Spring Fling: Fighting To Finish

Lions’ Roar

StudentVoice A Normandale Community College Student Media Outlet for Audio, Visual, & Written Work.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the last week of classes! This will be the final issue of the Lions’ Roar Student Voice for the Spring 2016 semester. The cover is titled “Fighting to Finish” not only because of the photo of two students in a gladiator duel, but because many of us are fighting to graduate.

Finals week, bring it on!

This issue covers the Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial winners from the Writing festival, an article about the Children’s Book Exchange, and highlights from the Spring Fling. There is also a great article jam packed full of ideas for fun things to do around Minneapolis this summer. As Editor in Chief, this is also my last issue. In the Fall, I will be passing the torch onto my talented assistant Michael. I’d like to thank him for all of his hard work this spring and Greg Lyons for the great opportunity to work with the Lions Roar Student Voice.

Keep Reading, Karlynn O’Neil Editor in Chief

Our Spring 2016 Staff: Karlynn O’Neil- Editor in Chief Michael Achterling- Assistant Editor Greg Lyons- Staff Advisor Contact us by Email at lionsroar@normandale.edu Or stop by our office K1401 Kopp Student Center

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Issue 21

Features

11

3

Kid’s Books

5 Summer Spectacular 8

Ghost Wing

10

Spring Fling

11

Writing Awards

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Reading Comes Full Circle Children’s Book Exchange Program Story and Photos by: Karlynn O’Neil

Where the library building meets the College Services building stands a red and yellow book shelf with a plaque reading “Children’s Book Exchange”. The shelf has been there for quite a while; however, it’s recently received some new life.

“I kind of inherited the project,” said Nahom Mossazghi. Nahom is a Normandale student who is very involved on campus. He’s working on a double major in Chemistry and Bioscience, planning to transfer into a program in Neuroscience. He was recently accepted to the U of M. In addition to his studies, he’s the President of the Black Student Alliance, he’s in Student Senate, STEM Club, and is the coordinator of the Children’s Book Exchange Program.

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The idea for the shelf started in 2011 at a Phi Theta Kappa conference. “Instead of donating the books, we decided we’d like to keep it more in house,” said Nahom. The shelf used to sit on the first floor at the main entrance, but it was hard to notice because it was painted a flat industrial grey.

“Our biggest issue was how can we get it where students can see it,” said Nahom. So after getting permission to move it, Nahom encouraged two other students, Sabrina Majid and Mariana Gumeniuc, to help make the shelf more fun. They chose to paint the book shelf red to show Roar N’ Red pride, and yellow to correspond with PTK. They added handprints to make it more fun.

With a fresh paint job, a highly trafficked new location, and a plaque, the book shelf had new life. Now the challenge was to fill it. Nahom and his classmates hosted book drives, they sent out an e-blast to faculty and staff urging the Normandale community to give up their used children’s books. The response was remarkable; they’ve received over 500 books in the last semester.

The shelf is different from the free libraries you see around the metro area and sometimes on campus.

The Children’s Book Exchange isn’t your typical ‘take one leave one’ spot, the program reaches much deeper into the community and Nahom has hopes for the future.

“I want us to partner with the tutoring center,” said Nahom. The idea is to start a reading circle where English as a Second Language students can choose a book from the shelf, learn to read it with a tutor and then take it home to read to their kids. Though Nahom is transferring in the fall, he hopes to keep the project going. He plans to keep in contact to ensure his legacy lasts.

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The Minnesota Summer Spectacular 2016

Grand Old Days on As spring semester draws to a close, summer Grand Ave in St. Paul events around Minnesota are beginning to appear on calendars and daily planners of every June 4 – 5 individual who wishes to take advantage of their FREE summer break. The wide assortment of activities Story by Michael Achterling

gives Minnesotans opportunities to grow closer with their families, friends, and community. While many Normandale students will be taking summer classes, it’s important to take a break, unplug, and enjoy the sun because a Minnesota summer has a lot to offer.

