kids enjoy summer art program , 5A
College of Medicine| Search restarted for associate dean, 3A Former CMU pitcher signs with Toronto Blue Jays, 6A
Theatre| “Last Train to Nibroc” first in series of plays, 4A
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
[cm-life.com]
Brooks Hall damages still to be determined Cost unknown until July 1 By Amelia Eramya Staff Reporter
photos by amelia eramya/staff photographer
John Fisher, associate vice president of residences and auxiliary services, lands at the Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport. Fisher has been skydiving since 1971 and has more than 700 jumps. “This is my eighth summer now,” Fisher said. “I like to get 100 jumps a year.”
Falling down CMU associate vice president a regular skydiver By Joe Borlik | Senior Reporter
He has done it more than 700 times including free falls in Germany, France and Australia. “I like to get 100 jumps in a year,” Fisher said. “When I retire from CMU in two or three years, I want to make a jump in every state.” Pictures of Fisher can be
By Connor Sheridan News Editor
John Fisher, associate vice president of residences and auxiliary services, gives David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services, a gift certificate for one free tandem jump at the Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport.
He is a “D licensed” diver, a level which requires a minimum of 500 jumps including at least two at night, he said. Fisher began skydiving in 1971 and, after quitting for 29 years, said he became hooked again in 2003. He has taken both his daughters skydiving and al-
seen at Central Michigan Skydivers, 5354 E. Airport Road. He went skydiving twice in a row Thursday with three other divers. “It’s fun every time,” Fisher said. “The adrenaline rush hangs with you for about half an hour.”
most got his wife Jeannie Fisher to go also. “I think it’s wonderful that he does this,” Jeannie said. John’s daughter Jessica is also a thrill seeker – she makes a living performing in the circus. A sky | 2A
A brooks | 2A
Public Broadcasting pay rates frozen for a year Union accepts status quo in new contract
J
ohn Fisher lives for the thrill of skydiving. A passion you might not expect from the associate vice president of residences and auxiliary services. But outside the office, Fisher never hesitates to leap 11,000 feet out of a plane.
The extent of monetary damages from the recent water leak in Brooks Hall are not expected to be completed until July 1. “We have hired a second company to determine the extent of the damages to the mechanical and electrical systems, insulation within Brooks Hall,” said Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of Facilities Management. Pipes on the third floor of Brooks began to leak around 2 p.m. on June 4. Insurance agents from Mid-State Plumbing and Heating, Victaulic, a manufacturer of the pipes used in Brooks, EFI Global, an investigative and consulting firm, and a technical consultant from LWG Consulting inspected the building the following week. Janice Trionfi, director of risk management, environ-
mental health and safety said investigating and assessing a claim takes time. “I think (Central Michigan University) is getting closer but it’s still too soon to say,” Trionfi said. “It typically takes time to compile the information, especially with larger property claims.” Trionfi said Belfor USA Group, a restoration company, is on site to inspect equipment in each room of the building to determine the degree of damage and whether it is reparable or a complete loss. “CMU placed its property insurer on notice of the claim the same day of the incident,” Trionfi said. “CMU’s insurer then assigned an adjuster, forensic engineers and other experts to inspect the site, not only to assist CMU in the recovery process but also to determine the origin and cause of the incident.” Although an estimate of damages done has yet to be compiled, CMU’s property insurer will provide cover-
Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting employees will go without a pay increase for the next year. The 26 employees represented by the National Association of Broadcasting Employees and Technicians Local 54-412 ratified a contract with CMU May 20 that will keep current levels of pay and other benefits constant. CMU ratified the contract June 1. “Everybody, of course, wants to get a raise,” said Linda Dielman, programming and outreach manager and president of
NABET Local 54-412. “I thought negotiations went well, they were amicable, these are tough times economically.” She said rates have been set at their current levels for the next year, although what will occur for the rest of the contract which expires June 30, 2013 is uncertain. Dielman said the uncertain state of CMU’s budget for the next academic year made deliberations a more difficult matter than they otherwise might have been. “Everybody did the best they could do, given the information they had at the time,” she said. Negotiations were held with a modified expedited bargaining process over a week between Dielman, a representative of NABET’s national office, and Kevin Smart, director of
A PBS | 2A
From ballot to discussion, the fluoride debate continues by Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series about fluoride in the water of Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant City Commission’s decision to temporarily reduce the amount of sodium fluoride added to the municipal water supply has not gone without controversy. Some of the commissioners themselves disagree with the decision.
“I think when the people voted to put fluoride in the water, they wanted it in a proportion that will reduce tooth decay,” Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer said. “I think we should take it back to a vote of the people and not (reduce fluoride levels) on our own.” However, Commissioner Kathleen Ling, head of the Fluoride Task Force that made the recommendation to the commission, emphasized the commission’s decision was within the boundaries of the 2005 fluoride ballot language.
