68.4 by Erie Square Gazette

The Erie Square Gazette A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College since 1931

Volume 68.4

March 3, 2016

Frosty fundraiser for Special Olympics 2016 Polar Plunge a splash Mel Buskirk Copy Editor From superheroes to Star Wars, scantily clad men to an individual donning a Donald Trump getup, participants paraded to from the Voyager Bowling Alley and Restaurant to the shore of the St. Clair Boat Harbor to jump into the water for the 2016 Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraising event for the Special Olympics of Michigan. Sponsored by the local non-profit group Water Warriors, an estimate of almost $19 thousand was raised for the Special Olympics by this event alone, according to Tom Chauvin, spokesperson for the Water Warriors. Since 1991, the Water Warriors have raised almost $2.5 million for the Special Olympics. 60 participants jumped into the icy waters for the cause. Danny Woody, 64 of Casco Township, wearing a felt purple pimp suit claimed that he hadn’t participated in a Polar Plunge before, “At least not on purpose,” Calendar | pg 2

Annatte Bilek as Rogue (left) and April Ryniewicz as Phoenix (right) leap into the icy water at the Polar Plunge. Photo by Mel Buskirk.

he laughed. Woody was not the only first timer to the Polar Plunge. Annatte Bilek, 36 of Troy, was a new plunger and one half of “The Mighty X-Women,” accompanied by veteran of one year April Ryniewicz, 39 of Harrison Township. Both beautiful ladies dressed as characters from Marvel’s X-Men comic book series, with Bilek as Rogue and Ryniewicz as Phoenix. Last year Ryniewicz appeared as Wonder Woman. Health and Wellness | pg 4

Though spring is fast approaching, there still is a chance to participate in a Polar Plunge this year. The Special Olympics of Michigan hosted 28 Polar Plunge events for 2016, with three events still remaining on March 3 on the Capitol Steps in Lansing, March 19 on Marquette Mountain in Marquette, and March 20 at The Elks in Sault Ste. Marie. The Water Warriors are also holding more events to raise money for the Special Olympics Late to the Game | pg 7

of Michigan. The Water Warriors are holding a bowling event at the Colony Bowl in Algonac on Sunday, March 13. For more information on fundraising events for the Special Olympics of Michigan, check out somi.org. For more information on the local non-profit Water Warriors and to see other upcoming events, go to www.waterwarriors. us or call Tom Chauvin at 586850-3187. Comic | pg 8

Volume 68.4

Editor-in-Chief Emily Mainguy Production Editor/Designer Emily Mainguy Managing Editor Chico Hernandez Business Editor Jamie Koebke Photo Editor Jenelle Kalaf Copy Editor Melanie Buskirk Sports Editor TBD Webmaster TBD Adviser John Lusk

ESG Contact Info: Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI 48060 Editor’s Note: All views expressed in editorials and columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ESG or any of its advertisers. We welcome feedback!

Find us at esgonline.org @esgonline facebook.com/ESGonline First copy free; second copy $1

Calendar Community

March 14 | Port Huron Town Hall Lecture Series: Jo-Ellan Dimitrius McMorran | 10:30 a.m. | Tickets: $40

Campus

March 3 | Beatrice Thornton Middle and High School Student Art Reception Fine Arts Galleries | 4-6 p.m. March 5 | Three Men and a Tenor Fine Arts Theatre | 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets: $20, Students & Alumni $10

March 6 | 20th Annual St. Clair County Science and Engineering Fair Noon-3 p.m. | College Center then Fine Arts Theatre

Sports

March 9 | Baseball Away Game at Frederick CC | 1 p.m.

March 10 | Baseball Away Game at Frederick CC | Noon

March 12-13 | Baseball Away Game at Potomac State College | TBA

Projects on display Noon-2 p.m., Awards 2-3 p.m.

March 14 | Port Huron City Council Meeting | City Municipal Office Building 7 p.m.

