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Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 Volume 55, Issue 3 www.lcc.edu/lookout
The Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing was transformed for a celebration of patriotism and female empowerment Sept. 16, as Volunteers of America presented the second annual Great Lakes Stand Down For Female Veterans. Veterans and volunteers came from all over the state to help make the “Stand Down” a successful event. Volunteers sat at booths streamed with the red, white and blue, while veterans sat together, enjoying food and fellowship. Guest speakers, as well as musicians, performed on stage. Veterans showed their artistic and creative side, decorating combat boots with glittered stars and stripes.
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‘Stand Down’ event aids female veterans Jeremy Kohn Staff Writer
PTK earns Spirit Stick Award
“I think it is an awesome way to connect female veterans to services they may not know they are eligible for due to their service,” said volunteer and fellow veteran Heather Nystrom. The event had many outreach services available for veterans, including services aimed at employment, education and housing. Sam Babbie-Gill spoke on the importance of finding veterans a place to live. “We provide temporary and transitional housing and work with veterans on gaining employment and vocational training, also any sort of treatment services needed,” BabbieGill said. Many sponsors helped make donations to the Great Lakes Stand Down. Mary Kay provided
makeup, Volunteers of America provided various articles of clothing and Bath & Body Works provided items for the Stand Down’s door prizes. Tammie Court, a member of a veteran’s support group called “The Forgotten Eagles,” talked about how she seeks out veterans who need help. “The Forgotten Eagles raise funds so we can help veterans with things like get them vehicles, gas cards, food and transportation for VA appointments,” Court said. Court also discussed the common misconceptions about female veterans. “I feel a lot of people think we didn’t do anything, that we just sat behind a desk all day, and that’s not the case,” Court said.
Old Town gets bluesy
Photo by Suzanna Powers
Big LLou (pictured) & the BluesVille Revue perform at the 20th Old Town BluesFest Sept. 21. See photo essay on page 16.
LCC offers inexpensive hygiene care on campus Nathan Wilson Editor in Chief
Photo by Suzanna Powers
LCC student Abby Preuninger (left) evaluates a panoramic X-ray with Dental Hygiene Clinic Supervisor Pat Gunther Sept. 26.
LCC students interested in receiving low-cost preventative dental care need to look no further than the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. Located on Main Campus in the Health and Human Services Building room 107, the clinic is open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional Wednesday clinic hours will be added during the 2014 winter semester.
According to Sheree Duff, MSA, RDH, director of the Dental Hygiene Program, LCC students pay only $25 for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. This discount also applies to seniors and children ages 18 and under. Duff said adults and non-students can expect to pay $40 to $60 for a dental cleaning at LCC, based on their oral health status. According to Duff, additional charges will apply for full mouth radiographs, dental sealants and athletic mouth guards. “Patients are treated by dental hygiene students under the direct su-
pervision from licensed dentists and dental hygienists,” Duff said. The clinic provides preventative care, such as teeth cleanings, radiographs, dental sealants, dental education, fluoride treatments, nutritional counseling, oral cancer screenings and smoking cessation advice. Patients who have a healthy dentition receive a dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning). Other patients who visit the clinic and have various forms See Dental, page 2
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Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Music with a Mission meets its goal Jaimie Bozack News Editor
The sound of bands performing all types of music filled the air at the Capitol steps in Downtown Lansing Sept. 19-21 during the Music with a Mission Fiesta. The festival was organized to raise money and awareness for Lansing’s homeless and the Volunteers of America (VOA) shelter. The event had over 30 bands and musicians, fun activities, artists and a large amount of unlimited, free apples. The hope
Dental
was to make this firstever event a success. Event coordinator Kathie Kuhn said she was satisfied with the turnout. “I’m amazed that we’ve actually been somewhat on schedule. The music is so beautiful, and we have had a nice turnout,” Kuhn said. “We just need to keep it up throughout the week.” All musicians were volunteers and people came out with an open mind to learn what this event was all about. “I was driving by and overheard the music,” said Megan Linem, a concert goer.
Continued from page 1
of periodontal disease are treated and require more appointments to complete. LCC student Jessica Miller said she can’t afford to see a dentist, but she is willing to give the college’s dental clinic a try. “I think it’s great that LCC will provide den-
Photo by Jaimie Bozack
Music with a Mission Fiesta event coordinator Kathie Kuhn passes out information about Volunteers of America Sept. 19.
“I stopped, not knowing what it was, and went home with a cleaned out wallet and ready to start looking for things I can donate.”
tal services to students at a discount,” Miller said. “Especially for students on a budget, it’s hard to find affordable services to take care of our health.” To set up a dental hygiene patient screening appointment, call (517) 483-1458. Following this screening, which determines the number of ap-
The musicians came out full force to support such a wonderful cause and event in its first year. Musician Jenn Bronson said she had never
pointments needed for care (dependent on oral health), additional appointments for completion of care will be scheduled. According to Duff, LCC also offers a Dental Hygiene Program for aspiring dental health care professionals. The program revolves around sciencebased courses such as
performed in actual festivals such as Music with a Mission, so this had a special meaning for more than one reason for her. “It feels pretty awe-
histology, oral anatomy, radiology and more. Enrollment is competitive with 24 students accepted each year following completion of the required prerequisite courses. “Once accepted into the professional track program, students see patients in our state-of-theart, on-site dental facility,
some being able to play for such a great cause as my first actual show,” Bronson said. “I wouldn’t ask for a better first event to play at.” Even some LCC students, including Danielle Gyger, came out to check out what this event was all about. “Free, live music is such a great way to inform people about your organization,” Gyger said. “I’m definitely going to check into volunteering there more.” Many sat and enjoyed the variety of music, while others danced or did yoga.
which includes the use of digital radiology, intraoral cameras and much more!” Duff said. “Students also see patients at extramural community sites around the town like Care Free Clinic.” Dental hygiene students are very active in the community with their volunteerism activities.
Music with a Mission brought together a nice crowd and raised more awareness for the VOA Shelter. Music with a Mission organizers met their mission by bringing in around $400 and new volunteers. “The effect music has is love,” Kuhn said. “Hearing and transforming is a big part of what we’re doing. The volunteers and musicians all really stepped up to make this event happen. Now it’s the community’s turn.” To volunteer or donate items to VOA, visit http://www.voa. org/.
Once the students complete the program, they are well prepared to sit for the State & Regional licensing board examinations, according to Duff. For more information about LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program, visit http://www.lcc.edu/health/ dental/
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Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Students react to pay-by-space parking Nathan Wilson Editor In Chief Student reactions are mixed on the new pay-by-space meter system, which was first implemented in the Gannon Ramp Sept. 16. The parking meters allow students to input the amount of time they wish to stay, and it accepts payment in the form of VISA, MasterCard or exact change. LCC student Nick Brice said he disapproves of the pay-byspace system because the meter interface is confusing. “I struggled the first few times trying to figure out how to set my minutes on the meter in the Gannon Ramp,” Brice said. “I was late to class a couple times. I think LCC should have just left parking the way it was, including the rates.” Brice said he avoids parking at the Gannon Ramp and pays 75 cents an hour at the downtown meters. The new parking rates for the Gannon Ramp are $1 per hour and 50 cents per halfhour. The previous rates were 80 cents per hour and 40 cents per half-hour. According to Eric Glohr, director of LCC Auxiliary Services, there were a few problems when the system launched.
