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January 14, 2013 Volume 19, Issue 9
washtenawvoice.com
Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, Michigan
Freezing temps a challenge to Washtenaw’s homeless
@washtenawvoice
VP contract in question
Even with support, Blacklaw could leave in June By BEN SOLIS
Editor
ERIC WADE THE WASHTENAW VOICE
Homeless in Ann Arbor: Frank Trujillo in front of his campsite the night of a snow storm.
warm dry place to take shelter during the coldest periods of the winter. One solution for some of them is the Standing in the frigid, snowy Ann Robert J. Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, Arbor night waiting for a few slices which is the county’s single point of of hot pizza, clothes and other win- entry for the Shelter Association of ter essentials that Vineyard Church Washtenaw County. Starting on Nov. hands out once a week, Washtenaw 19, the Delonis Center began providCommunity College students Anna ing winter shelter for the homeless Chupp and Matthew Parson are con- with 65 beds, a winter warming protemplating a warm, dry place where gram, and a 25-man rotating shelter they can do their homework – some- provided by local churches, said Ellen where that won’t kick them out onto Schulmeister, executive director of the streets they call home. the Shelter Association of Washtenaw Most homeless will try to find a County. By ERIC WADE
Staff writer
“Anyone with a blood-alcohol level of .1 or less is accepted,” Schulmeister said. The shelter does not drug test, and tries to provide anyone in need of a place to sleep overnight with a bed, she said. When the temperature or windchill falls into single digits, the center acts as a daytime warming shelter as well, which allows people to stay inside during the day, when typically the homeless are asked to leave. Chupp, 22, of Beaverton, is working towards a certified nursing assistant
degree and Parson, 20, of Green Bay. Wis., is studying graphic design. They find the Delonis Center to be their only option for a place to sleep. While it offers shelter to the freezing cold, both acknowledge the conditions there are less than ideal. “It’s a hellhole,” Chupp said. “They treat you like you’re a little kid, and that you’re in preschool,” Parson added. HOMELESS CONTINUED A8
Another top administrator may be leaving Washtenaw Community College soon, this time in the form of Vice President of Instruction Stuart Blacklaw, even as the college continues its search for a successor to CFO Steven Hardy, who resigned suddenly in November. Blacklaw’s three-year contract will end in June, and he will need a successful review of renewal in March if he is to stay on as Washtenaw’s top administrator of instruction, course work, assessment and faculty-related issues. According to Blacklaw, there is some uncertainty, sparking rumors among the college’s faculty. “My contract is not not being renewed,” Blacklaw said about rumors among faculty that his contract may be in jeopardy. “I understand the rumors be- Stuart Blacklaw cause I’m well-liked and have strong support from the faculty union. They don’t want to see me leave.” The possibility of Blacklaw leaving the college mere months after Hardy would mark the dismissal of two topranking officials since President Rose Bellanca took office in 2011. Several other key administrators have departed as well. Asked to comment on Blacklaw’s status, Bellanca deferred to Annessa Carlisle, executive director of Marketing, who said that the college “does not comment on ‘potential’ personnel issues.” For some faculty, the loss of Blacklaw would be a detriment to the college and its reputation as a premier learning institution. “Stuart is the best that we have,” said BLACKLAW CONTINUED A6
Parked outside the lines Debate rages at local weapons show One good parking space is not enough? By ADRIAN HEDDEN Managing Editor
While motorists at Washtenaw troll desperately for parking spots in a frantic rush to class, many become incited to anger at malicious drivers taking up multiple spots with one vehicle. Two vehicles observed mere minutes apart in a lot near the Technical Industrial building were found in clear violation of parking regulations, taking up multiple spots on a snowless Jan. 29 at about 8:30 a.m. “It’s just wrong,” said Tonjia Williams, a business major from Bellville. “You can clearly see the lines. When you can see the lines, you can see them.” Arriving early on campus for an 8 a.m. class this semester, Williams is wary of constant congestion plaguing the lots all day long. “The parking lots are pretty crowded,” she said. “By eight it’s totally packed. They’re all over the place.”
Steven Jacobs, a 29-year-old nursing student from Plymouth, fears that just one driver parking over the lines – half in one spot, half in another – will inconvenience everyone. “It’s kind of like a domino effect,” Jacobs said of negligent parkers. “This will affect everyone’s parking. It’s pretty annoying.” C a m p u s Safety and Security officials respond to complaints of parked cars blocking multiple spaces by posting warnings and seeking out drivers who Jacques Desrosiers appear in violation. Unable to issue tickets, Campus Security does reserve the right to tow rogue vehicles and urges motorists to exercise caution when traversing the busy lots. “We will track the person down in class and have them move,” said PARKING CONTINUED A6
By ERIC WADE
Staff writer
TAYLOR — Jim Burton, a heavy equipment operator from Monroe, found himself in the middle of a debate that has gripped the country for the past few months when he attended a gun show recently at the Gibralter Trade Center. Hunters, target shooters, collectors and venders came together at the Gibraltar Gun and Knife Show last week. There were tables ERIC WADE THE WASHTENAW VOICE filled with ammunition, large clips and many different models of guns, On the Assault: Nickolas Sherman, 28, from Downriver with his Bushmaster AR-15 that he brought to the gun show to sell or trade. including the AR-15, Robinson Armament XCR, M16, Bushmaster ACR and many more so-called large storage clips, yet others clung weapon for. I mean, really, what does “assault weapons,” all openly dis- to their “rights,” and want the laws he need one for?” Burton, 51, asked. played. These guns and the large left alone. “I can’t tell you why we need a thirtyclips and the way that they can be Burton was among the minority, round clip, but this is America.” traded or sold are at the center of saying he thinks the high-powered asOthers steadfastly disagreed, arthe latest national controversy. sault style rifles should remain for law guing that the government needs to Like a passionately divided enforcement and the military – but America, some at Gibralter saw no that citizens have no need for them. GUN SHOW point in having assault rifles and “Tell me what a guy needs an assault CONTINUED A6