Volume 61, Issue 8 DEC. 9, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Culmination of ‘400 years’ celebration held in Dart Auditorium Page >>> 4
Women’s basketball team nipped by Schoolcraft in Gannon Gym, 54-51 Page >>> 6
Lansing Lights Up The“Silver Bells in the City” event kicked off the holiday season in Lansing. For details and additional photos, turn to page 12.
Students display projects from fall semester during StarScapes exhibition Pages >>> 8
Check us out on Photo by Julie Newell
2|News
dec. 9 2019 - Jan. 19 , 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Upward’ sculpture unveiled By Shauna Stocken Editor in Chief LCC hosted the official unveiling of its newest sculpture, “Upward Bound,” Nov. 22 on main campus, followed by a ribbon-cutting, reception and dedication. The sculpture, located on the hill in the center of campus, reaches 43 feet high and set on a uniquely engineered 50-ton base. “The outward-facing surfaces are a solid color and then the inner-ward facing ones have more of a fade, a gradient to it,” said Matthew J. McGaughey of the Mayotte Group Architects, the firm behind the design of “Upward Bound.” McGaughey said the literal interpretation of the sculpture brings one’s eyes upwards as they view the piece. He said it is symbolic of students academically moving through the college and progressing forward. The idea to build such a substantial art sculpture on campus was inspired by LCC President Dr. Brent Knight, who is retiring from the college next summer. “It’ll take some time for people to understand it, but it’s a big deal,” Knight said. “It’s one of the largest sculptures in Michigan.” “We designed and made it so it would last a very long time,” he continued. “It’s galvanized and there’s a special anti-rust primer and it’s got multiple coats … of clear paint on top of that.” According to Knight, “Upward Bound” was engineered to withstand heavy winds and inclement weather for at least 50 years. The dedication piece, a donation from LCC Trustee Andrew Abood, helped turned the sculpture into reality, according to McGaughey. “He (Abood) chose to dedicate it to his mother, and so that didn’t necessarily play into the form of the structure, but it being a grand element on campus makes it a grand gesture,” McGaughey said. In honor of Abood’s mother, Patricia Abood, 88, approximately 30 members of the Abood family joined LCC and the Lansing community in the unveiling. “It was nice to see what Glen Granger had done for his family and the
Photo by Shauna Stocken
About 30 members of the Abood family were present for the dedication of “Upward Bound” Nov. 22.
clock tower on campus,” Abood said. “I met with President Knight a few times, and he had brought (the Upward Bound project) up, and I eventually thought that this is something I could do. “When I thought about doing it and made that connection, there was a no more worthy person than my mom.” According to Abood, the sculpture drawing tourists to LCC is a secondary factor.
“The primary effect is to inspire the people, the staff, the Lansing community, the students and the faculty here at LCC,” Abood said. In Knight’s reception speech, he encouraged students and the community to visit “Upward Bound,” to photograph it, to meet each other near it and to take selfies underneath it. Guests were also encouraged by Knight to visit “Upward Bound” after dark and view the sculpture when it is lit.
Merchants team with ‘The Lookout’ to support charity By Larry Hook The Lookout Adviser The Lookout is teaming up with The Salvation Army to assist area low-income families for the holiday season. The newspaper staff has sold the advertising space on page 3 to generous local merchants. Half of the proceeds from these ads will go to the Capital Area Salvation Army in Lansing. Shauna Stocken, the editor in chief of The Lookout, said this project is a good way for the newspaper staff to assist the needy while also connecting with advertisers in the community. “It’s a good way for businesses who don’t normally advertise with us to not only connect with us, but also with an organization that does so much good during the holiday season in Lansing,” Stocken said. Jeff Prisner, the Christmas route manager for the agency, said he and his staff are grateful for the assistance from the advertisers and The Lookout. “We really appreciate the fact that The Lookout staff is community minded and wants to help people who aren’t as fortunate during the holiday season,” Prisner said. “The money will go toward our Christmas toy shop. We pass out toys to children that are in need of toys. Also, it will go toward holiday baskets for people who need food for the holidays.” The Salvation Army is best known for its volunteer bell ringers who collect funds to assist the needy during the holiday season. But there is much more to the organization, according to the organization’s mission statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. “Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” The Lookout staff will be donating a check for $250 to The Salvation Army, thanks to the generosity of the merchants listed on page 3. Please patronize these sponsors this holiday season, and throughout the year.
