Montage The
St. Louis Community College–Meramec
MAY 6, 2010 Vol. 45 Issue 15
Scanning our budget 2 The price of keeping Meramec’s food services Amy Winstead - Staff Writer -
SGC election
Know the new officers of the Student Governance Council
6
ILLUST
RATIO N BY: At the March board of trustees meeting, CARLO S RES TREPO students objected to St. Louis Community College renewing its contract with Treat America for the delivery of dining, catering and snack food vending services. As a result, the board has reconsidered its decision to renew the contract for two years and now plans to renew the contract for just one year and appraise alternatives. “My goal is to get the board to only renew the contract for one year in order for students to review the service and submit their problems to the board,” said Vincent Hayden, one of the students to speak at the meeting. Within the contract is an $8,000 monthly subsidy to offset the losses of Treat America to bring food services to each campus, a total of $96,000 annually. Student Gyla Meyers said the contract should be revised in light of budget considerations. 022 “Why are we going forth with 115 859 the subsidy of $8,000 per month, 785 for not only one year, but two 213 467 years, which totals $192,000 for the optional two years that remain when we can look at alternative solutions,” Meyers asked in response to a statement made my STLCC Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D., who said that during an economic downturn the board has worked to avoid cost increase and reduce expenditures to improve college revenues. Students and faculty interested in being involved in the decision to renew the contract with Treat America, America were upset by the board’s proposal for renewal and then the next without the input of the community. year when our 10-year contract with “We were told that there will be a committee that Coke expires we can look at which is the best combo of food will make a decision and we were informed by SGC that the and vending and offset a subsidy by giving a company pouring board decided to renew the contract for another two years,” rights,” Hart said. said Vidyullata Waghulde, Ph.D., a chemistry professor and coThe subsidy is not the only issue and some think that the adviser for the international club. quality of the food is poor. Some students and faculty agree that Objections to the contract include the cost of lunch in for the Meramec campus, healthier and cheaper choices are off the cafeteria. campus. “When a meal in the cafeteria costs almost $10 when the “It’s an easy choice to go somewhere else,” Hayden said. school is subsidizing them at a rate of $8,000 a month, something “The quality of the food is often not that great either and none is wrong,” Hayden said. too healthy.” Christy Hart, the liaison between the school and Treat Meyers suggested that a different type of company such America, said it is not possible to provide campus dining as Subway or another franchise could be contracted instead of services without a subsidy. Treat America. Hart responded that such an idea is not feasible. “We have to subsidize Treat America if we want to the “You cannot compare walk-up to fast food. There is quality, quantity and variety unless there is a drastic reduction not enough business to support a franchise fast food service to only grill service and grab-and-go,” Hart said. either... It is difficult to meet the needs of a community that According to Hart, there are only a few major companies requires stables for the students, healthy choices, and catering such as Treat America, Sodexho and Aramark for school food services that range from box lunches to fundraising banquets,” services, and with the limited business on a two-year campus, Hart said. the subsidy is necessary to attract a contract for dinning and While the contract requires that clubs must use Treat catering services. America’s catering services, some student clubs would prefer “It is very different from a four-year campus where you to order from off campus. have students who live on campus and the demand for food “The international club should be able to get food from services is higher,” Hart said. outside sources because with Treat America the quality of ethnic One possibility for eliminating the subsidy is to give Treat America subsidy beverage vending rights to a dinning and catering company. “The plan is to renew the contract for one year with Treat Continued on page 3
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Montage Reader Poll Would you sign the petition to reinstate Dr. Petersen as VP of student affairs?
C B
A
A. Yes I would sign the petition B. No, I don’t think he should be reinstated C. A petition is not the right course of action to reinstate Dr. Petersen
Summer Poll Question Would you recommend Meramec to another student? To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com
NEWS 2 Student Governance Council prepares for new semester
May 6, 2010
SGC elections for officer positions at STLCC-Meramec held during last meeting
PHOTO BY: JOE RAY
SGC Secretary Emily Spacaj (left) and Student Body President Kristen Huyett (right) were sworn into office by former President Michael Roman who now serves as public relations officer at the last SGC meeting of the semester on May 4.
Andrea Royals - News Editor -
Elections for students nominated to serve as officers during the fall semester on the Student Governance Council (SGC) at STLCC-Meramec
were held Tuesday, May 4 during the last meeting of the academic school year. Kristen Huyett was elected to serve as student body president. Huyett, president of the Global Justice Club, has attended Meramec since
the spring semester of 2008. Huyett regularly attends SGC meetings and said she is qualified to take on the role. Huyett said she has been an active member of the Meramec community, contributing to causes such as the Transit Alliance that helped last
month to pass Proposition A. “At the end of the day, I’m part of SGC because I love it,” Huyett said. “I love serving in this capacity. It’s just a part of who I am.” Huyett met opposition from Abdul Kariem Matteuzzi who served as SGC representative at large this past semester. Matteuzzi said that he was qualified for the position of student body president because he is an Eagle Scout and president of the Outdoors Club. Safia Madini will hand the vice president seat to Emily Spacaj, representative of the Knitting Club and SGC secretary. This spring semester marks Spacaj’s first at Meramec. “Now that I have had a semester serving as secretary and being with all these wonderful people and seeing all the things that they can do, I really think I can add to the executive board,” Spacaj said. Spacaj met opposition from Lenny Bolton, president of the Architecture Club, and Wade McGillis, an SGC representative at large and member of the U.S. Marines. McGillis was elected to serve as secretary for the next term. McGillis said he originally declined his SGC nomination because he was told he may be called to military appointment, but was later informed he would not be selected. “I always put my morals above my ambitions,” McGillis said. “I’m very organized and take all my duties seriously.” Michael Roman has been elected to serve as SGC public relations officer. Roman, who did not receive opposition for
the public relations office, has served the past semester as student body president. Roman said that his time on SGC has been a really good experience. “I was really glad to affect people’s lives positively,” Roman said. Since Roman took the office of student body president, he said he has provided the infrastructure that makes the transition of elected members into new offices easier. “I think we’ve left it better than we found it,” Roman said. “I’m really proud of the fact that we’ve gotten people more involved.” Huyett said she is impressed with the progress that SGC has made since she first became an active member in 2008. Huyett said the council has stepped into being an advocate for students on matters concerning child care services and the renewal of Stephen Petersen, Ed.D., as vice president of Student Affairs at Meramec, and said that SGC will continue to deal with these issues as they come. “It’s all contingent upon the board of trustees right now, so we can continue to voice our concerns at (board) meetings, but by submitting the petition [to reinstate Petersen], we’re going to have to wait a while and see what next happens.” Although Roman said he agrees that certain issues rely on the board, he said SGC will continue to be an advocate for students like it has been this semester. “I’m really positive about next year,” Roman said. “Rather than a new start it will be a continuation.”
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NEWS
May 6, 2010
What’s happening at STLCC NEWS BRIEFS
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International Club celebrates diversity
Meramec honors child care services The child care center at STLCC-Meramec is inviting members of the campus community to take part in celebration of 16 years of service before the center closes its doors on June 30, 2010. There will be a short program honoring managers, teachers and staff for their dedication throughout the child care center’s existence. Refreshments will be served. The celebration takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. in the student center room 200 on Wednesday, May 5. For more information, call (314) 984-7982.
