4-18-2006

VOLUME 48 ISSUE 8

AGORA MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

APRIL 18, 2006

Students lunch, learn about abuse T-shirts provide release Angel Ellison

Photographer

Monroe County Community College students and faculty were invited to bring their lunch and learn from Bonnie Zeismer, patient advocate of Family Counseling and Shelter Services (FCSS), about domestic violence and abuse at the Whitman center on April 12. Cassidy Whiteman, volunteer of FCSS’s Silent Tears program, also came to speak about the program and to give information on rape.

“Many college students aren’t real familiar with domestic violence or rape. And that’s scary because one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime,” said Ziesmer, who was also quick to remind that men are not always the batterer. A small percentage of women are known to project abusive behavior as well.

“Abuse is all about power and control and instant gratification,” Zeismer said.

According to the literature Zeismer provided, domestic violence is any violence against a family member or intimate

partner who uses a pattern of what the partner does, and unrealistic expectations, and blaming others for their coercive behavior in which a sexual abuse.

Zeismer said some tell-tale problems and feelings. person attempts to forcibly signs of an abusive or battering Hypersensitivity, verbal abuse, control another. personality include jealousy, “playful” use of force in sex, Other forms of abuse discussed included emotional, controlling behavior, quick or any force during an or psychological, abuse. This involvement or “whirl wind” occurs when one partner relationships, possessing see “lunch,” page 7 continuously degrades or belittles the other, or accuses the other of being s t u p i d , unattractive, a bad parent or being unfaithful.

He/she will criticize, shout at, swear at, accuse unjustly, and embarrass.

“Emotional abuse is considered to be the worst kind of abuse because of the lasting effects,” Ziesmer said.

Other forms of abuse include economic abuse, courtesy of THE WHITMAN CENTER intimidation of Unidentified students check out the exhibitPhoto of abuse T-shirts dispartner, isolation played at the Whitman Center on April 12-14. or controlling

April brings sexual assault awareness Ashley Braden Assistant Editor It happens every two and a half minutes in America. One of six American women has been the victim of it. And it is something that is often overlooked.

Sexual assault, by definition, is any sexual contact that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient of the behavior. In order to promote knowledge and avoidance of these acts of crime, April has been named Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Throughout this month, many events and activities will be held locally and nationally to help continue to put a stop to

Inside:

sexual assault.

On April 29, the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) and Speaking Out About Rape (SOAR) are sponsoring what they call “a two-mile high stand against sexual assault” known as Operation Freefall.

At this event, an expected 2,000 divers will sky dive at several “drop locations” across the country. All of the proceeds raised from this occasion will go to benefit victims of sexual assault.

Jennifer Drumm, program coordinator of Silent Tears, an organization in Monroe that advocates for victims of sexual abuse, has planned events to take place locally. There will be a presentation from Silent

Opinion 2

Learning with puppets Dr. Elizabeth Johnson visits the Whitman Center and shares varieties of teaching methods that she finds effective. (3)

Tears at the Abuse Luncheon along with participation in the Clothesline Project, both held at the Whitman Center at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

“Raising awareness about sexual assault is so important because these cases go so unreported. We want to make sure that every voice is heard at any capacity,” Drumm said.

Mark Bergmooser, assistant professor of speech, journalism, and Tae Kwon Do, is also actively involved in the fight against sexual assault. He teaches a women’s selfdefense class to equip females with the techniques to protect themselves in the event of an attack.

“I want to get them

Campus News 3

thinking about what could potentially happen to them so they will know what to do,” Bergmooser, a 4th degree black belt, said.

“I don’t want to paralyze them with fear. I want to arm them with confidence.”

Allison Jones, MCCC student, agrees that raising the awareness of sexual abuse and assault is crucial for today’s society.

“It is important because it gets the word out there so it won’t happen to more people.

The more it’s known, the less likely you are to put your guard down and get hurt,” she said.

For more information on sexual assault awareness, visit www.rainn.org or contact Silent Tears at 241-0180.

Feature 4-5

Trees destroyed Recently, 166 trees around campus had to be cut down because of the Emerald Ash Borer insect. (4)

A&E 6

Jackie Pacheco Editor-in-Chief On April 10-12, the Whitman Center hosted a myriad of T-shirts geared toward helping women deal with abuse.

The Clothesline Project provides a way for victims to place their anger in a way that may help the victim cope with what had happened. It also aids in educating society and raising their awareness on the extent and impact of violence against women.

This project began in 1990 in Massachusetts and has since spread all across the country.

Sandy Kosmyna, director of the Whitman Center believes displaying the T-shirts will provide a valuable lesson to those who see them.

“This project has collected over 200 shirts for this display. All are from women or family members of a woman that was murdered and the T-shirt was created in her memory,” Kosmyna said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, each ear, an estimated 5.3 million U.S. women age 17 or older are victims of violence by an intimate partner. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it’s estimated that between 1 in 4 college women experience completed or attempted rape during their college years. Also, during every single minute of every day at least one woman in America is raped. The American Medical associated estimates that a woman is beaten every 15 seconds in the U.S. Each T-shirt can be of a certain color that helps distinguish what kind of abuse the

see “T-shirts,” page 7

Spotlight 8

Remember Fraggle Rock?

