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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hockey By Patrick Littleton Staff Reporter
Check us out online at www.westernherald.com
The Western Michigan University hockey team has moved up to fourth in the USCHO.com poll (one first-place vote) after sweeping its weekend series with Northern Michigan University. It is the highest ranking WMU (5-0-3, 3-0-1-1, 2nd CCHA) has received in the history of the poll. The Broncos also moved up to sixth in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll after coming in 10th last week. The Broncos are the only unbeaten team in the CCHA, and will test their mettle this weekend in Ann Arbor as they face the third ranked University of Michigan (6-1-1, 2-1-1-1, 5th CCHA). The Wolverines and Broncos currently lead the CCHA in goals at 39 and 29, respectively. The Broncos have allowed the least amount of goals with 13, the Wolverines are third in that department with 15 goals allowed. Wolverine senior goaltender Shawn Hunwick is fresh off being named Gongshow Goaltender of the Month for October. Wolverine freshman forward Phil Di Giuseppe has also just been named the Gongshow Rookie of the Month for October. The Broncos are coming off an emotional victory last Saturday at Lawson Ice Arena in which they held of NMU during a five minute power play at the end of the third period to force overtime. Senior right wing and team captain Ian Salter then scored a goal just twenty seconds into the extra session to earn the win. Though they are the only unbeaten team in the CCHA, the Broncos remain in second place due to Lake Superior State having played two more CCHA games and winning both, giving them 15 points to the Broncos’ 11. This weekend’s matches will both be televised with Friday’s game on Fox Sports Detroit and Saturday’s on Comcast. Both matches are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. start.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
City commission voter’s guide
By Nathan Palcowski and Dan Proczko Staff Reporter
The Kalamazoo City Commission elections on Nov. 8 have 14 candidates vying for seven positions. All the candidates are elected at-large, which means they are running as the representative for the city as a whole, not for a specific district. The candidate who recieves the most votes from the at-large election will be the mayor of Kalamazoo. All candidates serve two-year terms. The following questions and answers are the views of the candidates. 1. What are your plans for graduates to keep them in Kalamazoo and give them jobs? 2. Where do you stand on the marijuana proposal? 3. If elected, what would be one major issue you would tackle first? 4. It’s been reported that the transit bus system may be taking cuts. What’s your take on that? Also, what are your plans for the budget?
Barbara Hamilton Miller Incumbent: Yes Age: 58 Occupation: Volunteer Born and raised in Kalamazoo, and up for her fourth term as Kalamazoo City Commissioner. 1. There is an obvious “brain drain” once students graduate from college in this area. Job creation, with the help of Southwest Michigan First, the Chamber of Commerce and the city helping new businesses cut through red tape and finding places for them to start up companies, is our best chance in keeping graduates in town and working. 2. No, I don’t support this initiative. Our city attorney and police chief have concerns about this issue as well. I don’t see
how an officer would be able to decide what is considered a “least law enforcement priority” when pulling someone over. There is a real potential for lawsuits against the city if the proposed language is added to the charter. 3. Shoring up our ever-dwindling budget. We need to keep that issue on the front burner in Lansing and in D.C. The state and federal governments need to realize that we are trying very hard to keep our city moving forward. They need to help us do that, not get in our way. 4. Ridership on the transit system is up. That is good. We need to encourage people to use this great resource.
Hannah J. McKinney Incumbent: Yes Age: 56 Occupation: Professor at Kalamazoo College for over 20 years She has spent 12 years as vice mayor, and was mayor for two years. 1. Graduates need to be able to find jobs in Kalamazoo. Over the past decade, several local entities have created opportunities for graduates. Local nonprofits hire Americorps workers to help them gain experience in community development. Another city partner, Southwest Michigan First, has created a local pipeline for graduates. The sad fact is, however, that way too many graduates would like to stay here but cannot risk joblessness. 2. It exemplifies democracy at work. If it passes, it will change the charter but will not change day-to-day operation in public safety, where it is already lowest priority as a standalone crime. So I am not thrilled with the means in the proposal, but I do think this is
an important issue. The socalled War on Drugs has been lost at the cost of billions of dollars and thousands of wasted lives. We need a national discussion about drug policy. 3. The $6 million shortfall needs to be addressed first. By the first of January, we will know how many people will take early retirement. After that, we need to think about how we continue to provide key services with our reduced revenues. 4. Every department is taking cuts. So the question is how we reorganize departments to minimize impacts on the public. Next year we will have a transit renewal millage again. There is lots of work to be done and I am ready to do my part.
