Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Volume 58, Issue 12
Jason Durr and Michelle Danaj perform in "The Snow Queen" Feb. 26 in Dart Auditorium. Durr and Danaj play the parts of Kay and Gerda. See page 16 for more on the LCC play.
Employers flock to job fair at west campus
Men’s basketball team advances to postseason
‘American Hero’ swoops into Black Box
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march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Gannon Building locker rooms IN BRIEF NEWS get much-awaited renovation
NASA to show ‘A Thousand Voices’
By Aaron Wilton Associate Editor Construction in the Gannon Building began during Thanksgiving break and is finally nearing completion for the men’s and women’s locker rooms. These new renovations are being done to the existing locker rooms on Gannon’s second floor. The work includes new bathrooms, sinks and handicap-accessible showers. According to Public Relations Director Devon Bradley, the locker rooms are available to all students, staff and faculty, not just Fitness Center members or student athletes. The project has an expected completion date of March 17, according to Robyn Ashley, secretary for the administrative services and physical plant office. Jeff Montgomery, a long-time fitness class instructor at LCC, said the locker room upgrades are much needed. “(The Gannon) Building opened in the fall of 1975,” Montgomery said. “January of ’76 was when a lot of the stuff started being used.” He said these are the first renovations to be made to the locker rooms since they were first constructed. “It’s a partial renovation to bring things up to code as much as they can,” Montgomery said. He described which fixtures have been updated, saying that new lockers were not part of the budget for this round of revamping. “The restrooms are now handicap accessible,” he said. “They actually did the showers (around Thanksgiving); they replaced the shower poles.” Montgomery said there have been talks of further renovations in the locker rooms, including new lockers, but no firm timeline or promises are in place.
The Native American Student Alliance at LCC invites all to attend a screening of the documentary “A Thousand Voices.” It will air on Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in Gannon Building room 244. The event is expected to run until 9 p.m. with a panel discussion of Native American Women following the film. Refreshments will be provided.
Brookdale seeks volunteers for elders The Brookdale Meridian Assisted Living facility is looking for volunteers for its Adopt-a-Grandparent program. Brookdale is located at 5346 Marsh Road in Haslett. This program matches young volunteers with a senior citizen based on similar interests. Each pair spends at least one hour per week together visiting, playing games and learning from each other. To get involved or get more information, contact Resident Program Coordinator Robin Steele at rsteele1@ brookdale.com or by phone at (517) 381-8700.
Bidwell book signing set at Eastwood The author of “Sitting Still: Meditation the secret weapon of Activism,” Jan Bidwell is set to hold a book-signing event at Schuler Books in the Eastwood Towne Center. Bidwell’s signing will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. She will start the event by providing some of her tips to get started meditating. The event will end with the signing. Bidwell, a Brighton native, has an interesting background and perspective on meditation and its positive effects. For more information, call Schuler Books at (517) 316-7495.
Read ‘The Lookout’ online with Issuu
Photo by Hannah Anderson
Photo by Nick Thompson
Shiny new sinks and mirror in the women’s locker room are part of the renovation projects.
Joel of Xtreme Masonry lays concrete blocks while working on the new locker rooms on the second floor of the Gannon Building on Wednesday, March 1. The project is expected to be complete by March 17.
Entire e-versions of each issue of The Lookout can be found online by going to www.issuu.com/lcclookout. Issuu includes a digital replica of the printed version of The Lookout. Copies of each issue of The Lookout dating back to 2010 are available on Issuu. For more information, call The Lookout at (517) 483-1291.
3|News
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
OER Summit offers info on learning materials By Aaron Emerson Editor in Chief If you have never heard of Open Educational Resources, you may want to do some research. Commonly referred to as OER, it is making its way onto college campuses nationwide. LCC is one of those campuses. LCC held its second OER Summit Feb. 24 on its downtown campus. Professors, teachers and students from across Michigan were on hand. It was an all-day event featuring guest speakers, workshops and panels, all having to do with OER adoption, development and creation. Regina Gong, the OER project manager for LCC, said the summit was a success. She gave her own definition of what OER is. “Open Educational Resources are freely available learning materials that come with open licenses,” Gong said. “Because they are openly licensed, these materials can be freely and legally downloaded, edited and shared to better serve everyone.”
Photo by Nick Thompson
The panel of OER specialists speaks to a group of educators on Feb. 24 in the Gannon Building commons.
Often, courses that utilize OER resources are accompanied by free textbooks that can be downloaded online
or printed. LCC began using OER in the fall of 2015, when five courses totaling
LCC job and internship fair provides ample opportunities for students By Aaron Emerson Editor in Chief Students at LCC find themselves in various statuses of employment. Some work part-time and some are looking for work. Others have jobs but are starting to prepare for a career after graduation. LCC hosted a job and internship fair Feb. 21 on its west campus to help students facing all of the above. Community members not affiliated with the college were also invited. According to event coordinator Becca Sowa, at least 128 employers attended. Employers represented a variety of sectors of the workforce. “I think (the fair) is important,” Sowa said. “For one, we have students who are looking for work. We are preparing them with an education and now we need to help connect them with employers to get that career experience.” Sowa, who is also LCC’s internship development manager, said the fair helped
Photo by Aaron Emerson
Chik-fil-A representative Richelle Hubble poses with the mascot Feb. 21 at LCC's west campus.
out more than just students, though. “We know there are people out in the community still looking for work and for better career opportunities,” Sowa said.
