4-8-2003

AGORA MONROE VOLUME 45

COUNTY

COMMUNITY

Student Battles AIDS Page 4

COLLEGE ISSUE 9

April 8, 2003

Monroe for Peace

By Bob Oliver Reporter

On the morning of March 15, only two days before President George Bush gave his ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave or fight, a rally was held in downtown Monroe to promote peace.

The event drew a crowd of about 40 people and began at 10 a.m. in front of the General George Custer statue at the corner of Monroe Street and Elm Street. “[…] I don’t really like war,” said ten-yearold Rachel Kull, “My uncle, he’s in the Air Force, and I don’t want him to get hurt.”

Kull was one of a handful of children at the “Monroe for Peace” rally.

Her view was shared by many people there who do not feel that the risk of having American soldiers hurt or killed in war is needed.

Shirley Steinman, a local author and retired elementary school teacher, also made an appearance at the rally. Her book Only Paper, Merely Words was published last year and contains poems she has written on subjects ranging from love to politics. A portion of her poem “Aftermath” was read aloud for the group to hear.

Subtitled “October 1, 2002,” “Aftermath” is a message to

“Aftermath.” “They crave and covet all-out war.”

Tom Deku, a retired teacher from Trenton High School, is concerned about what consequences a war will have in the future.

“We [the United States] wanted the United Nations charter on pre-emptive strikes after Pearl Harbor. We have to be very careful about changing international laws,” Deku said.

Deku was holding a sign with two messages: “Stop mad cowboy disease” and “Pearl Harbor was a preemptive strike.”

Many other people at the Protestors’ Battle Cry rally also had signs, some handmade and readers to be aware of some of not.

Some had familiar the ramifications that a war with messages, like “What would Iraq would bring. It is one of Jesus do,” “Peace is patriotic,” many poems in the book and “War is expensive, peace is dedicated to speaking out against priceless,” while others had the Bush Administration’s tactics original messages like “Hope for in foreign and international peace, pray for peace, insist on affairs. peace.”

“Now those who hold the The demonstrators also had power of those offices they stole a large sign saying “Monroe for use all they have to threaten see Protest, page 7 more,” Steinman writes in

” “ What do we want?

Peace!

When do we want it?

Now!

Governor’s knife cuts funding

By Rachel Ziethlow Editor

Agora photos by Bob Oliver and Crystal Pierce

Protestors rallied on the cornerofMonroeandElm Street on March 15.

Across the street, separate from the march, Damond Horner (above), holds a flag to express his support for our troops.

For a glimpse of the national protests in New York City, see

page 8

Budget cuts are raising havoc throughout Michigan as community colleges scramble to prepare next year’s budgets to help fill a massive deficit. So far this year Governor Jennifer Granholm has issued a 6.5% budget cut for higher education and threatens more.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) as well as many other community colleges throughout the state have undergone two cuts since December. In December former Governor John Engler issued a 3.5% cut in higher education for

2002-2003, which brought down the college’s state appropriations from $4,462,223 to $4,305,858, a loss of $156,365, according to Timothy Bennett, Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer.

In the beginning of March, Granholm recommended a 6.5% reduction, which brought state appropriations from $4,305,858 to $4,015,800, a $290,058 loss.

So what is MCCC doing to cover for this loss? According to Audrey Warrick, President, MCCC is not filling open staff positions and is eliminating “anything that we can cut that’s considered to be optional.”

Cuts that the administration hopes to avoid include tuition hikes, funding for student clubs

and organizations, and lay-offs according to Bennett and Warrick.

Students will experience a raise in tuition; however this is due to a previous tuition schedule of a three year adjustment. In fall 2003, tuition will rise from $51 to $53 according to Bennett.

MCCC’s cuts are not as extreme as they may seem. In all, approximately $450,000 out of a $20 million budget is being taken back by the state according to Warrick. However, only about 20% of MCCC’s funding comes from the state.

The remainder comes from local property taxes (46%) and tuition

see Budget, page 7

page 2

Monroe County Community College

EDITORIAL

The Agora

Letter to the Editor...

Decisions await College President responds This letter to the editor is being sent in response to the article in the March 17 issue of The Agora entitled “Professor-Student Relationships No Longer Taboo an MCCC.” Monroe County Community College does not encourage nor condone intimate personal relationships between faculty and students. The College administration was not contacted by The Agora to obtain the College’s position regarding this topic.

The College does not condone an intimate personal relationship where there is any professional relationship between the parties.

There should be no misunderstanding among faculty or students on this point. The reason for this position is multifaceted.

The first reason, which was touched upon in the article, is quite basic. Due to the influence an instructor may have over a student, it is difficult to be assured that a professional relationship is not somehow unduly influencing the personal relationship. The teaching profession (through the National Education Association, NEA) has long held that, as a part of its code of ethics, teachers “shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantage,” “shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety,” and “shall not on the basis of…sex…grant any advantage to any student.” Personal relationships blur the lines of these rules, and to err on the side of protecting the student and the profession, the line should not even been approached so long as there is a professional relationship between the parties. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) explains this concept well in its ethical code: “Sexual relations between students and faculty members with whom they also have an academic to evaluative relationship are fraught with the potential for exploitation. The respect and trust accorded a professor by a student, as well as the power exercised by the professor in an academic or evaluative role, make voluntary consent by the student suspect.”

