The Montage Student Newspaper

Montage The

St. Louis Community College–Meramec

SEPT. 16, 2010 Vol. 46 Issue 2

TRIO to help

students in need Federal TRIO Grant

al n o i dit aged d a e t Shane Rice eceiv isadvan am, r - Asstistant News Editor r n soo with d ed prog ugh l l i will soon financial aid because they haven’t ro STLCC-Meramec c w viduals ly fund 10, threceive e r additional funding progressed like o m f assist individuals withto academically ra r di ederal 1, 20 a better they need to,” Smith said. “It can n e i y st t, a f h . i t c disadvantaged backgrounds.

The provide a one-stop shop to provide s p a s r a Gran rom Se ewal e TRIO Grant,ista federally funded students with the assistance they f en io program,ass awarded will need, tutoring assessments, all e 1, 2010,Meramec he Tr 219,758 ion of r ter from. Sept. h t $219,758 through those different things.”

T e b ts with c $ he opt of There are eight different e en2011, andOct.tu31, d m hoforthetheoption y a t w f i renewal each year next five TRIO programs, including Student s h t s it en abledyears. udent ave w d Support Services, Upward Bound i , h t waslddesigned 11 s. to sgrant is elThe d to identify and special programs for disabled p d e r h betterwassist ou first generation, low students. Eligible students gn e and to and a i e must s y e sand disabled students. s income n ve was d m a o o The be identified as low-income, first s d w c ngrant was generation students, documented ea intent a in grant r t . s n original of the TRIO t c n w a i t were gcollegegr n, lo trio tiostudents awho et eren tostihelp u f with a disability or all the above. m t f e d i h o d n t i e t a a h n a t capable, but for different reasons r i , f M r o f difficulty ne ent of but f ohave ply succeeding y o in a Meramec receives TRIO Grant ear would t p y i n a l a r i , e t b e u , d igiinstitution. n bl proba continued on page 2 al i -capable g in a fo Ed.D., four-year l e r According to Vernon Kays, Ed.D., dean e i e ge s, n omMathematics ices e th and Communications, of v s r a colle succeedi on Kay who becstudents e e s rt apply, ts ncr who become eligible, n o i n r s p e y e t l t p d V l l n and get involved in the program stu ficu ing to , stude ram wiwill ic sugrant 0 m increase their probability of getting 6 e 1 rd ad those og ns cdegree. a bachelor’s a r me Acco nicatio rant pr . i u t n o “It will highlight and strengthen our o t g s n u ee e us services acrossy the fir ttend the cusupport s academic omm d in th r’s degr strengboard, n . o it willsaalso a thosees a id focusat usmon o fbut lo ve d s e l i fer l t n h o s f a i c h a v o y l t 160 students that will come into the a l i t n a b o l i iced h disab ilable t g a highligh t it wi program,” ,” KKaysnosaid. t n m i a t it Committee va get will rd, bu ogr The Federal tee TRIO wGrant a r t p i s s t d e t m many first-time “I he boa to th noticed fun students, den and om that u e C t . s minority groups students n t s e t i eswith h n c s t e d a s r e r o n m u d disabilities a attend ocolleges. In acommunity esavailable acr ill co Trio G oturn, s they m r p u y made these funds d e w n student servicesto l r additional th funds afor , s e n that e Federa ority g offer c r ervi n turesources. s Th , min ges. Iand t Michael den Smith, manager of Financial e s l t u l t n o s e c Aid, r said he believes this grant will be very stud unity nds fobeneficial for students. “The number of m students I see that come through the office com ional fu that need the help, it’s going to benefit them t addi greatly. They are in danger of losing their

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Bringing dreams to reality Meramec introduces initiative to increase student success.

6-7

Creepy crawlies under the covers How to identify bed bugs and what can be done about them.

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Botanical Garden displays a foreign culture The Japanese Festival shares Japan’s history and heritage with visitors.

Montage Reader Poll How does excess cigarette smoke affect you?

C A B B

A. Everything about cigarettes makes me sick.

B. It stinks but it’s nothing I cant handle.

C. What’s wrong with a little cigarette smoke?

Sept. 16 Poll Question

What has your experience been with the STLCC Higher One card?

To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com GRAPHICS BY: KAIT THOMAS, jACOB HIGHT

2 NEWS

September 16, 2010

STLCC makes efforts to improve student success Joe Douglas

- Editor-in-Chief -

On Aug. 27, St. Louis Community College offices and classrooms closed at 1:30 p.m. in order for faculty and staff to attend the kick-off meeting for Achieving the Dream.

The four-year, data-driven program looks at information collected in Banner Self-Service from the current and prior academic years to help faculty and staff-based teams find trends in student success issues.

The goal of the program is to increase community college student success rates with a focus on minority and lowincome students.

“I’m really excited about an initiative that gets us to talk about [student success] collectively all of the time,” said Donna Dare, Ph.D., STLCC vice chancellor of academic and student affairs and co-chair of the Student Success Team.

The Student Success Team and Data Team, designed specifically for Achieving the Dream and composed of Meramec faculty and staff, will spend the next four years looking at data to see what strategies have been working and which haven’t.

“It’s all about really

measurable outcomes,” said Teresa Huether, coordinator for Achieving the Dream for STLCC. “We really want to make sure that whatever we’re doing is going to have results.”

From there, it will work with administrators, faculty and staff to create programs and implement changes to address the most common and damaging issues that prevent community college students from succeeding.

According to Achieving the Dream, student success will be measured to improve student progression at rates which students successfully complete

goals,” Huether said.

As Meramec enters its first year with the program, the Student Success Team will spend this year analyzing the data and brainstorming strategies based on what they decide are the greatest issues.

The team had its first meeting on Sept. 9, to introduce its importance and goals for the upcoming years.

“We can’t say what we’re going to change until we’ve decided what we need to change, and that’s what this whole year is for,” said Linden Crawford, Meramec vice president of student affairs. “But what we

Student Success and Data Teams will evaluate the effectiveness of the decisions made this year.

“If we are improving, then we’re going to keep going at it. If we’re not, we’ll tweak it or make another decision,” Huether said.

“We really want to make sure that whatever we’re doing is going to have results.”

-Teresa Huether, coordinator for ATD remedial or developmental courses; enroll in and successfully complete initial college-level and gatekeeper courses; complete the courses they take with grades of C or better; persist from one term to the next; and earn a certificate or associate degree.

“Whatever we choose to do will be to accomplish those

do will be dependent on what this team does to assess our processes and our educational outcomes.”

Huether said by April, the team will have its ideas prepared. By May, they will be finalized and STLCC can begin preparing the changes for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Throughout next year, the

Throughout this first year, Huether will be holding student Focus Groups with help from faculty and staff from each STLCC campus so students can communicate what issues affect them most from their perspectives.

