By Olivia Cahill
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Picture the obnoxious coworker who seems to overact
every time there is a change in plan or schedule. Imagine your relative that seems to
fixate on what would seem to be insignificant details of a movie. Imagine the “weird kid”
in class that cannot seem to go into the bathroom alone because of the loud automatic
toilets. Now picture your reaction when you learn that your coworker, classmate, or
relative has autism spectrum disorder.
Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S. and
affects 1 in 68 people in the country. According to Autism Speaks, the worlds leading
autism advocacy organization, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by
social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to engage in
repetitive behaviors. But the biggest misconception is that each person with this diagnosis
is the same. Many believe that it is a cookie cutter diagnosis, but it ebbs and flows on a
spectrum from being high functioning vs. low functioning.
In Plattsburgh, there are several options for families and caretakers that aid people
with autism; the first is to get a diagnosis. The only way to truly receive aid is to have the
piece of paper certifying the diagnosis. That is where the North County Regional Center
for Autism Spectrum Disorders can help. One of six centers in New York State, the
government funded program can offer a detailed analysis of each patient through the
Center for Neurobehavioral Health. They also aid in school consultations, creating
behavior intervention plans, and can refer people to private local practitioners such as Dr.
Jeanne Ryan.
Project coordinator Jessica Matthews said, “The diagnosis is nothing to be scared
or ashamed of, anyone with the diagnosis becomes eligible for many services. It opens
the door to so many possibilities.”
Many parents and caretakers struggle with the diagnosis. “When I began my own
journey, I was clueless. You go through the stages of grief; the things you wish your child
could do might not be possible. I was overwhelmed and stressed until I gained more
knowledge about; once I reached that point, I was able to move forward. ” said Genie
Denton, Program Coordinator for the Autism Alliance.
The next step would be to gather information about the disorder. “Some people
think you deal with it when they are younger and they will grow out of it. That is not the
case, at any age the children need services. You can never stop learning. I give kudos to
the parents that keep educating themselves, that don’t shy away from the diagnosis and
keep their minds open to the possibilities for their children.” Matthews said.
NYS is consistently ranked in the top 10 areas for serving people with disabilities.
The Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York has a massive amount of knowledge on
the subject. They provide a book with a database of providers that is passed out to
schools, parents, or anyone that wants one to seek knowledge about autism. The book
aids in improving and enhancing the lives of people with autism, which goes in
accordance to their values. It began as a grassroots movement created by parents with
autistic children to raise funds in the community. Everything raised in donations goes
specifically to educational opportunities in Clinton, Essex and Franklin county
communities.
After gaining the knowledge about autism, enrolling a child or caretaker in the
local programs provided would be a helpful way to aid in managing the sometimes-
difficult behaviors of autism. The North County Regional Center for Autism Spectrum
Disorders coordinates tri-county events such as an eight-week parent skills workshop.
The Autism Alliance provides several grants to the community where any
organization such as a schools or day care can apply, as long as their program directly
impacts people with autism. In addition to the grants, the alliance helps fund programs
such as conferences for anyone who’s life has been impacted by autism, community
concerts, and even sensory films once a month at Cumberland 12.
Another resource would be the autism intervention program called Nexus. They
work on social skills to help children be as high functioning as possible. In doing so they
teach children how to apply social skills in different settings from going into schools and
having lunch time buddies that work with the children and their “typical” classmates to
peer networking. Everything is individualized because no two children have the same
issues. Through structured and unstructured activities, they help the children manage
their behaviors in a social setting. They also provide family training of the signs and
symptoms of autism and how to manage them.
Program coordinator for Nexus, Andrea Martino said, “The real issue is you have
to walk the line between their typical peers behaviors and allowing the children to have
their own set personalities.” Breana Syslo, volunteer for Nexus and president of Autism
Speaks U at SUNY Plattsburgh, said, “One behavioral management technique with one
student, may not work for another.”
Because the North Country is located near the Adirondacks, there are not a ton of
services in each area. “We have one child that has to drive forty-five minutes each
Saturday because there are no resources located close to his home.” Martino said.
However Plattsburgh seems to be the central hub for behavioral management programs.
There is also a program called MVP Kids. This sports league is for children ages
5 - 12; there is also MVP Teens for children ages thirteen and up. There are 6 sessions
per year and each one has a different sport to play from bowling to soccer to swimming.
The object of the program is to help prepare the children so that they can be integrated
into their own community sports teams. It helps with social skills, coping skills for when
they lose a game, and learning how to play the game.
Martino is also the assistant director for MVP kids. “It is all about contextual
learning - children with autism don’t typically generalize. If you teach them one skill,
they may not be able to apply it to several different situations.” Martino said.
Lastly, the best way to truly come to terms with autism is to get involved in the
community. “I feel strongly for advocating for people that need a voice.” Denton said. On
the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, Autism Speaks U held their annual color run on April 30.
To end autism awareness month, the Autism Alliance is hosting their autism awareness
walk on May 7 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds – giving plenty of opportunities for the
community to get out and volunteer or donate to the cause. “The best advice I can give to
anyone about autism is to keep an open mind; don’t jump to conclusions if you see
someone that is a little different.” Martino said.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Eyes one the prize, or rather their phones
By Kristine Giurcio
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.− When we think of social media, we tend to think of millions of tweets being sent out, Instagram photos being posted for everyone in the world to see, and possibly even RSVPing to Facebook events. Social media has become integral to our society for people of all generations. Have we ever thought of social media in a more productive way? Is it possible we have overlooked the many ways social media has changed our businesses, education, and overall lifestyle?
Christina Cottone, a senior at Beekmantown High School, said she likes the opportunities growing up with social media has granted her.
“One of my classes did a semester long project where we had to pick a topic and E-mail businesses about their products. I picked to research pretzels, so I talked to Auntie Anne’s, Utz, and many other pretzel companies,” Cottone said.
The project that Cottone and other students were given was to teach them that this generation was given the outlet that we utilize each day, known as social media and the Internet.
“We sent out around ten e-mails to different companies and the feedback was surprising to me. While writing to them, we basically just complimented their products and acted interested. One company sent me 8 bags of free pretzels. Other companies sent coupons and informational books,” Cottone said. “It was unexpected, I didn’t think they would even read what I wrote.”
Cottone said she thinks of social media in a different light after this assignment. She said she thinks that her teacher proved her point that the access to the internet can be used for more than creating online profiles for other people her age to see.
Colleen Kallop, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, also found social media to be beneficial to her education process.
“I have a lot of friends who I can’t even have a conversation with without pulling them away from their phones, which is annoying. I use social media but only during my free time and not as much as the average person my age,” Kallop said. “I like using it though. Facebook has a lot of do it yourself videos that I follow a lot.”
Kallop said that she believes that social media has helped her get assignments done and communicate with other students taking the same classes as her.
“For one of my psychology classes we have a group chat app where we ask each other questions on every assignment. It’s beneficial for me to hear how other people in my class interpret the questions we are asked, because sometimes I find myself unsure of what I’m doing,” Kallop said.
Karin Buck, a SUNY Plattsburgh alumna, said that she thinks she owes everything to social media.
“When I didn’t reach my full degree requirements, I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to get a stable and consistent job. People in our society put this emphasis on having a college degree but in reality, a degree doesn’t secure your future either,” Buck said.
Creating a Linkedin profile helped to set up Buck’s future endeavors. Linkedin is a social networking site specifically for the business community. The objective of the site is to aid members in establishing professional relationships with employers and colleagues that they trust. The former Plattsburgh student had the profile for only 6 months before an employer contacted her.
“I don’t know if anything would have worked out the way I wanted if I didn’t land a job through Linkedin. I don’t know where I would be working or living right now,” Buck said.
Buck recently moved to Washington, DC, to work for an organization called Student Veterans of America.
“People, especially older generations, look down on people constantly on their phones. I just feel like social media was a positive thing for me and it can be for everyone else too! People are just using it for the wrong things,” Buck said. “We should take advantage of being able to communicate with people across the world and mostly anyone we want for that matter.”
As well as Buck, Suzanne Denig, a Plattsburgh community member, utilizes a bulk of her social media accounts for business purposes. As a mother of 3 teenagers, Denig often works from the comfort of her own home as a tax agent.
“Everything I do in the office, I can also do sitting in my living room on my Ipad. I talk to clients all day long through all different accounts that they prefer using, I have them all,” Denig said. “More along the lines of professional communication such as, Linked-In and Email. You won’t find me on Facebook seizing any businesses.”
Utilizing access to the internet allows Denig to be a part-time stay at home mother for her 3 children.
“You can’t put a price on time with your family but, for me it doesn’t matter because I get paid the same while having my husband and children 8 feet away from me,” Denig said.
It’s easy to see all the negatives that social media has caused in our society. Although, many Plattsburgh community members are not blind to all the endless possibilities that it has created for us.
Sororites, honor societies aim to prevent child abuse
By Nicole Collado
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – With blue and sliver pinwheels in hand, the Plattsburgh
community came together the morning of April 23 rd for the second annual Prevent
Child Abuse Walk.
The inside circumference of the Plattsburgh State field house track was set
up with tables from local organizations like Adirondack Helping Hands, The Child
Care Council of the North Country, Healthy Families New York, and the Joint Council
for Economic Opportunities. Along with pamphlets and resource information for
parents and guardians, there were coloring and play stations for the children who
attended the event.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s Human Development and Family Relations Student
Organization organized this year’s walk in conjunction with the Phi Upsilon
Omicron National Honor Society.
HDFR is geared toward anyone who desires to work in the human services
profession. Kenneth Koleman treasurer for the HDFR student organization at
Plattsburgh State said, “By doing this walk and raising money, were coming together
as a campus and community to help combat this issue.” Koleman continued on,
“Many of us have taken a class called Child Abuse and Neglect. This course opened
my eyes to the hardships children face everyday.”
Koleman is currently a junior and hopes to work in law or health
administration.
As a family support worker for Healthy Families New York, Kathryn Girard
goes to the homes of families who needed guidance and support in hopes of
bettering their families wants and needs.
Girard said: “Child abuse is a very real issue. While many homes I’ve visited
just wanted outside support and community outreach, some of them showed
serious signs of child neglect. It’s heartbreaking to see but I’m glad I’ve been able to
help make a difference in those children’s lives.”
After stopping to take a group picture in front of a “help stop child abuse”
sign, Alexis Vetro president of Sigma Delta Tau sorority said, “There was no way that
we were going to miss this walk.” Prevent Child Abuse America is Sigma Delta Tau’s
national philanthropy, and they put on events throughout the school year in support
of PCAA.
“We’re always doing our best to raise awareness and support. PCAA is a
cause that we hold close to our hearts, and they’ve don’t a great job with combining
information and fun at this year’s walk,” Vetro said.
Working the helping hands coloring station, Christina Rodriguez, a
graduating senior in the HDFR program said, “It’s amazing to see all of these people
show up to support a cause that’s so meaningful. Getting support workers in the
homes of children in need is so important and we’re helping do just that.”