Intimate personal relationships between faculty and students should be avoided- a reason ignored by the article- is that such relationships also can give rise to legal concerns. Current laws prohibit sexual harassment.

Students are protected from being sexually harassed under Michigan and federal laws (Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972) as well as the College’s policies. Some may say that so long as the relationship is consensual, the College should not be concerned. A relationship which may appear consensual and welcome by one party, or even by both at its outset, may not be viewed so innocently by the other party- whether at the outset or once the relationship deteriorates.

We take these ethical and legal rights and interests of our students seriously.

As part of our effort to protect them, we have a comprehensive complaint procedure in place for any student should the student feel that his or her rights have been violated.

MCCC Policy 1.65 states: “It is furthermore the policy of the College that any acts of sexual harassment of students or employees will be considered as unacceptable and impermissible conduct. Such acts will not be condoned or tolerated by the College and it will take full measure to enforce appropriate action in the event there is a violation.”

This policy statement is published in the College’s fall and winter credit class schedules, the College Catalog, and is posted on the MCCC website. We also regularly train our faculty and staff about their obligations under these laws and principles. This process includes frequent reminders of their obligation to respect the appropriate boundaries between professionals and the students they serve, and their obligation to advise the administration if a concern has arisen in this regard.

We believe that so long as there is a professional relationship between a faculty member and any student, intimate personal relationships between the two should be avoided.

This is necessary and desirable under our ethical standards, the ethical standards of the teaching profession, our legal obligations, and the legal rights of our students. I regret that the article seemed to minimize these issues. I hope the College’s position on this issue is now clear.

Sincerely, Audrey M. Warrick, President

Editor’s note...

The article Professor-student relationships no longer taboo at MCCC was written in an objective manner so as not to condone or condemn professor-student relationships but to examine them. The administration was not contacted about the sexual harassment policy regarding these relationships because the Agora believes that sexual harassment and consensual relationships are completely different subjects. If the sexual harassment policy had been stated in the article, the Agora believes it might have caused embarrassment or implied that the professors cited had acted inappropriately.

By Joe McIntyre Copy Editor

The politics of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) have been quite the buzz around campus lately, whether it is the search for a new president or the multi platform vs. single platform debate. These issues have been the two most talked about, and quite possibly the most controversial, issues here at the college.

All these topics boil down to one common thread: finances vs. curriculum. The State of Michigan is passing budget cuts for colleges and other institutions. I wonder if that will be the reasoning for some of the decisions that are about to be made at the college, laying the foundation for the college to be ran as a business rather than an institution of higher learning.

With the apparent disappointment amongst many faculty, the Board of Trustees recommended that a Ph.D should not be required, but preferred in the search for a new president.

MCCC staff believes that the board already has someone in mind as a possible candidate for the new presidency, slanting the college to becoming a business rather than an institution for higher learning.

The board still has the opportunity to choose a new leader

who could please everyone involved.

Whoever the board chooses ultimately must have a voice that can bring together students, faculty, administration and the Board in a time when so many are divided on key issues that relate to the running of MCCC. That, within itself, will be the conundrum that the new president faces.

The multi-platform vs. single platform debate seems to be more of a cost issue rather than a technological issue. Both sides of this debate have presented their findings to the Instructional Technology Committee on which operating system the college should use. The multi-platform side argues that we should be diverse in our microcomputing capabilities, and by going to a single platform we are limiting both staff and students. The two main points in the single platform presentation were the ease of operating a single platform system, and operating cost adherent with using a multi-platform system.

I was disappointed with the single platform side and the administration; no one would speak to me in regards to the presentation on Feb.11. Plenty of people on the multi- platform side chose to speak, and they spoke passionately about why this college should continue to operate under a multi-platform system.

President Audrey Warrick said, “Personal preference and emotional

response on the operating system make it difficult for interaction.” The emotional responses seem to be a bit one sided with no one willing to comment on the single platform side.

Warrick will make the final decision after she receives recommendations from Gail Odneal, Interim Vice President of Instruction, and Lonnie Brunswick Vice President of Student and Information Services. If the decision is based on the ease of operating a single operating system and cutting instructional technology cost versus offering diversity with microcomputing capabilities to both students and faculty we will limit our appeal to prospective students.

Warrick has the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the college in regards to her decision of multi-platform vs single platform. If we limit our micro-computing capabilities, we will limit both faculty and students in the micro-computing technology that is yet to come.

Many believe that the administration has already made this decision, and if the Instructional Technology Committee meeting held March 25 is any indication, they probably have. The meeting began as a rebuttal for the two sides when

see Politics, page 7

Irony lies within protests Jenna Koch

Past is prologue

We are living history each and every day, and currently, as war rages in the Middle East, we are faced with history as it is happening.