Chances are, you’re a child of the 80’s or 90’s. See what other shows took students on a walk down memory lane. (5)

Opinion

2 Agora

Opiate overdose Michelle Scherlitz Copy Editor In the past few months there have been numerous young adults that have died from taking vicodin, oxycontin, percocet, fentanyl, and/or suboxone the alternative to methadone, for those who are addicted to the deadly use of heroine. I attended the funeral of a young man whom overdosed on oxycontin last week, and I was saddened at the loss of another young adult to the disease of addiction.

The addiction to opiates has become so popular in middle America that our town of Monroe has opened a methadone clinic in order to provide treatment to those addicted to opiates. Opiates were initially intended for

severe pain, but the recent epidemic has revealed a much

Paula Whitman, PsyD, therapist and director of

April 18, 2006

Test of faith

changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades and discipline. You may also notice unusual flare-ups or outbursts of temper, or a withdrawal from responsibility. There may be a deterioration of physical appearance and grooming, and wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times or Paula Whitman, PsyD, therapist and director continual wearing of longKelyn Dillon sleeved garments, particularly of Paula’s house Page Editor in hot weather. The addict may also exhibit secretive This may be the most deeper problem. Why should Paula’s House, a transition behavior, begin stealing, and sensitive subject concerning you be concerned? house for women in recovery, start borrowing unusual my faith. Deep breaths.

“The trouble with using the said. amounts of money from family After I “gave my heart alternative treatments such as Opiates, unlike illegal members, friends, or co- to Christ,” I was on a natural methadone or suboxone is that street drugs, affects the workers, according to the high for a few months. I could these medications are just as middle and upper class National Institute for Chemical not stop praying, reading the addictive as the drugs that the echelon more often, than not. Dependency (NICD). bible, and telling everyone that client is withdrawing from,” These are medications that Addiction/Alcoholism is a I was a Christian. My fellow you get with a legal family disease. It hits a family Christ followers warned me prescription, or in many cases like a hurricane and destroys that this elation would not last, you can order them online, and everything in its path, but there but I refused to listen. I death can be delivered is a solution. probably told them something straight to your doorstep.

For more information, call similar to “I’ve made up my How can you identify if The Salvation Army Harborlight mind don’t confuse me with What if I said that enough someone that you care for is at 457-4340 or Monroe the details.” coupons, such as my 25-cent using and abusing narcotics? Community Mental Health After a few months that example, paired with a few good In most cases there are abrupt Authority at 243-7340. elation faded. I became sales saves my family an concerned that I was losing average of 33 percent on our my faith. My faithful grocery bill annually? Maybe Christian friends tried to Kenneth Lindow create and the framing of the comfort me by saying that 33 percent does not sound like issue is telling. If 38 percent nothing could separate me much, but when matched up to Adjunct Faculty of faculty and staff want from the love of Christ, but I its dollar amount (about $3,500), in Political Science smoking banned, that means refused to listen (pattern?) it takes on a whole new It would seem that last that an overwhelming majority, and continued to worry. meaning. A full-time Monroe County Community College November, the Health & 62 percent, do not want it Becoming a Christian is student can pay for an entire Safety Committee at MCCC banned. Clearly, the majority comparable to meeting an school year for less than this chose to ignore the results of has spoken and the Health & important celebrity. its own polling information. safety Committee didn’t like the Excitement fills the air and amount.

College students without The Committee conducted a answer. Their solution? Go elation follows. News of the families to support can still put poll and results showed that forward with a plan to curb serendipitous encounter is their wallets on similar savings 38 percent of faculty and staff smoking anyway and damn the unbearable to keep a secret. diets. For example, lunch from believed that smoking should majority. President Bush would After a while the feeling the cafeteria can easily cost be banned on campus. be proud. of excitement that came with Washtenaw Community meeting the celebrity wears around $5, depending on what Armed with results showing you get. “Brown bagging it,” on that a solid majority of faculty College has just enacted a away. Soon, all that is left of the other hand, can cost around and staff did not want to ban smoking ban. Neither students the encounter is a memory. smoking, the Committee nor faculty are allowed to Even though the feeling is $1.25.

To save on fuel, students promptly stated that it was smoke anywhere, and this is gone, it does not change can also cluster c l a s s e s unable to completely ban where MCCC’s administration anything about meeting the smoking (implying, I guess, is attempting to take us. Sure, celebrity. I still have days or into just a couple days t o that this is what the majority they are starting in small steps, weeks when I feel as far wanted?) but was looking into but do not be mistaken. The away from Christ as humanly save gas. ways to curtail the practice. article last week stated that the possible. I may feel like the Carpooling The results of their Committee said a “smoke-free problem child of Christianity, would save even more gas. “climate survey” do not back but I have an autograph to see “letter,” page 7 And do not forget about the policies they are trying to show off. entertainment. For instance, not every new movie needs to be viewed at a theater. Besides The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, saving a few bucks, renting Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (734) 384-4186, videos has other advantages like agora@monroeccc.edu. on demand encore presentations Editorial Policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent the right from the comfort of your opinion of the writer. All letters-to-the-editor must include a signature, address, and phone number for verification own home avoiding the over purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length, and libel. priced, yet highly tempting concession stand.

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 ComI guess a penny saved munity College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press, and the Student Press actually is a penny earned after Law Center. all.

Mark Bergmooser, Adviser

“”

The trouble with using the alternative treatments such as methadone or suboxone is that these medications are just as addictive as the drugs that the client is withdrawing from.

