By Eve Barnofsky
PLATTSBURGH N.Y. - Jennifer Kanaly has experienced more in life than most. At a young age
she left college to travel the country, she became a single mom, and is now a nurse practitioner.
A mother of three, Kanaly didn't always think her life would turn out this way, but she couldn’t
be happier.
Kanaly, a Plattsburgh native, began her college career at SUNY Plattsburgh. She had
received a full four-year scholarship due to her academic excellence in high school, and was
planning to pursue a law degree. She majored in political science; however, Kanaly decided that
she did not like it.
She left school and decided to travel the country.
At the age of twenty, Kanaly became pregnant with her daughter, Sage Lewandowski,
and moved to Western, Mass.
“It’s interesting being a mom. Me and Sage kind of grew up together.” Kanaly said.
Her oldest daughter Sage knows hard her mother has worked to give her a good life.
Since it was just the two of them at both a young age they have a bond most mothers and
daughters don’t have.
“My mom is a woman of incredible strength. From the first years of her life to the present
day, she has always pushed herself and worked hard to become the successful person she is
today.” Said Lewandowski.
Needing a job to support her family, she went to a temporary agency and got an interview
at a hospital to transport radiology patients from in-patient care to the X-ray department.
“As I was picking up patients around the hospital I would see nurse aids and thought I
could do that.” Kanaly said.
That’s just what she did. Kanaly took a nurse aids class and soon after that Sage was
born and they moved back to Plattsburgh. She would then go on to pursue two bachelor degree
and two master degrees.
“Nursing kind of found me in a way. I never intended to be a nurse but it was a
marketable job and I wanted to provide a good life for my girl.” Kanaly said.
Kanaly has always valued education. She came back to SUNY Plattsburgh and pursued a
double bachelor degree in nursing and psychology. She also pursued a master in nursing
education online and got her last masters at Albany Med in Troy. She also taught for them for
their undergraduate nursing program.
“I knew I wasn't going to be using my teaching degree a lot, but I thought to myself if I
am ever going to use it, I am going to do it now.” Kanaly said.
Lewandowski has seen what her mother has done for her education and to provide for her
family and couldn’t be more proud.
“I don’t know anyone who has worked as tirelessly as my mother has. She never once
complains or asks for anything in return” said Lewandowski.
Allie Lyle, a family friend and currently a nursing major at SUNY Plattsburgh, feels
Kanaly is a role model.
“Since I want to be a nurse, she makes me feel like that's possible. When I am feeling
down about grades or the hard school work, she is my inspiration to keep moving forward.” said
Lyle
Kanaly is now a psychiatric nurse at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. She has
worked there for 17 years.
“I love being a psych nurse because we all at any point can have mental health issues,”
said Kanaly, “it is a misunderstand population and an undeserved population but some of the
nicest people I have ever meet.”
Being a psychiatric nurse she feels it has real made her a better person and it is where
she's supposed to be.
“You have to figure out yourself before you figure out someone else.” said Kanaly.
Going from being an ICU nurse to a psychiatric nurse, she has noticed the stigma around
mental health, however, she feels that it is coming into the spotlight more and now people want
to start to help those people.
Kanaly has come from a rough background, having had an abusive mother, she was
unsure if she was going to be a good mom at first.
“My family, to me, is my world. I knew that whatever my mom did I wanted to do the
opposite.” Kanaly said.
Her youngest daughter, Hannah Kanaly, feels that she is a great mom.
“She’s a pretty cool lady. She's done a lot for us and I appreciate it. Especially where
she's coming from, she's been an excellent role model and I’m very thankful.” said Hannah
Kanaly.
Now married to her husband Sean Kanaly, they have three kids, Sage, Ryan and Hannah.
She and her husband meet at SUNY Plattsburgh while perusing their degrees.
Mr. Kanaly is a teacher at a local high school in Saranac.
“He’s great to me. I wouldn't be able to do any of the stuff that I’ve done. All the stuff
that I told you about I wouldn’t be able to do that without him.” said Kanaly.
They’re simple people Kanaly feels. She rides horses with her daughter, they have two
dogs and two cats and she just likes to spend time with her family outdoors.
“I used to drag Sage up mountains wearing one of those front packs. She had been to top
of mountains before she was born.” said Kanaly.
Lewandowski and Kanaly are one in the same. Being in a room with them you can see
not only are they mother and daughter but best friends.
“My mother, is a force of nature. Her dedication and light will always be felt in the world
around her.” Said Lewandowski.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Intramurals on itsway out
By Kristine Giurcio
PLATTSBURGH, NY− The Plattsburgh City School District cut intramural sports from the school budget leaving community members questioning the priorities of the board of education.
Six years ago many budget areas were reduced due to state aid reductions, included in which were after-school clubs such as intramural sports at the 6th grade level.
Connor Mulholland, a Clinton Community College student, worked as a volunteer for the intramurals after school program.
“I worked with 4th and 5th grade soccer players about 3 years ago. These two grades still continue to participate in intramural sports today. Intramurals after elementary school being discontinued seemed to cause concern for community members,” Mulholland said.
James Short, the superintendent of the Plattsburgh City School District, said he thinks intramural sports make for a more positive impact on children and can aid in growth and learning.
“This year the board of education would like to focus more on the health and wellness of the whole student,” Short said. “Bringing back these programs could be a good start.”
Short’s plan to revive these programs deems possible. Fortune Ellison, the director of special education, said she thinks that the new budget will be more beneficial for everyone.
“The new budget will have reductions with a spending increase, opening new doors for us but not affecting any existing programs,” Ellison said.
While changes to the budget will bring back the intramural program, Mulholland finds it to be unnecessary.
“6th grade is the start of middle school and while I think it’s good for children to participate in friendly after-school programs and make new friends, I think that it’s even more important for them to learn about real competition,” Mulholland said. “Sports aren’t about winning, but competition and commitment to a serious varsity school team could teach them a lot about hard work, perseverance, and being a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Leah Casey, a junior at Beekmantown High School, stated that she had never participated in intramural sports that were provided by the district in the past.
