Volume 41 Issue 12

inside this issue:

Move over, Barack!

Details on page 8

University of Maine at Presque Isle Volume 41 Issue 12

Dena Dudley (Joseph) CONTRIBUTOR

Local Presque Isle children got a special treat April 19. UMPI’s very own Dr. Rachel Hannah and

the Micmac Boys and Girls Club held a very special activity. The kids got to do a scientific, handson activity: painting brains. Brain

Lisa Van Pelt CONTRIBUTOR

Ever dream of getting a ride on a motorcycle? Well, Bill Montgomery of Medway had such a dream. When the American Legion Riders of Millinocket learned about “Billy’s” battle against cancer, they unanimously voted for him to receive the fourth annual James “BING” Popowski Cancer Ride proceeds. Some of the members went to school with Billy. Some played horseshoes, played pool and worked with Billy. This cancer battle hit close to home for many members of the riders.

But that wasn’t all that the club was going to do for Billy.

His daughter mentioned Bill’s

One potato two potato.

Details on page 13

Journalism for Northern Maine

APRIL 26, 2013

Fun With Brains molds that is.

Last fall, the Aroostook band of Micmacs reached out to Hannah to do activities with the local Boys and Girls Club.

Hannah received a diversity grant to work with the local Native students.

This is the third activity in the grant. The first was a Science Exploration Day. That was followed by the kids attending UMPI’s University Day on April 10. The brain mold activity was something that Hannah wanted especially for the younger children.

“I do a lot of these activities and I just love that the kids get to explore: to really learn science

and not just from textbooks. I’ve done this with different age groups and enjoy how they make it their own. No one’s ever the same,” Hannah said.

Members of the Micmac Boys and Girls Club really enjoyed this exploration activity.

They used paint to put their own design on their brain molds, made of plaster cast. With fingers and arms covered in paints and lots of smiles, there was a lot of fun and learning in the air.

“It helps you learn about brains and you can get out of the house,” Neveah Olsen, a Boys and Girls Club member said.

With Hannah, the children learned about different animal brains and how all of our brains

wish to ride on a motorcycle.

That’s when a plan began to have Bill participate in the ride honoring both Bing and him.

Bill’s health was declining. Will he be able to get his wish? The riders stayed in constant contact with Bill’s family in the weeks

are the same, but different.

When asked about his favorite part of the activity, one

Visit us at utimes.umpi.edu

child, Max Clair, said, “Painting the brains. Because brains are awesome.”

Micmac Boys and Girls Club painting brains.

Warriors on Wheels leading up to the ride. On ride day, they hoped Bill would be feeling well enough to join them on the last leg of the day’s jour-

Bill Ashton, Bill Montgomery with other members of the American Legion Riders.

ney. The skies were overcast and rain was in the forecast. This was not going to stop the ride. Rain or shine it was a go.

The time came and the riders mounted their motorcycles.

People hopped into their cars and trucks. The long line of participants took off under cloudy, rainy weather. The last leg of the route was to stop at Bill’s home.

One mile from Bill’s home, the sky opened up and the sun poked through. The riders in the procession gave victory signs. Smiles were on the all the faces of the cold and damp riders.

S e e Wa r r i o rs, Pa g e 4

C

2

The University Times Staff Editor Lanette Virtanen Assistant Editor Kayla Ames Stephanie Jellett

Staff Writers Kayla Ames Chris Bowden Nicole Duplessis Sara Gendreau Stephanie Jellett Elissa McNeil Mika Ouellette Lanette Virtanen Kelsey Wood Kathleen York

Contributors Chris Cosenze Dena Dudley Nicole Moore Meagan Royer Linda Schott Jessica Stepp Jim Stepp Lisa Van Pelt

Adviser Dr. J The U Times welcomes submissions from the campus.

Send digital versions of articles, photos, etc., to utimes@maine.edu and jacquelyn.lowman@umpi.edu

University Times

ampus

Dear readers, The countdown has begun. From the date that this paper comes out there are only 22 days left until I graduate. It doesnʼt seem possible that May 18 is just around the corner. As excited as I am for graduation, itʼs with a little bit of anxiety that I dig in to finish up all that needs to be done between now and then. One thing that happens before all of that is my senior show. My photos will be in Pullen Gallery for six days. Feel free to a walk up and see them.

It doesnʼt matter how many days are left.

What really matters is how much I can squeeze in before then. Iʼm making the most of my time left here at UMPI and I urge you to do the same.

Iʼll see you around campus.

Lanette

April 26, 2013

Hi Everyone!

This semester is winding down, and I canʼt wait till summer! Graduation is just around the corner, and some of my friends will be a part of the ceremony. Itʼll be sad knowing they wonʼt be here in the fall, but itʼs a bittersweet moment. This will be my last year this fall— even though I am a senior now—but itʼs still hard to believe time has flown by as quickly as it has.

Enjoy school while you can. It goes by so fast! Until next time.

Stephanie

Greetings, I hope that everyone enjoyed University Day as much as I did! I had to give a presentation and tend the U Times table, so I could only attend one session. Still, my sister told me about the one she went to and, as a result, I learned something new. Thatʼs always my goal. Our next issue will have lots of stories about U Day, so make sure you pick it up and check it out.

As for this issue, I think that it gives everyone a chance to get to know some people around campus better. We have several “human interest” stories, meaning stories that get into the experiences and emotions of our fellow human beings. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer, artist and politician, said, “To know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.” Some pleasant imagery therein, no? In essence, I hope you use this opportunity to learn more about people in general, and a few in particular. Thank you for your support. Have a pleasant day.

Kayla

D at es for S ubmissio ns t o the U Ti me s

April 29 Any submissions received after a deadline will be published in the following issue.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Lowman at 768-9745.

Univer si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr i l 26 , 2 013

Linda’s Letter UMPI Goes “Tobacco-Free�

Linda Schott.

On April 11, the university senate at UMPI cast an historic vote. After years of gradual steps toward better health for students and employees, the senate voted unanimously for the campus to become tobacco-

free on June 1, 2013.

The university senate took this step for several reasons.

First, as an institution of higher learning, UMPI has a responsibility to educate and lead on this critical health issue. We cannot in good conscience continue to allow tobacco use when it is widely acknowledged as the most preventable cause of disease, disability and death in our nation. Second, UMPI is committed to providing a healthy and productive work and learning environment. By providing a tobacco-free environment, UMPI will promote a campus culture of wellness and environmental responsibility. Third, all other University of Maine institutions have already adopted

similar policies. And fourth, the Maine State Legislature will likely soon pass legislation requiring campuses to be smoke-free. By taking action now, UMPI is able to design a policy and an implementation schedule before the state dictates that we do so.

Under the newly approved policy, no employee, student, contractor, vendor, or visitor will be allowed to use tobacco or non-FDA approved nicotine products. This includes smokeless tobacco and electronic nicotine cigarettes. This regulation will apply to all campus property and the sidewalk adjacent to the campus. It will also include the Houlton Outreach Center, the Skyway housing

complex and any university owned or leased vehicles.

