THE MONTAGE
UNITED
WE STAND
AS ONE MERAMEC THE MONTAGE STAFF We, the editorial staff of The Montage, the voice of Meramec students, solemnly pledge to uphold and continue to strengthen Meramec’s 50-year-old reputation, despite a “massive brawl” which has captured the attention of national media outlets. We ask you, the students, to stand with us, united as one diverse community of scholars. WE ARE a dynamic group of students, educators and individuals. We are provided, a safe, affordable and accessible learning environment for all walks of life. Whether you hail from the library, the quad, the cafeteria or the newsroom, any student can find a home at Meramec. We are not just a college, but a community committed to quality education and educators. WE HAVE nationally-recognized programs artfully designed by a group of passionate educators. Our success as students and community members is a top priority for our faculty and administration. Their dedication is incomparable to other colleges and universities. At Meramec, professors actually know your name. Meramec students have a choice of tutoring, whether it is supplemental instruction, peer tutoring, academic center help, writing center assistance or math tutoring. Meramec students can get involved with an activities board that allows anyone with 10 people, a sponsor and an application to start a club. Students are offered the rare opportunity for hands-on learning, as well as limitless opportunities to plan, train and prepare for working in the real world. Meramec students get the opportunity to develop networks and connections with working clients. Interior design students can walk into a Kirkwood business only to see the design they create executed. Journalism students can write, report and publish a newspaper solely run by students, for students. The one-on-one training teaches art students to compile portfolios comparable to graduate level work. Horticulture students do not just learn about plants, they build gardens. Archaeology students dig around the world, not just in the classroom. Theater students attend national acting workshops and student government officers represent the college in Washington, D.C., each year. Phi Theta Kappa prepares students for community involvement and builds leadership skills at bi-monthly meetings. Students engage in service learning in classes spanning all disciplines and the honors program sends off many of students to Washington University with full scholarships. WE STAND FOR equality and opportunity for all students regardless of race, gender, age or financial status. We believe all students deserve opportunity and Meramec is an esteemed path to success. WE DEMAND that all students be respected and treated as part of the community. We will not let a “massive brawl” define us. We will not let racial slurs about a disturbance on campus fill online comment boards and destroy our campus climate. We will not let our education suffer because five students could not resolve a dispute civilly. Meramec students define success through their values, not the values depicted in a YouTube video. Meramec has a name. A name that has been fostered and developed for 50 years. We care about that name. So should you.
See related stories on pages 3 and 7 @themontage
Volume 47 Issue 13
www.meramecmontage.com
April 19, 2012
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The City of Kirkwood Invites You to the Third Annual:
April 21, 10am – 3pm Come Learn About: Urban Agriculture Community Gardens Growing Local Sustainability
Exhibits Include Beekeeping Natural Soaps and Salves Recycling Rainwater Composting Organic Gardening Backyard Chickens Vegetarian Cooking Tree Planting Growing Herbs Recycling Growing Native
Many of the natural, locally grown, and eco-friendly products on display will be available for purchase! Experts will be on hand with information on how to nurture and sustain your natural environment. Sponsored by Kirkwood Living Green.
Kirkwood Living Green’s Third Annual Earth Day at the Market will be held at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market, corner of Argonne and Taylor, on Saturday, April 21, from 10am to 3pm
KIRKWOOD FARMERS’ MARKET HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturdays, 8am to 5pm Sunday hours vary by vendor www.downtownkirkwood.com
NEWS April 19, 2012
Meramec
under national spotlight KAVAHN MANSOURI EDITOR IN CHIEF On Monday, April 9, an incident on the STLCC-Meramec campus involving five students took place between Business Administration and Communications North. As a fight ensued between four females and one male, a bystander filmed a video that went viral, peaking the attention of Yahoo News, Patch and Inside Higher Education. In the video five students – one holding a child – are seen attacking one another while faculty, staff and campus police attempt to diffuse the altercation. Three of the five students were arrested and face charges in Kirkwood Municipal Court, according to Meramec Campus Police Chief Paul Banta. The five people involved were later suspended from the school for a year, according to a correction made to the April 12 press release issued by STLCC Director of Communications DeLancey Smith. Meramec President George Wasson said the campus made a “prompt and appropriate” response. Wasson said although he is never happy to see a video of an altercation on campus but what is shown in the video is a correct response from campus police, faculty and staff. “What I saw were people acting appropriately,” Wasson said. “I saw that there were some faculty and staff who were keeping people back out of the incident, I saw the police arriving within 90 seconds, I could see those things on the video and that was actually reassuring to see that we were acting promptly and appropriately.” Wasson added that in this technological age, people should be aware that actions are public. “[If] you do something, you may find yourself up on YouTube and that’s whether it happens here on campus or happens while a person is out for the weekend.” Meramec Vice President of Student Affairs Linden Crawford said it is important for the campus to work together as a positive force and to not dwell on the past. “What we’re most concerned about is how to look to the future and how we all have to work together to be a positive force for our campus, so at a time like this we all have to remain positive, remain calm and continue to share with our community members the positive things about our campus and not dwell on an incident that’s gone viral,” Crawford said. CAMPUS IMAGE Student Activities Council President Troy Rolen said the incident is an unfair example of what Meramec offers. “Stuff like that doesn’t happen at Meramec; that’s the first time something like that has happened in a very long time,” Rolen said. “That wasn’t even a once-in-a-
blue-moon thing, it was a once-in-a-neverever.” Wasson said with fights occurring so infrequently on campus, it is an area of interest for people. He added that with or without the attention from the web, administration would have reported the incident. “With so few incidents it becomes something of interest to people. If it were a common occurrence it would have very little interest,” Wasson said. “Even if it would not have been on a YouTube video we would still have reported this incident – it would still show up.” Chair of Behavioral Sciences Darlaine Gardetto, Ph.D., said Meramec’s image could be affected depending on how the campus handles the situation moving forward.
