The Lookout Volume 63, Issue 3

Following the Electric Light Pa rade on Nov. 18 in downtown Lansing, the skies were lit up by the State Capitol Christmas tree and fireworks over the Capitol Building. Story and additional photos are on page 12.

Photo by Julie Newell

LCC celebrates Native American heritage

By Jayden Hewitt Staff Writer

From the beginning to the end of No vember, all across the United States, Native American Heritage Month is celebrated. Within this month, the trials and tribula tions, as well as the brutality and discrim ination, that Native Americans have suf fered for hundreds of years is realized, the Native Americans are celebrated, and land is acknowledged.

In September of 2021, the LCC Board of Trustees approved a land acknowledg ment. The acknowledgment per LCC’s website is, “To aid in promoting and creat ing awareness of Indigenous peoples’ cul tural erasure,” the website states. “Land ac knowledgment statements serve as a small way to recognize their history and presence along with their traditional homelands.” LCC’s main campus is located on land

that was handed over in the Treaty of Sag inaw in the year 1819. In addition, LCC is upon the land of the Ojibwe, Odawa and

Potawatomi peoples.

LCC student Garrett Daggett descends from the Odawa peoples. Daggett said he believes LCC’s approach is fulfilling.

“I honestly feel that just the fact they ac knowledge the presence of the school be ing on Native land is very professional of them,” Daggett said.

“It’s nice because they don’t have to do (that), but they care about our history. LCC celebrating Native American History Month makes me feel appreciated. It’s nice to be recognized.”

In LCC’s TLC building, there are digital flyers containing QR codes, which can be found on the second floor, in the library. These codes will take students to digi tal media containing a theme for Native American Heritage Month.

edgment. Menefee said she believes that having a land acknowledgment is good, but not just for the sake of having it.

“MSU always acknowledges the land; I was always hopeful that when we (LCC) created our land acknowledgment, that the college at LCC would do that too,” Mene fee said. “But we don’t do that, we need to use it more.

“When we created the land acknowl edgment, it was (for) everybody. Whether you’re native or non-native, you need to be thankful of the land you stand on every day.”

Menefee said at large events, LCC should use the land acknowledgment each time to be thankful.

LCC Lead Faculty Adviser Eva Menefee was instrumental in LCC’s land acknowl

Uptick in Respiratory Syncytial Virus a major concern

By Mallory Stiles Staff Writer

Babies and the elderly across the country are gasping for breath, and lacking beds to do so, because of a surge in a virus known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. The country possibly faces what is known as a “tripledemic” if the number of people infected with the flu, RSV and COVID-19 continues to rise this winter.

The uptick in RSV cases is currently a major concern because there is no vaccine available to the public. In addition, the U.S. healthcare systems is already strained after two years of the COVID pandemic.

Rebecca S. Schein, M.D., of Sparrow Hos pital, is also an assistant professor of Health Programs at MSU with affiliations in Pedi atrics and Human Development. She re cently donated a few minutes of her time to address the situation.

“My main concern is with young chil dren,” Schein said. “RSV can cause signif icant breathing problems and they often need breathing support or oxygen. Right now, the issue is that there are so many children with RSV that the hospitals are getting very full.

“We are seeing very high rates of RSV across the country. There are also high rates of flu, particularly the H2N2 flu. … Most of the flu cases right now are still in the south ern U.S. Now if they are in the southern U.S. they are likely to spread here. But the question is, ‘By the time we get them here are RSV rates already going to be dropping

or remaining high?’”

Schein said COVID-19 rates are currently low in mid-Michigan, making the possi bility of a tripledemic low, at least locally. However, she did want to remind the stu dent body of what we can do to stay safe.

“First of all, if you are sick, stay home,” she said. “Don’t go out, that’s a big one. Cover your cough and wear a mask if you do need to go out when you’re sick, and wash your hands. RSV is spread entirely by contact with the droplets that you emit when you cough or sneeze.

“Other things your fellow students can absolutely do is to get themselves vacci nated for the influenza and COVID-19, be cause if they can help decrease the number of people in the hospital that would just make life easier for all of us.”

Megan Hannon, mother of four girls and owner of Megan Hannon Photography (re cently mentioned in People Magazine), has experience with the virus.

“My second child, Ella, was just over 1 year old and just learning to walk when she contracted RSV,” Hannon said. “I knew she was really sick because she had a ter rible cough and her breathing just felt dif ferent. It was more labored, there was a lot of wheezing. Her oxygen was so low that she was admitted immediately to the ICU upon our arrival.

“It was so terrible. I never knew how terrible RSV was until Ella got it. She was in the intensive care unit for six days and when she was released she had to relearn

Menefee mentioned people who worked to help make the land acknowledgement happen: Robin Moore, Timothy Deines, Annescia Dillard and Melinda Hernandez. how to walk. To this day, she is our kid who gets sick most often. Whether that’s because of RSV, I don’t know.”