Robert Patterson Incumbent: No Age: 56 Occupation: Retired steel worker. 1. Not too familiar with extended education. I’m looking into wind turbine area, and we can get students jobs from the wind turbines. The energy from the turbines could save money and energy, as well. 2. I think it should be legalized. We have bigger uses with heroin, crack, cocaine. Should be in the same field and guidelines as alcohol. 3. Mental health in Kalamazoo. We have a lot of homeless who need to be in housing. They need supervision to stay on medication. I think the issue of mental health we kicked out the door here in Kalamazoo. 4. I don’t think cuts should be made in the transit system. In fact, I think it should be extended, especially out into the country. As far as budget cuts, I would be consolidating the city township, especially public services: DPS, fire, transit and etc. Combining these
services to make it better for residents to save money.
Michael A. Perrin Incumbent: No Age: 38. Occupation: Salesman for Westside Beer Distribution. Has been a resident of Kalamazoo for 11 years. Perrin has a master’s degree in clinical psychology at WMU. 1. My plans on creating jobs are to work with the county and state on all levels to encourage job growth and development in our area. I am very probusiness and I would like to see grants used in our area to create jobs. My wife and I are both WMU alumni. 2. I am neutral with the marijuana ordinance. The problem is that the ordinance is still against state and federal law. Police have said even if it passes it will have no effect on whether they charge you with possession. My main concern is that it will cost taxpayers due to high number of court cases. 3. Property tax reductions are my top priority. This issue affects WMU students when they rent in the city. I hope renters will pass the savings on to the students. 4. I think that some of the city’s services should be consolidated to save money. I believe we can cut spending, not jobs. I would like to see a more energy efficient “green” bussing system, not necessarily cuts to the services.
Nicholas Boyd Incumbent: No Age: 28 Occupation: Local business owner; has run a bank industry for the past seven years. Graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and KVCC.
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1. For the city of Kalamazoo we have to innovate. We have the Kalamazoo Promise, multiple universities and business resources. We need to advertise the many ways Kalamazoo is open for business. Get the word out to other business owners to create jobs in Kalamazoo. 2. I have it on good authority marijuana is already the lowest priority, so when it comes to me I have no opinion about the marijuana proposal. 3. Jobs. People have come to me talking about crime. People don’t steal what they can afford and have at home. If they have a job they will be able to afford it. Jobs will make or break our future 4. I don’t agree with cuts. They are a Band-Aid, not a cure. We need to be sure there is proper funding for public transit. Fix the system for better coverage. Fix the problem, not symptom, to make a better, selfsustaining system.
David Anderson Incumbent: Yes Age: 60 Occupation: Director of Housing and Facilities for Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Been on the Kalamazoo City Commission since 2005. Currently the Chair of Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission. 1. Encourage energetic, creative and hardworking individuals to stay in Kalamazoo, the city must provide them with the reasons to make that choice. I’m committed to public safety, decent streets, environmental stewardship, parks, re-development of downtown sites, bike-ability and trails. We are on the cusp of an entrepre- See Voters Page 5 neurial age.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
College democrats By Joe Stando Staff Reporter
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With elections approaching, some Western Michigan University students are looking for ways to become politically active. This is exactly what one student organization, the College Democrats, is looking to do. “We’re really excited and pleased with all the new interest,” Collin Mays, the organization’s co-chair, said. “We’re honestly surprised at the amount of positive reactions we’ve gotten so far.” College Democrats has been around at WMU for years, but Mays emphasized the renewed level of action the group will be taking this year. “It feels like we’ve been on kind of a long hiatus, but we’re ready to be active again,” Mays said. “We’re bringing law professor and Secretary of
State candidate Jocelyn Benson to do a talk on campus. We’re planning some big things.” College Democrats also plan to work with local Obama campaign coordinators to prepare for the 2012 presidential campaign. Mays said he wanted stressed involvement in local, state, and national politics. The group is taking an active role in local government. Following the City Commission Candidates Public Forum held at WMU’s Fetzer Center, WMU’s College Deomcrats have decided to endorse Mayor Bobby Hopewell and incumbent Commissioners Don Cooney, Stephanie Bell and David Anderson, as well as newcomer and WMU student, Nicholas Wikar. “After watching the candidates discuss the issues at the WMU forum,
we have decided that these five individuals would best serve the interests of WMU and the city as a whole,” Phil Adams, College Democrats Co-Chair, said. “Mayor Hopewell, Dave Anderson, Don Cooney and Stephanie Bell go above and beyond to serve young people, and we hope to see Nicholas Wikar join them in those efforts.” The College Democrats cited programs such as the Kalamazoo Promise and Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo as factors in their decision, according to a written statement. They described the candidates they endorsed as valuing WMU as an integral part of the Kalamazoo community. College Democrats meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Bernhard Center in Room 204.