We will gradually implement the new policy between June 1 and October 1, 2013. There will be new signage around campus reminding everyone of the policy. We will also vigorously promote a variety of resources to help people

3

become tobacco-free as we implement the policy.

Students who would like more information on how the policy should contact Jim Stepp, the vice president for student affairs. Employees who would like additional information should contact Jennie Savage, human resources manager. Community members who would like more information may contact me at the office of the president.

I am very pleased that UMPI has taken this critical step toward greater health and wellbeing. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students and community members as we implement the policy over the next few months.

4

Un iver si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr il 26 , 2 0 13

Jim’s Journal The End Is Coming!

Jim Stepp.

What I am writing about this time deals mainly with seniors.

But many of the suggestions work for non-seniors going away for the summer. So, please read through this top 10 list even if you are not a senior.

Like many other students, my wife will be graduating on May 18, 2013 from UMPI. If you are another one of these people, you have probably started your final college countdown.

Here is the top 10 list of things to do prior to leaving college via graduation or for the summer.

10. Start a countdown to graduation or summer vacation. You can do this with a dry erase board or sheets of paper.

My wife started the countdown in November. As of April 26, 2013, there will be 22 days until graduation. If you are not attending graduation, your ending point may be even less.

9. Decide what books you should keep. At the end of the year, many students sell their books back to the bookstore.

You may need some of these books next semester or when

Warriors

up Bill for the last leg of the ride into the American Legion Post 80’s headquarters for a dinner.

“The two Bills!” Bill Ashton quipped.

Ashton’s trike is one of kind.

You cannot miss it as it roars down the road. Ashton got the trike a few years ago when his back wouldn’t allow him to ride two wheels. The riders gathered around and made sure Bill was all set. Bill’s family took pictures and were clearly moved by their dad’s wish being fulfilled. Bill’s grandchildren were just as excited about

Continued from Page 1 Maggie Osborne, American Legion Rider and classmate of Bill’s, said, “I couldn’t believe it!

The angels are shining down on Billy today.”

With a police escort monitoring traffic, the riders dismounted and headed into Bill’s yard.

Since his health was failing, he couldn’t mount a two-wheeled motorcycle. But he could ride a trike. The riders had slated Bill Ashton to lead the ride and pick

you are working. Education students may want to hold on to their theory books and premed students may want to hold on to their anatomy books.

8. Build your resume and visit Bonnie Devaney in the Career Services Office to have it reviewed. Whether you are graduating or not, you should always have an up-to-date resume. Perhaps the most important part of this advice is to have your resume looked over to find errors.

7. Look for people to be your references. Although you will probably only need three references, get as many as you can.

Ask faculty members, coaches, advisors and people you have worked with. Make sure you ask them if they can do a good reference for you. Many people just ask if someone will be a reference for them, but they neglect to ask if it will be a good reference. I have always used the policy of telling people I would not be a reference for them if I couldn’t give them a good reference. Not everyone works this way. Remember to check if the reference will be a the ride as Bill. With an “all set, let’s roll” from Bill, the group took off and rode the last 10 miles in the sun.

good one.

6. Get your information to Keith Madore so you may be contacted by the Alumni Association. Ok, this one is for the graduating students.

Staying in touch with the school will let you keep up to date with what is going on at UMPI. You will be able to get information about homecoming and other important events that happen at your alma mater.

5. Visit financial aid to do your exit interview. This would

apply to all students leaving UMPI. This is important to do because not doing so may slow down your chances of getting future aid.

4. Get your friends’ contact information. The friends you

make in college can last a lifetime.

Friending them on Facebook and getting their phone numbers will help you stay in touch.

3. Find a job. Whether you are graduating or just working for the summer, find a job you will like. The best summer job I had was working in an amusement park. I met my wife there, was able to save money, and had a lot of fun.

In the words of Confucius “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

2. Do a change of address card with the mailroom and change your address in MaineStreet. You want to get your mail, and this is the best way to do it.

And the number one answer is (drum roll please): 1. Do the Dance. After you last final is done, you should do the happy dance.

You know the one you do when you have a huge emotional release. If you want to see what I mean, go to http://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=h04WFfJDUXw.

“Nothing is better than seeing a smile on the face of someone who is suffering. To be able to give them some happiness is very moving and gratifying,” Mark Chamberlain, assistant director of the American Legion Riders Post 80, said.

The American Legions Riders Auxiliary donated the dinner. All the tables and chairs were full. Talk and laughter filled the room. Bill was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, classmates, neighbors and co-workers.

“We wish we could help out

everyone in our community battling cancer.” Lorri Cyr, treasurer of the American Legion Riders Post 80, said.

As he had all his life, Bill Montgomery gave back a lot more that day than he received.

Despite being desperately ill, he brought such joy to the many friends and family members who surrounded him. That day embodied Bill and what he meant to people. Although Bill lost his battle with cancer shortly afterwards, he remains a positive presence in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Unive r sit y Ti me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr il 2 6 , 20 1 3

Ready to Explore Nicole Duplessis STAFF WRITER

Congratulations to Jannie Durr!

Winner of the Johnson Acoustic Guitar raffle that took place this semester.

The U Times would like to give a special thanks to everyone who bought tickets. It was greatly appreciated!

In total, the U Times raised more than $100.

Some people are content growing up and living in one place their entire lives. Others will always cherish home, but want to stretch out and see what else there is. University of Maine at Presque Isle senior, Mika Ouellette, is ready to explore.

Ouellette has lived in Van Buren, Maine, her entire life.

She is an only child and lives with her mom while commuting to and from school. Growing up, she attended Gateway Elementary School and graduated from Van Buren High School. Her hobbies include writing, cooking, traveling and genealogy. Writing has always been a large part of her life, both in high school and at UMPI. “Mika had written for her high school paper and was interested in writing for the U Times,” Dr. Jacqui Lowman, adviser of the University Times, said.

When Ouellette’s first semester rolled around, she began attending UMPI as an English major as well as the University Times meetings. Her presence within the club has grown over time. Her stories will always remain a part of UMPI. “Mika covered a little bit of everything during her time with the paper. She was particularly famous for her campus surveys and her environmental work.

She’s also one of the most organized people I’ve ever known. I kid her and say that she must write her stories while

she’s driving home. After she attends an event for the U Times, I usually have her story within a matter of hours. Mika brings that work ethic to everything that she does, from schoolwork to her personal life,” Lowman said.

UMPI has allowed Ouellette to grow as a person and reach out and explore her writing

Mika Ouellette. capabilities as well. She is, however, ready to leave the area and move on to new things.

“I will be attending the University of Maine at Orono for my master’s in education.

