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

Volume 66.1

Calendar | pg 2Staff Bios | pg 4

January 29, 2015

Story continued on Page 3

From the Editors | pg 7 MLK Celebration | pg 8

Noon & Night Concert | pg 9Chili Fest | pg 10

Spiral Gallery | pg 11Alex Shier at Goodfella’s | pg 12

Mel BuskirkCopy Editor

This past Thursday, the Deck Art competition drew to a close with the auction and the award ceremony for the winners of this year’s competition. The event took place in the galleries and main hall of the Fine Arts Building on SC4’s campus, with the top fifty boards chosen by a panel of judges on display. The artists for the top three submissions were awarded with certificates and prizes for their work. The third place winner for this year’s competition was freshman Haley Hoyt, 18, from Lakeport. Haley is majoring in graphic design but is considering switching to a major in fine arts. Haley’s piece “Teuthoieda” (the scientific name

Spotlight shines on student designersSecond SC4 Deck Art competition a success

for the type of squid that was portrayed) was created using modeling paste to create the three-dimensional texture, then painted with acrylic paints and finished with a gloss coating. Ryan McInnis came in second place

with his piece “Take Flight.” The thirty-seven-year-old Port Huron local is an on and off student at SC4 majoring in graphic design. Ryan put a lot of work into his board, using spray paint, stencils, designs he created using Adobe Photoshop

and Illustrator, and a picture of his best friend Sadaat Hossain, the owner of the Raven Cafe. Ryan and Sadaat are both members of a band called The Poltroons, which you might have seen playing during this past weekend’s Chili Fest. Emily Mainguy won first place with her three board submission titled “Land, Sea & Sky.” Emily, 21, is a sophomore at SC4 majoring in graphic design and is the production editor for the Erie Square Gazette. The digital

media piece was originally just one skateboard, however, when a classmate bet Emily to create more, the “Land” and “Sky” elements were added to the submission. “I’m excited and shocked,” Emily

The top three artists of this year’s Deck Art Competition. From left to right: Emily Mainguy, Ryan McInnis, Haley Hoyt.Photo Credit: Melanie Buskirk

Editor-in-ChiefAngie Stoecklin

Production Editor/Designer Emily Mainguy

Managing EditorChico Hernandez

Photo EditorJenelle Kalaf

Copy EditorMelanie Buskirk

Sports EditorTyler Smith

WebmasterAlex Hunt

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!

2 Volume 66.1

CalendarCommunity CampusSports

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First copy free; second copy $1

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Jan. 30 | Play: “Charlotte’s Web”7p.m. | McMorran

$15 Adults, $10 Students

Jan. 31 | Frosty CarnivalRiverview Plaza, St. Clair | Noon - 3

p.m.

Feb. 4 | Port Huron Musicale Concert | Salvation Army Citadel |

1p.m. | Free-will offering for concert, $4 for optional

refreshments at 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 & 7 | Play: “You’re a good man Charlie Brown” | Port Huron

High P.A.C. 7 p.m. | $10 adults, $8 students

Feb. 27 | Acoustic Jam | Palmer Park Recreation Center | 7p.m.-10p.m.

Feb. 9 | Port Huron City Council Meeting | 7 p.m.

City Municipal Office Center

Feb. 5 | SC4 Free Movie Night7-9 p.m. | Room 312, MB

Feb. 6 | SC4 Board of Trustees Meeting | Alumni Room College Cen-

ter | 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Feb. 7 | Zuzu African Acrobats 10 a.m. | Free

Feb. 11 | Blood DriveCollege Center Cafe

10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Men Basketball

Jan. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | SC4 v. Schoolcraft

Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | SC4 v. Delta College

Feb. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | SC4 v. Macomb CC

Feb. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | SC4 v. Alpena CC

Women Basketball

Jan. 28 | 5:30 p.m. | SC4 v. Schoolcraft

Jan. 31 | 1 p.m. | SC4 v. Delta College

Feb. 6 | 5:30p.m. | SC4 v. Macomb CC

Feb. 11 | 5:30 p.m. | SC4 v. Alpena CC

[Games in bold are away]

Angie StoecklinEditor-in-Chief

Former contenders on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” the Zuzu African Acrobats will perform in SC4’s Gymnasium for the second time on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.