“I think for younger kids especially, intramurals is a good program. If they had it for high school students I would join club soccer. Varsity teams take up a lot of time. I would want to try something a little less involved to see if I enjoyed soccer enough to let it become a big part of my life,” Casey said. “I think the district should make club sports for all ages, not just elementary and middle school students.”
Taylor Nelson, who is also a junior at Beekmantown High School, said she thinks the program is positive for students that are often overlooked.
“As a high school student who doesn’t participate on a school sports team, it annoys me how people were so mad about intramural sports being cut. I’m sure a lot of other things were taken away too,” Nelson said. “The only reason I think they should bring back the club teams is for the middle school students who can’t compete to the level of another child their age. I don’t care about sports, but out of all the students there are in this town, not everyone is going to make the school team and they should still be able to play if that’s what they want.”
As the head of the board of education, Short is aware of the conversation the budgetary cut has caused over the years. The board is heavily leaning towards reviving the middle school program due to how inexpensive it is to maintain and the attempt to please everyone.
Smokers go electronic
By Kevin Morley
PLATTSBURGH N.Y.--Smokers of America are progressing with the electronic
age as electronic cigarettes, better known as vapes, have had a substantial increase
in popularity over the past few years according to a New York Times Article.
Those who used to keep a pack handy are now putting their e-cigarettes on
the charger before they go to bed. These new age cigarettes provide users with a
source of nicotine, a highly addictive substance, without all of the other carcinogens
and tars that are found in cigarettes. However, for some users, it is not the nicotine
that draws them to the e-cigarettes.
“I just prefer the taste,” Tanner Barney, a customer at Up in Smoke, said.
“Anything that resembles something like a hookah where you’re not getting all the
harmful stuff and you’re just getting the flavor is what I’m into.”
Up In Smoke, located on the corner of Clinton Street in downtown
Plattsburgh is a place where customers can go to purchase a variety of the nicotine
liquid, also known as “juice”, that is used in an electronic cigarette. These products
range in both the amount of nicotine as well as the flavor of the “juice.”
Flavors range from the simple fruit such as “Very Berry,” to elaborate
concoctions such as “Fruity Pebbles”. Nicotine levels on the other hand are labeled
on the bottles in milligrams, ranging anywhere from 3 mg-12mg of nicotine per
bottle.
Some e-cig users have even cut out the middleman and started to make their
own “juice.” Evan Floreck, a sophomore at SUNY Plattsburgh, has been making his
own creations for about a year now.
“All you need nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and food
flavoring,” Floreck said. “You can just Google the products and buy them in bulk.”
Once he receives his shipment of ingredients, Floreck uses E-liquid
calculators online to make sure his measurements for the juice are precise. When
dealing with concentrated nicotine, Floreck notes how dangerous it can be when
used excessively, saying the right amount could easily poison a person. This is why
the E-liquid calculators are so important.
The clean-smoke trend has struck a particular interest in the teen
demographic. According to a New York Times article, the number of high school
teens who use electronic cigarettes tripled from 2013 to 2014, as thirteen percent of
high school students are now users of vapes. However, the trend is not limited to the
younger generations.
I’d say our customers range from 18 to some of our older customers who are
in their sixties and seventies,” Nick Luroque, a sales clerk at Up in Smoke said. “The
older people say the smoke is less harsh than a cigarette.”
With the trend gaining momentum faster than anticipated, the government is
having a tough time catching up when it comes to regulating the product. According
to the New York Times Article, the Food and Drug Administration is still developing
a ruling on the safety of e-cigarettes.
Due to the lack of education on electronic cigarettes, the concept of smoking
a vape in a public place is still up for debate. Some shops in downtown Plattsburgh
are accepting of the new trend, letting customers indulge in vaping while in their
store.
“We’re ok with people using them in here,” owner of the Koffee Kat, Patty
Waldron said. “As long as it doesn’t bother others and it’s not harmful to them then
we’re fine with it. The smells not terrible either.”
Waldron used to be an electronic cigarette smoker herself, saying it was a
helpful way for her to quit smoking. With smoking being the number preventable
cause of death in the United States, killing 480,000 people a year, many smokers like
Waldron look to the vape to quit smoking, as it has become known as the healthier
alternative.
Another aspect that draws people to use electronic cigarettes is the fact that
it is significantly cheaper than buying a pack. A typical electronic cigarette goes for
anywhere from 30 to 100 dollars according to Luroque.
“I put it all out on paper for my mom to show her that it would end up being
cheaper to smoke an electronic cigarette.” Luroque said. “She smokes one to two
packs a day so it would be a big help to her health also.”
Although the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise, a good amount of smokers are
sticking to their old-fashioned ways despite the growing availability of the product.
Some gas stations now sell electronic-cigarette cartridges. Pauline Ramsey, a
partner of the Stewarts on Rugar Street, has not seen to many customers opting for
the new-age smoke.
“I think people are going to continue to use what they want until they are
ready to quit.” Ramsey said. “Try as you may, some people can’t quit right off the
bat.”
PLATTSBURGH N.Y.--Smokers of America are progressing with the electronic
age as electronic cigarettes, better known as vapes, have had a substantial increase
in popularity over the past few years according to a New York Times Article.
Those who used to keep a pack handy are now putting their e-cigarettes on
the charger before they go to bed. These new age cigarettes provide users with a
source of nicotine, a highly addictive substance, without all of the other carcinogens
and tars that are found in cigarettes. However, for some users, it is not the nicotine
that draws them to the e-cigarettes.
“I just prefer the taste,” Tanner Barney, a customer at Up in Smoke, said.
“Anything that resembles something like a hookah where you’re not getting all the
harmful stuff and you’re just getting the flavor is what I’m into.”
