Former VCC Employee Remains in Jail

Marcelo Augusto Alves, remains in the Orange County jail on five counts of sexual battery with deadly weapon and physical force, for his alleged attack on a 20-year-old woman, who remains unknown, on March 16.

Alves, 38, is accused of luring the young girl into a vacant home on Kilgore Road in the Dr. Phillips area. Alves was arrested the following day at 8:43 p.m. and the pre-trial will take place on Dec. 16.

Alves, born June 9, 1970, was a contract network administrator for the International Technology department on the Valencia's West Campus.

Bob Seal, director of technology support services at the West Campus. He said Alves worked for Valencia for "about a year," and is no longer on leave. "In that event, he was terminated by SunGard Higher Eduction," said Seal.

Alves’ attorney, Timothy A. Berry, spoke to The Valencia Voice on behalf of Alves. “He’s very unhappy,” said Berry. “He’s been in there a long time. He hasn’t been able to see his kids. He’s devastated by this.”

The questioned asked by most is why Alves’ stay in jail has been elongated from March until now, additionally, without bond. “Based on the allegations, that are very serious,” said Berry, “The judge determined it. It may change. We’re in motion to get a bond. We need certain things from the state witnesses first.”

The lawyer confirmed that was “an arrangement” between the accused and the victim. “It’s interesting that she drove from Tampa to Orlando to meet him,” he said.

Alves’ now ex-wife, Anna, filed for divorce for their 16-year marriage on April 1. It is unknown whether or not Alves will have some custody or even visiting rights with his kids if he is released.

In a phone conversation dated March 19 with Anna, Alves stated the online conversations between him and the victim on Yahoo! Messenger will be able to clear everything up for him. According to his attorney, the evidence has been confiscated and is in the process of being analyzed, but no information has been released yet.

“We’re waiting for the computer information from the government and so far we haven’t received that,” said Berry. “It takes a long time and they are doing a lot of other cases. I think it will help greatly in his defense.”

The defense is currently unknown on Alves’ part. Moreover, Berry explained he did not know why Alves claimed the knife was for “self-protection,” in which Alves stated in a past phone conversation with his ex-wife.

The victim is still in anonymity and it is unknown where she currently is and whether or not she will attend the pre-trial. Berry said he requested her presence, but was denied.

If found guilty, Alves could potentially face a “number of years in state prison,” said Berry. Alves is an American citizen, but it is unknown whether he will return to Brazil, if proven innocent.

Talent Tuesday 11/3

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The second showcase of Talent Tuesday was held on Nov. 3 on the Student Services Building patio. For this round the judges were Student Government senators: Valentine Particina, Jamie Whalen, and back again from last week, Jamar Bibbs.

There were six contestants, but only three made it to the final round. The finalists were Julia Parmer, Joseph Easley, and a rock group consisting of cousins Frederick and Xavier Quarterman.

Parmer, 19, is a psychology student who rapped and danced to a song by music group Salt 'n' Pepa. Parmer has been rapping and dancing since she was two years old and said she thinks she was a rapper in her last life. "I used to stay up late at night to watch VH1's 'Behind the Music' with Michael Jackson," said Parmer. "That's where I learned my moves basically."

During her performance Parmer said she is perhaps judged because she doesn't fit the typical rapper persona. "I really didn't expect to win," said Parmer. "It was kind of a last minute thing; people ditched me, but I still came here anyways. I figured most people would think it's funny. I guess it's cool people liked it and didn't make fun of me."

Parmer's fellow contestant and dancer, Joseph Pasley said he also gets his moves from Michael Jackson. "It was a tie between breakdancing up here or doing Michael Jackson," said Pasley, 20, "but I love doing Michael Jackson dances. If I come back for the second round, I'm definitely doing Michael Jackson." Pasley has been dancing for three years and attends Valencia for a degree in engineering.