TANF Student Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon Those invited to attend the Student Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program must reply to Doris Durgins Johnson at (314) 984-7618. The luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student center room 200 on Friday, May 7. Latreecia Wade, former Meramec student and CEO of Lwade enterprises, has been invited as the guest speaker.
PHOTOS BY: DAN HANDING (LEFT) AND NATE CORLEY (RIGHT)
(Left) Colombian dancers from the St. Louis area perform traditional dances in folkloric costumes. (Right) International Club President Evgenia Safina performs a traditional Russian dance in a dress her mother made. With her mother’s encouragement Safina has been dancing since she was seven years old. `world. Louis area. Greek foods like hummus, Andrea Royals Vidyullata Waghulde, Ph.D., adviser shish-kabob and the Middle Eastern - News Editor for the International Club, said that the desert Baklava were provided. festival is an opportunity for students to “The main goal is to increase the Members of the St. Louis community learn from one another. culture and diversity on this campus gathered for an international festival at The two-day event featured several which is very bare,” Waghulde said. “I STLCC-Meramec last month. The festival, Meramec students from Russia, India, think that’s why we are trying to do things sponsored by the International Club, Mongolia, Pakistan and Korea, as well that promote our culture and diversity featured a variety of singers, dancers, as professional Hawaiian, Indian and so that maybe people can be more civil musicians and food from around the Colombian dancers that reside in the St. towards each other.”
Treat America subsidy
Continued from page 1 food is none excitant. Also, if we were to order from them, we will spend our entire funds in two meals,” said Marco Romero, Spanish professor and co-adviser for the international club. If student clubs are granted permission to get food from off campus, they must pay a 15 percent fee to Treat America. “If the money that is spent on the food comes from what students earn, by doing activities on campus, then I think it is not fair to pay the 15 percent penalty. I think clubs should be exempted from going through Treat America,” Waghulde said. When Phi Theta Kappa held a faculty
luncheon last year, they spent $3,000 on a pasta bar and surveys collected afterward criticized the quality of the food. This year, the luncheon was still prepared by Treat America, but the menu was changed in response to the criticism of last year. “The last thing we really want to spend the money we do have on is food, so when a company charges a lot of money for food, we expect quality and often we don’t get it,” Hayden said. According to Hart, the food cost is on the national average. “Catering supports walk-up and the prices for catering are reasonable. Included in the cost of the food is the delivery and service of plates, napkins, drinks and tables clothes. A group could order food to be delivered but there will not be the Sternos to keep it warm,” Hart said.
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In response to the concerns about student club spending, Hart said that Treat America has considered the possibility of a discount for clubs in a new contract. “Maybe a different accommodation is possible for student clubs,” Hart said. Although the money that pays for Treat America is separate from the funds that pay for student services such as child care and athletics, Meyers said those services are more significant to student needs than Treat America. “I can go elsewhere to eat for a lot less. Unlike the situation of child care, I can’t send my children to another preschool cheaper, therefore I ask where the board’s priorities are,” Meyers said. “Child care and athletics are much more serving in regards to academic achievement and outcomes than a cafeteria.”
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NEWS 4 First day on the job during an era of controversy May 6, 2010
Craig Larson, new board member, sworn in at April board of trustees meeting Carlos Restrepo - Editor-in-Chief -
In high school there is always drama. Craig Larson, elected on April 6 as a new Board of Trustee member, dealt with secondary-education issues for a good portion of his life: 27 years in Parkway, three years in Clayton and seven
the meeting to express their grievances with the college in two main issues: the dismissal of Stephen Petersen, Ed.D., and the closing of the Meramec and Forest Park child care centers. “I am speaking tonight as a proud faculty member. My pride is not in myself. It is and always has been in my profession and in this
Petersen, but nothing else… [part of the email had been blacked out]…but they may do something,” stated Pai in the e-mail. “My thoughts are that they may join the students on Thursday at the board meeting. I will discover more and keep you updated tomorrow… Gyla Myers returned to SGC today as part of PTK club representatives,
“I find what we are seeing here is a healthy sign for America.”
-Craig Larson
PHOTO BY: CARLOS RESTREPO
Craig Larson cutting the cake at his first STLCC board of trustees meeting on April 29. Larson won the trustee election last month against incumbent Bob Nelson.
years at Rockwood. Could those 37-plus years prepare him for a board meeting, “STLCC-Style”? On April 29 at 7:30 p.m at the Forest Park campus, the board prepared to welcome their – as one member put it – “new addition to the family.” There was fruit punch, coffee and vanilla cake with his name written in bright blue icing. Not part of the welcoming scene were the faculty and students that had come to
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institution, but because of the abrupt, mid-semester dismissal of Vice President Stephen Petersen, my faith and confidence in this institution has been shaken,” said John Messmer, Ph.D., political science professor at STLCCMeramec. Messmer, who had been recognized earlier at this meeting for an award received, said that the recognition from the board did not mean as much as it would have meant before. “It was an honor, but I must be perfectly honest: being appreciated by this body today doesn’t mean as much as it would have in the past,” Messmer said. “Because in the past I had greater pride in this body; I had greater respect for its leadership; I had a more profound confidence in its ability to do what was right for my campus. I lack that confidence today.” Another one to speak at the meeting was Meramec student Gyla Myers, who has attended every board meeting since the decision to close the child care centers was made in November 2009. “Welcome, Dr. Larson, you will get to know me very well because I come to each and every meeting,” Myers said. “And I am not planning on stopping.” At the meeting, Myers had a PowerPoint presentation of emails sent to and from the STLCC Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D., and Meramec President Paul Pai, Ed.D. In one of the e-mails, which Myers obtained through Sunshine Law requests, Pai warns Harris that Myers and other students are planning to attend a board meeting to protest the child care center closing decision as well as the Petersen decision. “The SGC only planned to submit their support to Dr.
still trying.” Myers said she felt this was a personal attack. “I would like to know what ‘still trying’ means,” Myers said. However, smiling at almost all times, Larson made it through the meeting. At the end, Larson said in an interview that as a high school principal he wanted to see his students involved and at tonight’s meeting he was impressed with the passion of the students. “An overall impression I get is the passion in the room; people care about issues; they care about their own education; they care about the community college system; they worry about various issues and decisions,” Larson said. “That’s a wonderful thing.” He said there was a difference between the way high school students and college students voiced their opinions about different issues. “High school students seem to get so involved in their own immediate issues; they don’t always rally to the defense of a particular issue at the school level,” Larson said. “I find what we are seeing here is a healthy sign for America.” Larson said he knows he is a brand new member and cannot make promises over what the outcome of the issues concerning the students will be. “But one thing I heard tonight that I think the board is going to be responsive to… is the healing that Meramec needs,” Larson said. “Because there’s been some difficult things – several different issues – that have made the people at Meramec feel uncomfortable… I think there is no question that the board needs to expect to respond to that issue.”
