The Giving Tree, Story #7

The Giving Tree Puts Joy In the Hearts of Many This Holiday Season

Keeping the Meaning of Christmas Alive

By Tara Hjermstad

                When Christmas is brought up, often time’s thoughts of mistletoe and gifts come to mind. But for many in the Bemidji area, Christmas this year isn’t a jolly thought.

                Homelessness is a problem in Beltrami County, along with other issues that would bring a child or family to be without money during the holiday season to buy gifts.

                Jennifer Bamberger, the Programming Assistant in Hobson Memorial Union, has always had her heart set on what’s best for others and thinking of new ways that she can make a positive change in someone’s life. Although she does not work directly with the Village of Hope, she wanted to have something that the “students, faculty and staff could do.”

                She contacted Cathy Brook, Child Protection Intake Social Worker for Beltrami County Social Services, to see if there were any families in need this holiday season and how BSU could help.

                Turns out, there is a great number of homelessness in the Bemidji area right now, and Brook was thrilled to have Bamberger assisting in giving. Many of the families that Brook is working with have just lost their homes and are in deep financial troubles, so gift giving is not a priority that they can fulfill right now.

                There are also many children that have lost both of their parents for whatever the reason may be, and have been placed in foster care with no money coming in for gifts for giving or receiving. Both Brook and Bamberg believe that during the holidays, just simply knowing that someone thought about these children to buy them a gift and share their holiday with them, is enough to make the children happy.

                Because of budget cuts and lack of funding, Brook’s program is not able to reach every family in need, but thanks to BSU’s  programs, such as the Giving Tree, “answering the parents and children’s prayers” has been made possible. Brook brought an idea up to Bamberger about a book she had read and thought would be a wonderful idea for the Bemidji community.

                According to Brook, the Giving Tree is a children’s book published in 1964 by Harper & Row, written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, and has now become published in over 30 different languages. It is basically about a young boy’s relationship with a tree that gives him everything the boy asks for, eventually sacrificing his entire self for the young boy’s happiness. It was only fitting that the tree in the Upper Hobson Union be named after this incredible story.

                Bamberger, along with two helpers, Andrea and Destiny, also in the Hobson Memorial Union, have put together what they have named, the “Giving Tree.”

                “I wanted to help children who might not have a merry Christmas this year and could use a secret angel to help make their season bright.” The children’s names were added to angel ornaments on the Christmas tree near the information desk, while Bamberger sent out a mass email to all BSU students, challenging each one to “adopt” a child in need to “make them smile on Christmas morning” this holiday season.

                The Giving Tree is a tree set up in the Upper Hobson Union that has 30 angels placed on it. Each angel has the gender and age of a child in need. Whichever angel is taken, that person is responsible to buy a gift for that child.

                It is in place this holiday season to reach out to those less fortunate and give from the heart, said Bamberger. “Children should have a special moment in their lives when they can look back and say remember when...”

                There is no price range to the gift, nor are there a maximum number of gifts that can be given. There is no amount too many for how many angels taken either. Bamberger encourages people to take more than one angel if there is a group of people going in together to “provide gifts for these less fortunate children.”

                Currently, the Giving Tree is bare of angels, but there are more on the way. Brook has been contacted to send more angels to fill the tree again. Bamberger received this note from Brook along with the first load of angels giving thanks to the HMU and BSU students and families for their support:

                “I just want to say thank you in advance for opening your hearts to the children and families that we serve. Many of the children listed below are currently in and out of home placement and won’t be with their families this holiday season. Some are homeless that we have placed in foster homes so they have a warm place to spend the holidays, and some are just down on their luck and need a helping hand. Since their names cannot be shared, I want to extend a thank you on their behalf.”

                Each gift bought must be brought back to the Upper Hobson Union before the start of Christmas vacation, unwrapped and ready to go to the child.

                Again, there is no limit to the amount of money spent or the number of gifts bought, as long as the thoughts going out to these families in need is there, that makes it all worth it.

                The salvation army is also making duffel bags filled with the necessities, toiletries, toys, stuffed animals and blankets. Many of these bags are given to the local police stations, because usually they are the first ones to the scene when a child is to be removed from a home or in need.

                Any other information on donations to be given past the deadline of the Giving Tree can be brought up to Cathy Brook or Jennifer Bamberger.

