scarborough, ME....

Photo Credit: Eva Cooke So much for the massive Hurricane Lee that would cut off electricity for all of Portland for days. Most of Portland was underwhelmed and the wreckage on land was minimal, bu…

09/30/2023

A road-worn alternative rock pioneer returns to Maine, inspires, and proves the kid is alright...

A road-worn alternative rock pioneer returns to Maine, inspires, and proves the kid is alright

09/29/2023

Portland Commons: 7/10, nice dorms, decent food, horrible commute. This year SMCC, whose enrollment has ballooned, was forced to partner with USM to house excess students at USM’s newest dorm, the Portland Commons. But what’s it like actually living in these dorms? Well, I can tell you! I’ve stayed at both Springpoint Point Hall and the Portland Commons so I’d say I'm qualified to compare the two....

Portland Commons: 7/10, nice dorms, decent food, horrible commute. This year SMCC, whose enrollment has ballooned, was forced to partner with USM to house excess students at USM’s newest dorm, the …

09/25/2023

What's in store for the venerable old fort? Check-out Slade Moore's article in the Beacon and let us know your thoughts.

By Slade Moore Storm-Battered Sentinel Balancing on rockweed-draped boulders, I scan Casco Bay’s dimpled surface before turning to face the wall of granite blocks stacked with precision. I’m about …

09/04/2023

Mark Read is a filmmaker, radio show host, writer, and professor of Communications at Southern Maine Community College. Mark Read is a filmmaker, radio show host, writer, and professor of Communications at Southern Maine Community College. Currently he’s a cultural reporter for The Indypendent, a New York City based weekly newspaper for which he has written movie reviews and opinion articles for the last decade....

Mark Read is a filmmaker, radio show host, writer, and professor of Communications at Southern Maine Community College. Mark Read is a filmmaker, radio show host, writer, and professor of Communica…