The 2005 ballot language regarding fluoride levels states, “the Commission by resolution shall have the authority, from time to time, to change the proportions thereof.” Ling said she assumes the amount of fluoride added to the water supply will be temporarily reduced from 0.7 parts per million, or milligrams per liter, to somewhere between 0.4 and 0.5 ppm. Mount Pleasant’s natural occurrence of fluoride in the water is 0.4 ppm. Water fluoridation has been
a hotly contested issue for the city commission and Mount Pleasant voters for years, Ling said. The history In 1997, voters decided to continue adding sodium fluoride to the water supply. In 2003, a petition circulated requesting the city commission change the way the water plant operates. However, the commission refused to include the proposal on the 2003 ballot because the petitioned language, if voted
in, would have violated state and federal regulations by preventing the addition of required compounds used to render water safe and clean. The petitioners took the City to Circuit Court, where the judge ruled the ballot language could be revised and placed on the ballot in 2004. Fluoride supporters felt the ballot language was not precise on the 2004 ballot, but ballot passed though, stating any substances added to municipal water must first be approved by the Federal Food
and Drug Administration, which has not approved sodium fluoride for ingestion. “The people who supported fluoride felt the 2004 ballot proposal did not make it clear that people were banning fluoride,” Ling said. As a result, another petition was formed in 2005 forcing the fluoride issue back to the ballot, this time to put fluoride back in the water. The 2005 fluoride vote passed, requiring the total
A fluoride | 2A
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Watch coverage of the CMU’s annual salvage auction.
Kathy Wilbur wins an award from the American Counsel on Education Network.
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2A || Wednesday, June 23, 2010 || Central Michigan Life
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EVENTS CALENDAR
sky|
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
continued from 1A
Today w Grandparents U, an event bringing together grandparents and their grandchildren for three days of university life, begins.
Friday w A performance of the Wizard of Oz, will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Broadway Theater, 216 E. Broadway St. Tickets are available for $8. w The 8th annual citywide garage sales and flea market willl be held, including a sweepstakes for buyers and raffle for vendors.
Sunday w A screening of “The Princess and the Frog� will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush.
Monday
Chris bacarella/staff photographer
Midland resident Kyle Grates, Sylvania sophomore Andrew Coutts, Midland resident David Bruzewski and Clare resident Aaron Mester peek into the engine bay of an Acura Integra, Monday afternoon in the ABC Warehouse parking lot, 1805 S. Mission St. Every Monday, weather permitting, car enthusiasts meet in the parking lot to show off their rides to fellow enthusiasts. “I love being able to see new cars at the meet that you just don’t get to see on an everyday basis,� Coutts said.
Mount Pleasant Summerfest begins today a variety of events and activities for this year’s Summerfest. Freeze said there will be events for everyone to partake in. Mayor Jim Holton said he is excited for Summerfest to start. “Summerfest is just a fun event,� Holton said. “There is so much to do and see. The board of directors has really done a good job of putting everything together. I’m going to bring my 4-year-old kid to the carnival.� A children’s area with games and crafts will be available all weekend, Freeze said. There will also be a carnival for the whole family and live music and entertainment tents for adults. “We’ve got quite a few dif-
By Seth Nietering Staff Reporter
w Rods in the Park Car Show, a gathering for classic car owners and admirers will happen in the morning at Island Park.
The summer solstice may have recently passed, but the season is just getting under way for the City of Mount Pleasant. The 26th annual Summerfest put on by the city’s board of directors, begins today in Island Park. Judy Freeze, director of the children’s village, said the event is run completely by volunteers and is entirely non-profit. “We want to provide different activities and services for the community,� Freeze said. “We want to be involved with the community and give back.� The board has brought in
Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting. It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. Š Central Michigan Life 2010 Volume 91, Number 90
fluoride | continued from 1A
amount of fluoride in the municipal water to equal 1 ppm, which falls within the American Dental Association’s recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. However, in March 2006, just four months after the vote passed, the National Research Council released a report which said the Environmental Protection Agency needed to do a reassessment to determine what level of water fluoridation would protect all
individuals exposed to the water. The NRC report detailed several adverse health effects that may be linked to the ingestion of fluoride, including dental and skeletal fluorosis, bone cancer and adverse neurological effects. The task force The commission voted to wait for the ongoing EPA study to be concluded before considering increased water fluoridation. Shortly after the release of the NRC’s findings, the ADA
announced in November of 2006 fluoride should not be mixed with reconstituted baby formula and infants should not consume fluoridated water. As a result, Mayor Jim Holton requested the formation of a fluoride task force to investigate and research the effects of fluoride ingestion. “Year after year we get information pro and con for adding fluoride to our water system,� Holton said. “To help put this issue to bed, or attempt to, I asked Commissioner Ling if she could develop a committee to study the pro’s and con’s of fluoride and report back to
ferent events and activities,� Freeze said. Summerfest will also include a co-ed softball tournament on Saturday and Sunday. The Saginaw and Chippewa Indian tribes will put on a cultural display Wednesday through Saturday. The Great Lakes Timber Show will hold demonstrations and log rolling competitions from Thursday to Sunday. Freeze said a fireworks display will be held Friday and Saturday night. Kevin Chamberlain and the Greez Monkeez will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday. There is a $3 cover charge and only adults aged 21 years old and up are permitted.
