April 7, 2011 Volume 58, Issue 13Serving the Blue Water area since 1931A public forum by and for students

Rachael KrafftStaff Writer

College students looking to boost their community involvement need look no further than SC4’s campus. SC4 has many clubs, all of which are active in the community. The Erie Square Gazette has participated in numerous community activities most recently involving a partnership with a 3rd grade class at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. According to Hannah Palmer, a third grade teacher at the school, the ESG donated hats, gloves, and other warm clothes to the students in need at Woodrow Wilson. Principal Hernandez said, “They are better

understanding writing, the different styles, formats and the importance of being writers.” “They really enjoy wearing their SC4 lanyards with their junior reporter name badges when they interview people and while writing,” Said Palmer. “They constantly ask when writing time starts.” Hernandez said the students “have developed a comradeship, a sense of community.” The Environmental Concerns Organization promotes environmental awareness, education and activism on campus and in the community. The ECO helps the Green Team with on campus recycling. “The main goals of ECO are going to be

education and community driven,” said ECO president Matt Ball. According to Ball, the ECO wants to assist community groups with river clean-ups, park clean-ups, habitat restoration, nature conservation and

educating children on the environment. “I would like our group to be a guide and source for local recycling info and environmental issues. The more members we get, the more we can do,” said Ball. The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, according to Marilind Roff, helped with food sorting and gift distribution in December with the Salvation Army. Roff also said the group raised $117.50 in change across campus and collect one bag of clothing for the Blue Water Pregnancy Center. The Drama Club, according to advisor Tom Kephart, participates in the Performing Arts

Department’s children’s theater show in May of each year. “This year’s play will be ‘The Trial of Goldilocks,’ and children from area elementary schools attend the shows,” said Kephart. The Gay-Straight Alliance raises funds for youth organizations that take in teens that have been kicked out of their homes due to their sexual orientation. According to SC4 the club works to end bigotry based on sexual orientation through campus and community education and activism. According to a club spokesperson they are currently involved in the promotion of legislation that would include sexual orientation in an anti-bullying bill. The Health and Wellness club assists students and the community with learning how to live healthier through good nutrition. The club promotes physical activity, inspiring the student body to be more active, also shedding light on mental health issues and hoping to establish programs that bring forth understanding and

awareness. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the International Honors Society for SC4, promotes scholarships, leadership, service and fellowship. Lambda Mu, SC4’s local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, is both an international and regional award-winning chapter. A minimum of twelve SC4 credit hours (100-level or above) with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for members. The Global Awareness Club strives to bring cultural differences to light. They hold conferences that highlight global issues, such as human trafficking and

Cody KimballWebmaster

Tuition is on the rise. Beginning in the fall semester of 2011, in-district students will pay $91 per contact hour. Theresa Middleton-Strauch, who attended SC4 in the 1980’s, recalls what tuition used to be like. According to the 1987 liberal arts graduate, tuition was $26.50 per hour in 1984. “I remember that I bought a bio book, used, for $42.50 from the bookstore, and the new one was only $2 more. I never even opened the thing! But when I went to return the book they said it was in ‘too bad of condition.’ $2 may not seem like much but when you’re paying for it every dollar counts.” Based on Middleton-Strauch’s figure, tuition has increased 343 percent over the course of the last 27 years. This number reflects an increase of nearly triple the increase of inflation in the same

time period, according to data from the US Department of Labor website, which calculates that $26.50 in 1984 would have the same buying power of $56.45 in 2011. According to those numbers, inflation has increased roughly 111 percent over the last 27 years, compared to the 343 percent increase of tuition. Numerous staff members who attended SC4 were contacted and none of them could personally remember their tuition costs from years past. Still, the $2 increase does not bother many SC4 students. Doug Johnson, 20, is unbothered by the 2 percent increase over current tuition. “Assuming that I am only taking 12 credit hours I can deal with paying an extra $24. I mean $24 times 5000 students; that’s a lot of extra money that the college can use.” Aaron Fredendall agrees, “I’m not a fan of

it, but I’m still going to go here. Compared to other bigger universities it’s still a pretty nice amount, so I’ll deal with it.” Other students expressed hopes as to what the tuition increases will be used toward. “I think the money should be going to the parking for the students. I mean, if you want more students to come here, you need to make accommodations for people to actually come here,” said

Christian McGeachy, 19. “The money should be spent to add more parking for the larger number of students.” Fredendall thinks that the tuition increase may serve to actually

assist the parking situation.

“Well if you really think

about it, if the

tuition raises there will be less people coming and that will free up parking,” said Fredendall. Other students, such as Mike Brough, are less than satisfied with the increase. “I think it’s not fair, I don’t think we should pay more for the same education,” said Brough. “I pay for college out-of-pocket. Two dollars will still make a

difference,” said Joe Garcia, 18.

The tuition increase, approved during the March 17, SC4 Board of Trustees meeting, takes effect Fall 2011.

Tuition, up, up and away!

SC4 Students give backchild hunger. The Zombie Defense Council is an association of students with a common interest in zombies. Although the club claims to promote itself as social network which “raises zombie awareness”, and “creates zombie apocalypse plans”, they have become the face of charity on campus. With events like the Zombie Walk, the ZDC has brought all the clubs together for food and coat drives. The other clubs have said they enjoy the ZDC and their entertaining ideas to make charity work fun.