                Remember, this holiday season is about giving. Let’s keep the meaning behind it, and make sure that we have a healthy, happy community, because everyone deserves to feel joy and thankfulness anytime of the year.

Behind the scenes of FM 90

After 34 years, college students continue to run BSU’s radio station

By Caley Jorgensen

Story #7

November 21, 2010

Word Count: 930

   As the song comes to an end and slowly fades out, BSU junior Charlie Falk carefully slides the volume control down from the console, used to control the audio mix and output of the station. He simultaneously turns the volume up on his microphone. He sits precariously on a stool in a small room tucked in a sub-office of Deputy Hall with a spectacular view of Lake Bemidji. The room is warm as the sun beats in. "That was Come Together by The Beatles," he says. "Up next, is Laura by Flogging Molly." Before the song begins, he says, "You’re listening to FM 90.”

  FM 90, or KBSB-FM on 89.7, is licensed to Bemidji State University by the FCC as a non-commercial educational FM radio station. The Federal Communications Commission is the federal agency responsible for issuing licenses, rules, and regulations for radio and TV. KBSB covers a 15-mile radius, but the station can be heard up to 35-miles away.

               



Roger Paskvan, owner of FM 90,
thinks this is a great opportunity
and experiences for students to
get involved in radio. Photo taken
from Roger's Two-Way Radio
Web site.



  FM 90 has a potential audience of 20,000 people. Roger Paskvan, BSU associate professor of broadcast, was hired in 1976 and took the radio station under his wing. “I took advantage of this opportunity because I wanted to make the radio station as close to the real world as we could make it,” he said. “I organized a staff and every position in the radio station is a complement to what’s in the real world and I had students in charge of programming.” Students became involved in station management, announcing music, sales, marketing, and more.

  Paskvan said the station is "an essential part of our broadcast curriculum.” He believes it’s a greater experience than recording into a tape and turning it in just for a grade. Students who are enrolled in the class audio production, taught by Paskvan, are required to be on air for a three-hour shift every week. Falk is a DJ for FM 90 on Thursdays and goes by Andrew Mitchell when he's on air. “I love to entertain people and make them happy,” he said. Even though BSU junior Phil Peterson was enrolled in audio production last year, he still continues to take shifts on FM 90. “I enjoy the amount of individuality I can put into shows,” he said.



The radio station, on second floor of Deputy Hall, looks out
at Lake Bemidji. Photo by Caley Jorgensen.



   According to the Mass Communication Department's Web site, FM 90 is one of the most popular radio stations in the Bemidji area.  Students act as live DJs during their own on-air shifts.  There are also opportunities for students to create their own shows and select their own music.

               

 The antenna and transmitter for FM 90 are on top of Tamarack Hall and is a 100-watt station. Other 100,000-watt radio stations in Bemidji, such as KBHP (101.1 FM) and KKBJ (103.7 FM) are much stronger than FM 90. KBHP and KKBJ cover a 45-mile radius by their FCC licenses, compared to FM 90’s 15-mile radius. Being in an educational institution, the majority of the costs of FM 90 are borne by the university. “We get a budget of about $3,000 a year for maintenance and then whatever money we can get from underwriting,” said Paskvan. Underwriting is a method by which non-commercial stations, such as FM 90, seek financial support from commercial sponsors.

 The Deputy Hall facility was remodeled in 1992. It became digital about five years ago. Even though it has been changed and updated throughout the years, students continue to run the station. Not only is the station for the public, but it gives students an opportunity to experience running a station.

               

 “It’s the real life part of class,” said Paskvan. “We could teach you about the radio in class and then you could close the book and go home, or you could experience the real thing.” Up to 50 students are on KBSB radio or operating KBSU-TV every week. BSU allows individualism, free expression, and provides the outlets in the department through the campus media to allow each student to grow.

               



Students take three hour shifts weekly and control their music
and audio levels from this room. BSU freshman Anna Mae
Tollefson played a Christmas song for her listeners to enjoy.
Photo by Caley Jorgensen.



  “It is the best experience anyone can have in a school environment,” said Eric Nelson, a former DJ of FM 90. There are responsibilities for being on the radio. There cannot be dead air, students have to take it seriously as if it’s their job, and there can be no profanity or swear words. If one were to make a mistake, there could be major consequences. “With the current FCC climate, all it would take is for a student to go on the air and say ‘FU’ a couple times and the Administration would be facing fines in the $40-50,000 range,” Paskvan said.

