”“It’s important to get younger kids excited;to see that [science] is cool and interesting.Tracy Kling, MCCC biology professor

AGORAVOLUME 48 ISSUE 9 M O N R O E C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E MAY 4, 2006

Inside: Opinion 2 Campus News 3 Feature 4-5 A&E 6 Spotlight 8

Get an Agora staff member’sview on what might be hotthis summer, along with theclassics that always lookgood. (2)

MCCC students take on 4H

Summertime fashion

Check out how these students balanceschool and an additional extracurricularactivity. (5)

School year in conclusionTake a look at some of our favorite pic-tures from the 2005-2006 school year atMonroe County Community College. (8)

A new tuition payment planhas been implemented for theSpring 2006 semester. FACTS,was developed by a largecorporation that provides fundsto colleges.

In one year, FACTSprocessed 1.8 billion dollars intuition and fees and providedfinancial assistance to 700,000students all around the nation.This plan is being used at 14other Michigan communitycolleges.

The loans are interest free.According to the FACTSbrochure, there are two optionsfor students. First is aAutomatic Bank Payment(ACH). ACH payments are inagreement with the student’sbanking institution. Paymentsare automatically processed onthe fifth of each month.

Another option is the creditcard option. The credit cardoption allows students to take

Kelyn DillonCopy Editor

advantage of any benefitsoffered by credit cardcompanies.

Students will be able toenroll with no money down and

can use the MCCC website toaccess information aboutFACTS and to view accountinformation at any time.

The total cost of the

program is $3,000 plus anannual fee of $500, whichFACTS has covered.

“[The] goal was toeliminate any barrier for

students,” Tim Bennett, Vicepresident of business affairs,said.

Bennett’s office issued asurvey in Fall 2005 that askedstudents why they did not paytuition on time.

The survey includedreasons for not completingregistration such as, Inability topay tuition, work issues, familyor personal reasons, enrollmentat another institution, or decidednot to attend college at this time.62 students responded and 58percent of those whoresponded claimed there wasa general inability to pay fortuition.

Also, 52 percent claimedthey would pay tuition if adown payment was notrequired and monthly paymentswere available.

Michelle Kelch, an MCCCstudent, said she would beinterested in the programbecause she would not have toworry about falling through thecracks in Financial Aid.

On April 27, third gradersfrom Douglas Rd.Elementary school in Bedfordtoured the Whitman campus.The 70 students got a taste ofcollege classes and someexposure to biologicalscience. The tour was startedby their teacher Fran Fisheras part of an effort to interactwith the community.

“We [Whitman] willexpose the children tocollege. Research has shownthat if students have a positivefirst experience with aninstitution, they are more

Linda WhitesideCopy Editor

likely to choose that collegewhen they are old enough tomake thedec is ionof wherethey willa t t e n d , ”S a n d yKosmyna,director of Whitman, said.

Part of the project’s goalis to expose kids to theEmerald Ash Borer, a beetlefrom Asia that kills ash treeswithin three years by layingtheir eggs in the tree.

“[The Emerald Ash Boer]affects the ecosystems. Itdoes billions of dollars indamage to ash trees…If we

raise awareness among kids,educate more, we may

prevent the Ash Boer fromspreading,” Tracy Kling,Monroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC) biologyprofessor, said.

Jennie Stanger, MSUextension center consumerhorticulture educator andmaster gardener coordinator,and Kling participated in ademonstration on the Ash

Borer. Kling stressed an ashtree by removing 12 inches of

bark in thehopes ofattracting adultemerald ashborers. A typeof sticky flypaper will be

used to capture the insectswhen they attempt to layeggs.

The third graders will alsobe exposed to pictures of landand water ecosystems anddissected stillborn or fetalpigs.

“Plants and animals aretwo things I want to exposethem to. I think personally, it

is important to share what weknow with younger kids, sothey know the world aroundthem,” Kling said.

The third graders will alsotour the Whitman computerlab and talk about businesscareers.

Andrew Johnson, astudent in electronics atWhitman, demonstratedrobots and talked about thetechnology programs offered.

“It’s important to getyounger kids excited; to seethat [science] is cool andinteresting. For them to beable to see and touch it is anawesome opportunity,” saidKling.

MCCC students: get the FACTS

Andrew Jones shows third graders from Douglas Rd. Elementary School an elec-

tronics demonstration as part of their trip to the Whitman Center in Temperance.

Agora photo by HEATHER WILSON

Third graders get taste of collegeStudents from Douglas Road Elementary school visit the Whitman Center for the day

Would you study abroad if you could?MCCC now offers a program that lets youdo just that. (3)

European schooling

Relay for Life hits MCCCNow, students and staff mem-bers are invited to participate inthe annual relay to help fundcancer research. (4)

Café Classics movesThe coffee shop in downtownMonroe has moved to a newlocation. See what they haveto offer! (6)

Opinion May 4, 2006Agora2

The Agora Editorial PolicyThe Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe,Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (734) 384-4186,agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial Policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent theopinion of the writer. All letters-to-the-editor must include a signature, address, and phone number for verificationpurposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length, and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and a member of the Michigan Commu-nity College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, the Com-munity College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press, and the Student PressLaw Center.

Mark Bergmooser, Adviser

There seems to be a mythgoing around regardingcommunity colleges.According to this myth,community colleges offer alower quality education thanuniversities do and the onlyreason a student would attendone is because they can’t goanywhere else.