SC4’s got talentZuzu African Acrobats scheduled to perform

For free. The acrobatic group uses choreography to paint a picture of East Africa’s cultural history. They are from Mombasa, Kenya. And a few of them made it to the semi-finals on “America’s Got Talent” in 2011. The event is sponsored by

SC4’s Global Diversity Advisory Council. While everyone is invited to this free performance, the seating is limited to the first 500 people who show up. For more information on the Zuzu African Acrobats, go to sc4.edu/zuzu for a video of their performance at SC4 in 2012.

January 29, 2015 3

Lily PetitStaff Writer

If you’re looking to stretch your music muscles, SC4 may have a place for you. The SC4 symphonic band, jazz band, and Community Choir are looking for new members. All groups are open to advanced high school students, college students and community members. If you’re tired of the lack of applause from your showerhead

an audience from a Community Choir Concert could be reality. The Choir is open to ages 16 and up. Carly Van Dyke, choir director, will conduct rehearsals Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Their rehearsals began on Jan. 12 and will continue until May 4. Rather have an instrument produce sound instead of you personally? Perhaps once of SC4’s bands will fit your style. The Symphonic Band more of a classic concert band with practices on Wednesdays from

Musical talent please applySC4 symphonic band, jazz band, and community choir seek members

6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. However, if hanging with cool cats is more your jam, the jazz band may have what you’re looking for. The Jazz Band practices from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. Both bands are looking for committed members, ages 14 and up, that will attend every rehearsal and concerts. Each one is directed by Erik J. Senkmajer. The bands began practicing Jan. 14 and they will end May 6. A $25 fee to join is required

for all three musical groups. Registration can be done by visiting sc4.edu/artschool or by calling (810) 989-5709. As Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Bring a soul to Port Huron, wings to the minds of students, flight to the imagination of the public, and life to all this semester by sharing your talents with the community.

exclaimed when asked about earning first place. “We had a lot of entries and it was an even playing field.” While the winners may have been SC4 graphic design students, all students were eligible to enter into the Deck Art Competition. This included Selena Graves, a seventeen-year-old junior at Riverview High School with her piece “Lone Wolf” that she created using oils, acrylics, and marker. “This is the first big project I’ve done,” she said. Selena plans on going to Full Sail University after graduating high school. This was the second year for the Deck Art Competition at SC4, and a successful one at that. The contest was the brainchild of Sarah Flatter, the graphic design instructor and full-time faculty member at SC4, who was inspired by events she had seen elsewhere.

Last year the event exhibited all entries, while this year the galleries only displayed the top fifty entries as chosen by a panel of judges. One of the judges for this year’s competition was Garold Vallie, a nationally acclaimed professional skateboarder. Unfortunately, he was unable to make an appearance at the Deck Art auction and award ceremony due to car trouble. Vallie, along with other pro skaters, will be at this year’s Boat Night in Port Huron to kick off the 3rd Annual Deck Art Competition. Submissions for next year’s Deck Art Competition must be in by Sept.

Student designers Cont’d

30, 2015. The only entry fee is $25 per blank skateboard deck. The artists of the top three submissions shall receive certificates and checks for prizes, with first place earning

$500, second place with $250, and third place with $100. All fine arts and graphic design students are welcome to enter.

Haley Hoyt, 18, is describing her piece “Teuthoieda” to Celeste Skalnek after being awarded her certificate. Photo Credit: Melanie Buskirk

4 Volume 66.1 | Staff

Meet the ESG Staff

Melanie Buskirk, 19, is working towards an associate degree in liberal arts. She joined the Erie Square Gazette last semester and is now fulfilling the copy editor position. Buskirk lives in Marysville and works at the Big Boy restaurant in that same town. While Buskirk wishes that she could be a cat, she still enjoys human activities such as drawing, playing her Pokémon games, and of course, writing for the ESG. Buskirk says that her favorite part about writing for the paper is the lively environment, and the staff who make it as such. “I feel like I can be weird around them (ESG staff) and its ok,” Buskirk said. Although school keeps Buskirk busy, she says that she still tries to keep up with current events and know what is going on in the world, a must for any journalist. Other than her inspiration to pursue a liberal arts degree and excel in writing, Buskirk has an even bigger dream. “I’d love to travel around the country and around Europe,” said Buskirk through a gleaming smile. - Angie Stoecklin