3|
dec. 9, 2019 - JAN. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Local Lansing businesses and The Lookout team up to help Salvation Army for the holidays Try our famous Olive Burger
The Lookout File Photo
Salvation Army volunteer Sonya Taylor rings the donation bell outside of the Kroger store in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing.
4|news
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Artists recap four centuries of history By Robin Morales Associate Editor The thundering sound of hand drums filled Dart Auditorium Dec. 3 to begin the final celebratory event, “Trials, Triumphs and Trailblazers,” in LCC’s recognition of the “400 years of African-American History Commission Act.” The concert incorporated several different mediums of artistic expression, including spoken word poetry, song, dance and dramatizations, to highlight social conditions during four distinct eras of history. According to Melissa Kaplan, one of the principal event coordinators, those “pillars” are slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement. “Some of the dance … is an absolute joy of celebration of African culture and the African experience and African identity,” Kaplan said. “Some of it is filled with grief and sorrow and pain. “The arts express emotion in a way that a conversation isn’t always possi-
ble to do. The arts can break through people’s preconceived notions.” The award winning choir from Pam’s Academy of Champions in Lansing, performed a few songs acapella to a standing ovation. The dominantly-black private elementary school has been involved in LCC’s commemoratory events of the past year, “since the very beginning,” according to the school’s director, Pam Eaton-Champion. “It’s not studied enough,” Eaton-Champion said. “People do not know enough about the contributions that African-Americans have made to the United States, and that it’s been for 400 years.” LCC student Ny’Kieria Blocker, who performed in “Sunset Baby,” sang Nina Simone’s interpretation of the song “Strange Fruit” during the slavery segment. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of violence and lynching. “Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze / Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees,” she sang.
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Photo by Julie Newell
Members of the DreamWorld Dance Company perform in Dart Auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 3.
To begin the Civil War segment, LCC student James Henson performed a solo interpretive dance to the song “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo. As part of the performance, Henson’s back was painted red to depict the remnants of whip lashings. The event concluded with statements
from LCC Chief of Diversity Officer Dr. Tonya Bailey, LCC Trustee Angela Mathews and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, delivered by a spokesperson. LCC began celebrating 400 years of African-American history this past Feb. 28 with the unveiling of the Malcolm X painting in the Gannon Building.
5|features
dec. 9, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Global Student Club promotes diversity By Kari Eastway Staff Writer The Global Student Club is an LCC student group that focuses on community involvement and raising cultural awareness. “The club is a very diverse club and it offers many opportunities and many different cultural aspects from other students throughout the globe who happen to be here at LCC,” said Club President Gary Cox. “It shows the diversity of this institution ... and the importance of education,” Cox said. “(The club) shows involvement of students interacting with one another, sharing and helping one another grow and learn.” The club’s goals include getting involved in the community and opening up to other individuals on campus. “We want to broaden our base of membership,” Cox said. Club Secretary Darsalam Amir said the club has been active since fall of 2018.
Photo by Kari Eastway
Members of the Global Student Club create blankets to assist low-income families during the holidays.
“We do a lot of events depending on the season,” Amir said. “Sometimes we volunteer, we help with food banks. Sometimes we do potluck events for students.” On Nov. 26, the Global Student Club
hosted a blanket drive. LCC students assembled blankets for a Lansing shelter that hosts women and children. “We’re trying to donate these blankets to kids for the upcoming season,” Amir said.