5
NEWS Phi Theta Kappa Recognized at international conference
May 6, 2010
Shane Rice - Staff Writer -
Xi Lambda, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at STLCCMeramec, was recognized with four awards at the international festival last month in Orlando, Fla. The chapter was honored the Distinguished Chapter Award based on their contributions for the society’s hallmarks of leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship, Jessica Thurston, secretary and treasurer for Xi Lambda, said. Thurston said the award was given to 25 of more than 1,200 chapters of Phi Theta Kappa internationally. Marina Allen, president of Xi Lambda, received the Distinguished Chapter President award for her efforts in several programs, including a battery recycling project, in which the chapter recycled more than 350 pounds of batteries, and the organization of the regional conference held last year in Potosi, Mo. “I’m glad I was able to receive this award, but the help of the vice presidents and members of Phi Theta Kappa are the only reason I believe it was possible,” Allen said. “We’re here to help each other rise and inspire, and I believe we were able to do that.” James Egan, vice president of leadership for Xi Lambda, received a Distinguished Chapter Officer Award for various contributions to Xi Lambda, including his efforts in helping to organize Civics Week, a campus event that studied education, health care, the environment and the Constitution. “The idea behind Civics Week was to give the Meramec community a chance to see how they can advocate as citizens for more responsible social change,” said Egan. Both the Distinguished Chapter President and
PHOTO BY: CARLOS RESTREPO
Xi Lambda, the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at STLCC-Meramec won four awards at the international conference last April in Orlando, Fla. Xi Lambda officers James Egan, Joe Douglas and Marina Allen were recognized for their achievements at the April board of trustees meeting by Chiar Joann Ordinachev and Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D. Distinguished Chapter Officer Awards are given out to 30 members nationwide. Phi Theta Kappa encourages its scholars to become involved in the society’s hallmarks of fellowship, scholarship, service and leadership. Xi Lambda Vice President of Communications Vincent Hayden accepted the Leadership Hallmark Award on behalf of the chapter. “It’s important that we facilitate others’ leadership potential. We give [members] a platform to try on leadership. Success in the
leadership hallmark means we were successful in giving our membership leadership opportunities,” Egan said. Allen said the international conference was a wonderful experience and that the main point of these conventions and award ceremonies is to help build leadership and scholarship skills, and to assist in deepening a person’s educational thinking. “Every year, Phi Theta Kappa tries to get really engaging speakers that inspire members to think deeper,” Allen said. This year, the keynote
speakers at the conference included Rachel Maddow, MSNBC contributor, and Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent to CNN. Maddow and Gupta were chosen in light of Phi Theta Kappa’s honors study topic, “The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril and Promise.” “The chapter is exploring the power, the peril and the promise of media in efforts to make our society a better-informed audience of media and information consumption,” Egan said. Egan said that one of the
most memorable lessons he learned at the convention was said by Maddow. “I remember her saying, having a good job title is not as important as doing a good job.” Phi Theta Kappa has been involved with many projects that have not only helped St. Louis communities, but have also inspired others to think deeper and live better. Referencing Maddow’s keynote address, Egan said, “If you do what you love and you make it a point to inspire those around you to do what they love, then things just get done.”
Pre-Med Club holds fundraiser for malnourished children in Haiti Meagan Roth-Roffy - Staff Writer -
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 hit the Caribbean nation of Haiti in January and volunteers throughout the world responded by organizing fundraisers to send aid, money and medical supplies to help in the recovery effort. At STLCCMeramec, members of the PreMed Club, founded by Emi Gardner and faulty advisor Ginny McDonald, discovered a way to raise money for those still in need. “The Pre-Med Club hosted a fundraiser for the Meds and
Food for Kids Organization which raises money for a Haitian-run business producing peanut butterbased nutrition supplements which are then distributed throughout the country to malnourished children,” Gardner said. The event took place in the student center during the International Festival on April 21 and 22. Meds and Foods for Kids (MFK) is a locally based organization that was created by Executive Director Dr. Patricia Wolff, M.D., a Washington University pediatrician who divides her time between St. Louis and Haiti. MFK was founded in 2003 in
efforts to help malnourished children by distributing highly nutritious ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), also known as Medika Mamba, a peanut butter supplement containing micronutrients and antioxidants that does not need cooking preparation or refrigeration. McDonald said that $65 will save the life of one malnourished child using the RUTF. The Pre-Med Club was able to raise a total of $1,442, exceeding their goal of $1,000, and McDonald said the funds raised were enough to give a full course of the nutritional supplement to 22 children. “We were impressed by the fact that Meds and Food for
Kids is working to develop new strains of peanuts that will grow in Haiti’s depleted soil and that they have funding to build a factory so that Medika Mamba can be locally produced. Not only will their efforts feed children, they will improve agriculture and will employ a lot of local people,” McDonald said. The fundraiser meant a lot to Steven Julmus, a Meramec student who moved to the United States from Haiti just four days before the devastating earthquake and suffered losses in his family. Julmus said he thought the fundraiser was pretty great and knew what a great impact it would have.
Students who volunteered for the fundraiser dressed up in peanut costumes made from brown paper lawn bags and sold candy with peanuts in them. Anyone who bought a piece of candy was entered into a raffle to win gift certificates from a variety of local restaurants including Kaldi’s Coffee House, O’Leary’s Restaurant and Bar, Dewey’s Pizza and La Salsa. “Students and staff who stopped at our tables were very interested in learning about the organization that we were working for and were amazingly generous,” McDonald said. “I was so impressed by Meramec’s generosity.”
OPINIONS
April 22, 2010
Paper Trail: Arizona v. Illegal Immigrints Joe Ray
- Assistant Online Editor-
“Show me your papers.” Doesn’t this sound like what the Nazi’s did during the Holocaust? Well in Arizona, the new immigration law seems about the same. What Arizona is asking of their immigrants is a lot like what the Nazis did with the Jews during World War II. The bill, which was signed by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer on April 23, 2010, states that any police officer can ask for someone’s documents if he or she has reasonable suspicion that person is in the United States illegally. The documents required, according to Title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act, are certificate of alien registration and an alien social security card. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles claimed that the officers asking a person for documents was like “Nazism.” The theory behind reasonable suspicion requires the officers use racial profiling to really suspect someone of being in the country illegally. Reasonable suspicion, by law, is the stopping of an individual based on facts given to the police officer but doesn’t always mean hard evidence.
Dear Editor,
C O M L E E W TO
Arizona
HAVE YOUR PAPERS, POR FAVOR. Police officers need more than a hunch but still can have that suspicion of wrongdoing. The person can also be taken immediately into United States custody until they have found evidence that this person is here legally. Our country is in a state of fear ever since the attacks in 2001. We live in fear wherever we go, and now, we are taking away the one thing we have strived for since we built this country: immigration. Immigration is what built this country up, and that is who we are as a nation, immigrants. Immigrants have helped build jobs and helped our economy grow. Making it a law based on reasonable suspicion is not enough evidence
for this law to be passed. Immigrants coming into the country illegally are a big problem, but we cannot resort to this sort of racial profiling. There are a lot of people concerned about illegal immigrants coming into their state or country and taking their jobs. On March 27, Arizona rancher Robert Krentz was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant, who then fled back to Mexico. Krentz was often known for being a good Samaritan who often helped illegal immigrants cross the border, and it finally back-fired on him. This is an example of why many people felt the immigrant law needed to be passed. To them, this strict law needs to be in
GRAPHIC BY: JACOB HIGHT
enforced on people coming into the United States illegally. We do have a problem with immigrants coming into this country illegally and that something has to be done to stop these crimes. Senate republicans in the state of Arizona, who helped pass this bill, believed it would help enforce laws that are already in place so that there would be less crime, lower taxes and safer neighborhoods. Weren’t we trying to stay away from this type of behavior? Equality is what we built this country on and it looks like we are breaking that promise on making sure one is treated equally, not just for gender but for race too.