Pints and Pups at Boom Island Brewing Company in Minneapolis May 14 – 1PM-9PM FREE P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f Tw i n c i t i e s . c o m

Usually a Sunday-only affair in past years, Grand Old Day 2016 will expand into Saturday as well, giving Minnesotans from all over the state an opportunity to enjoy one of St. Paul’s biggest street fairs. Food and entertainment will be plentiful along Grand Avenue between Dale Ave and Snelling Ave. Musical stages will be blaring at Billy’s on Grand, Dixie’s, and the Wild Onion featuring some of Minnesota’s finest local musical artists.

Water Fest 2016 at Lake Phalen Photo courtesy of Boom Island.com June 4 – 11AM-4PM Proceeds from this dog-friendly event will go to seven animal rescue organizations. Nate’s Dogs FREE Hotdog Stand will be providing food for any hungry guests. Water will be available for any canine, but well-behaved, leashed dogs are recommended.

Friendship Forest Planting Party at Lower Landing Park in St. Paul June 4 – 1PM-4PM FREE with website registration Bring toe-covered shoes and tree planting clothes for this all-ages community building event.

Volunteers from Friendship Forest will be planting trees along the Mississippi River in an effort to shape the waterfront for future generations of Minnesotans. Volunteers will have the opportunity to name and adopt their freshly planted tree. Music and free snacks will be provided.

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P h o t o b y Tr i c i a D e B l e e c k e r s

This event sponsored by the Ramsey-Washington County Watershed District raises awareness for clean Minnesota lakes, and offers hands-on learning about water quality, wildlife, and special ecological features of the watershed. Sailing,

canoeing, and fishing technique instruction are only a few of the many lake shore activities planned for the afternoon. There will be a bouncy castle.

Minnesota Street RodAssociation Presents The 43rd Annual Back to the 50’s June 17-19 at The Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Come and see the flying machines of yesteryear.

This event celebrates the history of aviation, giving expo-goers the chance to view, touch, and see flying demonstrations from these propellerpowered eagles. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the pilots of these aircraft including: current/former commercial pilots, military reservists/veterans, WWII pilots, and former astronauts. Also, the most famous annual pilot, Santa Claus, will be on hand to get an early start on Christmas wishes from little boys and girls. Aviation fans young and old will rest assured knowing this action packed weekend will be one to remember for years to come.

VANS Warped Tour 2016 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN July 24 - 11AM $60+ All Ages

Photo courtesy of msrabacktothe50s.com

The finest hot-rods Minnesota has to offer.

Featuring almost 12,000 registered vehicles, Back to the 50’s is a car lovers deepest fantasy. Arts and crafts will be on display along with one of Minnesota’s largest swap meets featuring more than 400 swappers. Looking for that car that will Photo courtesy of rukkus.com make you feel young again? Back to the 50’s will also feature the 30th annual classic car auction. This traveling skateboard extravaganza has morphed into one of the must-attend concert Food, drink, and entertainment for all ages. events of every summer. This year’s artists Air Expo 2016 at Flying Cloud Airport include: Atreyu, Less Than Jake, New Found in Eden Prairie Glory, Sum 41, Veil of Maya, Good Charlotte, and Yellowcard, amongst 35 more musical acts. Every July 16-17 $15 One-day event pass, $5 children’s year new artists inspire new fans at this summer staple. Don’t feel out of the loop when your friend one-day event pass (Ages 8-12) asks you, “Did you see that awesome band at Warped Tour this year?” You need to respond with, “Of course. They...were…amazing!” Where your VANS, and bring your deck to this concert event that is sure to make your parents question whether or not they raised you properly.

Tall Ships on Lake Superior in Duluth August 18-21 $9 Single-day Festival Pass $12 Single-day Festival, plus tours

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Minnesota State Fair

August 25 – September 5 (Labor Day) $13 (Age 13-64), $11 (Age 5-12, Age 65+), FREE (Age 5 and under) Photo courtesy of Tallshipsduluth.com

Travel northward to Duluth and enjoy tall, wooden sailing ships this summer along the shores of Lake Superior. Food and beverages will be available, as well as educational programing and fun for the whole family. This year, the Tall Ships Festival will team up with Art in Bayfront Park, and include more than 150 art vendors. If that isn’t enough, the world’s largest rubber duck will be floating in the harbor alongside these gorgeous sailing vessels.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival Weekends, August 20 – October 2 Adult $23.95 ($20.95 in advance), Children (Ages 5-12) $14.95 ($12.50 in advance) Photo courtesy of Northland Adventurer

The great Minnesota get-together has been a back-to-school tradition for many years.