After that, I hope to find a job teaching at a private school, preferably out of state. I am thinking Minnesota or Florida, because I have family living there,” Ouellette said.

Aside from the University

5

Times club, Ouellette is also a part of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and helps in the student activities office.

“Mika is an extremely hard worker and very creative. She has brought an exciting new perspective and new ideas to the student activities office,” Vanessa Pearson, coordinator of student activities and leadership development, said.

She also enjoys cooking, and there are many on campus who are glad she does.

“Mika is also the Julia Child of UMPI. She even did a cooking show for our campus radio station last fall,” Lowman said.

Ouellette has been a wonderful part of the campus. She will be missed by many, especially the University Times club, where she has been a writer, photographer and reporter for all of her four years here.

“I’ve known Mika since freshman year, so I’ve gotten to know her pretty well. If I had to use two words to describe her, they would be smart and persistent,” Stephanie Jellett, a member and editor of the University Times, said.

Although she grew up in a small community, and attended her first four years of college in a relatively small area, Ouellette is content with her decision to explore the unknown and make the best of what is to come.

UMPI has provided a good foundation for Ouellette. She will never forget her time here, and neither will those whom she has touched.

Nickel Carnival Jessica Stepp CONTRIBUTOR

Student senate, with the help of My Friend’s House, will be putting on a nickel carnival on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gentile Hall. The nickel carnival is a fundraiser to benefit both groups. All ages are welcome. A variety of games will be available to play with the chance

to win a lot of prizes! Tickets for the games cost only a nickel.

There will also be snacks with prices that range from a nickel to a dollar. The snacks will include candy, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy.

My Friend’s House is located in Fort Fairfield. It’s a nonprofit organization that runs on donations. My Friend’s House

has a program for everyone in the community. The programs are designed to help community members by providing a safe environment for learning within the community. For more information on My Friend’s House and its programs, please feel free to visit: http://www.allaboutmeprogra ms.com/default.html

We would also like to thank everyone who donated to the fire funds and nominated individuals for the Distinguished Teaching Award and Distinguished Staff Award.

More than $600 was raised in the fire funds and will go to the four students who were affected by the fire on Main Street.

The Distinguished Teaching

Award and Distinguished Staff Award winners will be announced at the annual awards convocation on April 28 and in our next article.

If you have a question or a concern, you can reach us in a number of ways: office— Campus Center 104; e-mail— u m p i - s e n a t e @ m a i n e. e d u ; phone—768-9561.

6

Un iver si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr il 26 , 2 013

UMPI Holds First Annual DisOrientation Week Chris Cosenze CONTRIBUTOR

Bonnie DeVaney showing off her tie dye T-shirt.

Terry Perley with his artistic sand art.

Orientation week is something all college students dread. They are forced to sit through long, boring talks about the campus, sign papers and a maybe have a fun activity every once in a while. For the most part, if you’re a college student, you probably have been through such an orientation.

Well, UMPI and the student activities office wanted to break the negative stigma of those boring orientations by throwing a full week of fun activities. This was meant to be the opposite of orientation, entitled DisOrientation Week. The hope is to have this be an annual event.

DisOrientation week 2013’s theme was Beach Week.

This was the first time in UMPI history that such a big event has taken place on the UMPI campus. The week consisted of many fun activities, which included tie dye and smoothies, an Anything But Clothes dance as well as laser tag and a obstacle course. There was even a mechanical surfboard.

There was a lot of fun to be had this week.

An UMPI student, Samara Grant, said, “I really liked tie dye and the obstacle course. (A week like this) is a great time to gather with friends and have a good time.”

Vanessa Pearson, who is the head of student activities on the UMPI campus, worked with many of her staff to produce a week of fun.

“DisOrientation Week: Beach Bash 2013 was a great success thanks in part to all the students, faculty, staff and community members who helped and participated in the activities!”

This was only year one of this week-long DisOrientation. The student activities office will be working hard next year to throw another week of fun.

At this point, the theme for next year is not certain.

What is certain is that next year’s events will be bigger and better than this year’s.

Amanda Larrabee on a mechanical surfboard.

Kati Cristoffel applying the dye for her tie dye T-shirt.

UMPI Pride Committee Activities for Spring 2013 Student of the Month deadlines-April 3, May 1.

Student of the Month celebrations-Aprill 11, May 9.

April 26-Photo Contenst deadline with campus voting April 29 to May 2.

May 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Owl’s Nest Patio, Student Appreciation BBQ.

7 Who You Gonna Call?

Uni ve r sity T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr i l 2 6 , 20 1 3

Elissa McNeil STAFF WRITER

Gentile Hall Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Keli Marston recently announced that Tammy Thompson, pictured, is the winner of the Fit Camp Beach Body Challenge.

The challenge started Feb. 1 and ended March 31.

Over 8 weeks, Thompson lost 4 percent body fat.

She also increased her flexibility by 2 inches, increased from 30 to 52 push-ups in one minute and from 33 to 36 sit-ups in 1 minute, and dropped 40 seconds on her 1/2 mile run time.

Fit Camp is one of the many health and wellness opportunities available at Gentile Hall. For more information, call 768-9772 or visit www.umpi.edu/gentile-hall.

“Heather bailed me out when I was sick in the fall. She took on one of my FYS classes.

This semester I worked with her a great deal around early and midterm warnings. She helped me reach out to the students.

As any college student can tell you, making it in school isn’t easy. It takes a combination of intelligence, determination, the ability to multitask, adequate financing and luck. It’s a delicate balance that can shift when there’s pressure. When the going gets tough, where can students go? One good option is the Advising Center in South Hall.

That’s where Student Success Specialist Heather Ouellette and her fellow specialist, Sheila Blair, work. Their jobs entail just what the title implies: helping students be successful.

To help students, they work closely with faculty, other Heather Ouellette. areas of student services and other campus departments. She also has great follow Although they’ve been on the through: if she says that she’ll job for less than a year, they’ve do something, she will. She’s already made a noticeable dif- helped smooth the way for ference in student retention many students.”

Ouellette’s ties to UMPI run and success. deep.

She got two bachelor’s Dr. Jacqui Lowman is among degrees from here in 2008 in the faculty who’ve benefitted criminal justice and sociology. from Ouellette’s efforts.

She went on to get a master’s in

Presque Isle: 260 Main Street, 764-5500 Caribou: 556 Main Street, 493-3030 HOURS: Sun - Thurs: 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 10:30 a.m. - Midnight FREE DELIVERY TO UMPI CAMPUS!

Pizza, Subs, Salads

criminal justice and criminology. But the area called her back. She returned to the area as an intern for the Carleton Project. She also returned to her bustling family in Caribou: her mother, stepfather, brother, two stepbrothers and niece.

With that high energy group, as you can imagine, things can get pretty hectic.

Ouellette finds multiple ways to relax. She likes hiking, running and reading.

Most of all, though, she loves spending time with her family. Her family is what keeps her going and motivates her to keep helping the students on campus.

