By Yesenia Reynoso
Wisconsin is 631 miles away from New York, but its issues hit close to home, especially
the de-funding of Planned Parenthood.
Though Planned Parenthood has not been defunded in the state of NY, other states, like
Wisconsin, actually have stopped funding the organization. So, the question then becomes what
if what happens in Wisconsin happens here?
“Plattsburgh is a college town,” said Ashlee Moschitta, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“A lot of college students use Planned Parenthood services.”
SUNY Plattsburgh has an enrollment of 6,057 students, many which fall between the
ages of 18-24. “If Planned Parenthood was defunded in NY State, then college students who
aren’t properly educated or careful with their sexual lives might lose valuable resources,” said
Joyce’Alyn Payne.
According to the Center for Disease Control, “people ages 15-24 account for half of new
sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, one in four sexually active adolescent females have an
STD.” “With numbers that staggering, it’s hard to imagine students not having access to getting
tested,” said Payne.
Although many feel that cutting Planned Parenthood’s funding will hinder the ability for
many students to access its services, there are those who believe that defunding the organization
is the right thing to do.
“I’ve had arguments with people close to me about Planned Parenthood and its services,”
said SUNY Plattsburgh student Edrwine Prenelon. “A lot of people I know are against Planned
Parenthood because they feel that it promotes promiscuity and because of the abortion services
that they offer.”
“It’s difficult when others have a different set of beliefs than you, because then you are at
odds,” said Reggianie Francois. “I personally know that Planned Parenthood is much more than
just abortion services, however I have family members who are entirely against it because they
believe that abortion is not right, and who am I to tell them what to believe?”
Planned Parenthood was thrown into the forefront of all news outlets, when a video
surfaced allegedly showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal tissue. Two
members of the Center for Medical Progress were later indicted for “tampering with a
governmental record,” according to the New York Times. However, the video has been viewed
millions of times, and its effects are evident.
“You can’t un-see it,” said Payne. “Even though both groups will argue their sides, and
perhaps the truth comes out, in the back of your mind there is still doubt, because of the video.
For that reason it’s understandable why people wouldn’t trust Planned Parenthood, but we need
to dig for the entire truth, and not just the convenient one.”
“It’s definitely one of the most controversial topics being discussed throughout this
country. We even see it discussed throughout many political campaigns,” said Francois.
Many politicians have weighed in and taken a stance on the Planned Parenthood issue,
and that has caused both an uproar in supporters for Planned Parenthood, and an increase in
those against it.
This issue transcends Wisconsin and politics, it’s an issue that affects everyone in our
community. Plattsburgh’s Planned Parenthood office at 66 Brinkerhoff St. has experienced the
protests of those who are against its services, while at the same time receiving praise from those
who have benefited from the organization.
It is more than likely that this will continue to be an issue discussed for some months to
come, and the outcomes are everything but certain. “I want to see what happens here in NY with
Planned Parenthood. I feel that this is a conversation that everyone should take some time to talk
about, because even though you think it does not affect you, it might affect someone you love,”
said Prenelon.
So, where do you stand?
Monday, March 7, 2016
Tanning Salon Makes Customers Fell at Home
By Emily Kim
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.‐‐Anne Gaillette, current owner of Leisure Tan in downtown
Plattsburgh, was able to turn a lifelong dream into reality.
After working as an employee for over 15 years and adjusting to three different
owners, Anne was finally able to buy Leisure Tan and call it her own. By the time she
became owner, she already knew everything about the place inside and out. When the
most previous owner had taken over the store, Jerry, he also had two other businesses that
he owned. He decided to make Anne the manager because of her previous experience
there, and she ended up managing it for four years. It was never the right time for her to
buy the store whenever a current owner wanted to sell it, until Jerry.
“I was at the point in my life where I could do it and I wanted to do it.” Gaillette said. It
was the fact that well okay, if I choose not to buy the business and someone else buys the
business, am I going to want to stay here and once again work for someone else when
really this business has always felt kind of like mine anyways?”
She had never owned a business before and she knew that it would be a tough
decision to make; but with the support of her husband and the amount of love that she
had for the place, she was finally ready to buy.
But it’s as if nothing has changed for her. She’s been the owner for a year and a
half now, but has made Leisure the place that it is with the business that it has for the past
15 years. She has an attitude that is uplifting and welcoming that make customers want to
come back.
“This is the only tanning salon I have been to, but after coming to Leisure Tan and
always being greeted by Anne, I want to come all of the time,” Sabrina Santos said, a
customer at Leisure.
