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w J: I-- Recycling: Is it just rubbish? see page 2 It's a bloody . comparison ... see page 10 Published by the students of Alpena Community College 666 Johnson St. Alpena Ml 49707 Vol. 2 Issue 6 Dec. 11, 1992 Action Line "What is the policy on dismissing classes due to in- clement weather? How early will the decision be made? S Hood decides whether or not campus is closed because of inclement weather. The policy is, "If we can plow the parking lots clear, we will have classes," stated Dean Davis. If classes are cancelled or the college is opening a few hours later than normal the radio and television an- nouncements will be aired at 6:30 a.m., on the local sta- tions. Those students in evening classes are contacted by phone. ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to contact the school if they are in doubt about classes being can- celled. "Why is attendence in class such a high percent- age of our grade?" -Paula Munsell According to the student handbook, "Students are ex- pected to attend their sched- uled classes according to the · requirements of the instruc- tor. Be sure to consult your instructor if absence is un- avoidable." • Resolution Center coming to Alpena area BY DENINB KONWINSKI Co-EorroR. Are you a good listener and communicator who is non- judgemental, open-minded and not afraid to deal with people in conflict? If so, there may be a explains, "As lawyers, we often see situations where it would be better for parties to settle their differences outside of the court- room, without attorneys. A lot of situations arise where we wish there was a vehicle for settling those kinds of disputes." ~ .-;J8r.;fi!t•llt •• ~ posed Sunrise Mediation Cen- Mediation Center can comple- ter, come January of next year. ment their problem while ben- The purpose of the Center is efiting the community. "Local to promote a way to success- attorneys and judges got . to- fully resolve minor disputes gether and decided this is not a which may involve two or more program that is, or should be, individuals or groups. A struc- run by lawyers and judges. It tured mediation process will be should come from the commu- used, and a third party will be nity and should be completely directly involved. from the support of volunteers," Mediators will be selected Wenzel continues. community volunteers. Being a The actual mediation pro- mediator requires a lot of time, cess is very routine. A complain- but has its benefits. A forty - ant calls the Center, and pre- hour training course over two sents a brief explainatioli of his/ weekends, Jan.7 -9 and Jan.14 her problem to the intake - 16, as well as 10 hours of worker, or person taking the direct observation with a trained calls. The intake worker then mediator are mandatory. Train- decides if the problem is appro- ing is pai9 for out of the priate for assistance, and on ap- Community Dispute Resolution proval, mor~ detailed informa- Funds of Alpena County, and its tion is taken on the parties in- teachings can be applied to ev- volved and the nature of the eryday situations. dispute. The second party is If a party does not agree to use the mediation process, a let- ter is sent to the other party and referrals are made. Follow - up calls are placed to both parties 60 days after the session(s). Statistics ho violence, controlled substances or substance abuse, and marital problems are not dealt with at the Center. CSCF Catholic Charities is the major supporter of Alpena's Mediation Center . The_organiza- ti ments are high. Over 90% of the public. They also send the grant judgements are kept after an application to the State, and are agreement is made. · "the governing body" when it Cases appropriate for the conies to spending the money Center are: property damage, and making sure the program is consumer/merchant disputes, carried out, says Bill Morford, landlord/tenant disputes, prop- board member and CSCF area erty line problems, etc. administrator. Cases involving serious Please see Center, page S After training, a mediator is reached, and if he/she agrees to asked to provide one year of using the Mediation Center, a voluntary service toward the time is set and a 'neutral' meeting Center, such as helping to orga- place is selected. A mediator is nize the new program, or assigned, and mediation takes Photo by Di,rin Hitt1 · participating in introducing the place over one or several meet- ACC nursing students designed the first place banner idea to areas of the state where ings. The end result is a written in honor of Student Nurses Day in Lansing for this year. the program does not yet exist. agreement, which can be used Students, left to right are: Tina Wozniak, Colette Hilla, Karen Wenzel, an attorney in later in court, if the conflict con- Lee Raniszewski, Lisa Schultz (back row), Teresa Alpena and former president of tinues. Lawyers may be present Gaines, Judi Brachenbury, and Cindy Repke (front the local Circuit Bar Association during mediation sessions. row) . .;..._~..:..;,..~:...._,.,,....,._....,..::;.., __ ~--~~~~--~~.,...,-:~~- i;