“We know it’s winter and it’s really cold, so we just want to do something to help the community become a better place. “It might help somebody. We know it’s not that much ... but it can make a difference in someone else’s life ... We hope to hold more events like this in the future.” The Global Student Club is hosting a potluck party Friday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Gannon Building room 2214. “People (are) bringing in food from different cultures so we can put together (a potluck) for students at LCC to have a taste of different cultures,” Amir said. “They’re also have a spelling bee contest where students can win prizes. “(The club is) trying to make it an exciting event after finals. Students can come in and relax, enjoy the food ... and learn about culture.” To find out more about the club and its meeting times, contact Adviser Elizabeth Lambrix at lambrixe@lcc.edu.
Campus Comments Editor in Chief Shauna Stocken and Photo Editor Julie Newell asked LCC students:
What is your favorite childhood Christmas present?
Brandon Suttles Journalism, 21
Makayla Mayer Nursing Student, 19
Ty Andrades General Studies, 19
“A remote control car.”
“I got a guitar, I want to say for my 10th Christmas.”
“When I was little, my parents got a dog; a puppy.”
Amia Everett General Studies, 19 “A Barbie horse carriage (when I was 7).”
6|Sports
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Women nipped by Schoolcraft College By Julie Newell Sports/Photo Editor The LCC women’s basketball team put up a fight against Schoolcraft College on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the Gannon Gym, but stumbled at the end, losing 54-51. The loss put the Stars’ record at 5-2 overall. “(We) missed a lot of shots,” LCC sophomore Celia Ridsdale said. “(In) the first half we only scored 22 points. This game we had the least amount of turnovers that we’ve had all season. (We) played great defense, but it just came down to missing a bunch of shots.” Freshmen Jada Moorehead led the team with 15 points and Tori Blackman delivered five assists for the Stars. “We played really hard, we didn’t shoot the ball very well, and I think they just out-hustled us,” freshman Abigail Koneval said. “At the end we still tried our best. We just couldn’t pull through.” Moorehead, Blackman and Koneval each grabbed eight rebounds in the game to lead
LCC. “We didn’t make very many shots, they (Schoolcraft College) did and we didn’t get stops when we needed to,” LCC Head Coach Layne Ingram said. “At the end of the day people have to show up, that’s the bottom line of the story. “We’ve got to show up and be ready to play at the tip-off, and we weren’t. We had three chances to win at the end of the game. We just didn’t execute.” The Stars won 71-63 against Great Lakes Christian College Nov. 26 and 75-70 against Delta College Dec. 2. As the fall semester comes to an end the Stars’ schedule continues to be full. The Stars were scheduled to play at Mott Community College on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Stars are scheduled to play at home in the Gannon Gym on Wednesday, Dec. 11 against Aquinas College; on Friday, Dec. 13 against Macomb Community College; and on Wednesday, Dec. 18 against Mott Community College.
Photo by Julie Newell
Freshman guard Georgia Hill takes a jumpshot vs. Schoolcraft Dec. 4.
Men’s basketball team drops third straight game
Photo by Julie Newell
LCC guard Darius Young goes up for a layup during a game against Schoolcraft.
By Julie Newell Sports/Photo Editor The LCC men’s basketball team suffered a 90-72 loss against Schoolcraft College on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the Gannon Gym. It was the Stars’ third straight loss. LCC freshman Ty Andrades offered his thoughts on the game. “Together mentally, (the) teammate chemistry wasn’t really there tonight,” Andrades said. This loss brought the team’s record to 4-4 overall. “Right now we’re struggling with trying to be a team that’s organized verses a team that can run and jump and shoot,” LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram said. “If you try and match a team talent for talent, like we tried to do tonight, then that’s the result that you get.” Sophomore Tevin Ali, who led the team with 32 points and 10 rebounds, commented on how the game went. “We weren’t hustling on defense and we
weren’t playing that hard,” Ali said. Ingram said his team needs to improve in all phases of the game. “We need to play together a little bit more on both ends of the court, we need to pass the ball a little bit more, we need to receive coaching a little bit better,” Ingram said. “Right now we’re not doing that against a strong team. You’ve got to play the right way and we didn’t do that tonight.” LCC also lost 84-75 against Parkland College Nov. 23 and 94-69 against Delta College Dec. 2. The Stars were scheduled to play at Mott Community College, Saturday, Dec. 7. The last two games of the semester are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 against Mott Community College and Thursday, Dec. 19 against Illinois Valley Community College, both in the Gannon Gym. The Stars will then break until the New Year, when they will play only against the MCCAA Western Conference teams.
