2009-04-03

Page 1

THE BG NEWS Friday

April 3, 2009

“Our quality of our work should speak for itself, and their message was clear:

Volume 103, Issue 130

FORUM

CAMPUS

WWW.BGVIEWS.COM

They did not want us to continue and they did everything they could to stop it it.”

Creating an online version

University professor reduces the cost of textbooks for his class by creating an online version of the required textbook | Page 3

BILL ARMALINE | FORMER CITE DIRECTOR

SHUT DOWN Community engagement directors speak out after having programs unexpectedly

Propaganda push was very confusing

Guest columnist Sean Lutzmann believes the “Pro Stroh, Vote No” campaign was a waste of time and money | Page 4

By Kelly Metz Campus Editor

PULSE

Steven Colbert reveals he has a tail April Fools! For more April Fools fun, check out this week’s Pulse section where more great pranks are revealed | Page 12

The top five infomercials

SIBS ‘N’ KIDS

The Pulse’s favorite five infomercial products are reviewed, including the Shamwow and the Magic Bullet | Page 12

Spending time with your Sib

Check out our Sibs ‘N’ Kids special section for an in-depth look at this weekends events, plus columns from current sibs | Page 9

Take me out to the ballgame

PEOPLE ON THE STREET

SPORTS

The Falcon softball team hopes to stay undefeated in the MAC as they face off against Michigan and Illinios this weekend | Page 6

What do you want to be when you grow up?

CHARISSE BAILY Sophomore, HDFS

“A millionaire.” | Page 4

ESTABLISHED 1920 A daily independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community

On Aug. 1, 2008, Kathy Farber and Bill Armaline were informed their programs, Partnerships for Community Action and Center for Innovative and Transformative Education, would close at the culmination of the school year. After spending countless hours writing letters, raising questions and proposing alternatives to the shut downs with no help from central administration, Farber and Armaline said they are tired of fighting. The partnerships formed in 1996 under the direction of then President Sidney Ribeau aimed to redefine the University’s relationship with the community with reciprocal partnerships. They did this by providing grants and support for several University projects and encouraged these projects and community agencies to work together. “We were designed to link the University with the broader community and we did this by focusing on literary services, offering tutoring programs and forming other connections with BGSU and Toledo Public Schools,” Armaline said. “PCA had similar goals with the inclusion of service-learning and engagement programs.” According to a letter from PCA Director Farber to PCA Advisory Board members and grantees, central administration informed the programs they needed to

become “self-sufficient” in two years time — this was in 2008. Since they were informed of this, they have lost the administrative assistant the programs both shared and upon turning in the plans to become self-sufficient, were still told the programs had to be closed. The letter states, “On August 1, 2008, central administration, despite a decade of glowing reviews and praise for developing new programs and ‘a broad range of meaningful impact on BGSU and members of the surrounding community,’ indicated that this was PCA’s final year . . . our grant making partner, CITE, was also told to close at the end of the academic year. CITE Director Bill Armaline retired in December 2008.” Armaline and Farber both said they understand the crisis occurring in the economy currently and understand the budget crisis, they just wish they were given more of a chance. “We had everything done,” Farber said. “We had enough to become self-sufficient and we had enough to stay afloat. I have always worked under a budget crisis so I didn’t argue and I showed them the facts. The University already made up their mind the programs would be cut.” Armaline said the University told them they were spending more funds than were being gen-

FACING THE FACTS:

The players surrounding the controversy

KATHY FARBER

Said the programs could have become self-sustaining by 2010

BILL ARMALINE

Believes the closings reflect the University’s values on engagements

MARK GROMKO

Was quoted in The (Toledo) Blade stating reasons behind the close

SIDNEY RIBEAU

Formed the programs in 1996 to link BGSU and community

SHIRLEY BAUGHER

Said the programs were spending more than they were making

See PROGRAMS | Page 2

After surviving eye cancer, sophomore Hannah Furney speaks out for the visually impaired By Theresa Scott Reporter

Aug. 25, 1988, will be a day Jeanne Furney will always remember as the day her daughter Hannah lost her sight. When Hannah Furney was 4 months old her mother put her down for a nap. When she picked her up her eyes were rocking back and forth in her head like “pinballs.” Soon after, Hannah was diagnosed with bilateral retinal blastoma or cancer of the eyes. “I was so shocked and scared for a moment, then I had to decide to do what would be best for Hannah,” Jeanne said. Within the week Hannah was taken to New York, where the premiere eye research was being conducted. The doctor performed an experimental procedure that allowed Hannah to retain some of her sight. “Most doctors would have immediately made the decision to take out my eyes,” Hannah said. “But we did radiation, and I am one of the few survivors of bilateral retinal blastoma who retained at least some sight.” Now a sophomore education major, Hannah has made a large part of her life helping the visually impaired and speaking up for their causes. “I want to give visually impaired people the advantages and the tools that I was never given,” Hannah said. “Only 10 percent of blind kids learn Braille, and I want to make sure that changes.” As an active member of the National Federation for the Blind, Hannah was one of five Ohio students invited to speak to Congress about issues for the visually impaired this past February. “[Addressing Congress] was really a great experience,”

See SIGHT | Page 15

Local bicycling enthusiasts evaluate environment, bike care

Maumee resident starts Web site to encourage bicycling

As spring approaches, basic bicycle care is essential to longevity

By John Bisesi Reporter

By Courtney Flynn Reporter

Biking can save the planet. Thousands of cars on the road waste not only gasoline, but also human energy. That human energy can be used spin the pedals on a bicycle instead of pushing the pedals in a car. This is the belief of Bob Beach, 65, of Maumee, who has been searching for a solution to the country’s pressing economic problems. Beach created the Web site BikeToledo.net to promote the childhood activity as a means to ride out the current economic situation. On the site, which launched Feb. 23, he suggests that hop-

With bicycle use increasing as spring crawls in, basic bike care is necessary to keep it up and going. “A bike can be ridden for years with proper maintenance,” said Aaron Stevenson, a sales associate at Cycle Werks on South Main Street. Keys to proper bike maintenance: - Check the tire pressure and keep it up. Serious bike riders should check their tire pressure once a day. Those who use their bike for basic use should check the tire pressure at least once a

See WEB SITE | Page 2

Helping those like her

Grumpy Dave’s Pub to host benefit concert By Heather Linder Reporter

Giving to charity has never sounded so good as local musicians gather at Grumpy Dave’s Pub this Saturday at 9 p.m. for a benefit concert. The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is sponsoring the event, and 80 percent of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network, while the remaining 20 percent will enable the Society to con-

tinue at the University. Hemline Theory, the featured band at the event, is comprised of members from Northwest Ohio, including Adam Renchen, a writing instructor at the University and the faculty advisor for the NSLS. Renchen also played a prominent role in planning the event. Renchen performs alongside members Brandon Boltz, Liz Boltz, Casey Malone and Sarah

See CONCERT | Page 2

See CARE| Page 15

RACHEL RADWANSKI | THE BG NEWS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEMLINE THEORY

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