Photo by Liz Whittemore

Photo by Liz Whittemore

Illustration by Zachary D Penzien

Pet of the Issue pg 5When i grow up pg 8

Jade Welch (left) and Sean Lathrop (right) representing the Gay-Straight Alliance club on Club Awareness Day March 30th.

Jan Van Sickle staffing the Global Awareness Club table on Club Awareness Day on March 30.

Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 20112

Editor in Chief: Twana Pinskey

Managing Editor: Ray Robinson

Production Editor: Zachary Penzien

Copy Editor: Brian Johnston

Advertising/Business Manager :

Savannah Wilcox

Photo Editor: liz Whittmore

Sports Editor:

Savannah Wilcox

Webmaster:Cody Kimball

Adviser:

John Lusk

Address323 Erie St

Port Huron MI48060

Telephone(810)989-5733

E-mail: eriesquaregazette @gmail.com

Editor’s NoteAll views expressed in edi-torials and columns within the Erie Square Gazette are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the ESG or any of its advertisers. We welcome

feedback!

Sports

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Savannah WilcoxSports Editor The Red Wings Alumni Association and the SC4 Foundation raised $12,000 and attracted 1,750 fans to the Skating for a Cause fundraiser at McMorran on Saturday, March 26. The game featured Detroit Red Wings alumni facing a team representing the SC4 Foundation. Other than the game, there was also a chance to win a television with “chuck a puck” contest, a 50-50 raffle, and the opportunity to get an autograph the players on the Red Wings Alumni team. One lucky fan, Kay McGuigan of St.Clair won the $215 cash 50-50 raffle prize at halftime. Soon after, Emily Matuszewski of Fort Gratiot won the 32” television from the “chuck a puck” contest as well. While these two lucky fans won big prizes inside the rink, others were grabbing

a quick autograph for $5 which benefited the Red Wings Alumni Association as well as the SC4 Foundation. Team members who playing for the Red Wings Alumni Association were George Bowman, Shawn Burr, Jimmy Carson, Dino Ciccarelli, Daniel Farmer, Brent Fedyk, Andrew Kinney, Doug Kinney, Lorne Knauft, Darren McCarty, Kevin Miller, Bryan Smolinski, Chris Tamer, Tim Taylor, Tom Williams and Paul

Ysebaert. The SC4 Foundation team consisted of Brian Crankshaw, Jon Finstrom, Dave Garrettson, Casey Harris, Michael Kimmerly, Guy Lorkowski, Paul MacDonald, Bobby McKillop, Dan Newman, Dr. Ian Shaw, Andrew Shier, Shayne Tomlinson, Ryan Verbeke and Scott Worden. The team was sponsored by Adduce Consulting, Best Buy, BioPro Inc., Blue Water

Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Carhartt, DTE Energy Foundation, Duraclean by Bacheller, E & A Credit Union, Eastern Michigan Bank, Great Bakes Cakes, Joe Mericka/Wells Fargo Advisors, Orthopedic Associates, Pepsi, Physician Healthcare Network, Precision Computer Solutions and Shaw Chiropractic. The Red Wings Alumni Association ended up winning the game 7-5, but the overall

Skating for a Cause raises $12,000conclusion of the night told that the SC4 Foundation had won in its own way as well. The game was dedicated to the memory of Mary M. Barss and the Mary M. Barss Nursing Scholarship. Mary M. Barss was a long time supporter of SC4 who passed away on Feb. 14, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona after a brief illness. The Barss family of Port Huron was one of the premier sponsors of the

event, who also made a separate donation of $20,000 to create and endowment fund with the SC4 Foundation. The check was presented by Ted Barss, son of the late Mary M. Barss to Christine Newberry, a board of directors member to the Sc4 Foundation. The endowment fund will create an annual nursing scholarship for SC4 students.

Red Wing Alumni team member Jimmy Carson rushes to the open puck during the Skating for a Cause fundraiser held at McMorran. Photo by Savannah Wilcox

Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 20113

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EntertainmentCody KimballWebmaster

Yawn. I’ve never been big on scary movies, but as far as they go, this one is missable. “Insidious” starts off, as many a scary story does, with a family arriving at a brand new home. The family quickly realizes something is wrong when objects begin moving on their own, and one of their sons goes into what is believed to be a bizarre coma. Contrary to the typical habits of a horror film family, they actually leave the potentially haunted house for a new one, only to discover that it isn’t the house that is haunted, but the son himself. The grief-stricken parents, of course, take all necessary steps to try and save their child, even contacting a team of paranormal investigators to help. This is when of course

Ray RobinsonManaging Editor

If “ALF” was foul-mouthed and perverse, you would get “Paul.” Paul stars Simon Pegg and Nick frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) along with Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express) as the voice of the alien ambassador. “Paul” is a chronicle of the out-of-this world journey taken by two comic-con nerds (Pegg & Frost) while they tour of some of the most historic alien-related landmarks including Area 51 and Roswell. They also visit Devil’s Tower, a monument that was immortalized in a mold of mashed potatoes by Richard Dreyfus in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 movie classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.