The aging and elderly are also consid ered high-risk RSV patients. Lori Starr, 60, recently recovered from a case of RSV, shortly after a bout with COVID-19.

“I started feeling RSV symptoms on Wednesday,” Starr said. “I just felt a little under the weather. Thursday, I felt like I was getting the flu. I felt flu-ish … You know, the body aches.”

“Friday, I started getting a cough but didn’t think that much about it. But by my last hour of work that day, I could not quit coughing. It was really deep. It was taking everything out of me.”

Starr said she was admitted to the hos pital for care the next morning, but given little relief once the virus had taken hold.

Dr. Schein did confirm that there are now currently three vaccine trials for RSV, all of which are in something known as phase three, usually the final stage before getting FDA approval.

After the vaccines are FDA approved, they can be administered to larger quantities of people for final screenings of symptoms not shown in the study, bringing them one step closer to being released to the public.

On Nov. 1, Pfizer was the last of the three companies to announce its vaccine trial had advanced to phase three.

“This one that Pfizer is talking about is showing good promise in protecting against RSV when given to pregnant women,” Schein said. “That is a hopeful thing because the people who get the sickest are young babies, so maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and your baby could be protected for up to 18 months. So, it could potentially protect babies for that first year of life.”

Schein did warn that these advance ments were promising, but that the release date of a vaccine could be years away. She advised that people lean on what they know works, such as washing hands and covering coughs, in the meantime to pro tect themselves and their communities.

Both Hannon and Starr said they would take the vaccine without hesitation once it is made available to the public.

“I would get it,” Starr said, “As bad as I was, I never want to be that sick again. It was terrible. It was the worst sickness I have ever felt in my life.”

Courtesy photo

Head staff of Lansing’s Riverbank Traditional Pow Wow, featuring several LCC alums, gather for a photograph.

Courtesy photo

Ella Hannon is shown during her bout with RSV when she was just over 1 year old. Ella is now 11.

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STUDENT FEATURE

Student from Africa has passion for life

By Mallory Stiles Staff Writer

The meaning of someone’s name doesn’t always match that individual’s personality, but every so often it is fairly accurate.

The name Honorine has a Latin origin and means “woman of honor.” For LCC student Honorine Akono, it’s a perfect fit.

Akono, 18, is a psychology major who is turning her life-long dream of help ing people into a reality. She said she is taking 12 credits this semester. Her class schedule includes Intro to Psychology, College Algebra and English 121.

“I am passionate about making an impact,” Akono said, “whether that’s through my future career as a psycholo gist, or if I see someone on the street and make their day just by being myself.

“My generation has gone through a lot and there are not very many people who understand us. I want to be one of those people to tell them that I get it and I have been there.”

Akono works as a part-time program associate at LCC’s Caesar Chavez Learn

ing Center in the Gannon Building, a multicultural center for outreach pro grams specifically designed for under represented students.

Akono is specifically qualified for the job as she was born in Togo, Africa. She said she came to America in 2004 when she was six months old. She recently went back to Africa to meet extended family, and to tour family landmarks.

“They showed me where they lived, the schools they went to, their church es,” Akono said. “My favorite part was the food; the food is amazing. Anywhere you go there (are) people on the side of the streets selling food.”

Akono is bilingual. Her first language is the native language of Togo, also known as Ewe. Akono is proud to be from Togo, but shared it also made her a target of hostility and racism.

“I was bullied from kindergarten through seventh grade,” she said. “It was always something about my culture or because I was from Africa. I would bring my lunch that my mom made me and kids would make fun of me.

“After I finally learned how to defend

myself, I told myself that I never would let anyone feel how I felt. It shouldn’t happen.”

Despite every challenge she has faced and gracefully overcome, it is noticed that Akono maintains a smile. Dr. Na thaniel Colon is the director of the

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Caesar Chavez Center. Affectionately known by students and staff as Dr. Nate, Colon said he notices Akono’s smile and attitude.

“I love her energy, her presence, her intellect, and her kindness in helping other people,” Dr. Nate said. “She works really well with students. She is engag ing and always has a lot of energy. That’s partly why we hired her. Her attitude brings a sense of vibrance to the center. We are very fortunate to have her.”

Her influence at LCC, and LCC’s in volvement in her journey forward, is something to be shared.

“It’s just a great community,” Akono said. “Every staff member wants the best for the students. They remind every stu dent of their resources. No one here is going to let any student fail.”

Akono loves the glow of city sky lines and describes music as therapy. She can often be seen hanging out with her many friends and focusing on the things that matter.

“The most important thing to me,” she said, “is just to be happy and to always know my worth.”

Cru Club helps members know teachings of Christ

By Juanita Kelly-Hill Staff Writer

The Cru Club at Lansing Community College is aimed at building movements of people who are transformed by Jesus Christ.

Faculty Adviser Eric Bennett explained the purpose of the Cru Club.

“Cru exists to introduce people to Jesus Christ,” Bennett explained. “We care about people and want them to know Him.”

