3 27 2015 umpi times

Page 1

Inside This Issue:

Details on page 4

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Volume 43 Issue 2

MARCH 27, 2015

Details on page 11

Journalism for Northern Maine

Getting Involved and Having Fun Tong Liu

STAFF WRITER

Have you ever had a challenge that you struggled to overcome? Most of us have. How did you feel after you triumphed-besides tired? You probably felt as though you could then tackle other challenges. That’s the idea behind BEYOND LIMITS, a local organization that is bringing adaptive recreation and more in a supportive environment to those with challenges. Two years in the making, the program grew out of an advocacy class Dr. Jacqui Lowman taught in 2013. This winter for the first time, people with disabilities and challenges in Aroostook County and surrounding parts of Canada can get outdoors through adaptive recreation. The program is about a lot more than recreation, though. It’s about learning that there’s no such thing as “can’t.” The heart of Beyond Limits is an amazing group of volunteers with lots of experience who generously donate their time and talents so that people who thought that they could not ski or snowshoe get to do that. This is about sharing, doing and having fun. Lowman is the founder and president of BEYOND LIMITS as well as its first participant. This year is Lowman’s first to learn Nordic skiing. She had her first lesson in January. “I learned a few years ago that there was adaptive recreation in Maine. But it was in southern Maine. And so for the last two years, I worked so we could have it up in this part

of Maine. And then I met these wonderful people for volunteers,” Lowman said. Lowman was very excited to have these exceptional people to help this community and also happy to learn how to ski. In the past, Lowman avoided going outside during winter because she has disabilities and cold bothered her so much. But this year is totally different. Lowman learned the wonders of layering and using hand and foot warmers. She was so excited, because skiing makes it possible for her to see places that she never saw before. S h e wants others to share this. “I want it to be possible for lots of people. It is great exercise. My whole life, I haven’t been able to go out in the winter. And it is nice to be around with nice people outside. And it really makes me feel really happy.” Skiing changed Lowman a lot in the winter. She got involved in the community and helped other people who want to do skiing. She is also a student in

this community. She is helping people and herself gets helped. Amanda Baker is a volunteer instructor in this community. She has almost 20 years experience of skiing. She became a part of BEYOND LIMITS when she saw a presentation in Lowman’s class. That’s originally why she started working on this project with Lowman. Baker likes skiing and other sports in the winter. She said: “Getting involved in this community gives me an excuse to go outs i d e because I have to be here. It is good exercise for me. Then I get to s e e Jacqui a n d other people. I get to watch her learn and help her learn. Helping people make me feel good.” Julie French is another volunteer in this community. French also has probably 20 years experience of cross-country skiing. She loves all kinds of sports in the winter, including snowshoeing, snow camping and skiing to go down the trail. She said that she likes to do anything that

she can do in the winter and loves to stay outside. She works part time and that’s why Baker asked her to volunteer and help people. She talked about what benefit she gets since she joined this community. “I like being outside, so it is a benefit to me. I like to see people learn new things. So it is very exciting to teach people, whether you teach little kids how to ski or whether it is people who have disabilities. I ski a lot, so I hope to help other people to do these sports.” French has a lot of fun when she is out at the Nordic Heritage Center where the programming takes place, working with the wonderful people. Bonnie Wood is also a member of the BEYOND LIMITS. She has a friend who knows about adaptive recreation in southern Maine. Her friend told her that she should also do it. Then Baker asked her to help out. She thought it was time to do it since two people reached out to her. She really enjoys being part of a group in which she can learn new things and meet new people. She started to ski cross country in 1972, after she moved to Presque Isle. People were talking to one another and they had a lot of fun on that day. Everybody seemed to have a lot of fun during this activity. We feel good when we know how to ski. We will feel better if we’re around others who know how to ski. Skiing is a group activity. It is fun to go down the trail with friends.


C

2

ampus University Times

March 27, 2015

Dear Readers,

The University Times Staff Editor

Christopher Bowden Staff Writers Joshua Archer Christopher Bowden Dawn Gough Monica Hewitt Tong Liu Ning Sun Contributors Emma Campbell Tim Chase Julian Cross Farah Duale Erin Keehn Marc Knap Brad LeFay Meghan Legassie Melissa Lizotte Izaak Ramos Linda Schott Jim Stepp

Well first I’d like to thank you for picking up the paper. This is our second issue this semester and we appreciate your feedback on the first one. We have three more issues after this so be ready. Spring break

will be gone before we know it and soon we’re heading down the final stretch. It reminds me of the

time my friend Tom Brady won a Superbowl, I can’t remeber which time because he’s done it so much. Well I really hope you enjoy this issue. We’re still working out a few kinks and apprecitate your

support, I hope you all have a terrific spring break and I look forward to hearing some more feedback,

Once again, if you or somebody you know would like to publish something in the University Times e-mail Utimes@maine.edu and we will make sure to get it in our next issue. -Christopher Bowden

Dates fo r Subm ission s to the U Times A pri l 10 Adviser Dr. J

The U Times welcomes submissions from the campus. Send digital versions of articles, photos, etc., to

A p r il 24

Any submissions received after a deadline will be published in the following issue. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Lowman at 768-9745.


3

Unive r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

The Schott Heard Round the Campus: The Center for Innovative Learning Linda Schott CONTRIBUTOR

Have you heard people talking about

going to the "sill" and wondered what on earth they were talking about? Or

have you walked into the "library" only to be greeted by new furniture and a

new layout for services such as the circulation desk and institu-

tion and how they best receive support for their learning. The library--a large building in the center of our campus--

was underutilized, as made evident by

statistics that showed only a few books

being checked out each day and about

tional technology? If so,

active learning. Quiet spaces still exist,

but they coexist with rooms where

groups of students can work on

classes—and even snacks to keep

library into the Center for

their energy up while studying!

Innovative Learning or

to rethink how students access informa-

ing into centers for collaboration and

tutoring and other help with

renovation of the former

ing, it became apparent that we also had

and the creation of a small snack bar.

ing spaces where students can get

sition on our campus: the

personalized, proficiency-based learn-

available, such buildings are transition-

to get information that wasn't otherwise

Furthermore, libraries are becom-

counter with a major tran-

When UMPI decided to focus on

start with some new furniture, the relo-

projects using current technology.

you’ve had a firsthand en-

CIL.

being quiet spaces where students came

So UMPI decided to rethink

20,000 books that had not been checked

out since 1980. A little research

showed that university libraries around

the country were changing. Instead of

our library as a "Center for Inno-

vative Learning " that will provide bet-

ter service to students. Because we did

not have new funding to pay for making

this change all at once, we decided to

cation of our tutoring services and IT

While making those changes, we con-

sulted an architectural firm to provide a

unified plan for interior design and

some minor structural changes. Now that we’ve completed the initial

changes, we will begin fundraising to pay for the additional needed work.

I know that there have been some in-

conveniences as we have begun this

transition. Please know that we are

doing our best to minimize those and to push the project to completion as

quickly as possible. And if you have any questions or suggestions, please

send them to me at

Linda.schott@umpi.edu.


4

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

J i m ’s J o u r n a l Tell a Friend to Come to UMPI Jim Stepp

CONTRIBUTOR

Higher education has been

person living at that time could not

most people do not know is how

Report” in 2014. UMPI was the

on what your definition of higher

Today many people still feel

Depending on how much you are

public college among the 11 states

around for a long time. Depending

afford to attend them.

educations is, it started some 2,400

they cannot attend college due to

cient Greece. The Platonic Acad-

or family members who have told

University of Athens) was founded

because of the cost. If you know

years ago in the time of Plato in anemy (sometimes called the

around 387 BC. At that time higher education was much different from what we are used to today.

Some of these ancient teachers

are still known to us today. Many

of us have heard of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. These men would

cheap these loans may actually be. making after graduation, a loan

its cost. Perhaps you have friends

payment may be as little as $40 per

you that they cannot attend college

officer will help you determine

people like this, tell them they may

month. Talking to a financial aid what your cost may be.

