Learn how to grow plants inside

A presentation on “How to Grow Fresh Air,” led by Chris Windy and Morty Harwood, both NMU undergraduates, will cover the basics of how to grow plants indoors, the process of how plants clean indoor air and what the best types of plants for this are.

“We’re going to tell you why plants are important and how they improve your health,” Windy said.

Both students took a plant physiology class last semester and became interested in the topic because of the book “How to Grow Fresh Air: Fifty Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office” by B.C. Wolverton.

The SkillBuilder! will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Back Room of the University Center. Students can register for the workshop online at www.nmu.edu/slfp.

— Shana Schmitt

Event promotes safe drinking

The Root Beer Bash will be held on Saturday, March 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Hunt / Van Antwerp Basement. It is sponsored by Peer Advising Counseling and Education Program of the Multicultural Education and Resource Center. Shady Grove House in Hunt Hall is also in charge of this event.

There will be Root Beer pong competitions, where students will have the chance to play against public safety and prizes handed out throughout the night. The Health Promotions office will have a table promoting safe drinking habits through a series of games for students who do not wish to participate in the Root Beer pong competition.

The Root Beer Bash is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend this event. Call 906-227-1554 for more information on this event.

— Shaina James

Bike race film to be presented

“Ride The Divide,” an award-winning feature-length documentary about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, will be played at NMU today, its first appearance in Michigan since a sell-out showing in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, Jan. 27.

“The movie is being played to help raise money for the Noquemanon Trail Network, which is the multi-use trail network that runs through Marquette County,” said Scott Wanhala, an NMU cycling club member.

The film follows several bikers who attempted the race called Tour Divide, which takes place in the Rocky Mountains from Banff, Alberta, Canada to the Mexican border. The film was named the best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival.

The documentary will be played today in the Great Lakes Room of the University Center. Tickets are $12 at the door.

—Robyn Goodman