Rhoda Klomega is a junior working on her own documentary, entitled “Simply Because,” where she interviews fellow students on the presence of peer pressure in their lives. The Saline Solution interviewed Klomega on her developing film.
By: Jenny Ozor
(interview condensed from original)
What inspired you to create a documentary?
Well, it all started with me really wanting to have an independent study with Mr. Dice. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. First, I wanted to do a charity called Wants and Needs. How it worked was: you would go to the store, and ask yourself “do I need this item or do I want it”? If you needed it, you would buy it. If you didn’t need it you would take the money that you would have spent and turn it in to the charity. However, I thought that would be too difficult.
Then it hit me. As I saw some of my peers doing things such as dating three people in two weeks and other peer-pressure related things, I wondered to myself and to Mr. Dice why people were doing this. So I thought, ‘Wait, I could do a documentary.”
What was the process like in preparation for the documentary?
It was hard, easy, annoying, entertaining, aggravating, soothing, tedious, exciting, and quite the adrenaline rush! At first, I wanted to jump right into interviews, but I had to research first. The entire first trimester was devoted to pure research. I have a thick 5 inch binder and a full book of notes.
I also had to talk to counselors (such as Mrs. Monahan), but I didn’t know who to call. I called my Aunt Margaret who works with youths, Mrs. Mukerjee (a psychologist), my mom, and Mr. Dice, Mr. Schuby (a mentor), who jokes about spoon-feeding me with all my research, provided me with some statistics that applied directly to Saline Middle and High School.
I also didn’t want to get into any trouble while interviewing people, as Saline is very conservative, so I had to make release forms. The release forms took me about two weeks to make. The process was very tedious, as I had to make appointments with Mr. Diroff and Mr. Williams. I had to ask psychologists about how to make someone feel comfortable talking to me. Preparation was fun, but really annoying. In the process, I got stood up a lot.
What have you learned as a result of this?
At times, when I got stood up during the interviews, I wanted to tell people off. I have learned that I have to speak to someone the way I would like to be spoken to had I made such a mistake. I have learned to be more organized and have better time management. I had to set goals for myself. In terms of the actual interviews, I learned that everything is not what it seems. I’ve heard of cases from mere gossiping that hurt a friendship to nasty divorces. Everyone comes with baggage.
What has been hard about this? What has been fun?
Time management has been hard and getting people to actually show up for the interview. It was hard to see other’s perspectives. I also started to have some stress related health issues because I was putting too much time and energy into this project, like not going to bed until 3 am, forgetting to eat, etc. On the other side, I’ve made so many relationships. My interviewees and I, we sort of have a bond. You feel like you’ve helped someone get through something.
All of the positive changes I’ve made, I couldn’t have made without Mr. Dice--but don’t tell him that, it’s our secret [laughs]. He is like my school father. And Mrs. Monahan, who I also call my school mother. You know those angels that stand on your shoulder and act as consciences, well Mr. Dice and Mrs. Monahan are mine. Something else fun is being professional. I really like being professional.
Do you plan on making any documentaries in the future?
I plan on making so many. I’m a really inquisitive person. I’m really intrigued by things, and I surround myself with a lot of intelligent people. I plan to publish my future documentaries. I’ve learned so much, others need to know what I know. If they watched it they could learn, too. It’s worth it. I think I can change the world, one documentary at a time.
What advice do you have for people who have always been curious about creating their own documentaries?
DO IT! Try to come from a logical, objective standpoint, though. I’m a really religious person so I thought that people were doing certain things because they didn’t have God. However, I had to come from an objective standpoint. Make a documentary that will benefit society. You never know what you may learn. This experience has made me such a better person, and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.
Does this documentary tie into your future endeavors?
I wanted to be a computer engineer; every woman in my family is a psychologist or counselor. I might minor in psychology, and hopefully get a PhD. I think psychology is really great to know no matter where you find yourself. [But] I’m still going to go for computer engineering.
Do you have any thank you’s?
DEFINITELY! Mr. Dice definitely, for putting up with my attitude and shenanigans; for allowing me to do this project to learn and not spoon feeding me.
Mrs. Monahan: what can I say, everyone needs them some Monahan. She is an inspiration to me, and challenges me without even realizing it sometimes.
Mr. Schuby: thank you for “spoon feeding” me with statistics and teasing me about my “project” as you call it.
Mrs. Mack for being my “secretary” and also for giving me rooms to conduct my interviews in; and for scolding me to take care of myself when I was stressing out too much.
Mrs. Mukerjee for helping me formulate my questions and advising me on what to expect and how to tackle some issues that may arise (I suppose I should thank Aaron Mukerjee for giving me the privilege of meeting you, so thank you Aaron).
Auntie Margaret: for being the first person to get me to deeply think about the questions I wanted to ask and taking every factor into consideration.
Mr. Bush and the tech department for lending me the studio when I needed it.
Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Budnik, and Ms. Chapman for being vessels of wisdom and support when I really needed it.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Diroff for allowing me to proceed with this process without hesitation or having me jump through too many hoops.