College republicans By Ociel Torres Staff Reporter Voted as the “Best Republican Chapter in the Country” in 2006 by the College Republican National Committee, they are a force to be reckoned with not just politically, but socially and professionally as well. Like most RSO’s at Western Michigan University, it has its constitution along with a president, finance director and so forth. They have weekly meetings at the Bernhard Center and the students meet after in a particular bar or eatery. “We have an organization unlike any other on
campus. It’s both social and professional. Most of the people in the group become interns for various leaders. We have lots of events and guest speakers made up of lawyers and other professionals about every week. It is also a diverse network. It’s also fun to see a lot of presidential candidates and other political figures,” says Chadwick Dillon, the Public Relations Vice-Chairman of WMUGOP, another name for the WMU College Republicans. Dillon has met some Republican presidential candidates, such as Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, and worked for Fred Upton.
The WMUGOP has had the opportunity to bring many political-as well as celebrity-figures on campus. They brought such figures as Ted Nugent in 2005 to a sold out Miller Auditorium, as well as conservative author Ann Coulter to a book signing that same year. These events prompted the College Republican National Committee to name it Best College Chapter the following year. Although the organization has begun to grow not just in strength but in numbers as well, it was not always this way.
See Republicans Page 8
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Voters From Page 3
2. I do not support the current proposal. It addresses a nonexistent city ordinance, is vague in its definitions and creates the opportunity for costly lawsuits. However, I support the philosophy of focusing law enforcement activities in those areas that directly affect public safety. I believe Kalamazoo Public Safety already does. 3. The first issue on the agenda is the 2012 budget. There are substantial, critical cuts that have to be made. Given declining revenues from property taxes and state revenue sharing, the City of Kalamazoo’s priorities must be core metropolitan services – public safety and infrastructure, including water, parks and streets. 4. I view public transportation as a critical city amenity. And in large part, Metro Transit is currently shielded from cuts because, as an Enterprise Fund, it is not part of the General Fund where major cuts are occurring. In addition, a special millage provides transit-targeted funding.
Don Cooney Incumbent: Yes Age: 74 Occupation: Associate professor of social work at WMU Been on the City Commission for 14 years. Co-founder of Kalamazoo Communities in School and Poverty Reduction Intitative. 1. Make the city of Kalamazoo more attractive. We need the city to be safe, beautiful and have our school systems work. We need to make sure we have jobs and help businesses stay in Kalamazoo. 2. I’m in support because the present laws don’t work. It also doesn’t have a practical effect on the community. 3. Will always be working with
people and the poor community to create support for families and have a decent life. I’ll start with poverty and how I can start working towards less homelessness in Kalamazoo. 4. The transit system is under the federal government, so unless the feds decide to cut it, I’m sure it won’t get cut. I’m optimistic that the transit bus system will stay around. As far as the budget, there are definitely cuts that need to be made. The people are advocating for something to be done.
Andrew Worden Incumbent: No Age: 47. Occupation: Works at WalMart A family man, Worden said he views family first, God second, and politics third. 1. The future is with the college graduates today. We need to get them better paying jobs and that is possible with students knowing how to do more. 2. Need to just get rid of the proposal all together. I do not support it. I believe that it is adding a legal burden on the community and commission. 3. Balance the budget! 4. We need to balance the budget! We, as the commission, have to lead by example and it starts from the top. If the top could cut pay, we could fix the budget faster.
Jonathan David Braun (write-in) Incumbent: No Age: 33 Occupation: Unemployed Braun has been a Kalamazoo Homeless Action Network board member since 2003. 1. College students are sometimes looked over, and that doesn’t need to be done. We need the college graduates. 2. (Did not respond to question) 3. There needs to be an integration and in-depth look
against anti-discrimination ordinances. With over 700 people homeless in Kalamazoo, we need more affordable housing. 4. It’s time to pay up. We can go to the banks, and tell them that money is due. If they don’t pay up, then we’ll have to take what they got from them.
