The Ferris State Torch

Spending the Summer in Big Rapids

Torch Staff Report — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:27 +0000

Fun For All : The Mecosta County fair offers rides, games, food and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. The county fair will run July 8 — July 13 this summer. Photo by Brock Copus | Multimedia Editor

The weather has finally taken a turn for the warmer, and summer approaches. Though many anxious, Big Rapids-weary Ferris students are itching to head home, not all the out-of-towners are hightailing it out of town mere minutes after their last exam. For those sticking around looking for budget and mileage-friendly outlets for their time and energy, here are a few nearby, lesser known places that won’t take you too far beyond city limits.

Pocket Park Concerts

Live, local music is offered right in downtown Big Rapids in Pocket Park.

All of the musicians are local and provide music from all genres including rock, blues, jazz, old country and bluegrass. There are currently 17 acts lined up for the summer from May 10 to Aug. 30.

All the concerts take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Fridays. Pocket Park is located between Pepper’s Café and Chemical Bank on Michigan Avenue.

Nawal’s Mediterranean Eatery, Gourmet Cupcakes and Desserts

For those interested in finding something tasty and out of the ordinary, Nawal’s Mediterranean Eatery, Gourmet Cupcakes and Desserts located in downtown Big Rapids will sorely tempt those with a sweet tooth.

Specialty homemade Mediterranean dishes are served, and the menu changes each day. Gourmet cupcakes are also offered. Nawal Braden-Swart, owner of the Mediterranean Eatery and a native of Egypt, has been featured on television multiple times for her homemade cupcakes, most recently for her Michigan Avenue business which opened April 2, 2013.

Paris Park

The Paris Park is approximately seven miles north of Big Rapids. It’s great for a long walk, quick bike ride or rollerblading jaunt. The path is paved all the way, making transportation via rails or trails perfect for the outdoorsy type. For those not into the exercising thing, the drive is a short five minutes on Old 131 North.

The park hosts native Michigan animals, such as geese, ducks and a pond full of trout, which visitors are able to feed. The park itself is a campground with a very recognizable landmark: a miniature Eiffel Tower.

Small lakes, rivers and their beaches

Tubing is a Big Rapids staple, but sometimes people want to cool off without the work and the tube. Brower Park, Young’s Lake Camp Ground and School Section Lake are all within 15 miles of Big Rapids, each offering a cool retreat without the worries of floating away from the group.

Baldwin’s Shrine of the Pines

Northwest of Big Rapids is an attraction that fascinates as much as it functions: an entire eco-friendly house built out of reclaimed old-growth Michigan timber. The centerpiece is a 700-pound dining room table made from the stump of an enormous pine tree. The many hidden compartments and inlays of the prohibition-era house are things to be appreciated even by the casual.

The Ice Cream Run

A trip for the tastiest treat, start this run in the late morning. Begin at the Pioneer Emporium in Big Rapids with a single-dip ice cream. From there, travel south to Stanwood’s Copper Top Convenience Store for another single dip. Following 131 South brings one to Morley for a stop at Udderly Delicious.

If that sweet tooth still isn’t sated, continue south on Old 131 to Howard City’s Dairy Bear for another single dip. For the grand finale, King’s Trading Post in Sylvester, near Mecosta, makes up for being out of the way with a single dip the size of your head.

Mary’s All About Health and Wellness

Big Rapids is full of fast food and retail, the bulk of it dominating the front of Ferris’ campus. There are other options around, though—ones that won’t have diners walking around with uncomfortably heavy stomachs on a blisteringly hot summer day.

Downtown Big Rapids offers a variety of such options, one of them being Mary’s All About Health and Wellness. Providing one of the few shopping options for the more health-conscious or meat-unfriendly eaters, the small grocery provides everything from sweets to big dinner ingredients, in addition to midday meals and many other services.

