By Alexis Archilla
Plattsburgh N.Y. - It’s tied at two here in Stafford Arena, everyones at the edge of their seat
waiting to see what happens next.
In the back of Terrance’s head, “ when are we going to score? or could this be the last
game of the season”. On saturday Michael Radisa, a senior on Plattsburgh State, made the crowd
rawr as he scored the game winning goal against their big rivals Oswego.
As the crowd rushed to their feet both Terrance and Bryant Mcgill jumped with joy
celebrating the exhilarating goal. “It was a great game,overtime wins are the best!” Terrance
Penn exclaimed.
Penn a Plattsburgh native has been going to the games for over a year now but has never
played once in his life.
“ I never played, I’ve just grown around it, since we're right by Canada, my family and I
would go to a couple games.” Terrance couldn’t explain how crazy how the games got Saturday
night. “I know there packed but not this packed”.
A big fan that stood tall the whole game wearing all red, was relieved after the 32 win.
“I thought we were gonna lose” as he said spoke out of concern for the team.
The Clinton County native has been coming to the games for two years now. “I use to
play when I was younger but I didn’t stick with it”.
Big red continued as he mentioned some of his wishes for the field house. “you would
think that there would be more room and seats since there games are sold out every game.”
The stafford area seats 1924 people, they are divided between those that live in the community
and those that go to SUNY Plattsburgh.
Scott Johnson a worker in the fieldhouse explains that the community has a week before
the event to buy tickets before the students get their tickets.
“There are around five hundred and fifty people from the community that are allowed and the
rest which is around three hundred to three hundred and fifteen people from the school get their
ticket.”
It’s best to get tickets early. Students have to get their tickets online, each student is
allowed one free ticket. There are many students that set alarms on their phones to get up before
seven in the morning to order them.
The school and fieldhouse made it easier way to get your ticket instead of having
everyone wait on line. "I think it's a better idea." Michael Grig says. Grig, a big fan that has been
coming to Plattsburgh to watch the games for three years, takes the ferry over from Vermont to
watch the games live.
"I grew up with it, a couple of my friends play here at Plattsburgh." Grig moved from
California to Plattsburgh when he was four, "Ever since growing up in this area, everyone loved
hockey.
When beating the second best team in the SUNYAC Semifinals in overtime, the
Cardinals found it hard to bounce back over the excitement as they lost to the Geneseo Knights
in the SUNYAC FINAL which is the biggest lost and upset this season.
Can the fans motivate and help the team bounce back for next year?
Monday, March 7, 2016
Barrie Finnegan Brings Attention to Local Veterans
By Noah Cooperstein
With a strong military presence in his family, Barrie Finnegan has been able to turn an
aspiration into a promising and rewarding career.
Finnegan, having both parents serving during WWII, is very knowledgeable of what had
happened during this impactful period of history.
“My mother, Laverne, served in the Canadian Army and my father, Frank, served Army
Air Corp, so military blood was all around me,” Finnegan said.
As a boy from Keeseville, New York, growing up on baseball, music and motorcycles,
Finnegan never expected he would wind up working to help those who helped our country.
“In 2013, I attended my first North Country Honor Flight send off, and I was
immediately hooked,” he said. “All I could picture were my parents walking off the plane, and
that drove me to make sure everyone would be able to get that opportunity.”
Finnegan began working for North Country Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization with
the mission of flying World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington, D.C., including
veterans from other conflicts, shortly after the send off that he had attended.
Since he began to work for Honor Flight, Finnegan has been driven and focused on every
task he has been presented with.
Recently, Finnegan has been named the director of Honor Flight, previously holding the
position of executive director of operations. Being named director, Finnegan seeks to bring more
awareness and understanding of Honor Flight.
“The biggest focus is getting the word out there about the organization.” Finnegan said
who also noted he believes that Honor Flight is the best kept secret in Plattsburgh.
As of recent, North Country Honor Flight is working with SUNY Plattsburgh’s Public
Relations Campaign Class. Professor Colleen Lemza discovered Finnegan and Honor Flight
when looking for potential clients for Cardinal PR, a student run Public Relations firm.
“I thought it was a great cause. My grandfather was in World War II, so it also hit very
close to home,” Lemza said.
Lemza and her campaign class are working closely with Honor Flight, aiming to achieve
their two major goals of finding fourteen veterans that have not yet participated with Honor
Flight and raising twelve thousand dollars.
“Working with Honor Flight has opened my eyes,” Marco DiGirolomo, one of the two
student account executives of the Public Relation Campaign class, said. “It has broadened my
understanding on what World War II veterans have done for myself, as well as what they have
done for this country.”
Since being associated with Honor Flight for only a short period of time, Finnegan has
experienced both impact to himself as well as the organization.
One of the most rewarding moments since his involvement with this organization was an
interaction with one of the veterans that participated on an Honor Flight.
Finnegan said one North Country veteran told him going on Honor Flight changed his life
and it will be a lifelong memory.
