10-15-2009

GORA A

Cavanagh gives MCCC a good laugh

THE

pg. 3

Heck of a Corn Maze

Monroe County Community College

October 15, 2009

Vol. 53, Issue 3

pg. 6

H1N1 vaccinations on campus Hillary Degner Staff

Vaccinations for the H1N1 flu virus will take place at MCCC in November, and college students are one of the target groups.

MCCC has been working closely with the Monroe County Health Department to provide vaccinations for the H1N1 virus.

Public vaccinations are likely to be held on a Saturday in November, while the vaccine for staff and students will be

available on a school day Rebecca Head director of the Monroe County Health Department, said.

Head emphasizes that certain groups of people need the vaccine more than others. These groups are referred to as the target groups by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Head said the CDC has given local health agencies the criteria and rules for the target groups.

The target groups, according to the CDC, are, pregnant women, people who

live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages 25-64 years of age who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

To determine who fits into the target groups, everyone will be screened and asked a series of questions before they are given the vaccine.

Senior citizens are less likely to become sick with H1N1 and only need the vac-

cine if they have pre-existing conditions.

Seniors are more susceptible to being infected with the seasonal flu virus and are encouraged to receive that vaccine.

Head wants to stress that the seniors are not being left out, but the target groups are the priority.

“Respect the people that need it most,” Head said.

Almost half of the population in Monroe County will be eligible to receive the vaccine, but the Health Department is not sure how many people will want it.

Head said the vaccine does not come in all at once, it comes in waves.

“We are hopeful we will be able to cover everyone,” Head said.

Head could not give a definite answer on whether the vaccine will be available in time to prevent the first wave of H1N1 cases. However, she said the Health Department is doing its best to set up vaccination dates.

Continued on page 5

MCCC joins students in social-networking Brandy Werner Staff

You can now become an official “fan” of your school.

MCCC joined the millions of users utilizing the social-networking site Facebook, setting up its very own Facebook page.

The page boasts everything from current news releases to upcoming events.

It contains pictures of the college’s Blues Brothers float from the 2009 Monroe County Fair Parade. It even aids in the search for new volleyball club members and helps seek out students to assist with MCCC’s accreditation process.

Joe Verkennes, MCCC’s director of marketing, is in charge of running the page.

“We chose Facebook because it’s the emerging social-networking site,” Verkennes said.

MCCC did a student survey about which types of media students use, and Facebook won, he said.

“Facebook is another resource in the toolbox of communication in the community,” he said. “I use it to publicize events on campus and to communicate with students.”

Recently, Verkennes sent out a note about a story on MCCC’s record enrollment in the Toledo Blade. He was also able to advertise the upcoming Tim Cavanagh comedian show with a video clip—a feat impossible in print media.

MCCC fans are then able to “like” the post or comment on it.

“It’s an open site; we allow people to post photos and write comments,” Verkennes said.

Because it is such an open site, a lot of organizations are struggling with how to go about utilizing it.

“So far we have had no instances of inappropriate posts,” he said.

He added, “But if someone did, I could remove it instantaneously.”

Brinna Dunn I have a Facebook because I want to connect with my friends, I’m relatively new at it and didn’t know MCCC had one. about a minute ago · Comment · Like

Corynn Evans I work and tutor at MCCC so I need to keep a professional look, so some stuff on my Facebook isn’t something I want my boss to see. And I think my mom should get off Facebook too. F.Y.I. 4 minutes ago · Comment · Like

Alyse Reaume I just have it because it was on my suggested friends list. I don’t ever check the page. If there is something going on in the college that I want to do, I’ll find a different way to find out about it.

5 minutes ago · Comment · Like

Nicole Williams I didn’t know the college had a Facebook, but yeah I would add them.

Why? Because I go here and I’m proud to go here.

11 minutes ago · Comment · Like

Highlights Campus Groups that are “Online” The Writing Fellows The Newman Club MCCC Student Nurses Association The LAN Club Other Area Colleges Online: Number of Fans as of Oct. 2nd Henry Ford Community College 33 Owens Community College 460 Siena Heights University 703 Adrian College 899 Eastern Michigan University 1,613 Wayne State University 2,417 Michigan State University 33,881 University of Michigan 59,561

Continued on page 2

State fails to reach deadline Lawmakers strive Asia Rapai Staff

Community colleges appear to have escaped the state of Michigan’s budget ax.

The state missed its Oct. 1 due date to determine a final budget for 2010, and is working under a new deadline of Oct 31.

It seems to be certain, though, that community college funding will not be cut.

“The last proposal I saw had no change from our last appropriation. We haven’t had any cuts,” MCCC Controller Daniel Schwab said.

MCCC President Dr. David Nixon said this fits the trend of the last few years.

“The appropriation will be the same as

INSIDE: Editorial/ Jump.......2 Feature....................3 Campus News.........4

“The stimulus dollars are being used to balance the state’s checkbook, not higher education.”

Dr. David Nixon

MCCC

President last year,” Nixon said. “It has been declining the past three years.”

There is one part of the budget that will

Campus News.........5 Feature....................6 A & E..........................7 Sports......................8

Enriching the students across Southeast Michigan

directly affect community college students — the Michigan Promise Scholarship.

“The biggest change for students will be the decision made on the Michigan Promise Scholarship,” Schwab said.

A final decision regarding the scholarship has not been made, but its reinstatement does not look promising.

“I feel bad for the MCCC students who will not get their Promise Scholarships they earned by getting good grades in high school,” Nixon said.

He attended a meeting of community college presidents and trustees on Oct. 3.

Continued on page 2

to keep ‘promise’ Jennifer Niswender Editor-in-Chief

Even though a bill was passed to eliminate funding for the Michigan Promise Scholarship, efforts continue to save at least a portion of the funding for the state’s main college scholarship program.

“I was going to use the money for books and a laptop, and next year’s tuition since I have a scholarship this year,” MCCC student Marissa Beste said about the scholarship.

The scholarship awards $4,000 to high school graduates who score above average on the annual Michigan Merit Exam

during their junior year of high school.

How well students score determines whether they can receive the money up front, or whether they have to wait until they successfully complete two years of postsecondary education.

“It’s so unfair to all those people who can’t afford to go to school without the scholarship,” said MCCC student Kory Hogan.

“What are they supposed to do now?

Also, they should have given us more of a warning instead of cutting it right before school started.”

Continued on page 2

Fitness Center Hours:

Library Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 9:30 Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Writing Center Hours:

Bookstore Hours:

Monday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Tues - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mon & Tues: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wed - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Visitour ourwebsite websiteat:at:www.monroeccc.edu www.monroeccc.edu Visit

2 THE AGORA

Editorial/Jump

October 15 , 2009

MCCC joins students in social-networking

Continued from page 1

In addition to posts from Verkennes, other organizations have used MCCC’s Facebook page to advertise by writing their event or other information on MCCC’s “wall,” the area where comments are displayed on Facebook.

The site requires some upkeep

by Verkennes. He routinely checks for inappropriate postings, posts new press releases, and keeps the site’s calendar up-to-date.

As of Oct. 13, MCCC’s Facebook page had over 462 members.

“We get about 10 or 12 new fans a day,” Verkennes said.

Verkennes has access to a graph that shows the dates when MCCC gained the most fans. For the most part, he can correlate the peaks in popularity to something he did, for example, adding the Facebook bug on the college’s website.

MCCC’s fans include faculty and students alike.

“In the very beginning, when I launched the page, I emailed faculty and invited them to become a fan—a lot of them are,” he said.

MCCC students have mixed opinions about the page.

“I believe that having a Facebook group dedicated to MCCC is a pointless cause. I know that when I am on Facebook, I am try-

Agora photo by Brandy Werner

Joe Verkennes, Director of Marketing, runs the MCCC Facebook page. He routinely checks the page and uses it to advertise college events. As of Oct. 13, the MCCC Facebook page had 462 members.

ing to avoid thinking about school and homework,” Tara Adrian, MCCC student, said.

Other students think the page is a good idea.