My family for the support; Debbie Hawkins, Sid Frye, and all my endorsers who helped me with my equipment.
Last but not least, my interviewees: you have given me a reason to wake up and come to school every day (even if you don’t show), I hope you all know how much of a change and an impact you are making, even if no one will view those videos. I greatly appreciate you all for assisting me with this. If I forgot anyone, please forgive my short memory and don’t hold it against me. You have all been wonderful helps to me and I thank you for that.
By: Jenny Ozor
(interview condensed from original)
What inspired you to create a documentary?
Well, it all started with me really wanting to have an independent study with Mr. Dice. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. First, I wanted to do a charity called Wants and Needs. How it worked was: you would go to the store, and ask yourself “do I need this item or do I want it”? If you needed it, you would buy it. If you didn’t need it you would take the money that you would have spent and turn it in to the charity. However, I thought that would be too difficult.
Then it hit me. As I saw some of my peers doing things such as dating three people in two weeks and other peer-pressure related things, I wondered to myself and to Mr. Dice why people were doing this. So I thought, ‘Wait, I could do a documentary.”
What was the process like in preparation for the documentary?
It was hard, easy, annoying, entertaining, aggravating, soothing, tedious, exciting, and quite the adrenaline rush! At first, I wanted to jump right into interviews, but I had to research first. The entire first trimester was devoted to pure research. I have a thick 5 inch binder and a full book of notes.
I also had to talk to counselors (such as Mrs. Monahan), but I didn’t know who to call. I called my Aunt Margaret who works with youths, Mrs. Mukerjee (a psychologist), my mom, and Mr. Dice, Mr. Schuby (a mentor), who jokes about spoon-feeding me with all my research, provided me with some statistics that applied directly to Saline Middle and High School.
I also didn’t want to get into any trouble while interviewing people, as Saline is very conservative, so I had to make release forms. The release forms took me about two weeks to make. The process was very tedious, as I had to make appointments with Mr. Diroff and Mr. Williams. I had to ask psychologists about how to make someone feel comfortable talking to me. Preparation was fun, but really annoying. In the process, I got stood up a lot.
What have you learned as a result of this?
At times, when I got stood up during the interviews, I wanted to tell people off. I have learned that I have to speak to someone the way I would like to be spoken to had I made such a mistake. I have learned to be more organized and have better time management. I had to set goals for myself. In terms of the actual interviews, I learned that everything is not what it seems. I’ve heard of cases from mere gossiping that hurt a friendship to nasty divorces. Everyone comes with baggage.
What has been hard about this? What has been fun?
Time management has been hard and getting people to actually show up for the interview. It was hard to see other’s perspectives. I also started to have some stress related health issues because I was putting too much time and energy into this project, like not going to bed until 3 am, forgetting to eat, etc. On the other side, I’ve made so many relationships. My interviewees and I, we sort of have a bond. You feel like you’ve helped someone get through something.
All of the positive changes I’ve made, I couldn’t have made without Mr. Dice--but don’t tell him that, it’s our secret [laughs]. He is like my school father. And Mrs. Monahan, who I also call my school mother. You know those angels that stand on your shoulder and act as consciences, well Mr. Dice and Mrs. Monahan are mine. Something else fun is being professional. I really like being professional.
Do you plan on making any documentaries in the future?
I plan on making so many. I’m a really inquisitive person. I’m really intrigued by things, and I surround myself with a lot of intelligent people. I plan to publish my future documentaries. I’ve learned so much, others need to know what I know. If they watched it they could learn, too. It’s worth it. I think I can change the world, one documentary at a time.
What advice do you have for people who have always been curious about creating their own documentaries?
DO IT! Try to come from a logical, objective standpoint, though. I’m a really religious person so I thought that people were doing certain things because they didn’t have God. However, I had to come from an objective standpoint. Make a documentary that will benefit society. You never know what you may learn. This experience has made me such a better person, and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.
Does this documentary tie into your future endeavors?
I wanted to be a computer engineer; every woman in my family is a psychologist or counselor. I might minor in psychology, and hopefully get a PhD. I think psychology is really great to know no matter where you find yourself. [But] I’m still going to go for computer engineering.
Do you have any thank you’s?
DEFINITELY! Mr. Dice definitely, for putting up with my attitude and shenanigans; for allowing me to do this project to learn and not spoon feeding me.
Mrs. Monahan: what can I say, everyone needs them some Monahan. She is an inspiration to me, and challenges me without even realizing it sometimes.
Mr. Schuby: thank you for “spoon feeding” me with statistics and teasing me about my “project” as you call it.
Mrs. Mack for being my “secretary” and also for giving me rooms to conduct my interviews in; and for scolding me to take care of myself when I was stressing out too much.
Mrs. Mukerjee for helping me formulate my questions and advising me on what to expect and how to tackle some issues that may arise (I suppose I should thank Aaron Mukerjee for giving me the privilege of meeting you, so thank you Aaron).
Auntie Margaret: for being the first person to get me to deeply think about the questions I wanted to ask and taking every factor into consideration.
