The Bridge - March 2016

Page 1

for the students, by the students

MARCH 2016 | www.thelcbridge.com

Volume 46 Issue 6

DAY OF THE DEADPOOL REVIEW

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS IN REVIEW

Page- 03

Page- 04 & 05

L&C TRAILBLAZERS INDUCTEE GLADYS WANAYAMA Page- 08

Underground RR Tour Highlights Local History

Ryan Roberts reroberts@lc.edu

Lewis and Clark Community College’s Underground Railroad Tour took off to explore the Alton area and its rich history, regarding the contested institution of slavery on Thursday, Feb. 18. Assistant Professor of History J.E. Robinson from St. Louis College of Pharmacy was the tour guide for the day, showing various locations while the bus took the group through downtown Alton and stopped at some of the historical landmarks situated around the city. The group was able to see some of the old houses in which escaped slaves used as havens while making their way toward a safe territory. Although some people assume that history is just something in old books and boring classrooms, J.E. Robinson disagreed, saying, “History isn’t just a certain time and place. It teaches people that history is where you live, a lot important things happened in Alton.” Robinson got more than a few laughs from the audience, who were very engaged with his presentation. He was also a very captivating speaker, capable of breathing life into the past surrounding Alton. Some of the important places highlighted included the Franklin House, which

Abraham Lincoln used while he participated in the Lincoln-Douglas debate taking place in Alton, and the Lovejoy Memorial, dedicated to antislavery publisher Elijah Lovejoy who was martyred in Alton for his loyal abolitionist newspaper. As the tour continued, Robinson shared his insight on the many stories

surrounding the slave trade involving the Alton area. The tour also stopped at the Union Baptist Church, one of the oldest black churches in the area. Here Robinson talked about the different laws which were passed after the Civil War, segregating the community. Chelsea Haley, an L&C student, expressed her appreciation

of his knowledgeable tour. She said, “He is a very good speaker, and I was surprised by how much he knows. I love the Alton area.” Some people may have missed the tour this year, but don’t worry. It is an annual event, and J.E. Robinson is currently working on setting up daylong tours throughout the summer.

Left: A bus full of students, faculty members and public spectators joined in on the history-filled tour of Alton National Cemetery in order to hear about Elijah P. Lovejoy and to see his monument. Right: Tour Guide and Local Historian Eric Robinson stands at the entrance of Elijah P. Lovejoy’s grave.

Photos by: KRYSTIE MORRISON

Additional Trailblazer Apartments Planned Drew Myers drmyers@lc.edu

Student housing will soon be expanded just beyond the north entrance of the Lewis and Clark Community College campus. An additional section of the already existing Trailblazer Commons apartment complex is in the works. The Trailblazer Commons apartments were the first available housing for students, opening in the fall of 2014. The complex was built by a local company, Contegra Construction of Edwardsville. For the past two years they have been managed by L&C alumna Joan Gowin who will continue to stay with this project as it develops. “It has truly been a learning experience,” Gowin said, “I think the apartments have went well over all. We have been able to keep them filled each year.” This past school year, the complex had been completely filled. Currently, 92 students are being housed in apartments, and only four of them are not athletes. Originally, the intent for

This floor plan illustrates what the new Trailblazer Commons apartments will look like. the building was to house out of town and state student athletes, but this project will allow for a wider variety of L&C students.

How To Do Your Taxes

Ryan Roberts reroberts@lc.edu

One of the unpleasant responsibilities of being an adult is approaching fast. Emancipation Day will be celebrated on April 15 and is a federal holiday, meaning taxes will be due on April 18. So, there will be a few extra days to file. Although filing taxes can be stressing, there are several tools which can help ease the burden while navigating the confusing world of government bureaucracy. Ted Uy, a computer science student, says he never does his own taxes because it is so confusing. “I think if you let someone do it, they can help you increase your tax return, because they know how to do it,” Uy said. The first thing to is determine if you need to pay taxes. Anyone with earned income is required to pay, however students whose parents provide 50 percent or more in financial support do not need to file taxes if their parents claim them as dependents. Other students at Lewis and Clark Community College need to pay federal and state taxes, for Illinois or Missouri, depending on your residence. Everyone needs their W2’s, which are employer issued wage and tax statements, to report wages earned. Other forms are the 1099, for miscellaneous income and the 1098e for anybody with student loans. Justin Hale, L&C’s instructor of business and accounting, suggests that first time taxpayers utilize the services of the Alton Area Tax Project, located in Room NUL203

Photo provided by: L&C Flickr

Managing Partner of Elm Street Student Housing LLC, Kevin Carski will oversee this transition. The new building will allow for 48 new

accommodations for residents, with a completion goal of fall 2016. “I am really excited about this opportunity. I have been impressed with Lewis and Clark and I am a supporter of community colleges. This has been a good project so far, this is a large campus so I want to get the news out to everyone,” Carski said. The apartments are within walking distance of the whole campus, making it a very safe, close knit place to live. “Living at the apartments as a freshman has benefited me in many ways,” Freshman tennis player, Jane Grieser said. “I have gotten the opportunity to develop new friendships, learn how to live on my own, and get the experience of living virtually ‘on campus’ for my first year of college life. Also it is awesome knowing your friends are just a doorstep away! I love that I know everyone and can feel safe living there.” To learn more about the Trailblazer Commons or to fill out a housing application visit www. trailblazercommons.com or call (618) 219-4899.

in the Nursing Building of L&C. They are available on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30–8 p.m. and on Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will help anyone who makes less than $54,000 a year do their taxes for free. No prior scheduling is required, but students need to bring a valid photo ID, social security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (this is also a requirement for any dependents) W2s, all 1099s and 1098s. On top of this, Illinois homeowners will need parcel numbers. The last thing is a copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit. Hale also pointed out some of the common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid while filing. He recommends always double checking your information - one of the most common mistakes is using the wrong social security number, which can lead to major complications with the IRS and possibly other taxpayers. In the case of this mistake occurring, it is important that it is straightened out immediately because it may cause penalties. The second thing emphasised is turning your taxes in on time. In the case of failing to file, there will be a penalty for late returns. “As far as returns go, file as early as you can and use a reputable service,” Hale said. “Be skeptical of services who aren’t certified as public accountants.” For students who need help, they can talk to Hale or check with the Alton Area Tax Project at http://altonareataxproject.org/ index.html for free help.

Find us online at www.thelcbridge.com • Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelcbridge


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.