XC in the
Golf outing
running for
raises money for scholarships
PAGE 4
Sept. 6 - 18 Volume 53, Issue 1 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Scan this code with your mobile phone to check out our new website.
Fill up
while on
titles
campus
PAGE 7
PAGE 5
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Campus construction cramps students
Lookout launches improved website New site and MLive partnership advance newspaper’s coverage Shauna Stocken News Editor For 53 years The Lookout has been the official independent student newspaper serving Lansing Community College. With the world entering an age of advanced digital media, The Lookout is turning a new page on how the paper
reaches an audience. On Aug. 25, The Lookout launched a user-friendly website that will offer an expanded look at the newspaper Read the staff in comparison editorial on to the page-bypage 11 for page PDF of the our thoughts paper offered on this. previously on the LCC website. Ryan Wells, the webmaster for LCC, designed The Lookout website. According to Wells, The Lookout adviser Larry Hook, along with Director See Website, page 2
Fall semester brings financial aid changes Students now have new pay out schedule Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
Photo by Michael Caterina
The Board of Water and Light’s construction on the underground steam lines at LCC is scheduled to be completed in late September or early October. Full story on page 3.
As students return to LCC for the fall semester, many will see significant changes in their financial aid disbursement. Previously, students would receive the entire student loan in one payment. Under the new
financial aid policy, the loan is divided into two disbursements and a book advance, distributed on separate dates. According to Evan Montague, dean of Student Services, LCC began giving students a $500 book advance on Aug. 19 as part of the new policy. “Our initial proposal was a $400 book advance,” Montague said. “After listening to students and hearing concerns about books and supplies, we went back
to the table and said, ‘OK, I think $500 would make more sense.’” Under federal law, LCC is required to implement corrective steps when student default rates breach the 10-percent threshold. According to Montague, LCC’s default rate hovers near 13 percent. “Because we went above double digits … we are required to delay first-time borrowers 30 days into the semester,” See Aid, page 2
2 NEWS
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Website Continued from page 1
of Student Life Al Nowak, wanted the student newspaper to be more accessible to the community, which began the process for the new website. After approval from the director of marketing at LCC, the website was
ready to be designed. “Some good articles are being written with a diverse range of topics that bring a good audience,” Wells said. “I do think that the website will be successful. The website base line offers fea-
tures to allow viewers to post comments and share
articles. With those features the site’s value will become apparent,” Wells said. Along with The Lookout introducing a new website, the student publication also partnered with the website MLive.com MLive.com is a multi-
borrowers with 30 credits or less will receive the first half of their student loan Sept. 27. On Oct. 28, all qualified students will receive the second half of their student loan. “Part of that is to help the budget and spread the money out throughout the semester and allow students access to those funds at key points during the semester,” Montague explained. He added that LCC will not collect tuition fees until after the disbursement process and student enrollment is verified. LCC student Haylee Price said she receives financial aid but her parents take care of the process. “I do, however, as a student employee, deal with
students who find it frustrating that they don’t get all their money at once,” Price said. “I personally think that it is a smart effort to control the money and how students spend it, but I also think that no matter what, students will all too likely spend it on non-educational-related products.” Montague said LCC is the last of the Michigan community colleges to implement disbursement procedures. “We think being proactive with book and supply funds early, then verifying enrollment and spreading the disbursements out … will ultimately be a good approach for our students and also for the integrity of all the student-aid programs,” Montague said.
Students wait in line for financial aid information on the second floor of the Gannon Building. Students now receive aid in two payouts and a $500 book advance.
Aid
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@LCC_Lookout) for updates on web content
media website that offers information in different departments such as business, sports, news and entertainment from different daily, bi-weekly and even monthly newspapers in the area. James Schmehl, an
MLive executive, said: “I think it’s a great opportunity for student reporters to learn the in and outs and learn real life experience. “The Lookout is an invaluable resource for students; that’s why we wanted to team up.”
Continued from page 1
Montague said. “So we make sure we can protect those funds for all of our students. We have to make sure we’re doing things to keep the default rate and excess borrowing at a minimum.” According to a July 7 LCC press release, during the time it takes a person to sneeze, $2,853.88 is added in outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. Currently, Americans owe $833 billion in student loans. That figure could reach $1 trillion by the end of 2011. Montague explained LCC will verify student enrollment before the first payment will be available to students Sept. 20, which includes grants and scholarships. Freshmen first-time
Photo by Michael Caterina
3 NEWS
Sept. 6 -18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Steam construction coming to a close Construction scheduled to wrap up soon Nathan Wilson Associate Editor The construction and system upgrades that have disrupted the aesthetics of LCC’s main campus are expected to be completed in late September or early October. Mark Nixon, the communications director of BWL, said the work is running slightly behind the targeted finish time in early September. “We are cautiously optimistic that we will be done in late September or perhaps the first week in October,” Nixon said. “Sometimes we you get into digging deep under a city or, in this case a college, you find more infrastructure down there than you knew about.” Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) launched the project April 11, 2011, according to Jim Taylor, the superintendent for Irish Construction Company. Taylor is in charge of the subcontractors and makes sure the environment is clean and safe. He explained the excavators started at the Early Learn-
Photo by Michael Caterina
Students use pathways built over the areas with construction to get in and out of the A&S Building. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late September or early October.
ing Center on the north end of campus and replaced the aging steam line. “We find all sorts of neat stuff underground like old roads from the old Washington (Mall) … and old brick pavers,” Taylor said. According to Taylor, the cost of the project, $2 million, has not changed and BWL is paying for it. Jerry Romes, a foreman with Merlyn Contractors, said excavators have been working on the steam line for about three months. “There were a lot of leaks in the old system so we had to tear out the old steam line,” Romes said. “When we’re done, McKenzie (concrete company) is coming in to pour new
concrete from Genesee to Shiawassee (streets).” Romes explained the new steam line is welded in place; each joint is welded three times because there is an inner pipe, outer pipe and a fiberglass shell that encases it. “That allows the pipe to expand and contract to temperature changes because a steam line has to move,” Romes said. “A water main maintains the same temperature as the ground around it so nothing expands or contracts.” When the project is complete, BWL officials are promising that LCC will have a cleaner and more efficient water and steam system.