Tanning is something that people enjoy not only for the bronzing color, but also
for the relaxation. So, Gaillette makes sure that her customers feel homey with a nice
atmosphere that will take a little stress off of their days.
“I always felt that going to any tanning salon was a “leisurely” (no pun intended) activity.
And through her bright attitude and décor, going to Leisure Tan salon was the epitome of
relaxation,” Charmaine Sawyer said, a former employee at Leisure Tan.
It’s the way that Anne puts in the greatest amount of effort for the tiniest amount
of detail in order to make the store the best that it could be for her customers. She goes
above and beyond decorating the store from top to bottom, and making cookies,
brownies, and rice crispy treats with the complementary juices and sodas for every
holiday. She even donates to groups and hangs signs up for upcoming events around
town.
“It’s great being able to do something that you love and also feel like your making a little
bit of a difference for someone who’s maybe having a bad and stressful day,” Gaillette
said.
Ask any customer who goes to Leisure Tan if they know whom Anne is and every
one of them will answer with a smiling yes. She wants to be there and she wants to know
that every person who walks into the store is treated with the best service and in the most
caring and positive way.
“Anne always makes me feel welcomed and always has a smile on her face and always
seems so happy to be there. I think that she really loves working there and that’s
amazing,” Haley Treco said, a customer at Leisure Tan.
Anne loves what she does and it reciprocates to the people who come to Leisure.
Her passion and dedication makes going to work something she looks forward to when
she goes to sleep at night.
But taking over a business, whether having done it before or not is a big
responsibility that many people can’t handle. Luckily for Anne, the biggest difference
from when she was an employee to now being the owner are the taxes and the paperwork
that she has to deal with. Besides that, her natural ability to sell and communicate with
people is what gives Leisure Tan the positive name that it has.
“I always was Leisure Tan,” Gaillette said. It’s like a second home to me and it has been
for a long time.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.‐‐Anne Gaillette, current owner of Leisure Tan in downtown
Plattsburgh, was able to turn a lifelong dream into reality.
After working as an employee for over 15 years and adjusting to three different
owners, Anne was finally able to buy Leisure Tan and call it her own. By the time she
became owner, she already knew everything about the place inside and out. When the
most previous owner had taken over the store, Jerry, he also had two other businesses that
he owned. He decided to make Anne the manager because of her previous experience
there, and she ended up managing it for four years. It was never the right time for her to
buy the store whenever a current owner wanted to sell it, until Jerry.
“I was at the point in my life where I could do it and I wanted to do it.” Gaillette said. It
was the fact that well okay, if I choose not to buy the business and someone else buys the
business, am I going to want to stay here and once again work for someone else when
really this business has always felt kind of like mine anyways?”
She had never owned a business before and she knew that it would be a tough
decision to make; but with the support of her husband and the amount of love that she
had for the place, she was finally ready to buy.
But it’s as if nothing has changed for her. She’s been the owner for a year and a
half now, but has made Leisure the place that it is with the business that it has for the past
15 years. She has an attitude that is uplifting and welcoming that make customers want to
come back.
“This is the only tanning salon I have been to, but after coming to Leisure Tan and
always being greeted by Anne, I want to come all of the time,” Sabrina Santos said, a
customer at Leisure.
Tanning is something that people enjoy not only for the bronzing color, but also
for the relaxation. So, Gaillette makes sure that her customers feel homey with a nice
atmosphere that will take a little stress off of their days.
“I always felt that going to any tanning salon was a “leisurely” (no pun intended) activity.
And through her bright attitude and décor, going to Leisure Tan salon was the epitome of
relaxation,” Charmaine Sawyer said, a former employee at Leisure Tan.
It’s the way that Anne puts in the greatest amount of effort for the tiniest amount
of detail in order to make the store the best that it could be for her customers. She goes
above and beyond decorating the store from top to bottom, and making cookies,
brownies, and rice crispy treats with the complementary juices and sodas for every
holiday. She even donates to groups and hangs signs up for upcoming events around
town.
“It’s great being able to do something that you love and also feel like your making a little
bit of a difference for someone who’s maybe having a bad and stressful day,” Gaillette
said.
Ask any customer who goes to Leisure Tan if they know whom Anne is and every
one of them will answer with a smiling yes. She wants to be there and she wants to know
that every person who walks into the store is treated with the best service and in the most
caring and positive way.
“Anne always makes me feel welcomed and always has a smile on her face and always
seems so happy to be there. I think that she really loves working there and that’s
amazing,” Haley Treco said, a customer at Leisure Tan.