  FM 90 runs a “Top 40 Hits” radio format, but can be altered into whatever the student DJ wants it to be. They have the opportunity to play any music they want, as long as it’s clean. Some of these shows include formats anywhere from hip-hop to bluegrass to heavy metal. FM 90 will continue to be run by students. In the future, Paskvan is hoping to expand the station and get more students involved, who are not only in the Mass Communication Department.

 Falk's three-hour shift is coming to an end. The room is cooling off as the sun’s rays move away from the window. His last song plays from his playlist and he packs up his backpack. As he leaves the station, the next student DJ comes in to takeover and begins their shift. From 6 a.m. to midnight, students will continue to rotate, making each shift unique and making it their own.

BSU Mass Communications Students Get Hands-On Experience

Audio Production students have their own air shifts on FM90

By: Taylor Klinke

Word Count 755

College is all about learning about your chosen career path and getting your first real hands-on experiences – and that’s just what BSU Mass Communication’s majors get to do. One of the very first classes Mass Communication students are required to take is called Audio Production. Students in this class learn about the history of the radio and the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But most importantly they gain practical skills in the operations of audio equipment and are introduced to digital audio editing. Each student is required to have a three-hour time slot on the campus radio station – FM90.

“My favorite part about being on FM90 is that I’m in control. I like being able to play whatever music I want to play, and being able to say whatever I want,” said BSU sophomore Melissa Morrison, who is on the radio every Thursday night.

Students can to bring in their laptops, CDs, or Ipods and play whatever music they want. Bluegrass, rap, metal, hip-hop, pop, and reggae – You can play whatever as long as it’s censored. You can also have people call in to answer trivia, make song requests, ask advice, or just to talk in general.  Something different and fun that students also enjoy doing is inviting in guests – like inviting in a local band and conducting an interview.

“One Sunday I went into FM90 with my band, A Day of Plague, and we did a 25 minute interview,” said BSU sophomore Anthony Lamb, “DJ Tay even played one of our songs.”

Being on the college radio station is rewarding on many levels because you get a lot of experience. You are able to mess up on air and make all the mistakes without fear of punishment. It’s kind of a “learn by your mistakes” type of atmosphere. It’s also good for students to go in where they can play any kind of music and talk about whatever they want – because they won’t experience that out in the job field. Most radio stations have a certain program or structure that requires them to only play certain singles of a specific genre. And they can only talk about what’s acceptable by their work place. 

“We have every type of insurance or coverage that’s available for radio stations,” said audio production professor Roger Paskvan. The coverage costs thousands but the college needs it incase a student forgets to censor a song or makes any other mistakes that the FCC finds fineable.

Upon finishing the audio production course, you can continue being a DJ on the campus radio station if you want to. If there are enough slots open you can do a show by yourself or you can have a show with a friend or two. “Even though I finished audio production last semester – I still do a radio show with two other students every Thursday night,” said Melissa Morrison, “ It’s better than doing it by myself because now I have someone to talk to.”

Audio production students learn a lot more outside of the required lab too. They learn how AM and FM radio got started, how it works, what it takes to run a radio station, and one of the most covered topics is ads and how companies pay to have airtime. Each student is then required to use digital editing software to record and edit a given ad. They receive hands-on experience for how to mix background music and a voiceover – and how to edit and watch the levels of each track. In this process they learn how much work it takes to put together a good quality advertisement.

Many mass communication's students go on to successful careers. Eric Nelson graduated from Bemidji State in 2008 and since then he's moved to Iowa where he works as the master control operator at a ABC station. "FM90 taught me to think on my feet. From being on-air, to making ads. Things never really went as planned and that helped me -- because now I'm able to help others understand that nothing in work or life works out the exact way you plan it to," said former FM90 student manager Eric Nelson.

Mass communication is the primary means by which our society relays news, information, and entertainment to the public – Bemidji State University majors receive a lot of hands-on experience that will help grow skills and confidence for their future careers.

 One of the sound editing studios located on the second floor of Deputy --

where Audio Production students make and edit their ads and other projects.

The set-up at FM90 where the sound board, production computers,

request line, and mics are located. 

Leif is constant in changing business department

Still enjoys practicing his ‘routine’ on students

By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

Story #7

word count: 988

            Doug Leif is known around the business department as the professor who loves to have fun when he teaches.  His PowerPoints have character; animations and loud noises to keep the students attention.  He enjoys joking with students and doesn’t forget a face.  He has few classes now, but still has the same comedic behavior he had when he came to BSU.

