The Michigan Daily - Friday, December 2, 1994 - 5
touise
Flowers to
close after
52 years
U Bivouac to expand
into vacant space on
Jan. 1; will open
doors 3 weeks later
By AMY KLEIN
Daily Staff Reporter
After 52 years of serving students
and Ann Arbor residents, Louise Flow-
ers & Gifts will be closing its doors by
Dec. 11.
Neighboring clothing and camp-
ing supply retailer Bivouac will ex-
pand into the vacant space on State
Street Jan. I and plans to open the
addition three weeks later.
Jessie Berkan and Denise Betke,
e current owners of Louise Flowers
& Gifts, are folding to a rent increase
that takes effect with the new Dec. 31
lease.
"The new rent price was just way
out of our reach," Betke said.
A liquidation sale is already under-
way, and the owners are drastically
reducing prices.
The shop, while specializing in
Osh and silk flowers, also sel Is stuffed
animals, mugs, and other gifts.
"I've been here since 1950 and this
is very sad," Berkan said. "It's like
losing a very good friend. How often
do you find a wonderful job working
with flowers?"
Candidates for
Housing director
describe plans
JUDITH PERKINS/Daily
Louise Flowers & Gifts on State Street will close its doors by Dec. 11, after 52 years in business.
During the last few years, business
has declined for the flower shop, which
depends on the patronage of the Uni-
versity community.
"I think the increase in University
tuition has a lot to do with why our
business has gone down," Betke said.
Betke is the niece of the original
owner, Louise, who passed away last
March. Betke plans to relocate the shop
to Virginia, where the rest of her family
lives.
"I don't think (Louise) would be
disappointed that we closed. She'd want
the best for me, rather than have me
push myself and then possibly fail,"
Betke said.
Berkan, who worked at the shop for
more than 20 years, will not be follow-
ing her partnerto Virginia. Instead, she
will look for another part-time job in
Ann Arbor.
With the expansion into the flower
shop's space, Bivouac will increase its
current size by 12 percent. The store
will begin renovating Jan. 3.
Bivouac owner Ed Davidson said
he will spread out his existing mer-
chandise into the new space, and does
not anticipate an increase in the amount
of goods the store stocks.
"We're doing OK right now. We're
just out of space. The store is way too
crowded and not consumer-friendly at
all," Davidson said. "Currently a lot of
things we carry are hidden behind other
merchandise, and as a result customers
don't see some things."
Davidson, however, will miss the
owners of Louise Flowers & Gifts.
"They were very nice neighbors
and have been there for a long time,"
Davidson said.
While Bivouac plans the new addi-
tion, Louise Flowers & Gifts leaves
Ann Arbor with "mixed emotions,"
Beikec sa id.-
"We really enjoyed our customers
and the y oung people here. Everyone's
been friendly, sweet and wonderful.
It'll be hard to say good-bye," she said.
By RONNIE GLASSBERG
Daily Staff Reporter
As the Division of Student Affairs
enters the final stages of an eight-month
search for a new Housing director, two
of the four final candidates gave pre-
sentations to the public yesterday.
Chika Kenneth Nnamani, the di-
rector of housing services at the
University of Massachusetts at
Amherst since July 1993, and
Constance Foley, director of resi-
dence services at Kent State Uni-
versity since 1990, spoke to a group
primarily composed of employees
from Student Affairs. No students
showed up for the public event.
A 12-member committee chaired
by Garry D. Brewer, dean of the
School of Natural Resources and
the Environment, selected the four
candidates. On Tuesday, the two
other candidates will speak in the
Michigan League's Koessler Li-
brary beginning at 2 p.m.
During yesterday's public pre-
sentations, each of the candidates
presented their views on living-
learning experiences, like the Pilot
Program in Alice Lloyd and the
21st Century Program in Mary
Markley and other aspects of the
Housing Division.
Nnamani, who moved to the United
States from Nigeria in 1976, said that
students come to the University for
its academic reputation, and the Hous-
ing Division must include education
in the residence halls.
"Nobody that ever went to college
went based on how the residence hall
looked," Nnamani said. "We've got to
look at new ways of thinking. Housing
services must cooperate with the aca-
demic community."
Foley, who earned a bachelor's
degree in mathematics from the Uni-
versity in 1970, said the campus has
changed since she was here.
"(Universities) are nolongeraprivi-
lege. They are an expectation," Foley
said. "We are getting students from all
walks of life and that's good."
