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.”
Monday, March 7, 2016
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.
Planned Parenthood Funding Cut Affects Local Residents
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?
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?
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.”
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