Stars
Concert
Honoring
LCC
train for
nationals
draws crowd
students
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April 29 - May 31, 2013 Volume 54, Issue 15 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
LCC welcomes diversity on campus Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
STARFest, a week-long LCC celebration of culture, included “Welcoming; Your LCC” in the second floor Gannon Building lobby April 17. Sharon Letson from LCC Student Support Services said the event was designed to educate the college community about America’s immigrant and refugee population. “We have a lot of immigrant and refugee students on campus and a lot of different languages spoken,” Letson said. “We just want people to be aware of the difference between a refugee, an immigrant, a migrant and an undocumented national. “We’re trying to educate people what those different terms mean … because a lot of people lump
everyone into the same category.” According to Letson, one of the ways the college can create a welcoming environment for immigrant and refugee students is through the Welcoming LCC Initiative. Letson said the initiative is modeled after the organization Welcoming Michigan, which works toward building immigrant-friendly communities. Interested students were able sign up for information about Welcoming Michigan and Welcoming LCC. Representatives from the following organizations were standing by to provide information about immigration: St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and the Refugee Development Center. Locally-owned bookstore
See Welcoming, page 2
Photo by Suzanna Powers
LCC alumnus Leslie Aaron (left) speaks with a St. Vincent Catholic Charities representative about volunteer opportunities offered in the Lansing area April 17.
Student veteran excels despite past barriers Amber Glomb Staff Writer
Stanley Williams said he never thought school was for him. Now at age 44, Williams has earned his general associate’s degree, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and is graduating magna cum laude all while earning the Outstanding Adult Learning Award (OALA). According to Cassie Little, the Capital Area Higher Education Network (CAHEN) representative for LCC,
OALA awards are a part of the organization. “OALA is a chance to recognize adult learners who are pursuing education at one of CAHEN’s partner institutions and have made contributions as leaders in the Lansing community,” Little said. Williams was nominated for OALA by faculty member Megan Lin. According to Williams, Lin made learning fun and interesting, and she helped make him comfortable in the classroom. “He really had a lot of perseverance,” Lin said. “He
Photo by Nikki Nicolaou
Stanley Williams holds his award.
was grateful for and enthusiastic about his education
… What he calls himself is a guy straight out of the hood. “He said this quote ‘guys like me don’t get educated.’ I thought (nominating him) would be an inspiration to other guys like him.” Williams said he never expected to win the award. “When I found out I won, I was like, ‘Man, for real?’” Williams said. “I never win anything. I was shocked … but I was honored to get it.” Williams said when he was younger, he never thought that furthering his education was for him and that college
was for the smart students and privileged people. He graduated high school with a 1.9 GPA. “I was the type of student that when you took attendance, you hoped I wasn’t there,” Williams said. “I was horrible.” After graduating, he became a medical specialist in the United States Army in 1987. According to Williams, this is where he found his calling. “Even though I was a See Award, page 2
2 NEWS
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Welcoming Continued from page 1
Everybody Reads was also present with an assortment of multicultural books. During the event, author Shirin Timms hosted a special book signing for her novel Finding Refuge. She is also the director for the Refugee Development Center. “(Finding Refuge) started out as a family project to tell the story of my family,” Timms said. “It’s actually a novel so it’s also layered in with my own experiences working with refugees, which I started doing in 2001 … All of that was put together to create a novel.” According to Timms, Finding Refugee was especially inspired by her father’s journey, who was born and raised in Iran. “It was my father’s desire to make sure that what he lived and experienced was captured for my generation and the next generation,” Timms said. “We decided to make it a novel so we would have more room to protect people and their privacy because of the political realities that exist in the world.” For more information about immigrant and refugee services, contact Letson at letsos@lcc.edu.
Award
Continued from page 1
wild and crazy person back when I was young, I always wanted to help people,” Williams said. “If I saw a car accident, I
Photos by Suzanna Powers
LCC nursing student Sarah Sparkes browses through selection at the Everybody Reads table April 17.
would run up to the car and help … Being a medic gave me the opportunity to help people.” According to Williams, after getting out of the Army, he lived his life on the streets and battled
depression, alcohol and drugs for 15 years straight. Through it all, he said he never felt comfortable with what he was doing. Williams found help through the Department of Vet-
LCC student Shahrokh Zarifiai views literature at the welcoming Michigan table fair.
erans Affairs and the Volunteers of America. They helped him connect with LCC to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. “It just shows that no matter how old you are, you can still
learn,” Williams said. “You can go to school and achieve high goals or high standards if you just apply yourself. “Besides that, I love school. I love college.”
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3 NEWS
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Tournament participants have a ball Sarah Spohn A&E Editor The red rubber balls were lined up, and the old school athletic tube socks were pulled tight, but this was no scene from the movie Dodgeball. This was the first-ever dodgeball tournament put on by the LCC American Marketing Association (AMA). The fundraising fun took place April 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Gannon gym. Advertised on Facebook and around campus, six teams took advantage of the event and registered to dodge, dive and demolish opposing teams Saturday afternoon. Registration cost $10 a person, and teams were made up of six to eight players. Teams played seven-minute rounds and were given a point for each game they won. The points were tallied up, and the team with the highest amount of points at the end won the tournament. Prizes were given to the first-, second- and third-place teams. Gift cards, cash prizes and other goodies were disbursed as part of this scholarship-fundraising tournament.
LCC’s Police Academy had its own team and dodged balls instead of bullets at the event. Team member Andy Waldrop was on the thirdplace Police Academy team, and said he enjoyed the tournament, free of injuries. “It was the second best day of my life,” Waldrop said. Team Final Justice came in first place, followed by My Uncle Said It Was Normal, LCC Police in third and AMA in fourth place. No one was left out of the game, as even the spectators had to maneuver carefully to avoid a red rubber bruise. Jodi Ward from AMA was up against six teams of guys. “Yes, I was the only girl,” Ward said. “I got hit in the head, hit in the thighs, hit in the stomach… they all hurt. It could have been a lot worse.” The event not only proved fun for the students, alumni and guests but beneficial for raising funds for scholarships. Zach Basler, AMA vice president of fundraising, said the turnout was pretty good, considering this was the first time they’ve ever done this event on campus. “We raised about $250,” Basler said. “I hope we do it again. I think now that we have some awareness out, it’ll be easier to get some more teams.”