Mr. Bush and the tech department for lending me the studio when I needed it.
Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Budnik, and Ms. Chapman for being vessels of wisdom and support when I really needed it.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Diroff for allowing me to proceed with this process without hesitation or having me jump through too many hoops.
My family for the support; Debbie Hawkins, Sid Frye, and all my endorsers who helped me with my equipment.
Last but not least, my interviewees: you have given me a reason to wake up and come to school every day (even if you don’t show), I hope you all know how much of a change and an impact you are making, even if no one will view those videos. I greatly appreciate you all for assisting me with this. If I forgot anyone, please forgive my short memory and don’t hold it against me. You have all been wonderful helps to me and I thank you for that.
By: Delaney Brewer and Lindsey Zinbarg
Grey Gardens, a melancholy riches-to-rags tale, documents the lives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ relatives, Little Edie and Edith Beale. The story, a documentary-turned-film-turned-musical, delves deeply into the mother-daughter duo’s lives and into the reasoning behind their demise and eventual mental illness. The film, starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, begins with a flashback of when the pair lived lavishly, with a vacation home in the Hamptons affectionately called “Grey Gardens.”
It spotlights for only a brief moment the future Jacqueline Kennedy, who in the film is but a young child. Little Edie is desperate to escape to New York and become an actress, but her mother continuously pulls her back. After her parents’ divorce, Little Edie is forced to come to terms with the fact that her lonely and unstable mother needs help and leaves her rising career as an actress in New York. As the two get older and poorer, they also become mentally ill, with Edith taking in stray animals and Little Edie constantly resentful about the life she could have had.
The musical, performed by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre at the Arthur Miller Theater March 8, further displays the Beale women’s lavish young lives. With a greater emphasis on Edie’s attempts to escape her mother’s controlling grasps, it becomes clear how desperately she wanted her own life. In addition, young Jacqueline makes quite a few appearances, and the audience was able to get a better feel for her than they do while watching the film.
With such an intriguing story, it is hard to do wrong. The tragic tale of two women, both trapped in their own ways, is surprisingly interlaced with humor. Little Edie’s increasingly exaggerated accent, paired with her exasperated lines creates the perfect atmosphere for much-needed wit. There are a number of memorable lines throughout the play. One of our favorites: “If you can’t get a man to propose to you, you might as well be dead.”
The acting in the musical was well done, especially during the second half of the play. The emotions played by these actors felt genuine and is something many community theater productions miss. The intimate setting of the Arthur Miller Theater made it feel as though you were sitting in the living room of Grey Gardens, rather than watching the actions from afar.
While the first act touched on the happier side of the relationship, the second act was much grittier and showed Big and Little Edie at their worst. You could see that their minds, bodies, and surroundings were falling apart right before their eyes.
We really enjoyed the play, but the movie conveyed the story better overall. But it had on its side Hollywood producers, directors, and successful actors. We decided to give the play three and a half stars, because for a community theatre production it was very well done. We recommend seeing the movie, Grey Gardens, as well as the musical if the opportunity arises. The tale of the Beales is simply too good to miss.
By Kathryn Wong
1767 miles southeast of Ann Arbor there is a city, a city called Port-au-Prince. How can one adequately paint a picture of the gulf that exists between here and there? How can one describe the plight of the people? The stench of the streets. The rubble that remains two years after the earthquake struck. But perhaps more importantly, how can one explain the perseverance of the people? The joy that they radiate. The thankfulness that exudes from them at every one of life's smallest blessings.
Saline High School teacher Chris Trainor had a chance to experience the deeply embedded vibrancy of the people of Haiti as well as the deeply embedded poverty when she visited over winter break.
“The first thing that you notice,” she says, “is the smell. They have no sanitation system, so when they're done with the trash – whatever it is – it just goes on the streets. The smell in the air is toxic.”
Trainor was born and raised in Saline, and she has never been incredibly rich by American standards, but she had also never been exposed to such shocking poverty. While in Haiti, she spent some time with the children at the Have Faith Mission.
“I cried every day. You would see these little kids that are so sick [who] don't have anything. They eat rice every single day. That's all they have. Rice. And yet they're so grateful for what they have. Every night before these kids go to bed, they have devotions and they thank God for everything that they have,” says Trainor.
Many of the children have brothers and sisters who died in the earthquake. But Trainor also says that, “they don't think that they lived because they're better than their brothers and sisters that died, they think that God was gracious to them. It makes you feel guilty. It really does.”
While in Haiti, Trainor was working with an organization called Poured Out that was founded by Saline High School graduates Jeremy Searls and Carlee Greene. The organization installs water filtration systems in homes, schools, and churches throughout Haiti. These water filters are instrumental in preventing life threatening, water-borne diseases.
In the course of her trip, Poured Out installed 39 filters. They also were able to conduct 20 follow-up visits to ensure that the filters were functioning properly. Each community that Poured Out works with has a local pastor who knows the people well and works with the organization to help determine what places would be best targets for a water filter. The ten people volunteering for Poured Out split up into two teams, each team installing between 4-8 filters each day.