            Leif laughed his way through the interview wearing a business suit and sipping his daily Diet Coke while frequently interrupting to help students at his door. He office is spacious, with a beautiful view of Lake Bemidji behind him and shelves filled with awards.

            When asked about his background, Leif immediately jumped at the opportunity to throw in a joke, “I was a catcher at a junior college in Austin, Minnesota.  Is that what you were looking for?” Leif facetiously asked. 

            He always quickly backtracked to the real answer once his joke had landed.  He was working for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa as an information systems analyst while attending graduate school part-time at Drake University when he decided he needed a change.  Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa is where Leif would relocate and become a full-time graduate student.

            Once he finished his degree, Iowa State had a need for a professor.  “They hired me upon graduation,” said Leif.  “I was teaching operation management with 220 students in my class.”  Then BSU came calling.

            “I interviewed for a position up here [Bemidji] while I was still teaching there [Iowa State].”  He received an offer, finished up the semester and moved to Bemidji.   He started at BSU in the fall of 1990 and has been here since.

            Leif’s primary title is Business Administration Professor, but also serves as the Chair to the Business Department. “I wear many hats,” said Leif laughing.  “I am the Advisor of the BSU men’s club hockey team, Advisor of Alpha Phi Sigma National Honors Society, and National Vice President of Alpha Phi Sigma.”

            When asked about a memory that sticks out in his mind, at first he didn’t mention something from sports, students or where he works.  When he moved to Bemidji, it was just he and his wife.  Now the Leif’s have three kids, own a home in Bemidji and his first-born is a sophomore at BSU. 

            He did admit that his job has led to many memories as well.  “There are a lot of memories in sports,” recalled Leif. “You throw in the Frozen Four, football team playing in the Mineral Water Bowl against Pitt State and Amy Lawson on ESPN sinking the three quarters of a court shot to beat Mankato.”  He has also seen a conference champion in every sport.

During Leif’s twenty years at BSU, he has been involved with many changes and has seen the university evolve.   In Leif’s opinion the faculty in the business department keeps improving.  There is more faculty now than there ever has been.  Leadership at the university has provided improved and added new facilities.

            “BSU has always been a leader in technology, equipment and students,” said Leif. There are more students every year.  The achievements of the graduates keep improving. “It’s fun vibrant and exciting to see all these changes develop.  It’s easy to come to work everyday.”

            Minnesota is currently faced with economic problems. There are problems with the state and the budget; Leif sees it as an opportunity for the university. “The school is onward and upward.  Enrollment will increase and programs will become stronger because of it – no doubt.”

            Leif was proud to share his contributions to the changes in the business department.  He has been involved with the growth in Web site presence and recruiting.  His latest goal reached was getting the accreditation for the business department.

“The department is now nationally accredited through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),” said Leif.  “We can now be compared to national and international business schools.”

            Leif serves many students whether it may be in the classroom or as their academic advisor. “Doug has been very helpful to me in my three years here at BSU,” said Junior Ethan Branum. “His advice on scheduling classes and what type of work load I should take each semester has been very beneficial to me.” 

            Leif’s wise advice to student was, “students make the university and the faculty reputation more than the faculty and university making the reputation of the student graduate.  The onus is on the student. Don’t sit back and wait for the epiphany that hey I’m good at this.  Grind it out.  You’re going to have to do the legwork.  Faculties are here to do what we can to produce that environment.  The onus is on you and we are here to make sure you take your role seriously.  Make us; don’t wait for us to make you.”

Whether you see Professor Leif walking through Decker Hall or cheering on the Beavers at a sporting event, he will give you a smile and his patented “squeeze” wave. “Leifer always pops in at baseball practice at the right time and lightens the mood,” said Senior Brian Ahlers. “He is a great professor and huge supporter of the Beavers.” 

When asked about his plans for the future, Leif said with a smile on his face, “20 more years retire, stay in Bemidji.  I already moved to a place that I want to vacation.  I live in a place where the rest of the world vacations.  I don’t have to go anywhere.”

Shelves above Leif’s computer show just a few of the awards and accomplishments he has in his office. Photo taken by: Andrew Pooch.