“You can’t be everywhere at one time, but we will certainly increase the patrol in the areas that students congregate,” Banta said. In order to regain a comfortable atmosphere on campus, Crawford said the presence of campus police has to be increased. “Students are concerned – they’re a little bit worried. In conjunction with our police chief, we agreed that a strong police presence is necessary during busy, peak times. There were some police in the vicinity when this incident occurred, which allowed them to respond within 90 seconds,” Crawford said. “I think we just have to make sure that we have that presence available so that students do feel comfortable.” Andrew Langrehr, dean of science and
“What we’re most concerned about is how to look to the future and how we all have to work together to be a postive force for our campus.” Linden Crawford, Meramec Vice President of Student Affairs
“Campuses face challenges. How do we move forward? Do we try to sweep it under the rug? Do we try to focus on law and order issues? Or do we behave like we are a college where we get into some of the deeper ideas that are imbedded in the discourse that is surrounding this series of events?” Gardetto said. “Which includes not just the quarrel, fight, brawl but the response to it.” Student Government Council President Mark Wilson said that the fight was an isolated incident. “I don’t think the image of the school is permanently damaged. I think this is an isolated incident. Things happen in life and sometimes people fight; it’s an unfortunate part of society, but it’s something that happened,” Wilson said. CAMPUS SAFETY At the April 17, Student Governance Council, Linden Crawford, Vice President of Student Affairs, addressed students’ concerns about the incident. “It was an unfortunate situation but we have responsive and competent police officers on this campus and immediate attention from our Behavioral Intervention Team,” Crawford said. “We have strategies in place that can help reassure all of us that hopefully things of this nature don’t occur very often, and if they do we have systems in place to immediately intervene on behalf of the campus community.” Banta said patrols around campus would be increased in problem areas.
technology, said it is important for students to feel safe on campus and is surprised that safety is suddenly an issue. “I think that the students on our campus have a pretty good sense of the safety and the relationships that we have and that’s why I find it surprising to feel like there’s a lot of issues there,” Langrehr said. “In order to have a good environment to learn in, you’ve got to feel safe. Safety is very, very important and I think it influences the environment.” CAMPUS CLIMATE Chair of Behavioral Sciences Darlaine Gardetto, Ph.D., said it is important that the campus shifts the discussion of safety to focus on the racial climate experienced at Meramec. She said the campus fight was discussed during a recent department meeting. “The main tenor of the discussion was about campus security. I left the meeting actually feeling somewhat dissatisfied because I think that we are facing issues that are much more complicated than campus security,” she said. The video received a large amount of commentary on the internet, which included racist comments toward the African Americans in the video. Gardetto said that before she had seen online comments on the video, she did not consider the incident a racial issue. She added that the comments online speak for themselves and shine a light on a problem on campus.
“I actually hadn’t thought about it with regards to race, until I saw the kind of commentary that was online,” Gardetto said. “I had thought of it as a fight broke out on campus; we’ve been having trouble for the past couple of months with the area between Business Administration and Communications North. There’s been a lot of uncivil behavior on campus in general. I had not associated it with race until I saw the commentary.” Crawford said while there is no way of controlling the outside world, administration will be taking steps to quell any racism on campus. “The racist comments on the internet were very disturbing. We have some upcoming plans to strategize about training for our students as well as our faculty and staff regarding a number of issues,” Crawford said. “Certainly attitudes and issues of this nature are not condoned by our college at all; I think the outside world is something we can’t control, but on our campuses we will be providing some training to heighten our awareness of issues that need our attention,” Crawford said. The incident has revealed an issue that has not been discussed, Gardetto said. “We have to do something on this campus about the general incivility, but clearly from the commentary we have an issue… we have a big issue,” Gardetto said. “I think part of the problem is that we’re not discussing race explicitly.” Wilson said that as a student, he does not think racism is a problem at Meramec and that the problem is mostly on the Internet. “There’s no place for racism in this world. It could have been any race of people–anyone can get in a fight. It’s absolutely outrageous, absolutely absurd to see things like that,” Wilson said. “There’s a lot of people who will sit behind their computer with their mask on and say things that are hurtful like that.” Langrehr said it was sad to see racist comments and responses on the YouTube video. “I think it’s sad if the perception is that it was racial, that could have been any group of students that were having an issue,” Langrehr said. “The question should be, ‘Why are these students upset?’ and not anything related to the appearance of the students who were upset.” Based on the online commentary regarding the campus fight, Gardetto said she hopes the incident will spur dialogue between students and faculty. “These kind of events bring out the worst in people, and that’s what we’ve seen,” Gardetto said. “I’m hoping that we move toward more faculty-to-student dialogue. It may be time for faculty to have teach-ins. This is a time for faculty and students to get together and try to come up with new ways to think about campus issues.” President George Wasson will host a student forum from 3-4 p.m., Thursday, April 19 in SC 200/201.