“I would add the college on

Facebook,” said Nicole Williams, a first-year student at MCCC. “Why? Because I go to school here and I’m proud to go here.”

Individual student groups at MCCC are also taking advantage

of what the Facebook site has to offer. The MCCC Writing Fellows, for example, have their own Facebook group.

“Having a group student page on Facebook is good because

then I can meet fellow students, which is hard in college,” said Corynn Evans, an MCCC student and Writing Fellow.

Because a community college campus is a different atmosphere than a university, Facebook has allowed students to keep in touch.

“Facebook is nice because we don’t have a strong social network on campus, and it helps students find each other,” said Tracy Rayl, assistant professor of biology at MCCC. With the growing popularity of the site expanding beyond young adults, questions have arisen regarding proper Facebook etiquette. For example, can students and faculty become friends on Facebook? Should they?

“There are no policies that I know of that say faculty can’t have a Facebook,” Joe Verkennes said. “I think the best way to handle it is for teachers to have a work one and a personal one and to review the Acceptable Use Policy that comes up every time we turn on our computers.”

“If I had a college-related Facebook, I would definitely use it to keep up with students,” Dr. Joanna Sabo, professor of political science at MCCC, said.

“I have added former students—all of them were Writing Fellows,” Tim Dillon, associate professor of English and WAC

coordinator, said.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for faculty and current students to use Facebook for communication—that could blur the line between faculty and student roles.”

Some faculty don’t have a Facebook at all.

“I don’t have a need for Facebook, really,” Vinnie Maltese, dean of science, math, humanties and social sciences, said. “I’ve gotten emails from students inviting me to Facebook, but I’ve never used them.”

“It’s a time factor. It takes time to keep up with three different email addresses already,” said Khadija Ahmed, assistant professor of mathematics.

MCCC students have their own thoughts about teachers and students being friends on such a site.

“I don’t want my calculus teacher to see my friends and I having a good time,” said Corynn Evans.

“I think it would be weird because it sort of takes away from the teacher’s authority,” said Ashley Morris. “After the student graduates, it would be more appropriate.”

What cannot be ignored is Facebook’s power in social-networking. People, and now even colleges, are finding new ways to utilize what the site has to offer.

State fails to reach deadline Lawmakers strive to Continued from page 1

Nixon said State Fiscal Agent Gary Olson informed the presidents that Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s strategy for saving the scholarship would no longer work. She had hoped to veto that part of the budget bill.

“Gary Olson says there is no legal way she can do that,” Nixon said.

Schwab said that student financial aid will be looked at, and after the state aid cut is determined, the college will find solutions.

Other cuts made to the state’s budget include less funding for public libraries, which could affect MCCC students.

Gov. Granholm disbanded the Michigan libraries department at the state level. Two or three of the databases at the college library may now be unavailable to students because of cost.

“The majority of MCCC’s databases were purchased with college funds, so adequate re-

source material should continue to be available,” MCCC Director of Learning Resources Barbara Mcnamee said.

As for MCCC’s budget, things seem to be going as planned.

Timothy Bennett explained MCCC’s budget at the Board of Trustees meeting held on Sept.

28.

He said that trends show general fund revenues will be 0.5 percent higher than expected and expenditures will be 0.5 percent lower than estimated.

“This is on track with the budget,” he said.

Bennett also said the conversion to contact hours has increased tuition revenue by $340,000.

Although MCCC’s budget seems to be stable this year, President Nixon is concerned about the support for higher education in Michigan.

“Michigan has one of the lower education attainment rates in the

nation and the state government has done nothing to demonstrate that it values higher education,” Nixon said.

One of his concerns is that community colleges are not receiving stimulus money from the state.

“The stimulus dollars are being used to balance the state’s checkbook, not higher education,” Nixon said.

He said that money is being used for the worker-training program, No Worker Left Behind.

There were about 100 students from the program at MCCC this past academic year, but there were 560 students at Jackson Community College and 2500 at Macomb County Community College, Nixon said.

“Compared to the rest of the state, very few MCCC students are getting those training dollars.”

He added that his office is investigating the reason for this difference in numbers.

keep ‘Promise’ Continued from page 1

“They didn’t give enough warning. I didn’t have time to apply for financial aid or other scholarships,” Hogan said.

The House, which is controlled

by Democrats, and Gov. Jennifer Granholm, are trying to restore some of the money.

Because Granholm supports the Promise, she intends to exercise her line item veto authority.

Granholm said Monday she will veto line items in budget bills to fund high priorities such as the Michigan Promise Scholarship, Medicaid, local police and firefighters.

Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon wouldn’t say how the House would cover the additional $434.7 million in spending,

but that Democrats want to fund the scholarship.

About 96,000 students statewide, and as many as 200 MCCC students, are due a portion of the $4,000 scholarship this academic year.

A supplemental bill, proposed

by House Democrats, would restore the scholarship, which was eliminated this summer. It would also cut revenue sharing payments to local governments by 3.5 percent, rather than the 11 percent cut they’re set to see.

Some cities, townships, and counties use revenue-sharing payments to help cover the cost of police, firefighters, and other services.

But the $140 million dollar scholarship program might still be eliminated altogether as law-

makers try to erase a $2.8 billion shortfall in the fiscal year that started Oct. 1.

State Rep. Kathy Angerer, DDundee, said education is one of the areas where she will not support cuts. Rep. Angerer also mentioned she has received many concerned letters from students who disapprove of lawmakers cutting the Promise Scholarship.

“I’m hearing them. They’re telling me ‘a promise is a promise,” Angerer said to The Monroe Evening News.

State Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, also mentioned efforts will be made to restore the scholarship.

The House may identify a way to fund the program but did not specify if it would be through a targeted tax increase.

‘Ask Suzi’ questions, answered!

Dear Suzi: Please help! I have recently been insulted by two different instructors and I don’t know how to handle it. On one occasion, an instructor asked me in front of the whole class, “are you stupid?” I was speechless. I could not believe that someone who is supposed to be a professional would say something like that. On another occasion, an instructor made a horribly insensitive comment about me being ‘home-schooled’. Suzi, please give me any advice you can on the best way to handle this situation. This is so frustrating since I am a new student!

Thank you for any advice you can share!

Emotionally Hurt

Dear Emotionally Hurt: Don’t let this move you! I was told one time to pray for people who hurt me. At the time it sounded crazy and I wouldn’t do it. This kept happening to me, and I found that hanging on to anger, hurt and resentment was taking a toll on my life and taking too much of my time at school. So I decided to pray for this person no matter how they hurt me. After about the third prayer for this person, I saw how miserable she was inside and I let go of my resentment. She can no longer take up any space in my head. This professor sounds like he is hurting, and hurting people hurt people. Now, forgive and forget his opinion of you. I for one think home-schooled people are very special, compassionate and smart. So forgive this professor because he is only human. Time is too precious; stop letting this professor rent space in your head.

Suzi

Agora staff member Susan Banoski.

Dear Suzi: You are an inspiration to me. I have been using drugs and alcohol for years. A lot of people that have my disease are dead. So my question to you is does the feeling of wanting to use ever go away? I love you.

Kendal Dear Kendal: First, thank you for your heartwarming question! Yes Kendal, it does go away and its replaced with joy unspeakable. So the faster you start working on your spiritual side and stop feeding the flesh, you will see miracles that you never thought were possible. I can promise you this.

And guess what, Kendal?

It looks like you’re well on your way. Persevere through every storm life throws at you and never, ever give up.

With each storm you make it through you will get stronger.

Remember, nothing good comes easy. It all starts with you, the choices you make.

Suzi

Dear Suzi: Here is my question for you: I seem to be having some communication issues with my 1-year old cousin, Grace.

She is always able to get my attention, yet I can’t seem to get hers. I’m not sure why it is this way, but what I do know is that she is not intimidated by me. I find this to be somewhat unusual. What are your thoughts on this, and what can be done on my part?

Frank Dear Frank, I can tell you don’t know much about women, because as I see it, you already got her attention. That’s why she ignores you, because she’s very aware that it bothers you. Frank, if you’re trying to figure out women either 1 year old or 20, good luck.