Anne loves what she does and it reciprocates to the people who come to Leisure.
Her passion and dedication makes going to work something she looks forward to when
she goes to sleep at night.
But taking over a business, whether having done it before or not is a big
responsibility that many people can’t handle. Luckily for Anne, the biggest difference
from when she was an employee to now being the owner are the taxes and the paperwork
that she has to deal with. Besides that, her natural ability to sell and communicate with
people is what gives Leisure Tan the positive name that it has.
“I always was Leisure Tan,” Gaillette said. It’s like a second home to me and it has been
for a long time.”
Quickly Planned March for Bernie Beyond Successful
By Winta Mebrahati
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - At the Rota Gallery, walls were lined with work by local artists, while racks of clothes and stacks of books, VHS, old kitchen ware and electronics competed for floor space. It's a garage sale where young and old, Canadians and Americans were mingling and purchasing items. They, like thousands across the nation, were preparing to march in support of the presidential candidate from across the lake, Bernie Sanders.
Organized by Wendy Bridges, Adam Guillette and Patty Blanchard, the “March for Bernie” event that started at the Rota Gallery Saturday 27 Feb was a sequel to the “March for Bernie” event held in 35 cities earlier this year. The trio, who had never met before, came together on social media and discussed what they could do to raise awareness in their community.
“We're pretty darn happy [with the turn out] since we've advertised for 8 days only,” Blanchard, a mother of four, said.
Blanchard who used to be a Hillary Clinton supporter, decided to support Sanders instead when she found out about him and his work. She also didn't want to support Clinton solely because she's a woman, Blanchard said.
Guillette on the other hand said that he appreciates the grass root aspect of his campaign, which is one of the many reasons Sanders appeals to many of the younger generation.
“It's very inherent that special interest money is flooding into the political process, and it's corrupting main parties. I feel like he's one of the only people who's willing to say no to that money and rely solely on organizing grassroots democracy and fight back against the power,” Guillette said.
At the gallery, Blanchard waves her hands enthusiastically flashing her blue nails decorated with Bernie Sanders' name and helps people make their way in the crowded room. Blanchard and Guillette said they'd expected around 50 attendants, but more than 200 people showed interest on Facebook and more than three quarter of them came to the Rota Gallery.
Just as they'd hoped, the room was filled with people of all shapes, sizes and ages. One of the many young supporters there to support Bernie was Blanchard's 15-year-old daughter Cera Blanchard.
“He [Sanders] wants to give everyone a chance to survive,” Cera Blanchard said standing behind the Sanders merchandise table with her friend Emily Seymour.
Seymour who hasn't been exposed to politics before said she enjoyed taking in the impressions at the gallery and learning about politics from the Blanchard family.
Patty Blanchard believes that it is important that political awareness starts at a young age. She said she didn't learn about the rules and regulations of voting registration and the elections through school, but through her involvement. Some systems in place, like the Electoral College System, she later found out were outrages. Patty Blanchard said that if she and her peers can not affect change now, she hopes the younger generation will, if made aware of how the system works.
That is one of the reasons the trio decided the march would head toward the Angell College Center and back to the Rota Gallery where college students, and others could register to vote.
Though the organizers were thrilled by the turn out, Patty Blanchard had her concerns given the lack of rules for the march. However, she was surprised by what she saw. The marchers were picking up garbage that wasn't their own and came well-prepared for the march.
“People had packed water bottles, cough drops, tissues and band aids, just in case, and I'm like [those are] Bernie people. We look out for the guy in front of us for the guy behind us and the people on each side of us ...We didn't need to give rules out to anybody. They followed the rules of being human,” Patty Blanchard said.
Local Business Owner Gives Customers Entire Haircut Experience
By Kevin Morley
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.‐ ‐In the modern generation that we live in today, it has become all
too common for people to use their phones as a way to avoid conversation. However, in a time
where conversing with friendly strangers is all too scarce, Karen’s Cuts keeps the conversation
alive.
Karen Nolan has been cutting hair for over fifteen years in Clinton County. Although her
haircuts are the main reason her customers have remained so loyal over the years, her humble
and welcoming personality enhance the haircut experience. Her genuine spirit is exemplified in
her knowing of the exact day she started working; September, 5, 2000.
Nolan’s humble persona stems from her roots as she of being on welfare, before she had
gotten involved in the world of cosmetology. After taking a one‐year program, the rookie
barber was in search of a shop to make a name for herself.