The walk raised an estimated $900 and all proceeds will be donated to PCAA.
Plattsburgh, N.Y. – With blue and sliver pinwheels in hand, the Plattsburgh
community came together the morning of April 23 rd for the second annual Prevent
Child Abuse Walk.
The inside circumference of the Plattsburgh State field house track was set
up with tables from local organizations like Adirondack Helping Hands, The Child
Care Council of the North Country, Healthy Families New York, and the Joint Council
for Economic Opportunities. Along with pamphlets and resource information for
parents and guardians, there were coloring and play stations for the children who
attended the event.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s Human Development and Family Relations Student
Organization organized this year’s walk in conjunction with the Phi Upsilon
Omicron National Honor Society.
HDFR is geared toward anyone who desires to work in the human services
profession. Kenneth Koleman treasurer for the HDFR student organization at
Plattsburgh State said, “By doing this walk and raising money, were coming together
as a campus and community to help combat this issue.” Koleman continued on,
“Many of us have taken a class called Child Abuse and Neglect. This course opened
my eyes to the hardships children face everyday.”
Koleman is currently a junior and hopes to work in law or health
administration.
As a family support worker for Healthy Families New York, Kathryn Girard
goes to the homes of families who needed guidance and support in hopes of
bettering their families wants and needs.
Girard said: “Child abuse is a very real issue. While many homes I’ve visited
just wanted outside support and community outreach, some of them showed
serious signs of child neglect. It’s heartbreaking to see but I’m glad I’ve been able to
help make a difference in those children’s lives.”
After stopping to take a group picture in front of a “help stop child abuse”
sign, Alexis Vetro president of Sigma Delta Tau sorority said, “There was no way that
we were going to miss this walk.” Prevent Child Abuse America is Sigma Delta Tau’s
national philanthropy, and they put on events throughout the school year in support
of PCAA.
“We’re always doing our best to raise awareness and support. PCAA is a
cause that we hold close to our hearts, and they’ve don’t a great job with combining
information and fun at this year’s walk,” Vetro said.
Working the helping hands coloring station, Christina Rodriguez, a
graduating senior in the HDFR program said, “It’s amazing to see all of these people
show up to support a cause that’s so meaningful. Getting support workers in the
homes of children in need is so important and we’re helping do just that.”
The walk raised an estimated $900 and all proceeds will be donated to PCAA.
Why is voter turnout for young voters down?
By Jasely Molina
PLATTSBURGH -- According to the U.S. Census, the voting turnout rate among young adults ages 18-24
within the last decade has decreased to 30.8 percent. The race for presidency in 2016 has
intensified leaving presidential candidacy striving to win the votes of millennials; however, the
low turnout voting rate has left candidates and locals asking themselves: why aren’t enough
young adults voting?
“A lot of young adults just don’t care to keep up with politics. If they do, many feel that
their voices don’t matter,” Plattsburgh Resident Maribel Vitagliani said. Vitagliani is a registered
Democrat. Vitagliani accredits the low turnout rate among young adults to the voting system.
She believes that young adults are discouraged to vote because they cannot directly vote for their
preferred candidate. She also believes that many of these young adults feel that because their
vote is in the hands of a representative, their vote or opinion is not important. “Maybe if we can
electronically vote, it would make things easier for people since they don't have to go out their
way; however, people just have to keep educating and involving themselves in a friendly and
accepting environment,” Vitagliani said.
Operations and Technology Associate Michelle Quimi acknowledges her right to vote;
however, she has decided not to vote. She believes that it would not be fair to exercise her right
to vote because she is not completely informed about politics or the stances held by the
presidential candidates. “I did not want to make a decision because of what I heard other people
say. I did not want to vote because one candidate was a woman or the other was a ‘good fit,’”
Quimi said.
“People have this sense that due to their age, they believe that anything that happens in the
election will not directly affect them. Yet, in this election it’s different. You can tell that the race
is fueling up. Some people may not like the candidates, but four years now, they’ll be impacted
by the laws imposed by the president,” PSU Junior Julian Breyette said. He believes that the low
turnout rate is also a result of confusion. He explained that many young adults are exposed to
political and economic terms; however, they do not have a clear concept of what the terms mean.
According to Breyette, despite the rise of social media and political videos, the lack of education
discourages the young adults to vote. Breyette, however, intends on voting in this year’s general
election.
“There was actually a huge increase [in voting turnout] in that age group,” Democrat
Commissioner of the Clinton County Board of Elections Mary Dyer said. “There were deadlines
and registrations imposed by the state. Although a lot of these people didn’t meet requirements,
they were registered to vote.” Dyer said that the voting booths were very busy during the NY
primaries and were as busy as a general election. Dyer accredits this voter turnout among young
adults to the presidential candidates. She believes that the presidential candidates are eclectic and
“hit all spectrums of this age group.” Dyer anticipates that the general election will have the
same turnout as it did during the NY primary.
Social media has made efforts to encourage young voters to go out and vote. Tumblr, a
free microblogging and social network website, has a spotlight page that allows users to easily
find links that relate to current events, campaign updates, statistics and political experts. This
ensures that young voters have accurate sources to rely on and the accurate information on the
presidential candidates.
Facebook has set reminders for online users. Users are giving the option of placing a
template on their status that states that they are currently watching a political debate. This can
encourage the person’s followers to be on top of trends and actually watch the debate. The
Washington Post has also collaborated with Facebook to show behind-the- scenes footage of the
March 9th Democratic presidential debate.
For the NY primary, Bernie Sanders purchased geofilters from Snapchat, which is an image
and video messaging phone application. Snapchat allows users to take photos and place filters
on them. One of the filters read “You’re Up, NY! Vote for Bernie today!”
Local campaign groups in the North Country have also created pages dedicated to gathering
residents in neighboring counties to help promote their preferred candidate.
It is still unknown whether millennials will decide to vote for the general election in
November; however, it is clear that with the millennials outnumbering the Baby Boomer
population, an increase in turnout from the millennials could potentially sway the vote for the
presidential candidates.
PLATTSBURGH -- According to the U.S. Census, the voting turnout rate among young adults ages 18-24
within the last decade has decreased to 30.8 percent. The race for presidency in 2016 has
intensified leaving presidential candidacy striving to win the votes of millennials; however, the
low turnout voting rate has left candidates and locals asking themselves: why aren’t enough
young adults voting?
“A lot of young adults just don’t care to keep up with politics. If they do, many feel that
their voices don’t matter,” Plattsburgh Resident Maribel Vitagliani said. Vitagliani is a registered
Democrat. Vitagliani accredits the low turnout rate among young adults to the voting system.
She believes that young adults are discouraged to vote because they cannot directly vote for their
preferred candidate. She also believes that many of these young adults feel that because their
vote is in the hands of a representative, their vote or opinion is not important. “Maybe if we can
electronically vote, it would make things easier for people since they don't have to go out their
way; however, people just have to keep educating and involving themselves in a friendly and
accepting environment,” Vitagliani said.
Operations and Technology Associate Michelle Quimi acknowledges her right to vote;
however, she has decided not to vote. She believes that it would not be fair to exercise her right
to vote because she is not completely informed about politics or the stances held by the
presidential candidates. “I did not want to make a decision because of what I heard other people
say. I did not want to vote because one candidate was a woman or the other was a ‘good fit,’”
Quimi said.
“People have this sense that due to their age, they believe that anything that happens in the
election will not directly affect them. Yet, in this election it’s different. You can tell that the race
is fueling up. Some people may not like the candidates, but four years now, they’ll be impacted
by the laws imposed by the president,” PSU Junior Julian Breyette said. He believes that the low
turnout rate is also a result of confusion. He explained that many young adults are exposed to
political and economic terms; however, they do not have a clear concept of what the terms mean.
According to Breyette, despite the rise of social media and political videos, the lack of education
discourages the young adults to vote. Breyette, however, intends on voting in this year’s general
election.
“There was actually a huge increase [in voting turnout] in that age group,” Democrat
Commissioner of the Clinton County Board of Elections Mary Dyer said. “There were deadlines
and registrations imposed by the state. Although a lot of these people didn’t meet requirements,
they were registered to vote.” Dyer said that the voting booths were very busy during the NY
primaries and were as busy as a general election. Dyer accredits this voter turnout among young
adults to the presidential candidates. She believes that the presidential candidates are eclectic and
“hit all spectrums of this age group.” Dyer anticipates that the general election will have the
same turnout as it did during the NY primary.
Social media has made efforts to encourage young voters to go out and vote. Tumblr, a
free microblogging and social network website, has a spotlight page that allows users to easily
find links that relate to current events, campaign updates, statistics and political experts. This
ensures that young voters have accurate sources to rely on and the accurate information on the
presidential candidates.
Facebook has set reminders for online users. Users are giving the option of placing a
template on their status that states that they are currently watching a political debate. This can
encourage the person’s followers to be on top of trends and actually watch the debate. The
Washington Post has also collaborated with Facebook to show behind-the- scenes footage of the
March 9th Democratic presidential debate.
For the NY primary, Bernie Sanders purchased geofilters from Snapchat, which is an image
and video messaging phone application. Snapchat allows users to take photos and place filters
on them. One of the filters read “You’re Up, NY! Vote for Bernie today!”
Local campaign groups in the North Country have also created pages dedicated to gathering
residents in neighboring counties to help promote their preferred candidate.
It is still unknown whether millennials will decide to vote for the general election in
November; however, it is clear that with the millennials outnumbering the Baby Boomer
population, an increase in turnout from the millennials could potentially sway the vote for the
presidential candidates.
Color run provides smiles for new and old faces
By Emily Kim
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – It’s the paint, the exploding colors, and the smiles on every
face in the field; it’s the dedication and promotion for healthiness and happiness that
makes the Color Run the single largest event series in the world.
It’s 10 a.m. on April 30
Plattsburgh beings. Colors of blue, pink, green, and yellow cover the area for a second
time. The Color Run is a nationwide 5K run that was founded in 2011 to bring
communities together and promote healthiness and happiness. The City of Plattsburgh
decided to host a Color Run of its own in 2015. The money goes towards Autism Speaks
U, a national organization, with a portion going to the women’s soccer team at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
“We wanted a fun way to raise awareness and raise money for Autism Speaks,
which is helping people who have Autism,” Will Hodge, Secretary of Autism Speaks U
said.
Bringing it back for a second year, more timing and planning had to be made in
order for this year’s turn out to be bigger and better for the community and for the cause.
President Breanna Syslo and Soccer Coach Tania Armellino, oversaw all of the
committees that were created for this event. It has been an ongoing project since the day
after the first year’s run ended.
th and the 2
nd Annual Color Run at Memorial field in
“It’s a years worth of work,” Syslo said. “This semester we have had weekly
meetings to coordinate, as well as large group meetings every month.”
The ultimate goal for the upcoming years in Plattsburgh is for the Color Run to
continue annually. It’s an opportunity for the community of Plattsburgh to come together
and spread knowledge of the issues of autism.
“We are raising the money for the National organization, but more than that, we
are raising awareness,” Hodge said.
