Ferris food attempts to show diversity
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor

Well, chances are you've been in one of them during your stay at Ferris. The Ferris Food Courts, MASCAR, Center Ice, The Rock, Rankin and the Pug are here to serve you nice, juicy, tasteful meals and beverages. The question is, do they really serve their purpose, or have they failed the students at Ferris.

Lorrie Helmer, Director of FSU Dining Services is in charge of catering to the students hungry needs. Helmer is helped with her job by Jim Rowen and Tom Pizzo, both are Assistant Director of Cash Operations. According to Pizzo several changes are in the works for the Food Courts. "Currently there is a make your own Stir-Fry at Center Ice and eventually it will be at MASCAR. Pizzo stated that the Stir-Fry was put in place at Center Ice because international students in Bond wanted a Japanese style rice, and requested it.

A survey that was conducted at the Food Courts back in November has helped lead to the current changes on the menu. "15% of students surveyed were vegetarians, they said they wanted to see things added to the Salad Bar, so we added Tofu Greens and Sunflower Seeds," Pizzo said. Pizzo also noted that panini grills will be added within a month. "We've got to change things."

As for student requests, Pizzo feels the Dining Services fill all of the students' needs. "People requested Salt & Pepper shakers at Center Ice, so they were quickly installed." According to Pizzo, there will be a Fish Nugget special at Center Ice for Monday night dinners, a Stir-Fry Bar on Wednesday and Thursday for lunch and dinner. They should also be adding shrimp within the next ten days.

"The best way for students to make new requests or suggestions is to e-mail Dining_Services@ferris.edu," Helmer said. Helmer also acknowledged that they like to get students' thoughts on the dining services. "We try to encourage students to bring their thoughts to the managers at the Food Courts."

As for why The Rock is the only thing open on Saturdays, Helmer had this to say, "There are not enough people on campus on the weekends to open more. The reason we picked The Rock is because it's close to so many halls."

Pizzo is very happy with all the changes that have occurred at Center Ice and MASCAR over the last year. "We've gotten a great response from students towards MASCAR. It's one of the most popular food courts on campus along with Center Ice." Pizzo stated that "Make It Your Way" gives people options. Most people don't realize the changes made to the salad bar. According to Pizzo a company was hired to help consult with the food courts, they told Dining Services to dress up "Make It Your Way" at Center Ice.

"We feel that the food courts fill variety with the menu and fills take-out needs. Lots of universities don't have any take-out options. It's a great choice for the students," said Helmer. Pizzo also feels that the food courts fill everyone's' needs at Ferris. "We have all you can eat and take out food courts. The purpose of this is to meet the needs for variety." Pizzo stated that televisions will be added to Center Ice, so that if there are multiple games on then students can see them.

One of the biggest changes in the food courts occurred at the begging of the fall semester when students were able to use their meal plans on late night items at Center Ice and MASCAR. Last year this was not possible and has lead to more business at night. "We feel that we've responded well to issues that have been brought in front of us," Helmer said. Helmer stated that sometimes students need to see the options that they have available to them.

"We will be shutting down the Bulldog Pizzeria and opening up the deli section at night again to bring some variety to Center Ice," Pizzo said. Pizzo acknowledged that they want to provide variety in the menus and the service.

The food courts have also tried to bring some entertainment to the students who come. There is a "Open Mic Night," every other Thursday night from 8-11 p.m. at Center Ice and MASCAR. According to Pizzo other universities don't have themes like there are at Ferris. "We're always looking for student input to insert into the food courts."

Unfortunately, some students are not quite as positive towards the food courts. Alan Morris a Ferris sophomore would still like to see some more changes done to the food courts. "They should cater to the students needs a little more." According to Morris, they should serve more of the popular dishes and scrap the less popular ones. Marie Mekkes, a Ferris junior, is straight to the point. "Please more variety!" Mekkes would also like to know why the milk machine was taken out of MASCAR.



A lot goes into bringing shows to Ferris
By MEGHAN CARBARY
Ferris State Torch

College life is great. There are all kinds of things to do on campus: clubs, sports, cultural events, and who could forget -- entertainment. Concerts and shows like last months January Jams, don't just happen. It takes a lot of time and dedication, not to mention money, to bring events like this to campus.

"I have been working on this event since last June," Mike Reynolds, a senior in business education, and the Delta Chi chair for January Jams, said. "It takes a lot of people to pull off something like this. Even though I was the chairperson, I could not have done this if it weren't for all the guys in the fraternity, everybody was a big help."

Delta Chi played a major part in organizing the concert. Reynolds had the idea last year that there should be more big acts brought to Ferris. In planning for his idea to take effect, Reynolds sought out Michelle Burke, director of Student Leadership and Activities, and Teresa Langworthy, her assistant.

Burke and Langworthy got help from the university and arranged for the task of bringing the Verve Pipe, Jimmie's Chicken Shack and Atomic Numbers to Ferris.

To get the process started, a proposal must be drawn up and presented to SAFAC (Student Activities Fund Allocation Committee). From there the committee decides if there is enough money available to help with funding, and if it is a worthwhile investment for the University. "When I did my SAFAC proposal, I think they felt it was a good thing to ask for money to bring something to campus. So many people always ask for money to go away from here, we wanted something to stay right here in Big Rapids," Reynolds said.

When Wink Arena was rebuilt, the idea was for the arena not only to be able to host sporting events, but for it to be able to house big concerts and shows. Unfortunately because of budgeting during the building of the new arena, there is not enough power to run all the setups for such shows. This means an additional expense to the university.