“We can look at all the data in the world, but until we have input from the stakeholders,

if you will, about what those things mean, the data is pretty meaningless without some interpretation and analysis,” Dare said.

The data-driven change initiative was designed in 2004 to help community colleges address the obstacles that prevent students from succeeding in college. According to a STLCC press release, STLCC is the first community college in Missouri to take part in the program. Only 26 other colleges received the honor this year and only 105 colleges have been chosen before.

“I’m kind of excited about all of us kind of polarizing around a big goal of student success,” Crawford said.

“Again, reaffirming that, I think that’s the goal that anybody who works here certainly supports, but it gives new meaning to that and new energy to that and that’s exciting to me.”

Meramec receives Trio Grant Continued from page 1 According to Smith, there are approximately 510 students with documented disabilities. “Our Access Office is geared toward students with disabilities, so this way we are able to have two areas that will cover, I think, more students in the end,” Smith said.

This is the first time Meramec has received the federal trio grant, according to Kays. “Forest Park and Florissant Valley have both had grants of various kinds and have worked with other institutions.”

The application process began approximately one year ago with former Vice President of Student Affairs Stephen Petersen, Ed.D., acting as the chair of the committee. Petersen was placed in charge of forming a committee for this process by former President Paul Pai, Ed.D. Petersen selected Kays; Smith; Castella Henderson, director of institutional development for STLCC; Christy Jaeger, associate director of continued education for Meramec; and Rhonda Adams from the dean’s office.

In addition to the committee that Petersen formed, Pai brought in

an outside grant writing consultant, Richard Frye.

Frye was paid $2,000 and another $3,000 on Feb. 12, 2010. Both payments were allocated from the lecture, athletic and musician fund, according to STLCC budget reports.

Kays said it was beneficial at the beginning to bring in Frye. “Often times when you’re trying to write a grant you want people who have written that grant before, who have expertise, and Mr. Frye has done that for lots of trio grants at other institutions,” Kays said.

However, as the appointed committee made it further into the process they realized Adams’ experience would help work through some issues easier than an outside consultant.

“We brought [Frye] in to help guide us but we were not as satisfied with the product as we had hoped,” Kays said.

The committee ultimately finalized the grant process and received notification from Sen. Claire McCaskill of the award on Aug. 6, 2010.

“The fact that we have the grant on this campus is a great resource for our students. It will also help the campus indirectly by creating that culture of success,” Kays said.

September 16, 2010

What’s happening at STLCC NEWS BRIEFS

NEWS STLCC-Meramec has a new interim VPSA

Wellness Health Fair

Kurt Oberreither

On Sept. 24, students and faculty can attend the health fair from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. in the Student Center Room 200-201.

The fair will offer a biometric screening that will include a non-fasting cholesterol panel, nonfasting glucose panel, blood pressure checks, and a body fat and body mass index measure.

Fasting will not be required.

Anyone wanting to participate will need to sign up for the screening online.

The address can be located in the stcc. edu emails or by calling the employee benifets team at 314-5395253.

Once the screening is complete, those who participated can go online and take the health assessment at http:// myuhc. com to recieve a $75 gift card.

On Aug. 2, Linden Crawford began her term as STLCC-Meramec’s interim vice president of student affairs. Crawford is here to fill one of two leadership positions lost last spring.

Following the removal of Stephen Petersen, Ed. D., from the position of vice president of student affairs and the resignation of the campus President Paul Pai, Ed.D., two seats in Meramec’s school board were left vacant. While Zerrie Campbell was named interim president, the VPSA position was left open.

Crawford said VPSA responsibilities were temporarily divided among members of the Student Affairs Council.

“For a short period of time, we were asked to identify three people who were doing parts of this job, and so I was one of those three,” Crawford said.

Cancer Awareness Day SC Quad will be the focus of cancer awaerness on Sept. 29. From 11 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. students, staff and faculty will have a chance to learn about cancer prevention amongst women and men.

A wide range of organization will be on hand to answer questions about various types of cancer.

Self-testing education will be provided for breast and testicular cancers.

Information on lung cancer will also be distributed.

A free lunch will be available upon visiting a designated number of booths.

Currents Student Literacy and Arts Journal

STLCC-Meramec’s Currents is looking for original student-produced non-fiction, memoir, creative essays, etc. for publication in the upcoming issue of Currents.

The deadline is Nov. 22, 2010 by midnight and enrty notificaton should be e-mailed to mccurrents@ stlcc.edu.

Send a separate e-mail for all entries. They should include a heading, student name, title for each piece, and a return e-mail address.

Students can submit up to six pieces of work for each genre. Rich text format is preferred for written work and JPEG for art.

Currents suggest students keep an original copy of all work submitted.

Any submissions not meeting guidelines may not be considered.

For more info visit Currents office located in CN 110.

- Staff Writer -

Vice President of Academic Affairs George Wasson, asked Crawford to fill the position of VPSA. Wasson said her experience in student affairs as a counselor led to her being chosen.

“She had worked closely with other managers in the position,” Wasson said.

Crawford does not know whether or not she will apply for the position but said during her one-year contract, a search will be conducted for an abiding VPSA. Crawford, who has been involved in counseling for 21 years, said the transition has not been difficult, but that she is still learning.

“Having been here for many years is a great asset,” she said.

Crawford said that the scope of the position is very large. She overlooks many areas and organizations within student affairs including athletics, the Access Office, Student Life and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

(TANF).

Crawford said she has had involvement with the smoking policy on campus as well. However, besides the smoking policy, Crawford said there aren’t any significant changes in initialization being considered at the moment.

“We’re trying to continue to move ahead in the areas that we’ve been working.”

Crawford said she doesn’t feel that student resources are lacking but that more help for students like Supplemental Instruction would lead to higher student success.

Crawford said she is excited about improving student accomplishment through the Achieving the Dream program and the trio grant Meramec has received that provides additional support for indigent students.

“I see these as opportunities for us to deliver some of the ideas, goals, dreams, strategies and techniques that we’ve come up with over the years,”

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Linden Crawford, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs

Crawford said.

While Crawford said she was as shocked as anyone with the sudden removal of Petersen, she is looking forward to the future.

“I’m very pleased to have this opportunity to work with President Campbell. At this point our leadership team is mobilized, energized and ready to tackle the year,” Crawford said.

The hidden world of child soldiers is breached U.S. Institute of Peace plans to speak out at Meramec Shane Rice

- Assistant News Editor -

Throughout history and in many cultures, children have been extensively involved in military campaigns. According to a BBC Service report, there are approximitely 300,000 child soldiers around the world and every year the number grows.