So, with break approaching,

be wrong. Then suggest that they

consider talking to your friends and

who works in a college financial

cation at the University of Maine at

have a conversation with someone aid office (http://www.umpi.edu/offices-services/financial-aid).

Many of your friends and family

stand in front of their students and

may be surprised to know that de-

help students discover knowledge

be eligible for a fair amount of free

family and suggest getting an eduPresque Isle. If they are worried about the

on their own (the Socratic Method).

financial aid. This may include

them know

still in use today.

Those who apply early may actu-

was ranked

one thing in common: they were

they apply later.

Regional

dividuals. The cost of these col-

keep hearing about how much debt

All of these early schools had

only for the noble born or richer in-

leges was very high and the average

grants, scholarships or workstudy. ally receive more free aid than if Loans are also available. We

students have to pay back, but what

list.

So, tell your friends and family

about UMPI. Let them know how you feel about the school and let

them know that going to UMPI will not break the bank. If they are interested in UMPI, have them contact the Admission’s Office at

768-9532 or have them go to the

the items

above to

Many of the methods used then are

in the North region that made the

cost, mention

pending on their finances, they may

talk. Some would ask questions to

only Maine institution and the only

them or let that UMPI

third among Colleges in

the North for graduates with the

least debt by “US News and World

admission’s website at

www.umpi.edu/admissions.


5

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A Safari of Learning Melissa Lizotte CONTRIBUTOR

UMPI students earn more than

just grades.

They get to have

amazing experiences that shape

who they’ll be in the future.

B r i g itt e Pratt is one of those stu-

dents.

She got to share her

unique story on Feb. 24 in the C a m p u s Center.

Last June, Pratt went to

M o s h i , Ta n z a n i a .

She was the

“Th ey u s e a l o t o f r e s o u r ce s

to keep patients comfortable or as comfortable as they can be,” Pra tt s a id .

During the trip, Pratt also

spent time with Comprehensive Community tion.

Based

t he c h ild k n ow t h a t it’s no t t h e ir

P r a tt sa i d.

P r a tt s a id .

t r i g u e d t h r o u g h o u t P r a t t ’s t a l k .

fault that they have a disability, ” P r a t t ’s l a s t d a y i n Ta n z a n i a

Polly Earl, an American Sign

S h e v i s i t e d t h e s u rg i c a l w a r d o f

UMPI, said, “I was very im-

h a d t h e g r e a t e s t i m p a c t o n h e r.

Rehabilita- the hospital.

The program works with

One patient took

Pratt by surprise.

He was a 2-

families o f c h il d r en w i t h d i s a bi l- y e a r- o l d b o y w i t h v e r y s e v e r e

ities such as spina bifida and

b u r n s . T h e b o y f e l l i nt o a f i re a t

i n g p r o g r a m ’s f i r s t c l i n i c a l o p - y ear. T h ey p a r ti c i p a t e i n “c l a s s-

Burns are one of the most

f i rs t s tu dent in the a thletic train- cleft foot. Families meet twice a p o r t u n i t y.

Before going there,

England.

She had also never

P r a tt h ad never been out of New

h o me a f ter h a v in g a s e i zu r e .

Language

instructor

here

at

pressed with how brave she was t o g o t he re . ”

Pratt closed her talk with a

question

and

answer

session.

Many audience members wanted

to know how the trip inspired

room days.” This is where they

common things that doctors see

h er. Pr a t t sa id s he be l i e v e s t h a t

dren.

oldest

e nc e o u ts i de o f t h e c la ss r o o m .

l e a r n h o w t o c a r e f o r t h e i r c h i l - a t th e ho s p ita l. I n Tan z a n i a, t h e Parents receive soil and

b e e n o n a p l a n e . P r a t t h a s f a m - garden i n g t o o ls t o p r ep a r e c ro ps il y an d friends w ho have gone to

The audience was very in-

sibling

watches

the

y o un g e r s i blin g s a t h o m e . Th e re

anyone can have a great experi“ I w a n te d t o p r o v e to A f r i c a ,

a t h o m e . T h e y c a l l t h i s a “ g a r-

a r e of t e n as m any a s 1 2 c h ild r en .

to fellow students and faculty

“This is h e lp f u l f o r f am i l i e s

o f th em a t o n c e . M a n y c h i ld r en

P r a tt sa i d.

money to buy crops and gives

Pratt said it was a miracle

p oi n t . A l o t o f p eo p l e c a n b o a s t

The p r og r a m a l s o d o e s h om e

only had two fingers and the

more than that to achieve goals.

t h e K i l i m a n j a r o C h r i s t i a n M e d - cians vi sit p e o p l e w h o l i v e i n r e-

“ It w as d e f in i tel y a b i g e y e -

K e n y a. They wer e a big inspira- den in a b a g . ”

ti on f o r her.

“I’m young and I needed to

start doing something, so why n o t g o to Africa?” Pratt said.

P r a t t ’s t r i p l a s t e d 2 4 d a y s .

th at don ’t h av e a l o t o f s p ac e or them he a lth y f o o d , ” P r a t t s a i d .

This makes it hard to watch all

f a ll in to f ir e s b e ca u s e o f t hi s .

that the boy was alive. One hand

that it is not just about grades,” P r a tt’s t a l k a l o n e p r o v e d h er

about good grades. But it takes

S h e s p e n t t h e f i r s t t w o w ee k s at

visi ts e v er y s ix m o n t h s . Tech ni- o th e r h a d n o n e .

P r a tt s t e pp e d o u t o f h e r c o m f o r t

i c a l C e n t e r.

Most of the time,

mote areas. They adjust and fit

o p e ner f o r me ,” s h e s a id .

perspective on life.

a p y c l inic. She l ea rned t hat the

They al s o ma k e s u r e p a r e nt s ar e

She said that working with the

and goals. All without taking a

P r a t t w o r k e d i n t h e p h y s i o t h e r-

wheelchairs

for

the

children.

h o s p i t a l i s v e r y d i ff e r e n t f r o m

d oing w h a t th e y h a v e t o d o .

beds on either side.

a few visits. She is very proud

o n e in the U.S . Every room has

h a v e n o p r i v a c y.

Patients

Doctors use

cinderblocks to keep beds upr i g ht .

Pratt g o t to ta g a l o n g d ur i ng

o f the pr o g r am an d i t s m e s s a ge .

“One of the biggest things

they stress to the parents is to let

Pratt is a senior at UMPI.

children helped her make a big

zone and gained a whole new

The trip

brought her to new experiences t es t o r p a s s in g i n a n a ss i g n m en t .

d e c is io n . S h e no w w a n t s h er f u - That’s not bad for just one trip to ture career to focus on young c h ild r e n .

“ I w ill b e tak in g a l o t o f w h a t

I’ve learned into my future,”

Africa.


6

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A Blast in the Past Julian Cross

CONTRIBUTOR

F o r every new year there is change. On N e w

Ye a r ’s E v e , p e o p l e a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d s e t goals. The goals are often vows of change

stage. When you’re onstage, you show up,”

m u s t c o n v i nc e th e s tu d e n t s pl a yi n g t h e r o l e s

mo ti vated b y th e d e s i r e t o w i n . D e Fe l i c e ha s

l a bo r p o l i ci e s. To d o t h i s t h ey m u st c o me u p

t h e p r o g r a m ’s c o m p e t i t i v e n a t u r e . S t u d e n t s

industrialists who are trying to replace work-

h e s a id . H e a ls o m e n t i o ned t h a t s t u de n t s a r e

p e o ple make to become better. Similarly, t h e

a ls o f o u n d t h a t s t u d e n t s a re b en e fi t t i ng f r o m

h a lfway thro ugh its ne w a cademic year, a n d

a r e m o t i v a t e d i n t o f i n d i n g h i s t o r i c a l i n f o r-

goal is in the form of a “Reacting to the

Though most of his involvement in the

University of Maine at Presque Isle is

it has set some academic goals for itself. One P a s t” class acti vity.