7|sports
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Freshman paces women’s hoop The Lookout Page Designer Bayelee Hodge recently talked with women’s basketball player Jada Moorehead. The freshman leads the Stars in scoring this season. She is studying kinesiology at Lansing Community College. When did you start playing basketball? “Since I was younger; probably first grade.” What made you want to start playing basketball? “My dad. He’s a basketball fan and he played in college.”
Q& A
What is it like being the number one offensive threat on the team? “Powerful.” Is there any advantage to being a left-handed shooter, as you are? “(It is an advantage in) being able to go by the defender, because it’s kind of hard to guard a left-hander when you’re use to guarding a right-hander.” Any funny moments in your career? “This girl pushed me because I got the ball and then she got a tech. I’ve had a lot of funny moments.” What are your plans after LCC? “To go to a four-year college after this.”
Why did you decide to play basketball at LCC? “I got a scholarship, and my dad said it will be a good fit and it’s close to home. And the coach (Layne Ingram) played at (the University of Michigan and ... can help me get better and (get scholarship) offers.” Why did you decide to play at the next level? “Basically for school, so I can get paid (with scholarship tuition), but I do like ‘hooping.’” How has basketball affected your dayto-day life? “It makes it so busy, but it’s fun, though.”
Photo by Bayelee Hodge
Jada Moorehead
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Lansing Community College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and equal education for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or that is unrelated to the person’s ability to participate in educational programs, courses services or activities offered by the college. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Lori Willett, Human Resource Manager/Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1870; Christine Thompson, Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1261.
8|arts and entertainment
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF
Arts and Entertainment
Tree festival at Turner-Dodge
Photo by Julie Newell
Danielle Hook (left) and Olivia Szilagyi present their findings about invasive plants during StarScapes.
Photo by Julie Newell
Morgan Haggarty stands near her exhibit.
Students showcase talents during StarScapes exhibition By Ali Williams A&E Editor Students presented research from their classes and other projects at LCC’s StarScapes Nov. 25 and 26. StarScapes is an “Innovation and Creativity Showcase,” according to LCC’s website. All students or groups of students are able to participate in StarScapes with the support of a faculty member. Many students participate in correlation with an LCC class. Others, like members of the LCC Japanese Club, join the showcase to display what they do in meetings and bring more attention to the club. “We have a really big club here,” thirdyear LCC student and Japanese Club member Danielle Sweet said. “Our club leader (Mieko Philips) thought it would be a really good idea to, not just advertise, but to show that we have something that we
King Bob
are continuously building as a community and giving value to LCC.” The Japanese Club showcased some of the members’ favorite parts of Japan. A poster board of Japanese food and another of Japanese culture were on display. Olivia Szilagyi was at StarScapes for her microbiology class on Nov. 25. She worked on her project with several classmates. “Essentially, we went through and picked a bunch of invasive plants,” Szilagyi said. “There’s 28 plants. … We just picked based on how they looked. “Some of them were really close to how an invasive plant looks, maybe there were some differences, but we decided, ‘Let’s pick them — let’s see if they’re invasive.’” Szilagyi and her microbiology class tested each plant to see if it was invasive. Szilagyi said they purified the DNA and
performed PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Her class sent off the DNA strands they extracted to GeneWiz, who gave the students the nucleotides. Szilagyi and her microbiology class discovered that only seven of the 28 plants chosen were invasive. Morgan Haggarty went to StarScapes for the first time for her microbiology class as well. Haggarty’s presentation was about the Hantavirus, something that is commonly found in Eastern countries, she said. The Hantavirus infects mice and people, but it is not curable in humans, Haggarty said. “We do research projects throughout the class and we had to pick one of those (viruses),” Haggarty said. “I thought that this was kind of interesting.” StarScapes is held near the end of both fall and spring semesters at LCC.
