April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

20
April 17, 2014 Volume 12, Number 11 Benton Harbor, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana (Michiana Community) www.bentonspiritnews.com Informing, Enhancing, Showcasing, Promoting and Educating Michiana -- Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana Complimentary Senior PGA Concert Series Get Your Free Tickets - May 1 See Page 16 MUST ATTEND CONCERT: “Believe, Never Give Up” May 2 • See Page 19 Who is This Birthday Boy? See Page 19 Gov. Snyder & Michigan Supports Early Research See Page 2 IMAGINE DIFFERENT Friday, April 25, 2014 Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium By Princella Tobias Spirit Correspondent I magine this: all 16 million U.S. high school students doing real authentic research -- including all 500,433 Michigan high school stu- dents. Imagine that early research is universally adopted. This is what BEST Early advocates for, this has been our focus for the last 18 years. In this Special Issue on Early Research, you will see once again high school students demonstrating that early research is not just a dream; it is a reality. It is our hope that you will find inspiration in their stories about their research experience this semester. The Berrien RESA Math Science Center Grade 12 students are mak- ing progress in their quest to dis- cover hybrid drugs based on aspi- rin and penicillin, biodegradable pesticides, new sunscreens, optical brighteners, sensors for toxic metal ions and chemical warfare agents and possible new methods of bio- medical diagnosis, to name a few. There are 20 students and 20 projects, each exploring, discover- ing and innovating. They have imagined different, so can you. RESA and Science Students Berrien County Grade 12 Math Imagine Different . . . www.bentonspiritnews.com Building An Empire See Page 5

description

The April 17, 2014 edition of the Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper, serving Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan and South Bend/Northern Indiana (Michiana). Featuring BEST Early Research Symposium Special Feature.

Transcript of April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

Page 1: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

April 17, 2014Volume 12, Number 11Benton Harbor, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana (Michiana Community)www.bentonspiritnews.com

Informing, Enhancing, Showcasing, Promoting and Educating Michiana -- Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana

Complimentary

Senior PGA Concert SeriesGet Your Free Tickets - May 1

See Page 16

MUST ATTEND CONCERT: “Believe, Never Give Up”

May 2 • See Page 19Who

is This Birthday

Boy?

See Page 19

Gov. Snyder& Michigan

SupportsEarly

Research

See Page 2

IMAGINE DIFFERENTFriday, April 25, 2014

Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI

2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

By Princella TobiasSpirit Correspondent

Imagine this: all 16 million U.S. high school students doing real

authentic research -- including all 500,433 Michigan high school stu-dents. Imagine that early research

is universally adopted. This is what BEST Early advocates for, this has been our focus for the last 18 years. In this Special Issue on Early Research, you will see once again high school students demonstrating that early research is not just a dream; it is a reality. It is our hope that you will find

inspiration in their stories about their research experience this semester.

The Berrien RESA Math Science Center Grade 12 students are mak-ing progress in their quest to dis-cover hybrid drugs based on aspi-rin and penicillin, biodegradable pesticides, new sunscreens, optical

brighteners, sensors for toxic metal ions and chemical warfare agents and possible new methods of bio-medical diagnosis, to name a few.

There are 20 students and 20 projects, each exploring, discover-ing and innovating. They have imagined different, so can you.

RESA Grade 12 Math and Science Students Berrien CountyGrade 12 Math

Imagine Different . . .

www.bentonspiritnews.com

Building An Empire See Page 5

Page 2: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

2 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014 2014 Best early symposium

The above letters were sent from Governor Rick Snyder and Mike Flanagan, State Superintendent of Schools, for Michigan, in support of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium, to be held April 25, 2014. The BEST Early Research Symposium is honored by their support.

April 25, 2014Dear Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the BEST Early Imagine Different Research Symposium at Andrews University.

The BEST Early symposium is a public science event for math and science students in Southwest Michigan. These gifted students are given the opportunity to display their inventive, university-level research to a vast audience, proving that Michigan youth are on the cutting-edge of innovation.

On behalf of the people of Michigan, I would like to thank the BEST Early Symposium and Andrews University for their commitment and dedication to our youth and the future of our state. I am confident the people and communities of Michigan will long reap the rewards of your many positive contributions. Again, welcome. Please accept my very best wishes for an enjoyable, memorable and beneficial event.

Message from Governor Rick Snyder, State of Michigan

Gov. Rick Snyder

April 25, 2014

As State Superintendent, I am excited about this opportunity for Berrien County students to experience first-hand the spills and thrills of research, discovery and innovation. It is truly remarkable that you are given this unique experience that you can use throughout your future careers.

This experience is a model for students across the State of Michigan and one that imagines differently. Curiosity and critical thinking need to be present in our classrooms. The BEST Early approach puts it in and does more. It links curiosity and critical thinking to the possibility that your research, at this early stage of your life, could make a difference in the real world of pharma-ceuticals, polymers, sunscreens, fragrances and biomass conversion, to name a few of your projects.

I applaud the vision of Dr. Desmond Murray; the organization and mission of Berrien County Math Science Center; and the support of the Andrews University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Together, you have given your students and our state something in which to aspire.

Message from Superintendent Mike Flanagan, State of Michigan

Mike Flanagan

Page 3: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

3Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014puBlisher’s page

The Benton - Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is published on Thursday. The print version is published bi-weekly and on-line version is published daily with new information.

Deadline: The deadline for submission is the Thursday BEFORE each Thursday’s publication date. Exceptions are made for paid submittals.

The preferred method for submitting infor-mation is by e-mail to:

Michigan News:[email protected] Indiana News:[email protected]

Distribution:The Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is distributed throughout the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana (Michiana) and growing.

Subscription: A copy of the Benton-Michiana Spirit will be mailed first-class to you for only $35 for 6 months or $70 for a year.

Freedom of Speech. Note: editorials and letters to the editor are not the opinion and/or view of the Benton Spirit, but the view-point of the author.

BENTON HARBOR OFFICE:P.O. Box 465

Benton Harbor, MI 49023Telephone: (269) 926-4241

Fax: 1-888-807-3010E-mail:

[email protected]

Publisher - Princella TobiasEditor - Desmond Murray, PhDAdvertising/Sales - Princella TobiasAdministrator - Patricia Plaut-PayneCommunity Liaison - Ralph Heibutzki, Candrice Williams, Richard Smith, James Summers, Pastor Hardie Blake, Tim Johnson, Stephan Tinsley, Elaine Osmun, Pastor Michael Carson, Darshonda Harper, Aspiring Young Journalist (AYJ) Team: Benton Harbor High School, Benton Harbor Public Library Teen Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, and I’m Saving Myself.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without permission from the publishers. All rights reserved world-wide.

SOUTH BEND OFFICE:815 Lincolnway West

South Bend, IN 46616Telephone: (888) 614-8881 Fax: (888) 807-3010

E-mail: [email protected]

Imagine Differentby Dr. Desmond H. Murray

Research is service. It adds value, empowers our lives and serves

our innate human curiosity. We nor-mally don’t think of research this way. However, the record speaks for itself: from new consumer products to more effective pharmaceuticals and from inexpensive paper-based biomedi-cal diagnostics for Third World coun-tries, to national security concerns of First World nations or to increasing food production that affects billions of people around the world, research is indeed humanity’s essential service.

Research gives back to what preceded it and gives forward to what follows. Back or forward, research gives. This special issue uniquely illustrates and celebrates the power of early research as service.

Think of them, Grade 12 students. For 12 grades, 12 years, they have mainly been recipients, takers, consum-ers of knowledge and values from teach-ers and tradition. Their parents have

given them, their teachers have given them, the wider community has pro-vided them with schools, roads, buses, cell phones and the Internet, to name a few. We have invested in them, as

most civilized societies do, so that our way of life and standards of living can continue on across generations.

So, when do we begin to see returns on our investment? Traditionally, we don’t expect them to produce any-thing much until, at least, after four years of high school and four years of college. Early research challenges that outdated model and replaces it with the idea that they are not too young to research; they are not too young to contribute to human advance-

ment. We know that to be so, because for the last 18 years we’ve done it.

In addition, developmental psychol-ogy and cognitive science conclusive-ly demonstrates that they are not too

young to research. In fact, books like The Scientist in the Crib by Professor Alison Gopnik teaches us empirical-ly what the “Father of the Scientific Method,” Sir Francis Bacon, (1561 – 1626), wrote about 400 years or so ago, “We must become as little chil-dren to enter the kingdom of science.” Unfortunately today, our education sys-tem by and large delays rather than encourages early research. Our curri-cula are filled with prerequisites – obsta-cles – when much of what is needed, we’ve already got – a curious mind.

I believe that early research gives students an opportunity to give back and to give forward. It empowers them to take what they’ve been given and create something new and useful. It challenges not only the knowledge they have learned but tests their core values and character, such as, persistence in the face of setbacks. It teaches them that failure is not fatal, but rather is the prime real estate of innovation.

Engaging students in early research nurtures young minds capa-ble of dealing with the unknown future and indeed allows them to cre-ate it. Such is the service of research; if we dare to imagine different.

Desmond H Murray, a PhD synthetic organic chemist, has been teaching both college and high school chemistry for the last 18 years. He is Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Andrews University and has received several recognitions, including 2012 College Science Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Science Teachers Association, for his ongoing contributions to early research participation (ERP).

To include him in your speaker series, edu-cational workshops, or to know more about BEST (Building Excellence in Science and Technology) Early, you can contact him at [email protected], (269) 757-1641, or visit www.beastearly.com

Message from Dr. Desmond Murray,Founder of BEST (Building Excellence in Science and Technology) Early

“Early research challenges that outdated model and replaces it with the idea that

they are not too young to research.”. . .

“They are not too young to contribute to human advancement.”