The Quarterman cousins played songs "Prom Queen" by rapper Dwayne "Lil' Wayne" Michael Carter, Jr. and "Eye of the Tiger" by band Survivor.

Xavier, 14, played the drums. "I feel pretty confident," said Xavier on being a finalist. Frederick Quarterman, 18, said his cousin is "amazing," and said, "As good as he is, fourteen." Frederick Quarterman, unlike his cousin, does attend Valencia and majors in architecture and has been playing guitar for six years.

Stephanie Bodie attended in the audience and said she was looking for "excitement" in the show, but said she only got it "to an extend." Bodie, 18, said, "I just feel like some of our performers could've been a little more organized." She also said she did not have a favorite. "I think they're all talented in their own way." Bodie attended last week's showcase as well, viewing Talent Tuesday for the second time, and attends Valencia for a major in hospitality.

Bodie's peer, Kristin Marulanda, attended for the first time and said she was hoping for "entertainment," and felt she got it. "The dancing, the music, it was amazing," said Marulanda, 19, a general studies honors student. She said the performance she preferred the most was the breakdancing. "Joe was pretty awesome. He did the worm, it was amazing."

Talent Tuesday's grand finale will take place Nov. 10 on the SSB patio at 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Talent Tuesday 11/3

ORLANDO, Fla. -— ‘Showcase 1’ of Talent Tuesday took place on Oct. 27 on the Student Services Building patio. Talent Tuesdays are held every Tuesday between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Hosting the event is Courtney Wilson of student government, who attends the college for event management.

Wilson, 21, has been enrolled in Valencia and has been a part of Talent Tuesday since 2007. “Talent Tuesday is a legacy,” said Wilson. “I won second place and was rewarded $150. Dealing with this new administration, they didn’t really have a guideline of how it was in the past so what I did was I took how I won last time and the way the show went and I pursued it in this current student government organization; their planning method, so it’s the same tactics as 2007, when Rufus Hawkins was president and he encouraged me to join student government.”

Anthony Stephens, attended in the audience. Although not a contestant, during the show would voluntarily dance on stage. “I love to give a shout out,” said Stephens, 19, an anesthesiology student. “I’m a very energetic person. I take any challenge that comes to me, like this is a challenge.”

The three finalists were Raymond Surness, Yves “King Yves” Jeanfils, and Wilbur Bermudez. All contestants and trivia winners receive tickets to Joe’s Krab Shack restaurant.

Bermudez has been singing and dancing for two years, he attends Valencia to obtain a degree in dental hygiene. On being a finalist, Bermudez, 23, said: “I feel great. I was really nervous, but now I feel great.”

Fellow student, Janet Randolph who was a singer in last year’s challenge, but didn’t make it to the next round, said this time was “very entertaining” and “better than last year’s.” Randolph, 19, a political science student, said she preferred this year’s judges. “I like how they actually had a decent amount of judges who chose the right talent,” said Randolph. “Last year, they just chose friends and that’s what the main thing I had to say about that.”

This year’s judges is West Campus’ very own SGA president, Robert Stio, along with Jamar Bibbs and Shayna-Kay Gibbs. Wilson said when choosing the judges, she was looking for "diversity and a variety, whether it was ethnicity or sex."

Wilson said she felt as though it was a “great outcome” and described how she felt when she said: “I’m very happy with the entertainment that was provided and I’m astound with the students that even went out to aim for their goals. They aimed for a goal and they accomplished it. I feel like they accomplished their goals by performing.”

Jeanfils, 20, is enrolled in Valencia for music and sound technology and has been dancing for nearly 8 years. “This was just the appetizer,” said Jeanfils, “The final draft is next.”

‘Showcase 2’ for Talent Tuesday is Nov. 3 and the grand finale will take place Nov. 10 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Governor Crist

ORLANDO, Fla. — A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thurs. at 9 a.m. to celebrate West Campus' opening of its new facility, the University Center, or also known as building 11.