By LCC Student Alex Riley
Turner-Dodge House is hosting its eighth annual Festival of Trees starting Dec. 7 and ending on Jan. 1. Holiday trees created by various businesses and organizations will be on display on all three levels of the building. Admission is $5. The event is open to the public from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The festival is open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.lansing.org/ event/8th-annual-festival-of-trees/26877/.
‘Almost, Maine’ coming to LCC LCC’s Beginning Acting Studio class will perform “Almost, Maine” at the LCC Black Box Theatre on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. The event is free and starts at 8 p.m. “Almost, Maine” is written by John Cariani and directed by Andy Callis. The Black Box Theatre is located on the first floor of the Gannon Building. For more information, visit https://www.lcc. edu/calendar/index.php?eID=1980.
Choir, band performances set LCC’s Concert Choir and Rock Band will perform Dec. 13 and 14 at Dart Auditorium. The Concert Choir will perform on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is directed by Jon Ten Brink. LCC’s Rock Band will perform on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The Rock Band’s performance is directed by Chris Rollins. Each concert is free. For more information, visit https://www.lcc.edu/services/community-campus-resources/performing-arts/events.html.
This week’s original comic is sponsored by:
9|Arts and Entertainment
dec.9, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout
reviews
‘Charlie’s Angels’ return in new movie By Ali Williams A&E Editor The new “Charlie’s Angels” continues the story of the 2000 classic and the 1976 television version of the same name. The movie, which entered theaters on Nov. 15, follows Elena (played by Naomi Scott, who also starred in “Aladdin”), Jane (Ella Balinska) and Sabina (Kristen Stewart) as the angels try to stop ‘Calisto’ from falling into the wrong hands. ‘Calisto’ is a sustainable energy source that Elena found a flaw in while running
tests on it. Elena discovers that ‘Calisto’ can be made into a weapon of mass destruction, so she tries to warn people. Despite having the evidence, Elena is ignored and goes to “Charlie’s Angels” to find a way to stop any deaths that the energy source may cause. The movie is great – if people understand that it is not a remake of the original movie. The girls in the new “Charlie’s Angels” are not meant to be overtly sexy and fighting in heels like in the original
movie, which starred Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu. The 2019 movie is not attempting to be unrealistic. There is not an unrealistic fight scene that is unnecessarily sexy, like the original movie; it is an action movie with spies. Although some scenes are filmed awkwardly, and there is a cameo from Noah Centineo that could have been cut out, the movie is great. It is enjoyable and entertaining; something that is great to see with friends.
Photo from The Irish Times
TV show about Queen Elizabeth II reigns By Maddy Warren Staff Writer Netflix put season three of “The Crown” on the streaming platform, Sunday, Nov. 17. It is set in the early 1960s to the late ‘70s and explores the historic tensions and tragedies England faced during the time period. It also focuses on “behind the scenes” moments from the royal family, like Princess Margaret’s crumbling marriage to Lord Snowdon, and Prince Charles’ impending adulthood. The show introduced a mainly new cast, intending to illustrate the aging of the characters.