Tune in at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23 to WSJM 1400 AM with Pat Moody!

to hear students talk about the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

Proud Sponsor of BEST Early Research Symposium

Page 4: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

4 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Learn More About Berrien County 4-H Youth ProgramA Proud Sponsor of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

Michigan State University Extension and the local 4-H Youth Development Program is proud to support the BEST Early Research Symposium. BEST Early’s mis-

sion of advocating for early participation amongst our youth, falls in-line with what the Berrien County 4-H Youth Program’s mission. Below is a small glimpse of the program.

4-H …• Is Michigan’s largest youth development organization. • Helps young people become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. • Provides programs designed to build life skills, support in-school learning and teach employment skills needed by today’s work force.

Through screened and trained staff and volunteers, 4-H programming follows seven guid-ing principles:1. Youth develop positive relationships with adults and peers.2. Youth are physically and emotionally safe.3. Youth are actively engaged in their own development.4. Youth are considered participants rather than recipients in the learning process.5. Youth develop skills that help them succeed. 6. Youth recognize, understand and appreciate multiculturalism.7. Youth grow and contribute as active citizens through service and leadership.

Locally, more than 200 adult volunteers work with approximately 600 4-H’ers enrolled and active in 35 4-H clubs. Including school enrichment, community youth and afterschool programs, Berrien County 4-H reached 2263 young people in 2013.

Join 4-H Spring Achievement April 26-27, 2014! Spring Achievement in Berrien County is the only ALL 4-H exhibition where 4-H’ers showcase their project achievements and demonstrate the life skills gained over the last year.

This event is open to the public and will be located at Building #14, the Craft Building, of the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

The objectives of 4-H Spring Achievement are to:• Bring the HEAD – HEART – HANDS & HEALTH of 4-H to life!• Provide opportunity for 4-H members to demonstrate project-learned skills while building their portfolio.• Provide 4-H members an opportunity to publicly display their accomplishments.• Provide 4-H members a supportive evaluation for each of their projects.• Provide the community an opportunity to see the quality and quantity of work being done by 4-H’ers.• Attract new members to the Berrien County 4-H Program.• Provide 4-H members an opportunity to compete for special recognition.• Provide 4-H members, leaders, and parents an opportunity to meet other 4-H families.• Provide an opportunity to demonstrate 4-H TEAMWORK in the efficient setup, tear down, and operation of the event.

Check out the schedule below and come visit our kids, critters and exhibits!

Saturday, April 2610 a.m. - 9 p.m. 4-H Information Booth11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 4-H Live Animal Exhibits & Project Demonstrations11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Horse Jeopardy!Noon - 3 p.m. Dog Project Evaluation Is Your Dog Canine Good Citizen Certified and Titled?1 - 2 p.m. Style Review Practice- Youth Memorial Building6 - 8 p.m. 4-H Talent Show & Ice Cream Social

Sunday, April 2711 a.m. - 6 p.m. Live 4-H Animal Exhibits Activities and Demonstrations1 p.m. Rabbit Quiz Bowl4- 6 p.m. 4-H Style Review, Presentation of Senior Plaques and 4-H Club Awards

4-H Service Project: This year’s project will be a donation drive to benefit migrant children in Berrien County. Please bring donations of diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, soccer balls, dolls, crayons/markers, children’s books (all ages, bilingual books greatly appreciated), blankets, hats, mittens, scarves, bandanas and bags (homemade bags, gently used conference bags or school bags are all accepted. These will hold the materials given to the families). The public is welcome to contribute.

For more information about Berrien County 4-H, contact: Elaine McKee, 4-H Program Coordinator, 1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-9630, (269) 944-4126 or Email: [email protected].

2014 Best early symposium

Thinking about a career for you or your loved one?THINK SCIENCE & CHANGE THE WORLD!

Page 5: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

5Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Benton Spirit: Good evening, Ms Hamilton. On behalf of our reader-ship, we thank you for this oppor-tunity. Can you tell us about your dream and your pursuit of it?

Ms. Hamilton: First, I must thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share my dreams with your readers. My dream is to, in the next 5 years, build my brand – Takie’moto Cosmetics – and focus on other avenues of income. I am driven to be successful and ready for all that life has to offer. I’ve always wanted to build my own empire and be my own boss. My philosophy is to make each day count and always seek to do my best.

Benton Spirit: How do you find the time to do everything you do -- mod-eling, make-up artistry, fashion con-sultant, online radio host and CEO of your own Cosmetics company?

Ms. Hamilton: First, since I enjoy what I do, I find the time to get them done. God has blessed me with cre-ative talents and so I try to use them all to the best of my ability and to His honor. In fact, establishing and running Takie’moto brings it all together for me. It has often meant long days and sleep-less nights but I am driven to get it done. Takie’moto is my baby. I give it every-thing – my energy, passion and time.

Benton Spirit: What challenges have you had to overcome in building your brand?

Ms. Hamilton: With limited income and as a single parent, I have always found a way to make things happen. My lovely daughter, Nia, is my inspi-ration. I do believe the survival skills I have learned from these circum-stances of life has shaped me. They have taught me patience and discipline and given me a ‘go-getter’ attitude.

Benton Spirit: This is something I think many of our readers can relate to – overcoming obstacles.

Ms. Hamilton: Exactly. I was not born into wealth or privilege. My par-ents were immigrants to this country. I’ve learned from them how to hus-tle and to overcome in the face of

everyday struggle. So, for me failure has never been an option. I was deter-mined and excited to succeed. I had to sacrifice by cutting expenses, cur-tailing my social life, and keep my eyes on the prize – building Takie’moto into a household brand for a cross-cultural, multiethnic global market.

Takie’moto Cosmetics has also allowed me to draw upon all aspects of my life – creativity, passion, educa-tion, training, make-up artistry, fash-ion, arts, modeling, communication and leadership skills. I’ve had to use

them all to overcome obstacles but more importantly to create my own path.

Benton Spirit: So, what exactly is Takie’moto Cosmetics all about and how would you seek to distin-guish yourself from competitors?

Ms. Hamilton: I see Takie’moto not simply as lipstick and lip gloss. At Takie’moto, we pride ourselves on being a lifestyle – “It’s A Doll Face Life.” We are also very proud of being a multicultural lifestyle with multicolored products for-mulated for multiethnic faces and tastes.

Benton Spirit: That is pretty cool.Ms. Hamilton: Yes, we think so!

Not only are we up on all the latest and classic trends, our intention is to set the trends. For example, lipstick is no lon-ger just reds and pinks. It’s every color you can think of. Takie’moto Cosmetics offers over 50 shades of lipstick colors in four textures – matte, cre’me, bold, pearl. We also carry over 15 shades of lip gloss, sheer and pigmented.

Benton Spirit: That sounds really good, very diverse, and should make your products very competitive.

Ms. Hamilton: In addition, our prod-ucts are 100% animal cruelty free; are infused with natural lip moisturizers vita-mins A and E and are perfect for every-day wear, photography and television.

Benton Spirit: What advice would you give young women who are inter-ested in starting their own business?

Ms. Hamilton: Do not limit your abilities or ambitions. Grow every which way you can. Take a little from everything you have learned and create your own mark in the world. Research your ideas. Stay focused on your vision. You should be your biggest supporter. You have to believe in yourself before others become believers in you. Seek out and know others going in your same direction. It’s cool to have friends from all walks of life, but people going in your direction can be your inspiration and at times you will be theirs. Live your life with purpose and passion.

Benton Spirit: Finally, where can we find more information about Takie’moto Cosmetics and the excit-ing launch of The Lip Collection?

Ms. Hamilton: Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and You Tube. Our website – www.takiemoto.com is also scheduled to launch on April 21, 2014. Thank you, again, Benton Spirit, for this opportunity.

Building An Empire:An Interview of Nicole Hamilton-Takemoto

By Dr. Desmond Murray, Spirit Correspondent

What does it take to build an empire? Hard work and dreams. The Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper had the opportunity to interview Takie’moto

Cosmetics CEO Nicole Hamilton as she prepares for her company’s launch of The Lip Collection on April 21, 2014. If you were to Google Takie’moto Cosmetics (which is a variation of her last name), you would find a significant and growing presence on familiar social media websites, such as, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and You Tube. You would be surprised, as we were, to know that the driving force behind this distinctively Japanese name is an African-American born woman of Jamaican heritage.

In fact, “I was conceived in Jamaica but my mom gave birth to me in Silver

Spring, Maryland, USA,” noted Hamilton, a former Jet magazine Beauty of the Week. “I have intentionally worked to make and market Takie’moto Cosmetics as cross-cultural and multiethnic, since that is who I am. While my parents hail from Jamaica, they are of mixed heritage -- African, Indian, Caucasian and Japanese.”

The impressive 5’ 5”, 34-year old beauty, who has been a model since she was 18 and is currently one of the hosts on the online radio WINDC.COM “The

DMV Socialites”, exuded a sense of pur-pose and passion as she spoke with the Benton Spirit about her life, her dreams and her journey to make Takie’moto Cosmetics an international phenomenon.

2014 Best early symposium

Takie’moto is a Proud Sponsor of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

Page 6: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

6 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014 health

Proudly servicing Bangor ~ Benton Harbor ~ Eau Claire

Holland ~ Pullman (855) 869-6900

MyCare

Puts YOUR Health Information at Your Fingertips

MyCare is now available to patients throughout all of InterCare. This new computer program allows patients to have access to their health information 24/7. To use the program, you will need to sign up at an InterCare location. Once online, you are able to see your medical information, request refills, ask for an appointment, send a message to your provider, etc. MyCare makes it so that you don’t need to try to take care of medical needs during office hours. Remember that you need a refill at 3am? Send a message through InterCare’s MyCare and you’re all set. No need to wait until the office is open to ask. MyCare is not meant for receiving a diagnosis for a condition, or for emergencies. If you have an urgent need you should still call the office, and in the case of an emergency you should call 911. For more information, contact your InterCare office at 855-869-6900.