Stephanie Bell Incumbent: Yes Age: 39 Occupation: City commissioner Been on the Kalamazoo City Commission since 2007. Has 10 years of experience as a project manager and a community organizer. 1. I will continue to support job growth, creation and small business sustainability while having the expectation of employment access will be available for students and Kalamazoo area residents. 2. I support the measure; however, I am not for certain that the State statute will uphold this ballot measure. If any funding or resources are going to be utilized to address this issue they should go towards treatment and prevention programs rather than towards another method of penalizing people, especially those suffering from addiction. 3. The budget issues facing our city need to be addressed first and foremost as its outcome will determine possible future work.
Bobby J. Hopewell Incumbent: Yes Age: 47 Occupation: Director of Hospitality Services at Borgess Born and raised in Kalamazoo. Current Mayor of Kalamazoo since 2007. A current student at WMU. 1. Although city government does not create jobs, it can fos-
ter a job growth environment. That environment is created by our support of the downtown development authority and efforts to redevelop the City. I believe we have a very attractive City to attract and maintain jobs, but we can do better. 2. While I support coming up with better strategies concerning drug enforcement, especially concerning marijuana, this should be done at the state level and not the local charter level. The current proposal would lead to a patchwork of inconsistent drug enforcement policies within Kalamazoo County. 3. While I support coming up with better strategies concerning drug enforcement, especially concerning marijuana, this should be done at the state level and not the local charter level. The current proposal would lead to a patchwork of inconsistent drug enforcement policies within Kalamazoo County. 4. The transit system is funded by a City and County mileages which are up for renewal next year. I am confident the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority will seek mileage rates that will avoid cutting services. I will work to pass those mileages to prevent any loss of services.
Nicholas Wikar Incumbent: No Age: 24. Occupation: Community/ Environmental advocate. Currently a student at WMU, majoring in community and regional planning. 1. The young graduates, we have to fix the budget problem. We need to protect the students and we have to ensure that graduates will stay. 2. According to fellow candidate Don Cooney, Nick is also in support of the marijuana proposal. 3. Help raise awareness of environmental needs. Take advantages of start-up busi-
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nesses, and that’s a big opportunity for students. 4. I will get blue lights installed for safety at night. High priority to fix the budget.
Robert Cinabro Incumbent: Yes Age: 63 Occupation: Attorney and private practice lawyer Member of the Kalamazoo Historic District Commission. 1. The city cannot create jobs, but we can create a climate for job creation by keeping the area safe, clean and open for business. 2. I support medical use of marijuana, but I believe the current proposal will have no effect as it cannot supersede state and national law. 3. We have a serious budget issue for 2012-2013. We have a $6M shortfall that needs to be addressed. 4. We’ve been focusing on the Department of Public Safety. I’m a strong supporter of public transit. I cannot promise something I can’t delivery. I can promise I will work hard to keep high priority services running.
Antwon J. Hunter Incumbent: No Age: 22. Occupation: Unemployed; seeking higher education Born and raised in Kalamazoo. Graduated from Kalamazoo Public Schools. 1. Want to have affordable housing and safer neighborhoods for people to stay in Kalamazoo. 2. I do not support the proposal. I want to keep that drug off of the streets in general. 3. $6 million dollar debt. There is no “I” in Kalamazoo, and we need to fix that budget. 4. I feel as if we need to shrink some services, but combine them and make them strong and we could also save money in the process.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Men’s club soccer tournament By Catie Dymond Staff Reporter
The Laurence Soccer Complex in Indianapolis hosted the WMU Men’s Club Soccer over last weekend on Oct. 29 and 30. The regional tournament consisted of 12 college teams from four Midwest divisions that battled it out for a chance to compete at Nationals in Phoenix, Ariz. This is the soccer team’s third year qualifying for regionals.
