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

interview

1. Have you ever heard about migraine-associated vestibulopathy?



I had no idea that such a thing existed. Apparently neither did the dozen or so doctors that I saw over the past year and a

half, or they just weren't trained to recognize it. It mostly afflicts women and very rarely do men get it. In the process

of being checked for Ménière's disease I met the one doctor that figured it out. I was very fortunate considering that there

are only two doctors that specialize in this in the state, one up here and one at the Mayo Clinic.



2. Other than not being able to read and write, how else has this disorder affected your life?



When I get up in the morning I may be able to read 1 to 5 pages and then it kicks in and that's when the day starts to get

hard. The vestibular nerve damage causes one side of the brain to receive the information layered on top of the other side

because of a 30% deficit due to a sinus infection that migrated through the porous cheekbone into my inner ear causing the

damage. Everything takes 2 to 3 times longer to do. Multitasking is extremely hard and for the most part I narrow my focus

to accomplish one task at a time. There's a thing called cognitive disturbance that goes along with this. It makes it hard

to retrieve newly learned information back out of my memory so I need to learn many things three or four times. Sometimes

I'll have all the pieces to the puzzle in front of me and it should take a matter of a few minutes to put it together, but I

miss that and it could take well over an hour or two to accomplish a simple task. There is also the emotional aspect of

this. It leaves you with a sense of loss and mourning for a piece of you that missing that you very well may never retrieve.

I find myself being very empathetic on a wider range of issues. There are days when I reminisce about the wonderful life

that I shared with my family and I can't stop the tears of joy that's what gets me through the day. Although I was relieved

when the doctor told me that this was just part of the process that people go through and have this.



3. How has your family handled it?



When it comes to my wife they don't come any better or any more dedicated. Before I had a diagnosis I could not get books on

disk that I could listen to on the computer or at least college textbooks. When I would run into a brick wall and couldn't

read anymore my wife would read to me for three or four hours every night, seven days a week. Fortunately I was aware of

speech recognition software programs and purchased one of those after I completed a full semester. Before that my wife would

type while I dictated. Needless to say there were a few stressful moments but nonetheless she knew it was my dream to do

this and she never faltered. For this I will be ever grateful.



4. What is a normal day for you?



Generally I get up before everybody else and take a shower around 5:30. I spent 45 min. to an hour trying to organize what I

am going to do for the day in efforts to keep me on track. Then I make the kids lunch and I'll get them out the door. Then

for the most part I just study all day. I would love to just watch a movie sometimes but the TV tends to make what I'm going

through worse. The kids get home around 2:30 and my wife around five-thirty. I usually study till they all get home. We then

sit down and have a home-cooked family meal every evening which I usually start 30 min. before the wife gets home. After the

dinner dishes are cleaned up I study until it's time for bed. You can well imagine that my days are very long. I study from

the time I get up to the time I go to bed, seven days a week. It is a relentless journey that I am on.





5. What part of environmental science interests you? Is that why you chose it?



Environmental science is something I've always been interested in. I spent a considerable amount of my youth camping in the

Rockies throughout Colorado and Montana. One of my favorite places is Glacier National Park. I actually liked it a lot

better 30 years ago when it was just an old gravel road that went up to it. I can also remember the headlines in the news

when the Cuyahoga River caught on fire in Ohio. I am not a sportsmen. I don’t hunt at all and fish very little. But some of

the most spiritual moments I've ever had in my life were when I was 20 miles away from civilization all by myself in the

mountains. I had a sense of feeling dwarfed by the natural splendor around me while all the time feeling one with my

surroundings.



6. Why creative writing? Have you always been a writer?



This aspect is an afterthought. For the most part the only writing that I have done in my life have been work orders or

proposals in the construction industry. What I thought was my weakness turned out to be one of my strengths. I guess you

never know until you try. Plus I can’t imagine having a better job than traveling around and writing about the natural

wonders in our country.



7. If I were to ask your friends and family to describe you in one word, what do you think they would say?

My oldest son would describe me as a well-intentioned ass. I think everybody else would just describe me as a dedicated

family man. I don't hang out with the boys and drink and never spend Sunday watching sports. My family is so much more fun.

Story 3.