Dale MerrillGuest Writer R.E.M.’s fire burned bright for many years, and found itself starting to flicker and die down during the mid 90’s. Their songwriting and sonic palettes suffered, and the albums that followed seemed more like exercises in meandering walks in the woods, instead of sounds from a band that influenced an era of musicians and songwriters that followed. In 2008, the band released their 14th studio album “Accelerate.” R.E.M. sounded

rejuvenated, like they had found their way out of the woods. Though maybe squinting from the glare, they were ready to stand in the light again. While that album showed that the band, who will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, could still throw sparks even if they were still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. Their new release “Collapse into Now” finds the band unafraid of using a little gasoline again to get flames to reach higher. Lead off single “Mine Smells like Honey”, the semi garage-rock rave up “That Someone Is You” and tongue twister “Alligator Aviator Autopilot Antimatter” are blasts of jangle-and-roar meeting sing along choruses that would not sound out of place from their golden-era albums such as “Document.”

R.E.M. “Collapses” into yesterday

Others, like accordion and mandolin fortified psych-country weeper “Oh, My Heart” and the lilting “Every Day Is Yours To Win”, hearken back to the days when the band would balance their college rock arena-storming anthems with quieter songs that could be introspective and pretty, but not boring. To say “Collapse into Now” rivals some of their best material would be a bit of a stretch. They’re a bit long-in-the-tooth and have took many way wide sidesteps the past 15 years or so for that. But hearing them remember what made them one of the most important bands of the last 30 years, and hearing them act on it again, shows they still have some fire in their belly, and are not yet to be written off as a classic rock band merely going through the motions.

things get really out of hand. Demons, ghosts, spirits, and all manner of darkness descend upon them. Visually, the movie is decent, far better than “Paranormal Activity” or “The Last Exorcism”, but of roughly equal fear factor, and has a somewhat unique style to

Along the way they meet up with an unassuming, disbelieving girl played by Mia Stallard (The Spy Next Door) who runs an RV resort with her father. After kidnapping her so their cover won’t be blown, Paul is able to cure her of her vision disorder and open her eyes wider to the world beyond what she knows. Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost) find themselves

on a mission to help Paul get home, while they have the law constantly on their tale in pursuit of Paul. Paul’s supporting cast includes Sigourney Weaver (Ghostbusters, Alien), and Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), government agents trying to track down and apprehend Paul before he can get home. In an effort to show his empathy for the human race, Paul uses his

powers to help save one of the people who are trying to get him home just before he leaves. While it pays tribute to many of the other historic movies from the science fiction genre by quoting lines and mimicking scenes, Paul is a close encounter that you will not want to miss. Paul flies the skies and is not meant to be a “family” movie in the end it gets a B plus.

“Insidious” is hardly. My name is Paulits visual effects. It maintains a good pace, with good buildup, and a nice twist in the end, qualities that are missing in many scary films. It does have a few perverse laughs, such as demons enjoying

the song “Tiptoe through the Tulips” by Tiny Tim. Can’t help but chuckle at that one. If you want to see Insidious wait for the DVD, watch it on Halloween as a good buildup to a scarier movie.

4 Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 2011

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CAMPUS EVENTS

Courtney Jacobs Staff Writer

Free? College? That’s right; Saturday, April 2 was Saint Clair County Community College’s annual Free College Day event. “It seems like a real success this year. There wasn’t an open parking spot available this morning, and I got here early,” said Drew Saunders, a Marysville resident. Saunders attended the “Solar Energy Basics” class, and had many positive comments about the experience. “I thought it was real informative.” Zach Campo, a Saint Clair resident, said, “This year seemed to have more events.” Campo had a full schedule of classes. “I almost didn’t register in time for some of the ones I was wanted.” Campo also said this event helps

benefit the college by bringing people into the community. “You can tell certain classes are geared towards a certain demographic, and I think that’s a good idea—more people can come and experience the free college day.” “This was my first year at SC4’s college,” Said Jessica Hayes, a visitor who doesn’t live locally. “I thought it was really well organized; people were standing at all the doors ready to help.” Jessica Hayes attended the “Holistic Care for Horses,” “A History of Great Lakes Shipping,” “Explore the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Europe on a Shoestring” and “How Sweet: Cake Decorating” classes. She said her favorite class was the “Holistic Care for Horses,”

but she found “Europe on a Shoestring” especially interesting. Vicki Butcher, a Port Huron resident, really enjoyed spending her time at SC4’s Free College Day on her weekend home from college. “I’ve actually never been to SC4’s campus before. I went straight to Michigan State last fall, but I’m here today with a friend today who is a student here, and the campus is really nice. I’m even a bit surprised at how helpful everyone working here is to people. I think I might consider even taking a summer class here.”