One LCC student, Jordan Camden, said he attended the fair to keep his options open. “I am currently employed part-time, but I am sort of starting to look around at other options, and this provides a solid opportunity to do that,” Camden said. Dean Transportation was one business represented at the job and internship fair. It had two hiring employers present to hand out applications, job information and to meet prospective employees. “The fair has been going very well,” said Ashleigh Wright, a hiring assistant at Dean. “There’s been a lot of job seeker traffic and we’ve handed out a lot of applications.” Wright said the fair was held at a good time for Dean. “We are hiring various drivers in our Lansing operation,” Wright added. “Our hopes are to receive some applicants who qualify and bring some of them on board.”
11 sections tried it out. A total of 317 students were enrolled that semester in OER classes. OER classes at LCC have since risen dramatically. This semester, there are 100 sections using it. That adds up to a total of 2,462 students enrolled in OER courses. According to textbook prices through the MBS Bookstore, LCC figured out that this spring, students are saving a total of $305,320 on textbooks through OER. “With OER, students have immediate access to learning materials for free and in the first day of their classes,” Gong said. “They don’t have to worry about paying for high textbook costs and using financial aid to purchase them.” The OER Summit highlighted all of these statistics and more. Guest speakers were from schools and organizations across the state. The keynote presenter was Dr. Cable Green, the director of open education at Creative Commons.
“What are your career plans after graduation?” SPECTIVES
ER CAMPUS P "I actually am planning on working as a jeweler." Zach Palmieri, Computer Graphics and Multimedia
"I've always wanted to own a plaza. I think it would be very cool to rent out places to people and make money for not doing much." Jerrod Jones, Business
"I'd like to go into social work, but I'm planning on applying to the Peace Corps." Warren Sokolnicki Human Services
4|features
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Vietnam Veterans honored in ceremony By Haneen Hammad Staff Writer A 50th anniversary veteran commemoration of the Vietnam War was housed at LCC in the Health and Human Services Building on LCC's downtown campus on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Special guest, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, who is also a Navy veteran, honored local veterans at the special ceremony. The memorial in HHS was developed to honor Michigan veterans, with a special emphasis on those in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Local veterans who served with distinction were nominated by members of the community and honored. The LCC Veteran Affairs Program honored the local service men and women who were set apart from their comrades through their distinguished acts of heroism by risking their lives. Peters presented commemorative lapel pins to Vietnam veterans from the Lansing area in honor of their service. Amy Maas, Lead Program Support Staff for CHSE, IDMS, IRXT and SURG Health & Human Services Division at LCC, attended the event for the first time. “I attended the veterans pinning ceremony in part because my father was
LCC Star
Photo by Nick Thompson
Senator and Navy veteran Gary Peters speaks at the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration in the HHS building on Feb. 21.
going to be there to be honored,” Maas said. “I was able to be there to watch him receive the pin. It was excellent.”
Maas said she is proud of the work put in by LCC and others. “I was very proud of my father and
- Alumni Spotlight -
Senator Peters’ office and LCC for all the things that they do to honor our veterans and help our military members.”
LCC Star
Helping students is LCC alum Beaudry’s passion By Aaron Emerson Editor in Chief Gina Beaudry was just like many other LCC students entering their first year of college. She didn’t know exactly what she wanted to study, and had no idea the places LCC would lead her. Fortunately, her time at the college ignited a passion within her to fulfill what is now more than a career to her; working with high school students going into college. “I didn’t know that, when I started at Lansing Community College, I would eventually end up working for a community college,” Beaudry said. Beaudry got her start at LCC in 1995, obtaining a general associate degree in 1997. She then took advantage of the “three plus one” program, finishing up at Northwood University in 2001 with
Gina Beaudry
bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Information Systems. She also worked at LCC, starting as a student employee during her first semester in the Student Life department. After that, she took a part-time position in the same department, before becoming lead support for Physical Fitness and Wellness. She held that position for nearly a decade. After leaving LCC for a short time, she took one last job at the college as the secretary for the High School Diploma Completion Initiative. After leaving LCC for good in 2009, she moved to North Carolina for a position at Sand Hill Community College. She kept that job for three years before accepting a job at Wake Technical Community College, which she said she is extremely passionate about. As the director of the Career Tech-
nical Education Partnership for Wake Tech, she works directly with high school students, helping them transition into community college. “LCC created my passion for trying to help students,” Beaudry said. “Community colleges have the ability to change people’s lives. LCC gave me the passion to let other students know education can change their lives.” Gina’s sister, Renee VanDeventer, is the current office manager and student organization specialist for Student Life. VanDeventer said her sister inspired her to achieve what she has. “She’s the reason I started working at LCC,” VanDeventer said. “She has definitely been a driving force for me. I think that one of the reasons she enjoys working for a college is because that’s what she’s good at.”
