November 6, 2023

Wear Red on November 8

Solano College will be taking a stand this Native American Heritage Month. Starting with November 8 to raise awareness for the Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women Campaign. We’re asking the Solano Community to WEAR RED in Solidarity.

In recent years, Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada have faced an alarming and heartbreaking epidemic of violence against Indigenous women. Countless mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends have disappeared or lost their lives, leaving grieving families and communities in their wake.

To address this crisis and seek justice for the victims and their families, we have launched an awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for change. You’ll notice the posters around campus with statistics that help visualize the need for awareness. We invite you to join us in this crucial effort by wearing red on Nov. 8.

Upcoming events:

• November 15- Indian Child Welfare Act Awareness Day
• Encourage community to Wear Orange!
• November 29, 6:30-8:30pm, Room 113 Land Acknowledgement Plaque Ceremony
• Sonoma County Pomo Dancers
• Dinner

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Library has created a “book river” on our website displaying titles in our print and digital collections that celebrate and honor Native American experiences, voices, and history. Have a look! Come by (or click) and check out a book! 

www.solano.edu/library

SCC’s Beta Mu Gamma chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society for two-year colleges was well represented at the recent NV/CA Fall 2023 Regional Leadership Conference, held October 20 and 21 in Burlingame.

In attendance were Beta Mu Gamma’s chapter president, Cindel Jones, as well as members/officers Michelle Chapman, Grace Clark, Oscar Funes, Danielle Jones, and Henry Vasquez-Echeverry. They were accompanied by their advisors, Professors LaNae Jaimez and Michael J. Wyly.

At the conference, our Beta Mu Gamma students learned and practiced strategies to lead our local chapter in service and scholarship, including the value of community and belonging to scholarly success.

In addition, Michelle Chapman and Cindel Jones were recognized for their completion of PTK Edge, professional development courses offered by PTK. 

To be eligible for PTK, students must have completed at least 12 units at SCC with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Interested students may be directed to welcome.solano.edu/ptk, or they may send an email to 

LaNae.Jaimez@solano.edu or Michael.Wyly@solano.edu.

The Herger Gallery celebrates the end of Dia de Los Muertos. Following the festivities of Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time dedicated to honoring memory, fostering community and engaging in festivity.

The 1st of November marks El Dia de los Inocentes, or Day of the Little Angels (also recognized as All Saints Day), while the 2nd of November is recognized as All Souls Day, the definitive Dia de Los Muertos.

Tradition hold that on the stroke of midnight on October 31, the heavenly realm gates open, allowing for deceased loved ones to reunite with loved ones on Earth.

At SCC, we embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that distinguish Solano County as one of the most culturally diverse counties in California for living, working and recreation.

In the photos above, faculty member Denise Martinez poses with the student dancers in front of the ofrenda. 

My experience at Solano College was pivotal in my journey to becoming a dentist. Little did I know at the time, but the career and life planning class helped predict my path into becoming a dentist through the tests I took in that class. I did not know from a young age what I wanted to do when I grew up, but from the multitude of classes at Solano College from career and life planning, to astronomy, to costume making, to cosmetology, there were an abundance of options to explore and learn from. The supportive environment and diverse opportunities provided a solid foundation for my future career. The comprehensive coursework and dedicated instructors laid the groundwork for my understanding of the science courses that helped me to succeed when I transferred to an undergraduate college and taking the test that I needed to apply to dental school. Additionally, there was a lot of support from the staff and counselors when it was time for me to leave Solano College and move on to get a Bachelor's degree. Solano College has a great community that really comes together to help their students succeed both at their time on campus and when it is time for them to leave. I believe wholeheartedly that Solano College was an integral part in helping pave a path to my current career and I will always have a deep connection to my beginnings at Solano College. 

Currently, I just graduated from Midwestern University, College of Dental Medicine in Downers Grove, IL. I am practicing as a general dentist and I also work as an adjunct faculty member at the simulation clinic laboratory at my alma mater. I enjoy working with the public in private practice and also contributing to the education and mentorship of budding dentists by fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment. I also enjoy giving back to the community through free dental care events. Providing essential oral healthcare to underserved communities really reinforces the importance of accessibility to dental services for all. 

Overall, the collective experiences of professional practice, teaching, community service, and my time at Solano College have been integral in shaping my service-driven approach to dentistry. They've instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and dedication, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive difference in both individual lives and the community at large. 

Briana Joy Travis, DMD, MA

The SCC bookstore is now selling, “I Am Solano” t-shirts. 

Stop by and purchase yours before they sell out!

Embrace the spirit of giving this season by participating in our Canned Food and Coat Drive, a vital part of the Solano Day of Giving, taking place on November 16^th from 8:00am to 6:00pm at the Fairfield, Vacaville, and Vallejo campuses.

Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Canned Food Drive: Stock the Shelves, Feed the Souls!

Do you have non-perishable food items sitting in your pantry? Put them to good use! Donate canned goods and dry food items to help families experiencing food insecurity. Your small contribution can make a big impact.

Warm Clothing Drive: Spread Warmth, Share Love!