Letter to the Editor
Subject: Going Up in Smoke Legalizing weed might be a useful debate, but I think it’s hilarious that you see it as an “innovative idea” to help provide struggling states generate more revenue. Seems more like a “knee-jerk” reaction; perhaps it would be more “innovative” to look at what our government should provide and make cuts that compliment the lower revenues. OR, maybe it would be more “innovative” to look at which states are in the worst shape and figure out the rea-
soning behind it... and make changes for the better. ‘Nahhh... let’s just legalize weed and tax it.’ I think it is worth mentioning, 3 of the 5 states with the largest budget deficits (FY 2010) already allow medicinal marijuana. If legislation passes in New York, ‘Stoner States’ will have 4 of the 5 worst budget deficits. My question is: If weed is the answer, then why are states that have legalized medicinal marijuana (over 10 years ago) in such bad financial shape? You
don’t need to have bad cataracts to get medicinal marijuana in California; most people with a prescription don’t even have a runny nose. Again, I think there are some pretty good reasons to consider it. However, the evidence you use to support your stance smells a little ‘skunky’ to me; maybe you took too big of a ‘rip’ before collecting your thoughts for that piece. Matt Wallach
to Steve Brady, Marco Romero, Kelli Roberts and Jodie Martin de Camilo. Thanks also to the restaurants who donated gift certificates: Atlas, Cyrano’s, Dewey’s Pizza, Fazzi’s, Grbic’s, Happy’s Longstreet Grill, Kaldi’s, La Salsa, Nachomama’s, O’Leary’s and Schlafly’s. Over ninety-percent of the money that Meds
and Food collects goes directly to feeding children in Haiti; you can be sure that your generosity will be much appreciated and put to good use. Way to go, Meramec!
Dear Editor, I would like to thank all of the students and staff who so generously donated to the “Working for Peanuts” fundraiser. We raised over $1400 dollars that will be used by Meds and Food for Kids to feed malnourished children in Haiti. Special thanks are due to members of the pre-Med, International, Bike and Outdoor Clubs,
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May 6, 2010
SELF-HELP
PURSUITofHAPPINESS
A More In-depth Look at Perspective Joe Douglas
- Jr. Copy Editor -
At the beginning of the semester, I wrote my first issue of my column on how imperative, even vital having the right perspective is in being happy. It’s important to bring the subject back up again, especially as the spring semester comes to a close and finals begin. Finals are important and can make or break the grade in the class. Many students see finals as the most stressful time of year, and summer is the reward for hard work. This is similar to how we often think about going to school, going to work, or going to a family event. If it’s not appealing, it’s a boring, inevitable obstacle that we must overcome in order to have free time. In “How We Choose to be Happy” by Rick Foster and Greg Hicks, they analyze the nine similarities all happy people share. One of
SEX
these is appreciation for the present, and not focusing on the regrets or nostalgia of the past nor the anxieties of the future. William, as identified in the book, says he sees life as a movie composed of tiny scenes that fit together to create a dramatic and intriguing story. “I look at every episode of my life as just the next scene— it might be good or it might be bad, but it’s the next experience I get to have. I like to appreciate each scene for what it is. Whether it’s comedy, drama or tragedy, I value it because it’s a part of my unique story,” William says. As long as activities or events are seen as obstacles, walls or forgettable experiences, we’re creating barriers between ourselves and unconditional happiness. By taking William’s approach to seeing finals as just another scene in life, as opposed to a painful, dramatic conflict, the climax of the plot becomes an experience for the star, you, battling the academic institution. As the hero walks out of the final exam bruised and beaten, but alive, he or she walks out as a survivor, creating an openended resolution that leads into the sequel. While many people don’t
have the same level of imagination as William, the point is taking joy in the moment. Whether it’s positive or negative, happy people see obstacles as learning and growing experiences, or in William’s case, a story’s conflict the hero must tackle in order to save the day. I just took my first final yesterday, May 3 for my online Biology of Human Health and Disease class. As I studied, I tried not to pay attention to my anxiety about the final because it only makes studying more difficult. I tried to see it as a chance to prove and improve my abilities as a student in the face of my most difficult class. When I approached my final, I was nervous, but not scared. I wasn’t worried about how I would do because I was as prepared as I could be; it was up to the hero to fight off the evil 100-multiple-choice monster. A change in perspective can be applied to all of life’s stressful events. The next time you feel the overwhelming anxiety of an interview, exam, presentation or meeting someone new, a change in perspective can always help. You have the right to pursue happiness. Find it. Live it. Be happy.
ADULTCONTENT The Proud Penis Jacob Hight
- Graphics Editor -
Penises aren’t always as straightforward as one might think. They come in all shapes and sizes; circumcised, uncircumcised; decorated, undecorated. As with genitals in general, the penis is a deeply intimate part of the male partner, a unique expression of him, an organ through which he gives and receives love and passion. Whether given by God or natural by nature, our bodies just are what they are. Unfortunately, a highly visible and vocal part of society thrives on apathetic humor, objectification and judgmental expectations focused on self-gratification instead of empathy, acceptance and love. Sadly, many of us settle for ego and pleasure instead of happiness, not even realizing that is what we’re doing, or worse, that there’s even a difference. It would appear,
sometimes, living from the heart is too painful. But we must. Something lovely to try, is to hold your partner’s erection in your hand, feeling his heart beat pulse through his penis. Or if lying side-by-side, listening to his heart beat at the same time. Partners beginning the sexual journey with their special someone might make the innocent mistake of gripping their partner’s erection too tightly, uncomfortably tugging the skin as they stroke. It’s important to let skin glide over skin. Using some sort of lubrication (such as Astroglide or saliva) makes it easier for the hand to glide; wetness also increases sensitivity. More experienced types might try “dry-lube” such as baby powder for a dry and silky stroke. If not using lubrication, it’s important to keep the grip somewhat loose. Whether wet or dry, a super loose grip can be a great way to playfully tease your partner, revving up his craving for a firm touch, creating an intense rush of satisfaction when the firm grip finally comes. For those that slept through physics and geometry, angles play a significant role in how force is distributed. In the
bedroom this means while an up-down stroke can be a nice home-base to return to, just slightly tilting your hand as you stroke can deliver more contact to the head of the penis, either on the underside or top, as the hand strokes down. If a male partner wants to explore more intense options, one way to explore this is rubbing the tip of the penis. Firmly grasping the base of the penis with the non-dominant hand, press the palm of the dominant hand over the opening of the urethra; slowly or quickly rub the palm over the tip, or caress with a circular, angled motion. It’s best to use lube for this, as well as determining a time goal (suggest starting at 10 seconds and working up). Something similar is slightly pulling the skin on the shaft down, just enough pull the head of the penis taught. Stroking the head of the penis with a firm grasp this way can be exhilarating. Whether loving whispers, or rumbling instructions, communication and respecting boundaries are the road to even better stuff. Next time “Experimenting and the Sexual Spectrum.” Until next semester, live from the heart; make love; wear a condom.
