r e p a p u by s i h T to yo D t S h I g W u bro ts from 4 A n e e g a d P stu editorial,
don’t forget Today is the last day to register to vote
NFL, follow our lead:
Check out our new comic strip, SnoodleDoo – B7 –
Go purple or go home – A5 –
See
A NATIONAL PACEMAKER AWARD NEWSPAPER VOL. 21, NO. 4
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014
The student publication of Washtenaw Community College
www.washtenawvoice.com
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
WCC CFO reports $4.7 mil surplus What should the college do with that money? “Whatever would be the best in the long run. Even if it’s a big expense, but it would last for a long time, you wouldn’t have to ANNEMARIE keep repairing it. JOHNSON, 20, ANN I know they had ARBOR, UNDECIDED the mold [issue]. Maybe they could investigate to see other buildings and what they can do to prevent it in the future.”
see video at
washtenawvoice.com
See Page A5 for more student thoughts by NATALIE WRIGHT
Editor NATALIE WRIGHT | WASHTENAW VOICE
The sun was shining bright last Wednesday, but Roger Ault, an 85-year-old emeritus student at Washtenaw Community College was wielding an open umbrella. “I was impressed by a photograph I found on the Internet,” Ault said referring to a snapshot of riots in Hong Kong. “Students were holding their umbrellas in front of them, while the police officers sprayed pepper spray at them.” Ault, who admits he wasn’t a huge political activist in his younger days, decided he needed to stand in support of the students in Hong Kong.
With only an umbrella and a sign around his neck, Ault, on their umbrellas and signs to fellow students to start a a Korean War Navy veteran, who has been attending WCC conversation. since 1998, is hoping to make a difference, and to challenge He hopes WCC students can take up more significant students at WCC. activism than their university neighbors. He’s calling it the “Umbrella Challenge,” and “The University (of Michigan) students have congregated was inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in a protest shouting ‘fire Brandon, fire Brandon’,” Ault said, that took the world by storm over the summer. “well, there are more important things going on and supThe challenge, according to a press release written by Ault, porting the students in Hong Kong is an important thing.” is “to put on the paper hat, the signs and carry an open umbrella” around campus. Ault also asked for students to pass - James Saoud and Natalie Wright
Basking in pride
WCC administrators list college’s many services to community Trustee Richard Landau was grateful that this presentation gave the trustees, faculty and staff present at the meeting a chance to reflect Once a year, Washtenaw Community College on the great work Washtenaw is doing, he said. is given an opportunity to tout its successes to “I think we get jaded by all of the things that all the state through the Strategic Values Template, of us in this room have accomplished,” Landau a list of all the ways the college benefits the com- said. “Everyone has a piece of this wonderful munity, in hopes of receiving maximum funding. institution that is WCC.” It’s a monumental task, and a long list. This is the third year the college has filled Administrators recently presented the doc- out the template, said Julie Morrison, executive ument to the college’s board of trustees. The director of institutional effectiveness, planning document, once approved by the trustees, will and accreditation. And last year, it helped the be sent to the state, which will use it to deter- college earn the highest percentage increase in mine a portion of the state appropriations WCC will receive. See STRATEGIC VALUES, Page A3
Washtenaw Community College Chief Financial Officer Bill Johnson reported a $4.7 million surplus for fiscal year 2013-14 to the board of trustees at its Sept. 23 meeting. The college’s revenue was right on budget, he said, and expenditures were down. The college depends on three main sources of revenue, Johnson said: state aid, property taxes and tuition. While revenue from property taxes was down more than expected, an increase in state aid and a plateau of enrollment declines helped to balance the loss, he said. “Tuition is a really good story,” Johnson said, explaining that a year ago, under the direction of WCC President Rose Bellanca, “we put a real full-court press to understand the areas of opportunities both for student See SURPLUS, Page A5
by NATALIE WRIGHT
Editor
Group promotes creation of Washtenaw County ID card by M. M. DONALDSON
Staff Writer Julie Morrison, executive director of institutional effectiveness, planning and accreditation, outlined the successes of the Strategic Values Template to the board of trustees at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23. EJ STOUT | WASHTENAW VOICE
How Rose blossomed
WCC’s president shares how she defied the odds and got her start just that. “The business school was on, like, the second floor of a bank. It was four rooms. I mean, I Rose Bellanca never planned to be the presi- thought, ‘This is not what I want,’” Bellanca said. dent of a college. She never even thought she’d So the disillusioned young woman set up a be able to go to one. meeting with the owner of the business school, “When I was in 11th grade, I didn’t do well on told him she still had dreams of being a teachmy SAT,” the Washtenaw Community College er and asked, looking for any kind of guidance, president said. “I was at a Catholic school, and what qualifications the teachers at the school the nun had a meeting with my mom and with needed to be hired. me and told us I wasn’t college material.” “You need a teaching certificate,” he told her. Bellanca, an aspiring teacher at the time, was “Well, how do you get one of those?” she asked crushed. The Catholic school she was attending him. pulled her from her college prep courses and “You need to go to college.” told her it’d be best if she looked at going to a “Well, forget it,” Bellanca thought. “I’m not small business school rather than pursuing a college material.” four-year college program. And after finishing high school, Bellanca did See BELLANCA, Page A5 by JAMES SAOUD
Managing Editor
WCC | COURTESY PHOTO
U-M football protests,
who cares? – A4 –
Some trustee candidates disappoint – A4 –
around the world in 18 years – B1 –
A new form of pictured identification may be available to Washtenaw County residents starting in 2015. The Washtenaw ID Task Force has been advocating for a county ID to be available to residents, particularly those who do not have any form of government-issued identification card to verify who they are. The Washtenaw County board of commissioners will vote on this measure during their Nov. 19 meeting. Washtenaw ID Task Force members feel that it is a human right to have a pictured ID to identify who they are. Without a pictured ID, they say, some Washtenaw County residents are unable to obtain a library card or pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy. In a promotional video, a man spoke of his fear of having an accident and no one knowing who he is without identification. The identification has the potential to be used to prove identity for Washtenaw Community College students, stated Keta Cown, Washtenaw ID Task Force member and chief executive officer of Synod Community Services. Those who would benefit most would be those marginalized within the community, she said, and the identification could be used for emergency contacts and medical See WASHTENAW ID, Page A4
Successful designer shares career secrets – B6 –
A2
The Washtenaw Voice
October 6, 2014
ANN ARBOR
Come Join the Concordia Family! • Growing Undergraduate Population • New Science Labs • Renovated Residence Halls • Updated Student Union • Upgraded Kreft Center for the Fine Arts • Three Schools to Choose from: • HAAB School of Business Administration • School of Arts and Sciences • School of Education
Ticket: Annie! The Musical
Talent Show Auditions Wednesday, October 8th 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ML Towsley
Do you have an awesome talent? Try out for the talent show and show it off! Sign-up today at: http://tinyurl.com/WCCTalentShowNOV2014
Blood Drive
Thursday, October 2nd 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WCC Fitness Center Your blood is urgently needed! Each donation saves up to three lives. Be a hero and save a life! Sign-up to donate: www.redcrossblood.org Enter sponsor code: WCC13 Walk-in appointments also accepted.
Passionately Pink Event
Wednesday, October 22nd 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. LA 369 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Join the discussion lead by guest speakers from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Lunch will be provided to the first 30 participants that RSVP! *Show your support by wearing pink!* To RSVP, call the SWRC at 734-677-5105.
Stepping Out for Education and Children Run for Fun 5k! Saturday, October 11th 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Put your best foot forward and register to walk/run in this Foundation 5k! Proceeds benefit the WCC Foundation Scholarship, awarded to WCC students. Participants receive a t-shirt along with an award ceremony, social hour, and refreshments immediately following the race! Stop by SC 112 today for your registration form!
Thursday, October 2nd 7:30 p.m. Fisher Theatre in Detroit, MI Enjoy the Tony Award Winning musical “Annie”! Bet your bottom dollar you’ll love it! Price: $25 – Includes FREE parking! TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
.edu 734.995.7505 4090 GEDDES RD. ANN ARBOR 48105
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk Saturday, October 18th Registration: 8:00 a.m. Walk: 9:00 a.m. Community Park Help raise money and awareness for breast-cancer research! In America alone, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. It’s never too early to start making a difference! Who will you walk for? JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY at: http://tinyurl.com/MakingStrides2014TeamWCC
Lunch with the President
The winners of this contest will enjoy a FREE lunch with WCC’s President, Dr. Rose Bellanca! Lunches will take place at various times throughout the semester. Sign-up today! http://tinyurl.com/wcclunchcontest
Volunteer Opportunity: Free College Day
Saturday, October 11th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (split shifts available). Give back to your campus by volunteering at Free College Day! Volunteers will receive dinner the night before the event, lunch at the event and a t-shirt for your service! Sign-up here: http://tinyurl.com/WCCFREECollegeDayFall2014
Horseback Riding!
Friday, October 24th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Horse-N-Around Stables Grass Lake, MI Join us for this ride and a treat! Each ticket includes: College-van transportation, a short horse-riding lesson, one-hour horse ride through the forest, soup, salad, breadsticks, and a drink at Olive Garden! Tickets: $30 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
WCC Sports
Join us for team tryouts! You must pre-register at the Sports office in SC 116 prior
to the tryout date. Requirements: 2.0 cumulative GPA, be registered in at least three credits at WCC. Women’s Basketball: Monday, October 13th; Wednesday, October 15th from 9:15 p.m. – 11 p.m. @ the WCC Health and Fitness Center. Men’s Basketball: Wednesday, October 1st; Monday, October 6th; Wednesday, October 8th; from 9:15 to 11 p.m. @ the WCC Health and Fitness Center.
Explore our campus, advisors, programs, faculty and more. Explore Eastern. October 18 and Nov 1.
NEWS
The Washtenaw Voice
WCC is a safe campus, according to numbers
security policies and security procedures. The reports must be available to all students and employees, current and prospective. Washtenaw Community College is a safe All crime statistics found in the logs must be place for students, staff and faculty members, provided to the U.S. Department of Education. according to the latest annual crime report from Shown below are the crime statistic totals for Campus Safety and Security. the last three years from Washtenaw Community The Clery Act requires that campus security College’s Campus Safety and Security 2014 organizations all around the country must publish Annual Security Report. an annual security report that documents three See washtenawvoice.com for a full breakcalendar years and consists of crime statistics, down of the statistics.
by JAMES SAOUD
Managing Editor
13
Annual Crime Log statistics
2011 2012 2013
3 2 1 0 Drug Law Violation
0 0 Liquor Law Violation
1 0 0 Illegal Weapons Possession
1
1
0 0 Burglary
1
Motor Vehicle Theft
1 0 0 Forceable Sex Offense
ERIK MORRIS | WASHTENAW VOICE
Crime blotter Larceny A backpack containing books and a cell phone was stolen from a restroom in the LA building on Sept. 16. The incident was reported to Campus Security at 12:08 p.m. The disposition of the crime was unknown.
Hit-and-run A hit-and-run was reported in the parking structure on Sept. 17 at 12:37 p.m. The Washtenaw County’s Sheriff’s Department was called to handle the situation. The investigation was pending.
Larceny A backpack containing books was stolen from a bathroom in the LA building on Sept. 23. No time was given in the daily crime log and the disposition of the crime was unknown.