A Free College Day Experience “Drink Responsibly”Lauren Creech Staff Writer

Ernest Hemingway once said “Drinking is a way of ending the day.” But what if that day didn’t end exactly as planned? According to www. collegedrinking prevention.gov, 1,825 students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related, unintentional injuries. In fact, 28 percent of all traffic deaths in Michigan are DUI-related, according to www.madd.org. “Drunk driving slows responses and impairs driving,” says Michigan executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Janette Kolodge. “We’re not saying ‘don’t drink,’ that’s not what we’re about. We’re just saying don’t drink and drive.” Alcohol abuse and alcoholism continue to be issues for college

campuses in the United States. Many students fail to realize the harm drinking causes to themselves and other students. Alcohol

depresses nerves that control involuntary actions like breathing and the gag reflex which prevents choking. Since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach, there is a danger of choking on vomit and causing death by asphyxiation. Even if one lives through an alcohol overdose, it still leads to irreversible brain damage. Students that refrain from drinking continue to suffer from those that do drink. According to www.yic.gov, 53.6 percent of students had to take care of a drunken student and 29.3 percent have been insulted or humiliated by a drunken student. “People drinking become incredibly stupid and make very poor decisions,” says SC4 student and tutor Steven Williams. “If they thought about the consequences, maybe they wouldn’t do it.” Aside from these issues, women and men are victims of unsafe or unwanted sexual conduct. According to www.collegedrinking prevention.gov, 400,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 had unprotected sex while under the influence of

alcohol and more than 100,000 reported having been too intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex. “I believe there are no positive effects of alcohol on our youth,” says pediatric nurse from Port Huron Hospital, Brenda Wright. “Once they have begun experimenting with alcohol it is habit-forming and addictive. It is affecting their entire life and future.” Alcoholism is also known as alcohol dependency. There are four major signs to alcoholism including craving alcohol, loss of control while drinking, physical dependence that includes withdrawal symptoms and tolerance to alcohol.

Ways exist to teach children the dangers of alcohol. On April 21, 2011 Mothers against Drunk Driving will launch their new program Power of Parents. This program offers free training to parents that want to raise their kids free from alcohol. For more information about this program, contact Janette Kolodge at 1-248-528-1745 or visit www.madd.org.

Jessica JackStaff Writer

Angel Chirco is SC4’s new Student Activities, Orientation and International Programs Coordinator. Chirco has been working with SC4 for two years now. She started out as an Enrollment Services Representative in the One Stop, allowing her to know both the campus and students better. Since working at the One Stop, Chirco has completed her master’s degree in global and international education, with a concentration in higher education. Chirco said, “I believe that the combination of experience/success at SC4, education in the field of

education, and various past leadership and professional experiences is what led me to this position.” As her job title implies, Chirco has many duties. One part of her job includes coordinating with club advisers and assisting students with clubs and organizations. She also works toward a revised orientation process for students. Chirco also works with international students and international education opportunities for SC4 students. She works with international students from their first inquiry about SC4 through the visa

process. Chirco is also working on further developing international education opportunities for SC4 students and helps uncover funding options. “In short,” Chirco said “This is a dynamic and rewarding situation.” With Chirco, students are her number one priority. Her favorite part of her job is working with the students. “Every student is on their own path, they have their own goals, and being part of their journey and success is an honor. I recall vividly what it’s like to be a student and

relate to the adventures and challenges they’re navigating,” said Chirco. Chirco said that her favorite part of her job was the balance of freedom and structure to do new things and improve existing things.

Chirco handles SC4 activities

Angel Chirco Student Activities, Orientation and International Programs Coordinator in her office on April 5th. Photo by Liz Whittmore

Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 20115

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COMMUNITY

Liz WhittemorePhoto Editor

Eva is a young female, medium-sized Labrador retriever mix. She is spayed and up-to-date with all of her shots. Her adoption fee is $175.00.

Pet of the Issue

Tiffany HigginsStaff Writer

For the past month, Japan has suffered from earthquakes, tsunamis, and a nuclear meltdown. On March 11, a 9.0 earthquake shook Japan, triggering a tsunami. On March 12, nuclear reactors began to melt down. Most recently, a 6.5 earthquake shook Japan on March 28. Japan has reported a death toll of more than 11,600 so far, with Prime Minister Naoto Kan declaring a nuclear disaster zone. Many are calling for an expansion of the zone due to high radiation levels. Food is contaminated. Many are without permanent shelter. Many ways exist to help those devastated by these disasters. The Red Cross, Unicef and the Salvation Army have set up a way to donate

Japan Plagued by Disasters

Sweden is an adult female domestic short hair-white mix. She is spayed, up-to-date with her shots, and house-trained. Her left eye

is blue and her right eye is green. Her adoption fee is $75.00.

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$10 using a cell phone. For the Red Cross, text “REDCROSS” to 90999. For Unicef, text “JAPAN” to 864233. For the Salvation Army, text “QUAKE” to 80888. Ten dollars will be charged to your next bill. “Songs for Japan,” an album with 38 chart-toppers, is an album available for $9.99 through iTunes or $10.99 through Amazon. All proceeds to benefit Japan Disaster Relief. The Zombie Defense Council raised $150.30 for Japan Disaster Relief in a bake sale on March 23. The Teamsters Local 214 is collecting non-perishable items. These include, but are not limited to, canned food and bandages. Donations will be shipped to the Red Cross for distribution.

Twana Pinskey

Editor-in-Chief

Catastrophic, afflictions can occur at any given moment without warning. Earthquakes, floods, tornados, landslides and other disasters happen without notice. How do you protect your loved ones if they have four legs?

FEMA’s website www.fema.gov has information on how to prepare for emergencies when you have pets. FEMA recommends having a emergency kit for your pets included in the family kit.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) suggests the following items in your pets’ emergency kit:

• Pet harness and leash.