“To install the filters,” Trainor says, “we would interview the family first. With us were three boys...who translated for us. We would find out where the family got their water, if they were at all sick with fever or dehydration. After the interview, we had these portable projectors and we would shine it up on the wall at their house and show them a movie in Creole that teaches them about the filters. It teaches them about how to maintain the filters. And then we would install the filters.”
The idea of the filter is relatively simple – it's a tub, about waist high with two layers of gravel, and one 100 pound layer of sand. The water is poured in, and the bacteria get caught and stuck in the sand. Then the water gets pushed up through a tube, completely clean. Finally, at the end of the installation process, the team from Poured Out spent time in prayer with the family.
When we in suburban Saline visit impoverished countries like Haiti, it can be a moving experience for us, but does it really change the lives of Haitians themselves? Can short term trips have a long term impact?
When asked about the inherent long term efficacy of her trip, Trainor had some interesting insights. Her daughter's third grade class spent weeks learning about the culture and the people of Haiti which eventually culminated in that third grade class skyping with an orphange in Haiti.
“It's a ripple effect,” says Trainor. Now there's a group of third graders here in Michigan who know and care about the plight of this Caribbean island. There has been another profound way in which Trainor's trip to Haiti may have a lasting impact on the nation. Trainor is currently working to get two of the boys who translated for her to Michigan for college. Their names are Sadrac and Lowinsky, and both are high school seniors.
Trainor explains the situation, “They went to an American school, so they can't go to a Haitian college. They're educated though and they were so good and honest and kind and took such good care of us. There's a lot of paperwork involved though, and it costs $16,000 per boy per year for them to come to Michigan.”
But if any of these young men were given the chance of a college education here in the United States, they could go back to Haiti equipped with tools to help lead Haiti out of poverty. Trainor's trip has also inspired Saline High seniors Jordan Magenta and Arnór Halldórsson to travel to Haiti this March to work with Poured Out.
Lastly, a trip to Haiti has dramatically changed the way that Trainor views her life. She says: “When you come back, you feel really bad about the way that you live. You feel bad when you take a hot shower. Or when you throw away food or when your kids want a new video game.”
Yes, Haiti is a torn nation ravaged by poverty exacerbated by natural disaster and a corrupt government. Yes, stench fills the streets, and the people do not even have the most basic of needs like clean drinking water. But Haiti has hope. And don't walk away from reading this with the impression that Haiti is a place of total ruin. Haiti is a place of beauty.
Trainor recalls that, “we took a boat out to one place to install a filter, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. The water was just the bluest blue that I've ever seen. The mountains are everywhere around you. It is a gorgeous country.”
1767 miles southeast of Ann Arbor there is a city, a city called Port-au-Prince. How can one adequately paint a picture of the gulf that exists between here and there? How can one describe the plight of the people? The stench of the streets. The rubble that remains two years after the earthquake struck. But perhaps more importantly, how can one explain the perseverance of the people? The joy that they radiate. The thankfulness that exudes from them at every one of life's smallest blessings.
Saline High School teacher Chris Trainor had a chance to experience the deeply embedded vibrancy of the people of Haiti as well as the deeply embedded poverty when she visited over winter break.
“The first thing that you notice,” she says, “is the smell. They have no sanitation system, so when they're done with the trash – whatever it is – it just goes on the streets. The smell in the air is toxic.”
Trainor was born and raised in Saline, and she has never been incredibly rich by American standards, but she had also never been exposed to such shocking poverty. While in Haiti, she spent some time with the children at the Have Faith Mission.
“I cried every day. You would see these little kids that are so sick [who] don't have anything. They eat rice every single day. That's all they have. Rice. And yet they're so grateful for what they have. Every night before these kids go to bed, they have devotions and they thank God for everything that they have,” says Trainor.
Many of the children have brothers and sisters who died in the earthquake. But Trainor also says that, “they don't think that they lived because they're better than their brothers and sisters that died, they think that God was gracious to them. It makes you feel guilty. It really does.”
While in Haiti, Trainor was working with an organization called Poured Out that was founded by Saline High School graduates Jeremy Searls and Carlee Greene. The organization installs water filtration systems in homes, schools, and churches throughout Haiti. These water filters are instrumental in preventing life threatening, water-borne diseases.
In the course of her trip, Poured Out installed 39 filters. They also were able to conduct 20 follow-up visits to ensure that the filters were functioning properly. Each community that Poured Out works with has a local pastor who knows the people well and works with the organization to help determine what places would be best targets for a water filter. The ten people volunteering for Poured Out split up into two teams, each team installing between 4-8 filters each day.
“To install the filters,” Trainor says, “we would interview the family first. With us were three boys...who translated for us. We would find out where the family got their water, if they were at all sick with fever or dehydration. After the interview, we had these portable projectors and we would shine it up on the wall at their house and show them a movie in Creole that teaches them about the filters. It teaches them about how to maintain the filters. And then we would install the filters.”