Rapid HIV Testing Available at InterCare

Benton Harbor

Late in June 2013 InterCare Benton Harbor began offering all patients the opportunity to have a rapid HIV test during their appointment. Since then, 515 tests have been performed. The program began because southwest Michigan has a high level of HIV compared to other areas of the state. It is estimated that there are more than 300 individuals in Berrien County who have been diagnosed with HIV. Locally, the rate among African Americans is almost nine times higher than the rate among Caucasians. Also, the rate is higher among heterosexuals in Berrien County. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus is much more treatable than it was in the early years of its appearance. With proper treatment, people can live with HIV for decades without it turning into AIDS. The important piece of living with HIV is early detection and proper treatment. By offering tests, InterCare can help people learn early whether they are infected, and then receive care to keep them well. In addition to testing, the initiative will also include creating a more comprehensive care plan for those individuals who are HIV-positive. Those individuals will be part of a plan of care that incorporates HIV treatment with their routine medical care. “We can offer care specifically designed to treat those individuals with HIV, by staff specially trained in HIV care,” said Lisa Fink, MD, Chief Medical Officer for InterCare. “These patients can follow a treatment plan that ensures that all of their care incorporates the best HIV treatment and maintenance in one complete package.”

Page 7: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

7Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014health

Free Babysitting Class in NilesLakeland HealthCare and the Niles

Women’s Service League are present-ing “Babysitting with Confidence.” This free class will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue.

Created specifically for adolescents, this course covers a variety of topics intended to give participants the con-fidence and knowledge for caring for small children, including: Questions to ask before taking a job, expectations of a baby sitter, emergency situations, infant/toddler care, first aid and chok-ing, discipline, and food preparation.

Participants must be in the fifth grade or be age 11 or older to regis-ter. Reservations are required, and class size is limited. For more information or to register for this free class, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Bones in Balance Series in St. JosephLakeland Orthopedic Physical

Therapy is enrolling participants for Bones in Balance, a four-week pro-gram designed to teach those diag-

nosed with osteoporosis and osteope-nia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management.

Classes meet twice a week each month on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period at the Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. Registration is open for the next set of classes which will run from May 6 through May 29 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., or 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects over 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, over 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as “the silent disease,” because bone loss occurs without any visible symp-toms at first. Many people don’t real-ize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture.

A physician’s order is required for Bones in Balance, and the class is bill-able to insurance. There is a $25 reg-istration fee. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150.

Lakeland Health Events

Tour across SW Michigan and NW Indiana to Drive Awareness

for 75th Senior PGA

KitchenAid is gearing up for mobile food trucks to tour across Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana to raise awareness for its presenting sponsorship of the 75th Senior PGA Championship. Partnering with the Organic Gypsy, KitchenAid launched its food truck tour on April 16 in Kalamazoo, Mich. One lucky attendee at each stop will also win a free Stand Mixer, KitchenAid’s legendary countertop appliance.

During a four-week span, the mobile food truck will make nine appearanc-es across Michigan and Indiana serv-ing organic and locally-sourced food. In addition, the PGA of America will be alongside offering discounted tick-ets to the Championship, which takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, and giving fans an up-close view of the historic Alfred S. Bourne trophy.

“We want to connect with all the loyal KitchenAid and golf fans across our home state of Michigan with this extensive mobile food truck tour that’s never been done before,” said Deb O’Connor, direc-tor of global partnerships for KitchenAid. “The Organic Gypsy will be serving up tasty, healthy dishes like spring rolls, wraps, tacos and organic root beer. And the PGA will be along too providing tick-et giveaways for the Championship and access to the Alfred S. Bourne trophy.”

Bridgett Blough, a Benton Harbor-native, launched the Organic Gypsy food truck in 2011. Shortly thereafter, she opened her current commissary kitchen and pop-up restaurant event venue at South Burdick Street in Kalamazoo in 2013. Blough, who also offers cater-ing and has a line of retail products,

believes that local food supports the local economy, enables a sustainable ecosystem and promotes overall health.

The KitchenAid-Organic Gypsy

food truck tour schedule is as fol-lows (specific timeframes will vary while food supplies last at each stop):

• Tuesday, April 22 – Benton Harbor, MI. (Play Golf America Day) -- Whirlpool Riverview Campus 600 West Main Street, (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)• Wednesday, April 23–Benton Harbor, MI. (Play Golf America Day) -- Whirlpool Administrative Center 2000 M-63, (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)• Thursday, May 1 – East Lansing, MI. -- Foods for Living – 2655 E. Grand River Avenue, (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)• Friday, May 2 – Grand Rapids, MI. -- Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center Street NW (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)• Wednesday, May 7 – Holland, MI. (Tulip Time Festival) -- Our Brewing Company 76 East 8th Street (12-3 p.m.)• Thursday, May 8 – South Bend, IN. -- Eddy Street Commons, 1234 North Eddy Street, (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)• Friday, May 16 – Kalamazoo, MI. -- Organic Gypsy – 2103 South Burdick Street (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)• Saturday, May 17 – South Haven, MI. -- Farmer’s market – 546 Phoenix Road, (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Tickets to the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid may be purchased online at SPGA2014.com or by calling the Championship office at 269-487-3200.

KitchenAid Partners with Organic Gypsy for Mobile Food Truck Tour and Giveaways

Lakeland HealthCare is a Proud Sponsor of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

Page 8: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

8 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Imagine Different...…new optical brighteners for clothes ... new dyes for printing...Imagine!

The project that I have been working on for this semester is the one step

synthesis of symmetrical optical bright-eners. Optical brighteners are used in many things such as paper and laundry detergent. Optical brighteners are used to make colors brighter and whites whiter.

In my experiment, I have been syn-thesizing a group of organic compounds, called bis(styryls), that we will investigate as potential optical brighteners. This pro-cess is done in one step, and throughout the semester I have been using different types of reactants – methyl heteroarenes and aromatic aldehydes -- to create differ-ent products as potential optical brighten-ers. At this stage we use NMR analysis to determine if we made the desired prod-ucts. Some reactions work, some have not. Either way, it allows us to determine the efficiency and generality of our process.

When I first started this class, I was extremely nervous. I have never

participated in anything of this scale. However, now that I have been involved

in the class since January, I have learned a lot. This class has taught me things such as how to keep a lab notebook. Even though this sounds arbitrary, and like something that I will most likely never use again in my life, it actually is very help-ful. Keeping a lab notebook has actually helped me to keep myself more organized. Our notebooks have to be kept extremely precise and organized, and this helps me for the future because I will need to be able to handle keeping multiple events and appointments straight, and without organization, that will never be achieved.

This class is one of the most valuable classes I have ever taken. It has given me an experience that I never would have had. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

In my opinion, every high schooler should have the opportunity to participate in a class with the rigor and discipline such as this. If everyone took classes with as much value as this, there would be so much more potential for the future generations.

My name is Abigail Sheline and I attend Berrien Springs High School. In the future, I plan to attend Central Michigan University and pur-sue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In my free time, I enjoy participat-ing in cross-country and track as well as spending time with my friends. I hope to continue both in the future.

“This class is one of the most valuable classes I have ever taken....If every-

one took classes with as much value as this, there would be so much more poten-

tial for the future generations”

My name is Cody Ortiz-Leonard, and I am a student at Niles

High School. I am active in the com-munity and also enjoy hanging out with friends, being creative, and mak-ing videos. I plan on going to Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in film and video production.

My classroom setting for senior chemistry isn’t the traditional class-room environment. For the final semes-ter of my senior year, Dr. Murray has given us the opportunity to do independent research. This allows us students at the Berrien County Math and Science Center to experience the passion of research through hands on applications rather than learning by the traditional textbook method.

For my independent research, I am synthesizing new types of dyes with possible applications as printing inks for surfaces like silk and wool. The method I am using in this project has not been researched in depth. I am creat-ing polymeric cationic inks, which are expected to attach to negatively-charged printing surfaces. I find it amazing that some of the colorless aromatic liquids and white solids I use as starting materi-als would make such colorful products.

My experience in the laboratory has been a memorable one. At first, I was a

bit apprehensive in dealing with chemi-cals that could potentially kill me. I was more worried about myself handling the chemicals rather than my clumsy peers. But out from the toxic, choking, deadly, chemicals and the broken glass, spilled experiments and failed research procedures, I’ve learned to become an adequate high school student researcher.

“I’ve gained something transferable to my future ambitions - problem solving skills.

With this skill, I will be able to succeed in the next chapter of my life, college.”

Is pleased to co-sponsor the

2014 BEST Early Research Symposiumat Andrews University

Supporting Berrien RESA Students

www.whirlpoolcorp.com

Whirlpool Corporation supports the efforts to help peo-ple and individuals shape a better world for themselves and others. By providing time and resources, Whirlpool aims to help more people reach their full potential, and by doing so, improve the quality of life for themselves, their neighbors and the communities in which they live.

2014 Best early symposium

Page 9: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

9Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 20142014 Best early symposium

I am Adam Dubs of Berrien Springs High

School. I enjoy singing,

playing the Tuba, and yoga. However, my undis-putable goal in life is to

serve the Lord as a mis-sionary or pastor. So far I plan to attend Moody Bible Institute next year in order to study the Biblical Languages.

I have a life goal and I pursue this goal with passion. Once I determined my pas-sion, I realized that the Math and Science Center was not crucial for my future plans. Thus, instead of try-ing to learn as much as possible about physics, chemistry, and math, I’ve spent hours listen-

ing to sermons, reading my Bible, and discuss-ing theology with vari-ous individuals. When I heard that we had a huge research project due for chemistry and that Dr. Murray was a zealous organic chemistry teacher, I groaned. It meant I’d have to spend time trying to understand something I didn’t really care for at the expense of study-ing theology. Plus, I also have a year-long Statistics

project and senior project for my homeschool due around the same time as this chemistry project.

