2-6-2004

This Issue...

R. Kelly...............pg 2 Bus restored........pg 4 Sanctuary ...........pg5 Pudding contest...pg6 VOLUME 47 ISSUE 1

AGORA MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Visit the Agora online: www.monroeccc.edu/ agora/index.html FEBRUARY 6, 2004

MCCC faces budget cuts

by Dan Burnard With the budget cuts throughout Michigan life at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) starts seeing changes.

When Governor Jennifer Granholm took office in 2002, the budget deficit left by Governor Engler, became a high order of concern. The $920 million deficit from Michigan’s budget of $38.6 billion leaves the governor with two options for its elimination: Spending cuts or higher taxes. Colleges in Michigan are caught in the fire by these budget cuts.

Granholm plans to cut the budget from colleges for two main reasons. Over the years, funding to Michigan universities have steadily increased, and when considering other places to cut back – prisons, K-12, health care, etc.,-- university cuts become the logical choice.

These budget cuts at MCCC are the worst in 20 years.

What does this mean for students at MCCC? Tim Bennett, vice president of MCCC states that although none of MCCC classes are cut,

that other restraints such as travel, conferences, and the hiring of instructors to fill open positions are limited.

“We didn’t eliminate, we just held back some of the costs and increases on spending. Our goal is to maintain instruction and to keep everything we can that the students need first; always has been and will continue,” Bennett said.

Part of safe guarding the financial future of MCCC involves planning. At the start of the fiscal year of 2003-04, the MCCC board of trustees placed a 10 percent cut on MCCC spending in anticipation of future cuts from the state. The board’s estimation was under by about $35,000 since the last cut in December by Granholm.

The effects of travel are felt as both the MCCC board of trustees and The Foundation at MCCC have tighter wallets.

The Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) racing team face lower sponsorship this year than pervious years and a travel budget of only $1000 – half of pervious years. As a result, less emphasis is being paid to presentation Jamie Vick, team president stated.

Agora graph by Dan Burnard based on information courtesy of michigan.gov

After the expected 6.5 percent cut, the state cut the budget another $176,000 in December.

Ann Orwin assistant professor of humanities and social science fears her humanities class usual fall field trip to Stratford, Canada may not occur and may lower participation as a result. Orwin also expressed feelings of stress because of uncertainty of not knowing what is down the road.

Professor of political science, Joanna Briganti’s International Relations (IR)

class won’t see New York or the U.N. this semester. When looking into funding the trip, Briganti decided it best not to try The Foundation since they supported the trip in the last two years and doubted they would help this year, and fund raising wouldn’t be practical when cost per student is $700.

Not only do students learn about the U.N., and other countries past, they found it to be a bonding experience. The winter

2002 class still gets together every couple of months to spend time with each other.

When asked about having fewer or no field trips, IR student Elizabeth Zochowski said that it is unfair. “… we are the future of the ‘free world’ as we know it and yet education is constantly being cut. They cut our backbone and still expect us to stand,”

see Budget, pg 7

Michigan fights unemployment

by Kelli Massa

Department of Labor and Economic Growth is trying to reduce the unemployment rate through a program called Michigan Works!

Nicholas Russeau, a student at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has been

jobless and collecting unemployment since he was Even after a 0.6 percent laid off from his landscaping drop in November 2003, job in the beginning of Nov. Michigan’s unemployment rate 2003. of seven percent remains “Finding a new job higher than the national average depends on what you do for of 5.9 percent. The Michigan a living. Landscaping, construction, maintenance, and golf course workers lose their jobs because it’s seasonal,” Russeau said.

Michigan Works! helps the unemployed through a system called the Michigan talent bank.

This system is where those seeking employment post resumes so companies seeking em-ployees can Agora photo by Jeff Berry A Monroe County Community College student posts a resume online at search through Michigan Works! them.

“The talent bank is the cornerstone of our program,” business liaison of Michigan Works!, Doug Kuras said.

Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) is another system which has an important role in the Bureau of Workers’ and Unemployment Compensation and Michigan Works!

Those on unemployment use MARVIN to file claims and report progress. They are required to register in the talent bank at Michigan Works! and report to MARVIN to show they are seeking employment.

“They [those on unemployment] have to call MARVIN and verify they are available for and actively seeking work prior to receiving their next check,” Kuras said.

Russeau believes unemployment is helpful, but does not provide long term results.

Although he will be back working in landscaping soon, many aren’t as lucky.

“You can only draw out

unemployment for so long. It’s hard to support yourself on unemployment alone,” Russeau said.

Kuras said 90-120 days is the average amount of time it takes for people to find employment through the talent bank. Michigan Works! has staff who work one-on- one with job seekers and offers training in marketable fields.

According to Kuras, many companies will not even hire someone who does not have a High School Diploma or GED. Michigan Works! encourages people to acquire a GED before continuing with their job search.

Monroe County’s unemployment rate, at six percent, is lower than most counties around the state.

“We see a good 2004 as far as Monroe County. There are a lot of things happening and a lot of things that will be happening in and around the county that I think are going to go well for our workforce,” Kuras said.

2

Opinion

Agora

Positive image?