At $23 million and 100,000 square feet, the center provides classes offered by both the University of Central Florida and Valencia, with 40 classrooms, a testing center, computer labs, study areas, faculty and staff offices, and a cafe. When opened in August, it welcomed 775 UCF students to the Valencia campus.

The design and consultation of the building was created by the collaboration of the architectural firm C.T. Hsu and Associates, along with the builder PPI Construction Management Inc.

Special guest, Florida's Governor Charles "Charlie" Crist, Jr., came to support the event with the cutting of the ribbon and to speak on education, Florida's school system, Valencia evolving into a four-year degree school, and the new building. Crist has been governing, specifically as a representative of the Republican Party, since 2006.

Crist said he is "proud and privileged" to dedicate the facility because of it's significance, which he said he believes is "to provide world class education for the young people of Florida, so they can have a very bright future."

"I feel great about being able to be here today," Crist said. "This is a great opportunity to celebrate education in Florida. Great things are happening in the state, particularly as it relates to education. I'm so pleased with our community college system. The university is recognized as the best in America. What Valencia and UCF are doing in partnership is great for the future of our state. It's a tremendous honor to be at this school."

President of Valencia, Dr. Sanford C. "Sandy" Shugart, described the opening of the building as "big" for both institutions. "We're thrilled," said Shugart. "80% of Valencia graduates go to UCF."

With of the success of the DirectConnect program, which accommodates for an estimated 27,000 students with guaranteed access from the community college to the university, UCF receives most of its transfer students through Valencia.

Prior to cutting the ribbon, Crist concluded his speech when he said, "God bless you, God bless UCF, and God bless Valencia."

Matador Day 15th Anniversary

The 15th anniversary of Matador Day took place Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Services building patio.

Student Government Association hosted the event, which included many activities, such as body art, karaoke, and food, along with club awareness. The theme of the event was rock 'n' roll, therefore the music was being played throughout the festival.

West campus president, Robert Stio, explained what Matador really is. "Matador is actually the Valencia Mascot, most people don't know that because we don't have intermural sports on this campus," said Stio, 36, "It's been going on for 15 years, so it's a tradition they do every year and it's just for student spirit. Obviously we're raising awareness. . .We have some of our outside vendors helping us out.

During the event, Stio greeted the students. "I want to welcome everyone to Matador Day," said Stio, 36, "We have it every year, this is our 15h year, and still going strong. Check out all the different events."

The activity that students were very interested in was the karaoke. Students who performed received a DVD of their music video.

An especially crowd-drawing music act was the "ATL Butter and Biscuits," which consisted of Josh Maner, Genese Leger, Myrlande Jerome, along with siblings Myoshi McClain, and Emerson McClain. They created a music video performing to "Gossip" by musical artist Missy Elliott.

The McClain siblings created the name of their music group in order to represent their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Emerson McClain said he was "showing love" for where he came from. "We're just acting like fools," said Emerson McClain, 22, a music and business management student. "I'm here with my baby sister, going to school and stuff."

"It was exciting and fun," said Leger, 19, a criminal justice student, "The DVD is free and I can show my friends." Leger attended the event and performed with friend, Jerome, 19, also a criminal justice student.

Maner was a common act in karaoke. "I'm just doing my thing," said Maner, 22, "I'm showing college life and how fun it can be even when you have a lot on your hands." Maner is a culinary arts major at the school.

ATL Butter and Biscuits fellow student, Shantal James, watched the performance and said, "It was good and funny." James, 19, a nursing student, said she spent most of her time at the karaoke booth among others, stating, "It's more interesting."

Prizes were rewarded to students who participated in the events. "We've got the students involved," said Stio, "We're doing the students passport so before they can get a t-shirt and any other little gifts we have, they have to go to at least four different activities."