mind the new parking system, and she is a big fan of the mobile parking app. “This is my first time paying for parking from my smart phone and it’s really neat,” Schreiber said. “I can pay the meter while sitting in my classroom instead of running out to the meter every hour. I wish this option was available in more places downtown.” The app for pay-by-phone and extend-by-phone is provided by Parkmobile. Students can set up a free account for a smart phone or iPad at http://www.parkmobile.com According to Lisa Webb Sharpe, senior vice president of LCC Finance, Administration and Advancement, Lot U and F are scheduled to be updated to the pay-by-space parking system in spring semester 2014. The transition Photo by Suzanna Powers LCC student Janelle Clark pays for parking at one of the many pay-by-space meters installed in the was delayed due to electrical Gannon Parking Ramp Sept. 26. issues. “When LCC switched from “Monday morning (Sept. 16) to have more jams than should in the Gannon Parking Ramp. the old Quick Card system to there were a few issues, pri- be expected. LCC is working “From the complaints re- the StarCard, students commarily software programming with the vendor and the manu- viewed, many students plained about that change,” for the pay-by-space stations,” facturer to resolve this issue.” would deposit money on Glohr said. “I believe that over Glohr said. “These issues, for According to Glohr, the vast their StarCard, which was de- time, the switch from StarCard the most part, were quickly majority of complaints LCC ducted each time the student to pay-by-space will be accepttaken care of from the manu- has received stem from the parked,” Glohr said. “Now ed by the LCC community.” facturers tech support. One on- change from StarCard to pay- the student has to have cash For more information, visgoing issue is having jams in by-space. Students have indi- to pay each time they park.” it lcc.edu/parking or contact the bill (currency) acceptor. cated a desire to continue using LCC freshman Melissa Parking & ID Services at 517“Several of the stations seem the StarCard to pay for parking Schreiber said she doesn’t 483-1798.
Take in the season with Apple Butter Festival Chelsea Allen Freelance Writer
The 40th annual Apple Butter Festival is coming to Fenner Nature Center Sunday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is a celebration of the new fall season and a way to bring peo-
ple to see the 134 acres of the nature center. There will be many activities for all ages, not to mention it is completely free and family friendly. Activities include different heritage artisans who will be spinning wool, making wooden instruments and soap, spinning pottery on the
pottery’s wheel and much more. Live bluegrass and folk music will be provided by local musicians as well. “There will be free demonstrations on how to press cider and making old-fashioned apple butter in a copper kettle over the fire,” said Ka-
tie Woodhams, program manager of the Fenner Nature Center. “Kids can even volunteer to help stir the butter.” A few weeks before the festival, the Fenner Nature Center has fall tours available for schools to take students to get a preview of the festival. This brings in most of the
crowd during the festival because the students then bring their families. According to Woodhams, an estimated 2,000 people will attend the festival between both days depending on the weather. Thus, parking spots will be limited. “I would recommend to ride bikes out to the
festival because there is a bike valet available in order to save parking spaces,” Woodhams said. For more information on the Apple Butter Festival or the Fenner Nature Center, visit mynaturecenter.org or contact the Fenner Nature Center on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
Phi Theta Kappa awarded acclaimed ‘Spirit Stick’ Jeremy Kohn Staff Writer LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) was awarded the coveted “Spirit Stick” award during a leadership conference in Leelenau Sept. 6 to 8. It had been two years since LCC’s PTK attended a leadership conference, according to PTK President Markus Davis. “The award is given to the team who can best define Phi Theta Kappa’s four hallmarks: leadership, fellowship, scholarship and service,” Davis said. Over the course of the weekend conference, PTK alumni representatives observed the different chapters and cast their votes accordingly. When the results came in, Lansing Community College came out on top. “Our students shined,” said Student
Life Director Al Nowak. “I thought they were very engaging to the audience.” The “Spirit Stick” award has been around since 2009. Many community colleges have been awarded the “Stick” over the year. Lansing Community College took the reins from Delta Community College. “There is a great history to this award and to see LCC win this after not being very active in recent years is a triumph for us,” Nowak said. “The Spirit Stick is an award that gives LCC some bragging rights similar to the MSU/Michigan Paul Bunyan trophy.” The next opportunity PTK will have to defend the “Spirit Stick” accolade is at a conference from Oct. 11 to 13. “We will be fighting tooth and nail to keep the ‘Spirit Stick’ where it belongs — here at LCC,” Davis said.
Photo by Jeremy Kohn
LCC Phi Theta Kappa President Markus Davis proudly displays the Spirit Stick the group won during a leadership conference in Leelenau Sept. 6-8.
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Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Earn a high school diploma on campus Amber Glomb Freelance Writer
The Early College program at LCC provides an un-traditional high school experience. Eligible students spend their last two years of high school on LCC’s Main Campus. According to LCC’s new Early College Director Steve Rosales, students are on Main Campus five days a week. “The Early College program is an accelerated program where junior-aged high school students can get themselves prepped and ready to begin college courses,” Rosales said. “The program takes care of the tuition and fees as well as their textbooks.” LCC Early College student Cierra Grimes, 17, is from Everett High School and said she
thinks this program is highly beneficial. “It’s not all about the social aspect,” Grimes said. “People are like ‘Oh, you’re missing out on two years of high school.’ I disagree … I just tell them to look past the social aspect of high school and benefit from the things that they can benefit from like saving money and getting a better education.” Students enrolled in the program can earn up to 60 college credits, save $20,000 to $25,000 a year and earn a high school diploma. According to Rosales, the GPA of Early College students are typically higher than students who graduate high school and start at LCC. “That average here (at LCC) is between a 2.1 and 2.2,” Rosales said. “Our students are at a 2.5. Overall, our GPA is a little
bit higher.” Teachers provide support and supervision for these students while not taking away their ability to be independent. One of these support mechanisms is having a mentor. Grimes said having a mentor helps her be successful. “The teachers are more in sync of teaching you what you need to learn and they are better with helping you,” Grimes said. “They set you up for success by having mentor meetings and other ways to help you succeed in life.” Students not only get their high school diploma, but also become exposed to the college experience. “If they want a challenge, if they want a new experience, if they want to be able to see what they are made of, then this is a
Photo by Suzanna Powers
Students from LCC’s Early College learn how to format an essay in MLA format Sept. 25.
good experience for them to try and to get away from a traditional high school setting,” Ro-
sales said. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/earlycollege/
Students offer concerns at committee meeting
Nathan Wilson Editor In Chief
The Student Advisory Committee to the President (SACP) met for the first time during the fall 2013 semester Sept. 18. “The point of (SACP) is to get students’ questions answered and to help give students a chance to be involved in the community to be able to make changes happen,” said Rachael Strother from Student Life. LCC President Brent Knight wasn’t available to attend, but Lisa Webb Sharpe, LCC senior vice president of Finance, Administration and Advance-
ment, volunteered her time to answer questions from the Student Leadership Academy. Before Sharpe arrived, Director of Student Life Al Nowak shared information about the upcoming Gannon renovations. “We’re looking at moving people out so by December (2013) when the school breaks occurs, they can begin some renovations rather quickly and get some things going,” Nowak said. “Our goal is that (Gannon) will be operational when the fall semester starts.” Sharpe said the pool in the Gannon Building will
Photo by Nathan Wilson
LCC Senior Vice President of Finance, Administration and Advancement Lisa Webb Sharpe (left) answers students’ questions Sept. 18.
be replaced by a student commons designed to seat between 300 and 400 students. “It will be really cool
space for students to get something to eat on campus,” Sharpe said. “It’s going to make you forget the Kennedy Cafeteria.”
Sharpe added the Student Services Division will be more student friendly and inviting in Gannon. The entire building will not be renovated like the A&S Building. According to Sharpe, there will also be a hallway stretching from Washington Court Mall all the way to the new student commons. Next, the committee discussed the recently completed renovations in the A&S Building. “We tried to make spaces that were modern, that were functional and that you would like,” Sharpe said.