On March 15 a peace rally was held in front of the General Custer statue in downtown Monroe. This past weekend I found myself watching a peace rally in New York City. These gatherings of protestors are examples of history, and how we can view the same historical moments in different ways. Those people who protest the war are viewing the history that America is creating in Iraq as wrong, and are protesting in hopes of gaining peace, but what about those who are already fighting this war.

In the movie A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson’s character Colonel Nathan R. Jessep makes the comment, “Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls need to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? …

You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk

about at parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty.

We use then as the backbone of a life trying to defend something. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said ‘thank you, and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest that you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.” While I realize this is not exactly the same thing, this line sums up the freedoms that the American Military provide for citizens, these freedoms that too many Americans

take for granted. I am saddened by the sheer number of men and women who protest the American government and military for doing their jobs.

I watched a news clip this weekend of protestors burning the flag of the United States of America. It’s the ultimate irony, and the ultimate show of the freedom provided by the American Government that men and woman CAN burn the flag of the very country that gives them the freedom to do so, and for those of you who are questioning that comment, burning the flag IS legal.

Do these protestors realize what they are protesting? They are

see Column, page 7

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-theeditor 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.

The Agora is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, and the Student Press Law Center.

Mark Bergmooser, Advisor

Monroe County Community College

CAMPUS NEWS

The Agora

page 3

Winter,springtravelworriesstudents

By Veronica Terry Copy Editor The worst of the winter is finally over and students can wake up in the morning without having to worry about looking out the window at six inches of newly fallen snow. Spring offers new hazards like fog, heavy rains, and the occasional tornado.

Regardless of the weather, most students must still wake up, get dressed, and drive anywhere from five minutes to an hour to get to school—even if it means risking their lives.

Even though it snowed an incredible amount this past winter, school was still in

session. At one point, residents were not allowed to drive on the roads or they would be ticketed, yet school was still in session.

Accidents were occurring all over I-75, yet school was still in session.

There is no actual law mandating schools to shut down after a particular amount of snow, or a certain thickness of fog. Although no law orders school to shut down, some students were angered with the Administrative decision to remain open all day.

“I thought it was stupid that at least morning classes weren’t cancelled,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Justin Lado said.

The weather poses threats to each and every driver, especially those running late in the mornings. The Preservice O r g a n i z a t i o n (library.preservice.org) said that snow now often turns into other threatening driving hazards.

Freezing rain, for example, coats the road with ice and reduces friction. Wind also poses a danger during winter storms, causing “white-out” conditions when it captures powdery snow and snow drifts along the sides, and even in the middle of the roads.

“I drive 30 minutes to school everyday,” MCCC student

Snowy days brought out faithful students

see Weather, page 7

Dance Day proves big success

Agora photo courtesy of Jeffrey King

Phi Theta Kappa advisor Cheryl Kehrer speaks at the annual initiation ceremony on March 18. Phi Theta Kappa had 99 members join this year.

Agora photos by Bob Oliver

Club raises funds

By Korinne Milks Page Editor Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honor society of Monroe County Community College (MCCC), has begun a drive to benefit the community’s local crisis pregnancy center.

Active members of PTK have coordinated this drive, planning to collect items such as baby clothing, diapers, baby food, bottles, formula, and other baby items. The items will be taken to Heartbeat of Monroe, and distributed to women in need.

“This is a great project for a worthy cause… it takes a village to raise a child, so if everyone can donate an item or two the community will benefit from the generosity,” said Nicholas Perry, PTK treasurer.

This drive will be one of several projects the society has undertaken this semester. Other projects included providing child ID’s for the MCCC event

“Family Fun Night” that took place March 21. PTK is currently planning an upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on April 17 during the lunch hour to raise money for scholarships.

Last semester, active members planned a successful gift drive for a needy Monroe family, among other projects. MCCC students and faculty are encouraged to get involved in the current drive for the community crisis pregnancy center.

“It’s so wonderful to support an organization like Heartbeat [of Monroe],” Becky James, PTK historian, said. “[Heartbeat] encourages young women to choose life, and there’s no doubt that support from the community is refreshing and gladly welcomed.”

The drive for Heartbeat of Monroe will run through the entire month of April, and donation boxes can be found in the Administration building, Library, Learning Assistance Lab, West Technology building, and Health Sciences building.

“I hope [performances similar at MCCC] will improve with the new building.”

-Gail Odneal, Interim Vice President of Instruction

“I’m delighted with the community interest.”

-Marty Hedler, Dance Day volunteer

page 4

Monroe County Community College

FEATURE

The Agora

Joe McIntyre: Student, Speaker, Survivor

Agora Photo By Rachel Ziethlow

By Kellie Vining Reporter Monroe County Community College student, Joe McIntyre is a lesson in survival.

Joe has survived and thrived with HIV/AIDS for the last twenty years.

While many may think of AIDS as an automatic death sentence, McIntyre refused to accept that point of view. “I knew the moment I found out that I was infected, it would not kill me,” said McIntyre. “And here I am twenty years later.”