Up In Smoke, located on the corner of Clinton Street in downtown
Plattsburgh is a place where customers can go to purchase a variety of the nicotine
liquid, also known as “juice”, that is used in an electronic cigarette. These products
range in both the amount of nicotine as well as the flavor of the “juice.”
Flavors range from the simple fruit such as “Very Berry,” to elaborate
concoctions such as “Fruity Pebbles”. Nicotine levels on the other hand are labeled
on the bottles in milligrams, ranging anywhere from 3 mg-12mg of nicotine per
bottle.
Some e-cig users have even cut out the middleman and started to make their
own “juice.” Evan Floreck, a sophomore at SUNY Plattsburgh, has been making his
own creations for about a year now.
“All you need nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and food
flavoring,” Floreck said. “You can just Google the products and buy them in bulk.”
Once he receives his shipment of ingredients, Floreck uses E-liquid
calculators online to make sure his measurements for the juice are precise. When
dealing with concentrated nicotine, Floreck notes how dangerous it can be when
used excessively, saying the right amount could easily poison a person. This is why
the E-liquid calculators are so important.
The clean-smoke trend has struck a particular interest in the teen
demographic. According to a New York Times article, the number of high school
teens who use electronic cigarettes tripled from 2013 to 2014, as thirteen percent of
high school students are now users of vapes. However, the trend is not limited to the
younger generations.
I’d say our customers range from 18 to some of our older customers who are
in their sixties and seventies,” Nick Luroque, a sales clerk at Up in Smoke said. “The
older people say the smoke is less harsh than a cigarette.”
With the trend gaining momentum faster than anticipated, the government is
having a tough time catching up when it comes to regulating the product. According
to the New York Times Article, the Food and Drug Administration is still developing
a ruling on the safety of e-cigarettes.
Due to the lack of education on electronic cigarettes, the concept of smoking
a vape in a public place is still up for debate. Some shops in downtown Plattsburgh
are accepting of the new trend, letting customers indulge in vaping while in their
store.
“We’re ok with people using them in here,” owner of the Koffee Kat, Patty
Waldron said. “As long as it doesn’t bother others and it’s not harmful to them then
we’re fine with it. The smells not terrible either.”
Waldron used to be an electronic cigarette smoker herself, saying it was a
helpful way for her to quit smoking. With smoking being the number preventable
cause of death in the United States, killing 480,000 people a year, many smokers like
Waldron look to the vape to quit smoking, as it has become known as the healthier
alternative.
Another aspect that draws people to use electronic cigarettes is the fact that
it is significantly cheaper than buying a pack. A typical electronic cigarette goes for
anywhere from 30 to 100 dollars according to Luroque.
“I put it all out on paper for my mom to show her that it would end up being
cheaper to smoke an electronic cigarette.” Luroque said. “She smokes one to two
packs a day so it would be a big help to her health also.”
Although the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise, a good amount of smokers are
sticking to their old-fashioned ways despite the growing availability of the product.
Some gas stations now sell electronic-cigarette cartridges. Pauline Ramsey, a
partner of the Stewarts on Rugar Street, has not seen to many customers opting for
the new-age smoke.
“I think people are going to continue to use what they want until they are
ready to quit.” Ramsey said. “Try as you may, some people can’t quit right off the
bat.”
Cardinal Singers take on classic opera
By Jasely Molina
PSU Cardinal Singers and College Chorale collaborated to perform in SUNY Plattsburgh
Department of Music’s annual Choralfest concert, April 15 at the Plattsburgh United Methodist
Church.
Members of the PSU and Plattsburgh community gathered to watch and listen as Cardinal
Singers and College Chorale celebrated the works of Faure, Brahms, Dowland, and Hans Leo
Hassler. Cardinal Singers and College Chorale performed separate selections but merged
together to perform Faure’s “Requiem.” Choralfest directed by Jo Ellen Miano featured the
talents of Soprano Ayrice Wilson and Baritone Darik Knutsen in Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem.”
Choralfest typically takes place in E. Glenn Giltz auditorium at SUNY Plattsburgh;
however, the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church provided the choirs with the acoustics and
organ essential to bring out the best quality. “We do have an electric organ that we could ship
anywhere, but there’s no comparison with the quality of the organ. I wanted to find a venue that
had a beautiful organ. The church was also very flexible and worked with us in terms of
equipment. They did a lot and really accommodated for us, ” Miano said.
The event began with College Chorale’s rendition of Dowland’s “What If I Never Speed,”
Brahms’ “Wondrous Cool, Thou Woodland Quiet” and Hassler “Cantate Domino.” After that,
Cardinal Singers performed Brahms’ Motet, Op. 29. An intermission followed as the orchestra
arranged its instruments, which consisted of violas, cellos, bass, harp, French horns and pipe
organ. Shortly after, Cardinal Singers and College Choir united to perform “Requiem.
Professional Opera Singer Darik Knutsen joined the choirs and performed the baritone solo
in “Requiem” titled “Libera Me.” PSU Senior Ayrice Wilson performed the soprano solo “Pie
Jesu.”
“I’m really happy. This is a special piece for me. It is really touching. I haven’t done this
song in four years. It brought up a lot of memories, ” Knutsen said. Knutsen was contacted
through Miano and a former music student to fill in for the former baritone soloist. He was able
to rehearse with Miano prior to the show. He believes that the orchestra and choirs has a warm
ambience and sound. “It was lovely, we put together a nice audience,” he said.
The choirs, orchestra, and soloists were met with applause from the audience. College
Chorale Tenor Tyler Lefleur found Choralfest to be an unforgettable experience. “This was my
second time participating in ChoralFest. It was a lot of fun to have the orchestra accompany the
choirs. The orchestra and choir complemented each other and gave the pieces a personal and
warm touch, ” Lefleur said. He explained that he had spent a lot of time working on learning the
song and solidifying the notes.