Photo from Goodhousekeeping.com
Actress Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in seasons one and two. She is replaced by Olivia Coleman in season
three. Matt Smith was replaced by Tobias Menzies, who plays Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Vannessa Kirby was replaced by Helena Bonham Carter, who portrays Princess Margaret. The scene at the end of the third episode takes place after Queen Elizabeth II visits the town of Aberfan, where a coal mining accident caused over 100 children and adults to lose their lives. After returning home she listens to the song sung by mourners at the funeral for the children. Coleman’s delivery of the scene was particularly moving, as a single tear rolls down her cheek just before the credits
roll, and the dramatic theme song plays. I have always been fascinated with the royal family and have been a fan of the show since its debut in 2016. I was excited for the release of the new season and interested to see what the directors would make of the cast change. Once again I was impressed not only with the acting, but with other elements such as the soundtrack and costumes, which aid in telling the stories even more. I gave the series only four out five stars, due to some inaccuracies of the historical timeline. Seasons one through three of “The Crown” can be streamed on Netflix.
Nip N Sip serves traditional American food
Photo by Chloe Gregg
Nip N Sip is located at 2603 North East St. in Lansing.
By Chloe Gregg Staff Writer Nip N Sip is an old-fashioned American drive-in restaurant on the north side of Lansing at 2603 North East St. It is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. This traditional American eatery sells all the classics, ranging from burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs, to homemade onion rings and jalapeno poppers for the inexpensive prices of regular fast food. On a recent visit I got the homemade onion rings, the olive burger, and the popular
“Hammy Sammy.” The burger was very tasty and wasn’t overly greasy like many other fast food burgers. The Hammy Sammy lived up to its hype and offered mouthwatering ham and fresh ingredients. The homemade onion rings, however, were the real star of the show for me. They were obviously freshly made with delicious breading. The food at Nip N Sip seems to me to be more similar to really good bar food rather than a fast food joint because of the freshness of the ingredients used. What really can’t be beat, however, is the
experience. To order, you pull into a designated menu spot and press a button connected to it. You place your order and then a member of the friendly staff will come out to serve you your meal with minimal wait time. You’re free to stay in your spot and eat, go inside, or leave. For those who would prefer, there is also a drive-thru option. All in all, Nip N Sip is a fantastic, fast and cheap place for dinner. You can go there by yourself, with your friends, family or even on a date (split one of their incredible root beer floats for a cute date idea).
10|opinion
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Stocken speaks —
Ask yourself, what would Greta Thunberg do? Following the UK Climate Change Summit this past Sept. 23, Greta Thunberg became the face of climate change. The Swedish teenager, 16, was recently nominated for the Noble Peace Prize for her stance on climate change and activism. In my circle, Thunberg is considerably younger than my friends or myself, but it’s impossible to deny she’s started a movement. She is precisely the person I want to get behind, the leader and role model Mother Earth needs. I am not a scientific expert on climate change or the state of the planet, but facts
Shauna Stocken editor in chief
stockens@lcc.edu
are facts. The planet is warming, sea levels are rising and pollution levels will reach critical altitudes, endangering animals, children and the elderly. Society cares about volunteering in one’s community during holidays, walking dogs at animal shelters and donating
to Girl Scouts selling cookies. So why not put the same physical energy or monetary support into helping the planet? I encourage everyone in my life to reflect on his or her contribution to climate change and eliminate what’s nonessential. Recycle, renew and reuse. Help clean littered parks that damage natural habitats. Find alternative forms of transportation such as riding the city bus, carpooling or riding a bicycle. Thunberg no longer travels on airplanes or jets, which release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Instead, Thun-
berg voyages on a solar-powered sailboat. I travel to and from work on pure electricity in my Chevy Volt. My vehicle generates zero emissions that cause air pollution and climate change. You may ask yourself if all of this is necessary, and the answer is – yes. If you live in the city of Lansing, please consider recycling. Green trash bins are free of charge and delivered to your home. The cost of this service is already calculated into the price of yearly homeowner taxes, whether you use the service or not. Do your part, and when in doubt, ask yourself, what would Greta Thunberg do?