Spending the Summer in Big Rapids is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Cartoon May 15, 2013

John Vestevich, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:49 +0000

Cartoon May 15, 2013 is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Finding Something Different Somewhere Bigger

Torch Staff Report — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:31 +0000

Grand Art: The Grand Rapids Art Museum features art collections ranging from Renaissance to modern art. The museum also houses many exhibits during Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize. Photo By: Olivia Odette | Photographer

Grand Rapids

Are the Rapids here not big enough for you? Don’t fret; they have grander ones about an hour south of campus.

Grand Rapids is one hour south on Highway 131, and is a fairly easy city to navigate with safe, active nightlife.

Grand Rapids is a summer paradise on Michigan’s west coast for big city lovers. From the world’s largest art competition to concerts at Van Andel Arena, you can’t go wrong.

Cuisine/Drinks

For the 21 and older crowd, Hopcat is ranked third amongst beer bars on the planet. The city was named Beer City U.S.A. in 2012, and is also home to the world’s second best brewery.

For food that won’t break the bank, try Marie Catrib’s of Grand Rapids. As UrbanSpoon.com’s top-rated GR restaurant, the Mediterranean diner is renowned for its breakfast and brunch.

There’s also the Winchester if you’re in the mood for food that’s a little closer to home. The American style restaurant is more adult-friendly than it is kid-friendly, but the food is high quality for what you pay.

Sports

For diehard Tigers fans, Grand Rapids has the Tigers before they become Tigers.

The future stars of Comerica Park can be seen just north of Grand Rapids at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps. Fifth Third is located right off of U.S. 131 on Ball Park Drive.

Former Tigers’ fan favorites Joel Zumaya and Brandon Inge were groomed there. Alex Avila and Ramon Santiago—who are still with Detroit—also once headlined there, as well as future stars Nick Castellanos and Avisail Garcia.

The $1 hot dog night is accompanied by $2 beer, pretzel and Pepsi products every Thursday during the regular season.

Lawn seats run at $6 a pop, while the best seats cost $20. Sitting behind the plate will only set you back about $14. For more information, visit the Whitecaps site at milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t582 or call the box office at (616) 784‑4131.

Entertainment

The Grand Rapids area is well known for its arts and beats, along with its sugary-sanded beaches.

For country fans, Birthday Bash awaits. Birthday Bash takes place June 8–9 and is a free two-day country concert that will headline with Hunter Hayes, Gary Allan, Uncle Kracker and Randy Houser this year on the first day. This year’s venue is MotorSports Park off of U.S. 131.

Rock fans can witness Rush on June 30 at Van Andel Arena, and alternative listeners can check out Owl City Aug. 11 at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Only 40 minutes southwest of downtown Grand Rapids is Saugatuck, where Oval Beach awaits the beach bums. It’s rated as one of the top five most beautiful beaches in America.

Comedy is included; Daniel Tosh’s 2013 comedy tour hits Devos Hall on June 7. The host of Comedy Central hit “Tosh.0” merits four and a half stars out of five from Ticketmaster users for his lack of restraint when it comes to crossing the line.

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant lies 45 minutes east of this Big Rapids Eden, offering yet another college town and several more police forces for students tired of the same-old.

Soaring Eagle Casino is a favorite of Central Michigan University students with cash burning a hole in their pocket—surely some Ferris students have a similar problem with their loan money.

It also offers a theater with more than four screens, as does Grand Rapids, to an even greater extent. Film aficionados weeping at the Big Rapids selection will be more likely to find their shirked Terrence Malick film or Ryan Gosling vehicle by taking to the road.

Traverse City

The eighth annual Traverse City Film Festival is a great way to view upcoming films before they are released in theaters. The festival brings in around 100,000 people to Traverse City every year; it’s a great way to spend an afternoon watching movies.

Michael Moore, the man behind films such as “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Bowling for Columbine,” is the creator and host of the festival. The six-day event, with around 150 film viewings, is usually centered around independent films, but has also shown box office hits like “Iron Man” and “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” The 2013 Traverse City Film Festival runs from July 30 to Aug. 4.

