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M THE MONTAGE @themontage Voume 48 Issue 3 September 27, 2012 www.meramecmontage.com fb.me/meramecmontage To Serve and Protect On the road to a safer campus See stories on pages 6-7

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Page 1: Sept27Issue

MT H E M O N T A G E

@themontage Voume 48 Issue 3 September 27, 2012www.meramecmontage.com fb.me/meramecmontage

To Serve and ProtectOn the road to a safer campus

See stories on pages 6-7

Page 2: Sept27Issue

NEWS2September 27, 2012

Lindenwood University Offers

Preparing Students for Life

Call 636-949-4949, visitwww.lindenwood.edu or like us on Facebookat www.facebook.com/LUDayAdmissions.

• More than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs• Majors ranging from business to the arts• Small class size• Top notch professors who are committed to your success• A thriving athletic program with 26 NCAA teams and 20 student life teams• Beautiful residential campus in historic St.Charles• Great tuition rates and help with financial aid

Transfer and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships Available

On Friday, Sept. 28 Phi Theta Kappa will be holding their kickoff ceremony for the semester-long Commit to Complete program, started in 2011.

The event, which takes place at 4:30 p.m. at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis, will feature STLCC Chancelor Myrtle Dorsey and executive director of Phi Theta Kappa Rod Risley, will speak at the event.

The event is something everyone should be excited about according to Vice President of Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr.

“I’m excited about it. I’ve participated in events we’ve had on campus where students come and commit to complete,” Langrehr said. “I think its inspirational.”

Langrehr said he appreciates the hard work that has gone into the event.

“I think this event is an even bigger deal, getting the support of the college with some scholarships for books and

scholarships for fees,” Langrehr said. “I appreciate all the hard work that’s gone into it. It demonstrates the support of the college.”

Dorsey listed the scholarships that Phi Theta Kappa will be awarding students.

“During the rally I will be awarding four full-tuition scholarships for the spring 2013 semester with an additional eight book scholarships to students who have participated in campus events leading up to the rally,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey added there will be a celebration at the Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

“Following the rally, students who have been awarded St. Louis Cardinals tickets from campus activities and events will gather at Busch Stadium to celebrate the champion spirit of St. Louis Community College and personal commitment by attending the Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals game starting at 7:05 p.m,” Dorsey said.

STLCC has added eight members to its board of directors. New members include Vanessa Halim, principal with Edward Jones; Katherine Joslin, senior vice president for human resources and marketing for Bethesda Health Group; Linda Legg, attorney; Traci O’Bryan, president of Arcturis; Pamela Ross, business development director for People’s National

Bank; Nicole Smith, agency field executive for State Farm; Wilma K. Schopp, global lead of compensation, benefits and human resources information systems at Sigma-Aldrich; and Becky Spurgeon, president of Interface Construction. New members will serve on the STLCC Foundation board through June 30, 2015.

STLCC-Meramec is set to host the annual Fall Festival on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the quad. Activities will include performances from the theater department, skits, and several other events. Clubs will be selling items to help raise money for the Five Decades of Excellence Scholarship.

The STLCC Foundation has accepted a contribution to establish a nursing scholarship for students of Arab heritage. To be eligible students must complete a scholarship application and submit materials as required by the Financial Aid office. Applications are available in the Financial Aid offices on campus and on the St. Louis Community College Foundation

website http://www.stlcc.edu/foundation. The fund was established by the St. Louis chapter of the National Arab American Medical Association to assist students in pursuing an associate degree in nursing at St. Louis Community College. The student’s ability to communicate in Arabic also is preferred.

Phi Theta Kappa holds eventKAVAHN MANSOURI EDITOR IN CHIEF

KAVAHN MANSOURI EDITOR IN CHIEF

STLCC adds new foundation members

STLCC-Meramec hosting annual Fall Fest

Arab Heritage nursing scholarship made available

Page 3: Sept27Issue

NEWSSeptember 27, 2012

STLCC professors from various academic programs and majors will be available to

answer your questions.