Meyer replaces Canja LCC board rotates positions over summer Nathan Wilson Associate Editor Deborah Canja announced June 20 that she would step down from her position as the chair of the LCC Board of Trustees. She was replaced by board member Larry Meyer. Canja served her term of two years as chair, and it was time for the Board of Trustees to rotate duties. “It has Meyer been an absolute pleasure serving with my colleagues as the board chair … and it is a pleasure and an honor to serve the college,” Canja said. She made the motion to reorganize the LCC Board
of Trustees as follows: Chair Meyer, Vice Chair Edward Woods III, Secretary Robin Smith and Treasurer Jerry Hollister. The motion was passed shortly after it was raised. Canja, who will remain on the board as a trustee, said she is confident Meyer will be a good leader. “There are people who run for public office because they want to be someone, and there are people who run for public office because they want to serve their community,” Canja said. “Larry is the kind of person who runs for public office because he wants to serve his community. “He is interested in doing what is right and best for the college … and ensuring that all views are heard from the different trustees.” Meyer said he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. “I am very proud of the college and what it does
for teaching and learning, what it does in contribution to our community, what it does in economic development,” he said. “I think we have a wonderful legacy and we need to continue and improve on it.” According to Canja, the responsibilities of the chair include setting the agenda, keeping trustees abreast of college issues and ensuring that all members of the board have an opportunity to give input. LCC President Brent Knight praised Canja for her work as board chair. “I would like to acknowledge Chair Deborah Canja for her considerable service to the college,” Knight said. “The last two years have been a challenge at times in the state of Michigan, for all of us, and certainly for Lansing Community College. “Much has changed over the last two years. I would like to think that LCC is more effective because of your service,” Knight told Canja.
IN BRIEF NEWS
Early College available at LCC The Early College program is now offered through LCC. Early College is for motivated high school students interested in earning college credit while still attending high school. Students in the program can earn up to 60 college credits, earning an associate's degree over the course of two years in the program. The program covers a range of subjects including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Both the college courses and materials needed such as textbooks are free. After the application process begins, students are picked at random for admissions through a lottery. Applications for the program are due to one's high school no later than March 11. To apply, visit www.lcc.edu/early college.
Submit your memories for LCC's Sept. 11 Remembrance program In commemoration of 9/11, LCC is holding a 10th anniversary ceremony. The 9/11 ceremony is being held to remember all who sacrificed, and were lost. In preparation, all LCC faculty, staff and students are asked to submit their memories of 9/11 by emailing brownt24@lcc.edu. Personal memories will be used for a visual presentation on Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m. under the U.S. flag on the south side of the Administration Building on campus.
Applications for LCC's Early Kindergarten still accepted There is still time to enroll your child in Early Kindergarten at LCC. For the second year in a row, LCC is providing a kindergarten program for families in different school districts. Children in the program will interact in indoor and outdoor activities with trained teachers. The program is offered throughout the 2011-12 school year, five days a week. Care is provided from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. and from 3 to 5:30 p.m. To enroll your child, contact the kindergarten at 775-1310 or visit Fairview Elementary School at 815 N. Fairview St. in Lansing.
Math tutoring now available at West Campus for students Save time on the commute from campus to campus by taking advantage of tutoring now available at West Campus. Previously, math tutoring was not offered at West Campus until this semester. Tutoring is now available in both math courses and non-math courses, such as a science course that requires math work. West Campus tutoring is located in room U245, four days a week. It is open Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, Tuesday noon to 4 p.m, Wednesday, 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m. No appointment is required; walk-ins are welcome.
4 NEWS
Sept. 6 - 18 , 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
AMA raises $17,000 at golf outing
Students learn networking skills while volunteering Nathan Wilson Associate Editor The 22nd annual Marketing and Sales Scholarship Golf Scramble was held by LCC's American Marketing Association on July 22 at the Wheatfield Valley Golf Course in Williamston. According to Jody DuBeau, president of AMA, 15 teams participated this year. The entry cost for each four-member team was $400. The event raised over $17,000 to be used for scholarships, DuBeau said. "Students who volunteered and came to participate were given the opportunity to market themselves," DuBeau said. "And we actually awarded two scholarships to (LCC students) Junior Suarez and Michael Dainton. They both received a $500 book scholarship for the fall 2011 semester."