4NEWS April 19, 2012
Plug pulled, annual event cancelled Meramec’s Battle of the Bands postponed until next year AMBER DAVIS SENIOR STAFF WRITER
As voters made their way to the polls on April 3, Uncle Sam stood in the Student Center Quad to recruit students. He was not there to convince students to register to vote or join the military; rather, Student Activities Council (SAC) President Troy Rolen was dressed to find more of STLCC-Meramec’s musicians to sign up for the Battle of the Bands. But on April 4, SAC announced the event was canceled and postponed until the fall semester after not meeting the eightband quota. SAC organizes the event to raise funds for the Student to Student Book Scholarship. According to Meramec Activities Director Chris Bathe, the Battle of the Bands raised close to $2,000 for the scholarship last year. Rolen said although he has been promoting the event since the end of February, only three bands had signed up. “If I had all the people that signed up commit, I would have around 32 bands.” Rolen said. “A lot of them promised me they would do it.” SAC promoted the event by posting
flyers and signs throughout campus. This is Rolens third year helping out with battle of the bands, he said he usually has ten or more bands sign up. The event was scheduled for Friday, April 27. Bathe said that the date for the students could have interfered with the band members’ inability to commit. “This event typically falls around Prom,” Bathe said. “Which is sometimes our issue with incoming freshman. Also, the date is around when final projects are due and students are studying for their finals.” Rolen said another possibility bands could not commit is the $100 installation fee to ensure the bands to show up. “If money was the issue, the bands could get it back by selling their tickets,” Rolen said . Battle of the Bands has been rescheduled for Oct. 19; this is the first year the event has not been held. The Battle of the Bands gives students the opportunity to listen to live music and vote for three bands out of ten that performed for that night. It has been held at Meramec, according to The Montage
archives, since 1988. Battle of the Bands has changed, according to Steve Brady, manager of Campus Life. Brady said the event used to have judges, similar to American Idol. Furthermore, the event used to be in the cafeteria; however, due to the amount of bands that joined, they moved the event to the gym. In the past, The Urge and Story of the Year performed at Meramec’s Battle of the Bands. “[The Urge] was not the famous band they are now,” Brady said. “It was a spring board for some bands to make it or have some regional celebrities. [This event] gets the students out of the garage to perform in front of people.” Brady said the Battle of the Bands typically has around 400 people come to the event. “It’s good exposure. We had some bands that went out and did really good stuff. And all the money goes for a good cause,” Bathe said. “Hopefully we will see them all in October. It will be a huge event raise a lot of money and it will be a lot of fun.”
st. louis
earth day events APRIL2012 meramec’s earth day celebration april 18 . 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student Center Quad
see full story at meramecmontage.com
buggin' out for earth day april 21, 201 . 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. butterfly house
pedal for the planet april 22, 2012 . 9 a.m. missouri history museum
party for the planet
april 22, 2012 . 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. st. louis zoo
earth day festival
april 22, 2012 . 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. muny grounds, forest park
botanical garden celebration
april 28, 2012 . 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. missouri botanical garden GRAPHIC BY: ANABEL GONZALEZ
NEWS Montage receives state, regional recognition
April 19, 2012
KAVAHN MANSOURI EDITOR IN CHIEF The Montage was recently recognized as the Best Overall 2-Year College Newspaper at the Missouri College Media Association’s annual convention and awards ceremony, held April 14 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo. The Montage received 1st place as the Best Overall Newspaper in the 2-year college division, the Sweepstakes award, a 1st place award for Web Page, a 1st place win for its Summer Survival Guide and 23 additional staff and individual awards. In addition, The Montage was recognized as national finalists for three Mark of Excellence Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. Annually, the Society of Professional
Journalists presents the Mark of Excellence Awards honoring the best in student journalism. The Montage placed first at the Region 7 conference March 31st in the General News Reporting category in the two-year college division for its series of articles on budget cuts; first in the Sports Writing category for Kurt Oberreither and Spencer Gleason’s article on drug testing for athletes; and was named the Best All-Around Non-Daily student newspaper. Region 7 includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The Montage will compete against finalists from 11 other regions. Panels of national judges will select one national first-place winner in each category.
Langrehr named STLCC- Meramec VPAA KIMBERLY MORICE ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., was announced as STLCCMeramec’s new vice president of academic affairs (VPAA) at the March 29 Board of Trustees meeting. Langrehr will officially start his position on July 1. “I was excited. I think that it’s a challenging job, but it’s an important one. And I hope that I can meet everyone’s expectations and do a good job,” Langrehr said. “It’s nice to have the sort of pat on the back from your superiors. What’s been really rewarding is the outpouring and support from the faculty and staff on campus, lots of emails and people stopping in. I’m feeling pretty good about it right now.” Langrehr competed against two other Meramec deans, Yvonne Johnson, Ph.D., and Angela Grupas, Ed.D.; and one outside candidate, Denise King. With the start of his new position, Langrehr will have to take a break from being a parttime chemistry professor at Meramec. “I’m hopeful that once I’ve
got the job and got a handle on it that I would be able to do it,” Langrehr said. “I want to make sure I can do well before I add anything else to my plate.” Langrehr said his involvement in student lives won’t end because of his new position. “I want the students to know that I’m approachable and that I’m reasoned and reasonable,” Langrehr said. “That students are the focus of our attention and I enjoy teaching; I enjoy being involved in student activities and I will continue to do that to the best of my ability.” Administration has yet to fill Langrehr’s old position as the dean of science and technology. He said that there will be an official vote for a permanent position fall 2012. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m going to work hard in this new role to move us forward. I appreciate being given the chance; it’s a hard job but hopefully I’m up for the challenge,” Langrehr said.
PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
Faculty and students prepare to “Take Back the Night.” More than 40 men and women participated in the event as part of Voices Against Violence, a weeklong series organized by the Diversity Committee for Women’s History Month and supported by the Women’s History Committee. Check out the full story at www.meramecmontage. com
6OPINIONS April 19, 2012
Off The Eaten Path Yogurtland JESSE HOFFORD OPINIONS EDITOR An untimely warmth is descending upon the St. Louis area, with temperatures having already hit close to 90 degrees. Now what better way to combat the blazing sun than with a big bowl of frozen yogurt? Yogurtland is a cool, frosty oasis for those looking for a chill. It is a relatively simple-looking establishment with a front counter, some tables and chairs, a wall with ice cream machines in it and a self-serve buffet containing all the various toppings one can put on their frozen yogurt.