As a widow after 30 years of marriage, I can honestly say my husband could never figure me out. So Frank , as her older cousin all you should be doing is being thankful you have a sweetheart like little Grace, and cherish her company. Some people don’t have any family. Imagine that!!!!

Suzi

Send your questions to ‘Ask Suzi’ You can direct your questions anonymously, or by using any first name you wish. Please feel free to ask any question you have, and I will do my best to help find answers to life’s most difficult questions.

E-mail your questions to “Ask Suzi” at sbanoski@ my.monroeccc.edu.

Nicholas Wilson is a sophmore at MCCC majoring in Graphic Design/ Fine Arts.

Correction: A graphic in the Sept. 24 issue of The Agora incorrectly stated that “A City to Yourself” was a 5-minute experimental film by Michal Langan. The film was produced by Nicole Macdonald and was a 24 1/2 -minute documentary.

The Agora Staff Members Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Niswender Assistant Editor Andrew Hoppert Photographer Symone Thomas Designer Mary Rose Takacs Adviser Dan Shaw

Copy Editors Brandy Werner Asia Rapai Staff Alan McKee Susan Banoski Marcus Akers Danny Shaw Hillary Degner Daniel Ford Nathan Hays Ashley Hammer

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff.

Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper.

Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome.

E-mail them to agora@ monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Feature THE AGORA 3 Cuisine 1300 to open at MCCC October 15, 2009

First and second-year culinary students to run campus restaurant

Mary Rose Takacs

Bistro closes at Whitman Center due to lack of demand

Staff

Cuisine 1300 opens its doors Oct.16 at MCCC for eight weeks during the autumn season.

The restaurant is put on by the Culinary students and staff at MCCC. There are 31 students total, 16 first-year students and 15 second-year students.

The first-year students will be preparing the food and making the pastries for the restaurant.

The second-year students will be rotating stations each day. This means they will be assigned to cook the food, serve the food, bus the tables, and wash the dishes.

“We are stressing a quicker service, lighter fair, and budget friendly pricing,” Vicki LaValle, MCCC’s culinary technician, said.

The style of food this semester is American Bistro.

“The concept is to do upscale food in a more relaxed atmosphere,” LaValle said.

The students will wear bistro style work attire instead of the traditional black-tie attire.

The entrees will be prepared gourmet style.

Mary Rose Takacs Staff

The Frog Leg Inn Bistro at the Whitman Center has closed.

It was intended as a possible opportunity for the Bistro to serve a grab & go to the students and staff at Whitman Center.

“It was a trial program and unfortunately the demand wasn’t there,” Tad Cousino, owner of the Frog Leg Inn Bistro, said.

Tad enjoyed serving the students at Whitman Center, during his four weeks.

“It’s a nice peaceful environment. I’ll miss the people I have served and I will definitely miss the view,” Cousino said. ,“Table-side pasta alfredo, with your choice of sired scallops, grilled marinated portobello mushrooms, jumbo shrimp or grilled marinated chicken,” LaValle said.

Table-side is having the food cooked right in front of you on a gueridon, or rolling cart.

A meatless dish option is the Harvest Trio. It has three different gourmet samples: a pumpkin gnocchi, a Piroshki (Russian or Polish turnover) and a

Sandy Kosmyna, Director of the Whitman Center, appreciated having the Bistro.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to have the Frog Leg Inn Grab & Go at the Whitman Center,” Kosmyna said.

Frog Leg Inn Bistro at main campus is continuing strong, according to Catherine Cousino, owner of the Bistro. Every Monday a Panini special will begin for the week. It is $5.25 for a combo meal.

Starting today at the Frog Leg Inn Bistro, the first-year culinary students will be cooking an entree made from scratch, each day. It will cost the normal price of an entree at the Bistro.

mini portobello mushroom burger.

A Bailey’s Irish-cream cheese cake will be one of the desert options.

Grilled Panini’s, salads and soups will also be on the menu, along with other foods and specialty drinks to choose from.

“We are excited; we are anticipating getting in there and everyone showing their stuff,” LaValle said of the students.

The restaurant is located in the A-building at main campus, across from the Frog Leg Inn Bistro.

The restaurant will be open Monday through Friday with seating times of 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

Reservations are recommended.

They can be made through Debbie Baker at the Cashier’s office in the A-building.

Cavanagh storms MCCC Radio regular sings, jokes with audience at Meyer Theater

Andrew Hoppert Assistant Editor

He wants to fry up an eagle, just to see what it’s like.

Tim Cavanagh, a regular on the popular radio program The Bob and Tom Show, served up many of his famous “One Minute Songs” and other hilarities as he invaded the Meyer Theater on Oct. 3.

Entering the limelight, Cavanagh immediately lit the stage with a warm, friendly air, while keeping simple humor flying, entertaining the crowd, which filled about three-quarters of the theatre.

Short, simple songs which describe ev-

eryday moments, to views on conservationism, to his collection of sports memorabilia kept the evening moving quickly with laughs at every turn.

David Knott, a Monroe resident, said, “I listen to him on Bob and Tom and he’s even funnier live.”

Cavanagh included the crowd for most of his act, whether it was bringing a member or two of the audience up on stage, or jumping off of the stage to play Alex Trebek for “Jeopardy for Dummies” with random show-goers, including Monroe mayor Mark Worrell.

Worrell’s presence, as well as other random facts about the city, made Monroe one of the centerpieces for Cavanagh’s act, showing his prowess at changing to adapt to a situation and making the show special every time.

“I see why they call it the Floral City, seeing all of the...um…flowers as I drove in,” said Cavanagh when the city’s nickname came up in discussion with one of

his contestants.

The most important part, it seemed, to Cavanagh’s stage presence was the sense of personality, without losing the comedy.

The audience seemed enthused and welcomed, but Cavanagh was still able to criticize the lackluster Red Wings fan or the Hyundai drivers without losing his command of the audience.

After the show, Cavanagh sat in the lobby of the La-Z-Boy Center and signed copies of his three albums, which were on sale in the concessions booth.

MCCC student Jacob McLaughlin sat next to Cavanagh and aided those who came up.

“A lot of people lined up to buy his CD and get his autograph because they really liked his show. People were able to talk to him because he was so personable, unlike many other comedians where you can’t get within 10 feet of them,” McLaughlin said.

Left: Comedian Tim Cavanagh has a conversation with Carl Smith, a member of the audience who, despite his attire, isn’t a huge fan of the Red Wings. Cavanagh invited members of the audience on stage to participate in skits in order to win prizes which ranged from a can of Spam to a package of green army men.

Right: With his guitar ready to go, Cavanagh is amazed by the “exotic” front row man who drives a 1997 Taurus.

Agora photos by Andrew Hoppert

Upcoming Events at the Meyer Theater Musical Group Rare Earth

Harry Potter Meets the Toledo Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, November 14 - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets - $17 VIP Seating - $27

Friday, October 30 - 7:30 p.m. $20 - Adults $10 - Children under 12 $30 - VIP Balcony Seating

Monroe County Community College Whitman Center

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month EXHIBIT

The Silent Witness Display Life-sized silhouettes tell chilling information about 17 women and the circumstances and story around their abuse.

On display until October 30

JOIN THE MCCC BROADCASTING CLUB!

Presentation

Talking About Intimate Partner Violence Learn how changing our focus of domestic violence prevention can create a culture of non-violence. thursday, October 22 - 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Room 7

The next meeting of the Broadcasting Club is:

Thursday, November 12 - 7:30 p.m.

Subway at Telegraph and M-50

4 THE AGORA Campus News

October 15, 2009

MCCC receives ten-year accreditation Mary Rose Takacs Staff

A team of experts is recommending MCCC be granted accreditation for 10 more years.

The team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) made the recommendation at the end of its three-day visit last month.

The four-member HLC team also recommended that MCCC receive a “focused visit” in three years to cover three areas of concern.

Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction, described the three areas needing improvement in an e-mail to the faculty.