In more than 20 countries around the world, children are direct participants in war.

Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, approximitely 200,000 to

300,000 children are serving as soldiers for both rebel groups and government forces in current armed conflicts, according to Peter W. Singer of the Brookings Institute during an interview with Human Rights Watch in 2007.

National Educational Outreach Officer David Smith will be speaking on behalf of USIP at STLCC-Meramec on Sept. 22. Starting at 9 a.m. in the SC building Room 200, Smith will be speaking about the hidden world of child soldiers amongst third world countries and other conflict

zones.

“The U.S. Institute of Peace focuses on the international resolution of conflict in peace building,” Smith said.

Established in 1984, the USIP uses a broad-based approach to assisting in the conflicts across the globe.

“We work in education, we give out grants, and we work as a think tank by thinking about issues and writing about them. There is a wide range of methods we use,” Smith said.

Smith will also be consulting with faculty to

help them think about what conflict resolution might look like at Meramec.

Smith said that the USIP does work in the U.S. but still focuses on international content as well. By working with high schools and colleges throughout the country, USIP is able to approve the teaching and learning of global peace and conflict issues.

Though world conflict is a huge dilemma, Smith said USIP also works on community resolution as well. “Stopping violence and educating peace is the mission of the USIP,” Smith said.

National Depression Screening Day Thursday, October 7, 2010 Business Administration Building--Room 105 10am-2pm 5pm-7pm

This event is: Open to the public Confidential Free For more information, call Jason Duchinsky at:

(314) 984-7565

The Counseling Department at STLCC-Meramec will offer mental health screenings for a range of mood and anxiety disorders.

We are here to help you.

*

* at the crestwood location for all of your school, team, or holiday function.

Crestwood (314) 822-4909 South County (314) 894-1600 Eureka (636) 938-7090

OPINIONS Self-improvement

September 16, 2010

Pursuit of Happiness

Keepin’ it real Joe Douglas

- Editor-in-Chief -

Week four: hell.

It’s very easy to associate school with overwhelming s t r e s s , unnecessary work, failure, confusion and just plain boredom.

T h e s e associations prevent us from doing a good job on projects, completing homework, or learning what we’re taught in class. The problem is we associate these things because of the mental pressure, and these negative thoughts further increase the tension.

We’re getting in our own way of finding happiness.

Luckily, there are techniques that can help ease that tension.

One of those techniques is called “keepin’ it real.”

By making homework, studying and school what it’s not, we’re not keepin’ it real and it’s doing us a lot of harm.

Don’t make it something it’s not.

It’s the fourth week of school and it already feels overwhelming. The dramatic transition from care-free summer days to sleeping with notes at night is hard

POLITICS

on the mind, body and attitude. Teachers are already pressing students to read whole chapters at a time, perform seemingly countless calculations, and take the first tests of the year.

The thought “I can’t believe I have to do this” is counterproductive because, well, we’re going to school in order to learn and to do. That’s the way it is. That’s the real.

When we let these negative thoughts permeate our academic careers, it’s putting not only our wellbeing in danger, but our grades, ability to learn, and overall college experience are being jeopardized. In order to combat these degenerative perspectives, the associations attached to school and everything related must be changed.

Instead, try to associate homework with the opposite of the above. Consider it a healthy exercise; that completing it is absolutely necessary; that it will make you successful. You will then understand the information and maybe even find it interesting.

Homework was invented to foster an easier life, student success, and understanding of new material. School facilitates this process of learning by

having its faculty teach the material, provide related assignments for application, and using a system of reward and punishment to facilitate the growth.

By convincing ourselves otherwise, that homework only exists to mentally torture us, that class is optional as long as we read the book, and that we’re doomed to receive a certain grade, we’re altering the original meaning of what it means to go to school.

School will be challenging.

That’s real.

College is an opportunity to learn excellent information.

Professors are here to challenge their students by providing new material. They ask students to complete homework to make it easier to learn the material and apply it in life, not just to do it. Week four and five will introduce new challenges and assignments. Try to take these things in their original meanings, as opportunities to learn, to grow as individuals, to earn a degree, to become successful, and ultimately be happy. Don’t wait until after college to find happiness.

You can find it now with a change in associations and perspective.

Keep it in mind. Keep it in context. Keep it real.

are in the middle of a war that most of the goal is to attain the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. It would make our soldiers’ lives more difficult, but Mr. Jones had every right to do such a thing.

The opposition to it should have been as strong as the one opposed to the mosque but it was stronger. Hypocrisy lives in the mainstream media that covered these two stories with great detail. This is by the simple way it was covered, multiple news agencies vowed not to publicize the burning even though it was news because they saw the national concern.

The media, in my opinion, was correct.

They used discretion and realized, even though constitutional, it was not a good idea.

The mosque falls into the same lap of discretion. Use what is appropriate. The media portrayed the opposition to the mosque and ignorant bigots when, in fact, they used the same common sense such as not publicizing an event that would do harm for our troops overseas.

As for supporters, they will tell you that there is a Jewish synagogue at Auschwitz, which very appropriately can and should be there.

What the supporters fail to acknowledge is that, as Washington Post columnist

Charles Krauthammer points out, Pope John Paul II removed a Carmelite nun convent from close to the site of Auschwitz.

The answer is sensitivity and understanding. Hitler was Catholic for part of his life and the Pope decided it would just be a better idea to have the convent someplace else.

The opposition will also point out that 9/11 was perpetrated by a select few “crazies” that just so happened to be Muslim. According to Dalia Mogahed of Gallup polling, approximately seven percent of the world’s Muslim population prescribes to radical Islam. Considering the population of Muslims in the world, seven percent is pretty big. The Muslim population of the world is over a half-billion people.

At times it’s truly difficult to fathom the enemy we face as a country. Almost nine years since the Twin Towers were destroyed due to intense and steadfast enemies; we were struck at the heart. Now New York City and the rest of the United States are expected to take this “no sensitivity” appeal sitting down. If you believe in anything, believe in the power of that hallowed ground that brought the entire country together, at least for a time. This site should not be tarnished with insensitivity.

Politics and Media Keeping Them Media rush to hypocrisy Patrick Olds

- Opinions Editor -

An argument consisting of asking questions of Islam is too large for a column but the last writing of this series failed to achieve an important point, the actual reason to oppose a mosque at the site of Ground Zero.

The common theme among the major news outlets is one of tolerance and bigotry among the opposition, which is far from the reality.

There was an explosion of irony this past week that erupted after a minister by the name of Terry Jones in Fla. proposed the burning of many Korans. This was in response to the imam, Feisal Abdul Rauf unwillingness to move the location of the mosque away from Ground Zero. Leaders from Gen. Petraeus to President Obama to former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin weighed in on the topic. There wasn’t much support for this minister’s proposition even though it too is a free speech issue.

