Patriarche recalls former E.L.

Sitting in the Victorian-style lounge of the Burcham Hills Retirement Center, Jack Patriarche recalled moving to East Lansing.The 84-year-old relaxed on a blue-flower-patterned couch as residents passed wishing him a good morning and greeting him with smiles.One of the three remaining charter members of the Kiwanis Club of East Lansing, Patriarche is considered by many a good friend and a fountain of information regarding the city’s past.Only 1,800 people lived in East Lansing and all of the streets were gravel or mud when he moved here in 1922.

Few vaccine issues as flu season ends

Despite the rising number of flu cases during the last month of the season, students at MSU aren’t afraid of contracting the virus.“I haven’t gotten the flu shot and probably won’t get it until I’ve gotten the flu once,” computer science freshman Katie Spear said.

DCL diversity week begins

MSU-Detroit College of Law’s Diversity Week 2002 will include community service events, lectures and celebrations. The events are sponsored by several organizations, including the Wolverine Student Bar Association and The Young Democrats.

Family trees branch out in E.L.

Carole Callard has been investigating her family history since 1974.She traced her father’s family back to Jamestown, Va., in 1623 and her mother’s family came to the United States from Ireland in the 1850s, she said. Callard, a genealogy specialist from the Library of Michigan, will help others fill holes in their family histories at 7 p.m.

Study: Liquor may prevent dementia

A recent study found that drinking alcohol could have longer-term effects than a hangover. A survey published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, said moderate consumption of alcohol - between one and three drinks a day - can help prevent heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Dementia refers to a group of disorders - the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease - that cause a significant change in thinking and memory. The six-year study was conducted at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Pool shows potential, beauty of IM facility

For about 20 years, a pool in IM Sports-Circle has been collecting dust and debris.James Perra, ASMSU chairperson of the intramural facility improvement committee, said the 80-year-old pool represents the potential of all the intramural facilities on campus.

Students interact with kids

Sarah Masternick spent her Saturday afternoon tying ice skates and spinning kids on the ice. The elementary education junior volunteers along with about 40 MSU students through Meridian Township Police Department’s Spartan Buddies program. The program, which pairs elementary-aged students with college-aged mentors, was started nine years ago by Meridian Township police officer Gayelord Mankowski. “We found we didn’t have much success with the adults, so we decided to do things with the kids,” he said. Spartan Buddies began at Wardcliff Elementary School for children in need.

Bill introduced in Washington could make service mandatory

U.S. Rep. Nick Smith, R-Addison, introduced a bill Tuesday that would require young men to be available to serve in the military or national community service for at least six months. “Military training and experience prepares communities for potential challenges while encouraging community and national service,” Smith said in a statement.

Police briefs 02/04/02

Quiz bowl asks black history questions

Black Student Alliance is sponsoring a quiz bowl competition at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cyber Cafe in the Main Library. The free event, which was created to celebrate Black History Month, will feature teams answering questions in categories such as black leaders and scientific inventions by black people.

Lack of salt inventory causes price to soar

Like many salt suppliers, Cargill Salt builds contracts with buyers before winter with the hope of filling all its customers’ salt needs for the season.Last year, the snowy winter put a bit more pressure on plow companies with salt trucks.“Companies were using their entire contract amount by December,” said Lori Johnson spokeswoman for Cargill Salt.

New Cooley president sets goals, hopes to compete

Don LeDuc and Cooley Law School have been together almost since the school’s beginning.Last month, Cooley officials named LeDuc its second president.

Mentors could have role in decreased violations

Although residence hall alcohol and drug violations have dropped since the 2000 switch from resident assistants to mentors, there are varying perspectives on why the drop occurred.In 1999, there were 655 reported alcohol violations in residence halls.

Police briefs 02/01/02

Group highlights Buddhist culture, political freedom

About 40 students seeking enlightenment gathered together this week at an event sponsored by MSU Students For A Free Tibet.“Everyone possesses the Buddhist nature inside,” John Grimes said during his presentation Tuesday night.

Distinguished professor to commemorate Black History Month at LCC

Johnnetta Cole is not your typical retired college professor. Cole travels to remote places such as the Philippines while juggling roles on community boards and organizations, publishing books and speaking to college students. Cole will be the keynote speaker at Lansing Community College’s Black History Month Keynote Address from 3-5 p.m.

Student interest in yoga increases

Ruth Fisk, cross-legged in the middle of a dimly lit room, faces about 15 students with her arms upstretched above her head.

Corps anticipate interest

President Bush is calling on all Americans to serve their country for the equivalent of 4,000 hours - or two years - in their lifetimes. MSU Peace Corps recruiter Chris Foley said this push could definitely increase interest in the Peace Corps on campus. “It gives good publicity and can only do good,” he said.

Groups discuss gender identity

Although some universities have added protection for transgender people to their anti-discrimination policies, MSU staff and students have no gender identity regulations.The policy, which was revised in April 1993, excludes the category of transgender.

Lectures, shows fill cultures history month

The Latin Explosion talent show and the From Slavery to Freedom Lecture Series will offer students an opportunity to learn during February’s Chicano and Black History month.Other large events during the month include the Dia de La Mujer Conference and a presentation by award-winning poet Nikki Giovanni.Rodney Patterson, coordinator for the Office of Racial and Ethnic Student Affairs, said he thinks celebrating Black History Month was designed to raise awareness about black culture.“It showcases the accomplishments of African Americans,” he said.