Letter from the ESG The Erie Square Gazette requests an audience with Dr. Kevin Pollock. Due to “scheduling change,” the interview with Pollock was cancelled at 1:24 p.m., just over an hour and a half before the scheduled interview was set for. The interview was set up on Feb. 22, and scheduled to take place on Feb. 29 at 3:00 p.m.

The reason for the interview was to speak with Pollock about his career at SC4, occurrences and happenings around the school, and general background information. The ESG was told, in a voicemail, that Pollock’s office will “be in contact soon on a reschedule time.”

Photo credit: Nick “Chico” Hernandez.

March 3, 2016

Upcoming human trafficking seminar

Free panel educates about horrendous crime affecting Michigan Mel Buskirk Copy Editor

“Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that occurs on an international, national, and local scale. Whether in the smallest town, rural areas, medium sized cities, villages, big cities – there is nowhere

in Michigan that has not been touched by this issue,” according to the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force website. The Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF) is a non-profit organization through the School of Criminal Justice of Michigan State University founded and directed

Singing quartet comes to SC4

by Jane P. White. White will be presenting “Human Trafficking: A Michigan Reality” on March 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in SC4’s Fine Arts Theater. The purpose of the MHTTF is to encourage collaborations between law enforcement and local communities as well as advocate support for victims

Three Men and a Tenor to perform this Saturday Jamie Koebke Business Editor

the phone at (810) 989-5513 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Three Men and a Tenor is an Three Men and a Tenor will be all ages’ show that includes at St. Clair County Community both music and humor. Jay Leno College March 5 at 7:30pm in and The Beach Boys are among the Fine Arts Theater. General guests who have been on stage admission tickets are $20 and with the group over their 23 $10 for SC4 students and alumni. years of performing. Tickets must be purchased over

It’s that time of the year again Let the taps flow

Nick “Chico” Hernandez Managing Editor The annual Pub Crawl across Port Huron is time honored tradition by bar regulars, easy drinkers, and fresh-faced 21-year-olds. Wristbands are offered at participating pubs for $10 until March 10, and $15 on March 11 and 12. This year’s participating pubs are Active Lounge, Brass Rail, Casey’s Pizza & Subs, Conner

Street Pub, Figaro’s, Fuel Woodfire Grill, Lynch’s Irish Tavern, McMorran Place, Military Street Music Café, Freighters, Office Lounge, Outpost, Jack’s Tavern, Palm’s Krystal Bar, Rix’s on the Rocks, Roche Bar, Tailgators, Tio Gordos Cocina, Trio and the Zebra Bar.

of human trafficking. For more information about the MHTTF email Jane White at jane.white@ ssc.msu.edu. For more information on the “Human Trafficking: A Michigan Reality” panel, call (810) 989 5678.

Volume 68.4

Fine Arts Department Secretary retiring this June The SC4 travels of Karen Jezewski Emily Mainguy Editor-In-Chief

“I worked for Karen for two or three semesters, filling her shoes are improbable but replacing her would be impossible,” said Ryan McInnis, graphic design student. The Visual and Performing Arts department is saying goodbye to their Academic Division Secretary, Mrs. Karen Jezewski, of 10 years this June. Jezewski started working for the college July 13, 1990 in the business office part-time where she worked for 10 years. She then worked in Employee Services and after a year she transferred to the Continuing Education department where she worked for five years before they closed the department. After closing the department, she filled in as a temp working in the bookstore, nursing department and other various places. Her next career step was working in Advising until she started working in the Visual and Performing arts department. Jezewski started her career without a college degree but during her employment with SC4 earned her Associates in Arts. “I believe in positive

From left to right: Rebecca Sparschu, Denise Manninen, and Karen Jezewski. Photo courtesy of Karen Jezewski.

atmosphere, laughter and getting the job done. I believe we should be open to our students, as far as our departments go, to reach out and help them. I have been lucky to work with a staff that really has the same vision to be there for the students. I believe this is the best department for that,”

explained Jezewski. During her travels, she was involved in many groups and committees to assist students and the community. Some of them are, the Executive Board, Educational Support Personal (EPS), Community Outreach, World Class Community College,