What exactly is “Reacting to the Pa s t ” ?

ma tio n o n th eir o w n .

activity is limited to making sure the game

w i t h a rg u m e nt s an d c ou nt er p o in t s t o c o m b a t e r s w i t h ma c h i n es . I n o r d er t o c o m e up w i t h

c o mp e l li n g a rg u m en t s, t he st u d e n t s m u st r esearch the actual history and try to change it.

T h i s t y p e o f c l a ss d o es n ’t c o m e w i t h o u t

s ta ys i n the p r o pe r h i s t o ri c a l co n t e xt , D e F e- c h a l l e n g e s , h o w e v e r. M o s t h i s t o r y c l a s s e s

“ R eacting to the Past” is a concept for ed u - l i c e s t i l l g e t s t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e g a m e . “ I c a tion t hat a llows students to ta ke init i a t i ve

o f g o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s t o s u p p o r t t h e i r

cover more than one topic in one period of

ge t to kill pe op l e pe r i odi c al l y. It ’s f u n ! ” He

history. Because of this, DeFelice has to sup-

B a r n a r d C o l l e g e i n N e w Yo r k C i t y, d e v e l - h o l e i n t h e i r a rg u m e n t s , h e w i l l e x p l a i n a n

h i s s t u d e n ts g e t t h e m os t o u t o f t he i r h i st o r y

i n t heir l earning. Pr of essor Ma rk Carn e s , o f

o p ed it. It b as ically involves a theme re l a t e d

said that when students cannot get out of a

event that usually results in the students’ de- c l a s s e s . D e F e l i c e a l s o m e n t i o n e d t h a t h e

t o a c o n t r o v e r s y a t s o m e p o i n t i n h i s t o r y.

m i s e . T h e n h e a s s i g n s t h e m a n e w, s i m i l a r

posing groups or factions. Students in the

A s t u d e n t i n D e F e l i c e ’s c l a s s , B r i n n a h

S t u d e n t s t a k e o n r o l e s t h a t t a k e p a r t i n o p - r o le . s a me faction typically hold the same v i e w s .

Leiching, gave her own opinion on the class:

This structure encourages students to de- “I, for one, learn better when I’m doing v e lop teams and even rivalries with on e a n- something.” She also commented on how she

o t h e r. T h e y a l s o t a k e o n p e r s o n a l a g e n d a s

p l eme n t h i s c l a ss w i t h l e c tu r e s t o m a k e s u r e spends hours preparing for just one game.

T h e t a x i n g n a t u r e d o e s n ’t b o t h e r h i m , h o w e v e r, “ I’ m h a v in g f u n , ” h e sa id .

D e s p i t e t he c ha lle ng e s t h a t h e f ac e s w i t h

r u n n i n g a “ R e a c t i n g t o t h e P a s t ” a c t i v i t y,

DeFelice said that students benefit more

is i nte res te d in s ee i n g h o w p e o pl e w i l l in t e r-

f r o m be c o m i ng a c ti v e in t h e i r o w n l e ar n i n g .

means to get what they want. Sabotage and

th e re i s a l ot to ga i n f r o m t hi s a c t i v i t y. D u r-

t h e u n i v e r s i t y. P r e s i d e n t S c h o t t i s s e n d i n g

a r e fair game. But where is the benefit?

write and give speeches about subjects re- fessors to a conference next June to see if

related to their roles. They can use any temporary alliances with opposing factions

D r. J o h n D e F e l i c e , a h i s t o r y p r o f e s s o r

t ea ching a “Reacting to the Past” class, s a i d

pret their roles. From a student’s stand point,

i n g t h e s e m e s t e r, s t u d e n t s a r e r e q u i r e d t o

H e h o p e s t ha t i t wi l l b e i n t e gr a t e d m o re i n t o D e F e l i c e a n d a n u m b er o f o t h e r h i s t o ry p r o-

lated to the time period. In this class, His- more of these classes will take place at the t o r y 11 6 , t h e g a m e i s c a l l e d “ R a g e A g a i n s t

U n i v e rs i t y of M a in e a t P r e s q u e I s l e . M a y b e

dustrial Revolution in England. Students

N e w Ye a r ’s r e s o l u t i o ns li k e t h i s o n e .

t h at his classro om attendance had incr e as ed

the Machine.” It takes place during the In- next year we will see UMPI setting more

c la ss es are pret ty passive…. Here, you’ r e o n

playing weavers, laborers who made cloth,

since he started teaching the class. “Most


7

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

Educational Trailblazers Julian Cross

CONTRIBUTOR

Imagine you are planning a vacation. You have a choice between two airlines. The pilot for one airline got a B+ in flight school, and the other pilot also got a B+. One pilot is clearly a better choice but it’s difficult to tell by grades. That’s because one pilot was graded using the traditional method of schooling and that particular one passed with A’s in every aspect of flight but got a failing grade in landing. The resulting B is what averaged out after the failing grade in landing The second pilot, on the other hand, participated in a proficiency based education and got a B+ grade in every aspect of flight. Which would you choose? That’s the question David Ouellette asked. Ouellette is the executive director of the Central Aroostook Council on Education or CACE. He explained that Proficiency Based Learning or PBL is a way to teach kids at their own pace. PBL is different from the traditional way of teaching. In the traditional method of teaching, there is a set schedule for the year and a curriculum follows

that set schedule. With set time and content, achievement becomes the variable. Some students struggle to learn the foundations of subjects and find themselves lost when they move on to more complicated problems. In a PBL education system, time becomes the variable, which ensures that every student has the opportunity to achieve. How does that work, though? All students have a different pace at which they learn. Proficiency based learning allows students to get extra time to learn things they are not able to grasp as quickly as other students. The Aroostook County school systems are implementing a new grading system. This system grades each student on a number of different proficiencies, or goals, that each student must achieve in order to pass a class. This new grading system has a feature that students in the future can use to communicate with their teachers from home. Additionally, students can log onto the program and watch videos a teacher selects specifically for that particular student.

“I think this is one of the most exciting things in my career . . . . It’s long overdue,” Ouellette said. Now you’re probably wondering why this matters? Law requires that all schools in the state of Maine switch to this method of learning. The goal is to allow students to build stronger foundations in learning so that they can more easily grasp the more complex ideas later in their education. Your knowledge is only as good as your weakest link. A student who doesn’t fully understand exponents will have a hard time moving on to higher level algebra classes. Similarly, a weak reader will likely have weak writing abilities. If you can strengthen those weaknesses, you can strengthen the more complex concepts. What does this mean for the advanced students? Are they supposed to wait for the slower students to catch up while they remain bored? This is a major concern of many people who are learning about proficiency based learning. The major characteris-

tic of PBL is that it is flexible. That means there are just as many opportunities for faster students to challenge themselves as the slower students. There are numerous opportunities for students to take advanced placement classes and even college classes while still in high school. That flexibility allows students to excel in any subject at just about any level. “It was a major concern when I was a principal that more advanced students were not bored,” Ouellette said. So while there are concerns and questions that still need answers, proficiency based learning has a lot of potential. If more students are allowed to work at their own pace, it is expected that overall student achievement will go up. It that holds true, will more schools in the United States follow in Maine’s footsteps? Will we see an increase in overall achievement in the U.S.? We will soon see.


