Documentary about dyes includes WNC professor, son

Millions of Americans consume synthetic dyes every day, often without realizing it. These additives have been linked to troubling health risks. The documentary “To Dye For,” premiering Jan. 10 at the Brewery Arts Center, reveals the reality behind these unregulated dyes.

Presented by Western Nevada College Foundation and the Brewery Arts Center, To Dye For explores the quiet damage caused by synthetic dyes through personal stories and expert insights, including research and experiences by Western Nevada College professor Rebecca Bevans.

“We commend Dr. Bevans for her dedication to educating parents about the dangers of food dyes and celebrate the release of this documentary as a powerful tool to share that message,” said WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe.

Filmmakers Brandon and Whitney Cawood expose the harm of synthetic dyes in “underregulated” foods and products that are consumed daily. One of the main sources in the film is Bevans, who has researched the troubling issue over the past decade.

“This project began as a deeply personal journey,” Brandon said. “My spouse and I are first-time filmmakers, and we decided to make this documentary after discovering that our child had a life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes. Watching how these dyes impacted our child, we felt compelled to uncover the bigger picture: Why are synthetic dyes so widely used, and what are their effects on children and families like ours?”

In 2013, Bevans became impassioned about the harm of synthetic food dyes after her son, Alex (also in the documentary), suffered neurobehavioral issues caused by synthetic food dyes. Since then, the harms of food dyes have escalated into a lifetime crusade. In 2016, she delivered a TEDx talk on the topic and it has been watched nearly a half-million times. She also was a source for a Forbes Magazine article on the dangers of food dyes.

Bevans was the first person the Cawoods interviewed for the project.

“In the world of synthetic dye awareness, her TEDx Talk has had a profound impact on thousands of lives. Her contribution to the film is invaluable. She introduced us to Lisa Lefferts, whose involvement was crucial to the film's success,” he said.

Brandon said that the research and stories that filmmakers uncovered were staggering.

“Synthetic food dyes are linked to behavioral issues, attention challenges, and even cancer,” he said. “We also learned how unregulated these additives are in the U.S. compared to other countries. What stood out most were the personal stories — families like ours who experienced significant life changes once they removed these dyes from their diets.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., with seating at 5:30 p.m. Bevans and her son will provide an introduction to the documentary at 5:45 p.m., with the film to follow at 6 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the WNC Foundation for Bevan's psychology students and the Brewery Arts Center.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at breweryarts.org/events.

Tesla Start students recognized

The Tesla Cohort was honored with a certification ceremony Dec. 12 in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology.

Thirteen workers from Tesla succeeded in Manufacturing Technician and Mechatronics Foundation training at WNC during fall semester. These students took the equivalent of 25 credits in 16 weeks to complete their training. That's comparable to completing one year of higher education in one semester.

Tesla Start program students Nestor Aguirre Alba, Christopher Bacon, Aidan Crossman, Hans Hammar, Antonio Ibarra, Clayton Macias, Justin Mckenzie, Jesus Nunez-Castellon, Daniel Tapia, Michael Torbitt, Acer Valdez, Vishal Vasistha and Juan Duprey were recognized for earning Smart Automation Certification Alliance certifications during the ceremony.

Students and their corresponding certifications are:

• Aguirre Alba, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Basic

• Bacon, SACA Motor Control, SACA Basic, SACA Advanced

• Crossman, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Basic

• Hammar, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Basic

• Ibarra, SACA Basic

• Macias, SACA Basic

• Mckenzie, SACA Basic

• Nunez-Castellon, SACA Electrical Systems, SACRA PLC1, SACA Electrical Installation, SACA Basic, SACA Advanced

• Tapia, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Pneumatics, SACA Basic

• Torbitt, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Basic

• Valdez, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Mechanical Power, SACA Basic

• Vasistha, SACA Electrical Systems, SACA Basic

• Duprey, SACA Basic

To learn more about WNC’s Advanced Manufacturing program, phone Matthew Anderson at 775-445-3292 or email matthew.anderson@wnc.edu.

Nurses spread holiday cheer at nursing facility

WNC’s chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association participated in Adopt a Senior for Christmas at the Ormsby Post Acute Rehab skilled nursing facility.

Gifts were collected from the college community and the NSNA members delivered them to the seniors on Dec. 12 for the seniors’ Christmas party.

Register for spring semester

Spring semester starts Tuesday, Jan. 21. For a list of classes, meeting times and instructional formats, go to wnc.edu/class-schedule.

For three weeks of accelerated learning, students can choose from History 290 (Roaring 20s) and Information Systems 101 (learn essential technical skills). These classes start Dec. 30 and end Jan. 17.

For information on becoming a student at WNC, phone 775-445-3277 or go to wnc.edu/starthere. To receive academic advice, phone 775-445-3267 or book an appointment at wnc.edu/advising.