Fast forward to present day and Nolan is now comfortably in her own shop on 30 Broad
Street, Plattsburgh. It is here where she has developed a reputation for her authentic
friendliness. Although her regular’s makeup a majority of her clientele, there are still many
newcomers. An initiation ritual awaits these new customers.
After your first hair cut at Karen’s, in order to go through the initiation process, a
menthol solution is placed on the back of your neck. If it doesn’t tickle your fancy the first time
around, then you don’t have to keep going through with the ritual. But it is non‐negotiable for the
first go.
“It’s definitely become a trademark here,” Deroziere said.
Despite the fact that it may have taken some time for her name to become known as a
trustworthy barber in the Plattsburgh area, Nolan is quick to remember the name of nearly all
of her customers. On the contrary, Nolan does admit to having the rare brain fart lately, which
she
half-jokingly blames on her age.
Nolan has surpassed merely making a name for herself with customers of Plattsburgh
and in fact, befriended an abundance of her clientele. Nolan developed such close bonds with
her customers through her selfless ways. For most, they feel close to Nolan because she is
always willing to lend an ear that will listen to anyone who needs to vent to her. She prides
herself on her ability to keep a secret.
“I feel comfortable here,” Chris Deroziere, a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh said. “I think
the reason for that is Karen. She’s easy going and her conversation just kind of flows with the
barber shop atmosphere.”
For Deroziere, his relationship with Karen remains in the early stages. However, for
Brian and Deann Guimond, their barber‐customer bond runs a little deeper due to the fact that
Nolan was a part of their wedding day. The Guimonds had the shop rented out for the day of
their wedding as Deann only trusted Nolan to do her hair, just as she has for the past five years.
“We overtook her shop for that day,” Deann Guimond said. “It was a really fun time.”
A picture of the couple on their wedding day resides amongst the sea of pictures that
blanket the walls of Nolan’s shop today. The pictures collectively make up a collage of photos
that have been given to Nolan by her adoring customers, who will follow Nolan wherever she
goes.
“I’ve been going to her for over fifteen years,” Brian Guimond said. “She went to one
shop, I followed her there, she came to this shop and I followed her here. She mixes personal
friendliness with professionalism, that’s why I love it and keep coming back.”
Nolan has not always been accustomed to the stalker‐like tendencies of her current
customers. In fact, during her inaugural years of cutting hair, Nolan struggled to fill her chair.
“I didn’t have a clientele base,” Nolan said. “Who was going to sit in my chair?”
Nolan went to work in a small salon for a set 30‐days. However, during her time working
there, she had been offered another opportunity in downtown Plattsburgh. It is there where
she worked for the next nine years of her career. Due to conflicts later in her time there, she
had decided it was both the right time as well as a better business decision to open her own
shop. Nolan who had just climbed her way out of welfare was prepared to take the risk in
herself.
“I never pictured myself as a business owner,” Nolan said. “I had to take a chance in life
and I didn’t think I would make the first months rent. But now it has been almost five years I’ve
been here by myself.”
Nolan is proud of her personal accomplishments, but she is also quick to let others know
that if they have faith in themselves, they too can make changes in their life for the better.
Nolan explains how faith is all you need.
“If you believe, it can happen.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.‐ ‐In the modern generation that we live in today, it has become all
too common for people to use their phones as a way to avoid conversation. However, in a time
where conversing with friendly strangers is all too scarce, Karen’s Cuts keeps the conversation
alive.
Karen Nolan has been cutting hair for over fifteen years in Clinton County. Although her
haircuts are the main reason her customers have remained so loyal over the years, her humble
and welcoming personality enhance the haircut experience. Her genuine spirit is exemplified in
her knowing of the exact day she started working; September, 5, 2000.
Nolan’s humble persona stems from her roots as she of being on welfare, before she had
gotten involved in the world of cosmetology. After taking a one‐year program, the rookie
barber was in search of a shop to make a name for herself.
Fast forward to present day and Nolan is now comfortably in her own shop on 30 Broad
Street, Plattsburgh. It is here where she has developed a reputation for her authentic
friendliness. Although her regular’s makeup a majority of her clientele, there are still many
newcomers. An initiation ritual awaits these new customers.
After your first hair cut at Karen’s, in order to go through the initiation process, a
menthol solution is placed on the back of your neck. If it doesn’t tickle your fancy the first time
around, then you don’t have to keep going through with the ritual. But it is non‐negotiable for the
first go.
“It’s definitely become a trademark here,” Deroziere said.