“The team is also recommending a focused visit be scheduled in three years to allow the HLC to visit campus and follow up on concerns identified during this week’s visit, namely shared governance/communications, evaluation of institutional effectiveness, and assessment of student learning/general education,” Yackee, said.

When a “focused visit” is issued by the HLC, in three years a team usually consisting of two members will visit to look at the specific areas mentioned.

They will examine progress MCCC has

made on fixing the problems and whether the college is operating more effectively.

“This is the first time in the 45-year history of the institution that a focused visit has been recommended,” Patrick Nedry, professor of business, said.

The team’s recommendations will go to the HLC Commission, which will make the final decision on whether the college will have a focused visit in 2012.

Yackee’s e-mail also listed some of the strengths the HLC team found at MCCC, including “community support, studentcenteredness, quality instruction, campus grounds and facilities, financial stability, external grant development, and an active foundation.”

The HLC team’s report followed several meetings during a three day visit Sept. 28-30.

During the meetings, the HLC team gathered information and listened to comments made by MCCC students and staff on what they felt the positive or negative aspects of the college are.

One of the first meetings the HLC team conducted was with MCCC students.

The HLC members told the students they were here to question the students about how well the college does in edu-

“The faculty got to express their viewpoint, openly and honestly.”

Dr. James Devries Professor of History

cating them and preparing them for careers.

“I thought the questions were relevant to the school and how the students perform,” Katelyn Carravino, MCCC student, said.

The HLC members also gathered information on the different tools the college gives students to contact professors, attain a syllabus and view grades.

The students mentioned Blackboard, college e-mail and other means professors use to communicate with students.

Most of the students said they thought these tools are helpful and understandable.

The HLC team asked whether the students felt the Learning Assistance Lab, the Fitness Center and activities sponsored by the college are adequate to meet their needs.

Most of the students said these programs were set up well and helpful.

Overall, the students felt the meeting was positive.

“I felt it was really good. It gave enough time to communicate the positive and negative,” Kathryn Strobe, MCCC student, said.

One of the HLC members commented on the college and its strengths after the meeting.

“There are a lot of good activities here at this college, and everyone works together to make it a better place and that’s a good thing,” Diana Doyle, HLC team member, said.

The faculty meeting provided the HLC team with a chance to ask questions and allowed for open discussion on anything the faculty felt needed to be brought up.

“The faculty got to express their viewpoint, openly and honestly,” Jim Devries,

professor of History, said.

The contents of the faculty meeting have not been disclosed by the faculty.

However, what was discussed, the HLC team seemed to hear and give them some response.

“I think for the most part the members of the HLC were receptive. It is difficult for the reviewers to understand faculty comments within our institutional context, given their brief time here. But I believe they offered some interesting feedback regarding assessment of student learning,” Dr. Joanna Sabo, professor of Political Science, said.

From the feedback and findings of these meetings and others, the HLC team examined how the college is run and if the methods of teaching are adequate to student learning.

In four to six weeks, MCCC will receive a draft report from the HLC team.

The college can correct any factual errors in the draft report, which will then go through a review process at the HLC. The HLC is expected to make a final decision on granting accreditation in April.

A meeting was held for all faculty on Tuesday morning to further discuss the HLC accreditation visit.

ISD, others grow flourishing horticulure group

Alan McKee Staff

A group of students is applying skills they have learned to improve the appearance of MCCC’s campus.

The Monroe County Intermediate School District, North Monroe Greenhouse and MSU Extension Office have combined efforts with MCCC to provide a curriculum for students with special needs.

This is the second year in which students from the Monroe County Transition Center attend classes to hone skills involving horticulture.

MCCC’s greenhouse provides the classroom setting for lectures and handson experience.

Through the combined efforts of MCCC adjunct professor Melody Carmichael, Special Education Teacher Sharon Diefenthaler and Tammy Hemdal, a teacher’s aide, lectures and hands-on experience are provided to special needs students age 18 to 26.

Students attend class three days a week on campus. Two days of the week are set aside to incorporate a business type setting, where the students can apply their newly obtained skills at North Monroe Greenhouse. The students not only receive an education, but are also gaining valuable work skills that will assist in their future goals.

“The ultimate goal is to get a job… they’re (the students) learning how to become young adults and have employable skills.” Diefenthaler said.

“Horticulture isn’t just about a greenhouse.”

The program focuses on the entire spectrum of growing a plant, from the seed to supplying a product to customers.

For example, North Monroe Greenhouse is a retail outlet, and Matthis Greenhouse provides wholesale experience for students Students learned that insects play a vi-

Agora photo by Alan McKee

The students involved in the MCISD greenhouse project use the facility located in L-building to learn about horticulture.

tal role in nature’s plant life.

“We learned what an insect is…and we set bug traps,” Carmichael said.

“There are four units to the Master Gardening curriculum: plant classification, water, soil and insects…we do a lot of experiments,” she said.

Diefenthaler said the experiments are an important part of the program.

“We can read all we want about how a plant grows, but no two plants grow alike and the weather’s not the same every day, so we never know what we’re going to get.”

Students become knowledgeable about what is good for specific plant life, and the problems that may cause interruptions in healthy, productive plants.

“We’re learning how to plant different kinds of plants, how they grow, replant-

ing, and how to cut and to take care of them,” said Christopher, one of 14 students participating in this year’s course.

“This is our second year, and I have 10 of my students who have returned this year,” Diefenthaler said.

“Last year, the students came certified as a Junior Michigan Gardener through the Michigan State extension office,” she said.

“They receive lifelong credit hours.”

Becoming employable in the community is a goal this year by building upon skills learned last year.

“I have four students who started in the Summer Youth Employment program, with some stimulus money coming from the government,” Diefenthaler said.

While most students are practicing their skills at North Monroe Greenhouse,

one student has the opportunity to help at Birds ‘N Butterflies of Ida. Student Justin Warren is working three days each week for Birds ‘N Butterflies, which specializes in bird and butterfly releases for special occasions.

“We work with different plants that the butterflies lay their eggs on…it’s pretty cool,” he said.

Justin travels with the owner to fairs and exhibits, and for $2 customers can view the butterflies.

“I get to touch the butterflies and feed them on a Q-tip with Gatorade” he said.

He has also learned how to package and ship butterflies.

Student Patrick Doherty came to the class with a natural artistic talent, which may have never been discovered had he not enrolled in this course. He has a

knack for making floral arrangements.

“He started out making green baskets at home,” Diefenthaler said.

Patrick now makes small basket arrangements for special occasions.

Another student, Joe Woody, has used skills learned in the class to plant vegetables at his home.

“I’m in this program because I want to become a farmer,” he said.

Joe has sold his plants to businesses in the area, becoming an entrepreneur with the knowledge gained from the program.

“We seeded out cucumbers such as Pickling, Market Sure and Burpees, (different varieties of cucumbers)” he said.

“After the plants started growing in the pots, I put them in the garden outside.”

Here on campus, the students are combining their efforts in beautifying the Life Science building.

A perennial garden requiring low maintenance is nearly completed on the west side of the L-building.

“We’re going to make it a three-season garden,” Carmichael said.

“We’ve got bulbs planted now that will come up in the spring and we’re going to add a fall flower that will bloom in September. The hospices stay green and the irises come up in the summer.”

The group received approval to add a second garden just south of the first one.

There is much more to creating a garden than just planting, Diefenthaler noted.

The students get a bonus education in landscaping, she said. Measuring and centering, for example, are important when properly planting an attractive display that will last a long time.

“I am really proud of this whole group…they’ve really stepped up to the challenge,” Diefenthaler said.

“It’s something brand new through the school and the college. It’s a win-win situation.”

LAN Club offers camaraderie to computer students Nathan Hayes Staff

The MCCC LAN Club is off to a fresh start with new members in charge for the year.

The club is full of computer students seeking to improve the experience of the students at MCCC while helping the community.

Dale Risden was recently elected the club’s president.

“I believe in the club and what it is trying to accomplish,” Risden said.