It’s true that a communitycollege cannot offer everyresource that a largeruniversity does, but there areseveral reasons why a studentmight choose a communitycollege over a largeruniversity.

There are, of course, theobvious reasons: lower costs,convenience, proximity tofamily and friends. In my timeat Monroe CountyCommunity College, though,I’ve discovered several other,less-obvious benefits of acommunity college education.

One is the college’s smallsize. For some, that mightseem like a disadvantage, butI appreciate the smaller size.The smaller classes allow formore classroom interactionamong students and faculty.As a result, I know people inall my classes and myprofessors know me by name.Think about it: people paythousands of dollars for smallclasses at small, privatecolleges. Here we get thesame benefits, but for muchless.

I also appreciate thediversity of communitycollege students. I am nottalking cultural diversity here– you can usually find morecultural diversity at the largeruniversities than at acommunity college. What Imean is the diversity of agesand experience. Besides thetraditional, high schoolgraduates, many classes

Rebecca KennedyPage Editor

Summertime is finally on itsway. Everyone is lookingforward to wearing fewerclothes, walking barefooted and

eatingm e a tcookedon thegrill. Tob er e a d yfor thehottestseasonin they e a rt h e r ea r es o m ethingsy o ushouldknow.T h ef i r s t

thing is being in good shape.Jogging or riding a bicycle

makes you feel better aboutyourself and your body. Thesecond one is having a healthybronze tan. The third isknowing about the latesttrends. I can not really helpyou with the first two points.That’s something you have todo by yourself. But I mightgive you some advice.

White is definitely thecolor for the summer. It is aclassic color which matcheseverything and if you have anice tan it is a good contrastto your skin. White preventsyou from overheating when

Sizzling summer trendsInez RutzReporter

Jackie PachecoEditor-in-Chief

Bye,bye,bye!

Ashley BradenAssistant Editor

see “bye,” page 7

In high school, she wasloud, talkative, and had anopinion about everything. Ithought she was crazy. Yearslater in college, nothing haschanged. And she’s one of thefew people who keep mesane.

Coming onto the Agoralast fall, I was a littleapprehensive about workingside-by-side with JackiePacheco. I mean, we are twototally different people. Ithought we had nothing incommon and I was convincedthat there was no way ourfriendship would becomeanything more than“newspaper pals.” I waswrong.

Over the past year, Jackiehas become one of my bestfriends. Together, we’vemorphed into someunstoppable duo (JackAsh, ifyou will) and found that whatone lacks, the other makes up.We complement each otherand it’s funny how well thathas worked.

Whether we’ve beentraipsing through Kansas City,‘borrowing’ a golf cart upnorth, or spending way toomany hours in the Agora room,Jackie has always enhancedthe atmosphere. She’s been

see “college,” page 7

Collegemyths

Editor-in-Chief bids farewellI just realized I’ve done

everything in my power toavoid writing this article. Butthis is it. After two years onstaff, it’s my final goodbye.The last story I will ever writefor the Monroe CountyCommunity College(MoCoCoCo, as I’ve so fondlydubbed it) Agora.

As I pick at my fingernailsand wonder what in the worldI want to say to the entirestudent body, a million thoughtsare running through my head.And then it hits me. I don’twant to write this stinkingarticle because this is myclosure, and I don’t know if I’mready to be done withjournalism just yet.

Agora photo by TONYA HUFFMANKim Harmsen models

summer’s latest fashions.

the sun is blazing hot.The espadrilles shoes are

still trendy. By wearing themyour legs seem to be longer andfor shorter women: they helpyou look taller. And the bestthing about espadrilles is thatthey are very comfortable.

The last thing that ismodern are skinny jeans. Theboot cut jeans are out of styleand the skinny jeans makeothers look at your legs.

Now you should be readyfor the summer. Enjoy theweather and the fashion. Goodluck!

I can remember my firstyear as a wide-eyed assistanteditor behind the influence ofTaryn Kapp, my former editor-in-chief. Eventually I caught onand fell into the swing of things.When it was time for thenational media conference tripour journalism class goes onevery year, it wasin Nashville,Tennessee, whereI came out of myshell. Our loud-mouthed gangcould beat allwhen it came toknowing how tohave a good time.

After my first year, I wasstill a little unsure of myself. Allmy buddies from the yearbefore were gone and ready ornot, I would be taking over theeditor-in-chief position. It wasmy task to lead a whole newstaff with only a few returningstudents. Luckily, the newassistant editor (Ashley Braden)was a former high school

classmate of mine atJefferson. When she joinedthe staff, we quickly formeda legacy that would come tobe known simply as“JackAsh.” We were a forceto be reckoned with.Between the two of us, we’veresurrected the BackstreetBoys, licked gigantic plasticice cream cones, spent money

on flying pig hats, created anentire dance routine to Mr.Brightside and have come upwith more inside jokes then Ican even think of. Ash, imagineI’m singing this to you right now,“I don’t know what I wouldhave done without youuuu.”You made this year fly by, and

Editor-in-Chief Jackie Pacheco and as-sistant editor Ashley Braden.

Photos courtesy of JACKASH

see “farewell,” page 7

Campus NewsMay 4, 2006 Agora 3

Rebecca KennedyPage Editor

MCCC launches study abroad program

Next May, students atMonroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC) will have theopportunity to travel to Europeas part of a new study abroadprogram. The program, led byJoanna Sabo, professor ofpolitical science, and AnnOrwin, professor of English,education, and journalism, willinclude visits to England,France, Switzerland, Italy, andGreece.

