The Gogebic Community College Student Senate is bringing some good old fashioned fun to the frozen North’s February; there will be lots of fun to be had during the week of February 6 to 10.

     Although a schedule of events has not yet been devised, the Winterfest will include things like open skating, free tubing, snow sculpture competition between GCC programs for a $500 prize, and the Winterfest Ball to crown the Winterfest King and Queen.

     Other events are still in the works but have yet to be announced. These events are not limited to just the college and will be open to the entire community.

     We are also hoping to put together more community-oriented events like a winter poetry reading with hot chocolate and a bonfire, hayrides around campus for the kids, and maybe even an outdoor concert.

     We are really hoping to see everyone out there and to share a little warmth in the cold.

     “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” Anton Chekhov

     Even though I’m not much of a football fan, and never a Packer fan (I’m from the Chicago area –“Go Bears!”), I really enjoyed the history and the stories of players and coaches told by Marcol in this book. The real story for me though, is the miracle that is Chester Marcol. This is a story of life, its exhilarating moments and its darkest hours. This is the story of how one man went to places he never thought he’d go and his inspirational “formula” for his success today.

     Chester Marcol came to the United States in 1965 and moved to a small town outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his mother, sister and two younger brothers when he was 15 years old. They left Communist Poland after his father had committed suicide. He could not speak nor understand a word of English when he began school at Imlay City High School. Marcol was a talented athlete and it was there his gift for kicking was discovered. Football helped ease his way into Midwest society

     Marcol was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1972 and had an excellent career with them until an injury in 1975 led him to the next love of his life after football, narcotics, booze and needles. This is a painful read into the darkness of addiction. He lost everything and almost his life after a suicide attempt with battery acid, rat poison and vodka. The health consequences still affect him today.

     This is not a self-help book but a story of his journey through painful adolescent years, success, the agony of addiction and then the light of recovery.

     If you’ve ever experienced the holy hell of addiction or love someone who is an addict perhaps this book can give you hope if you’re looking for a way out or reaffirm your conviction and faith to continue your journey in recovery.

     Chester Marcol, I wish you continued success and grace on your journey. I, too, “have been to hell and do not want to go back.” This is definitely worth a read.

     This year has been especially fun as we have travelled to some of the places mentioned on the show. I have had my first “Sloppy Hoppy” and watched my first weigh in. Our timing was impeccable as we witnessed a sixteen year old hunter proudly watch as his beautiful 162 pound, ten point was hoisted on the scale. I also enjoy listening to the camaraderie as local camps jibe each other with ‘shout outs’! You don’t have to be an insider to get the references and challenges. Even the camp names can bring a laugh. I have been caught singing along to such hunting classics as “Thirty Point Buck.” What a wonderful lead into the holidays.

     I can really feel how the hunting season brings families and friends together as they share great memories that will transcend the generations - and perhaps get themselves that prize buck.

     I am in awe of the beauty of winter in the UP. The snow has already worked its magic by covering the ground and adorning branches. On one of our outings we saw a beautiful snowy owl take to flight from the road we were travelling. I am constantly in excited anticipation at what miracle of nature I will see each time I step outside our door.

     Summer and I are still out on the roads navigating icy patches and sticking to tire tracks as we enjoy another training run. We are thrilled that she loves the snow and nature as much as we do. Snow also gives my canine running partner and me the advantage of seeing the tracks of the wildlife that inhabit the area.

     Sunday we were happy to see a magnificent bald eagle circle above us as we ran snow covered trails. After a chilly weekend run we were welcomed home by the wonderful aroma of my boyfriend’s homemade chili. Honestly, does it get any better than this?

     As I sit at our kitchen table – writing this piece - I am entertained by two squirrels chasing each other along snow covered limbs as a flock of geese fly overhead. And I am reminded, yet again, that we are truly lucky to be surrounded by such beauty. I can’t wait to get out for our run or perhaps snowshoeing will win out today. Whatever sport we choose to indulge in; I know this for sure. As the kid at the local gas station says, we are “living the dream!” At least my version of it.

     November is a time for the political vomit to be smeared across televisions, yards, and any other media possible. This wouldn’t be so bad if I had not grown up in my own personal political war. My mother is a Democrat while my father is a Republican. This caused many interesting moments in my childhood. My childhood home was the only house in the entire city that had both Democrat and Republican signs in troves decorating the lawn. I could have lived with this if it was just the signs but during election time my parents took political debating to a whole new level.

     Every time I turned around my parents were arguing about who was the better candidate and what issues you should look at to decide on who you should vote for. Living in the middle of this battlefield did teach me to keep my mind open politically but it also made me appreciate the non-political season.

     The day after the votes are counted and a final winner is announced is a day of much joy for me. I finally get some peace and at least one of my parents is happy.

     They meet here on campus every Tuesday night at 7:30 in room T-23 and provide a night of free food, music, fellowship, games and a short message.

     This group is also an opportunity to meet other students and enjoy fellowship during the week.

     The group has been on Campus for the past two semesters and have hosted many events, such as; a water balloon fight, glow stick capture the flag, free coffee and hosted nights at the gym.

     This group is also an opportunity to meet other students and enjoy fellowship during the week.

     Nights on Tuesday starts off with a group game that changes week to week! Everything from speed scrabble, spoons, Pictionary, hitting each other with swimming noodles, and sometimes swing dancing.

     After the game, there is a time of singing, then a short biblical message with time for discussion and fellowship with free food afterwards. Every week has its own unique game, snack and topic of study

     During the semester, CRU strives to provide special events for students to participate in and have some fun! Fliers are put up when these events come up to inform the students of when, where and what it is.

     This being the second semester CRU has been at GCC, it has grown and continues to provide an outlet of fun, fellowship and a safe place to ask spiritual questions and grow.

     Even if students don’t have a religious background they are encouraged to come and bring questions, insight or thoughts to CRU. Everyone is welcome.

     The students that lead and run CRU dedicate time and effort into trying to provide a safe, fun environment for getting together as students and not only grow in the knowledge of God, but to bring to campus something different and awesome.

     As the end of the semester is soon coming to an end, CRU will be doing one more big event as a winter break kickoff!

     As it is still being finalized, information will be provided by the fliers put up around campus, so please be keeping your eyes open for upcoming events!

     CRU is looking forward to being on campus next semester as well; the leadership team is excited to see how God will work on campus in the upcoming years!

     There is a Facebook group called “GCC Campus Crusade for Christ” if you would like to join for some more information.

     If you have more questions please email CRU at gogebicCRU@gmail.com

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     Slater and Arquette have a sweet romantic chemistry that isn’t seen much in movies anymore and leave you thinking their crazy love could be real.

     A cast featuring many big names like; Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, and Samuel L. Jackson who despite their small roles make their characters dynamic parts of the story.

     This movie turns out to be more than one expects in so many good ways. As long as gun fire and some violence is your thing then this movie is a must see.

     You won’t come away disappointed and in the end you’ll have one more movie to add to your favorites.