Ouellette took this job because she loves the environment.

“Being from the area, I know the challenges that the students here go through.”

Ouellette said.

Helping and strengthening students through their education is inspiring. Helping them realize that the ticket out of their hardships is to push through their education makes everyone a winner.

8

Un iver si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr il 26 , 2 013

A Trip of Stephanie Jellett STAFF WRITER

Arlington National Cemetery

World Trade Center remains.

View from atop the Newseum.

Lincoln Memorial.

Over spring break, the U Times editorial staff, Lanette Virtanen, Kayla Ames, Stephanie Jellett and Dr. Lowman, traveled to Washington, D.C., experienced many “firsts,” shared many laughs and was exposed to new things.

This trip has been a year in the making, and it was most definitely worth every minute of hard work. Planning out the details-such as: transportation, finding cheap tickets, a hotel, making an itinerary and double-checking that places were accessible--took a lot of time and dedication. But this trip wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the students, faculty, staff and community’s help when it came to buying raffle tickets on a pillow and an acoustic guitar. Also, the penny war competition was a huge success, including the generous donation from fellow UMPI student, Scott Belair.

In total, the trio raised over $800.

“I couldn’t have been more pleased with the amount of generosity that people gave around campus,” Virtanen said.

The group left for Bangor International Airport early Saturday morning. The first “first”came that day. One of the members had never flown before, and she said it was a rather enjoyable experience, even though her ears did hurt for quite some time afterwards.

That night they got off to a great start by eating in a cafe at the National Press Club.

Day one in D.C. began with the Smithsonian Museum of American History. There, the group was able to stand on a piece of Route 66, see Dorothy’s red slippers from the Wizard of Oz, and the original Star Spangled Banner. After that was the Natural History Museum. Aside from the massive number of people, there was a dinosaur exhibit that wowed them, while the brilliantly colored gems and minerals section was endless. A hidden treasure was the gallery of Nature’s Best Photography.

“As a photographer, I was glad we didn’t miss seeing this exhibit. For me, it was the highlight of the museum,” Virtanen said.

Moving along to the next day, there was a double-decker Big Bus tour of the monuments, memorials, Georgetown and Arlington National Cemetery. Virtanen had the chance to look up the name of her sister, who served in the Air Force, at the Women in Service Memorial at Arlington.

The group walked around the cemetery, which is a beautiful, yet eerie sight that they will never forget: rows upon rows of white head stones. Silence filled the air at the Eternal Flame, which rests at JFK’s gravesite. The view was picturesque when looking down over the hill and seeing the National Mall.

Day three was the whole purpose of going to D.C.: the Newseum.

The group learned of many tragic stories, such as journalists who lost their lives on the job and a brave photographer who documented 9/11 and lost his life.

“The 9/11 memorial stirred something in me. I was completely immersed in the emotion, the tragedy, and the thoughts they provoked,” Ames said.

The six floors at the Newseum held many different exhibits and proved to be more interactive than most museums.

Univer si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr i l 26, 2 0 13

a Lifetime “It was all about being a part of the experience,” Virtanen said.

“It’s for all ages, for everyone to enjoy.”

The Newseum held a piece of the historic Berlin Wall and Death Tower, the remains of the radio tower from the World Trade Center after 9/11, front pages of current newspapers from around the world, the First Amendment and newspapers of major events that took place from 1455 to the present.

And who can forget the breathtaking view of the U.S. Capitol from the balcony?

“It was amazing. You could see everything from up there!” Jellett said. “From the Capitol, to the Smithsonian Castle, to the National Galleries of Art. It was just beautiful.”

Another emotional exhibit was the Pulitzer Prize Photography.

“I lost all track of time while looking at those photos,” Lowman said. “I felt humbled, grateful and proud to be a journalist.”

The rest of the afternoon consisted of a quick tour of the National Gallery of Art, where they saw paintings by artists such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Manet, Cezanne, Cassatt and Cole.

That evening, they decided to have a few laughs and meet some of their heroes and crushes at Madamme Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

They got to spend time with all 44 U.S. Presidents and celebrities such as: Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Beyonce, Rihanna, George Clooney, Elton John, Morgan Freeman, Ella Fitzgerald, John Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and Tyra Banks. A few sports stars also were there, including Alex Ovechkin, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods.

“I really enjoyed the wax museum. We all had a great time and goofed off. My favorite part was seeing all my ‘boyfriends’ and kissing Johnny Depp on the cheek,” Jellett said.

The last day was another busy one. Starting off at the the National Gallery of Women in the Arts, the group got to see famous women artists such as Judith Leyster, Elisabetta Sirani, Lavinia Fontana, Angelica Kauffman, Elisabeth Louise VigeeLebrun and Freya Grand. There was a special exhibit featuring the Skagen Art Colony that flourished in Denmark at the turn of the 20th century.

For lunch, they walked to Chinatown, where they ate at a Chinese restaurant called Wok ‘n’ Roll. Another first was for Kayla, who had never had a Shirley Temple.

The last stop for the day was at the National Geographic Museum, where they saw exhibits on Pirates and Birds of Paradise.

“Another favorite part for me was the pirates exhibit. It was interactive, full of interesting information and I felt very close to the historical figures presented,” Ames said.

“Washington is a great city,” Lowman said. “I think it made us all proud to live in this country.”

The trip came to an end, and they had to return to reality in northern Maine, where snow was present. They may have missed the cherry blossoms, but still had beautiful weather. There was no shortage of photographs taken and memories will always remain, even of the littlest things.

On top of the Big Bus.

Doing serious sightseeing.

Steph and her crush.

The Newseum: honoring journalists and freedom.

9

10

Un iver si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr il 26 , 2 013

A One Night Stand Kelsey Wood STAFF WRITER

voice to mimic a little kid, he sang the boobie song. This is a catchy tune, which as he said, gets stuck in your head at the most random times.

“The boobies song. I thought it was funny that he sang the entire thing in the little kid voice,” Amanda Larrabee, an UMPI student, said. “I have to give him props, that’s hard to do.”

People lined up outside Wieden’s auditorium doors Thursday night, March 21.

The excitement filled the hall and exploded when the doors opened to let people in. The attraction was Marc LeMotte, not only a comedian but also a musician. Using all of his life experiences and Larrabee was not only knowledge, he was able to impressed by his vocals, but his make the crowd laugh as jokes as well. soon as he opened his “I really liked the way he mouth. With his high pitched used real life stories in his

comedy act. It was things that you could relate to. For example, where he talked about how girls squeal when they see their best friend after they haven’t for a while. I laughed so hard because I did that the other day!”

LeMotte’s ability to connect with the crowd with things such as the way girls squeal when they see each other, the way they talk or how they go to the bathroom was a way he drew everyone in.

“Girls, I am thoroughly impressed with your friend-

ships,” LeMotte stated in one of his jokes. “Not only would you go to the men’s room together and stay in the same stall, but you will hold hands to help each other hover over the toilets.”