Students will earn ninecredit hours through theprogram, including credit forHumanities 151, as well as apolitical science class and anEnglish literature class, both ofwhich are still underdevelopment. Students musttake all three classes toparticipate.

The program will last sixweeks in all, with two weeksof evening classes at thecollege before the trip, threeweeks overseas, and another

week back on campus after thetrip.

Ten students need to signup for the trip for it to go aheadas planned, but as many as 25can go. The first 25 students toput down the $450 deposit willbe accepted. After that,students can go on a waiting listin case one of the otherstudents cannot pay the rest ofthe cost on time. The trip willalso be open to communitymembers as well as students.

The trip will tenatively costabout $3,800 per student,including tuition, fees, meals,travel, and attractionadmission. Books and spendingmoney will be additional costs.Three students need to putdown a $245 deposit by the endof May to lock in prices.

Tracy Vogt, director offinancial aid, reported that thecollege does not have ascholarship specifically forstudy abroad programs.However, students may be ableto apply financial aid to theprogram, depending on the

specific requirements of theirscholarships.

“Most types of financial aidcan be applied toward studyabroad programs,” Vogt said.

Planning for the programbegan about a year ago andintensified this fall. The finalapproval came from the collegeabout a month ago.

Part of the initiative for theprogram came from Sabo’s tripto Africa in 2003, as well as herexperience last year with astudy abroad programorganized by HockingTechnical College in Ohio.Sabo said the trip made herrealize how much students and

professors grow and learn ona study trip.

Both Sabo and Orwin wanttheir students to experienceother cultures.

“Our world in Monroe isso small in relationship to ourinternational community.Students will gain so muchlearning in other cultures,” Sabosaid.

“We’re kind of isolatedfrom foreign culture,” Orwinagreed.

“We both just believe ourstudents should have aEuropean experience.”

Dr. Bruce Way, dean ofhumanities and social sciences,

said the college hopes to continuethe program, depending on thesuccess of this trip.

“We are interested inincreasing the opportunities ourstudents have for overseasexperiences, so if we can makethis study abroad program work,expect to see it on a regularbasis,” Way said.

There will be informationalmeetings on May 11 and 16 at7:00 p.m. in the La-Z-BoyCenter. Those who areinterested need to e-mail Sabo(jsabo@monroeccc.edu) orO r w i n(aorwin@monroeccc.edu) assoon as possible.

In spring 2005, threeceiling-mounted overheadprojectors were stolen.

“One day somebodynoticed the projectors weregone,” Gary Tomkinson,campus security, said.

Last month the departmentof Informational Systemsinstalled alarms on campusoverhead projectors inresponse.

“[MCCC] is a very safe,secure environment. We arehoping [the projector thefts] arean isolated case. In themeantime we have securitycameras installed in the parkinglots to further our attempts atcreating a safe environment,”David Nixon, president ofMonroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC), said.

The new projector alarmsare referred to as Sonic Shockdevices and require a key to bedeactivated. They work bysending out a high pitched sonicsignal, similar to a car alarm, toalert campus security ifanybody attempts to steal theprojectors.

Equipment thefttriggers security

Linda WhitesidePage Editor

There are 72 projectors inall that have been fitted withalarms. The units cost $2,500each.

“A lot of time and effort istaken by the maintenance staffin securing the projectors to theceiling. They also help withfaculty to deliver instruction,”Nixon said.

“In our day and age theftoccurs frequently.”

“A Kensington device orclip, which is designed tosupport [the projector], has acable run through it to theceiling. If somebody tries to cutthe cable to remove theprojector, the system [detects]a breach and the alarm goesoff,” Tom Scheer, MCCCmicrocomputer technician, said.

Thus far, nobody has setoff the alarms. Crime oncampus has been very low.

“It’s minimal. Therewere two purses stolen lastyear over two weeks than [theperson] just stopped,”Tomkinson, said.

Computers on campus havealso been secured. Computerlabs in the East Technologybuilding and the Life and Sciencebuilding have been given moreconcern because they are largelyunmonitored.

Ceramics studentsshowcase their work

A ceramic water fountain,made by MCCC studentIsaac Gould, is one of thepieces featured in thestudent art show.

Agora photo by ANGEL ELLISON

Several Monroe CountyCommunity College (MCCC)ceramic students are getting achance to show off theirartwork in the CampbellLearning Resource Centerfrom April 10 until May 5.

Many unique pieces will beon display, such as MCCCstudent Megan William’sgargoyle set. Incorporated intoher pieces are deer bones thatshe found last fall in herparent’s yard.

“We’ve got very talentedclay people and I’d like toshowcase their work,” GaryWilson, associate professor ofart, said.

Several different types ofpottery are on exhibit, includingboth functional andnonfunctional pieces. Thepieces include wall plaques andlarge functional ware by DarlinNothanagel, decorativeporcelain ware with hand-beaded jewelry additions byStephanie L’amour, nature-

Angel EllisonPhotographer

inspired pieces by Patti Kerr,and mug sets by JeramyAdkins. Issac Gould, MCCCstudent and also a featuredartist, has a large waterfountain sculpture being shown.

“It was a very difficult andchallenging task to make thefountain. It took me about tenweeks to complete. There wereeven a couple of people whotold me to abandon the projectbecause it was too complex.But I kept at it anyways and itturned out awesome,” Gouldsaid.