IN BRIEF
News
Bid on donated art for a worthy cause at Art for AIDS Lansing Community College’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) will hold its second annual Art for AIDS auction on Saturday, May 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. Taking place in the atrium of LCC’s Health and Human Services Building, the auction will benefit the Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN). It will feature artwork do-
nated by LCC students, employees, faculty and community members. The public is invited to attend, view the works of various local artists and artisans, and purchase a piece in support of the LCC-GSA and LAAN. For more information, email Frank Vaca at vacaafrank@gmail. com.
PTK hosts all you can eat pancake fundraiser May 25 LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) invites students, faculty and community members to the Relay for Life Pancake Kickoff on Saturday, May 25 from 8 to 10 a.m. The all you can eat pancake breakfast fundraiser will take place at Applebee’s on West Saginaw next to the Lansing Mall. This
will be a prime opportunity to network, socialize and have fun while supporting a good cause. Proceeds will support Relay for Life and PTK. Pre-order tickets are available for $7 and at-the-door tickets cost $10. For more information, email Ryan Guiles at ryanguiles@hotmail. com.
Musicians welcome at Pickin’ in the Park in Old Town Pickin’ in the Park is a social affair and jam session for artists, musicians and residents in Old Town. Pickin’ in the Park is held every other Tuesday from 6 p.m. to dusk in Burchard Park. This event will repeat until Tues-
day, May 7. When the temperatures drop, Pickin’ in the Park moves inside Grand Cafe or Sir Pizza at the corner of Grand River and Turner on the first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The first-place dodgeball team, Final Justice, proudly displays its trophy after the tournament.
Photo by Sarah Spohn
Omar El-Hussieny, (left to right) Philip Glaub, Ross Sorgel, Terrance Patrick and Paul Reynolds put on their game faces April 20. Their team, My Uncle Said It Was Normal, placed second.
— I am Invincible!—
Until we meet again
It has been an eventful year at The Lookout, no doubt. Campus renovations have progressed, the LCC pool was closed, major elections were held, new dining options were installed, and STARFest has come and gone. In the midst of all these changes, The Lookout has added six new editors to its staff, and some of us traded job positions. I have learned many things this year beyond the scope of journalism. Most of all, I learned, like everyone else, I have a limit as to how much stress I can handle. As an individual, I’ve experienced my share of changes this year as well. I published my debut novel, switched my major, leased my first apartment, and made many new friends. To top it off, I received The Lookout employee of the year award during LCC’s Student Recognition Dinner, something I’ve strived
to achieve since I started at the newspaper three years ago. I plan on returning to The Lookout in the 2013 fall semester in some capacity. In the meanwhile, I will be posting more articles online during the summer and editing my second novel, Red Widow. I will miss the editors who will be moving on from LCC: Joe Israel, Mark Gillengerten and Amber Glomb. At the same time, I look forward to working with those who will return next year. As a staff, I think we’ve done a great job despite the challenges we’ve faced this
year, especially due to the confusing and often lastminute nature of covering breaking news. However, there’s always a need for improvement, and we will work on our shortcomings. After being at The Lookout for three years, I feel as though I’ve learned everything there is to know about journalism, although Larry has probably called me “dummy” too many times for that to be true. We will be looking for some new writers to add to our staff for the fall and spring semesters, so if you have a knack for journalism, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Heck, I started out with zero experience in journalism and made it pretty far, albeit with a lot of healthy criticism. Now it’s time to return to my studies and prepare for my CompTIA certification exam. Enjoy your summer, and I bid you farewell until next year.
4 FEATURES
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
College recognizes success of students Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
LCC Cross Country and Track Coach Chuck Block (right) presents Jaclyn Magness with the Philip J. Gannon award April 12.
Photos by Suzanna Powers
President of LCC’s Future Teacher Club Amanda Anne (right) shares her fond thoughts with Mary Brown, the adviser of the year.
Many LCC student organizations and departments convened for the 46th annual LCC Student Recognition Celebration on West Campus April 12. “This is always my favorite time of the year because it’s a chance to step back and look at what we’ve accomplished on campus,” said Director of Student Life Al Nowak as he welcomed the audience. LCC President Brent Knight echoed that thought, describing how those being recognized had accumulated skills that will help them in the future. After a hearty dinner buffet, Coach Chuck Block presented the Philip J. Gannon award to not one but two athletic recipients. Sophomores Nick Moon
Eco-Scholars prevail Nathan Wilson Associate Editor The fourth annual EcoScholars Day dominated West Campus April 19, focusing on the broad theme of sustainability. Eco-Scholars Day gives students, staff and faculty an opportunity to present their findings, ideas and creativity related to the environment. From the main building entrance to the end of the hall, the first floor was packed with informational displays and projects. Before the presentations got underway, featured speaker Dr. Tom Diets, Ph.D. invited the attendants to learn about nanotechnology and the built environment. Diets is the project director of Innovation 5. “Nanotechnology has great promise,” Diets said. “We have to remain vigilant of the risks, but we’ve got to be openminded about the benefits. I want you to think about becoming a part of that process.” The audience marveled as Diets showed videos of nanotechnology at work: coating that can repel water, light-emitting wallpaper that displays any image on the wall,
and self-cleaning material used in architecture. Diets also described a nanotechnology-based material called graphene. According to Diets, it has 200 times more strength than breaking steel and is 10 times lighter than steel. “This is a statistic I find mind-boggling,” Diets said. “It would take an elephant balanced on a pencil to break through a sheet of graphene the thickness of Saran Wrap. Just picture that.” After the presentation, the audience roamed through the first floor, viewing different displays about energy conservation, technology and more. Melinda Wilson, Ph.D., coordinator of LCC’s Molecular Biotechnology Program, and students Katelynn Shaw and Scott Benjamin hosted a display about bacteria in the environment. According to Shaw, LCC students collected swabs from day-to-day items like door handles, money and computer keyboards. These swabs were cultured to analyze the different kinds of bacteria and fungi that were present. Attendants could stop by and try to identify the colonies of organ-
isms contained in petri dishes. LCC student Jennifer Hennings, majoring in fashion, showed off her creative fashion designs based on reused clothing. According to Hennings, one of her outfits was inspired by 31B military police outfits, Spanish matadors, medieval armor and the film Gladiator. Her daughter, Karlie, modeled a Scottish-inspired uniform. Several more LCC students modeled Hennings’ designs. BreAnne Turner, a firstyear LCC student, modeled a dress and mask inspired by The Phantom of the Opera. “My inspiration was The Phantom of the Opera,” said Turner, who is majoring in fashion with an emphasis on design. “I love it a lot. I was watching the 25th anniversary (of The Phantom of the Opera), and I kept thinking, ‘I wonder what it would be like if the phantom was a girl.” Taking off on that thought, Turner reused some old dresses and fabric to morph her design. To view a list of the 2013 Eco-Scholars Day presentations, visit www. lcc.edu/techcareers/ecoscholars/presentations/.