MAJORS FAIR!!!Wednesday, October 10, 2012

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Student Center Commons

This event is sponsored by the Office of Academic AdvisingFor additional information, contact 314-984-7526

Come by and get lunch too!

Undecided on a Major? Have Questions about a particular Major?

In the past, STLCC-Meramec’s financial aid refund policy was that students would receive their refunds after the first or second week of class. The date has changed from the first week to the fifth week, so that registrar can look at a student’s attendance and decide how much and/or if they receive all of their refund. Previously, Meramec registrar and financial aid has had problems with students withdrawing from classes after the refunds are distributed, therefore lowering attendance rates.

“We’d have fewer students who received financial aid, then withdraw their classes,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs, Andrew Langrehr.

Campus administration, financial aid office and registrar decided on this before the school year started.

“Before this was decided,” Langrehr said, “there was a considerable conversation.”

This decision affects students in different ways.

“It doesn’t really affect me,” said first-year student, Jacob Virtue.

Virtue received money from the A+ Program, so he did not receive any refunds for this year from the financial aid office.

Second-year student Rachel Puhl saves the money she receives each year from Meramec.

“I don’t really count on it,” Puhl said. “I just save it until it is needed.”

For students signed up to take late-start classes, they will not receive their refunds until the third week of October, at the earliest. Late-start students will still go through the same process as other students.

This process will start over again for the spring semester when students enroll for the next academic year. According to STLCC, the five-week rule will still be in effect next year.

Financial Aid changes disbursement dateNew refund policy in effect, five week waiting periodASHLEY HIGGINBOTHAM NEWS EDITOR

Despite course cancellations, it has yet to be seen if the new financial aid disbursement policy will increase attendance. PHOTO BY: J.RYAN

MontageThe

Phone: 314.984.7857

The Montage is STLCC-Meramec’s award-winning, student-run newspaper. Our bi-weekly publication distributes 14 issues throughout the school year, reaching students, staff and faculty. Each July, before the start of the school year, we publish a Back-to-School Survival Guide which is distributed ALL YEAR on campus, as well as at local high schools. We also provide ad space on our website. Contact us today for ad rates!

E-mail: [email protected] www.meramecmontage.com/advertising

Got an ad? We’ve got space!

Page 4: Sept27Issue

OPINIONS4September 27, 2012

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, has become a political football as participation rates soar and calls for cuts intensify. Data released from the USDA in September show that over 46.6 million Americans are now receiving SNAP benefits. This represents a substantial increase since 2007 when as few as 26.3 million were enrolled. Much of this rise can be attributed to the deteriorating jobs picture since the 2008 financial crash. Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Paul Ryan’s proposals specifically call for dramatic changes to the program, making it a block grant or fixed payments, instead of the entitlement SNAP currently is. This would shift any further rise in costs to already overburdened States. Such a policy could be disastrous, as social stability in an non-agrarian society like ours is intimately tied to keeping the people living in cities fed. Roman politicians understood this reality. “Bread and circuses,” may not be ideal, but Rome lasted for a long time on those policies. Intentionally, SNAP is also corporate welfare. This may ultimately save the program. Recently, Kraft’s incoming CEO, Tony Vernon, gave an interview with the Financial Times to voice his opposition to cuts in SNAP since over a sixth of Kraft’s sales are generated by food stamps. Kraft is not alone, according to a June 2012 report titled “Food Stamps; Follow the Money” by Michele Simon at the think tank Eat Drink Politics. Cargill, Coca-Cola, JP Morgan Chase (which manages SNAP payments) and Kellogg, are all named as lobbying against SNAP changes. Obviously, the best case would be to get employment back on track, allowing people to buy food with the money they earned themselves in good paying jobs. But until then, SNAP is filling a much needed void, giving the food insecure a reliable source of money to buy necessary food.

A T IME FOR ALL M A T T E R S

F o o d S t a m p sJOE MAKOTO STAFF WRITER

ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO

hey, is something

write a letter toTHE EDITOR

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[email protected]

To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., (314) 984-7955.

Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration.

The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. (314) 984-7655.

One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager.

Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.