Foley, who participated in the Pilot
Program during her college years, also
emphasized the role of living-learning
programs.
"I see myself as a student affairs
administrator, which I think goesth
yond the bounds of being a housioj
administrator," she said. "We do nrot
operate in , a
vacuum."
After leaving
the University,
Foley earned 4
.: master's degreelti
guidance and coun-
seling from Syra-.
cuse University in
1977. In 1989, shi
Foly earned a doctorate
in higher and adult
education from
Arizona State Uni-
versity.
N n a m a ni
earned a bach-
elor's degree in
mass communica-
tion and political,
science from Illi-
nois State Univer,
Nnamanl sity in 1980. He'
earned master's degrees in political
science and history from Illinois State
in 1982 and 1984, respectively.
Residence Hall Association Presi.
dent Stacia Fejedelem, who met with
both of the candidates, said both ap-
peared to be very qualified.
"I was impressed that they seem
to want to get to know the students
here on a direct level," Fejedelem.
said. "They both seemed very posi,
tive. They didn't seem to come to
us with a set agenda. They seemed
very open."
Michigan Student Assembly Presi-
dent Julie Neenan, a search committe&
member, said she was impressed wit@
both candidates.
"I thought Nnamani was really in,
terested in getting involved with stu-
dents and I liked that a lot," she said.
"(Foley) has a lot of ideas. I think she
would manage the whole divisi9A.
pretty well."
Former state rep. to work as iU ci yaison
By NATE HURLEY
Daily News Editor
A former Democratic state repre-
sentative will once again serving the
community, but this time he'll be work-
ing for the University.
James A. Kosteva, who repre-
sented the Canton Township area in
the state House from 1985 to 1992,
1l1 be the University's new direc-
Or of community relations, effec-
tiye Dec. 19.
Kosteva fills the position that was
vacated earlier this year by Peter
Pellerito. "There was obviously a tre-
mendous vacuum in terms of relations
with the local community," said Lisa
Baker, associate vice president for
University relations.
Kosteva's duties will include:
® planning and developing activi-
ties to increase understanding of the
University's goals;
* acting as a liaison with elected
officials in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw
County; and,
* expanding relationships with
Detroit business leaders and govern-
ment groups.
"I was doing some of the liaison,
but it's clear there needs to be a day-to-
day person," said Baker, who headed
the search to fill the position.
Kosteva will be paid $65,000 a year
in his University position.
Baker said the opening was posted
in August and about 200 people ap-
plied for the position, 15 of whom she
personally interviewed.
Three finalists were interviewed by
Baker and other University adminis-
trators. No students were involved in
the search.
Kosteva, the director of central staff
for the speaker of the state House, was
in the Upper Peninsula last night to
attend the funeral of long-time state
Democratic leader Dominic Jacobetti
of Negaunee and could not be reached
for comment.
Kosteva chaired the House's Eco-
nomic Development and Energy Com-
mittee and was vice chairman of the
Committee on Taxation. He also served
as commissioner on the Midwest Higher
Education commission.
City holds candlelight vigil to remember those who died of AIDS
By JODI COHEN
Daily Staff Reporter
Wearing armbands with the names
of people who have died of AIDS and
marching to a steady drumbeat, more
than 200 people with candles in hand
walked through the Diag last night as
part of World AIDS Day.
The candlelight vigil was held in
remembrance of those who died from
AIDS, and to show support for those
filing with the disease.
Behind a banner that read "World
AIDS Day," the participants traveled
from the steps of the Michigan Union
to the First Congressional Church,
crossing the Diag and traveling down
South State Street.
World AIDS Day, observed annu-
ally in 189 countries on Dec. 1, serves
to strengthen the worldwide effort to
promote AIDS awareness and educa-
*n.
The World Health Organization,
which sponsors World AIDS Day, esti-
mates that there are currently 4 million
AIDS cases and 17 million people in-
fected with the HIV virus worldwide.
The University has tried to increase
AIDS awareness this week by hosting
about a dozen activities. Last night's
ceremony began at the Union's Art
Lounge with six speakers including
Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid B. Sheldon,
City Councilman Chris Kolb, activists
Dana and Richard Nichols, and Rev.
Sterling Sangoma.
A I DS"I think that the
Awareness Week speakers showed a
Nov. 28 - Dec. 2 diverse group of
people. I think that
is good because it
shows that all types
of people are af-
fected by AIDS,"
said LSA sopho-
more Adrienne
More.