PSU Senior Mariah Santiago attended Choralfest and was “blown away” by the
performance. This was her first time attending anything music related in Plattsburgh; however,
she intends on going to more shows. “I loved how professional everyone sounded. I wouldn’t
have been able to tell that these were college students. It was a job well done,” she said.
Miano sees this year’s Choralfest as a success. She is excited about the next steps for the
Cardinal Singers and College Choir. Next semester, both choirs will be merging into “Concert
Choir.”
“What we have have been doing for years with Choralfest, merging the two groups
together, we’ll now have for the whole semester. I’m really excited for that,” Miano said.
PSU Cardinal Singers and College Chorale collaborated to perform in SUNY Plattsburgh
Department of Music’s annual Choralfest concert, April 15 at the Plattsburgh United Methodist
Church.
Members of the PSU and Plattsburgh community gathered to watch and listen as Cardinal
Singers and College Chorale celebrated the works of Faure, Brahms, Dowland, and Hans Leo
Hassler. Cardinal Singers and College Chorale performed separate selections but merged
together to perform Faure’s “Requiem.” Choralfest directed by Jo Ellen Miano featured the
talents of Soprano Ayrice Wilson and Baritone Darik Knutsen in Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem.”
Choralfest typically takes place in E. Glenn Giltz auditorium at SUNY Plattsburgh;
however, the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church provided the choirs with the acoustics and
organ essential to bring out the best quality. “We do have an electric organ that we could ship
anywhere, but there’s no comparison with the quality of the organ. I wanted to find a venue that
had a beautiful organ. The church was also very flexible and worked with us in terms of
equipment. They did a lot and really accommodated for us, ” Miano said.
The event began with College Chorale’s rendition of Dowland’s “What If I Never Speed,”
Brahms’ “Wondrous Cool, Thou Woodland Quiet” and Hassler “Cantate Domino.” After that,
Cardinal Singers performed Brahms’ Motet, Op. 29. An intermission followed as the orchestra
arranged its instruments, which consisted of violas, cellos, bass, harp, French horns and pipe
organ. Shortly after, Cardinal Singers and College Choir united to perform “Requiem.
Professional Opera Singer Darik Knutsen joined the choirs and performed the baritone solo
in “Requiem” titled “Libera Me.” PSU Senior Ayrice Wilson performed the soprano solo “Pie
Jesu.”
“I’m really happy. This is a special piece for me. It is really touching. I haven’t done this
song in four years. It brought up a lot of memories, ” Knutsen said. Knutsen was contacted
through Miano and a former music student to fill in for the former baritone soloist. He was able
to rehearse with Miano prior to the show. He believes that the orchestra and choirs has a warm
ambience and sound. “It was lovely, we put together a nice audience,” he said.
The choirs, orchestra, and soloists were met with applause from the audience. College
Chorale Tenor Tyler Lefleur found Choralfest to be an unforgettable experience. “This was my
second time participating in ChoralFest. It was a lot of fun to have the orchestra accompany the
choirs. The orchestra and choir complemented each other and gave the pieces a personal and
warm touch, ” Lefleur said. He explained that he had spent a lot of time working on learning the
song and solidifying the notes.
PSU Senior Mariah Santiago attended Choralfest and was “blown away” by the
performance. This was her first time attending anything music related in Plattsburgh; however,
she intends on going to more shows. “I loved how professional everyone sounded. I wouldn’t
have been able to tell that these were college students. It was a job well done,” she said.
Miano sees this year’s Choralfest as a success. She is excited about the next steps for the
Cardinal Singers and College Choir. Next semester, both choirs will be merging into “Concert
Choir.”
“What we have have been doing for years with Choralfest, merging the two groups
together, we’ll now have for the whole semester. I’m really excited for that,” Miano said.
Old soul makes modern art
By Emily Kim
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.-- Art can be a painting from Van Gough, a symphony by
Beethoven, splattered paint on the wall by a five-year-old, or ink tattooed on a person’s
back. People have different perspectives on what art is, and for Kristen Neverett-Brown,
tattoos are a form of endearment.
Brown is the owner and tattooist at In Living Color Tattooing and Body Piercing,
located on 85 Margaret St. Plattsburgh, New York. Opened for 22 years, this is one of the
oldest tattoo studios in the area.
Brown had gotten her first tattoo with her then girlfriend and now maid of honor.
Her maid of honor had given Brown the idea to open up her own business after their
disappointing experience with their first tattoos. Her maid of honor thought that Brown
could have done a better job than the tattooist they had went to, and she was right.
“She really took the time to center my tattoo on my body and it came out
beautifully,” Michelle Chiudina, a customer of Kristen’s said.
Meghan Riley is the body piercer at In Living Color and has been working
alongside Brown for 9 years. Brown has been tattooing her since she was 17, and ever
since she was younger, Riley knew that the place to come was here.
“She’s one of the oldest around so she has a really good client based and she has
people that have been coming here for a long time,” Riley said.
Customers continue to come back to Brown not only because of her obvious skills
in tattooing, but because of the way she is able to make customers feel while getting their
tattoos. Her personality and support creates the magic behind the scenes. There is a
certain aroma to the environment that she has created. The easy sunlight beaming through
the second story windows and the warm colors covering the room give off comfort and
safety to everyone who walks into her studio.
Justin Paolicelli, a customer of Kristen’s said, “She's a very down to earth women
and she definitely knows how to make you laugh, which made me feel comfortable
getting a tattoo in that type of environment.”
Brown has the success that she does because she is good at being a tattooist, but
also because she is passionate about tattoos. She finds meaning and joy in the art of
branding your body.
“It’s a way to individualize yourself. Most of the time people go through
something catastrophic or wonderful and want something to depict that event in their
life,” Brown said.
She takes her time to make sure that the customer is aware of the process and
what is happening every step of the way. Brown recognizes that tattoos can be a personal
and emotional work of art. She makes the process very personal and her customers are
able to easily trust her.