By Jeff Berry R &B singer R. Kelly was nominated for an image award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). R. Kelly, who was nominated for best album of the year by the NAACP, has been charged with possessing child pornography in two states and was indicted by a grand jury in Illinois on 21 counts of child pornography in 2002 (case is still pending). The singer was indicted by the jury after a graphic video tape surfaced allegedly showing Kelly having relations with an underaged girl. He has proclaimed his innocence.

The NAACP image awards are designed to give recognition to people of all races who have helped to promote people of color in the media. The categories include music, television, movies and literature.

Has the NAACP’s credibility gone out the window? By making this controversial choice, the NAACP is in danger of becoming a radical group with little or no credibility.

If the NAACP officials are going to nominate Kelly for an award, why not nominate Michael Jackson? He has about as good an image as R. Kelly.

If I were to nominate someone for an image award, my candidate would be someone who cares about our nation’s

Bob Oliver’s

Realism evades Twist television Voters lack motivation

By Bob Oliver

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.com

future, a role model for the children. Although R. Kelly and Michael Jackson work closely with children (a little too close, if you ask me), I don’t think they are very good role models.

Now, although Kelly has not yet been convicted of the charges of child pornography, he was accused and indicted of the charges. Kelly doesn’t strike me as someone I would love to be like. Call me crazy, but I also don’t think the majority of African Americans would like to have an image of R. Kelly either — so, why is he nominated for an image award? The least that the NAACP could do is withhold the nomination until he is acquitted (if he is acquitted).

Other nominees include: Ruben Studdard and Anthony Hamilton (Outstanding New Artist), Musiq and Mos Def (Outstanding Male), Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige (Outstanding Female, Outstanding Album), and Black Eyed Peas, the Roots and the Neptunes (Outstanding Duo or G r o u p ) . T h i s y e a r ’s awards show will take place on March 6 and will be televised on March 11.

February 6, 2004

Politics is harsh terrain, and I suppose I don’t blame people for not getting involved or not caring. But then again, when the big chimp, whoever they may be, can get elected by swooning only about 27 percent of the general population, there’s great cause for complaints.

During the last election, only 32 percent of the 18 to 24 demographic voted, an all time low. It’s understandable to see why even 5 percent more could have finalized the election in either direction; instead we got a circus that made the U.S. a laughing stock for those few brilliant months of litigations and r e c o u n t s .

I have seriously wondered in that last couple years what most

politicians really think about the lack of voting. Of course they discourage it. Only a moron would tell a reporter that the less people that vote, the better the chances of their victory.

“Are you saying that you hope people stay home on Nov. 2?”

“Well, listen here now, son.

I’m just sayin’ that the streets are too dangerous for innocent people to be doing useless things like voting.”

Casinos used to have problems like that, it was called “casing a deck” or “counting cards.” In this case the “criminal” would sit at a Blackjack table alone and bet mildly, winning and losing as regular customers do. But then, as the deck narrowed, they began making huge bets on

see Oliver, page 7

Bush proposes

By Mike McHone

So, President Bush wants to dump 1.5 billion dollars into promoting healthy marriages in this country. The money will go toward “training,” helping mostly “low income couples” develop “interpersonal skills” in their marriage.

First, let’s talk about “training.” Obviously marriage takes some work, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Guys: Make sure you tell your wife you love her, and bring her some flowers once in awhile, you moron. Women: Accept the fact that men cannot read your

minds, and understand that the Superbowl is an important facet of life.

But this is supposedly going to help “low income” couples build better marriages. Anyone see anything wrong here? Maybe the way to help these low income families is to NOT KEEP THEM LOW INCOME FAMILIES. Take that 1.5 billion and invest it in education and health care.

But, really, all this boils down to Bush bowing to the conservative right, and their view that gay marriage needs to be abolished. And, personally, I’m wondering why.

see Bush, page 7

Chronic indecision plagues student

By Dannica Michaud I am completely inept when it comes to decisionmaking. I can’t decide on a career, major, or what clothes I’m going to wear in the morning. Mostly I am amused

by my indecision.

This inability to decide is the center of a number of my problems. Some decisions are more important and will affect my future like choosing a major. I also have trouble making up my mind on the less

life altering decisions like should I have French or Italian salad dressing.

Not only am I bad at deciding I’m also extremely picky. It takes me a half an hour to decide on what to eat for lunch and pack it. It’s not

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (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 a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, the Community College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, and the Student Press Law Center.

Mark Bergmooser, Adviser

that I have a lot of options to choose from either. What’s worse is I usually end up with peanut butter and jelly and carrots or something lame like that. The last time I went out to eat with friends I had them order for me because I couldn’t decide.

I have to start thinking about what I’m going to wear the night before because I have to allow time to change my mind. I change outfits at least twice before I leave, and sometimes I am end up wearing what I started with.

Though I spend most of the time changing my mind I know that I’ll have a degree, I’ll be eating a salad no matter what dressing I choose, and that there is no way I’ll leave my house naked.

By Nathan Lyke It’s a funny thing, this Reality Television. To think that someone sat in a room and thought to themselves “if we make people eat hissing cockroaches;” or “one guy, ten women, and a million dollars;” or even “we’ll get a stereotyped cast of early 20 year olds and throw them in a melting pot of sex, drama, and alcohol,” that’s reality!