C.A.R.E., and was one of the founding members of the Free College day committee. “There has been a lot of changes you know I was here before the L.R.C. and now there are so many more places for students to meet and gather and to promote that,” said Jezewski. Being the Visual and Performing Arts Secretary she has been responsible for setting up one of the annual art shows, the Beatrice Thornton, which she began eight years ago. “That’s been a fun way to get to know the local art teachers in the community both elementary, middle, and high school, and to keep up on what our schools are offering,” said Jezewski. “I love the students and staff at this college. I’m excited about the McMorran agreement, I think it’s going to be great for the community and the college, I’m sad to see Dr. Pollock go, I’m looking forward to spending time with my husband and traveling,” explained Jezewski about her retirement. Karen Jezewski’s last day working will be sometime at the end of May; she then will be using up the last of her vacation time. If interested in talking to her she can be found in the Fine Arts Building Offices.

March 3, 2016

Health and wellness finds its way to SC4 Tips to stay healthy Lauren Schwartz Staff Writer

going to take mass amounts of selfcontrol, and restraint, understand that your health and wellness isn’t Have you ever wanted to get an all or nothing thing. heathier, but you don’t know how? Here are some steps in order to Let’s be real, dieting sucks and the help make sense of the situation: 1. Find a buddy. Whether food that are the worst for us taste you’re killing it at the gym, the best, and trying to count calories or taking a more secluded while getting six servings of grains, path and exercising at home, five servings of vegetables, three find a buddy. A friend is a servings of meats, fruits, and dairy, solid support system that all while balancing carbohydrates, will push you toward your fiber, protein, cholesterol, and fats goals and make sure you get is hard. Plus, what’s the difference your recommended thirty between unsaturated and saturated minutes of physical activity fat? Fat is fat, right? a day. Well, relax. Before you go diving 2. Set realistic goals for yourself. Sadly, it’s near nose first into something that is

impossible to get a six-pack in two weeks, no matter how many sit-ups you do, trust me, I’ve tried. Instead, start off by setting a number of miles you will go by the end of the week, or having fruity Fridays, whatever you decide to do, it’s a start, and you should be proud of yourself. 3. Don’t get discouraged when you don’t see results right away. Say you eat healthy all week and step on the scale and haven’t lost a pound, or look the same in the mirror after working out hard all week, that’s normal. It takes your body time to get used

Another loss for the Skippers

to things, and some studies even suggest that it can take up to four months before your brain starts to notice the changes. Remember, slow progress is still progress. Working out is hard and time consuming, and most people struggle with it. Who wants to work out after waking up at four A.M.? Add family into the mix and it becomes even harder. So, take the stairs, eat an apple instead of chips, or even take a lap or two around the office. Start small, and you will be more likely to succeed with your goals.

Schoolcraft wins against both Men’s and Women’s teams Jason Watts II Staff Writer The St. Clair County Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams both suffered losses against Schoolcraft College in very close contests. Starting with the Men’s team in one of the final games of their season, the Skippers took the mindset of “it’s time for payback” and stuck with that state of mind. Although early in the first half the Skippers were down 17-2 in the first 6 minutes of action, the Skippers struggled to put the ball in the basket. They found a way to battle back to close the gap to end the half by the score of 30-35. The shooting woes continued for the Skippers as a team they shot just

above 30% for the game. On to some positive notes for the game, Chris Parker lead the way with 12 points, 5 rebounds and also 5 assists. Jason Watts had 8 points and 4 rebounds, and Rico Cook 8 points and 4 rebounds. Finally, after the game, I was able to catch up with Skippers assistant coach Mike Davis for comments. Schoolcraft hit 4 straight threes to start the game. Although our scouting report was to be aware of their top 3 point shooter, we allowed him to hit the first three and get hot. Our close outs of his threes were minimal, we ran out but didn’t get our hands up on shots. But we battled back and cut the lead to 5 points at the half. We battled in the second half but

Photo credit: Chris Nelson.