5|distractions
March 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Girls & Sports
By Justin Boros and Andrew Feinstein
This week’s King Crossword puzzle is sponsored by:
Hold your newspaper up to a mirror to get the answer to this week’s King Crossword puzzle:
6|sports
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Women fight for sophomores, Brunson By Brodee Gillam Sports Editor After a historic 24 seasons with the Stars, Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ervin Brunson finished his last regular season game at LCC on Wednesday, March 1. The Stars concluded the regular season with a win against Mid Michigan CC at home, 64-60. LCC was pushed to the limit, but there was a feeling in the air that the team was not losing on that night. Between Brunson’s retirement and
sophomores Courtney Wolf and Chasity Potter being honored before the game for Sophomore Night, the Stars seemed to be locked in. Freshmen Kelsey Finch, Sarah Schultz and Khadajah Williams led LCC in scoring, with 19, 15, and 15 points, respectively. Williams and Schultz were also working the glass well, leading to both of them snatching 10 rebounds. Brunson said the effort showed by his players in the win needs to continue if they want to go far in the postseason. “Sarah is going to give you 210 percent;
(Williams) is going to go out there and play aggressive,” Brunson said. “Unfortunately, (Williams) got in foul trouble, but like I told them, everybody has to step up. It might not be your night tonight, it could be someone else’s night but we need everybody to dig deep.” The Star that seemed to shine the most was Wolf, who had all nine of her points in the fourth quarter. Early in the quarter, Wolf read the passing lane and got an easy layup. She followed that late in the quarter with a few big drives to give the Stars the lead.
Wolf said she wanted to take over and score in the closing minutes. “It felt good,” Wolf said. “We obviously had to do something to win, because we generally don’t do as well in the fourth quarter … I decided to try and score a little bit, which worked out for me.” Wolf was the burst of energy LCC needed to push them to the win, fittingly in her last regular season home game as a Star. The Stars are scheduled to play on Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. against Muskegon CC in Muskegon.
Photos by Nick Thompson
Above, LCC’s Kelsey Finch guards Mid Michigan CC’s Madison Shurlow in the Stars’ game against MMCC March 1 in the Gannon gym. At right, Sarah Schultz of LCC dribbles down court after a steal.
New LCC baseball coach looking to enhance culture By Brodee Gillam Sports Editor After making the postseason for the first time in 15 years last season, and with new LCC Baseball Head Coach Drew Huard aboard, the Stars are trending upwards. Huard had been an assistant coach at Davenport College and Grand Ledge High School before being hired by LCC last fall. Sophomores returning from last year’s LCC postseason run include pitchers Andrew Brighton and Josh Bobel, and catcher Carson Eby.
Huard installed a leadership committee that, Huard said, has been great for team morale. It is led by the five team captains: sophomores Alex Huard, Garrett Hammer and Blake Dahlstrom; and freshmen Jacob Songer and Hunter Ruhstorfer. The captains were determined by vote of the players. Huard said the freshman class can contribute throughout the year and looks to be a strong class, though he named a few hitting standouts. “Players that popped out from our fall
practices and our winter practices (are) Hunter Ruhstorfer,” the coach said. “He really solidified himself as someone who can contribute right away. Brendan Baker, in the infield and as a bullpen pitcher, will most likely see a lot of time.” Coach Huard said the pitching side is still working itself out, but Logan Mlujeak and Sam Davison are looking great for the Stars. Huard said the Stars’ goals are very simple: play together and play the right way. “We’re really trying hard to change the perception of what LCC baseball is around
the community,” Huard said. “That’s one thing that is very important to us … (along with) making Westside Park one of the best fields in the conference. We’re trying to change the identity of what LCC baseball is. “We want it to be a place where, specifically, Lansing kids look at it as a very strong place to go play baseball and continue their baseball careers.” The Stars traveled south for spring break games starting March 5. The first home game is Friday, March 24 against Delta College starting at 2 p.m.
7|sports
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Men onto districts; national run in sight By Brodee Gillam Sports Editor The 18th-ranked LCC men’s basketball team ended its regular season with a 79-68 victory against Mid Michigan CC at home on Wednesday, March 1. The win pushed the Stars’ record to 22-6 overall and to 15-3 in the MCCAA. Before the game, sophomores Ashton Leger, Claude Finley, Quae Furlow, Jacob Allen, Isaiah Green and Colin Jones were all honored for their final home game as Stars. Jones was the star of the show against the Lakers, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Green was the ice to Jones’ fire, finishing with 19 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks. Green also intimidated many shots
at the rim. Green said the Stars’ defense is always improving and it starts in practice. “We talk to each other more than we did from the beginning of the season,” Green said. “Our help-and-recover (defense) has gotten better and we have a period where we just stop teams for a number of minutes. In practice, all we talk about is help and recovering. “You’ve got to stop penetration, got to talk to each other (and) we’ve got to help each other out. It’s not about individuals, it’s about the team now.” Freshman Rudy Thompson had the defensive assignment of guarding Lakers leading scorer Mikhail Myles. Thompson held Myles to 23 points on 23 attempts, making him uncomfortable
Photos by Nick Thompson
Above left, LCC’s Isaiah Green dunks against Mid Michigan CC on March 1 in the Gannon Building gym. Above right, LCC’s Quae Furlow saves a pass from going out of bounds. Below, the sophomore men’s basketball players were honored by LCC before the game against Mid Michigan CC on Sophomore Night.
all over the floor. Thompson credited this to his team’s overall defense. “We pressured him to not let him stay in a rhythm or get many open shots,” Thompson said. “As well as talking and making sure we played good helpside defense, so he couldn’t get easy layups.” Even short-handed, with freshman Brandon Dingman out against the Lakers with a broken jaw, LCC still showed heart and energy throughout the whole game. LCC Men’s Head Coach Mike Ingram
said his team has changed throughout the year, but is playing at a high level right now. “The guys who came off the bench (earlier this season) have done well,” Ingram said. “Rudy, Josh Horford, Brandon and even Ashton, those guys, they ripped off 12 or 13 wins in a row, without some guys. “They play a little different but what they do ... (is) play really hard. And they do listen and they do compete.” LCC is scheduled to play Lake Michigan College on Tuesday, March 7 at home at 7 p.m.