So this is the way it goes – the more unrealistic the scenario, the more interesting the show.

Besides, who would want to watch a half hour of a REAL average person’s life? Picture it: “King of Boredom starring Nathan Lyke as the average 20 year old! That’s right folks; prepare yourselves for the most OUTRAGEOUSLY bland show to hit the television screen in years! This season will be JAM PACKED with fun filled hours at the computer. Watch as Nathan braves the mighty kitchen to become the sole possessor of… the Ruffles! Uh oh, what’s that wacky guy doing now?! Changing the channel!”

Yeah, it’s clear to see where this concept would inevitably end up. So what is the appeal of Reality TV anyway?

“It’s just a reason for people to walk out of their own lives, and watch people do what they would love to,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Dana Cooley said.

So there it is, put quite simply. Reality TV is becoming increasingly popular as a result of the countless viewers wishing they had the chance. What guy wouldn’t want to be a Joe Millionaire or Bachelorette with a handful of beautiful physical specimens pining after them?

Who doesn’t want the chance to win fifty thousand, or even, one million dollars? There aren’t many out there that would turn down the chance. These mindless shows tug like a puppeteer at those vital strings within every person: curiosity, fame, and envy.

Though many tend to say that they hate it, most have that undeniable soft spot for these unscripted whirlwinds.

“It’s like actual reality without the realistic-ness, and with over-the-top drama…

Then again, who’d want to watch REAL realistic TV?” MCCC student A.J. Steinman said.

Would you?

Agora 3 Campus News Students seek S c h o l a r s h i p s ways to save accessible through on books Phi Theta Kappa

February 6, 2004

By Peter Faziani

The price of books at MCCC has a lot of students upset, but the prices have to be set at ways to keep the book store in business.

The price of books is set at a price that allows the publisher to make a profit. One of these things is the books. Grant Felmet, Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services at the college, manages the bookstore, and sets the prices for the books. The prices are high because the publisher of any book sets the price of the book high. The markup for any book currently in the bookstore is 25 percent of the publisher price.

The bookstore has a method to get books back for next semester and give the students some cash for their books and that is the book buy back, though the process of the book buy is not always clear. According to Felmet, the bookstore can only buy back books that were requested by teachers for the next semester, or if a new edition has not been released. The book buy back program lets the bookstore sell the books back to the students 25 percent less then the new books. But, if the

By Victoria Schmidt

Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Delta Phi, and Phi Gamma Delta, the list goes on and on. These are names of sororities and fraternities at f our year colleges. When most people think of sororities or fraternities, they think of parties, Agora photo by Peter Faziani Jessica Miglorie and Jessica beer, girls, guys, loud music. That Lund compare prices in the can be fun, but at a community MCCC Bookstore. college that lifestyle may be harder to attain because students students do no sell books back have jobs, families, and a future to the bookstore, the only thing to think about. However, that can be sold to the students Monroe County Community is new books at higher prices.

College has an organization that Other methods for students has numerous benefits. This to buy books other than from the organization is called Phi Theta bookstore do exist, most of the Kappa, a well established methods being through online scholarship recognition program. sources such as www.half.com, Phi Theta Kappa, unlike or www.ebay.com. But if a many fraternities or sororities, student does find the book does not have an initiation there, the condition is not always process, at least not one like the as promised, or the edition can be confused and be wrong.

“More and more students are attempting to find books from cheaper sources and I am behind them all the way if they can find the cheaper price. The loss of the student purchases is not visibly affecting me,” said Felmet.

Committee explores diversity on campus

By Kellie Vining What comes to mind when the word “diversity” is used? Dr. David Nixon, Monroe County Community College President, thinks of the Louis and Clark Expedition.

“I talk about that great expedition led by Louis and Clark in 1803. They made a great contribution to the United States of America just through the courage that they had to go out into an unknown land. They went up the Missouri river against the current in those large boats; they made their way to where nobody had ever been before, all the way out to the Pacific Ocean. Louis and Clark couldn’t have done it by themselves. It took a group of diverse individuals to accomplish that goal. I believe the diversity

of this group is what brought them to the Pacific Ocean. I think diversity is strength,” Nixon said.

Like Louis and Clark, the newly formed Diversity Recruitment and Retention Committee (DRRC) will also explore new territory; the issue of diversity in the staff and student population at Monroe County Community College.

“The committee itself is a diverse group in terms of ethnicity and gender; there are community members, college staff and students, Monroe Public Schools is also represented,” Molly McCutchan, Director of Human Resources and committee chairperson said.

Randy Daniels, Director of Admissions, handles recruitment of students.

“I didn’t feel that there was a real problem with diversity on campus. My main interest is to get more minority students in our community to come here. I know that many of them are going to other places,” Daniels said.

And that is the charge of the DRRC, to review, develop, and implement recruitment and retention initiatives of diverse students and staff members. The committee will also provide an equity review of publications and practices promoting diversity.

Change is sometimes difficult, but the DRRC, is ready to take on the task in an attempt to make the MCCC campus a better place.

see Committee, page 7

movie “Old School” has. They do have a few minimum requirements to join, such as: a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and at least 12 credit hours at the college. If a student meets those requirements they will receive a letter in the mail and have the option of joining this organization. There is a one time member fee and once members have been inducted, they are lifetime members. One of the great benefits of this organization is that it is a scholarship program. Phi Theta Kappa offers over 28 million dollars each year to members who will be transferring to a four year university.