The board of directors works to bring in something different each year, Holton said. “Summerfest has been going on for many years, even since I was in college, and every year there is something new and fun,� Holton said. “June is a slow month around here, so Summerfest is a great thing to have to get people out of their houses and involved. It’s a great community event.�
His boss David Burdette, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, attended Fisher’s Thursday skydive. After landing smoothly on the ground, Fisher pulled a gift for Burdette from his nylon diving suit – a free skydive. It will be Burdette’s first time and a perfect gift for his 65th birthday which was Sunday, he said. “I’m really looking forward to it,� Burdette said. Fisher’s favorite activity is also cheaper than one might think, he said. If a diver has a skydiving license and their own equipment, it only costs $22 per dive. “Three jumps on the weekend is cheaper than a round of golf,� Fisher said. For a first-time diver, it would be $225, he said. Traverse City resident Doc Ferrazza, a seasoned skydiver, joined Fisher on Thursday. At 69 years old, Ferrazza has been skydiving for 45 years. He is also a member of the group Skydivers Over Sixty. He said he has 1,500 civilian skydives to his name and has lost count of his number of military dives. This includes many stadium appearance and birthday appearances, he said. “I’ve tried to quit many times and just can’t,� Ferrazza said. “It’s very addicting. Only a skydiver or a bird would understand how addicting it is.� Ferrazza said nothing compares to skydiving’s rush of adrenaline. “Patrick Swayze said, (in the movie ‘Point Break’) ‘some people snort for it, some people shoot veins for it, all you have to do is jump’,� Ferrazza said. “I’ll keep trying to quit but it’s not going to happen.� university@cm-life.com
metro@cm-life.com
the commission so we could become better educated on the subject.� Holton and Ling said the fluoride decision ultimately rests in the hands of the voters. “This is a temporary recommendation,� Ling said. “From the beginning the assumption of the task force has been that if we ultimately recommend to end fluoridation all together, that we would ask the city commission to put it on the ballot. Before a final decision is made, this will be voted on.� metro@cm-life.com
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age beyond its $50,000 insurance deductible, Trionfi said. Drywall, ceiling tile and carpet were damaged from the water leak. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a supply chain,â&#x20AC;? said David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those insurance agents are trying to figure out how it happened and why it happened.â&#x20AC;? Wilcox Professional Services, an engineering
firm, made errors in the original renovations in August 2008, including installation of underground water pipes and air conditioning ducts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no connections as of yet,â&#x20AC;? Burdette said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the day, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to affix blame.â&#x20AC;? Burdette said this type of project takes time and the university has to protect its interests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begin the renovations and clean up until insurance agents have assessed damages,â&#x20AC;? he said. university@cm-life.com
WHAT COULD YOU DO IN 85 MINS?
Catch up on a favorite book.
Surf the internet.
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SAVE A LIFE.
Donate plasma.
PBS | continued from 1A
employee relations and human resources technology. The current contract rates provide a minimum pay of $13.00 an hour and a maximum of $21.07 for employees in the first pay bracket. Employees in the fifth and highest pay bracket can receive a minimum yearly salary of $49,677 and a maximum of $76,261. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Linda Dielman in the bargaining committee did a good job of making sure the contract terms were reasonable given the circumstances,â&#x20AC;? Smart said. He said the university has managed to avoid much of the economic fallout the private sec-
tor has faced, necessitating mass layoffs and widespread reduction of programs, through a measured approach to programs like the decision with NABET. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we did a good job of trying to sidestep those issues for now,â&#x20AC;? Smart said. university@cm-life.com
SAVE SOME TIME TO SAVE A LIFE. Schedule your appointment today and receive up to $180 per month!
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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, June 23, 2010 || 3A
Search continues for College of Medicine associate dean By Eric Dresden Editor in Chief
Amelia Eramya/staff photographer
Carla Ives, founder of Heart Cry International, walks and talks with Jeanette Green, 58, of Mount Pleasant, at the Walk for the World event to support Heart Cry International’s orphanage in Haiti on Saturday. “The organization is really good,” Green said. “(Ives) is doing God’s work.”