Proud member of

Kavahn MansouriAlex Kendall

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Editor in ChiefManaging EditorMultimedia EditorGraphic Design EditorNews EditorOpinions EditorIn Depth EditorSports EditorCopy EditorCopy EditorFaculty Adviser

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Campus Police find ample amounts of freetime with the low crime rates on Meramec’s campus.

Page 5: Sept27Issue

OPINIONSSeptember 27, 2012

OPINIONSSeptember 27, 2012

Rape is a crimeBeing fit is not

KELLY GLUECK OPINIONS EDITOR

Leaves are beginning to turn colors; air is crispier. The seasons are changing. What is not changing are the prices for the grub served in the cafeteria. Season after season, like zombies, students are flooding into the cafeteria for pizza or burgers and fries. While they know better, they still do not choose options that are more nutritious. Could it be the affordability of those “food” items that appeal to the students? To buy a real meal comprised of fish/chicken/meat and two hot sides, students should be prepared to shell out around $8-9. That may not seem like a lot, but when one realizes we are talking about a community college setting, where one course credit is $94, $9 for lunch is obscene. Think about it: $9 is about 10 percent of one credit. Not a lot? Let us compare Meramec’s credit hour to meal price ratio with another St. Louis University (SLU). According to http://SLU.edu, one undergraduate credit at SLU is $1,215. And what is 10 percent of that? You got it. 120 buckaroos. Puts it in perspective, does it not? What about those students who come to school early in the morning and have classes throughout the day? They have no choice but to schlep around campus with a cooler. They need snacks, lunch and possibly dinner. If they were to buy those meals at the cafeteria, they would spend approximately $20 per day. There is usually a “student lunch special”: chicken fingers, fries and soda; or burger, fries and soda; or pizza and soda. You get the point. That is not brain fuel; it is a recipe for disaster. It is unclear how a student can function in a classroom after eating fats and carbs that offer little nutritional value and leave your tummy rumbling after a few hours. The bottom line is, Mermec’s cafeteria seems to forget that Meramec is a community college. This is not a private university where $8 for lunch is a bargain. This is a place where for a lot of students $8 is probably a daily meal allowance. Come on. We can do better than that.

REALITY B ITES

She looked good; she felt great. Her long, slender legs exploded like fireworks beneath her skin-tight black skirt. Her designer stilettos announced her presence, echoing loudly down the dimly lit city street. The night was over; she was

exhausted, nothing on her mind but snuggling into her fluffy, duvet comforter. She was home. Home sweet home. She woke up abruptly. It only took her few seconds to realize this was a living nightmare, as she bit the barrel of

his .32-caliber pistol. Her hands were bound and her tight dress had lost all its elasticity. “She had it coming.” Does that phrase ring a bell? Perhaps you have heard someone mutter those words? Perhaps that someone was you?

Reconsider those words. Think about what they mean for the victim, his or her villain and society. Sharp judgements demean someone who has lost power, they give a rapist an excuse for traumatizing a human being, and they reinforce a society that believes that it is acceptable to rape a person because they are fit and feeling good. Those who did not know her said she had it coming. They did not know she was taking a break from finishing her thesis. They did not know she was walking home to avoid drinking and driving. They did not know she was engaged and would not be able to stomach conception for months after her wedding day because of that night. She was only a girl in the city wearing a shapely dress. She should be able to flaunt her body without feeling shame. I was not always able to do the same. I was not always proud of my physique. For eight months, I exercised regularly and controlled my cravings. Being fit takes control and hard work. Now I have my own shapely dress. Does that mean I deserve to be raped? Your body acts as your trophy and it deserves to be on display. It does not deserve to be vandalized, scarred or taken. Rape is the result of an uncontrollable and savage urge, an urge undeserving of any excuse or sympathy. It is a vile act of assault, theft of one’s dignity and pride and can include the physical, mental or emotional sacrifice of a human being. It is a crime that cannot be fixed or replaced. It is an act without justification. To say one “had it coming,” is to say this crime is legitimate and that a confident person deserves to lose his or her sense of security and self. The next time you hear someone say this, remind them of what they are saying.