POLITICS
7
OPINIONS
theAMERICANDREAM Grand Finale
Collin Reischman - Managing Editor -
Alas, it is here: My final column at The Montage. In a few short weeks, I’ll have graduated and will begin the final steps into cementing my future at Webster University, which was kind enough to admit me, and the student paper there, The Journal, of which I will be sports editor next year. If you, the reader, will permit, I’d like to break a few protocols here and say something dangerously personal. First, to our faculty advisor, Shannon Philpott; I owe much to you. Shannon’s patience and selflessness with regards to her students make her a great advisor; and her knowledge of her subject, and her passion for it, make her a great journalist. As my advisor, unofficial guru, and substitute therapist and parent, Shannon has inspired me to be better. For that, all of her students should be grateful. Carlos Restrepo, editorin-chief of The Montage, will depart with me to Webster as well, taking the position of news editor. Carlos’ legacy will remain for some time after he has gone. As the face of The Montage, Carlos has excelled at keeping administrators in check, keeping the newsroom fun, and always keeping the peace. To our other departing editors, we see only more success stories. Andrea Royals, current news editor, will soon be working at the SLU student newspaper, taking the same position there. I have no doubt, given the poise and diligence she has shown, that she will do great things there. To Julie Wells, senior copy editor, who will begins a very different chapter of her life when she weds next month, we see only bright things ahead. Julie has been what all
great copy editors are: shrewd, smart, bookish, utterly fantastic at keeping the paper clean, and professional, regardless of the content they have to work with. Anna Nowotony, our indepth editor, ends her time at The Montage as well. Anna’s passion for design and her understanding of visual storytelling and the elements and intricacies of graphics merely reflect the level of success she will surely have in the professional market. If it’s not her vast talent that gets her employed, her warm personality and levelheaded temperament surely will. While Restrepo, Nowotony, Royals, Wells and this writer all depart after more than two years of work, many a talented people will take our places. Many of our current editors and staffers will remain next year, willing to carry on the work of keeping the students informed, the administration honest, and the campus exciting. Whether it’s the pile of awards we raked in, the administrators we dogged for incompetence, the student we infuriated with our editorials, or the countless moments of total levity in our newsroom, I know that this was time well spent. If the current departing staff shows us anything, it shows that The Montage is a place of advancement where good students, writers, photographers and designers can become even better. I have complete confidence that The Montage will continue to see success; that those who work on its staff shall continue to prosper in their chosen fields; and that more great work is to come. Those who walk through the newsroom door need no wishes of good luck from us, for they will have the benefit of being a part of one of the best student organizations on any campus: student media. Keep writing, keep caring, and, as always, keep ‘em honest.
read.think.blog. Read The Montage online for exclusive phoGod.Music.Politics.Chants.Texting.Baseball. tos of the ‘ChalkBoyz,’ The Improv group, Smoking.Writing.Photos.Art.Bands. and Meramec Magic wrestling. Staff blogs are online. Get exclusive content, photos and videos. Only at meramecmontage.com
InDepth
Tapping the Anna Nowotnhy - InDepth Editor -
A
An STLCC-Meramec student journeys into the world of pharmaceutical drug testing
aron Shaefer, a graphic design student at STLCC-Meramec sat in his assigned seat, number 33, so that nurses could find him in order to draw his blood. Shaefer spent two weekends, for two days each, in a clinical research facility in St. Charles. Nurses drew his blood approximately 20 times during each weekend in order to test how a generic form of morphine dissolved into his bloodstream. Two days after he completed the study, he picked up a check for $1,040. Shaefer said he wasn’t interested in participating in the study because of a fascination with medicine or health, although his father is a respiratory therapist at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Mostly, it was his need to supplement his income. “I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I’m kind of short this month… and I got all this stuff coming up that I need to pay for,” Shaefer said. Many of the participants of these types of medical studies sign up because of the opportunity to earn money. Shaefer heard about the studies from his coworkers. A few of them had completed medical studies before and earned “easy extra cash” without interfering with their regular job, work hours, or school. “Of the current workers there now, at least four of us have done it,” Shaefer said. Shaefer said that one of his co-workers has done countless studies. The website for Cetero Research, the clinical research organization that conducted the study, refers to people like Shaefer’s coworker as an “active volunteer.” “It’s like a second job for him almost,” said Shaefer.
The president of Cetero Research, Steve Unwin said that 70 percent of their studies’ participants sign up to volunteer more than once. Shaefer plans to participate in another study this summer and would like to earn enough to buy a laptop computer. Whether or not people participate is a personal decision that is sometimes based on a comfort level with needles. “I think the other guys are just content to work their hours and that’s fine. They haven’t quite gotten comfortable with the idea of selling their body to science for an extra buck or two,” Shaefer said. Before making the decision to participate in the study, Shaefer listened to his co-workers’ accounts of the rumors and realities associated with clinical studies. If there is such a thing as a study in which participants’ toes are removed and reattached, that’s where Shaefer said he would draw the line. In reality, the worst thing he heard from co-workers were accounts of getting stuck with a needle 40 or 50 times. Shaefer said this was not a deterrent for him. “I’m drawn to the fact that they’re going to give me a nice chunk of change for getting stuck with a needle and giving up my weekend,” Shaefer said. Shaefer said he considered this a “good tradeoff.” He also said he considered another factor of the study an added bonus. “They give you a full physical, EKG, heart rate, blood pressure and it’s a great benefit to you because it’s a free physical for you if you go in and get screened. It saves you going to a doctor, that’s for sure,” Shaefer said. Unwin said this screening process is conducted in order to ensure that participants are healthy, not taking any drugs or vitamins, and not at risk for
PHOTO BY: ANNA NOWOTNY
STLCC-Meramec student, Aaron Shaefer stayed for two nights during two weekends in the Spring semester of 2010 in Clinic five at Cetero Research, the clinical research organization that conducts comparison studies of generic pharmaceutical drugs before they can be approved by the FDA.
potential side effects from the drugs being tested. “It’s not only for the quality of the data, but for their own protection as well,” Unwin said. Shaefer passed the tests and said he did not feel he was endangering himself by participating in the study. “What I experienced was safe. It was controlled. If there’s any potential risks that were involved, you’re notified about [them],” said Shaefer. “Obviously, you have the opportunity to say ‘If there’s any slight chance of heart attack from this medication, then maybe I don’t want to do this.’” Shaefer said he didn’t consider any of the listed side effects a concern. “Most of the things listed I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about if you’re a healthy individual and you take care of yourself well. Otherwise it wouldn’t be FDA-approved,” said Shaefer. “Even if it’s happened once they have to list it, a side effect that could be possible.” In the event that an emergency might occur, Cetero’s research facility in St. Charles is equipped with medical professionals and emergency response “crash carts,” Unwin said. “We can provide advanced life support more so than what you can just as an ambulance,” Unwin said. Unwin explained that the most common emergency the crash carts are used for is re-hydrating people that might be vomiting if a bad reaction to a drug occurs. Shaefer said he didn’t experience any of the side effects typically associated with morphine, such feelings of drunkness or drowsiness. One of the ways that researchers at Cetero mitigate side effects is by requiring that participants sleep at the research facility the night before a drug is administered. “We don’t want people out partying. Things like alcohol and the food you eat affect the way a drug reacts in your body,” said Unwin. “So we want to make sure that we control their diet, their intake of
SUBMITTED PHOTO
STLCC-Meramec student, Aaron Shaefer participated in the Cetero study.
