By Kevin Morley
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—For about three years now, Ben Sokolovsky, has gone to
the Plattsburgh City Beach every Sunday, weather permitting, to play catch with his
dog Rocky. The dynamic between the dog and his owner is simple: Sokolovsky
throws and Rocky chases.
As the rope that, Sokolovsky crafted himself for specific soaring purposes
flies through the air, Rocky instinctively tracks down the object in stride. However,
there is something peculiar about the stride of Rocky. His front left leg buckles with
every step. This is a result of the neglect Rocky suffered prior to having Sokolovsky
as his owner. Although the catches between the owner and his dog are lively, they
have become shorter and shorter in recent weeks.
The American Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recognizes
April as the Month for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in order to raise
awareness of the issue. According to humanesociety.org, dogs are the more common
victims to animal cruelty, where 64.5 percent of cases involved canines. 25 percent
of those dogs were identified as pit bulls, just like Rocky.
Local shelters such as Elmore SPCA, located in Peru, deal with animals that
have been subjected to neglect and abandonment. According to their website, they
are currently holding 313 dogs alone, 243 cats and six birds. Although the entire
population of this shelter has not been affected by neglect, shelter manager, Rebecca
Burdo has witnessed the effects of the issue.
“Some people are just nasty,” Burdo said. “However, most of the cases we see
are due to a lack of care for the animal rather than abuse.”
In many cases, the neglect is a result of hoarding by the owner. This means
that the owner of the animal has taken on the responsibility of more pets than he or
she can handle. As a result, the animals are malnourished which often leads to
emaciation, where the animal enters a state of being abnormally thin.
This was the case for Rocky. The buckle in his front left leg is a result of
muscle loss from malnourishment. Unfortunately, no veterinarian was able to fully
rehabilitate the leg of the now eight-year- old pit bull. Although Sokolovsky is
saddened by how Rocky was treated before adopting him, it does not stop him from
having a positive outlook on the situation.
“He’s a fighter anyways,” Sokolovsky said. “That’s why I named him Rocky.”
For dogs under similar circumstances as Rocky, the journey from being taken
into the shelter to being released to a home can be a long and tedious one.
According to Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law relating to Cruelty to
Animals, if an animal is subjected to neglect or cruelty, a law officer must bring them
in. At this point, they are considered evidence and must go through the court
system before they can be touched or seen by anyone besides a veterinarian.
According to Burdo, this can sometimes take months.
After the court date passes, the animal is then eligible to be place in a home.
The time this process takes usually depends on the temperament as well as the
breed, when it comes to dogs specifically.
Although dogs may be the most common victims to animal cruelty, wildlife
animals are also struggling, but in different ways. Donna Fletcher, one of the
rehabilitator’s at Elmore, specializes in fawns. For years, Fletcher has been helping
injured fawns return to the wild by easing them into the wilderness. She does so by
putting them in a preliminary enclosure prior to actually entering the forest to
assimilate. Fletcher marks the deer with an ear tag, so she can later see which ones
went on to raise families and fend for themselves.
The fawns are not being physically harmed by anyone in particular or
necessarily neglected in this case, however, new regulations that are being
negotiated by the Department of Environmental Conservation could put the young
deer at risk. The proposal if passed, will make it a law that rehabilitators like
Fletcher will no longer be able to accept wildlife further than 20 miles from her
enclosure.
“It’ll be a shame if the DEC passes that,” Fletcher said. “There are going to be
a lot of fawns that aren’t going to have a safe place to go anymore.”
Fletcher will no longer work with fawns this year as most of her land has
been taken over by poachers.
The SPCA’s mission is, “To provide shelter and comfort to animals in need
that are on their path to finding loving lifetime homes.” Their care is not limited
strictly to neglected dogs like Rocky; it is shared equally from fawns and foxes to
domestic dogs and cats. Every animal deserves a safe place to call home.
As we leave April behind us this calendar year, it is important to remember
the importance of putting a stop to animal cruelty. Mike O’Donnell a student at SUNY
Plattsburgh recognizes this important issue weekly as he volunteers his time to
walk dogs at the Elmore shelter over this past year.
“You know you’re doing something good because some of those dogs were
either abandoned or mistreated,” O’Donnell said. “It’s nice that they can come to a
place like this to feel love. It’s a privilege to walk them.”
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Plattsburgh proactive about clean water
By Alexis Archilla
PLATTSBURGH N.Y. When it comes to our natural source of water, it is vital to make
sure that we are drinking and using the best of the best. But when things go wrong it’s
up to the Water Pollution Control Plant to make sure that the city of Plattsburgh receives
quality water.
Kristofer R. Gushlaw, the assistant chief plant operator sees all the actions that
are made to cleansing the water so that it is accessible for public usage.
“I created a booklet that is a step by step process on how things work” said
Gushlaw.
Not only does he help with assisting the chief operator David Powell but he
maintains stability by making sure that the machinery is working properly and makes
sure that the water is ready for testing.
The Water Pollution Control Plant began running on November 3, 1973. It took
around 3 years to build the plant and averages around 4 million gallons a day. It costed
11,960,000 dollars with close to 7 million given from the Federal and State grant.
There are 7 steps that are broken down, to ensure that the water is safe for the
public. First there is the screening phase, next is grit removal, followed by the low lift
pumping then the primary clarification phase, aeration, disinfection, the sludge
dewatering which is then taken to the laboratory.
This past August the Plattsburgh City Beach had failed a public safety test in
which it took only a couple days till Plattsburgh officials discussed the issue to let people
swim, even though there were people at the beach the day after the testing, a couple
people were ill due to the bacteria and enterococci.
