Scam artists take advantage of tragedy
Consumer protection agencies are warning potential donors to beware of online collection scams in the wake of the attacks in Washington and New York City.Since Tuesday, scam artists looking to steal donations intended for relief efforts have been out in full force online.Unsolicited bulk e-mail fraudulently requesting donations in the names of victims or of the American Red Cross have turned up, said Kelly Alexander, a spokesperson for the organization.Alexander said the organization is trying to help protect people from scams by putting out information on donation opportunities.“We depend on the generosity of the American public and donations to do our jobs, and to be there for people in times of need,” she said.
Group offers area children BIGS boost
A new registered student organization has made its way to campus, and members say it may be a valuable outlet for youth - especially those seeking answers after last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on the United States. Spartan BIGS is an on-campus extension of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Greater Lansing Inc., which provides one-on-one mentoring programs for some children in the community. The group is recruiting MSU students to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
New SN general manager aims to be role model
For the first time, a woman is general manager of The State News. Marty Sprigg, who was promoted to the position in August, said she couldn’t be more excited about her new position.“I am very excited and looking forward to the challenges student newspapers face,” she said.Sprigg came to MSU in 1994 to work for The State News as the advertising adviser.
New pizza parlor fills late-night cravings
It isn’t a hut, it’s a house.And this house is open late.Pizza House, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road in East Lansing, opened Thursday.
Safe Place reaches out to U
As the only university with a domestic violence shelter on a college campus, MSU Safe Place helps promote awareness through counseling, advocacy programs and support groups. The shelter was founded in 1994 by Joanne McPherson, MSU’s first lady.
Students learn about justice in teen court
Lansing - At the Lansing Teen Court, juvenile offenders are given a second chance to redeem themselves with the help of their peers. The teen court is celebrating its first year of operation this month and allows teen-agers from Lansing area high schools to serve as jurors and decide on a punishment for the offenders.
Stock market takes 660-point plunge first day back
Investors clamored to sell when the stock market reopened Monday.The rampant selling sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average down more than 660 points.Airline, insurance and entertainment stocks took the worst of the blows.But Todd Lowrie, finance senior and president of the MSU Finance Association and the MSU Investment Club, said it could be a lot worse.“A 600-plus point drop is not surprising.
Tragic events cant stop Recruitment
Despite Tuesday’s tragedy, potential greeks were in no short supply during men’s Recruitment last week.“Overall, I think this was probably one of our best sessions since I’ve been here at MSU,” said Interfraternity Council President Josh Tudor.
Community breaks ground on Jewish student center
After a four-year campaign, one MSU student group will see its dream come true.A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday to kick off construction of a new Hillel Jewish Student Center, 402 Linden St., on the former location of the old structure.More than 75 people came to celebrate the beginning of the new structure.“A new Hillel building is extremely important to MSU,” said Andrew Bocknek, a finance senior who also sits on the Hillel board of governors.
Museum continues quilting series
Despite a canceled lecture Sunday because of flight problems, the MSU Museum still has a series of quilting events planned in the upcoming months. Kitty Clark Cole, an avid collector and creator of quilts, was unable to give her lecture, “It’s Better With Cheddar,” referring to the orange-colored quilt fabrics that she enjoys, because she couldn’t get a flight from Wisconsin to Michigan. Cole has greatly supported the museum and generously donated 13 quilts from her collection to the Michigan Quilt Project, which is housed in the MSU Museum.
New director says education the key to unity
As new director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at MSU, Israel Cuellar will focus on education as the key to rebuilding the Latino community.“People who are more well-educated have better jobs, and that reduces the income disparities that exist,” he said.
Hypnotist entertains U with mental powers
The soothing music.A calm voice speaking into the microphone. These things sent some MSU students into a state of deep relaxation during two shows presented by hypnotist Thomas Bresadola on Saturday at the International Center.About 50 people were in attendance for the first show, which featured students thinking they were at a racetrack or flying in an airplane.The event was sponsored by the University Activities Board.“I have been studying hypnotic powers since I was 17, and I became a full-time hypnotist when I was 27,” said Bresadola, who lives in New York.Bresadola has worked with people with high amounts of stress, those who are trying to quit smoking and athletes.“Athletes are basically the same when it comes to being physical, but the mental part is also important,” he said.
Eastern principals excellence honored
The Lansing School District wasn’t surprised to learn one of their own had won a Michigan Education Excellence Award.For them it was confirmation of something they already knew - Eastern High School Principal Reniero Araoz is a great educator.“We’re very pleased and honored and have great pride in Mr. Araoz because he’s always done a great job at Eastern High School,” district spokesman Mark Mayes said.The Education Excellence Award was given to Araoz, along with Christine Morgan, a social studies teacher in Imlay City Community Schools and Jamey Fitzpatrick, vice president of development and education policy for Michigan Virtual University during the seventh annual Governor’s Education Summit in Lansing on Friday.“It was a surprise and a nice one,” Araoz said.
Community responds to tragedy at public forum
Lansing - Concerns of how communities should react to the recent tragedy in New York City and Washington were posed to a 12-person panel at Lansing City Hall on Sunday afternoon. The forum began with Human Relations and Community Services Director Genice Rhodes-Reed telling the audience about her opinion on the attacks. “Our community is in pain.
City farmers market offers area residents wide variety of wares
Linda Pace set out her wares in a booth on the corner of Albert Avenue and Charles Street a little before noon Sunday. The Lansing resident was one of about 25 vendors selling their goods at a city flea market, held in conjunction with the weekend’s farmer’s market, from noon to 4 p.m. The event was sponsored by the city of East Lansing’s Community Events Department. “I like the atmosphere and accessibility of this place and the people are pretty friendly, which helps,” she said. Throughout the morning, a steady stream of people walked through both markets.
Price gougers may pay heavy fines
State Rep. Mike Kowall wants the state to impose stricter penalties on those who price gouge in a time of tragedy.Kowall, a White Lake Republican and assistant majority whip, unveiled legislation Thursday that would modify Michigan’s Consumer Protection Act to make profiteering a felony crime punishable by five years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Local briefs
In response to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks, MSU will join the rest of the nation today in observing a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.Classes scheduled for 11:30 a.m.