“I was tearing up through the process because the tattoo hurt like crazy, but right
before Kristen finished, she said, ‘Grandma's gonna give you a hug and a kiss and then
you're all done,’ and at that point I just burst out in tears,” Chiudina said.
Everyone has a different story, and whether there’s an emotional connection,
meaning, or it was a spontaneous decision, there is no one reason why anyone gets a
tattoo.
“I think people exploring this art tend to gravitate towards it cause it gives them
some sort of outlet some sort of joy,” Brown said.
The people of Plattsburgh have been coming to Brown for the past 22 years with
new and returning customers every day. People walk into her studio disappointed to find
out that the next available time would be no earlier than a month.
“Just recently I got a tattoo and was planning on going back, but I called and she
was all booked up till May,” Paolicelli said.
Brown is booked up because she is fair with her pricing and creates a fun
atmosphere. She knows what she is doing and customers come back because they know
that they will get what they paid for. No one will have to experience what Brown and her
maid of honor experienced with their first tattoos. She’s a tattooist that understands the
quality and meaning of tattoos.
“I love the art. For me it’s an endearment,” Brown said.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.-- Art can be a painting from Van Gough, a symphony by
Beethoven, splattered paint on the wall by a five-year-old, or ink tattooed on a person’s
back. People have different perspectives on what art is, and for Kristen Neverett-Brown,
tattoos are a form of endearment.
Brown is the owner and tattooist at In Living Color Tattooing and Body Piercing,
located on 85 Margaret St. Plattsburgh, New York. Opened for 22 years, this is one of the
oldest tattoo studios in the area.
Brown had gotten her first tattoo with her then girlfriend and now maid of honor.
Her maid of honor had given Brown the idea to open up her own business after their
disappointing experience with their first tattoos. Her maid of honor thought that Brown
could have done a better job than the tattooist they had went to, and she was right.
“She really took the time to center my tattoo on my body and it came out
beautifully,” Michelle Chiudina, a customer of Kristen’s said.
Meghan Riley is the body piercer at In Living Color and has been working
alongside Brown for 9 years. Brown has been tattooing her since she was 17, and ever
since she was younger, Riley knew that the place to come was here.
“She’s one of the oldest around so she has a really good client based and she has
people that have been coming here for a long time,” Riley said.
Customers continue to come back to Brown not only because of her obvious skills
in tattooing, but because of the way she is able to make customers feel while getting their
tattoos. Her personality and support creates the magic behind the scenes. There is a
certain aroma to the environment that she has created. The easy sunlight beaming through
the second story windows and the warm colors covering the room give off comfort and
safety to everyone who walks into her studio.
Justin Paolicelli, a customer of Kristen’s said, “She's a very down to earth women
and she definitely knows how to make you laugh, which made me feel comfortable
getting a tattoo in that type of environment.”
Brown has the success that she does because she is good at being a tattooist, but
also because she is passionate about tattoos. She finds meaning and joy in the art of
branding your body.
“It’s a way to individualize yourself. Most of the time people go through
something catastrophic or wonderful and want something to depict that event in their
life,” Brown said.
She takes her time to make sure that the customer is aware of the process and
what is happening every step of the way. Brown recognizes that tattoos can be a personal
and emotional work of art. She makes the process very personal and her customers are
able to easily trust her.
“I was tearing up through the process because the tattoo hurt like crazy, but right
before Kristen finished, she said, ‘Grandma's gonna give you a hug and a kiss and then
you're all done,’ and at that point I just burst out in tears,” Chiudina said.
Everyone has a different story, and whether there’s an emotional connection,
meaning, or it was a spontaneous decision, there is no one reason why anyone gets a
tattoo.
“I think people exploring this art tend to gravitate towards it cause it gives them
some sort of outlet some sort of joy,” Brown said.
The people of Plattsburgh have been coming to Brown for the past 22 years with
new and returning customers every day. People walk into her studio disappointed to find
out that the next available time would be no earlier than a month.
“Just recently I got a tattoo and was planning on going back, but I called and she
was all booked up till May,” Paolicelli said.
Brown is booked up because she is fair with her pricing and creates a fun
atmosphere. She knows what she is doing and customers come back because they know
that they will get what they paid for. No one will have to experience what Brown and her
maid of honor experienced with their first tattoos. She’s a tattooist that understands the
quality and meaning of tattoos.
“I love the art. For me it’s an endearment,” Brown said.
Fresh, organic and delicious
By Kristen Suarez
PLATTSBURGH N.Y — As you take the beautiful ride out to West Chazy you’ll notice
amongst the open land a large wooden house called Conroy’s Organics. Upon entering
the café the smell of fresh baked goodies and bacon hits you. Out from the back comes a
peppy 5’0 woman by the name of Tracy-Vicory Rosenquest, the owner of the café,
carrying a plate full of freshly smoked bacon.
“Tracy is a great business partner. She's willing, and always has been, to put herself in
tough situations and see her way through.” Christopher Rosenquest, husband and co-
owner, said.
During the summer you can swing by the café for some good music, food, and bounding
on the farm outback. Rosenquest is not only a woman business owner, but also a
playwright and lover of community building with many talents.
She grew up in a small town in Kansas, where she spent her childhood. During high
school she was involved in many activities such as book photographer, tennis team, track,
and the national honors society.
“One day she came home from school, sat down in the kitchen chair and started to cry.
She was overwhelmed with all that she was required to complete in that period of time. I
said to her, “Tracy, do you need to drop out of some of these things?” Her response at 16
or 17 was “not yet”. To which she got up, went upstairs, got focused, and went forth. She
dropped out of none of her activities and finished each with a high level of integrity.”
Susan Victory, mother, said.
