LOCAL/STATE The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 5 Death on the Diag A residents have different views on holiday season By Lauren Hodge Daily Staff Reporter Amidst the glowing lights and never-ending Christ- mas songs, many students find themselves wishing the holiday season away. Students and local residents said they wish the holiday was less commercialized in Ann Arbor. "I enjoy the lights on Main Street and State Street, but I wouldn't be opposed if they went up a little later. It's just too much after awhile," LSA junior Maggie Melin said. Ann Arbor resident Michael Brittenback said he thinks the holiday season is overbearing. "It's overdone every- where this time of year. Not only should the Jewish holi- day be given more awareness, but Kwanzaa as well," Brittenback said. "Christmas needs to be played down so that other religious holidays get the appropriate recogni- tion they deserve." Though many people feel Santa and his reindeer receive too much praise, others feel that Ann Arbor is doing what it can to recognize all holidays. SNRE senior Jamie Harper said he finds no harm in a little holiday cheer. He said it helps people get in the holiday spirit, even if they are not religious. At Starbucks Coffee on South University Avenue, employee Seth Miersma said the coffee shop has added a new blend to make the season more secular than religious. "We used to feature only Christmas Blend, but we recently added Holiday Blend to make our coffee more universal," Miersma said. Along with other businesses on campus that put up decora- tions before Thanksgiving, Starbucks broke tradition this year by starting a week early. Middle Earth and Ulrich's Bookstore on South University, display menorahs and dreidels in their windows in attempts to recognize Hanukkah. Some students say the countless Santa Clauses that greet eager children at "People have forgotten about the true meaning of Christmas." - Maggie Melin LSA junior shopping malls nationwide overshadow the Jewish holiday. "Being Jewish, it makes me wonder how my kids will feel when they go to the mall and see Santa Claus with other children. They should be able to sit on someone's lap and tell them what they want for the eight nights of Hanukkah," LSA sophomore Jason Cole said. For students who do celebrate Christmas, many said the holiday is more commercialized than it is religious. More important are the gifts we receive than the people around us, Melin said. "People have forgotten about the true meaning of Christmas," Melin said. "We get so wrapped up in pres- ents and celebrating that we often forget why the holi- day exists in the first place." Though many students take a Grinch-like stance on the issue, others said they welcome the holiday with open arms. "I've always loved the Christmas season: the trees, the lights, and especially the food. The songs can be a little over- played on the radio, but other than that, I look forward to the holiday," Kinesiology sophomore Lindsay Pudavick said. LSA sophomore Casey Bourke finds ways to not let the season take advantage of him. "As long as you don't let yourself get wrapped up in spending ridiculous amounts of money on gifts that will probably be returned or played with once, bring on the milk and cookies," he said. FRANK PAYNE/Daily Anti-War Action! constructed a mock cemetery on the Diag yesterday afternoon to represent the lives that would be lost in a potential war from Iraq. Psych class offers students chance to serve as role models By Dan Trudeau Daily Staff Reporter Excited children ran rampant yesterday at the University Sports Coliseum as the University Big Sibs celebrated the end of a semester-long com- munity involvement experience with a party for all of the program's participants - big and small. The program, similar to Big Brothers Big Sis- ters of America, is run through the Psychology Outreach Project and gives undergraduate stu- dents a unique experience to teach, learn and become involved in the community while work- ing every week with a local child between the ages of 5 and 15. "The University students gain the knowledge of a child, possibly from a different socio-eco- nomic background and how to be a mentor to someone who might be in need of one," said undergraduate group leader Brad Spiegel, a Kinesiology junior. "They show the little siblings that it's a good thing to work hard and study." University students and little siblings agreed that while involvement in the program is a big commitment, the benefits are large and lasting. LSA senior Julie Ponitz and her little sibling Precious Houston, a freshman at Huron High School, reflected on their two-year involvement in the Big Sibs program. "You first meet somebody and get to know them and trust them and become good friends. You're never bored and always having fun," Houston said. Ponitz also expressed a great appreciation for her experience as a Big Sib. "Being able to develop a relationship with someone you would never have the chance of meeting has definitely been a benefit. It's a real change of pace from other University classes - plus I've been able to watch Precious grow up and change so much. My mom asked me if I was going to cry when the party was over and I said I probably would," Ponitz said. Participants in Big Sibs are required to spend at least 40 hours with their little brother or sister over the course of the semester. In addition to tutoring and taking trips to local museums, the students are encouraged to spend free time talking with their little siblings to serve as a positive example. "(The program) is geared toward getting the little sib out of the house. Usually the activities involve one-on-one contact as opposed to something like going to the movies and just sitting," Spiegel said. Big Sibs functions as a section of Psychology 211 and offers participants two credits and gives undergraduate group leaders a unique opportuni- ty to head discussion sections. Additionally, students are required to attend an hour of lecture every week to learn about the psychology of children. "Lectures are centered around child develop- ment issues and risk factors such as media vio- lence, foster housing and other potential development problems. The discussions give group leaders some experience in teaching and leading a group," Cynthia Ramirez, a graduate instructor said. Participants commented with enthusiasm on the benefits of the unusual program. "I've already done it twice and I plan to do it again in the future," LSA sophomore Bill Bege- ny said. "It gives you a great chance to work with young people, to have a lot of fun and to TOM FELDKAMP/Daily LSA junior Blaire Valentine helps out at the Little Sibs event in the Sports Coliseum yesterday. I DAVE MATTHEWS BAND LIVE FROM WEST PALM BEACH* Airing all week long on STARTING TODAY, DECEMBER 9 THROUGH DECEMBER 15. Indl salisneelli thaI 11.