8

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

Putting the ‘Live’ in Live Music Marc Knapp CONTRIBUTOR

From the huge outdoor arenas

and stadiums to the nightclubs and

dive bars, national acts to local

garage bands: live music brings in

billions of dollars a year all across

the country. The larger tours and

venues have people whose sole job

it is to set up schedules and put bodies in the seats. But most clubs and

and booked the gigs. He started by

was one of the biggest difficulties he

Isle Summerfest. But we were also

Presque Isle. By the end of it, he

to convince venues that a band from

lon.” Howe said that the Bangor

booking shows in small bars in

was getting gigs at Hollywood Slots in Bangor. He even got a gig play-

Howe and his band were able to

care as much. But a place with a ca-

cert in Bangor in 2013.

build a following in central and

a major record label, you probably

a-half years, he booked around 190

bookings for you. Houlton musician

Jason Howe spoke about what goes

larly. In a span of roughly two-and-

venues. Little pubs and bars didn’t

Howe said there were differences

Sometimes you’ve got to play a

a chance or would not want to pay

place once to get that feel. A lot of it

state. Further downstate in Portland,

owners were less likely to give him

them much. There are more places

should be ready for if you want to

had to do with making a name for

to play in central Maine, especially

onto an actual stage.

months to a year before he was com-

pay is better in central Maine but

take your band out of the garage and

ourselves.” It took Howe nine

in the Bangor area. On average, the

fortably booking regular gigs. But

there are more expenses. “We came

couple of different bands for a num-

spend five to six hours a day making

ets when we played in Presque Isle.

played in roughly 75 different ven-

So when he started out, was it

Howe is a veteran of the Maine

music scene. He has played in a

ber of years. In his last band, Howe

ues. He visited more than 30 different towns throughout the state. He

has played as far north as Van Buren and has gone as far south as South

Portland. A gig at Sunday River was the farthest he went for a paycheck

and exposure. Howe made the calls

in the beginning he would routinely

calls and sending out e-mails.

home with more money in our pock-

Northern Maine has treated us good.

Not that we did bad in Bangor.

just making cold calls? “Yeah, that’s There are more shows available and

part of it. It’s a lot of work, initially.

there’s more premium shows. No-

and seeing the places they play.

Slots did. Your corporations, resorts

Following other musicians you like

Doing Google searches and Face-

book searches. That little black

book isn’t going to fill itself.” What

Presque Isle/Caribou area was easily second.

So if you were thinking about

work involved than you might think.

there was more competition, so bar

go out to your local bar or what you

largest number of shows but the

place.”

want to make sure they can fill the

of who you know. It’s a lot like

sales: you’ve got to feel it out.

area was where he booked the

trying to make a go of it with your

in playing in different parts of the

“Booking gigs is a lot of luck. A lot

doing this when gas was $4 a gal-

pacity of 300 people or more--they

shows. So how did he get started?

into making sure there’s some live

music for you to dance to when you

draw people out in their area. At

least with some of the more premier

northern Maine and played regu-

don’t have someone to do your

away, from Aroostook County, could

ing the pre-party for the Phish con-

bars don’t have a person just for

bookings. And if your band isn’t on

had getting shows booked? “Trying

body paid us more than Hollywood

and town festivals pay more. Places

like Hollywood Slots, Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Things like Presque

garage band, know there’s a lot more And there’s more to it than just

knowing how to play an instrument well. If you’re a patron, the next time you’re out and you catch a

local act, take a minute to appreciate all the work that went on behind the scenes for the soundtrack to your

evening. And if you aren’t one who

normally takes in live music, maybe you’ll want to give it a try. Get out there: summer is coming. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite band.

And if you find yourself tapping

your feet or venturing out on to the dance floor, don’t forget to show

your appreciation. Clap and cheer

really loudly: at the appropriate time of course. Maybe even offer to buy the band members a drink, if the

mood strikes you. But most of all,

have a good time. And don’t forget to tip your bartender!


9

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

MonarcH Spreads Its Wings Erin Keehn

CONTRIBUTOR

On Friday, Feb. 27, you may have gone to see a band called MonarcH. If you didn't, you surely missed out. The three band members all hail from Houlton, Maine, but they're planning to go much further. All three of them share the same dream: to reach millions with their music. The bass guitarist, electric guitarist and drummer don't seem too intimidating. But once you hear their songs, you'll be hooked. Caleb Little is the electric guitarist and lead singer. He writes lyrics and composes a lot of their songs. He also believes in their sound with absolute certainty. He remarked on why they wanted to create the band. "We all have a passion for music. We're interested in growing, experimenting, pushing our limits and seeing something we made take on a life of its own." He is prepared to work hard to make it big. He said, "Life is too short to not spend it creating something you love." Caleb Little shows his love and passion through the lyrics he

writes. "I touch on subjects relevant to my life. I don't always try to tackle big issues," he said. He believes that a song shouldn't be so straightforward. It should be "veiled enough to keep the listener thinking." The amount of effort he puts forth is inspirational. Adam Little is the bass guitarist. He's also a lyricist and composer, occasionally. He has an amazing amount of hope for the group. "I'd love for us to be big!" But it isn't just about the fame. "We also love what we write about. We want people to feel inspired by it." He feels that their appreciation for music and the skills they have will be enough to give them the best of both avenues: fame and fulfillment. This isn't just a hobby. He said, "All of us would be thrilled to play music as a living, as a career." Mike Jewell is the drummer. He's been playing the drums since he was little, when he would often play with his dad. He aspires to go as far as the other two, mentioning,

"We all share bigger than life dreams: playing in front of big crowds and playing awesome music." Jewell feels that the group can definitely make it big and hopes to accomplish it within the next coming months. As Jewell said, "We will do all that we can to reach our goals together." And they are all prepared to do so. These three men have been putting hours and hours in at the local recording studio in town. They also spend their free time planning their future steps. Caleb Little said, "All my free time is spent planning or doing anything that might improve what we're doing." All of the men are so enticed by their dreams, "burning out isn't even an option," Caleb Little said. They have a goal and plan to see it through. One interesting part of MonarcH, if you didn't catch it earlier, is that Caleb and Adam are brothers. The two have been best friends since Adam's birth, Caleb being two years older. Each shares his passion for

music with band. "The dynamic we have as a band has been shaped indelibly by the dynamic we already share as brothers," Caleb Little said. Jewell said that working with the two is very interesting. "They share the same musical interests and have great developmental ideas." Adam Little didn't forget to mention that it can cause some tensions, though. He said, "Being brothers does allow for some arguments to take place. Whether it's about a piece we're working on or why he can't have a bit of my leftover pizza." Jewell said that it's worked out easily, though. He enjoys being able to sit back, watching them squabble. If you haven't heard of these men yet, you definitely should. MonarcH has a Facebook page, as well as BandCamp site. Go on and like them and listen to their songs, if you didn't already hear them live at UMPI. If you miss them now, though, you'll likely hear them very soon on the radio.


10

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

Competition Isn’t All About Sports Meghan Legassie CONTRIBUTOR

When you think of competition,

you probably think about sports

games or any other type of game.

on the acting, the costumes, hair and makeup along with the set design. Not only is preparing for the

a class A and class B, based on the

ing the set. Haley said, “”There’s not

have made their decisions, the award

are a huge help.” So even though the

size of the school. Once the judges

many of us, so all of the extra hands Comp Play is very intense, all who

What people might not think about

show hard on the cast, it is also hard

ceremony begins. The ceremony

tion. Every year students of many

set crew and hair and makeup. Many

ally ends around two in the morning.

ally recognize the set and hair and

There are makeup awards and cos-

awards, it is time to find out who

to be perfect: nothing wrong with it.

They start by saying the name of the

winner for each of the classes. When

is that theater can also be a competihigh schools in Maine compete in

something called Competition Play, or known to many students as

Comp. It is not all fun and games like regular musicals are.

First of all there is no singing and

on the people behind the scenes: the people in the theater world don’t remakeup. In Comp Play, the set has The judges will look at the set to

make sure that it has no mistakes

dancing in the play the school de-

and if it goes with the play itself.

drama or thriller. Another thing is

have to be perfect. If they aren’t per-

cides to do. It is either a comedy,

that not everyone gets into the Comp Play. The directors are looking for

the play and the people in it? After

outshone everyone in class A or B.

over with, the whole cast and crew

from the same show to get one of

someone whom the judges believed

are involved are having the time of their lives.

At the end of all the smaller

was better than the rest. There is one

the winner is announced, there are as many screams as there are in a basketball game for the team that wins

the gold ball. The winner then goes

on to another competition where all

the winners all over Maine compete once more, revealing what ones are better than all the rest.