Jenelle Kalaf is a charming young woman from Port Huron. This year is her junior year at SC4 for a major in journalism, and her second semester as a photo editor. She believes it is a “dying breed” that needs to be supported. When not busy with class, she enjoys videogames, anime, and cosplaying with friends. She enjoys learning new things and is open to new hobbies. She gets her inspiration from watching Entertainment News while working on a story for the SC4 newspaper. When asked what would be a good way to describe herself, she responded by saying, “I think I’m like a panda because we’re both super chill, but we can both let the rage loose.” - Alexis Tobola

The “J” in DJ Palm stands for the Biblical Jacob, but maybe it would be more apt as Jack -- Jack of all trades that is. At 28 DJ has served in the military, fixed cars, written articles for the ESG and found his biggest passion, sport commentary. He’s getting a taste of his dream job, calling for the Detroit Red Wings, while working for Chanel 6 and interning with a local radio station, WPHM 1380 AM. DJ is local born and raised, but spent time in East Baghdad and Germany while serving in the army. Despite the travel he says he feels most at home in Port Huron. After this semester, DJ will hold an Associates in Communications Broadcasting. DJ will return this fall to pursue another degree. Similarly, DJ is returning to a welcoming spot on the ESG news team this semester. - Lily Petit

J. R. R. Tolkien, the writer of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, seems to be inspiring writers all over the world, as he did 20 year old Tyler Smith from Imlay city a junior, on his sixth semester at St. Clair community college. Tyler has been writing for the ESG for 2 years, however this is Tyler’s first year is the sports editor for the ESG. Tyler Smith is set to graduate from SC4 this May. He plans to become a bull dog at Ferris State University and major in communication broadcasting. Tyler Smith began writing when he was only 16. By the age of 17 Tyler had written his own short story “My Brother”. Tyler’s most comfortable relaxed place to write is in his bed where he feels as if he’s focused, and at eased. Tyler currently writing a book “my evil friend”, Tyler has a vivid imagination when it comes to writing stories. Tyler says “Writing lets people use their imagination if reality gets tough” - Shae’Lisa Murphy

January 29, 2015 5

Staff writer Jamie Koebke, 21, from Port Huron is a very hardworking full-time sophomore here at SC4. She has three part-time jobs that range from retail to working in a neurologist office. This pattern of hard work is nothing new to Jamie, even while she was enrolled at Port Huron High school she still maintained a position working on the school’s yearbook. Even though Jamie is hard worker, she still makes time for leisure. She is also a devoted Disney enthusiast whose favorite movies include “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and “The Emperor’s New Groove.” “I hold on to Disney because it’s inspiration and reminds me not let go of my inner child,” said Jamie. Apart from Disney, she also enjoys reading Marvel comics -- specifically “Iron Man” -- traveling and music. While these hobbies take up most of her free time, Koebke says they keep her sane with all the obligations of school and work. This is Koebke’s first time writing for the ESG and hopes to gain real journalism experience. - Alex Hunt

Angie Stoecklin is a 24-year-old journalism major and one of the last in her major enrolled in SC4. She has been a part of the Erie Square Gazette since 2012, being the copy editor during the Winter and Fall 2014 semesters and Editor-in-Chief during the Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 semesters. She aspires to write for a small town newspaper or magazine post-graduation, ideally for the Port Huron Times Herald or Master Gardener magazine. Not only is she the Editor-in-Chief, Angie also began an internship this semester for the Marketing Department at SC4. She also works part-time as a hostess for Thumb Coast Brewery located in downtown Port Huron. Angie doesn’t have a lot of free time in her busy schedule, but when she does she likes to spend it with her boyfriend Paul. She also likes to restore old furniture by painting it to give it a new life. - Mel Buskirk