Yogurt flavors range from tropical treats, like pineapple guava and mango mixer and classic staples like vanilla and chocolate. They even have coffee flavors like frappe, hazelnut and green tea. Yogurtland charges customers by the ounce, which may sound confusing and expensive but it really is not all that much. The rate is 33 cents per ounce, which is actually reasonable. After you choose your yogurt flavor, it is time to add the toppings. Customers can put nearly whatever they
want on their yogurt as far as toppings go. Feeling healthy? Go for the fruit options like pineapple chunks, cherries or coconut flakes. Looking to indulge? Yogurtland has a slew of different candies to throw on, including Skittles. Or if neither of those float your boat, you can get crazy and add things like Oreos, Fruity Pebbles or even Cap’n Crunch. The sky’s the limit. The combination of the pineapple guava and the mango twister flavors make a wonderfully tropic experience that is
further enhanced by adding coconut flakes, pineapple chunks and sprinkles for color. After customers are done creating their perfect frozen treat or sugary monstrosity, they take their bowl over to the counter and put it on a scale. Yogurtland has stores all over the nation but the one closest to campus would be the one at 1530 S. Kirkwood Rd. They are open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
America Kicks Ass Jerry Springer KAVAHN MANSOURI EDITOR IN CHIEF
ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO
“The land of the free and the home of the brave.” Free and brave? One man comes to mind, a man free of the judgment of any other man and far braver than any other television broadcaster. He brings families together, covers national issues and even resolves marital problems. His name is Jerry Springer and he is one American dude. I can only imagine that the set of Jerry Springer is covered in American attire, because The Jerry Springer Show is what America is all about, typical Americans talking about their typical American problems. He is not like those poseurs Dr. Phil and Maury, he is a big- time, truthful, down- to- Earth sort of guy. The other imitators might as well be anti-American, communist flag burners. Springer is dependable; every afternoon
and midnight hour you can find him bantering with his hosts, showering in the audiences’ cry of “Jerry! Jerry.”. He was even the mayor of Cincinnati, so the public obviously agrees that he is the right man for the right job? Why else would people flock to his awesome show about awesome Americans. Topics from “I am pregnant but still want to strip” to “My alien wife” are covered, and everything in-between. Grab your American flag socks, gather your entire family tree and stuff them into your living room. You have a night of Springer watching ahead of you, and nothing can stop you from this adventure of patriotism and freedom. Capture a bald eagle and name it Jerry, because Jerry Springer is just yet another reason why America Kicks Ass.
The Wife of Campus Life End of semester stress KIMBERLY MORICE ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Stress is hitting students at this time in the semester, when pencils are getting chewed, hair is tangled from lack of caring about one’s appearance and tears are being shed over assignments and pure exhaustion. When students find themselves near tears during the final weeks of school, they should remember a few things to keep themselves from having a complete meltdown in the middle of the library: yoga, breathing and sleep. It is difficult to not let yourself get worn out, but students must remember not to let the stress of the semester get to them. Students do not have to be a yoga master to understand and use some of
the techniques that come along in the practice. Stretching and deep breathing can help someone relax during a stressful time. It may seem silly, but breathing is also an important thing to remember to do, especially if one is prone to panic attacks during high-stress periods. Pulling all-nighters often happens when finals are right around the corner, but sleep is an important part of getting good grades. Students should decide at least one night a week to relax and not spend their time studying, to avoid getting burned out before school is over for the semester. For students who are not returning to Meramec in the fall, sometimes the hardest
part of this time in the semester is planning on where to transfer. The final semester at community college is the most important, hopefully students have begun the transfer process long before their final months at the two-year college. Most students never know where they will end up, which adds to the stress and frustration in the final weeks of the spring semester. Hopefully they learn to suppress the urge to throw all of their books out of a moving vehicle while studying for finals. Massage companies should give discounts to students who have just finished finals, considering it might boost business at this time of year.
ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO
OPINIONS April 19, 2012
Students Sound Off After having heard about, witnessed or seen the footage of the fight that occured last week, how do you think it changes Meramec’s reputation in the community or surrounding areas? “To someone outside of the school, it might, but to someone who has been here for a while, I mean it doesn’t change my opinion about it. To someone outside of the school, if that’s all they see than that’s all they’ll think about the school.” -Mason McParlane
“I don’t think it’ll change it that much. I’m sure there have been incidents in the past so I don’t know if it’s going to alter it completely.” Andrea Cuartas-
“I don’t think it changes the reputation; it’s just certain type of people who ruin it for everybody else.” -Coty Priesman
“No, I dont think it should. It’s not Meramec’s fault.” Anthony Warner-
“I definitely think it hurt. Especially since they had to expell five students all at once. I mean, it was a big deal. People already think it’s just a little community college so who cares. People already think not the best of us so this doesnt help the situation any.” -Vanessa Redensek
EDITORS Kavahn Mansouri Kelly Glueck Kimberly Morice Hans Steinert Lilly Huxhold Kurt Oberreither Alex Kendall Jesse Hofford Tomi Storey Spencer Gleason Kait Thomas Justin Villmer Shannon Philpott
Editor in Chief Managing Editor Asst. Photo Editor Multimedia Editor Graphic Design Editor News Editor Art & Life Editor Opinions Editor In Depth Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Faculty Adviser
MONTAGE STAFF THE MONTAGE Amber Davis Victoria Barmark Brian Haenchen Anastasia Heermann Nick Herrin Sadie Hill Aaron McCall Jarod Powell Daniel Reynolds Sara Murillo Steven Duncan David Kloeckener Nick Rousseau Jake Simorka Sam Wise Anabel Gonzalez Cory Montero
Senior Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer/Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Designer Staff Designer
To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., (314) 984-7955. Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. (314) 984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager. Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.