Dillon’s Dogma

$aving $avvy Amanda Lundy Copy Editor My family bought both of our purebred collie companions with spare change. Our dining room earned a makeover completely on pocket change too. This was not a result of an abundance of loose money lying around. On the contrary, we are seven people living on a single income. We just know that the annoying change under the couch cushion or jingling on the bottom of your purse actually has worth.

Perhaps it started when my grandparents noticed a polluted beach and pulled out the garbage bags.

Their environmental efforts were rewarded with a family vacation paid for entirely by pop bottle returns. Habits of convenience, like not returning empty bottles, create Americans who are too callus with their spending habits.

Can college students really afford to follow the societal trend of disregarding their coinage? With the cost of living increasing, gas prices rising regularly, and natural disasters like Katrina taxing our economy, I say no.

Answer this: how much does 25 cents mean to you?

It’s just a quarter, right? So a 25-cent coupon wouldn’t mean that much either.

Letter to the Editor

The Agora Editorial Policy

April 18, 2006

Campus News

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Going up: MCCC increases tuition Amanda Lundy Copy Editor On March 30, the Monroe County Community College (MCCC) Board of Trustees approved a tuition increase for all MCCC students, which will take effect at the beginning of the 2006 fall semester.

Tuition for in-county residents will increase by $2, or from $58 to $60 per credit hour.

Out-of county-residents will be charged an additional $6, increasing their rate to $104 per credit hour. Out of state students will pay $7 more, or $115 per credit hour.

According to Trustee Mary Kay Thayer, the tuition

will increase due to inflation, the high cost of employee health insurance and salary increases, as well as utilities and technology, including heating and cooling costs and the replacement of equipment.

“If the state would fund us the full Gast-Mathieu Funding Formula [a legislative action regulating state funding to colleges], we would be able to hold the line on any increases,” Thayer said.

She continued to explain that though the program has existed for several years, it has never been fully funded. For instance, MCCC’s state appropriation for 2005-2006 was $3,890,800; however, with

full funding, MCCC would receive $7,950,280.

“The legislators are dumping their financial woes right on the backs of our students,” Dr. David Nixon, MCCC president, said.

“Fortunately for our students, the trustees are adamant about keeping tuition down while maintaining our long standing promise of quality education.”

To cover the lack of income, Timothy Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasury, reintroduced the three-year cycle to the trustees.

This plan entails a tuition increase every year for three years. It was instituted at

MCCC from 1989 to 2004.

“The main advantage of the three-year rate schedule is that it allows for better planning for both the students and the school,” Bennett said.

Despite these changes, MCCC still maintains one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. The new rate will be lower than the current rates of 23 out of the 28 Michigan community colleges – the state average totaling to $65.20 per credit hour.

With about 70 percent of MCCC students receiving financial aid, a tuition increase might be considered a major

see “tuition,” page 7

Writing Fellows reach out with Café Underground Angel Ellison

growing up was by Silverstein, titled ‘One Inch Tall,’” Kelli Photographer Massa, MCCC student, said.

Many laughs, poems, She read that poem aloud songs and skits were shared in to the audience. the cellar on April 4 Massa also for Café participated in a Underground, an rhyming game, expression session in which she where students and asked the faculty were given audience for a the chance to share name, and then and discuss their tried to make up love for prose, lyrics that drama, and music. rhymed with The Monroe County that name.

Community College Lastly, she (MCCC) Writing acted out a Center sponsored short skit about the event.

America’s “The Writing Agora photo by REBECCA KENNEDY s e e m i n g l y Fellows are MCCC student Kelli Massa perfor ms at Cafe a p a t h e t i c committed to helping Underground in the Cellar while Misty Braden and reaction to the MCCC students John Burkardt listen.

War in Iraq and become better writers and to A popular author at the Hurricane Katrina. pave the way for discussions expression session was Shel Poems were also read about writing,” Tennery Hicks, Silverstein. aloud from the latest Images MCCC student and Writing “One of my favorite poems magazine, an MCCC annually Fellow, said.

The Café Underground is just one of several ways Writing Fellows try to reach out to fellow MCCC students.

Shakespeare with a twist Linda Whiteside Page Editor On April 21, 22 and 23, “The Compleat Works of WLLM SHKSPR,” (abridged) will be storming the Myer Theater at breakneck speed.

The production presents a condensed form of the famous playwright’s work. The first act consists of bits and pieces from all of Shakespeare’s plays and the second act is Hamlet.

“It’s a fun play that pokes fun at the Bard, but it also allows people who are not that familiar with Shakespeare to

enjoy it too,” Scott McCloskey, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) professor, said.

Local director, Steve Ryder, is designing sets, overseeing set construction and acting in the play.

“I first saw a presentation of the play a couple years ago in Ypsilanti. I laughed the entire time and thought, ‘I’ve got to show this,’” he said.

Also starring in the play are MCCC professors Bill McCloskey and Scott McCloskey.

Ryder added that the play

has a Monty Python feel.

The official website for the play warns, “This show is a high-speed roller coaster type condensation of all of Shakespeare’s plays, and is not recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear discords and/or people inclined to motion sickness. The (Reduced Shakespeare Company) cannot be held responsible for expectant mothers.”

The play is particularly demanding on the actors due to

see “twist,” page 7

published magazine filled with the student’s and staff’s poetry and artwork.

MCCC student Josh Thomas introduced and shared new songs he had written.