Along with picking on women in his jokes from his experiences, he brought in his family as well.

“My wife is so supportive.

She told me to pursue this full time.”

Although he joked the whole night and made fun of his family and life, he joked fondly about them.

“I am fully aware that my son is smarter than me,” LeMotte joked. “He can speak French. Not well, but he can speak it.”

Following this comment, LeMotte proceeded to tell a story about a time when his son was saying fun button and meant belly button. As he spoke he included actions that had the audience rolling in the aisles. Through his jokes LeMotte gave good advice and hearty laughter.

In return, he gained the admiration of the crowd.

The Heart of Campus Elissa McNeil STAFF WRITER

It’s no exaggeration to say that Erin Benson is the heart of the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. Her office is centrally located in Preble Hall, UMPI’s administrative nerve center. And as the director of admissions, she and her staff play a primary role in bringing every student to campus.

Benson is something of a lifer at UMPI, coming here in 1993. She started out as director of media relations. In 2005, her job changed to director of admissions.

For students, getting accepted is in the hands of the admissions staff. The admissions office is here to offer students the full potential at UMPI. So when students do not get accepted here, it can be hard on everyone: members of the advising staff as well as the students.

“It can be difficult at times to deny acceptance, although it would be unethical of us to accept students whom we do not think would do well,” Benson said.

So being head of admissions can certainly be stressful. But Benson finds ways to cope. She has a number of hobbies. She likes going to the movies. She loves hanging out with her kids

els in her life. Her mother inspires her and lived a long life, dying almost two years ago.

The Dali Lama inspires her greatly, as well as her family and several faculty members.

Erin Benson. and taking them to hockey.

Benson is the president of the hockey association here in Presque Isle. Walking, snowshoeing and traveling are her favorite hobbies.

“If I had more time and money to fund my traveling, I would love to do more of it,” Benson said.

Benson has some role mod-

Benson reports directly to Jim Stepp. Stepp has known Benson for 17 years. They met when Stepp came to work here at UMPI. “She likes what she does and she is constantly trying to improve her work by attending conferences and reading about new trends,” Stepp said.

Benson came from Miami,

Florida, to Presque Isle with her husband. After they had their wedding, they moved up here.

Her husband is from this area, and she thought she would never be able to go from a suburban area to a secluded area.

Falling in love with Presque Isle surprised her.

Benson started her career in Maine at a local radio station, as a part-time announcer and then a full-time night announcer. Moving up the ladder, she then had her own morning show. That continued until a big-time radio station bought the station out.

Now working here at UMPI, Benson looks back at her own education. Benson first attended Miami Dade Community College, receiving an associate degree in theatre. Deciding that she wanted to pursue her education even further, she went to Florida State University. There she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Now she wants to go back to school and receive her masters in educational leadership someday.

Benson loves the fact that she gets to talk to the parents and students about their futures.

“Their dreams and futures are important. We love talking to them to help them figure out how the students can get to those goals.”

Shining some light on the older generation on campus, she is full of light herself.

“I love helping them with their education, because most of them think that they are too old. Then I encourage them that they can succeed just as much as the younger generations,” Benson said.

Lanette Virtanen was one of those older students who did not think that she could do well.

“The reason why I’m here is because of Erin. She saw confidence in me that I didn’t see in myself and believed in me. Her door was always open, and she introduced me to the newspaper here on campus,” Virtanen said.

Benson took the time to listen to Virtanen, build her confidence and find a way for her to be involved. She’s done that with countless other students.

That’s why she truly is the heart of campus.

Univer si t y T i me s ! CAMPUS ! A pr i l 26 , 2 013

Dig a Little Deeper Kayla Ames STAFF WRITER

What do you think of mining? Does it automatically make you see pick axes and men with beards in your mind’s eye?

Perhaps you imagine a gaping hole in the earth, a community with income or cutting-edge technology? Though the first impression may be old-fashioned, everything else is related to the complex, controversial industry that is mining. Some people violently protest it.

Others acknowledge its benefits. Either way, on Saturday, March 23, three presenters and Dr. Chunzeng Wang, professor of geology and GIS at UMPI, gave people at the university and in the general community a chance to learn more about it.

The presenters were Dr. Robert Marvinney, Dr. David Lentz and James Cormier.

The topic at hand was “Mineral Deposits, Mining, Mine Water Treatment and Environmental Concerns.”

The forum took place in the multipurpose room of the Campus Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. President Linda Schott introduced the speakers. She started off by acknowledging the event’s hosts and contributors.

According to her, they did this because they’re dedicated to science and the region.

“We here at the University of Maine at Presque Isle take very seriously our role as educators,” Schott said.

A lot of people are probably aware of the potential for a mining site on Bald Mountain.

Wang said that, through the forum, he hoped to create an informed dialogue about northern Maine’s metallic minerals and mining. He wanted to educate the public from the scientific perspective.

“UMPI is the closest college to Bald Mountain and is able to play a center role in public education on mining and related geological and environmental issues,” Wang said.

Marvinney was the first to

speak about that. The state geologist and director of Maine Geological Survey, Marvinney focused on Maine’s geology, its potential as a mining site and the basics of metallic mineral exploration and mining. When studying an area or landscape, he looks at how pieces fit into the tectonic plate model. For instance, there’s a volcanic belt that extends from Maine to New Brunswick, and volcanic belts

changed due to dense deposits, by looking at soil, rocks, stream sediment and water, through chemical analysis and through drilling. Much of this exploration is low-intensive.

“You wouldn’t even know the geologists had been there the day before unless you looked very hard,” Marvinney said.

Marvinney went on to talk about advanced exploration, the different kinds of mines and waste treatment and transport.

have a positive effect.

“One of the benefits of my position is that I have visited places where not everybody wants to go....You can see the impact. A lot of people are educated locally,” Lentz said.

They spend a lot of time preparing these places – bringing in experts, holding hundreds of meetings before and after construction begins, providing extensive training to employees. They also do some-

After him, Lentz took the floor. He’s from the University of New Brunswick and he wanted to dispel some mining myths. Nowadays, the industry uses some of the best technology in order to protect employees and the environment. They have better ventilation and trucks, meaning lower emissions, at the same time they’re increasing productivity.

Statistics show that all North Americans will use 3.6 million pounds of minerals, whether because they drive a car, use a cell phone or depend on lifesaving medical devices. Mining organizations are trying to reduce this impact by recycling more. He said that they truly earn their licenses and they

thing called mine reclamation, where they make mined land naturally or economically usable again. Unwilling to settle, they continue to work on smarter exploration, more efficient mining and safer conditions for their workers.

Cormier was there to talk about his company, Xstrada Zinc, from Canada. They’ve been doing base mineral mining for more than 48 years now and they’re one of the world’s largest harvesters of zinc, with 10,000 tons coming out daily.