People of the community joined together as participants, volunteers, and
supporters to help the cause. It also encourages fitness and health, in which participants
can run for five miles while being splattered on with paint, creating an exciting and
colorful victory at the finish line.
Nicole Rescigno, participant, said, “It was overall a great experience, especially
because it was not a timed event with any winners or prizes.”
It’s refreshing for people when they can be a part of something that doesn’t
consist of physical prizes and titles. The Color Run gives the ultimate prize: individual
happiness.
Some people like Rescigno, come to the Color Run for the health and happiness
aspect, while others, come because of personal relations with autism. Hodge became a
member of Autism Speaks U because of his cousin. He grew up with autism and Hodge
and his mother took care of him for a couple of years. His cousin’s development skills
were slow, and so Hodge’s mother helped him learn how to speak more, develop social
skills, and other things that people with autism are not able to learn as well as people
without it.
“I am a part of this club for him to get the services he needs,” Hodge said.
It’s an event with incredible scenery. People are smiling different colors while
exchanging laughs and comments about how the paint looks on their white tshirt.
Claire Murphy, a volunteer, got to experience how much joy and fun this event
gives to the community as it was her first time at a Color Run. She was stationed behind
the Plattsburgh High School and was in charge of throwing purple powder over the
runners. She encourages people to volunteer for this event and is eager to come back
another year to throw more colors and watch the runners enjoy the event as much as she
did.
“It gets a lot of the students excited to volunteer for it because it’s so much fun
and it also gets the entire community together because there are not only students that run
in it, but also families,” Murphy said.
Serena Thomaidis, participant, is a big supporter of the Color Run. She’s moved
around a lot in her lifetime and has gone to different Color Runs. This was her first time
going to this event in Plattsburgh, and she had no complaints. Like others, she has a
personal connection with autism, and with this Color Run donating to the cause,
Thomaidis had a deeper appreciation to the event.
“I run for awareness and for love and support,” Thomaidis said.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – It’s the paint, the exploding colors, and the smiles on every
face in the field; it’s the dedication and promotion for healthiness and happiness that
makes the Color Run the single largest event series in the world.
It’s 10 a.m. on April 30
Plattsburgh beings. Colors of blue, pink, green, and yellow cover the area for a second
time. The Color Run is a nationwide 5K run that was founded in 2011 to bring
communities together and promote healthiness and happiness. The City of Plattsburgh
decided to host a Color Run of its own in 2015. The money goes towards Autism Speaks
U, a national organization, with a portion going to the women’s soccer team at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
“We wanted a fun way to raise awareness and raise money for Autism Speaks,
which is helping people who have Autism,” Will Hodge, Secretary of Autism Speaks U
said.
Bringing it back for a second year, more timing and planning had to be made in
order for this year’s turn out to be bigger and better for the community and for the cause.
President Breanna Syslo and Soccer Coach Tania Armellino, oversaw all of the
committees that were created for this event. It has been an ongoing project since the day
after the first year’s run ended.
th and the 2
nd Annual Color Run at Memorial field in
“It’s a years worth of work,” Syslo said. “This semester we have had weekly
meetings to coordinate, as well as large group meetings every month.”
The ultimate goal for the upcoming years in Plattsburgh is for the Color Run to
continue annually. It’s an opportunity for the community of Plattsburgh to come together
and spread knowledge of the issues of autism.
“We are raising the money for the National organization, but more than that, we
are raising awareness,” Hodge said.
People of the community joined together as participants, volunteers, and
supporters to help the cause. It also encourages fitness and health, in which participants
can run for five miles while being splattered on with paint, creating an exciting and
colorful victory at the finish line.
Nicole Rescigno, participant, said, “It was overall a great experience, especially
because it was not a timed event with any winners or prizes.”
It’s refreshing for people when they can be a part of something that doesn’t
consist of physical prizes and titles. The Color Run gives the ultimate prize: individual
happiness.
Some people like Rescigno, come to the Color Run for the health and happiness
aspect, while others, come because of personal relations with autism. Hodge became a
member of Autism Speaks U because of his cousin. He grew up with autism and Hodge
and his mother took care of him for a couple of years. His cousin’s development skills
were slow, and so Hodge’s mother helped him learn how to speak more, develop social
skills, and other things that people with autism are not able to learn as well as people
without it.
“I am a part of this club for him to get the services he needs,” Hodge said.
It’s an event with incredible scenery. People are smiling different colors while
exchanging laughs and comments about how the paint looks on their white tshirt.
Claire Murphy, a volunteer, got to experience how much joy and fun this event
gives to the community as it was her first time at a Color Run. She was stationed behind
the Plattsburgh High School and was in charge of throwing purple powder over the
runners. She encourages people to volunteer for this event and is eager to come back
another year to throw more colors and watch the runners enjoy the event as much as she
did.
“It gets a lot of the students excited to volunteer for it because it’s so much fun
and it also gets the entire community together because there are not only students that run
in it, but also families,” Murphy said.
Serena Thomaidis, participant, is a big supporter of the Color Run. She’s moved
around a lot in her lifetime and has gone to different Color Runs. This was her first time
going to this event in Plattsburgh, and she had no complaints. Like others, she has a
personal connection with autism, and with this Color Run donating to the cause,
Thomaidis had a deeper appreciation to the event.
“I run for awareness and for love and support,” Thomaidis said.
Half marathon brings runners, support.
By Kristen Suarez
Plattsburgh, N.Y. — On Saturday morning the streets were filled with screaming
fans as hundreds of runners made their way to the U.S Oval during the 7 th annual
Plattsburgh Half Marathon.
“Running 13.1 miles with hundreds of people by your side and amazing friends
and strangers cheering you on brings an indescribable sense of euphoria,” Christina
Niglia, half marathon runner, said.
The runners met at 7:30 a.m at the City Recreation Center. Seven hundred people
lined up to begin the race at the Oval that overlooks the lakeshore. Everyone seemed
calm but eager to start the race they had been training hard for.
“The hardest part of the marathon was keeping up with the twelve weeks of
training and preparation, while balancing work, school, and a social life,” Meghan
Giacalone, half marathon runner, said.
Every two miles volunteers handed out water and Gatorade to sweaty runners
pushing to the finish.
“The SUNY Plattsburgh soccer team volunteered and handed water and Gatorade
to the runners at the 6 mile mark, and we did our best to cheer them on and keep them
running,” Max Delavalle, volunteer, said.
The marathon has raised over $200,000 for Team Fox for Parkinson's Research
charity since the start of the event back in 2010. The race takes runners along the Saranac
River, through SUNY Plattsburgh campus, and along Lake Champlain.
Delavalle was inspired by the amount of young kids running the race with their
parents. He says that it was amazing to watch them accomplish something so difficult at
such a young age.
“It made me want to go out and run a half marathon myself,” Delavalle said.
During the final loop runners head back towards Bridge Street, and crossed over the
bridge over the Saranac River for the second time, towards the U.S Oval where the finish
line awaits them.
At the end of the race people stand waiting for their loved ones to finish strong.
Music is playing loud, and the energy is high as the race is about to come to an end. Not
even the rain can stop the excitement of the race.
“I knew how hard my friends trained for this marathon, and watching them cross
was extremely emotional. We just held each other and cried,” Erin Kelly, supporter, said.
Supporters banged cowbells, and embraced the runners after they finished the
13.1-mile race.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions because of how many of our friends came to
cheer us on,” Emily Bida, half marathon
runner, said.
As soon as runners crossed the finish line they
received a water bottle, medal, t-shirt, and
goodie bag for their accomplishment. Inside
the bag was a pint glass that allowed them to
receive a free drink at Olive Ridly’s, a local
bar/restaurant, along with discounted food.
Emily Bida, Christina Niglia, Meghan Giacalone. All seniors
at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Runners, and supporters gathered inside the City Recreation center waiting on line
for their oranges, pizza, and hero’s. The big race was over, and now it was time to
celebrate.
“Crossing the finish line as the people I loved cheered me on was symbolic and
empowering. This race showed me the power my mind has over my body and I can't wait
to one day run a full marathon just to prove I can,” Niglia said.
Plattsburgh, N.Y. — On Saturday morning the streets were filled with screaming
fans as hundreds of runners made their way to the U.S Oval during the 7 th annual
Plattsburgh Half Marathon.
“Running 13.1 miles with hundreds of people by your side and amazing friends
and strangers cheering you on brings an indescribable sense of euphoria,” Christina
Niglia, half marathon runner, said.
The runners met at 7:30 a.m at the City Recreation Center. Seven hundred people
lined up to begin the race at the Oval that overlooks the lakeshore. Everyone seemed
calm but eager to start the race they had been training hard for.
“The hardest part of the marathon was keeping up with the twelve weeks of
training and preparation, while balancing work, school, and a social life,” Meghan
Giacalone, half marathon runner, said.
Every two miles volunteers handed out water and Gatorade to sweaty runners
pushing to the finish.
“The SUNY Plattsburgh soccer team volunteered and handed water and Gatorade
to the runners at the 6 mile mark, and we did our best to cheer them on and keep them
running,” Max Delavalle, volunteer, said.
The marathon has raised over $200,000 for Team Fox for Parkinson's Research
charity since the start of the event back in 2010. The race takes runners along the Saranac
River, through SUNY Plattsburgh campus, and along Lake Champlain.
Delavalle was inspired by the amount of young kids running the race with their
parents. He says that it was amazing to watch them accomplish something so difficult at
such a young age.
“It made me want to go out and run a half marathon myself,” Delavalle said.
During the final loop runners head back towards Bridge Street, and crossed over the
bridge over the Saranac River for the second time, towards the U.S Oval where the finish
line awaits them.
At the end of the race people stand waiting for their loved ones to finish strong.
Music is playing loud, and the energy is high as the race is about to come to an end. Not
even the rain can stop the excitement of the race.
“I knew how hard my friends trained for this marathon, and watching them cross
was extremely emotional. We just held each other and cried,” Erin Kelly, supporter, said.
Supporters banged cowbells, and embraced the runners after they finished the
13.1-mile race.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions because of how many of our friends came to
cheer us on,” Emily Bida, half marathon
runner, said.
As soon as runners crossed the finish line they
received a water bottle, medal, t-shirt, and
goodie bag for their accomplishment. Inside
the bag was a pint glass that allowed them to
receive a free drink at Olive Ridly’s, a local
bar/restaurant, along with discounted food.
Emily Bida, Christina Niglia, Meghan Giacalone. All seniors
at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Runners, and supporters gathered inside the City Recreation center waiting on line
for their oranges, pizza, and hero’s. The big race was over, and now it was time to
celebrate.
“Crossing the finish line as the people I loved cheered me on was symbolic and
empowering. This race showed me the power my mind has over my body and I can't wait
to one day run a full marathon just to prove I can,” Niglia said.
Domestic abuse has warning signs
By Eve Barnofsky
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — He controlled everything about her, how to dress, who to hang out
with and how to act. Keryn Ketterer did not want to admit it at the time but her boyfriend was
becoming abusive.