Melissa Serey, another MCCC student recited a poem titled “Life,” which fellow MCCC

see “Cafe,” page 7

Tuition rates at Michigan community colleges for 2005-2006 State Average $ 65.20 1. Mott 75.08 2. Gogebic 74.00 3. Jackson 74.00 4. Delta 72.50 5. Lake Michigan 72.50 6. Alpena 72.00 7. Grand Rapids 69.50 8. Northwestern 68.80 9. St. Clair 68.50 10. Southwestern 67.75 11. Kirtland 66.85 12. Lansing 65.00 13. Macomb 65.00 14. Schoolcraft 65.00 15. West Shore 65.00 16. Bay De Noc 64.50 17. Glen Oaks 64.00 18. Montcalm 64.00 19. North Central 64.00 20. Mid Michigan 62.30 21. Kellogg 62.00 22. Washtenaw 62.00 23. Muskegon 60.00 24. Monroe 58.00 25. Henry Ford 57.00 26. Wayne 55.50 27. Oakland 55.15 28. Kalamazoo 55.00

Puppet show offers insight Jackie Pacheco Editor-in-Chief On April 18, the Whitman Center will be welcoming Dr. Elizabeth Johnson and Kathy Walsh, as well as an assortment of puppets.

Yes, puppets.

Dr. Johnson and Walsh specialize in puppet pedagogy and will be doing a presentation from 4-5:30 p.m. that hopes to give insight into getting to the minds of young people. The puppets are life-sized, multicultural, and provide stimuli to help educate.

“Puppets are one way to reach students. We’re looking at outrageous strategies and things like the power of pop culture and how it’s used as a vibrant teaching method,” Dr. Johnson said.

Sandy Kosmyna, director of the Whitman Center, met Dr. Johnson and Walsh at Eastern Michigan University and was immediately interested in bring them to

Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

“I had noticed the full sized, multicultural puppets and had asked the presenter [Walsh] about them. She was very enthusiastic and engaging and I told her that I would love for her to come to our college,” Kosmyna said.

Kosmyna had received a small grant from MCCC to host the presentation, and Dr. Johnson and Walsh accepted the offer.

“I had invited all the schools from the Bedford area. Hopefully students who aspire to be teachers will be able to go back and use some of these techniques that they present. This definitely looks fun, it’s exciting,” Kosmyna said.

“We wanted to combine streets smarts and school smarts to teach children. We use different things like the puppets, toilet seats, hula

see “puppets,” page 7

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Feature

Agora

April 18, 2006

Reading unites high school, college students Rebecca Kennedy

encourage students to read for fun.

“One of the things that concerns me is that when you interview students, you often find out that they have not read

Johnston and Steinhauser created a list of about 35 books for a variety of reading levels.

Cheryl Johnston’s In January, they received a Children’s Literature students $450 grant from the Foundation are venturing out of the at MCCC to cover the cost of classroom and into a local buying high school this semester as t h e s e part of the “Read with Me” books. collaborative reading O n program. The program March 15, pairs Johnston’s students Johnson’s with students in Mary students Steinhauser’s 9th grade met with class at Saint Mary Catholic Steinhauser’s Central high school class and (SMCC). each pair This is the second o f semester that Johnston, students professor of English at chose a Monroe County Community pair of College (MCCC), has done English professor Cheryl Johnston b o o k s Agora photo by AMANDA LUNDY the collaborative reading from the project with her class. She a book for recreation since list. The students read the books started it as a way to grade school,” Johnston said. separately, but communicated through e-mail as they read.

Allison Mohler, a student in Johnston’s class, liked how the Page Editor

Job hunting Heather Wilson Photo Editor Help Wanted. Now Accepting Applications. Now Hiring.

These sayings are very common in the modern day world. The catch: there is no guarantee that the applicant will get the job. However, there a several places across Monroe County that a person can get help finding a job.

One source of help is on the Monroe County Community College (MCCC)’s campus. The workforce development office has been on campus for 20 years.

“When a person comes into our office, we have them register with our program so they can be considered for a job,” Heather Kipf, administrative assistant of workforce development, said.

There are two major requirements for a person to register with workforce development. An individual

must be a Monroe County resident and must be either an MCCC student or an alumni.

There are also other services outside of MCCC for those seeking employment, such as the Michigan Works Monroe County Employment and Training Center.

“We are a grant funded program that offers help finding a job without charging any fees,” Rose Dunholter, a services coordinator for Michigan Works, said.

Michigan Works also helps people who are interested in improving their resume and who wish to perform better during interviews. It also provides information on how to sell oneself to potential employers.

Despite the availability of these services, some individuals chose to search for a job independently.

“I won’t use a service, I have three years experience in hotels so I mainly just stick to what I know,” Kelly Holland, MCCC student, said.

format of the program allowed her to take her time in responding to her reading partner. She found her partner ’s lack of effort frustrating at times, though.

“When you’re a freshman, you want to get things done with as little effort as possible,” Mohler said.

“But that aside, it’s really kind of cool.”

On April 12, at the end of the project, the students will meet again for book talks. The 9th grade students will bring present hand-made posters and book reviews to the class and the students will be encouraged to write down titles that sound interesting.

Johnston said she believes that both her students and the 9th grade students benefit from the project.

“I think for my students, it’s a good way for them to become more familiar with adolescent

literature,” Johnston said.

“For the high school students, they discover that reading can be fun.”

Steinhauser agreed.