The reality of the situation was that people with common sense realized it was a terrible idea to have a public burning of a text that a large population of the world and more specifically Afghanistan, hold sacred. We

Honest

Adult Content

Sex

Exploring new horizons Jacob Hight

- Graphics Editor -

Sexual experimentation is a deeply human, precious and even heroic m o m e n t .

B e y o n d the innate i n t i m a c y that comes with sharing profound pleasure, experimenting with the same sex takes everything to a new level.

Allowing someone to lead you into a secret moment of self-discovery is a powerful thing. We want to know something about ourselves, something only someone else can show us. We entrust to this person a deep secret, an admission some would label abominable, degenerate, damnable (hopefully not the ones who love us).

This guide, whether it is an intimate friend or a safesex casual encounter, leads us over the threshold of the unknown, for better or worse, unlocking a door into another part of us.

Even if we enjoy our curiosity being caressed and set aflame until it’s totally consumed, we may still decide it’s not our path.

Sexuality is a broad spectrum of hues; experimentation does not consign us to one orientation or another.

There are the purely curious, will-try-anythingonce,“open-minded,” experimenting, bi-sexual, homosexual, heterosexual, and everything inbetween.

There are homosexuals that live heterosexual lives out

of fear or necessity. There are heterosexuals that take a homosexual partner only for some period of their life.

Wherever we fit on the human spectrum, we are still human. We are no less worthy and deserving of our inalienable rights than any other. Our capacity to bring others happiness and ease suffering is not diminished.

The root of such sexual diversity still remains a mystery, but sexual orientation should not be a reason to dehumanize that which is human.

One thing is for certain though. Our body makes no discrimination between genders when it comes to physical pleasure.

Woven over this backdrop of innate bisexuality are the social and psychological forces that shape our individual sexuality.

The motivation to experiment sexually may simply be a curiosity. Others may feel it as a physical impulse. Still others may stumble upon it spontaneously during a powerfully intimate moment.

Of course there’s always the alcohol-induced encounter. But hey, if you wouldn’t do it sober, don’t get drunk to do it. Without sanity, taking risks becomes a dangerous game of Russian roulette.

If we do experiment, it’s important to find a partner respectful of the pace we’re comfortable moving at. Above all, it is someone who we should be able to trust. We must decide if discovering that part of ourselves is worth the risks. That’s why it is heroic.

Always, safe sex is a must.

Online Columns - That’s what she said; that’s what he said Communication in a relationship

Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -

Would you like to better communicate with your spouse? If so Shane and Kelly provide the male and female prospectives of communication.

Shane Rice

- Assistant News Editor -

- America kicks ass The kick-ass Jacuzzi Kavahn Mansouri - Art & Life Editor What is better than chilling in a heated tub full of water with chicks by your side and food on the grill?

www.meramecmontage.com

5

OPINIONS Forget the traditional text, throw the e-book at ‘em

September 16, 2010

Shawn Bruce - Staff Writer -

W i t h school in session, students are getting into the swing of things.

Part of that swing consists of students getting all of the necessary supplies for the coming year. Books are definitely a must have but they are quite pricey and reselling doesn’t offer much incentive either. Sure, renting books can drop the semester cost down considerably but advances in technology have created another cheap route: electronic textbooks (e-books).

The problem with this direction is that many professors on campus don’t allow electronics in their classrooms.

With prices considerably cheaper than the paper competitors and many student having access to an electronic device to run the programs, it seems like a win for students.

Not only will students be able to save money but the electronic books are a great way to use less paper.

With as many recycling programs on the campus it’s odd to think the idea hasn’t been adopted in the past.

The weight difference would also make walking around campus more comfortable.

For students who spend most of their time on campus, this could be a major help. Lugging around books from class to class can be a huge workout.

It’s understandable that books are a part of revenue for the college but it feels like students are being taken advantage of. Books are necessary for classes and studying and not allowing the

use of e-books destructive.

Professors say the students could use the electronic devices to be on social networking sites instead of participating in class. Agreed, students in this day and age have been known to spend considerable amounts of time networking.

This should be the students’ problem. The students that are in class to learn can benefit by using the electronics.

Another problem in the mix is using the e-books to cheat on tests. Just as a textbook shouldn’t be on a desk, neither should an e-book. Some e-books have access to the internet but if the device is not out during a test, the student shouldn’t be able to access it.

Of course there can be a drawback with all of the e-books that happens outside of class. The students using the devices for internet can cause quite a drain on the internet

service. Slowing speeds could plague the campus, which is a hastle for those trying to find information for a report.

A solution for the campus is to allow the use of e-books throughout the classrooms.

From the bookstore website, e-books or even links to the correct books could be made available.

E-book readers could be sold in the shop to create some of the revenue lost from the physical books.

Students with laptops have options instead of buying an e-reader. Instead, download a program that would allow the books to be read from the computer.

There are also applications for BlackBerrys and iPhones.

The phone solution would not be applicable in the classroom because texting could become a problem.

Trying to cut down on some of the social networking

wouldn’t be a bad thing. There is a line to be drawn between acceptable, and overkill.

Having the books on the laptop wouldn’t be the most efficient at times. Splitting up the screen to show multiple windows becomes too much at times.

Another problem is that all textbooks are not available in electronic form. Does that mean that everyone should be banned from using such a format?

Ultimately, switching from physical to electronic should be an option on any campus. Its understandable to put the electronic devices away during testing but during regular class time is asinine.

Students come to school to learn and if they can’t make the decision to put down the social media for an hour, then their grade will reflect their effort.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Subject: Northern Lights Recently I read Northern lights move south as August heats up by Kelly Davis.

Since we are in the northern hemisphere, we are more familiar with the northern

lights, aurora borealis, but there also are the southern lights, or aurora australis, which occur in the southern hemisphere. The charged particles in the solar storms are attracted to earth’s magnetic

field, which is strongest at the poles, hence they occur at more northerly and southerly latitudes. Colors, besides those mentioned in the article, are also blue, purple, yellow, and white. Shapes can also

be varied to a certain extent.

Sometimes it seems as though the lights are moving. While the Aug. 4 storm could be seen as far south as Little Sioux, Iowa, but it would takestronger solar activity for

us in Missouri to see. To see pictures of the Aug. 4 aurora, check out spaceweather.com

this “policy” was not valid, shouldn’t these students be given back their money? I did not receive a fine myself, but I think it’s unfair that these students were given fines under false pretenses.

It would be the same as receiving a speeding ticket when there is no speed limit.

I heard through the grapevine that one student was fined $100! This is ridiculous. I understand the reasons many people wanted smoking to be banned on campus, but giving large fines like this is outrageous and obviously did nothing to discourage people from smoking on the grounds.