Many people think the name stands for local area network, but it actually is Lambda Alpha Nu. “I want to make sure that it didn’t fall by the wayside and that it did get moved forward and grew in strength,” Risden said. “I have a background in management and I felt that some of my skills could be used in helping the group grow

and get a better foundation.”

“I believe that it’s a good club to be a part of. The fact that they are trying to stretch peoples’ boundaries and get them to know that they need to socialize and not only just do their job but they need to have skills of socialization,” Risden said.

The LAN Club also is a good place for making friends and connections, he said.

One of the good things about the LAN Club is that the members come from a variety of places.

“I like the fact that it gives us an opportunity to get to meet more people,” Risden said.

The LAN Club is currently looking for new members, and all students are welcome to join.

“The club is open to all students. We just have to get past the fact that people think that because it’s a computer club,

that’s the only students we are looking for,” he said.

“If we can draw people in that aren’t

“To me, LAN Club is too important to just sit back and let someone else Phil Barowski LAN Club make Co-President decisions to effect how it could be run.”

necessarily techies, then that will give a base for providing a comfort level for the people that are tech savvy and don’t have the social skills. It gives them the opportunity to mingle and gain a knowledge of both sides and a comfort level of both sides.”

Phil Borawski is the co-president of the LAN Club.

“I joined the LAN Club because I like their tag line. The tag line is, ‘Geeks who like to socialize,’” Borawski said.

Phil has been a member of the LAN Club for about a year. He is loyal to the club.

“To me, LAN Club is too important to just sit back and let somebody else make decisions to effect how it could be run,” he said.

The LAN Club is a good place for passing on computer knowledge, or

for people looking to learn, Barowski said.

“It’s geek heaven,” he said.

Kristina Kuhman is the LAN Club’s secretary.

“I like the club because it is very laid back,” she said.

The LAN club is good for people who don’t have a club on campus already, she said.

It’s also a good place to draw knowledge from, Kuhman said.

“There are a lot of people with a lot of knowledge I can draw from,” she said.

The club is good for anybody who wants to learn about computers, from gaming, graphics or even just basic help, she said.

“There’s a lot of friends that can be made in this group.”

Harry Potter Meets the Toledo Symphony Orchestra!

MEETS

OCTOBER 30 - 7:30 pm $20 - Adults $10 - Children Under Twelve $30 - VIP Balconey Seating Meyer Theatre - La-Z-Boy Center MCCC encourages you to dress As your favorite character from the beloved j.k. rowling series

Campus News

October 15, 2009

THE AGORA

5

H1N1 vaccinations planned MCCC restricts Continued from page 1 “We really appreciate being able to partner with the college on this,” Head said.

Questions have been raised about whether the H1N1 vaccine is safe or not.

“There are a lot of false rumors going around that this may be harmful,” Head said.

She also said that it is just like any other flu vaccine, and will be available next year with the regular flu vaccine.

The vaccine will be free, but there may be an administrative fee.

Besides holding vaccinations at MCCC, Head said the Health Department is looking into holding them at the YMCA, the MBT Expo Center at the fairgrounds and some high schools.

When the H1N1 vaccine was first being developed it was reported that two doses would be needed, but it has been confirmed that one dose is effective.

“We are thrilled with that,” Head said.

The only people recommended by the CDC to get two doses of the vaccine are children under 10 years old.

Head said the Health Department is trying to build immunity against all flu viruses by protecting people now. Therefore, the

“We really appreciate being able to partner with the college on this.”

faculty travel Dan Ford Staff

Rebecca Head Director of the Health Department

seasonal flu vaccine was administered early this year.

The college had scheduled seasonal flu shots at MCCC on Monday, Oct. 19, but that session was cancelled because enough vaccine wasn’t available. It will be rescheduled in November. The cost of the shots was to be $25.

In addition to the flu vaccinations, MCCC has released a Pandemic Preparedness Plan in an email to employees and students.

The U.S. Department of Education directed that colleges and universities create a response plan for dealing with H1N1.

The plan states the members of the Emergency Management Team and their responsibilities if normal college activities are affected by the H1N1 virus.

The plan also includes the specifications of Stage 1 and 2 and how the college will recover from a pandemic.

Agora photo by Symone Thomas

Evelyn Durocher recieves her flu vaccination at the Monroe County Health Deptartment.

An out-of-state travel ban is in effect for all of MCCC’s instructors.

The travel ban applies to any out of state travel paid with college money.

Timothy Bennett, vice president of Business Affairs and Treasurer, said the ban was offered as a suggestion by MCCC staff.

“Last year, when we were developing our budget recommendation for the current fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), we asked all staff for suggestions as to how we could help control costs,” Bennett said.

“It was suggested that we eliminate all out of state travel next year.”

The ban does not affect out of state travel that is paid for by grants or outside funding.

“Out of state travel could be requested if the individual was able to obtain a grant or some other external source to pay for his/her travel, or if the person agreed to pay for the travel with his/her own money,” said Bennett.

The new policy has not been received well by some.

Associate Professor of English & WAC Coordinator Tim Dillon is skeptical.

“I think this type of policy is always shortsighted,” Dillon said.

“I was informed that the ban was put in place to encourage Michigan money to stay in Michigan. This type of isolationism is not effective when in fact so much of what goes on academically is part of regional and even national organizations.”

“If colleges and universities in all five states in the ECWCA (East Central Writing Centers Association) adopted this plan, it would in effect eliminate the ECWCA organization,” Dillon said.

Professor of English Bill McCloskey explains another issue the policy creates.

“Under the present policy, I can go to Detroit, but I cannot go across the state line without finding alternative funding sources.

Perhaps instead of a ‘state line’ restriction, they could use a ‘mile radius’ restriction,” said McCloskey.

“Just think-if a person does not have access to Foundation funds or other outside monies, he or she could not go to a conference in Toledo, yet they could go to Traverse City or the UP. Are we really saving money?” McCloskey said.

Although out of state travel has been banned, some fees will still be paid for by the college.

“A clarification has been made that the college will pay for registration fees, but no transportation, lodging, or meal costs. And, as with many items, exceptions can be made by the president,” Bennett said.

Researchers continue studies on HIV prevention Ashley Hammer Staff

Finally a cure? Excitement rose at the announcement exclaiming there was going to be a vaccine for HIV, the once terrible disease that caused harm and sadness to many lives.

With tests showing about 30 percent accuracy for the new vaccine, students still remain hesitant in believing this is going to be the real deal.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is the virus that causes AIDS. This was, at one time, a likely death sentence.

Today, with new discoveries, doctors are able to keep the infection under control and one is most likely able to live a normal, happy life.

With all the continued research and lingering hope, researchers have recently made a breakthrough, discovering a new vac-

cine.

The long running research has finally paid off.

“I am glad there is going to be something to help people avoid getting this disease,” MCCC student Tyler Benson said. “Hopefully, they will find a cure soon.”

The newfound vaccine was tested on more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand. The vaccine proved successful on one out of three people.

The study has become a priority, as scientists are now doing everything they can to improve the vaccine to eventually make it flawless.

The antigen, the medication inserted in one’s body, is a prototype vaccine which successfully produces antibodies that will fight against and prevent the HIV infection.

The vaccine was formed from a part of the HIV infection found

Campus odor complaints Marcus Akers Staff

With the tough love currently being shoveled upon the smoking-minority of college attendees, the clean air everyone is enjoying has brought about a new host of problems.

Anyone with a mind for coffee and a working nose might have noticed an elusive, yet lurking stench in the hallway connecting the La-Z-Boy center’s vending alcove and its northeastern thoroughfare.

An insider in the maintenance department spoke to the Agora on the condition of anonymity.

in those whose infection had not turned into AIDS. The new information is a huge leap forward. Doctors are finally a step ahead of the long fight against the disease that once was killing many.

This discovery also helped researchers to come up with ways to prevent the disease.

It will be a great help in developing new therapeutic treatments

to those already diagnosed.

Eventually, with the compiling information and continued hard work, researchers hope a cure for the disease should arise.