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8|sports
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
COACH’S SPOTLIGHT
Retiring Brunson gives influential last words
Q&A
The Lookout Sports Editor Brodee Gillam recently spoke with retiring LCC Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ervin Brunson. After four MCCAA Western Conference Coach of the Year awards, two District D Region XII Coach of the Year awards, a NJCAA DII National Coach of the Year award, three MCCAA State Championships and one NJCAA DII National Championship, Brunson has decided it is time to hang up his whistle. What is your passion off the court? “I like working with people. I’ve been doing that as far (back) as I can remember; back in the days when I was coaching in high school, all the way up to now. I work in the psych hospital (at St. Lawrence) right now. I’ve been doing that since 1982. Even in high school I worked in the special ed. program, so that was just continuation of my passion and desire of helping young people and helping people in general.” What led you to LCC to coach? “When I first left New York City, I went back to (college) at age 32. I was coaching high school and didn’t have a degree. So I moved to Richmond, Va., where I started school and I ended as an assistant coach at a four-year university … called Virginia Union University.
Ervin Brunson There I started in 1982, and I was there until 1989 and then I moved (to Lansing). My ex-wife moved here, so I got married and that’s how I got here. I got out of coaching for that duration from ‘89 to ‘92. I’ve always had the passion, desire; I don’t feel burnt out. I just think I’m at a point right now that there’s more positives, things I’d like to do, to move on.” After 24 seasons at LCC, what has been your favorite part of coaching here? “The best part about coaching is that I have some sort of impact on the individuals that I work with. I didn’t change them; all I did was be part of what they wanted to do other than basketball … be part of what they want to do in basket-
ball. It makes me feel proud to say and know that I’ve had young people, young ladies that have come through, that have moved on to be productive in their professional careers that they started out and are doing now. I’ve gotten nurses, I’ve gotten a lot of teachers, a lot of girls that have moved on to become professionals in their right field … Those are the things that I really appreciate. Those are the things that make me feel good that I was part of their lives. They came through Lansing Community College playing basketball and that’s how they got started. It makes me feel proud that it started right here.” What is the biggest thing you want your players to take away from their time at LCC? “To accomplish what they started out doing. Not just to come to school to go to college and that’s it. But what they’ve done, what they plan to do and what they are doing now is continuing on because there are so many things they can attribute and give back. And that’s all I ask them to do is give back. Someone gave you the opportunity. Lansing Community College gave you the opportunity so once you accomplish your goal, continue because these are others that will be coming up that will need that same inspiration
and encouragement and motivation to do what they need to do. A lot of the young people that have come through (LCC) have moved on to do those things.” What is your favorite part about seeing former players? “Just to come back and let me know ... what they are doing, what they’ve accomplished. Especially the ones who have moved on and got in their profession that they started out … When they come back and let me know what they’ve done then I feel good because these are just a few of the many that have achieved their goals.” What do you plan on doing after you retire? I still work at my other job, so I plan on doing that for another year. You know, just take it easy. My family lives on the East Coast, in New York and in North Carolina, and I plan to spend a little more time visiting them. I was in New York back in October and it just gave me a thought process when my family says they won’t come this way, but I’ll have to go back to visit them. So that’s what I wanted to do, spend a little time visiting them. I won’t get out of (basketball) because like I said I still have that passion, I just need some peace and time for myself.
— off the glass —
Cousins will excel in New Orleans, outside broken Kings Often the most challenging part for high NBA draft picks is the shift from being a winner to a loser. Transitioning from winning state championships and prosperous college teams to unsuccessful NBA franchises can be hard on 19- or 20-year-old kids and their mental state. Former Sacramento King star DeMarcus Cousins is a perfect example of a franchise ruining a great talent. Cousins was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 19 The public perception of the man called “Boogie” is that he is a complete head case who has an anger problem, and who cannot get along with his teammates. While I can agree that Cousins has
brodee gillam sports editor
gillamb@lcc.edu
issues with controlling his emotions, if you look at the actions of the Kings franchise it is easy to see his frustration is quite justified. Through Feb. 23, Cousins was averaging a career-high 27.8 points, along with 10.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. Still he was rotting away in Sacramento before being traded to New Orleans.
The Kings have not been to the playoffs in his six previous seasons, and their losing has not produced a single relevant draft pick. Sacramento GM Vlade Divac and company have drafted Nik Stauskas, Ben McLemore and Willie Cauley-Stein ahead of successful players such as Zach LaVine, Justise Winslow, Myles Turner, Devin Booker, C.J. McCollum and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Along with failing in the draft, Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé fired the only coach that Cousins respected and won with: current Denver Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone. After a 9-6 start in the 2013-14 season, Cousins contracted viral meningi-
tis, causing him to miss the next nine games. Ranadivé seemingly thought the unsuccessful stretch was not because of Cousins being out, but due to Malone’s coaching style. Cousins was put through basketball hell for the first six and a half seasons in the NBA. Now he has a fresh start in New Orleans: a new city, new management and even a new number (now 0 instead of his old 15) on his jersey. Boogie will be dancing more in the city of Mardi Gras, with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis. His attitude issues should calm down after being whistled for 19 technical fouls this season. Expect this team led by two former Kentucky greats to emerge as a title contender for years to come.