According to DuBeau, Suarez and Dainton interacted with participants and marketed themselves the best. They were assigned to work at one of the holes and make contacts by networking with golfers. "The goal was to be remembered at the end of the event and have their names placed on the evaluations," DuBeau explained. "The people who marketed themselves the best would get the most votes. "The golfers are aware of this and are actively engaged in learning about the students. (They) meet with those who have benefited from the scholarships raised and possibly find future employees." LCC-AMA also provided breakfast, lunch and drinks during the event. "We had prizes for longest drive, closest to the line, longest putt,
Photo courtesy of Kevin Fowler
A golf outing participant takes a shot on the ninth hole at Wheatfield Valley Golf Course in Williamston as part of the 22nd annual Marketing and Sales Scholarship Golf Scramble July 22.
closest to pin, and then there was recognition for men's teams and mixed teams," DuBeau said. A Northwood University team earned first place for mixed teams with Jessica DeWitt, Bill Andrews, Nate Kessler and Warren Wahl. First place for men's teams went to Lansing Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training
Committee with Lawrence Hidalgo, Jeremy Hidalgo, Andrew Mosser and Todd Rusnell. Men's longest putt was awarded to Jim Rooker and women's longest putt went to Jessica DeWitt. LCC Dean of Student Services Evan Montague won men's closest to line, and Jen Pierce won women's closest to line.
Men's longest drive was awarded to Price Doberwick. Andrea Clisch won women's longest drive. Prizes included deluxe golf balls, as well as free dinners and lunches from community businesses. The event featured a variety of golf outing packages for sponsors to purchase. Prices ranged
from $265 to $1,600. "There was a partnership package for $1,600 and (they) get a named scholarship, special recognition, a game for four people, a full-page ad in our brochure, two carts and a tee sign," DuBeau explained. Haylee Price, an LCC student and member of AMA, attended the annual golf outing for the first time. "Overall the event was fantastic," Price said. "The leaders of the AMA did a great job, as well as the members. "I'm definitely up for round two," Price added. "Thanks to all the businesses and people who donated gifts, money and time to the event. It was a great way to reach your community." DuBeau estimated that close to 125 people attended this year's golf outing. "We had a lot of fun," DuBeau said. "We had a lot of good feedback from everyone involved."
Photo by Michael Caterina
Cars wait to get out of the Gannon Building Ramp during the first week of classes.
Pick the perfect parking Shauna Stocken News Editor Starting school in the fall can be an exciting time. It can also be frustrating, especially when attempting to park on campus. With hundreds of students commuting daily to and from classes, the Gannon Building Ramp often fills up quickly. “It always sucks to park at the Gannon Ramp the first week, but people drop out or find other places,” said Sarah Strom, a second-year LCC student. “I’ve heard of secret free places to park, but I’ve never found them,” Strom said. To minimize the congestion of traffic on main campus, here are a few alternative parking choices gathered from the LCC website and student experience. As a proactive step to
parking, pre-registering for classes at many off-campus locations in the spring offers free daily parking and more mobility. Off-campus locations include, but are not limited to, LCC West Campus, East Campus, Clinton County and Livingston County. If taking off-campus classes is not an option, there are still Main Campus parking options that are either less expensive and or less time-consuming to park in or exit from. Parking in the Gannon Ramp may seem like the most convenient place to park. However, there are many parking lots and ramps on campus for employees and students that can be found on the LCC website. Parking meters are located around campus buildings in downtown Lansing. Parking at meters can be inexpensive unless
the driver is ticketed for running over the paid allotment. “It depends if you value cheaper or closer parking when using a meter,” Strom said. “Either way when using a meter, arrive early.” For evening commuters parking at a meter is free after 6 p.m. and during weekends. Many students avoid parking altogether by utilizing the public transportation in the area, such as CATA. CATA public transit bus service is a substitute to driving and parking in Lansing. A CATA bus stop is located on Shiawassee Street across from Gibson’s Bookstore. “I take the CATA because driving was too busy on campus,” said Margerie Sweany, a High School Diploma Completion Initiative Program student.
5 SPORTS
Sept. 6-18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
XC looks to win Region 12 again
Returning players add to team depth Hassan Sumbal Staff Writer
The LCC cross-country teams are gearing up for another season this fall under the guidance of 11th-year Coach Chuck Block. According to Block, among the Stars returning this year on the men’s team are Austin Alcalar, Michael Lahner, Neil Noack, Nick Brosky and Kevin Barry. Ashley Hamilton, Alexis Roe, Paige Terbush, Nikki May and Ashley Steers are returning on the women’s team. “Our strength is our depth; we have a lot of really good runners,” Block said. “Our weakness would probably be we don’t have the superstar. Although, Austin … I think the way he has been training and looking, he could be that one superstar we need.” Block had positive things to say about the women’s team, too. “On the women’s side it’s almost the opposite. We’ve got the superstar,
File photos by Michael Caterina
Austin Alcalar, left, and Ashley Hamilton could be the key to LCC cross-country success in the 2011 season, according to Coach Chuck Block.
Ashley Hamilton, but we don’t have the depth that we had in the past.” Hamilton, who graduated from
Charlotte High School, said she has been training for six years. “Lots of the other colleges we com-
pete against are our biggest competition,” she said. Block listed goals for the 2011 year. “Our goal every year is to win Region 12, both guys and girls,” Block said. “Our number two goal is to compete well at the different meets we go to … Our third goal is to win a national championship.” According to Block, the men’s team has never lost Region 12 while he has been coaching at LCC, and the women’s team only lost regionals once. “Last year, our girls were third in the nation and our guys were fifth in the nation. Both teams won Region 12,” Block added. Block said coaching for cross-country is great because there isn’t a lot of strategy involved. Instead, he said, there is a lot of planning, various workouts and working in phases. The first meet for cross-country is scheduled for Sept. 9 at Jackson Community College. The meet for the women’s team will start at 4:30 p.m. and the men’s team will start at 5:15 p.m. For more information about LCC’s cross-country schedule, visit www. runningfoundation.com.