Joe was diagnosed with HIV in 1985 after donating blood at the Red Cross. “About three or four months after donating I received a letter from the Red Cross requesting a name and address of my physician,” McIntyre accepted his diagnosis and moved ahead with his life. “I told a few close friends and they took it harder than I did,” said McIntyre. “There may have been some level of denial there because I did not

return to the doctor until 1987.At that point it had been two years and I knew that I needed to stay on top of things concerning my health. Also, 1987 was the year the first drugs were approved for use in HIV/AIDS patients.”

McIntyre was diagnosed with AIDS in 1992. Just as with the first diagnosis, Joe refused to believe in defeat. He works to keep a positive outlook on life. This is apparent in the way he lives his life.

Fellow student Marsha Halason describes Joe’s attitude.

“It seems to me that Joe lives his life for today. He doesn’t wait around to see what will happen next because you never know,” said Halason. “I think of the phrase Carpe DiEm, which is Latin for Seize the Day. That is what comes to mind when I think of Joe.” Joe is an active student here on the campus. He is a reporter for the Agora, a writing fellow, and an international relations student on his way to the UN. He is also a community and AIDS activist. He has devoted count-

Agora Photo By Crystal Pierce Agora Photo Courtesy of Joe McIntyre

less hours promoting AIDS education.

“I had a voice that was just dying to come out. I had the voice but I didn’t have anywhere to go with it,” said McIntyre.

McIntyre found his voice at David’s House, an AIDS service organization located in Northwest Ohio.

“David’s House facilitates my speaking engagements,” said McIntyre. “I speak with everyone from 4th graders to veterans about HIV/AIDS.” According to Elizabeth Applegate, assistant director of educational services, McIntyre is one of David’s House most requested speakers.

“People call every year specifically requesting Joe for speaking engagements,” said Applegate. “He is a wonderful speaker. The way he connects with kids is amazing. He meets them on their level, but he doesn’t preach. His passion comes through when he is speaking; he is an inspiration to people.”

McIntyre considers his activism to be a crucial part of maintaining his health. “I liken the education work that I do to alternative therapy,” said Joe. “It helps me to be well. Music and school are also a part of my therapy.”

Working with the developmentally disabled had a major influence on the way McIntyre copes with living with AIDS. “I worked with the disabled for years and I just couldn’t justify feeling sorry for myself when many are born with so much less than me,” said McIntyre.

It was at a speaking engagement at Bowling Green State University that McIntyre decided that it was time to share his story with the students of MCCC. “Driving home from BSGU, I thought it was time to share my story with my fellow students,” said McIntyre. “I have shared AIDS information with all kinds of people and I just know that I am supposed to do the same for the people that I see everyday.”

see McIntyre, page 7

HIV/AIDS: The importance of testing According to the Monroe County Health Department, the fastest rate of HIV/AIDS infection is occurring in young people. 1 out of every 2 new infections in the United States is between the ages of 13 and 24. The number of reported cases of Michigan residents living with HIV or AIDS has steadily increased from 1,000 in 1986 to over 15,000 in 2003.

“Right now our target group is young people, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and this puts them at

a greater risk.” said Kim Commerzan, Communicable Disease Coordinator for the Monroe County Health Department.

According to Commerzan, many people avoid being testing simply because they are afraid of needles.

The Monroe County Health Department has added a testing method called Ora-Sure, which involves a cotton swab being swiped on the inside of one’s cheek. There are no needles and no blood involved.

“Anyone who is sexually active or having unprotected sex should be tested,” said Patsy Bourgeois, Clinic Supervisor for the Monroe County Health Department.

“With the addition of Ora-Sure testing methods, we are able to bring testing sites to the public,” said Bourgeois.

“We provide confidential, anonymous, and free testing.”

“We are willing to come to the campus (MCCC) and provide this service.”

The Health Department is dedicated to providing resources as

well as testing. “We believe that no agency should provide testing if they are not able to deal with positive results,” said Commerzan. “We are ready to assist any patient who tests positive.”

For more information about HIV/AIDS or to make an appointment contact the Monroe County Health Department at 734-2407835 or 1-888-354-5500 x 7835.

Facts about HIV/AIDS What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as breast feeding.

What is AIDS? AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

An HIV-infected person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC)-defined AIDS indicator illnesses.

HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that it has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as “opportunistic” infections because they take the opportunity a weakened immune system gives to cause illness.

How HIV is transmitted.

HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and/or syringes (tattoos, drug injection) with someone who is infected. Less commonly it is spread through transmissions of infected blood or blood clotting factors.

Alcohol and drug abuse can be a contributing factor because it impairs judgment.

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control.

For more information on HIV/ AIDS log on to www.cdc.gov

Monroe County Community College

FEATURE

The Agora

page 5

Nursing Big Brother Big Sister benefits program children today , into adulthood starts club

by Terri McConnaughey Reporter

by Bethany Slovik Reporter The Nurses’ Club on campus is unofficially under way according to Barbara Harness, President of Student Nursing Association at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

The Club is awaiting recognition and more members as time progresses.