The idea of the filter is relatively simple – it's a tub, about waist high with two layers of gravel, and one 100 pound layer of sand. The water is poured in, and the bacteria get caught and stuck in the sand. Then the water gets pushed up through a tube, completely clean. Finally, at the end of the installation process, the team from Poured Out spent time in prayer with the family.
When we in suburban Saline visit impoverished countries like Haiti, it can be a moving experience for us, but does it really change the lives of Haitians themselves? Can short term trips have a long term impact?
When asked about the inherent long term efficacy of her trip, Trainor had some interesting insights. Her daughter's third grade class spent weeks learning about the culture and the people of Haiti which eventually culminated in that third grade class skyping with an orphange in Haiti.
Trainor explains the situation, “They went to an American school, so they can't go to a Haitian college. They're educated though and they were so good and honest and kind and took such good care of us. There's a lot of paperwork involved though, and it costs $16,000 per boy per year for them to come to Michigan.”
But if any of these young men were given the chance of a college education here in the United States, they could go back to Haiti equipped with tools to help lead Haiti out of poverty. Trainor's trip has also inspired Saline High seniors Jordan Magenta and Arnór Halldórsson to travel to Haiti this March to work with Poured Out.
Lastly, a trip to Haiti has dramatically changed the way that Trainor views her life. She says: “When you come back, you feel really bad about the way that you live. You feel bad when you take a hot shower. Or when you throw away food or when your kids want a new video game.”
Yes, Haiti is a torn nation ravaged by poverty exacerbated by natural disaster and a corrupt government. Yes, stench fills the streets, and the people do not even have the most basic of needs like clean drinking water. But Haiti has hope. And don't walk away from reading this with the impression that Haiti is a place of total ruin. Haiti is a place of beauty.
Trainor recalls that, “we took a boat out to one place to install a filter, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. The water was just the bluest blue that I've ever seen. The mountains are everywhere around you. It is a gorgeous country.”
Photos courtesy of Chris Trainor
The cast of Hello, Dolly! in rehearsal
Photos: Allison Farrand
Hello, Dolly! on opening night
Photos: Allison Farrand
Photo: Emily Burke
By Hayley Byrnes
Some students wait tables. Some serve ice cream. Some deliver pizza. Senior Sarah Marshall spends many afternoons pawing through every last corner of Value World for her job. But Marshall is not any ordinary thrift shopper—she is a businesswoman.
Earlier this year, she opened a shop on Etsy, the handcrafted and vintage-focused equivalent of eBay. The Sunflower Seamstress, named for Marshall’s favorite flower, sells dresses, skirts, sweaters, shorts, and hair accessories.
To create her finished products, Marshall scours local thrift stores, like Value World and the weekly Ann Arbor Kiwanis Thrift Sale, for vintage finds. She only buys clothes that are high-quality and vintage (no Forever 21 or H&M). Size, she adds, doesn’t matter.
“I alter them to fit today’s fashion and people our age,” she says.
After finding potential pieces, Marshall heads home and uses herself to alter them. Fellow friend and senior Elizabeth Knight serves as Marshall’s model for her finished pieces.
“I love peter pan collars and sewing dresses,” Marshall says when asked about her favorite pieces. Other sources of inspiration include the stores ModCloth, Urban Outfitters, and Free People, and It Brit Alexa Chung.
But Marshall is quick to add that such sources are inspiration, not her actual wardrobe. “I’m broke,” she laughs. Marshall instead uses vintage pieces to express her style on a high school student’s budget.
In fact, Marshall first opened The Sunflower Seamstress to make money and save for college. The day after it opened, she says, she sold her first item. Since then, she has struggled to get the word out among so many other Etsy sellers.
Until then, Marshall will continue to frequent her favorite thrift stores and work her magic.
Earlier this year, she opened a shop on Etsy, the handcrafted and vintage-focused equivalent of eBay. The Sunflower Seamstress, named for Marshall’s favorite flower, sells dresses, skirts, sweaters, shorts, and hair accessories.
To create her finished products, Marshall scours local thrift stores, like Value World and the weekly Ann Arbor Kiwanis Thrift Sale, for vintage finds. She only buys clothes that are high-quality and vintage (no Forever 21 or H&M). Size, she adds, doesn’t matter.
“I alter them to fit today’s fashion and people our age,” she says.
After finding potential pieces, Marshall heads home and uses herself to alter them. Fellow friend and senior Elizabeth Knight serves as Marshall’s model for her finished pieces.
“I love peter pan collars and sewing dresses,” Marshall says when asked about her favorite pieces. Other sources of inspiration include the stores ModCloth, Urban Outfitters, and Free People, and It Brit Alexa Chung.
But Marshall is quick to add that such sources are inspiration, not her actual wardrobe. “I’m broke,” she laughs. Marshall instead uses vintage pieces to express her style on a high school student’s budget.
In fact, Marshall first opened The Sunflower Seamstress to make money and save for college. The day after it opened, she says, she sold her first item. Since then, she has struggled to get the word out among so many other Etsy sellers.
Until then, Marshall will continue to frequent her favorite thrift stores and work her magic.