RAPESTATISTICSVICTIMS9 out of every 10 rape victims were female in 2003

17.6% of women havebeen the victim of rapeor attempted rape

About 3% of American Menor 1 in 33 - have experiencedan attempted or completedrape in their lifetime

THE OFFENSEMore than 50% of all rape or sexual assault incidents were reported by victims to have occured within 1 mile of their home or at their home

3 times more likely to suffer from depression.6 times more likely to suffer from PTSD.13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.26 times more likely to abuse drugs.4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

THE EFFECTS

Data taken from http://rainn.org 2008-2010

RAPESTATISTICS

Statistics based on US population

LILLY HUXHOLD GRAPHICS EDITOR

VICTORIA BARMAK STAFF WRITER

A f f o r d a b l e ?

INTRO- CEPTION

‘Me’ time in a 24/7 society is a dying concept. From the time the sun peeks out from the horizon, to when the stars are angrily blinking, our schedules are chalk full with meetings, school, work and the daily grind. Finally, when there is a break on the horizon, we press all matters to the wayside and we have no idea what to do with ourselves. Today most people do not realize the value of personal time and that it can be just as rewarding as a raise at work. Taking time on ourselves should be just as important and as rewarding as getting that raise at work. Carving out a small portion of time each week,to focus on your needs can help create a low stress and productive lifestyle. Without these small breaks, we lose a lot of what makes up our personalities. Take the time to discover why you are you, and though its hard to step away from haywire schedules, you will find they go by a lot quicker when you have peace and quiet in sight.

“ M e ” t i m e

GRAPHIC BY: LILLY HUXHOLD

Page 6: Sept27Issue

INDEPTH6September 27, 2012

With criminal incidents happening on college campuses near STLCC-Meramec, some may wonder what measures Meramec police are taking to watch this campus and keep it the second safest STLCC campus (Cleary Act Report, 2010). Campus Police Chief Paul Banta said in the five years he has been at Meramec there has been one car theft and a few misdemeanors, but nothing major.

The important details for a safe campus according to Banta are advanced notification and student participation. Meramec currently has one electric car, one Segway and two police cars. Aside from these, there are video cameras in almost every parking lot.

“I think the cameras deter people,” Banta said.Banta also said the times where seas of students flood the parking

lots. They are more heavily patrolled in hopes of lowering accidents. At any given time, there can be anywhere from three to five officers patrolling the 17-acre campus. Meramec has eight full-time officers and 12-14 part-time officers who also may work for another municipality.

“I stay in contact with Kirkwood Police as well as others,” Banta said, “most of our current part-time officers work for another city.”

Occasionally, Banta and the other campus police chiefs will meet downtown with the lieutenant to discuss needed updates and current or new policies. If there is a need for a new college-wide policy, they draft the policy and send it to the college council (a lawyer) to check for any loopholes or incorrect information. If a new policy is needed on only one campus, the chief of that campus as Banta said, “notifies the lieutenant” because “it will most likely work unless it’s completely heinous.”

“Our point is to be visible to the students and faculty,” Banta said, “and to make it easy for students to get a hold of us.”

A program started three years ago to help stop incidents on campus before they happen. Behavioral intervention: a program led by five faculty members who take in reports of “suspicious behaviors” of students. Banta, Vice President of Student Affairs Linden Crawford, Manager of Access Office Linda Nissenbaum, Meramec counselor Jason Duchinsky and campus police officer Michael Beach are all members of the team. Any person on campus can report another if it seems they might want to hurt themselves or someone else. They can report anonymously at http://stlcc.edu under “Campus Police”.

If a student or faculty member finds themselves in harm’s way, there are eight emergency call boxes around campus. If the button is pressed it notifies campus police and they are sent to that location right away. Not only can students reach campus police, but campus police has ways of reaching students.

“If an incident occurs that the student body needs to be aware of,” Banta said, “we have plenty of ways to reach them.”