Heart Cry International walk raises funds for Haiti relief By Maria Leone Staff Reporter
Carla Ives led 16 people for ten miles through hot and unforgiving weather Saturday. Heart Cry International members gathered together as one to help out those that have been through disasters like hurricane Katrina and Haiti, she said. Before the 10-mile walk began, the group shared a prayer of thanks. Ives, founder of Heart Cry International, said it is a nonprofit organization focusing on sharing the word of God through acts of good will. Ives said they hope to set up street centers in Sous Savanne and Uganda, but must get permission from owners to complete the project. The centers will allow orphans to bathe and receive nourishment. She said this is where they can feel safe, and not have the urge to run away. “When they don’t leave, they are ready to go to a home,” Ives said. An orphanage in Port au Prince is currently planned and she also hopes to create a literacy program and street home for over 50 boys who currently sleep in the streets. She said12 people will trav-
“I heard the cry of the poor and followed it.” Carla Ives, founder of Heart Cry International el to Haiti and 20 to Uganda in August to build homes for three boys. They will also travel to Nigeria to continue extensive work on a malnourishment prevention program. Ives said the total raised from the walk was around $5,000. Mission work Ives has been involved with HCI for four years and with mission work for 20. Last year she was the only one to walk. “I heard the cry of the poor and followed it,” said Ives. Ives’ daughter, Nicole Homan, said she enjoys the walk because it brings her family together. She said they share a great bond and it encouraged the adoption of her son, Abraham. “I’ve never done it before, but I will complete it,” Abraham Homan, 10, said. Homan said he is full of energy and will most likely lead the group. HCI team member Roberta Taylor said this was her first time walking but it will not be
her last. “We have already lost a little boy from Malaria and we do not want to lose another child,” Taylor said. Ives said anyone at CMU can get involved with HCI. She said the group’s work includes shipping and gathering in offices, overseas internships, and more. On June 25 and 26 a garage sale for support of the mission teams will take place on 415 N. Arnold St. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ives said. The sale will raise funds to support those traveling to Haiti and street children in Uganda. Ives is preparing to leave for Haiti next Wednesday to be with the children, she said. She ultimately wants HCI to be all over the world and is prepared to do whatever she can to make it that way. “It started as a little idea and became my life,” Ives said. metro@cm-life.com
Though two associate deans for the College of Medicine have been named, one search will need to be restarted. Ernest Yoder, dean of the College of Medicine, said the search for the Associate Dean of Student Affairs has been restarted. “The other search, the initial search was not successful in identifying a preferred candidate,” Yoder said. “So that has been re-energized.” In the initial search process Robert Satonik, Stephen Peterson and Mala R. Chinoy were all named as finalists for the position. He said the number of resumes received for the second search has far outweighed the number received for the first search. “I’m confident this will be successful,” Yoder said. He said he had a meeting with Provost Gary Shaprio about the position last week. “The position has been reposted and a new search committee has been appointed,” Shapiro said in an e-mailed statement. He said the chairman of the committee will be Roger Coles, interim dean of the College of Graduate Studies. “Applications will begin to be reviewed in early July,” Shapiro said. “We hope to have someone hired by early September.” Yoder said the search committee for the position of associate dean of clinical affairs and hospital relations has finished their search. “Well, the search committee for clinical affairs and hospital relations has done its work and they did a terrific job and we are talking right now with a preferred candidate,” Yoder said. Yoder said he hopes to have an announcement soon on the position. “We’re making good progress on the associate dean for clinical affairs and hospital relations, (they) must be somebody who is not only an expert in medical education but is a practicing physician and understands how education works in the sites of medical practice,” Yoder said. In May, Deborah Biggs
City Commission advances planned cuts in proposed 2011 city operating budget By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter
The Mount Pleasant City Commission agreed to move forward with the proposed $1 million budget reduction for 2011. The commission met during a two-hour work session Monday night to discuss the proposed 2011 city budget plan. “The biggest hurdle is trying to make the cuts that are necessary without adversely making this a less safe place to live and to keep the quality of life as good as we can,” said Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer. “It’s a real balancing act because we’re used to some of these programs. How can we cut some of them and not adversely affect our city?” The city commission spent the first half of the meeting discussing the proposed changes in the police department.