Cheryl Kehrer, Professor of Counseling at Monroe County Community College and also the faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, comments “Every year, for the past five or six years,

someone has received a scholarship here at MCCC through Phi Theta Kappa.”

If there isn’t a need for money, the organization will provide a letter of recommendation and send it to the college that the student applies to. It also looks great on a resume for a job.

So, there isn’t any streaking, but there are a lot of great opportunities that can be taken advantage of. And when it comes to transferring to four year universities scholarships can come in handy. Keep up the good grades and when that letter comes in the mail, sign up, and get inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.

For more information visit Phi Theta Kappa’s website or visit Cheryl Kehrer in the admissions office at MCCC.

MCCC jobs benefit students

By Jenny Creekmore “The reason people come to Monroe County Community College is for two reasons: education and to better themselves so that they can find a job. Assistant jobs is a service we offer to the students,” said Barry Kinsey, Director of Workforce Development at MCCC. MCCC offers a number of jobs every semester for student assistants. The jobs offer up to 20 hours a week and have a set wage of $6.45 an hour. The student assistant jobs include: assisting professors, office work, maintenance work, and numerous others. These jobs make it convenient to work in between classes or breaks and even before or after class.

You can find these jobs posted on the board across from the bookstore in the A building (Main campus), The Whitman Center, and on the MCCC w e b s i t e . (www.monroeccc.edu)

“All it takes is to fill forms out then take them to the place on campus you’re interested in,” Director Barry Kinsey said. The department which offers the job does the hiring and also holds applications for one year, Barry explained.

The beginning of the semester is the best time to apply for a student assistant job. A change in the semester leaves some jobs open. There are only a few jobs offered during the middle of the semester, Kinsey said.

“I was a library assistant for over two years. I got referred to the job when I applied for financial aide. I got introduced to the work study program and student assistants jobs. The library job I found off of the board in the Admissions building,” said Rebecca Libstorff, former student assistant at MCCC. “The job gave me a lot of experience and taught me people skills. It actually helped me get a job at the Monroe County Intermediate School District

see Jobs, page 7

4

Feature

Agora

February 6, 2004

Renovated bus sparks remembrance

By Terri McConnaughey “On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a 42-year-old African American woman who worked as a seamstress, boarded this Montgomery City bus to go home from work. On this bus, on that day, Rosa Parks initiated a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality,” the Henry Ford Museum brochure stated.

“What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to go see the bus which she was on. The event was one of the catalysts of the modern civil rights movement,” Joe McIntyre, Monroe County Community College student said.

In October 2001, The Henry Ford Museum, (HFM), outbid the Smithsonian Institute and the city of Denver Colorado when the bus was auctioned. HFM paid over $480.000 for the decrepit bus. The restoration fee was expected to be in excess of $300,000.00, according to Malcolm Cullom, HFM curator, in a press release.

In Parks’ time the bus consisted of three sections, the first ten rows for whites exclusively, with the next section

Agora photo by Don McConnaughey

The Henry Ford Museum is the new home for bus # 2857, the bus that sparked the famous civil rights bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, 1955.

for blacks and whites, but they could not, by law, share the same seat. Two blacks sat on one side of the bus, and two whites on the other, although they could not sit across the aisle from each other. The final rows of seats were for blacks.

When a white man boarded bus #2857, driver James Blake, insisted four blacks in the mixed section move to the rear of the bus. Rosa Parks refused. Parks was warned she could be arrested, and she was.

“It’s amazing she had so much courage,” John Schmidt, a visitor to the exhibit said.

This initiated the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. A young Baptist minister, named Martin Luther King, Jr., an advocate for non-violent protest, organized the boycott. African Americans made up approximately 75 percent of bus patrons in Montgomery, and after a 381-day standoff and many disputes, the Supreme Court decided the segregation

Luncheon honors King

By Kellie Vining Dr. Robert W. Ethridge spoke before a diverse audience of about 150 people at a luncheon celebrating the Dr. King National Holiday. The crowd included members of the c o l l e g e a n d c o m m u n i t y.

Ethridge, a 1958 graduate of Monroe High School talked about his experiences growing up in Monroe and the mark Dr. King left on this nation and on his life.

During his speech, Ethridge described King as “A Lamed Vovnik.” The Yiddish legend describes people who have been anointed to do special things in life, but they are not aware of it.

“One of the main qualities of a Lamed Vovnik is to deny o n e ’s g o o d n e s s ; D r. K i n g possessed this quality. Even though he was one the most eloquent speakers in America, he looked at himself as just a preacher,” Ethridgesaid.

“Dr. King endured the bull whips, attack dogs, and beatings. He would be happy to see where we are today, but he would say there is more work to be done,” Ethridge told the audience.

law in Montgomery Alabama was unconstitutional. Integration of the bus system began.

In the early 1970’s, Roy H. Summerfield of Montgomery, Alabama bought bus #2857. He kept it in a field behind his house, and used it to store tools and lumber. After his passing, his descendants decided to sell the bus, but needed documentation to prove the bus was authentic.

