Letters 3/28/02

March 27, 2002

Class faces the axe
As a reader, I realize your publication is a great supporter of the local
art scene. Because of this, I‘m writing to you regarding a disturbing situation.
I am currently taking a metalsmithing class at Northwestern Michigan
College. My instructor, Diane Hubert, has been teaching at NMC for the past 24 years.
Some of her past students are current gallery owners as well as nationally
recognized artists. To make a long story short, the entire metalsmithing program is about to be dropped from the NMC curriculum. It may not seem like a big deal, but for a
community that professes to support the arts, this would be a big blow. There is no
other program like it in Northern Michigan.
Many aspiring artists (myself included) will have nowhere else to turn to
learn our craft. Many will miss the opportunity to learn from one of the
country‘s foremost metalsmithing artists. Diane‘s work has been featured in
art shows around the country. She has also served on jurying committees at
some of these shows. She continues to display her work in galleries across
the country.
Those interested in helping us keep the program going can contact Tim
Nelson, NMC President, at the following:

Northwestern Michigan College
1701 E. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
Tnelson@message.nmc.edu

Other people who may contacted include Stephen Siciliano, Humanities
Division Head, at ssiciliano@message.nmc.edu and Doug Domine, Art Department
Chairman, at ddomine@message.nmc.edu
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Maria Perez-Bastian • via email

Be careful out there
On Nov. 23, 2001, my car wouldn‘t start. I had it towed to an auto shop. Seven hours and no estimate later he called and said the car was ready (the spark plugs were changed) and the bill was $400.
As per the sign in the shop, I wrote the Secretary of State to complain. They investigated, cited the mechanic, and I‘m still out $400.
In my subsequent campaign to expose him, he claimed he offered to remove the parts if I didn‘t like the bill, which is a lie. I don‘t know for how long or how many people this guy has ripped off but at the least he‘s going to have to earn that money.
Notwithstanding my vendetta, I wonder how many others are doing it. Plus he was supposed to give me the old parts if I requested them.

Mary Ann Mahrle • TC

Role models and sacrifice
While researching stories for LISTEN America‘s “Kid‘s Club News“ and getting ready for our 12th Annual NFL Jam Sessions both of which emphasized firefighters, I met and spoke to hundreds of them about their profession. Although I have always had respect for firefighters and the work they do, I have discovered a newfound admiration and love for the profession that I never had before. What I saw changed not only my thoughts, but also changed my life.
Rob Rubick, the coach of the Detroit Lions basketball team said in a short speech to our young people during our games in McBain and Traverse City, that the Lions players were not the role models our kids should be looking to for solutions to life‘s trials and temptations. He believes that our kids should be looking to their parents and grandparents as their role models and that we as adults should take this challenge seriously.
I would like to add a thought to Rob‘s words if I may, and this comment is for both adults and young people alike, and it centers on just one word. One word that if kept foremost in our thoughts and actions throughout each and every day would change the world. That one word is “sacrifice.“
That one word epitomizes what being a firefighter is all about, and not only that, but what each one of us should be about too.
Each county, city, town and burg throughout northern Michigan should be proud of these men and women who selflessly commit their lives to the well being and safety of others. I know I am. The dictionary tells me that the word “sacrifice“ can only be spelled one way. I believe Webster has erred and should add a few more ways to spell the word. One being f-i-r-e-f-i-g-h-t-e-r.


George Corliss, Executive Director
LISTEN America Prevention Programs • Cadillac