As the weather turns colder, many people in our community need warm clothing. Clean out your closets and donate gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, etc. Let’s ensure everyone stays warm this winter.

Why Participate?

• Make a Difference: Your donations provide direct support for our campus food pantry and clothes closet, aiding local families and individuals in need.
• Community Engagement: Be a part of a caring community that values compassion and generosity.
• Spread Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of helping others and encourage kindness.

How It Works?

Every student who donates will be entered into a prize drawing.  One winner will be selected based on the number of boxes (4ft x 4ft x 4 ft) filled. Prizes range from $100 Gift Card (1 box filled) to iPhone 15 (3 boxes filled).

If faculty and staff donations result in the filling of 3 boxes, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a catered lunch or campus ice cream social as a token of appreciation.

Drop-off Locations:

• Fairfield Campus:  Visit our designated collection point in the faculty staff lounge (Bldg 1400).
• Vacaville and Vallejo campuses: Collection boxes will be placed in the lobby.

Donation Period:  November 16^th 8:00am – 6:00pm at all three locations.

Spread the word, motivate your peers, and together, let's ensure a triumphant Day of Giving.

You are invited to take advantage of these upcoming vaccination clinics.

All Touro-Solano Public Health Clinics are now Walk-ins for everyone 3 years and over.

• All our Clinics are staffed with volunteer clinicians who have undergone special training under pediatric specialists for a successful interaction with kids.
• There is ALWAYS a Pharmacist on Duty at our Pop-up clinics who can answer vaccine related questions.
• OUR CLINICS ARE OFFERING FREE OF CHARGE:
• Tdap Vaccine for 10+ years
• Part of the vaccine requirements for 7^th Grade
• Influenza Vaccine for 3+ years
• No-cost COVID-19 vaccines. 2023-2024 Formula to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.
• If you have health insurance (Medi-Cal, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, Private Insurance) Visit your primary care doctor or your local pharmacy for COVID-19 vaccine availability. Other vaccine clinics can also be found by visiting the following sites: http://vaccines.gov/ and https://MyTurn.Ca.Gov

Only a few weeks left until finals weeks! Start studying today with ASTC tutors. To access our ASTC Canvas shell, students need to self-register at the following Canvas link: https://solano.instructure.com/enroll/EKEA7Y.

Students can go to the ASTC webpage and/or email us at ASTC@solano.edu for more information.

The students have asked for the Library to stay open longer during finals and we want to make it happen, but we need help. We would like to keep the Library open until 10pm Monday 12/11, Tuesday 12/12, and Wednesday 12/13. We need faculty, staff and administrator volunteers to help keep an eye on things from 6pm to 10pm. Will you help us? Hey, we know you have grading to do and a pile of work to get through, why not do it in the Library? 

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ejzBThtgXvLxphTs9

Congrats to SCC Entrepreneur Club Vice President Malia- Love 

Takahashi whose Pop-Up Shop Takahashi Boutique was recently featured on Good Day Sacramento. She has participated in the Solano College Education Foundation Mixers as well as the College's Pop-Up Shops.

Filipino American Student Union (FASU) recently celebrated Filipino

Heritage Month with a Tinikling Demo showcasing a traditional Filipino dance

with a modern twist!

Thanks to everyone who was able to come out to the ASSC Fright Night Haunted House event on October 21. There were approximately 200 students and their families who came out to walk through the haunted house. The evening also included music, food, and games!

ASSC members Monica Mitchell, Melanie Punzalan, and Diana Solis along with Terri Martin and a club volunteer decorated the cafeteria for a fun evening! A big shout out to FASU and several clubs who collaborated with

ASSC on Fright Night, as well as Governing Board Sen. Ki Wilson and ASSC Sen. Simon Guanalao who also helped out!

The “Spooky Zoo” SCC Rotaract Club Scarecrow won 3rd Place! at the Rotary Club's Scarecrow contest.

A BIG Thank you to our members SCC Rotaract Members!

• Club President Shamonie Griffin pitched the Zoom idea and made the lion and giraffe. 
• Club VP Luis Leon donated the hay bales, made the Zoom cages, and delivered and picked up the scarecrows from the pumpkin patch.  
• Celina Jackson made the Amazing Alligator and we essential and putting the Zoo together
• Moira Cuizon stuffed all the animals and volunteered each week.
• Jaison Devabhai helped stuff the animals and create the killer spider web.
• Basil Jehmani and his team used his manpower and delivery tuck to take the entire Scarecrow sets to the pumpkin patch for setup. 

We want to Thank SCC Reservations Tracy & Virginia and Facilities Taylor and Jason for providing tables and a space for us to build the scarecrows.

It takes a team, and we have an incredible team of students and staff at Solano College! 

We hope to encourage more Solano College clubs to participate in supporting the Western Railroad Museum fundraiser event in the future. 

Rotaract Club also sold baked goods (cookies, rolls, candies) on the first (10/14-15) and 3rd (10/28-29) weekends at the Pumpkin Patch. Sereniti Robinson and her sister provided cupcakes for the bake sale on 10/14.

Thank you, Jessica Martinez, for working both weekends of the bake sale!