After going into this class with a bad atti-tude, I read my selected project title: “Hydroxy Benzophenone Stilbene Sunscreen.” The only word I understood from that was sunscreen! This project looked awful. However, after I talked with Dr. Murray some more, this project was really quite

simple to understand. Basically, there are differ-ent sunscreens out there that use different chemi-cals to protect the skin by either absorbing or reflect-ing radiation from the sun. Unfortunately, these chemicals are limited because they can only pro-tect the skin from a certain range of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, Dr. Murray and I are trying to create a hybrid of two sunscreen molecules known as ben-zophenones and stilbenes. This new hybrid molecule, hydroxy benzophenone stilbene, will hopefully be able to better protect

the skin from a broader range of harmful radiation.

Throughout the past few months, my atti-tude towards this project has improved. It isn’t as hard to comprehend as I originally thought and the labs are fun! Sure, I’ve messed up taking mea-surements here and there. Sure, I don’t understand all the chemistry that well. Sure, I’ve spilled a little bit of lithium hydride and caused half the classroom to start coughing. But I am learning about how science works and to fully appreciate opportu-nities I have been given.

“To better protect the skin from a broader range of

harmful radiation.”

Imagine Different......more effective sunscreens ... novel bifunctional photographic agents for image stabilization and development...Imagine!

“We must become as little children to enter the kingdom of science.” – Sir Francis Bacon, 1561-1626.

My name is Matthew Guntz and I attend

Coloma High School. I play sweeper in soccer and want to attend Grand Valley State University.

At 18, I am doing scien-tific research about photo-graphic stilbenes. Other stu-dents in my class are doing research on everything from penicillin to chemical war-fare sensors. We are doing ground breaking research that no one has done before as high school students. Other high school students are worried about what to wear at prom or what they will do after school, but the students at the Math and Science Center are wor-ried about how our proj-ects are doing right now. We have been given an immense opportunity to do great things that many high school students would crack under the pressure and we are meeting their stan-dards and surpassing them.

Neil Armstrong once said, “In much of society, research means to investi-gate something you do not know or understand.” To be honest, I didn’t know any-

thing about photographic stilbenes at the start of the class, but not many people do. My proposed photo-graphic stilbene is scientifi-cally known as a phenolic azastilbene. My stilbene is being designed to have both photodeveloper and pho-tostabilizer properties and functions, which conven-tionally exist in two sepa-rate molecules. Phenolic azastilbenes will hopefully do both jobs. Also, the only byproduct from the process we are using is water so it is eco-friendly which has become very important in the past couple decades.

I currently go to Coloma High School, but not for long.

I plan on saving lives in a hospital. Normally, this would mean being a nurse or a doctor, but I am going to be a radia-tion therapist. I will save people’s lives by admin-istering the radiation that cures cancer, and I’m truly ecstatic about it. I plan on going to Grand Valley State University to attend one of the only colleges in Michigan that has a degree in radiation therapy. As you can see, I have big dreams and big hopes for my future. I planned on using this research to help me stand out from the rest of the crowd, but I soon real-ized that I loved being there in the lab doing various procedures, cre-ating chemicals, and tak-ing observations. This opportunity has done more than I could’ve thought. I learned inde-pendence, responsibility, and determination from this and I hope more students are given the same chance that I have graciously been given.

“I have big dreams and big hopes for my future. I planned on using this research

to help me stand out from the rest of the crowd.”

Page 10: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

10 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Imagine Different...expanding the usefulness of aspirin and penicillin ... creating new biomedical and forensic diagnostics ... converting renew-able plant-derived materials into pharmaceuticals ... developing new sensors for hydrogen peroxide...Imagine!My name is Rachel Bonek. I am a

senior at Buchanan High School and will attend Saint Mary’s College in South Bend next year to study engi-neering. I enjoy playing volleyball and will continue to play at Saint Mary’s.

When I first learned that I would

be conducting my own research proj-ect independently, I was nervous. Before this year, I always had a lab partner and performed the same experi-ments as everyone else in the class.

When we started, I did not know any-thing about my experiment — I had not even heard of many of the compounds I am

working with. Dr. Murray helped guide me through the process though, and now, I can confidently perform and discuss my experiment. This experience has taught me so much about research and about myself.

My experiment attempts to discover whether boronic acid can be combined with

aspirin to make a hybrid prodrug. Aspirin is the most commonly consumed medica-tion in the world. Recently, aspirin has been successfully utilized to create hybrid drugs, which are a covalent combination of drugs often with enhanced capabilities. Boronic acids are a class of compounds that has fairly recently been proven to have

biological effects, such as antibacterial and antilymphoma properties. We hypoth-esized that covalent combination of aspirin

with boronic acids would produce hybrids with chemically interesting and per-haps biomedically significant properties.

Our general strategy involves chem-ically combining aspirin chloride with boronic acid containing co-reactants.

After several trials, we are fair-ly confident that our approach will work out in the way we desire.

I really enjoyed having this research opportunity. Not many high school students are able to conduct independent research, so I feel lucky to have this experience and knowledge in preparation for college. Throughout this semester, I learned the importance of research, planning, and time management. I progressed from not under-standing my project to conducting it con-fidently. I have gained knowledge and an interest in research from this opportunity. It is exciting to see what I am able to cre-ate with inquiry, dedication, and science.

“Can boronic acid can be combined with aspirin to make a hybrid prodrug?”

I am Joshua Brown of Edwardsburg High School. I am an avid robotics

nerd, who has spent my senior year start-ing up Team 5069, the Iron Giants, and is now looking for some-thing else to do with my free year of Solidworks.

My senior chemistry project – liquid crystalline cationic biological stains – is currently theoretical; these materials do not currently exist. However, I am well on the way to making them a reality.

Cationic biological stains, such as crys-tal violet and malachite green, have long been used to detect types of cells and changes in them. Liquid crystals are also well-known: in soaps and detergents, pro-teins and cell membranes and in electronic displays and devices. They have proper-ties of both mobile liquids and crystalline solids. This project brings these two inde-pendent and seemingly unrelated topics together into one. Conceptually, liquid

crystal cationic biological stains combines new and old technology to develop a potentially innovative development in the important field of biomedical diagnostics.

Currently, I have been working on per-fecting the synthesis of a long chain carba-mate ester. For those not versed in chemis-try, the long chain carbamate is needed for the liquid crystal aspect of the new type of biological stains; while the ester would be converted into the cationic dye subunit. The synthesis has currently been perfected for short (four carbons) and medium (eight carbons) chain lengths, while optimization continues for the long (twelve carbons) chain. I have also successfully conducted one dye synthesis experiments that over-all, now shows that liquid crystal cationic

dyes can be made. Upcoming work, will involve creating more of these dyes with different colors and structures. We will then have the novel dyes needed to test

their func-tion and capabilities as biologi-cal stains.

T h i s early research experience has greatly improved my current understanding of chemistry. When I first took chemistry, I was blown away by the odd jargon and seemingly useless formulas. Even though I was taught chemistry, there was a veil between what I thought chemistry was and what it actually is. I thought that chemistry had to be done in a white room, completely sterile, using million dollar laboratory research equipment. That to understand it completely I would need to memorize every basic step to chem-istry and while it helps to know the

periodic table a clear understanding of the topic is impossible to glean from it.

I have been accepted to go to Grove City College, a Christian college in Pennsylvania, to study mechanical engi-neering. I also plan on pursuing a masters and doctorate. Studying physics and cal-culus never frightened me -- it was the transfer over to chemistry that seemed to shut off all my enthusiasm. Not anymore.

“Liquid crystalline cationic biological stains...these materials do not currently exist...

I am well on the way to making them a reality.”

My name is Carl Steinhauser and I am currently a senior at Berrien

Springs High School and plan to attend the University of Michigan this fall to study electrical engineering. I love to play baseball and hang out with my friends.

Having the oppor-tunity to do research with Dr. Murray as a senior in high school has been an amazing experi-ence. Throughout the semester I have grown more proficient and comfortable with lab techniques and through the process I have gained a greater understanding of chemistry.

The overarching goal of my research this semester is to synthesize cyclo-pentane rings using renewable biomass derived furan-containing starting mate-rials. Cyclopentane rings are relatively-common organic structures composed of

five carbons in a ring with various uses in medicine as well as other fields. I am using this approach to make cyclopentanes because it uses furans, which are com-

monly derived from corn sugars, so there is a large and renewable supply. If success-ful, this research project will add to the list of the many useful applications of corn.

So far in my experiment, I have been working on the first step of converting methyl furoate into a furan cyclopropanol using a general method developed by a Russian chemist. At this point I have been unsuccessful in doing this but once this is

complete I will be able to move onto the second step which will be to rearrange the atoms in the furan cyclopropanol to produce a cyclopentane ring. To the best

of our knowledge, this process has not been done before, so our work would be breaking new ground.

I’m thankful for this opportunity to

do research while still in high school because I have been able to confirm the fact that I want to pursue a career that involves research. I plan to do research in the field of energy production so chem-istry could actually be directly involved. With all of the techniques and research etiquette that Dr. Murray has taught the class, I feel that I am better prepared for college and to move towards my career.

“Having the opportunity to do research with Dr. Murray as a senior in high

school has been an amazing experience.”

2014 Best early symposium

Page 11: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

11Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

It was a cold, quiet weekday in Berrien Springs, and the only things that stood

between me and my science project’s success were four flights of stairs. Don’t get me wrong, but there were days when climbing those stairs just didn’t seem worth it. An independent research project requires much time and much more effort. Furthermore, in the words of Wernher Von Braun, “research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.” It takes a lot out of students suffering from “seniori-tis.” And yet, in some way, I found myself ascending those stairs day after day.

You see, there is a certain thrill that comes from figuring things out on your own. Living on a farm, I am more than famil-iar with the medical uses of peroxide, so my proj-ect, titled “Boronic Acid Benzofulvene Sensors for Peroxide,” was an obvi-ous choice. The idea is far less compli-cated than the title suggests. In its simplest form, we are proposing that boronic acid benzofulvenes can be created and can be used to detect the presence of peroxide.