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8 INDEPTH
who has
April 19, 2012
Meramec
Heine Meine CHALK
sod infield in 2009
PAST-EMERGENT PAINT PRE-EMERGENT
replaced 3rd base dugout in 2012
FERTILIZER TURFACE
sod infield in 2008 installed water fountains in 2010 painted dugouts repaired fence in 2010
SEED MOWING & TRIMMING 0
2,000
most 2012 home games were played at
Heine Meine Field was named after a former
Park Hills
Heine Meine
Aviation Field Heine Meine Heine Meine
44
Godfrey, IL
Heine Meine Heine Meine
GRAPHICS BY: TOMI STOREY
3,000
4,000
Money spent on the upkeep of all the fields for a TYPICAL YEAR *numbers according to Building and Grounds Dennis Bannister
upcoming games
4/19 Mineral Area 4/21 Washington University 4/24 Shawnee 4/26 Three Rivers 4/28 Maple Woods 5/01 Lewis and Clark 5/03 Lewis and Clark 5/05 Lindenwood-Belleville
1,000
55
270 S Lindbergh Blvd
255
and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Henry William "Heine" Meine in the 1930’s, who also owned a bar in the vicinity at the time.
INDEPTH April 19, 2012
KURT OBERREITHER NEWS EDITOR SPENCER GLEASON SPORTS EDITOR
Archers bring their game to another field
During last year’s consolidation of the seven STLCC athletic teams across three campuses, STLCC-Meramec was designated to hold Archer baseball. More than three months into the first Archer baseball season, the Archers have a rotating home field. When evaluating the facilities throughout the district, President of Districtwide Athletics Pam McIntyre said the Meramec field was chosen because the only other field in the district, the Florissant Valley field, required “a significant amount of repairs.” On April 5, Kirkwood residents and STLCC students may have been wondering why the Meramec baseball field resembled a ghost town. It was, however, a scheduled home game, but the Archers were not there. Instead they were playing their home baseball game 13 miles away from the STLCC-Meramec baseball field—at Heine Meine Baseball Field. The Archers still practice on Meramec’s fields and the grounds crew still maintains the field as usual. According to Building and Grounds Manager Dennis Bannister, $13,878 is spent on the field annually. Meanwhile, the college spends $75 per game at Heine Meine. Tony Dattoli, STLCC Archers head baseball coach and said there are a number of projects that could be pursued to make the field safe and qualified. He said the warning track does not adhere to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) guidelines. According to Dattoli, the backstop is more than 40 years old and in disrepair. “There are some things with the baseball field that are larger projects than people forecasted,” Dattoli said. The college has invested more than 60,000 in capital projects for the field in the last five years “Every year we spend a lot of money on the Meramec baseball field. It is an ongoing maintenance requirement to make sure the fields stay safe. We invest in that annually. Last year, there was some major work done on the infield,” Director of Physical Facilities Thompson said. Since the athletics consolidation, the college has painted the dugouts and replaced the third base dugout. According to Thompson, the college creates a five-year plan that includes projects such as a new warning track and backstop. “All of [the projects were] coming to fruition about the same time as the baseball season was getting started,” Thompson said. “So rather than play on the field with all these needs that we have to take care of, we decided to get it done correctly and safely for the long term.” Thompson said removal of the sewer drain down the first base line became priority when the ground settled because of the safety hazard it poses. The college contacted the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) to draft a plan to move the drain to another location. “It’s a great practice facility. The tricky thing comes during a game: you’re looking up for a foul ball and you’re running over toward the fence, which is another issue,” Dattoli said. “You know if you walk down the sidewalk and you’re looking up at the sky and you step off a curb, you lose your balance. Unfortunately, where this sewer is located, it’s kind of the same scenario, but the curb is about 18 inches in height.” While the Archers know about the drain, McIntyre said it is especially dangerous to the unaware opposing team. “[On the first base side] it does drain pretty well. I mean if you have a great big down pour, you’re going to have standing water in some areas for a little while, but as long as it’s gone after a certain amount of time its fine, “ Building and Grounds Manager Dennis Bannister said. Thompson said the drainage project is still in progress. “Right now, we know there are some things that need to be done,” McIntyre said. “The MSD sewer drain was not something that we knew about last summer – that was just something that occurred within the course of the year because of the way in which the ground settled.” According to Thompson, $150,000 of the 2013-2014 budget has been requested for physical education and athletic facilities. She said the district still plans to invest in the baseball fields after the drain is addressed. “Generally speaking, things happen – in terms of baseball fields or any other project at the college – in stages,” McIntyre said. “Most of the time the total sum of money that you might need to deal with some of these major things is greater than what’s on the table, so you have to do it in stages.” Dattoli said one example of the positive investments the college has made in facilities is the Forest Park gymnasium. Since the consolidation, new fans have been installed, the floor has been resurfaced and the Archer name has been painted on the walls and floor. “The district themselves has made a pretty good commitment to athletics, from my assessment. They’re starting to invest some funds and some time into making our facilities better,” Dattoli said. Due to the maintenance, the Archers have not played a regular season game on Meramec’s field. Because of the safety hazard, the athletics department decided the team would have to spend at least one season playing home games at another field. The Archers played their first six games at St. Mary’s High School’s field, but since March the Archers have been calling Heine Meine home. Some games are also played at Aviation Field in Forest Park. “How long we’re not going to be playing [at Heine Meine], it’s hard to tell,” Dattoli said. “I’d rather drive a couple extra miles to play a ballgame, than [be] in fear of somebody getting hurt on our field right now.” However, the Archers’ schedule does not specify where the games will be played. “I suspect that fell through the cracks when the decision was made to move somewhere else,” McIntyre said. Although Dattoli said he has 10 years under his belt at Meramec he said, for now, Heine Meine has been a great asset for the team so far. As for homefield advantage Dattoli said “we still bat last.”