we could never get the lead under 6 points. Schoolcraft moved the ball well on offense and when took quick shots. They capitalized on it by scoring on the other end. On to Women’s team who had a similar fate like the men’s team. The Lady Skippers lost by a score 66-52. By the half the Women’s team were down 34-39, once the second half started Schoolcraft to pull away as they went on a 14-4 run in the 3rd

quarter that put the game further out of reach for the lady skipper. Once the 4th quarter arrived the ladies fought back in the game but struggled to take care of the ball late in the game. On a good note Briann Alspaugh lead the way with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Leah Humes had 11 points 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and finally Madison Valko had 10 points 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

Volume 68.4

Making the world better, one classroom at a time Local college grad teaching Tanzanian kids Nick “Chico” Hernandez Managing Editor Schooling, healthcare, food variety, what do all these things have in common? Most Americans have easy access to these things but across the pond, the story changes. Enter the United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa and the scenery changes metaphorically and literally. Besides being one of the poorest countries in the world, Tanzania is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is also home to Jason Sausser, 26, a Michigan native from East China, a graduate from Western Michigan University (Bachelor’s Secondary Education) and Peace Corps (PC) volunteer who teaches English in a secondary school in Rukwa. Sausser said in an email interview his reason for joining the Peace Corps, “As a Christian, I believe we’re not supposed to stay in our comfort zone and we can’t ignore the needs of the world. So, those things led me to pursue teaching overseas and that led me to the PC. The PC also a way to get paid to see a different part of the world and get a new perspective on the world.” Sausser also said, “I teach English to the equivalent of freshmen and sophomores. Most of them come in their first year knowing almost no English. And by the end of their second year they are expected to write essays in all their subjects for the national exam. I’m usually at school for 3-4 hours depending on the day.” For many students, however, English is their third language. Even though Kiswahili is the national

language, there are approximately 120 languages spoken in Tanzania. Especially in rural areas, a tribal language is often the first language learned by children. When it comes down the education in Tanzania, the situation could be better. The annual tuition of a government secondary school is 20,000 Tanzanian shillings. This doesn’t include testing fees, lunch fees, and many Jason Sausser washes clothes with his brother Dullah and his sister others. In American Carol. Photo courtesy of Sausser’s blog. currency this living in West Africa for 27 months, equals to about $10, but comparing learning a new language, eating new America to one of the poorest foods, or dealing a polar opposite countries in the world isn’t a fair climate didn’t put a mountain’s fight. worth of weight on Sausser. Like any human, Sausser has “For me, the hardest part was missed his family, friends, and Taco adjusting to a new culture. I had Bell. He explained that, because to relearn how to interact with of advances in technology, the people. Even after a year and a half communication bridge has been of living here, I still have a hard time gaped mostly thanks to WhatsApp feeling like I’m able to express all of and Skype, “but really the best way my personality. And it can be hard to cope with missing family and feeling like no one truly knows you, friends is to seek out and develop because of cultural and language friends where you are. My fellow differences.” volunteers are more than just Sausser also added, “There is friends. They’ve become my family another Peace Corps volunteer and support system. And then who has made the joke, ‘Sometimes developing friendships in my village it feels like the only thing I’ve has been key to making my home accomplished is turning sticks of feel like a home,” Sausser said. chalk into chalk dust,’ and that This does not mean the idea of can be a real feeling for a lot of us

education volunteers. And the truth is that most volunteers never get to see the real impact that they make.” Even after his backpack was stolen off a bus, Sausser never gave up no matter how much he might have wanted to. “I lost my computer, camera, bible, and other things that were quite important to me. The week or so after that I would wake up and say, ‘I’m not going to quit today... Maybe tomorrow... But not today,’” Sausser said. As per PC requirements, Sausser has to do a project during his time in Tanzania. He has decided to build a library, as the school does not have one. Sausser has set up a GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/ hh6fh43s) for paint, bookshelves, tables and chairs, and more books. As of March 1st, people have donated $1,970 and the goal is $2,500. “I recommend the Peace Corps as an avenue to pursue volunteering, because the Peace Corps strategy for development is solid. The Peace Corps doesn’t want to build monuments, they want to build people’s capacity,” Sausser said. The Peace Corps isn’t limited to any one individual. While most positions require Bachelor’s degrees, everyone can find something to help out with. Sausser added, “I think everyone has something to offer as a volunteer, whether international or domestic. Find something you love and use it to make the world a little better. What the world needs, including our own country, is more people helping their neighbors. Whether that’s your neighbor across the Atlantic or across the street.”