Featuring all sorts of stick food, entertainment, and consumer attractions, the Minnesota State Fair is an event unlike any other in the state.

Averaging 1.8 million attendees each of the past three years, the Como Ave/Snelling Ave fairground is a must for any Minnesotan who has never experienced the glutton, stimuli-filled environment of pronto pup eating bliss. Musical Photo courtesy of minitime.com acts at the fair grandstand in 2016 include: Don Does thou hast a weekend free for games and Henley, The Dixie Chicks, Demi Lovato with gluttony? If so, the 46th season of the Minnesota Nick Jonas, and Bonnie Raitt.

Renaissance Festival is the place to be. With food and vendors as far as the eye can see, only the With all the exciting events in Minnesota between costumed staff and festival’s royal court will be May and August this year, it will prove to be more able to draw gazes away from the many attractions difficult to not have any fun over the summer. Take MN Ren Fest has to offer. Axe throwing, archery, some time. Enjoy yourself. Then, come back to and fencing are available for festival-goers to test college reinvigorated. Summer is the time to find their skill in the crafts of the old world. Live armor yourself, again. With classes complete and fall crafting and glass blowing encourage witnesses to semester 2016 in the distant future, summer is view the process used to create beautiful pieces of a time to enjoy the present. This year’s present art. Jousting competitions are held daily. looks like the best one yet.

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Normandale Writing Festival

Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial Awards Story by: Stephen Dodds

Normandale’s Annual Writing Festival took place on April 7th. Featured speakers ranged from students of the writing Center, Faculty members and renowned authors. This year’s keynote speakers were Reginald Dwayne Betts, author of Bastards of the Reagan Era and Dr. Nina Smart, author of Wild Flower.

There were many activities on offer, dealing with writing matters as students and public alike were invited to learn more about the craft of writing from an authorial point of view, whether it was for personal growth or even in an attempt to get that little bit closer to publishing one’s own book.

Faculty and students led seminars on a variety of topics. Appropriately, one was entitled Why Poetry capital-M Matters.

Betts said in his keynote addressthat poetry matters to him, because he learned a lot from literature. He began by saying that “while it won’t take the bullets out of people” and that “poetry certainly helps people see the world in a different way,” but the highlight of the day for six Normandale students was their receipt of the Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial Awards for Creative Writing. There were two awards, one for Fiction and one for Poetry, with the top three writers in each category honored at this event.

The Judges for the Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial Awards this year were Bill Meissner for fiction and Rachel Noritz for poetry. Both authors read excerpts from their recent books.

Meissner read from his work Spirits in the Grass, while Moritz read poems from her recent work, Borrowed Wave.

The Fiction awards went to Abby Bilger, who won first place, while second place went to Amy Lee with third place to Jackson Ulstrom. Certainly, it seemed that the three student-poets recognized agreed that poetry matters.

The Patsy Lea Core Living Memorial Award for Poetrywent to Megan Stratford, second place to Stephen Dodds and third place to Grace Shultze – all members of Normandale’s AFA in Creative Writing program.

Second placed fiction writer, Amy Lee’s story was inspired by a combination of events at an RV park her grandparents used to manage. Her advice to other aspiring writers would be: “find someone who also loves writing and befriend them, because they can work on projects with you, help when you’re stuck, and keep you accountable”.

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Fiction writing’s third placed Ulstrom’s piece, entitled ‘The Best Lies’, was inspired by a few of the high school experiences he had when dealing with compulsive liars and those exhibiting attention seeking behavior and he added ”I was both fascinated and horrified by the lengths to which people will go just for a bit of pity”. As for advice he would offer a budding writer, he said simply “anyone who wants to write owes it to themselves to give it a shot. Maybe you’re perfect for the New Yorker, or maybe some independent punk ‘zine, but there’s a spot for you in the world of writing, professional or otherwise.

