I still cannot believe there is only one more week left in the semester. It is too surreal! I feel like I have learned so much in the last couple month but I also feel like I have much more to learn. I think that is one thing about journalism though, there is always something to learn.

I ran into this quote awhile ago. For some reason I found it very meaningful

" In America the President reigns for four years, and Journalism governs for ever and ever."- Oscar Wilde

Previous to taking this class, I had a great respect for journalism. Now, the respect I had has doubled if not tripled! Journalism is hard work! There was countless times where I thought that my brain was going to explode and nights without sleeping. I think that is what sets journalists apart from other people. They are determined to get the story out no matter what. Even if it means staying up all hours of the night or ripping out their hair. Anything to ensure written justice.

I have had fun this semester getting to know and read all of your pieces! I wish the best for all of you and have a wonderful holiday!!

-Megan Norenberg

Enterprise rough draft..

Well, due to a few minor set backs I do not have a rough draft.. It is more like rough paragraphs that are scattered between side notes until a few more sources get back to me. It is a little nerve wracking but I should have been more aggressive when dealing with sources. I think being too lenient is my biggest downfall when it comes to writting stories. In the future I will be more stressful with deadlines and leave courtesy at the door.
Within the next few days I will have a complete copy of my rough draft and will post it. Sorry again!
-Megan

Press Release.

Animal Human Society Volunteers

1411 Main St. N.W.

Coon Rapids, Minn 55448

Release Date: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010

CONTACT: Megan Norenberg

Office Phone: (763)-862-4030

Cell Phone: (763)-827-0184

Email: Megan.Norenberg@anokaramsey.edu

The Animal Human Society is looking for volunteers for many different positions. Some of the positions that are open include adoption support, behavior and training, foster care, veterinary services, and many more.

Due to working with animals, the Animal Humane Society has requirements that need to be met. Some of the basic requirements include being over the age of 16 and a minimum of one year of volunteering service.

Becoming a volunteer for the Animal Human Society only takes you five easy steps.

Step 1: Do you meet the requirements

Step 2: Fill out an online application and pay the $20 application fee

Step 3: Self schedule an information session at the location for which you submitted the application.

Step 4: Interview with a Volunteer Service staff member.

Step 5: If you are a good match, there will be an orientation into the volunteer program and training for your volunteer assignment.

If you would like to volunteer, you can find the application as well as a map of Animal Humane Societies near you on www.animalhumansociety.org

story 7

November 18, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Teen Dad Wilson

  

                                 Move Over Teen Mom, Teen Dad is Coming Through

Being a parent at any age is a struggle. Now, imagine being a single parent. There is only one set of hands and one income. To make things even more difficult, imagine being a single teenage parent.

   The hit MTV show Teen Mom has shown the world the struggles of teenage parents. The show, which is a spin-off of the other hit MTV show 16 and Pregnant, documents the lives of four teen parents. Each mother in the show represents a different kind of hardship. Whether it is fighting between the parents, missing the daughter they gave up for adoption, or mourning the loss of one of the fathers, the show has all the necessary drama needed. One thing the show does not highlight on, being a teen dad.

   If MTV were to create a show called Teen Dad, Brandon Wilson would make an exceptional candidate. Wilson, now 20-years-old, is a single father of a year-and-a-half old daughter, Delilah. The father has all the right credential s for a Teen Dad show.  He goes to work and school as well as takes care of his daughter.

   “Being a single father makes me work harder to meet my goals”, Wilson tells. With only four credits left in school Wilson is “powering through it” so he can go on to college and get a full time job to further support his daughter. Even though he is highly motivated to reach these goals it is still hard for him to do by himself.

   His daily routine consists of waking up at 7 a.m. and getting Delilah ready then gets himself ready. Once they are both up and dressed for the day he makes breakfast for the both of them then their day starts. Delilah is dropped off at daycare and Wilson goes to either school or work depending on his schedule. Around 4 p.m. he picks up Delilah and has dinner done by 5 p.m. “By bedtime I am exhausted,” Wilson says, “but I still have to clean, do laundry, and sometimes just take time for myself.”