Cullom hired conservator, Robert Lifson, President of Mastronet, Inc., who discovered

Dr. Ethridge’s Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership •

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

•

If you do good people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

•

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

•

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

•

Honesty and Frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

•

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

•

People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs.

Fight a few underdogs anyway.

•

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

•

People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.

•

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

Agora photo by Dannica Michaud

Dr. David Nixon speaks with Denise Gray during a luncheon honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.

Ethridge is a civil rights champion in his own right. He is currently VP of equal opportunity programs at Emory University. He has dedicated his career to civil rights issues such as affirmative action, rights for the disabled, race and gender discrimination issues and equal opportunity for all people.

The speaker also left advice for Monroe County Community College (MCCC) as it explores issues of diversity on campus. “ Think about creating a climate that is positive. Make people feel welcome. But, be careful about putting numbers down. There is still an attack

against affirmative action in this country,” Ethridge said.

Hal Heard, Assistant Principal 10 th grade, Monroe High School, enjoyed the speaker.

“I like the fact that he related how other people helped him get to where he is today. We all need help to get where we need to be. He also made a point in saying we have not arrived where we need to be in terms of relating to one another,” Heard said.

It appears that Ethridge received his desire to serve others from his mother, Hazel

see King, page 7

documents authenticating the bus from Margaret Cummings, widow of the former bus station manager in Montgomery.

Cummings kept a scrapbook of newspaper articles concerning Parks and the bus boycott. He included news of Parks’ arrest and noted in the margins, “Blake/ #2857”. This number was also found inside the bus. HFM bought the scrapbook, and a bus driver uniform from the era.

The newly restored national treasure is not what people expect. It is small, not the typical bus we ride today; 36 passengers could ride at one time. However, the atmosphere is there, and people of all ages react to it in different ways. Even the youngest of visitors has a revelation when visiting the bus.

“Wow, Rosa Parks sat here: I’m in her spot! She started the bus boycott. And it all happened 200 years ago,” four-year-old Ronnie Jones said.

Rosa Parks is 90 years old and lives in Detroit. She is wheelchair bound, and taken care of by her nieces and health care officials, according to Pat Zadorozny, (HFM) historical presenter.

For more information contact HFM at www.thehenryford.org.

February 6, 2004

Feature

Agora

5

Paupeg Homes provides pet haven

By Greta Schartner While some people dream of traveling the country or moving out of the city when they retire, others choose the road less traveled.

Peggy Faunt, administrative assistant to the dean of humanities and social sciences, and her husband, Paul, shared a dream of building and running an animal sanctuary on their northern Michigan property upon retirement.

“We had been helping animals for years anyhow, so we decided to set up a nonprofit organization to do it,” Faunt explained.

But following the untimely death of her husband, Faunt decided to proceed with their plans.

“I had some decisions to make, and decided to go with our dream alone,” Faunt said.

She sold their house, moved in with her daughter, and used the proceeds to buy 48 acres of land in Monroe County.

Faunt and the Humane Society of Monroe County, have reached an agreement (though not yet finalized) to use her land as a site to construct a shelter for dogs and cats. Her shelter will be called the Indian Creek Sanctuary and Domestic Animal Adoption Center. The sanctuary will be able to accommodate any animal in need, from “hamsters to horses.” “[The Humane Society] does not have much room at their facility on Telegraph,” Faunt said, “So I would lease the land to them to build the building. And with the donation of materials and labor they

believe they can get a building built for $50,000.”

Faunt hopes that the I n d i a n C r e e k s h e l t e r, t h e Humane Society of Monroe, and the Monroe County Animal control will combine their efforts. “ Wi t h t h e t h r e e organizations working together, we hope to have no redundancy or overlapping of e ff o r t s i n t h e c o u n t y. We could all work very closely together,” Faunt said.

One of the main obstacles in Faunt’s way is funding. Although she has the property, she bought it on a one-year land contract. By next December, she needs to either pay off the land, or provide 25 percent of the down payment to mortgage the land, which is valued at $ 1 9 0 , 0 0 0 . Ta x d e d u c t i b l e donations may be made to Paupeg Homes, Inc.

Agora photos by Crystal Pierce and Peggy Faunt

Two kittens rescued by Faunt relax in the hay. (above) Faunt’s Grandchildren Malory and Nick ride Kes. (below)

Students beat Career guidance offered winter blues

By Crystal Pierce

By Jenny Creekmore Being healthy and happy during the winter is very important. So use these tips to rid those winter blues!

Depression is a common psychological disorder, or a chemical imbalance, that affects a lot of people. But to keep from getting depressed, staying busy and physically healthy is a must.

“I suggest working out, meaning taking time out for yourself. You should dedicate one hour everyday to yourself,” Alycia Krupinski, manager of Lifestyles Fitness Club in Monroe said.

“Keeping yourself both healthy and happy during the winter is a hard thing to do.

To k e e p m y s e l f h a p p y I workout three times a week, eat healthy, and try to keep busy,” Krupinski said.

“Some other good things to try [are] kick boxing, step, and aerobics. Also, Windsor Pilates and Yoga are very relaxing and stress relieving.”