May 6, 2010
9
“They haven’t quite gotten comfortable with the idea of selling their body to science for an extra buck or two.”
-Aaron Shaefer
alcohol and that they get a good night sleep because they actually get dosed at 6 a.m.” Researchers at Cetero also monitor participants’ diets. Cetero operates a commercial kitchen that passes regular inspection. “We serve good food, too,” Unwin said. Meals are administered at exact times and in some studies, participants have to eat everything on their plate within the allotted 30 minutes, Shaefer said. “The breakfast was hashed browns, very heavily buttered toast, a pint of 2 percent or whole milk, a couple strips of bacon,” said Shaefer. “I’m a fan of traditional breakfast meals so it was fine for me.” Cetero’s facility offers a place to sleep and recreational activities. There are 520 beds throughout the 10 clinics. Each clinic contains a men’s and women’s dormitory. Single-sex bathrooms with private shower stalls are available. Participants can congregate in a common area and watch TV on a big screen, movies on a projection screen, play pool, plug in their lap-tops or play poker. Unwin said that most studies require participants to sit for four hours after breakfast because running around affects the metabolizing of the drug. “Every once in a while we’ll catch guys getting up at three in the morning to play soccer. So they open up the door and the buzzer goes off,” Unwin said. During the night shift, paramedics monitor an alarm system that is triggered whenever a participant opens a door. “We can’t have people escape,” said Unwin. “If they say they want to go home, that’s perfectly fine.” If a person leaves a study or fails to follow its protocols, their compensation will be reduced, Shaefer said. Compensation is based on time, travel and number of blood draws, Unwin said. Unwin said that the topic of compensation and recruitment is “sticky.” “You can’t entice people to participate in a study, they’ve got to participate in a study of their own free will,” said Unwin. “In other words, people shouldn’t be coerced into something that they wouldn’t do normally.” People sometimes contact Cetero in order to sign up for studies. “We had a lady call up because she wanted to sign her husband up because she heard of a study where they were removing testicles,” said Unwin, who chuckled as he recalled the situation. “It’s hard not to laugh, but she was serious.” Whether people sign up to benefit themselves financially or otherwise, the benefits of the study extend beyond study participants and beyond the sterile halls of the St. Charles facility. According to Unwin, the studies offer benefits for both the facility and the participants. “In our minds it’s a benefit to our whole health care system,” said Unwin. “What we’re doing and what our study subjects are doing is really admirable.”
ILLUSTRATION SUBMITTED BY: AARON SHAEFER
Shaefer, who is a graphic design student, illustrated his experience at the clinical research center.
The path of a drug as it travels from the lab where it’s created to the consumer: Pharmacy
FDA Approval Clinical Research Organization conducts largescale trials
Pharmaceutical company develops brand new drug
Independent Review Board approves trial protocols Pharmaceutical company develops generic replica drug
Small-scale clinical trials to test the drug
17-year patent
FDA Approval
INFOGRAPHIC BY: ANNA NOWOTNY
Information according to Steve Unwin, president of Cetero Research.
ART & LIFE
May 6, 2010
:
MovieREVIEW Nightmare on Elm Street Photo Club hosts first exhibit Shane Rice - Staff Writer -
On April 30 the remake of “The Nightmare on Elm Street” was released in theaters. Directed by Samuel Bayer and produced by Michael Bay, this film was anything but original. This film stars Kyle Gallner as Quentin, Rooney Mara as Nancy, Katie Cassidy as Kris, Thomas Dekker as Jesse, Kellan Lutz as Dean, and Jackie Earl Haley as Freddy Krueger. The result of this film is not only predictable but lacks depth and originality. Nancy, Kris, Dean, Jesse and Quentin are the teens of Elm Street, and they’re all having the same terrifying nightmare of a man with a mutilated burned face, tattered, striped sweater and knives for fingers. The voice they each hear is horrific, and they are afraid to sleep. One by one the grotesque figure terrorizes them by haunting and manipulating their dreams, where the rules are his and the only escape is to stay awake. When one of their members dies violently in her sleep, the rest realize very quickly that death in
their dreams means death in their reality. Turning to each other for answers, they slowly uncover the truth about a past laid dormant by the parents of Elm Street. With the answers buried in the teens' forgotten memories, the only way to uncover the truth is to enter the twisted nightmare that is Freddy Kruger. This may be the most unneeded film of the year with its overly familiar story plot to the predictable scenes and outcomes. The 1984 version is still better assembled, cast, and more suspenseful than this remake. It’s visually faithful but lacks originality and depth; it definitely makes the original much, much more memorable. Haley's ability to play Freddy was mediocre at best. The original Freddy Krueger, Robert Englund’s unpredictable presence and sadistic humor is definitely missed. Bayer’s ability to capture the genuine terror of Wes Craven's version was absolutely pathetic; he failed to exploit the true nightmare. In terms of plot, screenwriters Wesley Strick and Eric Heisserer failed to come up
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM
with new and interesting story ideas for the new Freddy. It seems as though they just took scenes from the original sets and threw them together. A person that has never seen the original will probably appreciate the sarcastic yet dry sense of humor of the new Freddy, but those who grew up on the original Freddy may want to wait for the DVD release. Nightmare on Elm Street is rated R for language and gore and runs for 95 minutes. To find out what the Montage’s Nate Corley thinks about the XBOX 360 game “The Saboteur,” log onto meramecmontage.com.
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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ROBIN CAIN
Jan Sago, faculty advisor of the Photo Club, poses in front of the table of food available to students and community members at the opening of the Photo Club exhibit at Riverside Gallery in Webster Groves.
Paul Lauer - Staff Writer -
Members of the STLCCMeramec photo club got the opportunity Friday, April 30 to exhibit their photographs at the first Photo Club Art Show, which was held at Riverside Gallery in Webster Groves. Residents from nearby came to view and buy the students’ photographs, ask them questions and enjoy the wine and appetizers that were offered. According to Janis Sago, photography program coordinator and sponsor of the photo club, those who attended would experience “a visual treat” and acquire “lots of visual information.” Images captured in the photographs ranged from city skylines to flowers and from destructed churches to cemeteries and parks. There were prints in digital, chromogenic – both in black and white and in color – and wet plate collodion. Meramec student and photo club member Michelle Lyons submitted a photograph that she shot of the north Chicago shoreline and skyline and another that she took in her neighbor’s yard of an iris. “You don’t have to go any
farther than your backyard to find interesting things,” said Lyons in regard to her photograph of the flower. Nicole Caleo, president of the photo club, exhibited a photograph she shot of a homeless man sleeping on an oversized domino at Board Game Art Park in Philadelphia. “I felt like he looked peaceful,” said Caleo in regards to the homeless man, who had been sleeping for more than an hour in 85 degree weather amid the many passers-by. This particular exhibit was offered only to the members of the photo club. Members also participate in trips to places like the Botanical Gardens or even as far as Chicago. According to Lyons, the photo club allows her to share in the “camaraderie” of like-minded individuals. The photo club and the exhibit also give students something to put on their résumé. Once a person is a member or has exhibited at certain gallery, Sago said, he or she can always add that to their credentials. “It’s a way to get recognized,” said Lyon. “It’s good for the professional world.”