   “Sure it is hectic, and tiring, and sometimes I feel insane but it is the best thing that has happened to me”, Wilson admitted. He remembered the day his daughter was born.”I cried, cried, and then I couldn’t stop smiling. It started to hurt after awhile”, Wilson joked.

    One of the biggest struggles Wilson faces is doing all of this alone. “I cannot afford to miss a day of work or school”, Wilson said while sighing, “rent is $700, daycare is $260 a week, plus groceries and gas.”  Without having an extra hand on the weekends, Wilson’s parents take Delilah while he is working. “It is nice having a free babysitter on the side”, Wilson said with a laugh.

   With teen pregnancy becoming more popular in the United States, Wilson stresses the use of contraceptives. Wilson shared that at the time that Delilah’s mother got pregnant they were using both birth control and condoms. “It proves that teenagers really need to be careful when they are having sex”, Wilson stressed.

   “I didn’t think it would be this hard”, Wilson tells,” I really wasn’t ready for this challenge.” When asked if he had any advice on being a teen parent, Wilson said, “Don’t let it [pregnancy] get you down. Being a parent is a beautiful thing even with all of the stress, so don’t slack off! You need to be all you can be not only for yourself but for your child as well.”

Story 6.

 Nov, 11, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Director Kathleen Mortensen

  What would make someone want to stay in high school forever? Is it the sports, the education, or even the food? According to Paladin Academy Director Kathleen Mortensen, “it’s the kids.”

   With over 4 decades in school, Mortensen admitted at one point in her life she hated school. “After graduation, I never wanted to step foot in another school again,” Mortensen said with a grin. The following fall, Mortensen was the first child in her family to attend college.

   While in school, Mortensen was studying to become a veterinarian. As an animal lover and a fan of science, teaching wasn’t in the picture. Then “something hit me”, Mortensen recalled, “I no longer wanted to be a veterinarian, I wanted to be a teacher.”

   Instantly, she changed her major and received a Masters degree in special education. Mortensen’s schooling didn’t stop then. She later went on to receive another Masters degree in school administration. With both Masters degrees under her belt, Mortensen was appointed Director of Paladin Academy, a non-traditional high school based out of Blaine, Minn.

   As a director of a non-traditional school, Mortensen has the chance to connect with her students on a more personal level. Mortensen knows every student by name and knows their strengths and their weaknesses. Students confide in her with their secrets, their dreams, and their fears. “It is the hardest part of my job; hearing the struggles of these students,” Mortensen shares, “but watching them grow as young adults is the most rewarding.”

   After getting to know these students individually, it is hard for Mortensen to say good-bye. During each year’s commencements, she has to fight back the tears as she shakes each students hand and delivers their diplomas. “I have to think about something else in my mind whether it be items on my grocery list or counting to 10”, Mortensen says, “or the tears will take over.”

   One day it will be Mortensen’s turn to leave her students. “Retiring will be one of the hardest things I will have to do in my life”, Mortensen says, “I will miss the kids.” Don’t think that will stop her from teaching though. When she retires, Mortensen plans on teaching at a college part time and says there is a possibility she will become a substitute teacher but “there are no promises,” Mortensen jokes.

   Alongside teaching, Mortensen would like to continue traveling around the world. She also has hopes of finishing writing a half dozen children’s books she starting with her daughter as well as publish them. Mortensen said she dedicates her children’s books to her newly born grandson, Noah.

   Other than teaching on the side, traveling, and finishing her children’s books during her retirement, Mortensen plans on spending time with the other love of her life, her family. Mortensen is a dedicated wife, mother of two, and recent grandmother.

      Even when she retires, Mortensen hopes students of past, present, and of the future remember “anything is possible if you keep your head strait and stay on focus.”

Story 5.

   October 25, 2010

Megan Norenberg

H.M.S Pinafore Pitch

   With an exaggerated Captain, a daringly handsome sailor, and a “little” woman with a secret, The H.M.S. Pinafore is “exciting for everyone”, says the musical’s Style and Theme Director Blayne Lemke.

   On Monday Oct. 25, the Coon Rapids Campus held host to the preview pitch to this year’s musical, The H.M.S. Pinafore. The preview pitch incorporated thoughts on music, dance, costumes, set, and style. Each director expressed their hopes and dreams to the room filled with aspiring actors, dancers, and singers.