• Bottled Water

• Food- both canned and dry

• Food bowls

• Pet carrier

• Cat owners keep a small pan and bag of litter with emer-gency supplies

• Keep a photo of your pet compan-ion at all times, attaching extra copies to your pet carrier.

• Towels or old blankets to cover and calm a fright-ened pet.

• Make sure your pets are wearing collars, with tags indentifying them and you in event you become sepa-rated.

• Keep a list of hotels that accept companion ani-mals in your emer-gency kit.

PETA also suggests, in the event authorities force you to leave without your pets, never to turn them loose.

Leave out a ten-day supply of water, filling every container possible

including sinks if necessary. Also leave out only dry food, as canned food will go bad.

Some shelters do not allow pets, so it is important to have a backup plan. Developing a “buddy” pet care system is one alternative offered by FEMA. Make plans with neighbors, friends or relatives to care for your pet in event you cannot.

According to the American Red Cross, after the distress caused pet owners during Hurricane Katrina in 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation

Standards (PETS) Act requiring state and local government to incorporate pets and service animals as part of disaster planning.

Michigan State University’s animal legal and historical center states a significant number of people will put their lives in danger to save pets. The center explained when given a choice, people will choose to remain with their pets even at the risk of their own lives.

With the passing of this law, FEMA can now provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for families with household pets and service animals. According to the American Veterinarian Association, this law means providing shelter to the pets as well as their owners following a major disaster or emergency.

For further information on what you can do to protect your pets in a disaster, visit the American Red Cross web site on animal safety, or the United Animal Nation (www.uan.org) a: 1-800-440-3277.

“When Disaster Strikes

Photo by Marcin Kargol under a creative Commons License

Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 20116

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Opinion

Karin GreenGuest Writer

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has been here at SC4 at least since 1991. I know this because I was involved with the group back then. We enjoyed spending time together around the camp fire roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, spending time at our mentor’s home and having Bible study and prayer. Now we spend time in Bible study and prayer for the school and the students, our country, other countries such as the recent earthquake in Japan. We also are getting involved in raising money for groups that help people that need it, such as young mothers and fathers, through the Blue Water Pregnancy Center. They give free parenting classes and mentoring, free diapers and more. On April 27, 2011, we will be showing the movie “Facing the Giants” in the CEM building in room 201 from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. We will have a prayer box for prayer requests and free coupons for the Pepsi machines on campus. This movie will build your faith for whatever challenges you face.

“Facingthe Giants” at SC4 Twana Pinskey

Editor-in-Chief

The loss of someone is devastating; no matter how the loss occurs. Disbelief, pain, sorrow follow every tragedy. We question ourselves, asking, “How this did happen?” “What went wrong?” “Could we have prevented this?” When the loss is alcohol-related, society shakes it head in collective disbelief. Hardly a day goes by without a newspaper somewhere reporting on the tragic affects of someone that drank, and then got behind a wheel. According to www.usatoday.com, nearly half of all college students in the U.S. abuse alcohol and drugs. In his article “Peer Pressure Drives College Drinking,” Physcentral.com’s senior news writer Rick Nauert PhD explained if a student believes that his or her peers drink heavily, it will likely influence the amount of alcohol the student personally drinks. In more unbelievable news, college and university presidents want to put on the table for discussion reducing the legal drinking age back to 18. According to Fox News’s website, college presidents from 100 of the nation’s top colleges, including Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State, are among those calling for the drinking age to be lowered back to eighteen, citing current age limits as encouraging binge drinking on their

“T-bird’s tidbits”

campuses. Lowering the age will not detour binge drinking. According to CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest), drinking was less in high school seniors who could not drink until 21 than seniors in states that had lower drinking ages. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports alcohol problems are highest amongst those ages 18- 29. The institute offers the following to tell if you or someone you know may have a problem.

• Do you get an-noyed if someone criticizing your drinking?

• Have you or someone you know thought you should cut down on drink-ing?

• Have you ever felt bad about your drinking?

• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, or to ease the symptoms of a hangover?

If you or someone you know may have a drinking problem, there is help available. Contact the Blue Water Center for Independent Living at 810-987-9337.

Photo Poll

“What do you think SC4 students can do for Japan?”

Angel ShappeeStaff Writer

Brandon Thompson, 20, Flint, Radio Broadcasting

“They can donate clothes… anything would help.”

Thomas Grambau, 18,

Port Huron, Radio Broadcasting

“Small bake sales could really help out.”

Cody KimballWebmaster

I’ll be the first to tell you how dissatisfied I am with the popular music of the last decade. I typically dismiss the autotuned, overplayed and under-talented robot voices that have come to dominate the airwaves. Thanks to the Internet, even the most abysmal of musical styles can be turned into something enjoyable and genuinely interesting. In comes Eric Stanley, one of many Youtubers who can turn even the darkest coal into a shining gem. 19-year-old Stanley, also known by his screen name “estan247” performs a plethora of popular music covers, often rap or hip hop, on a rather unorthodox instrument for the style: a violin. Stumbling across his symphonic melodies, as they turn the familiar sounds of such “artists” as Eminem or Usher into actual art, was probably one of the most refreshing experiences I’ve had on the web in a long time. He also has a very modern approach to the industry, with a Facebook and Twitter account that provide his music free of charge, with information about how to book him for live performances. I can only hope that the future yields more Eric Stanleys and less Rebecca Blacks. Interestingly enough, he covers her as well and does the impossible by making “Friday” enjoyable.