and Jaclyn Magness received the prestigious honor, both have been standouts in both cross country and track at LCC. Nowak presented the Denise E. Harris STAR award to Maggie Whaley, the vice president of service from the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Mu Tau chapter. The award was established to recognize student success. Nowak also announced Mary Brown as the adviser of the year. LCC student Amanda Anne presented her with a vase filled with flowers. Afterward, seven student registered organizations doled out awards and certificates. Nowak and Renee VanDeventer from Student Life called up firstyear and second-year students from LCC’s Student Leadership Academy.
The academy focuses on servant leadership and requires a minimum of 45 hours of volunteer service from each member every semester. According to VanDeventer, members of the Student Leadership Academy volunteered 1,900 hours during the 2012 fall semester. LCC Dean of Students Evan Montague delivered closing remarks at the end of the ceremony. “I’m very proud, and I appreciate being a part of this evening,” Montague said. “I ask two things of you … What does it mean to be recognized? What makes you feel recognized? “You should all feel very fortunate. Being part of student organizations and student clubs, you’re more likely to finish your college degrees.”
5 News
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Rhythm & Culture celebrates diversity Jeremy Kohn Freelance Writer
The weather was dismal and dreary on April 18, but the outside showers didn’t seem to affect the lively spirits of the events going on indoors. Inside LCC’s Gannon Building, a vibrant crowd was in attendance for its first STARFest. Among the events of the day was Rhythm and Culture, a celebration of LCC’s international students’ traditions. “Rhythm and Culture highlights the many immigrant and refugee students that we have at the college,” said Sharon Letson from LCC Student Services. “Many people are unaware that LCC has such a diverse immigrant and refugee community.” Letson said she was very pleased with the
turnout and hopes that LCC can make STARFest and Rhythm and Culture an annual event. “I want people to leave this event and realize that LCC has wonderful immigrant students that attend here, and to help them feel accepted and at home.” Letson said. The afternoon’s festivities were set in motion with the rousing contemporary dance and music of the Yiddish folk band Slivovitz. The band played a medley of dance and ballads for the audience. A volunteer even joined the band for an impromptu version of the familiar Yidddish tune “Hava Na Gila.” “We want people to hear and learn about the rich blend of Euro and Jewish culture and how it has affected the American and Jewish
community as well as contemporary Americans as a whole,” said group member Will Cicola. Other performances throughout the day included Chinese fan and flag dancing as well as native belly dancing. The International Café featured such staples of Middle Eastern culture as hummus and baklava. A student with a diverse cultural background said her ancestry derives from Mali. She was born in Belgium and spent time living in France. With a beaming smile on her face, Maiga spoke about what she would like people to learn from this event. “I would like people to learn about different cultures from real people and not from the misconception of other people and the media,” Maiga said.
Staying green on campus
Photo by Suzanna Powers
The “Dumpster Dive” event, an annual LCC recycling event, was hosted in the Washingtion Mall Court April 16.
6 SPORTS
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Baseball team drops three in a row Joe Israel Sports Editor
The LCC baseball team is continuing to crawl over the broken glass that is their season. Bad weather and bad play have forced the Stars into last place in the MCCAA, and they’ve dropped their last three
games in a row. The Stars are doing the best they can considering the inclement weather, according to sophomore pitcher/infielder Will Lovell. “You want to practice and stay in baseball form, but you just can’t,” Lovell said. “The weather has affected batting
Photo by Joe Israel
Sophomore catcher Hunter Emery takes the batter’s box during a doubleheader vs. Muskegon Community College April 17.
and just the flow of the game for us.” The Stars traveled to Benton Harbor to face off against the Red Hawks of Lake Michigan College April 21. The Stars lost the first game 10-0 and the second game 3-2. With the Stars having so much time off between games, it’s starting to take a toll on all of them, including the coaching staff. “The field has been real bad lately, and it’s been hard because people have been asking me why we’re not playing,” LCC Coach Ed Powers said. Bad is an understatement. The weather in greater Lansing has been dreadful for several weeks. It didn’t help when the Stars played only one of two games at Westside Park April 17. The Stars lost the first game 10-0 when freshman Jack Ropp gave up six runs and four hits in the first inning alone. Freshman Josh Hoeberling was brought on
Softball team clings to third place in league Joe Israel Sports Editor The LCC softball team is looking every bit as good as advertised … when it can get on the field. Due to what seems like endless schedule changes, make-ups and cancellations, the Stars are playing excellent softball, winning their last two in a row. The schedule will only become more frenetic as April comes to a close. Starting on April 29 they’re at Davenport. Then they play April 30 vs. Lake Michigan, back on the road in Jackson May 1 for a make-up game, then at secondplace Grand Rapids. Then Saturday May 4, they’re home against Muskegon. Then they head into the post-season, beginning May 8. LCC Coach Marc Kibby has his team focused and ready for the grueling and certainly hectic schedule. We just can’t afford any more rain,” the veteran head coach said.