   The one thing that every director had in common was knowing the history behind the musical. The H.M.S. Pinafore takes place in Victorian era England where social class is a determining factor in everyday life. In the musical we find an audacious sailor who declares his love for the Captains daughter; a woman who is not in his social class. Despite their differences, the two plot to elope. When the not so “little” Buttercup reveals a life changing secret, their world is turned upside down. The once sailor is now a Captain and the Captain is now a sailor. “Buttercup is key to everything”, Lemke states.

   Along with knowing the style, Lemke says students should also pick up a copy of the book of Elocutions. This book is a guide to body language and correct enunciation. Lemke shares that, “this [book of elocutions] is a tool to specify physical action. It is education in learning historical acting styles as well as using what they have already learned.”

   This fast-paced show is not without its challenges though. The music book for the show is an inch and a half thick and must be memorized. There are also numerous dances that must be learned precisely. Choreographer Heidi Spesard-Noble noted that, “students should be in this whole –heartedly.”

   With Anoka-Ramsey putting more than $20,000 into the show, it is going to be “massive”, as Lemke says. Set designer Peter Lerhol has a vision that will be of mass proportions. He talked of countless boats and his view on the Pinafore its self was extraordinary. Also the costume department will be making their own military inspired costumes as well as renting. Both costume and set design departments are encouraging students to come in and lend a hand with production.

   If you are interested in auditioning for the H.M.S Pinafore, Auditions will be held November 15- 19 between 2 and 5 p.m. Directors are looking for students who can: memorize, speak clearly, prepare a musical selection, and have stage presence. As well as musical auditioning, there will be a dance audition as well. The cast will be posted on November 19. If you are a musician who would like to play in the pit orchestra, contact Musical Director Melissa Bergstrom. She is looking for a full symphony.

   Rehearsals for the cast will begin on November 22 generally between 2 and 5 p.m. starting January 31 however, rehearsals will be run in the evening between 6 and 9 p.m. “Do not miss a rehearsal. It will be very hard to catch up”, Spesard-Noble stressed.

   The H.M.S Pinafore will open on February 4, 2011 and will run through the 13 of February. “There are a lot of twists and turns”, Lemke tells, “it is something you don’t want to miss.”

Story 4.

October 14, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Patrick Lightheart

    

Imagine not being able to perform everyday tasks. No reading, writing, watching television, or even walking through a crowd of people. Would you have the determination to follow through with your dreams?

   Since the age of 20, Patrick Lightheart’s dream has been to go back to school. Recently he has enrolled in Anoka-Ramsey Community College to pursue degrees’ in environmental science and creative writing. This task is not without a challenge.

   Fourteen months ago, Patrick was diagnosed with what doctors thought were a series of mini-strokes. “It kept getting worse,” Patrick said, so he went back to the doctors. Finally, after 14 months, he got his diagnosis.

   Patrick was diagnosed with migraine-associated vestibulopathy. Migraine-associated vestibulopathy is a type of nerve damage in the inner ear. He describes his condition by saying, “The vestibular nerve damage causes one side of my brain to receive the information layered on top of the other side because of a 30 percent deficit due to a sinus infection that migrated into my inner ear causing the damage.”

   This disorder makes it difficult for Patrick to do tasks that used to take him minutes but this has not stopped him. Before he received his textbooks on disc, his wife would read to him four hours every night. “She knew it was my dream to do this and she never faltered,” Patrick said, “for this I will be forever grateful.”

   Other than listening to his textbooks on discs, Patrick uses a system called Dragon. Dragon is a natural speech software that allows him to type. Patrick states, “It’s been over a year since I have been able to type my own thoughts myself. I study from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. It is a relentless journey I am on.”

   Amongst his new condition and being a full-time student, Patrick still finds the time to be dedicated family man. He makes his kids lunch, gets them to school, studies all day, and still has dinner done by the time his wife gets home from work. Patrick doesn’t hang out with the boys, drink, or even watch sports on a Sunday afternoon. “My family is much more fun”, Patrick says.

   Whether he is studying, taking care of his family, or being a well-intentioned ass as his son would say, Patrick will keep fighting day to day to accomplish his dream.

                                                          XXX