Liz Strzepa, a reporter for WPTZ, mentions that the enterococci and bacteria is
formed from soil runoff and fecal matter. Another reason why it could've been triggered
was due to the warm water and the lack of rain. Robert Asomaning who was there at
the beach at that time remember the unpleasant experience of being there.
“ We didn’t get to go in, which sucked but I saw a couple guys soaking there feet after
the workers told them not too”.
Both Mr. Asomaning and his friend Clay Sherman were not happy when they
couldn’t step foot in the water.
As the water was cleared, Mr. Sherman went back for a nice swim and to soak in
the summer sun. A couple days after he started to notice a gruesome rash growing,
“ I was freaking out, I didn’t know what to do”. Sherman later did what anyone
would do, when the rash didn’t go away. “ I rushed to the hospital because I had gash in
my arm and it kept bothering me, they told me it must of been from the water”.
Later Sherman received antibiotics and his arm was treated, the wound healed
four days later but the doctors told him that it was best for him to stay away from the
water till further notice. It’s safe to say there hasn’t been any other incidents concerning
the closure of the beach due to enterococci. The tests of the beach have helped keep
the public safe and harmless since.
PLATTSBURGH N.Y. When it comes to our natural source of water, it is vital to make
sure that we are drinking and using the best of the best. But when things go wrong it’s
up to the Water Pollution Control Plant to make sure that the city of Plattsburgh receives
quality water.
Kristofer R. Gushlaw, the assistant chief plant operator sees all the actions that
are made to cleansing the water so that it is accessible for public usage.
“I created a booklet that is a step by step process on how things work” said
Gushlaw.
Not only does he help with assisting the chief operator David Powell but he
maintains stability by making sure that the machinery is working properly and makes
sure that the water is ready for testing.
The Water Pollution Control Plant began running on November 3, 1973. It took
around 3 years to build the plant and averages around 4 million gallons a day. It costed
11,960,000 dollars with close to 7 million given from the Federal and State grant.
There are 7 steps that are broken down, to ensure that the water is safe for the
public. First there is the screening phase, next is grit removal, followed by the low lift
pumping then the primary clarification phase, aeration, disinfection, the sludge
dewatering which is then taken to the laboratory.
This past August the Plattsburgh City Beach had failed a public safety test in
which it took only a couple days till Plattsburgh officials discussed the issue to let people
swim, even though there were people at the beach the day after the testing, a couple
people were ill due to the bacteria and enterococci.
Liz Strzepa, a reporter for WPTZ, mentions that the enterococci and bacteria is
formed from soil runoff and fecal matter. Another reason why it could've been triggered
was due to the warm water and the lack of rain. Robert Asomaning who was there at
the beach at that time remember the unpleasant experience of being there.
“ We didn’t get to go in, which sucked but I saw a couple guys soaking there feet after
the workers told them not too”.
Both Mr. Asomaning and his friend Clay Sherman were not happy when they
couldn’t step foot in the water.
As the water was cleared, Mr. Sherman went back for a nice swim and to soak in
the summer sun. A couple days after he started to notice a gruesome rash growing,
“ I was freaking out, I didn’t know what to do”. Sherman later did what anyone
would do, when the rash didn’t go away. “ I rushed to the hospital because I had gash in
my arm and it kept bothering me, they told me it must of been from the water”.
Later Sherman received antibiotics and his arm was treated, the wound healed
four days later but the doctors told him that it was best for him to stay away from the
water till further notice. It’s safe to say there hasn’t been any other incidents concerning
the closure of the beach due to enterococci. The tests of the beach have helped keep
the public safe and harmless since.
Forever young
By Yesenia Reynoso
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — His eyes wandered towards the ceiling as he recollected his thoughts,
thinking intently on what his response would be, the resemblance to the statue of the Thinker
was uncanny, and on his own, David Young became his own work of art.
David Young, who recently turned 35, is a man of many experiences. A father, a son, a
husband and friend, his life has been a journey of many destinations.
From an early age, Young understood what it meant to assume responsibility.
“I grew up very quickly,” Young said. “I helped raise my two brothers and my sister,
although they might not agree.”
Although his siblings might not agree, Martha Ashline, Young’s mother remembers all of
his helpfulness as a kid.
“He was a pretty good kid,” Ashline said. “He helped out a lot and I think because of it
he matured faster.”
“He was always curious, always asking questions, smart for his age,” Ashline said.
This natural curiosity transcended his childhood and spread like wildfire as he was
growing up.
“He would ask me questions, and I would respond as best as possible,” Ashline said. “I
made sure he knew what was what.”
Despite an upbringing that caused him to grow up faster than most, Young never lost his
sense of playfulness and his outgoing nature.
“He was a very outgoing kid,” Ashline said. “One time he and his brother took their
sister’s toys, and threw them out of the second story window, and after, well, they peed on it.”
Young recalls the incident, “it’s a funny story, probably not for my sister though,” Young
said.
DJ, as many of his relatives call him, grew up with a sense of wanting to help others, and
that desire landed him in interesting places.
“Growing up, I was very patriotic,” Young said. “My father was in the Air Force and my
stepdad was in the Navy, so I felt like it was my civic responsibility to give back, so 4 days after
my high school graduation, I joined the Air Force.”
For reasons beyond his control, Young was medically discharged on October 2001.
“I was upset, happy, and relieved all at once,” Young said.
“It was a rough transition for me,” Young said. “There’s no structure in civilian life.
Everything in the Air Force was routine. It was a whole different life.”