“Our job is to – no pun intended – leave no stone unturned,” Cormier said.

Now they’re closing, with the last underground blast having taken place in early April.

Bald Mountain. mean good mining. Geologists then have to determine if the site has significant mineral deposits. Bald Mountain has 34 million tons of copper, zinc, gold and silver, so it’s worth looking into.

Geologists often find places that fit the criteria but, because veins and deposits are too small or too hard to access, they never mine them. There was quite a bit of small-scale mining in the 1800s. The 1950s and ‘60s saw government funded airborne geophysical surveys to identify areas with potential, while in the 1970s and ‘80s, exploration became mostly privately funded. Geologists find these sites through a variety of means: by testing to see if the gravity has

11 The closure of the mine will have a significant impact on the surrounding area, but they’re trying to make sure it doesn’t cripple businesses and families. They stayed open a few years longer than originally planned so that some of their employees could reach retirement age or find other employment. They consistently ask their workers for feedback and, every year, it gets more positive. They also launched a “zero harm” campaign, reducing the 400 injuries that used to take place every day 25 years ago to one, as of 2013.

In the meantime, Xstrada is producing more zinc and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cormier and his counterparts are also keeping careful watch over surrounding bodies of water, committing themselves to reclamation, monitoring and restoring healthy pH levels. Nor will they abandon them once they shut down.

They plan to keep these efforts up for, in their words, infinity and a day.

“Mining is generally regarded as being bad,” Cormier said.

Most people liken it to tobacco companies and munitions sales. Lentz, however, made a point of saying that they’re not the enemy.

In the wake of the forum, Wang received a lot of feedback from attendees. Some expressed disappointment, saying antimining groups should have had more chance to talk. A majority, though, appreciated the university’s timely efforts and said they learned a lot. And that’s the point, isn’t it: learning something new? Though not everyone will agree with what was said or mining overall, those who listened know more now.

The dialogue between people can be that much more meaningful. Given the amount of information that’s thrown at and available to us now, it’s important that we gather as much as we can and then decide for ourselves.

12 !

A pril 26, 20 13

Nicole Moore CONTRIBUTOR

“Hola.” “Gracias.” “Uno.” Spanish words such as these are familiar to many English speakers. It can be fun to pick up some words in a foreign language. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re learning these new words. We learn them by listening to movies. Or we may learn by making friends from another country.

It can be simple to learn parts of a foreign language this way. But what about actually studying a language? That’s a different story. It’s not always easy to learn how to speak a foreign language. There are many details to think about. Correct pronunciation. Sentence structure. Rules of grammar.

Many people are required to learn another language, however. Most high school students must study one for a couple of

C

o mmun it y

Speaking to the World years. Many college students are required to do so, also.

But what if you don’t have to? Is there any point in learning a foreign language for its own sake?

Lydia Moore would say yes.

Moore is a high school junior.

She is homeschooled. As a homeschooler, she is not required to take a foreign language. But she has chosen to anyway. Both Moore and her parents decided that it would be a good idea for her to learn one.

So Moore decided to start studying Spanish. She chose it because it is widely spoken.

“I thought it would be the (foreign language) that I would use the most,” Moore said.

Learning a language can be hard work. Moore uses a variety of tools to help her. She has a textbook for learning the basics.

This book teaches her vocabu-

lary and grammar. But Moore also uses other resources. She listens to Spanish music and

Lydia Moore. radio programs. She watches movies with Spanish subtitles.

She even reads popular books such as “The Hunger Games” in Spanish. She reads it online

and uses her English copy to follow along.

Moore stresses that it’s important to have fun while learning. It’s also important to follow your own style.

“Just do what works for you… incorporate what you like to do,” Moore said.

Moore has not really had a chance to use her knowledge of Spanish yet. She has not been to a Spanish-speaking country.

She has not met any Spanishspeaking people. But her knowledge is already opening her mind to the world. She is learning the beauty of language. She is experiencing the uniqueness of another way of speaking. Her favorite Spanish word is “sympatico,” which means “kind.”

“I like how it sounds,” Moore said.

Moore also realizes that

knowing another language leads to more opportunities. It opens the way to communication with other people.

“My ultimate goal is to be able to converse with someone in Spanish,” Moore said.

Moore may not be close to reaching her goal yet. But she still experiences the power that comes from learning another language.

“When I study Spanish a lot, I actually start thinking in Spanish. I start wanting to talk in Spanish,” Moore said.

It takes a lot of hard work to be able to speak another language. It takes time and perseverance. But the knowledge is something that will never go away. And it opens up doors to the world.

Or, as you’d say in Spanish, it opens up doors to “el mundo.

Want Satisfied Taste Buds?

Meagan Royer CONTRIBUTOR

Do you enjoy coffee?

Maybe you enjoy food? What about both together? Do you have any plans for this Friday night? Live music would certainly top off your coffee, food and Friday night. Step inside Star City Coffee on Main Street in Presque Isle and the aroma of coffee will fill your nose instantly. Friday night is Music Night at Star City Coffee. Instead of closing at 7 p.m., it’s open till 9 p.m. The stage in the large front window hosts the musical talent.

The style of the building is truly breathtaking, from the

ceiling design to the old Marston’s Hallmark Card sign and the old wooden floor. Park on Main Street, take the walk and find yourself sitting on the cozy couch or at the comfy tables of Star City Coffee.

Not only does the building style embrace you when you walk in, but Star City Coffee welcomes with a cheerful “Hello.” You have a choice of lattes, coffees and macchiato.

Christopher Keegan, the coowner of Star City Coffee, is exceptional at making any drink that you desire. You don’t drink coffee? No problem, because delicious food is

available as well. The food will certainly spoil you. Order a tasteful sandwich, soup or croissant. When ordering, you can build your own sandwich with what bread, cheese, meat, vegetables and sauce you want. Also, you can make it a combo of both the soup and sandwich. Make it a half sandwich or whole sandwich.

On each plate of food you order there are perfectly enjoyable and crunchy chips.

Each day there is a “Soup of the Day,” which can range among chili, corn chowder, chicken stew and sweet tomato bisque.

There are gluten-free prod-

ucts available from time to time.

The gluten-free products make customers, such as Charles Hillier, happy, since this is his lifestyle.

“The gluten-free products are sweet and enjoyable. It’s nice to have a coffee shop sell gluten-free items,” Hillier said.

You can buy bags of coffee. Also, a variety of organic teas are available. Staff members are friendly, helpful and ready to make your mouth thrilled. They’re happy and proud of what they’ve added to Presque Isle.

“Star City Coffee brings a small business to the communi-

ty and to downtown Presque Isle,” Keegan said.

And what a business it is.

Do you have questions for the Star City Coffee staff members? You can contact them at (207) 554-4222.

Their operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exceptions are Music Night Fridays. They’re closed on Sunday. The coffee shop is located at 483 Main Street in Presque Isle, Maine. Take a walk down Main Street and discover the coffee that everyone’s talking about!