She then moved to Minneapolis where she attended Gustavus Adolphus College for
undergrad studying religion and woman’s gender studies. It wasn’t until 2002 during her
final year that she discovered her passion for creative writing during an independent
study.
Rosenquest moved on to work for a non-for-profit in 2004, helping homeless families
find a home. She felt the work she was doing was important, but didn’t feel like she was
good at her job. One day her boss told her about a program called Landmark Worldwide,
a company that offers personal development programs. She took the course to help
further her creative writing.
“When I did my landmark form, it completely altered the actions I took in reality and
when you alter the actions you take you begin doing things that you were previously just
talked about and now create action in your life.”
After attending the form she realized she had strong passion for playwriting. She began
writing and producing scripts through Fringe Festival in Minneapolis.
“It’s been 12 years since I’ve done that course, and now I lead a program with the
company called the self-expression and leadership program. And people take on
community projects on important things that matter to them and develop themselves as
leaders in their community” she said.
In 2007, she moved to Port Townsend WA, where she attended Goddard College,
graduating with a MFA in creative writing. She began creating work that tied in human
thinking, and experiences.
“I think the thing that I love about play writing and producing is it’s not just this thing
I’m doing, it’s creative work that the community is creating for themselves, and for a
wider community.”
After graduating in 2009, Rosenquest worked for The Young Playwright Program, where
she taught students of all ages to write plays, and produce them.
“When I watched these kids preform I was so moved I thought, “wow this is real theatre.”
When something authentic can be expressed. It’s not all the fancy hoopla but its all real
so authentic, and speaking of humanity.” Rosenquest said.
Then in 2013, an opportunity arose for Rosenquest’s husband. They moved back to his
hometown, Plattsburgh, where he ran for mayor.
“He was the third candidate, and it was the crazy most awesome experience. It was a real
clear experience to have an impact on a higher level than just oh yeah I volunteer.”
Rosenquest said.
The couple brought up conversations around creating different possibilities in
Plattsburgh, and asking the community what the people want. After loosing the race they
began taking on multiple community project around Plattsburgh, such as the International
Film Festival, which has been held the last three years.
In 2015, Shawna Kelty, theatre faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh, reached out to Rosenquest
in regards to producing a play she wrote through the SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre
Department.
Throughout the last year she has worked on developing, and producing her play called
First Born. Her script was used in a theatre class, and was preformed March 3-6th at
SUNY Plattsburgh.
“Delving into Tracy's mind and piecing together her story was something I'll never
forget. Working with the playwright is interesting because you get to develop certain
characteristics and then tweak them to make them your own. It was challenging as an
actor, but seeing the story through Tracy's eyes was remarkable.” Audra Colino, SUNY
Plattsburgh student said.
Rosenquest was given a $2,000 budget for design, along with a director, and full artist
team to help produce First Born. After positive feedback from all who saw the show,
Rosenquest intends on continuing to produce, and develop the script.
“Tracy was so into the art and telling the story that ego was infused into a collaborative
work. I am working with her again developing a piece and love working with her equally
as much on this. She’s a treasure of the North Country and I am glad to have gotten to
work with her.” Timothy Wagner, director of First Born, said.
PLATTSBURGH N.Y — As you take the beautiful ride out to West Chazy you’ll notice
amongst the open land a large wooden house called Conroy’s Organics. Upon entering
the café the smell of fresh baked goodies and bacon hits you. Out from the back comes a
peppy 5’0 woman by the name of Tracy-Vicory Rosenquest, the owner of the café,
carrying a plate full of freshly smoked bacon.
“Tracy is a great business partner. She's willing, and always has been, to put herself in
tough situations and see her way through.” Christopher Rosenquest, husband and co-
owner, said.
During the summer you can swing by the café for some good music, food, and bounding
on the farm outback. Rosenquest is not only a woman business owner, but also a
playwright and lover of community building with many talents.
She grew up in a small town in Kansas, where she spent her childhood. During high
school she was involved in many activities such as book photographer, tennis team, track,
and the national honors society.
“One day she came home from school, sat down in the kitchen chair and started to cry.
She was overwhelmed with all that she was required to complete in that period of time. I
said to her, “Tracy, do you need to drop out of some of these things?” Her response at 16
or 17 was “not yet”. To which she got up, went upstairs, got focused, and went forth. She
dropped out of none of her activities and finished each with a high level of integrity.”
Susan Victory, mother, said.
She then moved to Minneapolis where she attended Gustavus Adolphus College for
undergrad studying religion and woman’s gender studies. It wasn’t until 2002 during her
final year that she discovered her passion for creative writing during an independent
study.
Rosenquest moved on to work for a non-for-profit in 2004, helping homeless families
find a home. She felt the work she was doing was important, but didn’t feel like she was
good at her job. One day her boss told her about a program called Landmark Worldwide,
a company that offers personal development programs. She took the course to help
further her creative writing.
“When I did my landmark form, it completely altered the actions I took in reality and
when you alter the actions you take you begin doing things that you were previously just
talked about and now create action in your life.”
After attending the form she realized she had strong passion for playwriting. She began
writing and producing scripts through Fringe Festival in Minneapolis.
“It’s been 12 years since I’ve done that course, and now I lead a program with the
company called the self-expression and leadership program. And people take on
community projects on important things that matter to them and develop themselves as
leaders in their community” she said.
In 2007, she moved to Port Townsend WA, where she attended Goddard College,
graduating with a MFA in creative writing. She began creating work that tied in human
thinking, and experiences.
“I think the thing that I love about play writing and producing is it’s not just this thing
I’m doing, it’s creative work that the community is creating for themselves, and for a
wider community.”
After graduating in 2009, Rosenquest worked for The Young Playwright Program, where
she taught students of all ages to write plays, and produce them.
“When I watched these kids preform I was so moved I thought, “wow this is real theatre.”
When something authentic can be expressed. It’s not all the fancy hoopla but its all real
so authentic, and speaking of humanity.” Rosenquest said.