While peroxide sensors are already on the market, the resulting products of my experiment would provide viable alter-natives that may have to-be-discovered advantages. Boronic acid benzofulvenes have not been created before nor have ben-zofulvene sensors been used for detection of common analytes like hydrogen perox-ide. This meant that my project could be significant in both the medical and foren-sic fields. What I was doing was more than just refluxing chemicals and vacuum filtering them; I was trying to make a difference in the scientific community!

T h e challenge with my p r o j e c t was in deve lop -ing the o p t i m a l p r o c e s s for mak-ing benzo-fulvenes. It was m o n t h s and sev-eral varia-

tions before I finally met success. Until then, I practiced much patience in trying and trying again to make my project work. I have also gained knowledge in con-ducting research, identifying problems, and working to solve such problems. Mostly, however, I found the value of perseverance. I had a choice when I first began: should I climb the stairs or just stay at the bottom? They say that you reap what you sow, and I am now frolicking in a garden abundant with new found knowledge and experience.

Eleanor “Ele” Hein is a senior at Niles High School and plans to study anthropology and archaeology at Mercyhurst University. She enjoys golf-ing, freelance writing, and playing music.

I am Luke Higgins, a senior at Buchanan High School. In my free time, I volunteer in the Lakeland Emergency Room. I also am an avid runner, play tennis, read novels of vary-ing quality, and play the piano. Next year, I will be attending the University of Michigan to major in neurological and cognitive sci-ences before attending medical school.

When Penicillin was first discovered, it was regarded as a miracle. Today, it is still one of the most widely used antibiotics. In fact, it is overused. Over prescription of anti-biotics has allowed for an expo-n e n t i a l i n c r e a s e in the population of antibiotic resistant bacteria. These bacteria caused 23,000 deaths last year alone. Today, another miracle is needed.

This semester, I have been research-ing synthesis methods to create a hybrid drug that could be an effective solution to this increasingly large problem. Antibiotic resistant bacteria use an enzyme to damage the structure of penicillin, which is integral to its success as an antibiotic. Past research indicates that boronic acids can successfully inhibit this enzyme. Using less expensive materials, my research has yielded a success-ful, efficient synthesis process to combine penicillin and boronic acid into a hybrid drug. This process involves converting the free acid group in penicillin into an ester with the boronic acid group directly attached. Our successful process was discovered through trial and error, making small tweaks – tem-perature, time, catalysts - and crossing fin-gers! My first positive results felt great, re-energizing me as I progressed in research.

Although our hybrid boronic acid sub-

stituted peni-cillin may not be successful in biologi-cal trials, this project allows us to test our h y p o t h e s i s and could provide a new, fairly simple solu-

tion to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Our hybrid drug also leaves reactive sites open for additional modification on the penicillin molecule. Although the future of this hybrid drug is not certain, hybrid drugs are undoubtedly going to play a large part in the future of medicine.

Throughout the semester, I have felt at home in the laboratory. Performing cut-ting-edge, original research is intellectually stimulating and immensely satisfying. This research experience allowed me to gain practical laboratory skills, explore my inter-ests, and experience the lab. I know that next year, when I will be attending the University of Michigan, these skills and experiences will be invaluable. This experience would have been unattainable without the oppor-tunities generously granted through BEST Early, Andrews University Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center.

“There is a certain thrill that comes from fig-

uring things out on your own.”

This year, I began a senior chemistry project studying and creating fluo-

rescent metal-sensing stilbenes. Stilbenes are a family of hydrocarbons which are notable for their fluorescent capabilities. Their fluorescence is well-understood and has found applications in many fields. Although it is possible to use them for such things as optical brighteners -- the chemicals that make clothes glow under a blacklight -- and laser medi-ums, in this case our stilbenes will be designed for use as molecular sensors.

What are molecular sensors? Molecular sensors are compounds which sense or detect other molecules around them, pro-ducing a measurable change that indicates sensing has taken place. Two examples are the compounds found in red cabbage and pH paper that can sense the acidity – pres-ence of hydrogen ions – in their environ-ment. These sensors have many useful and important applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. They have been used to analyze the fer-mentation of wine, detection of chemical weapons, and general detection of metal ions, as is being explored in this project.

If everything goes to plan, our target stilbenes will exhibit and/or change their fluorescence measurably in the presence of metals. Our ultimate goal is to make a collection of these sensors so that we could

use their i n d i -v i d u a l and col-l e c t i v e respons-es to a c c u -r a t e -ly and precisely determine which metal is being sensed.

Currently, I am repeating experimental procedures with different starting chemi-cals, in order to produce a “library” of these new stilbenes. We rely mainly on analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra to evaluate the success or not of each experiment. Soon, I will be completing this stage of experimen-tation and going on to testing of my products interaction with metal ions.

I am overjoyed at the opportuni-ty I have been given to take part in such interesting experiments, and can-not wait to make new discoveries.

I am Ryan High of Bridgman High School. I plan on studying mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University. I enjoy reading, swimming, and spending time with my friends, in between working at my local pool and keeping up to date with my classes.

“What are molecular sensors?”

“I have felt at home in the laboratory. Performing

cutting-edge, original research.”

2014 Best early symposium

Proud sponsor of the BEST 2014 Early Research Symposium.

www.leaderpub.comNiles Daily Star • Dowagiac Daily News

Cassopolis Vigilant • Edwardsburg ArgusOff The Water • The Leader

Leader Publications217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 • 269-683-2101

We proudly support the students of our communities.

Page 12: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

12 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Imagine Different...…developing potent, yet biode-gradable pesticides ... creating sensors for chemical warfare agents ... new synthetic methods for fragrances...Imagine!

Chemical warfare is no joking mat-ter, especially in this day and age.

So given a choice in my senior chemistry class, I selected a project dealing with synthesis of imine sensors to detect chemi-

cal warfare agents. However, you could say I was a little less than confident in how this was going to be accomplished. With that being said, my project was a go.

My project involves reaction between a salicylaldehyde and 2-picolylamine to form an imine sensor that we hypoth-esize would detect toxic organophosphates, simi-lar to those found in some chemical warfare agents. We (as in Dr. Desmond Murray and I) hope to observe a change in color, or fluorescence when the sensor comes in contact with the organophosphate. In fact, the ultimate goal of this research is to make “detect and destroy” sensors.

The first phase of the project entails a series of experiments that evaluates the ability of several different and unique sali-cylaldehydes in their ability to be effi-ciently converted to imines. I am cur-rently analyzing and tabulating all elev-en reactions to make this determination.

Then we will use the “best” imine for detection of chemical warfare agents.

One thing I have learned from my proj-ect is that all my solid products are consis-tently the same color – yellow. Some have been different – brown, green, but all have mostly been yellow. While the solid texture

is often different and the components are changed within each experiment, I con-tinue to receive a dominant yellow product. The fact that all the products are yellow could be an advantage. So, if their yellow color changes upon exposure to chemical warfare agents, it will be very easily seen.

As soon as I started my project, I was no longer hesitant about what I was doing or scared that I might not complete the project to its high standards. I became more

confident in myself when I was able to see positive results, and it uplifted my spirits when I was in lab. Working independently on this project has made me realize the beneficial effects of hard work and deter-mination. From this project I have been able to develop my analyzing and problem

solving skills. I will definitely remember this experience as it was a time for me to explore my attitude

towards lab work. I will look back on this time fondly; not only for the labs and interesting experiments, but also for the friends that I had this enjoyable learning experience with.

I am Emily Najacht; a senior at Coloma High School with plans to attend Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, IN, in pursuit of a chemical engineering major. I enjoy playing sports, hanging out with friends, and chatting with my friends on Twitter.

My research project will explore the possibilities of combining multiple

pesticides into a single new compound. Currently, carbamates are an important class of pesticides. Independently, these pesticides have been shown to cause seri-ous environmental and human harm. The goal of my research is to covalently merge another class of pesticides to cre-ate a new hybrid compound that is both potent and biodegradable. This may help to reduce the safety risks yet increase effectiveness of existing pesticides.

Our current procedure involves combin-ing aldehydes and carbamoyl chloride, to produce alpha-chlorocarbamates. We are trying to determine the optimal reaction conditions: catalysts and temperature, for the process. So far, my experiments have not yielded the desired products, so I am continuing experimentation with systematic changes to the procedure, such as increas-

ing the amount and strength of the catalyst.It was evident during the first weeks of

the class that everyone was nervous about performing these types of experiments. It is very easy to make mistakes in lab, and with some of the chemicals being used,

errors could be dangerous and unsafe. Dr. Murray ensured that everyone understood the rules, protocols, and strategies before allowing access to the lab. Our health and safety has been a high priority to him. He also has shown us proper techniques for many laboratory devices in order for us to learn correct practices. Although the risk is always present, Dr. Murray’s efforts have helped overcome our uncertainties.

I feel that it is very important for high school students to perform studies like these. The amount of knowledge gained from research is unsurpassable by any other class or curriculum offered toward the youth. The

experience gained from laboratory work has opened my eyes to the impressive field of science. This also allows students to pre-pare for future projects in college as well as the professional and scientific world. I have been very fortunate to be a part of this program and am looking forward to conducting more professional research.

My name is Adam Mitchell. I am a senior student attending Buchanan High School. Starting this fall, I will be studying Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University. I enjoy playing soccer, spending time out-doors, and working on my family farm.

“Merge another class of pesticides to create a new hybrid compound that is both potent and

biodegradable...to reduce safety risks yet increase effec-tiveness of existing pesticides.”

“Chemical warfare is no joking matter...I selected a project dealing with synthesis of

imine sensors to detect chemical warfare agents.”

My name is Andrew Shafer, a senior at Edwardsburg High School. I plan

to attend college at California Polytechnic State University to major in Architecture. When I have free time I enjoy reading, playing piano, writing music, and traveling.