Doug Leif sits at his desk overlooking Diamond Point Park while preparing to teach his afternoon class. Photo taken by: Andrew Pooch

Winter Smacks Bemidji as BSU Students Travel Over Fall Break

Winter storms make travel difficult

Eric Story

Story # 7

With BSU students preparing to head home for fall break, winter left its snowy footprint, dumping 6-10 inches of powdery white snow on Monday alone. Wednesday brought the second storm of the week, along with high winds making a mess of student travel plans for fall break.

As students, faculty and the rest of Bemidji arose Monday morning, they were greeted to a winter-wonderland. Snow began falling early Monday morning, and continued throughout the rest of the day. Big white flakes fell to the ground collecting on everything in sight. Cars became buried under the fluffy new powder, and the roads became a mess.



Car lined along Birch Lane
Photo by: Eric Story



A couple students stopped to help push a minivan up Birchmont Drive in front of the A. C. Clark Library, after the van had stopped and wasn’t able to get going again.



With the second storm set to hit Wednesday students were left scrambling to change their travel plans, with the uncertainty that lay ahead. One student decided it was better to stay, cancelling his plans to fly home to Kansas. “I just decided it would be easier not to go” said, BSU student Buddy Rice. “I’ll be home for winter break in a couple more weeks.”

With the possibility of snow, freezing rain and drifting snow, many students decided it was better to leave Tuesday even if it meant missing a class or two. “I was suppose to leave on Wednesday, but ened up skipping my last class of the day on Tuesday so I could get home before the weather got bad,” said BSU student Courntey Barvels. “I don’t think my professor even went himself.”

“I was defiantly paying close attention to the weather,” said BSU senior Mac Friedrichs. “I was heading home first, then to visit my fiancé in Wisconsin. I decided it was best to leave after class on Tuesday instead of facing worse conditions, It’s better to be safe than sorry.”



View from Lower Union

Photo by: Eric Story



The National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning for the Bemidji area for noon on Wednesday, continuing through 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.



The Bemidji area received another 3-6 inches of snow Wednesday afternoon making travel slow for anyone who waited. Travelers headed south out of Bemidji Wednesday were greeted to heavy snow, slowing travel on State Highway 64 to 30 mph. “It was terrible,” said BSU senior John Sivertson. “You couldn’t see the road let alone the lines, all you could see was white.”

“I wish I would have left Tuesday,” said BSU student Mike Bownes. “You could barely make out were the road was, and someone actually tried to pass me. I couldn’t believe the lack of common sense.”



The further south you went the better the road conditions were, as southern Minnesota received significantly less snow. That coupled with warmer temperatures lead wet roads. “Once I finally made it to Motley, it was pretty easy going,” chuckled Sivertson. “The first two hours was nothing short of exhausting, and my whole body was so tense. It felt like I could finally breath again.”

“At least when I got to Motley, there was one lane completely clear to drive in,” said Bownes who was on his way back to Plymouth. “The roads were just wet once I reached St. Cloud.”

BSU sophomore Bryan Syrstad didn’t have any weather related problems over break, it was the other occasional problem he ran into when traveling. “My car broke down on Friday when I was on my way to the twin cities to visit my girlfriend. That wasn’t fun.”



As the temperature plummeted fell over Wednesday night and Thursday, leading to icy roads. Three different single car accidents were reported in northwestern Minnesota over Wednesday night and Thursday morning, adding another element for travlers to caution.



At 7:37 p.m. Wednesday, a motorist was attempting to pass another westbound vehicle on state Highway 11 in Roseau County when he lost control rolling his vehicle before coming to a rest on the roof. The driver and two passengers suffered non-life threatening injuries. Two other drivers were involved in separate accidents caused by icy roads on U.S. Highway 2 escaped without injury.

As most students made it back for class on Monday, the ones who decided to take an extra day and travel back on Monday were greeted to yet another winter storm. Another 2-4 inches of heavy wet snow fell Monday. “I missed it the first time around, I guess that’s what I get for missing class on Monday,” joked Friedrichs. “ It wasn’t a fun drive though, the roads were a mess.”



With temperatures hovering around 32 degrees it made perfect snowball or snowman weather. “It was fun to get out and throw some snowballs,” stated  Sivertson. “It is officially winter whether you like it or not, so get used to it!”