The Nurses’ Club will be officially open and in progress in upcoming weeks.

Members of the club have already been involved in several community service fund-raising activities, such as the tree decorating contest on campus last December, which they won and used the prize gift certificates toward the nurses’ classrooms.

The club is currently hosting a Beanie Baby drive to raise money for premature babies.

The Nurses’ Club meets in the Health Building on campus approximately once a month, when it is convenient for most members to be available.

The Club is primarily for the students of MCCC’s nurses’ program, because it is very beneficial to them for personal growth within the program. At the meetings they discuss concerns and suggestions for the program.

The advisors of this program are Karen Brooke and Bonnie Welniak. The President is Barbara Harness, the Vice President is Kayla McMullin, the Treasurer is Jessica Smith, and the Secretary is Lori Aimar. The meetings also aid in passing on positions year after year from graduating students to new students.

“Fellow students in the nurses’ program and now the club become a second family, especially since this is a very hard program and the club is now a major support group to us all,” Harness said.

The purpose of the club, aside from support among members, is to gain recognition for the program and to let people know what it entails.

In 1903, Irvin Westheimer sighted a boy and his dog digging in a trash can for food. He took the boy home, fed him, and later met his family. After learning the boy’s father had passed away, Westheimer became a mentor to the child. This was the start of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), according to the BBBSA website.

Mrs. John O’Keefe started the first Big Sister program in 1905. “The Big Brothers and Big Sisters merged, forming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in 1977,” states the website.

A volunteer must complete a workers make a match between detailed questionnaire, and then the mentor and a child whose a series of background checks parent has applied for a mentor. is performed.

Applicants must be at least 18, willing to spend 2-3 hours every other week with their “little,” and be able to p r o v i d e transportation for the child. All information is kept confidential Agora Photo by Terri McConnaughey by the BBBSA. The Monroe Carol Wilson and Ruth Ann Atkinson have been chapter began in matched in the BBBS program for thirty-five years.

1968.

“Monroe County has over 30 full It takes approximately 4-6 time one to one matches,” weeks to complete the checks Jeanette Kopmanis, Board and interviews, and to attend a president of the Monroe County training session. Next, social chapter said.

Ideally, matches would last until the child is 18, and many relationships continue into adulthood. Carol Wilson of Monroe enrolled as a little sister when she was 7 years old, and was matched with Ruth Ann Atkinson. Thirty-five years later, they are still Big Sister and Little Sister.

When asked why she joined the program, Atkinson said, “I enjoy Blacks and wanted more connection with them. Kids should see differences.” She has 4 children of her own.

“I learned things I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. We made jelly, Ruth Ann taught me to sew, and taught me etiquette too.

see BBBS, Page 7

Youth Center continues to impact Monroe County commitment to lead a crime free life.”

“We do see repeat offenders but the crimes they come back for are less severe then their original offense,” stated Vanderpool.

Dwight Lassey has been a full time supervisor at the youth center for fifteen years.

center to treat and detain juvenile offenders.

The youth center staff use a program called “token economy”.

This program uses behavior modifications.

Juveniles earn tokens for being punctual, considerate, respectful, and cooperative.

A source of inspiration for the children has been a local cat, by the name of “Mama”.

by Phillip Koch Mama cat has been adopted by Reporter the staff members.

The staff at the youth center are determined to help disturbed The Monroe County youth young adults, with the help of a center has been active since the four legged friend. mid 1940’s. The facility at 3600 Lee Hertzsch, also on staff, M-50 has stated, “she is been in use very protective for 25 years. and very very The center resilient.” can hold up For the past to 18 17 years Mama juveniles in has given birth the detention to three litters area and of kittens a year. twentySome staff seven in the help lighten treatment Mama Cat’s load area. by taking kittens Jim home.

Vanderpool “One kitten has been the had made a hole s u p e r in my bed’s box intendent for spring … we had only three a tough time months, but finding her,” said has been Polly Minki, a assistant Agora photo by Phillip Koch staff member at s u p e r - Jim Vanderpool has been involved with the Monroe County Youth Center for over 12 years and believes the the center. intendent for youth center is having an impact on Monroe youth.

“Children 12 years. that have gone When asked if the center was “Rarely do we see kids from The program teaches house through the program often adopt having an impact on Monroe’s a stable home life, most of them cleaning, personal hygiene, Mama Cat’s kittens,” said Terri troubled youth, Vanderpool said, come from some pretty chaotic c o m m u n i c a t i o n s k i l l s , Vanderpool.

“Yes, it provides opportunity … backgrounds,” said Lassey. a n d i m p r o v i n g i n t e r - She is like the guardian of the hopefully they’ll make the The court operates the youth personal relationships. youth center.”

page 6

The Agora

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Monroe County Community College

Gymnastics facility rises from rubble Before...

B y Melanie Goetz Reporter

A partially collapsed building lay in ruins with large piles of dirt, debris, brightly colored plastic balls, and remains of a roof. At one time this place was filled with children’s birthday parties and other special events as the popular Kidz Biz. In January of 1999, heavy snow and ice caused part of the roof to collapse and the building was left untouched for three years.

