Complexes, police feed 6 families

Some university families are guaranteed a fruitful Thanksgiving after three residence hall complexes filled a room full of food and MSU's Department of Police and Public Safety distributed it last week.For the department's third annual West Side Community Policing Team's food drive, more than enough food was collected in one month to feed six families who live in university apartments.With food donations from residents in Brody, West Circle and South complexes, large holiday baskets were assembled and given to each family.

Next Senate leader urges non-vote on pay increase

State Senate Majority Leader-elect Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, is urging state compensation officials not to make a recommendation for a salary increase for state lawmakers this year. The bi-partisan State Officers Compensation Commission met recently to discuss the recommendation and possibly propose a pay increase for 2005.

Project hopes to get new businesses to downtown Lansing

Lansing - Plans to beautify the 100 block of South Washington Square in downtown Lansing are running the gamut of local favor, as nearby businesses forecast the changes from "refreshing" to "a waste of money." The "streetscape" beautification project is part of Lansing Mayor David Hollister's Blue Ribbon Committee on Downtown Revitalization.

'U' announces commencement speakers

U.N. Development Programme Administrator Mark Malloch Brown will speak to advanced degree candidates during commencement activities Dec.

Group sets up Web site on contaminated foods

MSU's Foodborne Disease Forum has set up a Web site for the public to report contaminated foods in Greater Lansing.

Planetarium to hold clinic on telescopes

A clinic on telescopes will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in Abrams Planetarium. The goal of the clinic is to provide information on telescopes to potential buyers in time for the holiday shopping season. Attendees can learn the basic features to look for in telescopes.

Service greeks sponsor race for recovery

Just above freezing temperatures and a brisk wind didn't stop students and local residents from participating in Alpha Phi Omega's first annual 5K run and walk Saturday afternoon."It really isn't that bad out," environmental biology senior Amber Johnson said.

Festival features cultures

Various cultures of the world came to campus Sunday as ethnic dance, music, fashion shows and craft activities filled rooms of the Union.More than 30 international clubs and organizations participated in Global Festival 2002, an event that was part of International Education Week that featured exhibits, crafts, games and information about countries around the globe.Dozens of children gathered around a stage in the ballroom as the Taiwanese Puppet Troupe of the University of Madison performed a traditional Taiwanese puppet show.

Free skating promotes food drive

As communication sophomore Shaleta Havard slid on her back at Munn Ice Arena, she saw other skaters cringing their faces and taking pictures of her mishap."I heard a lot of oohs and ahhs," she said.

Police increase seat belt enforcement for holiday

Driving the speed limit, stopping at red lights and stop signs and using blinkers while turning this Thanksgiving break won't guarantee a ticket-free holiday for the MSU community.

'Vagina Monologues' to start auditions at Union on Dec. 5

Arielle Popkey was a little nervous about moaning loudly in front of a large group of people. She wasn't sure she wanted to talk about her vagina in public. But after the English and studio art sophomore participated in "The Vagina Monologues" in March, she said she wouldn't become less shy. "I got used to saying clitoris and it became a lot less scary," she said.

Police briefs 11/25/02

Holiday events attract 50,000 to downtown Lansing

Lansing - About 50,000 people and 40,000 lights lined Lansing streets and buildings Friday night as the state Capitol ushered in the holiday season with the 18th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration. The free event hosted an electric light parade, ice sculptors and the lighting of the official state Christmas tree, complete with a fireworks display that illuminated the Lansing sky. Attendees lauded the city for organizing the free event and emphasized the importance of bringing people back into the downtown area.

Sculpture chosen for fountain in E. Lansing

It took two tries to find the ideal sculpture for a fountain in downtown East Lansing, but after holding two contests, city officials say they've found the perfect piece to break the mold.

Conference gives parents tips, advice on college

The King-Chavez-Parks College Day Programs, a group dedicated to increasing the number of minorities in higher education, presented its first annual parent conference Friday and Saturday at the Kellogg Center.

'U' clinics switch to electronic records

Dr. Michael Zaroukian is "PESTEE" about the quality of care patients receive at MSU HealthTeam clinics.To help boost his philosophy of "patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, efficient and equitable" care, the group is installing an electronic medical record system, which will eliminate the traditional handwritten charts and allow patients to access their records online."What we expect is while quality is improving, cost will be reduced," Zaroukian said.Funding came from MSU HealthTeam resources, a $550,000 grant from the MSU Department of Radiology and a continued line of credit for the project.Installation of the electronic medical record system started in the MSU Department of Family Practice clinic.Zaroukian, medical director for the implementation project, said the transition from massive amounts of paperwork to the electronic system will be beneficial to patients as well as to doctors who will not have to fight with illegible records."Now we have more complete, accurate records," he said.Patients will be able to log on to read their medical records once they have signed up for the program in person.Michael Szkotnicki, MSU HealthTeam's chief information officer, said patients usually had to request a copy of their records in person and sometimes pay a fee.

Music fest benefits retirement community

The Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils have combined to establish music event for students that benefits a local retirement community. The first Greek Music Fest took place Saturday as fraternities and sororities took over the Sports Arena in IM Sports-West to benefit the Burcham Hills Retirement Community, 2700 Burcham Drive. "I think it was a cool event," Interfraternity Council President Paul Hage said.

Sweet potato research gets $4 million in grants

Research on sweet potatoes in Africa has helped the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources earn $4 million in grants. The grants include $1.2 million from The Rockefeller Foundation and $2.4 million from the U.S.

WEB ONLY: Greeks hold music event

The Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils will hold the Greek Music Fest from 2-9 p.m. Saturday in the IM Sports-West arena to benefit the Burcham Hills Retirement Community. A donation of $10 to benefit Burcham Hills will be requested at the door. Numerous local Michigan bands and DJs will be featured. The Flutor's, Eyes Like Damn, Green Street, Pushing 33 and Until Sunday will be performing along with the Tech Avenue DJs. "Hopefully this will turn into an annual event," said Angela Corsi, Panhellenic Council vice president for external relations.

WEB ONLY: RHA chooses new logo

With the help of an MSU student, the Residence Halls Association's quest for a new logo ended Wednesday at its weekly meeting. The general assembly voted to use chemistry junior Carrie Thomas' design for RHA's new logo.