The club is welcoming to anyone who wants to join.

“We enjoy introducing people to the teachings and message of Christ,” Ben nett said. “We have Bibles on hand, so you don’t have to bring your own.”

The club hosts meetings/Bible study ses sions every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon and a second session from noon to 1 p.m. in the TLC building near room 1202.

Rylee Wohlfert, a member of the club, said she appreciates the Cru.

“I am grateful for the club as it brings those who share the same belief togeth er and offers support to those who need help,” Wohlfert said.

Wohlfert said her favorite thing about the club is the people she is able to bond with.

“I love the relationships and connec tions I was able to make in the Cru Club,” Wohlfert said. “The bonds that I’ve made are unique and I appreciate the club and its members for offering a space for like-minded individuals.”

Wohlfert recommended the club to any student who is a Christian, looking for guidance, or curious about religion.

For more information regarding the Cru Club, contact Faculty Adviser Eric Bennett at bennete@lcc.edu.

Photo by Mallory Stiles Honorine Akono, originally from Africa, is a psy chology major at Lansing Community College.

Courtesy photo

Lansing Community College Cru Club members gather for a group photo during a recent Bible study meeting in the TLC building on LCC’s main campus.

ADVISING SPOTLIGHT

Honeysett ‘advocates fiercely’ for students

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor

LCC offers a lot of useful resources for its students, from counseling to resume building. One of these resources includes academic advising.

The college has an entire department dedicated to helping and advising students in their classes and moving forward.

Lorin Honeysett, a full-time faculty aca demic adviser at LCC for nearly nine years, said she enjoys helping students.

“During my time at LCC, I’ve served as an adviser for students in business-related programs and for those in all majors that plan to transfer to a four-year university to pursue their bachelor’s degree,” Honeysett said.

“Most recently I’ve started to split my time between main campus and west campus to start helping students in LCC’s Technical Careers programs. The trades are in demand and I’m excited to help others find a program that fits their interests and

learning styles.”

Honeysett graduated with a BA in com munications, with minors in psychology and business administration in 2008 from Aquinas College. She earned her Master of

Education in College Student Affairs Lead ership Degree in 2010 at Grand Valley State University.

She also got her start as a graduate assis tant academic adviser within GVSU’s Col lege of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Aquinas was the place where I fell in love with college and the college expe rience,” Honeysett said. “I wanted ev eryone to feel like I felt while attending Aquinas: accepted, supported, comfort able, challenged and capable of being successful. So working in higher educa tion seemed like a natural fit for me as a profession.”

Between that job and her LCC position, Honeysett worked at Residence Life at Truman State University, as a residence hall director, and in an academic advising role at Oakland University.

Chelsea Brandon, director of Academic Advising and Honeysett’s supervisor, said Honeysett is a very detail-oriented person. “I consider Lorin one of the most de

tail-oriented people I know – and that’s a major asset to have on any team,” Brandon said. “She is my go-to for proofing my writ ing and helping me to organize ideas on a new initiative or project.

“Lorin also has this drive to just make things better, and is always willing to be the first to volunteer on things that aim to make improvements for the student expe rience. But more than anything, and not unlike all of our academic advisers, she advocates fiercely for our students and will tirelessly ensure they are getting to their goals.”

Outside of work, Honeysett said she en joys being outdoors.

“(Whether it’s) hiking, kayaking, going to the beach, road tripping up north, try ing to see every waterfall in Michigan …” Honeysett said. “I golf and bowl with my husband, Scott, and we enjoy cooking to gether too. We are currently trying to mas ter ribs and brisket on our smoker. It’s a delicious hobby!”

Gruber Dental Hygiene

Courtesy photo Lorin Honeysett is an academic adviser at LCC.

Franklin Lapinski Business Administration

Demetrius Mills Pre-Nursing

Leah

Women repeat as XC national champs

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief

The LCC women’s cross country team earned the title of national champions for the second year in a row in the NJ CAA Division II National Champion ship on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla.

“It was a great experience for the ath letes,” LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson said. “They really performed well.”

As a team, the Stars won with a score of 57 points, outrunning Mesa Community College by just one point. Heartland Community College fin ished in third place with 120 points. A total of 28 women’s teams competed in the race.

The Stars were led by Jana Stiffler, who placed sixth in the 5K race with a time of 19:35. LCC’s Barbara DeGood

was 11th in 19:41. Teammate Haley Ellis was 12th with a time of 19:43.

Katelyn Slone placed 15th for LCC in 19:51. Olivia Vanderwey was the fifth LCC runner, placing 18th at 20:02.

“Olivia Vanderwey had an off day,” Robinson said. “I could tell she was struggling very early, but she really was the hero of our team (this season).”

Robinson said this race was won by the entire team, with Stiffler stepping up and running her best time to lead the way.

“They did the hard work to put them selves in position to contend for a cham pionship, and then on the morning of the championship they ran extremely well when it counted,” Robinson said. “For the women, to win one champion ship is difficult. To repeat as champions is very special.”