Lexy Downey, 19, hailing from Avoca Township is a new addition to the Erie Square Gazette this semester. “I joined the ESG because I’m not a good writer, but I have a lot of authors in my family and I want to get better,” she stated. Downey is a sophomore studying Liberal Arts. She graduated from Yale high school in 2014 where she was part of a dual enrollment program. In her free time, she plays guitar, piano, and violin. In addition to musical instruments, Downey owns a large collection of gaming systems ranging from the Super Nintendo, to a Wii, to a PS3. While she owns an original Xbox and an Xbox 360, Downey does not like the Xbox line up. The Fallout series remains her favorite. Despite dressing in layers of black and band shirts, Downey describes herself as a “free spirit” and “a bit of hippie.” Her eventual goal is “to travel everywhere that isn’t cold.” - Nick “Chico” Hernandez

Freedom of expression can be the way someone dresses or creates art. For Shaelisa, freedom of expression it’s both being mixed together. This 18 year old college freshman started at 12 years old with sketch after sketch of designs for her future clothing line known as Dirt Bags Clothing. Using her clothing line, she plans to promote self-expression as Shaelisa said “make us all unique.” A similar thinking perspective of her fashion Idol Ralph Lauren, where he believes expressing yourself is cool. With her clothing line of expression being watched with keen eyes by investors, she would make her line turn into a corporation free of retail store dilemma. Being featured in teenage magazine “Seventeen” is a dream for this Gibraltar, MI native. This is Shaelisa’s first semester at St. Clair County Community College where she is currently undecided in her major. - Tyler Smith

6 Volume 66.1 | Staff

Meet the ESG Staff

“I want my art to be like a mix of Aldous Huxley and Banksy,” stated freshman, Mike Lucas. Mike Lucas is a 22 year-old Monroe native who has moved to the Port Huron area to attend SC4. Lucas decided to return to college after a short break and is undecided of what major he will choose. “I have been thinking about Journalism; but, I would like to do something that is art that will reach people,” explained Lucas. Lucas’ enjoys drawing, a book “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley, A bit o’ honey candy bars and Zebra Stripe Gum. In his first semester of the Erie Square Gazette Lucas will be a Staff Writer and Assistant Production Editor.

- Emily Mainguy

Being a Marine Biology Major, Alexis Tobola, 22, never thought she would write for a college newspaper. Born in East China Township, Tobola currently lives in Marysville and is a full time student at SC4. Tobola decided to join the Erie Square Gazette during her second semester while taking 12 credits worth of classes. She learned about the ESG and thought it would be fun to try. Outside of classes and writing, she spends her time playing Pokémon because she enjoys caring for the little creatures. “I used to enjoy playing Tamagotchi’ for the same reason,” she said, “but then it broke.” She also spends time hand sewing plush toys. Her favorite food is steak and almost anything her late father made. “His mom used to be somewhat of a professional cook in California so he learned it from her. After SC4, she plans to transfer over to Oakland University. - Jenelle Kalaf

Nick “Chico” Hernandez, 22, is a junior at SC4, and hails from the nook and cranny of SC4’s journalism department and can be called, in the most endearing of ways, an odd soul. When he isn’t writing for the ESG or bingeing on episodes of Dr. Who, Supernatural, or Sherlock by day, you may just find him performing great culinary feats at night as a head cook at Big Boy. Hernandez has an interest in survivalism and enjoys taking part in journalism related to survival, such as prepping for winter, along with investigative journalism where he may just have to dig around for the facts. According to Hernandez, while one of his favorite writers is Hunter S. Thompson, Hernandez has been described as a “Dr. Gonzo” sort, who was a writer and best friend to Thompson. Outside of the world of academia, Hernandez aspires to someday travel to warm places such as Hawaii or the Caribbean. -Lexy Downey