356 2012 Meramec Comm College bw 8x5.25 ad_Layout 1 3/12/12 10:42 AM Page 1
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ART&LIFE April 19, 2012
Rhythm and blues hits the Duck Room
STLCC-student Chrissy Renick performs new album at local music club DAVID KLOECKENER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ALEX KENDALL ART & LIFE EDITOR As patrons file into the intimate environment of the Duck Room under Blueberry Hill on March 30, STLCCMeramec student Chrissy Renick took the stage. Renick organized the night in celebration of the release of her newest album, “A Thousand Shades.” “After the CD came out on iTunes, we wanted to have some type of CD release party so people could hear it live, so we put it together in the past three months,” Renick said. Renick takes the classic sound of rhythm and blues and mixes it with her own unique vocals to create her new album. Renick said that she finds most of her musical influences in pop, alternativesoul and R&B. “I would definitely have to say Alicia Keys, Aliyah, Christina Aguilera and Motown when I was younger,” Renick said. “I listen to a lot of pop and R&B.” The event began with the opening artist, Renick’s supporter and older brother, Mike Renick. Near the end of his set, Mike Renick announced to the crowd of 70 to 90 people that the night was a celebration for his little sister’s CD release.
PHOTO BY DAVID KLOECKENER STLCC-Meramec student Chrissy Renick smiles at the crowd beyond the stage in the Duck Room on Mar. 30. The night was the first night that Renick had played with her band.
The crowded room erupted with applause as Mike Renick stepped off stage for his little sister to enter the spotlight.
“I had invited a lot of people but this was more than what I expected,” Chrissy Renick said.
A T
With the crowd settled, Chrissy Renick sat down at the keyboard and began to play. As her solo on the piano climaxes, the band joins in with instrumental support and vocal backing. The crowd rises to their feet and cheers as the group joins in a syncopated unison. “It gave me a lot of energy because I’ve been playing alone for so long. This is the first time I’ve played with my band so it felt so much more real,” Chrissy Renick said. “When you’re alone, it has its own unique element but the energy gets low and you start to feel lonely. I like having the band. It was so energetic with the people there.” While she may be successful in the local music scene around Saint Louis, Chrissy Renick said that attending Meramec and participating in the music program will help further herself in her career. “I’m going to school to learn but I really want to keep recording and keep doing this to see where it goes,” Chrissy Renick said. Chrissy Renick plans to make the best of both worlds, learning and recording. “I love Meramec,” Chrissy Renick said. “I won’t be there for very long but so far I’ve really enjoyed it. It will help me with my song writing.”
M E R A M E C
The Music Department at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students. You may take classes for general education credit or pursue the Associate of Arts in Music degree to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music or Music Education program. ** SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE **
COURSES
MUS 101,102,201,202 MUS 103 MUS 113 MUS 114 MUS 115,116 MUS 121,122,221,222 MUS 128 MUS 130 MUS 138,139,216 MUS 141,142,241,242 MUS 143 MUS 211,212
Music Theory I,II,III,IV Basic Music The History of Jazz The Enjoyment of Music Class Voice I,II Class Piano I,II,III,IV Survey of Rock Music Beginning Guitar Jazz Improvisation I,II,III Applied Music (Lessons) I,II,III,IV Introduction to Desktop Publishing Music History I,II
Interested in performing in an ensemble? All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required!
ENSEMBLES
PHOTO BY SARA MURILLO
Nature’s Jewelry SARA MURILLO STAFF WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER
“The owner of Antheia Jewelry Company and STLCC-Meramec student, Amanda Pohlman has crafted her love for nature into a business with her sister. The beginning of Antheia goes back to the little handcrafts stand that Amanda’s sister Olga Munoz and her boyfriend had in a touristic place. Munoz and her boyfriend created and marketed handcrafts that were sold at their stand for about seven years.” Read the rest of the story and view photos online at www. meramecmontage.com
Music 132 – Orchestra Music 133 – Jazz Lab Band Music 134 – Symphonic Band Music 135 – Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Voices of Magic jazz choir All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal. Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Singers and/or the Voices of Magic jazz choir.