“The most rewarding point about this is seeing students excited about books and the discussion of books,” she said.

Steinhauser also said most of her students were nervous about the project at first, but are now excited about the books and the visit to the college.

“My students enjoy getting mail and the contact with college students,” she said.

“It’s a great project. I hope it continues onward in the future,” Mohler added.

On November 16 through 19, Johnston and Steinhauser will be presenting the project at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Childhood memories: the new age stress relievers Ashley Johnson Copy Editor “Dance your cares away, worries for another day. Let the music play, down at Fraggle Rock!”

If you caught yourself clapping in rhythm to this tune, chances are you were once a child of the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The l980’s and early 90’s are years abundant with childhood memories for many current generation college students. Cartoons, toys, and merchandise ranging from the Ninja Turtles, The Little Mermaid, and fashion trends involving stick-on earrings and side ponytails are all tucked sacredly away in the back of students’ minds, far away from mathematical equations and final exam testing dates.

As this generation blossoms into adulthood, this

foundation of childhood holds m o r e importance than ever. It serves as a reminder to pause in the all too common overscheduled and stressful days and to make time to have fun and enjoy life again.

WebMD, an online plethora of health information, lists some effective stress relief strategies that include “listening to music”, “laughing or crying”, or “going out with a friend.” All of these strategies can be used in connection to reliving memories

of youth.

Several Monroe County Community College (MCCC) students ranged in their childhood media memories of this time period, expressing happiness at the memories they evoked.

“I liked Fraggle Rock because of the song. Sesame Street scared me because Oscar was mean,” Deanna Rohr, MCCC student, said.

Another MCCC student shared his view on another popular show.

“Power rangers. I always wanted to be one,” Patrick Lee,

see “child” page 7

MCCC students get older, get wiser Michelle Scherlitz Copy Editor Many mature adults are getting older, and getting wiser at Monroe Community College (MCCC) by pursuing higher education. In order to expand their career options, they have realized the value of education.

In today’s job market, most employers not only want experienced workers, but also

want people with an education.

“After high school, I wanted to attend college, but I moved to Texas and was married fairly young, where I did the wife and mother thing, years later I returned as a single mother and raised my children,” Polanski, MCCC student, said.

The majority of students at MCCC are fairly young adults, yet with the job market

changing many people that did not or could not go to college will have limited employment options without a degree. The lay-offs in Monroe County as well as the rest of Michigan may increase the amount of residents attending college in the near future, not to mention those who are already doing so.

“Although I had many years of office experience in order to make better wages, I

needed the degree. I spent most of my time taking care of others, including my parents that returning to college was something I needed to do for me,” Polanski said.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I had what it takes to go to college, because I dropped-out of school in the ninth grade, and as a result I had low self-esteem. I currently have a good paying

job, but have just finished getting my certification in welding and now I want to pursue another degree in computer programming,” Ray Medina, MCCC student, said.

No matter what your age an education is an invaluable tool that can open opportunities that otherwise would be closed.

Returning to college provides building blocks to a broader future of career possibilities.

Feature

April 18, 2006

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Emerald Ash Borer corrupts college campus Tonya Huffman Page Editor The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect that has been infecting ash trees all over Michigan including those at Monroe County Community College (MCCC). Recently, 166 ash trees were cut down on both the main campus and the Whitman center because they were destroyed by the EAB. “Unfortunately, we just never realized how many ash trees we had actually put in

Moderate manners matter Ines Rutz Reporter With manners one can either make a good impression or a bad one.Traditionally, it was the man who protected the woman. It was his job to open the door for the lady and to help her into her coat. No one is sure if this role has changed or if the gentlemen still exist.

“For me the old laws between man and woman still exist. It’s the man who has to help the woman” Adam Norman, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, said.

It might be that the women don’t want to be treated as the vulnerable sex.

“I think both of the sexes should show certain manners.

I hate it when guys are too proud to have woman open the door for them.” Anne-Sofie Voss, MCCC student, said.

A lot of different manners exist. Table manners, dining etiquette, rules for men how to treat a woman and there are even dress codes. For example, the color red can be the wrong thing to wear for a business meeting.

“Manners are something that everyone should have.

They are a sign of respect and they have nothing to do with

see “manners,” page 7

because they were all done at different times, in different projects over a twenty year period and it (ash) was a wonderful tree at the time. It met all the needs as far as size and leaves,” Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasurer at MCCC, said.

The college was forced to spend approximately $125,000 to remove and replace the ash trees. Additional costs for the landscaping done with the new parking lot outside the Campbell building are not included within this figure because the projects were completed separately. The ash trees removed in that area were factored into the parking lot project.

Not only are the ash trees being removed, but they are being recycled as well. The college decided that these trees could be used as mulch.

This prevents the trees from completely going to waste and allows the college to get extra use out of something they otherwise would have to burn.

The tree stumps cannot be turned into mulch, however, and must be taken to a pit and burned to prevent the further spread of the EAB. The job for both the

Agora photos by TONYA HUFFMAN

Herman Russeau Landscaping company works hard to plant new trees to replace those destoryed by the Emerald Ash Borer (above). New trees to be planted on college grounds (below).

landscaping of the new parking lot and the ash tree removal was given to the Herman Russeau Landscaping company, located in Maybee, Michigan.

“We were very fortunate, because they (Herman Russeau Landscaping) had worked on other jobs here,” Bennett said.

These past jobs included work on the Health Education Building and the La-Z-Boy Center.