Larceny A laptop was stolen outside of the TI building on Sept. 30 when the owner left it sitting on a seat after walking away. No time was given in the daily crime log and the disposition of the crime was unknown.
Campus Security on preventing theft Campus Safety and Security officials are encouraging students and employees to be proactive in creating awareness and staying safe around campus. CSS Director Jac Desrosiers said the following safety guidelines regarding property safety apply to any public place including shopping malls, special events and even places of worship.
Vehicles
∙ Never leave your vehicle running while it is unattended. ∙ Roll up your windows completely and lock your doors. ∙ Take your keys and never leave a spare in or on the vehicle. ∙ Keep all valuables and packages that may tempt a thief out of sight. ∙ When available, use auto theft deterrents such as car alarms and steering column devices.
Electronics
∙ Do not leave laptops, smartphones or tablets unattended. ∙ Record serial numbers of electronic devices. ∙ Use anchor security devices to lock personal computers.
program, which targets students from lowachieving high schools, has increased by 67 perappropriations of any community college in the cent since last year. state. Blakey mentioned the “very successful” adult The document groups performance measures transitions program with GED and college and into three categories: economic development and field preparation, and noted that Washtenaw business or industry partnerships, educational was instrumental in working with Michigan legpartnerships and community services. The col- islators to get the state to appropriate funds to lege must meet four out of five best practices in help pay the increase in the cost of the GED test. a category to receive funding with that category. Lastly, she talked about the college’s partnerThis year, the college added many new ac- ships with other colleges. complishments to the list, which administrators “We have 112 signed agreements for 272 propointed out to the trustees. grams to articulate with colleges and universities,” Blakey said. “And we also are launching our economic development and University Center this fall of ’14, starting with a business or industry partnerships program with Ferris State University.” Over the last year, the college has provided training to 19 new companies, Vice President of community services Economic and Community Development Michelle Morrison wrapped up the presentation, with Mueller said, including Comcast, Michigan Oral some of the more miscellaneous services the Surgeons and Washtenaw County Public Health. college provides to the community. The recently opened Entrepreneurship “We offer more than 200 continuing eduCenter also provides small business and stu- cation and personal enrichment courses each dent support, she said. semester,” Morrison began, adding that this in“The center will provide students, alumni cludes many free courses for emeritus students and community members with resources such – those over the age of 65. as co-working space, coaching, educational pro“We also have the Parkridge Center in Ypsilanti grams and networking with local business lead- to provide educational programming and trainers,” Mueller said. ing for youths, adults and seniors,” Morrison said. She also pointed out the new 15-year agreeFree College Day and the CORE Garden are ment with the United Association of Plumbers, two exciting new additions to WCC’s offerings Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVACR to community members, she added. Technicians, a partnership that brought approxiShe also pointed out long-standing offermately $5 million to the surrounding community ings to community members, which were just this year. Next, Mueller mentioned WCC President added to the list this year, including the many Rose Bellanca’s leadership on the Prosperity events held at Towsley Auditorium, Gallery One, Initiative for the state’s Region Nine Talent Council. Orchard Radio and The Washtenaw Voice. She talked about the college’s partnerships Also added to the list was that the college’s with Google, Quicken Loans and more companies Health and Fitness Center serves about 5,000 through the $3 million Department of Labor Grant. community members – a recently acquired staAnd lastly, she pointed out the college’s tistic, Morrison said. Harriet Street Center, which provides assisFinally, she said, the college added Welcome tance for Washtenaw County job seekers. Day and Volunteer Fairs to the list, though they also have been going on for years. STRATEGIC VALUES, from A1
educational partnerships
Vice President of Student and Academic Services Linda Blakey spoke about the college’s relationships with K-12 institutions and other colleges, leading with the recent news that Washtenaw Technical Middle College was named the seventh best high school in the country by “Newsweek.” Also, she noted, dual enrollment has increased 48 percent over the last year, and starting this fall, WCC will host a nursing assistant program at Ypsilanti Community High School. Blakey continued, commenting on the Lemonade Day entrepreneurship workshops and the Mentor-2-Youth team building, two programs new to WCC last year, which reached out to a much younger set of community members. She pointed out that enrollment for the VIP
a proud reaction
The trustees and Bellanca were happy to bask in the pride of these accomplishments. “Just seeing it all together here, listed, is pretty impressive,” Trustee Stephen Gill said. “This year really just blows me away,” Bellanca said. “The great work of this fabulous executive leadership team that takes on these initiatives, as well as the faculty and staff that support it – it’s just amazing how we serve this community. “I’m very, very proud and grateful to be able to do it.” “The college and the staff and the employees have an obligation to serve and be available for the community,” Trustee Diana McKnight-Morton said. “The community, this is what they’re looking for in us as a community college, and this really shows it.”
October 6, 2014
A3
IN BRIEF
trustees elect new leadership Washtenaw Community College’s board of trustees has new leadership. At its September meeting, the board unanimously elected Trustee Stephen Gill as its new chair and Trustee Richard Landau as its new vice chair. No other nominations were made. Early in the meeting, sitting Vice Chair Patrick McLean announced that he and, the notably absent, Chair Anne Williams would resign their leadership positions at the end of the meeting, though they will both serve out the remainder of their terms as trustees.
McLean reminded those in the boardroom that neither he, nor Williams, is seeking reelection, and both will cease their roles on the board on Jan. 1. “Consequently and given the gravity of the issues the board is dealing with right now, I certainly think it’s important to have continuity going forward,” McLean said. As usual, the trustees will hold an election in January when a new board convenes; so Gill and Landau may only serve in these roles through December. At the end of the meeting, Gill thanked McLean and Williams for their service, and said that he thought they were doing the
right thing by vacating the positions. “We have a lot of work to do as a board to add continuity into the new year,” Gill said. Landau also thanked the resigning officers and looked ahead to the rest of the year. “We have lots of challenges before us. It is a new academic year,” he noted. “Each one of them brings hope – a new beginning – and I hope that with Chair Gill and my elevation to these positions, we can preside over a productive academic year.” - Natalie Wright
asbestos discovered in la building The mold problem in the Crane Liberal Arts and Sciences building has turned into an asbestos problem, Vice President of Facilities Management Damon Flowers said at a recent board of trustees meeting. “It’s a little more involved than we anticipated,” he said, adding that the remediation
could cost up to $290,000 more than the original $500,000 budget, though the cost is not finalized yet. “We’ve got some additional testing that we’re doing, and we’ll see to exactly what extent we have to remove asbestos,” Flowers explained. Most of the asbestos remediation is similar to the mold
remediation, he said, but a lot more containment and regulation comes into play with asbestos. The asbestos is also contained to the same areas as the mold, he added. Flowers plans to update the trustees at the next meeting on Oct. 28. - Natalie Wright
wcc likely to join regional ‘think tank’ Administrators proposed address issues relating to ecothat the board of trustees nomic development and workagree to join the Southeast force training, she said. Eastern Michigan Council of “The many projects that the Governments (SEMCOG) at various committees take on are a recent board meeting, and impacting us,” Mueller said, “and the trustees were receptive it’s information that can also be to the idea. used to explore training in othSEMCOG is a regional er opportunities within our own collaborative effort between area.” local government, higher Morgan noted that the orgaeducation institutions and nization has been around since transportation organizations, the 1960s and has been doing said Director of Government great work in Southeast Michigan. Relations Jason Morgan. Joining SEMCOG, he said, will alV i c e P r e s i d e n t o f low the college to collaborate in Economic Development these efforts. Michelle Mueller said that Membership will cost the she worked with SEMCOG college $3,000, President Rose in her job at St. Clair County Bellanca said. But it has to be apCommunity College, and proved by the trustees because knows that it does important one of them must serve as a repwork. It would “behoove” the resentative of the college. college to join the “think tank,” Bellanca asked the trustees which has committees that to think about the proposal and
vote on the issue at the Oct. 28 meeting. “Hopefully you’re interested in joining,” she said. They were very interested. “Let me just express my strong support for this initiative,” Vice Chair Patrick McLean said. “It assures us a place at the table for regional discussions, which I think is important. So, you have my strong backing for this.” Trustee Diana McKnightMorton said that she would be happy to serve as the representative, as she did previously for Washtenaw County. She added that the transportation issues, which SEMCOG was created to deal with, are very important to Washtenaw’s commuting students. - Natalie Wright
president, trustees applaud wtmc
WTMC faculty and officials received a plaque from the trustees on Sept. 23 EJ STOUT | WASHTENAW VOICE
Washtenaw Technical Middle College has received a lot of accolades lately. Following “Newsweek” magazine’s naming of WTMC as the 7th best high school in the country, the Washtenaw Community College board of trustees took official action at its September meeting, voting unanimously to recognize the work of WTMC officials, teachers and students. WTMC faculty and administrators were
presented with a plaque and a gift basket, as the trustees congratulated them. Trustee Diana McKnight-Morton reflected on the founding of WTMC, which she was involved in as a trustee. “This is just beyond any of our imaginations at that time,” she said. “Look at it now – it’s just amazing.” - Natalie Wright
students participate in video shootout Students in Video 105 and 125 at WCC had their fees waived for the third annual Ypsilanti 24-Hour Shootout as a part of their first class project of the semester.
The shootout took place on Sept. 26 and the winners were announced after a screening held in the Towsley Auditorium on Friday Oct. 3. WCC student Bryan Susalla
was awarded an honorable mention for his film “Tracks.” For a full list of the winners, visit washtenawvoice.com. - James Saoud
former children’s center teacher loses battle with cancer Susan Cannon, a retired preschool teacher, lost her six-year battle with cancer last Sunday, Sept. 27. She left her position at Washtenaw Community College at the time of her diagnosis. “She fought as long and hard as she could,” said Amnesty Alston, Cannon’s close friend and colleague. From the impact Cannon left behind on her WCC colleagues
it is clear she was not only a loved about her, the answers are woman, but a daily light in the life unanimous: huge heart, so carat the Children’s Center. ing, so thoughtful, so generous. Her passion for this school was Cannon is survived by her evident in the 50-mile commute husband of 31 years, Larry she made every day from Sylvania, Cannon Sr.; her daughter, Amy Ohio – as well as her prominent Roth; sons, Larry Jr., Greg and position as an office professional James; and 15 grandchildren. union representative. A memorial service was “She loved the kids, she loved the held at Reeb Funeral Home in staff, she loved her job,” Alston said. Sylvania on Oct. 1. Throughout Washtenaw, when Cannon’s colleagues are asked - Sofia Lynch
A4
VOICES
October 6, 2014
editorial
A ‘two-thumbs-up’ partnership Not every day can be a highfive day. Our new friends and partners from Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s program for developmentally disabled adults taught us that two thumbs up can be just as fulfilling.