"Because of the electrical in the building, we can't just plug all the lights and equipment into the wall and call it good," Burke said. "We have to rent generators or we would blow the power out all over campus." The generators alone cost approximately $1,200, add to that the price of gas to run them and the total increases to around $2,000. That is just one of the minimal cost of putting on a sizable production.

Other costs include staff/crew to run the event and man the arena, vehicle costs and advertising. There are also DPS fees to be taken care. This cost of $1,200 covers security both inside and outside the location of the show. Lighting, stage and sound are another big expense. The set up for January Jams cost $4,300. All of these things must be taken into consideration, not to mention paying the bands themselves. All three bands, with agent fees included, cost the university over $30,000.

Being a popular band can have some perks. One of which is getting anything you ask for on the road, at the expense of your host. "Catering for bands can be crazy," Burke said. "Some people request really strange things, and you basically have to get it for them." The bands that rolled through Ferris did not ask for anything spectacular or too outrageous, but some bands do. "Requests can range from the simple, like a specific brand of bottled water, to the not so simple, like a specific brand of clean socks for after the show," Burke said.

One way in which the university was able to save money on the show was through it's volunteers. Having the volunteers allowed Ferris to save money on stage security and crew costs. "We got lucky with some things. Having Delta Chi volunteer to work security and crew really helped out. This is something that the Fraternity can be proud of," Burke said.

All in all, an event of this nature can cost over $40,000 to put on. That is a big chunk of change for something that only lasts a total of four hours. The money and effort spent are well worth it though.

Events of this nature help, not only the university as a whole, but all the parties involved. "Sponsoring an event of this sort really helps us, and the university," Reynolds said. "For us, it really gets our name out there and gives us some recognition, Delta Chi is not a very old Fraternity here, we have only been at FSU since 1994. Plus it gives the whole Greek Society a positive edge. This is just one of the positive things Greeks do that people often overlook."

The other organizations involved, Entertainment Unlimited and Music Industry Management Association also benefit. "Holding concerts and being able to really get your hands into projects like this helps bring in prospective students in some fields, especially MIM, if they see that we do things like this here, they are more likely to want to come to Ferris and be involved in our programs," Burke said.

With all this money spent, it seems like the university is out a lot. Some funds do come back though, mostly through ticket sales. For January Jams, FSU brought in $17,000, which comes close to recovering almost half. That is more than a lot of shows bring in. The show was not a sell out, that would have been 3000 tickets sold. "We did not get the crowd we were hoping for, but still, it was a good turn out," Burke said. 1,800 tickets were actually sold.

"This was a great experience," Reynolds said. "January Jams is something we hope to do every year. Hopefully the shows will keep getting bigger and better."

There are many people that contribute to bringing many events to campus for improved student life. Help support them by attending events whenever possible. Events are listed weekly in the Torch, Things To Do section.



Acupuncture can be very healing
By COLLEEN MCGINNIS
Ferris State Torch

Acupuncture is a holistic medical treatment that has been practiced in China and Asian countries for over 3000 years. Acupuncture is fairly new to the United States, but it is growing in popularity. In the United States, medical doctors and acupuncturists have spent many years testing acupuncture.

There are two types of acupuncture commonly used: full body and auricular (done through the ear). Both of these treatments are used for substance abuse, anxiety, depression, pain and other conditions.
Acupuncture treatment consists of the placement of five tiny needles in each ear while the client rests for 45 minutes.

In the detoxification treatment, pressure points in the ear correspond to specific organs including the liver, kidneys and nervous system. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase relaxation.

The organ systems and emotional states affected are the nervous system, which alleviates stress, and the kidney system, which helps the body purify toxins of the respiration system is also affected, which promotes a stronger immune system, and the liver, which helps balance anger and depression.

Many people are concerned about the use of needles in acupuncture treatments because they are concerned or fearful about safety during treatment. There should be no pain during acupuncture treatments. Most people barely feel the needle go in. The ear may tingle or feel warm, but no more.

Another fear that people may have about acupuncture treatments is a danger of contracting AIDS. The danger of contracting AIDS during an acupuncture treatment is virtually none. The needles are very sterile and have never been used before. Needles are used once and then thrown away.

Terry Ruelle is a certified Detoxification Acupuncturist who has been practicing clinical social work in the Tri-County area for twelve years, working extensively with individuals and families affected by substance abuse, mental illness, grief and loss, and traumatic childhoods. In order to be a certified Detoxification Acupuncturist in the Michigan, you have to complete a 70-hour training program divided between classes and practicum.

Ruelle earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University and her Bachelors Degree from Ferris State University. In addition to being a certified Acupuncturist, she is a member of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, the National Association of Social Workers and a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association.

Ruelle has her own private practice in Big Rapids called Pathways Holistic Counseling of Ruelle's patients are encouraged to relax during the treatment sessions. The sessions are conducted in a quiet group setting and last 45 minutes. During the 45 minutes, she will put on relaxing music and light candles to promote a warm and relaxing environment. She also offers herbal tea to patients to help them relax.

Ruelle is very confident using the Acupuncture process to help people heal. "Acupuncture enables a person to tap into their inner resources for healing by putting their system into balance physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, holistic wellness is then achieved." She also feels that the acupuncture program would really help students because it helps you focus and think clearer, which helps keep stress levels down.

Detoxification Acupuncture works best when treatments are frequent and on going. Treatments have a cumulative effect. A person cannot expect to feel the difference after the first few times, but the treatments are working.

Terry Ruelle conducts Walk-ins Monday through Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and appointments Thursdays and Fridays. Those interested in additional information on acupuncture may call Terry Ruelle at (231) 796-2877 or fax her at (231)796-5346. Potential patients should inform their doctor if they plan on receiving treatment.