Last year, the WMU club soccer team won regional’s and qualified quarter finals at the National soccer event. They were ‘unofficially’ ranked within the top 16 teams out of 150 club soccer teams in the country. “We went into regionals last year with no particular expectations. Many of us had never been to a regional competition and didn’t know what to anticipate. We focused on one game at a time and took it step-by-step. It
was such an incredible feeling when we ended up in first place,” said Dylan Green, president and team captain. “Seventeen new players have filled the team this year, seven of which are freshman. Our team has been studying past games, paying attention to technicalities and forming new drills around mistakes to prepare for the game,” said Green. Many of the players have sustained injuries and this factor has
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limited how many players are available to play during games. The team started with 21 players and now has 15 players without injury for the upcoming competition. The club’s record is eight wins, two losses and one tie. So far, they have played games against Butler, Eastern Michigan, Purdue, Grand Valley, Michigan and Michigan State. Team captains include Dylan Green, Doug Coffman, Drew Dreikosen and
Plays for equality By Cody Janczewski Staff Reporter
The Western Michigan University Theatre Department will be simultaneously joining more than 40 other theatres across the world
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Bryce Bowers. Practices are two hours long, five days a week. “I’m feeling very confident about this weekend. Our team knows we have serious competition and that gives us ambition,” said Bryce Bowers. The first game will start at 8 a.m. against North Western and then they will play against Miami of Ohio at 12:30 p.m. If they rank within one of the top teams from their pool, they will continue on to the national competition.
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in raising awareness about marriage equality in a series of plays titled “Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays” Monday, Nov. 7 in the D. Terry Williams theatre at 8 p.m. With previous participation in a worldwide readings in years past, Joan Herrington, WMU Theatre Department Chair, believes this will send an important message. “The shows have been written by some of the most well-known contemporary playwrights and some shows are humorous, some serious and some are quite sad; but they all address the questions of equality and equal rights for all citizens very effectively,” Herrington said. Comprised of nine short plays, this show, according to the Standing on Ceremony webpage, offers a night of witty, warm, and occasionally wacky vows to the blessings of equality, where the universal challenges of relationships and the often hilarious power of love occurs during unique moments before, during and after the ‘I do.’
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Vine neighborhood art gallery By Taylor Larson Staff Reporter
Piecing together an old perfume ad here, a faded patch of fabric there and a ribbon stretched across the top, Beverly Fitzpatrick is making art. While some may see it as a mishmash of ideas, a frantic, disassociated combination of odds and ends, baubles and trinkets, Fitzpatrick is transforming these seemingly unrelated pieces into the recyclable, DIY style of collage. When she is not serving up lattes at Fourth Coast Coffee, Fitzpatrick is collecting— round, shiny buttons, colored pompoms, strips of lace and turning them into her own creation. Sewing patterns and faded
glossies from Women’s Day are just a few sources that make up Fitzpatrick’s recent work. “I’m a collector,” Fitzpatrick said. “I scrounge around thrift stores, yard sales and especially the library. People are always bringing me stacks of magazines, which is great. Right now I’m really into using old women’s magazines— Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day—to make my collages.” Depending on the level of detail, a single collage for Fitzpatrick may take anywhere from two to thirty hours. Like many artists, Fitzgerald dabbled in multiple mediums over the course of her career before finding her niche. In high school, she spent her time putting together zines, or
small, interest-specific publications, before moving on to begin Exquisite Corpse artist’s collective and curate, a collage show for the Arts Council. “Collage isn’t the most respected art form, but it’s what makes me happiest,” Fitzgerald said. It shows—over 12 years, Fitzpatrick has constructed anywhere from 100 to 200 collages, the exact number being uncertain. Her most recent exhibit, entitled No Satisfaction, is currently on display at the Vine Art Gallery until Nov. 22. The exhibit features Fitzpatrick’s collages, as well as modular origami—the Rubix cube of the craft. Much more complex than the standard cranes, modular origami features differ-
ent folded structures pieced together to create a final 3D geometric shape. “I was inspired by existence and what people require in order to be happy,” Fitzgerald said of the exhibit. “Society constantly needs something new, something upgraded... People are never satisfied with what they have. The song also kind of inspired my work.” For No Satisfaction, Fitzgerald plans on producing a diorama scene alongside the collages and origami in the window of the Vine Art Gallery. All exhibits at the Vine are free of charge, featuring a different artist every month with a gallery reception taking place the last Friday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to
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9 p.m. For the artistically inclined, the Vine Art Gallery is currently accepting show applications for 2012. “I think we have a great art scene here in Kalamazoo, and I’d like to see it grow,” said Fitzpatrick. “I don’t want Kalamazoo to just be a college town.” The gallery seems to share her view. Vine Art encourages student and group shows, with preference given to those local to the Vine or who have not had work previously displayed at the gallery. With its professional feel and prime location, the Vine Art Gallery doubles as an optimal venue for a first showing and an accessible gallery to encourage area artists like Fitzpatrick.