For 2010, the City of Mount Pleasant budgeted 32 police officers, three of whom are detectives and 21 of whom are patrol officers. However, there are currently two vacant positions in the police department. Only 20 patrol officers are currently on duty and since November only two detectives have been employed. The remaining detective work has been absorbed by other officers in the police department. The commission agreed public safety is a huge priority and decided to hire an additional patrol officer to help ease the workload of officers in the department. The detective position will remain vacant to account for a portion of the necessary budget cuts for the upcoming year. The commission agreed to monitor any discrepancies in
public safety and make adjustments in the future if necessary. “We’ll only know the impact from having it happen,” Commissioner David McGuire said. Commissioner Kathleen Ling expressed concern over the proposed recreation funding cuts. She said several city residents have said they would rather pay an increase in recreational fees than see recreation programs, such as the summer youth soccer program, get cut. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t make cuts, but $90,000 is beyond my comfort level,” she said. Commissioner Jon Joslin said some recreation cuts cannot be avoided and community members may have to host some recreational services the city can no longer fund. An amended proposal for the 2011 budget cuts is expected to be presented to the city commis-
LIFE IN BRIEF Woman shot in leg The Isabella County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting Wednesday at Union Square Apartments, 4175 E. Bluegrass Rd. The incident involved a 23-yearold male and a 24-year-old female, resulting in a handgun discharging and shooting the woman in the leg. The two individuals were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, said Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski of the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department. Police are determining if the gunshot was intentional or accidental, Mioduszewski said. They were called to the scene at 4171 E. Bluegrass Road at about 4 p.m. June 16
after other residents heard the gunshot. He said police have limited information and cannot release any more details.
be included. For more information contact Kathleen Beebe of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation at 953-7992.
New trail opens The new Access Adventure Trail loop at Chipp-A-Waters Park opens this weekend during Summerfest. A run/walk/ wheel event will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Chipp-AWaters Park, 1403 W. High St. where the Striders of Mount Pleasant will christen the trail. The ribbon cutting ceremony will occur at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a community picnic until 3 p.m. Free food, live music and activities including a treasure hunt will
Auditions for Sweeney Todd The Friends of the Broadway Theatre are holding auditions for the dark comedy “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” July 6 through 8. Auditions for instrumentalists will be at 6 p.m. July 6 and auditions for characters and the chorus will be held at 6 p.m. July 7 and 8, all at the Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St. For more information call the Broadway Theatre at 772-2075.
sion in August or September. The commission agreed to monitor most proposed changes to evaluate their effectiveness and make adjustments in the future if necessary. “Every single one of these things we wish we did not have to do,” City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said. “Yes, it will probably have an impact. Can we live with that in the light of finding $1 million? I think we can.” metro@cm-life.com
was hired as associate dean of administration and finance, while Nehad El-Sawi was named as associate dean of medical education and faculty development. Biggs started Monday, while El-Sawi starts on July 9. “We’ve been very careful with the search committees to identify the right individuals,” Yoder said. “Both from the perspective of their personality and the cultures they’ve grown and developed
in and their expertise.” Yoder started on June 1 and has been working with Interim Dean of the College of Medicine Cam Enarson. Enarson will end his time at Central Michigan University on June 30. “I think fortunately this month of overlap it has allowed us … to maximize the presence of both of us during this time,” Enarson said. university@cm-life.com
4A || Wednesday, June 23, 2010 || Central Michigan Life
City roadwork
Construction on Bellows to be finished late July Oak Street Bridge getting $225,000 renovation By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter
Amelia Eramya/staff photographer
Roy Ranck, 65, of Wise Township looks through boxes of electronics at the Central Michigan University Public Auction at Lot One on Bellows St. on Saturday. Ranck said he attends this auction every year. “I usually get sucked in to buying something,” he said. “It’s kind of a grab bag. It’s all impulse buying.”
CMU salvage auction brings bargain seekers University gets $40,000 annually from sales By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter
Kris Shafer bought a GMC Safari for $600 from Central Michigan University. He said he plans on playing with it and then selling the van, which he bought at the annual university salvage auction on Saturday. “I was told it runs,” the Mount Pleasant senior said. “It’s just an extra car for fun.” Shafer said the van has more than 67,000 miles. The auction was held to sell off items turned in from campus departments including furni-
ture, electronics, lockers, computers, tables and bikes. The buyers had to keep up with the fast-paced delivery of two auctioneers. Large pallets of electronics were sold and piled into the backs of several vehicles. “We get furniture from all over campus and put it out here for people to buy,” said Kim Wilson, a warehouse worker with University Stores. “It’s just stuff that people don’t want anymore or stuff we can’t use on campus.” Mike Viers is the manager of University Stores and Warehouse Operations and is responsible for organizing the sales. He said Saturday’s auction raised $20,762. The auction and surplus sales raise about $40,000 a year for the university, Viers said. He said there are nine surplus
“Once in a while you’ll get a real bargain. I’ve never met anyone who said they didn’t.” Frank Boles, director of the Clarke Historical Library sales a year and the next one takes place July 30 at the corner of Bellows and Douglas Streets. Viers said the sales provide a way to offer products to the general public and keep them out of landfills. He said he has purchased shelves, chairs and bicycles at the sales. “If you’re willing to be a little creative and do a little work, you’ll be able to find something you can get a lot of use from,” Viers said. New Hampshire senior Nolan Faber bought a standard ana-
Summer theatre opening this week By Rachael Woods Staff Reporter
A selected handful of 12 students in Central Michigan University’s Theatre Department have been bustling for the past four weeks. The packed line-up of this year’s 24th annual Summer Production tour consists of three productions, performed in repertoire fashion beginning today at 7:30 p.m. at Bush Theatre with “Last Train to Nibroc,” a romantic drama about a cross country road trip forever changing the lives of two strangers, directed by professor Tim Connors. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday the production team will be putting on “Almost, Maine,” a compilation of nine witty and humerous stories taking place under the magical Northern lights - under the direction of Steve Berglund, director of University Theatre. On Friday the third play of the series, “Incorruptible,” a “dark comedy about the dark ages” - directed by associate professor
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Keeley Stanley–Bohn, will be on the stage. “Everyone can relate to the shows on different levels, which makes it very appealing,” said Sanford junior and Nibroc co-star Chris Krause. He said as actors they learn a lot about themselves in the process. An additional performance of “Last Train to Nibroc” will take place Sunday at 2 p.m. Berglund said what makes CMU’s Summer Theatre exceptional is the plays are not only performed at CMU, but also in Boyne City and Waterford, all within a few short weeks. “Educationally, it’s a challenge for the performers, technicians, light board operators,” Berglund said. “They have to prepare for a different show every night and have to adjust to different performance bases.” All aspects of each production, including sets, costumes, and acting are designed, built and mastered by the small group of faculty and students.