March 3, 2016

Game Title: Battleblock Theater Platform: PC, Xbox 360 The Ratings: Game play: 7/10 Story: 9/10 Sound: 8/10 Overall: 8/10

Late to the game

A game about performing dangerous stunts to entertain cats Jenelle Kalaf Photo Editor

Every once in a while, “Battleblock Theater’s” controls just don’t work. While the problem doesn’t persist, It’s become common knowledge it happens often enough to make an that cats can be jerks, but they impact. wouldn’t catch a person and torture “Battleblock Theater” multiplayer them for fun, would they? shines past any flaws the game may In “Battleblock Theater,” a group of have. “Battleblock Theater” started best friends need to unite to escape out as a download for the Xbox 360, from an island filled with crazy cats so being able to play with multiple making them perform in an old people on one system was a given. theater house. The Steam port for PC, Mac, All while figuring why the bestand Linux carried this tradition, best friend to all, Hatty, has turned beautifully, on either keyboard or his back on them. controller. “Battleblock Theater’s” wacky Replay value also very high with story may catch some attention, but “Battleblock Theater.” After story is it worth $14.99? mode, the game offers a challenge Gameplay: mode that keeps players coming “Battleblock Theater” doesn’t set back. the bar for gameplay. Story: Being a puzzle, side-scroller, The story of “Battleblock Theater” “Battleblock Theater” follows the can be slow and uninteresting. genre well. It’s the narrator that knocks it out The player starts a stage (literally of the park. a stage) and then begins collecting “Battleblock Theater” begins with gems to open the exit of the level, a bunch of friends traveling in a boat all while discovering secrets and called the “S.S. Friends… ship,” to avoiding bad guys (cats, sharks, find adventure. whales, etc.). But then a storm hits, and the

friends, along with the “Best-best friend,” Hatty, get ship wrecked on an island with some cats, who are “jerks.” Hatty becomes captured, and the cats put an evil, “albeit fashionable,” hat on him. Now the player must save the friends and Hatty, because “Hatty would never betrayal us! Er... betray us... NEVER!” The narrator also sings and makes fun of the player during each stage with quips like “This game is brought to you by yarn. Yarn: it’s a ball!” and “I was going tell you how much you suck. Turns out you don’t!” And a personal favorite, “IT WAS AS IF POSIDEN EXTENDED HIS HAND IN FRIENDSHIP AND THEY SPAT IN HIS MOUTH. Boy he was pihe was mad!” While still short, the story and narrator really make the experience. Sound: “Battleblock Theater” sounds like a cartoon from the 90s. The music, while upbeat, serves a purpose and send a message with each stage. Some of the more novelty music,

such as the “secret” music the player hears when in a secret level, can become annoying. The same song each time really stops being funny. However, the secrets are hidden well enough that the player won’t be hearing it too often. Graphics: “Battleblock Theater’s” low and high are hit here. The cut scenes are cartoon “puppets.” That seem thrown together and match the narration well. In game, the graphics match the cut scenes, except the characters and sets aren’t puppets. The graphics aren’t bad, but nothing really stands out. The colors in each stage aren’t too busy and make it very clear what the player can and cannot interact with. Overall: While worth the $14.99, “Battleblock Theater” can usually be found on sale on Steam, meaning it’s even more worth it. So “buckle your pants” and ride with the crew of the S.S. Friendship. One never knows how the adventure ends.

Volume 68.4

“Oscar Sass” By: Emily Mainguy

“Flint vs. Port Huron” By: Jacob Gilbert