Alex Hunt, 27, of Croswell, is the web master for the Erie Square Gazette, this is his first semester working for the ESG, however, he has no interest in being a journalist. Hunt is a freshman at SC4, studying computer programming and web development. Apart from school, Hunt has published over 80 e-books since mid-2013. The books range everywhere from e-books that are purely cat pictures, to animal facts to random fact books. “Publishing e-books is an easy way to make money while you’re not working.” He also has a small freelance web business. On top of all that, Hunt also is an avid blogger. “It’s easy to write about things you’re passionate about.” Hunt said. In the free time that Alex does get, after all of this, he enjoys reading up on tech articles. To say he’s always thinking about computers is an understatement. -Jamie Koebke

January 29, 2015 7

From maintaining the layouts and aesthetics of the Erie Square Gazette to crafting post-modern renaissance chainmail jewelry. This semester will be Mainguy’s second run as Production Editor of the ESG. However, she’s been interested in graphic arts and expanding her skill set for many years. Her strong visual aptitude and interest in journalism brought her to the school newspaper, readying her for a career in Graphic Design. “Her work has become more and more impressive since her first semester,” commented graphic arts instructor Sarah Flatter, who recently presided over an SC4 Skateboard Deck Art competition in which Mainguy swept house and won First Prize. Mainguy is employed as a gallery associate at Studio 1219, where some of her own work is featured. The quality and intricacy of her chainmail jewelry might make one question their own manual dexterity. This 21-year-old sophomore has no definite plans for after graduation, but will allow her ambition and talent to take her whichever way the wind blows. - Mike Lucas

Letter from the Sports Editor

Lily Petit is in her final year at SC4 pursuing her degree in communications media. Petit, a soon to be newlywed in August, is in her third semester writing for the ESG. Petit plans on transferring to Central Michigan University double majoring in journalism and interior design. When Petit was a young child she was constantly painting her room, rearranging it, or both. That’s when her passion for interior design started to form. Along with being a full time student, Petit also has a part time job at a sandwich deli store in Fort Gratiot where she claims the most embarrassing moment of her life happened. Petit’s store was slow one day and amidst all the boredom accidently split her work pants, while doing a workout routine in the kitchen area. “It was no big deal,” said Petit. “I had pants in my car.” When not in class or making sandwiches, Petit’s passions are Literature and interior design. Petit’s ultimate dream job is to one day become a writer for an interior design magazine. -D.J. Palm

Tyler Smith

Hello reader, A new semester starting means new things are happening in the sports world. The St. Clair County Community College Skippers start a new season. The Men’s Basketball team started the season with a rough 2 wins and 4 losses, but there is a lot of talent in this team. These young gentlemen play their hearts out on the court and prove themselves with every block. The season started out a bit differently for the Women’s Basketball team. Starting their season with an impressive 4 wins and 2 losses, it seems like this team is a close family of players. Both teams have a promising season of success and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Letter from the Editor

Angie StoecklinEditor-in-Chief With a new semester, also comes a new staff for the Erie Square Gazette. This semester, the ESG is facing only one shortage in the staff department, a vast improvement from last semester; alas, we still must acquire a business editor. There is a one-quarter scholarship being offered for this position, as well as 15% commission on all new accounts and paid advertisements that are sold. That being said, since our staff is back to more of an ideal size for this semester, we would like to start covering more stories on a greater level that appeals to students. So, as readers, I encourage you to pay attention to local music artists, and if any of them strike your ear, do not hesitate to contact the ESG for a band or musician cover. And if our readers have any other ideas for stories they would like to see covered in our paper, or if one is interested in guest writing, feel free to contact us. I hope that we can continue to meet our goals for the remainder of the school year. I am aware that to some we may seem like just a community college paper, but I would very much like to see us continue to succeed in being a strong publication that is enjoyable to read. For anyone interested in guest writing or the position of business editor, contact the ESG at eriesquaregazette@gmail.com. Any students are welcome to stop by our meetings on Thursday at 2 p.m. in room 123 of the main building.

