Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will be participating in the fall blood challenge to see which school can donate the most blood.

The two-week long event is set to kick off at noon Monday in the Emmons Hall lobby and will run through Oct. 20.

During the spring 2011 challenge, which ran from Jan. 18 to Jan. 28, CMU donated 223 units of blood, falling short of the 387 units donated by WMU.

Despite WMU coming out on top, the schools worked collectively to give as much blood and save as many lives as possible.

Several students said they felt adding the element of rivalry is a great way to get people motivated about donating blood.

“Any time there’s a competition-based event, especially with Western, I think students will participate,” said Kalamazoo senior Michael Babineaux.

Babineaux said he feels the blood drive will give CMU a chance to redeem itself not only from past blood drives, but from defeats in sports as well.

Jet’s Pizza, 2308 S. Mission St., will provide free pizza to all donors. Participants will also have a chance to win gift cards from Meijer, free food from Subway and other prizes.

“Donating blood is about saving lives and I think everyone gets that message, but it’s great to have food and prizes as the organization’s (Red Cross) way of thanking people for coming out,” said Grosse Point senior Jessica Montgomery.

She said people will be more willing to donate if they feel like they are getting something out of it.

Anyone wishing to donate blood must bring their Red Cross donor card or another form of identification when going to donate.

To make an appointment or find out more about the drive’s locations and times, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

From Jan. 18 to Jan. 28, the two universities were able to donate 610 units of blood after completing successful blood drives. Lindsey Mortier, American Red Cross donor recruitment representative, said she is very pleased with the results of the blood drive.

“Our main goal was to come together and help save as many lives as possible, and that goal was achieved,” she said. “The 610 units that were collected between the two schools will go a long way in helping the American Red Cross toward its mission of supplying our hospitals with the blood they need so they can take care of their patients.”

Mortier said someone in the U.S. is in need of blood every two seconds and the Red Cross’ life-saving mission truly benefits from the support of CMU.

CMU donated 223 units of blood; Mortier said the donation will help save the lives of 669 people.

“Donating just one time helps save the lives of three people,” she said.

Williamston junior Kara Johnson helped organize the blood drive for CMU.

“I thought it would be a good idea to help organize and plan the blood drive,” she said. “I was able to contact the Red Cross, give out numbers, fill in time slots and help promote the event.”

Johnson said the blood drive surpassed the overall goal.

“Our goal was to have 45 people donate at our station, (but) we ended up having over 50 people donate so I was happy about that,” she said.

Johnson herself donates blood every 56 days.

The success of the blood drive has inspired Johnson to organize another.

“We are thinking about organizing another one soon with the help of the Red Cross,” she said.

Lindsey Mortier, American Red Cross donor recruitment representative, is trying to get students excited about donating blood.

“One time a year we come together with WMU to help save lives,” she said. “When it comes to a wonderful cause like saving lives, we are putting our rival to the side (just this once) and saving lives together by donating blood.”

Blood drive stations will be set up across campus from Tuesday to Jan. 28, including the Towers, Emmons lobby, Sweeney Hall, UC Rotunda and Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Fenwick junior Ethan Fitzgerald plans to give blood.

“I’ve given blood a few times, and it feels good to know that I’m helping save lives,” he said. “If giving blood is just another way to beat Western Michigan, count me in.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. is in need of blood, Mortier said, and students who donate blood will help ensure hospitals will have the blood they need for their patients.

“We as humans are the only ones that carry this life saving product,” she said. “The American Red Cross life saving mission would not be possible without the selfless act of kindness of donating one hour of your time to help save lives.”

To donate blood, Mortier said students must be in overall good health, at least 17 years old and have a picture ID. She suggests drinking water and eating a healthy meal beforehand.

The drive, a part of Homecoming Week events, is a contest today and Thursday between Central Michigan and Western Michigan universities to see which school’s students can donate the most blood.

Donations will be accepted from noon to 6 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in Sweeney’s basement.

