By Ashleigh Livingston
As the nation celebrated its fortieth Earth Day on April 22, many Americans took time to appreciate their natural surroundings, participate in environmentally friendly activities and educate themselves about environmental issues. The day also served as a reminder of how environmental concern has grown over the past four decades and given rise to numerous organizations and government legislation. No longer is concern about issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming limited to just ecologists, animal lovers, and those “tree-hugging hippies.” These days it seems that environmentalism can be found just about everywhere, even among various religious groups.
“The environment for us is God’s creation,” says the Rev. Jim Ball, former president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, a national group that teaches that caring for the environment is an essential part of being connected with God. “The activities [members of the Evangelical Environmental Network] engage in, we call creation care.”
Ball, who is currently the senior director of the network’s climate campaign, says creation care includes efforts to protect the world’s poor from climate change, educating people on ways to reduce pollution, efforts to protect endangered species, reading the Bible and encouraging people to spend time in nature because God is revealed in nature.
Environmental activism among churches is growing, Ball says, and eventually it won’t be newsworthy.
Plattsburgh is already seeing what Ted Meskunas, Chair of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh’s Green Sanctuary Committee calls a, “correlation between religious health and environmental health.”
Meskunas says that the UUFP is a congregation in which every person is important and has an equal place. The fellowship is committed to spiritual growth, he says, but “we don’t discount anyone’s beliefs.”
As chair of the UUFP’s Green Sanctuary Committee, Meskunas says he is part of the fellowship’s efforts to become certified as a green sanctuary, a status that is granted to Unitarian Universalist congregations that demonstrate a commitment to being stewards of the earth. These efforts include eliminating the use of paper cups and planting trees, he says.
Environmental issues are also popular among members of Plattsburgh’s Temple Beth Israel, a reform Jewish synagogue, Rabbi Andrew Goodman says.
“This congregation in particular is a very special group because most of the people, I would say probably 90 percent of the people, aren’t from this area originally…and they’ve chosen to come up here, and often it’s because of, or at least influenced by some of the beauty outdoors,” he says. “ So the fact that we are tucked in the Adirondacks, right on Lake Champlain, it tends to be a more natural minded group…so because of that we actually do have a very open minded, earth minded, environmental minded congregation.”
Goodman says that even beyond his congregation, environmentalism is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
“Judaism started out as an agrarian society, so there was an acute awareness of seasons, of growing [and] of food… because without being aware of how the earth works and without taking care of it, people wouldn’t eat for a year,” he says.
As for how this tradition translates into modern Jewish life, Goodman says he is currently focused on dietary issues from both an environmental and Jewish perspective. He recently taught a course offered to members of the congregation in which he discussed organic farming, the consumption of meat from animals that have been properly treated and the importance of supporting local farmers rather than large corporations.
Still, some religious groups are hesitant to devote too much time and energy to environmental issues. For example, Doug Kashorek, Minister of the Plattsburgh Church of Christ, a Christian church with no denomination, says that although it is important, “to be good stewards of the environment that God has made,” he says, “there’s a danger in actually worshiping the created things rather than the creator.”
While Kashorek is an advocate for recycling and says that his congregation participates in activities such as high-way cleanups, he also says, “any group that would put the environment above human needs, [such as groups that may be] stopping projects from going forward because they are afraid there’s a certain spotted owl or something like that,” may be focusing too much on God’s creations, rather than on God.
Goodman says Kashorek’s fear of false worship is not as much of a concern in Judaism. In tending the Earth, being socially responsible, striving for sustainability, making sure everyone has enough food, and striving for social justice, we are connecting ourselves to God, he says.
Meskunas seems to hold a similar view. “I see God in everything,” he says. “I don’t see that you can separate pieces and parts.”
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Prayer day has mixed views among students
By Amanda Sivan Kaufman
There is controversy, there are arguments, and there are groups dedicated for and against it. However, the first Thursday in May does not sound like something familiar to many Americans and in the Plattsburgh area—heavily a Christian population—it is often a day overlooked.
The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman. The official Web site for the holiday not marked by calendars states that the mission of the day is to “communicate with every individual the need to repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership,” specifically for government, military, media, business, education, Church and family.
The closest event to Plattsburgh will take place in Ticonderoga at 6:00 p.m. on May 6 at the Bicentennial Park, lead by Pastor Steve Blanchard. Those attending are encouraged to bring one item to donate to the Ticonderoga Food Bank.
However, not everyone has a friendly approach to the day and the younger generation has mixed views on a day dedicated to Christian prayer.
“Bullshit. Why is there only one National Day of Prayer for Christianity only,” Turner Sasina, a college student at Plattsburgh State, said. “If there is gonna be one you gotta have ‘em all if you wanna be fair.”
Sasina is a non-confirmed Methodist and does not find the holiday appropriate, due to the fact that the government and state are supposed to be separate. Sasina said with a day dedicated to one religious group it appears as though the government is pushing Christianity on people.
“It is not like you have freakin’ Muslim prayer day,” he said.