Then in 2013, an opportunity arose for Rosenquest’s husband. They moved back to his
hometown, Plattsburgh, where he ran for mayor.
“He was the third candidate, and it was the crazy most awesome experience. It was a real
clear experience to have an impact on a higher level than just oh yeah I volunteer.”
Rosenquest said.
The couple brought up conversations around creating different possibilities in
Plattsburgh, and asking the community what the people want. After loosing the race they
began taking on multiple community project around Plattsburgh, such as the International
Film Festival, which has been held the last three years.
In 2015, Shawna Kelty, theatre faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh, reached out to Rosenquest
in regards to producing a play she wrote through the SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre
Department.
Throughout the last year she has worked on developing, and producing her play called
First Born. Her script was used in a theatre class, and was preformed March 3-6th at
SUNY Plattsburgh.
“Delving into Tracy's mind and piecing together her story was something I'll never
forget. Working with the playwright is interesting because you get to develop certain
characteristics and then tweak them to make them your own. It was challenging as an
actor, but seeing the story through Tracy's eyes was remarkable.” Audra Colino, SUNY
Plattsburgh student said.
Rosenquest was given a $2,000 budget for design, along with a director, and full artist
team to help produce First Born. After positive feedback from all who saw the show,
Rosenquest intends on continuing to produce, and develop the script.
“Tracy was so into the art and telling the story that ego was infused into a collaborative
work. I am working with her again developing a piece and love working with her equally
as much on this. She’s a treasure of the North Country and I am glad to have gotten to
work with her.” Timothy Wagner, director of First Born, said.
Downtown Association talks sidewalks
By Winta Matteous Mebrahti
For the past four or five years, Plattsburgh's downtown has seen the sidewalks as an extension of
their business. Every summer, locals made their way to their favorite establishment with outdoor
seating to bask in the sun and enjoy the summer parades with a drink in hand. As harmless as this
activity may sound, it alienated a group of people who expect a full downtown experience, people
with disabilities.
Last week, the City of Plattsburgh amended the sidewalk laws to make downtown ADA
compliant by the summer. City Engineer Kevin Farrington said the public hearing held April 7 in
which the city heard the people's concerns about the sidewalks resulted in changes to the sidewalk
laws. Farrington believes that's a step in the right direction for the City of Plattsburgh which
recently made City Hall accessible.
Though the sidewalk laws at first didn't address the potential problems of outdoor seating,
Farrington said the city has been working hard to identify problem areas that still remain and put a
plan to improve on them. One way it plans to do so is by having an ADA self evaluation and
transition plan. The city will soon advertise for a request to get specialty assistance so they can
make Plattsburgh accessible to everyone.
The law states that there needs to be at least a 5-foot-wide walking path, preferably straight,
for pedestrians. Sidewalks throughout the city are between 5 and 14 feet, so businesses that have a
5-foot sidewalk, will have to keep it clear or else it would be considered an obstruction. These
changes to the sidewalk laws are welcomed by Plattsburgh Downtown Association President and
Champlain Wine Company co-owner Colin Read.
“We encourage all of our members to be more mindful when they use public space to make
sure that nobody feels intruded upon or unwelcome in the public space,” Read said. “But we do also
encourage merchants to use the public space to attract people to the shop as well.”
Read also said the association is increasing the awareness to this issue to help merchants
who are sensitive to this issue, and he encourages those who are unhappy with their downtown
experience to reach out to the downtown businesses, so they can find solutions to those issues.
Plattsburgh State student Kolby Keysor who uses a wheelchair said he thinks the changes to
the sidewalk laws are necessary if the tables have caused people any inconvenience. Because
Keysor drives everywhere he usually just parks outside the stores and restaurants he is visiting
which is why he hasn't experienced the issues with outdoor seatings.
“I've never really seen outdoor seating block a sidewalk, but if it did obviously something
has to be done about it,” Keysor said. “You can't hop off the curb in the road and get back on the
curb by yourself.”
Though he said he hadn't experienced much inconvenience downtown, in places like
Peabody's where there's no elevator, Keysor receives help from friends and his girlfriend, Kaitlyn
Timmons, to get up the stairs. Though both Keysor and Timmons feel it would've been easier if
ramps and elevators were available, they say “there's always someone around to help.”
These types of limitations aren't uncommon in Plattsburgh. Although he is appreciative of
the changes made to the sidewalk laws, Robert Poulin, executive director of the North Country
Center for Independence, said there's still more work to be done. Just two weeks ago he received
complaints about the bathrooms at the Crete Memorial Civic Center not being ADA compliant. He
also mentioned that the access for people with disabilities at the Plattsburgh recreation facility on
the U.S. Oval and some parks in the city is poor. Part of the reason these problems still exist is that
the cities and states are expected to enforce ADA themselves, Poulin said.
“The cities and states haven't been good at doing it themselves, so they haven't been good at
enforcing it with businesses,” Poulin said. “It really is incumbent on advocates to do constant work
to educate and push. That's about all the leverage we have.”
However in 2012, advocates and the NCCI had the New York State Attorney General Office
on their side. After receiving complaints about Champlain Centre's reduction of handicap parking
spaces and curb cuts, the NCCI had discussions with the owners, Pyramid management group, to no
avail. So they filed a complaint with the New York State's Attorney General Office. The state
attorney general had a state-wide investigation which resulted in an out-of-court settlement and a
$160,000 fine.
“Sometimes you can get big victories like we did with the attorney general,” Poulin said. “In
the case of private companies the attorney general is empowered to do something, but when it
comes to the city the attorney general has to defend the city.”
Despite the cities' inability to enforce ADA, he does recognize Plattsburgh city mayor, James
Calnon's, work to make the city more accessible.
“I have to say this particular mayor has been in office for only a few years, but he has moved
many more than any official has,” Poulin said. “City Hall wasn't accessible until this year. They are
just finishing up with their accessibility. To go 25 years with City Hall not being accessible, that's
really bad. But they are at the verge of having it fully accessible now.”