“The Red Cross helped advertise the event for us. We are competing against the other halls around campus to see who can donate the most,” said Watson junior Caitlin Hall, who helped organize the blood drive. “It’s all part of the Central vs. Western competition.”

Halls will combine efforts to donate more blood than WMU, a 14-year tradition.

Detroit senior Melanie Tolbert is one of the leaders for Women In Leadership Community, which helped put on the event.

“We put on a lot of charitable events. Later this month we are putting on a Big Brothers, Big Sisters event in Midland,” Tolbert said. “The blood drive is just one of many events that we help in.”

Sweeney Residence Hall Director Faye Reber expects a great turn out.

“We usually have a great turn out and great numbers. It is something that has become a tradition for Sweeney Hall in the last three to four years,” Reber said.

Erin Radick is excited about the blood drive, but disappointed she couldn’t donate.

“I’ve donated blood twice before, but I recently got a tattoo so I won’t be able to this time,” Radick said.

Jet’s Pizza is giving away free slices of pizza to anyone that attempts to donate during the blood challenge which started Monday and goes to Oct. 28 at locations across campus including the Towers, Bovee University Center, Student Activity Center, and Emmons and Sweeney halls.

According to www.redcrossblood.org, the goal for the blood drive competition is 961 units of blood, which could save up to 2900 lives.

The blood will go to patients who need it for a variety of reasons, from routine surgery, to trauma, to diseases such as sickle cell, and cancer, according to the website.

Interested donors can call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

But it was WMU winning the schools’ blood drive last month.

CMU and WMU gathered blood for the American Red Cross, said Dave Weston, community coordinator of the Central Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross. As of Thursday, Central had donated 199 units of blood compared to Western’s 376.

Friday was the last day for donations.

“We’re about helping the community that we’re living in by working together,” Weston said,

He said that way, students can “show the community how much blood the two schools can raise.”

The CMU and WMU Blood Drive Partnership was held in a variety of locations around CMU’s campus, including St. Mary’s University Parish, 1405 S. Washington St., Sweeney Hall and the Emmons Hall lobby.

Ann Arbor senior Alena Fear is not afraid to donate blood — she has been doing it since high school.

“I knew that there were people out there that needed it,” Fear said.

She said the system only works if a lot of people continue to donate.

“We might need it ourselves one day,” Fear said.

Weston said students should give blood simply to save lives.

“You can call it being a hero with having to wear a mask,” Weston said.

Blood Drive Supervisor Marcia Price said each unit of blood has the potential to save three lives.

Fear has donated blood about 10 times so far. She said she tries to donate as often as she can — about every two months.

“It is very rewarding,” Fear said. “It’s giving a little bit of yourself to a few people who really need it.”

CMU/WMU Blood Drive from CMLifeVideo on Vimeo.

Central Michigan University is partnering with Western Michigan University for a week-long blood drive. The “CMU and WMU Blood Drive Partnership” is hosted by the American Red Cross. It is scheduled to take place from noon to 5:45 p.m. today in the lobby of Emmons Hall, and from noon to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in the Student Activity Center. For more information, contact Lindsey Mortier of the American Red Cross at mortierLC@usa.redcross.org.

New Undersheriff

The Isabella County Sheriff’s Department has found a replacement for the vacated undersheriff position. John Tellis, commander of the Portland, Ore. Police Bureau, will begin the job March 1. Former Undersheriff Laude Hartrum left the department earlier this month and took the position of police chief in Pentwater. Tellis stood out above the other finalists with his presence, Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said. “There’s a couple of things that separated him from the rest of the field,” Mioduszewski said. “His time at the command level, his education and just the way he handled and presented himself.”

Cover Letter and Thank You Letter Workshop

Career Services’ REACH Peer Advising team is hosting a workshop to help students learn how to create an effective and professional cover letter. The workplace will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lake Huron room of the Bovee University Center. Attendants also will learn the importance of following up with thank you letters, as well as how to write and send the letters. For more information, contact CMU Career Services at careers@cmich.edu.