I always ask those around me if it bothers them before I light up. I think if people would just use common sense, like not smoking right in front of the building entrances, smoking on campus would not be such an issue. I truly hope that Meramec does the right thing, and refunds the students their

money. *Note: The Montage contacted Campus Police Chief Paul Banta, who said fines were not issued.

details the history of this issue and in no way condones smoking, I have asked several students if the headline seems to promote the idea and they have said yes. Cigarettes were my best friend for 25 years.

Now I have the “fashion accessory” of a plastic tube

up my nose and have to carry around an oxygen tank. My life expectancy has been severely shortened, there are many things I can no longer do, I have one-third lung function and a life tethered to a tank. It’s no fun. It never gets easier. I quit my two-packs-a-

day habit years ago, but still got caught. I make a point to talk to every student I see smoking and try to encourage them to quit. Most of them thank me. I know it’s hard but it’s so worth it in so many ways. Please help me encourage quitters! For help go to

your doctor and call 1-800 Quit Now.

- Daniel Bliese submitted via website

Dear Editor, Subject: Smoking Policy Fines I am a student and a smoker at the Meramec campus and I recently read the Montage article about the smoking ban policy. It came to my attention that several students received fines for smoking on campus while the “policy” was in effect. If

- Colleen Stalnaker student

Dear Editor, Subject: Smoking Article I was distressed to see the smoking article on the front page of the recent Montage.

If you read the headline, it reads “Smoking Thank YouMeramec once again smoker friendly.”

While this article itself

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InDepth

Y M E Sleeping with the EN

Unsuspecting students might be infested with creep Luelana Bustamante - Staff Writer -

T

hey are a flat, reddishbrown insect, measuring onefourth of an inch and have no wings.

They don’t transmit any disease, and yet millions of Americans are having problems sleeping because of them.

The bed bugs are everywhere, like small vampires, just waiting to suck human blood.

According to The Week magazine, calls to bed bugs exterminators in the U.S. have risen by 57 percent in the last five years.

“There is nothing to do with cleanliness. Once bed bugs get transported in, they are basically there. You can clean and clean, but unless you call an exterminator to get rid of them, they will be there forever sucking your blood,” said Jason Allen, biology professor at STLCC-Meramec.

According to Allen, bed bugs were almost exterminated in the ‘40s, when Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was commonly used as a pesticide along with a substance called Dursban, which was used to

sprayed mattresses. However, in the ‘90s, they were banned for being harmful to the environment and for human being.

Another aspect that contributed to the increase of the bed bugs population is that they are becoming resistant to the insecticides.

“It’s a combination of both factors. The bed bugs are becoming resilient to the

chemical could be dangerous to children and no more could be manufactured for indoor use.

Since bed bugs are so hard to get rid of and there are not a lot of ways to combat them, Allen said. Prevention is the best thing to do to avoid them.

“If you travel, always check your hotel room first.

Look for dark stain spots in the mattress. Before coming back

that can hide anywhere, including inside your mattress.

Once they are in your bedroom, they go out when you are sleeping attracted by your body heat and they suck your blood, leaving little red bumps in your skin,” said Allen.

Cheryl A. Straham, nursing professor at Meramec said that the red bumps are allergic reactions to their saliva.

“In case of itching, it

“You can clean and clean, but unless you call an exterminator to get rid of them, they will be there forever sucking your blood.”

-Jason Allen, biology professor

pesticides and the substances used to kill them were banned by the government,” said Allen.

According to an article published on the CBS News website, experts say there is an effective weapon, a chemical called Propoxur, which kills bed bugs for up to five weeks.

However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the

home, inspect your clothes and your luggage. Get a magnifying glass if necessary, and always wash everything with soap and water to make sure that they will die,” said Allen.

However, Allen said when prevention doesn’t work, the only thing to do is to call an exterminator and get your mattress incinerated.

“The bed bugs are parasites

is recommended to never scratch and use a histaminic cream over the counter,” said Straham.

The good news is that the bed bugs don’t transmit diseases. “The worse they can do is to cause anemia in elderly or children in the case of a really bad infestation in the house,” said Straham.

Another side effect of these blood suckers is the possibility

to develop a phobia regarding bed bugs, especially as they are more in our conscience thanks to the resurgence and the extensive media coverage lately, said Tom Quinn, Ph.D., professor of the Behavioral Sciences Department at Meramec.

“A phobia is a specific fear as opposed to a generalized anxiety. Some people who have had the misfortune to encounter bed bugs easily develop a high level of anxiety and sometimes this becomes a phobia. The result is that they are scared to go to bed, scared to go to sleep which in turn produces more anxiety from lack of sleep,” Quinn said.

When someone develops a phobia for bed bugs, it would probably be in their best interest to look the treatment option called systematic desensitization, facilitated by a therapist.

Quinn said that the objective of this treatment is to build up tolerance for bed bugs in the victim’s mind.

“There is something creepy about the thought of some kind of insect hiding in your bed, lying in wait to start feeding off of you. This is the stuff of nightmares and horror movies,” Quinn said.

Information from http://bedbugsguide.com, http://medicinenet.com, and http://badbedbugs.com

What’s in a bite?

Feeding takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes for adults and less for the nymphs.

They feed about every three days.

Cimicosis is a skin condition caused by bedbug bites. There is not always a visible sign of bites, and for those who do have a visible sign, it varies in size and itchiness.

Bed Bugs are insects. more specifically, “True Bugs,” which have piercing mouthparts that in most species are used for feeding on plants.

The salivary fluid injected by bedbugs can cause skin to become irritated and inflamed, although individuals can differ in sensitivity.

7

September 16, 2010

py crawling, blood-sucking bed partners HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM: Bed Bugs are flat, wingless and measure about one-fourth of an inch and can be seen with the human eye.

They have six legs and are a shiny, reddish-brown, but after a good serving of mammal’s blood, they appear dark brown and swollen.

WAYS TO CATCH THEM: WHERE TO FIND THEM: Sofa seams, cracks in the bad frame and or head board; Under chairs, couched, beds, under rugs, edges of carpets, drawers, baseboards and window casings; Behind light switches, electrical outlet plates, cracks in plaster; Televisions, radio clocks and phones; Backpacks, sleeping bags, and clothes; Behind wallpaper, picture frames and other dark areas.

1) Waste - Look for waste that bed bugs can leave behind, such as blood, feces, shedded skins, eggs, dead bed bugs, etc. They may be found anywhere on a bed mattress.

2) Bites - After being biten by bed bugs, it may take a few minutes for a little red bump to show up. The reaction to bed bugs may vary.