girl brightened the hallways of the Technical Industrial Building with her smile as she placed small stacks of newspapers neatly on the bottom shelf of a stand. To help with her route in the future, her teachers have placed braille signage on each of the three
Voice Managing Editor EJ Stout and 20-year-old WISD student Jay cart fresh newspapers around on Monday, Sept. 22. EJ STOUT | WASHTENAW VOICE
When WISD teacher Diane Hughes came to us asking if her students could help distribute our newspapers, we couldn’t contain our excitement, and admittedly got carried away. We started bouncing ideas around about all the ways the students could get involved with us, how we could make them a part of our team. Slow down, Hughes told us. Let’s try this one step at a time. So, on Monday Sept. 22, we kicked off our partnership. Roughly a dozen WISD students, our new circulation assistants, joined the Voice staff at 9 a.m. We divided and conquered each building on campus, showing our new team members where and how we update our nearly three dozen newsstands across campus. As the students completed their tasks, we were eager to show encouragement and appreciation. “Can we give high-fives?” we asked, after one student finished filling all of the stands in the Student Center. “Today is more of a twothumbs-up day,” we were told. For one student, the non-contact show of appreciation was better suited on that particular day. Meanwhile, a young blind WASHTENAW ID, from A1 emergency information. “We see this as an inherently good thing for our students,” WCC Government Relations Director Jason Morgan said. Mo r g a n u n d e r st a n d s t h e Washtenaw ID is important for individuals to access basic county services. He segued to the WCC board of trustee’s July 2013 unanimous approval to change the college’s policy to allow students to pay in-district or in-state tuition if they qualified under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals federal program. A dministered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DACA allows undocumented individuals to apply for deferred action on
and would continue to learn from this partnership. We talked about the “highfive” situation, and what we would take away from it. “Patience” one staffer said, “and understanding.” As journalists, the nature of our work insists that we jump at opportunities, that we latch on to good ideas and stretch them to their limits, and that we do it fast, facing constant deadline pressures. Each day presents a new set of challenges that requires great tenacity to overcome. Working with these students has reminded us that patience is just as important as tenacity. It has reminded us that not everyone works or thinks the way, or at the speed that we do – and that when we work with others we need to be flexible and accommodating to nuances in personality and situation. This is a fundamental lesson, not just for our profession, but for our humanity. It’s a mantra we’ve all been told countless times: Treat everyone equally despite their differences, but often that means
stands on the first floor of the building, so she can distinguish them from the stands for a different paper right next to them. This partnership is a success for everyone involved. The job allows the WISD students to take on a challenge and to contribute to the campus community in a meaningful way, Hughes said. Our staff has been able to make a difference by giving others an opportunity to make a difference. As if that weren’t enough, Victor, a 21-year-old WISD student, helps load papers in the Voice newsroom. EJ STOUT | WASHTENAW VOICE we also get to work alongside these students, hopefully treating people differently to throughout the year. suit their differences. The students helped us bring Patience, flexibility and unold copies of the paper back to our derstanding are virtues that can newsroom for recycling and debe applied to a multitude of situparted with “Thank yous” from both ations, and relationships, in our groups. lives. These students showed us Our staff reconvened in our how we can do that with a sinnewsroom with smiles on our faces, cerely cheerful spirit – an invaluand we reflected on the progress and able lesson, and a lesson that we excitement we saw, and shared, dur- don’t intend to keep confined to ing our time with them. our newsroom. We anticipated working with the Thank you to our new friends students again – and the growing re- and co-workers. We so look forlationships we could look forward to. ward to our continued partnerWe discussed what we had learned ship. And many thumbs up. removal from the U.S. The Washtenaw ID was introduced to the county by Washtenaw County Commission Chair Yousef Rabhi, who is also a member of the Washtenaw ID Task Force. If the board of commissioners approves this measure, the Washtenaw ID will be administered through the office of the County Clerk. Several community agencies that work with undocumented or homeless individuals are interested in the Washtenaw ID, but are cautious of how the collected information may be used. Most concerns relate to potential subpoenas or Freedom of Information Act requests generated through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. No other community entities have
The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College and the views expressed herein will not imply endorsement or approval by the faculty, administration or Board of Trustees of WCC. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while employing the best habits and practices of free inquiry and expression. The Washtenaw Voice does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information or content in advertisements contained in the newspaper or its website, www.washtenawvoice.com, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed or obtained as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in or in connection with the services or products advertised. The Voice welcomes letters to the editor from its readers and will make every effort to publish them. We reserve the right to edit letters for space considerations, and ask that writers limit their comments to no more than 400 words. All letters must include a name and contact information, such as an email address or phone number, so the letters can be verified before they are printed. The Voice is committed to correcting all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as it is committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, phone 734-677-5405 or email thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at The Voice newsroom, TI 106, for 25 cents each.
committed to accepting the ID for services, except for local law enforcement, Cown said. While the proposed Washtenaw ID would not be valid for voter registration, passport application, driver’s license or State of Michigan ID purposes, the Washtenaw ID has received support from Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton and most other police departments in the county. They have agreed that those who can be identified through their Washtenaw ID will not be taken into custody based on not having pictured identification in their possession. The cost of the Washtenaw ID is projected to be $25 with a scholarship component for those who are not able to pay the fee.
Volume 21, No. 4 4800 E. Huron River Dr. TI 106 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 677-5125 thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com
The Washtenaw Voice
Some WCC trustee candidates disappoint NATALIE WRIGHT nkwright@wccnet.edu
Uninformed voters are dangerous. Uninformed candidates are even more dangerous. Those paying attention at recent board of trustees meetings must be concerned that four of the eight candidates running for the board in November have not shown their face at a single meeting since filing for the race before July 22. There have been three board meetings since then, filled with crucial knowledge for any active, thoughtful member of this campus community. The first step for candidates to prove their worth to voters is to show they’re informed of the issues. The second step is to take a stance on these issues. While each of the eight candidates has been happy to share their platforms with the public, several of them have not proven that they are properly informed, or taking steps to learn. The four candidates who have attended the meetings are those who we know were well-informed even before this race. As the current board secretary, Mark Freeman clearly has the best knowledge of the inner-workings of the board and is informed of the issues they are dealing with. As online editor of The Voice, Christina Fleming has attended and reported on many trustee meetings over the last year. Ruth Hatcher has regularly attended trustee meetings since she retired from her job as a WCC English instructor in 2011, she said. She sits beside the faculty at the meetings and is clearly informed of their positions on the issues. As a member of the Washtenaw Technical Middle College board,
Alex Milshteyn attended several board meetings in 2013 and ’14, becoming a regular fixture at the meetings last April, he said. Sadly, the candidates without a standing presence at the college in recent years, and those who demonstrated the least knowledge about the campus issues in recent interviews with The Voice, are also the ones who don’t appear concerned with catching up. So much is on the line in this election. There are more candidates than there have been in decades, and the issues the board is dealing with weigh as heavy as ever. The faculty-administration relationship is fragile at best. A millage is coming in the next two years. And the college faces headwinds with declining enrollment, steep budget cuts and increasing expectations from the state and taxpayers. We do not want to elect trustees who don’t have a firm grasp of these major issues, along with the everyday issues the board sees. This is not the time a time for mistakes at the polls. This is not a time for ignorance in our leadership. As a campus community, as registered voters who care about the future of this institution, we need to elect people who have the best interest of this college at heart, not just political gain. Showing involvement and interest is the crucial first step for these candidates, and half of them are failing. If this office was important to them – as important as it needs to be for the sake of the college – they would be at these meetings. The meetings are once a month and usually last about two hours. Is that too big a commitment to ask from the people who want to be elected to oversee the important business of the college and the wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff? The campus community should be disappointed. We deserve more from those who want to ask to lead us into the future. And we demand more if they want to win our vote.
U-M students stand up, but on wrong grounds JAMES SAOUD jsaoud@wccnet.edu
It takes a lot to get people off of their asses, but the University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke and Athletic Director David Brandon seemed to do the job just fine. Last Tuesday, U-M students rallied to have Hoke and Brandon fired after the Shane Morris controversy surrounding last week’s home loss to Minnesota. They were not wrong. The footage of Morris is not just upsetting. It’s appalling. It’s disturbing. It’s heartbreaking. Hoke and Brandon should be thrown from their positions immediately. But we all know that. Everyone is talking about it. Students are screaming about.
And the national media is devouring it. Yet another controversy to distract us from the world around us, a world with bigger problems than a college football team. A world with bigger problems than a leaked photograph of your favorite celebrity naked. Stand up, America, for something bigger. As students in Hong Kong, soaked in pepper spray, stand up against their government leaders, students in Ann Arbor, soaked in beer, stand up against a football coach. Is this really what gets us going? I applaud the U-M students for standing up for what they believe is right and standing up for what they want to change. But how can this be all we stand for? How can this be the change we demand? It takes a lot to get people off their asses, but we’ve got plenty of reasons to.