Rachel Miller won all the the prizes for her participation. Miller, 18, a general studies student, got her face painted for the first time and said her favorite prize was the t-shirt because it's "cute looking." She added that her favorite part was holding the parrot brought by a Tiki Island Volcano Golf representative. "It was so much fun to hold the bird," said Miller. "He gave us some free rounds of golf for his place."

Donuts with the Deans

ORLANDO, Fla. - Student Government Association gathered a meeting between the deans of the school and the students, called "Donuts with the Deans," on October 14, in building four, room 117, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students participated by speaking with three or more deans, asking questions or addressing concerns they may have about the school, in order to receive donuts and to better acquaint themselves with the deans.

SGA president, Robert Stio, said he planned it for many reasons. "I wanted to give [students] an opportunity to get to know the deans; that they're not just there for discipline, that they're here to help, and it's a good opportunity to meet them, and especially when it comes to scholarships," said Stio, 36. "Now you know the face and the name, and ask for letters of recommendations from the deans. It's a lot of different opportunities for the students."

Tyron Johnson is the dean of the students and he said it's "less stressful" to speak with students this way. "I think it's more a situation for students, rather than me. It gives me an opportunity to get to know the students," said Johnson. "It was brought to my attention by Rob to talk with students. . .If they have questions, in terms of what we do."

A student who spoke with Johnson, Aviva Wolgel, said she would better appreciate events if they were promoted more. "I like to get involved and try to meet new people. If there's nothing going on to meet people, it's hard, unless you're in a class with them," said Wolgel, 21, "I'm new at this school, so I feel lost and I want to meet new people so I don't feel that way." Wolgel is a former Seminole State College student, now studying culinary management at Valencia. On speaking with Johnson, Wolgel added: "It was more than I was expecting."

Wolgel's fellow student, Gladimy St. Louis agrees about Johnson. "He sounds like he is going to make some things happen." St. Louis, 23, a political science major had concerns about the TV's in building four. "When I first saw the TV's in here, I actually went to talk to the SGA officers about putting one of the TV's on ESPN. They told me today the deans were going to be here, and you can come in here and voice your opinions. I have the time right now, so that's why I came."

Model UN Aces Constitution Quiz

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Jeopardy game took place at Valencia’s West Campus on September 17 in the Health Science Building.

There were eight teams of four members who were asked questions on the United States Constitution. The first place winners receive a $75 gift card to the bookstore, second place prize was a $50 gift card, and third place won a $25 gift card.

Visiting Valencia for the first time to host the show was Jim Sheerin from Bevmark Entertainment, which sponsored the game. “I’m nervous, I’m always nervous,” said Sheerin, “I’ve never done the Constitution. It’s a new thing. It’s the students’ show.”

Students also came to the show to watch their fellow peers compete, including Clara Cheney. “Originally, I wanted to sign up,” said Cheney, “I don’t like watching game shows; it’s something to do. I wanted the $75. Money is a good motivation for everything.” Cheney, 20, is studying interdisciplinary studies.

The first place winners were team Model U.N., which consisted of Britton Sprouse, Shawn Roja, Juan Berrocal, and Gene Berrocal.

Sprouse, 22, a general studies major, described how it felt to play and to win when he said, “It feels good. I enjoyed it. It was fun. We represent Model U.N.” First place winners also received a pizza party, in addition to their gift card.

Special Guest Conducts Valencia Choir

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Dr. John V. Sinclair was handed the baton at the Voices of Valencia rehearsal at Valencia’s East Campus on June 16. Sinclair, 54, is the director of music at Rollins College.

Sinclair has been conducting for 23 years and has been the instructor for Walt Disney World’s Candlelight Processional for over a decade. He directs the Moravian Music Festival, conducts 150 performances each year, and is highly praised in Central Florida.

Sinclair was invited to the rehearsal for the choir to receive a more intimate practice. “Good to have you,” said Sinclair, after the choir gave him applause, “This year, somewhere around the second week in December, will by my 500th,” referring to the number of Candlelight performances he has conducted.