That is until sisters; Karla Eshleman and Renee Martin decided to expand their business after being located at the YMCA for 16 years.

Reconstructing and adding onto the Kidz Biz building, Aerial Express Gymnastics and Dance finally opened in early December of 2002.

Located at 3106 N. Monroe St., Aerial Express provides activities for children of all ages to enjoy. They not only include an 18,000 square-foot gym for recreational gymnastics, cheerleading/tumbling and the Aerial Express Team, but also two dance rooms for tap, Hawaiian, hip hop/jazz, and ballet, with a viewing area for parents. A separate 1,800 square-foot preschool gym within the facility is provided and filled with “miniaturized” gymnastics equipment designed to fit the needs of children as young as two. They also offer “Mommy and Me” preschool gymnastic classes during the day. Adults can sign up for

Yoga classes, a n d eventually aerobics.

Eshleman and Martin’s mother, M a r i a n B a k e r , coordinates scheduling for the students.

Each child is -Photo Courtesy of Karla Eshelman put into a The former Kidz Biz building after a heavy snow caused the roof c l a s s to collapse. according to After their age, and ability. A yearly registration fee is required, and a monthly fee for the class.

Each year in June, a recital is held at Cantrick Middle School. This gives the children a chance to show off their abilities and what they have learned to parents, grandparents, and friends, while having lots 15 year old Nicole Kaczmarek, a level nine of fun at the same time.

-Agora Photos By Melanie Goetz gymnast, practices on the uneven bars.

They will also perform at Aerial Express gymnasium, rebuilt and remodeled. the Monroe County Fair in August at the Bandshell, and Gymnastics is often said to morals, and works well with psychology, just to name a few,” march in the Fair parade. be the foundation of all sports children, and are currently Martin said.

“My kids love Aerial because of its wide range of seeking an aerobics instructor “It [coaching gymnastics] has Express. This is their third year ability. It gets children to and ballet teacher. They view always been my life’s calling,” of lessons. We come twice a become more active and coaching as making a difference Eshleman said. week with my 5-year-old teaches flexibility, strength, in a child’s life not only The gym is expected to hold daughter who takes tap, ballet, coordination, motivation and physically, but also socially and gymnastics competitions next year, and gymnastics, and my 7-year- determination. The coaches at emotionally, boosting self- bringing many other teams from old son who takes gymnastics. Aerial Express are safety esteem and teaching important surrounding areas to Monroe.

It’s great with the big windows certified and trained in CPR and values that they can leave with, Within the near future it will be to watch the classes, but it is First Aid. Eshleman and Martin and take wherever they go. available for birthday parties and also a time for me to sit and do follow their Christian-based “Coaching gymnastics is an other special events. If anyone is my homework,” Monroe philosophy when hiring their occupation where you can use interested or has questions County Community College staff. They look for those who everything you have ever learned regarding registration, contact the student Angie Shearer said. have great personalities, good in life, like science, math, and facility at 240-4FUN.

MEADE at GETTYSBURG: AN OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW On Thursday April 10 at 7:00p.m., Monroe County Community College’s own Christoper S. Stowe, adjunct instructor of History, i s speaking as part of Civil War Series.

On July 1, 1863 Union troops met the full strength of the Confederate Army at the crossroads of a Pennsylvania town. The Battle of Gettysburg progressed for three days and would be the turning point of the Civil War. Stowe will examine the battle from Union General George Gordon Meade’s viewpoint.

Presented by Monroe County Library System

Father knows best

By Jenna Koch Page Editor

In 1974 Michael Shaara wrote the award winning historical fiction novel, The Killer Angels. In 1996 his son, Jeff Shaara, tried his hand at his father’s remarkable craft of capturing the heroes and the horrors of the civil war in a book he deemed a prequel to his father’s take of the Battle of Gettysburg. Jeff Shaara, however, is not his father.

The style is the same as the one used by his father, as are most of the characters and the use of a modern idiomatic speech. His style, though a near perfect image of his father’s novel, feels forced in many areas. Jeff Shaara’s version of the war tends to be more of a mimic of his fathers vision than an original one of his own.

In a review by J. Douglas Allen-Taylor, Allen-Taylor comes to a similar conclusion. Jeff Shaara’s novel, while well written at some points, is despicably flawed in other areas.

“On its own, Gods and Generals has flashes of good writing, particularly in its battle descriptions, but too many parts where the canvas has been stretched thin and we can see the author struggling to drag the plot along like a mule team pulling a caisson through the Virginia mud,” Allen- Taylor says.

Despite its apparent flaws the book is not without some endearing qualities. Shaara displays both sides of the war, giving near equal time to leaders from both fronts. Like his father, he strays from the political forces behind the war and instead strives to focus on the personal reasons that men went to war with one

another. On the occasion that he does address reasons for the war he explains them as a person living in 1861 may have done. In May of 1964 Capt. Winfield Hancock is a Quartermaster in California pondering his future and the future of the American Government.