Meramec has an outdoor PA system that reaches the entire campus and now has locks and telephones in all classrooms. Police also have the ability to create a pop-up on all computers and laptops connected to the school’s Wi-Fi to let students know of any problems. Students can also register their cellphone number to receive text messages from campus. This not only has a safety purpose, but an inclement weather purpose as well. Banta also has ideas of adding new ways to advance notifying students.

First year student, Leanna Loudon, said that on a scale of 1-10, she feels her safety on campus is a seven because “I feel like we have a great campus.”

“I’d say a nine because I’m usually with friends when I’m not in class,” first year student Joshua Chiodini said, “and we don’t have anyone mess with us.”

Vice President of Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr has been at Meramec for the past few years, and feels very safe on campus.

“I see police regularly doing routines throughout the day,” Langrehr said. Out of the five interviewed students, all five stated that they see an officer or a car at least once a day that they are on campus.

Banta had 36 years of experience as a police officer for the city of DePeres; 18 of those years he spent as Deputy Commander. He has long term plans to ensure safety on campus. One is to install a campus-wide alarm system. In the near future, he hopes to install four more call boxes on campus and improve the lighting around the ball fields. He recently applied for a grant to receive MDT’s (Mobile Data Terminal), which are kept in police cars and have the ability to run license plates on the spot instead of calling the office and to have a secretary search the plate. Throughout the next few years Banta’s goal is to ensure higher safety on campus.

To stay updated with weather and emergency information on campus, text: follow @STLCCalert to 40404.

Page 7: Sept27Issue

INDEPTHSeptember 27, 2012

ASHLEY HIGGINBOTHAM NEWS EDITOR

ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO

Page 8: Sept27Issue

ART&LIFE8September 27, 2012

Fall brings about a time of falling leaves, football, apple picking, and a glorious

moment for the pumpkin to rise to the top of the herbaceous food chain in pies,

cookies, soup and numerous options that will satisfy anyone’s palette. Here are a few

local options that feature unique and classical approaches to this fall favorite.

Local businesses spice up October

ALEX KENDALL MANAGING EDITOR

PHOTO BY: ALEX KENDALL

For the sweet tooth looking for the perfect pumpkin treat, Icing Cafe, a cupcake eatery, located off Telegraph Road in Oakville, who recently celebrated their first year in business on Sept. 1, delivers a powerfully delectable, made-from-scratch pumpkin cupcake that captures a flavor that store bought cupcakes fall exceptionally short of. The cupcake is made in house with a pumpkin cake base stuffed with a homemade caramel filling. Topping the pumpkin cake base are crushed almonds with a final glorious whipped cream cheese icing. Along with the pumpkin cupcake, Icing Cafe will also carry pumpkin cheesecake available at $3.75 a slice and, of course, homemade pumpkin pie. The cupcakes and other baked goods will be available through the end of the year.

Icing Cafe

-Pumpkin Cupcake-

$3.50 for one

$38.00 for a dozen

Caffeine. The lifeblood of college students that keeps them awake during their two-hour history class or the twelve-page term paper due the next day. This sustenance can be found from the corner gas station to the finest restaurants in the world. Kaldi’s Coffee provides just such nourishment this fall with their maple pumpkin latte. Made with a new recipe this year, Kaldi’s maple pumpkin latte gives the drinker a deliciously rich flavor that creates a warmth synonymous to curling up next to a fire on a cold autumn night. The latte is made with a fresh pumpkin puree mixed with pumpkin puree syrup and pure maple syrup. Topping the latte sits a swirl of whipped cream garnished with freshly grated nutmeg. Kaldi’s also provides for those looking for baked goods with some appetizing choices such as their pumpkin bread for $2.49 a slice and a new creation called pumpkin whoopies, a sort of pumpkin flavored “Moon Pie”, for $2.29 a serving.