Since their last home action on Saturday April 20, a tripleheader which they played two vs. Kellogg CC, and a make-up game vs. Ancilla College from April 17, they’ve been getting solid pitching, outscoring opponents 13-3. LCC took it to Kellogg in the first game, winning 4-1. Freshman Jessica Woods was 2-for-2 with a run scored and three RBIs. Sophomore catcher Alyssa McQueen was 1-for-1 and a run scored in her only at bat. Right fielder Rachel Malmquist went 1-for-3 in the win. In game two, it was Kellogg that came out on top by the score of 2-1. Sophomore third baseman and bath standout, McKaylah Adams was 1-for-3 with a run scored for LCC. Freshman pitcher took the loss for LCC, as she pitched a complete game giving up three hits and striking out eight batters. After a four hour break, the Stars reconvened in East Lansing at Ranney for their under- thelights contest vs. Ancilla
College. The game was a makeup from the Wednesday April 17 scheduled doubleheader. LCC prevailed in the first game 2-0, before heavy rains and lightning ceased play for the day. It seems the atmosphere was true to the players’ hearts as they played a stellar game, beating Ancilla in a shutout victory 8-0. The pride of the Bath Bees, Alex Cender put on a hitting clinic. She went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs, and two runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Sam Hayes was 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. LCC would also benefit from a solid pitching performance from freshman Rebecca Garza. The Okemos standout pitched a complete shutout game, giving up only four hits and walking one batter. She also logged a couple of K’s for the stat sheet. “This is what we train ourselves all winter long for,” Coach Kibby said. “And we’re ready for the post-season.”
Photo by Joe Israel
Freshman pitcher Tyler Jackson hurls a pitch during the doubleheader vs. Muskegon Community College April 17.
in relief in the second inning, and gave up five hits and two runs. Offensively, the only two Stars to record a hit in that game were Michael Lake and Austin Nogiec. Game one was called in the sixth inning due to rain and visible lightning.
That game was supposed to be made up on April 24, but rain prevailed again, causing the game to be moved to a later date. There is no word on when that game will be made up. With spring not getting an official start until what appears to be May, one can only hope the
team can fight through the pain and claw its way back up. “Muskegon’s in second place and they played the night before we did, as opposed to two weeks since our last game,” Powers said. “Our field has standing water on it, so it’s been real hard.”
IN BRIEF Sports
Root on LCC’s softball team as they travel both home and away Due to frantic weather conditions, the LCC softball team has made some slight schedule changes to close out the month of April. Softball is home Tuesday, April 30 vs. Lake Michigan College. The game will begin at 3 p.m. at Ranney Park, which is located at 3201 East Michigan Ave.
The girls are on the road again to Jackson Community College begining at 3 p.m Wednesday, May 1. The Stars will again be at home vs. Muskegon Community College Saturday, May 4. The first pitch will be thrown at 1 p.m. The post season will begin for the girls on Wednesday, May 8.
Cheer on LCC’s baseball team in the home stretch of their season The LCC baseball team will end the month of April with one home game. The Stars will host Delta College on Monday, April 29 at Westside Park, which is located at 800 Stanley St. on the west side of Lanisng. The Stars are on the road again Tuesday, April 30 as they travel to Dearborn to face Henry Ford Community College. The frst pitch will be
thrown at 2 p.m. Coach Ed Power’s team will host the Jayhawks of Muskegon Community College at Westside Park begining at 4:30 p.m Wednesday, May 1. The Stars will then close out the regular season on the road in Warren, as they travel to Macomb Community College. The game begins at 2 p.m.
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7 SPORTS
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Runners press on despite bad weather Richard Schenk Freelance Writer The LCC Stars’ track teams have been taking the unpredictable weather in stride with strong performances in this 2013 season.
The Stars traveled to Allendale to run in the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Invitational, and ran into inclement weather April 20. The meet was moved indoors. Sophomore
male runner Talhah Haynie said the weather wouldn’t be an issue. “When we found out the meet was moved indoors, a lot of kids were happy,” Haynie said. “After I found out it
was snowing, I just put it in my mind that we need to take advantage of the opportunity and it was a lot easier, actually. Everybody had a great day.” Regardless of the situation, coaches need to be able to motivate their athletes to put forth their best efforts, and LCC Coach Chuck Block said he knew exactly how to get his runners to put it all on the track. “It has been such a nasty spring,” Block said. “The message is: Hey, there’s no wind and it’s not cold so put down some good times. Make the best of it.” Block also gave a description of the practice methods he implements for the runners. He called it the “law of progression,” which consists of longer and faster spans followed by shorter rest periods. With more training time and laps on the track, Coach Block’s squads are seeing continued improvements in performance as the National Championship Meet keeps getting closer. Freshman Amy Stillman summed up her season and her consistent times. “I have been training really hard and it’s been showing up in the meets,” Stillman said. “I have been really dropping down on my 5K times. I am more focused on the 5K this
File photo by Ike Lee
LCC sophomore Talhah Haynie leads the pack during the Spartan Invitational April 6.
year.” Stillman attributed her successes to her coach’s practice regimen. “We are getting to
“
File photo by Ike Lee
LCC freshman Grant Webber keeps up the pace during the Spartan Invitational in East Lansing April 6.
We are getting to the point that we are training so hard, and the meets are becoming easy -Amy Stillman
Block said there are a few runners he is eyeing for the next competition. He said he hopes Jaclyn Magness is the first female runner in his coaching career to break 18 minutes in the 5,000 (meters). Tyler Harrison and Logan Lindsay are on the radar to step up and qualify for nationals for the men. The Stars will travel to Hillsdale to participate in the Hillsdale College Gina Relays on Wednesday, May 8.