Shaara proposes that Hancock may have voiced these following opinions on the cause of the war.

“There’s two sides to this, two sides that have been pushing us toward a war for moths. One side says, ‘It’s Lincoln! He’s the cause!’ And the other side says, “It’s slavery! That’s the cause.”…And so pointing fingers become pointing guns, because nobody listens to fingers.”

see Father, page 7

Monroe County Community College McIntyre, page 4 Mary Jay, Disease Intervention Specialist with the Toledo Lucas County Health Department said she thinks Joe is making a bold move in dedicating himself to helping others. “The reality is there are still consequences that people with HIV/AIDS suffer when other people find out,” said Jay. “Joe has shown extraordinary courage; putting his personal story out to the public to make a difference at potential risk to himself.”

McIntyre is fully aware of the risk involved in sharing his story. “I think that it is more important to make people aware, than to worry about what people think about me personally,” said McIntyre.

Dr. Jim Devries, professor of History at MCCC recognizes that dedication in Joe. “Joe is one of the most serious students I have. He is focused and he asks the right questions. He is also one of the warmest people that I know. He is going to be successful,” said Devries.

It is his level of focus that brought McIntyre to MCCC. “I want to be a writer,” said McIntyre. “I have so much to say, so much to share with others. I know there are people who will be uncomfortable with me talking about HIV/AIDS, but this is what I do. It is

Father, page 6 Readers from Monroe may also have a reason to read this book. A character that many residence of Monroe are very familiar with: Lieutenant George Armstrong Custer of the United States Calvary. His part is small, but it shows some of the role that he played as a Calvary leader during the Civil War.

Column, page 2 protesting the very freedom that America has given them. I watched protestors walk out of the lines of marches and say to one another. “We did our time, let’s go home.” I saw a man shove his signs into a nearby garbage can, obviously tired of his walk.

These protestors weren’t even dedicated enough to finish the march.

I’m sure the left the protest and headed home to their nice suburban homes with their freedoms of religion, speech, and press completely in tact. What about the people who lack these freedoms?

Who will protest for them? What about the men and women fighting in Iraq?

Can they throw their guns into a garbage can and head home when they tire of the fight?

Politics, page 2 Michael Mohn, Assistant Professor of Materials Technology made a motion to table the discussion, which was seconded by and passed by the committee, allowing no further discussion on the subject of multi-platform vs. single platform. This turn in events was unexpected by the multiplatform side, leaving many feeling that it was planned by certain members of the committee.

Whatever the reason for this turn of events, it has left this reporter with the notion that those who are saying the least have the most to hide. The Board Members and the Administration seem to have their own agenda when it comes to the

IN THE MIX fear and ignorance that perpetuates the continuing spread of the virus,” said McIntyre. “But, the proper information is out there for anyone who wants it.”

“It goes down to this,” said McIntyre.

“If I could go back in my life and change anything I wouldn’t. People think this is odd, but the things that I have been through have made me who I am today and I like who I am. AIDS is so much a part of who I am, I couldn’t take it back,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre says, “Ultimately, I am telling my story in hopes of saving lives. Every time I talk with students I tell them, ‘should the day ever come that you contract HIV, you will remember everything I told you today.’”

“People always ask me how I contracted the disease. I tell them that it was either through unprotected sex or a blood transfusion that I received in 1984.

But what I really want people to understand is there is no reason for new infections. People must take the information that is out there and protect themselves.” said McIntyre.

“Eleanor Roosevelt said it best when she said ‘You should learn from other people’s mistakes. You won’t have time to make all the mistakes yourself,’” said McIntyre. “My hope is that people will learn about HIV/AIDS without ever having to experience it firsthand.”

The book definitely has flaws but it is at least a mildly entertaining way to learn a little aboutAmerican history, and some students may find the war easier to understand in a fictional context such as presented in Shaara’s novel. If the Civil War is an interest a better read would undeniably be his fathers book, The Killer Angels, but if Hollywood’s version of Gods and Generals sparks a desire to read the book, it has its’ moments.

While I believe war is not the answer to the world’s problems, shouldn’t it be our duty as American Citizens to supports the nation and the troops that allowed us our way of life, including the simple freedoms that are taken for granted? Sure, Americans can hate the war, Americans can speak out against the president and congress, and Americans can burn the flag. But just because we can do something, does that mean we always should.

Think of the freedoms that are provided to us all everyday before protesting war. Don’t hate the American military because they are doing their jobs, and are hoping to bring more people into the world of freedom.

Everyday we create history, history cannot always be about peace, and at a historic time of war, it could be about being united in a fight for freedom. future of MCCC, an agenda that no one will discuss with The Agora.

If MCCC’s board members and Administration want to go under the guise of saving money and budget cuts from the state of Michigan as reasoning to limit students and faculty when it comes to our micro-computing capabilities, and every other situation that relates to the finances here at the college.

Shame on them. According to Terry Telfer, President of MCCC Faculty Association, the board has approximately $17.5 million total funds available in unrestricted funds.

“They cannot dispute that,” Telfer said.