Clothes & Styling: Sarah Marshall
Model: Elizabeth Knight
Photography: Allison Farrand
By Alexis Nowicki & Lizzie Ausmus
Studying is something that all of us must, at some point, do. But if you can’t quite seem to master the timeline of the civil war or the charge of a sulfate atom, a change in scenery may be in order. To help you avoid the boredom (and too-silent silence) of your usual study spots, juniors Alexis Nowicki and Lizzie Ausmus share their top spots to hit the books.
S. University Starbucks
Right next to Pinball Pete’s and Bubble Island, the Starbucks on S. University is a prime study spot. Away from the much busier State St. location, this Starbucks is much larger, guaranteeing you a table. Also a favorite with U of M students, the environment is studious but not too library-esque. Another plus: free Wi-Fi. The Vanilla Latte and Carmel Macchiato are classics, but an extensive drink selection ensures something for everyone.
Espresso Royale
For those looking for something warmer, Espresso Royale on State St. across from the Diag has comfy couches and more food options. With free Wi-Fi and outlets at every corner, this is ideal for those who can’t live without their laptops. Espresso Royale has a full range menu of sandwiches, from grilled cheese to pita wraps and an array of drinks. We recommend the always popular classic: hot chocolate.
Panera
Not having to deal with downtown traffic and parking is a plus for Panera, located on Eisenhower in the Colonnade shopping center. Panera has the most food options and is ideal when studying over extensive periods of time (free Wi-Fi again). It is convenient, but also offers a respite away from Saline. We recommend their selection of Paninis and daily soups.
Saline edition: My Favorite Café
My Favorite Café is Saline’s favorite café, and an excuse to study somewhere else still in-town. Located in downtown Saline, My Favorite is not crowded with the college students. Slip into one of the arm chairs and study away. Along with the inviting atmosphere comes the convenience of a local destination, making it the best place to study only a few miles away. My Favorite has a full menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and milkshakes.
Studying is something that all of us must, at some point, do. But if you can’t quite seem to master the timeline of the civil war or the charge of a sulfate atom, a change in scenery may be in order. To help you avoid the boredom (and too-silent silence) of your usual study spots, juniors Alexis Nowicki and Lizzie Ausmus share their top spots to hit the books.
S. University Starbucks
Right next to Pinball Pete’s and Bubble Island, the Starbucks on S. University is a prime study spot. Away from the much busier State St. location, this Starbucks is much larger, guaranteeing you a table. Also a favorite with U of M students, the environment is studious but not too library-esque. Another plus: free Wi-Fi. The Vanilla Latte and Carmel Macchiato are classics, but an extensive drink selection ensures something for everyone.
Espresso Royale
For those looking for something warmer, Espresso Royale on State St. across from the Diag has comfy couches and more food options. With free Wi-Fi and outlets at every corner, this is ideal for those who can’t live without their laptops. Espresso Royale has a full range menu of sandwiches, from grilled cheese to pita wraps and an array of drinks. We recommend the always popular classic: hot chocolate.
Panera
Not having to deal with downtown traffic and parking is a plus for Panera, located on Eisenhower in the Colonnade shopping center. Panera has the most food options and is ideal when studying over extensive periods of time (free Wi-Fi again). It is convenient, but also offers a respite away from Saline. We recommend their selection of Paninis and daily soups.
Saline edition: My Favorite Café
My Favorite Café is Saline’s favorite café, and an excuse to study somewhere else still in-town. Located in downtown Saline, My Favorite is not crowded with the college students. Slip into one of the arm chairs and study away. Along with the inviting atmosphere comes the convenience of a local destination, making it the best place to study only a few miles away. My Favorite has a full menu of sandwiches, soups, salads, and milkshakes.
By Madison Brow
Something is aflutter in Saline. Although most birds have already flown south to warmer climates, a few are making homes here for the winter. Birdhouses of every color are popping up in downtown businesses. These works of art are a part of Flying February, a local treasure hunt event sponsored by the Saline Downtown Merchants Association and the 212 Arts Center.
The creators of the hidden birdhouses had won the Birdhouse Challenge, a competition set up by 212. With a birdhouse theme, the artists used their talents to create each piece. The houses are made with great care and creativity, from a circus-themed home at Cobblestone Rose to an “under the sea” tribute at My Favorite Café. Maureen’s Designs is home to the first place winner, a birdhouse made of felt, complete with finger-puppet baby chicks nestled inside.
The 212 Arts Center was the hatching ground for all of this creativity. This non-profit organization is active in the community, and seeks to support the art culture of Saline. Flying February is only one example of the many engaging activities this center creates for the city.
Officially started in 2006, 212 offers classes to children of all ages. From week-long summer camps to appearances at community events, the center works to open kids’ eyes to the fun side of art.
The center’s “Art on the Go” program is an example of how the center reaches out to the community, which gives children the opportunity to make art at local events like the Summerfest. Seasoned teachers and volunteers lead the kids through painting with marbles, designing magnets, or simply coloring with chalk.
The adults of Saline also call 212 home, as the center provides classes in everything from watercolor to glass jewelry-making. The artists of Saline can join the experience by setting up an exhibit to showcase their work, or entering one of their pieces into a contest, much like the Birdhouse Challenge.