Finnegan has also created strong connections with many he has met, one of these
veterans being Ross Bouyea, who served in the Army from 1943 to 1945.
When Bouyea discovered Honor Flight, he was immediately drawn to the overall mission
of the organization.
Bouyea participated on the Honor Flight that took place on June 8, 2013. This was the
second sendoff North Country Honor Flight constructed, the first one taking place in April of the
same year. However, this was the first flight to leave from Plattsburgh, with the first initial flight
leaving from Albany.
Over the period of time that they have known each other, Finnegan and Bouyea have
built a strong bound.
“Barrie has done a lot for me since we have met,” Bouyea said. “I am very grateful for all
that he has done for me and the other veterans.”
Both agree Honor Flight has created a way of togetherness for all who have participated.
Finnegan continues to spread the word out about Honor Flight and everything that it has
done for all participating veterans.
“Finding the veterans and getting them on a plane is extremely rewarding,” Finnegan
said. “It is confirmation that you are doing something good. You have to take care of one
another.”
With a strong military presence in his family, Barrie Finnegan has been able to turn an
aspiration into a promising and rewarding career.
Finnegan, having both parents serving during WWII, is very knowledgeable of what had
happened during this impactful period of history.
“My mother, Laverne, served in the Canadian Army and my father, Frank, served Army
Air Corp, so military blood was all around me,” Finnegan said.
As a boy from Keeseville, New York, growing up on baseball, music and motorcycles,
Finnegan never expected he would wind up working to help those who helped our country.
“In 2013, I attended my first North Country Honor Flight send off, and I was
immediately hooked,” he said. “All I could picture were my parents walking off the plane, and
that drove me to make sure everyone would be able to get that opportunity.”
Finnegan began working for North Country Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization with
the mission of flying World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington, D.C., including
veterans from other conflicts, shortly after the send off that he had attended.
Since he began to work for Honor Flight, Finnegan has been driven and focused on every
task he has been presented with.
Recently, Finnegan has been named the director of Honor Flight, previously holding the
position of executive director of operations. Being named director, Finnegan seeks to bring more
awareness and understanding of Honor Flight.
“The biggest focus is getting the word out there about the organization.” Finnegan said
who also noted he believes that Honor Flight is the best kept secret in Plattsburgh.
As of recent, North Country Honor Flight is working with SUNY Plattsburgh’s Public
Relations Campaign Class. Professor Colleen Lemza discovered Finnegan and Honor Flight
when looking for potential clients for Cardinal PR, a student run Public Relations firm.
“I thought it was a great cause. My grandfather was in World War II, so it also hit very
close to home,” Lemza said.
Lemza and her campaign class are working closely with Honor Flight, aiming to achieve
their two major goals of finding fourteen veterans that have not yet participated with Honor
Flight and raising twelve thousand dollars.
“Working with Honor Flight has opened my eyes,” Marco DiGirolomo, one of the two
student account executives of the Public Relation Campaign class, said. “It has broadened my
understanding on what World War II veterans have done for myself, as well as what they have
done for this country.”
Since being associated with Honor Flight for only a short period of time, Finnegan has
experienced both impact to himself as well as the organization.
One of the most rewarding moments since his involvement with this organization was an
interaction with one of the veterans that participated on an Honor Flight.
Finnegan said one North Country veteran told him going on Honor Flight changed his life
and it will be a lifelong memory.
Finnegan has also created strong connections with many he has met, one of these
veterans being Ross Bouyea, who served in the Army from 1943 to 1945.
When Bouyea discovered Honor Flight, he was immediately drawn to the overall mission
of the organization.
Bouyea participated on the Honor Flight that took place on June 8, 2013. This was the
second sendoff North Country Honor Flight constructed, the first one taking place in April of the
same year. However, this was the first flight to leave from Plattsburgh, with the first initial flight
leaving from Albany.
Over the period of time that they have known each other, Finnegan and Bouyea have
built a strong bound.
“Barrie has done a lot for me since we have met,” Bouyea said. “I am very grateful for all
that he has done for me and the other veterans.”
Both agree Honor Flight has created a way of togetherness for all who have participated.
Finnegan continues to spread the word out about Honor Flight and everything that it has
done for all participating veterans.
“Finding the veterans and getting them on a plane is extremely rewarding,” Finnegan
said. “It is confirmation that you are doing something good. You have to take care of one
another.”
Next-Door Businesses Flourish in Downtown Plattsburgh
By Eve Barnofsky
Plattsburgh NY - In Historic Downtown Plattsburgh sits a little cafe, Irises Cafe & Wine
Bar. The cafe offers over 200 wine selections and a menu of all in house made food.
Owner Carol McLean, owns Irises, Delish, a bakery next to Irises and also Elks Lodge in
Plattsburgh. She successfully runs all three of these business all by her self. Irises established in
1997 was named after McLeans mother.