 Word count: 800 



Boys and girls club help kids get away

volunteers help in major roles

By: Luke Landgraf

Words:838

(story 7)

The Boys and Girls Club is a place in Bemidji where young kids can go to just hang out.  The workers and volunteers at the club work hard for the kids that go there to feel just like kids.  The kids that come there are kids that are having trouble with everyday life.  These kids are having troubles with their homework or getting abused at home, some kids just need a helpful word of motivation.

“To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” This is the Mission statement of the Boys and Girls club. The clubs main goal is to put confidence back into the children that come there.  The club does small things that make great importance with the children to make them feel special and confident.

Dakota Aeling is the art supervisor at the Boys and Girls Club in Bemidji “its nice to have volunteers that show up here to help us out, we get them often (Volunteers) but not really in our department, “ said Aeling.  “ We get people to come in to read to the children all the time, and the children really seem to enjoy,” that said Dakota.  “Some of these kids situations are really sad.  Some kids are abused at home or they are pressured to get involved in gangs, but when they come here they are allowed to become kids.”

“We have a kids art display coming up here on December 8^th and we already have a couple volunteers signed up to help,” said Dakota “ Anytime we have volunteers for that its really nice, because when the display starts and the parents come in and we like to talk to the parents and tell them how their kids are doing here.” 

There are many other things that the club has to offer.  The club has a place for kids to get help with their homework.  They can also get one-on-one tutoring. The recreational department helps kids to learn to play fair and teach them sportsmanship.  Another thing that recreational department does is help children understand diversity, and help them to better their self-esteem.

“I couldn’t imagine what some of these kids are going through,” said Anamarie Leingang who is a volunteer at the club. “What they go through at home is unreal but when they come here the troubles they have just seem to go away and it all seems better for the next couple hours they are here for.”  Leingang volunteers in the art department “some of these kids have potential, we do finger painting and regular painting its really fun.”

To become a volunteer is kind of a grueling process.  You apply at club just as if it were a job.  Then you have your interview or interviews depending on the situations then you go through a back round check.  “I was kind of shocked that I had to go through a back round check when I just wanted to be a volunteer,” said Leingang “but when you think about it it makes a lot of sense cause you are dealing with children and you are a role model to them, they look up to you.”

The Clubs goal for their employees is to build a good positive relationship with the kids that go there. “With us keeping the kids mind off of some of their everyday problem we really build a relationship with some of these kids,” said Aeling “ I never thought that I would get this comfortable with some of these kids, I consider some of them my friends.  As much as we want to help these kids some of the older ones have to make the everyday decisions on their own. We just try to be positive role models for them.  Some of the kids take advantage of this club and their behavior is inappropriate so we unfortunately have to ask them to leave.”

“One of my classes required me to volunteer somewhere and I took serious consideration in going to the human society but I came here instead,” said Leingang. I will be volunteering at the art display coming up here in December and im looking forward to it.  When I applied here to volunteer I figured I would be coming here to volunteer once or twice but im hoping to come back here to volunteer once or twice a month even though my requirement will be over.”

 

Picture by boys and girls club

Two girls are building a bond between with one another by doing each others hair.

 

Picture by boys and girls club

One way the club helps children build confidence is by giving them responsibility of taking care of pets.  Some of the children may or may not have pets at home so some of them are not use that kind of responsibility.

Students Organize Bags of Wishes Campaign

To Raise Funds and Awareness for New Homeless Shelter

By Casey Dainsberg (Story #7)

The holiday season is officially underway. The annual hustle and bustle, family, friends, thanksgiving, deal shopping, and present giving, are familiar to many. As the weather gets colder it is easy to curl up by the hearth and savor the spirit that comes along with the season. However, for many the holiday season looks quite dismal. There are families suffering from homelessness, unable to fully enjoy the holiday season. Ours to Serve House of Hospitality is a homeless shelter in Bemidji which seeks to provide shelter for homeless families. Currently it is working on building a new facility called Village of Hope. Just last week a campaign drive on the BSU campus wrapped up, the proceeds of which went to benefit this organization and the families it helps.