Despite the fact that it may have taken some time for her name to become known as a
trustworthy barber in the Plattsburgh area, Nolan is quick to remember the name of nearly all
of her customers. On the contrary, Nolan does admit to having the rare brain fart lately, which
she
half-jokingly blames on her age.
Nolan has surpassed merely making a name for herself with customers of Plattsburgh
and in fact, befriended an abundance of her clientele. Nolan developed such close bonds with
her customers through her selfless ways. For most, they feel close to Nolan because she is
always willing to lend an ear that will listen to anyone who needs to vent to her. She prides
herself on her ability to keep a secret.
“I feel comfortable here,” Chris Deroziere, a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh said. “I think
the reason for that is Karen. She’s easy going and her conversation just kind of flows with the
barber shop atmosphere.”
For Deroziere, his relationship with Karen remains in the early stages. However, for
Brian and Deann Guimond, their barber‐customer bond runs a little deeper due to the fact that
Nolan was a part of their wedding day. The Guimonds had the shop rented out for the day of
their wedding as Deann only trusted Nolan to do her hair, just as she has for the past five years.
“We overtook her shop for that day,” Deann Guimond said. “It was a really fun time.”
A picture of the couple on their wedding day resides amongst the sea of pictures that
blanket the walls of Nolan’s shop today. The pictures collectively make up a collage of photos
that have been given to Nolan by her adoring customers, who will follow Nolan wherever she
goes.
“I’ve been going to her for over fifteen years,” Brian Guimond said. “She went to one
shop, I followed her there, she came to this shop and I followed her here. She mixes personal
friendliness with professionalism, that’s why I love it and keep coming back.”
Nolan has not always been accustomed to the stalker‐like tendencies of her current
customers. In fact, during her inaugural years of cutting hair, Nolan struggled to fill her chair.
“I didn’t have a clientele base,” Nolan said. “Who was going to sit in my chair?”
Nolan went to work in a small salon for a set 30‐days. However, during her time working
there, she had been offered another opportunity in downtown Plattsburgh. It is there where
she worked for the next nine years of her career. Due to conflicts later in her time there, she
had decided it was both the right time as well as a better business decision to open her own
shop. Nolan who had just climbed her way out of welfare was prepared to take the risk in
herself.
“I never pictured myself as a business owner,” Nolan said. “I had to take a chance in life
and I didn’t think I would make the first months rent. But now it has been almost five years I’ve
been here by myself.”
Nolan is proud of her personal accomplishments, but she is also quick to let others know
that if they have faith in themselves, they too can make changes in their life for the better.
Nolan explains how faith is all you need.
“If you believe, it can happen.”
Local Coffee Shop Serves Up Coffee and Originality
By Kristine Giurco
PLATTSBURGH- Koffee Kat, of downtown Plattsburgh, offers more than coffee to its
customers. The eccentric shop is covered with bright colors, local artwork, and nothing your
favorite Dunkin Donuts would have.
While asking Patricia Ann Waldrom, the owner of Koffee Kat, what inspired her to make
her coffee shop covered in glaring paint she said, “I used to work at a prison so it was hard to just
pick one color after being exposed to only black and white for so long. I love the way it looks.”
Mounted on top of the assortment of colors is artwork from the Plattsburgh community.
Artists rent wall space from Waldrom and hang their work to sell to Koffee Kat customers. The
wall consists of paintings, candles, and even homemade jewelry up for sale.
The coffee shop is very music oriented as well. Waldrom describes Koffee Kat as “an
awesome 1970s music flashback.” Every Friday night the employees hold an Open Mic Night
that is open to all customers. Anyone can take the Koffee Kat stage.
Chris Bullock, a regular customer since 1997, says that people would never expect the
people that go up on the small stage and sing for the Koffee Kat crowd. “My wife’s a music
teacher so a lot of the time her students will sing for everyone. There’s absolutely no judgment,”
Bullock stated on his third stop at the Koffee Kat that day.
Bullock says that he goes to Koffee Kat for the conversation but has gained much more
from his visits over the years. While meeting a lot of business associates helping his career to
grow, the loyal customer also states that he has become good friends with the employees.“I’ve
been out of a car a few times and employees have drove me places. It’s like a bar where you can
talk to your bartender,” Bullock adds. “I can’t think of many other places like that.”
Koffee Kat has created a large social atmosphere. Jessica Depol, a Suny Plattsburgh
junior, says that she comes for the social aspect of Koffee Kat. “My group of friends come to do
our homework here. It has free Wi-Fi for us so we can work on our laptops. We sit here all day
just talking and hanging out,” Depol says.