— Robin’s Rant —
How a homeless man named Dave touched my heart During the winter months of 2018 I worked second-shift in the bottle return building at the south Lansing Meijer. Late in the evenings, when the trickle of customers had mostly stopped, I could stand at the window and talk to some of the homeless men who found refuge in the building for its warmth and seclusion. One man in particular became my friend. His name is Dave and I haven’t seen him since I finished working at Meijer last February. I remember how he would walk inside the building and shout “Hey Robin!” and shake my hand while smiling behind a thick moustache of yellow wispy hair.
As the winter went on Dave told me stories from his life. I am grateful he was willing to be so vulnerable with the struggling college student I was and whom he didn’t know. I pray my retelling sheds some light, however incompletely, on the complexity of Dave as a human being. I know he was born sometime during the baby-boom to a Southern Baptist mother from Tennessee and a Jewish father. Religion has been a lifelong and evolving relationship for him, though he was always vehement with me about the omnipresence of God. When I knew him, he was thinking about joining the Catholic Church.
Robin Morales Associate editor
moraler4@lcc.edu
I didn’t see Dave for a couple of evenings in late January, and I worried about him. He told me later that a police officer had roughed him up and thrown him in jail for a night on the presumption that he had stolen the bicycle he was riding around Lansing.
Not a single fiber in my body believed Dave stole the bicycle. I was bitter and angry to see his nose bruised and the gleam in his eyes slightly diminished. I remember asking Dave if he felt angry. He looked at me and said, “No. I forgive them.” I will never forget Dave’s story about the greatest desire for his life. He wants to implement his self-termed “eradicate homelessness plan.” He said he would buy a large plot of land one day and build a house on it where the homeless could live. As I write this, small tears are growing at the corners of my eyes. I have yet to meet another man filled with such an abundance of love.
— Ali’s Orbit —
Holiday season: it’s the most exhausting time of year The holiday of Thanksgiving is when I’m asked if I’m dating someone and am served bland mashed potatoes. It also bleeds into another holiday – Christmas – that is less about family and more about money. As I recover from the questions that are thrown at me from family members, I am quickly receiving Christmas lists and sending lists to everyone as Dec. 25 approaches. I wholeheartedly, genuinely, absolutely do not care for Christmas anymore now that it has become more about the presents and less about the family, I
Ali Williams A&E editor
wila156@lcc.edu
hardly see. As the days end and Christmas gets closer, the more I realize how commercialized and materialistic Christmas is. Sure, a new pair of shoes would be nice so I wouldn’t have to buy them myself,
but why is that the focus for Christmas? Why can’t families meet and spend time with one another, instead of throwing wrapped boxes at each other to show off how much they love each other? Of course I like to buy family gifts. My mom deserves so much that I may never be able to give her. My sister also needs some essential items for her new apartment that I know I can buy for her. But why is it on Christmas that all these things must happen? Holiday time with family is less about hugs and catching up with one another and more about what new toy, clothing
item or electronic someone will receive. Maybe it’s the fact that each year items become more expensive despite being “on sale.” Or maybe it’s because the income of my family members stays the same, which makes me hate writing a Christmas list each November. Maybe it’s the fact that I do not care for this holiday and would rather relax and talk with everyone since our lives are so busy. Whatever it is, hopefully my younger cousins are more excited about seeing my siblings and I, rather than the presents in our hands.