Top five women recall what it’s like to win national title

The Lookout Editor in Chief Ju lie Newell recently interviewed the top runners from the LCC women’s cross country team, which won the NJCAA Division II National Cham pionship for the second year in a row.

How does it feel to be two-time national champions?

Jana Stiffler: “As a freshman this is only my first time being a national champion, but I am so honored I could have a part in making the sophomore ladies on the team two-time champions be cause they all deserve it. It feels so amazing to know that all the long days and hard workouts paid

off.”

Barbara DeGood: “It feels great.”

Haley Ellis: “Honestly it’s hard to believe we won, especially with the competition we had, but it’s exciting!”

Katelyn Slone: “It feels really good. Winning last year was awe some, but coming back and doing it a second time is even more ex citing and crazy!”

Olivia Vanderwey: “It feels pretty awesome. I’m really glad that I got to be a part of such a great group of girls.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced during nationals?

Stiffler: “The biggest challenge for me is mentally preparing my self for everything. With a big race like this it can be easy to put immense amounts of pressure on yourself. The way I get through is that remembering the race will be difficult and painful, but that the training had prepared me for it.”

DeGood: “Probably the sprint.”

Ellis: “The biggest challenge I faced was trying to breathe during the race because it was very humid.”

Slone: “I’d have to say the heat. Other than that, the physical pain while racing is always a factor.

However I feel as if I was mental ly prepared and strong enough to the point where I was able to push through the pain.”

Vanderwey: “I would definite ly say my asthma. I had a pretty bad asthma attack early on in the race and wasn’t sure if I was going to finish. But my awesome team mate Katie Slone made me hold onto her for the rest of the race. If it wasn’t for her help I wouldn’t have finished.”

How did you celebrate winning?

Stiffler: “Honestly the first thing I did when I got back was take a nap. We hung out later as a

team and went to Chick-fil-A for our ‘victory dinner.’”

DeGood: “We hung out with the team in the hotel when we got back.”

Ellis: “Our girls’ and guys’ teams got together and hung out.”

Slone: “Right after we won, we went to the awards ceremony and got our trophy and medals. But later that night the whole team hung out in the hotel to celebrate.”

Vanderwey: “Our team had a banquet a few days later where we celebrated all the accomplish ments that our team made. It was really fun.”

Men place third in nationals

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief

The LCC men’s cross country team placed third overall in the 8K race at the NJCAA Division

II National Championship on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla.

“It is a great accomplishment,” LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson said. “The men being on the po dium for finishing third is our best finish since they won (the national title) in 2007.”

As a team, the Stars had 94 points. Paradise Valley won the

meet with 68 points. Heartland Community College was sec ond with 88 points. A total of 29 teams complete in the men’s race.

Kobe Blanco led the Stars in 13th place with a time of 26:30.

Teammate Michael Dennis

placed 15th with a time of 26:33. Right behind Dennis was LCC’s Liam Elder in 16th at 26.43. Erik Reiber placed 22nd of the Stars in 26:54.

The fifth LCC runner was Jacob Dennis, who placed 30th in 27:04.

Members of the 2022 LCC women’s cross country team gather with the NJCAA Division II national championship trophy on Nov. 12 in Tallahassee, Fla.

LCC photo by Kevin W. Fowler

Jana Stiffler

Barbara DeGood Haley Ellis

Katelyn Slone

Olivia Vanderwey

Assistant coach a great fit for hoop team

By Julie Newell Editor in Chief

Assistant men’s basketball coach Terry Harris has been coaching for over 25 years, the last 17 of those at LCC.

“Terry’s a good coach; he’s been a good coach for a long time,” LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram said.

Harris’ coaching career started at Waverly Middle School, where he coached Ingram’s daughter, among many others.

“I was coaching his daughter over at Waverly Mid dle School and so coach Ingram was coming to the games,” Harris said. “All of a sudden I started coming to watch his games and then it tripled from there.”

Ingram said he liked the way Harris coached the middle school team.

“I liked his demeanor; I liked how the girls re sponded to him,” Ingram said. “At that time I felt like I needed a guy that was a little calmer with me on the sidelines.”

Not long after that Harris got more involved with the LCC basketball team.

“I started talking to him (Ingram) about coming to his practices to see how he was practicing; how every thing worked out,” Harris said. “Then I said, ‘Hey, I

think I could probably do this.’”

Before coaching, Harris studied at Delta College, where his father taught. Harris then transferred to Northwood University.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

“I never thought I was going to be a coach; actually I thought I was going to be a math teacher,” Harris said. “I tried being a math teacher. I think I might have had the wrong grade.

“I changed my major to computer engineering, my eyes got bad after that and then (I studied) business.”

Harris said he loves working as a coach at LCC with Ingram.

“Mike’s a good coach, good friend (and) a good mentor,” Harris said. “I enjoy the things that he does with the young men, teaching them. It helps me learn how to cope with them and teach them.”