All the food is made in house at Irises according to their Facebook. The bread and
sometimes other food is also prepared fresh at Delish. The head baker is also a line chief at
Irises. Some of the food is also locally bought at farms like Fledging Crow Vegetables and
Kilcoyqne Farms. This can all be found on their Facebook page.
Irises has also won Award Of Excellence three years in a row, in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
They have also won Best Restaurant For Wine Lovers and Best of New York 2010, according to,
American Registry. Walking into Irises they have their awards lined on the wall for costumers to
see when they first walk in.
The head chief Tyler Puchrik, has only been working at Irises for a year but is still very
familiarly with the business. At 16-years-old he started out as a bus boy, but then left to work for
another restaurant in Plattsburgh. After struggling with addiction for a while Carol accepted
Puchrik back to the cafe to work as a su-chief and then to take over as head chief.
“I’m always learning new things, I'm always trying to do my best, to do things that
people wouldn’t normally expect. To be able to take a meal and present it in a way that people
will really love it.” said Puchrik.
Puchrik even though he did not go to culinary school he is well skilled in the culinary
arts. He grew up with his mother as a chief and working in various restaurants gaining
experience. You are able to tell that he has a passion for cook with the way his dishes come out
of the kitchen.
“It’s really important to me the way that I cook food together its kinda like a therapeutic
emotional release. I try to put my love and passion on to every plate that comes out of the
kitchen.” said Puchrik.
Chelsea Bell, a hostess, and also a bar-back has been working at Irises on and off for
almost a year and a half. She first started out at Delish and then started working at Irises. She still
works at both places.
“What I think is really cool is that I feel like I'm the only person who can be placed
anywhere to work there. One day it was a pretty busy day at Irises but slow at Delish, so the head
baker asked me to help make bread so hoped over to Irises to make it, then the bartender was
busy, so I went over and started making drinks.”
Bell enjoys working at both places. She likes switching it up. Meeting the people who
come into the cafe is why she loves working at the bar the best. Working in the restaurant
business is hard because of the pay but whats worth it to her is the people that she works with.
“The food is all about looking great and looking fabulous. Its all about wowing them.”
Its a very high stress job according to Bell. Putting out the food on time and dealing with the
waitresses and making sure the food is perfect is hard to deal with.
“The thing that makes it worth it, is the people. Everyone else is super cool and fun to
work with.”
Plattsburgh NY - In Historic Downtown Plattsburgh sits a little cafe, Irises Cafe & Wine
Bar. The cafe offers over 200 wine selections and a menu of all in house made food.
Owner Carol McLean, owns Irises, Delish, a bakery next to Irises and also Elks Lodge in
Plattsburgh. She successfully runs all three of these business all by her self. Irises established in
1997 was named after McLeans mother.
All the food is made in house at Irises according to their Facebook. The bread and
sometimes other food is also prepared fresh at Delish. The head baker is also a line chief at
Irises. Some of the food is also locally bought at farms like Fledging Crow Vegetables and
Kilcoyqne Farms. This can all be found on their Facebook page.
Irises has also won Award Of Excellence three years in a row, in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
They have also won Best Restaurant For Wine Lovers and Best of New York 2010, according to,
American Registry. Walking into Irises they have their awards lined on the wall for costumers to
see when they first walk in.
The head chief Tyler Puchrik, has only been working at Irises for a year but is still very
familiarly with the business. At 16-years-old he started out as a bus boy, but then left to work for
another restaurant in Plattsburgh. After struggling with addiction for a while Carol accepted
Puchrik back to the cafe to work as a su-chief and then to take over as head chief.
“I’m always learning new things, I'm always trying to do my best, to do things that
people wouldn’t normally expect. To be able to take a meal and present it in a way that people
will really love it.” said Puchrik.
Puchrik even though he did not go to culinary school he is well skilled in the culinary
arts. He grew up with his mother as a chief and working in various restaurants gaining
experience. You are able to tell that he has a passion for cook with the way his dishes come out
of the kitchen.
“It’s really important to me the way that I cook food together its kinda like a therapeutic
emotional release. I try to put my love and passion on to every plate that comes out of the
kitchen.” said Puchrik.
Chelsea Bell, a hostess, and also a bar-back has been working at Irises on and off for
almost a year and a half. She first started out at Delish and then started working at Irises. She still
works at both places.
“What I think is really cool is that I feel like I'm the only person who can be placed
anywhere to work there. One day it was a pretty busy day at Irises but slow at Delish, so the head
baker asked me to help make bread so hoped over to Irises to make it, then the bartender was
busy, so I went over and started making drinks.”
Bell enjoys working at both places. She likes switching it up. Meeting the people who
come into the cafe is why she loves working at the bar the best. Working in the restaurant
business is hard because of the pay but whats worth it to her is the people that she works with.
“The food is all about looking great and looking fabulous. Its all about wowing them.”
Its a very high stress job according to Bell. Putting out the food on time and dealing with the
waitresses and making sure the food is perfect is hard to deal with.
“The thing that makes it worth it, is the people. Everyone else is super cool and fun to
work with.”
