Free speech board created for students

The Associated Students of NMU (ASNMU) is putting up a Free Speech Board in the Starbucks area of the Learning Resource Center. It will be a standing white board and will have a new question on a regular basis that will ask students about relevant issues on campus.
“The rationale is to have a more interesting, creative way to get in touch with students,” said ASNMU president Jason Morgan. “They can send e-mails, but the reality is that e-mails aren’t as effective. Even comment cards aren’t that effective. So, we hope students will see this board and feel inclined to answer the questions that we put up on the board.”
The board will be up at the end of next week. Questions will range from campus issues to questions that ask students how effective they think ASNMU is.
Morgan said the board gives students the opportunity to express their opinions in a public place, and it increases communication between ASNMU and the student body.
“The concerns we have [for the board] are people destroying it, or writing on it with permanent marker, or people writing derogatory and inflammatory comments. Hopefully, there’s no one who abuses the board. We want them to write helpful or constructive comments. You know, they could write, ‘ASNMU doesn’t do anything,’ and that’s fine with me.”
The Free Speech Board is one of the ways ASNMU is discussing for this semester to improve communication with students.

– Alex Belz

Auditions to be held for “The Mousetrap”

Auditions for NMU’s production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” will be held Jan. 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. in the Forest Roberts Theatre. Callbacks will be at noon on Sunday, Jan. 18 and the play will be staged in April. Since 1952, when “The Mousetrap” opened in the West End of London, it has been performed continuously. With more than 23,000 performances, it is the longest running play in history. “There must be something about it,” said director Paul Truckey. “[It’s] always been a play that I thought was really fun.” The Forest Roberts Theatre generally tries to wrap up the year with a classical play. “The Mousetrap” fits the bill as a classic murder mystery, reminiscent of familiar “whodunit” plays and “Clue,” Truckey said. The play tells the story of eight characters who try to solve the mystery of a murdered guest while trapped by a snowstorm in a new hotel. Because the play features a wide variety of characters, the auditions will be open to the public. Truckey said that along with familiarizing themselves with the characters and the play, actors should prepare a one-minute monologue. “Come in energetic and come in to have some fun,” said Truckey. “It’s a light-hearted play even though it’s a murder mystery.” For more information about the auditions call 906-227-2553.

– Cameron Witbeck

Hostel program available for everyone

For students interested in seeing the world, the Northern Center for Lifelong Learning (NCLL) will be hosting “Experiences of Exploritas,” which is an informational seminar about a not-for-profit educational program, Exploritas. The program was formerly known as Elder Hostel and is an instructor-led educational program that allows participants to explore locations around the world. Presenters will answer questions about locations, accommodations and special events, as well as share their past experiences with the Exploritas Program. “These are upscale hostels, not like youth hostels,” said Paula McCormick, vice chair of the NCLL. Included in the cost of most Exploritas programs are meal plans, living arrangements and entry fees to a variety of places around the world ranging from a getaway to Yosemite National Park in California to a visit to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. “Experiences of Exploritas” is one of the many classes offered by the NCLL. While the organization has many retired members, it is open to adults of all ages. “We’re trying to get as many people … as possible to participate,” McCormick said. The class, cosponsored by the Marquette Senior Center, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Community Room of the Peter White Library. With almost 8,000 different educational tours in the United States and over 90 other countries, “Experiences of Exploritas” will provide valuable information for travelers of all ages. The cost of the class is $4 for NCLL members and $7 for community members.

– James Dyer