Step inside and satisfy your taste buds.

Uni ver si ty T im e s ! COMMUNITY ! A pr i l 2 6, 2 0 1 3

Friday Night Couch Potato?

Meagan Royer CONTRIBUTOR

Need a Friday night plan?

No need to look any further. If you enjoy music and food, then this is the perfect night for you.

Downtown Main Street in Presque Isle has a ton of options for Friday night fun.

New businesses have begun to emerge that you may not have discovered yet. One place in particular that allows you to have an enjoyable Friday night is the Whole Potato Café and Commons. They are located directly on Main Street. On Friday nights Carol Ayoob, the owner, will have a person hosting the open mic nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Yet what is the mission behind this unique and humble eatery?

“It is a place for the community to be able to express and experience music, poetry, art, film and ecology. Also, young people are especially welcomed to investigate and experiment

with their art, whether it be music, poetry or even theater,” Ayoob said.

Can’t sing? You are still welcome to grace the stage by reading poetry. This isn’t just an open mic night. It turns into a wonderful coffeehouse environment, so bring your board games. While enjoying a relaxing Friday night at the Whole Potato, why not grab a bite to eat? And don’t think of it as a place that has JUST potatoes.

The menu has an array of foods that can be delicious for all. You can order appetizers, soups, salads, chili (beef and vegetarian), panini, roasted potato wedges (which can be made in a variety of ways), baked stuffed potatoes, baked stuffed sweet potatoes. Then you can order meals such as the potato gnocchi (it’s a pasta dish). And last, top things off with scrumptious desserts. The Whole Potato was created to work with the community to

bring a different and unique food experience.

Are you hungry now? The best part about this business is

Carol Ayoob. that the food comes from local sources: organic farmers. This means that the food is not just local, but fresh. Getting the potatoes locally allows the community to support the food economy in Aroostook County.

Serving local potatoes places value on the family farm. Also,

they are very cooperative if you have special dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian. It’s good to note, though, that the kitchen will close at 8 p.m. But you’re still able to enjoy your night at the Whole Potato until 9 p.m. with beverages and sweets.

But do you have to sacrifice flavor for social justice? Is this just a place for people who eat granola? Not at all.

“The food was tasty and the staff was friendly. The food was still hot when I received my plate. I definitely recommend eating at the Whole Potato to anyone,” Brad Burlock, an UMPI AT student, said.

The open mic night on Friday does have a $1 cover charge, but that is minimal compared to the delightful night you’ll have. A business that has music, coffee (and other beverages), taste-bud approving food and great service: why wouldn’t you want to

13

make that your Friday night destination? If you can’t make it in on Friday night, stop by any time between Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You don’t have to eat there: you can also order take-out.

Also, at certain times the Whole Potato will offer programs, performances, exhibits, lessons, events and workshops.

You can find the menu at www.thewholepotato.com, or give them a call at (207) 5544258. The Whole Potato Café and Commons is a safe and welcoming social and arts space seated in downtown Presque Isle, Maine. Look for The Whole Potato Café and Commons sign and have an amazing Friday night!

Or, as Ayoob puts it, “The Whole Potato is an infinite space--wondrous, magnificent, thriving.”

How to Get Even at Work

Mika Ouellette STAFF WRITER

If you’ve started looking for a job after graduation, a job application has most likely asked you your required salary.

You may have been puzzled by this question and had no idea what to put down. Career Services at the University of Maine at Presque Isle gave students the opportunity to learn how to answer this question at the Start Smart WAGE Workshop on Thursday,

March 27.

Annie Houle, the director of the WAGE Project, a nonprofit organization that deals with gender equality in the workplace, led the workshop.

WAGE stands for Women Are Getting Even, an appropriate name considering the program’s history. Houle started this program nearly eight years ago based on the book “Getting Even” by Evelyn Murphy. This book and this program discuss that women make 77 cents for every dollar a

man makes and how women can deal with this pay gap.

“We do this program because we hear women say to us that they know that they’re not being paid fairly but don’t know what to do about it,” Houle said.

Students who attended this workshop learned how to negotiate their salaries based on their education, experience and the economy in the area that they want to work in. Students were asked to make budgets and figure their salary needs

based on their budgets. They used an online salary calculator to figure out the salaries for the jobs that they wanted in the areas that they wanted to live in.

The students also took part in a role-playing game. This game allowed them to practice negotiating their salaries using the skills they learned in the workshop. The students found this activity to be both educational and enjoyable.

“By negotiating your salary, it says that you’re looking out

for yourself,” Nicole Gray, an UMPI student, said.

Overall, the event was a success and the students who attended left feeling educated and empowered. They now have the tools that they need to negotiate their salaries based on their own needs. Anyone who did not attend the workshop and would like more information about the WAGE Project or salary negotiation can visit the website at www.wageproject.org

UMPI Owls Relay for Life Vacation Package Raffle 1 ticket of $1 or 7 tickets for $5.

On sale in the Financial Aid Office (Preble Hall) You could win all of these (an est. $900): 4 Nascar tickets to the race in July in Loudon, NH; 4 Portland Seadogs tickets; 1 roundtrip ticket on Pen Air from PI to Boston; a weekend at Portage Lakeside Cabins; 2 gas cards; Olive Garden gift certificates; Burger King gift certificates; and Lisa Sophia gift certificates.

Drawing May 31. All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society

14 !

A pr il 26, 20 13

S

po rts

Skiing From Norway to Maine Chris Cosenze CONTRIBUTOR

About a thousand years ago, a Norwegian named Erik set off on a voyage of exploration.

Sailing west, he and his band discovered the new world of Greenland. Fast forward to 2012. Another Norwegian Eirik discovered a new world. But this Eirik’s journey was by skiing. True, he didn’t literally ski every mile between Norway and Maine. But, just as surely as the ship worked for his forebear, so skiing brought 21-yearold Eirik Fosnaes to Maine from a small town called Høvik, which is just outside of the capital, Oslo.

Fosnaes’ love for skiing started at a young age.

“I started skiing with my family when I could walk. I did not start organized skiing till I was about 8,” Fosnaes said.

But why leave the cradle of Nordic skiing for the U.S.?

“I really wanted to ski and study in the USA, In Norway there is no college skiing. It is really hard to do both sports and college work,” Fosnaes said.

Fosnaes began university in Norway, competing in club skiing. But there was no one to train with. So he did some research and discovered which colleges and universities offered collegiate ski teams.

He reached out to them and UMPI welcomed him with open arms.

His teammates were very glad that Fosnaes made the choice to travel to the state and ski for UMPI.

Andrew Nesbitt, a teammate of Fosnaes, said, “He motivates us to do well and pushes us to be our best.”