“We [the art department]are considering in the future torequire art major students toparticipate in an annual Aprilstudent art show to build theirportfolios,” Wilson said.

Wilson said that a strongportfolio is necessary forstudents to be admitted touniversity art programs, artshows, or art-related jobs.

Many of the studentpieces are for sale and profitswill aid in furthering theireducation. Prices range from$30 to $200.

Agora photo byANGEL ELLISON

A variety ofc e r a m i cpieces, likethese mixedmedia potsthat combinebeads andpottery, aredisplayed inthe MCCClibary. Thepieces weremade bystudents inGary Wilson’sc e r a m i c sclasses.

Feature May 4, 2006Agora4

In 1986, one man - Dr.Gordy Klatt - wanted to raisemoney to aid cancer research.Now his dream is a nationwideevent that Monroe CountyCommunity College (MCCC)students and faculty supportwith their hearts and theirwalking shoes.

This event, known asRelay for Life, is an overnightoccasion which celebrates thelives of cancer survivors andstrives to raise money forresearch and the AmericanCancer Society programs.During the event, teams ofpeople gather at schools,fairgrounds, or parks and taketurns walking or running laps for24 hours straight.

Co-chairs Cathy Spearingand Mythili Iyengar are in theprocess of constructing theWhitman Center’s first team,the Whitman Warriors.Seasoned leader Chris Sims is

Fight for cure finds way to campusAmanda Lundy

Copy Editor

currently whipping maincampus’ team, the Bold, Brave,and Determined (BBDs), backinto fundraising shape with theaid of her co-chairAnnie Germani fortheir fifth yearparticipating.

“I’ve seencancer at its worseand I want to see itend. We need to finda cure,” Sims said.

With this goal inmind, students,faculty, andcommunity membersare invited to joineither or both relayteams.

“You don’t evenneed to be a memberof our community to join ateam,” Iyengar said.

To meet the WhitmanWarrior’s goal of contributing$1,000 and the BBD’s goal ofraising $16,000, fundraisingstrategies such as raffling offlocal business gift cards, bake

sales, garage sales, donationrequests, and fun activities likethe “Rolling for Cure BuncoParty” are already off and

running.Decorated bags lit with

candles, known as luminariabags, are also a contributingfund.

These symbolically honorindividuals who have lost thebattle to cancer and stand as a

guiding light of encouragementto those who are fighting orsurviving cancer.

“The lighting ceremony issuch a movingtime during thee v e n t , ”Germani said.

“You can’thelp but beemotional whenyou see thehundreds ofbags lining thepath.”

To aid inthe night’sce lebra t ionsand fundraising,ten ts wi threfreshments,games and

services, such as Germani’spsychic readings, will be on site

(clockwise from left) Dawn Miazga, Dawn Brodie,

Nancy Hooper, Denise Fox, Joan Weisbecker

Agora photo courtesy of CHRIS SIMS.

to encourage the familyfriendly atmosphere andprovide entertainment forparticipants and spectators.

Chelsea-Lynn Casey, aMCCC student and WhitmanWarrior, feels that participatingin this event is important foreveryone.

“This is a really goodcause,” Casey said. “And whoknows…someday I may havecancer. If that happens, Iwould like to know thatsomeone had helped fundraisefor me, just like I am forsomeone else.”

The Bedford Relay willtake place at the BedfordCommunity Stadium on May20-21. Later, the MonroeRelay will be held June 3-4 atthe Monroe Fairgrounds. Tolearn more visit www.acs.org

Make a difference in yourcommunity, and the lives ofothers by becoming avolunteer. You can find manyopportunities to get involved asa volunteer at numerous localnon-profit agencies.

In Monroe County alonethere are volunteeropportunities like Habitat forHumanity, Monroe CountyOpportunity Program, FamilyCounseling and ShelterServices, Paula’s House, TheHumane Society, andnumerous other organizations.

Volunteers vary in skills,backgrounds, and age. Mostagencies simply appreciate thehelp.

There are several reasonsto become a volunteer. Hereare just a few to consider:• Develop new skills.• Expand your horizons.• Get involved in yourcommunity.• Try something you wouldnot do on your own.• Make a difference in the

Lend a hand

Ninjas—the word evokesimages of black masks,kidnappings, deadly secretiveforce, and four turtles eatingpizza. They abound in themedia, from the commonlyknown Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles, to movies like BatmanBegins, and are marketed asHalloween costumes and toys.The facts on trueninjas, though, aresparse, due to a lack ofrecords and culturaltraditions of secrecy. Thesetraditions of mysterycontinue today,enrapturing many.

Ninjitsu.org traces the artof ninjitsu, the martial art ofninjas, as a “way of life” thatevolved for “the survival of aJapanese people opposed to theruling Samurai class.” The sitefurther adds that the martial art

Michelle ScherlitzCopy Editor

lives of others.• Looks great on a resume.

“Habitat for Humanitybuilds homes in partnershipwith homeowner families andvolunteers of allbackgrounds,” Dana Brown,director of volunteer relationsof Habitat for Humanity ofMonroe County, said.

Other organizations likePaula’s House need forvolunteers willing to donateincrements of time to sit withand support women that arerecovering from drug/alcoholabuse.

“When I witnessed themiracles of the spark returningto previously drug/alcoholaddicted women, it was thenthat I realized the importanceof staying involved in this typeof community, mostly becauseits rewards are invaluable,”Stella Brancheau, volunteerhouse manager at Paula’sHouse, said.