Candlelight is a performance that gathers from the day after Thanksgiving to December 30. The songs are a combination of holiday songs. A CD must be recorded and submitted in order to be considered for acceptance.

Sinclair said when he was offered to do Candlelight, he didn't know what it was at first, but accepted and said, "'My goodness, sounds like fun, I'd like to do it.'"

Singer Joyce Musculus, said she was excited to have Sinclair. “He’s one of the best directors, one of the favorites also. Everybody loves working with Dr. Sinclair and to get a one-on-one with him is awesome because he doesn’t do it often. He’s very busy.” Musculus, 49, is a former Valencia student, and has been with the choir as a soprano for four years.

James C. Jones, the founder and director of V.O.V., said to the choir, “Let us lean on some of his expertise, as we get ready to do our 10th video.”

Jones, 53, a music professor at Valencia, has been singing since he was three, and said he “started from scratch,” when creating the chorale thirteen years ago.

“John and I are good friends, so of course I love having him out here,” said Jones, “For me, it’s a no brainer, and he is still directing Candlelight. It’s a win-win for us to have such a great ally.” Jones said they have guest instructors only from “time to time.”

The soprano captain, Barbara Murphy, has been singing in the choir since ’97, when she saw them perform at a local mall. “I think it’s great,” said Murphy, 74,”He’s one of our favorite conductors to have at Candlelight because he’s very, very precise, and you know exactly what he expects of you.”

A music professor at Valencia, Alan Gerber, had this to add: "Dr. Sinclair is most noted for his Bach festival that comes out of Rollins College. He is a fine conductor and musician. Anything he is involved with should be good."

Voices of Valencia is a community choir, not only open to students, but to seniors, as well. It's one credit hour and is $75 for enrolled students, but free for seniors. Practices are every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

West Campus Introduces New President

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Robert Stio, vice president of Valencia's West Campus, assumed the role of Student Government Association president. A news conference was held on June 16 for him to discuss the goals and future of SGA.

Stio, 35, said he has an “extensive background” in the entertainment industry, working as a location manager in post production, as a video editor, also working on websites, full length feature films, commercials, and television.

“With that knowledge, with that experience, that’s what I’m bringing to the SGA,” said Stio.

Stio ran unopposed in the election. He started as senator of governmental affairs, quickly moving up to chief of staff. He explained that the former president was unable to fulfill his duties because of “personal issues,” and resigned, but declined to comment any further on the matter.

Stio said he believes that "mass media is the future,” and his first goal will be student awareness. “Not a lot of students know what student government is,” said Stio,”There’s means of communication to raise awareness."

Jessica Hill, a communications major at Valencia, thinks that the administration should be more active in the school. “I think that this school should be more accustomed to the people that actually run the school,” said Hill, 19,”They should make their faces known.”

There will be meetings to discuss promotions, future events, to allocate funding, and the campus' budget, which Stio says is $38,000. Meetings begin taking place this fall, and continue annually, every Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

“I will put aside five to ten minutes of each meeting for students to get up and talk,” said Stio,”We’re trying to get people involved, allowing that voice makes them feel they’re part of the system … making a difference on campus. We’re really going to listen, we’re really going implent their ideas.”

Hill also commented on the SGA provoking students to speak up. “It’d be cool if they could actually listen,” Hill said,”Instead of just talking amongst ourselves about it.”

“Everyone has an influence,” said Michael Scott, chief of staff, “If eveyone plays their part, we can actually have a change for the better for all students. I don’t just talk about getting involved, I really believe in it. It’s important to me.”

Scott, 27, said they’re still working on outlines and rough drafts. Stio said it’s described as the “mending the constitution” and is a “very lengthy process.”

A swearing in Ceremony will be held on June 30, to create a senate and executive board. Stio said once they do, they will start “nailing down” the event calendar. Stio’s term started in March and will end in March 2010.