When people think about musi-

This could also have many students

cals and theater, many don’t think

go into a room where the judges will

these. That is one award that stu-

sports they play. Comp Play is just

what they did. To say that it is intim-

Well, other than winning it all.

tell them what they didn’t like and

directors pick a show that has many

idating is an understatement. The

go on to win it all. Once students

an hour, but it feels like forever sit-

group is only in there for less than

are cast it only gets harder from

ting in front of the judges.

rectors won’t let anyone miss a lot

the real waiting begins. This is the

the cast. Once you get to the actual

who was better than the rest. Like

competition, the judges will judge

in little awards gives them a better

There is an all-cast award, given to

ier. Sometimes, however, the

of days. Either you go or you’re off

more than one cast member who

Wondering why or how the

team or a basketball team does. Hav-

there. Practices are long, and the di-

go and get the award. There could be

chance at winning the final award.

all the performances are done and

characters and if good enough, could

play and then the student who will

fect, the judges will bring it up.

as many parts to begin with. They

ing a small cast is known to be eas-

tume awards and set awards as well.

gets an award. The more show wins

judges bring up the flaws they see in

cut as many people as a baseball

There are many awards given out.

The makeup, hair and costumes

people who are good for the parts

for the play and there usually aren’t

usually starts at midnight and it usu-

After the meeting with the judges

time when the judges deliberate on

basketball in high schools, there are

dents want more than anything.

Paige Haley, former Comp Play

cast member said that Comp Play is,

“Super Intense.” She also said, “You do what Ms. B (the Comp Play instructor) says, or you die.” Haley

said that Ms. B is only hard on them because they all want to win. Not

only do the cast members work on

their lines, they also help with build-

it’s hard or that it’s anything like the as hard as any sport, and the cast and crew work just as hard preparing as the sports team practices for its

games. Everyone has a little competitive side. Even though people might not think theater kids can be com-

petitive, they should really rethink

that statement and go and see one of the competitions for themselves.


Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

An Awesome Year for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

11

Dawn Gough STAFF WRITER

This winter many here in Maine

porting a record year for snow

Nordic Heritage Center in

amounts and turnouts. Among the

Presque Isle is another great place

one can imagine. The people who

sort located in the Rangeley, Maine,

Steve Towle. He comes from a ski-

snow to melt at a record pace are

arloaf Mountain Resort located in

Washington County. They are the

Franklin County. They have seen

along with other places in New England have seen more snow than anyare more than likely wishing the residents of Eastport, Maine, in

ones who are sick of the snow and cold temperatures and wishing it

would warm up, stay warm and see

best known are Saddleback Ski Re-

for winter sports buffs. Just ask

region in Franklin County and Sug-

ing family and has been involved

Carrabassett Valley, Maine, also in

60+ years. His love for the outdoors

with skiing in Aroostook County for led him to be a part of the Nordic

because it is not as crowded and is

flip side there are the winter sports

loaf, where all the crowds and out-

more of a local spot, unlike Sugarof-state tourists enjoy going.”

For those of you who may not

ternational events. Most recent was the high school class B and C state

Nordic ski meet. There, 42 schools

and more that 250 student athletes

competed in this event. The NHC also hosts the Youth Ski Program,

people are the ones who secretly

want to travel that far, there is a

around for as long as possible. This

buffs closer to home at Big Rock

winter sports enthusiasts who love

“Big Rock is also a great place to go

ple with physical disabilities and

oriented and a good place to intro-

The latter included the 2014

hockey and snowmobiling.

The ski resorts in Maine are re-

from all over the state and across the border.

weekends it has made for a better

enthusiast, John Wilson said, “I pre-

record 99 inches of snow dumped on

skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing,

beautiful facility is enjoyed by folks

months the NHC is host to a multi-

tude of community, regional and in-

season has been a great one for the

open to the public year round. This

ported that because these snow-

fer skiing at Saddleback Ski Resort

wish that the snow would stick

in February 2016. The facility is

“A tremendous community asset and

15 years ago. Towle calls the NHC

Those poor folks have gotten a

enough of the white stuff. These

ning phase for a World Cup Biathlon

visitors from out of state on ski va-

itors who have come for the day and

a hidden gem.” In the winter

enthusiasts who can’t seem to get

Sport Club, is currently in the plan-

Heritage Center since its start nearly

cations. An avid skier and outdoor

them within a 20 day period. On the

bership group, the Nordic Heritage

possible record numbers of local vis-

all the snow melt as soon as possi-

ble.

pionships. The NHC and its mem-

All of these proprietors have re-

storms have been happening over turnout. They have also reported

that the lower gas prices have also

been a possible factor in more people making the effort to dig themselves out to come out and enjoy themselves.

For those readers who are winter

great place for skiers and snowboard

local high school and middle school

sports fanatics, go and enjoy your-

right here in Mars Hill. Wilson said,

skiing, adaptive recreation for peo-

definitely a beautiful winter. But

for skiing in the county. It is family

duce younger kids to skiing.”

training programs, organized adult

large international competitions.

Youth/Junior Biathlon World Cham-

selves while you still can. It was

you only have a fewl weeks left before it all begins to melt and go away until next winter season.


12

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

OB Nurse Turns Doll Maker Josh Archer

STAFF WRITER

A ing hobby to se e if I could do P r es q u e I s l e n u rse has gon e better. Can I make them look f r o m d e l i v er i ng r eal babies to more lifelik e? I ev entually m a ki ng b a by do lls. What star ted se lling them o n eBay s t ar t ed ou t as a hobby has and I wa s r easo nably su ccess g r o w n i nt o a l ucrative side b us in e s s . Kathy working on a doll F o r mo r e t han 1 0 years, K a t hy M a r s t on, OB nur se fo r T he A r oo s to o k Medical Cent e r, h a s pr a ct iced the art of m a ki ng r eb o r n d olls. As pa r t o f h e r j ob s h e teaches a c hi l db ir t h cl as s. At some p oi nt s h e w a n ted a realistic d o l l to u s e a s an educational t o ol . S h e s ear ched online and t h e d o l ls s h e fo und tur ned o u t t o b e exp ensive. So she t a ug h t h e r s el f how to make t h em . “ I w a n t ed to find what the p r o c es s o f m aking a doll was. I t w as a v er y n ew art f or m b ac k th en . T he techniques w e r e mo r e cl umsy than what t h ey ar e no w, ” Ma rston said. M a r s t on ’s daugh ter, Br ia na G o r do n , is a big sup p o rte r of her mother ’s c raf t. O v e r th e yea r s she ’s seen her m o th er ’s cr ea tive talents g ro w. “ S h e ’s o n e of these peop l e th a t w h e n she decides to d o s o m e t hi ng she excels at i t , ” G o r d o n s aid. O n ce n e w s of Mar sto n’s ful,” Ma rston sa id. h o b by g o t o u t , the phone The ar t of making r eborn c a l l s p o ur e d i n. With word of dolls h as e volved over the m o ut h a s h er on ly advertisyears. Art ists used to buy toy i n g, s h e s o on found herself dolls, pull th em apart, str ip q ui t e b u s y. the paint off and create. “ I t w a s j us t this interest“The tr oub le was at the

time they wer en’t r ea li st i c looking. Now t h er e ar e k its you can buy, w h i ch ha ve blank viny l mo ld s . T he y l oo k more r ealistic," M a r s t on s ai d .