Kaldi’s Coffee

-Maple Pumpkin Latte-

12oz. $4.25

16oz. $4.85

20oz. $5.25

Many breweries come out with specialty beers and ales each year from spring IPA to winter Ale and all the seasons between. One local brewery stands out this fall with their spin on pumpkin ale by incorporating brewing techniques that were long forgotten. Done in the traditional ways that early American colonists produced beer, Schlafly brews their pumpkin ale by mixing pounds of pumpkin, instead of grain, which creates a malt that incorporates fall flavors such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Unlike other beers, which often finish with a bitter aftertaste, Schlafly’s pumpkin ale finishes smooth, almost sweet, with the spices creating a satisfying finish that even non-beer drinkers can enjoy. Schlafly sells the ale in six-packs and draft at your local

Schlafly Brewery

-Pumpkin Ale-

$9 and some change: Six Pack

With competition rising from big chain stores such as Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery, Oberweis Dairy released their newest fall flavor, pumpkin. Produced with fresh milk and cream delivered from the family-owned farms with a minimum of 18 percent butterfat, Oberweis’ pumpkin ice cream is one of the richest and creamiest ice creams on the market. With the use of real cream and not soft-serve, Oberweis has created an impactful flavor that will keep patrons coming back for the newest flavors each season. Oberweis’ pumpkin ice cream is available in multiple cones and scope sizes along with the option to mix it into a shake or malt.

Oberweis Dairy

-Pumpkin Ice Cream-

$1.99 Kid’s Scoop

$2.99 Single Scoop

$4.69 Double Scoop

PHOTO BY: ALEX KENDALL

PHOTO BY: ALEX KENDALL

PHOTO BY: ALEX KENDALL

Fall season brings pumpkin flavor

Page 9: Sept27Issue

ART&LIFESeptember 27, 2012

lue:The Musical

TAYLOR MENKE STAFF WRITER

The cast members of Clue: The Musical, Meramec’s fall musical, display their weapons of choice at a rehearsal. The play is based off of the board game Clue and will be running Oct. 3 - 6 in the Meramec theater.

PHOTO BY: TEGAN MAZUREK

National Depression Screening Day

Thursday, October 11, 2012Business Administration Building--Room 105

10am-2pm4pm-6pm

This event is:

Open to the publicConfidential

Free

For more information, call Jason Duchinsky at:

(314) 984-7565

The Counseling Department at STLCC-Meramec will offer mental health screenings, resources and referrals. We are here to help you.

Wrench. Pipe. Candlestick. Knife. Revolver. Rope. These objects should sound like potential murder weapons from childhood. The famous Hasbro mystery, notable for its colorful characters and deductive sleuthing, has come in many forms over the past half-century. Books, television shows, computer games, a feature film and even jigsaw puzzles have carried on Clue’s lucrative legacy, and the game itself has gone through many editions and culturally-sensitive alterations for foreign players.

This fall at STLCC-Meramec, audiences are invited to participate in a game of Clue when the theater department brings the board to the stage - literally.

“It is the board game,” Rick Willmore, Clue production designer, said of the set. “The colors are taken from [the game] … We’re really pushing that concept.”

The set, considered more traditional than others that have been featured at Meramec, takes advantage of platforms and multiple levels of viewing. There are several “rooms” that the audience can easily see from any vantage point, and of course, these rooms are integral to the plot of the show. Clue is after all a murder mystery, and the main point of the game is to figure out who committed the crime with what weapon in which part of the house.

The musical is no different. “The game actually came

about during World War II, interestingly enough,” director Keith Oliver said. “This was a game that a man and wife kind of invented down in a bomb shelter to pass the time of day.”

Clue became popular, both with English and non-English players. What started as a way for air raid evacuees to avoid boredom became a hit household pastime. Oliver hopes that nostalgia for the game, as well as its popularity, will draw Meramec students looking for a good show.

The musical opens by introducing a cast of characters - or caricatures, depending on who you talk to. The names are familiar: Miss Scarlett, draped in red; Mrs. Peacock, adorned in blue; and so on. All of the characters are brought together conveniently in time for their host (Mr. Boddy) to be tragically murdered. The group, collectively labeled “the suspects,” must prove their innocence and avoid incrimination, but an eager female detective aims to stop that.

“My initial inspiration was Jane Lynch,” Caroline Steinkamp said of her role as the detective. “It’s kind of a strange script.”