Ingram said Harris is more than just a good coach.

“Terry’s been good for me and not only has he been an assistant coach, he’s been a trusted friend; somebody that I can rely on,” Ingram said. “We think alike, we say the same things … We’re just on the same page about a lot of stuff with our pro gram.”

Harris said his favorite part about coaching is watching the players grow.

“Just seeing that it’s more than just basketball and sometimes they don’t really see that,” Harris said. “Just the opportunity to prepare them for the next level and preparing them for life itself.”

Jasmine Goins chats about playing basketball at LCC

Q A &

The Lookout Staff Writer Jayden Hewitt recently chat ted with LCC wom en’s basketball player Jasmine Goins. A sophomore guard, Goins graduated from Wa verly High School in 2020.

When did you first start playing bas ketball?

“I started playing basketball around fifth grade.”

What’s one goal you have personally, or for the team, this season?

“Personally as a player, I am trying to be as under control as possible, while still in attack mode.”

What’s the main difference between high school and college basketball, and was it easy to adjust?

“College basketball is way more fast (paced). College basketball is more fundamental than anything. (In) high-

school basketball, you could get away with being bare minimum, but in col lege, it shows.”

Do you have any moments that stick out to you while at LCC, on or off the court, that you will take with you after school?

“LCC basketball has given me my best friends and I’ll forever cherish that.”

What are your plans after you com plete your studies at LCC?

“Post-LCC, I plan on continuing my education, maybe through the fourin-one program for my bachelor’s (de gree).”

What is one thing you think you have improved this season?

“The season just started, so I have a lot more improvements to make.”

Do you have any pre-game music you listen to?

“Pre-game music will always be Lil Baby or Lil Durk.”

Jasmine Goins is a sophomore guard for the Lansing Community College women’s basketball team.

Courtesy photo

Terry Harris is the men’s assistant basketball coach at LCC.

Photo by Julie Newell

www.lcc.edu/lookout

‘Everybody’ comes to Black Box Theatre

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor

LCC Performing Arts showcased a fun and interesting take on an old me dieval play, “Everybody,” from Nov. 16 to 20.

Originally written in the 15th centu ry as “Everyman,” it is a tale in which “Everyman” finds who will accompa ny himself to “Death.”

In LCC’s version, “Everyman” is known as “Everybody,” and is chosen by lottery for a different “Everybody” every night. This made for a unique viewing experience on each night that the play was performed.

“It turned out wonderfully,” Direc tor Andrew Callis said. “We had to turn a bunch of people away on the last day because we had sold out the show.”

Laura Nguyen, one of the five “Somebodies,” said her favorite part

of the show was its unique use of the lottery to make for a fun cast and au dience experience.

“There (were) five people in the cast who learned most of the script and (went) into a performance not know ing which role they (would) play that night,” Nguyen said.

“It was super fun to explore the 10 different characters, since they were all so different. Not knowing the roles beforehand added a fun, intense twist.”

Oscar Quiroz, an attendee of the show, said it was a great experience.

“It made me laugh a lot and kind of explored the nature of life and death in a weird, but really interesting way,” Quiroz said. “It definitely made light of an otherwise dark story.”

For more information on future LCC events, visit the events calendar at https://www.lcc.edu/calendar/

LCC offers holiday concerts

By Jonah Unger Staff Writer

LCC will hold three free musical concerts during the month of December, embracing what the holiday season has to offer.

Due to in-progress renovations on Dart Auditorium at LCC, each performance will be done off-campus.

“We’re excited about that because it puts a spotlight on our music programs and ensembles,” said Paige Dunckel, LCC Performing Arts director. “All of the music ensembles and faculty are exceptional, and performing in the community lets people know we’re here and available to them.”

Following is a rundown of the concerts.

LCC Jazz Band: Led by Jonathan Ge wirtz, the Jazz Band will perform Wednes day, Dec. 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Everett High School, 3900 Stabler St. in Lansing.

The jazz band has worked well at build ing connections with other schools while Dart Auditorium is being renovated, ac cording to LCC Music Faculty Chair Dr. Jon Tenbrink.

“The importance of that networking con nection – building bridges with the next generation of musicians and connecting with feeder schools for LCC is a huge step,” Tenbrink said.

LCC Concert Choir: Led by Dr. Jon Ten brink, the LCC Concert Choir will perform Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at

Okemos Community Church. The church is located at 4734 Okemos Road in Okemos.

“The opportunity to connect to the great er community is huge,” Tenbrink said. “We bring in and connect to a new audience performing in other places.”

Tenbrink said the choir concert is per forming Vivaldi’s “Gloria’’ and Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on Christmas Carols.” He said this is an ambitious endeavor.

“Combining forces with the orchestra and Chancel Choir at Okemos Community Church, along with the soloists coming in for the project, makes for a lot of moving parts, and not much time to put it togeth er,” Tenbrink said. “But when we all get together and have (approximately) 60 mu sicians collaborating on the stage together, it’ll be electrifying!”