8 Volume 66.1 | Campus

Therese PadghamStaff Writer

St. Clair County Community College hosted the 13th annual event on Monday, Jan. 19, (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) at 6:30 p.m. in its Fine Arts Auditorium honoring the civil rights leader. The celebration consisted of live performances including inspirational music, readings, drama, dance, poem and prayer. Community event sponsors including the Port Huron branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Times Herald, and SC4’s Global Diversity Advisory Council were in attendance. The house was packed to honor the 1960s civil rights leader. The program, “Rooted in the Past – Growing Towards the

Future,” recollected MLK’s life achievements, recognized how his work continues today in our community and the nation, and motivated those present to join in the work that yet remains. Recordings from African-American gospel and choir music played as the crowd took their seats. Pastor Tray Smith opened with a welcome from SC4’s president, Dr. Kevin A. Pollock. Smith continued introductions throughout the evening with well-received humor. Carly Van Dyke and SC4 community choir director, Rachel McCue performed the national anthem and other inspirational music. Reverend Carl Miller sang the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with impressive resonance. St. Mary McCormick Catholic

Academy presented its girls Doo Wop vocal group, “Strollers.” They sang, with precision, pop songs from the 1950s that MLK undoubtedly heard. Young adults from the S.O.N.S. Talented Tenth group expounded on selected MLK writings, within the context of today’s society. They waxed poetic and challenged specific current social situations that do not agree with the dream of MLK. Kevin Watkins, President of the NAACP Port Huron, shared sincerely about progress in his organization due to Dr. King’s influence. His conviction was shared with passion, that the dream is fulfilled as we move together, as one. SC4‘s Brent Morton showed the audience personal photographs from his pilgrimage to the iconic

places MLK lived, worshipped and worked in Georgia and Alabama. Photos included the bus, on display at Henry Ford Museum, in which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Alphonso Amos motivated and inspired the crowd as he reflected on the dream of MLK. Amos addressed both the progress of our nation in fulfilling the dream and the work that remains to be done. Inspirational dance was performed by Lurlene Nichols and LaNeisha Murphy. Elder David Nichols read the legendary, “I Have a Dream” speech with powerful and moving delivery. Pastor Tray Smith shared final remarks and led prayer, as the audience joined hands. In closing, everyone sang the African-American protest song, “We Shall Overcome.”

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.SC4 honors civil rights leader

The Zion Cathedral of Praise Church Youth Group address the audience with oratory, as though they are a 1960 civil rights figure. Photo credit: Therese Padgham

January 29, 2015 9

Nick “Chico” HernandezManaging Editor

The docile tones of piano (Victoria Banks), violin (Stephen Collins), and the French horn (Jane Lehman) filled the theater hall with sounds of Auf dem Strom, accented by the opera-esque vocals (Cheryl Kaski) during SC4’s Noon and Night Concert Series. This event was held on Jan. 22 at noon, and again at 7 p.m. Five musical pieces were performed at the night concert. Wolfgang Mozart’s “Ah, Vous dirai-je, Maman” was played by Banks, as was Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Sonata quasi una fantasia Op. 27, No. 2”. Frank Schubert’s “Auf dem Strom” called for all four musicians, and Johannes Brahms’ “Trio in E flat Major for Horn, Violin & Piano Op. 40” required the French horn, piano, and violin. Lehman, who was the guest musician, preformed V. Shelukov’s “Scherzo”. Banks, and Kaski are both instructors at SC4 and teach piano, music curriculum respectively. One audience member, Collin Barber, 51 of Port Huron, said “I enjoyed the concert they played here. I wish there was more concerts like this, because the talents of these women and man have brought a smile to my face.” Tory Standti, 34 of Port Huron, expressed her great love for the classical music that flooded the hall saying, “Auf dem Strom is a beautiful song. The soprano in the song completes, but it is not a true song without the whole team there. Horn, string, piano, and soprano came

A symphonic sensationSC4 faculty and friends bring classical to life

together tonight to create something special.” Lehman spent twenty five years in Germany playing her French horn for several German orchestras, and played for the International Symphony when she returned to

Michigan in 2006. Lehman stresses the importance of practice for any musician to get good; saying, “It takes practice. You want to be good? Practice, persistence, motivation. You’re never too old to practice.”

(Left to Right) Stephen Collins, Victoria Banks, Cheryl Kaski, and Jane Lehman perform “Trio in E Flat Major for Horn, Violin, & Piano Op. 40.” Photo Credit: Nick “Chico” Hernandez.