“It makes me feel good tohelp other people,” TyraRosinski, educational mediatechnician at MCCC, said.

came to the western world inthe 1970’s. Ninjitsu, along withthe notion of ninjas, is slowlyevolving and becoming adaptedin American culture. Thisevolving mindset is present atMonroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC).

“Ninjas are tight. My kidslove ninjas. They’re alwayskicking. Their favorite is PowerRanger Ninja Force,” KaiHudson, MCCC student, said.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi,former grandmaster ofTuogukure ninjitsu, revealssome information about theninja history in his book NinjaSecrets from the

Grandmaster. A ninja himself,Hatsumi is even unsure ofwhen the ninja legacy began.

“There is a theory that ninjawere farmers, but it would notbe correct to mistakenlyimagine them as peasants. Alsothere is the theory that ninja

were merchants. So there is noone single establishedtheory as to juste x a c t l y w h e r ethe ninjaphenomena c a m ef r o m , ”H a t s u m i said.Hatsumi dispels t h ecommon belief t h a tthe goal of most ninjas isto always fight. This is astereotype in America and is acommon belief among manyninja enthusiasts.

“The truly accomplishedninja always works to avoidfighting. We do not dwell on thethought of defeating others orsneaking up on victims atnight,” Hatsumi said.

Even though the secrets ofninjas may never be fullyrevealed, for the fans of ninjasand their history, this mysteryonly adds more to the ninjaenrapturing. see “lend,” page 7

Ninjas unmaskedAshley Johnson

Copy Editor

Immigration laws create nationwide controversyThe controversy on the

latest immigration laws sparksheated debates, even atMonroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC). The newsheadlines are filled with thepros, the cons, and everythingin between, as the UnitedStates publicly debates all sides

Michelle ScherlitzCopy Editor

of this controversial issue.Illegal immigrants have been inviolation of law, but the majorityof them have been able to getaway with staying in the UnitedStates, at least prior to 9/11.

“My husband is a Canadianand has a permanent greencard, which took about 2 ½years and $1500 to obtain, buthe is not a U.S. citizen,” MariahFryer, Monroe County

Community College (MCCC)student, said.

Fryer is extremelyoutspoken on this subject, andshe believes that if illegalimmigrants are in the UnitedStates, then they should besent back to their own country,regardless of the length of timethat they have been here in theU.S.

“I feel that [if] any

immigrant does not know howto speak or comprehend theEnglish language, they shouldnot be allowed citizenship orresidency in the United Statesperiod,” Fryer said.

On the other hand, whatabout those who are first-generation immigrants withdirect ties to U.S. technology?The founders of Microsystems,Google, and Yahoo are all

examples of this. Denyingthese immigrants access towork in the United States couldpossibly cripple the U.S.economy since thesecompanies bring millions ofdollars in revenue to the U.S.Foreign professionals have amuch harder time getting into

see “laws,” page 7

4-H program: lessons learned for life

FeatureMay 4, 2006 Agora 5

‘I pledge my head toclearer thinking, my heart togreater loyalty, my hands tolarger service and my healthfor better living, for my club,my community, my countryand my world.’

For any child or youngadult who has ever participatedin the 4-H program, thesewords have been foreverengraved into their very being.

When most people hearabout 4-H, they consider thisactivity to be for youngerchildren, but according to PattieWartinger from the 4-HExtension Office, out ofthe1358 members, 1016 are inthe older age category.

Kendra Hatcher, Monroe

Tonya HuffmanPage Editor

No arking anytime

The “world’s greatestmaritime disaster”, the sinkingof the British liner Titanic, lefta scar on the belief of infallibletechnology. It was a time inAmerican history that natureand human invention collided,similar to Hurricane Katrinabreaking through NewOrleans’s inadequate waterdams. On April 15, 1912, theTitanic sunk. Now, 94 yearslater, the tragedy continuesserving as a reminder to thedangerous perception of overtrusting manmade creations. Italso has helped to improvesafety in future humaninventions.

The sinking of the linerignited a ripple effect of safetyprocedures. These are readilyapparent in today’s airline andcruise safety procedures anddrills, which passengers areinvolved in. Some of thesechanges are reflected in areport included in TheMammoth Book of the Titanicthat was read to a crowd of 200people in July of 1912, threemonths after the sinking.

“Life savingaccommodations should bebased on persons carried, nottonnage…more frequent boat,fire, and watertight door drill,[and] a police system to secureproper control, obedience, andguidance” were some principalideas to help avoid future

Titanic tragedy:tragedy announced by LordMersey, the then head of theBritish Court Inquiry into theTitanic sinking.

A Monroe CountyCommunity College studentshared her opinions on theeffects the Titanic brought tosafety standards.

“It proved that no matterhow safe something ispurported to be, precautionarymeasures must be taken,”Tennery Hicks, MCCCstudent, said.

The Titanic additionallyshed light on complex ethicalchoices humans are facedwith during tragedies. Theserapid life changing decisionsoccurred during the chaos ofthe sinking ship when it wasdecided who would stayonboard and who would beallowed onto the limitedlifeboats. John Piippo, ministerand MCCC philosophyprofessor, believes that thesechoices revealed the true self-morals that the victims held.

“There were probablysome phenomenal wondrousethic choices to allow othersto go ahead on the boat. Therewere probably some selfishones, too. We all want to live.There [were] ethicaldilemmas happening, becausenot everyone [could] get onthe lifeboats,” Piippo said.