“You have to pai nt it wi t h a special heat-se t p ai n t. I t takes multiple la ye rs t o c reate realistic sk i n. Th en yo u have to put Mo h ai r, o n e h air at a time, usin g a s p ecia l n eedle. I t takes be tw e en 2 0 t o 4 0

h o ur s t o cr eate a d o ll. " O n c e M ar s t on f i nis h e s a d o ll , s h e a dd s s an d or g l as s b ea ds t o th e bo d y. “T hat w a y n o t o n l y d o t h ey l o ok li k e r ea l b ab ies , th ey f ee l l ik e t h em , t oo , ” M ar s t o n s aid . T h r oug h o u t M a rs to n ' s h o me , d ol l s w a it to b e “ad op ted . ” D o ll he ad s on th e k i tc he n t ab le w a i t f o r h ai r, an d vi n yl li m bs b ak e i n th e o v en f o r t he p ain t t o s et. M a r s t on ’s ex p e ri en ce a s a n O B n u r s e s h o w s i n h er att ent i on to de ta il . " I t h in k s h e d o es a p hen o me nal j ob o n th es e b a bies . F r o m t h e h a ir to th e l it t le an k l e w r i nk l es , to th e s li gh t r u d d i ne ss o f n ew b o r n s k i n, s h e g et s ev er y l i tt l e d e ta il r i gh t ," o n e o f M ar s t o n' s cu s t o me rs , K r i st i na P u t n am , s aid . " M y co us in , w h o h ad o n e o f K a th y ' s d o ll s, act u ally h ad th e p ol ice s h o w u p o ne d ay. T h ey h ad le ft th e d o l l i n t h e back s ea t w h i l e th ey w e nt i n to th e g r o ce ry s t or e, an d s o m eo n e cal l ed t h e cop s o n t h em ." M ar s t o n' s b us y s eas o n is r i gh t a ro u n d Ch r is tmas . N o w t h at s p r i ng is n ea r, s h e ' l l s o o n b e w o r k in g i n h er g a rd en . S h e li ves o n a s m al l f ar m w i th h e r h u s b a nd , t w o h o r s es an d a f l oc k o f ch i cken s . E ve n tho u g h th i s is M a r s t on ' s d o w n t im e, s h e s ay s w h en s h e ge ts t h e cal l s h e ’l l m ake a d o l l .


Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

L. L. Bean: A History and an Experience

13

Emma Campbell CONTRIBUTOR

Chances are, if you search for

“Freeport, Maine,” you will see

“I think people come more for

the shopping now. Bean’s is just a

are usually around the holidays and

has a fishpond nearby with live fish. sign warns: it is not a wishing pond.

summer,” Leslie, who’s worked for

many sites related to L.L. Bean.

perk,” Melissa Walker, a Freeport

L.L. Bean for five years, said. “I

Bean. It is no surprise that the store

visiting L.L. Bean is more than just

Bean’s just an added destination.”

Freeport, Maine, is the home of L.L. is Freeport’s claim to fame. It is the

store that put Freeport, once a small

resident, said. This may be true. But

shopping. It is an experience.

think people come for the shopping. Will, another Bean’s employee,

disagrees, “If I had to give it

in percentages, I would say 20

shoemaking town, on the map.

percent of tourists come to

L.L. Bean began with Leon

Freeport for shopping, but 80

Leonwood Bean: L.L. for short.

percent come for Bean’s.”

Bean was tired of having cold, wet

Will has been an employee

feet after a long day of hunting. He

“Please don’t throw pennies in” the

Then there is an aquarium with more fish in the hallway that connects the Hunting and Fishing store with the main store. Taxidermy animals are

scattered throughout the hunting and fishing section. Upstairs there is a

fun center for kids, including a charcoal wall for children to draw on.

Finally, if you’re hungry or need

decided to do something about it.

for 20 years, 10 of which have

energy, there are two choices. First

signing a hunting boot that could

L.L. Bean is open 24 hours a

of the main entrance. The café offers

been in the flagship store.

The rest is history. Bean began de-

day, 365 days a year. It is well

handle the harsh outdoor elements of

known in town that at odd

New England. In 1912 Bean started his business in the basement of his brother’s clothing shop. He sent

fliers to out-of-state hunters, advertising his new boots.

Today L.L. Bean has a popular

As you walk toward the main en-

trance of L.L. Bean, you are met

with a peculiar, yet perfect, monu-

ment. Sitting out front is the giant

website with free shipping on any

statue of a single, original, L.L.

ent states, plus a catalogue. Though

feet tall. People love having their

order. There are 19 stores in differ-

Bean boot. The boot is 16-and-a-half

you can order from L.L. Bean in dif-

picture taken in front of it.

store is a must.

when L.L. Bean does not see a large

ferent ways, visiting the original Freeport, Maine’s star has

dimmed slightly. Some people think that the outlet shops have overshad-

owed L.L. Bean.

The off-season, the time of year

amount of tourists, the store is usually calm,

“At this time of year it’s mostly

locals. We have peak seasons, which

store hours, celebrities pass-

ing through go shopping there. Will

can vouch for that. “I saw President Bush senior one time. It was very

exciting. There were a lot of secret service men.”

L.L. Bean is more than a shop-

is the 1912 Café, located to the right soups, salads and wraps. If you feel like you need a pick-me-up, then

follow the staircase to the bottom of the store. Tucked between a books

section, a stuffed animal display and a pet-goods area is the Coffee By

Design shop. The coffee shop offers various drinks and pastries.

Visiting L.L. Bean is an experi-

ping destination. It is an attraction.

ence. The store offers items for

tory, the store acts as part museum.

hunting boots, totes bags, clothing

Filled with displays and bits of his-

There are charts of the company’s history above the men’s clothing section. There are small cases of

vintage merchandise all over the

store. The big staircase in the center

everyone, including the famous

and camping gear. But ultimately

the experience is one of shopping,

exploring, discovering and, perhaps at the end of the trip, a nice hot cup of coffee.


14

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

College Or No College? Tim Chase

CONTRIBUTOR

There is a lot of controversy out

classes. She claims that kids have it

students because of the learned

Chase will not relocate out of the

tional students benefit from going to

cause most of the time they are lack-

and determination to do the work.

is settled here. Chase claims it’s

there today on whether nontradi-

college later in life or if it is better to

harder after college to get a job being experience and professional

Chase has been out of school for

ting jobs. Of the 12 students whom

misled in going back to school,

go fresh out of high school. There

skills and that keeps them from get-

is no question. But when you’re in

she knows who were nontraditional,

are benefits to being educated, that

your 40s or 50s is it worth going

back to school and starting over? Tracy Anderson of Houlton,

Maine, said that she was very happy that she went back to school. She is

seven of them are working but not in the field they studied. These seven

contacted about possible job oppor-

Northern Maine Community Col-

derson is currently preparing to go Phil Chase is a graduate from

lege’s automotive technician pro-

the Aroostook County Career Center every week trying to find work.

Chase is contemplating whether

to go back to school or to move out of Maine in search of work. He has kept in contact with four nontradi-

many years then was laid off. He fi-

study. And two of them are not

afford to go to school. She had al-

to school for a lifelong hobby and

ways planned on going to school.

Anderson knows many nontradi-

tional students who have been in her

ables you to get a job in the county. There are very few jobs right now. Anderson and Chase both feel

It has helped with being able reason

ting out of high school. She had

children and work and just couldn’t

and what your degree is in that en-

last year. He has applied for more

tional students form his class. None

Chase worked in a lumber mill for

about whom you can network with

that their education has helped him

gram and is currently 59 years old.

ready to go when she was just get-

state of Maine because their family

since he graduated and only could

then 30 positions and has been using

for her masters.

gree. Anderson said that she wasn’t

work. Chase has been seeking work

Sports. The other five are not work-

Wal-Mart, Marden’s and Olympia

behavioral science. She has not

tunities upon completion of her de-

thinking it would aid him in finding

find a seasonal job as a truck driver

ing at all but are seeking work. An-

completed it yet but is already being

three years. He feels that he was

are working in retail stores such as

now 39 years old and is currently

finishing her bachelor’s degree in

value of money, time management

of them are working in their field of

in their personal lives considerably.

out complex problems, being able to write well and being able to have just an all around better thought

process. They have both used this education to search for a possible

employment opportunity, submitting resumes to various places of em-

ployment and preparing for interviews.