10 Volume 66.1 | Community

Angie StoecklinEditor-in-Chief

The harsh Michigan winter was not enough to keep Port Huron residents, and other citizens from around Michigan shut in their houses on Friday Jan. 23 and Saturday Jan. 24. Chili Fest, an event in downtown Port Huron and McMorran advertised as “Extreme Winter Fun” did not disappoint attendees like Sherry Levery of Port Huron. “It’s nice that you get to see people you haven’t seen all winter cause you’ve been cooped up,” Levery said. Grayson Sudia, 6, who accompanied Levery, had a different opinion of the best part about Chili Fest. “My favorite thing is looking at the ice sculptures,” Sudia said. The ice sculptures, provided by Michigan Ice Carvers in Redford, Michigan, were live carved by the company’s owner Matt Sokolowski. Sokolowski learned to sculpt at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, and has been doing it for 15 years. “We did 40 single life sculptures and 8 multi-block ice sculptures. We brought all the ice up from Redford,” said Sokolowski, who didn’t mind the 3 day getaway to Port Huron. “I’m glad to get out of town for a couple days. When I’m out here I blocked out everything I didn’t know who was behind

Chili Fest puts an end to cabin feverIce sculptures decorate downtown Port Huron

me or how many people were here, I wouldn’t have known what time it was if it weren’t for that big giant clock behind me,” Sokolowski said as he motioned towards the big clock on the front of McMorran. Other than ice sculpting, Chili Fest featured an array of events including horse and trolley rides, a chili cook off, night concerts by The Poltroon’s, Ian Smith & Co., and the Lookin’ Back band. One of the events, the 4th annual

Bed Races sponsored by the Blue Water Young Professionals, seemed to draw a high number of spectators. Local businesses participated in the bed races, but they also featured a bed by SC4 club Marketing and Management. According to Dan McCarty, M&M club advisor, Ben’s Mattress Company donated the mattress for M&M club, and Napa donated the wheels as well as a garage to build it in.

“The main thing is that the M&M club is defending SC4’s honor,” McCarty said. According to SC4 student government president William Warne, the M&M club placed midrange in the races. Chili Fest is a reoccurring winter festival in downtown Port Huron, and according to the festival’s Facebook page, will be around next year.

Top Left | Marketing and Management club rolls their racing bed to the start line for the Chili Fest Bed Races.

Left | Lora Vinande feeds her daughter, Charlotte, 2, chili at Port Huron’s Chili Fest on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Right | Matt Sokolowski carves ice sculptures in front of McMorran for Chili Fest.

Photo credits: Angie Stoecklin

January 29, 2015 11

Mike LucasStaff Writer

Thomas Edison: renowned inventor, revered scientist, beloved innovator of modern day electricity… fraud. This message rang through the halls of Studio 1219’s Spiral Gallery Friday as SC4 students and graphic arts instructor Chris Krolczyk took spectators on a journey through the electric revolution and its rival leaders, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. The show began as the students displayed portraits of Edison accompanied by diagrams of his inventions. Abruptly, the students plastered over top of Edison photos of Tesla and vandalized Edison with spray paint. They wrote phrases such as “Liar”, “Thief”, and “I steal patents”, adorning the man with devil horns. Ambient music played in the background simultaneously with a spoken word explanation: “Tesla wasn’t looking to make money. He was just looking for ideas and inventions… knowledge, without trying to harbor it for profit.” To understand the students’ message, we must take a deeper look into historical events of the era. Both men shared a common goal of creating a distribution system for electricity to be made readily available to the masses. Edison’s system, known as direct current, is

the one most commonly used today. In the late nineteenth century, this system prevailed for its efficiency in powering many then-popular devices such as the incandescent lamp and small motors. DC systems worked by supplying power quickly to consumers who had no means to produce their own