Something is aflutter in Saline. Although most birds have already flown south to warmer climates, a few are making homes here for the winter. Birdhouses of every color are popping up in downtown businesses. These works of art are a part of Flying February, a local treasure hunt event sponsored by the Saline Downtown Merchants Association and the 212 Arts Center.
The creators of the hidden birdhouses had won the Birdhouse Challenge, a competition set up by 212. With a birdhouse theme, the artists used their talents to create each piece. The houses are made with great care and creativity, from a circus-themed home at Cobblestone Rose to an “under the sea” tribute at My Favorite Café. Maureen’s Designs is home to the first place winner, a birdhouse made of felt, complete with finger-puppet baby chicks nestled inside.
The 212 Arts Center was the hatching ground for all of this creativity. This non-profit organization is active in the community, and seeks to support the art culture of Saline. Flying February is only one example of the many engaging activities this center creates for the city.
Officially started in 2006, 212 offers classes to children of all ages. From week-long summer camps to appearances at community events, the center works to open kids’ eyes to the fun side of art.
The center’s “Art on the Go” program is an example of how the center reaches out to the community, which gives children the opportunity to make art at local events like the Summerfest. Seasoned teachers and volunteers lead the kids through painting with marbles, designing magnets, or simply coloring with chalk.
The adults of Saline also call 212 home, as the center provides classes in everything from watercolor to glass jewelry-making. The artists of Saline can join the experience by setting up an exhibit to showcase their work, or entering one of their pieces into a contest, much like the Birdhouse Challenge.
By Jenny Ozor
Are you a film fanatic? Sophomores Delaney Brewer and Lindsey Zinbarg are—and they founded a film club so other film fanatics can enjoy great movies too. The Saline Solution decided to interview the duo about their thoughts on the movie industry.
Saline Solution: What made you girls want to create film club?
Delaney: [laughs] I was bored! Lindsey and I often see movies together. We just enjoy that sort of thing. One day, Lindsey thought ‘Hey! Wouldn’t that be exciting if we could actually have a film club where other kids could come and watch movies with us?’ And here we are!
Saline Solution: What goes on at film club?
Lindsey: Well, it’s pretty much an open place for anyone who wants to come and get some culture...Sometimes we watch movies that have to do with society.
Delaney: You can just hang out after school...come for a couple hours and watch a movie and hang out!
Saline Solution: You were saying that you like movies that challenge society. Is there any one movie that comes to your mind that does so in a great way?
Lindsey: There are a lot of movies. We just watched Midnight in Paris, which deals with wanting to live in another time, and that’s a great movie.
Delaney: We’ve been kind of obsessed with the movie An Education with Carey Mulligan.
Lindsey: Yeah. It has to do with growing up too fast and losing your childhood and innocence. Growing up is something all of us are going through.
Saline Solution: Definitely. So how often do you guys meet for film club?
Delaney: We meet every two weeks. We alternate rooms between our advisers, Mrs. Mabley and Mr. Hill.
Lindsey: It’s mostly us running it along with CJ Slotten, our secretary, and Caitlin Cameron, our treasurer...It’s a very relaxed environment. It’s not like we’re going to give you a test on the movie afterwards. It’s a fun place to just come and hang. It’s a great way to introduce more culture into the school.
Delaney: …As opposed to Hot Tub Time Machine, that’s our famed example. Not a good movie. [laughs]
Saline Solution: What are all the movies you have shown at film club so far?
Delaney: Young Frankenstein, The Odd Couple, Charade, Elf, and Midnight in Paris. Our next movie is Back to the Future (Part 1).
Saline Solution: What is your favorite childhood film and current favorite film?
Delaney: I was obsessed with Lady and the Tramp as a kid. I watched it all the time. Right now, my favorite movie is An Education. It really symbolizes growing up, and I think if more people were to watch it they would really be able to relate to the main character and say ‘I’m going through that, too. It’s normal’.
Lindsey: My favorite childhood movie was a tie between Mary Poppins and Snow White. My favorite movie is Ghost World. It’s another movie that has to do with growing up.
Saline Solution: What is it about movies that have the ability to capture you?
Lindsey: I think movies are really another art form. Some people paint, some people write music. Movies are a way of expressing yourself. [They are] also a great way to deal with issues. Pretty much any issue is covered in a movie. It’s also a way to escape.
Delaney: When you feel like you can relate to something, it kind of gives you a chance to get rid of it in your mind and deal with it however the [character] is dealing with it. Sometimes it can be helpful, sometimes it cannot be helpful, but either way it lets you get somewhere else in your mind.
Lindsey: You definitely feel like your situation is just like theirs, and like you’re that person.
Delaney: If it’s a good film, you will feel like you are that person and you are dealing with those things. If you really are dealing with those things, then that’s on the next level...Characters can become your friends, too. For some people, that happens with books. For us, characters come alive in movies.
Saline Solution: What’s probably the worst movie you’ve ever seen?
Lindsey: Another Earth.