The current facility, Ours to Serve House of Hospitality  but will be replaced
in the coming months by the newly built facility, Village of Hope
(Photo used with permission from Village of Hope Web site)



Rebecca Hoffman is executive director of Ours to Serve House of Hospitality, as well as the new Village of Hope facility in Bemidji. Hoffman began her college education at BSU. A Political Science major, she worked as a director of Ours to Serve House of Hospitality in Bemidji after graduating in 1994. She left Bemidji for graduate school in 1997, and after earning a degree in Social Work, marrying, and two children later- Hoffman and her family found themselves moving back to Bemidji where Hoffman now works, once again at the Ours to Serve House of Hospitality, and Village of Hope. “I understood how desperately our community needed an adequate response to family homelessness,” she said, “and with a little more experience/education under my belt I felt I could contribute to the cause.”

With her job comes a variety of different responsibilities, and Hoffman finds herself wearing many different hats. “I am responsible for the overall operations of the agency. That includes payroll, accounts payable and receivable, writing grants, implementing grants, hiring staff, [and] supervising staff.” However, much of her time has been absorbed by a whole new project, developing the new homeless facility, Village of Hope.

The Village of Hope is currently being constructed,
 and hopes to open in January of 2011.
(Photo used with permission from Village of Hope Web site)

Village of Hope will be an, “Emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. It will replace Ours to Serve House of Hospitality, which is licensed for just six beds. Village of Hope will be licensed for 28 beds.” Hoffman explained in an e-mail. The new building will operate on the same budget as the current Ours to Serve House of Hospitality. The Village of Hope, among having more beds will have some two-room apartments for larger families. Also, each family will be able to have their own dinner table for the duration of their stay. According to their Web site, to be eligible for the Village of Hope an individual must be homeless as defined by MHFA guidelines. There must also be at least one dependent child under the age of seventeen, no current abuse of alcohol or drugs, and the individual must be willing to accept group living conditions, just to name a few. Village of Hope is slated to open in early January, 2011.



Village of Hope as it is expected to look once construction is complete.
(Photo used with permission from Village of Hope Web site)



 Hoffman is no stranger to the hard work and challenges associated with running a social program that requires donations and volunteers to run effectively. “I've done 100 percent of the fund raising for Village of Hope and have implemented over $1.4 million in private and government grants to create the facility. It hasn't been an easy process.” she said. Hoffman praised the Bag of Wishes campaign, which wrapped up on the BSU campus last week, saying in an e-mail that it “has been a major success over the past decade.”

Having worked in Social work since she graduated college, Hoffman explained that Bags of Wishes was started nine years ago by students at BSU as part of a class, “They were dismayed with how cold it was in the shelter. They wanted to do something that would ease the burden of operating the shelter so they decided to begin Bags of Wishes.” She said.



“It’s about getting the school involved in donating to the homeless shelter,” said Rachel Osowski, a BSU Senior and social work major. Senior Stacy Adams, also a social work major agreed, adding, “It doesn’t matter how big the donation is, just small things help too.” Both Osowski and Adams were involved in the Bags of Wishes campaign on the BSU campus. Osowski and Adams are each involved with the Social Work Club, which was one reason they chose to be involved in this drive. Adams said that both girls also got involved in the drive to fulfill a class requirement. Osowski explained they needed to volunteer for a macro community-level event. “It’s a taste of what we may be doing in the future,” Adams said, “So it really helped to just see the insides of this and be involved, and it’s for a good cause.”

Dr. Cheryl Byers, associate professor and director of the BSU Social Work Program, is the Social Club adviser. Byers said her role regarding Bags of Wishes is mostly hands-off. “Faculty just don’t get involved in it much at all, which is what I think is cool about it,” She said. However, there are times when her involvement is sought. “Only if there’s a problem,” she said with a chuckle and quickly added that there had been very few problems this year, save for a few minor glitches. Byers also explained that she is there to “answer questions, oversee it, [and] help out when needed.”



Adams briefly explained what Bags of Wishes was, and how it was organized on the BSU campus this year. Student volunteers met and stuffed bags with flyers containing a Village of Hope wish-list, as well as envelopes for monetary donations. Students then visited the academic buildings and residential halls on campus, where they usually left bags hanging on the door handles of student dorms and faculty offices. Students were asked to donate items on the wish list, however, in the faculty bags an extra envelope was included for monetary donations. Boxes were then placed in various academic and residential buildings for students and faculty to drop-off their donations. The boxes were emptied every day during the duration of the drive. Byers noted that last year over $1100 were raised and approximately 600 items were donated. “It’s become a critical piece for this homeless shelter that rely on those donations that BSU provides.” said Byers.