For more information, contact the Meramec Music Department Gary Gackstatter, Director of Instrumental Music, ggackstatter@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7636 Dr. Jerry Myers, Director of Choral Activities & Music Theory, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638
12ART&LIFE April 19, 2012
From class assignment to children’s novel STLCC-Meramec student writes and self-publishes book AMBER DAVIS SENIOR STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY ALEX KENDALL STLCC-Meramec student Gretchen Daniels holds up her self-published children’s book “Hello, Friends My Name is Awenasa. Daniels began the book as an honor’s contract for her American History class taught by professor Kay Blalock. 371_UMSL_SS_Meramec_5.25x8_120329.qk_Layout 1 3/29/12 3:53 PM Page 1
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Flipping through her selfpublished children’s book, STLCC-Meramec student Gretchen Daniels lands on a page with bright purple lightning bolts streaking the sky behind a layer of trees laid across the page. “[The characters in the book are] completely exposed to the elements,” Daniels said. “So, getting the effect to actually look like lighting was the most challenging. I wanted to show the brilliance that lightning can have.” Last semester, Daniels selfpublished her own children’s book called, “Hello, Friends My Name is Awenasa,” for the honors contract in her American History 101 class taught by history professor Kay Blalock. According to Blalock, the standard that honors students do for their contract is to write an extra paper. Once Daniels decided to write a book, Blalock encouraged her to take a step further and get it published. “I am open to whatever they might want to do,” Blalock said. “Whether it is a paper, I prefer to do something else both for them and me. A project could be anything; I’ve had students turn in artwork before and [Daniels] mentioned in being interested in the Trail of Tears.” The Trail of Tears, a forced relocation and movement of Native American nations from southeastern parts of the United States during the 1830s, was a main focus of Daniels’s writing. The Trail of Tears stood out to Daniels because of the “parallels of the death marches Jews would have to go on in the Holocaust.” “But I wanted to do a children’s book because I thought it would be interesting to explore a tragic subject in the perspective of a child’s viewpoint,” Daniels said. Daniels said that the most interesting thing about writing the book was how Awenasa, the main character, “told her own story”. “I didn’t expect that. She, in a very general sense, became this real person. I felt like she was sitting next to me dictating what the story was,” Daniels said, pointing to the chair to her left and smiling. Blalock requested an extra copy of Daniels’s book to show Eric Meyer, an associate English professor and honors program coordinator. Meyer said Daniels was the first student who “went so far” to publish her own book. “I was so impressed with the effort she put into the project and with the result,” Meyer said. “I am proud of [Daniels] for the way she was able to take her academic research and use it to inform a creative work. The book is beautiful. Beautifully researched, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, all done by [Daniels].”
The process Daniels took started by pinning down what topic to do in the first week of the fall semester. From there Daniels said she spent most of her time researching more specific events for the Trail of Tears. “I really just sat down one night and decided to put the story on the page and it flowed organically,” Daniels said. The route Daniels’ character went through was based on an actual route the Native Americans took throughout the Trail of Tears. “Deciding my character to start her journey, I chose a specific actual route that a group took,” Daniels said. “And from there I could just follow her path.” Overall the biggest challenge, according to Daniels, was time management. Writing the book was a balance between studying and writing essays for other classes. Also, getting the book published, Daniels said could take up to three weeks due to printing the book and then shipping. “It was hard to balance studying for those things with ‘oh, I really need to set aside time to research this,’ so getting down to the wire [felt] like I had to get the project done,” Daniels said. “It was before Christmas so I wanted to allow time if anything was late to make sure I had the project before the semester ended.” Daniels’s book was created by her but it was Blalock that recommended taking the next step to publishing the book. “She’s a very good student and I think she should be given the credit for the innovation, the creativity and everything else that went in this,” Blalock said. “It’s truly her project; she has the making and the confidence of a very successful individual. She’s very passionate about her ideas and often that’s what it takes to that next level.” Daniels said she was overjoyed by the amount of support from the faculty at Meramec, especially Blalock. Another support Daniels had while creating the book was her husband, Dr. Clinton Daniels. “He is very supportive and encouraging with ideas. I think he would have loved to be the one illustrating it,” Daniels said. “But I was very adamant about getting everything done from beginning to end by myself. I couldn’t ask for more support from my husband, I’m very lucky in that way.” In the future Daniels said she would like to sell the book to an actual publisher. “To have that opportunity [to get the book published]W is not something I would push myself to do,” Daniels said. “So, I think that was probably something I’ve taken away from this experience. Just doing an honors contract and all the encouragement and support I got from the faculty has been really wonderful.”
ART&LIFE April 19, 2012
PHOTO BY KELLY GLUECK
The “Wright” Angle Kirkwood’s hidden treasure
KELLY GLUECK MANAGING EDITOR
Frank Lloyd Wright was named the greatest American architect of all time by the American Institute of Architects. His designs for Fallingwater and The Guggenheim Museum can be seen in art history books around the globe. Despite his world-renowned fame, one of Wright’s designs lay less than five minutes from campus. Docent trainer and Meramec architectural associate professor member Mary Huelsmann said the Kraus House is “Kirkwood’s hidden treasure.” “Here we have a world famous artist who designed one of his great homes right here in Kirkwood,” Huelsmann said. “We’re lucky Kraus treasured and respected the home as a work of art. That’s truly a rarity.” The Kraus House originally designed for Ruth and Russell Kraus is nestled in the hills of Sugar Creek off North Ballas Road, just south of Dougherty Ferry Road. The residence is now open to the public as a Frank Lloyd Wright Museum and a part of the St. Louis County parks department. Students, faculty and art appreciators are welcome to private tours by trained docents. An artist himself, Russell Kraus wrote a letter to Wright in 1948 in hopes that Wright would design him a work of art to live in. Just five days later, Wright responded promising him plans for a “nice, little house.” The home was designed and built in the final decade of Wright’s life. “Wright worked in three career stages. In his third and final career stage, The Kraus House was built,” Huelsmann said. Huelsmann said Wright was in his residential phase and preferred to build quality homes designed for a modest price. Dave Baumgartner, The Kraus House docent, said Wright’s residential phase was better known as his “Usonian” stage, a philosophy he used to describe the harmony between humanity and its environment. “Typically these homes were energy efficient and made of materials found in nature –even the bricks were custommade to fit the Usonian ideal and also fit the parallelogram shape of the building,” Baumgartner said.
SUBMITTED PHOTO The Kraus House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in a precise geometric grid of equilateral triangles, hexagons, and parallelograms. Each corner of the house can be measured at either a 20-degree acute angle or a 120-degree obtuse angle, with the exception of the only right angle in the master bathroom.