Waldrom says her customers such as Depol and Bullock are what sets her coffee shop
aside from corporate coffee places such as Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. “It’s a place where you
can talk about anything. All taboo subjects are open game. Politics, religion, music, anything.”
Politics is an ongoing theme for the Koffee Kat. While entering the establishment, jars
are assembled with each presidential candidate’s name on it. Each customer is welcome to place
a coffee bean in their preferred candidate’s jar. Jessie James, Koffee Kat employee of almost two
years, says the Koffee Kat’s voting system has caused a lot of conversation among the
community.
“Our co-worker Joel came up with the idea. We got interviewed on News Channel 22 for
it and that was cool for us,” James states. The employee finds it comical that most people don’t
like when he watches them vote, although the votes made aren’t of relevance in the real election.
Customers take the Koffee Kat’s voting jar seriously.
Although the coffee shop is known for their coffee, they sell many other items.
According to Waldrom, the Koffee Kat used to only have one menu board but has grown
throughout the years. The establishment now sells pastries, smoothies, cakes, ice cream floats,
and more snacks. Waldrom’s employee, Jessie James, declares that many customers order their
famous White Cloud Mocha beverage. People get it hot or cold depending on the season.
Koffee Kat customers order various things off the newly altered menu but Waldrom
wants them to leave with, “a big smile and a hankering for another cup of coffee.”
PLATTSBURGH- Koffee Kat, of downtown Plattsburgh, offers more than coffee to its
customers. The eccentric shop is covered with bright colors, local artwork, and nothing your
favorite Dunkin Donuts would have.
While asking Patricia Ann Waldrom, the owner of Koffee Kat, what inspired her to make
her coffee shop covered in glaring paint she said, “I used to work at a prison so it was hard to just
pick one color after being exposed to only black and white for so long. I love the way it looks.”
Mounted on top of the assortment of colors is artwork from the Plattsburgh community.
Artists rent wall space from Waldrom and hang their work to sell to Koffee Kat customers. The
wall consists of paintings, candles, and even homemade jewelry up for sale.
The coffee shop is very music oriented as well. Waldrom describes Koffee Kat as “an
awesome 1970s music flashback.” Every Friday night the employees hold an Open Mic Night
that is open to all customers. Anyone can take the Koffee Kat stage.
Chris Bullock, a regular customer since 1997, says that people would never expect the
people that go up on the small stage and sing for the Koffee Kat crowd. “My wife’s a music
teacher so a lot of the time her students will sing for everyone. There’s absolutely no judgment,”
Bullock stated on his third stop at the Koffee Kat that day.
Bullock says that he goes to Koffee Kat for the conversation but has gained much more
from his visits over the years. While meeting a lot of business associates helping his career to
grow, the loyal customer also states that he has become good friends with the employees.“I’ve
been out of a car a few times and employees have drove me places. It’s like a bar where you can
talk to your bartender,” Bullock adds. “I can’t think of many other places like that.”
Koffee Kat has created a large social atmosphere. Jessica Depol, a Suny Plattsburgh
junior, says that she comes for the social aspect of Koffee Kat. “My group of friends come to do
our homework here. It has free Wi-Fi for us so we can work on our laptops. We sit here all day
just talking and hanging out,” Depol says.
Waldrom says her customers such as Depol and Bullock are what sets her coffee shop
aside from corporate coffee places such as Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. “It’s a place where you
can talk about anything. All taboo subjects are open game. Politics, religion, music, anything.”
Politics is an ongoing theme for the Koffee Kat. While entering the establishment, jars
are assembled with each presidential candidate’s name on it. Each customer is welcome to place
a coffee bean in their preferred candidate’s jar. Jessie James, Koffee Kat employee of almost two
years, says the Koffee Kat’s voting system has caused a lot of conversation among the
community.
“Our co-worker Joel came up with the idea. We got interviewed on News Channel 22 for
it and that was cool for us,” James states. The employee finds it comical that most people don’t
like when he watches them vote, although the votes made aren’t of relevance in the real election.
Customers take the Koffee Kat’s voting jar seriously.
Although the coffee shop is known for their coffee, they sell many other items.
According to Waldrom, the Koffee Kat used to only have one menu board but has grown
throughout the years. The establishment now sells pastries, smoothies, cakes, ice cream floats,
and more snacks. Waldrom’s employee, Jessie James, declares that many customers order their
famous White Cloud Mocha beverage. People get it hot or cold depending on the season.