Another MCCC student, Eric Frazer, is skeptical about the new vaccine solving the worldwide problem of AIDS. “The vaccine should work if it is distributed and used intelligently,” Frazer said.

MCCC’s annual Cars, Coins, and Collectables Show was held on September 27. Winners in the auto show were: President’s Choice: Harold Thoma, Newport; 1929 Ford Model A Roadster Trustee’s Choice: Mike Brady, Hell, 1915 Ford Model T Speedster.

Foundation’s Choice Dick Kollar, Riverview, 1959 Chevy Corvette Alumni Choice Dave Harvey, Wayne, 1959 Ford Galaxy Skyliner.

Faculty Choice Bill & Janet McClure, Berkey, Ohio, 1953 Chevy Pick-up Student Choice Fred Preston, Toledo, Ohio; 1966 Chevy Nova

“We have received complaints and investigated. The problem was the creamer in the coffee machine, so we called the vending service and they fixed the problem.”

With the formerly befouled campus air supply clear, there no longer are billowing clouds of tobacco smoke to mask foul odors that may crop up from time to time.

Anyone with a hot lead on a funny smell, leaking whatnot or dangling roof tile, can flag down one of the college’s friendly maintenance workers.

Congratulations New Student Officers!

Student Goverment Corner Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 20 Time: 12:30 p.m.

Location: Back of the Cellar in the Administration Bldg.

All meetings open to the public and all students are more than welcome to join!

Bed Race to Aid Children

Agora photo by Jennifer Niswender

From left to right, top row: Holly Self, Treasurer, Tara Hubbard, Secretary, Jacob McLaughlin, President, Luke Bourbina, Vice President, Katie Barath, Co-Historian.

Bottom row: Katelyn Carribino, Co-Historian, Mary Grace Cuccia, Liason

When: Sunday, October 18 Time: 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Loranger Square, Downtown Monroe All proceeds go to buy children in need of beds.

Feature THE AGORA 6 Tragic loss brings reinvention October 15, 2009

Asia Rapai Staff

An MCCC student and his family opened a new corn maze this fall.

Annette Heck and her three children, Chris, Ethan, and Emma, have worked for a year to get their “Heck of a Corn Maze ” and country store ready for people to enjoy.

Ethan is a student at MCCC who is interested in studying accounting and possibly agriculture. He helped his older brother, Chris plant and grow the corn.

The brothers also helped in cutting the maze.

After the maze is closed, Chris and Ethan will harvest the corn used in the maze.

Ethan did most of the weeding to get it ready.

“I did quite a bit of work over the summer,” Ethan said.

He didn’t have a job in the summer, so his focus was helping with the farm.

Ethan’s older brother, Chris, is a student at Michigan State University who wants to study crop and soil science.

Their younger sister, Emma, goes to Monroe High School and is interested in agriculture and working with animals.

Annette and her children decided to open a corn maze to earn money and keep their family involved in agriculture after their family was struck with tragedy.

“It started because my husband had cancer and died, and I had to find a way to support my family,” she said.

“I said to my girlfriend, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ She said you’re going to have to reinvent yourself.”

At that point Annette started researching niche-farming practices.

The Hecks own 35 acres of land and decided they have a good location for a corn maze.

“We did a lot of research and I have received a lot of advice,” Annette said.

Running a corn maze became their niche.

“With all the kids interested in agriculture, this is a way for them to follow in their dad’s footsteps,” she said.

Her family utilized the time they could to work at their fall attraction.

Annette had to plan it around her part-time job. She drives a school bus for Monroe Public Schools, but she was concerned about having less of an income because some of her hours were getting cut.

The hours she does not spend driving a school bus allow her to have enough time to run the farm.

“Time was something I was concerned about,” Annette said.

“On Fridays I get up at 5 a.m. and get done out here at about mid-

Agora photo by Brandy Werner

Annette and Ema Heck, owners of “Heck of a Corn Maze,” stand in front of their farm.

night.”

She also learned more ways to support her family by taking classes at MCCC. The classes were each seven or eight weeks long.

“Taking a series of business classes at the college helped me a lot. It was very helpful in giving me an overview of the different aspects of running a business,” Annette said.

Her family understands the importance of being able to make money, she said.

“There are so many people without jobs. We are in a recession if not a depression,” Annette said.

However, Annette found there is a lot of work that goes into creating a corn maze.

To get their maze started, the Hecks had to decide who would design it and how they could cut it out.

The maze was designed locally

by Ron George, of Ron George and Consultants and Rob Tieffer.

To cut the maze out of the corn, the Hecks used a GPS system.

They had the help of a friend who used a tractor and a six-foot wide Rota tiller to cut out the

Heck of a Corn Maze features: •On average, the 8.5-acre maze takes 1.5 hours to get through.

•You can rent or buy flashlights from the Hecks to go through the maze at night.

•A map of the maze costs $2 and comes in an envelope. If you don’t use the map, you get your $2 back.

•Climb the approximately 12-foot high observation deck to see how far the maze stretches out.

•Ten checkpoints within the maze – If you grab a popsicle stick from every checkpoint, you can enter a drawing for a Super Wal-Mart gift card.

•Maze will be haunted on Oct. 31 (check website for other specific dates of haunted maze Saturdays).

•There are several exit paths in the maze if emergency exit is needed.

•Last day is Oct 31 •For more information call 734 243-1790 or go to heckofacornmaze.com •4309 W. Albain Rd. Monroe, MI 48161 (just west of S. Telegraph Rd.) Source: Annette Heck maze, while the corn was at knee height.

“It is a lot more work than anyone could imagine,” Annette said.

The maze was designed, cut, and weeded. It ended up being 8.5 acres long.

It takes most people about 1.5 hours to get through.

Ethan got a chance to see the corn maze and their 35 acres of land from above. He went up in Mark Metz’s plane and admired the design of the maze.

“It was extremely accurate,”

Ethan said. “It looked basically exact.”

Ethan is enrolled in 10 credit hours at MCCC and has managed schoolwork and taking care of the farm.

“It’s been somewhat difficult.

The time issue is the biggest thing,” he said. “I make sure I stay ahead with my homework.”

Ethan gave one perspective on how much effort his family has put into the corn maze and country store.

“I have to make sure that I’m always doing something instead of just staying inside and sitting around,” he said.

Despite all of the extra work, the Hecks enjoy making other people happy by providing entertainment for them and their families.

“The people you meet who really enjoy going through it makes it fun,” Ethan said.

The Hecks have met many people through their fall attraction.

“The people are my favorite part of the corn maze,” Annette said.

She added that she especially enjoys the idea of letting children see the farm.

Since her noon time run as a bus driver was cut, Annette said she has more time during the day.

Because of this extra time, she is offering a chance for elementary school students to go on field trips to her corn maze.

“I want to give kids an opportunity to experience coming to a farm and I also want to leave a legacy for my own kids,” she said.

The Hecks are planning for the future and looking forward to how their corn maze and country store could grow.

“I’m also a spinner and weaver. I would like to set up an area where I can do demonstrations,” Annette said.

“We are looking at ways to improve. What else can we offer?

How can we utilize the space that we have here?”

She explained that they would continue to work year-round even though the season for their corn maze is only seven weeks long.

On Halloween, the last day of the season, the corn maze will offer more scares than just the possibility of getting lost in corn stalks. Annette said that it would be considered more of a haunted corn maze that Saturday night.

When asked what that could mean, she laughed a menacing cackle and said: “You’ll have to come and see!”

She added that the corn maze will be haunted for two or three other Saturday nights this month, but that she was not certain of the exact dates yet. When the dates are decided, they will be posted on the corn maze Web site, heckofacornmaze.com.

One happy customer, Chris Sowa, and her family enjoyed their afternoon at the farm.

“It was great,” she said.

Chris, her husband, and their two young children enjoyed collecting colorful popsicle sticks at each of the 10 checkpoints within the maze.

Collecting all 10 meant they could enter a raffle for a gift card from Super Wal-Mart.

“I thought the popsicle sticks were a great idea,” Chris said. “It really kept the kids interested.”