Sheldon said,
"Tonight is a moment of remembrance,
a time to share and reflect on those we
have lost."
Joseph Martinez, a volunteer at the
HIV/AIDS Resource Center in
Ypsilanti, agreed with Sheldon. "For a
lot of people the vigil is important as a
way of remembrance and a way to raise
awareness in the community."
'AIDS is not a one-day event. It's 365 days a year.'
- Chris Kolb
Ann Arbor city councilman
Kolb's speech stressed that every
day should be AIDS awareness day.
"AIDS is not a one-day event. It's 365
days a year," he said. "Don't think you
are invincible. AIDS is here."
After listening to the speakers, par-
ticipants moved to the steps of the
Union to light their candles and begin
the march.
Last night's ceremony was spon-
sored by volunteers of the HIV/AIDS
Resource Center which serves
Livingston, Lenawee, Jackson and
Washtenaw counties.
The majority of the participants,
however, were not from the Univer-
sity. "It's scary that there are so few
people here. Most are from the Ann
Arbor community, not the University,"
said RC sophomore Patience Atkin.
Student organizer of the event and
Public Health student Brian Meyer,
said he was not disappointed with stu-
dent participation.
"I thought there would be more
people, but overall I think it's a good
turnout considering we were moving
into exams," he said.
HIV/AIDS Resource Center ad-
ministrator Larry LaFerte believes that
the vigil is an effective means of in-
creasing awareness. "The vigil contin-
ues awareness. It allows people to re-
member those who have died. (World
AIDS Day) brings the pandemic to
many people's minds," he said.
Some participants believe the Uni-
versity is an especially appropriate place
to hold the vigil. "A lot of growing
AIDS cases are in college-age people
and that is a reason why we bring
awareness to colleges," Martinez said.
The candlelight vigil is one of the
University's primary events during this
week, and Meyer said it is an integral
activity. "I think it brings a focus to the
week. It's one of the most visible events
that can be done in the community, and
I think it makes people stop and no-
tice," he said.
LSA and Art School junior Kevin
McGrath said it is important for th
University community to see studerti4
participating in such events. "If other
people see such a large interest in' al
cause, than maybe they will start to
become interested in the cause," he said
There was a closing ceremony .at
the First Congressional Church of Anr
Arbor, the final destination of the.
marchers. At the church, participants
sat silently as people spoke the names,
of friends, brothers, uncles and other
loved ones who had died from AIDS.
Rev. Terry Smith made closing re-
U
gU
D OPENING
34 S. State Street - 4 doors South of Liberty - 998-3480
77
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It
Friday
Q Birthday Concert for William
Albright, Rackhan'Auditorium,
8 p.m., 764-0594
U "Haiti: What's Really Happen-
ing," Rackham, Fourth Floor
Amphitheater, 7-9 p.m., 971-
8582
"Modern Resources for Tra-
ditional Religions," Guild
house, 802 Monroe, 7:30 p.m.,
761-1137
U "Poincare's Conventionalism
and the Logical Positivists,"
Administrative Services Build-
ing, 4 p.m., 764-6285
Saturday
QI African Staffs, Rods and Scep-
ters, lecture followed by a public
display Angell Hall, Auditorium
B, 8 p.m., 747-2063
[ Author Sarah Weeks Reads Her
Work, Borders Books and Mu-
sic, 612 E. Liberty, 11 a.m., 668-
7553
" Optimal Motion Workshop, Ann
Arbor YMCA, 2:15-4:15 p.m.,
663-0536
a Shabbat Lunch, Hillel, 12:30
p.m.
" Reform Chavurah Havdalah
Service, Hillel, 7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
U "Creating Spiritual Commu-
nity," Guild House, 802 Mon-
roe, 5 p.m., 662-5189
[ "Is a Mulitracial Category a
Good Idea,' Mary Markley Li-
brary, 7:30 p.m., 764-1128
U Percussion Ensemble Perfor-
mance, School of Music, McIn-
tosh Theatre, 4 p.m., 764-0594
QJ Staff Selection Information
Meeting, Michigan Union,
Ballroom, 2-4 p.m., 747-3785
Qf Virtual Reality LSAT, Kaplan
Building, 337 E. Liberty, 9
a.m.- 1 p.m., 764-0557
F
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