Neither Anderson or Chase’ par-

nally had the opportunity to go back

working at all. The students whom

ents had an education past high

took it. Chase claimed that tradi-

jobs or labor-intensive jobs that do

them both to go to school and to

tage compared with nontraditional

who have stayed in contact with

tional students were at a disadvan-

Chase kept in contact have part-time not need an education. The students

school. This was an inspiration for maintain their education.


15

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A Veteran’s Post-War Life Brad LeFay

CONTRIBUTOR

Military veterans in the

United States are widely ac-

knowledged. People rarely for-

get their actions in the name of the U.S., for better or worse.

When we first got back, though,

at us and said ‘you’re not veter-

makes it risky for him to be be-

war. That was just a conflict.’”

of time.

veterans. He could not retaliate.

get any respect for years. Even

healthcare system was wonder-

didn’t matter. We had to take it.”

were still complaining about

tion to this, however. He told of

decades later that he started to

records properly. “Basically,

a lot of people disliked us.” His superiors told him that people would be angry with Vietnam

ans, because you weren’t in a

Basically, Bishop feels he didn’t

Peter Bishop is one such vet-

“If they heckled us, spit at us, it

questions about his post-war

He admitted that it was probably

him, or worse. It wasn’t until

first? How do they treat him

in shape and the state of mind to

feel appreciated. During the in-

eran. Bishop answered some

life. How did people treat him at now? Most living veterans today

good advice. “At the time, I was

by the late ‘70s, he said, people

hind the wheel for long periods Bishop thought that the

ful. He did note a single excep-

one clinic that didn’t handle its

they’d send a report saying the

kill someone over it.”

terview, he seemed happy that

veterans had been cared for,

need reliable medical care. Does

exaggerating. People did heckle

human being now.

wasn’t veteran-friendly.”

needs?

drawing attention to himself by

view, Bishop seemed quite

the war has had its ups and

unteer soldier in Vietnam from

times even that wasn’t enough. A class 1 priority, so almost every-

are old and/or scarred enough to Bishop receive the care he

Bishop, 68, served as a vol-

August 1964 to August 1967. As

a combat engineer, he saw his

share of action at the age of 18.

When asked if people treat him differently for being a veteran,

he said, “Oh, not anymore.

Bishop’s superiors were not

and spit at him. He avoided

people simply treat him like a From a healthcare point of

when they hadn’t. That place Overall, Bishop’s life after

wearing modest clothing. Some-

pleased. “Oh, I’m considered

downs. At first, people treated

group of college students once

thing is free.” He didn’t like,

He seemed content, however,

harassed him when they saw a

veteran sticker on his suitcase.

Even other veterans, Bishop

said, looked down on him at the

time. “World War II vets looked

however, that he sometimes

needed to drive to clinics more

him like a criminal, or worse.

with the way people treat him

today. When asked if there was

than three hours away. Some of

anything else he wanted to say,

fere with his eyesight. This

get caught in a war.”

his medical problems can inter-

Bishop simply replied, “Don’t


16

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

The People of Presque Isle Farah Duale

CONTRIBUTOR

Community is just people living

munity is strong and has some of the

With a big smile on her face, Mrs.

ing a four-wheel-drive vehicle

in the same place and having a par-

most hardworking people in the state

Cancelarich said, “If I have to chose

merely to survive.”

ticular characteristic in common.

of Maine. They hunt, fish, slip on

anywhere to live in this world, I

But the society that lives in this

the ice and shovel snow. The

would make Presque Isle my first,

visit the northern Maine woods for

small town of Presque Isle is more

weather can be harsh and people

second and third choice. It is a really

camping and hiking opportunities.

than a community. The residents of

have long earned their livings from

great place raise family."

“Even though it is just three months,

this town are people who share com-

struggling with difficult labor.

mon attitudes, interests and goals.

“Every year I have some friends

challenging road conditions. Never-

place. You will find people buying

It’s a society whose members gen-

who move to the southern part of

theless, residents, businesses and

motorcycles and having fun as if the

uinely care about one another,

Maine, running from the extreme

tourist find Presque Isle an appeal-

summer is going to be forever,”

neighbor helping neighbor, people

cold and seeking employment else-

ing place to live, work and visit.

Cancelarich said. Although some

who take pride in what they do.

where,” said Mrs. Johnny Cance-

They have adapted well and reach

might think it's impossible to enjoy

They are very friendly and welcom-

larich, who has lived in Presque Isle

the new winter every year happily,

winter, many who live in Presque

ing people. In fact, they will hold the

for more than 40 years.

without complaining about the pre-

Isle just wear Beans boots and down

vious one. Pointing his finger at a

jackets. They don’t see any reason

Walmart door open for you even

Although many people in south-

The winter is long and can bring

In warmer months, residents can

we enjoy it like any other warm

though the door automatically opens

ern Maine believe that anything

black Chevrolet Silverado, John

not to like heaps of snow in their

by itself.

above Bangor makes life impossible,

Cancelarich said, “You see that?

driveway.

those in Presque Isle love, enjoy and

Living in Presque Isle or any other

have fun in the cold environment.

place in northern Maine means own-

But there is more to these people than just friendly caring. This com-


17

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

A Passion for Success Monica Hewitt STAFF WRITER

Most people at the University of

master’s degree in student affairs

ing. She worked there for seven to

campus at both colleges.

related to her profession.

here for four years and plays a large

actually worked at a nearby college.

was offered a job as the coordinator

There is, however, much more to her

there, which was good practice for

Maine at Presque Isle know Vanessa Pearson as the director of student

success on campus. She has worked role on the success of the campus.

story than her work at UMPI.

and higher education. She lived on During graduate school, Pearson

She worked in student activities

Pearson’s hometown is Pitts-

eight months while applying for jobs About four years ago, Pearson

of student activities at UMPI after

she applied here. “I was really im-

pressed with UMPI,” she said about

first seeing the campus. “I had never

burgh, Penn. She moved around a

been north of Bangor before coming

worked for the nuclear power in-

pressed with the people here. Then,

lot, however, since her father

this gave the two of them something to talk about from the start.

Pearson takes pride in her work.

“She has a lot of great ideas,” Stepp said. He also said that she likes to

find new and different things to do. Pearson is responsible for about 80 percent of the events held on campus.

During her free time, Pearson

up here.” She was also very im-

said that she enjoys the outdoors.

dustry. She has lived in Tennessee,

in August of 2014, Pearson was pro-

bicycling, skiing and kayaking. She

olina. She is also one of three chil-

and the learning commons.

Georgia, Kansas and South Car-

moted to director of student success

dren. She has two brothers: one

When she first started at UMPI,

Some of her favorite activities are

also really enjoys Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. She does,

however, say that sometimes she just

older and one younger.

Pearson lived on campus. She lived

son went to Elizabethtown College

rate from the dorms. Here she

ton, but remains a major part of

Stepp, who is now the dean of stu-

most of the student activities on

For her college education, Pear-

in Pennsylvania. She mentioned that

in Park Hall in an apartment sepa-

what she does now. “It helped pay

the college was located near the fac-

the bills,” she said.

made. When the wind blew from the

actually went to work at an engi-

like chocolate.” She graduated from

ing environmental plans and taking

tory where Hershey chocolate is

right direction, she said, “It smelled

there with a bachelor’s degree in history. She then went on to graduate

school at the Indiana University of

Pennsylvania, where she earned her

After graduate school, Pearson

worked a lot with the residents. Jim

dents on campus, supervised her.

Stepp was actually involved in the

neering firm. This job included mak-

process of hiring Pearson. He said

measurements for putting pipes in

kept me informed as her supervisor,”

the roads. Pearson mentioned that

she wanted to do something differ-

ent and that the work was interest-

that he liked supervising her. “She

he said. Pearson’s hometown is actually about 20 miles from where

Stepp had lived in Pennsylvania, so

enjoys a little time to relax.

Pearson currently lives in Eas-

campus life at UMPI. She directs campus and works hard to help students have the most successful college experience possible. She is

passionate and provides a dedicated and hard-working reflection for the campus. And she is just getting started.