Students expressed enthusiasm about the new study spaces in the A&S Building and the privacy it provides. Sharpe jotted down suggestions from students about improving the A&S Building. Some of the suggestions included adding signs, fixing the elevators and dimming the intensity of the LED light walls. “We also just wanted to make it cool and bring light into the building,” Sharpe said. “It will take us a while to get everything completely perfect in the building and for you to discover all of the places.”
Alzheimer’s hits home
Jaimie Bozack News Editor
More than 1,000 people packed into Lansing’s Capitol lawn, bearing the cold and wearing purple in support of Lansing’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 22. The walk kicked off its 16th year with music, fun activities and lots of food and vendors. This event has been crucial in raising money and supporting the cause every year. For volunteer Seth Barnhill, being a part of this event for eight years has a lot of meaning to him. “My grandmother had Alzheimer’s, so I want to be out here supporting people who have it or are going through the pain of someone who does have it,” Barnhill said. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to Barnhill. Many of the people who attended the event have nothing in common except for the desire to end Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s hits home for many students here at LCC, including Cameron Riddle, whose grandmother, Dotty, has Alzheimer’s. “Alzheimer’s has affected me and my family because when we go to see her, she doesn’t really know who we are, and it hurts because she just doesn’t remember,”
Riddle said. Riddle said his grandma has had Alzheimer’s for over two years. “I think people should appreciate their elders while they can because you never know if they will always be able to even recognize you or not,” Riddle said. The band Sudden Impact volunteered to perform at this event as soon as they heard about it. They played covers of wellloved and well-known songs before and after the event. Charlie Scholcum, lead singer and guitarist of Sudden Impact, said he was very honored to be a part of such a wonderful event that raises money for a great cause. “Music brings people together,” Scholcum said. “The songs remind people of a certain memory or event that happened, and it makes them smile.” The Walk to End Alzheimer’s was a large and successful event. According to Barnhill, over 95 teams came out and many volunteers put it all together and made it all happen. A total of $100,027 was raised during this event, Barnhill said. “We tried to make this a really fun event,” Barnhill said. “People deal with this on a daily basis, and it’s not a fun thing to deal with, so we just try to have one day out of the year a very enjoyable experience.”
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Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF Find camaraderie with News
Join College Night at West Campus Sept. 30 Representatives from over 50 colleges and universities will pack into LCC’s West Campus Monday, Sept. 30 for LCC’s College Night. This event will allow students to meet with col-
lege representatives and plan out their college career. The event is free to students and the public. Come in anytime between 4 and 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/collegenight.
Download student app ‘OutlinesOutloud’ A new student-focused app called “OutlinesOutloud” is designed to help students who have difficulty staying focused. OutlinesOutloud takes and converts a student’s study outlines into spoken audio. It’s easy to understand and manage
and it allows the audio to play back and loop. The OutlinesOutloud app makes studying easier, and it is free to students. For more information and to download the app, visit www.outlinesoutloud.com/details.
Explore options at HBCU College Fair The 2013 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Fair will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in LCC’s Gannon Building and later that day from 6 to 9 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptists Church. This event allows stu-
dents to learn about HBCU’s admission requirements, meet with HBCU college representatives and receive more information about LCC’s HBCU transfer partnerships. For more information, go to www.lcc.edu/hbcu/ collegefair/#colleges.
Veterans Association Jeremy Kohn Staff Writer
LCC’s Veterans Association is an organization that gives students an opportunity to share their military experiences with one another. The organization offers services that help veterans cope with the often difficult transition from military service to a returning college student. The Veterans Association is free to join; the only criteria necessary to participate is to have served in the military. President of the Veteran’s Association Dustin Mclouth spoke about what the Veterans Association means to him. “Veterans Association is a place where veterans can come to talk about issues and discuss fundraisers,” Mclouth said. “It’s a
ica on Sept. 16,” Bender said. “The event allows female veterans to take pride in their military service and also helps stamp out stereotypes that have been placed on women in the military. “During the week leading up to Veterans Day, we have a showing of the movie The Welcoming, which is a film that discusses post-traumatic stress disorder. “We invite people from the psychology and health departments to join us for the screening. This movie is shown to spread awareness for those unfamiliar with post-traumatic stress disorder.” LCC students who have served in the military and are interested in joining the Veteran’s Association can contact Bender at (517) 4831655 or bender@lcc.edu.
Photo by Suzanna Powers
Three representatives from LCC’s Veterans Association speak with Campus Disciple Neville McKinnie (right) during 2013 Welcome Week Sept. 4.
national organization with about 500 chapters worldwide. “This group is beneficial. It helps veterans make changes necessary to their education as well as helping others in the community.” Kristina Sheathelm, another member of the Veterans Association, talked about what compelled her to join. “I went to school before I served in the
Coast Guard and it didn’t go so well,” Sheathelm said. “Now that I am back at LCC, I feel that getting involved in a club I could relate to will help me succeed this time.” Veterans Association Adviser James Bender spoke about some of the major events the group will host this year. “The Women’s Stand Down is an event held by Volunteers of Amer-
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6 SPORTS
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Spikers fall to Muskegon in three sets Richard Schenck Sports Editor
The rocky road continues for the LCC volleyball team as it was swept by Muskegon Community College, three sets to none, in a Sept. 24 match in the LCC Gannon Gym. The loss brought the Stars’ record to a 6-10 overall record with a 3-3 record in the MJCAA’s Western Conference. “They played a little bit out of their comfort zone,” Head Coach Emily Quintero acknowledged. “Muskegon is a very well rounded team; very good defense, very good setting.” The Stars did, however, show improvement overall in the loss. They recorded their third best dig total for the season with 65 and a respectable tally of 25 kills. “My team definitely played up to the tempo,” Quintero said. Quintero said she has a few areas of the game in which she would like to see the team improve. She pointed primarily to blocking and smarter decision making on offense. LCC freshman Angela Williams said she and her teammates focused on trying to cut down on Muskegon’s high kill percentage. As communication was an issue early in the season, Williams and the rest of the team have begun to improve and it is showing divi-
Photo by Suzanna Powers
LCC spiker Elizabeth Skaryd (center) scores against Muskegon Community College during a game on Sept. 24.
dends. “I like to talk to my hitters, make sure that they know what is open,” Williams said. With improvement, however, there are bound to be setbacks. Williams explained the difficulties of overcoming those issues. “When we get in a rut we really get quiet and that’s what really kills us sometimes,” she said. “Overall we have a good team; we all get along. We work as a unit and come out strong.” Williams mentioned sophomores Camri McCoy and Mariah Jackson have been two players that use their vocal leadership to bring the team back together when things start to fall apart. As the season moves forward, Quintero is setting her sights on a top-table finish and moving toward the post-season. “I see us placing fourth, maybe third in the conference and going to regionals,” she said. The Stars were looking to improve their record starting with a fourmatch road trip starting at Jackson Community College on Sept. 26. The Stars return to the Gannon Gym on Oct. 3 against the Redhawks of Lake Michigan College at 6:30 p.m. You can find out scores and schedules of the LCC volleyball team at www.lcc.edu/athletics/volleyball.
LCC harriers finish strong in Spartan Invitational Richard Schenck Sports Editor Going into a couple weeks of no competition, it is vital that a team ends its last meet with strong showings. The LCC men’s and women’s cross country teams did exactly that at the Spartan Invitational at Forest Akers East on Sept. 13. The meet was hosted by Michigan State University and featured many Division One schools. “(This was) one of the best performances our guys have ever done at the Spartan Invitational,” explained LCC Head Coach Chuck Block. “We had one guy in the 25 (minute range) and one guy in the real low 26s.”