“If you are depressed during the winter I recommend plenty of sleep, exercise, eat healthy, and try to be involved in things outside your home,” Wendy

Kee ping b usy ve, and eeping busy usy,, acti activ positive are ways to beat the winter blues.

Woelmer a nurse at Mercy Memorial Hospital said.

“There are different levels of depression which can cause effects. Some include: not being productive, not wanting to take care of yourself, and feeling sad.

Severe depression can make a person immobile and if it goes on untreated then it can lead to thinking about suicide,” Woelmer said.

“I drink water and watch movies with my friends to keep myself healthy and happy during the winter. I just need more motivation to exercise,” Sarah White, a Monroe County Community College student said.

“I hang out with friends and try to keep myself busy during the winter. If not, I get really down,” Aaron Smith, a MCCC student said .

“Career planning is like daydreaming with a purpose,” reference librarian Jennifer Carmody said, implying that planning your future can actually be fun and interesting.

What’s next for students?

Some are earning two-year degrees, while others prepare to transfer to other universities.

Some students are seeking immediate employment or working at building the career they have planned.

But what about those who just aren’t sure what they would like to do with their lives? Sometimes suddenly, students are faced with choosing a transfer college, declaring a major, or looking for a job.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) provides a number of services for students planning to further their education or seeking employment.

MCCC’s library holds many resources that students may overlook. “The College Blue Book” reference offers information from degrees to scholarships, grants, and loans.

Another guide to students is the “Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance,” which catalogs occupations ranging from jazz musician to nuclear engineer. The library also offers various references on the topics like resume writing and interviewing. For more

Agora photo by Pete Faziani

Student assistant John Hunley works the desk in the career center located in the administration building.

information, visit the library or call (734) 384-4204, or to reach the reference desk, 242-7300, ext. 4400.

The admissions/ guidance area of student services also provides assistance. The Career Center is located within the admissions office at MCCC, inviting students to research career options and explore literature. According to Dr. Joyce Haver, professor of counseling, the career center offers subjective career monographs, objective briefs on vocations, biographies, and the “Occupational Outlook Handbook”, as well as many other books on careers and planning.

MCCC currently employs four full-time counselors and one part-time counselor. The Admissions and Counseling and Career Center offices hours are: Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“It really is a tremendous service that we offer here,” Jill Denko, instructor, student services, said. The counseling area offers a variety of services, like personality inventories, career assessments, academic advising, and orientation for students. MCCC subscribes to several online based assessments. To make an appointment with a counselor, contact Julie Billmaier at (734) 384-4302.

MCCC’s resources can make searching for a job or planning for further education less stressful and help students make informed decisions.

“My wish for all students at MCCC is that they have a passion for their work. Just as good teachers teach what they themselves love to learn, I hope each of our College’s graduates enjoys going to work every day.

I encourage students to persevere until they find the right fit for themselves and their employer,” Haver said.

6

A&E

Agora

February 6, 2004

Students pound pudding

By Taryn Kapp “Basically you don’t stop. If you stop, your stomach tells your brain it’s full.”

Those famous words were spoken by Matt Wagner, winner of the Pudding Eating contest that was held on Jan. 22 in the Monroe County Community College cafeteria. Wagner finished off four pounds, the equivalent of 16 individual portions, of chocolate pudding in five minutes and 38 seconds.

“A lot of people said you shouldn’t eat before the contest, but I had some pizza to help get my stomach going. You just eat it as fast as possible,” Wagner said.

Eight other students participated in the contest, which was sponsored by KozyShack to promote the new pudding and jello products now available in the cafeteria. Those students were Dannica Michaud, Amanda Mehki, George Williams, Pete Faziani, Donna Render, Adam Robinson, Nick Palmiter, and Daniel Chalupka.

Agora photo by Andrea Poteet

Molly Turner browses through Valentines Day cards.

Media hype pressures singles

By Andrea Poteet Agora photo by Jeff Berry

KozyShack representative declares Matt Wagner champion.

All the participants received a certificate for a free meal, while Wagner received ten dollars worth of food for three days, according to Chef Ollie Marie Ralston. For winning the contest, KozyShack representatives presented Wagner with a backpack full of prizes. The prizes included a stadium blanket, a sweatshirt, a baseball cap, and more.

Students who attended the contest recieved free samples.

“Hopefully events like this will get students to stay on campus and eat our food,” chef Mary Bellestri said.

The chefs also put trash cans at the end of the table.

“You never know,” said Ralston, “four pounds of pudding might make you sick.”

For more photos see Pudding Eating Contest, page 8

Fast MCCC band Facts: strikes chord Retro Romance Dance:

Reflections of 1964-1972 When: Saturday Feb 14 from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Where: The MCCC Gerald Welch Health Education Building Cost: $30 per person or $300 for a reserved table of 8 For Tickets: Tickets are available at the Foundation Office in the Student/Service Administration Building or by calling 384-4024. They will also be available at the door.

Other

information:

Proceeds raise money for the Foundation at MCCC and will be used towards scholarships. There will be a cash bar available for those over 21.

The romance dance is a night of music, food, and games.

Retro dress is welcome but not required.

By Lee Yoas Every Monday or Tuesday evening from 7:00 till 10:00 p.m you can hear the melodic sounds of the Agora choir or the Monroe County Community College (MCCC) symphony band, emitting from the Monroe High School (MHS) band and choir rooms. Dedicated musicians are practicing for their upcoming concert.