3) Hiding places - Look in all the key spots where they could hide. See in the “Where to Find Them” box for all the places they could find refuge.

4) Catch them in the act - Keep a flashlight by the bed.

Turn it on about an hour before dawn and watch the sheets closely for movement. Bed bugs usually bite around then.

5) Carpet tape - Get some double-sided carpet tape and tape it on top, the sides and under the mattress and the surrounding area. Leave it out for a few days to see if any bugs get stuck to it.

bed bug actual size: one-fourth of an inch ILLUSTRATIONS BY: JACOB HIGHT DESIGN BY: STEPHANIE STOUGH

TIPS TO PREVENT FROM GETTING THEM: When traveling, thoroughly inspect the entire hotel room before unpacking; In the case of any pests -- or potential evidence -- change rooms or hotel. Do NOT move to an adjacent room or one directly above or below the infestation. Bed bugs are hitchhikers and can move via luggage, housekeeping carts, luggage carts, and even through wall sockets; When back home, wash and dry all the cloths immediately and check the luggage carefully; Do not buy used furniture, especially bedding or upholstered items; Pay attention to furniture bought at Craigslist; At the office, avoid clutter, vacuum frequently, and inspect any packages or deliveries; When trying on potential new items in the fitting rooms, be sure to hang clothing on hooks;

10 ART & LIFE

September 16, 2010

“Machete” slashes into theaters Feature Film Frenzy!

“The American”

Nate Corley - Staff Writer-

It’s a dark and silent night as several Mexican citizens try to illegally cross the American border however, before they can reach safety they are surrounded

by Jeeps and Humvees, most scatter into the darkness but one married couple who are obviously pregnant are unable to run away from their pursuers.

The couple is then mercilessly shot down by a gang of American border vigilantes. In the gangs midst is an American senator whose campaign solely rests on the de-humanization and deportation of America’s illegal population. Thus begins “Machete,” one of the most action packed, comedic and bitter sweet films of 2010.

The original film outline of “Machete” began back in 2007 with its fake release trailer that accompanied Rodriguez’s and Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 “Grindhouse” films. Rodriguez originally planned to expand the trailer into a featurelength film that would end up being a bonus feature for his other film “Planet Terror.”

However, it ended up turning into a full-fledged theatrical release. “Machete” racks out an all-star cast that includes Robert De Niro playing the illegal immigrant hating Sen.

Danny Trejo plays Machete in the summer blockbuster. The film was first teased in Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 “Grindhouse” films.

McLaughlin, Cheech Marin plays the shot gun toting badass Padre; Lindsay Lohan plays the ditsy and very exhibitionist April Booth, and Steven Segal who plays Torrez the evil drug lord of the film.

The basic plot line of “Machete” follows a simple action-reaction approach. The story begins and ends with anti-hero of the masses Machete Cortez (Danny Trejo) fighting for the rights and safety of illegal immigrants in America while fending off waves of evil senators, assassins from poorly

made websites, an INS agent with attitude, a taco stand rebel ready to lead a new revolution, and a small army of American vigilantes hell bent on stopping the immigrants at the border… violently.

While the cast listing kept the film entertaining, the virtual lack of plot coupled with the bittersweet reality of America’s current economic crisis which has been attributed to the rise in illegal immigration seems to have the audience laughing at some points, and awkwardly looking away at others.

George Clooney hits again with yet another feature film. Clooney plays a veteran spy finising his career with one last job.

Director Anton Corbijn leads a dynamite cast in the 2010 spy thriller “The American.”

Jack (Clooney) is a veteran spy, or clandestine operative who wants out but is told.” Take one last job, and you don’t have to pull the trigger.”

Issues start to arrive when his clientele becomes his lover, and the enemy is one step behind her and closer to Jack.

This film is awards bound, defiantly giving reviewer all the shooting, evasive driving, and elaborate romances and twists to keep viewers from blinking.

Keep heads up and eyes wide open because when the silencer is on, all bets are off.

Jayson Gifford - Staff Writer -

Chegg.com lends hand to struggling students C.J. McDonough - Staff Writer -

Most students would agree that textbooks cost too much money. Not only does paying for classes empty the wallet but so does paying for the required books. One can stop students, otherwise known as hopeless credit card holders, in the bookstore looking at the books in their hands, sometimes saying aloud, “I can’t believe this is $100, it’s used.” Well, books new or used don’t have to leave anyone without money or in debt.

Meramec’s online bookstore offers students the chance to sell or “swap” their books with other students. It’s as simple as going to http:// stlcc.edu, looking under “Student Resources,” on the left side under the “Saint Louis Community College” logo, clicking on “Bookstores,” selecting Meramec, and in big capital letters you will see “SWAP.” Clicking on “SWAP” will take the user to a page where they login to either sell books or trade them with other students on campus.

This feature of the online bookstore is great because it creates a chance to get rid of books either by selling them to other students who are looking for low book prices, or by trading with another student on campus.

Another great place with cheaper textbooks is http:/ chegg.com. Also known as Chegg, it lets students rent textbooks for 60 days, a quarter of, or a whole semester. The shipping is fast, and a student can rent a textbook for up to a whole semester, which is great so there won’t be returning and re-renting of a book. The cost of the rental depends on how long the book is rented out for. Chegg gives students 15 days after the book is due back before they charge for the full price of the book and there is no limit to how many books that a person can rent out at a time. Just be sure to return the books at their different due dates.

The bulletin boards in the student center offer another place to find textbooks for cheaper. Students post fliers telling which books they have and for how much they are selling them. Buying books from students who post these fliers is great way to not only get books for cheaper but also help out someone else on campus.

When books are hard to find, or the prices aren’t satisfying, searching on Google: “Buying cheap college textbooks.” Google gives over 190 million results, a few of which are sure to leave student and their wallet happy for semesters to come.

ART & LIFE

September 16, 2010

Sci-Fi Lounge provides hangout for nerds

Featured Photo

11

PHOTO BY: LIZ RULE

Liz Rule

- Staff Writer -

The Sci-Fi Lounge is a St. Louis hotspot for geeks, dweebs, nerds, and gamers.

Walking into the Sci-Fi Lounge is like getting a glimpse into a cooler uncle’s brain. If that cooler uncle is Coyote, the Captain and Creative Director of the Sci-Fi Lounge. Sciencefiction and fantasy toys line the walls, and the Legos are always handy. Pick up a controller and challenge some friends (or foes) to “Mario Kart” and Star Wars Monopoly, or catch a show on a Friday night.

Pinball is available for the old folks, or the lonelier individual.

If it’s low blood sugar, or just a craving for a Dr. Pepper, snacks

and beverages are only one dollar. Coyote’s love for sciencefiction, fantasy, art, music, and toys has shown through in this unique venue.