This transition would prove to be even more difficult when in 2004 Young was diagnosed
with a tumor the size of a softball in his intestines.
“I had surgery followed by a year of chemotherapy,” Young said. “I had six spinal taps,
and that affected my memory which is why I can’t remember some details.”
This experience affected him in ways that were unprecedented.
“During my chemotherapy, I almost committed suicide,” Young said. “I felt that people
pitied me, and that I was a burden on everyone, and I didn’t want to be; I thought how easy it
could be for me to just end it all.”
“My mom was the person who put it all in perspective for me,” Young said. “I just
remember talking to her and there being a lot of crying.”
For Young’s mother, the experience wasn’t easy either.
“I was scared,” Ashline said. “He looked so sick; he had no hair. I was just so scared.”
His mother was not the only person Young had by his side during that year, he also had
the support and love of his high school sweetheart Mia.
“We had met in eighth grade study hall,” Mia recalled. “My friend introduced us and
later that day he kind of came out of nowhere and pushed me up against my locker, and kissed
me. It was like something out of a movie.”
“We dated on and off for a couple of years and finally one day we ended it for real,” Mia
said.
Both Mia and DJ went their separate ways, but eventually circumstances brought them
together again.
“I was at the hospital one day and I saw his mom,” Mia said. “I asked her about DJ and
she said he was okay and that he was getting chemotherapy, I was so angry, I didn’t know. I sent
him an angry email saying ‘you can’t not tell me things like this’!”
“After that, he gave me his hospital schedule and I was there for him,” Mia said.
At the time, both Mia and DJ were in relationships with other people, and it would be a
while until they finally found themselves willing and able to be together again.
“We took a road trip together to get some of her stuff from where she was living with her
ex, and that road trip is what brought us back together,” Young said; a road trip that neither
would ever forget.
“That road trip was on May 20 th , 2006,” Mia said. “I remember it.”
From then, things changed quite quickly.
“The doctors had told DJ that he couldn’t have kids, and so one day we just decided to
try,” Mia said. “Then, I found out I was pregnant, and I told myself ‘wow so that’s what happens
when you have unprotected sex’.”
“I was super happy, but scared,” Young said. “My children are gifts.”
After finding out about the pregnancy, both Mia and David decided to move up their
timelines, and on June 21 st , 2007, they were married. By November their daughter Eliza was
born.
“My dad is fun, and he plays with us,” Eliza said. “He’s really good at tests.”
Shortly after Eliza’s birth Young returned to work at three jobs to support his family.
Sometime after, Young returned to school at Clinton Community College, first for
nursing and later changed it to human services. The desire to help others was obviously still
there.
While at school at Clinton, Mia became pregnant with their second child, Kellan. In a
matter of time his family of three, became a family of four.
In January 2015, Young quit his job and decided to pursue school full-time. He is now
studying Communications at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I want to be some sort of inspirational speaker,” Young said. “I’ve experienced a lot in
life.”
Young now owns his very own shop.com business, and is at the same time an advocate
for diversity and social justice. His life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today,
whether it’s as a husband, father, student or friend.
“He’s so complex,” Mia said. “There are so many facets to him. He’s an amazing father,”
a statement that his family agrees with.
Kellan, his youngest child believes that he is most like his father, “Except that I’m not
bald,” Kellan joked.
The influence he has on others does not stop at his abilities as a father.
“As a husband, he is amazing,” Mia said. “He loves me in a way I’ve never been loved
and he sees me in a way that I don’t understand.”
A man of many skills, Young has persevered through every obstacle thrown his way, and
has emerged as a man of strength, endurance, and love.
“If there’s one lesson that my life has taught me is don’t be afraid to live and don’t be
afraid to love,” Young said. “Do both as deeply and as powerfully as you can.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — His eyes wandered towards the ceiling as he recollected his thoughts,
thinking intently on what his response would be, the resemblance to the statue of the Thinker
was uncanny, and on his own, David Young became his own work of art.
David Young, who recently turned 35, is a man of many experiences. A father, a son, a
husband and friend, his life has been a journey of many destinations.
From an early age, Young understood what it meant to assume responsibility.
“I grew up very quickly,” Young said. “I helped raise my two brothers and my sister,
although they might not agree.”
Although his siblings might not agree, Martha Ashline, Young’s mother remembers all of
his helpfulness as a kid.
“He was a pretty good kid,” Ashline said. “He helped out a lot and I think because of it
he matured faster.”
“He was always curious, always asking questions, smart for his age,” Ashline said.
This natural curiosity transcended his childhood and spread like wildfire as he was
growing up.
“He would ask me questions, and I would respond as best as possible,” Ashline said. “I
made sure he knew what was what.”
Despite an upbringing that caused him to grow up faster than most, Young never lost his
sense of playfulness and his outgoing nature.
“He was a very outgoing kid,” Ashline said. “One time he and his brother took their
sister’s toys, and threw them out of the second story window, and after, well, they peed on it.”
Young recalls the incident, “it’s a funny story, probably not for my sister though,” Young
said.
DJ, as many of his relatives call him, grew up with a sense of wanting to help others, and
that desire landed him in interesting places.
“Growing up, I was very patriotic,” Young said. “My father was in the Air Force and my
stepdad was in the Navy, so I felt like it was my civic responsibility to give back, so 4 days after
my high school graduation, I joined the Air Force.”
For reasons beyond his control, Young was medically discharged on October 2001.
“I was upset, happy, and relieved all at once,” Young said.
“It was a rough transition for me,” Young said. “There’s no structure in civilian life.
Everything in the Air Force was routine. It was a whole different life.”