”
the point that we are training so hard, and the meets are becoming easy,” Stillman said.
— Israel’s Takeover —
Fate ordains that dearest friends must part H.L. Mencken once said, “As I look back over a misspent life, I find myself more and more convinced that I had more fun doing news reporting than in any other enterprise. It is really the life of kings.” Greener pastures? New beginnings? Maybe. Maybe not. The only thing for certain is this is the end of the line. Sorry, boys, all the stitches in the world won’t sew me back together again. Lay down. Lay down. Last of the Mohican’s.
Well, maybe not the last. She’s going to be a good mother. New, improved Joe Israel. Hope she uses the money to get out. No room in this city for big hearts like ours. Sorry, baby, I tried the best I could. Can’t
come with me on this trip, though. Getting the shakes now. Last call for drinks. bar’s closing down. Sun’s out. Where we goin’ for breakfast? Don’t want to go far. Rough night. Tired baby … Tired … I’d like to give a special thanks to The Lookout staff for letting me learn from them, and for standing with me: Nathan, Shauna, Suzanna, Nikki, Sarah, Amber, Dominick (muchos gracias), Jenna Miller, Mark, Rich, Jeremy, Mary Hobbins and, of course, the in-
comparable Lawrence Hook. Your wisdom and patience will never go unnoticed. To the magnificent faculty on campus; Professor Aliza Chalgian, Molly Cryderman-Weber, Jacqueline Vance, Tom Nyhus, Cesar Potes, Al Nowak, Mike Ingram, Ervin Brunson, Ed Powers, Marc Kibby, Chuck Block, and Dr. Brent Knight. You are the neck of this college, and you can’t turn the head without the neck. Also, I would like to thank Sean Wade, John, Natalie, Zach Basler,
the whole American Marketing Association, Phi Theta Kappa, LCC Radio WLNZ 89.7, Karen Love, Jack Robbins, Dave Downing, Daedalian Lowry, Roxann Larrabee, Brendan Hamilton, Anna Trupiano, Alex Pletta, Gary, Brock Elsesser, Lisa WhitingDobson, Sydney Israel, Vanessa Israel, Donald Israel, Rosetta Israel, Rob Finch and the entire Israel family. Together in life, together in death, together forever and a day. And onward goes this thing of ours.
To the incoming staff next semester, don’t leave anything in the fridge because it will get eaten or drank, especially if there is someone like me around. Always stick together and keep the torch burning brightly. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and will ensure my future success, and there will be future success, by maximizing this untapped potential and talent that I have been blessed with by our Savior. And that’s the rest of the story.
8
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
9 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
April 29 - May 31, 2013
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Enjoy the solace of the Shigematsu Garden
LCC’s Shigematsu Memorial Garden is dedicated to the late Megumi Shigematsu, the former sponsor of LCC programs in Japan.
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Photos by Suzanna Powers
A duck swims gracefully with the koi in the Shigematsu pond April 15.
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10 A&E
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF You’re gonna die, clown — The Unknown Spohn —
Arts & Entertainment
Support LCC Photography in Old Town The 2013 graduates from the LCC’s Photography Program invite all friends, family, faculty and students to the annual portfolio show in Old Town. The event takes place on Sunday, May 5 from 1 to 5
p.m. at the Creole Gallery, located at 1218 Turner St. The work on display ranges from portraits to landscapes, boudoir to horror, and wedding to fine art. Food and beverages will be provided.
Local Beer & Wine Tasting comes to Woldumar Petals & Vines is the second annual local beer and wine tasting fundraiser featuring select craft beers and homemade wines from local breweries. The event takes place Friday, May 10 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Woldumar Nature Center, located at 5739 Old Lansing Road. Burgdorf’s Winery, Dark Horse Brewing, Sandhill
Crane Vineyards and other local spots will have drinks for guests to sample. Dinner, dessert, four tastes of beer/wine, a pint glass and music are included in the price of admission. Tickets cost $30 a person. This event is open only to those 21 and older. For additional information, call Woldumar at 517322-0030.
Comedy one-acts light up Black Box Theatre Love isn’t Blind, It’s Complicated is a collection of three one-act comedies focusing on the ups and downs of romantic relationships. It chronicles blind date set ups and breakups. Directed
by Paige Dunckel and put on by the 1st Semester Contemporary Realism Studio Theatre, these one-acts will be performed Friday and Saturday, May 10 to 11 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, GB 168.
If your adolescence was anything like mine, you grew up on Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore. Adam Sandler’s Wedding Singer soundtrack was my life for the duration of 1998, if not still. I vividly remember replaying the ending credits song, “Video Killed the Radio Star” over and over again, and that was VHS … so rewinding took time and dedication. A true Sandler fan, I’m certain I watched that ’80sbased, mullet man Sandler film every night for an entire summer or two. It’s no surprise Sandler’s humor has been lacking in his more recent films. First, there’s the Zohan flick that I have yet to be able to
watch and the Disney film Bedtime Stories, which was cute, but certainly not the typical Sandler movie. Throw in Funny People (which was anything but) alongside Jack and Jill, which might be the film that solidified Sandler’s title as a former funny-man, and all you have are duds. The 2012 That’s My Boy is another film I have yet to see. From the trailer alone I could tell, “That’s not my Sandler” I grew up with. Where are the treasures, the little golden nuggets Sandler became famous for? You can’t forget the SNL lunch-lady skit with Chris Farley; or the adorkable (yes, a mix of adorable and dorky) acoustic serenadings to Drew Barrymore, not once but twice in The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. Sandler has struck gold with audiences who appreciate his light-hearted humor. He’s made millions from beating up Bob Barker on a golf course, singing on a Vegas airplane with Billy Idol and
Photo courtesy of fanpop.com
Adam Sandler, an actor, comedian, screenwriter and film producer is known for his Happy Madison films.
countless run-ins with the O’Doyles. In the midst of the recent Sandler slumps, he did come out with a pretty funny flick in 2010 featuring of Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider, titled Grown Ups. While the water park scenes had me feeling nostalgic, and the family values were cute, I still wonder what the outtakes of that movie consist of. That is a great cast, practically plucked from the glory days of SNL. There had to have been
some behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Word got out about the upcoming summer release date for his first-ever sequel, Grown Ups 2, coming to theaters on July 12, 2013. While the first film was good and the perfect summer movie, I hope Sandler is able to return to that goofy, bright-eyed, baseball cap-wearing kid I grew up with. To me, there’s a lot riding on this film, but I’m still a believer of the Sandman. And just like Rob Schneider says, Adam, “You can do it.”