John Tyner, Agora choir director since 1998, extracts beautiful music from the 50 some men and women who are members of the Agora Choir.

From 7:30 till 10:00 p.m. they practice working on selections for their upcoming concert.

Students can continue their singing experiences, Tyner said.

They are offered a more challenging level of music to increase their vocal skills.

Anyone interested in singing can join the choir. No formal interview is necessary, Tyner said, just the joy of singing is required. The choir gives four concerts a year and sings at commencement.

Mark Felder directs the MCCC symphony band, consisting of some 90 members, with a variety of talent, from band directors, semi professionals, and just those who enjoy playing. MCCC students can audition for scholarships to the band..

Connie Tyrell, a retired Jefferson teacher, has been playing in the flute section for twenty two years. Connie said she enjoys the closeness of the members.

Jim Nuechterlein is the band director for Monroe High and plays alto sax. Jim said he has been a member of the band since l998.

Leanne and Russ Poburskey come all the way from Bedford to play in the band. Leanne plays flute and Russ plays tenor sax.

These two people are professionals who enjoy the band and its members.

The balance of the band hosts others who are just playing for the joy of playing.

The band practices every Monday night from 7:00 till 9:30 in the MHS band room under Felder’s direction.

It’s not all hearts and flowers - not for everyone. Despite the images card and candy companies spend millions to convey, not everyone is in love on Valentine’s Day. In fact, according to maximalhappiness.com, the U.S Census Bureau estimates that over 80 million people will be single this Valentine’s Day. Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Courtney Tepper is one example.

This Valentine’s Day will be her first alone in four years.

“I am feeling lonely,” she admitted. She added that she feels pressured by the media to be in love around Valentine’s Day. David Capaul, MCCC student, says he does not feel pressured by the media to be in love but sees how many people can be.

“The media glamorizes the courtship idea,” Capaul said. He also stated that the media portrays single people as abnormal. “It’s not a bad thing to be single.”

MCCC student Jessica Wilson agrees. “I try not to let the media influence me on things, Valentine’s Day included,” she said.

Both Tepper and Capaul plan to spend time with friends this Valentine’s Day. Capaul says Valentine’s Day never really excites him whether he is attached or not. He would like to use this holiday to spend time with his female friends to show his appreciation of their friendship. However, Tepper seems a bit apprehensive of her first Valentine’s Day single.

If spending Valentines Day alone causes worry, don’t despair. Despite what Hallmark would have many believe, singles are not alone.

“Pleasure” pleases public

By Jenna Koch

The name Steve Martin on the front cover conjured visions of pratfalls and silliness, laughter and comical antics; but the name doesn’t tell of the wit, the rich sensitivity, and the profound understanding of neurosis that can be found in his newest novella, “The Pleasure of My Company” (Hyperion Press).

“Pleasure” is narrated by Daniel Pecan Cambridge, a neurotic Obsessive Compulsive 30- something man (his age changes depending on his mood) and tells of his journey through love and living his eventual struggle to live a normal life.

Daniel is compulsive and nearly confined to his apartment in Santa Monica, California. The total of illuminated light bulbs in his apartment must always equal

Agora photo courtesy www.stevemartin.com

The “Pleasure of My Company” was released

by Hyperion Press, 2003.

1,125 watts. He has an intense fear of curbs that causes him to only cross streets where opposing driveways line up symmetrically. Small deviances from his calculated routine include visits from his

see Pleasure, page 7

February 6, 2004 Budget, page 1 Zochowski said.

Though most of the IR students are disappointed, some offer more accepting thoughts.

“I was not too surprised due to the recent economic conditions,” Roger Perry said.

Viosa Hoxha states that although she feels she has been cheated, that something “like this can’t be controlled by the instructors.”

The low tuition cost attracts many to community colleges like MCCC. “The position of the board [of trustees], is they don’t want to put the burden on students due to short falls in other areas,” Bennett said.

Tuition increases would come from the board’s assessment

Oliver, page 2 certain hands. Miraculously, they always seemed to win these hands, walking out of the casinos with as much money as they could fleece before being thrown out on their faces and permanently banned.

This is very similar to hard politics. Candidates must tiptoe around the media in defense of being thrown out on their faces. But only until reaching

Bush, page 2 Think: They say they want the divorce rate to go down. Fact: Many straight people get divorced everyday. Question: How many gay couples do you know of, who were lucky enough to get married, get divorced? If you do the math, it seems like the gay community has this marriage junk all figured out.

But, in the words of my esteemed colleague, Dr. Edward Keck, “The best way to avoid divorce is to avoid marriage.”

We h a v e a h a l f a trillion dollar deficit that grows an extra billion d o l l a r s e v e r y d a y. We cannot afford this.

That is all.

You’re welcome.

In the Mix

of what is fair to the students and not for the loss of revenue from the state. Tuition could increase in the fall 2004 semester; however, Bennett believes they will be nominal.

Many MCCC students are stuck even if officials raise tuition.

“If they did [increase tuition] I would not have much choice [but to pay],” David Capaul, MCCC student said.

Concerned or not, students may feel the effect in the fall semester of 2004.