energy but were ready to pay for it. Although effective, many flaws of this system were made evident such as the need for numerous production facilities. There was also no practical means to convert DC voltage increments from high to low, creating the need to install analogous and costly electrical lines to carry differing power loads as required by different devices. Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, another electrical empire of the day, sought to remedy these issues by investigating another method of power distribution called alternating current. Employing inventions patented by Tesla, AC worked by sending power through

a device called a transformer which had the capacity to convert voltage to fit the needs of the consumer, high or low, and without additional wire hookups. The AC transformer could transmit power up to ten times more effectively than DC with the need for fewer power plants. Tesla went on

to develop a device made of a metal coil that harnessed the power of AC and electromagnetism. This device was capable of generating its own renewable power source, making energy sustainable and free. This would have potentially done away with Edison’s DC, power plants as we know them to be today, and the capitalistic power structure entirely. If AC obviously overshadowed DC in cost-effectiveness and practicality, what led to the rise of DC? One word: money. Edison, a powerful political figure of his time, used lobbying and strong connections to back his inventions. “He ran a slander campaign against AC and used it to publicly murder an elephant,” explains contributing

A Static ControversyStudents use art to explore the original energy crisis

artist Zach Penzien. The elephant in question, named Topsy, was killed on film to demonstrate the dangers of AC and how his system seemed to be much safer. Edison also delivered public addresses in which he coined the term “Westinghoused” as interchangeable with being electrocuted.

The motives of such action were to ensure sizable returns to investors and shareholders of the DC movement as well as securing Edison’s own public notoriety and position of influence. Anthony Petit, contributing artist, commented, “Tesla did the work and he got no credit.” Petit explained that the event was born from the shared passions and creative ideas

of his peers and instructor Krolczyk. Even before the show, the students sampled guerilla warfare tactics by distributing small graphics bastardizing Edison and promoting the Free Energy of Tesla’s aims. These were quickly removed by campus security and others. “We are not just creating a static piece like a painting that hangs on a wall. This is more like a happening. Everyone here experienced and contributed to this art as it was going,” said Krolczyk. Whether by fact, opinion, or a combination of both, these young men sought to open the eyes of the uninformed and succeeded in electrifying their audience.

Photo credit: Chris Krolczyk

12 Volume 66.1

Angie StoecklinEditor-in-Chief

Port Huron native Alex Shier, 19, is one step closer to achieving his dream of being a famous musician after auditioning on “American Idol” and receiving the coveted ticket that sends a competitor to Hollywood. Pete Norager, the owner of Goodfella’s, said that Shier came to him and asked to perform in his restaurant. Then on Friday, Feb. 16, supporters of Shier filled the seats at Goodfella’s Grill in downtown Port Huron. “He was looking for a place to perform in town and he said that

American Idol recognizes Port Huron talentAlex Shier performs at Goodfella’s

he liked the theme (of Goodfella’s),” Norager said. Shier said that he decided to play at Goodfella’s after he walked in the door and instantly pictured performing a show at the front of the restaurant. Shier started playing shows last year after he was rejected from “American Idol.” According to Shier at the 2015 “American Idol” auditions in Nashville, he had never played a live gig before his first audition; since then, he’s played over 200 shows. “They really recognized that I took some time to get experience and that’s what they appreciated

the most,” Shier said regarding the judges opinions of him on “American Idol.” At ten years old, Shier started playing guitar. His father, while he has never been musically inclined, has a great playlist, according to Shier. “I grew up with some really good music and it’s gotten me through every hard time and that’s the best part about it.” Other than being inspired by famous musicians such as John Mayer, the Dave Mathews Band, and Ed Sheeran, Shier draws most inspiration from his uncle Cliff Erikson. Unable to put the reason why

his uncle is such a driving force in Shier’s musical life, he simply said, “Go see one of his shows, and you’ll understand why.” One by one, Goodfella’s customers approached Shier, congratulating him and even requesting autographs. But despite all the publicity, Shier says he does not want to lose sight of who he is. “I don’t like to think of myself as too much of a big deal cause that’s when I don’t stay grounded,” said Shier humbly. “I asked for all of this, so I need to handle it the right way.” Tune into season 14 of “American Idol” to see Shier perform in upcoming episodes. Follow him on twitter at @AlexShiermusic.