LCC sophomore Joe Marrah’s 35thplace finish out of 286 runners led the Stars with a time of 25:41. The next LCC finisher in the men’s race was sophomore Chris Gantt in 55th place with a time of 26:08. Marrah, one of the leaders on the team in 2013, credited his more disciplined offseason training for the results he has been able to produce. “I attribute it to my summer running,” Marrah said. “I just put in a lot of miles and busting my butt and it really has paid off. Now I am a believer in summer running.” The women put in a very good effort in East Lansing as well. Freshman Allison Dible led the way for the LCC women with an 87th-place finish out of 257 with a time of 23:47.
Sophomore Jessica D’Haene was the second LCC runner across the finish with a time of 24:11. Block said he has seen a little bit of separation between the men’s and women’s team up to this point in the season. “I think the guys are ahead of the ladies at this point,” Block said. “But I’m sure the ladies will catch up real quick.” Both cross country teams will have their first home meet on Oct. 4 at Grand Woods Park in Lansing. Block said he enjoys this new opportunity to get in some hard training so his teams can stay sharp and perform well at home. “We’ve never done this before,” Block said. “I like it because we can
Athlete
Spotlight Carly Darrow
do some kick-butt workouts and not have to worry about tapering for a meet. We can get three quality workouts in a week instead of two.” In order to keep the team training at a high level, the team is going to have to depend on Gantt’s vocal leadership and Marrah’s outstanding “lead by example” work ethic, Block said. Block and his teams are really putting emphasis on performing well at home so they can keep their string of top-flight finishes going. “We really want to run well,” Block said. “We have been training really hard; we pride ourselves in beating some of the bigger schools.” Go to www.lcc.edu/athletics for the 2013 cross country schedule.
LCC sophomore middle hitter Carly Darrow recently discussed her volleyball career with The Lookout. Darrow was the Region XII’s leader in blocks with 1.76 per match going into last week’s action.
Q. When did you get your start in volleyball? A. I started with watching my cousin play volleyball. I fell in love with it and then in high school I decided I didn’t want to stop and that’s what led me to LCC. I hope to continue after I leave here.
Q. What are your plans after LCC?
A. I want to go to Grand Valley State because they have my major in physical therapy. I would love to play volleyball and go to school there.”
Q: How do you project your leadership on the rest of the team?
A.“I try to lead by example; being somewhat gracious on the court and showing
Q. How do you attribute your skills in blocks to leading the conference? A.“In high school they used to call me the Block-ness Monster. It is just something I have always been good at and I love it. It is one of my favorite parts of the game. I hope to stay at the top and I want to be top five in the conference for kills too.” - Compiled by Richard Schenck
7 SPORTS
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
AD Mallek sets sights high Richard Schenck Sports Editor
LCC Athletic Director Greg Mallek will soon begin his second year in the Capitol City. Mallek began as LCC’s sports leader Oct 10, 2012. A former athletic director at Delta College and assistant athletic director at Olivet College, Mallek said he was eager to take the skills from his previous stops and apply them to LCC. “You continue to bring all your previous experiences to your next position,” Mallek said. “But I think I brought more of the skills I learned from Delta College, because they are in the same conference as LCC. “My understanding of the community college athletic system, the NJCAA, our conference (MCCAA) and the region, knowing those people and how things operate, helped the transition here.” From Mallek’s previous encounters at LCC when he was running the show at Delta, he was left with great impressions from the school from an athletic per-
Photo by Richard Schenck
GREG MALLEK
spective. “I already had good preconceived notions before I came here,” he said. “Lansing has always been one of the well-supported, more competitive colleges in our conference. So I already knew Lansing would be a good fit for me.” Once Mallek arrived at LCC he said he was very pleased with how LCC presented itself in other areas besides the athletic program. He cited how beautiful the campus is and how the new remodeling has improved the function of the school to better serve the students’ needs. Mallek said one of the main goals of an athletic director is to take a pro-
gram and elevate it so the programs stay up to par competitively. Another is to support the student/ athletes. The goal of LCC, as with any school, is to provide a learning environment that is cohesive and comfortable. “One of the most important things we’ve done is a student/athlete orientation in July,” Mallek said. “That allows us to get as many of our student/athletes on campus as possible. “It helps us, from an administrative standpoint, get them through their paperwork, and get that processed so we are ahead of the ballgame.” One of the sports in which Mallek has had a very positive effect is LCC volleyball. “He’s given a lot of support to the volleyball program,” Head Volleyball Coach Emily Quintero said.”He pushes academics a lot, which I completely support.” This is Quintero’s first year as head coach. She said Mallek has made her transition very comfortable. “I can’t say enough about
the support I’ve received as a coach,” Quintero said. With his new position at the top of the department Mallek said he sees the Stars reaching to match past greatness by winning the All-Sports Award, which was last won in 2006. “It basically takes the sports that you offer (that are recognized by the conference) and it takes where you finish in that sport per year and that calculates on an average,” Mallek explained. Working with LCC has also given Mallek the opportunity to reach out to the community and support the citizens just as they have supported the Stars. These projects include the volleyball team beautifying a local park, a “Toys for Tots” donation at the entrance of a game, and a January food drive dubbed after the blockbuster movie “Hunger Games.” It has been almost a year since Mallek has taken over the Stars program and the positive changes he has implemented will likely have a significant impact on current Stars and future ones.
Ferris@LCC
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Go Far.
Ferris is proud to partner with Lansing Community College. We are committed to offering you bachelor’s degrees locally and affordably. Our classes are COnvenientLy OFFered in the evening to fit your schedule. You can earn a degree from Ferris close to home and get financial aid through one source, saving you time and trouble.
In addition to the programs right here at LCC, we have fully OnLIne degrees and certificate programs, as well as a host of online classes available. To find out which courses are offered online, or to determine if online learning is right for you, visit ferris.edu/online.
Call our offiCe at (517) 483-9723 to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor or to Find Out MOre about the affordable Ferris programs available to you right here at LCC.
— Laces Out —
Sparty gets last laugh With the college football season upon us, the chest beating in the “House Divided” has everyone scrambling to display their colors to whoever may pass. The gamesmanship and is unique in its own right. Some consider it as simple as a handful of water cooler jabs until the next game. The diehards, however, consider it a border war that’s more personal than the Hatfields and McCoys. Many people poke fun at the University of Michigan for being stuck to the past, or at Michigan State University for taking advantage of a weak Big Ten conference. One person took the yearly trash-talk to a whole new level. As many people in the mitten and nationwide have found out, a UM alumni dug deep into his coffers and had “GO BLUE” written in the sky above East Lansing during MSU’s game Sept. 14 versus Youngstown State. MSU alumni said they were upset $3,000 was spent on such a frivolous act as sky-writing when there are so many more worthwhile causes. Numerous reports have stated that MSU alumni are now taking donations to assist an Ann Arbor ovarian
cancer clinic. The donations have reportedly tripled the goal of $3,000 and the amount will undoubtedly continue to climb. It is refreshing to see people involved in the rivalry take the initiative to turn a contest into a benefit for a life-saving purpose. I applaud Spartan Nation for turning one fan’s publicity stunt into an opportunity to do some good and change lives. It is still early in the season and I understand the optimism Wolverine fans have about a team that has potential to make noise every Saturday. Yes, MSU is struggling to find an identity this year, but UM fans should watch their backs. Just imagine how foolish Mr. Moneybags will feel if Sparty gets the last laugh. On second thought, the Spartans already have.