This transition would prove to be even more difficult when in 2004 Young was diagnosed
with a tumor the size of a softball in his intestines.
“I had surgery followed by a year of chemotherapy,” Young said. “I had six spinal taps,
and that affected my memory which is why I can’t remember some details.”
This experience affected him in ways that were unprecedented.
“During my chemotherapy, I almost committed suicide,” Young said. “I felt that people
pitied me, and that I was a burden on everyone, and I didn’t want to be; I thought how easy it
could be for me to just end it all.”
“My mom was the person who put it all in perspective for me,” Young said. “I just
remember talking to her and there being a lot of crying.”
For Young’s mother, the experience wasn’t easy either.
“I was scared,” Ashline said. “He looked so sick; he had no hair. I was just so scared.”
His mother was not the only person Young had by his side during that year, he also had
the support and love of his high school sweetheart Mia.
“We had met in eighth grade study hall,” Mia recalled. “My friend introduced us and
later that day he kind of came out of nowhere and pushed me up against my locker, and kissed
me. It was like something out of a movie.”
“We dated on and off for a couple of years and finally one day we ended it for real,” Mia
said.
Both Mia and DJ went their separate ways, but eventually circumstances brought them
together again.
“I was at the hospital one day and I saw his mom,” Mia said. “I asked her about DJ and
she said he was okay and that he was getting chemotherapy, I was so angry, I didn’t know. I sent
him an angry email saying ‘you can’t not tell me things like this’!”
“After that, he gave me his hospital schedule and I was there for him,” Mia said.
At the time, both Mia and DJ were in relationships with other people, and it would be a
while until they finally found themselves willing and able to be together again.
“We took a road trip together to get some of her stuff from where she was living with her
ex, and that road trip is what brought us back together,” Young said; a road trip that neither
would ever forget.
“That road trip was on May 20 th , 2006,” Mia said. “I remember it.”
From then, things changed quite quickly.
“The doctors had told DJ that he couldn’t have kids, and so one day we just decided to
try,” Mia said. “Then, I found out I was pregnant, and I told myself ‘wow so that’s what happens
when you have unprotected sex’.”
“I was super happy, but scared,” Young said. “My children are gifts.”
After finding out about the pregnancy, both Mia and David decided to move up their
timelines, and on June 21 st , 2007, they were married. By November their daughter Eliza was
born.
“My dad is fun, and he plays with us,” Eliza said. “He’s really good at tests.”
Shortly after Eliza’s birth Young returned to work at three jobs to support his family.
Sometime after, Young returned to school at Clinton Community College, first for
nursing and later changed it to human services. The desire to help others was obviously still
there.
While at school at Clinton, Mia became pregnant with their second child, Kellan. In a
matter of time his family of three, became a family of four.
In January 2015, Young quit his job and decided to pursue school full-time. He is now
studying Communications at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I want to be some sort of inspirational speaker,” Young said. “I’ve experienced a lot in
life.”
Young now owns his very own shop.com business, and is at the same time an advocate
for diversity and social justice. His life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today,
whether it’s as a husband, father, student or friend.
“He’s so complex,” Mia said. “There are so many facets to him. He’s an amazing father,”
a statement that his family agrees with.
Kellan, his youngest child believes that he is most like his father, “Except that I’m not
bald,” Kellan joked.
The influence he has on others does not stop at his abilities as a father.
“As a husband, he is amazing,” Mia said. “He loves me in a way I’ve never been loved
and he sees me in a way that I don’t understand.”
A man of many skills, Young has persevered through every obstacle thrown his way, and
has emerged as a man of strength, endurance, and love.
“If there’s one lesson that my life has taught me is don’t be afraid to live and don’t be
afraid to love,” Young said. “Do both as deeply and as powerfully as you can.”
Stuff of nightmares
By Noah Cooperstein
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Auschwitz. Adolf Hitler. Death Camps. Gas Chambers. These
are only a few words that have been implanted into the minds of many but are fully understood
by few. With history often repeating itself, people must learn about tragedies, like that of the
Holocaust, to prevent such horrors of recurring. However, to teach the Holocaust is an emotional
yet beneficial struggle.
Dr. Richard Schaefer, associate professor in history and coordinator of the religious
studies program, believes that studying history and the events that have shaped the course of time
is essential into seeing the full picture.
“You can’t just hear a blurb about something and think you know it. To study history is
to open yourself up to learning complex things,” said Dr. Schaefer. “History and historians aren't
just giving you a script. You are being challenged to think about complex things.”
Many educators of the Holocaust, however, come across various other challenges when
discussing these events.
Dr. Jonathan Slater, associate professor of public relations and director of the Jewish
studies program, Dr. Carol Lipszyc, associate professor of english and Dr. Howard Gontovnick,
adjunct professor of interdisciplinary studies, have found it is often difficult to separate the
personal connection they have when discussing the Holocaust.
“Being the daughter of two survivors, it is integral to who I am and my world view,” said
Dr. Lipszyc. “My father never spoke of it while my mother began speaking to me about it when I
was an adolescent.”
Dr. Slater, who had distant relatives who were affected by the Holocaust, views these
events as an ongoing matter.
“During the Passover Seder we talk about the liberation of Jews. We are taught to speak
of our liberation as it is ongoing,” said Dr. Slater, discussing the story of Passover and the
Exodus from Egypt. “This goes for any period of Jewish history. That is when I think of the
Holocaust, I think about my people being murdered. I could have been there.”
For Dr. Schaefer, the personal connection to the Holocaust is a side that is not often
talked about.