In my research project, we are trying to develop a new method of synthesizing inde-nol and related esters in the lab. Esters are found in many fragrant things, and are very useful in consumer products. This includes perfumes and similar products. It is found often in nature, but must be produced syn-thetically to be useful for industrial purposes.

A method of indenol synthesis found in the patent literature involves a reaction using acetic anhydride, cinnamaldehyde and a Lewis acid. In my project, we have exper-imented with using acetyl chloride instead of acetic anhydride, and we found that using hydrocinnamaldehyde has produced better

results than cinnamaldehyde. This produces related indanol esters instead of indenol esters with both processes involving a rare-

ly used reaction class in organic chemis-try called electrophilic carbonyl addition.

I have conducted many variations on the project so far, mostly which involve using different kinds of zinc salts as catalyst. After the reaction, we analyze the product and look at the resulting analysis data. We have to look closely at the data because it is possible that the molecule did not form the correct attachments. To be sure the molecule formed correctly, we did a reaction with

acetic anhydride that is commonly known to work correctly, and compared it with our experimental results. So far, it seems

that our product is correct, so we are continuing to work on it and refine it.

Being able to independently work on this project in the

lab has been a great experience, and I have gotten into the flow of working in the lab and enjoy being productive. During the first couple of reactions, I was con-stantly asking questions to make sure I was doing everything right, but now I know the procedures by heart and have done them many times. Discussing the results of each reaction with Dr. Murray is both interesting and educational. I can see exact-ly what is happening with the reactions,

and discuss what to do next to improve the results. Being able to also see every-one else’s projects and the progress they are making has been interesting as well.

“Being able to independently work on this project in the

lab has been a great experience.”

2014 Best early symposium

Page 13: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

13Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

Imagine Different...…developing novel superabsor-

bent materials ... making new sensors for cyanide...Imagine!My name is Nic Murray and I am

a senior at Coloma High School. I am a proud Comet! I have finished my career as a football and basketball player and am

currently in my last baseball season. I love sports and will continue to be involved in them at Western Michigan University.

Before this class, I didn’t know very much about research at all. This class has not only taught me a lot about super-absorbent polymers (my project), but also about what exactly research is. I have come to find out that I really enjoy this type of hands-on research. Sometimes I have problems with focusing and getting homework assignments done like essays, but I have no problem applying myself to doing research. You come into lab and then it is all hands on from there. You really get to see chemicals react with each other and get to make substances that no other person has made before.

I am going to Western Michigan

University to become a math teacher and a coach. Even though scientific research may not directly relate to my field of study I am very glad that I have gotten the chance to experience it.

The objective of my research is to investigate the synthesis, characteriza-tion, properties and potential applications of poly(pyruvates). Our hypothesis is that

poly(pyruvates) may be as good or even better than conventional superabsorb-ers, such as, poly(acrylates). My project involves two steps: making arylidene pyruvic acids and secondly, polymerizing them to produce poly(pyruvates). All my experiments, so far, have been focused on the first step. Our goal is to develop an

efficient way to make a wide structural variety of monomers from which the poly-mers would be subsequently prepared.

To this point, about six weeks in, I have conducted several experiments that have given the desired solid product. However, some work better than others. We want to find a method that works the best. This involves analyzing our results

and determining which changes we should try in order to get even better results. I

feel like this class is a good use of my time. I have learned so much. At the beginning I was clueless about how to do my experiment but now I can do it with ease. All in all I am very thank-ful to be given the chance to conduct real research at the high school level.

“I have come to find out that I real-ly enjoy this type of hands-on research.”

My name is Camden Roth. I’m a senior at Berrien

Springs High School. I’m pas-sionate about the fine arts, and I’m involved with band, choir, and theatre.Expectations are rarely met in life. When I began my research project, I expect-ed it to at least be sort of interesting. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Well, my expectations were met, because they fell thor-oughly short of my actual experience. Anyone who has ever read a murder mystery can tell you that cyanide is poisonous. With cyanide firmly rooted in pop culture, any project that allowed me to work with the infamous sub-stance was going to be interesting to me. So, I happily chose a project try-ing to synthesize deeply colored chal-cone sensors for cyanide. Chalcones are naturally found in most plants and

are yellow in color. But, we wanted to make “unnatural” chalcones that were deeply colored – reds and purples.During my time in the lab, I’ve been trying to create a boronic acid substi-

tuted chalcone for use as a sensor, but I haven’t had much luck. So ironically, I still haven’t gotten to the point where I actually use cyanide, the chemical that originally piqued my interest. Of course, my time in the lab has been so incred-ible, I couldn’t bring myself to be disap-pointed if I tried (well maybe just a little). I’ve always liked science, learning about the way things work scratches my itching curiosity; this research project has made

me fall in love. Working in a lab in a real life setting is fascinating. Everyone is doing a unique project, instead of all doing the same lab set out in a text book. In fact, I don’t even have a textbook. All

the learning is hands on and applied. I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in a class as I am

now. I can’t help but think about how cool it would be to become a scientist now that I’m doing science instead of just learning it.However, I’m not sure if I’m pursuing a career in science is what I want to do with my life. More to the point, I don’t know what I want to do with my life period. I love the arts and being an actor, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to pursue a career in those fields. Acting is a dream job, but very few actually make it big.

So I plan to attend a local college for a year or two while I try to figure things out. Even if I don’t chose to pursue a job in the sciences after college, I know this project has changed the way I think about scientific jobs for the better, forever.

“Learning about the way things work scratches my itching curiosity; this

research project has made me fall in love.”

2014 Best early symposium

Thank you, Dr. Desmond Murray, and Andrews University, for giving Berrien RESA students the opportunity to RESEARCH EARLY.

These students are our future, and your efforts give them a competitive edge in their future and globally.

The Wilce L. Cooke Foundationis pleased to co-sponsor the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

Wilce L. Cooke Foundation...Educating, Empowering, Inspiring, and Caring for Benton Harbor, Michigan

“Education is the Key”Proud Sponsor of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

www.gcscored.org

Page 14: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

14 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

My name is Jake Wold and I am currently attending

Berrien Springs High School. Next year I plan to attend Michigan State University to major in Kinesiology.

The purpose of my senior chemistry research is to develop a method for mak-ing chromone-2- carboxylic acids using o-hydroxyarylidene pyruvic acids. This, as far as we know, has not been done before. While several methods have been used in chromone synthesis, pyruvic acid has not been utilized in their preparation. We antic-ipate our approach, if successful, would have some advantages over others and will find an important synthetic use for abundant and relatively inexpensive pyruvic acid.

In addition, chromones are well-known naturally occurring oxygen-containing het-erocyclic compounds with a broad range

of biological and pharmaceutical activ-ity. Specifically, a type of 2-carboxylic

acid also known as cromoglicic acid, has been found to be effective against asthma.

The original procedure of my experi-ment isn’t too terribly complex, however so far it has not worked and I have focused on conducting a variety of modifications that would lead to the desired result. This has involved making changes to the reaction temperature, solvent, catalyst and reactants. So, for example, I have done reactions in mixed alcohol-water solvents at room temperature and at reflux.

The research process is one that is definitely very thorough and complex.

Having taken chemistry my sophomore year, I thought I had a pretty good under-standing of what science was about. Boy was I wrong. I’ve learned more this first semester than I had all sophomore year. Getting all these chemicals and materials are really cool, but looking at them more in detail is what makes it really cool. I love reading about the hazards, the benefits, and the structure of them. I’m extremely happy that I got the chance to do research now because it will definitely help me out in the long run when I get to college.

“I’m extremely happy that I got the chance to do research now because it will definitely help

me out in the long run when I get to college.”

My name is Adam Merrick and I attend Bridgman High School. I plan to attend Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan after graduating this June to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Material Science and Engineering. Beyond the classroom, I am a soccer player, a gamer, a snow-boarder, and I dabble in plastic scale models.

I have been fortunate to be part of the Berrien County Math and Science, and especially to be working on this independent research project in synthetic chemistry. Chemistry has always been my favorite class and it is really awe-some now to be able to put that learning to good use with my research project into heat-resis-tant, metal-sensing poly-mers. Most importantly this experience will help open doors for my career as it will give me valu-able insight about how research is performed.

The research I select-ed from Dr. Murray’s list of projects focuses on creating polyester – found in fabrics - chains with pyrimidine units – found in DNA - incorporated into them. We anticipate that the nitrogen atoms of pyrimidine units would bind and sense free metal ions. When these sensors are lined up in a repeating polymer chain, the hope is that this will create an effective sensor that can be produced for many other applications such as food safety

and environmental monitoring. Another interesting possibility is the production of clothing with metal-sensing capabilities.

Right now my research is focused on efficient synthesis of the polymer. We have been also varying the length of the poly-mer chain to help evaluate and compare

their properties. The next phase of the project is to enhance the metal -sensing capabilities of the polymer by modifying the structure of the pyrimidine unit. Our goal is to create a poly-mer that chang-es color and/or fluorescence when exposed to metal ions.

All of this work is a great reminder of how real science is done, and how much time and effort it takes to get definitive

results. At this point, a lot of the work is spent running reactions in the lab and that is very important, but what’s even more important is to interpret our results correct-ly so we are able to understand the science and determine our next set of experiments.

Research will be an integral part of my personal journey through col-lege and I think it should also be for other high school and college students.

“This experience will help open doors for my career as it will give me valuable

insight about how research is performed.”

I am Andrew Lipp and I currently attend Bridgman High School. I plan

on attending Valparaiso University in the fall to minor in statistics and earn my law degree. Then I plan to serve in the Air Force. I love soccer and play at least twice a week. I also enjoy reading books.

My research experience in the lab performing experi-ments has been great so far. My experiment involves liquid crys-tals, imides, and stil-benes. What I am try-ing to do is to combine all three of these to cre-ate one final product. This has never been done before. Imides and stilbenes have been combined and so have liquid crys-tals and stilbenes, but never before have all three been combined.