Don’t ever feel out of place because the Sci-Fi Lounge has something recognizable and familiar to everyone. It’s a place where girls, guys, and fanboys can get together and bond over the brilliance of Star Wars, “Godzilla,” ”Transformers,” and “The Lord of the Rings.” The Sci-Fi Lounge is the only place, other than mom’s basement where it is acceptable to recruit help for your Lego tower.

Visit the Sci-Fi Lounge at it’s new location in the Crestwood Plaza.

PHOTO BY: COURTNEY STARK

Tim Carey plays bass with drummer Nathan Taylor, both of which belong to the band Gackstatter which performed in HW 102 on the Meramec Campus. Evan Gackstatter, son of professor Gary Gackstatter, plays in the band titled Gackstatter.

Upcoming events at the Sci-Fi Lounge Attention sci-fi fans and dance freaks, there are plenty of upcoming events taking place at the Sci-Fi Lounge.

Sept. 17- DJ Blackguy, Emcee Noize $3 Sept. 18- Third Rock Entertainment, Falsetto Boy, Andrew Hudson, Vintage Green, Taylor DiRobert. $4 Sept 24- Worldspin, DJ Autofocus. $4 Sept 25-Toast Boy, The SAM Project, Snow Frogs, and Acrobatic Bear $5

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12 SPORTS

September 16, 2010

COMMENTARY For the love of the game With the Rams’ season in full swing after Sunday’s home opener and the St. Louis Cardinals still within reach of a National League Central title, has St. Louis become more of a football city or remained a baseball city here in the latter part of September? Two sports enthusiasts weigh in.

A sea of red ARCHIVE PHOTO

A Meramec Magic hitter takes a balanced swing against a pitch in a September 2009 at Busch Stadium.

Meramec Magic at Busch Baseball team scheduled to play at the Stadium Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -

Just moments after the final out is recorded between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 19, the Meramec Magic and the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers will take the field and stand in the spot as Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols or Padres outfield Ryan Ludwick.

“This will be sweet for us,” said Trailblazers head coach Randy Martz. Martz pitched for the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox in the late ‘70s and is currently the pitching coach for the Gateway Grizzlies.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever done this. Thanks to Tony [Dattoli], we got the hook-up and it’s going to be special.”

The weather hasn’t cooperated thus far with the Magic’s fall schedule, giving them three rain outs.

“I think we’re a little over-excited, kind of

chomping at the bit,” said Magic head coach Tony Dattoli. “Last year, I think guys were more enamored with the Cardinal game than the fact they were getting out on the field. This year I think they couldn’t care less about the Cardinals and they want to get out on the field themselves and just play.

We’re ready.”

The forecast for Sept.

19 looks to be a ballplayer’s favorite kind of weather— partly sunny with a high in the mid-80s.

Although Lewis and Clark is right across the river, the Magic and Trailblazers haven’t been able to match up their schedules for the past four years.

In previous bouts at Busch Stadium, the Magic have played the nowdefunct STLCC-Forest Park Highlander baseball team.

“I think it’s going to be a nice change,” said Dattoli.

“This is going to be a nice opportunity to get a fresh face in there and beat up on somebody else.”

Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -

With only 15 games left in the regular season, the St. Louis Cardinals are coming to the finish line of a frustrating year. The blame game can be pointed in any direction —General Manager John Mozeliak’s trade of

outfielder Ryan Ludwick, Mark McGwire’s coaching of his hitters or Tony LaRussa and his—well, just being himself. Yet with all that being said, the Cardinals still find themselves within reach of another National League Central title.

There have been many reasons to cheer and applaud and many scenarios leaving Cardinal fans scratching their heads in 2010, giving St. Louis baseball a lulled excitement as September baseball comes to a close.

But just as the big bats seem to come alive as a game reaches the ninth, many times coming up just shy of a win,

the season has put the team in a dramatic position to come alive in the eleventh hour.

The roster includes players who just need one name to describe who they are— Pujols, Holliday, Molina, Wainwright, Carpenter and now, Garcia. It is a roster that includes 2010 candidates for the league’s MVP, Gold Glove, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Awards and a future Hall of Fame manager.

When the ballplayers that St. Louis has are mixed together, magical things can happen. The excitement can be shared throughout the city and the sea of Cardinal red will erupt.

Rams bring football back to St. Louis

Joe Ray

- Multimedia Editor -

Once again, this town has football fever, and it’s not because of the University of Missouri Tigers. The Edward Jones Dome was breaking

sound barriers with the excitement from the fans of St. Louis. Coming off a season in which the Rams went 1-15, Sam Bradford made the Rams look like a contender again.

Even though it was just one game into the 2010 season, Bradford played like he had been in this league for several years.

He gave St. Louis hope again when he threw a touchdown to end the first half. The defense was stellar, and the special teams were

great, and once the Rams get a big game receiver into this town, who knows what they are capable of.

Slowly, St. Louis is becoming a football town.

The tailgating looked light but that is soon going to change.

There is such a buzz about Bradford that the fans will swarm in. Once the wins start piling on top of each other, this town will become football heaven. Everyone will come to their feet cheering for the St. Louis Rams.

Kick it!

VOICE VOICE VO

LET YOUR LET YOUR LET YOUR LET YOUR LET YOUR LET YOUR LET YO LET YOUR LET YOUR LET Y

BE HEARD BE HEARD BE HEARD BE HEARD BE HEARD BE HEAR BE HEARD BE HEARD BE HEARD

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

Co-ed soccer, baseball, volleyball, softball and camping float trip classes are just some of the ways Meramec students achieve their two physical education credits necessary to graduate. Here, some of coach Kevin Kelly’s students play soccer on the Magic soccer field.

Activity classes such as this meet twice a week and are one credit hour.

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ART & LIFE

Annual Japanese Festival

September 16, 2010

The Botanical Garden hosts showcase of Japanese heritage Jacob Hight

- Graphic Editor -

Each year during Labor Day weekend, sumo wrestlers collide, kimonos are donned, and obis tied as the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts its annual Japanese Festival.

From Sept. 4 through the 6, sumo matches, kimono fashion shows, taiko drumming, puppet shows, authentic Japanese food, Bon Odori dancing, tea ceremonies, Zen, bonsai and ikebana exhibitions can all be experienced first hand at the Missouri Botanical Garden. “[The Japanese Festival] is really considered the premier festival of its kind in the States… we’re very fortunate to have the help of the [Japan American Society of St. Louis]… people come from all over for this festival; we have families that come every year,” said Lynn Kerkemeyer, special exhibit manager for The Missouri Botanical Garden.