“I know most people know the obvious signs, and I guess I did too. I just didn't want to
believe them.” Ketterer said.
He was older than Ketterer, she was 16 and he was 22 when they first meet. They meet
through a mutual friend and were attracted to each other immediately.
Ketterer didn’t tell her parents because she knew that they would not approve so they
kept its secret. As they got more serious things started to change.
“He pressured me, made me insecure and basically broke me mentally.” Ketterer said.
According to the United States Department of Justice they define domestic violence as
“A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain
power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual,
emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.
This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize,
coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”
Domestic violence can affect one out of four women with in their life time.
Sage Lewandowski was also in a abusive relationship for over two years. They were
inseparable at the beginning of the relationship but then things started to change.
“The closeness became suffocating for both of us and things such as common courtesy
and respect weren't a part of our relationship anymore.” Lewandowski said.
He controlled her, she was not allowed to see her friends or family because he didn't want
her to.
“No hurtful words were spared on his end, he took every opportunity to physically
overpower me. When it came to money he had no respect for what I had earned, he just took it.
He said he would pay me back, but I never saw any of that money again.” Lewandowski said.
Jane Colquhoun, is a private practice therapist. Colquhoun specializes in helping patients
deal with past traumas of abuse.
Colquhoun uses a special therapy technique called, eye movement desensitization and
reprocessing, or EMDR. It is a fairly new technique, it is a bilateral therapy, which is the
stimulation and coordination of the right and left body through eye movement. It helps patients
deal with past traumas.
“The body has memory and when a traumatic event happens the body still remembers it,
so the approach is revolved around the mind and body to resolving the trauma.” Colquhoun said.
Working with people who have been abused in the past Colquhoun feels that EMDR has
been very helpful in working with people.
“Often with the EMDR work it’s about letting yourself sit with what happened and kind
of facing it. You begin to realize the true messages, that you didn't do anything thing wrong, that
there was something wrong with your abuser and not you.” Colquhoun said.
Amaris Amos, a nurse who has dealt with domestic violence before, has dealt with
victims before they get to the stage of therapy.
“Once I saw a lady who had a dislocated shoulder, but she also had bruises on her arms
and neck. She said she had fell down the stairs but the bruises looked over a week old and the
shoulder injury was from that day.” Amos said.
Amos says as a nurse the tell tale signs of abuse is multiply injuries that are recent and
old. Sometimes there aren't physical injuries. Which Amos says is harder to know if they are
being abused because they have to tell you personally.
“The best thing to is to listen and watch closely to how he or she acts when you ask
certain questions. Sometimes patients are nervous, or if their partner is there, they are jumpy
around them.” Amos said.
If Amos is to find out that they are being abused she is to not leave them alone and to
perform a physical consult.
In the cases of adults she is to ask if they want to press charges but in the case for
children she is to immediately to contact the police to start an investigation.
“If someone asked me to identify the red flags of an abusive relationship, I would tell
them that they are the lack of basic respect by your partner, more than one physical altercation
and the constant draining of your resources and support.” Lewandowski said.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — He controlled everything about her, how to dress, who to hang out
with and how to act. Keryn Ketterer did not want to admit it at the time but her boyfriend was
becoming abusive.
“I know most people know the obvious signs, and I guess I did too. I just didn't want to
believe them.” Ketterer said.
He was older than Ketterer, she was 16 and he was 22 when they first meet. They meet
through a mutual friend and were attracted to each other immediately.
Ketterer didn’t tell her parents because she knew that they would not approve so they
kept its secret. As they got more serious things started to change.
“He pressured me, made me insecure and basically broke me mentally.” Ketterer said.
According to the United States Department of Justice they define domestic violence as
“A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain
power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual,
emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.
This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize,
coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”
Domestic violence can affect one out of four women with in their life time.
Sage Lewandowski was also in a abusive relationship for over two years. They were
inseparable at the beginning of the relationship but then things started to change.
“The closeness became suffocating for both of us and things such as common courtesy
and respect weren't a part of our relationship anymore.” Lewandowski said.
He controlled her, she was not allowed to see her friends or family because he didn't want
her to.
“No hurtful words were spared on his end, he took every opportunity to physically
overpower me. When it came to money he had no respect for what I had earned, he just took it.
He said he would pay me back, but I never saw any of that money again.” Lewandowski said.
Jane Colquhoun, is a private practice therapist. Colquhoun specializes in helping patients
deal with past traumas of abuse.
Colquhoun uses a special therapy technique called, eye movement desensitization and
reprocessing, or EMDR. It is a fairly new technique, it is a bilateral therapy, which is the
stimulation and coordination of the right and left body through eye movement. It helps patients
deal with past traumas.
“The body has memory and when a traumatic event happens the body still remembers it,
so the approach is revolved around the mind and body to resolving the trauma.” Colquhoun said.
Working with people who have been abused in the past Colquhoun feels that EMDR has
been very helpful in working with people.
“Often with the EMDR work it’s about letting yourself sit with what happened and kind
of facing it. You begin to realize the true messages, that you didn't do anything thing wrong, that
there was something wrong with your abuser and not you.” Colquhoun said.
Amaris Amos, a nurse who has dealt with domestic violence before, has dealt with
victims before they get to the stage of therapy.
“Once I saw a lady who had a dislocated shoulder, but she also had bruises on her arms
and neck. She said she had fell down the stairs but the bruises looked over a week old and the
shoulder injury was from that day.” Amos said.
Amos says as a nurse the tell tale signs of abuse is multiply injuries that are recent and
old. Sometimes there aren't physical injuries. Which Amos says is harder to know if they are
being abused because they have to tell you personally.
“The best thing to is to listen and watch closely to how he or she acts when you ask
certain questions. Sometimes patients are nervous, or if their partner is there, they are jumpy
around them.” Amos said.
If Amos is to find out that they are being abused she is to not leave them alone and to
perform a physical consult.
In the cases of adults she is to ask if they want to press charges but in the case for
children she is to immediately to contact the police to start an investigation.
“If someone asked me to identify the red flags of an abusive relationship, I would tell
them that they are the lack of basic respect by your partner, more than one physical altercation
and the constant draining of your resources and support.” Lewandowski said.
By Sean Messier
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Bill Colquhoun is a relatively well-connected name in the
Plattsburgh community, according to his friends, such as Peru High School Math Teacher Lin
Chen. But before Colquhoun moved to Plattsburgh, retired, and began a portrait-drawing hobby
group, he led a life that took him across the country and through a variety of careers.
Colquhoun was born on Long Island, but moved to Stamford, Connecticut age 10, where
his father joined a yachting club that Colquhoun described as the start of one of his most
formative interests: tennis. The club had a tennis team, and it is when he joined this team that he
discovered his passion for the sport, which he plays to this day in Plattsburgh with a plethora of
community members. Part of the reason for this passion was the calling in of then MIT Tennis
Coach Ed Crocker, who Colquhoun described simply as “a wonderful person.” Colquhoun
explained that under Crocker’s guidance, the team improved leaps and bounds, effortlessly
winning regional competitions.
His experience on the tennis team was more than just enjoyment, too, he said. There is a
lot to be learned about life and about people through tennis, Colquhoun said, including the
concept that some people will always play more fairly than others.
By the time high school came around, teachers noticed Colquhoun’s shyness and broke
the news to his parents that they did not feel he measured up as college material, so he was sent
to a technical school for the remainder of his high school years.
Colquhoun defied the warnings of those teachers with ease, however, showing
exceptional academic aptitude and getting accepted into Cornell University, McGill University,
and John Hopkins University, among others – though his final choice was John Hopkins, where
he entered as an oceanography major.
Colquhoun bounced around multiple ideas for a college career, including journalism, but
realized he excelled at scientific research, which he eventually chose as the focus for his
academic career, eventually graduating and moving on to undertake graduate school at
Rockefeller University and Princeton University.
Post-graduation, he got a job as an electron microscopist at the University of
Pennsylvania – a career that he would be a large part of his life. He only held this particular
position for a year, though, before deciding that the need to travel the country and see what it had
to offer outweighed the need to stay in one place with one job.
So he headed to the Florida Keys, where he experienced what he described as one of the
scariest moments of his life after being asked by an acquaintance to crew on a sailing ship.
Everything was going smoothly until one day, Colquhoun said, when a crewmate,
looking quite sick, motioned for Colquhoun to glance at the sky behind him. The horizon was
unnaturally dark and stormy; the crew had met a hurricane.
Luckily for Colquhoun and the rest of the crew, the ship had a large anchor, and with its
aid, they managed to ride out the hurricane for a day and a half before being picked up by a
helicopter and transported back to the Keys.
After this nerve-wracking situation, Colquhoun decided it was time to see what the rest of
the country had to offer, so he headed west. After a lengthy trip that involved a particularly
strange experience of driving over a road covered in snakes due to flooding in Alabama,
Colquhoun eventually found himself in California. Here, he met two important figures in his life:
Connie Mason, who became his girlfriend for a time and increased his already somewhat present
interest in the arts, and Zeke, who Colquhoun described as a small, yet comically dominant dog
who became an important pet and instilled in him a love for animals.
After the stint in California, the couple headed to the University of Oregon, where
Colquhoun intended to seek out another job as an electron microscopist. Upon arrival at the
university, Colquhoun said, he was decidedly grubby after the time spent traveling, and his
original plan was to simply ask for a catalog, then clean up, then return to seek an interview.
But the university employee that he asked for a catalog immediately introduced him to
the man in charge of jobs, who mentioned that all the janitorial positions had been
filled. Colquhoun made it clear that he had his sights set just a bit higher, and luckily, it appeared
there was an open position. Colquhoun was soon hired, and spent 6 years with the position, aside
from taking a 1-year break to help a friend build a house in Maine.
This was also the time where Colquhoun’s interest in art advanced greatly. He took
classes in art at a local community college, he said, and particularly worked in sculpture and
metalworking, with the latter being a solid source of money for him at the time.
His departure from Oregon was triggered by art, too, when the city of Eugene held an art
gathering where famed artists were invited and given $10,000 to produce a piece for the city.
Colquhoun said that most of the artists ended up drinking the money away, but one in particular
was successful — and ended up influencing Bill’s decision to head back to the east coast.
Multiple plans to study art on the east coast fell through, though, so Colquhoun found
himself leaving a short stay in Boston for another new job, this time in line with his original
scientific interests, at SUNY Albany.
While this job had its benefits, he said, including the ability to do a lot of his own
research, Colquhoun eventually decided that his work was going largely undervalued, and after 8
years, left to become a technical writer. While pursuing this career, he did a variety of jobs
including but not limited to editing a book written by a medium that predicted a number of future
calamities. Colquhoun noted that none of the predictions came true, but he did get paid for the
job. He continued technical writing with a position at the SUNY Research Foundation, but after
having some problems with a boss that showed preferential treatment, he jumped ship before
perusing the final sector of his career path in web design and programming for New York Legal
Publishing Corporation. He soon moved to the Plattsburgh area, where he continued this job
remotely until his retirement.