I use techniques and equipment no one in the world around me has even heard of. Being able to do this research will prepare me for laboratory research I may have to do in college. I never thought it would be possible for a high school student like me to get to use such advanced lab techniques with such

little experience in Chemistry. I wish more people were given such an oppor-tunity to do research like I am doing this semester. It would prepare them oh so much for college like a regular high school chemistry class can’t provide.

I have learned so much in this one semester. Without this class, I would

have no clue how to even start an experi-ment, let alone how to carry one out in a pro-fessional manner. It feels like every day I learn a new technique, or of a new devel-opment in my own experiment. I also get to observe many other very interesting exper-iments around me.

I, along with them, am continually learn-ing from our profes-sor. Without his help, none of the early research opportunities we have been pre-sented with would be

possible. I would like to thank them as well as everyone who has helped to keep the Math and Science Center running for as long as it has. Without it, I would just be another kid who doesn’t know a thing about chemistry and its processes.

“Without it, I would just be another kid who doesn’t know a thing about chemistry.”

Imagine Different...…novel method for making anti-asthmatic drugs ... clothes that sense toxic metals ... new liquid crystalline materials...Imagine!

2014 Best early symposium

EDUCATE with MEDIASponsor a Page TodayCall (269) 926-4241

Your Sponsorship Could be Tax Deductible

Page 15: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

15Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

I am Joseph Chi, a senior in Berrien Springs High School who plans to attend Michigan State University to study electrical engineering. During my free time, I love to figure out interesting

math problems, play the piano, and help with community service projects.

Independent research is a completely new experience for me. When I am in school, I have peers as well as teach-ers to guide my learning. Whenever I am stuck on a problem, all I have to do is ask how to solve it. Independent research, however, is not like that. I cannot ask anybody if I am stuck on a problem because what I am doing is foreign to everybody else. Therefore, independent research in senior chemistry class forces me to become an explorer and I have to use my own logic to see if I am doing the right procedures or not.

I am currently synthesizing aryli-dene rhodanines and related compounds, with the novelty being they have boronic acids attached and the process involves using cheap materials like calcium oxide and ethanol. Rhodanine is a heterocy-

clic molecule and is used as an agent that fights type 2 diabetes mellitus and other diseases related to this. This class of compounds shows many activities that gives chemists and pharmacologists great hope about what they can offer.

However, prior to our work, boronic acid containing arylidene rhodanines have not been reported. Boronic acids are very important in organic and medicinal chem-istry because they serve both as intermedi-ates in making pharmaceuticals while also being biologically active themselves. I am exploring the anti-cancer properties of our new boronic acid substituted arylidene rhodanine and related compounds. So,

my work involves doing organic synthesis with Dr. Murray and anti-cancer testing with Dr. Smith. This is an example of a chemistry-biology collaboration at the Berrien County Math and Science Center.

I have been working with this pro-ject for a few months now, and I feel more confident about doing independent research. When I first started doing this, I had trouble learning the proper pro-cedures and learning how to become independent. Now I can do most of the procedures on my own. I feel accom-plished, and I will remember this course for it allows me to get a taste of what real scientists are doing around the world.

“I feel accomplished, and I will remember this course for it allows me to get a taste of

what real scientists are doing around the world.”

My senior chemistry research proj-ect involves finding optimal condi-

tions for the synthesis of unsymmetrical optical brighteners contain-ing a biphenyl ring. It has gone though a few modi-fications of temperature, catalyst and base, so far.

At the beginning of the semester, we had a few lec-tures on the basics of chem-istry, learning the foundation for what was coming up. We also learned about basic lab skills and how to main-tain a research lab notebook. Then, for most of the semes-ter we conducted experi-ments to achieve our research goals.

For me, this was a fairly simple task. My experi-ment involves tak-ing a few reactants and mixing them, stirring for a few hours, neutralizing the reaction, and doing simple gravity filtra-tion to isolate and collect my solid product. I have conducted quite a few experiments over the course of the semester, which has enabled me to analyze the data, compare results, and determine, in consultation with Dr. Murray, what the next experiment(s) should be. Many of my products so far have turned out to be fluorescent.

However, my experience has been pretty rough. While I learned some foun-dations at the beginning of the semester and through various one-on-one meetings

with Dr. Murray, I feel like my founda-tional knowledge of the why and how could be improved. The actual hands-

on lab experience has been very enjoyable for me, but branch-ing outside of what he normally does for the experiment is difficult.

Having done mul-tiple research presenta-tions before (for exam-ple, presenting research done on mass spec-trometry at MIT for the Siemens competition), I feel fairly comfortable with the final presenta-

tion aspect of the research. Overall, I feel like a tra-ditional learning experience would provide more foundation and future benefit, but

I still enjoy this experience very much and am learning a lot from it.

I am Evan Hauck of Bridgman High School, as well as Berrien County Math and Science Center and I also take a few Andrews University classes. I love programming, doing astropho-tography through my telescope and painting digitally. I plan on attending Michigan Technological University to study Computer Science, and would like to have a job creating compil-ers for an established language.

“The actual hands-on lab experience

has been very enjoyable for me.”

Imagine Different...…investigating new possible anti-cancer compounds .... synthesis of new optical brighteners...Imagine!

Berrien RESAToday’s Purpose - Tomorrow’s Promise.

We support our school community with respect and compassion through

quality programs, leadership and dedicated partnerships.

Congratulations Berrien County Mathematics &

Science Center Students on another successful

BEST Early Research Symposium!

w w w . b e r r i e n r e s a . o r g( 2 6 9 ) 4 7 1 - 7 7 2 5

2014 Best early symposium

Investing in -- STUDENTS and SCIENCE RESEARCH -- Makes Great Business Sense!

Proud Sponsor of 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium • www.complianceauditconsultants.com/

Page 16: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

16 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014 Community

KitchenAid Presents Free Concert Series During Senior PGA Featuring Funk Legend George Clinton and Others

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and funk

legend George Clinton is coming to Benton Harbor, Mich., to headline a three-day Community Concert Series presented by Dow and Whirlpool Corporation during the week of the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, May 20-25. Also performing is New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band, R&B stylist Will Downing and jazz musician Tim Cunningham.

Local artists, Charlene Jones and Bonita Mit-chell, will be the featured opening acts – as Jones will open for George Clinton and Mitchell will open for Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

The concerts will take place in advance of Memorial Day Weekend, from Wednesday, May 21 through Friday, May 23. All shows will be held at City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor and will be free to the public.

Admission to the Community Concert Series is free although a ticket is required. Beginning May 1, fans can obtain tickets by visiting the following local businesses:• Pizza Hut: 2049 Niles Road, St. Joseph and -- 1940 M-139, Benton Harbor• The Livery, 190 5th Street, Benton Harbor• Harbor Shores Clubhouse, 201 Graham Avenue, Benton Harbor• St. Joseph Today office, 301 State Street, St. Joseph

The Community Concert Series schedule is as follows (all shows begin at 8:30 p.m.):

• Wednesday, May 21o Charlene Jones (opening)o George Clinton (headlining)

• Thursday, May 22o Gospel music by Bonita Mitchell, Charlene Jones, Gwen Norwood and Tara Sanders (opening)o Dirty Dozen Brass Band (headlining)

• Friday, May 23o Tim Cunningham (opening)o Will Downing (headlining)

Tickets to the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid may be purchased online at SPGA2014.com or by calling the Championship office at (269) 487-3200.

Masterpieceby Naki Hebony Yates ReaLady

Since the beginning of time people have been intrigued by beautiful things, I’ve realized there’s nothing more beau-

tiful than him loving me,

For much of my life, I’ve had this puzzle with a missing

piece, and for all of his life all he had was this one piece,

Now coming together, we have a masterpiece and I have

peace, a beautiful thing,

For beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I be holding it, because what I see is more than beauty to me,

it’s a masterpiece, my masterpiece,

My piece that had been missing from my Master to me, my peace,

Even coal can become beautiful if put under enough pressure, just look at my left hand fourth finger, diamonds

are forever,

And although it may not be to you, it is my treasure, and for the rest of my

life it will also be my pleasure,

Life can sometimes be heavy right now I’m light as a feather, and I have to

admit I’m blessed beyond measure,

For he is my peace, my masterpiece, my piece that had been missing from

my Master to me, my peace...

George Clinton

“Dr. Desmond Murray doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk--enhancing our students

and science.”

POETtree is a Proud Sponsor of the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium.

Will Downing

POETRY CORNER

Naki Hebony Yates ReaLady is a hairstylist at Divine Creations,

1682 Berrien Avenue, Benton Harbor. She is President of the Benton Harbor

POETtree organization.

GRAND OPENING - APRIL 25 & 26 • 11 AM - 11 PM

1255 Pipestone • benton harbor, mi

Page 17: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

17Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014Community

It happens in an instant, but the winning lasts a lifetime! It,s

Cash For Life®, four fun instant tickets with up to 20 ways to

win. Imagine winning up to $4,000 a week for the rest of your life! And there are over $117 million in total cash prizes. So turn an instant into a lifetime with Cash For Life!

Top prize Cash For Life® winners will receive their prize payments in annual installments over their lifetime or over 20 years, whichever is greater, unless within 60 days from the date they claim their prize, they request the Cash Option method of payment. Overall odds of winning $1 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.53. Overall odds of winning $2 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.25. Overall odds of winning $5 Cash For Life: 1 in 4.04. Overall odds of winning $10 Cash For Life: 1 in 3.99. If you bet more than you can afford to lose, you’ve got a problem. Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help.

Page 18: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

18 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014 Classified

CLASSIFIEDS

SEEKING EDUCATOR FOR

GIRLS ACADEMY

The Benton Harbor Girls Academy is seek-ing a Teacher / Academy Mistress for grades four through eight. The Academy is a non-graded, individualized learning environment, with a maxi-mum of fifteen girls per classroom. The Academy serves students of Benton Harbor, Michigan, an area challenged economically.