EDITOR
Natalie Wright
nkwright@wccnet.edu
MANAGING EDITOR NEWS, FEATURES AND VIDEO
James Saoud
jsaoud@wccnet.edu
MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE
EJ Stout
emjstout@gmail.com
ONLINE EDITOR
Christina Fleming
cfleming@wccnet.edu
STAFF WRITERS
M. M. Donaldson Vivian Zago Sofia Lynch
mmorrisdonaldson@wccnet.edu vpereira@wccnet.edu slynch@wccnet.edu
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Erik Morris Ben Ellsworth
delocuro@gmail.com benjellsworth@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Nina Di Mauro
CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Fedeson Charlie Hackenbruch Sanaa Naeem Marc Pardo Taylor Robinson
efedeson@wccnet.edu rhackenbruch@wccnet.edu genrechowderstudios@gmail.com mapardo@wccnet.edu taelrobinson@wccnet.edu
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Becky Alliston
ealliston@wccnet.edu
ADVISER
Keith Gave
kgave@wccnet.edu
VOICES
The Washtenaw Voice
October 6, 2014
A5
EJ STOUT estout@wccnet.edu
M.M. DONALDSON mmorrisdonaldson@wccnet.edu
MARC PARDO | WASHTENAW VOICE
SURPLUS, from A1 SANAA NAEEM | WASHTENAW VOICE
What should WCC do with its $4.7 million surplus? (See page A1) interviews and photos by contributer taylor robinson “I think there is some equipment that could be better. I know in the pastry kitchen there are things that could be better. The freezer has been going down, it went down over the spring/summer break and lost a lot of food, it went down just recently and then the main kitchen is scrambling. So that’s probably the biggest deal are the freezers.” Dennis Glander, 58, Gregory, pastry certificate
“Wi-fi connection. I can never use the internet.” Andrew Barnes, 18, Saline, General Studies
“There seems to be a lot of part-time professors instead of full-time.” Bruce Milks, 18, South Lyon, general studies
“I think they need to install more outlets in the buildings.” Allison VanOirschot, 17, Saline, undecided
“Should spend the money on supplies, more computers, and better software. The computers aren’t as fast as I’d like them to be. There needs to be better signals in the classrooms, if an emergency happens.” Wissam Hammoud, 17, Ypsilanti, computer science
“Well, if it’s a surplus, usually that means after all the bills are paid, utilities are paid, I don’t know why they can’t use the money on scholarships for Washtenaw County kids or ones that come from Wayne County. Especially for the special needs student. My daughter has mild Autism. If they could even offer $500,000, I’m sure there are enough students here who could benefit from it. Or even $250 for a bookstore credit, something small.” Keith McDonald, 55, Belleville, maintenance technology “They can do one thing, negotiate with the city so the students can ride the bus for free like U of M does. Today I walked because I didn’t have any cash on me. We wouldn’t have a problem with the parking lot if students could ride (the bus) for free.” Sory Conde, 25, Ann Arbor, computer system networking
retention and for new student recruitment.” And the college has seen results, he said. Enrollment in the Winter semester did not drop as steeply as expected, and enrollment in the Spring and Summer was up more than 10 percent. As a result, Johnson said, actual tuition revenue came within $268,000 of the budgeted amount. Actual expenditures were below budget by $4.9 million, Johnson said. About $2.8 million of that savings was in personnel costs. The trustees praised Johnson’s work, saying they were happy not only with the surplus, but with the way the college achieved it. “I think the amazing thing about this is that you accomplished this with a very, very modest tuition increase,” Trustee Pam Horiszny said. “I’m really pleased to see us doing this well without having to unnecessarily burden the students with tuition.” In April, the board of trustees raised tuition rates 2.25 percent for the 2014-15 academic year for those who registered after July 31. Tuition is now $93 per credit hour for in-district students, $149 for out-of-district BELLANCA, from A1 In tears, she turned to her friends for comfort and support. One of them mentioned a little school then called Macomb County Community College, and she assured Bellanca that she could get in. Bellanca left her business school after applying to and getting accepted to MCCC, which would change her path indefinitely. “I did my first two years at Macomb, then I transferred to Wayne State University,” Bellanca said. She graduated from Wayne State with a Bachelor of Science degree in family life education and eventually earned a master’s degree in education and industrial arts. Her degree from MCCC was an associate of applied science. After Wayne State, Bellanca undertook her dream career of teaching and even took it a step further. “I was a teacher; then I became an administrator for a lot of different jobs,” Bellanca
students and $197 for out-of-state students. Trustee Patrick McLean noted that not only was the college able to keep the tuition increases modest, it did it while tax revenue is at a low point. “In property taxes, we seem to have found the bottom and we’re clawing our way back up,” McLean said, “but we’re not moving as fast as we might have thought.” But overall, the numbers were good, and the college will find a use for the leftover money, all agreed. This surplus is important to have stashed away, Johnson said. “As you know, in previous years, under the board’s direction, we have used some of our built-up surplus to make good investments on campus, such as the parking structure,” he said. “With this surplus, we’re able to bring the college’s total working cap allowance closer to where it needs to be.” However, Horiszny said, it’s mostly about the financial sustainability of the college moving forward. “It’s not about building big structures anymore; it’s about maintaining what we have,” she said. “This is pretty cool to have the flexibility to do some of that, and to be prepared.” Additional reporting by Taylor Robinson said. “Then, after 20 years, I ended up working as vice president at Macomb Community College.” Bellanca went from a high school student who “wasn’t college material” to being a key member of a college administration. But when she became VP at Macomb, a new, crucial detail of her story emerged. “What I didn’t know was, since I’m a first generation American, they put me in a special program,” Bellanca said. That program was a cohort of students “less likely to succeed,” as she explained it. “I never even knew this until I became the Vice President. I was like ‘What? I was in specialed?’” she said, acknowledging the program she was in was not quite a special education program. All on her own terms, Bellanca had succeeded. When she became the provost and vice president at MCC, she told her faculty that she “was the envy of every student that has ever walked through these campuses,” she said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Bellanca said to the faculty at MCC. “You made my life possible.”
A6
NEWS
October 6, 2014
The Washtenaw Voice
COMING THIS MONTH
6 7 8 9 10 15 11 16 18 22 NOW
wcc teachers show at artprize
What: Where:
ArtPrize Art Competition 95A Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids When: Sept. 24 - Oct. 12
More info: http://www.artprize.org/
See story on page A7
IT Career Readiness Program
What: New certificates offer opportunities to explore the IT industry
When: More info:
Begins Oct. 6
I T-Talent@wccnet.edu or 734-480-9950
See story on page A7
calling all entrepreneurs
What:
When:
How much:
Register: More info: Contact Nancy Howard at
nhoward@wccnet.edu or at 734-677-5014
Men’s basketball tryouts
WCC’s got talent Auditions
Auditions for the annual Fall Talent Show will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5-9 p.m. at the Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence building. Those interested in auditioning can register at: http://tinyurl.com/WCCTalentShowNOV 2014. -M.M. Donaldson
Students interested in playing on the men’s basketball Club Sports team can try out at WCC’s Health and Fitness Center on Monday, Oct. 6 and Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 9:15 to 11:30 p.m. Students must pre-register in at the Club Sports office (SC 116) before they try out – and also must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be taking at least three classes at WCC. -James Saoud
fall transfer fair
WCC will host the Fall Transfer Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 8 when representatives from more than 50 colleges, universities and military services will be on hand. It will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center building. It is free and open to all.
More information at Counseling & Career Planning: 734-677-5102.
~Vivian Zago
CORE Garden harvest dinner
The Sustainability Literacy Task Force and the Culinary Arts department are hosting a Sustainable Dinner with the first annual harvest from the WCC CORE Garden at Garrett’s on the first floor of the Student Center on Friday Oct. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chefs Alice Gannon-Boss and Derek Anders, along with student volunteers, will prepare and serve dinner following a 4:30 p.m. presentation by Zingerman’s Chef Alex Young about the farm-to-table connection. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for non-students and are available at the Cashier’s office on the second floor of the Student Center. ~ Natalie Wright
Need help with winter tuition?
The deadline for WCC Foundation scholarship applications for the winter semester is Oct. 10. Scholarships range from $200 to $800, depending on the number of credits the recipient is taking. To apply, log in to WCC Gateway, go to MyWCC and click on the Financial Aid tab to find the application. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. Applicants can fill it out at http://www.fafsa.gov. The Federal School Code for WCC is 002328. -Natalie Wrightt
industrial designer to share career advice
Who: Susan Skarsgard, design manager
at General Motors Design What: ‘Not a Normal Career’ – a lecture documenting Skarsgard’s career in calligraphy, art and graphic design When: Oct. 16 Where: Great Lakes Center, room 202
Veterans pay tribute to John Lennon
The seventh annual concert sponsored by Chapter 93 of Veterans for Peace will be held Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. at The Ark in downtown Ann Arbor. The concert will feature local musicians performing songs by John Lennon paying tribute to his Oct. 9 birthday. Proceeds go to the chapter’s Scholarship Fund and Martin Luther King Day high school essay contest. The scholarship fund assists Michigan college students, preferably veterans, who are studying any courses aimed at conflict resolution or peace studies. Musicians performing at the event include Dick Siegel, Jen Sygit, Annie and Rod Capps, Chris Good and Jason Dennie. Tickets are $15 in advance, and can be bought at http://www.theark.org or call 734-761-1451. - James Saoud
Direct Selling Entrepreneur Certificate program Oct. 7-Nov. 6, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Students who register after Sept. 30 will pay $350 http://bit.ly/1zZRr9v
See story on page A7
State Rep. Irwin to meet students Looking ahead to the Nov. 4 general election, the Political Science Club is hosting candidate visits to WCC’s Campus. On Oct. 7, State Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) will meet with students at the club’s regular meeting at 3:30-5 p.m. in LA 161. For more information, contact the club’s President Steve Kwasny at skwasny@wccnet.edu. ~Natalie Wright
Women in Politics
A meet and greet with women in politics will be held in the ML building on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5-7 p.m. The event, hosted by the Ann Arbor Democratic Party and the WCC Political Science Club, will feature guests including Lisa Brown, candidate for lieutenant governor; Debbie Dingell, chairwoman and congressional candidate; Veronique Liem, Washtenaw County circuit judge candidate and State Rep. Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline). The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Those who wish to attend can RSVP instantly at http://annarbordems.org/lisa-brown-rsvp, or by contacting Hadieh Briggs at 734-904-4246 or hediehtalk@gmail.com. -James Saoud
Depression screenings
Running for scholarships
Runners will raise funds for the Beth Gannon Endowment, which benefits students who are single parents, on Saturday Oct. 11 during the Run for Fun Timed 5K at the WCC Health and Fitness Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m. Registration cost is $15 for WCC students and $20 for others. Runners can also pre-register by emailing their names to RBarsch@wccnet.edu, and pay on the day of the event. -Natalie Wright
College is free for a day
Community members can experience the life of a WCC student on the second Free College Day on Saturday, Oct. 11. Classes on a wide range of topics, taught by WCC faculty and staff members, are scheduled from 9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. in the Morris Lawrence building, and as the name implies, they’re free. “Free College Day offers the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and expertise of WCC’s diverse faculty,” said English instructor Tom Zimmerman, who will teach a course titled “Shakespeare on Love.” For more information, call 734-973-3623 or email freecollegeday@wccnet.edu. ~Natalie Wright See course schedule page A7
See story on page B6
Nearly one-fifth of college students have suffered from depression and two-thirds have experienced overwhelming anxiety, according to the American College Health Association. The Counseling and Career Planning Department will conduct depression screenings for students on National Depression Screening Day, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center, in front of the Student Resource and Women’s Center. Students can stop by the table and complete a brief anonymous screening tool to learn if they may be suffering from depression or anxiety. They can pick up handouts on depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, or meet with a counselor for additional information on community resources and counseling. For more information, contact Dr. Audrey Hering, a clinical psychologist, at adhering@wccnet.edu or 734-973-3690. ~Natalie Wright
podcast crash course
This month, Washtenaw will host “Podcast U,” a personal enrichment course in which students can learn how to create a podcast or improve their existing one. The course will take students through the hardware and software requirements of recording, editing and publishing, and will give them tips for doing so.
When:
Meet the trustee candidates
The Political Science Club is hosting a forum that will give the eight candidates running for the WCC board of trustees to speak to students. The forum, which will be held in the ML building on Oct. 22 from 7-9 p.m., will provide time for the candidates to speak about issues important to students. Students will also have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/WCCPSC.