Oct. 7, 2010

Megan Norenberg

Robbery Victim Schipper.

What would you do if you were caught in a robbery? Would you give the robber what they asked for or fight back? Michele Schipper chose to fight back.

   Around 4 p.m. yesterday, Shipper parker her car in the parking lot of a convenience store on Bonneville Drive. Schipper, not seeing the man, reached back into her car to grab her purse. As she was coming back up a man came out of nowhere and approached her and said, “Give me your purse.” Just getting a glimpse of the man, Schipper replied, “Ok”. As the man came closer Schipper turned around and kicked the man in the groin area. “I was afraid he wouldn’t stay down,” said Shipper,” so I gave him a roundhouse to the nose.” As the man lay there on the ground, Schipper got back into her car and drove to a motel down the street and called the police.

   With no self-defense training, Schipper relied on her tomboy childhood to protect herself, although she does attribute some of her power to weightlifting experience with her father. “It was a good punch,” Schipper said, “I was just very mad. I just reacted. I probably wouldn’t do it again in the same situation.”

   Even though Schipper gave the robber a run for his money, he was still able to evade the police. “I hope he thinks twice next time”, Schipper said.

  

Story 2.

Megan Norenberg

Sept. 23, 2010

Migrants v. Sheriff.

   

Who should get the counties money? Should it be the migrant workers or the sheriff’s department? A 5-2 vote on Thursday says it belongs to the migrant workers.

   Thursday’s vote has left commissioners and Sheriff Gus DiCesari at odds. Sheriff DiCesari stated, “This is the first time in my 27-years as sheriff that the county hasn’t allocated money to the sheriff’s department to buy equipment.” The sheriff’s department was asking for eight new police-cruisers and five new deputies. With only $97 million left after the new prison was built, the county would be short $580,000 if they were to pay for the cruisers and deputies along with all other expenses.

   Commissioners Anita Shenuski and Raymond Laybourne are the two who disagree with the rest of the commissioners. During Thursday’s meeting, the commissioners voiced their opinions by saying, “The county should spend more money on the sheriff’s department and law enforcement than programs that help the migrant workers who come to this county to work,” and,” They [the migrant workers] are a problem for our law enforcement, our schools, and our healthcare system. They take away jobs from decent people and work for next to nothing. We need to protect local residents from them.”

   The commission President, Anne Chenn, has denied all statements against migrant workers. She also said,” Those people who come here to work are decent, hardworking people being employed at jobs that local residents don’t want to do.”

                                               xxx

story 1

Megan Norenberg


Sept. 9, 2010

Fatal Pile-Up







The pile-up started when two tractor-trailers, one carrying diesel fuel, collided. That is when the dominos affect stating taking place. After the first two vehicles had hit, two more tractor-trailers and 14 cars joined the wreck. Two of the car drivers lost their lives in the pile-up and 20 more were injured. Four out of the 20 injured people obtained life-threatening injuries and two of them had to be air lifted to Memorial Hospital.

Bodies and blood lined Interstate 790 as emergency workers darted from place to place to help the ones in need. Fire chief Tony Sullivan said, “The scene looked like something out of a war zone.” All five of the fire departments ambulances were at the scene along with ambulances from neighboring cities. Police officers at the crash were having a hard time determining who were the drivers and passengers of the cars.

The crash not only created havoc for the victims and the emergency workers but for early morning commuters as well. Interstate 790 was closed well into mid-morning. Commuters were detoured to Interstate 690, which had a three-hour traffic delay.

Xxx

About me.

   As you can see, my name is Megan. I tend to say whatever pops into my mind, relevant or not. I love to talk to people. There is something about listening to other peoples stories that puts me at ease. So beware of my arsonal of questions!
   My interests span from kickball to classical music. Anything that keeps my mind going and guessing is something that I enjoy. I guess that is where I adopted the name "Space Cadet." Summer is my favorite time of year because of the blistering hot days. If I wasn't still nursing my knee i would be outside everyday doing something new.
   I decided to take this class because I have a strong respect for journalism.  I have also had previous experience with journalism. I encourage people to speak their minds in a respectful manor.
   By taking this class I am hoping to gain better writing skills and a better understanding of the subject.
   I am looking forward to working with all of you! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

-Megan.