The teacher will have the professional skills and empathy to work with middle-school age girls needing a strong, sound, growth-focused learning environment for education to meet life’s challenges with competence and dig-nity. In addition to teach-ing one classroom of girls, the candidate of choice will have the professional skill and experience to also serve as Academy Mistress or Principal. The small school setting and dual responsibility are ideal for a creative, orga-nized, and dedicated edu-cator who wants to make a difference in the lives of girls.

Interested individuals please send a resume, including education, expe-rience, and references, to Dr. Patricia Ann Quattrin Ph.D., Executive Director, Benton Harbor Girls Academy, P. O. Box 840, Benton Harbor, MI 49023 or to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2014.

BS/adv. April 17, 2014___________________

WANT TO MAKE A FEW DOLLARS – IN A FEW HOURS/WEEK?

It’s simple! It’s Community!

Volunteer by helping us spread the word about events in our community and receive a stipend for doing it.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A computer/Internet access, telephone, data entry experience, and 1-3 hours/week.

Only a few positions. Contact us at: (269) 926-4241 or email [email protected] immediate consider-ation.

BS/adv. April 17, 2014__________________

Retail Merchandisers needed for store remodel in Benton Harbor. Reset & POG experience needed. This is an independent contractor position. Call Patti 708-636-5912

BMS/adv.: April 17, 2014 _________________ TELEMETERS, SALES REP. GRAPHIC DESIGNER, REPORTER, PROOFREADER, ADMINISTRATIVE and WEBSITE TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED AT SPIRIT NEWS.

Sales/Telemarketing Consultant Needed. Reliable, friendly, and can follow details.

Experienced reporter and researcher needed immediately to cover community stories. Some tasks can be done from remote/home locations. Please send previous articles/work for consid-eration. Must be reliable, have excellent grammar, and able to follow details, and complete tasks in a timely manner.

Website Help Needed IMMEDIATELY. Do you love computers, have some website and

Photoshop experience? Can be done from remote location. Send requested information and salary seeking to: [email protected].

BMS/adv. April 17, 2014______________

ELECTION NOTICECITY OF BENTON

HARBORMAY 6, 2014

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF BENTON HARBOR IN THE COUNTY OF BERRIEN:

Notice is hereby given that a Special Election, caused by the filing of a recall petition, will be held in the City of Benton Harbor within the County of Berrien, State of Michigan on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 for the purpose of elect-ing a candidate to fill the remainder of the term of office for:

Mayor (1) – Partial Term/Expiring December 31, 2015

To comply with the Help America Vote Act

(HAVA), voting instruc-tions will be available on audio tape and in Braille. Arrangements for obtain-ing the instructions in these alternative formats can be made by contacting the city clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations are accessible for voters with disabilities.

The following polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WARDS 1 & 3 Benton Harbor High School 870 Colfax Avenue

WARD 2Martin Luther King School 750 E. Britain Avenue WARD 4Morton Hill School267 N. Hull

This notice is given in compliance with MCL 168.653a.

Kim Thompson, City Clerk200 E. Wall StreetBenton Harbor, MI 49022April 2014

BS/adv. April 17, 2014

Are you a business/entre-preneur still using a yahoo or gmail email address? Shame on YOU! Treat your business like a busi-ness and register your name NOW!

Have you considered reg-istering YOUR NAME as a domain? It’s your name -- register it!

Have you thought of a great name to use on the Web or one you could try to sell for Big Bucks?

Register your domain now. It’s simple & $10/year. Plus, other great web tools at prices you can afford

Go to:www.007webstore.comBMS/adv. April 17, 2014____________________

DOMAINS FOR SALE!www.mrsmichelleobama.comwww.mrsmichellobama.orgwww.mrs.michelleobama.infowww.chicagosownbarack.comwww.postslavery.comwww.moneymotivates.mewww.spgabentonharbor.comwww.votebentonharbor.com

Make an offer, include your contact info, at:[email protected] inquiries only.

Employment

JIM’S HEATING SERVICE 372 S. FAIR AVENUE,

BENTON HARBOR, MI 49022

SHOP: (269) 926-1512FAX: (269) 926-1705EMERGENCY: (269) 449-6196OWNER: JIM WHITELOW

Experienced and Reliable Service You Can Trust

Major Credit Cards Accepted

$10 OFF Service Call

Heating Problems?Call Jim’s Heating Service

LEGAL NOTICE

DOMAINS

Discounts cannot be used with other promotions and have no cash value

Sick and tired of Being Sick and tired?Want to change Your Financial Future?

BLAKEONOMICSHas a SOLUTION

Blakeonomics is an economic attempt to create wealth of the poor --for the poor -- by the poor.

It creates and shares wealth, through a common unity, based on a community wealth creation system of com-mon stock. Free gift shares of stock will be given to local residents that choose to attend Blakeonomics finan-cial literacy education classes. Additional free gift shares will be given for opening a savings account and sav-ing a minimum of $2 per week or a minimum of $100 annually for three years. Open a personal USA (Ultra Savings Account) at Community Wide Federal Credit Union and receive one (1) share of stock for each dol-lar you save in your own personal USA savings account.

For more information or to reserve your seat at the next Blakeonomics Financial Literacy Class, contact us TODAY!

BLAKEONOMICSBreaking the Cycle of Poverty • Creating Wealth

BLAKEONOMICS(574) 232-1311 or

visit www.blakeonomics.com

Happy EasterSend Easter photo(s) of your children/church members to be included in our next edition. Send hi-resolution photos to: [email protected] or mail to Spirit, P.O. Box 465, Benton Harbor, MI 49023, with complete contact info. and a brief description of photo. Deadline: April 23. Sorry, photos cannot be returned.

Page 19: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

19Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

By Ralph HeibutzkiSpirit Correspondent

I’m Saving Myself Executive Director Bonita Mitchell will join an all-star

array of local gospel talent for a special concert that’s scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, Benton Harbor. That event, “Believe, Don’t Give Up,” is intended to get across three basic messages, from Mitchell’s viewpoint.

“We’ve been in the schools, and we’re still in the schools – now, it’s about the families,” Mitchell said. “What we want to see happen is that – first of all – people will come to Christ. They’re going to know that there’s other people going through harder times than them, and they never gave up. Number two, we want to see an increase in African-Americans getting therapy. Our job is to do whatever we can to help build healthy communi-ties. Number three is hope – that people will leave that concert reju-venated to reach for their dreams.”

To put the message across, Mitchell (member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Dowagiac (Pastor Kevin Mitchell); will join forces onstage with several other area gos-pel artists – including Charlene Jones (member of Beautiful Gate Missionary Baptist Church, in Benton Harbor (Pastor Robert Jones), Gwen Norwood (member of Bread Life of Missionary Baptist Church, Benton Harbor (Pastor Robert Defrance), Tara Sanders (member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Benton Harbor (Pastor

Milton McAfee), and Yakima Shepard (member of Ark of the Covenant, Benton Harbor (Pastor Roy Andrew).

The May 2 concert is the second event one of a series that Mitchell envi-sions as a long-term project in help-

ing local residents deal with their doubts, fears and other negative emo-tions. The event kicked off in March with a similar concert at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church of Benton Harbor, where other mental health agencies and therapists were also represented.

“Most people say, ‘African-Americans don’t kill themselves,’ but there’s so many kids and so many families that are suffering, just wanting to give up – a lot of them are now going to church,”

Mitchell said. “The kids are coming to these concerts to hear good sing-ing – and, at the time they’re hear-ing good singing, we can resources there, if they need ongoing help.”

Eight local residents will also be honored as “Trailblazers in the Community” for their work in sup-porting others, Mitchell said. That group will include Lodie Elliott, Pastor Kenneth Gavin, Joyce Hall, Anne Haire, L.J. Joseph, Edwina McCree Wilbur Scott, and Reverend Andrew Smith. In addi-tion, pamphlets and other infor-mational resources will be made available at the concert, “if they (attendees) need services,” she said.

Plans are underway for the third concert, with details to follow soon on her organization’s website, www.imsavingmyself.org, Mitchell said. I’m Saving Myself began in 2001, after a popular student committed suicide at Mitchell’s old high school in Eau Claire. The organization focuses on teaching youth to develop the skills and motivation to succeed by explor-ing their talents in the performing

arts, according to its official website.

“Believe, Don’t Give Up”: Faith And Hope Is ThemeOf May 2 Concert At Second Baptist Church

“Believe, Don’t Give Up” Message 1. Come to Christ...other people are going through harder times...they never gave up.

2. An increase in African-Americans getting therapy.

3. PeoPle will leave the concert feeling rejuvenated to reach for their dreams.

Community

Happy 57th Birthday• Archie Davis •

Thank you for being a great husband, a great friend of the Benton Spirit, and one of the BEST DJs in the

World -- Keeping Old School Music Alive!--Love, Jean (your wife), the Spirit News Family & Benton Harbor and the Michiana Community!

Archie--Back in the Day Archie-- TodayAdvertise Today • (269) 926-4241Print & Internet for One Price

Page 20: April 17, 2014 science feature final spirit news

www.bentonspiritnews.com

20 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • April 17, 2014

All are invited to see local Southwest Michigan

high schoolstudents

present real cutting-edge

research.

Teachers: Bring your class

Educators: Come and be

Inspired!

Community: Support Students

and Science

For more information or to RSVP contact

Dr. Desmond Murray at:[email protected]

or call:(269) 757-1641

YOUARE

INVITED. . .

25 AprilAndrews UniversityBerrien Springs, MI

Come & ImagineDifferent...

It’s OurFuture!

To learn the benefits of sponsorship (corporate or otherwise) of this event, contact Dr. Desmond Murray as soon as possible at [email protected] and/or

call (269) 757-1641.

2014 Best early symposium