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march 6 - 19. 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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10|arts and entertainment
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Shuto Con whirls into Lansing By Hannah Anderson A&E Editor With a flurry of cosplay, activities and shopping opportunities, Shuto Con is coming to Lansing. Activities will take place at the Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Ave., and the Radisson Hotel, 111 North Grand River Ave. Shuto Con will be open Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. A three-day badge for entry will cost $55 at the door. A one-day badge will range from $25 to $35, depending on the day it is purchased. Stefanie Shall, the chairwoman of Shuto Con, said this will be the seventh year of the fun event. “The best part about running Shuto Con is just seeing how happy it makes everyone,” Shall said. “I thoroughly enjoy seeing all the
smiles and hearing the laughter at the con.” The theme for this year’s Shuto Con is “magical girls.” Dressing up as a favorite character from a game or anime is highly encouraged. At the end of Shuto Con, the king and queen of cosplayers are announced. Catherine Little, a past Shuto Con attendee, said she enjoys learning about different cultures during Shuto Con. “Shuto Con is fun because it is an event that welcomes all ages and nationalities,” Little said. “I know a lot of people who have discovered new things about themselves and have also made lifelong friends at these conventions. So even if you aren't a hardcore anime fan, I would still recommend going.” Shall recommended the event to students because it is a good break from school. “Shuto Con is an excellent way to blow off steam and relax at a fun event,” Shall said. For more info, visit www.shutocon.com/
Courtesy photo
The crowd at the 2015 Shuto Con event gathers for a photo at the Lansing Center.
Riverwalk Theatre to present play, ‘Red’ Idman Gabayre Staff Writer Riverwalk Theatre will present the play “Red” March 10 through 19 at 228 Museum Drive in Lansing. In the play, written by John Logan and directed by Rita Deibler, master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art. Rothko works feverishly with his assistant, who gains the confidence to challenge him. Viewers will find out whether his crowning achievement will become his undoing.
This provocative portrait of ambition and vulnerability won the 2010 Tony Award. The play stars Michael Hays and Brennan Hattaway. Ticket prices start at $11. For prices, show times and dates visit www.riverwalktheatre.com Riverwalk Theatre is a nonprofit organization that hopes to enhance both the interest and active participation of the arts in the Greater Lansing area. With the support of the community, the organization successfully raised over $500,000 dedicated to turn an old warehouse into a theatre. Coordinators of the organization are the
board of directors, executive committee and designated committee chair, all of which collaboratively function together to create the content. Gary Mitchell, vice president of production for Riverwalk Theater, spoke about the success of the organization. “What makes Riverwalk so successful is that we are extremely well organized,” Mitchell said. “Riverwalk Theatre has established a well-deserved reputation for presenting quality and entertaining shows that can be enjoyed by the entire family. “If you don’t run a theatre like a business – you’ll soon be out of business.”
Aside from the organization’s theme, community members are highly welcomed to contribute in the shows, whether it will be by performing or participating in a production from the technical sense. “Using sports terms, I believe in a strong ‘farm system’ – that is having the commitment to recruiting and nurturing young people into the world of theatre,” Mitchell said. Mitchell extended an open invitation to all students, along with anyone interested to become part of the Riverwalk Theatre. “We like to say, ‘There’s always a ‘role’ for you at Riverwalk Theatre,’” Mitchell said.
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11|a & E
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘American Hero’ coming to save IN BRIEF Black Box Theatre March 17-25 Arts and Entertainment
By Hannah Anderson A&E Editor Full of themes and humor, the play “American Hero” is coming to LCC’s Black Box Theatre, located in Gannon Building room 168. “American Hero” will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays, March 17 through 25 at 8 p.m. General seating is $10 and student tickets are $5 at the door. The play is about three “sandwich artists” striving to achieve the perfect mustard-to-cheese ratio. Andy Callis, the director of “American Hero,” said the theme of the play is carrying on in the face of adversity and making ethical choices in the face of abandonment. “Every night it makes me laugh so hard,” Callis said. “Part of that is the skill of the actors … They’re not going overboard with it, but it’s a very funny script and very skillfully written.” The play is an hour and 10 minutes long, so it is a relatively short play, according to Callis. “It’s a recent play; I think it’s very relevant and people will see themselves in some of the characters,” Callis said. Michelle Leri, who plays Jamie, said she enjoys the play because she gets to release a lot of profanity and get out her “inner
‘Rent’ due at MSU Wharton Center The musical “Rent” is coming to the Great Cobb Hall at the Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. The play will be performed on Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 18 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are around $41 depending on seating. For more information, call (517) 432-2000 or go to https://www.whartoncenter.com/
‘Home and Garden Show’ on tap Photo by Nick Thompson
Theatre Production students Jesse Deardorff-Green, Michelle Lerma and Anna Hill rehearse for "American Hero" Feb. 27. "American Hero" opens March 17 in the Black Box Theatre at LCC.
rage” through her character. “(The play) is just fun,” Leri said. “There are some kind of heavy things to it, but it’s really just light and fun. People will like coming to it.” Anna Hill, who plays Sheri, said there are good themes to the play. “It’s going to be really enjoyable,” Hill said. “Plus, it’s about serious subjects but there’s a lot of humor in it, and it’s not ‘hityou-over-the-head’ humor. It’s applicable to everyday life.”