Nathan Mullins, 33, Port Huron, Broadcasting “With the amount of people on campus, we should be able to organize some sort of charitable event.”

Marzette Martin, 20,

Port Huron, Therapeutic Massage

“Prayer, that’s what they really need is prayer.”

Cody’s Chaos Column

7 Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 2011

Up to 82 community college credits transfer toward a Walsh degree, one of Michigan’s most affordable business schools.

Opinion

Tom ObeeGuest Writer

It’s 1961, and I’m the new student getting the Port Huron Junior College tour by one Daniel Yakes, the sophomore who sort of adopted me, became my student mentor, and one of my best friends. He even shared his locker with me, as I subsequently did with his sister the next year. We weren’t St. Clair County Community College yet. That didn’t happen until the first semester I was a full time teacher at PHJC in 1967, when the voters approved a millage for a CC district and we became SC4. I even have the lay-off letter from the PHSD to prove it since none of the SC4 faculty worked for them anymore. The walls of the MB were pretty much lined with lockers (until the building was completely rebuilt internally in 1980-82 and came to look pretty much as it does now). After all, it was an old high school building.. The first floor was a basement back then, cluttered with a maze of machines from the old high school’s shop which were now being used by the college. On the far left of the front of the building, where the business department is currently housed, was the chemistry lab in which the infamous iodine incident occurred—caused by the two klutzes in the station behind me who also spilled acid down the back of my pant leg, burning the pants and me. Most of us who were not in industrial arts programs stayed out of the central hallway as much as possible, since

we would otherwise be sprayed with sparks from welding students who didn’t want us liberal arts types soiling their sacred ground. At the NB end of that floor: on the west side was the rather small cafeteria and on the east side was the college book store. Let’s go up the stairs. No, you can’t take the elevator, at least not without a time machine. The second floor—now the administrative/conference room/Public Relations/Alumni Relations, etc., floor. Starting again at the east end of the building, Dean Browning’s Office is where the President’s Office is today. We had no president yet. Off to the left (as you faced the Dean’s Office) was a huge classroom and also the room in which new students were tested and oriented. It’s now the Vice President of Instruction’s Office area, along with many other offices. On the right is a copy machine cubby, and further over to the right is another large classroom. Where Kirk Kramer’s Office is today were two smaller offices, one for the Dean of Men and one for the Dean of Women. There was a very special man in the Dean of Men’s Office—Dean Chester Aubuchon, now deceased, but one of the great lesser known human beings of all time. Ask me sometime what and his “out-of-pocket” scholarships meant to me and to worthy, needy students. The second floor was really the main floor, with classrooms from one end to the other and the hallway lined with the ubiquitous lockers. Funny story: when I first came back as a faculty member, I was

a smoker, and smoking was (gasp) allowed in the building. I had a cigarette dangling—I’d like to think a la’ James Dean, but that’s pure fantasy—as I walked into the Faculty Men’s Room, and promptly was informed by (now) wonderful friend Prof. Bob Tansky that students were not allowed in the faculty men’s room, as he looked disapprovingly at the cigarette. Besides classrooms, the floor had many faculty offices including those

of philosophy teacher Grace Donaldson and French Teacher Madame Koshay. On the east end along the hallway wall were the biology labs. The third floor had men’s and ladies’ rooms on the NB side of the building (which are now part of 308MB and the elevator). There were classrooms on the east side and the library on the west side. The library took all of the west side a good way past the “curve.” I worked there for 70 cents an hour until my sophomore year when I got a big raise to 75 cents. But 75 cents would buy a great meal at Diana’s downtown. You don’t know what you’re missing. It sure beat the food-poisoning pits I usually could afford. In the middle of that floor after the curve was a huge room - now mostly the Speech room and the classroom on the other side of the hall - called the “multi-purpose room” where registration took place and students congregated during the semester—it was sort of the student entertainment center where euchre tournaments were constantly

What hath time wrought?ongoing. Not poker. No one could afford that! Past the multi-purpose room, you see more classrooms and offices of famous professors: Elwin Hartwig (history), Alton Reeves (Engllish), Fred Adolph (political science), and many others. For me in my sophomore year, the centerpiece of that floor was straight ahead in what is now the third floor lounge: the office of the Jay-Cee, one of the earliest incarnations of the now famous Erie Square Gazette. I inhabited that office (crowded as it was) for most of 1962-63, co-editing with John Crist. He did layouts and some writing. I did editorials, news stories, and a humor column called “Clyde Flakebrain,” mostly stolen (well, I really did have permission) from the young man who created the character, and who gave me that tour the first few days

and who was now at WMU. Clyde was based on a real human being, a fellow student Dan and I both knew quite well. Now for a tour of the rest of the campus: One old building, a collapsing machine shop which looked the part, was used by the industrial arts folks as well as the Maintenance staff. Most of us never went in it. It was torn down ages ago and replaced with the much bigger AJT about the time I came back as a teacher. A street runs from the end of River St. by the west side of the building, and intersects Erie St. just before the bridge. Just to the northwest side of the MB and across that street, right about where the gates to the Theisen parking lot are now, was a fabulous hamburger joint. The food was cheap and not too inedible. Across the east side of Erie was a church, a Maytag store, and a