If you go... w w w w
What: Opening performance of "Last Train to Nibroc" Where: Bush Theatre When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $5 for students and seniors, $7 for general public
Each person must fill several roles in the overall creation. “You get exposed to all areas of theatre (which) I think creates well rounded theatre people,” Berglund said. On Saturday a particularly special showing will occur with an Alumni Benefit performance of “Almost, Maine.” Tickets for all shows are available at the Central Box Office. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The Alumni Benefit is $25, with a reception to follow the performance. university@cm-life.com
logue classroom clock for $1. “I just needed a clock in my kitchen,” Faber said. “The stuff is cheap.” Frank Boles, director of the Clarke Historical Library, bought two tables for $30 each and a paper cutter for $2. Boles said he attends about three or four auctions a summer. “Once in a while you’ll get a real bargain,” Boles said. “I’ve never met anyone who said they didn’t.” university@cm-life.com
The Mount Pleasant Department of Public Works expects the ongoing construction on Bellows Street to be completed by the end of July. Gary Schwerin, assistant city engineer, said the bulk of the construction will take place on Bellows between Mission and Lansing streets. The project is expected to cost $75,000. The goal of the project is to install bike lanes, reduce the speed of traffic, increase back-in parking and make Bellows Street more pedestrian-friendly, Schwerin said. “Last year we had a consultant come in and try to give us ideas on how to make our streets more walkable,” he said. Bike lanes will be installed from Mission down to Washington. “We could put the bike lanes in without a lot of impact,” Schwerin said. He said back-in parking will be added from Mission to Lansing Street and will likely cause traffic to slow down in the area. “It’s going to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian traffic,” he said. “Parking always seems to be a priority. We had the road width and putting the vehicles on the road helps reduce
traffic speeds as well, just because the road looks a little bit narrower that way.” John Belco, manager of the Student Book Exchange, 209 E. Bellows St., said he doesn’t expect Bellows construction to significantly affect business. “I haven’t seen any problems yet from that,” he said. “This time of year, generally for us, is not really busy anyway. We’re just getting ready for fall. Our big thing coming up in a month is our sidewalk sale and it might take a little more effort for our customers to get here.”
Bridge work In addition to construction on Bellows Street, the rehabilitation of the Oak Street Bridge is expected to be finished by the end of next week. The Oak Street Bridge project will cost about $225,000, Schwerin said. An inspection on the bridge in 2009 it deemed unsafe for pedestrian use. “Because it is a historic bridge we decided we wanted to rehabilitate that and put it back in place,” he said. The bridge has been cleaned, repainted and made structurally sound. Concrete work and final touches are in the process of being completed. He hopes to open the bridge for use in time for Mount Pleasant Summerfest. metro@cm-life.com
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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, June 23, 2010 || 5A
an art head start Photos by libby march/photo editor
Madison “Maddie” Thrush, 7, leans into her grandmother, Jeannie Thrush, of Shepherd, Monday afternoon at the Art Reach Center, 319 South University Ave. Jeannie is leading art classes this week for 6-8 year old children in the mornings and 10-12 year olds children in the afternoons. Maddie is part of the morning class, but stayed later to be with her grandmother.