The Titanic continues torest on the Atlantic Oceanfloor, a submerged monumentto both the falls and triumphsof a time in human existence.

ship sinks to the pastAshley Johnson

Copy Editor

County Community College(MCCC) student, has beenparticipating in the program forover ten years and loves it.

“I love 4-H because I likemaking the crafts and enteringthem in the fair,” Hatcher said.

Most 4-H’ers have beeninvolved in the program fromthe time they were eight yearsold. Now that age rule haschanged, allowing 4-H’ers tocontinue participating in theprogram well into youngadulthood.

Dual-enrolled studentElizabeth Wielfaert, who hasentered hogs for two years,feels that 4-H is an amazingexperience to be involved in.

“4-H has been an awesomeexperience that has taught memany lessons like responsibilityand leadership that will help methrough college and the rest of

my life. Plus, 4-H is tons offun,” Weilfaert said.

There are many categoriesthat a person may enter aproject in. The participatorscan bake, sew, givedemonstrations and more.

MCCC student BeckyBowman, now one yeargraduated from the fair,remembers the eleven yearsshe participated in the program.She loved the 4-H activity andknows that this year she willfeel a sense of loss.

“When you complete aproject, you have a feeling ofsatisfaction. The projectshows you theaccomplishment of your hardwork. 4-H has also helpedme prepare for college byteaching me to do projects ina timely manner,” saidBowman.

For much of the day the new parking lot built this past fall proves full with bothstudent and faculty vehiles.

Kristin BoothFreelance Writer

Agora photo by TONYA HUFFMAN

4-H participant, Elizabeth Wielfaert, is a dual-enrolledstudent at MCCC, and works hard to show off her pig.

If you are at interested in participating or you have anyquestions, call Judy See at (734) 240-3170.

Agora photo courtesy of KRISTIN BOOTH

see “parking” page 7

Parking is an issue atMonroe County CommunityCollege (MCCC), whether it islack of spaces, students takingstaff parking spots, andcurrently staff parking in“student” parking spaces.

In the summer of 2005, anew parking lot was created

behind the Campbell LearningResources Center – totalingseven lots on main campus -due to the overcrowding ofother parking lots. This parkinglot is serving many students andsome staff as closer access tothe Campbell Learning

Resources Center. Theproblem is students are facingnow is finding a place to parkin the new lot.

Many students are upsetbecause staff members areoften parking in spots that couldaccommodate them. On the flipside, staff members are upsetbecause students are takingtheir spots as well.

“If staff can park in studentlots, students should be able topark in staff lots,” AlexHornstein, MCCC student,said.

This opinion is shared byMCCC student SamanthaKelly.

“Staff shouldn’t park instudent lots. They have theirown designated lots and it’s hardenough for us (students) to finda space,” Kelly said.

Students in general arguethat staff have designatedareas to park leaving otherunmarked parking as studentonly spaces. Through thisdesignation may not have been

made clear before, Dr. DavidNixon, president of MCCC, hasconfirmed the rule.

“Faculty/Staff have a lotthat is reserved for their privatevehicles. All others are

A & E May 4, 2006Agora6

Café Classics, a coffeeshop established in Monroe in2001, has moved to a newlocation. Besides the newlocation, it is recieving abig face lift.

The café was firstowned by Tim Anteau, butis now owned by ElaineWidner.

“The coffee shop wasTim’s vision, so when Ibought the shop, I wantedto change it into myvision,” Widner said.

When the store on thesouthwest corner ofMonroe Street and FrontStreet was going out ofbusiness, Widner took theopportunity to move hercoffee shop. CaféClassics was originallylocated next to Jones forMen on Front Street.

“Now that we havemoved, our business hasdoubled, Widner said.

“We see a lot of new facesin the shop.”

The interior of the café hasa taste of the old location alongwith a few new accents. Forexample, there is now a stagebuilt for the live performances.

Heather WilsonPhoto Editor

Café pours a good timeThere is also a lot more floorspace for more people to enjoythemselves.

According to Widner, onething that people were worriedabout leaving behind were themurals on the wall of the old

shop.To remedy this worry,

Widner decided to bring in artistLee Ann Harburn from ArtisticEdge Design to paint fourmurals on the columns inside.Each column now representsthe four major coffee suppliersof the word, namely Hawaii,Ethiopia, Jamaica, and

Entertainment is easy tocome by in the summer, but badentertainment is even simplerto find. Don’t take a chancewith hard-earned lawn-mowingmoney. The following areguaranteed crowd-pleasers,stamped with my seal ofapproval.

Album: Powder Burns(One Little Indian US) by TheTwilight Singers.

Okay, so technically thisalbum will be released beforesummer. However, after twomonths of falling in love withthis CD, it would be a crime forme to leave it unmentioned.Hitting stores on May 16 (and

iTunesA p r i l2 5 ) ,PowderBurnsis apower-packed,

emotion oozing, and... just flatout amazing album. FrontmanGreg Dulli delivers…and

Ashley amusementAshley BradenAssistant Editor promises to impress.

(www.thetwilightsingers.com)Movie: Little Miss

Sunshine (Fox Searchlight)The story follows a little

girl, Olive (Abigail Breslin),trying to fulfill her dreams ofbecoming a pageant queen. I

h a v eo n l yseen at w o -minutetrailerfor thismoviea n dI ’ msold. Itwasn’t

the plot, however, thatconvinced me this movie isgoing to be fantastic. Just thesimple fact that Steve Carell isstarring in it is enough to makeme be at the theater on July 28.