Style Expert Writes Book

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Andy Paige held a book signing for her new book, "Style on a Shoestring," on Monday evening, at Barnes and Noble on Colonial Drive.

Paige, 38, is a style expert and TV personality, who has appeared on series, such as Style Network's "How Do I Look," "Starting over," and TLC's "Ten Years Younger." She was a former fit model and received a double masters degree in media studies and broadcasting journalism.

"Because I was tall, I got ... pushed into modeling," she said referring to the start of her career when she stood at 5 feet 11 inches, weighing at 112 pounds, when she moved from a "dirt road in Alabama" to New York. "For eight years, I worked for 47 designers and I was their fit model, so there's nobody in the industry that knows fit and precision more than me. That's what really sets me apart."

Paige explained what her book was about but first presented herself to the audience, and said, "I'm Andy Paige, ya'll!" Then she added, "We all have things we need to address, I'll be happy to answer questions personally. I am happy to sign books, then to talk to you independently."

This is Paige's first book, and explained that it's filled with fashion do's and don't, tips and advice on how to style yourself, and how to dress for less, she says she does this with the intentions of helping women.

"I get a lot of people wondering what makes my book different and I think that it's really important for you to know that it's made for you." said Paige, to the attentive group of women.

Mary Harmening, a mother of four, attended with her children. "We saw it in the newspaper and we thought it'd be interesting," Harmening, 39, said. "My kids love watching the shows."

"At this point, I have done 130 makeovers on television ... over five years and ... four shows ... and from that I had built a clientele who had me come to their home," said Paige. "I do ... a Beauty Boot Camp, where I go and live with you for three days and we overhaul everything ... It's a little pricey, you fly me somewhere so there's a lot of people who like that experience and want to know the formula who can't afford that but at the same time, you shouldn't be denied the skills or the training."

Chloe Perez attended this event with her mother. "We've always had a particular interest in fashion - more of a lifestyle. We heard of it and we thought we'd learn more from a professional," said Perez, 18, who majors in English, studying to be a fashion editor at Southern Adventist University, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

"There's a formula to getting dressed, there's a formula to building style, there's a formula to looking great, and a I spell it out," said Paige. Her book can be found at most book retailers and her website is http://www.centsofstyle.com/.

NFL Footballer Tackles Fashion

ORLANDO, Fla. - Jeff Faine, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, normally spends his time aggressively getting dirty on the field, but he took a different turn in the game, when he opened a local clothing store, named Forty VII.

The National Football League player held a fashion show on Saturday, May 16, hosted by Johnny and Jayde from the radio station, XL 106.7, to benefit the Children’s Home Society and to present his new line.

The event was located in the courtyard beside Urban Flats in Downtown Orlando, crossing the intersection of Orange Avenue and Church Street, and the boutique is located on South Magnolia Avenue.

Alongside Faine in the event was entrepreneur Cliff Rogers who described the show as a “creative outlet” for Faine, highlighting that, “100% is for the children. The Faine Family Foundation is starting a non-profit organization.”

Faine, 27, elaborated on his career choice stating: “I did a lot of restaurants in Cleveland, that’s where I started. I was interested in business.” He concluded that there was no shopping where he was, so he added some.

“It’s a collective department store; we have everything,” said Faine, “T-shirts for $22.00, and even full-long custom suits." The designs are made by James Amsden, and are a unique blend of multiple styles.

Melissa, a local, indicated she came to support Jeff, along with her friend, Rhianon, who said, “We went to High School with Jeff.” They described the clothing as comfortable and trendy.

Johnny and Jayde introduced Faine, and he headed on stage to greet the crowd, “It’ll be great, guys, a lot of fun!” said Faine.

Another local, Jenna, said, “It was interesting and fun,” pointing out, “My favorite part was the dancing!” She stated while simultaneously dancing, noticeably enjoying herself, along with the other 600 people who attended this eventful night.