Families aren’t the only groups that come every year. STLCCMeramec graphic design student, Jessica Terrell said she “tries to come every year,” and was at the festival with her friends including Meramec general transfer student Peter Seidler, who was at the festival for the first time.

“I wasn’t expecting much, but I really like it,” said Seidler, who participated in a Dashi Procession with his friends, helping pull a shrine containing members of St. Louis Osuwa Taiko from their performance to a make-shift Japanese candy store, where participants could purchase Japanese candy with gifts of Japanese play-money.

The Missouri Botanical Garden has been hosting the Japanese Festival since 1977, the year The Garden dedicated it’s 14-acre Japanese Garden, named “Seiwa-en” (the “Garden of pure, clear harmony and peace”) by its famed designer Koichi Kawana, Ph.D. In the Japanese Garden, guests could participate in a traditional tea

ceremony. The ceremony is held in a Shinto-consecrated teahouse that, while a permanent feature of the garden, is only open to the public during the festival.

On a temporary Yagura stage, the Japanese Garden showcased Bon Odori dancing, a traditional form of festival dancing rooted in the Buddhist “Ullambana Sutra.”

Marissa Montgomery has been dancing Bon Odori for 11 years, since 3 years old.

“I love seeing everyone come together for the dancing.”

-Marissa Montgomery “I love seeing everyone come together for the dancing,” she said.

After the program, St. Louis Bon Odori instructors Tozan Yume Yoen and Yogiku lead guests in several traditional dances as well as novel dances such as a “Pokemon” dance and a dance to the tune of “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

The Japanese Garden was also outfitted with lanterns for an evening candle-lit walk. However, Meramec student Evan Culbertson chose karaoke in the Shoenberg Theater instead.

“It was terrifying, but cathartic in a way,” said Culbertson who sang “Since you’ve been gone,” by Kelly Clarkson.

It had been a few years since Cublertson had been at the festival as a guest.

“I used to work for the festival making okinomiyaki. Think pizza pancake,” he said. “My mother still cooks it for the festival.”

PHOTO BY: JACOB HIGHT

Tozan Yume Yoen, St. Louis Bon Odori Instructor, leading the crowd at The Missouri Botanical Garden Japanese Festival on the Yagura Stage.

Culbertson’s mother, Catherine Bradford, has been cooking okinomiyaki, yaki soba (fried noodles), and mugicha (barley tea) at the Japan America Society of St. Louis’s festival food booth since 2007.

“I saw Evan’s cello teacher behind the booth; she asked if I’d like to

volunteer and I said ‘sure!’. It was great fun,” said Bradford, who not only has experience in restaurants, but also has food and sanitation certification.

The festival isn’t just food and fun. It is the most authentic of its kind in the U.S., Kerkemeyer said.

PHOTO BY: JACOB HIGHT

PHOTO BY: JACOB HIGHT

St. Louis Taiko performs at the annual Japanese Festival held at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The Missouri Botanical Garden has been hosting the Japanese Festival since 1977.

The Omikoshi Shrine was an attraction at the festival held from Sept. 4 through the 6. The festival showcased Japanese culture through art, food and music.

ART & LIFE

September 16, 2010

Spreading the word

9

A day in the life of Lucretia Wilks Amber Davis - Staff Writer -

Lucretia Wilks has a lot on her shoulders at 32.

Wilks, STLCC-Meramec student, said she is very passionate, devoted, and optimistic about her future in opening a nonprofit child care facility, called “Their Future’s Bright – Child Care Development Center.” The goal for this center is to provide a safe, affordable and caring environment while the childrens’ parents are away.

Wilks came into Meramec with her associate degree and is working towards her doctorate degree. A doctorate degree is usually required for positions in government facilities that deal with teaching and/or psychology.

By getting this degree, it will help accomplish her goals to open a nonprofit child care development.

The purpose of this child care development is to “provide a safe and caring environment while their parents are away,” said Wilks.

Wilks has many ideas to make this center different than the other child care centers. One of the goals of this facility is to help middle class families by giving them a 30 percent discount off of the price to hold their children there. Normally for an infant child to be looked after would cost apporximately $300, but if considered middle class, a

30 percent discount is given, reducing the cost to $270.

“Everyone is having a hard time, and no family should have to sacrifice a child’s needs for groceries,” said Wilks about why she will provide this discount with families who cannot afford much.

Another idea that Wilks said she had envisioned is a special needs program in the facility. She hopes to work with special needs children and help them grow as a happy healthy child. The building will have hands-on nursing staff, for any special needs or a medically ill child that needs attention too.

“I want to provide a safe medical environment for the medically ill,” said Wilks about having nurses on staff at the child care development center.

Wilks has experience with children and other places where they need help.

She volunteers at places where they help infants whose mother was on drugs while being pregnant with that child, children homes, and also assisting the elderly at nursing homes.

“I have always loved helping children, when I was younger I always thought going into law was what I want to do, since my initials are L.A.W. But I know now that I love assisting children, so this is what I want to do,” said Walks about her passion on building a facility to help

PHOTO BY: JEANETTA ROBERTS

Lucretia Wilks participates in the Reba Green Troop radio show on KXEN-AM. Wilks works at the radio station on monday at 7:30 pm. The host of the show is Wilk’s pastor Reba Green, who works at Church of Christ located at 12025 Riverview Drive.

and care for children.

Wilks also co-hosts a radio

Wishow, Reba Green Troop.

It’s an interactive talk show on KXEN-AM on Monday at 7:30. The host of the show is Wilk’s pastor, Reba Green, at Church of Christ located at 12025 Riverview Drive on Spanish Lake, Mo. Having such a busy life, Wilks is still determined and

Wilks has been working on getting sponsorships and grants. She is seeking donations and her business is going to make their own fundraisers as well to raise money.

“Grants only cover about 20 percent and there is still 80 percent that we need help for,”

“I know now that I love assisting children, so this is what I want to do.”

-Lucretia Wilks

PHOTO BY: JEANETTA ROBERTS

Lucretia Wilks works as a co-host for KXEN-AM’s program Reba Green Troop. Wilks also is planning on opening a child care development center, titled “Their Future’s Bright - Child Care Development Center.” Wilks has experience with children and other places where they need help. She volunteers at places where help is provided for infants whose mother was on drugs while being pregnant with that child.

passionate about opening her “Their Future’s Bright – Child Care Development Center.”

Wilks says she has been looking at different facilities around North County, but has not yet found one yet.

She said she is hoping to get everything ready, find a building, raise enough money, set up a website, and find the right staff all finalized by fall next year.

said Wilks about the money to go towards the facility.

“I am a proud student at St. Louis Community College, and I am excited to see the development of the non for profit child care that is here to help financial relief for parents. Please help any funding or if you have any early childhood skills to help this life changing organization,” said Wilks.