Junior Aaron Anctil agreed.
“Do I think it is appropriate? No. My reason for thinking that is because they put Christianity over anything,” Anctil said.
The major issue is not that there is a day of prayer, but that the day focuses completely on Christianity and not on any other religion. The good that could possibly come out of the say, Anctil said, is “some sense of unity from it, but that’s only a part of the nation and not the whole.”
With no listings more local than the Ticonderoga event, the Plattsburgh area will not be having any public events for the holiday. Whether or not any events go on, freshman Josh Thomas said the day does not impact him.
“I don’t care, I think it’s only offensive if what [people] pray for is offensive,” Thomas said.
Even though recent controversy on the day has made recent headlines, particularly with the Obama Administration fighting a judge’s decision that the day is unconstitutional, Thomas stated that the holiday is just as appropriate as any other. He said he thinks people should be free to celebrate whatever they want as long as it “does not impede on the rights of others.”
Thomas was born a Christian but said he is personally not very religious.
There is controversy, there are arguments, and there are groups dedicated for and against it. However, the first Thursday in May does not sound like something familiar to many Americans and in the Plattsburgh area—heavily a Christian population—it is often a day overlooked.
The National Day of Prayer was established in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman. The official Web site for the holiday not marked by calendars states that the mission of the day is to “communicate with every individual the need to repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership,” specifically for government, military, media, business, education, Church and family.
The closest event to Plattsburgh will take place in Ticonderoga at 6:00 p.m. on May 6 at the Bicentennial Park, lead by Pastor Steve Blanchard. Those attending are encouraged to bring one item to donate to the Ticonderoga Food Bank.
However, not everyone has a friendly approach to the day and the younger generation has mixed views on a day dedicated to Christian prayer.
“Bullshit. Why is there only one National Day of Prayer for Christianity only,” Turner Sasina, a college student at Plattsburgh State, said. “If there is gonna be one you gotta have ‘em all if you wanna be fair.”
Sasina is a non-confirmed Methodist and does not find the holiday appropriate, due to the fact that the government and state are supposed to be separate. Sasina said with a day dedicated to one religious group it appears as though the government is pushing Christianity on people.
“It is not like you have freakin’ Muslim prayer day,” he said.
Junior Aaron Anctil agreed.
“Do I think it is appropriate? No. My reason for thinking that is because they put Christianity over anything,” Anctil said.
The major issue is not that there is a day of prayer, but that the day focuses completely on Christianity and not on any other religion. The good that could possibly come out of the say, Anctil said, is “some sense of unity from it, but that’s only a part of the nation and not the whole.”
With no listings more local than the Ticonderoga event, the Plattsburgh area will not be having any public events for the holiday. Whether or not any events go on, freshman Josh Thomas said the day does not impact him.
“I don’t care, I think it’s only offensive if what [people] pray for is offensive,” Thomas said.
Even though recent controversy on the day has made recent headlines, particularly with the Obama Administration fighting a judge’s decision that the day is unconstitutional, Thomas stated that the holiday is just as appropriate as any other. He said he thinks people should be free to celebrate whatever they want as long as it “does not impede on the rights of others.”
Thomas was born a Christian but said he is personally not very religious.
University Police help keep peace on campus
By Bryan Foti
Public safety is an issue that people in the community talk about. Law enforcement agencies in Plattsburgh work very hard to keep the citizens safe.
SUNY Plattsburgh starts classes late in August and ends the academic year in middle of May. The job of the University Police is to keep the peace on campus. Arlene Sabo has been the Chief of University Police at SUNY Plattsburgh since 2001.
She says the main difference between campus police and non-campus police is that “societies, parents, students, place a higher expectation of safety upon educational institutions versus the general areas around the college.”
She says the main reason that there is a higher expectation of campus police, is because parents are sending their precious children to the campus with the expectation they will be safe and can develop educationally without interruptions or hazards. Sabo uses an example when she explains that if a car gets broken into off campus the person will probably not call the mayor to complain but it is not uncommon for a parent to call and complain if that crime would happen on campus.
Sabo thinks the Plattsburgh community sees the University Police in more of a helping role. The University Police has a suicide prevention program to help people that are in distress. Another program that station offers is a behavior assessment committee. The program was started in response to the Virginia Tech incident where a gunman shot and killed 32 people and wounded many others back in 2007. The committee investigates concerns of students regarding the behavior of fellow students, which may be questionable.
The University Police has to handle crimes that take place on campus. Jerry Lottie is the assistant chief at University Police at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Lottie has plenty of experience he has worked as a campus police officer for 24 years. He has held the positions of UP officer, UP lieutenant and UP investigator.
Lottie says there are two shifts of duty for officers daily. The day shift and the night shift. During the day shift, officers get a mix of service reports and some criminal reports. The night shift is when most crimes occur.
He says “the top three crimes we get here at Plattsburgh are petty larceny, alcohol, and marijuana offenses. There are numerous noise ordinances issued.”