Finding Something Different Somewhere Bigger is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Feeling Sall-Ty

Harrison Watt, Ferris State Torch — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:39:06 +0000

As far back as 1995 former Ferris State men’s head basketball coach Bill Sall’s fingerprints were all over the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Sall was a top assistant for the Bulldogs, even serving as Interim Head Coach during the 1995–96 campaign at one point. Yet the Athletic Department was not ready to make him top dog in 1998, causing Sall to leave for Hillsdale.

As an assistant at Hillsdale, one of Ferris State’s rivals, he impressed enough to be offered the then vacant head coaching position prior to the 2002-03 Basketball season, where he served for 11 seasons.

The perfect fit had to end eventually. Sall was recently offered a position at yet another GLIAC school in Northern Michigan, where he accepted the job on May 11.

“I think everyone was in shock and disbelief,” redshirt sophomore center Jared Stolicker said. “I mean we have a championship contender team here at Ferris next year and no on really thought he would give that up.”

The Wildcats finished a paltry 5–21, including a 1–11 mark on the road. Northern Michigan dropped both meetings with Ferris State this season.

Yet Northern had leverage to pry Sall from Big Rapids to join them in Marquette. The offer reportedly included paid educations for Sall’s children.

“He made it feel like he was kind of torn,” Stolicker said. “Between a great team and family we have here at Ferris and the better salary and full scholarships for his kids to attend college at NMU.”

Sall was unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts to reach the outgoing coach during the week of his initial interviews with Northern Michigan.

During his tenure with the Bulldogs, Sall led the team to a 171–145 record, that included three National tournament appearances, with two of them ending in the Sweet Sixteen.

Despite the long and seemingly happy marriage, the elephant in the room comes in the form of Sall staying in the GLIAC, where he will see his former team twice. And they wont be quite as pleased to see him this time.

“[We’ll be] a little bitter and sour,” Stolicker said. “I think everyone kind of feels like that. We’re gonna come out with the intent to embarrass him and make him regret leaving.”

Feeling Sall-Ty is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Truth Behind Terrorism

Brock Copus, Multimedia Editor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:08:54 +0000

This past week has been filled with tragedy, fear and relief for not only the city of Boston, but the entire country. The events seem to be more like a season of the television show “24” than actual reality.

While I’m not discrediting the tragedy of the matter, it’s still important to keep in perspective that this is not an uncommon occurrence.

The amount of media attention and outpouring of support was far beyond any coverage of any incident in the war-torn countries of the Middle East. There were no fundraising efforts for the people of Syria or the rest of the nations that went through Arab Spring, which I’m sadly sure that a vast majority of the student body thinks means an unusually warm April.

I can see why the attacks on Boston hit so heavily on the American population. It was a mass causality event that affected the lives of normal Americans. The imagery that was supplied by the numerous photographers and videographers from the finish line gave the public a horrific yet honest look at the event and its aftermath. It also eventually led to the identification of the two suspects.

Yet before the identification of the bombers, amateur detectives scoured photos of the event to try and identify the perpetrators. And to go perfectly alongside our history of xenophobia, these “investigators” identified two Arab men as the bombers.

While they turned out to be innocent bystanders like so many others, their innocence was only secured after being shamed and called terrorists, even by the front page of the New York Post.

This event also showed a lot about our media culture. Two days after the bombings, reports came out that they had arrested an individual. In what seemed to be a bad game of telephone, these reporters morphed between media outlets to start including ethnicities, saying they have identified but not arrested, and a sleuth of other misreportings.

It wasn’t until the Boston police department announced that they still had no information on the identification on the bomber did those reports subside.

The long-term effects of such an incident will unfold, and there’s no way in predicting when another event like this one will occur again. But we cannot let an event like this change our way of life. Unlike previous events which have changed how we travel on airplanes, repercussions from an event like this would be much more universal.