11|opinion
dec. 9, 2019 - Jan. 19, 2020 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —
Student government would be welcome The front-page headline of The Lookout from April 27, 1971, reads, “S.G. (student government) elections April 28-29.” As this suggests, LCC’s students were once empowered to discourse directly with the college’s board of trustees, administration and president on issues that mattered to them. After fizzling out roughly 20 years ago, there are talks of resurrecting a student government body at LCC. At The Lookout, we support the reestablishment of a student government with the hope that future college decisions will be made with the perspective of students
Shauna Stocken
in full consideration. After all, students enable the survival of LCC, not stakeholders or outside parties. Of course, there are countless questions that arise from this proposal. How should a potential student government be structured? What powers would a student government have in the larger framework of LCC’s hierarchy? How would a student government hear from the wider student body? We have all heard countless students voice their dissatisfaction and concerns as they relate to food costs and dining options on campus, parking, cut classes
How do you plan on spending THE holiday break? Robin Morales
Ali Williams
Julie newell
Bayelee Hodge
moraler4@lcc.edu
willa156@lcc.edu
A&e editor
sports/photo ed. newellj1@lcc.edu
hodgeb9@lcc.edu
“Reading and relaxing with family”
“Reading and writing”
“Watching shows”
“Spending time with family”
“Working and spending time with friends”
Associate editor
the lookout staff
Kari eastway
Page Designer
stockens@lcc.edu
editor in Chief
—
and distribution of tuition funds. Unfortunately, these criticisms are too often whispered in hallways and discussed outside of campus. A student government, in contrast, might help student voices reach the college’s decision makers. A student government is perhaps more critical now at LCC than at any time before. In the search for the college’s next president, a student government might be the most effective way for students to get their say in the task of replacing long-time LCC President Dr. Brent Knight, who is retiring next June.
ad manager
eastwak1@lcc.edu
Chloe Gregg
staff writer
MaddY Warren
staff writer
greggc3@lcc.edu
warrem13@lcc.edu
“Absolutely nothing”
“Working and spending time with family and friends”
“Going home and spending time with family”
larry hook
adviser
hookl@lcc.edu
“Cleaning the basement”
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12|LAST LOOK
dec. 9, 2019 - jan. 19, 2020
‘Silver Bells’ illuminates
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Photo by Julie Newell
LCC’s entry in the Silver Bel
The Bath High
School Marchin
g Band was ch
osen as an Elec
tric Light Para
Photo by Julie Newe ll
de winner.
Photo by Julie Newell
Photos by Larry Hook
The Petoskey Steel Drum Band has been a crowd favorite at the Silver Bells Parade for many years.
LCC hosted a Silver Bells Watch Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, with hundreds of people attending. Above, Macy Ayers of Potterville visits with Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” in the Gannon Commons during the watch party. At right, Jeff Kennedy (left) and Steve Ledyard perform in Dart Auditorium during LCC radio’s presentation of “Back to the Present.”
ls in the City parade roll
By Robin Morales Associate Editor Innumerable thousands of city residents braved the sub-30 temperatures and lined the sidewalks of downtown Lansing Nov. 22 for the 35th annual Silver Bells in the City parade. High school marching bands, local radio stations, armed forces divisions and various other floats and groups proceeded down Capitol Avenue. Attendees could also walk through the “Silver Bells Village” and purchase handmade items and local food sold by vendors. “It just brings the community together,” said Griffin Keller, a student from Okemos High School. “Families are here, friends are here. We all see each other. We’re all together.” The official state holiday tree was brought from Iron Mountain, a small city in the western Upper Peninsula. It was lit following a brief greeting from Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. Many people sang along to familiar
Friday, Nov. 22. s down Capitol Avenue on
holiday carols, and cheered when the tree was lit and fireworks filled the night sky. Lansing resident Abigail Thorn said she has attended Silver Bells many times through the years. “Even if it’s raining, cold and nasty, people still bundle up their kids and truck out here and it’s just a tradition,” Thorn said. The parade was viewed by several hundred people in the Gannon Commons area at LCC during the second annual “Silver Bells Watch Party.” The event included games, snacks, hot cocoa and an appearance by Elsa and Anna from the movie franchise “Frozen.” Following the parade, the LCC radio play, “Back to the Present,” was staged in Dart Auditorium. Written by WLNZ Station Manager Daedalian Lowry, the 90-minute play was broadcast live on LCC radio 89.7 FM and will be rebroadcast several times during the holiday season.
Photo by Julie Newell
Santa and Mrs. Claus made an early visit to Lansing during the Silver Bells in the City parade.