Softball hires new coach Former Bath HS coach to take reigns Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief File photo by Michael Caterina
Chris King, 2010 LCC Scuba student, swims in the Gannon Building pool.
LCC pool no longer free for students and faculty Memberships now needed for pool use
Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC’s Physical Fitness & Wellness Department is now offering pool memberships for LCC employees, students and the general public. The new membership program began July 1. Crystal LeDeau, parttime support at LCCPhysical Fitness and Wellness, explained the membership fee is an effort to raise money to save the pool, located on the east side of the Gannon Building. “The board finally did approve it to let us go ahead with the pool membership,” LeDeau said. “They are going
to make a decision in December about what’s going to happen (to the pool). “We’re hoping they’re going to decide to continue on with that until something drastic actually happens.” Normally, the pool is only available to LCC faculty or students, but now the community has a chance to enjoy the lap swim. According to LeDeau, a membership from Aug. 25 to Dec. 23 is $50. Members can swim Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Jeff Montgomery, the pool coordinator, said the fees may come as a surprise to some. “It’s a bit of a sticker shock for people who haven’t had to pay during the week for regu-
lar swimming during the semesters,” Montgomery said. “(But) if you swim every day, it’s a pretty good deal.” Montgomery said once the word gets out that swimming at LCC is open to the general public, he hopes it will generate a lot of revenue for the college. There will still be times when non-members can swim in the pool, LeDeau said. On Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m., individuals or families can swim for $5. For more information or a membership, stop by the Physical Fitness & Wellness office in GB 351. According to LeDeau, people can pay for the membership with cash, checks or credit. For additional information, call 483-1227.
LCC announced the hiring of Marc Kibby to coach the college’s softball team, according to a press release Aug. 11. Kibby had preKibby viously coached softball at Bath High School for 16 years. During his tenure at Bath, Kibby received numerous awards and acknowledgements for his coaching ability, including the 2011 Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year. “I’m very excited to be coming to LCC,” Kibby said. “I have much respect for the great history of winning at this school.” The position of head
softball coach at LCC became vacant after the 201011 season when long-time coach Bob Every was fired due to NJCAA violations. The athletic department at LCC will try to continue the winning tradition that was in place during Every’s tenure. “Marc has an incredible record of wins and is beloved by his student-athletes,” LCC Athletic Director Scott Latham said. “We are thrilled he is now a part of LCC athletics.” Kibby will be assisted on his coaching staff by former Lansing Catholic High School Coach Hub Waite. According to Kibby, the softball team has eight players currently signed on scholarship and many others that will try out for the team starting Sept. 9. Kibby coached some of those players in high school. “I am very interested in getting the local talent over here,” Kibby said. “We’ve got some girls that can really play in the area. That can translate into some great success.”
Ex-coach: no comment
Former LCC Softball Coach Bob Every chose not to comment on the Every hiring of new Softball Coach Marc Kibby due to an on going legal dispute. Every told The Lookout he is suing the college for damages sustained to him during his termination from the college during spring semester 2011. “I think it would be inappropriate of me to comment on the future of LCC softball,” Every said. “I’m still worried about being treated fairly by the college.” Every was first put on paid administrative leave by the college after allegations of NJCAA violations were brought forth by student-athletes. Every has since denied all allegations and has said he will do whatever it takes to clear his name.
6
Sept. 6-18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT www.lcc.edu/lookout
Satisfy your cravings Food for all appetites on or off campus Kaitlin Lutz A&E Editor Whether you have 15 minutes or a few hours to kill, there are lots of places on campus where you can grab a quick bite to eat or take a seat to eat/study. Those new to LCC will be spending much of their time in the Gannon Building. Here are a few places to check out inside the Gannon Building. In the mood for something healthy? Blimpie is the place to go. They have a variety of subs, wraps and salads. Also right next to Blimpie is Freshens, where students can get some fresh smoothies, yogurt and ice cream. Java City is also a great place to get some coffee before the morning classes. With drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, iced beverages and more, Java City is sure to have something for any coffee lover. Looking for a little more variety when it comes to food? Check out the Kennedy Cafeteria located on the second floor of the Arts & Sciences Building (A&S Building). Grille Works is a great place to get a burger or chicken sandwich with almost any topping available. Home Zone has all the traditional favorites like baked chicken, meatloaf and mashed
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011
potatoes. Need some soul warming soup? Kettle Classics is the place to go. Montague’s Deli can make students a wrap to order just the way they like it. Or you can always fall back on some good old pizza at Bene Pizzeria. Then there’s everyone’s favorite, Taco Bell. Well, maybe not everyone’s favorite. There is also The Recovery Café, located on the Garden Level of the Health and Human Services Building, where you can munch on some healthy snacks like wraps, salads, fruit and power bars. Just across the street
Photos by Michael Caterina
The Kennedy Cafeteria, located on the second floor of the A&S Building, offers a variety of options for students to fill up on. Choices include Taco Bell, Grille Works, Home Zone (top), and The Salad Garden (bottom).
from the TLC Building is Gibson’s Books and Beans, which is more than just a bookstore. Gibson’s has
some great sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. It is also an excellent place to hang out and study.