Ferris PrOGrAMs At LCC: Bachelor’s Degrees Business administration Business administration Professional Track criminal Justice elementary education Information security and Intelligence cerTIfIcaTe human resource Management Teacher cerTIfIcaTIon & enDorseMenT elementary Provisional certification
Apply online at ferris.edu/statewide
Ferris state University Lansing Ferris @ Lansing Community College 210 W. Shiawassee, MC 8200 Lansing, MI 48901 (517) 483-9723 | FerrisLC@ferris.edu
8 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Agnes of God prompts deep questions Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
Agnes of God kicks off the LCC Performing Arts season as it opens Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 4-5 and 11-12 at 8 p.m. in LCC’s Black Box Theatre. Directed by Paige Dunckel, the play focuses on a young woman accused of killing her newborn baby. Mother Superior insists the baby was immaculately conceived and keeps the woman away from the court psychiatrist who is accusing her of killing her own baby. Devaughn Staley, a 20-yearold theatre major, has been acting for the past two years. She said her favorite part about acting is getting to immerse herself into a character. She plays Agnes in the play. “There’s a lot of drama in it,” Staley said. “There are a lot of quiet moments, where you really get to the heart of what’s happening and it just like pulls the audience completely in.” Considering the deep subject matter and adult topics, the play is suggested for ages 13 and up, but that’s not to say it’s all dark and gloomy. Witty banter, along with a relevant message, from
Photo by Kevin Fowler
LCC actresses Kelley McNabb (left to right), Devaughn Staley and Oralya Garza act out a scene from Agnes of God. Showings are Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 4-5 and 11-12 at 8 p.m. in Black Box Theatre.
Agnes of God will prompt plenty of pondering from the audience. “Agnes of God is a tragic story, but it raises a lot of questions of faith,” said LCC alumnus Oralya Garza, who plays Mother Superior. “It
speaks to the lengths to which a human is willing to narrate a reality for themselves.” Garza said she is returning to the stage because of her fondness for the choice of script. “This particular play is
p.m. Admission for this strictly-ages-21-and-up event is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Included in the ticket price is admission to the beer tent, a souvenir beer mug and three food/drink tickets. According to an OTCA press release, brewing demos by That’s How We Brew will take place. There will also be psychic readings and plenty of food options from local vendors including Restaurant Mediteran, Mark’s Gourmet
Dogs and Aggie Mae’s Bakery. Given the name of the celebration, plenty of different beers are going to be on tap to fill special souvenir boot mugs. Beer lovers won’t be disappointed by the extensive beer list planned for the weekend. Sam Adams Octoberfest, Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Uncle John’s Apple cider, as well as hard cider from Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern are some of
relevant. It’s got a timely message and it’s a really great pick,” Garza said. With a tiny cast of only three, all female leads, the production creates an intimate, close feeling between the actresses themselves as
well as the audience in the Black Box Theatre. Kelley McNabb has been acting nearly all of her life, for the last 20 years. The 24-yearold grew up in a theatrical family and has been on stage from a young age. She spoke about how being a tiny cast had many perks. “I love it,” McNabb said. “It’s awesome. We goof off all the time, but it’s so much easier with a smaller cast to get feedback about what you need to be doing and to go over lines … it’s easier to get a better personal connection so that you have a more intimate scene.” Director Dunckel said: “Expect to see a play that is going to make you think … You’ll have an experience where you’ll have to come to decisions about how you feel about religion and miracles … because there’s a lot of unanswered questions in this play.” The entire cast said it urges students, staff, faculty and guests to come out to the show. “It’s not going to be what you expect,” Dunckel said. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults at the door. For more information, call 517-483-1488 or visit www.lcc. edu/showinfo
Oktoberfest 2013: Brats, brews and bands Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
Come one, come all to the Lansing area’s largest German-style celebration. The eighth annual Oktoberfest will soon fill the streets of Lansing’s Old Town with brews, brats and bands. Put on by the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA), this fundraising event takes place on Friday, Oct. 4 from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5 from 2-11
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
the tasty options for festivalgoers. For those who aren’t bat crazy about beer, live music will also be available to the masses. Kicking the festival off are The Hy-Notes, performing Oct. 4 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. On Oct. 5, The Happy Wanderers will perform 2-5 p.m. and The Polish Muslims will take the stage from 6-9 p.m. There is a Groupon for a 50-percent discount on tickets to Oktoberfest that surely
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS. EXPLORE EASTERN.
REGISTER FOR OUR UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE emich.edu/explore
won’t last long. Get ready for Germaninspired dishes like pretzels, sauerkraut, cannolis and plenty of seasonal, frothy adult beverages. Festival attendees can park on the streets of Old Town. Handicap parking will be designated. Be sure to get there early since there are a limited amount of spaces nearby the festival. For more information, visit www.oldtownoktoberfest.com or call OTCA at 517-485-4283.
9 A&E
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF Here’s to small egos — The Unknown Spohn —
Arts & Entertainment
Flashdance enters stage at Wharton Center The iconic movie Flashdance is celebrating its 30th anniversary and being remade on stages across the country. Show times at the MSU Wharton Center are Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Weekend show times include Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.
The musical tells the story of Alex Owens, a working girl with dreams of becoming a dancer. The musical features some of the well-known timeless songs from the movie on top of a slew of new songs written especially for the musical by Robbie Roth. For ticket information, visit www.whartoncenter.com
Enjoy movie festival at Celebration Cinema Celebration Cinema in Lansing is hosting a family film festival for the month of October. Family movies are free for kids 12 and under and just $4 for adults. The G and PG movies usually run in the morning and early afternoon.
The lineup is as follows: Despicable Me 2: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3; Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters: Oct. 4 10; Planes: Oct. 11 - 17, Monsters University: Oct. 18 - 24; and Hotel Transylvania: Oct. 25 - 31. For show times, call 517-3937469 or visit www.celebrationcinema.com/flicksfamilyfest
Apple Butter Festival celebrates 40th year The 40th annual Apple Butter Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lansing Fenner Nature Center off East Mount Hope Avenue. This free festival includes plenty of hands-on activities, taste
tests and celebration of nature and autumn. Apple tasting, gourmet caramel corn, woodcraft kits, live music and celebrity stirrers will be on deck. For more information, call 517483-4224.
and even smaller gigs There’s something to be said about musicians who still play gigs at the local bar. You know, the guys who could and often do, sell out bigger, venues and arenas on tour. They are the ones who take requests in the middle of a setlist, even if they haven’t played that song live yet … The ones who stay — sweaty and all — after playing an exhausting show to meet with their fans. I go to concerts like it’s my job, and I’ve finally found a way to help pay for it—writing for The Lookout, making bank. I kid. Nevertheless, I love being able to write about local shows at places like Mac’s Bar, The Loft, dive bars, basements, theaters, outdoor festivals, coffee shops and any other little sidewalk soundtrack that may come my way. There’s something to be said about artists who sell their own merch. And if you
think it’s only because they can’t find someone else to do it, you’re wrong. There are still some artists who don’t have huge egos. They’re perfectly OK with grabbing a cheap beer after the set and returning to their merch table to say “hi.” In fact, some of them are even happy to talk with fans. You might think it’s all part of the job and they’ve got to network or pay their dues, but they don’t. Plenty of musicians don’t even drive themselves. Still, most of the bands at Mac’s don’t have tour buses; look for a beat up Honda. These
people are real, they have rust on their cars, their gas light is on empty and they ate a Subway sandwich before the gig. The guys and gals who don’t have huge egos, attitudes and are both happy and genuinely talented … The ones who let a smalltown college newspaper editor like me interview them and ask silly questions about their most embarrassing onstage moments. There’s something to say about people who, night after night, fill venues, drive hundreds of miles a day and somehow still find a way to let the fans know they’re grateful. That something is, “Thank you.” Thank you to the artists who visit, even though the only thing they may or may not know about Lansing is that it’s the capital of Michigan. And thank you to staff at local venues for dreaming big and getting even bigger acts in our small but vibrant town of Lansing.