Poulin and Keysor agree that to speed up the process of making Plattsburgh accessible to all
people need to voice their opinions and experiences. Poulin said he would like to see universities,
high schools and elementary schools be more vocal. The reason being that you're more likely to find
those places to be the only ADA accessible buildings in an area. In collaboration with local
businesses, the education department, Poulin believes, can influence the cities to be accessible.
Keysor on the other hand thinks it's up to those who are affected.
“You don't really think about any of it until you're in the situation, ” he said. “If I was walking down
the road, and saw the seating outside blocking the sidewalk I wouldn't think anything of it. But now
that I have to make my way around it I do. If more people like me (those who use wheelchairs)
spoke out, it would make it easier.”
For the past four or five years, Plattsburgh's downtown has seen the sidewalks as an extension of
their business. Every summer, locals made their way to their favorite establishment with outdoor
seating to bask in the sun and enjoy the summer parades with a drink in hand. As harmless as this
activity may sound, it alienated a group of people who expect a full downtown experience, people
with disabilities.
Last week, the City of Plattsburgh amended the sidewalk laws to make downtown ADA
compliant by the summer. City Engineer Kevin Farrington said the public hearing held April 7 in
which the city heard the people's concerns about the sidewalks resulted in changes to the sidewalk
laws. Farrington believes that's a step in the right direction for the City of Plattsburgh which
recently made City Hall accessible.
Though the sidewalk laws at first didn't address the potential problems of outdoor seating,
Farrington said the city has been working hard to identify problem areas that still remain and put a
plan to improve on them. One way it plans to do so is by having an ADA self evaluation and
transition plan. The city will soon advertise for a request to get specialty assistance so they can
make Plattsburgh accessible to everyone.
The law states that there needs to be at least a 5-foot-wide walking path, preferably straight,
for pedestrians. Sidewalks throughout the city are between 5 and 14 feet, so businesses that have a
5-foot sidewalk, will have to keep it clear or else it would be considered an obstruction. These
changes to the sidewalk laws are welcomed by Plattsburgh Downtown Association President and
Champlain Wine Company co-owner Colin Read.
“We encourage all of our members to be more mindful when they use public space to make
sure that nobody feels intruded upon or unwelcome in the public space,” Read said. “But we do also
encourage merchants to use the public space to attract people to the shop as well.”
Read also said the association is increasing the awareness to this issue to help merchants
who are sensitive to this issue, and he encourages those who are unhappy with their downtown
experience to reach out to the downtown businesses, so they can find solutions to those issues.
Plattsburgh State student Kolby Keysor who uses a wheelchair said he thinks the changes to
the sidewalk laws are necessary if the tables have caused people any inconvenience. Because
Keysor drives everywhere he usually just parks outside the stores and restaurants he is visiting
which is why he hasn't experienced the issues with outdoor seatings.
“I've never really seen outdoor seating block a sidewalk, but if it did obviously something
has to be done about it,” Keysor said. “You can't hop off the curb in the road and get back on the
curb by yourself.”
Though he said he hadn't experienced much inconvenience downtown, in places like
Peabody's where there's no elevator, Keysor receives help from friends and his girlfriend, Kaitlyn
Timmons, to get up the stairs. Though both Keysor and Timmons feel it would've been easier if
ramps and elevators were available, they say “there's always someone around to help.”
These types of limitations aren't uncommon in Plattsburgh. Although he is appreciative of
the changes made to the sidewalk laws, Robert Poulin, executive director of the North Country
Center for Independence, said there's still more work to be done. Just two weeks ago he received
complaints about the bathrooms at the Crete Memorial Civic Center not being ADA compliant. He
also mentioned that the access for people with disabilities at the Plattsburgh recreation facility on
the U.S. Oval and some parks in the city is poor. Part of the reason these problems still exist is that
the cities and states are expected to enforce ADA themselves, Poulin said.
“The cities and states haven't been good at doing it themselves, so they haven't been good at
enforcing it with businesses,” Poulin said. “It really is incumbent on advocates to do constant work
to educate and push. That's about all the leverage we have.”
However in 2012, advocates and the NCCI had the New York State Attorney General Office
on their side. After receiving complaints about Champlain Centre's reduction of handicap parking
spaces and curb cuts, the NCCI had discussions with the owners, Pyramid management group, to no
avail. So they filed a complaint with the New York State's Attorney General Office. The state
attorney general had a state-wide investigation which resulted in an out-of-court settlement and a
$160,000 fine.
“Sometimes you can get big victories like we did with the attorney general,” Poulin said. “In
the case of private companies the attorney general is empowered to do something, but when it
comes to the city the attorney general has to defend the city.”
Despite the cities' inability to enforce ADA, he does recognize Plattsburgh city mayor, James
Calnon's, work to make the city more accessible.
“I have to say this particular mayor has been in office for only a few years, but he has moved
many more than any official has,” Poulin said. “City Hall wasn't accessible until this year. They are
just finishing up with their accessibility. To go 25 years with City Hall not being accessible, that's
really bad. But they are at the verge of having it fully accessible now.”
Poulin and Keysor agree that to speed up the process of making Plattsburgh accessible to all
people need to voice their opinions and experiences. Poulin said he would like to see universities,
high schools and elementary schools be more vocal. The reason being that you're more likely to find
those places to be the only ADA accessible buildings in an area. In collaboration with local
businesses, the education department, Poulin believes, can influence the cities to be accessible.
Keysor on the other hand thinks it's up to those who are affected.
“You don't really think about any of it until you're in the situation, ” he said. “If I was walking down
the road, and saw the seating outside blocking the sidewalk I wouldn't think anything of it. But now
that I have to make my way around it I do. If more people like me (those who use wheelchairs)
spoke out, it would make it easier.”
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