One of the main goals of the new tree landscaping was to not choose a single species of trees to replace the ash. This will help to prevent another wipeout like what the college is facing today.

Roughly, 52 new different species of trees are being planted on campus, although there will be less trees planted than removed due to overcrowding.

“We don’t want to be in the same boat in the future. If a disease comes along we lose everything,” Bennett said.

MCCC may look sparse for a couple weeks due to the removal of the ash, but once the

replacement landscaping is done and the new trees are placed, the feeling of “home” is hoped to return.

“We wanted to do replacement trees, because you see what a difference on campus it makes without trees. It really makes a much more attractive place, welcoming to students and to the public; a sense of arrival when you get here,” Bennett said.

To learn more, visit the Whitman Center for: Battling the Borer Emerald Ash Borer Symposium Friday, April 28, 6:30 pm

Memory of McConnaughey Joe McIntyre Freelance Writer When someone dies, we do what the living do, we go on. The living go on with a piece of what he/she gave or meant in our life.

The week prior to spring break, the Agora and Writing Fellows lost a friend — Terri McConnaughey. She was a dear person who liked getting involved in life. She gave much of herself to the college and the programs she was involved in.

Terri also touched the lives of many people. She left too soon, leaving many of us without the opportunity to say goodbye. Loss is hard enough when you are aware or prepared of a sickness or old age; it is the unexpected that leave us wondering.

Loss is a specialty to me, having said goodbye to more than my share in my short forty years. I was watching “The Late Show” a couple weeks ago right after the host, David Letterman, lost a member of his racing team. Paying tribute to the young man, Letterman

said something along these lines, “just because you’re here today, that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a tomorrow.” How true that is and what an awful realization it can bring.

I have been blessed throughout my days here on earth time and time again, humbled by the experience of life. For me it is a no brainer… the grief I’m experiencing is worth every ounce because it reminds me what she meant in my life.

As cliché as it may sound, tell the people in your life how precious they are and how important they are in your life.

Terri McConnaughey’s graduation from MCCC. Agora photo courtesy of JOE MCINTYRE

A&E Leslie Adams: no-name to fame Selena: 6

Agora

Rebecca Kenney Page Editor

As a child, Leslie Adams loved to copy everything and doodle. Now an internationally known portrait artist, Adams has her work on display at the Monroe County Community College (MCCC) library through April 14.

Adams began her art studies at the Toledo Museum of Art, later attending the University of Toledo. As a student, though, she was far from sure of her career.

“I had no clue what I was going to do when I graduated college,” Adams said.

Towards the end of her senior year at the university, a friend showed her a poster for an international drawing competition sponsored by the

April 18, 2006

Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts. At the last minute, Adams entered.

figure drawing, learning every bone and muscle of the human body.

“Leslie Adams, because of her talent and love of drawing, is clearly the most gifted young artist to have come to the Graduate School of Figurative Art of the New York Academy of Art,” Edward Schmidt, a professor at the Academy, Agora photo by REBECCA KENNEDY said.

Portrait of a Young Woman After Adams detail, oil, and gold leaf on linen. graduated, she worked copying famous paintings “It was a complete fluke and painting murals until she that I entered the contest at all,” switched to portraits.

Adams said.

Her portrait career came She ended up winning the with its own challenges. When competition and was awarded she paints a portrait, Adams has a full scholarship to the to contend with her subject’s Graduate School of Figurative ego. She tries to flatter, not Art of the New York Academy of Art. There she focused on see “Adams,” page 7

Give me an Gary Knox Reporter 849 wins, 10 National Championships, and 41 Big Ten titles.

These statistics show the lucrative football history of the Michigan Wolverines. 849 wins are the most total wins by any team in College Football history and 41 Big Ten titles is far more then any team in this competitive conference.

Consistency has been the calling card of the Maize and Blue, a team that has not had a losing season since 1967.

Recently, that consistency has not translated into many National Championships.

“I think other teams have caught up to Michigan’s dominant image recently,” Josh Piippo, MCCC student, said.

While Michigan does rank amongst the all time leaders in National Championships with 10, the Wolverines have won only one such title over the past 58 years.

“The Big Ten is so tough, a lot of teams can give Michigan a run for their money,” James Rains, University of Missouri student said.

Parity in the Big Ten in recent years has given the Michigan Wolverines trouble.

The stiff competition the Wolverines face in their conference from top teams like Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Even middle of

the pack teams like Michigan State, Minnesota, and Purdue, usually results in at least one loss on their record. This means falling out of contention for a shot at the National Championship.

Observers may wonder if Michigan’s historical image been tarnished by recent struggles.

Hardly. Michigan football fans complain about having a good season because they are used to being good and want more victories. Not settling for second best is a true testament to the consistent success the

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University of Michigan football program provides.

“I would take consistently being good over have a few more great season, then having the others seasons be a total crapshoot. Consistency is the key.” Rob Abb, University of Michigan student, said.

forging the way Ashley Johnson Copy Editor

among many As a performer since the known age of ten, Selena Quintanilla Americans, has brought the Perez is considered to be one story of the performer into of the primary groundbreaking many minds. It features the Latina singers native to the biography of Selena, United States. Fans argue she highlighting her struggles b e t w e e n helped forge proving her the way for ethnic heritage other future as both an performers of American and L a t i n o Latina and also heritage and as a growing descent, such independent as Enrique woman. Shown Iglesias, Ricky still on television M a r t i n , today, it has Shakira, and aided to carry Jennifer on the singer’s Lopez.