LCC Rock Band: Led by Christopher Rol lins, the LCC Rock Band will perform Sun day, Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Avenue Café at 2021 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.

Tenbrink said LCC’s rock band is fortu nate to be performing at the Avenue Café.

“Getting our rock band into The Avenue for their end of semester concert is a great step,” Tenbrink said. “It’s a much better venue/environment for that group.

“I always found it a bit strange to watch our rock band on the Dart stage … always proud of the work they did, mind you, but the vibe just wasn’t quite right.”

From left, “Everybody” cast members Madeline Nash (as “Death”), Sandy Callis (as “Evil”), Caleb Tracy (as “Everybody”), Dylan Johnson (as “Love”) and Brittany Bell (as “Understanding”) perform in the Gannon Building’s Black Box Theatre.

Photo by Julie Newell

‘Madden NFL 23’ lacks expected updates

By Jayden Hewitt Staff Writer

In this game review, I will be giving my honest opinion on the latest installment of the popular football game series, “Madden NFL 23.”

For many gamers, sports fans especial ly, Madden has been a staple in the video game industry. It is named after the leg endary coach and announcer John Mad den, who is featured on the cover.

The game was released Aug. 19, 2022. The game releases in the summer of each year before the NFL season starts.

Players can use their favorite team, play ers and coaches in a variety of game modes. The most popular mode, “MUT” (Madden Ultimate Team), allows users to collect virtual cards of past and present players, as well as play with them on their custom team.

Other popular game modes include “franchise,” a game mode in which players can be a coach, general manager and own er, as well as control their players. Game modes like “Face of the Franchise,” “The Yard” and “Superstar KO” are also very popular.

“Superstar KO,” “The Yard” head to head, and “MUT” allow players to play multi-player with friends, as well as with others around the world.

I am an avid Madden NFL player, and have played since 2008. The main thing I, and many others, have noticed, is devel oper EA Sports’ attempt at making other game modes.

While EA Sports creators makes other game modes, they neglect their previous classic game mode, “Franchise.”

“Franchise” mode is my main game mode, and my favorite thing to do. But it

has become such a repetitive game mode that users have even gone as far as boycot ting the game.

The lack of customization, the horrible scouting system and a relocation feature that hasn’t been updated since it came out in the early 2010s, are mainly what is wrong with the game.

I rated this game 3 out of 5 stars because of its repetitiveness. EA Sports has a hold on the football market, and company repre sentatives know they can put out the same games (with updated rosters of course), year after year.

I do enjoy “MUT” mode. However, it has become entirely based on micro-transac tions, whether it be buying points to open packs for new cards and better players, or buying bundles that make players think they have scored a deal.

The last time Madden saw a real im

provement was when it transitioned to the PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X, the “next gen” consoles. It received a large graphics boost, and a revamped gameplay system, which has yet to be updated since it came about in 2020.

In order for Madden to improve upon itself, EA Sports needs pressure from an other game developer to challenge them to step up their game!

‘Black Panther’ sequel filled with twists and turns

By Juanita Kelly-Hill Staff Writer

I was finally able to go see “Black Pan ther 2: Wakanda Forever” in a theater with a friend. The first “Black Panther” movie was a huge success, so I could not wait to see what was in store for the sequel.

“Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” continues the legacy of the first movie, while also paying tribute to the late Chad

wick Boseman.

It starts off with an emotional and heart felt scene of Shuri trying to save her broth er, T’Challa, followed by his funeral and the celebration of his life.

The movie stars Letita White as Shuri, who has to take the place of her brother as the new Black Panther to protect and save her country from a new threat.

Shuri fights alongside the warriors of

Wakanda and a new friend/ally, Riri Wil liams, who will also be taking the role of “Ironheart,” and is believed to be the new “Ironman” in the Marvel universe.

“Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” is a movie filled with twists, turns, a valuable lesson and a big surprise in the mid-credits.

I rate this movie a 5 out of 5 stars and can’t wait for the return of the Black Pan ther, as teased by Marvel in post-credits.

Late-night hours, great wraps, make Conrad’s Grill a hit

By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor

One of my new favorite restaurants is Conrad’s Grill. Conrad’s currently has two restaurants in the Greater Lansing Area, but only one of them is open right now.

The open one is located at 1219 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. It is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., making it one of the latest-open restaurants around.

Conrad’s offers takeout or pickup. There is no dine-in, as this is a very small restau rant. Conrad’s serves a collection of differ ent iconic American dishes, from fried mac and cheese bites and burgers to wraps. Personally, I am not a big fan of the fried mac and cheese bites, but my boy

friend, Kobe, loves them, and always gets them with his order. He also usu ally gets a Giant Con-Wrap known as “The Dweeb.” “The Dweeb” is filled with chicken tenders, cheese, tater tots, mac and cheese bites and extra ranch. It’s as good as it sounds, he says.