Faculty Artist: Andrew Spencer

CMU’s faculty artist Andrew Spencer will give a percussion performance from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Staples Family Concert Hall of CMU’s Music Building. Spencer will perform songs from various artists including Jay Batzner and Erik Lund. Admission is $3 for students and seniors and $5 for the general public. For more information, contact John Jacobson at jacob3ja@cmich.edu.

Sigma Tau Delta Information Night

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, will host several informational meetings throughout the week. Tonight’s meeting will take place at 8 p.m. in Anspach Hall Room 151, and Tuesday’s meeting will take place at 8 p.m. in Anspach Hall Room 151. Students can attend either meeting with questions or concerns about joining. For more information, contact Stacey Waldrup at stdcmu@cmich.edu.

Speak Up, Speak Out

Speak Up, Speak Out: The Current Events Series will host a forum titled, “How Do Race and Gender Figure in the New Political Landscape” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will have a chance to collaborate in thinking through issues, problems and possible solutions to the topic. The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ulana Klymyshyn at klymy1au@cmich.edu or 774-7318.

Ladies Night Out will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Mount Pleasant. The event looks to raise money for the Women’s Initiative Fund and the Women’s Aid Service. The first 500 women will receive a goodie bag, which will have gifts and special offers. A $5 donation will be collected at the door of the Broadway Theater, 216 E. Broadway St. Downtown stores will be open until 9 p.m. and ladies can enjoy food, drinks, giveaways and shopping. Headliner’s hospitality Station will offer relaxing opportunities, including free makeup applications, manicures, massages, paraffin hand wax and more. The event hopes to raise $2,500 for the charities. For more information, contact Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

Blood Drives

The American Red Cross scheduled upcoming blood drives in Mount Pleasant. One will take place noon to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Student Activity Center. The next is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Nov. 24 at Mount Pleasant High School, 1155 S. Elizabeth St., and one more is from noon to 5:45 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 319 N. Illinois St.

Reading with Heroes

First Book will promote literacy at an early age from 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Veteran’s Memorial Library, 301 S. University Ave. Influential people from the community will read books to children ranging in age from kindergarten to fourth grade. Following the readings, children will participate in related activities, including making animal masks and reading “Where the Wild Things Are.” The event is free with raffle proceeds going toward giving a local elementary class of students their “first” book. For more information, contact Muriel Mathiew at (517) 803-0232 or wiela1mn@cmich.edu.

Fish N’ Chips

All-male a cappella group Fish N’ Chips will perform its fall concert from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. The concert is fun and appropriate for all ages and will feature current pop songs and old favorites. Admission is $5 in advance or $6 at the door. For more information, contact Patrick Monks at (586) 713-8005. For a full story, see cm-life.com.

Comedian Iliza Schlesinger

Iliza Schlesing and Erik Griffin will preform from 8:30 to 10 p.m. today in Carey Hall’s Real Food on Campus. Schlesinger was the first female and youngest winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing in the sixth season. She is touring in the Last Comic Standing Tour and has preformed on Comedy Central. The show is free and sponsored by On the Fly Productions. For more information, contact Amanda Birkner at (989)774-1189 or onthefly@cmich.edu.

As a part of the week leading up to Saturday’s rivalry game at WMU, the American Red Cross has been on campus collecting blood as a part of the annual Blood Battle between CMU and WMU.

Lindsey Mortier, a CMU alumna and American Red Cross donor recruitment representative, said after last year’s loss to WMU in the drive, she has high hopes for this year’s Blood Battle after seeing the enthusiasm of student donors.

“So far, we’re off to a great start,” she said.

At the end of Monday’s drive, WMU had 64 units and CMU had 46.

Mortier said the blood drive’s goal is 400 units of blood ­— one per student donor, to save 1,100 lives.

At the end of last year’s Blood Battle, the Red Cross was 65 units short of its goal of 400 from CMU students.

Mortier said 20 percent of the blood supply to local hospitals comes from high school and university students.

Increase in support

Dave Weston, community coordinator of the Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross has seen a lot of change during the past eight years he has worked the Blood Battle.

As the rivalry with WMU increases throughout the years, so do the blood donations.