Photo courtesy of WARNERBROS.COM story.

T h e “ I ’ v e anniversary of Selena Quintanilla Perez her untimely death, March 31, probably seen it about 56 times passed recently, marking 11 and I cry every time,” Shawn O’Neil, Monroe County years of her memory.

Selena was murdered by Community College (MCCC) her fan club’s president. student said. “She seemed like VH1.com Biography a very caring individual.”

Some argue that Selena describes her murder as similar to the deaths and reactions of should not be solely seen as those of Elvis Presley and John the only singer who broke Lennon in America. Her pop ground in America for Latino lyrics, revolving around love performers. Others have and life’s heartaches and trials, helped in this, including world diversified America by opening renowned Cuban singer Gloria the country’s ears to other Estefan.

Tim Dillon, MCCC forms of music.

Gloria Estefan, at a professor and musician, memorial concert for Selena, shared his views on this.

“I don’t think she [Selena] described the Latina as “on the cusp of greatness” before her paved the way. I think what’s coming to America is the death.

The movie ‘Selena,’ starring Jennifer Lopez, a film see “Selena,” page 7

Rascals far from falling Flatt Ashley Braden Assistant Editor They say to raise up your hands if you want to hang with them and their gang. Well, my arms are flailing.

The fourth and latest effort, Me and My Gang, from country group Rascal Flatts has even further proven the limitless talent and incredible range, musically, vocally, and Joe stylistically, of members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney.

The highly anticipated album, released April 4 by Lyric

Street Records, features 13 progression from where Rascal tracks, three of which were co- Flatts has been before. The written by the guys. From the memorable melodies, opening chords of the album’s catchy choruses, and first track, “Stand,” all the way arguably perfect harmonies to guitar solo at the end of are still there, just “He’s Not the Leaving Kind,” improved.

The energetic Rascal Flatts delivers a solid performance from start to “Backwards” takes listeners finish. on the “wild ride” of a bar On Me and conversation, while the Rasta-esque “Yes I Do” My Gang, the Flatts gives off a vibe of venture off their welltreaded path by beaches and summer intertwining reggae, love. The album’s title driving rock, and track is a pounding, hillbilly twang into country-rock jam several of the album’s that will, cuts. Fans need not undoubtedly, Jay worry. The songs on catch the Gang are merely a brilliant attention of all listeners. Other

notable tunes are the powerful “Pieces,” the remarkably serene “Cool Thing,” and Rascal Flatts’ fifth number one hit and their first single off of Me and My Gang, “What Gary Hurts the Most.”

For old fans, new fans, and music appreciators in general, Me and My Gang is guaranteed to please. It’s a fivestar album from a five-star group.

And my arms… yes, they are still thrashing through the air.

April 18, 2006

In the Mix

from “lunch,” page 1

from “letter,” page 2

from “puppets,” page 3

from “Adams,” page 6

rgument are other red flags.

“My best advice in preventing an abusive relationship from occurring is simply to take longer to get to know a person if you want to be with that person or marry them,” Ziesmer said.

Whiteman joined Zeismer to speak to the audience about rape.

“You’re never to blame if you’re raped. It’s not you’re fault. It’s important to call and speak to someone like your mother or a trusted friend. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, call a professional.

“There are lasting effects of rape. After the initial rape is over, it doesn’t end that night.

It stays with you and can cause severe depression.”

Survivors of sexual assault and the people who support them can call the Silent Tears 24-hour hotline at (734) 2436410.

FCSS of Monroe offers many programs and services to both survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, including shelter, Silent Tears rape crisis program, professional counseling, child play therapy, supervised visitation, domestic violence prevention program, anger management programs, and support groups. For further information, call FCSS at (734) 241-0180.

campus would not be feasible at this time,” This implies that after they group us into their “designated smoking areas” for awhile that a total ban will be feasible. The frog in the pot of cold water never fells itself boiling to death if you turn the temperature up slowly.

Faculty, staff, and students: Be aware, this has been done on WCC’s campus already.

They set up smoking areas for a while. Now smoking is banned completely anywhere on campus and those breaking the ban face possible expulsion (for students) or termination (for faculty and staff).

Smokers live and work in daily fear at WCC. Is this what we want MCCC’s campus to become?

hoops, jump ropes, silly string, balls. It takes a whole village to prepare a teacher,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson and Walsh are also co-authors of a book, We’ve Gotta Reach ‘Em to Te a c h ‘Em: Where Te a c h i n g I n t e r s e c t s t h e Human Condition, which will be available at the show for $25.

deceive in her portraits, but not everyone approves of the finished product.

Adams uses a series of thin oil glazes for many of her paintings, a technique that comes from the great renaissance masters. She likes to include symbolic elements in her paintings, like cherished possessions or trademarks of a person’s career or character.

“There’s never anything in my painting that’s accidental,” Adams said.

Ted Vassar, assistant professor of art at MCCC, first saw Adam’s work in a gallery outside of Blissfield and later contacted her when he was looking for a painter to bring to MCCC. “She’s very traditionalist in her painting, very detailed,” Vassar said. “She portrays the inner spirit of the person.”

MCCC student Joan Tietz attended Adams’ slide presentation on March 15 and was also impressed by the detail in Adam’s paintings.