The college also made $1.6

Budget, page 1 (17%) according to the MCCC audit.

Although $450,000 may seem like a lot of money, it pales in comparison to the amount that MCCC has kept in the bank, approximately $17,768,725 in reserves, nearly 39 times as much that is needed to make up for the $450,000 cut, according to the MCCC audit.

“Increasing 54% over the study period, the total funds available to

Weather, page 3 Mindy DeShetler said about last month’s storms. “It took me 20 minutes to get the ice off my car. I had to work in the LAL at 8:30 a.m. and they were like ‘Why are you here?’”

The main argument for this is that all adults attend MCCC and they should be able to make the decision whether or not they should risk driving to school.

However, if students should decide it is unsafe to drive to school, they would surely fall behind in a class or two.

Playing catch-up can be hard for some classes because of the amount of homework and studying.

“It’s a hard decision to make,” DeShetler said. “Either your school suffers or your life suffers.”

Protest, page 1 Peace” being held toward traffic.

Throughout the rally, many passing cars showed their approval of the rally by honking their horns or waving to the crowd. Some people held peace signs out of their open car windows, a sentiment that was returned by many protesters.

“We’ve got to shut this war down,” Michael Keegan, a Monroe County Community College Alumni said.

War supporters also made their presence felt during the peace rally.

“Support America,” a passing motorist yelled, “Support your damn troops!”

Other drivers yelled things like; “Go home,” or “Go Bush,” but no one stopped for an argument.

Dave Smith, an area resident, showed his support of the war by driving around the protest area in his van. The back window had “Go Bush” written on it, and the side windows each said “Troop Supporter.”

“I’m supporting the troops,” said Smith. “They need to have their moral boosted, not degraded.”

He also said of the protesters: “Those people are protesting; that’s

BBBS, page 5

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The Agora the Board equaled almost $17.5 million at the end of 2002,” the MCCC audit said.

It is uncertain of how long it will take to pull the state out of this deficit so MCCC is planning for the worst.

“It’s just going to be a long time to pull out of that hole,” Warrick said.

“I think realism says we need to work around the budget as we see it now, and then do what we have to do accordingly, because we can’t stick our heads in the sand,” Warrick said.

Having left winter behind, and begun the transition into spring, students no longer have to worry about snow. But another threat is interfering with the safe drive to and from school.

Fog. Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is located so close to Lake Erie and the river that fog is always probable.

MCCC students now await sometimes treacherous drives through thick fog some mornings. But some students aren’t as concerned with the clouds.

“You really can’t do anything with fog,” Lado said. “It might clear up, it might not.”

For school closings,students can call the Snow Closing Line at (734) 3844223. okay. That’s part of their freedom. They just need to remember why they have that freedom.”

The Young Marines also gathered together to protest the demonstrators by standing in front of the Southeast Michigan Veterans Service Center further down Monroe Street. A group of about 15 kids waved American flags and jumped on the sidewalk.

They were downtown helping the veterans with their fundraising, but were “a little upset about the protests,” Agnes McBain, Commanding officer of the Monroe County Young Marines said. “They wanted to show their support for the troops.”

The fundraising, which was not done in response to the protest, was performed by area veterans, and it is something done to keep the Veterans Center open. The veterans stand at the busy intersections (like the one by Custer’s statue) in the downtown area and give American flags to those who donate to the Center.

According to McBain, it is something that is generally done twice a year, once by the veterans and once by the Young Marines.

I got to see structure in a home,” Wilson said.

“I heard about BBBSA from commercials and ads, and I think it’s a good way to help children who might go down the wrong path. It’s a good way to redirect a child,” Ryan Bunch, a Monroe County Community College student said.

Big Sister Margo Sherrod said, “Her looking up to me made me aware of what I was doing. It made me feel good to help her,” Sherrod is the Executive Director and case manager at the Monroe chapter.

For more information about BBBSA, call 734-242-8540, or log on to the national website at www.bbbsa.org.

million in profit last year, I also know what I pay in property taxes each year, which are continually being raised. These scare tactics are being used as an excuse for the possible elimination of technology and other services here at the college.

If the Administration and Board are so concerned about

money maybe they should reconsider the new building as a white elephant, a building that is for the status quo, rather than the students. The money saved can be used to promote MCCC to perspective students as an elite institution that is changing with technology and not limiting students in their choices.

R V

eader’s oice

What is your favorite book and why?

“The Bible. It contains knowledge and instruction for every aspect of life.”

-Ashley Hajski

“Harry Potter books; they are cute and remind me of my childhood. It is easy to get into.”

-Yvette Wagensomer

“Hamlet because it’s very interesting. Shakespeare was an intelligent writer. I enjoy his books like Julius Caesar and Macbeth.”

-Eric Roberts

“E.A.R.L. because it is an autobiography of DMX. He’s the man!”

-Michael Gross

page 8

Monroe County Community College

SPOTLIGHT

The Agora

1000’s

Gather in New York City to

Protest 1

War on Iraq Agora photos by Korinne Milks and Crystal Pierce

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