“There’s been an increase in donors,” Weston said. “There’s always more energetic students. They’re doing this to beat Western, go figure, but they’re also doing it for the right reasons.”

Weston said as CMU’s campus and population has grown throughout the past few years, blood drive locations have changed.

“Emmons has always been an excellent place,” he said.

Weston said locations such as the Towers, the Bovee University Center, Finch Fieldhouse and Sweeney Hall draw in many participants.

“There isn’t anywhere we go where there isn’t a good turnout,” he said.

Kentwood freshman Angela Bergsma was part of the large crowd drawn to the Emmons Hall lobby Monday afternoon.

She said the communities need for blood is what caused her to donate and will continue to fuel her future donations.

“I feel fine,” she said. “It always goes really easy when I give blood.”

Interested?

Mortier said almost anyone is eligible to donate blood through the Red Cross.

Donors must be 17 years of age or older, at least 110 pounds and in good health to donate, she said. Mortier encouraged all students to donate.

“It’s a passion of mine to beat Western,” she said.

Blood drives will continue throughout the rest of this week and next as a part of the ongoing Blood Battle. Today’s drive is located in the Student Activity Center from noon to 5:45 p.m. To make an appointment to donate, visit givelife.org, sponsor code CMU.

The Farwell Labor Day Celebration begins at 6 p.m. today at the Farwell Fairground, 211 S. Webber St. The celebration features pony rides, a figure-eight demolition derby, carnival bingo, a magician, a rock climbing wall and events for all ages through Monday. For a full schedule of events, visit farwelllaborday.com.

Mid-Michigan fashion

A history of the way Isabella County residents lived from 1850 to 1970 will displayed through Dec. 13 in Rowe Hall. Visitors can see how the clothes, kitchen implements and consumer tastes, senses of style and eating habits adapted with technological and cultural advances. Gallery hours are 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 774-3829 or e-mail cmuseum@cmich.edu.

People’s powwow

A People’s Traditional Powwow will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the 7th Generation village grounds, 7957 E. Remus Road. The event will feature Bahwating on host drum, Crooked Lake co-hosting on drum, Medicine Lodge on the invited drum, Dwight “Bucko” Teeple as the master of ceremonies, Ron Johansen as head veteran, Darryl Jackson as head male dancer and Julie White-Pigeon as the head female dancer. Grand entries will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 775-4787.

Trading treasures

Residents of Mount Pleasant can trade unwanted or unused items less than 50 pounds with other residents by placing them on the curb. During the two-day “Trade Your Treasures” weekend starting Sunday, participants are free to roam the streets to pick up any curb side item. A list of unwanted items and questions about the event can be directed to the Division of Public Works at 779-5401 and Code Enforcement at 779-5303.

Blood drive

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive from noon until 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in Finch Fieldhouse 110. Anybody that is eligible for donation is encouraged to attend.

Financial Peace University

The Central Michigan Free Methodist Church is offering a 13-week class about how to get rid of debt and build wealth, starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 6012 S. Mission Rd. Dave Ramsey, a personal money management expert and nationally syndicated radio host, will be teaching video lessons, followed by discussions led by an instructor. The class costs $100 and attendees will receive a workbook, budgeting forms, an audio library and Ramsey’s book, “Financial Peace,” as part of the class. To register, visit the church’s Web site at cmfmc.com or call 772-2414.

Volunteer opportunity

Woodland Hospice is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of positions, such as include client care, office administration, reception desk, sewing and fundraising. Application kits can be picked up at Woodland Hospice, 2597 S. Meridian Rd, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and also are available online at woodlandhopsice.com. Mandatory training is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Oct. 5-7 and 12-14. Information will be provided on hospice philosophy, patient confidentiality, nursing for non-nurses, communication, bereavement and spiritual care. Completion of all sessions is required, but makeup sessions may be available to accommodate school and work schedules. A brief pre-training interview can be scheduled after completing the application. For more information on volunteer training, contact Char or Sheral at 773-6137 or char@woodlandhospice.com.