You can finish your bachelor’s degree on the LCC Campus! Siena Heights University has a degree completion center right here on campus! Undergraduate classes available in:
• Accounting • Bachelor of Applied Science • Community Services • Multidisciplinary Studies • Professional Communication
Contact Siena today at (517) 483-9726 or stop by our office in the University Center.
www.sienaheights.edu/lans
10 A&E
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
MEAT: a vegetarian’s worst nightmare Jeremy Kohn Staff Writer Located in Old Town Lansing, MEAT “Southern BBQ & Carnivore Cuisine” may not have a clever name, but what it lacks in creativity it more than makes up for in the dining experience. MEAT offers both indoor and outdoor accommodations, so those who want a little sunlight when they indulge in their meal can choose to eat outside. The carnivore delicacies MEAT offers range from BBQ briskets to pulled
pork sandwiches, smoked turkey, BBQ ribs and smoked chicken wings. MEAT makes its own specialty house sauces for those people who wish to add some zing and zest to their meal. Sauce lovers who have a sweet tooth may find themselves being drawn to the honey molasses sauce. For those who appreciate a more zestier flavor to their meal, the North Carolina mustard sauce may be just the sauce to their liking. MEAT’s Cherrybomb sauce is great for those who enjoy the best of both worlds, satisfying sweet and spicy flavor palettes. After several minutes
contemplating my order, I decided on the two-meat platter. I chose the brisket along with the smoked chicken wings for my two primary choices. The meal came with two side dishes, so I chose the macaroni and cheese and the BBQ pit beans. The portions were quite hefty. The brisket was tender and succulent. The wings were smoked and seasoned to perfection. The macaroni and cheese was rich and creamy, while the BBQ pit beans were a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. My server was attentive and polite and she was very knowledgeable about
the menu as well as giving me the rundown on the specialty sauces the restaurant had to offer. I had heard a lot of great things about this place
from family and friends. I found that my experience at MEAT was one that surpassed all my expectations. The next time you
have the urge to release your inner barbarian, don’t suppress it. Let Old Town’s MEAT be the release to your carnivorous cravings.
age but had the feelings of a 12-year-old girl when her favorite member, Niall Horan, took the screen. Seeing this movie, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I never had any One Direction knowledge prior to this movie. To me, One Direction was this overly-talked about boy band that was only famous because they looked good. After seeing the movie, I realize the good-looking part is all very true, but I also realized there is more
to them than what meets the eye. Sitting through this movie, at first, was exhausting. The sound of gasping girls throughout the theater when Harry Styles stepped out in 3D made me laugh. The over-played One Direction songs blasting through the theater speakers made me want to put in my headphones. However, as the movie went on, I found myself gasping with everyone else, screaming when
Horan and Liam Payne were shown and maybe even shedding a tear when they talked about where they had come from. I wasn’t sure what was happening to me. I was losing my edge, but I liked it. I walked out of the movie with a newfound respect for the band. I now understand the meaning of “One Direction Infection.” I, myself, had been injected. I was pleasantly surprised at the easily relatable stories of these guys and the
music. The movie is very good, even if you’re not exactly a One Direction fan. It’s very well-made and at times you feel like you’re actually at a One Direction concert and not in an actual movie theater. The 3D in some places
was so good I actually saw some fans reach out and try to touch the members. Overall, the movie was much better than I expected, and I changed my mind about One Direction. I even bought their CD after this seeing this movie.
Photo from meatbbq.com
Located at 1224 Turner St. in Old Town Lansing, MEAT “Southern BBQ & Carnivore Cuisine” serves pork ribs, meatwiches, smoked turkey and more.
One Direction film proves better than expected Jaimie Bozack News Editor I walked into NCG to see a packed theater of many wide-eyed teenage girls on the edge of their seats, waiting to see the new One Direction: This Is Us in 3D. I’ve never been a huge One Direction fan, but I was forced into going with my One Directionloving friend. She’s my
King Crossword
Airborne Toxic Event kills Sarah Spohn A&E Editor Just because a band has made it big doesn’t mean their heads are big. Enter stage right -- The Airborne Toxic Event. These guys (and girl) have played with some of the nation’s top string quartets, but on Sept. 16, Lansing had the band all to itself at The Loft. Not only did the group melt faces off at The Loft for a sold-out show, but they high-fived the crowd, played impromptu solos on the ceiling pipes and proudly saluted to hundreds in the crowd. Rockstars get a bad rep: They’re cocky, they’re selfish, they’re rude, etc … But sometimes you stumble across a band that’s different, unexpected and refreshing. The band has toured non-stop, they’ve paid their dues at dive bars,
Photo courtesy of 100xr.com
The Airborne Toxic Event dominated the stage at The Loft Sept. 16.
opened up for other acts and spent thousands of hours in a van. This is their moment. Selling out major venues, the band didn’t have to agree to come to a little town called Lansing, and they certainly could have sold tickets for more than $9.41 apiece. There’s no wonder this show sold out; they’re in their prime. Having perfected the rock-your-face-off-meetsriveting strings act they’re known for, this band has
something for everyone. It seems all of Lansing showed up for that very reason. I felt goosebumps during the haunting buildup of “Sometime Around Midnight,” and the live version of “All I Ever Wanted” was just that. These fan favorites did not disappoint. “Changing” had me dancing like a fool, leading other concert-goers to believe I was drunk. The only thing I was drunk off was the music. Fans knew every word and sung back as front-
man Mikel Jollet prompted the rockstar in us all, Anna Bulbrook showed us a new spin on a classical instrument, and Noah Harmon and Steve Chen showed camaraderie and energy impossible to fake. The band members remained so connected with the audience, so into the performance, so believable and genuine in their interest. Their original song, “Missy” was mashedup with Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” and Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” for the finale. Not sure who else recognized the Petty song within the first three notes (hey, I’m an American girl, too) but it’s called “greatest hits” for a reason. It’s always risky to take a classic song and bring it back, especially in a crowd full of 20-something’s who might be too hipster for it. But it was great. So damn great.