ROTA - Bringing Art and Community to the North Country
By Batala Aristide
You get dressed up, put on your best outfit and prepare for the long, brisk walk
downtown. A meeting ground for college students every weekend to have fun, live life, and if
that means getting inebriated for a few hours-why not, we’re in college.
But is that a justification for why we should continue to live this young, wild, and free
lifestyle? No and the folks at ROTA will vouch for the aforementioned statement. Located
downtown, ROTA is a non-profit cultural center where artists, musicians, painters gather three
times a week to celebrate, collaborate, and bring the arts to Plattsburgh.
ROTA was started in December of 2010 by a group of Plattsburgh State students and
locals who wanted to put on an art show. Tavish Costello was one of the students who was
instrumental in the erection of the gallery. Costello-who is Plattsburgh State alum, identifies with
art calling it his “favorite pastime”. Costello when detailing the early days before ROTA adds
“There are a lot of bars in town but there wasn’t a spot for underground bands, we just needed a
space”.
The students rented a space on Clinton Street and named the event the Rotagilla, (which
is “alligator” spelled backwards) Galleria. The term was coined by artist Nolan Federo, who
Costello says is “a really swift guy”, when referring to Federo. Costello and a group of three
other artists including Federo bounced from place to place because of their love for Art and
music. All they needed was an outlet.
The following year, ROTA was opened to the public originally at 50 Margaret Street then
has since moved to their current location 39 Bridge Street in July 2014. The new location still
does not guarantee that ROTA will be permanently stationed at Bridge Street-but there are no
concerns if that were to occur. “Home is where the idea goes. Wherever the idea goes, that is
where home will be” said Chris Shacklett.
In regards to having an art gallery in an area where bars and restaurants are the main
economic catalysts, Shacklett believes a space like ROTA is beneficial for the community.
“Somebody’s gotta do it” said Shacklett who is a drummer for the group DoomF***, and also
performed during the evening. The space is dark except for the light in the front near the
microphone which is accompanied by four headless mannequins along with lights near the
windows in the back. The setting is very intimate. You can’t help but feel this calm Zen feeling
once you enter the gallery. Paintings all over the walls represent the diversity in taste, and style-
that not only represent the artists in the community but the community itself.
“It’s a lot of variety, exposing people to diverse acts, many different acts that people
would have never known about if not for this space” said Chris Stott Rigsbee, another volunteer
at the gallery. Chris is “inspired” when acts from Germany, or Switzerland come to perform and
bring more exposure to the gallery. Canadian folk rock band La Tragedie came from Montreal to
play songs from their album in which they received a roaring applause. Access to a community
space like ROTA can give artists of any age an opportunity. ROTA is committed to bring the
arts to the North Country and have collaborated with organizations and institutions in Plattsburgh
including The Strand Theatre, and Plattsburgh State among others.
“It’s not really a community center, it’s more like a center for the community to come in
and be a part of something” said Shannon, a young woman who volunteers at the ROTA Gallery.
Shannon is a musician and also a member of DoomF***, a band that consists of a drummer and
two violinists, Shannon is one of them.
The ROTA Gallery is a space where people of all ages can come in, to share, listen, and
ultimately create. The gallery takes pride in people using the space for their own personal
activities but it is more of a” Do It Yourself” environment. And ROTA has been doing very well
for itself.
What took $575 to rent momentarily seems like the best investment. Just imagine arriving
downtown and all the bars are there but you want to do something different on this particular
night; keep walking straight down and check out the ROTA Gallery; it’s a good experience and
for college students-it’s a good way to break from the downtown norm.
You get dressed up, put on your best outfit and prepare for the long, brisk walk
downtown. A meeting ground for college students every weekend to have fun, live life, and if
that means getting inebriated for a few hours-why not, we’re in college.
But is that a justification for why we should continue to live this young, wild, and free
lifestyle? No and the folks at ROTA will vouch for the aforementioned statement. Located
downtown, ROTA is a non-profit cultural center where artists, musicians, painters gather three
times a week to celebrate, collaborate, and bring the arts to Plattsburgh.
ROTA was started in December of 2010 by a group of Plattsburgh State students and
locals who wanted to put on an art show. Tavish Costello was one of the students who was
instrumental in the erection of the gallery. Costello-who is Plattsburgh State alum, identifies with
art calling it his “favorite pastime”. Costello when detailing the early days before ROTA adds
“There are a lot of bars in town but there wasn’t a spot for underground bands, we just needed a
space”.
The students rented a space on Clinton Street and named the event the Rotagilla, (which
is “alligator” spelled backwards) Galleria. The term was coined by artist Nolan Federo, who
Costello says is “a really swift guy”, when referring to Federo. Costello and a group of three
other artists including Federo bounced from place to place because of their love for Art and
music. All they needed was an outlet.
The following year, ROTA was opened to the public originally at 50 Margaret Street then
has since moved to their current location 39 Bridge Street in July 2014. The new location still
does not guarantee that ROTA will be permanently stationed at Bridge Street-but there are no
concerns if that were to occur. “Home is where the idea goes. Wherever the idea goes, that is
where home will be” said Chris Shacklett.