S aturday Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-12:55 p.m. Where: Morris Lawrence building, room 124 How Much: $129 Register: The class ID is 5740, and registration closes on Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. Students Need: The ability to use software applications, email and Internet browser, skill in locating files on a computer and a pair of headphones ~ Natalie Wright
NEWS
The Washtenaw Voice
Washtenaw instructors to show work in international competition wide and seven feet high, called “Repose.” Nicholaus Reszetar, a WCC drawing instructor, is showing his work for the first time at ArtPrize. His pieces are a series of drawings, titled “100 Drawn Portraits: An Exploration of Identity.” “Eighteen of the drawings I am creating as an exploration of the complexities of human identity,” Reszetar said. “I’m really enjoying my first run with ArtPrize. The venue I connected with has been great to work with and is right in the heart of ArtPrize, so lots of people are seeing my work.” People from all over the country are expected to attend the event, designed to connect artists 18 portraits by Nicholaus Reszetar, a WCC drawing with potential buyers. instructor. NICHOLAUS RESZETAR | COURTESY PHOTO “It’s inspiring as an artist, to be able to talk to people about ArtPrize, to see people taking by VIVIAN ZAGO pictures of your work, and wanting to talk about Staff Writer your pieces,” Pierro said. “When you finally show your work, it’s a nice way to feel that you’re on Two Washtenaw Community College in- the right track, and you’re doing something that structors will have their art pieces on display makes people feel certain ways.” at ArtPrize, an international art competition involving more than 1,500 artists over 19 days Artist Angela in Grand Rapids. Pierro with her Between the teaching classes at WCC and her entry, an oil painting named lifelong passion for painting, Angela Pierro, a “Repose.” ANGELA graphic design instructor, started to focus more PIERRO | COURon her full-time painting. TESY PHOTO “It’s very exciting,” Pierro said. “It’s a nice way for a Michigan artist to be part of such a huge competition for artists around the world.” According to Pierro, her work is inspired by a memory, a visceral response to an experience, place or time, all reflected through the exploration of the intangible phenomenon of color and light. Her entry at the competition is an oil on canvas, one of her largest pieces so far, five feet
Think you can sell? Direct selling course to teach aspiring entrepreneurs by NATALIE WRIGHT
IGNITE Michigan at WCC prepares students for high-demand careers by VIVIAN ZAGO
Editor
Staff Writer
This fall Washtenaw is doing several things to give entrepreneurs a leg-up in the small business world, including the opening of the Entrepreneurship Center on Sept. 25 and the creation of a non-credit program designed to emphasize the business side of direct selling. The course, in which students will earn a Direct Selling Entrepreneur Certificate begins on Oct. 7, is held Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. and runs through Nov. 6. Geared towards independent contractors who sell products and services through direct selling, network marketing, person-to-person or at-home parties, the program was developed in conjunction with a grant from the Direct Selling Education Foundation. The courses will be taught by Kory Scheiber, a certified small business consultant and Jack Bidlack, an entrepreneur and director of The Business Side of Youth, a youth entrepreneurship training program at Eastern Michigan University. Direct selling, Scheiber said in the release, is a low-cost, low-risk way to become an entrepreneur. And many are successful. “It’s not widely known that direct selling is a $32 billion industry,” Scheiber said, adding that many people who try direct selling have a natural talent but need to learn how to appropriately structure their business for legal and tax purposes. “Our goal is to have each participant leave the program with a strong business acumen and a platform to allow the business to prosper.”
The IT Career Readiness Certificate program at Washtenaw Community College starts today and offers the opportunity to explore the IT industry while practicing relevant basic employment skills. The IGNITE (Intentionally Growing New Information Technology Employees in Michigan) program was funded by a $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant is designed to optimize training in high-demand skill areas in IT, said Charles Lafayette, program manager, referring to Linux system administration and Java programming. “We are working on those two programs and trying to create a learning environment where students can get through a certificate and earn a credential in those skill areas, in the shortest possible amount of time,” Lafayette said. Both Linux and Java programs are academic certificates with 16 credits, earned over 30 contact hours in five weeks. The courses will be blended – partially online and partially in class. “It’s a program designed for unemployed students, to get them some valuable skills and get them able to inner the workforce in these high demand skill areas,” Lafayette said. Lafayette said that they created IT Career Readiness to give people a soft entry into the credit courses because these are rigorous programs. “On the one hand, there could be people who already have prior IT education experience, who might have already earned some sort of a certificate or degree,” he said. “And they can jump right into the credit-earning programs. “They are challenging. Students have to work hard, they need to have a foundation or knowledge to be successful on these courses.”
Editor’s note: Entrepreneurs, put your talent where your wallet is and get real-world sales experience placing ads in The Washtenaw Voice. Make your own hours. To learn more, visit our newsroom in TI 106 or email ealliston@wccnet.edu.
AT r
sfe n a
r
October 6, 2014
A7
Free College Day course schedule Oct. 11 in the ML building lobby
9:30-11 a.m.
Finding Your Family History Online – Barbara Snow Spice: A Flavor for All Seasons – Derek Anders The Energy Under Our Feet: Geothermal Talk and Tour – Beau Burgen and Bill Ghrist Understanding the Great Lakes – Karen Vigmostad
11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
A Self Sufficient Life: Homesteading – Jason Gold Darwin: Books, Beetles and Blasphemy – David Wooten Finding Your Family History Online – Barbara Snow Mummy Quest: Seeking the Past Lives and Cultures of Peru – Jim Skufis and Chris Barrett Spice: A Flavor for All Seasons – Chef Derek Anders
1:30-3 p.m.
A Dyeing Art: Silk Dyeing and Felt Collage – Michele Montour D.I.Y. Tools of the Trade – Cristy Lindemann DNA Testing, Your Ancestry and Health: The Hopes and Perils – Emily Thompson Social Media Marketing Tools and Tips – Nancy Howard and Denise Swope
3:15-4:45 p.m.
Million Dollar Ideas – Kimberly Hurns Shakespeare on Love – Tom Zimmerman Songs of the Greatest Generation – John E. Lawrence Wonderful Watercolors – Debra Golden
TRANSFER TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF BUSINESS • In-demand business programs • Simple credit transfers • Scholarships available • 2+2 and 3+1 options • The people to help every step of the way
Meet a Cleary representative at the WCC Fall College Transfer Day event Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Student Center
BUSINESSSTRONG
Visit CLEARY.EDU/TRANSFER to see how easy it is to transfer. 800.686.1883
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For more information, go to: marygrove.edu/transfer or call (855) 628-6279 or email info@marygrove.edu • Speak to professors about Marygrove’s bachelor, associate and certificate programs • Explore our beautiful campus • Find out how your credits transfer to Marygrove • Learn about Financial Aid and scholarship opportunities • Meet with a Recruitment Representative to discuss your future plans
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A8
NEWS
October 6, 2014
The Washtenaw Voice
Eric Borregard for WCC Board A WASTED VOTE IS BETTER
How are you feeling about U-M football? interviews and photos by Contributor, allison sherman
“The season has been really bad this year. I actually go to U of M, but I’m secretly following MSU.”
Endorsed by The Green Party of Michigan
Madison Prizing, 18, Ann Arbor, Spanish and psychology at U-M
“I don’t think the players trust their new coach yet, and that’s why U of M hasn’t been playing well.”
“I think having a younger quarterback is the problem this season. They should have chosen someone with more experience.”
Ken Rickoff, 55, Hartland, broadcast tower climber
Joseph Skowrya, 24, Hartland, Welding
“One thing I wish woud change about football is the shape of the ball. I hate it, it just drives me crazy. I wish it was a circle.”
Andrew Coral, 17, Milford, works at Biggby Coffee in hartland
“Brady Hoke should’ve never been chosen as coach.”
“I love football, but I hate this season. I think the offense is in trouble, and they need to figure out the quarterback situation. I think he just needs more time and experience, but it will be Ok.”
Kyle Sneed, 19, Clinton, math and science
THAN A BOUGHT & SOLD VOTE
WCC REVOLT!
WE ARE THE 95%
Andre Williams, 38, Flint, Social Security
that are not graduating in 2 years.
GREEN PARTY
Vote the New Deal, Free Tuition
Paid for by Eric Bor r e gar d for WCC Jobs Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WCCeducationtr evolt
TM
pilFSide
B Section
Around the world in 18 years
October 6, 2014
WTMC student Becca Thomas shares wisdom she gained from the 19 countries she has visited
Canada
United Kingdom
“Everyone is really nice; they fit their stereotype.”
England, Scotland Wales, Northern Ireland
Ireland
Germany Switzerland “I don’t like chocolate, but their chocolate is delicious.”
France Austria
United States
The Vatican City The Bahamas
Mexico
Monaco
“Mexico was kind of dangerous. We had armed guards on the transport bus from the airport..”
Cuba
Italy Jamaica
Honduras
“Everyone is trying to sell you something in Jamaica.”
“Italy was all under construction; there was scaffolding everywhere.”
EJ STOUT | WASHTENAW VOICE
W
by SOFIA LYNCH
Voice Correspondent
hile 18-year-old Becca Thomas found venturing into the Washtenaw parking structure intimidating, she has no hesitations when it comes to traveling the world. Thomas, a self-described introvert, has no fear of being center stage in a musical theater production, either. In the things most people find terrifying, she finds her peace, she said. “I feel super confident when I’m about to go on stage and sing or go to a new country. It doesn’t bother me the way other things do,” the Washtenaw Technical Middle College student from Brighton said. She plans to major in animation and is passionate about musical theater, but what really puts the light in her eyes is traveling. She has been to 19 countries and two-thirds of the states in the United States. Her father was a pilot for U.S. Airways, which accounted for most of her stateside trips. When she was 9, her family took a truck-and-trailer trip across the country. When Becca was 13 she traveled with People to People ambassadors to France, Switzerland, Italy and the Vatican City. She went to Monaco and France again with her French class when she was 16. However, the one place that really captured Thomas’ love was Cardiff, Wales. Although she said she loved Cardiff for the architecture and how friendly the people were, her mother, Sarah
also kicking off its world tour while she and her mother would be there. Becca woke up at 5 a.m. to get the Dr. Who tickets, but unfortunately the site had crashed and all the tickets sold out. As a replacement, her mother signed her up for tumbling lessons with the Cardiff Circus. And by some strange act of fate, one of the tumbling instructors knew someone who worked for BBC. After hearing her rave about the show and discover that she wasn’t able to get tickets, the instructor said he would look into it. Sure enough, she was put in contact with someone from the BBC, who then gave her a press pass as a photographer. So Becca found herself standing with her mother on the edge of the red carpet, watching the lead of the show, “the 12th doctor,” Peter Capaldi walk towards them. Sarah Thomas called out to Capaldi: “It’s Becca’s birthday!” He then made a beeline right to them and wished her a happy birthday and talked with Becca Thomas, left, and her mom Sarah at Stonehenge in 2014. BECCA THOMAS | COURTESY PHOTO them for a while. Thomas, revealed a whole other side of their trip there together. “I was so excited I was just shaking,” she said. “That doesn’t When the Thomas children turned 16, they got to choose a usually happen to me. big trip for their birthdays. Becca’s trip got delayed until she After this fairytale of a birthday, Becca turned to her mother was 18, but it worked out in her favor. She chose Cardiff because the BBC show, Dr. Who, was not only produced there, but was See TRAVEL, Page B5
Mums the word of fall color show by M. M. DONALDSON
Staff Writer
GRAND RAPIDS - Road trips are a great way to see the spectacular autumnal colors on display across the Michigan landscape – the warm burgundies and rusts, vivid oranges and bright golden yellows. A more lasting and predictable color trip can be taken to Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park where chrysanthemums will continue to create splashes of color during the waning fall foliage. The chrysanthemum has been cultivated for thousands of years, documented in Japanese culture in a quest to produce perfection in nature.
Meijer Gardens, a two-hour drive from Ann Arbor, has created indoor and outdoor exhibits showing off the array of colors, textures and cultivars of chrysanthemums. “It’s like painting with plants,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture, said of the color sweeps they are able to make. While a fall color display has been created each season for the last 14 years, it has only been the past few years that chrysanthemums have been the center of attention. Pumpkins, gourds and the fancy ruffled flowering cabbages and purple-hued kale accent what some may overlook as the humble mum. The velvety texture of purple
pompom chrysanthemums contrast with the precise petal arrangement of the spoon-type and are pleasant to look at, but the long, sensuous curving petals of the exotics enchant. Given the harsh technical term “disbud” to describe the method of removing competing flower buds, they are considered florist type, with heads that generously spill over in a cupped hand. Each year the displays have a theme. This fall the color red is highlighted in the chrysanthemum flowers and echoed in the playful drifts of bright red apples. LaWarre stated that it takes two weeks for a staff of 14 and a team of volunteers to create the chrysanthemum displays that take up to a year to design. He said he likes working with the chrysanthemums, taking what most people are familiar with and making them into an extraordinary display. WHAT: Chrysanthemum show WHERE: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids WHEN: Sept. 19 through Oct. 26
A chrysanthemum display cascades down to create a column of color at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. M. M. DONALDSON | WASHTENAW VOICE
Fiona Reifsnyder, 2, from Holland, Michigan, visits the pumpkin patch at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with her family. Michigan’s Farm Garden at Meijer Gardens will host a Giant Pumpkin Weekend Oct. 18-19. M. M. DONALDSON|WASHTENAW VOICE
COST: Adults $12, seniors and students $9, children $4-$6
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The Washtenaw Voice
NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK
Oct. 5-11 Michigan Newspaper readers line the Michigan lake shore — all 3,288 miles of it. Not really, but they could! The state of Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any place in the world — 17.4
million feet of it. That’s exactly the space required to fit, arm in arm, the 5.3 million adults reading Michigan newspapers in an average week. If you’re a newspaper reader you might want to pick your spot now, if you’re an advertiser you might want to cast your line with newspapers.