One shining point from this dark week is seeing or hearing stories of people who leapt into action. And to those, Mr. Rogers put it best: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Truth Behind Terrorism is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Illinois Duo

Matt Haack, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:08:53 +0000

Seniors Morgan Kramerich and Dana Bowler have grown up together and are now sharing the spotlight for a successful Ferris softball team.

Hailing from Lockport High School, Ill., Kramerich and Bowler’s relationship goes back 13 years to a third grade cheerleading tryout where both would end up making the squad.

“She was my flyer and I was her base,” Bowler said. “There was a lot of traveling to games and competitions in cheerleading, and that’s when we became good friends.”

Two years later, they made the same softball team, then experienced high school together before eventually attending the same college in Ferris State University.

“I like the campus and really enjoy the atmosphere [at Ferris],” Kramerich said. “Dana does make it easier being so far from home, like any friend would. When I’m missing my family, I know she is going through the same things that I am.”

Their relationship is as strong as their play, and Bowler and Kramerich are having two great seasons that are vital to Ferris’ success.

Bowler sports a 13–6 record, with a sparkling earned run average of 1.45, while Kramerich has 27 runs on the season and an impressive .348 on base percentage.

The Illinois duo has had a major impact on the Bulldogs’ impressive 20–12 record, and the senior leaders are still focusing on finishing the year strong.

“We need to focus on hitting on a consistent basis, and the season hasn’t been the best for practicing since we have only had two outdoor practices this far,” Kramerich said. “The goal is to win every game for the rest of the year, meaning sweeping Northwood, Findlay and Hillsdale, then winning the GLIAC Tournament.”

While playing different positions, the familiarity on the diamond makes communication a bonus for the Bulldogs.

“As I pitcher I’m in the middle of the field, and it’s easy to communicate back and forth with my team,” Bowler said. “Morgan is an amazing athlete that has great speed but even better instincts, and I’ve never played with someone so good of a base runner. When she’s supposed to be at second, she’s already at third!”

Kramerich has already notched eight stolen bases throughout this season, while not hitting into a single double play.

Bowler and Kramerich along with the rest of the Bulldogs have three series remaining in the 2013 season before heading off to the GLIAC Tournament.

They’ll now be focusing on being ranked in the top eight in the region for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Ferris has one more road series before returning to Big Rapids on April 26–27 to finish out the 2013 regular season.

Illinois Duo is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Drag Off Blows the Roof Off

Tyler Hanan, A&E Writer — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:08:28 +0000

Bad Romance: Barbie Dior performs a routine as Lady Gaga for a crowded Dome Room during DSAGA’s Drag Off. Photo By: Tori Thomas | Photographer

With high hair and even higher heels, Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance’s (DSAGA) Drag Off blew the roof off the swelteringly hot Rankin Student Center Dome Room.

The annual event had professional drag performers performing with amateurs from on campus, students braving the nerves and the stage to compete for the titles Mr. and Ms. Hot Crimson.

The winner of Mr. Hot Crimson, Ferris freshman (major undecided) Dillon Marcus, commented on what it was like to get up on the stage.

“It was different than performing an instrument because when you’re in a band, or even when you’re singing, not all the eyes are on you. But when you’re in drag, it’s completely different. It really is,” Marcus said.

The active, expressive crowd cheered on every performer, with extra cheers rising for the precise popping and locking of Carlos Michaels and the Lady Gaga-soundtracked performances of Barbie Dior.

When asked what she enjoyed most, graphic media management Ferris student Morgan Goddard said, “I thought it was really good…I would say the drag kings, they were fun.”

That sentiment was shared by many in attendance, made evident by the volume of cheers that went up.

Commenting on the event, Ferris sophomore in journalism Ben Rettinhouse said, “I’m really happy my fellow students could get out like that and show what they had fun doing. I enjoyed the professionals they brought in to MC. They were really funny and had good comic timing.”

The high point of the night came from one of those MCs, Diamond Denee, who came out in a glittering rainbow overcoat which, when shed, revealed a half black, half white dress decorated with equal signs and “NO H8.”

With Heather Small’s “Proud” blasting from the not ideal, yet effective enough speaker system, the crowd exploded.