Inspiration for the winning poem, Going Numb, came from Stratford’s personal experiences as a young girl, and after completing her time here at Normandale, she is transferring to a BFA in Creative Writing program, has a scholarship to Augsburg, where she plans to attend in the fall. Stratford decided to submit her poetry after encouragement from her professor, Kris Bijalk. At first, Stratford did not feel her work was good enough, but encouragement showed her that it truly was. Second placed Dodds’ poems were a compilation of writing based upon his global and local observations from his experience of a visit to Dachau, or something as simple as a drive down France Avenue in a thunderstorm.

Photo By: Pictured are Grace Shultz reading from her third place writing

Third place Schultze, garnered inspiration from her own childhood emptiness, and her piece ‘The Chair’ took six drafts before Schultz felt it was ready. Again,this poem was about childhood experiences. When asked what their advice to budding writers isStratford says simply,“Don’t give up”, Dodds said “Pursue writing it with a passion because no one else can tell your stories,” while Schultze said “If you get stuck, just keep going and the writing will eventually come out.”

Entry rates seem to be consistent and “this year there were approximately 50 submissions in total for the contest this year. That’s similar to the amount we received last year”. Faculty member Deanna Larsen said.

Left Photo by: Megan Stratford reading her winning poem, Going Numb.

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GHOST WING CHALLENGE Story by: Karlynn O’Neil

During the Spring Fling, several brave students participated in the Girvan Grille Ghost Wing Challenge for the opportunity to win a gift certificate. Those who did, signed a liability waiver and buckled into five minuets of hot wing torture. Contestants were given five minutes to eat as many wings as possible. Some were not brave enough to last the full five minuets, others endured to the end. After the five minutes was up, the judges counted bones and declare a winner. It was reported the winner for the day ate thirty wings. All participants received a t-shirt and milk.

Above: Unknown student/ faculty member reported to have eaten the most ghost wings in the day, 30 wings.

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A Normandale Community College student slides on an inflatable bounce castle during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Spring Story by Michael Achterling

is

Flung

to eat as many chicken wings as possible in a five-minute period. The winning student ate 30 wings in the short time frame. Overall, the 2016 Spring Fling was a great success. Students were entertained and, for a moment, forgot about all the stresses of college life; which was the purpose of this organized community building event.

Upon entering the Normandale gymnasium, a carnival atmosphere began to take shape.

The large, colorful bounce castle beaming in the artificial light of many fluorescent bulbs cause an immaculate glare of fun. The smell of food waving in front faces, and the music blaring as Normandale Community College (NCC) students assembled for their Spring Fling, April 26, presented by the NCC Program Board. The fling marked the beginningof-the-end for the 2015-2016 school year, giving students the realization of an impending summer, and looming “finals” week. This exciting community fair atmosphere could be seen by all on the faces of the volunteers, and attendees of the event.

Many students found free food. While others, released unwanted aggression upon one another by battling in an inflatable squared-circle of doom.

Equipped with protective gear, students took up the padded dueling staffs and tried to knock the opposing student off their pedestal. Competitive eating also had a role to play in this year’s Fling. Normandale Community College students volunteer during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling) Student took the Ghost Wings Challenge. Trying

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Normandale Community College volunteer attaches wrist bands to students during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Normandale Community College student receives a fake tattoo during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Normandale Community College students eat chicken wings during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

A UPS recruiter spins cotton candy for students during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Normandale Community College student slides on a bounce castle during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Spring 2016

Students eat chicken wings during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Normandale Community College students eat chicken wings during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

Normandale Community College students eat chicken wings during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling) Normandale Community College volunteer stands at the food table during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

A Normandale student volunteer hands our shirts during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

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Normandale Community College battle in an inflatable ring during Spring Fling 2016. (photo by Michael Achterling)

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