In regards to having an art gallery in an area where bars and restaurants are the main
economic catalysts, Shacklett believes a space like ROTA is beneficial for the community.
“Somebody’s gotta do it” said Shacklett who is a drummer for the group DoomF***, and also
performed during the evening. The space is dark except for the light in the front near the
microphone which is accompanied by four headless mannequins along with lights near the
windows in the back. The setting is very intimate. You can’t help but feel this calm Zen feeling
once you enter the gallery. Paintings all over the walls represent the diversity in taste, and style-
that not only represent the artists in the community but the community itself.
“It’s a lot of variety, exposing people to diverse acts, many different acts that people
would have never known about if not for this space” said Chris Stott Rigsbee, another volunteer
at the gallery. Chris is “inspired” when acts from Germany, or Switzerland come to perform and
bring more exposure to the gallery. Canadian folk rock band La Tragedie came from Montreal to
play songs from their album in which they received a roaring applause. Access to a community
space like ROTA can give artists of any age an opportunity. ROTA is committed to bring the
arts to the North Country and have collaborated with organizations and institutions in Plattsburgh
including The Strand Theatre, and Plattsburgh State among others.
“It’s not really a community center, it’s more like a center for the community to come in
and be a part of something” said Shannon, a young woman who volunteers at the ROTA Gallery.
Shannon is a musician and also a member of DoomF***, a band that consists of a drummer and
two violinists, Shannon is one of them.
The ROTA Gallery is a space where people of all ages can come in, to share, listen, and
ultimately create. The gallery takes pride in people using the space for their own personal
activities but it is more of a” Do It Yourself” environment. And ROTA has been doing very well
for itself.
What took $575 to rent momentarily seems like the best investment. Just imagine arriving
downtown and all the bars are there but you want to do something different on this particular
night; keep walking straight down and check out the ROTA Gallery; it’s a good experience and
for college students-it’s a good way to break from the downtown norm.
Sisters in Business
By Kristen Suarez
PLATTSBURGH — The Bagel Pit, a small town local bagel shop located at 22
Brinkerhoff Street, uses sisterhood and quality service to capture their costumers.
Everything from the company’s logo — “We survive on coffee and carb, and
making sure everyone who starts their day with us gets great food, great service, and
leaves our shop happier than they came in” — to it’s positive owners, sisters Ashley and
Brittany Taylor, has characterized this business as a comfortable judge free zone.
The sisters grew up in the Au Sable area, where Ashley worked two jobs and
attended Clinton Community College. The couple she had been dog sitting for
recognized Ashley’s hard work, and suggested she meet with the former owners of The
Bagel pit, which at the time was known as Baxter’s Bagels.
“They hired me than they offered to sell me the business. They had been robbed,
and were never around, so they wanted to get rid of it, but I didn’t have the money
because I was only 19 years old at this point,” said Ashley, “I didn’t even have a credit
card.”
Ashley was 24 years old at the time and agreed to invest in The Bagel Pit with her
sister. “It took a couple months and finagling, but we were able to get the finances
together and purchase The Bagel Pit, and never looked back,” said Brittany.
Upon entering the bagel shop, the smell of toasting bagels, fresh eggs, and good
energy filled the air, while SHOUT! by The Isley Brothers played in the background
creating a fun, and costumer friendly atmosphere.
Now, two years later, The Bagel Pit is booming. “Business is going very well
actually. Today we had a record-breaking day which is exciting,” said Brittany.
The sisters owe much of their business to the college bar scene. “It’s good
hangover food, we serve it happy, and with love,” said Ashley.
Thanks to St. Plattysday, the sisters served over 225 orders. “ It’s the best place to
get breakfast after a long night out at the bars,” said Flora Veitch, a SUNY Plattsburgh
student.
“We make it a place where anyone can come in and get service with a smile even
when days like today where it takes a little to get your food,” said Brittany, “We do more
than just serving your food, we like to hear your stories, and have conversations, and I
think that’s what makes us so successful.”
They say that starting a business with family can be sticky, but for these sisters,
depending on each other created a successful business. “Ash and I make a good pair, of
course there are arguments, but it’s because she has her strengths and I have my
strengths,” said Brittany “In a small business you wear so many hats it’s impossible to
have everything under your own belt so we help each other with that.”
Ashley and Brittany plan to extend their business to places outside of Plattsburgh
in the next two to five years. Their dedication to customers, attention to detail, and hard
working staff is what makes The Bagel Pit special. Next time you order an egg sandwich
with ketchup, be sure to notice the smiley face drawn on your order.
PLATTSBURGH — The Bagel Pit, a small town local bagel shop located at 22
Brinkerhoff Street, uses sisterhood and quality service to capture their costumers.