And for now, much of his time is spent playing tennis, leading the aforementioned
portrait group, which meets at the Champlain Wine Co. to draw portraits of willing volunteers,
gardening, and building relationships with community figures through these activities.
Champlain Wine Company co-owner Colin Read has only known Colquhoun for a year,
but lauds his organization and said he has a knack for keeping his group active and the members
interested.
Portrait group member Mary Hinsman described him as both nice and fair, with the latter
hearkening back to the lessons Colquhoun learned during his years playing tennis. She
mentioned that he is socially inclined and easily befriends locals through his kindness.
. Colquhoun said he often donates food locally, and is interested, after developing a love
for animals, in trying to make the portrait group a vessel for donations to the local animal shelter.
After much of his life was spent during turbulent years of war, particularly his Vietnam-era
youth, Colquhoun said he now tries to spend his time as peacefully as possible.
“So here I am doing nothing but peaceful art, hopefully not hurting anyone,” Colquhoun
said.
And based on Lin Chen and Mary Hinsman’s depictions of Colquhoun as an
indispensable, selfless friend and community staple, he’s seeing achieving these wishes with
ease.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Bill Colquhoun is a relatively well-connected name in the
Plattsburgh community, according to his friends, such as Peru High School Math Teacher Lin
Chen. But before Colquhoun moved to Plattsburgh, retired, and began a portrait-drawing hobby
group, he led a life that took him across the country and through a variety of careers.
Colquhoun was born on Long Island, but moved to Stamford, Connecticut age 10, where
his father joined a yachting club that Colquhoun described as the start of one of his most
formative interests: tennis. The club had a tennis team, and it is when he joined this team that he
discovered his passion for the sport, which he plays to this day in Plattsburgh with a plethora of
community members. Part of the reason for this passion was the calling in of then MIT Tennis
Coach Ed Crocker, who Colquhoun described simply as “a wonderful person.” Colquhoun
explained that under Crocker’s guidance, the team improved leaps and bounds, effortlessly
winning regional competitions.
His experience on the tennis team was more than just enjoyment, too, he said. There is a
lot to be learned about life and about people through tennis, Colquhoun said, including the
concept that some people will always play more fairly than others.
By the time high school came around, teachers noticed Colquhoun’s shyness and broke
the news to his parents that they did not feel he measured up as college material, so he was sent
to a technical school for the remainder of his high school years.
Colquhoun defied the warnings of those teachers with ease, however, showing
exceptional academic aptitude and getting accepted into Cornell University, McGill University,
and John Hopkins University, among others – though his final choice was John Hopkins, where
he entered as an oceanography major.
Colquhoun bounced around multiple ideas for a college career, including journalism, but
realized he excelled at scientific research, which he eventually chose as the focus for his
academic career, eventually graduating and moving on to undertake graduate school at
Rockefeller University and Princeton University.
Post-graduation, he got a job as an electron microscopist at the University of
Pennsylvania – a career that he would be a large part of his life. He only held this particular
position for a year, though, before deciding that the need to travel the country and see what it had
to offer outweighed the need to stay in one place with one job.
So he headed to the Florida Keys, where he experienced what he described as one of the
scariest moments of his life after being asked by an acquaintance to crew on a sailing ship.
Everything was going smoothly until one day, Colquhoun said, when a crewmate,
looking quite sick, motioned for Colquhoun to glance at the sky behind him. The horizon was
unnaturally dark and stormy; the crew had met a hurricane.
Luckily for Colquhoun and the rest of the crew, the ship had a large anchor, and with its
aid, they managed to ride out the hurricane for a day and a half before being picked up by a
helicopter and transported back to the Keys.
After this nerve-wracking situation, Colquhoun decided it was time to see what the rest of
the country had to offer, so he headed west. After a lengthy trip that involved a particularly
strange experience of driving over a road covered in snakes due to flooding in Alabama,
Colquhoun eventually found himself in California. Here, he met two important figures in his life:
Connie Mason, who became his girlfriend for a time and increased his already somewhat present
interest in the arts, and Zeke, who Colquhoun described as a small, yet comically dominant dog
who became an important pet and instilled in him a love for animals.
After the stint in California, the couple headed to the University of Oregon, where
Colquhoun intended to seek out another job as an electron microscopist. Upon arrival at the
university, Colquhoun said, he was decidedly grubby after the time spent traveling, and his
original plan was to simply ask for a catalog, then clean up, then return to seek an interview.
But the university employee that he asked for a catalog immediately introduced him to
the man in charge of jobs, who mentioned that all the janitorial positions had been
filled. Colquhoun made it clear that he had his sights set just a bit higher, and luckily, it appeared
there was an open position. Colquhoun was soon hired, and spent 6 years with the position, aside
from taking a 1-year break to help a friend build a house in Maine.
This was also the time where Colquhoun’s interest in art advanced greatly. He took
classes in art at a local community college, he said, and particularly worked in sculpture and
metalworking, with the latter being a solid source of money for him at the time.
His departure from Oregon was triggered by art, too, when the city of Eugene held an art
gathering where famed artists were invited and given $10,000 to produce a piece for the city.
Colquhoun said that most of the artists ended up drinking the money away, but one in particular
was successful — and ended up influencing Bill’s decision to head back to the east coast.
Multiple plans to study art on the east coast fell through, though, so Colquhoun found
himself leaving a short stay in Boston for another new job, this time in line with his original
scientific interests, at SUNY Albany.
While this job had its benefits, he said, including the ability to do a lot of his own
research, Colquhoun eventually decided that his work was going largely undervalued, and after 8
years, left to become a technical writer. While pursuing this career, he did a variety of jobs
including but not limited to editing a book written by a medium that predicted a number of future
calamities. Colquhoun noted that none of the predictions came true, but he did get paid for the
job. He continued technical writing with a position at the SUNY Research Foundation, but after
having some problems with a boss that showed preferential treatment, he jumped ship before
perusing the final sector of his career path in web design and programming for New York Legal
Publishing Corporation. He soon moved to the Plattsburgh area, where he continued this job
remotely until his retirement.
And for now, much of his time is spent playing tennis, leading the aforementioned
portrait group, which meets at the Champlain Wine Co. to draw portraits of willing volunteers,
gardening, and building relationships with community figures through these activities.
Champlain Wine Company co-owner Colin Read has only known Colquhoun for a year,
but lauds his organization and said he has a knack for keeping his group active and the members
interested.
Portrait group member Mary Hinsman described him as both nice and fair, with the latter
hearkening back to the lessons Colquhoun learned during his years playing tennis. She
mentioned that he is socially inclined and easily befriends locals through his kindness.
. Colquhoun said he often donates food locally, and is interested, after developing a love
for animals, in trying to make the portrait group a vessel for donations to the local animal shelter.
After much of his life was spent during turbulent years of war, particularly his Vietnam-era
youth, Colquhoun said he now tries to spend his time as peacefully as possible.
“So here I am doing nothing but peaceful art, hopefully not hurting anyone,” Colquhoun
said.
And based on Lin Chen and Mary Hinsman’s depictions of Colquhoun as an
indispensable, selfless friend and community staple, he’s seeing achieving these wishes with
ease.
Animals get second chance at happy life
By Kevin Morley
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—For about three years now, Ben Sokolovsky, has gone to
the Plattsburgh City Beach every Sunday, weather permitting, to play catch with his
dog Rocky. The dynamic between the dog and his owner is simple: Sokolovsky
throws and Rocky chases.
As the rope that, Sokolovsky crafted himself for specific soaring purposes
flies through the air, Rocky instinctively tracks down the object in stride. However,
there is something peculiar about the stride of Rocky. His front left leg buckles with
every step. This is a result of the neglect Rocky suffered prior to having Sokolovsky
as his owner. Although the catches between the owner and his dog are lively, they
have become shorter and shorter in recent weeks.
The American Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recognizes
April as the Month for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in order to raise
awareness of the issue. According to humanesociety.org, dogs are the more common
victims to animal cruelty, where 64.5 percent of cases involved canines. 25 percent
of those dogs were identified as pit bulls, just like Rocky.
Local shelters such as Elmore SPCA, located in Peru, deal with animals that
have been subjected to neglect and abandonment. According to their website, they
are currently holding 313 dogs alone, 243 cats and six birds. Although the entire
population of this shelter has not been affected by neglect, shelter manager, Rebecca
Burdo has witnessed the effects of the issue.
“Some people are just nasty,” Burdo said. “However, most of the cases we see
are due to a lack of care for the animal rather than abuse.”
In many cases, the neglect is a result of hoarding by the owner. This means
that the owner of the animal has taken on the responsibility of more pets than he or
she can handle. As a result, the animals are malnourished which often leads to
emaciation, where the animal enters a state of being abnormally thin.
This was the case for Rocky. The buckle in his front left leg is a result of
muscle loss from malnourishment. Unfortunately, no veterinarian was able to fully
rehabilitate the leg of the now eight-year- old pit bull. Although Sokolovsky is
saddened by how Rocky was treated before adopting him, it does not stop him from
having a positive outlook on the situation.
“He’s a fighter anyways,” Sokolovsky said. “That’s why I named him Rocky.”
For dogs under similar circumstances as Rocky, the journey from being taken
into the shelter to being released to a home can be a long and tedious one.
According to Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law relating to Cruelty to
Animals, if an animal is subjected to neglect or cruelty, a law officer must bring them
in. At this point, they are considered evidence and must go through the court
system before they can be touched or seen by anyone besides a veterinarian.
According to Burdo, this can sometimes take months.
After the court date passes, the animal is then eligible to be place in a home.
The time this process takes usually depends on the temperament as well as the
breed, when it comes to dogs specifically.
Although dogs may be the most common victims to animal cruelty, wildlife
animals are also struggling, but in different ways. Donna Fletcher, one of the
rehabilitator’s at Elmore, specializes in fawns. For years, Fletcher has been helping
injured fawns return to the wild by easing them into the wilderness. She does so by
putting them in a preliminary enclosure prior to actually entering the forest to
assimilate. Fletcher marks the deer with an ear tag, so she can later see which ones
went on to raise families and fend for themselves.
The fawns are not being physically harmed by anyone in particular or
necessarily neglected in this case, however, new regulations that are being
negotiated by the Department of Environmental Conservation could put the young
deer at risk. The proposal if passed, will make it a law that rehabilitators like
Fletcher will no longer be able to accept wildlife further than 20 miles from her
enclosure.
“It’ll be a shame if the DEC passes that,” Fletcher said. “There are going to be
a lot of fawns that aren’t going to have a safe place to go anymore.”
Fletcher will no longer work with fawns this year as most of her land has
been taken over by poachers.
The SPCA’s mission is, “To provide shelter and comfort to animals in need
that are on their path to finding loving lifetime homes.” Their care is not limited
strictly to neglected dogs like Rocky; it is shared equally from fawns and foxes to
domestic dogs and cats. Every animal deserves a safe place to call home.