THE
WASHTENAW VOICE A NATIONAL PACEMAKER AWARD NEWSPAPER
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
WASHTENAWVOICE.COM
Sources: Scarborough Custom Research, 2013 (integrated newspaper audience includes readers of newspapers across print and digital platforms)
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The Washtenaw Voice
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Santa, the historian Jolly instructor engages students with passion and humor
by WALEED ALAM
JOHN GIBSON: Because it’s like a fairy tale. It’s magical.
When most people think of history, they think of dates, long paragraphs and a dull series of events that have affected the modern world through causation. What they don’t know is that most historical records are just police reports of the wild party that is history. John Gibson understands that, and he brings that party to life in the history classes he teaches at Washtenaw. At first glance his classroom is nothing impressive; it’s a pretty standard classroom. There’s a board, projector and his desk. The desks of the students are gray, and so is the door. It screams “boring class with a dry instructor.” But one glimpse of Gibson is enough to dispel such preconceptions. Gibson looks like a scholarly Santa Claus. He has blue eyes, a bushy white beard, a pink face and a portly demeanor. The ties he wears to class frequently correspond to his lectures. For example, he once wore a tie with ancient Stone Age paintings when the topic was about the Old and New Stone Ages. While he looks like he’d have a throaty, jolly voice (“HO! HO! HO!”), instead it’s more reedy and broken, because Gibson had spinal surgery over the summer, which affected his larynx and somewhat paralyzed his hands, making them resemble lobster claws. But he teaches with gusto, and will occasionally spice up a lecture with an impression of historical characters. Gibson clearly loves his job, his students say. “Mr. Gibson teaches his subject well and with passion,” said Deandre Brooks-Painter, 19, a psychology student from Ann Arbor. “I chose his class because of the great reviews about him on ratemyprofessor.com. I love how he relates pop culture with whatever he’s teaching, like the time when he told us the Lord of Light in ‘Game of Thrones’ was based on Ahura Mazda, the Persian deity of light and righteousness, while we were studying the religion of the ancient Persians.” Another student, Anthony Bennett, 26, of Pinckney, said that Gibson brings a great atmosphere to his classroom. “I love the way he tells stories, and how he’s funny in front of you,” said Bennett, a liberal arts student. “I’d definitely take him again if I got the chance.” An interview with Gibson further illustrates the love he has for his subject:
WV: What first prompted you to like history? We all begin somewhere. JG: Probably junior high. My history teacher was describing famous torture methods and WV: How did you become so great at it piqued my interest. I did some research on teaching? those methods later, and I developed an interJG: Experience and innate skill. I really enest for history. joy teaching. The pleasure is on par with having sex. But here’s the weird deal, when I started WV: What made you want to begin teaching? out teaching back in the ’70s, as hard as I tried, JG: A girl I liked. She was going into teach- I couldn’t find a job. It was when I decided to ing, and, to get close to her, I decided to go too. teach some classes at an adult Sunday school that We figured we’d become teachers and marry. It teaching offers flooded in. I was offered a job to didn’t work out. She married someone else. Pfft. teach technicians at the Ford plant. I guess it’s innate and spiritual. WV: Do you like teaching at WCC? JG: I love it. I love the freedom I have here to WV: What do you expect out of your students? teach how I want and what I want. I really love JG: That they attend class, take notes and be this job. I remember I used to work at a Ford attentive. I often never use or follow the book. If plant, and though the pay was great, I didn’t like a student wants to pass my exams, it’s by taking
Contributor
WASHTENAW VOICE: Hello, Mr. Gibson, I’d like to start this interview off by asking you the most obvious question: Why do you like history?
the job. I love my job at WCC, even though I’m a part-time instructor here and don’t get paid as much as in the Ford plant. The only way I’m leaving this job is if I naturally expire, or if the administration removes me.
notes of my lectures. The voice of God is called ‘Vox deus’ in Latin, and in American politics, Vox populii (voice of the people) is considered to be Vox Deus. In my class, Vox Gibsonus (the voice of Gibson) is the only thing that will guide you through the exam like, the voice of God. WV: What are your aims for the class? JG: To make history as interesting as possible. This is a survey course, and I know a lot of people who come here, come here because they want the transfer credit or want to teach history to high school students, so I try to inspire them to like history by making it as interesting as possible, usually though funny impressions of historical anecdotes and colloquial language. WV: One last thing, you kind of look like Santa. Especially in the Christmas sweater you’re wearing. JG: Pfft. Believe it or not, I actually was Santa on Christmas, when I used to weigh more.
History instructor John Gibson uses impressions and anecdotes to engage students in his Western Civilization class on Oct. 1. NATALIE WRIGHT | WASHTENAW VOICE
The Transportation Work Group needs YOU to help decrease greenhouse gas emissions by SOFIA LYNCH
For those who wish to try to make the next big step of changing their commuting habits, WCC already has great options that the work group is It started because Julia Gleich, a lab assistant exhausting every possibility trying to improve. in the Production Center, complained to Andy The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Claydon, systems engineer and user support Authority teamed up with Washtenaw and offers for IT services, that the she had found the light free rides home from campus. As of this semesin the single occupancy bathroom left on more ters the hours have been extended in hopes of than five times one day. offering the same privilege to students with night Claydon replied, “Well if you’re that con- classes. All students need is a WCC ID; the colcerned about it, why don’t you ride a bike to lege pays bus fare for riders. And the college also work?” He then asked where she lived, went on offers free needs-based bus passes to students. Google Maps, clicked on the bike button and WCC recommends Michigan Rideshare as said, “It would be a 12-minute bike ride for you.” an online way to help match students with othShe’s been dealing with the guilt ever since. ers looking possible carpoolers. For potential But Claydon isn’t alone in the effort to get cyclists, there is the border-to-border trail, a more people riding to school on two wheels collaborative project hoprather than four. New to Washtenaw Community ing to construct a trail College this year is the Sustainability Council, from Livingston which is focusing on trying to reduce this school’s County to Wayne carbon footprint. Part of this council is a more County, along the specific branch, the transportation work group Huron River. headed by Ingrid Ankerson. Transportation is responsible for 43 percent of WCC’s greenhouse gas emissions and the work group’s goal is to reduce that by seven percent by 2015, according to the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan (CASP). The college’s goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2050, Vice President of Facilities Damon Flowers said, and reducing transportation’s impact is the biggest challenge. A majority of the people who come to WCC travel by single occupancy vehicle with about three percent coming by public transportation, two percent coming by carpool, and the percent of bicycle commuters is negligible, according to the CASP. Ankerson said the best way for the work group to try to reach its goals is by doing a lot of educating, and publicizing the facts. Contributor
Consisting of more than 10 miles so far, the trail connects Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and cuts right through WCC’s campus. Dale Petty, leader of the sustainability council, recently came to adopt a part of the trail because someone from the B2B group noticed he had been removing overgrown thorny lotus trees in the way of the path. Not only is Petty an activist, but also a longtime commuter cyclist. “It helps out the earth, the environment, the community, the college,” Petty said. The UN climate commission just came out with a report saying things are getting even worse in terms of climate, and we need to universally cut back by 50 percent by 2030 on our carbon emission. It’s clear that things are happening
now, but things are going to get a lot worse, added Petty. Besides benefitting the environment, cyclists find personal perks in their rides. “It’s a lot nicer being outside than it is being in the car,” Claydon said. “It’s crazy why people wouldn’t. You feel better when you get home than you do after sitting in a box.” If individuals cut back just two percent of their greenhouse gas emissions, they’re doing their part for the college and its goals, Petty said. “I know how difficult it is to ditch the convenience of our cars, but if we all committed to a different way to and from school just one day a week, it would have major overall impact.” Ankerson said. For those who want to give a little bit more, the Transportation Work Group is looking for people – faculty, staff, or students welcome. Those interested can contact Ankerson at: iankerson@ wccnet.edu.
ERIK MORRIS | WASHTENAW VOICE
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Puppies eagerly greet each other at the Swift Run entrance gate on a recent Saturday. MORGAN FILSINGER | THE WASHTENAW VOICE
Dog trainer Charlie Hackenbruch, a 3-D animation student at WCC, works with her two dogs, Zaboo, a 5-year-old husky mix, and Blaze, a 1-year-old border collie mix, to improve their obedience skills. BEN ELLSWORTH | WASHTENAW VOICE
Ypsilanti native and frequent Swift Run visitor Karen Eisenbrew, 68, shows her pup some love. MORGAN FILSINGER | THE WASHTENAW VOICE
Bat Festival swoops into wcc
TRAVEL, from B1
words and photos by EJ STOUT Managing Editor
Bat conservationists and enthusiasts recently descended upon Washtenaw’s Morris Lawrence building for a Saturday filled with educational and entertaining events. Interactive booths filled the first floor of the ML building, even spilling onto the adjacent sidewalks. Speakers touched on subjects from bat migration and echolocation to “The Secret Lives of Real Vampires.” The 13th Annual Great Lakes Bat Festival on Sept. 27, cohosted by the Organization for Bat Conservation and the Hands-On Museum, looks to honor the unique and vital role that bats play in the ecosystem of the entire Great Lakes region. Live bats were on display with a sign that read, “Don’t touch the glass – we can already hear you!” Booths and displays were filled with hands-on activities and games for children, though many adults roamed eagerly throughout the free event.
Michelle Maust, a volunteer for the Organization for Bat Conservation, addresses fans outside of the live bat exhibit at the 13th Annual Great Lakes Bat Festival on a recent Saturday in the ML building.