Dr. Schaefer, who is of German background, had two distant uncles that were members
of the SS, the Schutzstaffel, a paramilitary organization under the Nazis.
“When you know that, it makes the Holocaust very personal, but in different way.”
One of the biggest issues that many educators find with teaching the topic is the
Holocaust deniers.
Dr. Schaefer believes that many of the misconceptions and denial comes from what
students and other individuals find on the Internet.
“Something, somewhere is happening. Student’s have a real problem using computers,”
said Dr. Schaefer. “They think just because it appears on a screen, it’s true.”
Dr. Gontovnick notices that some individuals don't see it as something real and thus
leading them to have a hard time in understanding the Holocaust.
“I am amazed at the ignorance that people have towards the Holocaust,” said Dr.
Gontovnick. “A lot of people make assumptions. They don’t understand the greater issue.”
To help students gain a greater understanding of the Holocaust, SUNY Plattsburgh
alongside the Jewish Studies Program, helps the community, both campus as well as local
residents, to understand the observance of Yom Hashoah.
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is internationally recognized and is in
remembrance of those who were affected by the Holocaust. This year the day is recognized on
Thursday, May 5 while the school will hold it’s annual Day of Remembrance event on Tuesday,
May 3rd.
The Day of Remembrance event is held in the Douglas and Evelyne Skopp Holocaust
Memorial Gallery, located in the Feinberg Library.
During the commemoration, there is a feature speaker as well as an exhibit that
showcases a different theme of the Holocaust each year, with this year’s theme being rescue and
resistance.
While all of these educators, who each teach as well as discuss the Holocaust or other
aspects of the Jewish religion, all see a larger meaning on this matter, morality and the human
“We are shaping human beings here to be good citizens and be tolerant. I see a
transformation among the students, that it brings the best out of them,” said Dr. Lipszyc. “They
become more outraged by the injustice of things. It opens them up to being better citizens of any
country. They become more informed.”
Dr. Slater finds that there is an importance of telling the stories and discussing these
events.
“It’s the stuff of nightmares,” said Dr. Slater. “How can you even think of undergoing
something like that? It is so important not to just talk about it, but to teach about it.”
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Auschwitz. Adolf Hitler. Death Camps. Gas Chambers. These
are only a few words that have been implanted into the minds of many but are fully understood
by few. With history often repeating itself, people must learn about tragedies, like that of the
Holocaust, to prevent such horrors of recurring. However, to teach the Holocaust is an emotional
yet beneficial struggle.
Dr. Richard Schaefer, associate professor in history and coordinator of the religious
studies program, believes that studying history and the events that have shaped the course of time
is essential into seeing the full picture.
“You can’t just hear a blurb about something and think you know it. To study history is
to open yourself up to learning complex things,” said Dr. Schaefer. “History and historians aren't
just giving you a script. You are being challenged to think about complex things.”
Many educators of the Holocaust, however, come across various other challenges when
discussing these events.
Dr. Jonathan Slater, associate professor of public relations and director of the Jewish
studies program, Dr. Carol Lipszyc, associate professor of english and Dr. Howard Gontovnick,
adjunct professor of interdisciplinary studies, have found it is often difficult to separate the
personal connection they have when discussing the Holocaust.
“Being the daughter of two survivors, it is integral to who I am and my world view,” said
Dr. Lipszyc. “My father never spoke of it while my mother began speaking to me about it when I
was an adolescent.”
Dr. Slater, who had distant relatives who were affected by the Holocaust, views these
events as an ongoing matter.
“During the Passover Seder we talk about the liberation of Jews. We are taught to speak
of our liberation as it is ongoing,” said Dr. Slater, discussing the story of Passover and the
Exodus from Egypt. “This goes for any period of Jewish history. That is when I think of the
Holocaust, I think about my people being murdered. I could have been there.”
For Dr. Schaefer, the personal connection to the Holocaust is a side that is not often
talked about.
Dr. Schaefer, who is of German background, had two distant uncles that were members
of the SS, the Schutzstaffel, a paramilitary organization under the Nazis.
“When you know that, it makes the Holocaust very personal, but in different way.”
One of the biggest issues that many educators find with teaching the topic is the
Holocaust deniers.
Dr. Schaefer believes that many of the misconceptions and denial comes from what
students and other individuals find on the Internet.
“Something, somewhere is happening. Student’s have a real problem using computers,”
said Dr. Schaefer. “They think just because it appears on a screen, it’s true.”
Dr. Gontovnick notices that some individuals don't see it as something real and thus
leading them to have a hard time in understanding the Holocaust.
“I am amazed at the ignorance that people have towards the Holocaust,” said Dr.
Gontovnick. “A lot of people make assumptions. They don’t understand the greater issue.”
To help students gain a greater understanding of the Holocaust, SUNY Plattsburgh
alongside the Jewish Studies Program, helps the community, both campus as well as local
residents, to understand the observance of Yom Hashoah.
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is internationally recognized and is in
remembrance of those who were affected by the Holocaust. This year the day is recognized on
Thursday, May 5 while the school will hold it’s annual Day of Remembrance event on Tuesday,
May 3rd.
The Day of Remembrance event is held in the Douglas and Evelyne Skopp Holocaust
Memorial Gallery, located in the Feinberg Library.
During the commemoration, there is a feature speaker as well as an exhibit that
showcases a different theme of the Holocaust each year, with this year’s theme being rescue and
resistance.
While all of these educators, who each teach as well as discuss the Holocaust or other
aspects of the Jewish religion, all see a larger meaning on this matter, morality and the human
“We are shaping human beings here to be good citizens and be tolerant. I see a
transformation among the students, that it brings the best out of them,” said Dr. Lipszyc. “They
become more outraged by the injustice of things. It opens them up to being better citizens of any
country. They become more informed.”