18

Uni ve r si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

Getting Fit

Izaak Ramos CONTRIBUTOR

Wi t h t he ne w yea’s resolu-

perfo r man ce. No t o nly is

in the field, Cr os s F i t h as

ing ex ercises, but in the w ay

is still in colleg e, is g ain in g

g o al s o u t o f t h e w ate r- -

explain ed the r otation o f ex-

field. Not only d o es h e w o r k

u p , r u n n in g t h eir f as t es t 5 K

n orth e r n M ai ne there is not a

as a commu nity, whe r e ath-

before he also co m pe te s in

C r os s F i t co m p et it i on . S ee in g

c ho os e f r o m that provides ad-

vate each other to d o th eir

chan ce to expa nd on . B ap t is ta

i n g g oa ls h av e i ns p i r ed o u r

gether eith er as a competition

ous competition s i n t he B an-

i n o t her ar eas o f th ei r l i ves - -

t o t h e n ew f i t ness trend

exercise.

reaching his g o al o f b ec om-

t r a in er a nd i n charge of run-

of the gym and competitor,

t i o ns f a r in t he past but fr esh

i n o u r mi nd s and spring being

j u st ar o u n d t he cor ner, some

o f u s ma y a s k how are we

s u p po s e d to get into shape. In w i d e v ar i et y of gyms to

v i ce , t r ai ni ng and motivatio n

a s o n e g y m d oes.

T h e 6 0 5 i s a g ym home

“ C r os s F i t . ” K atie Buob, a

n i ng th e g y m, describes the

p ro g r am t hi s way. “CrossFi t

i s a f it nes s pr ogr am used

w o r l dw i d e ba sed on Forging

E l i te Fi t n es s . ” Cr ossF it uses

Cr ossFi t diff erent in its train-

that its athletes tr ain. Buob

ercise . “All of this is don e

letes p ush , inspir e and moti-

best. ” Each event is d o ne to-

or as a teamwo r k motivating Ryan Baptista, a member

part time, b ut a s me nt i on ed

CrossFi t g ames t hat h e h as a

has already atten d e d n umergor ar ea and pla ns o n

ing number one i n t h e s t at e

next season . Cro s s F i t h old s

many options f o r t ho s e

spiring. Sin ce I’ v e join ed,

perience or per hap s co n s i d er-

munity as “fr iendly and in-

I’ve g one up in we ight and

my f or m is way better th anks

to Ka tie”

c i se s an d w e igh tlifting to in-

abou t ath letic trainin g and

c r e as e an at hl ete’s overall

firsth and exper ie nc e in hi s

describes the Cro ssFi t com-

a s e r i es o f c ardiovascular

t r a in in g s , b o d yweight exer-

many o ptions. B ap ti st a, w h o

Fo r tho se wh o ar e se rious

are even considering a career

o p en . We h av e s ee n p eo pl e

b l ow th ei r f i tn es s an d h eal th

w h e t he r i t’s t he ir f i r st p u ll o r p ar t icip ati ng in th ei r f i rs t

t h is p r o g r es s a nd acc omp lis hath l et es an d e mp o w e re d t he m i n w o r k , t h ei r r elat io n s h ip s

and in th ei r f u tu r e f i t ne ss

p u r s u i t s. ” Th e 6 05 has al-

r ea dy acc omp li sh ed ma ny of

i t s go al s an d p l an s on co ntin-

searching for b et te rmen t , ex-

u i ng to he lp pe op l e lo s e

ing a career or a h o bb y.

r ea ch th eir go a ls . F o r t hos e

Buo b has se en m an y p o s i-

w e i g ht , g ai n m u scl e an d

w h o ar e l oo k in g to r each

tive changes in th e g ym ’s

t h ei r n ew y ear s o r ev e n w in-

members chang e s o m u ch i n

t h e 6 0 5 i s l oc at ed a t 6 05

members. “We’ v e s e en o u r the past year w e ’ v e been

t er an d s p r in g f i tn es s go al s,

C en t ral D r i v e, i n P r e sq u e


19

Univer si t y T i m e s C A M P U S M a rch 2 7 , 2 0 1 5

Death of a Legend Jim Stepp

CONTRIBUTOR

When “Star Trek” was first on NBC in 1966, I was 5 years old. I was 7 when the last show aired on June 3, 1969. I was too young to watch or understand the show. My first remembrance of the show was when I was 10 years old. I would watch “Star Trek” on channel 11 in Pittsburgh at 5 p.m. and then I would run off to football practice when it was finished. I have mentioned previously that I am somewhat of a science geek. My love of “Star Trek” truly shows that. The idea of living in the 23rd century, traveling through space at

speeds faster than the speed of light, meeting new cultures and new races held my interest. For me the coolest character was that of the Enterprise’s first officer, Mr. Spock. Spock was from the planet Vulcan, had green blood and was able to knock people out with the Vulcan Nerve Pinch. Leonard Nimoy played this character. Leonard Simon Nimoy was born on March 26, 1931, in Boston to Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine. His acting career began at the age of 8 when he began acting in a neighborhood theater. Beginning

in 1951, Nimoy gathered a total of 134 acting credits between movies (53), TV shows, video game narrations and voice-overs. Nimoy was also a director, a producer and a writer. In 2009, the world was introduced to a new Spock, this one played by Zachary Quinto. On the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” there has been a sporadic debate about which actor is the best Spock. I guess the answer to that question will be debated into the future, but I feel I have the best answer: each was the best actor for the time he was

starring in the role. I do not believe Quinto would have been the right Spock in 1967. And today’s actionpacked moves would not have been the right place for Nimoy. Leonard Nimoy died on Feb. 27, 2015, at the UCLA Medical Center from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He attributed the COPD o his past smoking habit. May his memory live long and prosper. For more information please go to http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000 559/

THE NIGHT SKY The International Space Station is visible as follows: Mornings–Through April 1. Evenings–After April 3.

03/20/2015 06:35 Sunrise. 18:44 Sunset. 06:18–06:24 Mercury. 18:42–21:42 Venus. 19:12–20:36 Mars. 18:54–05:06 Jupiter. 00:24–06:06 Saturn.

degree from Deneb (Alpha Cygnus). 03/17 19:00 Sun at Equilux– Equal length of day and night 03/18 04:49 Mercury 1.5 degrees from Neptune. 03/19 15:31 Moon at Perigee– Closest point to the Earth. 03/20 05:36 New Moon. 03/20 18:45 March Equinox– Spring begins. 03/21 20:06 Moon 1.4 degrees from Mars. 03/22 18:48 Moon 3.2 degrees from Venus. 03/25 360th anniversary of Christiaan Huygens discovery of Saturn’s largest moon Titan (1655). 03/27 03:42 First Quarter Moon.

04/01 08:49 Moon at Apogee– Farthest from the Earth. 04/03 20:24 The ISS passes 0.8 degrees from the moon. 04/04 08:05 Full Moon. 04/05 20:15 The ISS passes 0.5 degrees from Arcturus (Alpha Bootes). 04/06 20:55 The ISS passes 0.4 degrees from Elnath/Al Nath (Beta Taurus). 04/07 20:02 The ISS passes 0.9 degrees from Betelgeuse (Alpha Orion). 04/07 20:03 The ISS passes 0.4 degrees from Pollux (Beta Gemini). 04/08 08:44 Mercury 0.5 degrees from Uranus. 04/11 23:44 Last Quarter Moon.

For the times of other events go to www.calsky.com. You will need to register at this site and load your location to be able to get exact times. The University of Maine at Presque Isle is located at 68d00m7.8s west longitude and 46d40m45.6s north latitude. To get a free sky chart go to www.skymaps.com. Sun and Planet Visibility

03/30/2015 06:15 Sunrise. 18:57 Sunset. Not Visible Mercury 19:12–22:12 Venus. 19:30–20:36 Mars. 19:12–04:24 Jupiter. 23:42–05:48 Saturn. 03/16 05:12 The ISS passes 1


SPRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.