Everything from the company’s logo — “We survive on coffee and carb, and
making sure everyone who starts their day with us gets great food, great service, and
leaves our shop happier than they came in” — to it’s positive owners, sisters Ashley and
Brittany Taylor, has characterized this business as a comfortable judge free zone.
The sisters grew up in the Au Sable area, where Ashley worked two jobs and
attended Clinton Community College. The couple she had been dog sitting for
recognized Ashley’s hard work, and suggested she meet with the former owners of The
Bagel pit, which at the time was known as Baxter’s Bagels.
“They hired me than they offered to sell me the business. They had been robbed,
and were never around, so they wanted to get rid of it, but I didn’t have the money
because I was only 19 years old at this point,” said Ashley, “I didn’t even have a credit
card.”
Ashley was 24 years old at the time and agreed to invest in The Bagel Pit with her
sister. “It took a couple months and finagling, but we were able to get the finances
together and purchase The Bagel Pit, and never looked back,” said Brittany.
Upon entering the bagel shop, the smell of toasting bagels, fresh eggs, and good
energy filled the air, while SHOUT! by The Isley Brothers played in the background
creating a fun, and costumer friendly atmosphere.
Now, two years later, The Bagel Pit is booming. “Business is going very well
actually. Today we had a record-breaking day which is exciting,” said Brittany.
The sisters owe much of their business to the college bar scene. “It’s good
hangover food, we serve it happy, and with love,” said Ashley.
Thanks to St. Plattysday, the sisters served over 225 orders. “ It’s the best place to
get breakfast after a long night out at the bars,” said Flora Veitch, a SUNY Plattsburgh
student.
“We make it a place where anyone can come in and get service with a smile even
when days like today where it takes a little to get your food,” said Brittany, “We do more
than just serving your food, we like to hear your stories, and have conversations, and I
think that’s what makes us so successful.”
They say that starting a business with family can be sticky, but for these sisters,
depending on each other created a successful business. “Ash and I make a good pair, of
course there are arguments, but it’s because she has her strengths and I have my
strengths,” said Brittany “In a small business you wear so many hats it’s impossible to
have everything under your own belt so we help each other with that.”
Ashley and Brittany plan to extend their business to places outside of Plattsburgh
in the next two to five years. Their dedication to customers, attention to detail, and hard
working staff is what makes The Bagel Pit special. Next time you order an egg sandwich
with ketchup, be sure to notice the smiley face drawn on your order.
Pierced and Employed
By Emily Gregoire
Sightings of blue hair and gages, along with a welcoming hello is the experience
customers receive at the local Chipotle branch. “It’s all individual expression”, said manger Jess
when asked about visible body modifications on employees.
The times have changed. Piercings, tattoos and cotton candy colored hair are now
equivalent to wearing a watch. Unless offensive, visible body modifications don’t play a role in
the hiring process. MaKenzie Brassard, manager at Chipotle, offered a personal opinion, “Don’t
judge a book by its cover, we are moving forward.”
The progressiveness of self-expression is also seen in other job descriptions. Although for
retail positions there is more of a grey area. This is the result of a corporate culture. Standards
and policies are put into place for corporate jobs to avoid discrimination in the work-place.
Adam Ruvola has management experience in retail and when asked about whether visible tattoos
play a role in the hiring process he said, “In this day and age its discrimination.” Ruvola
continued with saying that basic hygiene with an effort towards looking professional,
demonstrates the potential an individual can have in the work-place.
“Just don’t be stinky!” said retail manager Jamie. Having good customer service skills
and a pleasant smile are much more important than the tattoos on an employee’s body. Jamie
recalled a time when she wanted to hire a specific person from another store to join her customer
service team. She describe the employee has having a tall florescent Mohawk as well as tattoos
up and down both of his arms. His alternative appearance didn’t negatively reflect back onto
him. Jamie saw him has a hard worker with great communication skills. “If you come into an
interview looking professional with a neck tattoo and your ears pierced I’m gonna hire you”, said
Jamie.
As for the professional realm Rebecca Collins, MSW said “When working with clients
there are two important questions they asked themselves; Can I trust you? and Can you help me?
My physical appearance, piercings and tattoos, have no effect on my ability to help those in
need.”
It is clear in the year 2016 that having visible tattoos, ear plug or funky colored hair is not
the main concern of employers when they are looking to hire. Being polished and professional
are qualities that every employer is looking for. Personal expression through body modifications
is just another form of communication.
Sightings of blue hair and gages, along with a welcoming hello is the experience
customers receive at the local Chipotle branch. “It’s all individual expression”, said manger Jess
when asked about visible body modifications on employees.
The times have changed. Piercings, tattoos and cotton candy colored hair are now
equivalent to wearing a watch. Unless offensive, visible body modifications don’t play a role in
the hiring process. MaKenzie Brassard, manager at Chipotle, offered a personal opinion, “Don’t
judge a book by its cover, we are moving forward.”
The progressiveness of self-expression is also seen in other job descriptions. Although for
retail positions there is more of a grey area. This is the result of a corporate culture. Standards
and policies are put into place for corporate jobs to avoid discrimination in the work-place.