Jesse Deardorff-Green plays Ted, a downsized banker whom he describes as a “sweet idiot.” He said there is a lot of witty back-and-forth dialogue between the characters, which makes the play fun. “I think it’s going to speak to (the audience),” Deardorff-Green said. “It’ll be a nice night out.” For more information, call Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Melissa Kaplan at (517) 483-1488 or go to http://lcc.edu/cma/ events/
St. Paddy fundraiser offers steampunk By Hannah Anderson A&E Editor The third annual Capitol Steam Steampunk Society’s fundraising party is Saturday, March 11. It will start at 8 p.m., with music until midnight, at Kelly’s Downtown Irish Pub, 220 S. Washington Square, Lansing. “I think we’ll get a terrific turnout,” said Cindy Spencer Pape, a volunteer at Capitol Steam. “It’s usually our biggest party of the year.” Roselie Lucas, secretary of the board of directors of Capitol Steam, said every other Saturday there is an event such as a game night. Typically, the events have a $5 cover charge and the profits are split with the entertainment, according to Pape. However, once a year Capitol Steam has a fundraiser for the Greater Lansing Food Bank. The cover charge is a $5 donation, which goes directly to the food bank. Otherwise, two cans or boxes of
Graphic by Nicole Cade
nonperishable food are accepted as a donation and cover charge. People are encouraged to dress up in a steampunk fashion. Entertainment is provided. The musicians, all based out of Michigan, are volunteering. Performers include David Schneider, David Gander and more. Lucas said dressing up is usually a big hit. Men enjoy wearing kilts for the event, since it is so close to St. Patrick’s Day.
“We love dressing up in steampunk costumes,” Lucas said. “A lot of people like to call it ‘Victorian Science Fiction.’ You can do so much and put things together that you never would have thought of and call it steampunk. We have a lot of fun.” Pape added charity is a big part of what makes the event fun. “People really like to have a chance to give back. Even if you’re not in a position where you can give heavily to charity, this is something we can all do to give back.” Both Lucas and Pape stressed that although dressing up is a fun part of the event, it is not required. “Everybody’s welcome,” Lucas said. “We’re a very inclusive group. We embrace everybody and just want everyone to have a good time.” For more information about the event, call Kelly’s Downtown Irish Pub at (517) 708- 2007 or go to https://www.facebook.com/ CapitolSteamEvents/
The 21st annual “Home and Garden Show” will take place at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, 4301 Farm Lane, East Lansing. There will be exhibits and seminars on Thursday, March 16 from 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, March 17 from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $9. Tickets for children (ages 6-14) are $4. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550 or visit https://www.showspan.com/LHG/
Grand Ledge has St. Patrick’s Day fun People in Grand Ledge will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11. For a $5 cover charge, Sanctuary Spirits will host Irish dancing and offer Irish beverages and music from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday. Sanctuary Spirits is located at 902 E. Saginaw Hwy. in Grand Ledge. On Saturday, there will be a parade at 2 p.m. and an after-party at the lower level of Cancun Grill, 300 S. Bridge St., #100, at 4 p.m. For more information, call (517) 627-8360 or visit http://www.grandledgechamber.com/
Irish breakfast set at Ellison Brewery For no cover charge, there will be an Irish breakfast and free music at Ellison Brewery and Spirits in East Lansing, 4903 Dawn Ave., on Friday, March 17 at 9 a.m. Jonestown Crows will start its performance at 1 p.m. The event is a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. For more information, call (517) 203-5498 or go to http://www.ellisonbrewing.com/
12|A & E
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
reviews
‘Split’ offers birth of psychopathic villain By Haneen Hammad Staff Writer In the new movie “Split,” three girls are kidnapped by a man with an extremely rare and unusual personality disorder harboring 23 unique identities. The girls are perplexed by his motives as they witness his different personas – all they know is that they need to escape from this dangerous and unpredictable man. “Split” immerses you into the chilling world of its characters as they descend into their individual versions of hell. Kevin Wendell Crumb (played by actor James McAvoy), has personas ranging from charming to downright menacing. He and his therapist, Dr. Karen Fletcher, have conversations that are exquisitely tense, but also provide
Photo from static.srcdn.com
Crumb a welcome source of kindness amid the brutality. We, the audience, underestimate the extent and potential of his condition.
Then there’s Casey Cooke, one of the three kidnapped girls with a genuinely horrifying backstory leading to a trademark twist ending from Director
M. Night Shyamalan. Anya Taylor-Joy is a revelation as an actress, displaying courage and heart-wrenching vulnerability as Casey. She would steal the spotlight if not for a career-defining performance by James McAvoy. Kevin’s complex personas each have their own nuances, ranging from speech impediments to unique body language. McAvoy pins these down all the way to the twitches. This results in an unsettling experience which sets “Split” apart from others in its genre. However, the complexity of the story is somewhat deterring, but essential to the eventual climax. There’s a fair amount of exposition about Kevin’s condition – dissociative identity disorder – which results in some uneven pacing in an otherwise exhilarating endeavor.