A question and answer segment wound down the event, with the professional performers doling out advice, information and encouragement; topics such as RuPaul and the mainstreaming of drag, the performers’ craft and their motivations were delved into.

Besides offering entertainment, the Drag Off also served as a charitable event. Exchanging a canned good for a ballot, attendees were able to vote for their choice of best amateur performer. The event raised 169 items, which would be donated to the Manna Food Pantry.

Drag Off Blows the Roof Off is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Carry on Campus

Sean Chipman, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:08:16 +0000

Xander Walsh carries a heavy load around the Ferris State campus, but he’s not complaining. He wants to add a few more ounces to his right hip.

Walsh has fashioned a black gun holster while on campus to raise awareness for the concealed carry of a pistol on Ferris grounds. Currently, state law prohibits the carry of a concealed weapon on university property.

“People can carry in a lot of places around Michigan, and we trust the good, honest, law-abiding citizens to do so. We don’t think that the right to carry [a pistol] should end when they come onto campus,” Walsh, Ferris junior in professional golf management, said.

Walsh has a concealed pistol license (CPL) for which he learned gun safety measures and the state laws concerning gun ownership. He believes students with the correct licensing should be able to carry a pistol with the exception of inside a classroom.

The sight of a gun holster on Walsh’s hip has gone relatively unobserved, according to Walsh.

“A lot of people carry cell phones on their belts, so wearing an empty black holster may have gone unnoticed,” Walsh said.

To spread the message, Walsh and fellow Ferris student Dalton Keller started Ferris Students for Concealed Carry, a Facebook group with over 100 “likes.”

The Ferris chapter is part of a national organization which has more than 43,000 student members fanned out over all 50 states, according to concealedcampus.org.

Walsh hopes to turn the online group into a Registered Student Organization (RSO) in the foreseeable future. He would need to find a faculty member, maintain five student memberships and file the necessary paperwork among other steps to be in good standing with the university, according to the 2012–13 RSO Handbook sent out by the Student Leadership and Activities Office.

The majority of polled Ferris students agree with Walsh, as eight out of 10 students did not have serious concerns of a student carrying a concealed weapon on university grounds.

“I would think ‘Why does he think he needs to carry it here?’ I consider Ferris to be a pretty safe place,” Matt Cregg, Ferris junior in energy systems engineering, said.

Of students in support of gun carry on campus, many of those polled are current gun owners.

“If you’re going to take the time to apply, get your permit, go through the necessary means, you’ve proven to be responsible enough to carry,” Travis Weber, Ferris senior in welding engineering technology, said.

Ferris students can purchase a gun from a variety of places around Big Rapids following a background check mandated by state law.

Brenton Goldthwiat, manager of Trigger Time Outfitters, has seen a significant increase in gun sales for college-aged residents and applications submitted for CPL classes over the past few months.

One of the most popular gun models has been the Springfield XD, according to Goldthwiat. This is the same model which Walsh owns.

“It’s not like we’re hoping to be in a situation to use it. It’s the last thing I want. We just want to be able to protect ourselves on campus,” Walsh said.

Carry on Campus is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Spring Cleaning

Richard Mead, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:06:59 +0000

Spring Scrimmage: Freshman linebacker Jamel Lockett of the Red Team carries the ball against White Team senior defenseman William Miles in the Annual Crimson and Gold Spring Football Game. Photo By: Brock Copus | Multimedia Editor

The future looks bright after the annual Crimson and Gold Spring Football Game, as both sides of the ball were successfully showcased.

The Bulldogs hit Top Taggart Field on April 20 for the first time this year, as the Red and White Teams faced off in a scrimmage style tune-up game. Even though the outcome was lopsided, with the White Team shutting down the Red Team 50–14, both offense and defense showed improvement and potential for the upcoming season.

“It was nice to get back into the swing of things,” Ferris junior defensive end Carlton Johnson said. “I felt that it was very productive overall, and on defense, we did make a couple of mistakes, but still not bad overall.”