Koffee Kat customers order various things off the newly altered menu but Waldrom
wants them to leave with, “a big smile and a hankering for another cup of coffee.”
Local Residents Show Support in "Feel the Bern" March.
By Olivia Cahill
PLATTSBURGH – On a beautiful Saturday morning, the downtown Plattsburgh
community could hear the roar of “Feel the Burn” as a hundred locals joined the Upstate
NY for Bernie Sanders group held a march in support of the presidential candidate.
The march started at the ROTA art gallery at 29 Bridge Street and ended at the
Angell College Center at SUNY Plattsburgh. With his go-pro and a Bernie sign in hand,
Grand Isle resident Michael Case believes that Sanders is changing the political
landscape and that is why he has voted for Sanders since 1982.
As the political campaigns heat up, the February 27th march was just what was
needed to help Maria Dezotell, one of the 21st congressional district representatives to
spread awareness in the North Country of Sanders political agendas. “I like his
consistency. He has had the same messages all his life”. Through working with Sanders
as a consultant for education, she hopes to make a difference in Philadelphia this summer
at the Democratic National Convention.
PSU student Tim Murphy spoke about how Sanders learned about himself in
college and who Murphy has done the same. He said, “I want to live in a world were
Bernie is president”. The resounding note from each of the locals including Alice
Grau was that the presidential candidate has continued to keep the same political
stance on everything that he has worked on since the 1970s.
Patricia Blanchard, a co-creator of the march believes that Sanders is her
voice. When asked why she helped put the march together she said, “This is all
about my grandchildren and their future here…and for generations to come”. By
keeping away from smear campaigns and focusing solely on his own politics,
Blanchard believes that he is the right candidate to represent the democrats in the
2016 election. Blanchard also said that she is working with the Albany chapter for
Bernie Sanders to create another march before the New York State primaries in
April.
PLATTSBURGH – On a beautiful Saturday morning, the downtown Plattsburgh
community could hear the roar of “Feel the Burn” as a hundred locals joined the Upstate
NY for Bernie Sanders group held a march in support of the presidential candidate.
The march started at the ROTA art gallery at 29 Bridge Street and ended at the
Angell College Center at SUNY Plattsburgh. With his go-pro and a Bernie sign in hand,
Grand Isle resident Michael Case believes that Sanders is changing the political
landscape and that is why he has voted for Sanders since 1982.
As the political campaigns heat up, the February 27th march was just what was
needed to help Maria Dezotell, one of the 21st congressional district representatives to
spread awareness in the North Country of Sanders political agendas. “I like his
consistency. He has had the same messages all his life”. Through working with Sanders
as a consultant for education, she hopes to make a difference in Philadelphia this summer
at the Democratic National Convention.
PSU student Tim Murphy spoke about how Sanders learned about himself in
college and who Murphy has done the same. He said, “I want to live in a world were
Bernie is president”. The resounding note from each of the locals including Alice
Grau was that the presidential candidate has continued to keep the same political
stance on everything that he has worked on since the 1970s.
Patricia Blanchard, a co-creator of the march believes that Sanders is her
voice. When asked why she helped put the march together she said, “This is all
about my grandchildren and their future here…and for generations to come”. By
keeping away from smear campaigns and focusing solely on his own politics,
Blanchard believes that he is the right candidate to represent the democrats in the
2016 election. Blanchard also said that she is working with the Albany chapter for
Bernie Sanders to create another march before the New York State primaries in
April.
Lomeli’s Brings Authentic Mexican Cuisine to Plattsburgh
By Nicole Collado
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.--Learning to find her way around the kitchen as a young girl,
Suzette Lomeli grew a passion for cooking at 15-years old. Growing up in California,
daughter of Mexican immigrants, Mrs. Lomeli said traditional Mexican food was always
a big part of her life. When moving to Plattsburgh with her family following a job offer
with NOVA Bus Company, Suzette and husband Armando decided to open up an
authentic Mexican restaurant.
“Suzette is our main cook, she runs the kitchen,” said Armando Lomeli, smiling at
his wife, “I’m more of the business, IT guy.”
Suzette Lomeli seems not only to be the heart of the kitchen, but the heart of the
family. “Family is very important to us, there weren’t really any other choices when
picking the name of the restaurant.” Mrs. Lomeli even decided to go with the restaurants
current logo because the man in the sombrero reminds her of her father. Not to be
forgotten, running around in slightly oversized pink rain boots, the Lomeli’s 3 year-old
daughter adds to the restaurants bright atmosphere.