Children spend week working on arts and crafts, are encouraged to look for creativity within everyday objects
Above: Matthew Szymczak, 9, balances a miniature variation of a geodesic dome made of rolled newspaper during arts camp for 10-12 year old kids Monday at Art Reach, 319 South University Ave. Szymczak attends Sacred Heart Academy and will be in third grade in the fall. “This is like the only art class where the teacher has let me get out of the ordinary project and just make things,” said Szymczak, who received a sewing machine for his ninth birthday this week and is currently using it at home to make a pillow for his dad. Below: Jeannie Thrush, Art Reach childrens’ art class leader, works with Matthew Szymczak on one of his projects Monday at Art Reach. “It’s the kids that give me the ideas for the projects,” Jeannie said. “They’re so creative.” Far Bottom: Laura Beadle, 10, untangles yarn to be used in her weaved sunflower project Monday at the Art Reach Center. Laura will be a fifth grader this fall at Mary McGuire Elementary.
By Maria Leone Staff Reporter
J
eannie Thrush has the experience and responsibility of sharing her passion for arts and crafts with several of eager children. A handful of children got the opportunity to work on crafts as well as learn about going ‘green,’ from Monday to Thursday at Art Reach of Mid-Michigan’s Kid’s Summer Art Camp. They will also be informed of the importance of recycling and what they can do to make a better world. “These kids have so much energy and I love experiencing it with them,” Thrush said. Madison Thrush, 7, is Jeannie’s granddaughter and said she enjoyed spending time with Jeannie, her “Mi-Mi.” Madison made a sunflower by weaving yarn onto paper and said it was not a difficult task for her to complete. She said she still prefers tulips over sunflowers. Another activity had children participating in the Hide-a-Bee, which included having to paint a bee on a rock. The children had to find the bee hidden outside and use team-developing skills to locate it, Jeannie said. She said they will try to complete 11 different projects over the course of a week. To encourage recycling children will take an empty plastic bottle and cut it out to look like a fish. They will also learn how to design a greeting card using lettuce seeds and paint.
Other projects include domes, sun-catchers, boomerangs, sponge balls, bottle cap magnets and more, she said. Jeannie said all groups of children will do mostly the same things, but the older group will add more to it. “I want them to be able to look at what used to be an ordinary object and see something else, seeing the creativity within,” Jeannie said. Fun for kids Matthew Szymczak, 9, said his favorite project of the day was making a dome because he used his own idea to do so. He made a mini dome instead of a large one, Thrush said. “It’s lots of fun and it’s only my first day,” Szymczak said. He said he enjoys attending sessions because he loves art. For his recent birthday, he got a sewing machine because he wanted to make a pillow for his dad. He said sewing it is going to take forever, but he is determined to complete it. Laura Beadle, 10, also spent her first day enjoying making arts and crafts. She said her favorite project was the sunflower. “It wasn’t hard to make and it was a lot of fun,” said Laura. Jeannie said having these children come to Art Reach is a great way to get them away from electronics and open them to a new creative world. “Ultimately, my goal is to show them the creativity of the world,” she said. metro@cm-life.com
6A || Wednesday, June 23, 2010 || Central Michigan Life
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Several Division 1-AA schools not looking to make FBS jump Illinois State plans to increase football stadium capacity to 24,000, among other upgrades By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter
While some of the biggest conferences in Division 1 athletics have made changes in membership of late, some prominent Division 1-AA schools aren’t looking to move anytime soon. Illinois State University, North Dakota State University and Southern Illinois University have all said there is no interest in moving their football programs to the Football Bowl Subdivision at this time. “It’s one of those things, traditionally, that filters down,” said SIU Athletics Director Mario Moccia. “The jump schools, the BCS schools, it’s kind of like a domino effect. I think most everyone’s waiting to see how it shakes out.” Central Michigan Life reported last week the MidAmerican Conference is open to expanding its membership, something the Big Ten and Pac-10 have pursued in recent weeks. While MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher opted not to go into
detail regarding the conference’s plans for membership, Central Michigan University President George Ross said the MAC would look at other Division 1 schools. Southern Illinois is one of those programs. The Salukis’ football team finished the 2009 season 11-2 after losing in the Division 1 FCS quarterfinals to William & Mary. But Moccia questions if a move to become a member of the FBS is right financially for the school and town of Carbondale, Ill. which has a population of 26,000. “Everybody looks at Boise State, but there are examples of schools that haven’t been successful, like a North Texas or Western Kentucky,” he said. “We’re kind of in a rural area with a finite population. I think it’s great to have good seasons and get caught up in it, but you have to look at the population here and it’s contracting. “Businesses aren’t coming; they’re leaving ... you kind of have to be aware of the situation (around you).” Illinois State, located in Normal, Ill. – a town of more than 50,000 – is another FCS school experiencing similar success with its athletic program. The school earned the Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports Trophy after winning five conference championships and finishing fifth or better in 16 of the
17 sports it participates in last season. “That’s the thing, there really is no story,” said Todd Kober, ISU associate athletic director. “To my knowledge, there is no planned jump in the immediate future.” Since taking the job in 2006, ISU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger has increased donations to the athletic department by 65 percent. He also introduced “The Redbird Renaissance,” a plan to renovate several athletic facilities on the ISU campus. In the proposal is a full renovation of the football stadium, including an increase in seating capacity from 15,000 to 24,000. Zenger was gone for the week and unavailable for comment. North Dakota State Athletic Director Gene Taylor also denied any plans for the Bison to leave the MVC for a FBS conference. “I wouldn’t say never, but right now we’re committed to the FCS and Missouri Valley,” Taylor said. “We haven’t had any official talks.” NDSU beat CMU 44-14 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in 2007 and finished the season 10-1 but haven’t had a winning season since.