As we leave April behind us this calendar year, it is important to remember
the importance of putting a stop to animal cruelty. Mike O’Donnell a student at SUNY
Plattsburgh recognizes this important issue weekly as he volunteers his time to
walk dogs at the Elmore shelter over this past year.
“You know you’re doing something good because some of those dogs were
either abandoned or mistreated,” O’Donnell said. “It’s nice that they can come to a
place like this to feel love. It’s a privilege to walk them.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—For about three years now, Ben Sokolovsky, has gone to
the Plattsburgh City Beach every Sunday, weather permitting, to play catch with his
dog Rocky. The dynamic between the dog and his owner is simple: Sokolovsky
throws and Rocky chases.
As the rope that, Sokolovsky crafted himself for specific soaring purposes
flies through the air, Rocky instinctively tracks down the object in stride. However,
there is something peculiar about the stride of Rocky. His front left leg buckles with
every step. This is a result of the neglect Rocky suffered prior to having Sokolovsky
as his owner. Although the catches between the owner and his dog are lively, they
have become shorter and shorter in recent weeks.
The American Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recognizes
April as the Month for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in order to raise
awareness of the issue. According to humanesociety.org, dogs are the more common
victims to animal cruelty, where 64.5 percent of cases involved canines. 25 percent
of those dogs were identified as pit bulls, just like Rocky.
Local shelters such as Elmore SPCA, located in Peru, deal with animals that
have been subjected to neglect and abandonment. According to their website, they
are currently holding 313 dogs alone, 243 cats and six birds. Although the entire
population of this shelter has not been affected by neglect, shelter manager, Rebecca
Burdo has witnessed the effects of the issue.
“Some people are just nasty,” Burdo said. “However, most of the cases we see
are due to a lack of care for the animal rather than abuse.”
In many cases, the neglect is a result of hoarding by the owner. This means
that the owner of the animal has taken on the responsibility of more pets than he or
she can handle. As a result, the animals are malnourished which often leads to
emaciation, where the animal enters a state of being abnormally thin.
This was the case for Rocky. The buckle in his front left leg is a result of
muscle loss from malnourishment. Unfortunately, no veterinarian was able to fully
rehabilitate the leg of the now eight-year- old pit bull. Although Sokolovsky is
saddened by how Rocky was treated before adopting him, it does not stop him from
having a positive outlook on the situation.
“He’s a fighter anyways,” Sokolovsky said. “That’s why I named him Rocky.”
For dogs under similar circumstances as Rocky, the journey from being taken
into the shelter to being released to a home can be a long and tedious one.
According to Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law relating to Cruelty to
Animals, if an animal is subjected to neglect or cruelty, a law officer must bring them
in. At this point, they are considered evidence and must go through the court
system before they can be touched or seen by anyone besides a veterinarian.
According to Burdo, this can sometimes take months.
After the court date passes, the animal is then eligible to be place in a home.
The time this process takes usually depends on the temperament as well as the
breed, when it comes to dogs specifically.
Although dogs may be the most common victims to animal cruelty, wildlife
animals are also struggling, but in different ways. Donna Fletcher, one of the
rehabilitator’s at Elmore, specializes in fawns. For years, Fletcher has been helping
injured fawns return to the wild by easing them into the wilderness. She does so by
putting them in a preliminary enclosure prior to actually entering the forest to
assimilate. Fletcher marks the deer with an ear tag, so she can later see which ones
went on to raise families and fend for themselves.
The fawns are not being physically harmed by anyone in particular or
necessarily neglected in this case, however, new regulations that are being
negotiated by the Department of Environmental Conservation could put the young
deer at risk. The proposal if passed, will make it a law that rehabilitators like
Fletcher will no longer be able to accept wildlife further than 20 miles from her
enclosure.
“It’ll be a shame if the DEC passes that,” Fletcher said. “There are going to be
a lot of fawns that aren’t going to have a safe place to go anymore.”
Fletcher will no longer work with fawns this year as most of her land has
been taken over by poachers.
The SPCA’s mission is, “To provide shelter and comfort to animals in need
that are on their path to finding loving lifetime homes.” Their care is not limited
strictly to neglected dogs like Rocky; it is shared equally from fawns and foxes to
domestic dogs and cats. Every animal deserves a safe place to call home.
As we leave April behind us this calendar year, it is important to remember
the importance of putting a stop to animal cruelty. Mike O’Donnell a student at SUNY
Plattsburgh recognizes this important issue weekly as he volunteers his time to
walk dogs at the Elmore shelter over this past year.
“You know you’re doing something good because some of those dogs were
either abandoned or mistreated,” O’Donnell said. “It’s nice that they can come to a
place like this to feel love. It’s a privilege to walk them.”
Plattsburgh proactive about clean water
By Alexis Archilla
PLATTSBURGH N.Y. When it comes to our natural source of water, it is vital to make
sure that we are drinking and using the best of the best. But when things go wrong it’s
up to the Water Pollution Control Plant to make sure that the city of Plattsburgh receives
quality water.
Kristofer R. Gushlaw, the assistant chief plant operator sees all the actions that
are made to cleansing the water so that it is accessible for public usage.
“I created a booklet that is a step by step process on how things work” said
Gushlaw.
Not only does he help with assisting the chief operator David Powell but he
maintains stability by making sure that the machinery is working properly and makes
sure that the water is ready for testing.
The Water Pollution Control Plant began running on November 3, 1973. It took
around 3 years to build the plant and averages around 4 million gallons a day. It costed
11,960,000 dollars with close to 7 million given from the Federal and State grant.
There are 7 steps that are broken down, to ensure that the water is safe for the
public. First there is the screening phase, next is grit removal, followed by the low lift
pumping then the primary clarification phase, aeration, disinfection, the sludge
dewatering which is then taken to the laboratory.
This past August the Plattsburgh City Beach had failed a public safety test in
which it took only a couple days till Plattsburgh officials discussed the issue to let people
swim, even though there were people at the beach the day after the testing, a couple
people were ill due to the bacteria and enterococci.
Liz Strzepa, a reporter for WPTZ, mentions that the enterococci and bacteria is
formed from soil runoff and fecal matter. Another reason why it could've been triggered
was due to the warm water and the lack of rain. Robert Asomaning who was there at
the beach at that time remember the unpleasant experience of being there.
“ We didn’t get to go in, which sucked but I saw a couple guys soaking there feet after
the workers told them not too”.
Both Mr. Asomaning and his friend Clay Sherman were not happy when they
couldn’t step foot in the water.
As the water was cleared, Mr. Sherman went back for a nice swim and to soak in
the summer sun. A couple days after he started to notice a gruesome rash growing,
“ I was freaking out, I didn’t know what to do”. Sherman later did what anyone
would do, when the rash didn’t go away. “ I rushed to the hospital because I had gash in
my arm and it kept bothering me, they told me it must of been from the water”.
Later Sherman received antibiotics and his arm was treated, the wound healed
four days later but the doctors told him that it was best for him to stay away from the
water till further notice. It’s safe to say there hasn’t been any other incidents concerning
the closure of the beach due to enterococci. The tests of the beach have helped keep
the public safe and harmless since.
PLATTSBURGH N.Y. When it comes to our natural source of water, it is vital to make
sure that we are drinking and using the best of the best. But when things go wrong it’s
up to the Water Pollution Control Plant to make sure that the city of Plattsburgh receives
quality water.
Kristofer R. Gushlaw, the assistant chief plant operator sees all the actions that
are made to cleansing the water so that it is accessible for public usage.
“I created a booklet that is a step by step process on how things work” said
Gushlaw.
Not only does he help with assisting the chief operator David Powell but he
maintains stability by making sure that the machinery is working properly and makes
sure that the water is ready for testing.
The Water Pollution Control Plant began running on November 3, 1973. It took
around 3 years to build the plant and averages around 4 million gallons a day. It costed
11,960,000 dollars with close to 7 million given from the Federal and State grant.
There are 7 steps that are broken down, to ensure that the water is safe for the
public. First there is the screening phase, next is grit removal, followed by the low lift
pumping then the primary clarification phase, aeration, disinfection, the sludge
dewatering which is then taken to the laboratory.
This past August the Plattsburgh City Beach had failed a public safety test in
which it took only a couple days till Plattsburgh officials discussed the issue to let people
swim, even though there were people at the beach the day after the testing, a couple
people were ill due to the bacteria and enterococci.
Liz Strzepa, a reporter for WPTZ, mentions that the enterococci and bacteria is
formed from soil runoff and fecal matter. Another reason why it could've been triggered
was due to the warm water and the lack of rain. Robert Asomaning who was there at
the beach at that time remember the unpleasant experience of being there.
“ We didn’t get to go in, which sucked but I saw a couple guys soaking there feet after
the workers told them not too”.
Both Mr. Asomaning and his friend Clay Sherman were not happy when they
couldn’t step foot in the water.
As the water was cleared, Mr. Sherman went back for a nice swim and to soak in
the summer sun. A couple days after he started to notice a gruesome rash growing,
“ I was freaking out, I didn’t know what to do”. Sherman later did what anyone
would do, when the rash didn’t go away. “ I rushed to the hospital because I had gash in
my arm and it kept bothering me, they told me it must of been from the water”.
Later Sherman received antibiotics and his arm was treated, the wound healed
four days later but the doctors told him that it was best for him to stay away from the
water till further notice. It’s safe to say there hasn’t been any other incidents concerning
the closure of the beach due to enterococci. The tests of the beach have helped keep
the public safe and harmless since.
Forever young
By Yesenia Reynoso
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — His eyes wandered towards the ceiling as he recollected his thoughts,
thinking intently on what his response would be, the resemblance to the statue of the Thinker
was uncanny, and on his own, David Young became his own work of art.
David Young, who recently turned 35, is a man of many experiences. A father, a son, a
husband and friend, his life has been a journey of many destinations.
From an early age, Young understood what it meant to assume responsibility.
“I grew up very quickly,” Young said. “I helped raise my two brothers and my sister,
although they might not agree.”
Although his siblings might not agree, Martha Ashline, Young’s mother remembers all of
his helpfulness as a kid.
“He was a pretty good kid,” Ashline said. “He helped out a lot and I think because of it
he matured faster.”
“He was always curious, always asking questions, smart for his age,” Ashline said.
This natural curiosity transcended his childhood and spread like wildfire as he was
growing up.
“He would ask me questions, and I would respond as best as possible,” Ashline said. “I
made sure he knew what was what.”
Despite an upbringing that caused him to grow up faster than most, Young never lost his
sense of playfulness and his outgoing nature.
“He was a very outgoing kid,” Ashline said. “One time he and his brother took their
sister’s toys, and threw them out of the second story window, and after, well, they peed on it.”
Young recalls the incident, “it’s a funny story, probably not for my sister though,” Young
said.
DJ, as many of his relatives call him, grew up with a sense of wanting to help others, and
that desire landed him in interesting places.
“Growing up, I was very patriotic,” Young said. “My father was in the Air Force and my
stepdad was in the Navy, so I felt like it was my civic responsibility to give back, so 4 days after
my high school graduation, I joined the Air Force.”