I, always the spice fiend, often get “The Vindaloo.” This is another giant wrap, filled with grilled chicken, cheese, tater tots, mac and cheese bites, Jalapenos, onions and vindaloo sauce. It is very good!

I have also enjoy the “Jemalty,” which is another giant wrap.

I cannot say what Conrad’s sandwiches tastes like, but if they are anything like its wraps, they are worth a try.

Marvel Studios photo

Photo from the Madden website

Photo by Chloe Gregg

Conrad’s Grill is located at 1219 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. It is open until 2:30 a.m.

Heading home: Farewell to ‘The Lookout’

I write this column with a heavy heart because this will be my last column at The Lookout.

This past year has been a tough one for me. I struggled a lot mentally and emotion ally in the spring and summer semesters while going through the Sign Language program at LCC.

On top of that I also broke up with my boyfriend, who I had been dating for over four years.

I went through a lot of personal changes over the summer, including changing my major to get the Certificate of Achievement in Sign Language Interpreting instead of

the associate degree.

JULIE NEWELL editor in chief newellj1@star.lcc.edu

degree in photography, and I am ready to move on to the next chapter of my life.

I also miss home and my family. My family lives two hours away from Lansing and I travel every weekend to visit them, which is not only hard on me physically, but financially as well.

My plan is to move in with my sister in my hometown and look for a full-time job.

could finish the graphic design degree in a year.

My life is still uncertain at this point, but the one thing I am certain about is that it is time to move on and go home.

Sadly, this means I will not be returning to LCC or The Lookout in the spring.

This means I will be finished at the end of this fall semester.

One of the reasons I have decided to do this is because I am tired. I have been in col lege for about six years total, including my

I have also thought about looking into getting a degree in graphic design at the community college in my hometown.

I already have a degree in photogra phy, which would mean I wouldn’t have to take a lot of unnecessary classes and I

I can’t express in words how much I have loved working at The Lookout. The experi ence I have gained and the friendships I have made have been invaluable and I will miss everyone dearly.

I will forever be grateful for having this opportunity to work at The Lookout.

Farewell to The Lookout and LCC.

Here’s my list of favorite albums prior to 1980

Music has always been an outlet for me, and for many others it’s the same. I’ve al ways taken pride in my variety in music tastes, but I still have so much to learn.

Readers may be asking themselves, “What does a 22-year-old know about mu sic that pre-dates him by 20 or 30 years?”

“As much as I can,” is my most fair an swer. I love classic rock, and this will be ev ident by my list.

I also have a disclaimer: These by no means are the best albums before 1980; just my favorites to listen to. Here is my list, in order:

1. “Disraeli Gears” by Cream 2. “Are You Experienced” by The Jimi Hen drix Experience 3. “The Doors” by The Doors 4. “Axis: Bold as Love” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 5. “Unknown Pleasures” by Joy Division 6. “Exodus” by Bob Marley 7. “Ramones” by Ramones 8. “Let it Bleed” by The Rolling Stones 9. “Master of Reality” by Black Sabbath 10. “The Wall” by Pink Floyd. Now, my previous statement may make more sense … I love classic rock. But, the

JAYDEN HEWITT STAFF WRITER hewittj7@star.lcc.edu

It was an extremely hard list to com pile. Some honorable mentions include: “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye and “Led Zeppelin” by Led Zeppelin, among others.

list is not all rock, or typical rock. “Exodus” is reggae, “Ramones” and “Unknown Pleasures” are both punk rock. “Master of Reality” is considered metal, although, in my opinion, it is more like typical, heavy classic rock.

— CHLOE’S CHAT —

I have no doubts my list could go into the hundreds. I always enjoy new music, but my list will be ever changing, and inclusive of all time periods.

Instead of sharing details about each al bum, and why I picked them, I encourage readers to listen to each one, in hopes of people finding music the way I did: read ing and listening.

When fall semester ends, it’s off to Disney World

In true Kobe and Chloe fashion, my boy friend and I decided two nights ago that we are going to Disney World.

My mom always jokes that we always decide at the last minute to go on these kinds of trips, and she is obviously not wrong. But we are excited!

We have booked our trip for the week af ter school is out, Dec. 18 to 22.

Technically, we are only visiting Disney World for one of the days we are there, but (to be honest) that is probably safer on our bank accounts, anyways. The other days we have a load of other fun activities planned.

Sunday we will just be checking into our resort, a brand new place called Calypso Cay Resort that I got a huge deal on for only $50 a night. It offers a free shuttle ser vice to and from Disney and is only about

eight minutes away.

Because we are getting in so late, it will not be a very eventful night. After check ing in, we will probably just crash and get ready for a busy next day.

Monday we have booked a tee time at 10 a.m. with Disney’s fancy Lake Buena Vista Golf Resort to play 18 holes. After that, we will make dinner at our resort (our room has a full kitchen) and head out to Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a free section of

Disney that has loads of bars, restaurants, live music and other fun things to do.