“He [Carell] has a lot ofreally funny jokes. He’shilarious so I’ll probably go seeit,” Eric Havekost, MonroeCounty Community College(MCCC) student, said.

Book: Eleanor Rigbywritten byD o u g l a sCoupland.

I ’ v ea l w a y sb e e nimpactedb yliteratureand I have

always believed that books canmake a difference in one’s life.I didn’t, however, trust that abook could actually change alife until I read this one.

Eleanor Rigby is anextremely easy read, but themental impact it leaves isincredible. This book made mequestion everything about mylife… and that is prettyp h e n o m e n a l .(www.coupland.com)

Concert: Rascal Flatts’Me And My Gang Tour

So perhaps I’m a littlebiased—these guys have beenone of my favorite acts sincethey hit CMT years ago. Butafter seeing them live fourtimes already and planning to

catch them twice this June,I think it’s safe to say theirshows are nothing short ofmind-blowing.

“I was so excited whenI got tickets to go to RascalFlatts for my birthday. I hearthat they put on a great liveshow and I love their music.I fthis ist h eo n l yconcertI ge tto got ot h i ssummer, I’ll be more thanhappy,” Anne Dewey,MCCC student, said.

Between the i r faninteraction, better-than-the-record vocal abilities, andinsane amounts of energy,Rascal Flatts gives you yourmoney’s worth… and thensome. For tour information,v is i t the i r webs i te a twww.rascalflatts.com.

Pig-out Paradise: Joe’sCrab Shack

Seafood fan or not, youhave to visit the Shack at leastonce over the summer.

Not only does the menuoffer something that willplease the taste buds of eventhe pickiest of eaters, but theenvironment is fun andinviting. The restaurant décoris that of a beachy theme andthe waiters even dance asentertainment for theircustomers.

“I’ve never been there,but I’d like to go. I really likeseafood and I heard it’s got apretty cool atmosphere,”Brian Hall, MCCC student,said.

If nothing else, just check outthe gift shop. The t-shirts areenough to make anyonedouble over in a fit of laughter.(www.joescrabshack.com)

Watching sports is atherapeutic experience. Anotherwise terrible day canimprove drastically if yourfavorite team nails the winningbasket or scores the winningtouchdown. With all this inmind, I have compiled the fivemost important rules toremember when watchingsports. 1. Know the crowd: Sportsmust be watched in a way thatfits a person’s personality. Forthe sports fan who tends tocheer until he/she turns blue inthe face, getting together withother excited yetknowledgeable, sports fans is agood idea. For the fan whotakes the game very seriouslybut is more mild mannered,watching sports alone or withone or two other people is best.Avoiding large,

unknowledgeable, crowds whotend to ask uninformedquestions is stronglyrecommended.2. Control personaltemperament: This rule appliedwhen a favorite team looses abig game. To avoidingunleashing anger on peoplewho don’t deserve it, a safedistance from human contact iscrucial. This alone time willallow for the appropriateamount of mourning to takeplace. Throwing things aroundangrily is acceptable providedminimal damage is caused.Also make sure the object ofyour wrath is inexpensive.3. Correct food preparation:Good food enhances the sportswatching experience. It isimportant to remember thatfood must be made before thegame starts. Watching sportsalone or with a small group callsfor snacks that are fast andeasy. Pizza rolls, chips, pretzelsand other finger food are allacceptable culinary items.4. Rivalries can’t becomepersonal: It is likely that a goodfriend will decide to cheer forthe wrong team. A certainamount of “smack,” can be

Gary KnoxReporter

Gary’s guide

see “guide,” page 7

Columbia.Since music is such an

influence on the atmosphere ofCafé Classics, the new symbolfor the café is a coffee cupwith steam coming out of it inthe shape of music notes.

“I really like the newlocation; it is more comfy andcozy. I feel like I just shouldbring a book and buy a greatcup of coffee and enjoy,” KatieHammond, Monroe CountyCommunity College(MCCC)student, said.

see “cafe,” page 7

hot entertainment heals hot weather blues

Agora photo by HEATHER WILSON

Bruce Freimark, Steve Pipis, and Joel Freimark (left to right)perform on stage at the new Café Classics.

In the MixMay 4, 2006 Agora 7

ConcertCorner

Sun, 05/07/066:00 PM

HeadlinersToledo, OH

Spitalfield

Mon, 05/15/068:00 PM

Fox TheatreDetroit, MI

Tool

Twilight SingersSt. Andrew’sDetroit, MI

Fri, 06/09/066:30 PM

Snow PatrolClutch Cargo’sPontiac, MI

Rascal FlattsFri, 06/09/068:00 PM

The PalaceAuburn Hills, MI

The FrayWed, 06/14/066:30 PM

Clutch Cargo’sPontiac, MI

Thu, 05/25/067:00 PM

have a plugged nose-OR-perpetually plugged ears?

cut your fingernails andtoenails from now on onlywith your teeth -OR-have your hair cut from nowonly with a knife?

have a scandal named afteryou (like Monica-gate)-OR-a disease named after you(like Lou Gehrig’s disease)?

Would you

rather...?

Zobmondo

from “farewell,” page 2I have full confidence in whatyou can accomplish with thenewspaper next year. Younever cease to impress me andworking with you has been ahoot. Not only did I gain anAgora partner in crime, I gaineda best friend.