MODA unveils designs at Bernhard center By Katey Stapleton Staff Reporter A rediscovered venue, brand new executive board and fresh attitude has set the tone for what is sure to be one of Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association’s (M.O.D.A.) most successful fashion shows in its 14-year history this fall. Western Michigan University’s student-run M.O.D.A. will be illuminating the Bernhard Center Nov. 18 and 19 with 15 hand-crafted fashion lines, 45 models, and a whole lot of glamour. Senior public relations chair of M.O.D.A., Lance Brown, said that rather than having the bi-annual event at The Radisson Hotel downtown, he and the rest of the executive board would prefer that the Bernhard Center play host in an effort to involve more students. “We’re changing the venue back to the Bernhard Center
because we want to cater to the actual students and we want them to feel more at home. Freshman don’tt have cars, and it was a challenge getting everyone to the venues off campus,” said Brown. Along with easy-access for students, the heart of west campus may also have more to offer than meets the eye. “There is way more space at the Bernhard Center and I believe we can create a really cool runway and have it be visible to more than just the first three rows. There won’t be any obstacles blocking the view,” Courtney Gula, 22, a designer in the show, said. Gula said in past years the stages were not set up at the most optimal angle for each ticket-holder to get a fair view of the designs. And this is only the beginning of the changes being made for the 2011 show. “This year’s show is luxurious, extravagant and basically bringing New York
fashion week and the prestige that it has onto Western’s campus,” Brown said. “It’s going to be glamorous. It will be simple, not overdone, not too much...but it will be fabulous.” “M.O.D.A. Presents: Luminesce” is promising to be not only a spectacle, but a charitable one at that. This semester’s proceeds will go to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. “The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission has sent us a list of needs, necessities and wants,” Brown said. “We will go purchase children’s toys with the profits and make sure everyone has a special holiday. The overall goal of M.O.D.A. is to actually take the talent that all the members have and translate it into a philanthropic goal. This is so we can support the community that has supported us through our fashion endeavors over the years.” Ticket sales for the event
have begun. Booths are setup in the Bernhard Center every Monday and Wednesday between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. across from the Subway in the student common area. Students ($5), adults ($10), and V.I.P.’s ($20), can also purchase tickets from www. modawmu.info.com. For those who have never attended a M.O.D.A show before, there is much to be discovered, Gula said. “If you love fashion, then you would love this,” Gula said. “It feels like a real fashion show because it truly is one. Every ticket will be supporting a really good, student-run organization, and it will be an incredible twonight event.” Quick Hits Who: M.O.D.A What: Fashion Show Where: Bernhard Center When: Nov. 18 and 19 Tickets: $5 students, $10 adults, $20 VIP
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Kzoo gets wild: Gorilla Gourmet By Baxter Gill Staff Reporter The gourmet food truck experience has finally rolled into Kalamazoo. Chef Noel A. Corwin is bringing culinary expertise from the world over and serving his art from the side of his humble food truck. World flavors brought together with local Kalamazoo ingredients form the backbone of the Gorilla Gourmet experience. Chef Corwin’s creativity can easily be traced back to a long history with food. He started cooking school in California in 1998, and from there his experience only grew. Moving on after The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Corwin worked his first season in the Napa Valley. “It was an amazing experience,” Corwin said. “To be part of the seasons of the grapes… I got to work with some really talented people there, and learned a ton.”
Dan Morgner/Western Herald
The Poblano chicken tacos with house slaw are one of Gorilla Gourmet’s staple dishes. The Asian influence in the food is explained by his almost seven month backpacking trip. “I had my midlife crisis at 30,” Corwin said. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I ended up packing all my shit up, was burnt out on cooking, and, uh, went to Asia… It completely changed my palette.” In fact, Bánh mì (a Vietnamese street food), Latin flavors, and local ingredients all play a part
food truck scene, according to Corwin. “I see for Kalamazoo- opening up the food truck scene and really embraces it… we’re building the Gorilla Army,” he said. He admits looking forward to a gourmet food truck serving farm direct food, and going completely organic, but admits such visions are pretty far off. “We’ve got to, you know, we’ve got to bang out a lot of grinders.” In the nearer future, the Gorilla Gourmet truck is moving. For adventurous eaters looking for a good time, the Gorilla Gourmet truck will soon be parked at 305 Oakland and South Street, and the hours of operation are from 11 a.m. until the flavor runs out, Monday through Friday. Regardless of how late the truck is open, or what is on the menu, one thing is for certain: making the choice where to eat in Kalamazoo just got a little bit wild.