Kevin Hart delights on Netflix’s ‘Real Husbands’ By Idman Gabayre Staff Writer “Real Husbands of Hollywood” is a satirical television program directed by Chris Robinson. The first episode of this show appeared Jan. 15, 2013. The new installment, the fifth season, premiered Oct. 11, 2016 on Netflix, with no predictions of a season six renewal or cancellation. This series is co-created by comedian Kevin Hart and Chris Spencer. It stars Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, Boris
Kodjoe, Duane Martin, J.B. Smoove and Nelly, while introducing new celebrity guests in each episode. This series claims that not only "Real Housewives" are parading around reality television, according to BET.com. It features the daily Hart, along with other married celebrities, following the fake reality of husbands in Hollywood. Four out of the five seasons released are available on Netflix to watch. Each episode features a fictional-
ized version of the married celebrities as they live the surreal life in Hollywood. I recently watched season four’s, “Hart Medication: part 1.” Kevin Hart was hanging out with rapper Lil’ Tweetzie, and he accidentally ate one of Lil’ Tweetzie’s “candies,” which contained drugs. It is a show that is outrageously comical and articulate. This series is exceptionally original, and at some points seems natural, unscripted and
real. It features the real satirical version of the celebrities in Hollywood. Kevin Hart is unquestionably my favorite comedian of all time because of his outstanding ability to create real humor that is flat-out funny. Hart won an American National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) image award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. To watch the series, visit www.netflix.com/
Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza brings ‘lotsa’ joy to E.L. By Aaron Emerson Editor in Chief In the greater Lansing area, it is easy to find a box or slice of pizza; some of it pretty good and some of it decent. A lot of it seems to taste relatively the same. It isn’t often one can find a unique experience eating a piece of pizza, but Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza provides that. Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza, located at 115 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing, is
not the average pizza place. While many people refer to the restaurant as simply “Lotsa,” the staff doesn’t just take an order and make a pizza behind the scenes. Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza features what is called a “build-your-pizza bar.” Employees make and build each customer’s pizza right in front of them, hand tamping the dough. Guests can then add on favorite toppings before the staff bakes the pizza in
a wood-fired oven. For those who don’t want to build their own pizza, and just simply want to order one, Lotsa offers a variety of pizza flavors. These include traditional pizzas, as well as such unique flavors as Bianca, breakfast buffalo chicken, shrimp old bay, veggie and margherita. My mother and I ordered a barbecue chicken pizza and the ingredients seemed to be extremely fresh. The cheese and crust blended in perfectly
and the sauce and chicken were solid. The cost was about $20 for both of us to eat, including beverages. The only downside to this location is that it was crowded when we visited at lunchtime, and there wasn’t much seating available. It is easy to find a pizza shop where customers can pick up a quick pizza, but Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza does much more than that. It provides a fun, unique eating experience.
13|opinion
MARCH 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout — emerson’s insights —
The life of a student, employee, father A lot of times, I write my columns about serious issues in the community and society. Once in a while, however, I change it up. As I have been dealing with a lot of stuff with my daughter’s health and school life, I thought it would be a good idea to write my newest column on what it’s like to deal with those issues while being a busy adult. Finding the right balance between being a college student, a student employee for The Lookout and a father figure can be challenging.
To put it simply, my 6-year-old daughter Melody is my life. I would do anything for her, but sometimes it is extremely hard to be there for her all the time. As the editor in chief of LCC’s student newspaper, it is not extremely demanding, but I do work hard. As a student at LCC, it seems like there is constantly either class, homework or studying to do. Being a father of Melody, though, is non-stop. But I wouldn’t change that fact for all of the riches in the world. There have been several times
Aaron emerson editor in chief
emersoa@lcc.edu
when I have had to call off work or miss class to cater to Melody’s needs. As a single father, sometimes I just don’t have a choice. Thankfully, I have a boss at The Lookout who has worked with me,
knowing I have a child and the issues I face. There have been sicknesses, doctor visits, trips to pick her up from school and even hospital visits within the last year. It can be hard to find time. It has been an amazing ride, though. It is an honor to be the editor of the newspaper. I have been doing well in school for two years and being Melody’s father is a blessing. I love my job, my college and especially my daughter. Even though it is hard to make everything work, I sometimes feel like the luckiest man alive.
— if you wil —
LCC Bowling League offers fun for writer The Lansing Community College employee bowling league features eight teams of employees and their family members. It takes place each Wednesday evening at the Spare Time bowling center in Lansing. I first participated in the league during spring semester of 2016 after Larry Hook, The Lookout adviser, said the league needed an eighth team. I filled the third spot on a team made up of people who were once substitutes. We named ourselves “Permanent Substitutes.” A year later I was asked by Hook to
Aaron wilton Associate editor/ ad. sales
wiltona@lcc.edu
take his son Brendan’s spot when Brendan transferred to Western Michigan University in January. Hook knew that I was a bowler because he had coached me on my high school bowling team. Bowling has
been, in a way, my family’s sport. My brother, mother, aunts and grandmother all bowled. Family members on my dad’s side do not share the affinity for the “casual sports” such as bowling, tennis, golf, etc. Instead they prefer, hands down, the full-contact sport of football. Now, you might think that with bowling in my blood line I would have a pretty good average. However, I inherited none of the athletic prowess of my relatives. I average a whopping 112 score in the LCC league.
On the high school team I finished with an average of 123 my senior year and a match high game of 169. My highest score ever was a 192 during a team practice in Mason. My current team, called “The Lookout,” includes three of my fellow employees on the newspaper staff – Larry Hook, Lurah Peterson and Aaron Emerson – as well as Craig Spitzley. We have a lot of fun and are currently in first place. I really enjoy bowling and hope to improve in the last couple weeks of our league. I have a new bowling ball, so my hopes are high for a strong finish.