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ART & LIFE
May 6, 2010
African artist leads workshops and performs Curtis Daniels - Staff Writer -
The Ugandan dynamics of Kinobe and Soulbeat Africa hit the STLCC-Meramec Theater Friday, April 23 with a unique blend of East African instruments and sounds of vocals, percussion and guitar. The group is comprised of musician Kinobe Herbert, commonly known as Kinobe, who is from Uganda, which is located in Eastern Africa. Other group members are from various other parts of Africa. Together, they form the band Soulbeat Africa. Kinobe began playing music at the age of five, and has been performing publically since he was 10 years old. In high school, he played in music clubs and started playing with professional bands in 1998. Since then, he’s expanded into sharing folklore and touring at festivals. Kinobe sings for Soulbeat and specializes in African drums along with the Kalimba, a thumb piano. He travels globally touring and conducting workshops to educate people of all ages about the African tradition of song,
dance, and fable. The day before the concert, Kinobe shared folklore of Uganda on campus, and later, he conducted workshops on drums, dance, and song. “The workshops were pretty good. The positive turnout from the college was really wonderful,” said Kinobe. “The college community gave us so much positive energy to make it happen.” At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Kinobe performed an ensemble of one of Soulbeat Africa’s most popular opuses, “Abataka,” with the Meramec Choir and Orchestra. “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Kinobe and other great musicians to produce such great music,” said Meramec concert choir member, Josh Todisman. Kinobe said this experience was a bit different, as he never conducted an orchestra with a choir simultaneously. The ensemble performed together for only one day. “It was very exciting on one end and challenging on another; challenging because of the choir and orchestra.
PHOTO BY: JAMES CARROLL
Kinobe, resident of Uganda, performs in the STLCC-Meramec Theatre on Friday April 23. He performed authentic songs with his band, Soulbeat Africa.
There was a strong bridge between us and the college students made possible by the professors,” said Kinobe. Kinobe says he feels the music he and Soulbeat Africa make is universal, calling it African-world music. “I am influenced by a bunch of different sounds
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from all around the world, but I am grounded,” Kinobe says. “The energy comes from my home, but I am inspired by a bunch of different cultures.” Most of Kinobe and Soulbeat Africa’s vocals are in his native tongue as well as English. He said his ideas for
his music come from about the things he sees: “love, injustice, and just stuff in daily life.” Kinobe and Soulbeat Africa’s said his aim to be universal enabled them to connect with the audience, and the crowd eagerly begged for an encore. ”
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ART & LIFE
May 6, 2010
13
A Platter Fit for Christine A day in the life of a tough cookie Emily Curry
- Correspondent -
Christine Salamone, 43, is a tough cookie. She gave birth to her now grown boys at home, completely naturally. “And I can say from experience that I deal with the pain of childbirth every day,” Salamone said. This is a side that Salamone usually hides. All that most other STLCC-Meramec students see of her is a petite, smiling woman in a wheelchair, with her service dog Petey pulling her from class to class. But the real Salamone is a powerful woman who has dealt with more than her fair share of pain, abuse and depression. As a child, Salamone said that she was abused by her stepfather. She helped prosecute him and then admitted herself into the hospital. After originally studying for years to be a nurse, she said she left college without a degree. “I dropped out three months shy of graduating because I had a patient die,” she said, running her fingers through her thick, but graying, dark hair. It was shortly after this that Salamone was diagnosed with small nerve fiber neuropathy disease. The disease affects Salamone’s mobility, energy, and even her eyesight. She said the diagnosis led to another season of depression in her life. “I don’t want people to see the chair; I want them to see me,” said Salamone. She said her husband also worried about her using a chair because it would hinder her talents. However, Salamone finds ways to let her talents to teach, create, and tell stories shine through. “I’m more in touch with who I am and what life is about,” she said. “I have to monitor my energy.” She picks up her Pepsi Zero bottle to help illustrate. “I have a limited amount of energy each day, and I need to decide where to use it.” Any given day, Salamone chooses to devote her energy to things like driving long distances to come to class,
leading one of her study groups or creating works of art, like the giant Easter Bunny toss game she made for the Meramec Student Activity’s Council Egg Hunt. Salamone said she believes in being invested in her school. She began attending Meramec in 2006 to earn a degree in human services. After the first meeting of her first class, “I caught the bug,” Salamone said. “It’s a bug of worthiness.” During the time that she has been on campus, Salamone has voluntarily helped tutor her fellow students in study groups every semester. She also started the Human Services Club, petitioned (and succeeded) in having electric doors installed in the Meramec gym, as well as brought attention to previously overlooked drainage issues in the handicapped accessible restrooms. “I was never a good student growing up,” said Salamone admitted. But after attending Meramec and seeing her grades take off, she said she realized her potential. “I’m a 4.0 student,” she said. “I don’t say it to brag... It’s surreal.” In May, Salamone and Petey will walk the stage to receive a hard-earned diploma in Human Services. Salamone has been granted several academic scholarships, and most recently, the Chancellor ’s Transfer Scholarship from Meramec. “I don’t try to be a role model,” she said, “but what’s happened to me has happened for a reason. And, if people can see
PHOTO BY: NASHARA ROBINSON
Christine Salamone, STLCC-Meramec student, pets her service dog, Petey. Salamone was diagnosed with small nerve fiber neuropathy disease shortly after she dropped out of school to become a nurse. She said she dropped out because a patient died, but returned to school to get her associate’s degree in human services and is going to transfer to UMSL. be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester. With her condition, Salamone said this is impossible. “It doesn’t come easy. It’s 10 times harder for me to study than anybody else.”
students—like the option of taking fewer credit hours per semester. Salamone has been accepted at University of Missouri-Saint Louis, and said she plans to start attending in the fall. “Leaving Meramec will
It took Salamone four years to achieve her associate's degree, and even that was a stretch for her. Despite the great honor, she is unable to accept the $7,000 transfer scholarship because it has no alternate options for disabled
be hard,” she said quietly, with a glimmer of tears in her eyes. “[The UMSL] campus isn’t as accessible as this one. And, it’s 70 miles away from me…It’s a hell of a drive.” Salamone said that she may end up getting to
“There’s so much in life, and I don’t want to miss out.” -Christine Salamone me succeed while feeling like I’m in a trash compactor, then that will give them hope.” Salamone said that the downside of many scholarships, including the Chancellor ’s Transfer Scholarship, is that they require the awarded student
another plateau in her life, only to find that she still can’t achieve her goals. But, she said she chooses not to dwell on that possibility. “There’s so much in life, and I don’t want to miss out,” she said. “Every day I like to feel like I accomplish something. I will push to get something accomplished.” She said that an 81-yearold woman once told her: “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle—but your plate is just too big.” Salamone said that one thing she’s learned from her experiences is that “when it rains, it pours, but after the sun there’s always a rainbow.” She smiles and pats Petey. “I live in the enchanted forest,” she said. “I live at the end of the rainbow.”