For reasons beyond his control, Young was medically discharged on October 2001.
“I was upset, happy, and relieved all at once,” Young said.
“It was a rough transition for me,” Young said. “There’s no structure in civilian life.
Everything in the Air Force was routine. It was a whole different life.”
This transition would prove to be even more difficult when in 2004 Young was diagnosed
with a tumor the size of a softball in his intestines.
“I had surgery followed by a year of chemotherapy,” Young said. “I had six spinal taps,
and that affected my memory which is why I can’t remember some details.”
This experience affected him in ways that were unprecedented.
“During my chemotherapy, I almost committed suicide,” Young said. “I felt that people
pitied me, and that I was a burden on everyone, and I didn’t want to be; I thought how easy it
could be for me to just end it all.”
“My mom was the person who put it all in perspective for me,” Young said. “I just
remember talking to her and there being a lot of crying.”
For Young’s mother, the experience wasn’t easy either.
“I was scared,” Ashline said. “He looked so sick; he had no hair. I was just so scared.”
His mother was not the only person Young had by his side during that year, he also had
the support and love of his high school sweetheart Mia.
“We had met in eighth grade study hall,” Mia recalled. “My friend introduced us and
later that day he kind of came out of nowhere and pushed me up against my locker, and kissed
me. It was like something out of a movie.”
“We dated on and off for a couple of years and finally one day we ended it for real,” Mia
said.
Both Mia and DJ went their separate ways, but eventually circumstances brought them
together again.
“I was at the hospital one day and I saw his mom,” Mia said. “I asked her about DJ and
she said he was okay and that he was getting chemotherapy, I was so angry, I didn’t know. I sent
him an angry email saying ‘you can’t not tell me things like this’!”
“After that, he gave me his hospital schedule and I was there for him,” Mia said.
At the time, both Mia and DJ were in relationships with other people, and it would be a
while until they finally found themselves willing and able to be together again.
“We took a road trip together to get some of her stuff from where she was living with her
ex, and that road trip is what brought us back together,” Young said; a road trip that neither
would ever forget.
“That road trip was on May 20 th , 2006,” Mia said. “I remember it.”
From then, things changed quite quickly.
“The doctors had told DJ that he couldn’t have kids, and so one day we just decided to
try,” Mia said. “Then, I found out I was pregnant, and I told myself ‘wow so that’s what happens
when you have unprotected sex’.”
“I was super happy, but scared,” Young said. “My children are gifts.”
After finding out about the pregnancy, both Mia and David decided to move up their
timelines, and on June 21 st , 2007, they were married. By November their daughter Eliza was
born.
“My dad is fun, and he plays with us,” Eliza said. “He’s really good at tests.”
Shortly after Eliza’s birth Young returned to work at three jobs to support his family.
Sometime after, Young returned to school at Clinton Community College, first for
nursing and later changed it to human services. The desire to help others was obviously still
there.
While at school at Clinton, Mia became pregnant with their second child, Kellan. In a
matter of time his family of three, became a family of four.
In January 2015, Young quit his job and decided to pursue school full-time. He is now
studying Communications at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I want to be some sort of inspirational speaker,” Young said. “I’ve experienced a lot in
life.”
Young now owns his very own shop.com business, and is at the same time an advocate
for diversity and social justice. His life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today,
whether it’s as a husband, father, student or friend.
“He’s so complex,” Mia said. “There are so many facets to him. He’s an amazing father,”
a statement that his family agrees with.
Kellan, his youngest child believes that he is most like his father, “Except that I’m not
bald,” Kellan joked.
The influence he has on others does not stop at his abilities as a father.
“As a husband, he is amazing,” Mia said. “He loves me in a way I’ve never been loved
and he sees me in a way that I don’t understand.”
A man of many skills, Young has persevered through every obstacle thrown his way, and
has emerged as a man of strength, endurance, and love.
“If there’s one lesson that my life has taught me is don’t be afraid to live and don’t be
afraid to love,” Young said. “Do both as deeply and as powerfully as you can.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — His eyes wandered towards the ceiling as he recollected his thoughts,
thinking intently on what his response would be, the resemblance to the statue of the Thinker
was uncanny, and on his own, David Young became his own work of art.
David Young, who recently turned 35, is a man of many experiences. A father, a son, a
husband and friend, his life has been a journey of many destinations.
From an early age, Young understood what it meant to assume responsibility.
“I grew up very quickly,” Young said. “I helped raise my two brothers and my sister,
although they might not agree.”
Although his siblings might not agree, Martha Ashline, Young’s mother remembers all of
his helpfulness as a kid.
“He was a pretty good kid,” Ashline said. “He helped out a lot and I think because of it
he matured faster.”
“He was always curious, always asking questions, smart for his age,” Ashline said.
This natural curiosity transcended his childhood and spread like wildfire as he was
growing up.
“He would ask me questions, and I would respond as best as possible,” Ashline said. “I
made sure he knew what was what.”
Despite an upbringing that caused him to grow up faster than most, Young never lost his
sense of playfulness and his outgoing nature.
“He was a very outgoing kid,” Ashline said. “One time he and his brother took their
sister’s toys, and threw them out of the second story window, and after, well, they peed on it.”
Young recalls the incident, “it’s a funny story, probably not for my sister though,” Young
said.
DJ, as many of his relatives call him, grew up with a sense of wanting to help others, and
that desire landed him in interesting places.
“Growing up, I was very patriotic,” Young said. “My father was in the Air Force and my
stepdad was in the Navy, so I felt like it was my civic responsibility to give back, so 4 days after
my high school graduation, I joined the Air Force.”
For reasons beyond his control, Young was medically discharged on October 2001.
“I was upset, happy, and relieved all at once,” Young said.
“It was a rough transition for me,” Young said. “There’s no structure in civilian life.
Everything in the Air Force was routine. It was a whole different life.”
This transition would prove to be even more difficult when in 2004 Young was diagnosed
with a tumor the size of a softball in his intestines.
“I had surgery followed by a year of chemotherapy,” Young said. “I had six spinal taps,
and that affected my memory which is why I can’t remember some details.”
This experience affected him in ways that were unprecedented.
“During my chemotherapy, I almost committed suicide,” Young said. “I felt that people
pitied me, and that I was a burden on everyone, and I didn’t want to be; I thought how easy it
could be for me to just end it all.”
“My mom was the person who put it all in perspective for me,” Young said. “I just
remember talking to her and there being a lot of crying.”
For Young’s mother, the experience wasn’t easy either.
“I was scared,” Ashline said. “He looked so sick; he had no hair. I was just so scared.”
His mother was not the only person Young had by his side during that year, he also had
the support and love of his high school sweetheart Mia.
“We had met in eighth grade study hall,” Mia recalled. “My friend introduced us and
later that day he kind of came out of nowhere and pushed me up against my locker, and kissed
me. It was like something out of a movie.”
“We dated on and off for a couple of years and finally one day we ended it for real,” Mia
said.
Both Mia and DJ went their separate ways, but eventually circumstances brought them
together again.
“I was at the hospital one day and I saw his mom,” Mia said. “I asked her about DJ and
she said he was okay and that he was getting chemotherapy, I was so angry, I didn’t know. I sent
him an angry email saying ‘you can’t not tell me things like this’!”
“After that, he gave me his hospital schedule and I was there for him,” Mia said.
At the time, both Mia and DJ were in relationships with other people, and it would be a
while until they finally found themselves willing and able to be together again.
“We took a road trip together to get some of her stuff from where she was living with her
ex, and that road trip is what brought us back together,” Young said; a road trip that neither
would ever forget.
“That road trip was on May 20 th , 2006,” Mia said. “I remember it.”
From then, things changed quite quickly.
“The doctors had told DJ that he couldn’t have kids, and so one day we just decided to
try,” Mia said. “Then, I found out I was pregnant, and I told myself ‘wow so that’s what happens
when you have unprotected sex’.”
“I was super happy, but scared,” Young said. “My children are gifts.”
After finding out about the pregnancy, both Mia and David decided to move up their
timelines, and on June 21 st , 2007, they were married. By November their daughter Eliza was
born.
“My dad is fun, and he plays with us,” Eliza said. “He’s really good at tests.”
Shortly after Eliza’s birth Young returned to work at three jobs to support his family.
Sometime after, Young returned to school at Clinton Community College, first for
nursing and later changed it to human services. The desire to help others was obviously still
there.
While at school at Clinton, Mia became pregnant with their second child, Kellan. In a
matter of time his family of three, became a family of four.
In January 2015, Young quit his job and decided to pursue school full-time. He is now
studying Communications at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I want to be some sort of inspirational speaker,” Young said. “I’ve experienced a lot in
life.”
Young now owns his very own shop.com business, and is at the same time an advocate
for diversity and social justice. His life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today,
whether it’s as a husband, father, student or friend.
“He’s so complex,” Mia said. “There are so many facets to him. He’s an amazing father,”
a statement that his family agrees with.
Kellan, his youngest child believes that he is most like his father, “Except that I’m not
bald,” Kellan joked.
The influence he has on others does not stop at his abilities as a father.
“As a husband, he is amazing,” Mia said. “He loves me in a way I’ve never been loved
and he sees me in a way that I don’t understand.”
A man of many skills, Young has persevered through every obstacle thrown his way, and
has emerged as a man of strength, endurance, and love.
“If there’s one lesson that my life has taught me is don’t be afraid to live and don’t be
afraid to love,” Young said. “Do both as deeply and as powerfully as you can.”
Stuff of nightmares
By Noah Cooperstein
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Auschwitz. Adolf Hitler. Death Camps. Gas Chambers. These
are only a few words that have been implanted into the minds of many but are fully understood
by few. With history often repeating itself, people must learn about tragedies, like that of the
Holocaust, to prevent such horrors of recurring. However, to teach the Holocaust is an emotional
yet beneficial struggle.
Dr. Richard Schaefer, associate professor in history and coordinator of the religious
studies program, believes that studying history and the events that have shaped the course of time
is essential into seeing the full picture.
“You can’t just hear a blurb about something and think you know it. To study history is
to open yourself up to learning complex things,” said Dr. Schaefer. “History and historians aren't
just giving you a script. You are being challenged to think about complex things.”
Many educators of the Holocaust, however, come across various other challenges when
discussing these events.
Dr. Jonathan Slater, associate professor of public relations and director of the Jewish
studies program, Dr. Carol Lipszyc, associate professor of english and Dr. Howard Gontovnick,
adjunct professor of interdisciplinary studies, have found it is often difficult to separate the
personal connection they have when discussing the Holocaust.
“Being the daughter of two survivors, it is integral to who I am and my world view,” said
Dr. Lipszyc. “My father never spoke of it while my mother began speaking to me about it when I
was an adolescent.”
Dr. Slater, who had distant relatives who were affected by the Holocaust, views these
events as an ongoing matter.
“During the Passover Seder we talk about the liberation of Jews. We are taught to speak
of our liberation as it is ongoing,” said Dr. Slater, discussing the story of Passover and the
Exodus from Egypt. “This goes for any period of Jewish history. That is when I think of the
Holocaust, I think about my people being murdered. I could have been there.”