It could be considered strange because of the quirky, sometimes risque comedy, and because of its interactive nature. Yes: the audience gets to play Clue while seeing Clue, and to add to the matryoshka, the characters seem self-aware of their lives in a box.

“So what happens is, you’ll

get a game card just like what happens in the regular game, with suspects and weapons,” Oliver said. “We have three audience members draw the cards and put them in a secret file envelope. There’s some improvisation in this game, because there’s over 216 possible endings; you have to get the actors to be ready and open to all the possibilities.”

The actors have put different spins on the characters they play, no easy task considering the multiple editions and formats Clue has taken on while being a franchise. Some characters have been altered, either because of cultural differences or because of relevance, and most have been given a modern spin in the musical production. Miss Scarlett, for example, is a former Las Vegas lounge performer. Mrs. White is played by a cross-dressing man.

“In the original board game, [Mr. Green] was a pastor - a dirty pastor,” Derek Robertson, who plays the character, said. “He took money under the table and stole from the church. …Now, he’s more of a used car salesman.”

Robertson compares his role to something Kevin Spacey might play, if of course, Kevin Spacey was ever in a musical based off of a board game.

Robertson multitasks in the production. Not only does he play Mr. Green, he also leads make-up design. And it is not just make-up. Prosthetics, wigs and ensuring the characters

look vibrant and off-the-wall are top priorities.

“This is probably the most wigs I’ve ever done for a show. Every single person on stage is wearing some form of wig,” Robertson said.

Meramec has become somewhat famous for its quality theater productions. Its directors attempt to give each season a variety of shows, from classics to comedies to modern dramas. Its sets are widely regarded as

some of the best designed and executed of any college, and its shows are often seen as both entertaining and fundamental to students’ learning experiences, whether they participate onstage, offstage, or in front of the stage.

Clue: The Musical will be running from Oct. 3 - 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 7 (the matinee) at 2:00 p.m. Bring a friend, a family member or a favorite stranger. Admission is free.

Page 10: Sept27Issue

ART&LIFE10September 27, 2012

The curtain opens and characters fall from scripts onto the stage. The weekend of September 14-16 the College Theatre Council presented the 22 Annual One-Act Festival hosted by STLCC-Forest Park. This brought four schools together of both two and four-year degrees.

Meramec Theatre Program Coordinator Michelle Rebollo said the festival gives students a chance to get exposure.

“(It presents) great exposure (and shows) we do have theatre at the two year level but also, good college theatre in the area,” Rebollo said.

The festival showcases the talents of students attending nearby colleges and universities allowing them a chance to not only catch a performance of their peers, but also get to know one another. Unlike a motion picture, theatre presents the audience with a completely unique experience each showing.

Energy flows from the actors to the

audience giving off a new atmosphere that may never be felt in exactly the same way.

Meramec performed “Hold for Three” written by Sherry Kramer and directed by Molly Bené. Alyssa Coleman played the part of Bartey, a character on the beach with - two friends waiting for the beautiful sight of the moonrise over the water even though she is not as enthusiastic as the others. Coleman, who has performed in a college play before, had been told she had the part only three days prior to opening night. She proved herself highly reliable with how quickly she picked up her lines and stage movements.

David Robinson took the role of Ed, the male friend who holds his breath (for three minutes) and had a lot to say on stage despite having no lines. From his facial expressions that begged for air to his thunderous flailing about from exhaustion, Robinson kept the audience

entertained. Robinson said the role could be a

very daunting task. “I would walk away from rehearsals

drenched in sweat because we would run the show so many times,” Robinson said.

Kelly Kottemann played Scottie, the girl who motivates Ed to hold his breath through her wildly imaginative situations.

Kottemann said the cast had a good energy with each other.

“I loved David and Alyssa, the other actors! I’m so glad I got to know them. On the first night of the performance the other two actors and I ran the play for the other actors that were in the green room at the time. We pretended we were in slo-mo at random times…not sure why,” Kottemann said.

Coleman said one of her favorite moments consisted of an exercise called, “The Moment Before” where the actors

improvise a scene to help enhance their ability to get into character.