Bennett does not see a hit to the students occurring but if one does happen hopefully the board will forewarn students of changes prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

“We expect a cut in the amount of money the state of Michigan will appropriate this the big seat, because if the last few presidents have shown us anything, it’s that it takes a hell of a lot to be removed from the White House.

So, with that in mind, I’ll end this and prepare for local politiks. I read that Dean Patton has resurrected from eternity and a lady from Ida is filing a petition for Randy Richardville’s job. Hang tight, people, the ride is just beginning.

Committee, page 3 “We have great people at MCCC, who have lived in the community for years and know this a great college that students would want to attend.

Every effort will be made to welcome prospective students and others to our campus,” Nixon said.

The committee has the full support of both the President and the Board of Trustees.

“I am proud of the members of the newly formed DRRC. That committee is made up of a diverse group of persons who will help the college achieve its goals of accessibility,” Nixon said.

spring. That could mean we will have to reduce next year ’s budget by more than $200,000.”

David Nixon, President of MCCC said.

The exact extent of the budget cuts by Granholm is not known to MCCC officials.

“There are no definite plans to cut anything next summer yet. We need to wait and see how much the state reduces the state dollars we usually get,” Nixon said.

A raise in tuition is possible as seen from other colleges, but the percentage increase is not certain.

Besides the thought of raising tuition to make up for any cuts, MCCC administrators are looking into ways in being more efficient with monies, and looking for more grant dollars.

Jobs, page 3 because it looked good on my resume that I had worked at MCCC. Also, it game me a lot of good references,” Libstorff said.

“The day that I applied was the day that I got the job,” Jon Hunley, student assistant in the Admissions office said. “In this office job I do data entry, applications, high school transcripts, compass testing,

King, page 4 Ethridge, whom he introduced as a volunteers volunteer. Mrs. Ethridge served on the school board for a time and was very involved in her son’s education.

Ethridge urged parents and teachers to look beyond a child’s behavioral problems and tap into what makes each individual child tick.

“If we are going to group all children with behavioral problems as unable to learn or needing special education, then we might as well take the teacher from the classroom and replace them with televisions. I had behavioral problems, but my teachers and my parents pushed me; they would not accept failure,” Ethridge said.

Dr. David Nixon, MCCC President, told the crowd he hoped this event would be the beginning of a yearly program held at the college on King Day. “I am very pleased with the way the event turned out. I look forward to working with the Diversity, Recruitment and Retention Committee (DRRC) on future projects.” Denise Gray, event coordinator and MCCC student said.

Proceeds from the program will benefit the Denise A. Gray Scholarship, which is available to African-American students who demonstrate financial need.

Recently, Nixon, the director of institutional research, and director of The Foundation visited Washington D.C. to meet with representatives from Michigan to ask for sponsorships and grants.

Requesting of these sponsorships also has gone out to all the surrounding companies.

Bennett points out that approximately 20 percent of the college money comes from state, 20 percent from tuition and 60 percent from property tax, and that MCCC is fortunate to have that much money from property tax.

The national economy is improving and state revenues are holding, but the fall 2004 budget schedule, “will be tough to come up with cause they compound themselves.” answer phones, ACT scores, mailings, and other things.”

“I didn’t have any office experience,” Hunley said. “I just knew Microsoft Word and I got trained to do data entry,” he explained.

Student assistant jobs have led to a full time job for some students. It’s a great experience that will prepare students for what the employment field requires.

Agora

7

Reader’s Voice Where do you get your news?

“The internet, television, cable. A variety of sources, if it’s weather I goto the weather channel. National Public Radio is probably my biggest source. My home page is cnn.com.”

Bob Pettit

Pleasure, page 6 psychiatrist-in-training, Clarrissa, trips to the RightAid to look at the pretty pharmacist Zandy, and his love of the real estate agent, Elizabeth who is struggling to sell the apartment across the street.

Readers celebrate with Daniel as he soars over a curb while running with his neighbor Brian, as he wins the Most Av e r a g e American Essay contest, and as he eventually falls in love.

M a r t i n ’s s t o r y i s humorous, but his simple prose is also brilliantly crafted with sensitivity, and a remarkable wit. Daniel becomes a very unlikely hero as he struggles to find love and normalcy. His story is sprinkled with funny episodes, but it is also poignant, subtly touching on Daniel’s abuse as a child.

It’s a wonderful look at the search for love through the eyes of a character readers will be surprised to find they relate with. In “The Pleasure of My Company” Martin shows readers that broken lives can be repaired, and there are always takers of the “quiet heart”.

“Usually I watch the news in the evening and [I read] the Sunday Monroe Evening News.”

Chelsey Maloney

“I don’t watch T.V. and I don’t believe wordof- mouth things, so I usually read USA Today.”

Stephen Ratliff

8

Agora

Spotlight

February 6, 2004

Pudding Eating Contest 2004

Matt Wagner keeps his eyes on the prize.

Students line up to try their luck in the 2004 pudding eating contest.

Daniel Chalupka rushes to keep up.

Student George Williams goes for another scoop.

Contest winner Matt Wagner finished his 4 pound bowl of pudding in 5 mins. and 38 sec.

Matt Wagner stands up as he finishes his last few bites.

Agora photos by Jeff Berry