So far the Hecks have received many positive reviews on their corn maze.

“Kids and maze connoisseurs said it was a very good maze,” Annette said.

Annette and her family appreciate all of the help that others have offered them.

“I could not have done it without the help of lots of people, many people in the community,” she said.

Annette is proud of how well her family has worked together and how much they have accomplished.

“We really couldn’t have done it without it being a whole family effort,” she said.

Hours Friday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. $8.00 Admission Group discounts Children 14 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups must have at least one adult for every five children.

To the far left: Kortney Bomia and newphews Ajay and Mason Moreli can be seen in the maze from the 12 foot observation deck.

To the left: The Heck family corn maze sign lists the atractions of their farm: U-pick pumkins, Experience a workin g farm, and a family farm zoo, to name a few.

Agora photos by Brandy Werner

What the country store offers Pumpkins Apples Gourds Indian corn Corn stalks Mums Craft items Candy Pop

Heck of a Corn Maze

$1.00 Off Coupon

October 15, 2009

A&E

THE AGORA

BRRAAAIINNNNSSSS...

7

Zombie movies invade during Halloween ZOMBIELAND “Nut Up or Shut Up”

Danny Shaw Staff

From slow shuffles and monotone moaning to ravenous running and snarling screams, zombies have captivated audience’s attention for over 70 years on the silver screen. The newest entry into zombie flicks, “Zombieland,” offers plenty of laughs for the audience to sink their teeth into (pun intended).

We follow the story through the narration of a survivor of the zombie apocalypse (or zombocalypse as I like to call it), who is alive not because of his brawn but his brains. We know him only by his hometown-Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg.

He is the quintessential scrawny college geek who is bad with confrontation and even worse with the ladies. Columbus explains he is alive because he

follows a list of strict, but simple rules. Rules like “check the backseat” and “double-tap,” where you always make sure to shoot twice, preferably in the head.

He is eventually paired up with Tallahassee, played

by Woody Harrelson, who is a loudmouthed redneck with a knack for zombie killing. Tallahassee’s ultimate goal, other than survival, is to have one last Twinkie because “someday, life’s little Twinkie gauge is gonna go empty.”

Harrelson is the leading comedic role in the film, having several hilarious scenes, including one with a celebrity cameo which I will not spoil for those who have yet to see the film—Harrelson is the saving grace to the majority of the comedic value.

The overarching storyline becomes apparent when

two sisters hijack the guys’ ride and weapons. Columbus predictably falls in love with the older of the two sisters, and the movie becomes one of those “looser guy loves hot girl” fiascos-- but with zombies. This would have been annoying, but the clever and funny dialog and situational comedy balance out the cheesy love story.

My main complaint with the story was the idea these characters are, as the movie suggests, the only survivors of the zombocalypse. Zombie aficionados could complain for days about the chances of survival of some of the group’s decisions, but hopefully they keep the mindset of it being a comedy-- a very funny one at that.

Through the laughs and gore, “Zombieland” does indeed deliver a great movie experience, and earns 7.5 out of 10.

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD

“They’re Back From the Grave and They’re Ready to Party!”

Nathan Hayes Staff

Only so many movies stand the test of time, but Return of the Living Dead keeps coming back for more brains.

Return is the movie that started the notion of zombies eating brains, with the dead constantly craving the brains of the living, often making it vocal by growling “braaaains”.

Return also broke the rules that most zombie movies follow, by allowing zombies to talk, run and even use basic objects, such as a paramedics radio.

Return of the Living Dead has a punk-rock soundtrack, which matches the characters attitudes and dress in the movie. Most of the characters in the movie fit the generic 80’s punkrock look, with one of them even claiming it is a lifestyle.

Return of takes a different direction from Night of the Living Dead than Dawn of the Dead took. While Return is considered a sequel to Night, it is in a seperate universe than Dawn.

The movie takes place after Night of the Living Dead, explaining that the events of Night took place due to 2-4-5 Trioxin, a fictional drug that reanimates the dead.

Early on in the movie you learn that corpses infected with Trioxin are being stored in drums in the basement of the medical supplies facility that Freddy works at.

Of course, starting the infection was a leak from the drums storing Trioxin. The drums, built by US Army engineers, don’t hold up and begin leaking gas, infecting Freddy and his boss Frank.

Freddy ends up playing a vital role in the movie, showing the zombification process of 2-4-5 Trioxin from infection to complete loss of control over the hunger for human brains.

From there, all hell breaks loose. You see the effects of 2-4-5 Trioxin on the deceased immediately, as medical cadavers, preserved animals and more reanimate back to life.

The messy part is unlike Night of the Living Dead, the zombies don’t die nicely from a shot to the head or dismemberment, leading to the great start of spoofs in the movie on the Night

of the Living Dead movie, with references to the movie itself by name, the zombies nearinvincibility and even paramedics sent to help being devoured while a zombie uses their radio to have them send more paramedics.

At that point the movie turns into a wonderful horror-comedy mash-up, parodying Night of the Living Dead often, while feeling like a classic horror film in every sense.

Most of the movie takes place at a morgue in the middle of a cemetery, possibly the worst place to be trapped at during a zombie apocalypse.

Return offers cheap thrills from wonderful campy effects. It follows the classic horror rules, with a large body count, characters tossed in for the sake of nudity and the ability to churn out sequels.

So this Halloween, don’t waste your money seeing a generic sequel to a series that gets pumped out every year, watch a classic. Return of the Living Dead has withstood the test of time, and is a great horror movie that is easy to access and full of laughs while still being frightening.

THESE MOVIES HAVE COME BACK FROM THE GRAVE! Zombies are awesome; so are zombie movies. Zombies are so awesome even the worst zombie movies are worth seeing, just for a laugh. Here are some great zombie flicks to feast your appetite for the living dead-- and remember, always aim for the head.

‘Dawn of the Dead’ - (2004)

‘Shaun of the Dead’ - (2004)

‘Fido’ - (2006)

Danny Shaw

Danny Shaw

Danny Shaw

Before Zack Snyder was bringing graphic novels like “300” and “Watchmen” to theaters, he made his big screen directorial debut with the remake of George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead.”

Following a band of survivors who take refuge in a large mall, viewers are exposed to sprinting and snarling zombies (not the slow waddling Romero originals). The survivors are threatened by not only the zombies, but by each other, eventually leading to several scenes where they kill one of their own.

Featuring some exceptional gore, fair acting and Ving Rhames

As an obvious parody of “Dawn of the Dead,” the movie stars Shaun, played by Simon Pegg, a lowly TV salesman who gets dumped on the eve of the zombie apocalypse (or zombocalypse as I like to call it).

Shaun and his best pal, Ed, played by Nick Frost, must rescue their friends, help Shaun get his girlfriend back, and reach the Winchester pub to “hold up ‘till this whole thing will blow over”— while having a pint or two.

“Shaun of the Dead” hits comedic heights with its dark British humor and unique directing

by Edgar Wright (who directed

Set in a 1950’s styled town, the zombocalypse has been defeated and a company called Zomcom has turned the remaining zombies into household servants, and in some cases, pets and best friends.

When the Robinson’s family zombie becomes a friend with their son, Timmy, trouble begins to ensue. Timmy names his zombie Fido, played by Billy Connolly, and removes the safety collar developed by Zomcom, to allow him to roam and have fun — only a zombie’s fun begins with eating the old lady next door.

Combining a retro fifties style, hilarious situational comedy, a

Staff

Staff

Staff

(yeah, he’s a badass), Dawn’s remake falls in the top tier of zombie films.

“Hot Fuzz” and BBC sit-com “Spaced,” which both starred Pegg and Frost). Shaun is truly a

unique storyline and a great cast, “Fido” is anything but an animated corpse among zombie movies.

Please see this movie!

MCCC WritinG Fellow’S

Come as the MCCC/Community Symphony Band and Agora Chorale begin their musical concert season!

Meyer Theater - La-Z-Boy Center Monday, October 19 - 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free!