FILE PHOTO BY SEAN PROCTOR
Former Central Michigan pitcher Jesse Hernandez was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays on June 15. After working out in front of Blue Jays coaches in Tampa, Fla., the right-handed pitcher was recently assigned to the organization’s Gulf Coast League team in Florida.
Sports update: Hernandez signs with Blue Jays, Hofstra adds Michigan universities slow increases in tuition for 2010-11 Ferrara, ESPN recognizes Bellore U-M, MSU keep annual hikes under 3 percent, SVSU 5.9 percent By Maria Leone Staff Reporter
Tuition rates at several Michigan public universities are increasing. J.J. Boehm, director of media and public relations at Saginaw Valley State University, said a long term view needs to be taken for budgets. SVSU’s Board of Control chose to raise tuition by 5.9 percent for 2010-11 students. “Like many of our sister universities, we’ve undertaken cost savings measures over the year,” Boehm said. For one credit hour instate students will pay $243.60, and they will pay $7,307 for 30 credit hours worth of tuition, he said. SVSU is not alone, however. Michigan State University also made the recent decision to increase tuition. The tuition rate for an average MSU student increased 2.5 percent to $273 per hour for in-state students after a
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“As a response to these difficult economic times, all employee groups have demonstrated support by forgoing salary increases for a year.” Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU President
decision by the MSU Board of Trustees on Friday, said Jason Cody, university relations director for MSU. Cody said average tuition costs per semester are $11,153. The MSU Board of Trustees also approved a 10 percent increase of financial aid for 2011-12, Cody said. “We are proud of the way that the MSU community is working together to build value for students and stakeholders in Michigan and around the world,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said in a press release. “As a response to these difficult economic times, all employee groups have demonstrated support by forgoing salary increases for a year.” Boehm said the increase was the best course of action for fiscal and academic cost for SVSU. He said the financial aid and scholarship pro-
grams have also increased about 8.5 percent. State and student tuition was evenly split with 50 percent paid each way ten years ago, Boehm said. However, now 75 percent is covered by the student alone and 25 percent by state. The University of Michigan also raised tuition 1.5 percent for students, meaning most students with a 30 credit hours will pay $11,837. Central Michigan University’s tuition rates will not be determined until the July 15 Board of Trustees meeting. -Information from the Detroit Free Press was used in this article. university@cm-life.com
By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter
BASEBALL Former Central Michigan pitcher Jesse Hernandez signed with the Toronto Blue Jays on June 15 as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound righthander began workouts with the Blue Jays in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday and will pitch for the organization’s Gulf Coast League team. He is the 16th player to reach the big leagues under coach Steve Jaksa’s tenure at CMU. Former CMU catcher Dale Cornstubble was sent to the Kansas City Royals’ Rookie League affiliate Idaho Dale Cornstubble Falls Chukars. He did not play in the team’s opening game on Monday. Cornstubble, was selected by the Royals in the 40th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. FOOTBALL Senior linebacker Nick Bellore was ranked No. 11 on espn.com’s Top 25 rankings
“The first thing I thought of was that this team is on the cusp of the NCAA tournament and that was an extremely attractive opportunity for me” Bill Ferrara, on his decision to leave CMU for Hofstra Monday. Bellore led CMU with 132 tackles in 2008 and was named first-team MAC linebacker over the past two seasons. He has also been named to the preliminary watch list for the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award, awarded to the top lineman of the year. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Former CMU assistant coach Bill Ferrara was introuced as an assistant for Hofstra women’s basketball team on Thursday. He told gohofstra.com, the school’s athletics website, “The first thing I thought of was that this team is on the cusp of the NCAA tournament and that was an extremely attractive opportunity for me, an opportunity to go back to the big dance.” Central Michigan Life first reported the move three weeks ago.
Hofstra is located in Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y. Ferrara is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y.
TRACK AND FIELD Former CMU high jumper Erika Schroll and freshman discus thrower Alex Rose will compete in the USA Track and Field Championships and USA Junior Track and Field Championship, both events to be held today through Sunday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Schroll, Marcus Breidinger, Greg Pilling, senior Raeanne Lohner earned Academic AllMAC honors last week, earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher and competing in at least half of the outdoor track and field competitions. sports@cm-life.com