Dr. Slater finds that there is an importance of telling the stories and discussing these
events.
“It’s the stuff of nightmares,” said Dr. Slater. “How can you even think of undergoing
something like that? It is so important not to just talk about it, but to teach about it.”
Color run brings light to autism awareness
By Emily Gregoire
PLATTSBURGH – Gathered behind SUNY
Plattsburgh’s Memorial Hall a large crowd of
runners prepare to set off along the Saranac
River. Each is dressed in white awaiting their chance to be splattered with color for a good cause.
“If you bring awareness to a cause in another way, it makes it memorable,” said Breanna Syslo,
President of Autism Speaks at SUNY Plattsburgh.
The 2 nd annual Color Run/Walk attracted about twice as many people as it did last year. The local Autism
Speaks group at SUNY Plattsburgh is relatively new, but with a little creativity they have been warmfully
welcomed by the Plattsburgh community.
“We are hoping to spread the word,” said Tania Armellino, head women’s soccer coach at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s woman’s soccer team has partnered with the Autism Speaks group last year for the
first Color Run/Walk fundraiser.
Autism Speaks allows families who are affected by autism to have the available resources needed for
positive growth.
“Raising awareness as well as raising money for families is what we try to do. Many families are provided
with assistance for the kinds of therapy and behavioral treatments needed for someone with autism,”
said Molly Fryer, a social work student and member of Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks creates a sense of community within the city of Plattsburgh. Although student clubs and
organizations host the Color Run/Walk, the event is for the community.
“Even teenagers come by, we get to see the families with little children and they are all involved,” said
Elizabeth Paul, member of Autism Speaks.
Along with being a member of Autism Speaks, Paul is a masters’ student in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Special
Education department. Paul has been participating with Autism Speaks since its debut, last year.
Part of Paul’s education requires student teaching. This has allowed Paul to see people affected by
autism in a different light.
“Doing the color run helps to bring awareness on the topic of autism,” said Jillian Conway, member of
Autism Speaks.
Like Paul, Conway is also a masters’ student in the Special Education program.
For the past 3 years Conway has worked at Whiteface Mountain, where she encountered a child on the
autism spectrum whom she admired so much. Having a personal connection with autism only motivates
Paul, Conway and Fryer even more in their professional lives.
“Being a part of Autism Speaks means that we are helping the community and we are raising awareness
and it’s on a major issue that affects many people,” said William Hodge, secretary of SUNY Plattsburgh’s
Autism Speaks.
It has been about a year that Hodge has been involved in the Autism Speaks group. Hodge noted the
turn out this year had nearly doubled from the year before.
Syslo, as president of Autism Speaks, was high energy and had many things going on all at once.
“My favorite part though, is all the fun that comes with it,” Syslo said.
PLATTSBURGH – Gathered behind SUNY
Plattsburgh’s Memorial Hall a large crowd of
runners prepare to set off along the Saranac
River. Each is dressed in white awaiting their chance to be splattered with color for a good cause.
“If you bring awareness to a cause in another way, it makes it memorable,” said Breanna Syslo,
President of Autism Speaks at SUNY Plattsburgh.
The 2 nd annual Color Run/Walk attracted about twice as many people as it did last year. The local Autism
Speaks group at SUNY Plattsburgh is relatively new, but with a little creativity they have been warmfully
welcomed by the Plattsburgh community.
“We are hoping to spread the word,” said Tania Armellino, head women’s soccer coach at SUNY
Plattsburgh.
SUNY Plattsburgh’s woman’s soccer team has partnered with the Autism Speaks group last year for the
first Color Run/Walk fundraiser.
Autism Speaks allows families who are affected by autism to have the available resources needed for
positive growth.
“Raising awareness as well as raising money for families is what we try to do. Many families are provided
with assistance for the kinds of therapy and behavioral treatments needed for someone with autism,”
said Molly Fryer, a social work student and member of Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks creates a sense of community within the city of Plattsburgh. Although student clubs and
organizations host the Color Run/Walk, the event is for the community.
“Even teenagers come by, we get to see the families with little children and they are all involved,” said
Elizabeth Paul, member of Autism Speaks.
Along with being a member of Autism Speaks, Paul is a masters’ student in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Special
Education department. Paul has been participating with Autism Speaks since its debut, last year.
Part of Paul’s education requires student teaching. This has allowed Paul to see people affected by
autism in a different light.
“Doing the color run helps to bring awareness on the topic of autism,” said Jillian Conway, member of
Autism Speaks.
Like Paul, Conway is also a masters’ student in the Special Education program.
For the past 3 years Conway has worked at Whiteface Mountain, where she encountered a child on the
autism spectrum whom she admired so much. Having a personal connection with autism only motivates
Paul, Conway and Fryer even more in their professional lives.
“Being a part of Autism Speaks means that we are helping the community and we are raising awareness
and it’s on a major issue that affects many people,” said William Hodge, secretary of SUNY Plattsburgh’s
Autism Speaks.
It has been about a year that Hodge has been involved in the Autism Speaks group. Hodge noted the
turn out this year had nearly doubled from the year before.
Syslo, as president of Autism Speaks, was high energy and had many things going on all at once.
“My favorite part though, is all the fun that comes with it,” Syslo said.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
All GMO's now labeled
By Emily Gregoire
VERMONT – July 1 marks the beginning of the Genetically Modified Organism Labeling Law.
Products that are not labeled as either having genetically modified ingredients or as GMO free can
potentially be fined for thousands.