“Lomeli’s is a family owned and operated mom-and-pop restaurant. Our food is
always fresh, we never reheat or buy pre-made anything,” said Suzette Lomeli.
Everything down to the chips at Lomeli’s is made right in their kitchen.
Being approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border Plattsburgh is very
familiar with its northern neighbors, but what the Lomeli’s bring is an authentic taste of
Mexico, our neighbors to the south. “Not everyone knows what carne asada or a taquito
is, but we have no problem taking the time to explain it to our customers,” said Mrs.
Lomeli.
Julissa Vera, a Lomeli’s regular and New York City native, said, “Coming to
Lomeli’s is something I look forward too, it reminds me of food I would eat at home.”
Vera said that a favorite of hers is the carne asada fries, “it’s something that I’ve never
had before coming to Lomeli’s, its like traditional Mexican food with a twist.”
Along with the Fat Boy Burrito the chips and salsa or guacamole are a clear
favorite at Lomeli’s “I’ve never had guacamole like theirs before. It’s so smooth and
creamy, I wish I knew about Lomeli’s earlier,” said Timothy Flynn, new Lomeli’s
customer, “I can’t wait bring my friends here.”
Lomeli’s opened for business during August of 2015 but without a spot featured
on the main Plattsburgh Plaza entrance sign, people sometime don’t realize it’s there.
“We just got an a-frame sign put below the main entrance sign with our name and logo
on it which has definitely been helping,” said Mr. Lomeli. The Lomeli’s have also just
recently paired with one of Plattsburgh State’s advertising classes to help them in finding
the most effective advertising strategies for their restaurant.
Lomeli’s features daily specials and is open for business on Tuesdays from 11
p.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., and on Thursdays and
Fridays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.--Learning to find her way around the kitchen as a young girl,
Suzette Lomeli grew a passion for cooking at 15-years old. Growing up in California,
daughter of Mexican immigrants, Mrs. Lomeli said traditional Mexican food was always
a big part of her life. When moving to Plattsburgh with her family following a job offer
with NOVA Bus Company, Suzette and husband Armando decided to open up an
authentic Mexican restaurant.
“Suzette is our main cook, she runs the kitchen,” said Armando Lomeli, smiling at
his wife, “I’m more of the business, IT guy.”
Suzette Lomeli seems not only to be the heart of the kitchen, but the heart of the
family. “Family is very important to us, there weren’t really any other choices when
picking the name of the restaurant.” Mrs. Lomeli even decided to go with the restaurants
current logo because the man in the sombrero reminds her of her father. Not to be
forgotten, running around in slightly oversized pink rain boots, the Lomeli’s 3 year-old
daughter adds to the restaurants bright atmosphere.
“Lomeli’s is a family owned and operated mom-and-pop restaurant. Our food is
always fresh, we never reheat or buy pre-made anything,” said Suzette Lomeli.
Everything down to the chips at Lomeli’s is made right in their kitchen.
Being approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border Plattsburgh is very
familiar with its northern neighbors, but what the Lomeli’s bring is an authentic taste of
Mexico, our neighbors to the south. “Not everyone knows what carne asada or a taquito
is, but we have no problem taking the time to explain it to our customers,” said Mrs.
Lomeli.
Julissa Vera, a Lomeli’s regular and New York City native, said, “Coming to
Lomeli’s is something I look forward too, it reminds me of food I would eat at home.”
Vera said that a favorite of hers is the carne asada fries, “it’s something that I’ve never
had before coming to Lomeli’s, its like traditional Mexican food with a twist.”
Along with the Fat Boy Burrito the chips and salsa or guacamole are a clear
favorite at Lomeli’s “I’ve never had guacamole like theirs before. It’s so smooth and
creamy, I wish I knew about Lomeli’s earlier,” said Timothy Flynn, new Lomeli’s
customer, “I can’t wait bring my friends here.”
Lomeli’s opened for business during August of 2015 but without a spot featured
on the main Plattsburgh Plaza entrance sign, people sometime don’t realize it’s there.
“We just got an a-frame sign put below the main entrance sign with our name and logo
on it which has definitely been helping,” said Mr. Lomeli. The Lomeli’s have also just
recently paired with one of Plattsburgh State’s advertising classes to help them in finding
the most effective advertising strategies for their restaurant.
Lomeli’s features daily specials and is open for business on Tuesdays from 11
p.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., and on Thursdays and
Fridays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
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