Live close. Go far. Ferris State University partners with 17 community colleges and has 19 locations statewide, in addition to programs offered completely online. Ferris partners with Lansing Community College. We are committed to offering you degree programs locally and affordably. You can earn a degree from Ferris close to home and get financial aid to help you along the way. Students taking classes at both LCC and Ferris get financial aid through one source, saving you time and trouble.
Call our office at (517) 483-9723 or visit our website to make an appointment with an academic advisor. Programs offered at LCC: Business Administration BS Business Administration BS - Professional Track Criminal Justice BS - Generalist Track Elementary Education BS Human Resource Management Certificate Information Security and Intelligence BS Teacher Certification - Elementary (Non Degree)
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY Lansing
LCC University Center | 210 West Shiawassee, Lansing, MI 48901 | (517) 483-9723 | FerrisLC@ferris.edu | www.ferris.edu/statewide
11 A&E
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Catch Me If You Can soars sky-high Sarah Spohn A&E Editor If you’re anything like the millions of people who saw the Paramount film Catch Me If You Can, then you’re probably familiar with the true story of Frank W. Abagnale Jr. This movie became a Broadway musical and made a stop at the Wharton Center April 16. Tickets in hand, I walked to my seat and sat down for the performance. The lights dimmed and ladies and gentlemen were welcomed aboard, asked to buckle up and prepare for takeoff on PAN AM. Based on the story of a young runaway teen, the show follows an FBI agent
Photo courtesy of Carol Rosegg
Broadway’s Catch Me If You Can soared into the Wharton for six nights April 16-21.
on the five-million-mile hunt for the 19-year-old conman. Abagnale Jr. manages to successfully pose as a substitute teacher. One of my favorite lines in the show was when the high school
principal addresses Abagnale Jr.’s parents and tells them he has been teaching a French class for the last two weeks! Laughs aside, there were plenty of more serious moments in which
the show aimed to pull at audience members’ heartstrings. One of these touchy scenes included Abagnale Jr. calling the FBI agent on Christmas Eve because he had no family or friends to talk to.
Gaiman’s Sandman and Garth Ennis’s Preacher. Out of all of these sensational stories, one author proved to be the echelon of mature comic story tellers for me. His name is Bryan K Vaughan. Vaughan created two of the most cinematic and cerebral titles I have ever read: Last Y Man and Ex Machina. Vaughan is making history again, as he released his new noir detective digital comic, Private Eye. Vaughan and artist Marcos Martin have decided to take a similar approach as Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have in the past and
offer their digital creation on a “pay any price you wish” basis. With Private Eye, Vaughan and Martin paint a picture of a dystopian future where the Internet no longer exists and people’s private information is now property of the government-controlled media. Martin’s artwork is cinematic and beautiful in scope, and his overall style I would attest as homages to old Dick Tracy pulp comics and the works of Phillip K. Dick. The antagonist of the noir drama is a detective who goes by the alias “Pat-
rick Immelman,” whom we find in the opening pages of the story being chased by a member of the “Fourth Estate.” The Fourth Estate is the government-controlled media outlet. After making a daring escape, we find Patrick accosted in his office by a young femme fatale. The young damsel in distress reveals after a long exchange of pleasantries that she needs Immelman’s assistance to dig any dirt he can on her past. I found Vaughan’s dialogue to be down to earth and engaging. I thought
The musical numbers were wonderfully choreographed with huge dance numbers and kick lines worthy of the Rockettes. There were, however, a few slow parts in which the show seemed to drag on. Although the role was played to a tee and extremely well-done, I couldn’t help but get bored in the solo scenes of agent Branton, played by Travis Mitchell. He had the whole straight-laced, business man there to do a job, not get involved, no mushy feelings thing down, and it showed. There was no heart there; it seemed very rehearsed compared to the lighthearted, charismatic performance of Abagnale Jr., played by Stephen Anthony. I can’t knock the guy too hard, though; I’m
sure he played the part exactly as it was written. While Anthony stole the stage with a boastful vocal performance and plenty of wide-eyed excitement, other shoutouts are due to supporting cast members Aubrey Mae Davis, who plays Abagnale Jr.’s girlfriend, Brenda. Think Legally Blonde meets smart Doctor instead of Lawyer, as innocent blonde Southern Bell Brenda is the top nurse of the hospital in which Abaganale Jr. pretends to be a doctor. Perhaps my favorite part of the show was the live orchestra, which evoked the feeling that I was actually on Broadway rather than East Lansing. Overall, I’d say this show, minus a few rough pockets of air, managed to soar sky-high.
for a first issue, he did a nice job of maintaining a balance of excitement and introduction to the world he created. I really enjoy the concept
of this story. I think it has a lot of potential, and with the talent involved, I have no doubt they can knock it out of the proverbial ballpark.
Vaughan crafts superb story in Private Eye Jeremy Kohn Freelance Writer Comic books are a huge part of who I am. When I was younger, it was anything Marvel Comics. I was constantly flipping pages of the X-Men, Spiderman or Wolverine. In recent years, my curiosity piqued in the more mature graphic novels. Soon, instead of the superheroes I grew up with, my bookshelves became filled with titles such as Alan Moore’s Watchmen, Neil
King Crossword
Baseball legend inspires change Shauna Stocken Editor In Chief Yes, I enjoy baseball and historically-themed films. But as I took my seat to watch the historical sports drama 42, I quickly and negatively assumed how I would like the movie in the end. I thought the movie would be boring and unoriginal, comparing what I thought I knew about this movie based on its previews to other inspirational sport movies I had seen before. However, my opinion dramatically changed within minutes, and I recommend seeing this movie to anyone who hasn’t yet.
