LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Student organizes support for enlisted boyfriend, other troops, 3A
Central Michigan University
| Monday, Nov. 21, 2011
Dodgeball tournament rasies money for local school athletics, 5A
[cm-life.com]
Student dies from brain aneurysm Thursday By David Oltean Senior Reporter
Central Michigan University graduate student April Kristin Lucas died suddenly from a ruptured brain aneurysm on Thursday at 23 years old. Lucas, a Wixom native, was studying for a master’s de-
gree in Hospitality Services Administration after receiving her undergraduate degree last year. She was involved with the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and was employed at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1904 S. Mission St., for six years. April’s father, Harry Lucas, said his daughter was unique
and kind to others. Harry, a Wixom native, said some of April’s favorite hobbies included snowboarding and water sports. “She was always great at making people smile,” Harry said. “She just loved to have fun and be around her friends and she lived life to the fullest.”
Peggy Lucas, April’s stepmother, said April was an excellent student and followed her passions. She said April was involved with animal rescue and brought multiple pets home for the family to care for. “April did what April wanted to do, when April wanted to do it and not a second
[INSIDE] w Central Michigan Life will resume printing on Nov. 28, check cm-life.com for breaking news w Michigan institutions awarded $46 million grant, 3A
sooner,” Peggy said. “There was just so much about her that was special.” Northville senior Bonnie Lentine was April’s roommate and one of her best friends. Lentine remembers April for her great energy that could make those around her smile. A APRIL | 2A
Faculty Association has counter offer By Theresa Clift University Editor
After rejecting the university’s “final offer” for a contract on Nov. 11, the Faculty Association has a counter offer, which it will present Tuesday. “The FA bargaining team reached out to the administration with a request to bargain,” FA President Laura Frey said in an email. An injunction signed by Isabella County Judge Paul H. Chamberlain will expire 20 business days after the fact-finder’s report was released. At that time, the FA can issue a job action, including a strike, as it did on Aug. 22. The 20-day period is scheduled to expire Nov. 30, Frey said. Fact-finder Barry Goldman released his nonbinding set of recommendations Oct. 31 to remedy the four-month contract
PHOTOS BY ADAM NIEMI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
impasse. Goldman favored the university on salary and benefits and the FA in retirement and promotion issues. In the university’s final offer, CMU adopted all of Goldman’s recommendations and allowed FA members to keep MESSA as a primary insurance provider, under certain conditions. “I would reiterate that the university made its last, best and final offer to the FA with terms more generous than those contained in the fact-finder’s recommendations,” said Director of Public Relations Steve Smith in an email. Frey said a membership meeting to take a vote on the contract proposal or on another job action is not scheduled at this time. unive rs ity@cm-life.com
Sophomore defensive specialist Jenna Coates prepares to bump the ball after an NIU serve during the MAC Championship game Sunday afternoon in Geneva, Ohio. CMU won the championship game 3-2.
mac champs
Bill approved requiring Pledge of Allegiance for students
Volleyball beats odds on way to NCAA tournament
It was 29 years ago when Senior Associate Athletics Director Marcy Weston led the women’s volleyball team to a 38-6 record and a Mid-American Conference championship game appearance. The volleyball team hasn’t appeared in the game again since 1982, until Sunday, when No. 6 CMU completed a Cinderella story by knocking off No. 1 Northern Illinois in five sets. Freshman Kaitlyn McIntyre spiked the ball for the winning point, sending the Chippewas to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. The team capped off the improbable run after beating the top three teams in the tournament in three days, not losing a set in its first two matches. INSIDE w More coverage and photos, 1B
By John Irwin Staff Reporter
Michigan is one of seven states in the country that does not require K-12 students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, but that may soon change. A bill, sponsored by Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, requires all students in K-12 education to recite the pledge before every school day. However, students can opt out with parental permission. The legislation was approved by the state Senate 31-5 on Nov. 10. An amendment to the bill says students cannot be bullied or pressured into reciting the pledge
Sophomore setter Kelly Maxwell hugs her mother Colleen after winning the MAC Championship game against NIU.
should they choose not to. It also mandates that school districts buy American flags to display in each of its buildings. “I think it’s a good thing,” said Grand Rapids freshman Colin Ludema. “We’re all Americans, and it’s a patriotic thing to do. I knew kids in high school that didn’t even know the Pledge of Allegiance, so I think it’s a good thing.” Ludema recited the pledge before class every day in elementary school. Political Science Professor James Hill disagreed and questioned the importance of the bill.
A BILL | 2A
ISABELLA COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN
Thanksgiving dinner provides extra meal By Kendra Happy Staff Reporter
Anyone in need of a warm meal could walk through the doors of the soup kitchen Sunday and be handed a plate piled full of food. Sunday marked the second Thanksgiving dinner held at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, 621 S. Adams St. “This is a great time to remind people you care and it’s like an extra gift for them,” said Danielle Ismirle, assistant
service director for Aramark at Central Michigan University. Ismirle said the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen did not require a proof of income or Isabella County residency. The meal was also provided at no cost. Volunteers served about 175 patrons a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Raffle tickets were also handed out for turkeys. “The food is good and all the turkey they’re giving away
is great,” said Shepherd resident Ken Norton. People from the Mt. Pleasant Community Church, 1400 W. Broomfield St., donated and prepared all of the food with the help from 43 volunteers that contributed to the event. “I have never volunteered here before, but seeing them hand out all this food is incredible,” Temperance graduate student Amanda Laney said. Many people attended not only for the sharing of food, but for the company of others.
“I’d be spending Thanksgiving alone if it weren’t for my friend who brought me here,” said Mount Pleasant resident Linda Hudak. Ismirle said soup kitchen patrons are provided with two meals, breakfast and dinner, on an average day. “I really like seeing people’s smiles when I do (volunteer), especially the little kids,” said Tawas City junior Lauren Dzierbicki. metro@cm-life.com
CHARLOTTE BODAK/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mount Pleasant residents Ariel Hinmom, 7, and Andrea Hinmom, 3, watch as a volunteer gives their grandmother a plate of food for the Thanksgiving dinner offered Sunday night at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, 621 S. Adams St.
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