Key spots in Becca Thomas’ travels include, clockwise from above, Eiffel Tower in Paris, France in 2012; Rocamadour, France in 2012; Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales in 2014; Monaco in 2012, and the Palace of Westminster in London, England in 2014. BECCA THOMAS | COURTESY PHOTOS
A young girl tests out a new pair of bat wings.
and said that it had been the best day of her life. “How many times do you get to make the best day of your child’s life?” Sarah Thomas said. She called her trip through the United Kingdom with her daughter three weeks of pure joy. All of these wonderful experiences Becca has gained through her travels have shaped who she is today, her mother said. “Just in general, everywhere I have been has given me a new way to look at things,” she said. “I take a bit from everywhere I go.” Not only is she a great ambassador for America and a globally conscious mind, but Becca is also a star student. In her final year as a WTMC student, she will be graduating with 88 college credits and hopes to go to one of the universities in the state and eventually to work at Disney. “I’m so proud of the person she has become. I’m proud that she’s overcoming her anxieties; it takes a lot of guts do something that sort of scares you,” Sarah Thomas said of her daughter. “She is going to be the best ambassador for America, she’s just so culturally inquisitive.” Becca and her mother are both experienced travelers, citizens of the world and strong advocates for the cultural awareness traveling brings. “You become a much better citizen of your own country when you travel,” Sarah Thomas said. “The more you travel, the more you see, the more you become part of the global community.” When asked how she would convince someone to take the next step in traveling, Becca shared a story of making friends in Ireland who actually live in Washington. She encourages people to take every chance they get to travel because the benefits are timeless. “When you’re out in new places, you get exposed to all kinds of new ideas,” she said. “You don’t get those new ideas if you stay in the place you’ve been all your life. You need to step outside and go experience everything new.”
October 6, 2014
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The Washtenaw Voice
On the value of ‘learning how to learn’
Artist Susan Skarsgard to present ‘Not a Normal Career’ lecture by EJ STOUT
part of a new speaker-lecture series on campus. The series offers perspectives from a variety of fields, including social media, culinary Linear career paths may serve some indus- arts and graphic design, all within the Business/ tries, but those brave enough to search out their Computer Technologies division of the college. own challenges may find greater reward waiting Ann Arbor resident Susan Skarsgard will for them along the way. speak at the college on Oct. 16, providing inSuch is the case for many in the creative fields, sights gained during her storied career in calas crossover between disciplines has only in- ligraphy, art and graphic design. creased with the ever-demanding job market. Skarsgard hopes to offer advice to those lookUsing grant money from the college’s ing to develop and foster strong creative pracStrategic Plan, Washtenaw instructor Kristine tices in their own lives. Willimann has sought out distinguished creative “Make sure you’re doing the things you want professionals and invited them to present as to be doing, and setting yourself up for the things GM DESIGN MANAGER SUSAN SKARSGARD you hope to be doing,” Skarsgard explained. For the past 20 years, Skarsgard has served as design manager of General Motors Design, Who: Susan Skarsgard, design manager at General Motors Design initially working as a lettering artist for vehicle What: ‘Not a Normal Career’ – a lecture documenting Skarsgard’s nameplates before moving into corporate and career in calligraphy, art and graphic design brand identity work. When: Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Julia Gleich, a Production Center assistant, Where: Great Lakes Center, room 202 has been familiar with Skarsgard’s vehicle branding work for a few years and is excited to see her speak about the unique career opportunity. “I think it’s excellent that we can see her talk about a job many of us didn’t even realize existed,” Gleich said. “You’ll never look at the back end of car the same way.” Skarsgard attributes her success in the field of industrial design to a background of varied disciplines. “I think some of it practically comes from the fact that I didn’t actually go to school to be an industrial designer,” she explained. “A lot of my approach, my problem solving is informed by a different place.” Ten years into her work at GM, Skarsgard decided to go back to school to pursue her master’s in fine art at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design. GM Design Manager Susan Skarsgard’s work spans many disciplines Her graduate thesis project can still be seen including calligraphy, art and industrial design. Skarsgard will preseach spring blooming in the university’s Nichols ent as part of a speaker-lecture series at WCC on Thursday, Oct. 16. SUSAN SKARSGARD | COURTESY IMAGES Arboretum. Managing Editor
The project, titled “Imagine/Align,” is a thoughtfully designed half-mile-long line of 20,000 yellow Trumpet Daffodils planted in 2003, and required the help of more than 150 local volunteers. Skarsgard purposefully choose not to impose her personal views on those involved in the project, but instead let them form their own interpretations. “A lot of people brought stuff to it that I thought was very profound and very thoughtful and uniquely their own reasons for being there,” she said. “I think it made the whole project become a community project.” While Skarsgard feels that the Ann Arbor community could do more to support working artists, it is her own success that led to her recruitment by graphic design instructor Willimann. Willimann hopes attendees of Skarsgard’s presentation will be “inspired, energized and awed” by the artist’s experiences. “There aren’t a lot of local people that are of the caliber of graphic designer, typographer, calligrapher that she is,” Willimann admitted. “She’s a perfect candidate to bring in.” Skarsgard’s international recognition has resulted in numerous speaking and teaching engagements across the globe. She encourages people to “value learning for their entire lives,” and the stresses the importance of “learning how to learn.” “I really think it’s important to accept constant change – and embrace it,” she said. “There’s always things to learn in every work situation if you approach it in that way.” Willimann, too, believes that students and creative professionals are wise to take advantage of their surroundings. “As often as you can, learn from the people around you,” she said. “Let people who have been there and done that be your mentor, be your guide.”
THE VERDICT
‘Gone Girl’ holds mirror to our closest relationships – and it’s terrifying by James Saoud
Managing Editor
With “Gone Girl,” director David Fincher takes on a much more terrifying monster than the one that lives under your bed – the one that sleeps in your bed. “What are you thinking? How are you feeling? Who are you? What have we done to each other?” Ben Affleck’s character, Nick Dunne, asks the audience these primal questions of marriage in the very first lines of the film. “Gone Girl” addresses these questions, along with many others about marriage, human relationships, perception and the facades people put up to make themselves appear stronger, better and, in the case of one of the film’s characters, downright terrifying. Based on the book by Gillian Flynn (who also wrote the screenplay), the film chronicles Dunne, a retired magazine writer, and the search for his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), who disappears on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary. The media swarms him, the police question
him, and his family has no choice other than to be suspicious of him. While the media picks apart Dunne’s every move, the audience has no option other than to sympathize with him while hypocritically picking him apart as well. What is Nick thinking? How is he feeling? Who is he? And what has he done to his wife? These are questions we can only ask ourselves while watching the film, questions that we expect will plague us until the credits roll and the lights come up. But unlike most filmmakers, Fincher delivers the goods early on. And that’s where things get interesting. To really delve deeply into “Gone Girl,” you’ve got to look at the rest of Fincher’s unprecedented resume. He’s directed such films as “Fight Club,” “Seven,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “The Social Network.” He has always delivered a product very different from the last, each containing his visual fingerprint. A glossy, symmetrical and clean image, which is usually juxtaposed with his dark, gloomy subjects and stories.
Rosamund Pike gives a chilling, Oscar-worthy performance in ‘Gone Girl’ INSIDEMOVIES.EW.COM | COURTESY PHOTO
However, while Fincher has always been a great cinematic craftsman, an ambitious storyteller and has always had a wonderful handle on his actors and their performances, his films always have trouble connecting on an emotional level. They work on a precise, almost mathematical level. He scores all the right points: the cinematography, the performances, the stories, but he’s missing that deeper thing that makes film such an intriguing medium. He may have mastered making bones shiver and eyes squint quite early in his career with “Seven,” but he’s never been able to give me that lump in my throat or that sinking feeling in my gut. At least until I saw “Gone Girl.” Fincher has always been a puppet master, plain and simple, but he’s only had his actors and crewmembers on his strings. Now, like Hitchcock or Kubrick before him, he’s got the audience attached too. The film is like walking down a long, dark hallway, at the end of which the answers lie. At points you’d like to turn around – you’ve had enough, seen enough. But the director holds your limbs on strings; you can’t turn around, and you can’t look away. “Gone Girl” feels almost like a compilation of Fincher’s best films: the sprawling romance from “Benjamin Button,” the sense of humor and social commentary from “Fight Club,” and the ice-cold atmosphere that enveloped “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Fincher, as a director, has mastered something rare and difficult in the cinematic realm, but he is not the only one to thank for the achievements of the film. The story that Flynn has presented is dense and terrifying. A story that questions the way we are perceived by our lovers, our communities and ourselves.
A story that may force you to ask your own partner, “What have we done to each other?” And with such a telling story, it could’ve easily fallen apart if the actors couldn’t carry it. Luckily, “Gone Girl” does not suffer from that problem. Affleck pulls out the best performance of his career as the shallow and laidback lead character. Yet at the same time, his performance is enigmatic and challenging. Nick Dunne, a character marvelously written by Flynn, is an entire can of worms himself. However, he’s not even the most intriguing performance in the film. Rosamund Pike shines brighter than anyone else as the “gone girl,” herself. And with Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit and Missi Pyle, the film delivers a very strong cast of supporting characters that help make this mystery-thriller a lot of fun to watch. “Gone Girl” is dark, scary and gruesome at times, but the film proves to be a rare type of movie with sharp turns and steep drops. A rollercoaster in every sense of the word, and one of the best films of the year, possibly the best Fincher has delivered yet. A film that may not win the hearts of millions, but a film that will stay inside the heads of fans of challenging movies for years to come.
A+
Genre: Mystery/Thriller Runtime: 149 minutes Rating: R
SNL alumni inhabit a cold, dry — and outstanding — drama by JAMES SAOUD
people can go when that bond is fractured. Hader and Wiig play their roles as brother and sister perfectly and do a great job at capOften, when comedians take dramatic roles, turing that bond. the results can be awkward. It takes place during fall in New York with Consider Adam Sandler playing it straight in Halloween decorations scattered all about, addmovies like “Funny People,” and “Spanglish,” and ing to the film’s grim tone. The cinematography Vince Vaughn’s embarrassing rendition of gives a cold, dry edge, which works perfectly Norman Bates in the “Pyscho” remake. with its setting. However, some comedic greats have been While the characters strive for a warm, openable to transition to drama magnificently: armed environment, the one they live in is dark Robin Williams, Bill Murray and Jim Carrey, and frigid. for instance. Although the film goes to some very dark While it may not be possible to put “Saturday places, it never manages to lose its sense of huNight Live” alumni Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig mor, which is displayed best by Lance (Luke in the latter list just yet, they are certainly off to Wilson), Wiig’s on-screen husband. a good start with “The Skeleton Twins.” Thanks to the quick-witted script, the banter It is the story of twins (Hader and Wiig) who between Hader, Wiig and Wilson is always smart reunite after 10 years apart when Milo (Hader) and hysterical. But it owes its strength to far attempts suicide. more than good writing and well-delivered lines. The film highlights the bond that can only “The Skeleton Twins” is a deep and focused be formed between siblings and the dark places study on the characters of Milo and Maggie.
Managing Editor
Milo, a confused, gay, struggling actor who has some serious self-loathing issues, and Maggie, a moody, hyper-sexual, compulsive liar, hardly seem like the right characters for the pair of comedians, but something clearly clicks here. The movie flows seamlessly through its clearly presented, three-act structure. And despite the occasional cliche thrown in here and there, it succeeds because of the great characters, great performances and great pacing. “The Skeleton Twins” is one of the best films of the year so far.