Solutions to puzzle at lcc.edu/lookout
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
NCG Eastwood Cinemas 2500 Showtime Dr. Lansing, MI 48912
Showtimes and info available at: www.NCGmovies.com or (517) 316-9100
11 FEATURES
Sept. 30 - Oct 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Local T-shirt company loves Lansing Sarah Spohn A&E Editor What do smokestacks, Sharpies and strong ales have in common? They were all the inspiration for a locally based T-shirt company “517 Shirts,” which just celebrated its second birthday. While in the bathroom of a local Lansing bar, Mt. Pleasant native Ty Forquer noticed an amateur drawing of three smokestacks scribbled in black sharpie on the stall. Surprised by how easily recognizable the picture was, he said he became inspired. A music teacher at LCC since fall of 2010, Forquer founded his “517 Shirts” company on Sept. 1, 2011. 517 Shirts debuted its first original smokestacks design to the World Wide Web. “It’s just a really
iconic part of Lansing’s landscape,” Forquer said of the design. “It’s just something that people recognize instantly. I’ve never had to explain it to anyone from Lansing.” The business grew, and now there are currently eight T-shirts for sale on its online etsy shop. Forquer said new ideas are always in the back of his mind, and many are on deck at any given time before they’re officially launched. “It’s just a matter of finding the right time for it,” Forquer said. “I make them ahead of time, I don’t make them to order. So it’s a little bit of an investment to launch a new line because you want to be fully stocked in all your sizes and have a good number available.” Keeping things local is important, and these
super soft T-shirts are screenprinted through uMerch, a local musical couple and business owners. The T-shirts can be found in stores like SPIN Bicycle Shop in Old Town, the Lansing Convention Center & Visitor’s Bureau downtown, at some local art fairs and 517shirts.com. Giving back to the surrounding community that inspired the founding of the business is also important to 517 Shirts. One of the latest designs is in collaboration with a fundraiser for the Grand Ledge Sun Theatre. The owners recently had to upgrade their projector, and it costs thousands of dollars. The Grand Ledge rocks design, modeled after the Ledges, will have 35 percent of each sold shirt to benefit the theatre. “It’s been a way to kind of stand behind
Photo by Sarah Spohn
Local LCC teacher, musician and businessman Ty Forquer displayed his latest line of T-shirts for sale at REO Town’s Art Attacks! Festival Sept. 7
a local business … providing affordable quality entertainment for families in Grand Ledge,” Forquer said. “We wanted to kind of stand beside that and really support that.” According to Forquer, the community reaction has been great, and
they’ve been a really big support. “We’ve raised $1,000 for the Sun Theatre,” Forquer said. While music will always be the love of his life, as will his wife (who helps refine the ideas), being a business owner definitely brings
some smiles to Forquer as well. “Part of the benefit and one of the things I really like about this business is that I get to do what I want to,” Forquer said. Check out the original distinct design and others at 517shirts.com
A&S debuts coffee machine Chelsea Allen Freelance Writer A new coffee machine has made its way to the Arts & Sciences Building on the first floor. This, however, is not a typical coffee brewer. The big red machine that says “Seattle’s Best Coffee” cost around $6,000 and has features that other coffee machines on campus do not have, according to James Gray, director of LCC Campus Dining. Customers can get a freshly-brewed cup of coffee made from newlyground coffee beans along with the flavor he or she chooses. “It’s as high quality as going to Starbucks or any coffee shop, but it comes out of vending machine,” Gray said. The machine is also earth-friendly when it comes to students having the option of using their own mugs or cups instead of wasting a paper cup. One can simply select the option on the machine to use his or her own cup instead of dispensing one. Most students would be intrigued to know that every 55th cup of coffee that is brewed is free. When the customer inputs their money, it will state this cup is free and will conveniently return the custom-
er’s money. Not everyone can be the 55th customer and get their free coffee, however. But Gray said the prices are inexpensive and the coffee is high quality. Prices vary and are all under $2. Specialty beverages such as Café au Lait come in the flavors mocha, vanilla and caramel. Hot cocoa and many other beverages are available to
customers. Not only is it easy to brew that coffee, but “Seattle’s Best Coffee” is easy maintenance as well. The machine is well kept every day and is available 24/7 for all students and faculty. “It has gotten a lot of good reviews and we will likely be replacing the three other coffee machines on campus to this one,” Gray said.
Photo by Suzanna Powers
LCC student Quincella Stokes purchases a coffee from “Seattle’s Best Coffee” in the A&S Building.
12 DISTRACTIONS
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Martoons
by Maranda Zimmerman
Sudoku
13 OPINION
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Staff Editoral —
Let your voice be heard on campus
As students and staff at The Lookout, we often hear people complain about what’s wrong with LCC or issues that should be fixed. We hear complaints about closing the pool, ongoing renovations or parking on campus. We wonder, how often do students, staff and faculty share these concerns with LCC’s administration? Perhaps the best way to communicate directly with the administration is through the Student Advisory Committee to the President (SACP) meetings, held on the third Wednesday of each month during the fall and spring semesters.
It’s not very often you can talk to LCC President Brent Knight, so these meetings are an opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted. The Lookout attended the first SACP meeting of the fall semester Sept. 15. In place of Knight, Senior Vice President of Finance, Administration and Advancement Lisa Webb Sharpe answered questions from the committee. She took down notes about what students would like to see in the new Gannon Building and what can be fixed in the newly updated A&S Building. Sharpe also asked for feedback from the students
about the new pay-by-space parking system. We thought the students present at the meeting were respectful and insightful when voicing their suggestions. If you want your voice to be heard on campus or if you have concerns to be addressed, The Lookout encourages you to attend the SACP meetings. But don’t just show up to tell LCC what it’s doing wrong — tell LCC what it’s doing right and encourage officials to continue those practices. SACP will meet on Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. in HHS 022 for the remainder of the 2013 fall semester.
— I am invincible! —
Are race relations in decline or on the rise? The thought has been growing in my brain for a while: Are race relations improving or declining in America? As I watched the national news one recent evening, I stumbled upon the latest controversy: the first IndianAmerican crowned Miss America. Here we go. The social media backlash against Miss America Nina Davuluri was about as vitriolic as you might expect. Words like “terrorist” or “al-Qaida” were used all too freely to describe her, and there was no shortage of outcry that this isn’t supposed to happen in America. As I looked at the feedback on Twitter, I couldn’t help but wonder what is happening to people. America has always been touted as a country that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunity to everyone regardless of their gender, race, origin, sexual orientation and so on. At least, that’s what it says on paper. I don’t believe the
majority of Americans are revolted by the crowning of the first Indian-American as Miss America, but it is still so disheartening to see ignorance thriving and growing in this country. My eyes have been opened to more of the prejudice around me as I’ve made more friends outside of my race. I always knew prejudice and racism existed, but not to the extent that I’ve witnessed over the past few years. For example, my girlfriend, who happens to black, has faced a backlash for dating a white man like me. She has been told she is a traitor to her race, among other disparaging remarks. I’ve also been told that I should “stick to my own kind.”
It doesn’t offend me as much as I wonder why people are so obsessed with the differences in skin color or a person’s country of origin. Why is it so innately difficult to respect another person despite the physical differences? Do we have to be carbon copies of each other in order to be respected as members of the same species? As I see more racial conflicts highlighted in the news (most notably, the killing of Trayvon Martin) and I watch how communities split along racial or bipartisan lines, I ask again: Are race relations improving or declining in America? Or better yet, how do we fix these problems that are tearing us apart? I don’t believe there is an encompassing solution. It all comes down to an individual’s choice whether or not to act on prejudiced beliefs. I hope more people will choose to disavow them instead of spreading hate.
What is your favorite movie of all-time?
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Nathan Wilson
Richard Schenck
Lurah Peterson
Larry Hook
Editor in Chief wilso162@mail.lcc. “The Lord of the Rings.”
Sports Editor Photo Editor A & E Editor News Editor/Paginator Staff Writer Paginator Advertising Manager schen1@mail.lcc.edu spohns1@mail.lcc.edu bozackj@mail.lcc.edu kohnj2@mail.lcc.edu nicolaon@mail.lcc.edu powerss5@mail.lcc.edu petersl8@mail.lcc.edu
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
“Dr. No.”
Sarah Spohn
“The Wedding Singer.“
Jamie Bozack
“Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion.”
Jeremy Kohn
“The Empire Strikes Back.”
Nikki Nicolaou
“Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Suzanna Powers
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”
“The Hunger Games.”
“Arthur (1981) with Dudley Moore.”