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According to the WMU Department of Theatre, to date, more than 40 theatres and universities are confirmed to participate in 25 states across America, which include Texas, North Dakota, Florida, Kansas and Michigan, where both gay marriage and civil unions are banned; North Carolina, where the vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage was moved up to 2012; California, where gay marriage was legalized and then overturned by the passage of Proposition 8 in 2008; and many states where marriage equality is not yet a reality, as well as beyond America; theatres in Sydney, Australia will also participate, making this a truly international event. Not only is this show sending a significant message via
in the dynamic flavors Gorilla Gourmet offers. “I’m just constantly inspired by it, and so much of my menu is driven by it–what’s happening at the farmer’s market,” Corwin said. Last week’s menu included smoked beef tongue tacos which are not only unheard of to be executed from a food truck, but almost unheard of in any restaurant. The menu follows what’s in season, as well as whatever Corwin feels like cooking. There’s a common table, so not even the dinner guests are the same. The restaurant doesn’t even close at a specified time. Gorilla Gourmet closes when it runs out of flavor. Corwin knows that the future of Gorilla Gourmet doesn’t rely on the food truck itself, but the food he serves. “We know that the novelty of the food truck wears off after the first visit,” Corwin said. The future looks bright for the
a theatrical event, but also a portion of ticket sales will be donated to organizations. The WMU Theatre Department is performing this event for free, however, patrons will have the opportunity to make an optional donation to the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource center. The department is also hosting a talkback. “We encourage all members of our community to come and participate where we will use our WMU actors and actresses in the reading that we do here,” Herrington said. Join the University Theatre and thousands of other patrons across the nation in a night of raising awareness and supporting marriage equality in this one time performance.
While the stronger years of the RSO where in the mid-2000’s, the RSO hit an all-time low in 2008. “It was kind of a downer for most people,” said Troy Hudson, a fifth year senior and chairman of the RSO. “But in 2010 there was more excitement.” By 2010, the group rose in attendance and popularity following the 2010 midterm elections. The group has about 450 registered e-mails but has about 45 to 50 members attend each meeting. Most of the meetings are compromised of a speaker, either at the local or state level, and getting ready for special events as well as social gatherings. Hudson is one of the people that puts all the weekly meetings into place and informs the group of future events, along with trying to get funds for events. “He really focuses on the group and in the party itself,”
said Dillon. “He tries relentlessly to bring in elected officials to talk to us, tries to inform us on opportunities. He was the one that was able to take us to a College Republican Mackinaw convention. We were able to meet Mitt Romney there.” Even though their main goal is to get republicans elected and have as many republican representatives in office as possible, WMUGOP does not consider themselves a political group. Although they do not specifically endorse one presidential candidate, they do keep tabs on the current debates and current events that involve republican presidential candidates. They even crack jokes and jeer at one another over each other’s preferred presidential candidate.
Umphrey’s McGee at the State By Alexandra Batson Staff Reporter
Umphrey’s McGee is playing this Friday, Nov. 4. at the State Theater. The six piece band always surprises audiences with shows and new albums but fans are never let down. The band consists of Brendan Bayliss on guitar and vocals, Jake Cinninger also on guitar and vocals, Joel Cummins on keyboard, piano and vocals, Andy Farag on percussion, Kris Myers on drums and vocals and Ryan Stasik on bass. Umphrey’s has been together since 1998 when they started at University of Notre Dame with just Stasik and Bayliss. They then joined another band which Cummins was a part of. In 2003 all the guys came together and they’ve been the same six-piece since. While talking about struggles, Stasik said anything you want to be good at takes work, “We feel very blessed to be able to make music for a living and we have the greatest fans in the world and for them to come out and be a part of what we do and appreciate what we do makes us feel really blessed.” Although the band’s families are mostly in the midwest they also travel all over the world and have been to places like Japan, Australia, The Carribean, Mexico and participate in a Jam Cruise in Jan. When it comes to inspiration Stasik said the six all listen to different types of music. He said it’s not easy to pinpoint just one or two but they all work to keep their ears open trying to listen to everything new and pay attention to what’s going around. They also are always trying to see some live shows when they’re not playing. Umphrey’s has about 10 albums. The most recent, which the band is currently touring to promote is called Death By Stereo which was released Sept. 13.