— The Kollected Klutz —
This is my niche For returning readers of The Lookout, you probably noticed that I have a different title. I am indeed now the Arts and Entertainment Editor/Paginator. I know it’s a long title and sounds fancy, but really what it means is I will be in charge of all things arts and entertainment. The paginator part means I will be designing pages along with that. I am still the Kollected Klutz though. That part will never change — until I get married, I suppose. After that it will no longer be in my name. However, it will always be in my genes. What can I say? I’m a klutz by nature. If you’re confused right now, allow me to explain. When you take the first letter of my first name and put it in front of my last name, you get klutz, hence the name of my column. So after a summer, a very short but eventful summer, The Lookout staff is back in the swing of things.
Let me tell you, we are all here to serve you as students and faculty of LCC. We want to give you the best publication that we can; that has been and will always be our goal. What that means is we want to hear from you, our readers. How can we make The Lookout better? What kind of stories do you want to hear about? What issues matter to you? Is there anything in the A&E section that you would like me to write about that maybe wasn’t ever covered in the previous year? I am naturally a very artsy kind of person so I look forward to writing about artsy things and designing lots and lots of pages this coming school year.
8 A&E
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Stocken Speaks —
Life after Harry Potter
As August ended, I turned 20 years old and realized another decade of my life was about to begin — and the previous decade ended a major part of my generation’s childhood. I read posters and watched commercials proclaiming that “it all ends July 15,” that the boy who lived, Harry Potter, was coming to an epic conclusion. We, the fans, own the movies and the books, and I sit here typing with one hand while waving my Hermione Granger wand with the other. Although I mentioned my generation growing up in the heat of Harry Potter, millions of fans both young and old have fallen in love with the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, is a master of her craft — not only because of her ability to write captivating stories, but due to her ability to reach young readers.
Rowling’s books shocked parents, not because of the content of her books, but because children who couldn’t be pulled away from the television soon couldn’t be pulled away from immersing themselves in her books. Children read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in the installment, and continued to read the next six Harry Potter books after that. It was simple for me to relate to the lovable characters, cry along with a movie theater of die-hard fans when Dobby died, and feel joy when I joke along with someone that Hogwarts at Christmas
time is our favorite time of year. But what comes after a decade of Harry Potter addiction? I do have a few ideas. I could visit the Pottermore website in early October and experiences all seven e-books and read additional material. Or I could take a trip to Universal Orlando and visit the theme park attraction, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” But when those ideas don’t work out, remember this, faithful and devoted fans: While things may seem most dark, the speech Rowling gave at the premiere of the seventh Harry Potter film will inspire both new and old generations of Harry Potter fans to love and remember. “No story lives unless someone wants to listen ... The stories we love do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home,” Rowling said.
Black and white to color Kaitlin Lutz A&E Editor “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” As I sat in the movie theater at the end of the movie The Help, those words rang in my mind. In one of the beginning scenes of the movie, Aibileen, played by Viola Davis who is an African-American maid, tells those words to Mae Mobley, the daughter of the white women she works for. The stories of Aibileen and other African-American maids unfold through the interviews and writings of an aspiring journalist Skeeter (Emma Stone). Skeeter is spunky girl fresh out of Ole’ Miss University who wants to write stories from the perspective of the help, hence the title. Once she finally convinces Aibileen to share her stories, more and more begin to open up as well. Skeeter, who herself
Photo courtesy technorati.com
had a maid growing up, knows too well that these women are more than just “the help.” They practically raise these kids while their own children are at home being raised by someone else. From the beginning of the movie we can see that Aibileen raising little Mae and instilling confidence in her because her own mother hardly pays any attention to her. In this novel-turnedfilm, director Tate Taylor, along with a great cast, do an impeccable job at bringing the pages of a book to life right before our eyes.
As we see the stories of these maids played out on screen, the actors bring us into the story and make us viewers feel like we are right there with them experiencing the same discrimination, hurt and even joy as them. The music in the movie also brings us into the 1960s era with songs like “Sherry” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. I have not read the book yet, but I want to now after watching the movie. The Help is definitely worth spending your money to go see in theaters.
Beyond ordinary romance Amber Glom Guest Writer Whenever romance finds its way into a novel, it seems to be the same old picture perfect story. The boy and girl meet, fall in love, break up and then both realize they could not possibly be apart. Oh and, of course, who could ever forget living happily ever after? In my opinion, this type of story could use a break. With so many of these cliché stories, I did not know there could be any other form of a love story. Beyond the Night opened my eyes to a new and refreshing story of love. The novel begins with a confusing and vague description of darkness which is not fully explained until it is revealed on the final pag-
Photo courtesy of blogspot.com
es. To make the novel even more confusing, this novel starts at the end and ends at the beginning. The reader is constantly pulled back into the past and then thrown forward into the present. Maddie and Paul, the two main characters of this novel, explain their story of love through darkness. For Maddie, this darkness is literal as she finds herself slowly going blind.
Through all of this, Maddie finds herself drawing away from everything and everybody, including her good friend and future husband Paul. Marlo Schalesky, the author of Beyond the Night, cleverly tells Maddie and Paul’s story backwards. This forces readers to have to finish the book in order to understand the beginning. Another thing that sets this book apart is the ending. Schalesky leaves her readers completely shocked. I remember dropping the book while my mouth hung wide open as I read the ending words. In my experience, not too many books are as cleverly written or sequenced. To say the least, this novel deserves a hearty round of applause.