The festival is a way to reach out to the community by showing what St. Louis theatre has to offer as well as to bring students from different schools together. At the end of the festival, walking through the green room, actors could be heard telling those from other schools to “add me on Facebook.” The performers had fun together.

Bené said she enjoyed bringing the students together and showing them how to not only direct their lines (or in Robinson’s case, actions), but work the stage to keep the audience feeling as though they are with the actors.

When asked about the best thing about the festival she stayed with the trend of bringing people together.

“I like seeing other students/schools’ work. I was interested in seeing other plays and what talent all the schools have,” Bené said.

Meramec featured in theatre festival22nd Annual One-Act Festival hosted at Forest ParkDEVIN KINLOCH STAFF WRITER

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Page 11: Sept27Issue

In sports, an often used cliche is: take things one game at a time. As cliche as it may be, according to head coach Juergen Huettner, the Lady Archers have continued to take each game at a time en route to their six-game winning streak. Execution is equally important in every sport. Closing out games is another factor.

After starting the season 0-2-1, the Lady Archers have found a groove. Since defeating the Heartland Community College Hawks, 2-0, at Meramec on Sept.

8, the Lady Archers have continuing their winning ways both on the road and at home. Their current six-game winning streak is a new milestone for STLCC soccer. During that stretch, the Lady Archers have outscored their opponents 18-3 with five shutouts.

“We have won [six] games in a row. That is a St. Louis Community College record,” Huettner said.

With nine games left in the regular season, the Lady Archers have a 6-2-1

record and a .722 winning percentage. While four of those games will find the Lady Archers on the road, five will be played in the Archers own backyard, including a four-game home stand spanning between Oct. 2 to Oct. 11.

The Lady Archers will return home on Sept. 27 when they face the Lindenwood University-Belleville Lynx at 4 p.m.

Continuing with the cliched approach, Huettner has found facets of his Archers’ game to improve.

“There are always things to work on during the season. Recently we have missed out on some scoring opportunities,” Huettner said. “We need to work on finishing teams off and not letting them hang around.”

Along the way of the season, freshman forward Jessica Smugala has helped put the 2012 Lady Archers in the school’s athletic history books. While scoring three goals each, in back-to-back games, Smugala

SPORTSSeptember 27, 2012

Six wins in a row and countingJust past the midpoint of their season the Lady Archers look to finish strongAARON McCALL STAFF WRITER Freshman midfielder, Lauren Guerrero, performs a corner kick during the Archers’ home game against St.

Charles Community College on Sept. 11. The Archers defeated the Cougars 2-0. The Archers have a six game winning streak and have five remaining home games at the Meramec campus. Their next home game is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. against Lindenwood University-Belleville. On Oct. 9, the Lady Archers will host the Parkland College Cobras, who are ranked 16 in the nation.

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

SPENCER GLEASON SPORTS EDITOR

Page 12: Sept27Issue

SPORTS12September 27, 2012

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has achieved two hat tricks in as many games. Her second hat trick helped lead the Archers to a 6-0 win over the Trailblazers of Metropolitan Community College-Blue River on Sept. 18. The Archers’ fifth win in a row, at the time.

With Smugala’s six goals this season, she cracks the top 50 in the nation for women’s junior college soccer players, tied at 46 place.

While Smugala leads her team in goals scored, the Archers’ goalies have kept up their end of the bargain. Between the four players that have roamed inside the net, they have collectively accumulated a 70.7 percent save percentage.

“This team is fast. This is one of the faster teams I have had,” Huettner said. “We have some better athletes this year. We have about three or four girls that we can go to for speed.”

Although the Lady Archers began the season winless in their first three games, they have continued to follow Huettner’s advice to take one game at a time. Since losing in the Regional XVI Championship Game last season, Huettner has his team focused on the goal at hand — winning regionally and capturing a national championship.

“This year our goal is to win the championship,” Huettner said.

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

Sophomore midfielder and foward, Brooke Valleroy flips the ball in bounds during the Lady Archers’ game against the St. Charles Community College Cougars. The Archers won 2-0.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11