This year, Bags of Wishes raised $495 dollars in monetary donations. Individuals also contributed several other items to help out the new Village of Hope Facility. Items varied from deodorant and diapers, to coloring books and Yahtzee Games. Also among the donations were food items, cleaning supplies, and clothing. In total, the hard work of the students who volunteered in the drive amassed approximately 438 items.

Both Osowski and Adams agreed that next year they would love to see more volunteers be involved in the drive, even if it is volunteering for just one day. As she reflected on her experience, Adams said she felt good about what they had accomplished, saying “It really does feel good to know that you’re helping a vulnerable population even if it’s a small amount or a large amount…you could give one item for five bucks… it doesn’t matter, it’s worthwhile and it contributes to a good cause.”

WORD COUNT: 1,224

Fundraising for the Arts

Students display and sell their art in the Lower Hobson Union

By Rhea Wawrzyniak

Word Count: 847

Story #7



This artistic black and white

 picture of a tree was the entrance to the

 Art Associations art sale. 



The students of BSU hustle to get their food from the Lakeside Food Court. While trying to find a seat in the chaotic room they spot a sign that reads “Art Sale This Week, Lower Hobson Union.” The sign has a white background, and the rest is different shades of black that form a unique tree. They walk through the door way and find a room filled with tables. There are tables along each wall and two in the middle all filled with art work made by BSU students. In the far left corner some artists sit behind a table collecting money and some mingle and talk about their art with people passing through.  

There was an annual fundraising sale put on by the BSU Art Association this last week. BSU students displayed and sold their art work in the Scandinavian Room in the Lower Hobson Union. Students that were on their way to and from class, or just getting done eating stopped by the art sale to check it out.



The ceramic dishes in this picture
 Iten made during an internship over
 the summer.



“I think this is really cool because I am not artistic,” said Maggi Stivers, BSU sophomore. “It is cool to see that BSU students are artistic.”



The room filled up fast; there were tables aound the outside and one big one in the middle leaving not much room to walk. Different kinds of art work filled every table.

One of the artists, Emily Wendland a BSU sophomore, likes to see everyone’s art all together in here. “It is neat because everyone has kind of their own style,” said Wendland. “There is a lot of great stuff in here,” said Jake Iten, BSU senior.   



The art sale for the Art Association is
 a way to get art for a good price and
support the art students at BSU.



Wendland has been designing shoes for a couple of years. She buys cheap white shoes and draws on them with sharpie markers. “They are fun to make,” said Wendland. “People like them because I can do them custom.”

“I like the shoes, because they are really cool,” said Stivers.



Another one of the artists is Cody Bartz, a fifth year student at BSU about to graduate with degrees in art and design. The bulk of his work right now is screen-printing which he has been doing for about two years. He uses mostly recycled imagery which means he takes art that is already in the public and makes it his own.

Emily Wendland, BSU sophomore made

 the shoes that were sold at the art sale.

“Cody’s screen prints are really cool,” said Wendland. “He has a ton of them.”

Jake Iten is another one of the artists. He works mainly in ceramics, but he also made some of the t-shirts in the art sale. Some are painted, and some are made with stencils and diluted bleach solution.



Some colorful, some black and white – Paintings leaned against the walls on tables. BSU sophomore Michaela Willer was just walking through and stopped by to see the art. “I really like the paintings,” said Willer.



Shoes that were designed by Emily
Wendland a BSU sophomore.



The people who buy this art are not only getting some fun art work for themselves, but they are also helping out the Art Association.



Some of the profits go to the artists, and the rest of the profits go to the Art Association. With the money raised, the Art Association does events, trips, and orders supplies.



Cody Bartz, fifth year student at BSU, graduating

 soon with an art degree and a design degree.

Bartz is standing by some of his screen printed art.



Not only are the sales helping out the Art Association they are helping out the artist also. “It is just a chance for us to get our stuff out,” said Iten. “See if we can sell a few things.”

More than just students attended. There were people from the community buying art as well. “I always try to present art here,” said Bartz. “It is a great sale.” 

Cody Bartz, fifth year student, also makes

posters with the screen printing process as

seen in this picture.







Paintings lay on the tables and up against the walls.



“The cards and the notebooks are cool,”

said Maggi Stivers, a BSU sophomore.

The cards and the notebooks were made

from Bartz screen printings.





Jake Iten, a BSU senior, standing by his

ceramics that he is selling at the art sale.