“Every food product manufactured and distributed should be labeled as GMO or GMO free,” said Diana
Garces, employee of Conroy’s Organics located in West Chazy N.y.
The labeling law is targeted towards ‘willful violators’. Those who are willfully noncompliant will be
fined.
According to the New York Times, violators can faces fines amounting up to $1,000 per day, per product,
but not based on the number of individual packages.
Meat, honey, plain milk or eggs are exempt from the labeling law, even if the animal that produced
these products was fed or injected with food or drugs that have been genetically engineered.
The labeling law also exempts alcohol, and frozen dinners containing meat or poultry.
“As a store we have similar views [to the labeling law]. GMOs should be labeled just as something
containing nuts is labeled,” said Garces.
Not many people are completely aware about the use of GMOs in large agriculture crop farming.
“The FDA should play a part in educating the public about GMOs and self-educating should be part of it
as well,” said Garces.
The GMO labeling law acknowledges the lack of concern Americans have about what they consume and
how it may affect them.
“I’d say it’s around 50/50. Some people know what it is and others just don’t,” said Tara Fournier of
Vermont’s Hog Island Organic, located in Swanton.
GMOs make a larger social impact when used directly on animals versus large crops. The emotional
appeal of genetically modifying an animal, rather than plants has created buzz only around one aspect of
GMOs.
Genetically modified organisms have enabled a longer shelf life of food, but the consequences of that
have yet to reveal themselves.
“GMOs seem a little scary. I read something about how an apple was tested for GMOs and the
researchers found cells that were identical to those found in a scorpion,” said Cameron LaMare, a
Plattsburgh local.
Using GMOs creates a large area for uncertainty, which also is caused by a lack of public awareness on
the issue.
Trends in eating fads come and go. Genetically modified organisms are more than just a fad for active
and aware consumers.
“Producing food isn’t just as simple has people having their own personal organic gardens. In a way it’s
corrupt. GMOs allow for higher quantities of food to be produced which increases profits and profits
only,” said Xavier Viskovich.
LaMare and Viskovich, both local to Plattsburgh have previous experience with farming on an intimate,
family garden level.
“If food was produced for the good of others, instead of for the wealth of a few, GMOs would have
never been designed,” said Viskovich.
VERMONT – July 1 marks the beginning of the Genetically Modified Organism Labeling Law.
Products that are not labeled as either having genetically modified ingredients or as GMO free can
potentially be fined for thousands.
“Every food product manufactured and distributed should be labeled as GMO or GMO free,” said Diana
Garces, employee of Conroy’s Organics located in West Chazy N.y.
The labeling law is targeted towards ‘willful violators’. Those who are willfully noncompliant will be
fined.
According to the New York Times, violators can faces fines amounting up to $1,000 per day, per product,
but not based on the number of individual packages.
Meat, honey, plain milk or eggs are exempt from the labeling law, even if the animal that produced
these products was fed or injected with food or drugs that have been genetically engineered.
The labeling law also exempts alcohol, and frozen dinners containing meat or poultry.
“As a store we have similar views [to the labeling law]. GMOs should be labeled just as something
containing nuts is labeled,” said Garces.
Not many people are completely aware about the use of GMOs in large agriculture crop farming.
“The FDA should play a part in educating the public about GMOs and self-educating should be part of it
as well,” said Garces.
The GMO labeling law acknowledges the lack of concern Americans have about what they consume and
how it may affect them.
“I’d say it’s around 50/50. Some people know what it is and others just don’t,” said Tara Fournier of
Vermont’s Hog Island Organic, located in Swanton.
GMOs make a larger social impact when used directly on animals versus large crops. The emotional
appeal of genetically modifying an animal, rather than plants has created buzz only around one aspect of
GMOs.
Genetically modified organisms have enabled a longer shelf life of food, but the consequences of that
have yet to reveal themselves.
“GMOs seem a little scary. I read something about how an apple was tested for GMOs and the
researchers found cells that were identical to those found in a scorpion,” said Cameron LaMare, a
Plattsburgh local.
Using GMOs creates a large area for uncertainty, which also is caused by a lack of public awareness on
the issue.
Trends in eating fads come and go. Genetically modified organisms are more than just a fad for active
and aware consumers.
“Producing food isn’t just as simple has people having their own personal organic gardens. In a way it’s
corrupt. GMOs allow for higher quantities of food to be produced which increases profits and profits
only,” said Xavier Viskovich.
LaMare and Viskovich, both local to Plattsburgh have previous experience with farming on an intimate,
family garden level.
“If food was produced for the good of others, instead of for the wealth of a few, GMOs would have
never been designed,” said Viskovich.
An uncomfortable subject
By Alexis Archilla
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y, Did you know that on college campus’s, one in 5 women and one in
sixteen men are sexually assaulted? Sexual assault is one of the most important topics throughout
our society and it is simply ignored, due to the fact that it is an uncomfortable subject.
“The hope is to be completely transparent to how people are addressing issues on
campus. It’s important to get people to normalize the conversation about sex assualt, sexual
boundaries and how you can be part of a change” says Butterfly Blaise.
Blaise is the Title IX coordinator on campus. Receiving the position as deputy in
November of 2014, Blaise helped with investigations involving gender violence, stalking, dating
violence and of course sexual assault. Title IX makes sure that no person up held by or excluded
equal access under any institution that is receiving federal funding. Blaise is the backbone to
making sure nothing is violated in the code of conduct.
The privilege for working in a college is to model what positive engagement looks like.