EIRIK FOSNAES. Dan Dermody, another teammate, said, “I like having him on the team. He’s a really good person and a phenomenal skier. We as a team get along very well. Watching him (Fosnaes) ski is like watching a majestic butterfly flutter through the air.”

Fosnaes is a team player and loves his team as much as they love him.

“I really enjoy traveling with them. I would not be as good as I am today without them.”

Fosnaes is very good. He was the only one on the team who qualified for the 2013 NCAA Skiing Championship, held in Middlebury, Vt. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) breaks down sports into three divisions. NCAA Division I is the highest and most prestigious. UMPI is in Division III.

Typically teams compete only with teams in their division.

But there are so few schools that offer collegiate skiing that skiers from all three divisions compete in the championships.

Fosnaes competed in two events. Out of a field of 40 skiers from other colleges— many from higher and more competitive divisions— Fosnaes finished 17th and 25th. With these finishes, Fosnaes scored the highest point total UMPI has ever had at the national event.

Coach Paul Stone, who coached Fosnaes to what would be considered a good ski season, said, “He is very coachable. He gets along with everyone. He has emerged as one of our stronger skiers this year. In an individual sport, it’s very easy to separate yourself from the other skiers. But he was a good team player.”

Because Norway is a distance from the U.S.A., Fosnaes’ only stretch at home is for a short time between semesters. So there are definitely things that he misses from his homeland.

“I miss my family, miss traditional Norwegian food — and the girls.”

To help cope with missing home, Fosnaes focuses on skiing, which is a year-long thing for him. He trains almost year round to be at his top level. He also studies for his classes as a business major here at UMPI. But Fosnaes has no regrets about coming to the States.

“The U.S. is awesome! I real-

ly like UMPI and I am getting good grades here.”

All through the season, the Norwegian skier could be seen on the course wearing his Oakley sunglasses and his bright blue UMPI uniform.

His passion for the sport beamed through every time he strapped on his skis and got ready to race. Fosnaes made skiing look effortless: almost as effortless as a butterfly flying through the air.

Anytime thereʼs a chill in the air, you could reach for this adorable lap quilt.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Winnerʼs name will be drawn May 7.

All proceeds go towards the University Times.

To purchase tickets contact Dr. Lowman at jacquelyn.lowman@umpi.edi Lanette Virtanen at lanette.virtanen@maine.edu Kayla Ames at kayla.ames@maine.edu Stephanie Jellett at stephanie.jellett@maine.edu

L

i fest yle A pril 2 6, 20 1 3

Curiosity--Water Did Exist On Mars.

Jim Stepp

CONTRIBUTOR

For hundreds of years astronomers have wondered if life could exist on Mars.

Today we are fairly sure that advanced life probably doesn’t exist on Mars. So the next question to answer is, did life exist on Mars in the past and if so, could it exist there now?

The Mars probe Curiosity recently found important evidence that suggests that it is very likely that life could have started on Mars in the past.

Curiosity has the ability to drill into rocks and then use a laser to vaporize and study the material that composes the rock. By doing this, Curiosity can study what makes up the rocks and release the secrets the rocks hold. During just such an experiment, Curiosity found water bearing minerals in rocks in an area where clay was also discovered.

What does this mean? For starters, clay only exists where there is currently water or where water once existed.

Evidence from Curiosity combined with other observations suggest that the crater where Curiosity is was once part of a large lake. Further evidence suggests that the crater was wet for a fairly long time: perhaps even long enough for life to have formed.

If life did form on Mars, could it still exist today?

Maybe. We know that life does exist in some unusual and hostile places on the Earth today.

Water on Mars may still exist in liquid form in caves or in the rock strata deep in the planet.

Today we find life miles deep under the Earth’s surface.

Scientists have also found life in deep caves all around the Earth.

If life did get started on Mars, it may still be there today.

For more information about Curiosity, please go to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_ pages/msl/index.html.

THE NIGHT SKY The International Space Station is visible in the morning

sky beginning April 30.

Go to www.heavensabove.com for exact times and locations. You will need to register at this site and load your location to be able to get exact times. The University of Maine

Venus 19:42 – 20:18.

Mars not visible.

Jupiter 19:54 – 22:48.

Saturn 20:12 – 04:42.

05/10/2013 Sunrise 05:04.

Sunset 20:52.

at Presque Isle is located at 68d00m7.8s west longitude and 46d40m45.6s north latitude.

To get a free sky chart go to: www.skymaps.com.

Mercury not visible.

Venus 19:54 – 20:48.

Mars not visible.

Jupiter 20:12 – 22:18.

Saturn 20:30 – 04:30.

Sun and Planet Visibility

04/20@05:20 Mercury 1.8 degrees from Uranus.

04/22 Earth Day. 04/22@04:00 April Lyrid Meteor Shower – 7 meteors/hour.

04/30/2013 Sunrise 05:18.

Sunset 19:42.

Mercury not visible.

!

15

04/22@10:00 April Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak.

04/23@04:00 April Lyrid Meteor Shower – 6 meteors/hour.

04/25@15:57 Full Moon.

04/25@20:12 Moon 4.1 degrees from Saturn.

04/27@15:59 Moon at perigee – Closest to the Earth - 362200 km or 225000 miles from Earth.

04/28@04:00 Saturn at opposition – closest to the Earth, directly behind the Earth – 1,319,000,000 km or 819,500,000 miles from Earth.

05/02@07:14 Last Quarter Moon.

05/03 Space Day. 05/07@21:20 Mercury 0.4 degrees from Mars.

05/09@21:28 New Moon.

05/10@20:30 Moon 2.1 degrees from Venus.

05/11@17:12 Mercury at superior conjunction – opposite side of the sun.

05/12@20:30 Moon 5.9 degrees from Jupiter.

05/13@09:40 Moon at apogee – farthest from the Earth – 405900 km or 252200 miles from Earth.

05/15@21:42 Mercury at perihelion – Closest to the sun – 45.9 million km or 28.5 million miles.

05/18@00:34 First Quarter Moon.

05/23@03:24 Moon 4.6 degrees from Saturn.

05/24@19:54 Mercury 1.4 degrees from Venus.

Anderson Giles REVELATIONS a survey of works from 1985 through 2013 April 22 - June 8, 2013 Opening Reception: Friday, May 3, 2013, 5-7 p.m.

Gallery Talk with the Artist at 5:30 p.m., Reed Gallery Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. “...big bold colorful canvases evocative of deep psychic space and hot with the residue of myth and mysticism...his paintings seem not learned but lived, like direct transcriptions of inuited experience. He brings to the modern conventions of abstract painting both a powerful emotional urgency and a sense of art as a personal quest for knowledge.” --Edgar Allan Beam, Art Critic.

Exhibition Dedicated in Memory of Charles Giles.

Featured Image: Altar for the Primordial Crossing (64” X 42”, acrylics on canvas, 2013) *Revelations is part of Presque Isle’s First Friday Art Walk on May 3 and June 7, 2013.