9 A&E
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
President of Humane Society speaks locally about his book Nathan Wilson Associate Editor Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of The Humane Society, spoke at EVERYbody Reads bookstore in Lansing Aug. 7 about his bestselling book, The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals; Our Call to Defend Them. Pacelle is known for his 17 years of service to The Humane Society of the United States. He has gained recent media attention for working with NFL football star Michael Vick to stop dog fighting. The Bond is Pacelle’s first book and it has appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. “There’s a bond with animals built into every one of us,” Pacelle said. “And that bond really sends us in the right direction in terms of the proper care and empathetic concern for animals. “We live in an incredible moment of contradiction when it comes to our relationship with animals. We have more social expressions of the bond with animals than ever before … But at the same time, we also have so much cruelty and so much of it is occurring in institutionalized settings like agriculture or the realms of science.” Another theme Pacelle discussed is solving the problem of animal cruelty. “We can figure out a way to live a good life as individuals and society,” he said. “We can have a good robust economy and a civil society without leaving a trail of animal victims in the process.” Pacelle said his favorite part about touring is sharing his message and connecting with people. “It has provided an amazing platform to discuss issues that are not only important to me as an individual, but are vital for a civil society,” he said. He added that meeting people who are enthusiastic about social reform is “tremendously exciting and invigorating.” Scott Harris, an LCC alumnus and owner of EVERYbody Reads, located at 2019 E. Michigan Ave., has been active in animal advocacy issues for the past 25 years. “Wayne’s presentation was extraordinary,” Harris said. “He was very articulate and passionate and he presented a very
Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society, visited EVERYbody Reads Aug. 7. to promote his book The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals; Our Call to Defend Them.
Photo courtesy of Paul Markow Photography
compelling way to look at advocacy concerns. “I met Wayne about 25 years ago and our paths have crossed for so long. So when he went on his national book tour to promote The Bond, some of the people who work for him contacted us to see if we would be interested in hosting an event.” Pacelle discussed important legislation that would affect Michigan. Currently, there are three bills moving through the state legislature to strike a blow against animal fighting. The Humane Society is also supporting legislation to ban owning primates as pets in Michigan. “We think that wild animals, especially large and potentially dangerous wild animals, should not be kept as pets,” Pacelle explained. “People shouldn’t have chimpanzees or other animals in their basement or backyard.” The Humane Society
helped pass legislation in Lansing during 2009 to stop the extreme confinements of veal calves, breeding sows and laying hens. “And we want to leverage that to help pass national legislation dealing with the egg industry,” Pacelle said. Pacelle suggested a number of ways to fight back against animal cruelty, including buying products not tested on animals, not buying fur coats, and getting involved with the Humane Society. “We can influence the big institutions in our society whether they’re corporate players or government,” Pacelle said. “So when you have millions of people working in concert, you have a chance for great things. “We need to live these principles on a daily basis. ... None of us should be bystanders. We should be involved in our society’s enterprise of making the world a better place.”
A relaxing retreat Nathan Wilson Associate Editor The Shigematsu Memorial Garden, located between the Herrmann Conference Center and Dart Auditorium on LCC’s main campus, provides a peaceful setting for students to relax and connect with nature. The exotic garden is dedicated to Megumi Shigematsu, the president of Biwako Kisen Company and co-founder of LCC’s Japan Adventure Program. Roberta Otten, who teaches modern dance at LCC, enjoys the tranquility of LCC’s Shigematsu Memorial Garden. (Photo by Nathan Wilson) According to Doug Sjoquist, who teaches history about modern Asia and Japanese culture at LCC, the Japan Adventure Program was founded to allow LCC students to study in Japanfor nine months. One of the first sites people will encounter in Shigematsu Garden is a water basin representing an ancient coin inscribed with Japanese characters (Kanji). “Rock gardens had their origins with Zen Buddhism around the 12th Century,” Sjoquist explained as he strolled through the garden. “It invites some contemplation and meditation.” According to Sjoquist, the garden pond is in the shape of Lake Biwa in Shige Prefecture of Japan. “Shige Prefecture is the sister state of Michigan, so we have a sister-state relationship,” he said. Otsu, the capital of Shige Prefecture, is considered the sister city of Lansing. The pond itself is home to many koi (Japanese
Photo by Nathan Wilson
Roberta Otten, who teaches modern dance at LCC, enjoys the tranquility of LCC’s Shigematsu Memorial Garden.
carp), which are bred for their extravagant colors. “Koi sometimes cost a lot of money,” Sjoquist remarked. “One of my monk friends has champion koi in his own pond at the temple, and they were $10,000 dollars a piece.” A small cape lantern (misaki) sits on a peninsula of the pond, and a larger snow-viewing lantern (yukimi) is perched on the other shore. Another attribute of the gardens is the moonviewing platform. “A lot of times the aristocrats would have a pond like this and they would go out and write poetry and drink sake,”
Sjoquist explained. “(A moon-viewing platform) is a way to … symbolically participate with nature.” Sjoquist pointed out two rock islands in the pond, which are meant to resemble a crane and a tortoise. Cranes and tortoises are signs of longevity in Japanese mythology. According to Sjoquist, the bridge in the garden weighs 6,200 pounds and was hand carved from a single piece of granite in China. The bridge was hoisted into the garden by a crane and set in place. “For me, this is my favorite place on campus,” Sjoquist said.