Being a mother of six kids, Blaise gets to emulate what she does in her professional job and
transfer her expertise to educate her kids as mom. Someone that works closely to Blaise, is a
woman named Rhema Lewis.
Lewis is the Health Educator, Outreach coordinator and sexual assault advocate. Being
hired in January of 2012, “it’s three jobs in one.” Her job is to reach out to students, faculty and
community and engage in conversations like sexual violence prevention and sexual assault.
“It is a topic that we try to address head on” said Lewis.
In her position, Lewis really connects with University Police, the counseling center and health
center to keep people safe.
“As an advocate it is really important to be present every step of the way if you choose, I
see my job as a service to a student” said Lewis.
In terms of sexual violence education, there are a couple things she focuses as she spreads
light on meetings with students across campus. Definitions and resources are the two things she
tends to focus on.
As a sexual assault advocate, she tries to challenge students mentally so they know what
to do when thrown in a situation. The big question is “What are you doing in your life, that may
add a change to rape culture” said Lewis.
Jerry Lottie works close to Rhema and Butterfly as they to help those in need. As a chief
of police that has thirty years of experience, he does what he can to make sure this campus is safe
or all. His experience says it all, when dealing with sexual assault for fifteen years at SUNY
CANTON and another fifteen years here in Plattsburgh. Through his time, he’s been a lieutenant,
investigator assistant chief and now the chief of University Police.
As a chief the first step into helping someone that has been assaulted is believing the
reporter, he must then support and allow the reporter to make a decision for him or her. “We
don’t try to persuade them to go one way or another, we leave it up to the person to make a
choice to regain back their power and make them feel in control again” said Lottie. The chief
really goes through the process with caution whenever someone is assaulted.
Someone that has been motivated for a long time to help others understand and talk about
the topic more is Alexis Pascal. “I feel that it’s important to share my experience, so that others
know that things like this do happen on campus” said Pascal. Two years ago, she had been
through the toughest moment of her life.
“ This just made me a stronger person, I just try to be a role model for those that may
need help.”
Pascal currently works at a Planned Parenthood in Warwick N.Y, trying to lend a helping
hand for those in need. Being that this is her second year working she tries to emphasize the
importance and the steps to take whether you're a victim or a witness. “It’s really amazing to be
apart of an organization that I can connect to on a personal level” said Pascal.
Through everyone’s job title, all four individuals convey the most basic and ongoing
message, “That you're not alone”.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y, Did you know that on college campus’s, one in 5 women and one in
sixteen men are sexually assaulted? Sexual assault is one of the most important topics throughout
our society and it is simply ignored, due to the fact that it is an uncomfortable subject.
“The hope is to be completely transparent to how people are addressing issues on
campus. It’s important to get people to normalize the conversation about sex assualt, sexual
boundaries and how you can be part of a change” says Butterfly Blaise.
Blaise is the Title IX coordinator on campus. Receiving the position as deputy in
November of 2014, Blaise helped with investigations involving gender violence, stalking, dating
violence and of course sexual assault. Title IX makes sure that no person up held by or excluded
equal access under any institution that is receiving federal funding. Blaise is the backbone to
making sure nothing is violated in the code of conduct.
The privilege for working in a college is to model what positive engagement looks like.
Being a mother of six kids, Blaise gets to emulate what she does in her professional job and
transfer her expertise to educate her kids as mom. Someone that works closely to Blaise, is a
woman named Rhema Lewis.
Lewis is the Health Educator, Outreach coordinator and sexual assault advocate. Being
hired in January of 2012, “it’s three jobs in one.” Her job is to reach out to students, faculty and
community and engage in conversations like sexual violence prevention and sexual assault.
“It is a topic that we try to address head on” said Lewis.
In her position, Lewis really connects with University Police, the counseling center and health
center to keep people safe.
“As an advocate it is really important to be present every step of the way if you choose, I
see my job as a service to a student” said Lewis.
In terms of sexual violence education, there are a couple things she focuses as she spreads
light on meetings with students across campus. Definitions and resources are the two things she
tends to focus on.
As a sexual assault advocate, she tries to challenge students mentally so they know what
to do when thrown in a situation. The big question is “What are you doing in your life, that may
add a change to rape culture” said Lewis.
Jerry Lottie works close to Rhema and Butterfly as they to help those in need. As a chief
of police that has thirty years of experience, he does what he can to make sure this campus is safe
or all. His experience says it all, when dealing with sexual assault for fifteen years at SUNY
CANTON and another fifteen years here in Plattsburgh. Through his time, he’s been a lieutenant,
investigator assistant chief and now the chief of University Police.
As a chief the first step into helping someone that has been assaulted is believing the
reporter, he must then support and allow the reporter to make a decision for him or her. “We
don’t try to persuade them to go one way or another, we leave it up to the person to make a
choice to regain back their power and make them feel in control again” said Lottie. The chief
really goes through the process with caution whenever someone is assaulted.
Someone that has been motivated for a long time to help others understand and talk about
the topic more is Alexis Pascal. “I feel that it’s important to share my experience, so that others
know that things like this do happen on campus” said Pascal. Two years ago, she had been
through the toughest moment of her life.
“ This just made me a stronger person, I just try to be a role model for those that may
need help.”
Pascal currently works at a Planned Parenthood in Warwick N.Y, trying to lend a helping
hand for those in need. Being that this is her second year working she tries to emphasize the
importance and the steps to take whether you're a victim or a witness. “It’s really amazing to be
apart of an organization that I can connect to on a personal level” said Pascal.
Through everyone’s job title, all four individuals convey the most basic and ongoing
message, “That you're not alone”.
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