Poetry Night Tuesday, Oct. 27 7:30 p.m.

MCCC Little Theatre (Downstairs C-Building)

8 Sports MCCC reacts to instate rivalry THE AGORA

Spartans win in overtime thriller against Michigan

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

Frank Vajcner

Coach: Mark Dantonio Current Record: (3-3, 2-1)

Freelance Writer

For the first time in 42 years, the Michigan State Spartans won back-to-back games against their arch-rival Michigan Wolverines.

But the Spartans had to hold off a furious comeback led by Michigan freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, and needed a big play from their defense to pull out a 26-20 victory in overtime.

At MCCC, where Wolverine fans appear to outnumber Spartan fans, the maize and blue crowd had plenty to rant about.

“Michigan played their worst game of the year and almost won,” MCCC student Craig Scheich, a Michigan fan, said.

Another Michigan fan, Ryan McCleery, was even more displeased.

“Michigan’s defense played the worst game of the season. They couldn’t cover the receivers and couldn’t make good tackles. Forcier made an amazing comeback for nothing,” McCleery said.

The green--and-white crowd was pretty happy after the Spartans won two in a row against the Wolverines for the first time since 1965-67 when they won three straight.

“I was nervous near the end.” MCCC student and Spartan fan Amanda MacIver said. “The defense was letting Michigan drive down the field (in the fourth quarter). I was happy that they won.”

MCCC student Darbi Miller thinks that the rivalry may be bigger with two straight Spartan victories.

“It’s a lot more intense than it has been in the last 10-15 years.”

Despite the loss, Michigan fans remain optimistic for their team.

“Tate (Forcier) showed some signs of a possible Heisman Trophy candidate within the next couple of years,” MCCC student Jeremy Hickey said.

MCCC student Jacob McLaughlin thinks that

Last Week: Win @ Illinois 24-14

MICHIGAN LEADS THE SERIES OVERALL (67-30-5).

EACH YEAR THE TEAMS VIE FOR THE PAUL BUNYAN TROPHY

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN Coach: Rich Rodriguez Current Record: (4-2, 1-2) Last Week: Lost @ Iowa 28-30

while the loss may lower expectations, the Wolverines are a long way from where they were last season.

“Michigan is still rebuilding,” McLaughlin said.

“They’ll probably lose a couple more games, but they’ll win the games that they should win, and Forcier will lead them to a winning record and a bowl game.”

The Spartan fans believe their team is now back on track after a 1-3 start.

“MSU is headed in the right direction after a tough start. This win was a huge confidence booster” said MCCC student Joe Hoffman.

“Hopefully they can win out the rest of the way.”

MacIver added.

Heading into the game, the Wolverines were 40 and ranked in both the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches’ Poll and appeared to be on track for a big season after going 3-9 last year. The Spartans had limped to a 1-3 record through the first four games, with all three losses decided by a combined total of 13 points.

On an overcast day in East Lansing, a raucous crowd of 78,629 would witness another classic showdown between the two in-state rivals.

Michigan got on the scoreboard first with a 36-

October 15, 2009

yard field goal by Jason Olesnavage, despite getting excellent field position after intercepting MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins on the third play of the game.

On the ensuing drive, the Spartans drove 80 yards in 17 plays, capping off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by freshman running back Larry Caper, making the score 7-3.

The only scores the rest of the first half for both teams were a 42-yard field goal by Olesnavage, and a 26-yard field goal by Brett Swenson, which gave the Spartans a 10-6 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, The Wolverines tried a fake punt on 4th-down-and-inches at their own 16, but punter Zoltan Mesko was tackled for a 3-yard loss.

The Spartans were forced to settle for a 24-yard field goal by Swenson, giving them a 13-6 lead.

They would score again on a 15-yard touchdown run by Glenn Winston in the fourth quarter, putting the score at 20-6.

It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter when the Wolverines’ offense appeared to come to life, when Forcier found Darryl Stonum for a 60-yard touchdown pass with 4:03 to go in the fourth quarter, making the score 20-13.

The Spartans were forced to punt on their next possession, giving the Wolverines one last chance to tie the game with 2:58 to go and no timeouts. Forcier went to work immediately, driving the Wolverines 92 yards in 12 plays as he capped it off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Roy Roundtree with two seconds left, tying the game at 20-20.

In overtime, Michigan got the ball first and drove to the MSU 8-yard line, but on a 3rd-down-and-5, Forcier’s pass for Martavius Odoms was broken up

by Danny Fortener and intercepted in the end zone

by Chris L. Rucker. When the Spartans took over, it only took three plays to win the game as Caper would score on a 23-yard touchdown run.

Michigan was held to 251 yards of offense, and only 28 yards rushing after averaging over 240 yards per game through the first four games. MSU rang up 198 yards on the ground, despite ranking 10th in the Big Ten in rushing. Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins, not known as a threat to run, led his team in rushing with 75 yards.

Red Wings drop series with St. Louis Teams play in Stockholm, Sweden, home to many NHL players Casey Cheap

Freelance Writer

The Detroit Red Wings had a homecoming of sorts to mark the beginning of the regular season.

Because Detroit has eight Swedish-born superstars such as Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, they were selected to play two games against their division rival St. Louis Blues at Ericsson Globe, in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 2 and 3.

The trip was seen as a wasted opportunity by some.

“It’s real bad,” said Tomas Holmstrom when asked by NHL.com.

“We’re really disappointed with the way we played.”

The Wings came out and initially blanked the Blues in the first period of both games, only to ease up and eventually surrender the lead by giving up goals on an array of Blues’ power plays.

Going back to Head Coach Mike Babcock’s comments from last season, the Wings need to find a way to be the “hardest working team in the NHL.” That means easing up will not be an option for the 2009-10 Red Wings.

“We need to play better over 60 minutes of hockey,” said Niklas Kronwall, when asked about the games in Sweden.

One continuing issue for the Red Wings would be the woes of Chris Osgood.

In game one, the veteran goaltender managed to blow a 3-1 lead, eventually losing, 4-3. He looked like the Osgood of yesteryear—the Ozzy who had a mental breakdown during the regular season, not the Ozzy we saw during the playoffs, where he was relatively solid.

Rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard didn’t fare any better in game two, giving up five goals in a 5-3 loss. If Howard is the future of the

franchise, the Wings may as well start looking for free agents now. He stopped just 27 of 32 shots in game two. His save percentage is .844 with a 5.17 goals against average.

After losing back-up goal tender Ty Conklin over the summer, who started a third of the games in place of Osgood, the Wings are expecting Osgood to take on more starts this season. The expectation for Howard is to start 25-30 games this season.

Much like last season, the Wings also had a hard time with their penalty kill (ranked 25th last year), allowing the Blues to go 4-for-9 on the power play in the Sweden series. St. Louis managed to score nine goals on just 55 shots in both games.

Detroit is missing the huge contributions of Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler and Mikael Samuelsson, all of whom left the franchise during the offseason, and combined for 82 goals during last year’s regular season.

Worse yet, Johan Franzen, who scored the winning goal for Detroit in their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, will be out for at least three months with a torn ACL. Franzen contributed 34 goals last season, and was generally seen as Detroit’s leading goal scorer after Hossa split for Chicago.

The Red Wings managed to win at home against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in a 3-2 bout. They started their season just 2-2, tied for last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference with the St. Louis Blues.

With so much of their high-powered offense decimated to almost nothing, the Wings will have to focus on their defensive end more and (surprise, surprise) goaltending will be a key component.

The Wings play the Los Angeles Kings at home tonight, 7:30 p.m. on FSD.

History of foreign NHL games

The Red Wings’ series with the Blues isn’t the first time the NHL has had games outside of North America. Here are some other series played overseas. Info found at www.nhl.com/ice/newsprint.

1938

1959

1976 1998 *

*

V.

2 games in Paris, France

V.

10 games in England, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Belguim

V.

4 games in Tokyo and Sapporo, Japan

V.

2 games in Tokyo Japan

logo of the Kansas City Scouts, which are now the New Jersey Devils