Adam Ruvola has management experience in retail and when asked about whether visible tattoos
play a role in the hiring process he said, “In this day and age its discrimination.” Ruvola
continued with saying that basic hygiene with an effort towards looking professional,
demonstrates the potential an individual can have in the work-place.
“Just don’t be stinky!” said retail manager Jamie. Having good customer service skills
and a pleasant smile are much more important than the tattoos on an employee’s body. Jamie
recalled a time when she wanted to hire a specific person from another store to join her customer
service team. She describe the employee has having a tall florescent Mohawk as well as tattoos
up and down both of his arms. His alternative appearance didn’t negatively reflect back onto
him. Jamie saw him has a hard worker with great communication skills. “If you come into an
interview looking professional with a neck tattoo and your ears pierced I’m gonna hire you”, said
Jamie.
As for the professional realm Rebecca Collins, MSW said “When working with clients
there are two important questions they asked themselves; Can I trust you? and Can you help me?
My physical appearance, piercings and tattoos, have no effect on my ability to help those in
need.”
It is clear in the year 2016 that having visible tattoos, ear plug or funky colored hair is not
the main concern of employers when they are looking to hire. Being polished and professional
are qualities that every employer is looking for. Personal expression through body modifications
is just another form of communication.
Clinton County Adds Another Wind Farm
By Sean Messier
The sight of windmills towering overhead may not be unfamiliar to community members
of northeastern New York ever since the development of the Noble Clinton Windpark in the
town of Ellenburg. But the 67-turbine-strong wind farm could be dwarfed by another project
proposed by Invenergy, LLC – the Bull Run Wind Energy Center – within the next few years.
Invenergy’s vision for Bull Run consists of an estimated 90-140 turbines, also placed in
the Ellenburg area, and lead project developer Eric Miller has high hopes for the project thanks
to the area’s windy weather and agreeable community.
“The wind blows pretty regularly in the northwestern part of Clinton County and that’s
the first reason we are there,” Miller said. “But in addition to the wind, we like the fact that there
is a lot of open land, there are large electric transmission lines nearby, the communities are
experienced with and interested in hosting wind turbines, and landowners are interested in
leasing their land.”
Miller’s amicable relationship with the community is not a universal experience when it
comes to the development of wind farms, though. It is not uncommon for such propositions to be
met with controversy among community members, as is happening just across Lake Champlain
in Swanton, Vermont.
The proposal for Swanton Wind is much smaller than the propositions facing Clinton
County – consisting of only seven roughly 500-foot-tall turbines – but already is facing heated
objections from an array of Vermont residents.
One of the most outspoken of these residents is Christine Lang.
Lang’s home is about 2000 feet from the proposed site of Swanton Wind. After some
research into the planned turbines, Lang and other residents in the area decided that they weren’t
fond of the idea of a wind farm less than a half mile from their homes, and for a variety of
reasons.
“Most people thought wind was a great thing until they started doing research and realize
that it isn't great, and especially in Vermont. It destroys the ridgeline, it can be detrimental to the
health of those living nearby,” Lang said, citing the noise produced by the turbines.
Additionally, Lang said, the area in which Swanton Wind is intended to be developed is
made up of wetlands that play host to a great amount of wildlife. Roads for the windmills would
have to be created in order for their development and upkeep, which, with the current plan,
would go directly through these wetlands.
As of now, Swanton Wind is still in the works, though Lang and company continue to
bring their objections to the public eye.
While Swanton Wind shows that the Lake Champlain area is not always welcoming of
wind energy developments, Mooers Forks resident Joshua Frenya suggests that when it comes to
Clinton County’s windmills, the road was considerably less rough.
“There were people who wanted it to happen because it's an alternative resource, but
there were also people who complained that it would be an eyesore for the area,” Frenya said.
But those with complaints eventually came to terms with the establishment of the Noble
Clinton Windpark.
“It's been more than a few years since I have heard anybody really talk about them,”
Frenya said. “The windmills are not really in the way of anything and you can only really see
them on the back roads, so I think people just ignore them for the most part.”
Even with residents used to the wind farms, however, evidence does exist that the wind
turbines developed in Clinton County have caused actual drops in property value, according to
Dr. Martin Heintzelman, an associate professor of economics and financial studies at Clarkson
University.
“As a major man-made object in the landscape they can represent a significant change for
a local community,” Heintzelman said. “This change can be felt negatively by local residents,
and especially by homeowners that are close to, and within sight of, the turbines.”
In 2012, Heintzelman, alongside Carrie M. Tuttle, published a study discussing the
effects of wind turbines on property value entitled “Values in the Wind: A Hedonic Analysis of
Wind Power Facilities.” The study found that in Clinton County, the value of property within
sight of the windmills decreased even though other North Country establishments, like Maple
Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County, had little to no effect on local properties.