The biographical movie 42 is based on the life of African-American baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who played major league baseball in jersey number 42. The movie does an outstanding job of portraying Robinson’s trials and triumphs as a professional baseball player in a realistic and, at times, raw manner. Throughout the entire movie, viewers found themselves rooting for Robinson to succeed and feeling sympathy when people attempted to hold him back. Viewers were able to connect with the movie in a rich and meaningful way, remembering how society transformed itself from days of extreme seg-
Photo courtesy of www.nerdspan.com
42 casts Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson.
regation. Recent tragedies across America influenced my perspective on this inspirational movie, and why I believe it holds such value. At its core, the film inspires positive change, reminds society to be kind to one another, and to respectfully tolerate what we may not understand or find different in others from ourselves.
It’s true. Americans love their baseball. It is also true to say we are a country that knows how to stay strong and fight fearlessly to accomplish our goals. We are capable of change, capable of working together and redefining our communities and states as a closer and safer place for the future.
Solutions to puzzle at lcc.edu/lookout
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12 Features
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Tour provides transfer insight Shauna Stocken Editor in Chief LCC students and members of the Historical Black College and University club (HBCU) hosted a presentation during the LCC Board of Trustees meeting April 15. Club participants presented a slideshow in honor of the HBCU tour they attended earlier this April. According to Chantelle Henry, a student employee and member of HBCU, the tour was established in 1992 and celebrated its 22nd year in 2013. “It (the tour) allows for students such as myself … for a chance to see similarities and differences between here (in Michigan) and down south and how they do stuff, which is really amazing,” Henry said. “It opened your eyes to opportunities and different ways of community or university lifestyle.” Tonjala Eaton is an LCC academic adviser and representative of the HBCU liaison.
Plan for Lansing summer events Be a Tourist in Your own Town June 1 For one day only, locals can buy a $1 passport to gain free admission to more than 60 area attractions, local businesses and special activities. This Greater Lansing event takes place Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Passport holders are also able to ride the CATA bus for 50 cents the entire day. “Tourists” can visit Edru Skate-a-Rama,
Photo by Shauna Stocken
Members of the Historical Black College and University club (HBCU) present a PowerPoint slide show to the members of the LCC Board of Trustees April 15.
Eaton said she encourages members of HBCU to reach their academic goals while attending LCC in order to transfer to a fouryear institution. The HBCU’s established academic transfer program includes an agreement with sister colleges, including Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Morehouse School
of Medicine and Spelman. Throughout the presentation, members of the club commented on colleges and universities they discovered through the tour that they plan to attend after LCC. LCC Trustee Edward Woods III commented on the students’ presentation, discussing what he likes
most about HBCU. “It’s a family and I know you’ve experienced that and enjoyed that,” Woods III said. “And as you know, HBCU is not only for African-Americans. Other people besides African-Americans can do quite well at HBCU’s. Once again, kudos to LCC for providing this opportunity.”
the Impression 5 Science Center, Potter Park Zoo, the State Capitol and many more destinations. New to this year’s event is the Be a Tourist Check-in Challenge, which gives participants the chance to win prizes from checkins online to specified locations. For more information, visit lansing.org/ events/batyot.
Common Ground heats up the summer The annual Common Ground festival will set up stage in Adado Riverfront Park Monday, July 8 through Sunday, July 14. Featuring local names like Taylor Taylor as well as major headlining acts such as Slash, this music festival continues to rock year after year.
Also on this year’s set list are Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Little Big Town and more artists to be announced soon. Including a diverse music scene, this event encompasses classic rock, country, and hiphop, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
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13 DISTRACTIONS
April 29 - May 31, 2013
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Martoons
by Maranda Zimmerman
Martoons
by Maranda Zimmerman
Scramblers
Sudoku
14 opinion
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Becoming a new Always learning and improved me — Stocken Speaks —
It seems like every day I experience something new and, in the process, I learn a lot about myself. I’ve met so many new people this semester and lost friends as well, but that’s life, I’m learning. People do change and it’s OK to grow apart from your middle school best friend or end an intimate relationship that’s no longer working. I’ve spent a lot of time this semester thinking about the future and the path my life is on, a direction that seems all too foreign at times. However, I have a great support system that has helped me through my transition and has helped me see how damaging it can be letting yourself becoming your own self-fulfilling prophecy. My desire for change
and self-discovery stems from my belief in the phrase “youth is wasted on the young.” Learning the balance between attending classes, two jobs and truly living life to the fullest is the balance I believe I will fully achieve. I’ll never stop believing in love at first sight, that researchers will find a cure for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease during my life time, and that you can have it all — with hard work, of
— Then and Now —
course. My columns share my experiences and beliefs in each issue and I hope my last column for the semester is able to speak volumes above all the others. Working and attending school daily is important and impressive, but alone those aspects make for a life unlived and underappreciated. Spend the summer trying everything you want to, and accomplishing as much as you can. De-stressing my life, moving on from negative people and sharing secrets of my past with friends this semester has liberated me. Liberating yourself from fear of the unknown and the secrets that bind you is difficult, but it will set you free.
This is our last issue of The Lookout for this school year. I can’t help but reflect upon the changes that have occurred during that time. Since my main purpose over this last year was to gain knowledge on a particular subject, I am reflecting upon, “What have I learned?” At my age, I estimate I probably forget a handful of things each day, so I had better be active in learning things to replace them. We learn things every week, every hour and every day. Whether we are actively engaged in the process of learning or not, learning is an ongoing event. Take a moment and realize how much more you know today than you did last fall. You have more knowledge about your
field of study (hopefully) and you have been exposed to information in other areas, directly and indirectly related to your primary course of study. This is a very good thing indeed, but what else have you learned? You have learned how many times you can trigger the snooze alarm and still make it to class on time. You have learned where the parking is always available when you come to campus, and where it might be available closer if you are lucky.