Delaney: Yeah. You don’t really know what’s going on!
Lindsey: Another bad movie is the Art of Getting By.
Delaney: Another indie movie gone wrong. It really makes you question society [laughs]. Indie
movies can either be amazing, or they just die.
Lindsey: There’s no in between.
Saline Solution: I have to ask: are you guys excited for the Oscars?
Delaney: Definitely. Together, we’ve seen pretty much all of them. The ones we haven’t seen we plan on seeing very shortly.
Saline Solution: What percentage of your life do you think you have devoted to watching movies?
Lindsey: Ninety-seven.
Delaney: I would say, probably a little less, but not much, like ninety-four. Instead of the Super Bowl I watched Rio. [laughs]
Lindsey: Yeah, instead of big sporting events, we look forward to the Oscars and the SAG Awards. We’re a little different than most people.
Are you a film fanatic? Sophomores Delaney Brewer and Lindsey Zinbarg are—and they founded a film club so other film fanatics can enjoy great movies too. The Saline Solution decided to interview the duo about their thoughts on the movie industry.
Saline Solution: What made you girls want to create film club?
Delaney: [laughs] I was bored! Lindsey and I often see movies together. We just enjoy that sort of thing. One day, Lindsey thought ‘Hey! Wouldn’t that be exciting if we could actually have a film club where other kids could come and watch movies with us?’ And here we are!
Saline Solution: What goes on at film club?
Lindsey: Well, it’s pretty much an open place for anyone who wants to come and get some culture...Sometimes we watch movies that have to do with society.
Delaney: You can just hang out after school...come for a couple hours and watch a movie and hang out!
Saline Solution: You were saying that you like movies that challenge society. Is there any one movie that comes to your mind that does so in a great way?
Lindsey: There are a lot of movies. We just watched Midnight in Paris, which deals with wanting to live in another time, and that’s a great movie.
Delaney: We’ve been kind of obsessed with the movie An Education with Carey Mulligan.
Lindsey: Yeah. It has to do with growing up too fast and losing your childhood and innocence. Growing up is something all of us are going through.
Saline Solution: Definitely. So how often do you guys meet for film club?
Delaney: We meet every two weeks. We alternate rooms between our advisers, Mrs. Mabley and Mr. Hill.
Lindsey: It’s mostly us running it along with CJ Slotten, our secretary, and Caitlin Cameron, our treasurer...It’s a very relaxed environment. It’s not like we’re going to give you a test on the movie afterwards. It’s a fun place to just come and hang. It’s a great way to introduce more culture into the school.
Delaney: …As opposed to Hot Tub Time Machine, that’s our famed example. Not a good movie. [laughs]
Saline Solution: What are all the movies you have shown at film club so far?
Delaney: Young Frankenstein, The Odd Couple, Charade, Elf, and Midnight in Paris. Our next movie is Back to the Future (Part 1).
Saline Solution: What is your favorite childhood film and current favorite film?
Delaney: I was obsessed with Lady and the Tramp as a kid. I watched it all the time. Right now, my favorite movie is An Education. It really symbolizes growing up, and I think if more people were to watch it they would really be able to relate to the main character and say ‘I’m going through that, too. It’s normal’.
Lindsey: My favorite childhood movie was a tie between Mary Poppins and Snow White. My favorite movie is Ghost World. It’s another movie that has to do with growing up.
Saline Solution: What is it about movies that have the ability to capture you?
Lindsey: I think movies are really another art form. Some people paint, some people write music. Movies are a way of expressing yourself. [They are] also a great way to deal with issues. Pretty much any issue is covered in a movie. It’s also a way to escape.
Delaney: When you feel like you can relate to something, it kind of gives you a chance to get rid of it in your mind and deal with it however the [character] is dealing with it. Sometimes it can be helpful, sometimes it cannot be helpful, but either way it lets you get somewhere else in your mind.
Lindsey: You definitely feel like your situation is just like theirs, and like you’re that person.
Delaney: If it’s a good film, you will feel like you are that person and you are dealing with those things. If you really are dealing with those things, then that’s on the next level...Characters can become your friends, too. For some people, that happens with books. For us, characters come alive in movies.
Saline Solution: What’s probably the worst movie you’ve ever seen?
Lindsey: Another Earth.
Delaney: Yeah. You don’t really know what’s going on!
Lindsey: Another bad movie is the Art of Getting By.
Delaney: Another indie movie gone wrong. It really makes you question society [laughs]. Indie
movies can either be amazing, or they just die.
Lindsey: There’s no in between.
Saline Solution: I have to ask: are you guys excited for the Oscars?
Delaney: Definitely. Together, we’ve seen pretty much all of them. The ones we haven’t seen we plan on seeing very shortly.
Saline Solution: What percentage of your life do you think you have devoted to watching movies?
Lindsey: Ninety-seven.
Delaney: I would say, probably a little less, but not much, like ninety-four. Instead of the Super Bowl I watched Rio. [laughs]
Lindsey: Yeah, instead of big sporting events, we look forward to the Oscars and the SAG Awards. We’re a little different than most people.