King Crossword
Classified Advertising NASCAR MEMORABILIA Two brand new Dale Earnhardt hats, $7 each. Commemorative miniature racecars from the Michigan International Speedways from various years, all brand new and in box, $5 each. Call 517-483-1291. WANTED Baseball cards from 1970 or before. Will pay cash for cards I need, or for large lots. Particularly in need of Detroit Tigers in excellent or better shape. Call 517-483-1291.
FOR SALE Oakworks portable massage table, brand new, $250. Contact beyondwords@ hotmail.com. APARTMENT FOR RENT 295 Arbor Glen Drive, East Lansing. Five miles from downtown LCC campus. Two bedrooms, $880 per month. Price includes air conditioning, dishwasher, parking, washer, dryer and water. Smoking and pets allowed. Contact Megan at 517-351-5353 for more information.
Puzzle solution can be found at www.lcc.edu./lookout
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
10 OPINION
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
— ‘I am invincible!’ —
Hello, stranger
Welcome to my column, my claim of the newspaper where everything you know about the world will be undone and the truth is revealed. Before I launch into my thoughts about world chaos and some such, I think it’s only proper to introduce myself. I’m Nathan Wilson. This will be my second year at The Lookout. In fact, I will probably linger at The Lookout until I am accepted into the radiology tech program and become a world renowned radiologist. No, not really. But I do intend to publish two novels. If you walk into The Lookout office, do not be
frightened if I am singing to German heavy metal or trying desperately to stay awake. You see, I stay up until 3 a.m. watching David Lynch films or playing Silent Hill so I tend to collapse in the office by 11 a.m. However, I compensate for all my eccentricity with unrelenting
kindness and charm. I think my boss Larry has finally gotten used to me. When I am not devoting my life to The Lookout, I wander along the forest trail, gaze into the sunset and contemplate the meaning of life. I invite you to visit my bi-weekly column whenever you seek hope in this dismal world. I will be the light that burns through the thickening gloom, scattering doubt, bearing wisdom. Hopefully, I shall enlighten you, entertain you, enrage you; possibly all three at once. At least that’s how most of my conversations go with my dear mother.
— New York State of Mind —
Large and in charge? I’ll be honest, I am pretty petrified. I have never been the boss of anyone let alone a whole newspaper staff. I have held other jobs like fry-boy at McDonald’s or a cotton candy vendor at baseball game or two, but never anyone’s superior. However my nervousness is overpowered by utter and uncontrollable excitement. I am so stoked. I served as both news and sports editor at The Lookout last year and can honestly say that those were the best jobs I have ever held. For the longest time, college was something I barely thought about, but after one excite-
ment-packed semester at the school newspaper, I was sure journalism was exactly what I wanted to do. Needless to say, I was thrilled, humbled and frankly shocked when I was offered the position of Lookout EditorIn-Chief for the 201112 school year. I want to make something perfectly clear
though: This newspaper is for you, the readers. It is not about my staff or I. I feel what we do in our newsroom is a public service. You people deserve to be informed and heard. I encourage you to write letters to our editors, call us directly, and do whatever it takes to let us know what you want to see in your newspaper. We are an instrument of the people; our goal is to always meet your needs. I promise to work my tail off every single week to produce the best possible newspaper this college can. I’m sure I’ll have a blast along the way.
Letter to students
Student Life addresses the students of LCC Dear Students: For those just beginning their educational journey here at Lansing Community College, on behalf of the Student Advisory Committee to the President, welcome. It is truly a pleasure to have you here and we are glad you chose LCC to meet your educational needs. For those of you who have been here before, it’s good to have you back. As you can tell by the construction that is going on all around campus, things are changing at Lansing Community College. The changes however are not only taking place outside the college, but also within. One of the main focuses of Lansing Community College has always been student success, but in order to ensure the students are receiving the best services possible the college needs to know from the student’s perspective what works and what does not. Your voice is important! One way your voice heard is through the Student Advisory Committee to the President (SACP) which is a student-run committee through the Office of Student Life/Ombudsman. The SACP will be coordinated by two student leaders from Lansing Community College appointed as co-chairs to facilitate the meetings The meetings will take place once a month and are open to ALL students within the LCC community. In order for the committee to work, we need YOUR help. During the meetings the President of the college and/or his designee will be on hand to answer questions about the issue that affect you and your educational journey here at Lansing Community College. This will be your opportunity to make your voice heard on the college related topics that matter to you. All meetings will take place in the Abel Skyes Technology & Learning Center (TLC Building) on the First Floor in Room 127 (Teleconference Room) and will start promptly at 2:05pm. Here are the meeting dates for the 2011-12 school year: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 23, Dec. 14, Jan. 10, March 21, April 18 and May 16. More information on the Student Advisory Committee to the President (SACP) is available in the Office of Student Life/Ombudsman on the main campus in the Gannon Building, Room 230. Please feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to serving the needs of the student population. We encourage all students to get involved in the student life experience here at Lansing Community College, where success begins. Sincerely, Sean Shannon, Co-Chairperson (Student Leadership Academy) Antonio L. Manning, CTA, Co-Chairperson (Registered Student Organizations) The Student Advisory Committee to the President (SACP) at Lansing Community College is dedicated to ensuring that all the students are able to effectively address their issues to the committee. Any student requiring special accommodations are asked to contact the Office of Student Life/Ombudsman 48 Hours prior to any meeting date to ensure adequate time to meet those needs.