Tuesday, we gave ourselves a bit longer of a morning. Our tee time that day will be at 12:24 p.m. at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course for nine holes. Because it’s a short golf day, we will have plenty of time to then soak up the sun at the pools at our resort.

There will be an outside bar, one large pool, and two hot tubs for guests. We may or may not go back to Disney Springs that night, but we have to go to bed early to wake up early the next day for Disney World.

Wednesday is Disney day! We are start ing our day very early, 8 a.m. sharp, at Animal Kingdom. We are most excited to visit Pandora, the Avatar-inspired part of the theme park, and DinoLand. In the early afternoon, we have lunch at Tiffins Restau

rant in the Africa-inspired part of the theme park. After that, we are hopping to Epcot.

To finish the rest of our fun day, we will be “drinking around the world” at Epcot. Epcot has 11 pavilions stretching along al most two miles in a circle called the “world showcase.” Each pavilion depicts a different country or part of the world. And each coun try has its own unique foods and beverages.

Around 8 p.m., we have dinner reserva tions at Disney’s La Hacienda de Angel, a fine dining restaurant in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. This place has windows overlook ing the blue lagoon surrounding Epcot. At 9 p.m., Epcot’s famous “Harmonious” fire works display will be over the lagoon.

And then Thursday we will go home.

We are extremely excited for our future adventures. I cannot wait to go to Disney!

CHLOE GREGG ASSOCIATE EDITOR gregg3@star.lcc.edu

Tougher gun control laws needed in U.S.

From The Lookout Staff

On Nov. 13, three University of Virginia football players were shot and killed, and two others students were wounded.

The victims who were slain included wide receiver Devin Chandler, linebacker D’Sean Perry and wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr.

One of those wounded was another football player, Mike Hollins. The other wounded was UVA student Marlee Morgan.

The suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., briefly played football at UVA. Jones has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder, three counts of possession of a handgun in the commission of a felony, and two counts of malicious wounding.

Jones will have a hearing Dec, 8. It is worth noting

that Jones had bought two guns, a semiautomatic rifle and a pistol, in separate purchases this year, accord ing to Marlon Dance, the owner of Dance’s Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights.

Jones also had twice unsuccessfully tried to buy a firearm there, Dance told CNN in an email. In 2018 he was younger than the legal age (21) to buy a handgun and was denied a purchase. Three years later he tried to buy a rifle, but failed a background check, accord ing to Dance.

At The Lookout we see this incident as a tragedy, and a preventable one at that. It was an incident that brings to the forefront one of the biggest issues in this country: gun control.

We’ve all seen the tragedies, year after year, such as the ones recently in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo. We

at The Lookout believe the United States needs stricter gun laws.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, as of 2022, there are no federal laws, or requirements for firearm purchasers to have any firearm safety train ing, in the U.S.

In Australia, not long after two of its own major mass shootings, the government pushed for stricter gun laws. With The National Agreement on Fire arms, laws dramatically decreased shootings in Aus tralia, even with increasing firearms ownership.

Under these stricter laws, those in search of a fire arm are required to show a need for the firearm, and to take a safety course to purchase. We at The Lookout see that as something our country can and should look into.

Silver Bells LIGHTS UP LANSING

The 38th Silver Bells in the City cele bration lit up Lansing on a snowy night, Friday, Nov. 18.

The festivities started at 5 p.m. with the Silver Bells Village, with vendors fill ing the 100 block of East Allegan Street for attendees to shop.

At 6 p.m. the 25th annual Electric Light Parade began. It featured floats, cars and marching bands from companies, orga nizations and schools all over the greater Lansing area.

High school student Tramy Vo, who is dual-enrolled at LCC, commented on the festivities.

“This is my third year at Silver Bells,” Vo said. “I love seeing my school march ing band walk past ... and the lighting (of the) tree at the end.”

Following the parade, attendees made their way over to watch the lighting of the State Capitol Christmas tree.

Megan Gage and her boyfriend Park er Grover said they attended Silver Bells for the first time last year and decided to come back again this year.

“I also like the tree lighting a lot, even though we just missed that by maybe half a minute last year,” Grover said. “We’re going to be around to see it this year.”

After the lighting of the tree, 20th

To finish off the event, fireworks ex ploded over the Capitol, much to the delight of the thousands of people in at tendance.

A float promoting the St. Johns Mint Festival proceeds down Capitol Avenue as the snow flies during “Siliver Bells in the City” on Friday, Nov. 18.

The Neighborhood Watch float makes its way down Capitol Avenue during the lighted parade.

Drones in the shapes of a Michigan State University “S” light up the sky next to the Michigan State Capitol after the Electric Light Parade was completed in downtown Lansing.

A colorful ambulance was among the entries in the Silver Bells parade on Nov. 18.

Photostory by Julie Newell

season American Idol contestant Jacob Moran, who is originally from nearby Dansville, Mich., took the stage while a 200-drone light show was set up.

The drones then took flight next to the Capitol building, forming into a variety of shapes and patterns while being syn chronized to Moran’s music.