14
OPINION
Sept. 30 - Oct.13 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout — For What It’s Worth —
A world of food options await downtown With construction continuing at Lansing Community College, food options on campus are currently minimal and a new food court is still about a year away. I often hear LCC students talking about their desire to find a good place to eat lunch, grab a cup of coffee, study for their classes or just hang out. The cafeteria in the Gannon Building is convenient, but it is standingroom-only at lunch time and the choices are quite limited. Gibson’s Book Store and the adjacent Gibby’s are great places to eat, but again seating and variety are also limited there. A solution: take a short walk into Downtown Lansing and check out the amazing options and diversity there. The Lookout advertising manager, Lurah Peterson, and I did just that a couple of weeks ago. We were looking for new advertisers for our newspaper. We stopped in to more than 20 restaurants, coffee shops
and other businesses. The reception we received was awesome. We sold nine ads in just one afternoon (see page 15) and also made other great contacts for future advertising. At the same time, Lurah and I checked out the wide variety of shops downtown, many of which I was already familiar with. I have been a fan of Downtown Lansing since I was a small child and frequent many of the shops down there. If you want pizza, Cottage Inn at 300 Washington Square is a great destination. The shop has pizza by the slice and lightning quick service. Do you want Mexican?
I recommend Jalepeno’s at 307 Washington Square. The restaurant is only open until 3 p.m., but does an amazing business for both breakfast and lunch. The salsa (hot or mild) has awesome flavor. If you want subs or coffee, there are endless choices downtown. Some have great atmosphere for studying, some will serve you in a flash, others transform into hot nightspots as the evening nears. Feeling nostalgic? The Peanut Shop at 117 S. Washington Square has been in business since 1937 and features an antique cash register, an old-fashioned candy counter and freshly roasted peanuts. Want another taste of yesteryear? Check out Kewpee at 118 S. Washington Square, which has been in business since 1923 and at its current location since 1977. Kewpee features three sizes of burgers: regular, king-sized and colossal, all at reasonable prices. It also has old-fashioned crinkle fries, for those who love to load
Photo by Larry Hook
The Kewpee Restaurant has been a downtown staple in Lansing since 1923.
their fries with ketchup. I am amazed at how much Downtown Lansing has to offer these days. Just a decade ago, the district seemed like a ghost town. Things have really
improved and the downtown is now thriving. It’s worth checking out. Whatever your taste, Downtown Lansing will likely have something to please your taste buds.
Take advantage of the next warm fall day we have at LCC and take a walk downtown. It’s just three blocks to the south, and the food options are seemingly endless.
—The Kohn Effect —
Fed is better off dead When the Federal Reserve was implemented in the year 1913, this was what their institution strived for: “To provide the nation with a safer, more flexible and stable monetary and financial system.” The Federal Reserve will be entering its 100th year since its inception and I can honestly say the establishment of the Federal Reserve has done more harm than good to our nation. The truth about the Federal Reserve is it is a privately-owned entity, with little to no oversight by the government. The Federal Reserve creates a vicious cycle of debt. Before the Federal Reserve existed, money used to be tied to what was called the “Gold Standard.” The Gold Standard was a system that had currency attached to a fixed exchange rate of gold. However The Federal Reserve replaced that system. It borrows U.S. bonds from the treasury and writes what is called a “Federal Reserve note.” Each time the Federal Reserve does this action, it is creating debt because the reserve note has no real value attached to it.
With a constant increase of money and no value attached to it, this is how inflation is created. In the course of several years, we have seen the Federal Reserve lured away from its originally intended goal and find their hands in the economic cookie jar. The financial crisis of 2008 is a prime example of the Federal Reserve’s abuse of power. The big banks would pull the wool over the eyes of potential homeowners by offering “subprime” loans to those with low income and people with low credit. The results of the banks’ incessant greed created the housing bubble, leading to America’s biggest economic struggle since the Great Depression. Seniors who have invested their time and hard-earned money for retirement saw their leisure
funds decrease in value. What was the Federal Reserve’s solution to this economic problem? When the economy went to the pits, who would the fed help out? It wasn’t the homeowner who had their houses foreclosed. The Federal Reserve helped bail out the banks, the very institution that started the financial debacle. It is reported the Federal Reserve loaned out over $16 trillion in loans to big bank institutions. While many people were having their homes foreclosed on, the heads of the big banks would be spending their bailout money on luxurious vacations. Even after the economic meltdown, the Federal Reserve still insists on intervening in the natural course of America’s finances. The Fed made an announcement during the week of Sept. 22 that it would continue to stimulate the economy, buying $85 billion bonds each month. What do they say the definition of insanity is? Oh yeah, doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.
15
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC students & staff: Check out the many food and shopping options Downtown Lansing has to offer! Take a short walk off campus and enjoy the opportunities!
We deliver to downtown Lansing. Catering, takeout, eat-in
Nuts Cooked on Premises Owners Tammy Melser & Glenda Osterhouse
117 S. Washington 517-374-0008
118 Washington Square S. Lansing, MI (517) 482-8049
(Formerly Decker’s Coffee)
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7am - 6pm, Sat. 7am - 5pm, Closed Sun.
Free WIFI with purchase
15% off discount with student I.D.
209 S. Washington Sq. • Lansing Ph (517 ) 371-5205 • Fx (517 ) 371-5890 www.instydowntown.com sales@instydowntown.com
Free drink with any combo Email: aladdinexpress@gmail.com Facebook: Aladdin’s Express 208 Washington Square S 300 N Clippert St Lansing, MI Lansing Charter Township, MI Phone: (517) 346-8700 Frandor Shopping Center Fax: (517) 346-8706 Phone: (517) 333-8710
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 am- 8 pm Sat. & Sun. 8 am - 8 pm
ENJOY A FREE SANDWICH ENJOY A FREE SANDWICH OF YOUR CHOICE WITH OF YOUR CHOICE THE PURCHASE OF A WITH THE PURCHASE OF A SANDWICH OF EQUAL SANDWICH OF EQUAL OR GREATER VALUEVALUE AND AND OR GREATER TWO DRINKS TWO DRINKS
Printing ■ Copying ■ Fax JOllY RD· JOllY OKEMOS 381-8290 2329 RD· (517) OKEMOS (517) 381-8290 Lamination ■ Posters,301 S2329 WASHINGTONSQ • lANSING • lANSING (517) 853-2777 301 S WASHINGTONSQ (517) 853-2777 Greeting Cards ■ Small Gifts VALID THRUVALID THRU DECEMBER DECEMBER 31, 2013 31, 2013
Sign-up for the 2013 ReBoot Challenge Today! The ReBoot is a raw juice program to help break the cycle of unhealthy eating. It’s a combination of raw juices to drink at breakfast, lunch and dinner. From Oct. 7-11 celebrities, community leaders, and local businesses are stepping up to do the ReBoot Challenge. Sign-up to join them! We are going to get Lansing healthy one ReBoot at a time.
111 S. Washington Sq. Phone: (517) 372-7700 www.JuiceNationMi.com
16 LAST LOOK
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 2013 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Miles Burdick, age 4, plays bass with his mother, Marie. A guitar and bass were provided by Marshall Music to show kids how to play along with instructors.
Lansing’s Old Town hosted the 20th annual BluesFest Sept. 20 and 21. Above, Russ Green (left) plays harmonica with The BluesVille Revue on the main stage during a BluesFest performance.
Lamai Feighner of Thai Food from Lamai’s Kitchen heats pad thai on a wok outside of a restaurant booth.
Photos by Suzanna Powers
Eastern High School students Shermaine Gardner (left) and Terrell Jackson play djembe outside of a stop tent during the 2013 BluesFest.