And Mark. Mark, Mark,Mark. These two years havebeen a wild ride, that’s for sure!Thank you for never giving upon me when I’m sure therewere days when you couldhave strangled me. Nobodycould have managed a group ofanimated, lively college kids aswell as you did. Without yourguidance and more importantly,your friendship, the Agorawould never be where it istoday. Thank you.

In May of last year, I joinedthe Army and in June of thisyear, I will be sent to FortLeonard Wood, Missouri for 9weeks to finish my training.After that, my future isunknown. However, I know Iwill never forget all the friendsI’ve made and the memoriesthat were created with theMoCoCoCo Agora.

the one I’d laugh, sing anddance, and even throw fitswith throughout my first yearof college. I would havenever guessed that we’d beas close as we are now, butI wouldn’t trade this girl forall the pla(aaaaa)stic pearlsin the world.

Now that the Agora yearis coming to a close, I’m sadto see it all end. I’ll miss thefun, I’ll miss the stories, butmost of all, I’ll miss theEditor-in-Chief.

Jackie – it’s been a wildride. I’m so glad I got thechance to work with you. Inow know you’re one of thefew that I’ll be friends witheven when pigs fly, andyou’ve convinced me thatfriendship can be found in theoddest of places. This yearhas been a good hug…‘cause we’re Mr.Brightsides.

from “bye,” page 2

contain mothers with kids,grandfathers returning toschool, or students who workfull time. These students bringa different perspective toclassrooms and more“traditional” students like mecan learn a lot from their workethic and determination to learn.

Most importantly, I havelearned that how much youlearn is not determined bywhere you go to college. It hasto do with how much you wantto learn and how much you arewilling to do to reach yourgoals. If you truly want to learn,you can succeed anywhere.

I admit: I am lookingforward to moving on to thenew experiences of universitylife this fall. But when I go, Iwill be carrying with me anappreciation for the communitycollege and the education it hasgiven me.

from “college,” page 2

“I get an adrenaline rushfor the opportunity to giveback to my community, as ithas given so much to me,”Rober t Grabowski ,Lamber tv i l le vo lunteerf i re f igh ter and MCCCstudent, said.

Brown encouragespeople to get active and dosometh ing tha t you a repassionate about, no matterwhat your interests; thismight just help you find anew purpose in life.

from “lend,” page 4

the U.S . than fore ignproducts do.

“ I th ink tha t thoseimmigrants tha t havealready been here in theU.S. for a year or more andwho have established a job,should be able to pursuecitizenship, and for thosewho have not, they need togo through the proper legalchannels to do so,” BrendaKraus, French instructor/Oasis advisor at MCCC,said.

America is the land ofopportunity. People fromother countries will mostlikely try to come here forthe f reedoms tha t wepossess. This country wasfounded by people f rommany different countries,and has prospered from thisdiversity; surely we can finda way to compromise.

from “laws,” page 4

hur l ed back and fo r t hf o r t h e p u r p o s e o fb u i l d i n g a f r i e n d l yr iva l ry. No amount oft rash ta lk ing however,s h o u l d b e c o m epersona l . F r iendsh ipss h o u l d n ’ t b ec o m p r o m i s e d b e c a u s eo f s p o r t s . T h e o n l ye x c e p t i o n t o t h i s r u l eapplies to Michigan andOhio Sta te fans . I t i sc o m m o n k n o w l e d g etha t these people can’ tc o e x i s t w i t h e a c hother.5 . Have fun: This f ina lr u l e i s t h e m o s timpor tant . Don’ t takes p o r t s t o o s e r i o u s l y.R e a l l i f e i s s e r i o u senough as i t i s .Spor ts a re a grea t wayt o e s c a p e f r o m d a i l yt r ia l s and t r ibula t ions .Smile and enjoy the twot o t h r e e h o u r s o frelaxat ion.

from “guide,” page 6

What areyour

summerplans?

Reader’sVoice

“School andspending time at the

race track.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

AdamNorman

“To work.”

MichelleBaumann

Jamie Wilson

“I’ll be in Florida forthree months.”

OOPS!Correctionsfrom the lastissue of the

Agora can beseen at our

website: http://www.monroe

ccc.edu/agora/

index.html

The coffee shop haslive music ever Wednesdaynight through Saturdaynight. The music can rangefrom Folk to Christian toAlternative, often styled bythe acoustic guitar.

“I like the live music.T h e p e r f o r m e r s t h a t Iwatched played the typeo f m u s i c t h a t I e n j o y.E v e r y o n e e l s e t h e r es e e m e d t o e n j o yt h e m s e l v e s , ” M a r yBell ino, MCCC student ,said.

from “cafe,” page 6

Spotlight May 4, 2006Agora8

Agora photos by HEATHER WILSONand REBECCA KENNEDY

wrapping up another good Year...

The Student Government hosted an ice cream social on April 25th.The social was open to all faculty and staff.

Ceramics student Issac Gould works on one of his pieces atthe begining of the winter semester in hopes of submitting it in

the student art show that took place this past month.

Agora and broadcasting students were invited to a mediaLuncheon with the Detroit Tigers baseball team this pastJanuary. Pictured here (l to r) is Tonya Huffman, Brian

Kloster, Todd Jones, and Heather Wilson.

Chief Master Sargeant John (Skip) Boshart, AirForce Retired, reads a message at Pfc. Dennis

Miller’s Memorial Service that happened on Novem-ber 10th 2005.

Chef Tad Cousino prepares hors’ doeuvres for theToledo Symphony Orchestra’s peformance on Novem-

ber 4, 2005.