You know how to schedule your time for studying, preparation and attendance, and the consequences when you do not make a good effort in a class. You have met new people and learned how to work with, become friends with or ignore them. You know how long it takes you to grow a solid beard, how many times you can wear jeans without washing them and all the nearby spots to charge your phone without tripping people. You are smarter than you were in the fall, and that means you are a better person. Take a moment to celebrate this fact, internally or with others, because learning should be encouraged. And knowing that, go learn as much as you can today.
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15 Opinion
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Staff Editorial —
Thanks to those who helped our staff
Throughout the year, The Lookout staff has worked hard to publish each issue with you, our readers, in mind. We pride ourselves on professionalism and quality of work, which we have improved upon each year since our first newspaper was printed in 1959. When planning con-
tent to fill the next biweekly publication, we rely on so many people throughout the process. We love what we do at The Lookout, but we wouldn’t be able to produce something worth reading without the support and willingness we have received from LCC stu-
dents, faculty, staff and community members. Unfortunately, at times, it went without saying thank you. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who purchased ads throughout the year. Thanks to those who have taken time out of their busy day to share with us. And thank you
What are your plans for summer?
to the readers who enjoy LCC’s student publication. As always, we encourage feedback on articles you enjoyed, what we should cover in the future, and even what you believe needs improvement. Our final publication of the year means saying good-bye to employees.
We will welcome new writers, page designers, editors and photographers in the fall. Visit The Lookout’s frequently asked questions tab on our website at web.lcc.edu/lookout/faq/ to learn how to get involved next year and to keep up to date on campus coverage over the summer.
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Shauna Stocken
Nathan Wilson
Sarah Spohn
Editor in Chief
Associate Editor
A & E Editor
stockens@mail.lc.edu wilso162@mail.lcc.edu spohns1@mail.lcc.edu “Work on “Upgrade my “Concerts and my book.” apartment.” festivals.“
Amber Glomb
Joe Israel
Sports Editor Paginator /Staff Writer israelj@lcc.edu
Nikki Nicolaou
Suzanna Powers
Paginator
Photo Editor
glomba@mail.lcc.edu nicolaon@mail.lcc.edu powerss5@mail.lcc.edu
“Party!”
“Summer classes.”
“See Beyonce live in concert.”
“A study-abroad in Japan..”
wmich.edu/GoWest
GO WEST. A new life is out there.
PEOPLE COME HERE BECAUSE THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING. It’s all about discovery. What they find is a challenge—something unexpected—that opens up new frontiers. Those discoveries will be explored with new friends and by looking at things in new ways. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and powerful—started by heading West. Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to GRAB THE REINS.
Larry Hook
Mark Gillengerten
Adviser
Advertising Manager
hookl@lcc.edu
gillengm@mail.lcc.edu
“Play a lot of softball.”
“Get a job that matches my degree.”
16 LAST LOOK
April 29 - May 31, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
STARfest concert shows bright talent Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
LCC’s celebration of STARFest came to a rocking conclusion as singersongwriters Taylor Taylor and Jared Lee burst onto the stage at Dart Auditorium April 20. The concert was the last hoorah in a week-long celebration of student life, art, culture and music. The night’s opening act was Okemos High School sophomore Taylor Taylor. Playing guitar for seven years, she is no stranger to performing. Juggling schoolwork, soccer, volleyball and music, Taylor said she tries to perform at least once a week during the school year. The self-proclaimed John Mayer fan was full of smiles as she showed maturity beyond her years during her second song of the night, “Next Excuse.” Be on the lookout for this rising star at this year’s Common Ground Fest at Adado Riverfront Park, starting Monday, July 8. After intermission, it was time to rock with Bostonnative Lee. He has been singing ever since he can remember, starting with
video footage of him singing “Bah Bah Black Sheep” at age 2. “I also had a family that loved music and singing in the car,” Lee said. “My dad taught me the concept of two- and three-part harmony with my sister on long car trips.” Training early on, learning from records from Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, Lee practiced in the mirror, trying to match each note. Lee traveled to Michigan for the first time ever and took to the Dart Auditorium stage in a beanie and Polaroid baseball T-shirt, impressing the audience with his vocal range and infectious lyrics. A big Gavin DeGraw and John Legend fan, Lee played the keyboard and sang his own songs during the concert. In the middle of the performance, Lee invited audience members on stage for a “Gettin’ to Know Ya” freestyle rap battle. Those who didn’t shy away did a great job at providing tons of laughs for both the crowd and performers. Lee’s band mates, drummer Idris Tate and guitarist Jeremy Bieber, had their shining moments and
showed star potential in their craft. Bieber, no relation to Justin, had a wicked guitar solo in which an audience member shouted he had now become a “Belieber.” Popular cover songs “Grenade” by Bruno Mars and Adele’s “Someone like You” drew in new fans unfamiliar to Lee’s music, which he describes as a mix of things. “I would probably describe it as soulful pop music,” Lee said. “I have a lot of R&B vocal influences, but the way I write, I like to write big, kind of soaring pop melodies.” Following the encore of Lee’s first radio single, “It’s Over, Goodbye,” he stuck around for a special meet and greet with fans. The first annual STARFest concert was sponsored by Case Credit Union, LCC Student Life, LCC Alumni Association and Meridian Entertainment Group. For fans of Jared Lee, he can be followed on Twitter and Instagram @ jaredleemusic and also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ jaredleemusic and www.jaredleemusic.com. His new EP “Falling Through Holes” is available worldwide on iTunes.
LCC student Cecilia Major tries her hand at freestyling during the “Gettin’ To Know Ya” rap battle segment of Jared Lee’s concert.
LCC TO CU IS EASY AND AFFORDABLE!
Photos by Suzanna Powers
High school sophomore Taylor Taylor meets and greets fans following her performance at the April 20 show.
Boston-native Jared Lee had a special one-night-only performance at Dart Auditorium.
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