“Each painting looked like a photograph. It was so precise,” Tietz said. “I felt like I could reach out and shake hands with her subjects, they were that real.”

MCCC plans to purchase one of Adams’ pieces in return for her presentation.

from “t-shirts,” page 1 victim suffered from. Red and pink T-shirts represent rape, sexual assault or sexual harassment. Blue and green T-shirts show incest or child sexual abuse. Yellow or brown T-shirts depict assault, dating and domestic violence.

Lavender and purple T-shirts show homophobic hate crimes and lesbian partner abuse.

Orange T-shirts represent ritual abuse and white T-shirts depict murder or death.

“These T-shirts make the public aware of the violence. It makes others aware that this is a real problem,” Kosmyna said.

from “tuition,” page 3 issue. However, Steve Marlow, MCCC student, echoed the opinion of several students by stating that he is comfortable with the tuition increase because he lives within the county limits.

“If I lived out of state it would be a bigger deal. I’d have to take into consideration the commute, gas prices, and if saving the couple hundred would actually be worth it,” he said.

from “twist,” page 3 its large number of characters.

Ryder is playing twelve different characters. The veteran director, who has been in theatre since 1974, will be appearing in drag for the first time. His characters include roles such as Ophelia and Gertrude.

Bill McCloskey, MCCC English professor, who has almost 40 years of acting experience, will be playing six characters.

McCloskey described the humor as, “very broad slap stick.” He continued by saying, “our [the actors’] job is to perform Shakespeare badly.

We’re doing so many stupid things I know the audience will react. There’s not a touch of reality.”

“The Compleat Works of WLLM SHKSPR” is about three guys who get together and decide to perform Shakespeare. Unfortunately, their interpretations of the classic plays are horribly flawed. “Romeo and Juliet” is turned into a ballet.

“Since none of us are African-Americans, we decide to do [Othello] as a rap, hip hop song, ala Beastie Boys and Eminem,” said Bill McCloskey.

Not even the less known, “Titus Andronicus” escapes.

Bill McCloskey will present this play as a cooking show which is hosted by an Italian mobster bent on revenge.

Other cast members include Heather MacDonald, as a roller-skating prop girl and Peter the silent dummy.

The play will be showing at 7:20 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, as well as 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. A dinner theatre showing will be performed on the 21. Reserved tickets for the dinner/show are $30.

Tickets for the show are $10.

from “child,” page 4 dual enrolled MCCC student, said.

Adrianne Doan, MCCC student and student assistant, enjoyed the colorful jelly shoes, owning many colored pairs in her youth. Anna Goins, MCCC student, showed happiness when recalling her favorite childhood television show, “Mr. Dressup.”

“I liked it when he got dressed up. It was exciting to see what he had hidden in his toolbox,” Goins said.

As finals week approaches, recalling these memories that are dear and important to many will aid in surviving the last busy days of the winter semester at MCCC.

from “manners,” page 5 the sex. It is sad that a lot of kids don’t have enough r e s p e c t , ” D r. P a t r i c i a Eason, MCCC psychology professor, said.

It is important to remember that manners are not the same in all countries. When in other countries, adaptation is mostly the best thing to do in etiquette matters.

from “Selena,” page 6

from “cafe,” page 3 student Kristin Booth interpreted in sign language.

This expression session was the fourth one of its kind held by the Writing Center, and more are planned for the future.

“We are hoping to promote the Writing Center and the services we provide through Café Underground.

The next session will probably be held in the fall,” Hicks said.

Agora

7

Zobmondo would you rather...? age only from the neck up -ORage only from the neck down? have 5 bottles stuck on the fingers of one hand for a year -ORa bucket stuck on your foot for a year? get lost in the woods with a knife and no food -ORlost with 4 cans of Spam, but no knife?

Concert Corner Punchline Sat, 04/22/06 04:00 PM

Shelter Detroit, MI

Minus the Bear Sat, 04/22/06 Blind Pig 09:00 PM Ann Arbor, MI

Bif Naked Fri, 04/28/06 Hayloft 08:00 PM Mt. Clemens, MI

Detrahis Fri, 04/28/06 09:00 PM

Headliner’s Toledo, OH

The Horrorpops Sat, 04/29/06 08:00 PM

Magic Stick Detroit, MI

Amber Pacific

Hispanic people. I think any kind of [cultural] Sun, 04/30/06 Headliner’s influence is good,” Dillon 06:00 PM Toledo, OH said.

T h e Latino culture Free and Low-Cost has taken a stronger hold Health Screenings t o d a y , For more information contact: melding into Health Check at (734) 242-1331 America’s a l r e a d y Tuesday, May 2 p r e s e n t C Carleton United Methodist Church d i v e r s i t y.

8 am-2 pm 11435 Grafton Road Selena, pop culture icon, M Thursday, May 11 will b e Monroe County Community College 8 am-2 pm remembered 1555 South Raisinville Road historically as a major force B Tuesday, May 16 and influence Mt. Carmel Catholic Church 8 am-2 pm in melding the 8330 Lewis Avenue Latino and D Thursday, May 25 American Dundee Baptist Church 12 pm-6 pm c u l t u r e 14040 South Custer Road together.

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Agora

Spotlight

March 18, 2006

The 6th Annual Antiques in April took place April 1st and 2nd in the Welch Health Education Building. The Antiques on display were from the 1700’s through the 1900’s.

Agora photos by TONYA HUFFMAN