— as seen by haneen —
Don’t give up on yourself despite stress There is so much pressure that seems to lurk on students coming from parents, mentors, themselves and in general life. Students know the grind. Go! Go! Go! Deadlines are close. Time is money. I find myself trying to excel in my career, maintain a social life, drink enough water, exercise, stay sane, survive and be happy all at the same time. All that pressure gets to you. There are points in the semester where I feel helpless. It is like there is nothing that I can possibly do that will get me out of the very dark pit.
So how do you dig your way out of this pit? 1. Do not accept your helplessness. If you simply accept what you believe is your fate, you won't go anywhere. It requires belief in yourself, or at least the willingness to try to make change. It takes a leap of faith and some degree of hope and optimism. 2. Focus on things you can control instead of focusing on outcomes. There are a million things you can’t control, but there are another million you can control. For instance, wake up 30 minutes earlier to plan your
haneen hammad staff writer
hammadh@lcc.edu
day, or park a little further away to get your daily 10,000 steps in. Once a week, ask yourself: “How am I doing?” If something isn’t working, find out why and focus on doing what you can to change the outcome.
3. Get out of the race — life is not a competition. The less you focus on competing with others, the more time you will have to spend on nurturing your own happiness and reaching your full potential. 4. Change your thoughts. How you think about yourself matters. If you find yourself saying, “I can’t do this,” instead think, “I will try my best.” So guess what? It’s time you give up giving up on yourself. You’re the captain of your ship — do your best, and let go of the rest.
14|opinion
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —
Spring break a time for rest, recharging To paraphrase the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of our academic fidelity.” Every year, staff members at The Lookout look forward to our winter and spring breaks. We look at each one as a chance to recharge, relax and re-engage with friends and family.
This year, spring break runs from March 6 through 12. A few of us plan to have an ever-popular “staycation,” while others have bigger plans. Photo Editor Nick Thompson hopes to get some great shots for his portfolio project. Sports Editor Brodee Gillam is taking a road trip without a preset destination.
What song would you never want to hear again? Aaron Emerson
Aaron wilton hannah anderson brodee gillam
editor in Chief
Assoc. ed. /ad. sales
“Gangnam Style” by Psy
“Work” by Rhianna
wiltona@lcc.edu
emersoa1@lcc.edu
A&e editor
anderh13@lcc.edu
“Night Moves” by Bob Seger
sports editor
gillamb@lcc.edu
“Bad Things” by MGK
Staff Writer Haneen Hammad may be going to Chicago. We think that students should not worry about filling the break with events. Whatever your plans, remember to stay safe out there. We believe students should take the opportunity to relax and take part only in the activities that will
—
enhance the relaxation and positive feelings we all so desperately need. Spring break is also the time that people start counting down the total days left before classes end (63 days from Monday, March 6). The home-stretch is in front of us. Let’s try our best to excel through the finish line.
the lookout staff —
idman gabayre haneen hammad lurah peterson Nick Thompson
staff writer
gabayrei@lcc.edu
“On Fire” by Maleek Berry
staff writer
hammadh@lcc.edu
“Friday” by Rebecca Black
ad. manager
petersl8@lcc.edu
“Baby” by Justin Bieber
photo editor
thomp12@lcc.edu
nicole cade
lead paginator caden@lcc.edu
larry hook
adviser
hookl@lcc.edu
“Trap Queen” “Call Me Maybe” “Brown Sugar” by by Fetty Wap by Carly Rae Jepsen The Rolling Stones
Your on campus Credit Union! We are conveniently located in the Gannon Building on LCC's Downtown Campus. At this branch, LCC students, faculty and staff can open an account, register for our free online banking, conduct daily transactions, and apply for credit cards and loans.
We have ATMs located all over campus, including two in the Gannon building, one in the TLC building, and one on East and West campus. Plus, because we are a Co-Op Shared branch, you have access to 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
Federally Insured by NCUA
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Our service. Your success.
15|
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
THE
BEST STORIES START IN UNEXPECTED PLACES. YOURS STARTS HERE. Ferris is right here at Lansing Community College. Come explore a world of possibilities you didn’t expect to find so close to home. You’ll find your calling, your degree, and the best place to start your story. Find yourself at Ferris–Lansing. BACHELOR’S DEGREES Business Administration Business Administration-Professional Track Criminal Justice Elementary Education
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16|LAST LOOK
march 6 - 19, 2017 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Snow Queen’ engages audience
Ian Whipp plays Cobweb during the final performance of “The Snow Queen” Sunday, Feb. 26 in the Dart Auditorium.
By Hannah Anderson A&E Editor “The Snow Queen” cast its spell on the audience at LCC’s Dart Auditorium Feb. 17, 18, 24, 25 and 26. The play was targeted toward a younger audience and gave opportunities for anyone to participate in the action. Some of the actors did silly voices to engage the audience. Seth Fisher brought his family to see the play on a Saturday and said it is a great show for kids. “I’m loving the fact that they’re doing some more audience participation by trying to get everyone to be a part of it,” Fisher said. Some of the audience got involved more than once by booing when the antagonists of the play came out and revealed their “evil plans.” Mikayla Anderson, who came to support the cast members, said she thought the play went really well. “I like how (the cast) is really emotional and really drawn into it,” Anderson said. For more information on upcoming LCC plays and events, go to http://www.lcc.edu/cma/events/
The cast of “The Snow Queen” emerges from backstage to greet the audience after its final performance.
Actors Buck Miller and Michelle Danaj wait backstage to enter the auditorium during the second half of “The Snow Queen” play.