couple other buildings where the parking lot now is. Okay, that’s it. Oh, you want more—the NB, the CEM, etc? Sorry, foolish you. The North Building was then St. Steven’s School. The crosses are still on the building. And where the CEM now is was a beautiful Catholic Church. Beyond them to the north were streets (Willow for one) lined with beautiful large old houses where many of us who were from out-of-county roomed. Mrs. Armstrong, bless you, wherever you are. You took good care of my buddy and me from Sanilac County. In loco parentis. Where was I between June of 1963 and February 1 of 1967? At the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin. But it sure felt good to come home again that February in 1967.

Erie Square Gazette, alumni, Tom Obee addressed new inductees at the PTK, Fall 2010 induction. Photo by: Twana

Pinskey

8 Erie Square Gazette, Port Huron, MI April 7, 2011

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DU students: Shontea, Matt, Elona, Donna, Alyssa and Mike.

OpinionRachel Olivia KobylasStaff Writer

Walking into Woodrow Wilson Elementary School brought back scenarios from decades past. “Go to the office,” Editor-in-Chief Twana Pinskey said to me. Walking into the main office to sign in, the Principal’s office door was open with a few, child-sized chairs sitting near it. I giggled to myself. But today, I sat in the office for another reason. I was donating some of my time to Mrs. Palmer’s third grade class and assist them in the creation of their very own newspaper, the “Palmer Town News.” Up the stairs and down the hall, four of us walked into Mrs. Palmer’s class. Much like a few others from Erie Square Gazette staff, the third-graders walked in and put on their press passes. They sat anxiously and fidgeted in their seats, with an an innocent thirst for knowledge. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful questions

When I grow upthe class asked us. We shared information on how to write for a newspaper, the types of jobs available within journalism fields, and how similar their paper production is to ours at the college. The kids seemed to really enjoy that aspect, and many of them laughed. We were separated into small groups to work on story submissions for the “Palmer Town News.” The group I worked with consisted of two boys. It was shortly after introductions, seated on the road map carpet, that the younger of the two boys looked up, wide-eyed and smiling. “When I grow up, I want to be an artist,” he said.

I paused for a moment, not able to respond immediately. It would seem that I had been time-warped back to Hayes Elementary, where I went to school, where my friends and I quite literally “hung out” and talked during recess, upside down from the monkey bars. “When I grow up…” I remember saying that. I had said that a lot when I was “younger.” I then thought of something my mom had said for years and still does. “Rachel, time moves fast. So fast, when you look back, you’ll wonder where it went.” I was having that moment, right then. “When I grow up,” and the days of elementary

school are long gone for me. But for these third graders, they were actively living it. Life is simple, and the biggest issue for these two boys was a girl acting up in class. These kids are on a mission, to grow up. Some kids now envision a journalism goal in life, thanks to the time spent by Erie Square Gazette staff; others were more interested in talking about Pokémon. Each of these kids brought an individual dynamic to the table and represented it well. It was inspiring to sit and share with these children who have a clear road to whatever and where ever they choose. They dream big and sometimes it seems when we advance on in our years that we forget how to do that. My hope is that we never forget that way of thinking, that enthusiasm and zest for life. Take time to literally stop and smell the flowers and remember we are only where we are now because of choices we make and even that can change, just as quickly.

Did you know you do not have to be in the journalism practicum to be a guest writer on your college paper? We welcome all students as guest writers, using their submissions whenever possible. We are also accepting letters of intent for all editorial positions from any students interested in working as an editor at the newspaper. For those interested in editorial positions at the paper, it is suggested you sit in on the remaining production of the paper this semester. Send your inquiries to adviser John Lusk at jlusk@sc4.edu, or call the gazette at 989-5786.

Eric MerrillStaff Writer

Want to get a taste of different job opportunities? On Wednesday, April 20 SC4 hosts their annual career fair. The free event will be located in SC4’s College Center. Exclusive admission for college students and alumni is from noon until 2 p.m. The event then opens to the public from 2 until 3. This event benefits job-seekers, allowing them to meet multiple employers in a variety of employment fields. New this year is an area specific for jobs in criminal justice. Expected participating businesses include: Best Buy, Chase Bank, Port Huron Hospital, RadioFirst, Walsh College and many more. Last year’s Career Fair drew in about 288 interest job seekers and about 29 organizations. SC4’s Career Fair offers an opportunity for all to take advantage of.

All’s “fair” in job hunting

Erie Square Gazette Positions

ESG Editor-in-Chief, Twana Pinskey works with student journalists in Hannah Palmer’s third grade class at Woodrow Wilson

elementary School in Port Huron.Photo by: Jenny Walker

Jarren Sauceda’SWeStern Michigan univerSity’S claSS of ‘12, tranSfer Student, coMputer inforMation SySteMS MaJor

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April 1, 2011* Volume 13, Issue 23Serving the Blue Water area since 1931A public forum by and for students

Coul

d

anyo

ne

poss

ibly

hate

old S

aint

Nick? M

.A.S

.

does

. M.A

.S., o

r

Mot

hers

Again

st Sa

nta,

are a

nti-S

anta

activ

ists

push

ing f

or ne

w laws a

gain

st

hom

e int

rusio

n, re

gard

less o

f

burg

lary o

r the

oppo

site.

