Special Publications

OF STORIES AND STORYTELLERS Dianne O'Donnelley, an employee in COM's Mathematics and Sciences Department, began coming across painted rocks on her walks in spring 2018. This added new intrigue to her outings and led her to start the Facebook group #MarinRocks to create, paint, and release the rocks for her community to share and enjoy. Before the stay at home order, O'Donnelley was always on the lookout for places to release rocks while walking around campus. "I prefer saying release rather than hide, because I want people to find them," said O'Donnelley. "Though I really love all aspects of the project—from painting the rocks, to releasing the rocks, to sharing them—the part that gives me the most joy is when someone finds a rock I've painted and posts about it online." Crafting has filled a greater need during these challenging times. "I've been able to respond to what is happening around us by painting messages and pictures I thought others would find encouraging during these tough times, including a series of rocks saying thank you to healthcare workers, and some 'stay safe, stay home' rocks," said O'Donnelley. "We sometimes, especially as adults, don't give ourselves permission to do fun, potentially messy stuff that isn't for something." The #MarinRocks Facebook page has info on how to get started. "It is anxiety relieving. It is fun! And, if you do that and can share it with other people, that makes it even better." According to O'Donnelley, the process often leads to unexpected connections. "It seems as if the rocks have a way of finding the right person at the right time." MARIN ROCKS Lawrence Tjernell used literature in college to escape from hours of labs and lectures as a biology major. He developed a keen awareness for the voice of the storyteller, and honed his literary ear studying English in graduate school. Tjernell started at COM in 1980, teaching basic English skills and computer technology classes. He thoroughly enjoyed guiding students through spirited debates on ethical issues and moral dilemmas to expand their critical-thinking skills. He found an even deeper satisfaction building a student's confidence and seeing it revealed in an optimistic smile. After retiring in 2015 to start a new chapter of his life, he created a small, independent publishing company called Longship Press. "As a teacher of literature, I came to understand that the treasure offered by fine books was invaluable, incalculable," explained Tjernell. He found great use for the knowledge accumulated over his years of teaching and credits COM's rich environment with the success of his most recent venture. Along with other works, Longship Press publishes the literary journal Nostos. In the initial six issues, the journal included works by at least five current and retired COM faculty members. ABOUT THE COLLEGE College of Marin is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at: www.accjc.org College of Marin is one of 116 public community colleges in California and nearly 14,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll annually. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Marin Community College District is committed by law and policy not to discriminate on the basis of, or the perception of, race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or expression, disability (mental or physical), marital status, medical condition, and status as a veteran, in any of its educational and employment programs and activities, its policies, practices, and procedures. The lack of English skills and/or hearing/visual impairment will not be a barrier to admission or participation in educational programs.

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