14ART & LIFE
May 6, 2010
Local band, BLT, voted winner of Battle of the Bands Emi Gardner - Staff Writer -
On Friday evening, April 30, the STLCC- Meramec Student Activities Council welcomed 10 local bands to the campus for the annual Battle of the Bands competition. STLCC students, as well as members of the community, were encouraged to attend the event, enjoy live music, ranging from acoustic folk rock to heavy metal and cast votes for their three favorite performers. The bands that competed for the title were The Traveling Agency, Save the Penguins, Axis Denied, Remnants of Gabriel, BLT, Sicfaist, Surtsey, Tioliet Water, Sack Lunch and Hourglass Instance. An official tally midway through the second round of ten-minute performances dubbed BLT victorious, Axis Denied, second, and returning champions, Save the Penguins, third. First, second, and third place winners were then
awarded $700, $500, and $300 prizes, respectively. Regardless of each ensemble’s preparation or lack there of, most musicians said they felt confident after their first set of songs and judged their effectiveness by the audience’s response. Surtsey’s lead singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, Joseph Bassa said that in order to connect with the fans, the band has to consider their behavior and conduct. “You have to pay attention to the crowd’s reaction to make some kind of connection, so it goes over better. It was cool tonight. I think their reaction was all right,” Bassa said. BLT enjoyed their win and $700 earnings by treating themselves to pizza and dreams of Disney World. Surtsey’s Joseph Bassa said, “I’m happy where we are right now.” Even without recognition or monetary reward, each band said they found reason to celebrate.
PHOTO BY: JAMES CARROLL
Singer and keyboard player of BLT, Lola Hennicke, performs with the rest of her bandmates at the Battle of the Bands. The band won first place out of 10 local bands that competed, and won $700. Proceeds from this event went to the Student to Student Book Scholarship fund.
transfer to Rockhurst. transform your life. A great education paves the way for tremendous opportunities, and Rockhurst University offers the knowledge you’ll need to find them. So if you’re ready for a degree that will do more for you, transfer to Rockhurst. To learn more about transferring to Rockhurst, join us for Transfer Day on Friday, June 4, or Tuesday, June 22. We’ll be there to answer questions about a Rockhurst education, transfer credits, financial aid and your major. Bring your transcripts to apply for on-the-spot admission and scholarships.
PHOTO BY: JAMES CARROLL
Axis Denied’s vocalist Chris Kelly sings into the microphone during the band’s first set of performances. Axis Denied placed second in the annual competition.
Student artwork on display
www.rockhurst.edu/transfer (800) 842-6776 “Of all the choices in the area, Rockhurst University clearly was the most capable of preparing me for the graduate studies I want to pursue.” Matt Sweeney, biochemistry major San Francisco Rockhurst University admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.
PHOTO BY: LIZ RULE
Current STLCC-Meramec students from the art department submitted pieces to display from April 30 to May 12 at the Meramec Art Gallery. The above piece won first place. For the full story, visit meramecmontage.com
SPORTS
May 6, 2010
Meramec outfielder’s dream within grasp Joe Ray
- Assistant Online Editor -
Not since the St. Louis Cardinal third basemen David Freese has an STLCC-Meramec alumnus been drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft. That could change in a couple of years. Meramec Magic outfielder Les Smith has already committed to the University of Mississippi, but has considered entering the draft by a potential Major League Baseball team. “There are a lot of determining factors that go into that. It depends on the round and what type of contract they offer me,” Smith said. Smith was originally born in Dyersburg, Tenn. He is currently a sophomore, who transferred from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Smith currently has a batting average of .356, with 5 home runs and 37 runs batted in. “As a teammate he is a great all-around guy. He is always the first one to the field and last one to leave the field. Always taking swings later then everyone in the field and always giving 110 percent effort,” Mike Bibas, Magic starting pitcher, said. Bibas said he believes that this kind of attention is good for Meramec. “Getting drafted is always good for this program. A lot more people will want to come here when you see someone getting drafted like David Freese, “ Bibas said. Currently, Smith doesn’t have an agent and intends on entering the draft solo. Every major league team has contacted Smith about potentially
“As a teammate he is a great all-around guy. He is always the first one to the field and last one to leave the field.” -Mike Bibas
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drafting him. Smith is still unsure of what direction he wants to go in, as far as the draft. He likes the idea of finishing his education at Ole Miss but also feels it would be a great accomplishment if he got drafted in the top 50. “I think his play this season is average at best. He is a professional hitter for sure. You know the one thing we’ve done is really made him a total hitter; he was a dead pull guy. So now he hits to both fields for power,” coach Tony Dattoli said. “Defensively, incredible arm; gives the capability to play a deep outfield and is able to throw guys out at second and third, especially at the plate.” “I am going to miss every guy on the team,” said Smith. “Our assistant coach Zach Graefser told us on the first day of practice, ‘the only guys you are going to talk to for the rest of your lives are your Ju-Co (Junior College) teammates.” Smith wants to keep in touch with all of his teammates. Smith said his favorite team growing up was the Los Angeles Dodgers and would love to get drafted by them. Some scouts have told him he would be a corner outfield, if drafted. Others have not given up the idea of Smith moving to the infield to play third base.
PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER
Les Smith, Meramec outfielder, takes his lead off second base. “The ultimate decision comes down to me. I am going to be the one that makes the decision-- me and my lord and savior. I am a big Christian,
so I will have to pray about it. Hopefully, I will make the right decision, and I think I will,” Smith said.
Athletic training keeps Jones in the game Stephen Sealey - Staff Writer -
Darren Jones has always loved athletics and competition. He said that athletic training is another avenue of being an athlete for a coach. Jones, the certified athletic trainer for all sports on the STLCC-Meramec campus, has had a wide range of professional experience before his 13-year career with the Magic. The mission of St. Louis Community College’s Athletic Training Departments is to “provide optimal medical care to the student athletes through preventative measures, acute emergency and non-emergency attention, rehabilitative measures, injury/illness management and injury education.” Jones said he chose this line of work to face the everyday challenges of pursuing an athletic goal. In return, he found a family. Jones said he likes to think of Meramec as his second home. “Meramec is family if you take a look at it and a lot of the people who are employed here have been here a long time because it is a family atmosphere. People are friendly
and I have a good relationship with the athletes,” Jones said. Jones has built relationships with athletes across the nation. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Adam State College in Alamosa, Colo. and later pursued a master’s degree at San Jose State. An internship at Stanford University landed him a job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After Jones’ year-long stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he applied for the athletic trainer position at Meramec in 1998. There are many different aspects to his job, which he said he enjoys doing. The relationship he develops with athletes has to be good in order for the athletes to have better outcomes, Jones said. “Every injury is different; every athlete has a different personality, and I work with a great coaching staff. There is the good and the bad with athletic training but mostly good,” Jones said. Even with reliance and quality care, Jones is still presented with challenges, such as “maintaining good quality care for an athletes and helping them perform at their highest level after an injury,”
Jones said. “Trying to get them back to 100 percent takes a lot of hard work and effort.” Jones has had to make difficult decisions on and off the field, according to Bob Frischmann, sports information director at Meramec. “Kevin Simpson (Meramec Soccer Alum) in 2002 became stricken on the field during a game at home and Darren was integral in handling a tricky situation. The player was having excruciating pain in his torso/abdomen but had not been struck,” Frischmann said. “An ambulance was called and Darren decided against trying to move the player off the ground or letting him attempt to move.” According to Frischmann, Jones’ intuition was psychic, and nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital later determined the player had a fully collapsed lung. After several days in the hospital, Simpson fully recovered. The relationships between coach, trainer and players all depend upon trust, Jones said. “The athlete has to trust you and what you are doing. It is better to build the relationship early because the athlete trusts you treating them and caring for them. Then you get better results.”
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