A-
Genre: Drama/Comedy Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: R FORBES.COM | COURTESY PHOTO
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The Washtenaw Voice
October 6, 2014
WWW.PUZZLES.CA
Difficulty Level: Hard
LA Times Daily Crossword ACROSS
INTRODUCING 'SNOODLEDOO'
1. Club joke teller 6. Misfortunes 10. Motel worker 14. Traditional Pennsylvania barn raisers 15. Tide type 16. Ploy 17. Letter-routing number 19. Overly submissive 20. Poker hand prize 21. Thai language 22. Baker that “nobody doesn’t like” 24. __ cum laude 26. Beer barrel 27. Can in an Andy Warhol painting 32. __ New Guinea 33. Hairy Addams cousin 34. Norwegian capital 36. Fancy flower vase 37. Hat for a Western hero 41. Former Mideast alliance: Abbr. 42. Emily Dickinson, e.g. 44. Apt name for a painter 45. How the elated walk 47. World Series setting 51. “2001” computer 52. M ars neighbor 53. Traveled around 52-Across, say 57. Mates for mas 58. Chicken __ king 61. Fight-or-flight emotion 62. California Gold Rush figure 65. Fly like a butterfly 66. Reverse 67. Early morning hr. 68. Heavy drinkers 69. Jump 70. Yellowish-brown
A NEW RECURRING COMIC BY CHARLIE HACKENBRUCH
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WWW.MCTCAMPUS.COM
DOWN
1. Dogpatch creator Al 2. Melville novel 3. Light fog 4. Suffix with Marx 5. Fried Taco Bell offerings 6. It may be gross or net 7. MGM mascot 8. Boys 9. Has a talk with 10. Nearsighted toon 11. “The Mammoth Hunters” author Jean 12. “Got it” 13. Fake on the ice 18. Ram’s offspring 23. Hi-__ monitor 24. Church-owned Texas sch. 25. Not very much 27. Chocolate substitute 28. Sleep disorder 29. Ranks for Columbo and Kojak: Abbr. 30. Customary 31. Tartan pattern 32. Coyote’s offspring 35. Hockey legend Bobby 38. Enough food for a feast 39. Mesozoic or Paleozoic 40. “That’s a fact” rebuttal 43. Saloon souvenirs 46. Old Testament book before Esth. 48. Break bread 49. Computer on an airplane tray table 50. Unravel at the edge, as threads 53. Switch positions 54. Move, in real estate lingo 55. Switch partner 56. Fully cooked 58. All over again 59. Low in fat 60. Soldier’s group, a member of which might be stationed at the start of 17-, 27-, 47- or 62-Across 63. Old vitamin bottle no. 64. Once __ while
BY CHARLIE HACKENBRUCH
YoOU BROUGHT A FRIEND OVER?
NeEXT DAY
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Send ads to thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com Note: Deadline for the Oct. 20 issue is Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m.
FO R SA LE HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING: 1994 with just 7,500 gently ridden original miles. Completely original except for a few classy addons. Perfect condition. $10,500 or best offer. Call 989-390-9860. DENTAL KIT: for Dental Assisting students. Very Special Deal to save you hundreds. 734 717-7105 or strager@wccnet.edu
SE RV I C E S VOLUNTEER TUTORS: Washtenaw Literacy needs volunteers to tutor adults in basic reading, writing, math and English as a Second Language. If in Help change lives – one word at a time! Contact info@washtenawliteracy. org or call 734-879-1320. NEED HEALTH CARE? Are you between the ages of 12–22? Contact the Corner Health Center at 734-484-3600 or visit online at: www. cornerhealth.org.
H E L P WA N T E D CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIANS: Speedy Auto Service and Novi Firestone are accepting applications. Competitive pay, medical/dental
benefits and 401K. Immediate openings available. Apply online at: www.speedyautoservice.com. DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF: Seeking caring compassionate individuals for all shifts to provide services for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses in their own homes in the Ann Arbor/Dexter area. Services include, but are not limited to, passing medications, providing personal care, socializing, transporting, cooking, and cleaning. Must be available to work weekends and holidays, have a valid Michigan driver’s license, reliable transportation and pass a criminal history check. No experience required. This is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and make a major difference in someone’s life. Phone Lindsay at 734-485-1722 weekdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., or FAX resume to 734-485-4230. Below is a sample of recent employment want ads which have been posted with WCC Career Services. Students are invited to read these ads and to contact Career Services to find out how to apply for the openings. Career Services is located in ML 104. For more information, phone 734-677-5155, email careers@wccnet.edu, or visit www.wccnet.edu/careerconnection/.
SHIFT MANAGER: For day, weekend, day or every other day, and some evenings. Must enjoy
SpOOO...BllLAZE, RigIGHT? IT’’S A BIT WEIRD THAT YOU”’RE STILL HERE.
STUDENTS and WCC EMPLOYEES Classified ads in The Voice are free. LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS Looking for help? Post your free help wanted ads in The Voice. working with the public in a retail entertainment environment. Responsible for up to 10 staff members and operation of the business while on duty. CNC PROGRAMMER/SET-UP:. Experienced with and knowledge of programming for CNC turning machines – conventional, Swiss-style and mills. Experience is also required in programming for horizontal and vertical mills (Fanuc, Brother and HAAS controls), Swiss-style turning centers (Mitsubishi and Fanuc controls), conventional CNC lathe (Mitsubishi controls), CNC cylindrical grinders (Toyoda controls) and turning centers. Programming will mainly be on the machines vs. CAM programming. Must also be able to set up and operate the machines, as well as inspect parts. The jobs will be short runs, and can range from 1003,000 pieces. Strong attention to detail is required. HELP DESK/NETWORK TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER-I:. Provide outstanding technical and network support to hotels and their customers over email and phone. Responsibilities include documenting each issue and ensuring problems are resolved or escalated if necessary and submitting daily and weekly reports to management as required. CNA: Works under the direction of the assigned nurse. No experience is required. State
NEXT WEEK
ZaABOO! NO!
GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
certification is needed. Seeking goal-orientated team players. RETAIL CONSULTANT: Responsible for connecting customers to the things that matter most in their lives; delivering key performance results in sales and customer satisfaction that are most important to the company’s overall strategy and growth. Provides a total sales solution to the customer regarding their wireless/mobility needs that includes: selling the value for devices, accessories and service plans, maximizing customer connections, saving the customer money, personalizing the customer experience, protecting their investment. ELECTRICIAN AND APPRENTICE:. Experienced licensed journeyman electrician and electrical apprentice. Residential and light commercial work with most jobs west of Telegraph. Must have own tools and valid Michigan driver’s license. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: For 425-unit condominium community in Ann Arbor. Candidates should have three years of relevant experience in an office environment, an associate degree or higher in a relevant field and excellent customer service skills. Bookkeeping, accounting and computer knowledge is highly desirable. Experience with QuickBooks is a plus. BAKEHOUSE HOLIDAY PASTRY KITCHEN ASSISTANTS: Full-time temporary, day and night shifts; weekends and holidays required. Assist pastry staff in the following areas: pastry prep, pastrymaking, packaging, pastry scaling and dishwashing. Passion for great food; good at concentrating for hours at a time. LEAD TODDLER TEACHER: Minimum
Qualifications: At least one year experience working with infants/toddlers. CDA or BA in child development. Strong communication/organizational skills. Needs to work 35-40 hours per week. Additional desired qualifications: parenting skills, leadership experience, positive attitude CNA, HHA, CAREGIVER: Seeking compassionate HHAs (Home Health Aides) and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) to care for our clients in home in Washtenaw and Livingston counties. Work as many or as few hours as desired. Employment offers a variety of services that complements the need for independence and quality of life. From transportation assistance to comprehensive personal care. Services include companion care (meal preparation, light housekeeping, safety and companionship, shopping and special outings) and personal care (bathing, feeding, dressing assistance and medication reminders). LABORATORY TECHNICIAN: Entry-level position. Experience a plus, but not required. This is a temporary/seasonal position that may require 20-40 hours per week, as needed with flexible hours. Required to perform a variety of geotechnical and construction materials tests, in accordance with standard testing procedures (ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, MDOT), operate and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, and be capable of maintaining detailed documentation of test procedures and results. Responsible for testing data entry into Microsoft Excel and/or gINT to produce draft reports, and performing minor calculations.
B8
October 6, 2014
FLIPSIDE
The Washtenaw Voice
Renaissance endings and beginnings by Erin Fedeson
coordinators for the site, explained. Richard Thompson and his wife, Diana DioxThompson, both 57 and from Odessa, New York, HOLLY – Visitors to the final weeks of the operated “Hammocks and Masks,” which feaannual Renaissance Festival weathered a rainy tured his original-crafted, leather masks created weekend for Harvest Huzzah and hot weather for “desire and affordability” and his wife’s dyed, for Sweet Endings. handcrafted sitting hammocks. Harvest Huzzah, the theme for Sept. 20-21, While the festival has ended, the Hollygrove featured a two-day longbow-shooting contest grounds will offer two new events running from hosted by Rocky Raines, 56, of Allen Park, a tra- Oct. 10-26 on the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. ditional bowyer and fletcher. First is Horton Lake Outbreak, a 5K obstacle Sweet Endings, the final weekend of course, where visitors will use squirt guns to September, hosted Cupcake Crusades in which ward off the zombies. professional and amateur bakers sought the prize “We did research on other zombie runs, and of being named the Royal Baker of Hollygrove. we thought it would be different,” Peterson said. Hollygrove offered realistic renditions of Also starting at the same time is the Phantom’s Renaissance-era shops, taverns and a castle for Feast, where the audience will enjoy both a sixvisitors to tour either as their modern selves or course dinner and a musical performance of masquerading as characters. Halloween favorite songs. Kaitlyn Stabile, 22, and her friend, Lee Anne Baunmadraher, 27,both from Garden City, atVisitors to the Michigan Renaissance Festival enjoyed a wide range of activities while donning fantasy-themed tended the festival dressed respectfully as costumes on Sunday, Sept. 28 in Holly, Michigan. ERIN FEDESON | WASHTENAW VOICE Daenerys Targaryen and Sir Jorah Moront, characters from “Game of Thrones.” Scott Szczepanik, 25, and Peter Garzoni, 55, were dressed up as pirates. Their first visit ten years ago had been as peasants. What: Halloween in Hollygrove: Horton Lake Outbreak “It’s nice to get away,” said Szczepanik. Shows are performed non-stop throughout (zombie run); and Phantom’s Feast the grounds. Splatter Time Players’ comedy apWhen: Oct. 10-26 pealed to all audiences. It was hosted by Todd Hibbeler, 36, of Tuscon, Arizona, and Daniel Where: Hollygrove, Holly, Michigan Fox, 35, of St. Petersberg, Florida, known betHow much: Zombie run - $75 per person; ter as Tubby Von Smeckle and Lickity Splickety. “What makes the festival different from a Feast - $45 per person theme park was that element of risk that you For more information: http://www.michrenfest.com/halloween.html don’t find anywhere else,” said Fox. Besides the shows, vendors displayed authentic garb, drawings, glassware and other craftwork. washtenawvoice.com “Most of (the artisans and entertainers) are local,” Anna Peterson, one of the two managing
Voice Correspondent
See video at
Throughout Hollygrove village at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, visitors could find performers dancing on the street as well as on multiple stages. ERIN FEDESON | WASHTENAW VOICE
One of the many featured activities was a comedic rendition of a jousting tournament, held multiple times per day, during which knights rode upon rescue horses such as Maverick, in red, and Joy, in green. ERIN FEDESON | WASHTENAW VOICE
Hammock maker Diane Koi-Thompson of Odessa, New York showcased her hand-made hammocks. ERIN FEDESON | WASHTENAW VOICE
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Courtney Schippers ’15 Psychology major Chapel band leader Howell, MI