Huelsmann said that most of Wright’s Usonian homes were built as cohesive geometrical works of art. “Frank Lloyd Wright believed in complete control of design from A to Z,” Huelsmann said. “He controlled all the details from the fabric used to the furniture used.” The entire home was designed in a precise geometric grid of equilateral triangles,
hexagons and parallelograms. Each corner, with the exception of the only right angle in the master bathroom, can be measured at either a 20-degree acute angle or 120-degree obtuse angle. Baumgartner said this intricate grid is exclusive to the Kraus home. “None of Wright’s other houses worked within three geometrical shapes to all form into a single grid,” Baumgartner said. “Not only that, but all of the lines and brackets in
the building match up. There is only one space in the building that is off the grid and it’s only by about an inch.” Huelsman said that the Kraus’s were living in a work of art. It changed their lives and now offers the public an alternative look at architecture and the idea of home.
For tour reservations call 314-822-8359
TRANSFER to Fontbonne University
At Fontbonne University, we’ll work hard to make the most of the credits you’ve earned — and help you reach your career goals. We offer more than 30 traditional majors — challenging programs with relevant curriculum. Plus, we offer four undergraduate degrees in our OPTIONS format — accelerated 8-week terms designed for busy working adults.
Connect with an admissions counselor: (314) 889-1400 or (314) 863-2220 (OPTIONS)
Our main campus is in Clayton, Mo., in the very heart of St. Louis, and we have convenient learning centers in Brentwood, North County and South County devoted to adult learners. A variety of daytime, evening, weekend and online courses are available.
Fontbonne University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
www.fontbonne.edu/montage
Get the word out about YOUR Business! Reserve a Space Now in The Montage’s 2012 Back-to-School Survival Guide The Back-to-School Survival Guide will be on newsstands from July to September and distributed year-round at campus events. Spread the Word! Priority Ad Reservation Deadline is June 4th After this date, space is limited through the June 15th final deadline
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Academic Advising ● St. Louis Community College ● 11333 Big Bend Road ● St. Louis, MO 63122
ACADEMIC ADVISING
LEARN TO
STUDY & CRAM
Cindy Clausen, Supervisor, Meramec Academic Center, will present on ways to prepare to “Ace” Ace your final exams! Wednesday, May 2, 2012 12-1 p.m. Library Confluence Room
Light refreshments will be served. St. Louis Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have accommodation needs, please call 314-984-7588 within two working days of the scheduled event to request needs. Documentation of disability may be required.
16SPORTS April 19, 2012
Coming
back to the
Mac Alumni Dani Whitehead returns to Meramec to pitch for the Archers SPENCER GLEASON SPORTS EDITOR
PHOTOS BY: ALEX KENDALL Above: Dani Whitehead Pitches During The Lady Archers Game Against East Central On April 17. Below: Whitehead Bats Against East Central. Whitehead Played For The Meramec Magic Last Season And Left To Play Softball For The Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers In The Fall Of 2011. Whitehead Returned To St. Louis To Play For The Arhers At The Beginning Of 2012
Minutes before the first pitch is thrown or the first crack of the bat, country singer Luke Bryan’s southern drawl voice begins to echo through the trees surrounding Meramec’s softball field as the radio plays. This is the moment when the starting pitcher is able to clear her mind, not allowing any thoughts to enter—just her throwing a ball into a catcher’s mitt. It is the focus. While warming up in the bullpen Dani Whitehead, sophomore pitcher, begins to whisper the lyrics to herself. “Cotton wool falling like snow in July; Sunset, riverside, four-wheel drive.” The smack of the ball landing in the mitt begins to coincide with the beat of the drums. “The music played before the game pumps us up, but it also helps me not think about the game,” Whitehead said. “Usually I’m just singing songs or trying to just focus on the music and stuff and not so much, ‘I have to do this. I have to do that.’ Once it’s game time I clear my head.” As the nerves subside, Whitehead, who will turn 21 in August, is used to taking the field as a starting pitcher. She feels at home. After all, she started the Archers first six games, earlier this season. Her 118 innings leads teammates, all the while holding a 3.85 ERA. “I like being in control of the game,” Whitehead said. “When I’m pitching the game, it’s on my time. I like that. I like being involved in every single play.” Whitehead, who also plays the outfield for the Archers, has also caught in her young career. “I think [it helps],” Whitehead said, “because when I’m pitching, I think of the catchers aspect. What pitch I would throw next. So it helps if the catcher is unsure, it helps that I have been there so that I know.”
Whitehead, who played with the Meramec Magic last season, left at the end of the season to play softball at Kentucky Wesleyan College, a Division II school, 206 miles away from the familiar grounds of St. Louis. After making the decision to leave familiar faces, Whitehead found herself playing her favorite game “in the middle of nowhere” for a school that had 700 students total. After returning home during her fall break, Whitehead began to feel homesick. “I liked the softball part because it was Division II and everybody wanted to be there. Everybody wanted to compete,” Whitehead said. “I really liked that, but it was so small. I missed the city, I guess. I didn’t like that everybody knew everyone and I missed my family, of course.” Like most athletes, Whitehead does not need to look far for where her athletic ability came from. Her grandmother plays tennis and still does. While in her late 60s, Whitehead’s grandmother still challenges her granddaughter to tennis matches. She is undefeated against the younger generation. “We play together all the time,” Whitehead said of her grandmother. “I’m very close with her. She has always pushed me ever since I was little to do every sport. She has pushed me very hard, especially in softball. She comes to all my games.” While Whitehead’s grandmother sits in the stands, Whitehead takes the field. She steps on the pitching rubber and stares into the catcher’s mitt. All clears her mind except for the melody of a song. “[Softball] has always been number one,” Whitehead said. “I’ve just always been good at it. I’ve stuck with it. I have the most fun playing it.”