For Dr. Schaefer, the personal connection to the Holocaust is a side that is not often
talked about.
Dr. Schaefer, who is of German background, had two distant uncles that were members
of the SS, the Schutzstaffel, a paramilitary organization under the Nazis.
“When you know that, it makes the Holocaust very personal, but in different way.”
One of the biggest issues that many educators find with teaching the topic is the
Holocaust deniers.
Dr. Schaefer believes that many of the misconceptions and denial comes from what
students and other individuals find on the Internet.
“Something, somewhere is happening. Student’s have a real problem using computers,”
said Dr. Schaefer. “They think just because it appears on a screen, it’s true.”
Dr. Gontovnick notices that some individuals don't see it as something real and thus
leading them to have a hard time in understanding the Holocaust.
“I am amazed at the ignorance that people have towards the Holocaust,” said Dr.
Gontovnick. “A lot of people make assumptions. They don’t understand the greater issue.”
To help students gain a greater understanding of the Holocaust, SUNY Plattsburgh
alongside the Jewish Studies Program, helps the community, both campus as well as local
residents, to understand the observance of Yom Hashoah.
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is internationally recognized and is in
remembrance of those who were affected by the Holocaust. This year the day is recognized on
Thursday, May 5 while the school will hold it’s annual Day of Remembrance event on Tuesday,
May 3rd.
The Day of Remembrance event is held in the Douglas and Evelyne Skopp Holocaust
Memorial Gallery, located in the Feinberg Library.
During the commemoration, there is a feature speaker as well as an exhibit that
showcases a different theme of the Holocaust each year, with this year’s theme being rescue and
resistance.
While all of these educators, who each teach as well as discuss the Holocaust or other
aspects of the Jewish religion, all see a larger meaning on this matter, morality and the human
“We are shaping human beings here to be good citizens and be tolerant. I see a
transformation among the students, that it brings the best out of them,” said Dr. Lipszyc. “They
become more outraged by the injustice of things. It opens them up to being better citizens of any
country. They become more informed.”
Dr. Slater finds that there is an importance of telling the stories and discussing these
events.
“It’s the stuff of nightmares,” said Dr. Slater. “How can you even think of undergoing
something like that? It is so important not to just talk about it, but to teach about it.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Auschwitz. Adolf Hitler. Death Camps. Gas Chambers. These
are only a few words that have been implanted into the minds of many but are fully understood
by few. With history often repeating itself, people must learn about tragedies, like that of the
Holocaust, to prevent such horrors of recurring. However, to teach the Holocaust is an emotional
yet beneficial struggle.
Dr. Richard Schaefer, associate professor in history and coordinator of the religious
studies program, believes that studying history and the events that have shaped the course of time
is essential into seeing the full picture.
“You can’t just hear a blurb about something and think you know it. To study history is
to open yourself up to learning complex things,” said Dr. Schaefer. “History and historians aren't
just giving you a script. You are being challenged to think about complex things.”
Many educators of the Holocaust, however, come across various other challenges when
discussing these events.
Dr. Jonathan Slater, associate professor of public relations and director of the Jewish
studies program, Dr. Carol Lipszyc, associate professor of english and Dr. Howard Gontovnick,
adjunct professor of interdisciplinary studies, have found it is often difficult to separate the
personal connection they have when discussing the Holocaust.
“Being the daughter of two survivors, it is integral to who I am and my world view,” said
Dr. Lipszyc. “My father never spoke of it while my mother began speaking to me about it when I
was an adolescent.”
Dr. Slater, who had distant relatives who were affected by the Holocaust, views these
events as an ongoing matter.
“During the Passover Seder we talk about the liberation of Jews. We are taught to speak
of our liberation as it is ongoing,” said Dr. Slater, discussing the story of Passover and the
Exodus from Egypt. “This goes for any period of Jewish history. That is when I think of the
Holocaust, I think about my people being murdered. I could have been there.”
For Dr. Schaefer, the personal connection to the Holocaust is a side that is not often
talked about.
Dr. Schaefer, who is of German background, had two distant uncles that were members
of the SS, the Schutzstaffel, a paramilitary organization under the Nazis.
“When you know that, it makes the Holocaust very personal, but in different way.”
One of the biggest issues that many educators find with teaching the topic is the
Holocaust deniers.
Dr. Schaefer believes that many of the misconceptions and denial comes from what
students and other individuals find on the Internet.
“Something, somewhere is happening. Student’s have a real problem using computers,”
said Dr. Schaefer. “They think just because it appears on a screen, it’s true.”
Dr. Gontovnick notices that some individuals don't see it as something real and thus
leading them to have a hard time in understanding the Holocaust.
“I am amazed at the ignorance that people have towards the Holocaust,” said Dr.
Gontovnick. “A lot of people make assumptions. They don’t understand the greater issue.”
To help students gain a greater understanding of the Holocaust, SUNY Plattsburgh
alongside the Jewish Studies Program, helps the community, both campus as well as local
residents, to understand the observance of Yom Hashoah.
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is internationally recognized and is in
remembrance of those who were affected by the Holocaust. This year the day is recognized on
Thursday, May 5 while the school will hold it’s annual Day of Remembrance event on Tuesday,
May 3rd.
The Day of Remembrance event is held in the Douglas and Evelyne Skopp Holocaust
Memorial Gallery, located in the Feinberg Library.
During the commemoration, there is a feature speaker as well as an exhibit that
showcases a different theme of the Holocaust each year, with this year’s theme being rescue and
resistance.
While all of these educators, who each teach as well as discuss the Holocaust or other
aspects of the Jewish religion, all see a larger meaning on this matter, morality and the human
“We are shaping human beings here to be good citizens and be tolerant. I see a
transformation among the students, that it brings the best out of them,” said Dr. Lipszyc. “They
become more outraged by the injustice of things. It opens them up to being better citizens of any
country. They become more informed.”
Dr. Slater finds that there is an importance of telling the stories and discussing these
events.
“It’s the stuff of nightmares,” said Dr. Slater. “How can you even think of undergoing
something like that? It is so important not to just talk about it, but to teach about it.”
Color run brings light to autism awareness
By Emily Gregoire
PLATTSBURGH – Gathered behind SUNY
Plattsburgh’s Memorial Hall a large crowd of
runners prepare to set off along the Saranac
River. Each is dressed in white awaiting their chance to be splattered with color for a good cause.
“If you bring awareness to a cause in another way, it makes it memorable,” said Breanna Syslo,
President of Autism Speaks at SUNY Plattsburgh.
The 2 nd annual Color Run/Walk attracted about twice as many people as it did last year. The local Autism
Speaks group at SUNY Plattsburgh is relatively new, but with a little creativity they have been warmfully
welcomed by the Plattsburgh community.
“We are hoping to spread the word,” said Tania Armellino, head women’s soccer coach at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s woman’s soccer team has partnered with the Autism Speaks group last year for the
first Color Run/Walk fundraiser.
Autism Speaks allows families who are affected by autism to have the available resources needed for
positive growth.
“Raising awareness as well as raising money for families is what we try to do. Many families are provided
with assistance for the kinds of therapy and behavioral treatments needed for someone with autism,”
said Molly Fryer, a social work student and member of Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks creates a sense of community within the city of Plattsburgh. Although student clubs and
organizations host the Color Run/Walk, the event is for the community.
“Even teenagers come by, we get to see the families with little children and they are all involved,” said
Elizabeth Paul, member of Autism Speaks.
Along with being a member of Autism Speaks, Paul is a masters’ student in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Special
Education department. Paul has been participating with Autism Speaks since its debut, last year.
Part of Paul’s education requires student teaching. This has allowed Paul to see people affected by
autism in a different light.
“Doing the color run helps to bring awareness on the topic of autism,” said Jillian Conway, member of
Autism Speaks.
Like Paul, Conway is also a masters’ student in the Special Education program.
For the past 3 years Conway has worked at Whiteface Mountain, where she encountered a child on the
autism spectrum whom she admired so much. Having a personal connection with autism only motivates
Paul, Conway and Fryer even more in their professional lives.
“Being a part of Autism Speaks means that we are helping the community and we are raising awareness
and it’s on a major issue that affects many people,” said William Hodge, secretary of SUNY Plattsburgh’s
Autism Speaks.
It has been about a year that Hodge has been involved in the Autism Speaks group. Hodge noted the
turn out this year had nearly doubled from the year before.
Syslo, as president of Autism Speaks, was high energy and had many things going on all at once.
“My favorite part though, is all the fun that comes with it,” Syslo said.
PLATTSBURGH – Gathered behind SUNY
Plattsburgh’s Memorial Hall a large crowd of
runners prepare to set off along the Saranac
River. Each is dressed in white awaiting their chance to be splattered with color for a good cause.
“If you bring awareness to a cause in another way, it makes it memorable,” said Breanna Syslo,
President of Autism Speaks at SUNY Plattsburgh.
The 2 nd annual Color Run/Walk attracted about twice as many people as it did last year. The local Autism
Speaks group at SUNY Plattsburgh is relatively new, but with a little creativity they have been warmfully
welcomed by the Plattsburgh community.
“We are hoping to spread the word,” said Tania Armellino, head women’s soccer coach at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s woman’s soccer team has partnered with the Autism Speaks group last year for the
first Color Run/Walk fundraiser.
Autism Speaks allows families who are affected by autism to have the available resources needed for
positive growth.
“Raising awareness as well as raising money for families is what we try to do. Many families are provided
with assistance for the kinds of therapy and behavioral treatments needed for someone with autism,”
said Molly Fryer, a social work student and member of Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks creates a sense of community within the city of Plattsburgh. Although student clubs and
organizations host the Color Run/Walk, the event is for the community.
“Even teenagers come by, we get to see the families with little children and they are all involved,” said
Elizabeth Paul, member of Autism Speaks.
Along with being a member of Autism Speaks, Paul is a masters’ student in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Special
Education department. Paul has been participating with Autism Speaks since its debut, last year.
Part of Paul’s education requires student teaching. This has allowed Paul to see people affected by
autism in a different light.
“Doing the color run helps to bring awareness on the topic of autism,” said Jillian Conway, member of
Autism Speaks.
Like Paul, Conway is also a masters’ student in the Special Education program.
For the past 3 years Conway has worked at Whiteface Mountain, where she encountered a child on the
autism spectrum whom she admired so much. Having a personal connection with autism only motivates
Paul, Conway and Fryer even more in their professional lives.
“Being a part of Autism Speaks means that we are helping the community and we are raising awareness
and it’s on a major issue that affects many people,” said William Hodge, secretary of SUNY Plattsburgh’s
Autism Speaks.
It has been about a year that Hodge has been involved in the Autism Speaks group. Hodge noted the
turn out this year had nearly doubled from the year before.
Syslo, as president of Autism Speaks, was high energy and had many things going on all at once.
“My favorite part though, is all the fun that comes with it,” Syslo said.
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