“I j

ust d

on’t

feel

safe

with

a fa

t, ol

d,

white

man

clim

bing

down m

y chi

mne

y

ever

y yea

r to l

eave

‘pre

sent

s’ fo

r my c

hild

ren,”

said

one J

ane D

oe.

“I t

hink

he gi

ves o

ur ch

ildre

n a

skew

ed pe

rspec

tive o

n life

. You

can’

t

just

brea

k int

o the

sam

e hou

ses a

t

the s

ame t

ime o

n the

sam

e day

ever

y yea

r, ra

id pe

ople’

s

junk

food

supp

lies,

and n

ot ex

pect

to be

appr

ehen

ded b

y

the p

olice

,”

said

anot

her

conc

erne

d

mot

her.

The

SC4 ninja

population is in an uproar over

what they claim is “underrepresentation.”

Despite their large numbers, ninja have gone

almost completely unnoticed by the student body or

administration.

The ninja numbered 356 last year, but that

number has fallen to just over 200 this

semester, largely due to assassinations.

Ninja are constantly being shunned

by the student body, when they are

forced to give up their seats to people

who believe that they are empty.

Last year, in an attempt to gain a

foothold in SC4 student activities,

several ninja ran on the ballot for

student government.

Unfortunately their posters went

unnoticed and were often thought to

be blank paper, just like their names

on the ballot which could only be

read when contacted with human

blood.

None could be found for

comment, but contact may have

been made when a note appeared in

the newspaper office which read,

“Good morning. I see the assassins

have failed.”

A

masked hero has been seen sprinting around the SC4 campus. Referring to himself as the “SC4 Skipper,”

the person has been spotted trotting about

campus and looking for “evildoers.” “I just know that they’re

out here,” said the Skipper.

“Just the other day I saw

someone smoking closer

than 20 feet to a building.

He walked away when I

told him to knock it off, but

I know he was afraid.” True to his name, the

Skipper has yet to be seen

in a classroom.

A two-

eyed fish has

been found in the Black River.

Fisherman shocked at its normalcy. “I was just fishing off the

end of the dock and pulled up a bass that was completely healthy! I couldn’t believe

my eyes,” said the bewildered fisherman. “I took it home and put it in my fish tank.”

Marine biologists the world over have flocked to examine the completely normal fish that

hasn’t sprouted legs or acquired the ability to speak human language. Yet.

Biologists hope to find another healthy fish to mate with this one but the odds are

rather slim.

The

wor

ld- champi

on SC4 dod

geball

tea

m crus

hed

the co

mpetit

ion

yester

day in

their

9001 t

o 4 vi

ctory

over

the ki

nderga

rten t

eam fr

om a

local

elemen

tary s

chool.

Tea

m Capt

ain Ri

chard

McFace

smashe

r

compla

ined a

bout t

he ser

ious

disreg

ard fo

r spor

tsmans

hip fr

om the

opposi

ng tea

m’s pl

ayers.

“One

hit to

the fa

ce and

they

would

just s

tart

crying

, ‘Wah

wah,

I can’

t see!

Wahh

Wahh I

want

my mom

my!’ T

hey we

re suc

h

babies

!” The

seven

foot,

400

pound

ex-pro

wrest

ler

went o

n to d

etail

how

the pl

ayers

tried

to tau

nt him

by

preten

ding t

o be

nappin

g when

the game st

arted.

An SC4 student has apparently figured out the key to happiness and success in life. The 10th-year sophomore has evidently spent the better part of the last decade unraveling the secrets of receiving a double-vend from the campus vending machines. He discovered by simply doubling the amount of currency you place into the machine you can receive twice as much food. Upon completing his “breakthrough in robotics,” he plans to spend the next 10 years creating a device that can both display the time and receive radio signals.

This week’s featured

alien is Gor. Gor is a

137 year old male (we

think) from Zeta planet

32. Gor likes dill pickles,

plutonium and converts

smiles into hydrogen fuel.

He is normally docile, but

is upset by self indulgent

face book and twitter

updates. He does not like

cats. Gor was left at the

doorstep of the Erie Square

Gazette in their “Operator

Pencil drop box, which by

the way is still collecting

pencils until Friday April

8, 2011. Those interested

in giving Gor a forever

home can contact the Erie

Square Gazette.

Gor does not get along with cats. He may or m

ay not be house broken.

SC4 students

just don’t care. A group of SC4 students showing uncharacteristically high ambition by their standards have formed a new student group called the Student Apathy Party.

The group is so dedicated

to being undedicated

that the club president, who

was elected by a collective sigh,

could not even be bothered for

comment. The club has taken no

action regarding anything on campus and is being

praised for their success at reaching their loosely defined

goals. A flier draft on a napkin sort-of

half written down reads: “Join the Apathy Party, or don’t. Whatever.”

Alien of the Issue

photo credir james Vaughn under a creative com

mons liecense

The stories and information printed on this page are artistic works of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything here as fact.