Johnson, a JUCO All-American transfer from Grand Rapids Community College, came to Ferris along with head coach Tony Annese, but couldn’t play last year due to the NCAA transfer rule. Johnson will help anchor a stout defensive line that lost two standout players in graduating seniors and pro hopefuls Jordan Morgan and Brad Iskow.

“I feel like we can be the best defense in the country if we play to our ability,” Johnson said. “We just have to ball out every time we are out there.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the White Team dominated the field with an aggressive running game and a solid passing performance by junior quarterback Taylor Masiewicz.

Masiewicz and sophomore Trevor Bermingham, who led the Red Team, will be in the mix for the starting quarterback role this off-season in lieu of an injury to last year’s explosive signal caller, sophomore Jason Vander Laan.

Vander Laan led Ferris State last season in rushing yards per game (121.6) and touchdowns (16), while helping lead the Bulldogs to a 7–4 overall record. Following his recovery, Vander Laan will compete against Masiewicz and Bermingham for the starting quarterback position and help to improve upon an already versatile offense.

“The quarterback situation will be very fun to watch,” Ferris senior running back Korey Ringer said. “They are all dual threats in their own respective way, and when all are healthy, they’re all dangerous.”

The Bulldogs look to continue their already stellar off-season, which includes the addition of former Western Michigan head coach Lou Esposito as defensive coordinator, and one of the best recruiting classes in Division II football.

“We have worked extremely hard in the off-season, and have made big improvements towards reaching our full potential,” sophomore running back Kitwana Clark said. “Come fall, I believe you guys are going to see a team with more intensity, consistency and overall a better team than we were last year. It’s a new year, a new season and a fresh start for the Ferris State Bulldogs.”

Spring Cleaning is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Talent Unlimited

Tarah Bourke, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:06:47 +0000

Got Talent?: Ferris students Ashlyn Chambers and Kim Curcuru perform an original song “Make Believe” (above) during Ferris Has Talent in Williams Auditorium. Photo By: Tori Thomas | Photographer

An excited crowd filled Williams Auditorium for the premiere of Ferris Has Talent.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before, and it was just phenomenal,” Samantha Gallup, Ferris freshman in early education, said.

Trevor Charles took the stage for the first time with the support of his family. After making sure his mother and brothers were in the audience, he sang, a capella, “Little Things” by One Direction while the audience clapped along. Despite his nerves, he was able to finish the song and gather positive feedback from the judges.

The judges for the night included Dr. Nancy Lashaway from the Education Department, Dean Leroy Wright of Student Life, and Byron Williams, former Student Government president.

Ferris student Andie Ancevski also took a risk up on stage.

“I was shaking like crazy off to the side. It was the first time I’d ever just sang and played the guitar by myself,” Ancevski, senior in healthcare system administration, said.

Her controlled, confident voice boomed through the auditorium and captivated the audience with her rendition of “Caught in the Storm” off of NBC’s show “Smash.”

“I am caught in your storm,” Williams responded.

There were not only vocal performances during the event, but some entertaining dances as well. One group, Ill Creatures, rocked the house with their high energy dance moves. And the Swag Boys, despite some technical difficulties, were able to deliver their animated solos to an excited audience.

“You really shook what your mama gave you!” Wright exclaimed.

To end the evening, Angel Garcia, Ferris junior in automotive management, graced the stage with his rendition of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.”

His voice and acoustic guitar flowed together effortlessly, and the emotion he brought to the song left the audience wanting more. When Garcia finished his set, some members of the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

“I’ve never performed on stage before, but it was by far the most fun I’ve had playing music,” Garcia said. “Ferris Has Talent was probably one of the best highlights of my college career so far.”

Overall, the audience reaction to the event was extremely positive. Maybe Ferris will see a second “season” in the future.

“The show was awesome,” Ariel Leaym, Ferris freshman in graphic design, said. “I wasn’t expecting so many talented people.”

Talent Unlimited is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.