Heintzelman notes that while developers seem to adequately reimburse those whose
property hosts the windmills, the study shows that others who live within sight of the windmills
may not be acceptably accounted for, a conclusion reflected by Swanton residents’ disquiet.
Regardless, Miller remains confident that the Clinton County community members will
accept Invenergy’s project because of the benefits such projects bring with them – both energy-
related and financial.
“In the long run, we all benefit from having our electricity generated domestically and
with no fuel risk or air pollution,” said Miller. “In the immediate host communities of Ellenburg,
Clinton, Altona, and Mooers, the average residents will benefit from millions of dollars per year
that the project will pay to the county, towns, and school district; dollars that almost always end
up resulting in lower taxes for residents.”
Invenergy hopes to begin construction of Bull Run Wind Energy Center by 2018.
The sight of windmills towering overhead may not be unfamiliar to community members
of northeastern New York ever since the development of the Noble Clinton Windpark in the
town of Ellenburg. But the 67-turbine-strong wind farm could be dwarfed by another project
proposed by Invenergy, LLC – the Bull Run Wind Energy Center – within the next few years.
Invenergy’s vision for Bull Run consists of an estimated 90-140 turbines, also placed in
the Ellenburg area, and lead project developer Eric Miller has high hopes for the project thanks
to the area’s windy weather and agreeable community.
“The wind blows pretty regularly in the northwestern part of Clinton County and that’s
the first reason we are there,” Miller said. “But in addition to the wind, we like the fact that there
is a lot of open land, there are large electric transmission lines nearby, the communities are
experienced with and interested in hosting wind turbines, and landowners are interested in
leasing their land.”
Miller’s amicable relationship with the community is not a universal experience when it
comes to the development of wind farms, though. It is not uncommon for such propositions to be
met with controversy among community members, as is happening just across Lake Champlain
in Swanton, Vermont.
The proposal for Swanton Wind is much smaller than the propositions facing Clinton
County – consisting of only seven roughly 500-foot-tall turbines – but already is facing heated
objections from an array of Vermont residents.
One of the most outspoken of these residents is Christine Lang.
Lang’s home is about 2000 feet from the proposed site of Swanton Wind. After some
research into the planned turbines, Lang and other residents in the area decided that they weren’t
fond of the idea of a wind farm less than a half mile from their homes, and for a variety of
reasons.
“Most people thought wind was a great thing until they started doing research and realize
that it isn't great, and especially in Vermont. It destroys the ridgeline, it can be detrimental to the
health of those living nearby,” Lang said, citing the noise produced by the turbines.
Additionally, Lang said, the area in which Swanton Wind is intended to be developed is
made up of wetlands that play host to a great amount of wildlife. Roads for the windmills would
have to be created in order for their development and upkeep, which, with the current plan,
would go directly through these wetlands.
As of now, Swanton Wind is still in the works, though Lang and company continue to
bring their objections to the public eye.
While Swanton Wind shows that the Lake Champlain area is not always welcoming of
wind energy developments, Mooers Forks resident Joshua Frenya suggests that when it comes to
Clinton County’s windmills, the road was considerably less rough.
“There were people who wanted it to happen because it's an alternative resource, but
there were also people who complained that it would be an eyesore for the area,” Frenya said.
But those with complaints eventually came to terms with the establishment of the Noble
Clinton Windpark.
“It's been more than a few years since I have heard anybody really talk about them,”
Frenya said. “The windmills are not really in the way of anything and you can only really see
them on the back roads, so I think people just ignore them for the most part.”
Even with residents used to the wind farms, however, evidence does exist that the wind
turbines developed in Clinton County have caused actual drops in property value, according to
Dr. Martin Heintzelman, an associate professor of economics and financial studies at Clarkson
University.
“As a major man-made object in the landscape they can represent a significant change for
a local community,” Heintzelman said. “This change can be felt negatively by local residents,
and especially by homeowners that are close to, and within sight of, the turbines.”
In 2012, Heintzelman, alongside Carrie M. Tuttle, published a study discussing the
effects of wind turbines on property value entitled “Values in the Wind: A Hedonic Analysis of
Wind Power Facilities.” The study found that in Clinton County, the value of property within
sight of the windmills decreased even though other North Country establishments, like Maple
Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County, had little to no effect on local properties.
Heintzelman notes that while developers seem to adequately reimburse those whose
property hosts the windmills, the study shows that others who live within sight of the windmills
may not be acceptably accounted for, a conclusion reflected by Swanton residents’ disquiet.
Regardless, Miller remains confident that the Clinton County community members will
accept Invenergy’s project because of the benefits such projects bring with them – both energy-
related and financial.
“In the long run, we all benefit from having our electricity generated domestically and
with no fuel risk or air pollution,” said Miller. “In the immediate host communities of Ellenburg,
Clinton, Altona, and Mooers, the average residents will benefit from millions of dollars per year
that the project will pay to the county, towns, and school district; dollars that almost always end
up resulting in lower taxes for residents.”
Invenergy hopes to begin construction of Bull Run Wind Energy Center by 2018.
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