11 Opinion
Sept. 6 - 18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
In our own words | Staff Editorial
New era of news The Lookout expands its coverage with new website This year The Lookout’s web presence has been revamped. With the launch of a new, user-friendly website we will be able to communicate the news to you in a whole new way. All of us at The Lookout are extremely excited about this opportunity and we will be taking our coverage to a whole new level. Our new attitude here at your student newspaper is “web first.” This means you will still be able to pick up a copy of our bi-weekly print edition, but we will be posting those and many more stories, photos and videos on our website. The new site allows you to comment, share via Facebook and Twitter and interact with our editors directly on our website. So, if you read a story and it leaves you wanting more, please comment on the story and we will do our best to keep you informed on all news developments. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and we will share ev-
erything we post with you as soon as it happens. Our new site is ready for your mobile phone as well. Our newsstands have QR codes on them which allow you to scan them with your phone to see what is happening right now at LCC. We owe a big thank you to the people who helped make this site happen for us. Working directly with LCC’s web coordinator Ryan Wells made the process of getting acquainted with the site a breeze. Numerous phone calls and meetings took place but Ryan stuck with us and got us launched and ready for the new school year. In your internet travels you may see some of our content show up on MLive as well. We are now partners with the Michigan news source and will be sharing stories with it on a weekly basis. So check out www.lcc.edu/ lookout and tell us what you think. We can’t wait to hear feedback from you on our new site and news coverage.
Dominick Mastrangelo
usttaff o k o o l e th
meet
Major: Journalism Music you listen to: Metalcore Nickname: D-mastah
Editor in Chief mastrand@mail.lcc.edu
Shauna Stocken
Writing Major: ou listen to: y Music ive t a n r e lt A aunie me: Sh a n Nick
News Editor stockens@mail.lcc.edu
Nathan Wilson Major: Radiology tech Music you listen to: Symphonic metal Nickname: Elvis
Associate Editor wilso162@mail.lcc.edu
Kaitlin Lutz chology Major: Psy listen to: u Music yo Days, r e b m E e Th Gungor t, o Switchfo e: Lutzy Nicknam
Michael Caterina Major: G Music yo raphic Design The Dev u listen to: il Wiz Kha Wears Prada, li Nicknam fa, Lil Wayne M-CAT, e: Mikey Fresh, Mikey
Kelly Lehtonen
A&E Editor lutzk3@mail.lcc.edu Photo Editor cater2@mail.lcc.edu Major: Fashion Merchandising
Music you listen to:
Punk, Indie, Wor ld Nickname: K-D izzle
Advertising Manager lehtonk@mail.lcc.edu
Larry Hook Major: Journalism Music you listen to: Jason Mraz, Five for Fighting, BeeGees Nickname: The Chief
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
12 FEATURES
Sept. 6-18, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Faculty art displayed in Old Town gallery Jack Bergeron shows sculpture art at Gallery 1212 over summer Angelique Wilson Staff Writer They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Within the mind of LCC art instructor Jack Bergeron, scrap yard items become valuable keepsakes. “I like the challenge of making something out of nothing. … I like to surprise people with things,” said Bergeron, 61, who is also LCC’s associate vice president of academic affairs. The exhibit opened as part of Old Town’s “First Sunday Gallery Walk,” July 3 at Gallery 1212. It features 13 geometric wall sculptures composed of translucent plastics and scraps of steel and metal. The exhibit continues through Aug. 15. Gallery 1212 is owned by Joni Sztykiel, Rebecca Stafford and Donna Randall. Co-owner Randall said seeing photos of Bergeron’s art do not do the pieces justice. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” Randall said. “He has basically taken junk pieces of metal and created really interesting artwork.”
Bergeron, a teacher and administrator at LCC for 34 years, said his artwork is different from pieces usually featured at the gallery, which often displays two-dimensional works of realism and abstractions. According to Bergeron, sculpting gives a viewer more ways to look at something. “This show I wanted to have something that (exhibits) rough and smooth and the textures,” Bergeron said. “I wanted to have something that really contrasted with what is typically in the gallery.” Bergeron’s pieces show a sense of fun — combining harsh and soft objects in sort of a joking manner, according to Jerald Irish, a watercolor painter whose work is also available at the event for purchase. Irish explained the irony of Bergeron’s labeled piece, “Paired Up,” which has metal and plastic linear together. “He calls them pairs, but they’re not,” Irish said. “They’re total opposites. They work when they’re put together with the form he is working with.”
Photo by Angelique Wilson
LCC art instructor Jack Bergeron stand in front of his piece titled, “Get A Grip” at Gallery 1212 in Lansing’s Old Town. Bergeron’s work was on display from July 3 through Aug. 15.
Gallery co-owner Rebecca Stafford said the event turnout went well for the opening reception, considering the July 4 holiday weekend. “We asked him to stay over for an extra month,”Stafford said. “I want to keep the show going.” Publicly displaying his artwork since 1977, Bergeron has sculptures displayed at LCC’s
Main Campus, Central Michigan University and Letts Community Center. He has also worked as a Michigan television courtroom artist for seven years. While he is an artist, Bergeron is also dedicated to teaching, often hosting sculpting workshops at the gallery. “I’m a teacher at heart,” Bergeron said. “I like people
opening themselves up to being creative and taking risks. “There is a practical side of life that we all have,” Bergeron continued. “But that doesn’t mean you have to stop doing something because you can’t make a living out of it.” For more information on the gallery and its workshops, visit www.gallery1212.com.