Lottie thinks there are peak times when most crimes are committed. The first being the first weekend the students are back at school. The second the weekend right before thanksgiving break. The third right before spring break.
Lottie has mixed opinions about the campus to community relations he says “the Campus City Coalition is working very hard to enhance the relationship between the students and the city.”
Sabo describes college students as “good individuals that are here to better themselves. They show this through the community service they do and only a small minority of students commits crimes.”
University Police go through an extensive amount of training that teaches them how to keep students safe. Most of the training takes place during the summer months because there are not as many students on campus.
In addition to the University Police Plattsburgh, students may also deal with City Police in Plattsburgh.
Scott Beebie is a Lieutenant for the City Police. He thinks the main difference between University Police and the city police are that the City Police’s primary focus is the enforcement of New York State law and local municipal law.
The top three crimes in the city were different from the crimes being committed on campus. The top three were property crimes, harassment or assault and alcohol offensives related with driving.
Beebie does not believe that crime goes down when the University students go home for summer and winter break because all the young people of Plattsburgh who were away at school come home and the community size is roughly the same.
“During the school year we keep a close watch on Broad, Brinkerhoff, Court, and Couch Street because there is a lot of foot traffic in a small confined area” Beebie says.
The city police shifts are from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. The police cover a lot of things and Beebie says there is no such thing as a typical day.
He says “you cannot predict anything we just respond to the call when it comes in.”
The city police go through rigorous preparation, and they take the mandatory state certified police academy course that lasts for 22 weeks. From this point, officers when they pass the academy, will be on probation for a year and this is the point where you “sink or swim” Beebie says.
Police also go through specialty training as well. Examples are internet fraud and investigating. Beebie feels the Plattsburgh Police are very good at keeping up to date.
Fire Safety is a big concern as well. Lottie is a big advocate of fire safety.
“As a society we do not view fire as that important” he says.
Lottie thinks that most students over look fire safety when they are looking into off campus apartments. The students will not check for fire exits and see if the building has a fire extinguisher.
Dan Pond is a volunteer fire fighter in Somers, NY and is a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Pond says, “Fire safety starts with fire prevention. You have to be proactive rather than reactive to it. It is critical to be aware of the potential risks involved with fire.”
Pond thinks that the off campus houses meet the bare minimum of requirements. “They pass the code but who actually knows if they are safe and will work in an emergency.”
Pond thinks an escape plan is a good thing to have but says it is very difficult to coordinate because everyone’s schedule is different.
Pond believes it is smart to keep clothes away from heaters. He thinks that people should not over use power outlets. He also advises not to use candles in the house.
Jesse Dambrackas won the Vermont volunteer fire fighter of the year award in 2008. He is a freshman at SUNY Plattsburgh. He believes that smoke detectors have to work and should be tested every month.
Dambrackas says, “You rarely see smoke detectors in off campus housing because they are either covered or unplugged because most people smoke in the house.”
Public safety law enforcement does a good job keeping the community safe. Fire safety is a big priority among the police as well.
Public safety is an issue that people in the community talk about. Law enforcement agencies in Plattsburgh work very hard to keep the citizens safe.
SUNY Plattsburgh starts classes late in August and ends the academic year in middle of May. The job of the University Police is to keep the peace on campus. Arlene Sabo has been the Chief of University Police at SUNY Plattsburgh since 2001.
She says the main difference between campus police and non-campus police is that “societies, parents, students, place a higher expectation of safety upon educational institutions versus the general areas around the college.”
She says the main reason that there is a higher expectation of campus police, is because parents are sending their precious children to the campus with the expectation they will be safe and can develop educationally without interruptions or hazards. Sabo uses an example when she explains that if a car gets broken into off campus the person will probably not call the mayor to complain but it is not uncommon for a parent to call and complain if that crime would happen on campus.
Sabo thinks the Plattsburgh community sees the University Police in more of a helping role. The University Police has a suicide prevention program to help people that are in distress. Another program that station offers is a behavior assessment committee. The program was started in response to the Virginia Tech incident where a gunman shot and killed 32 people and wounded many others back in 2007. The committee investigates concerns of students regarding the behavior of fellow students, which may be questionable.
The University Police has to handle crimes that take place on campus. Jerry Lottie is the assistant chief at University Police at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Lottie has plenty of experience he has worked as a campus police officer for 24 years. He has held the positions of UP officer, UP lieutenant and UP investigator.
Lottie says there are two shifts of duty for officers daily. The day shift and the night shift. During the day shift, officers get a mix of service reports and some criminal reports. The night shift is when most crimes occur.
He says “the top three crimes we get here at Plattsburgh are petty larceny, alcohol, and marijuana offenses. There are numerous noise ordinances issued.”
Lottie thinks there are peak times when most crimes are committed. The first being the first weekend the students are back at school. The second the weekend right before thanksgiving break. The third right before spring break.
Lottie has mixed opinions about the campus to community relations he says “the Campus City Coalition is working very hard to enhance the relationship between the students and the city.”
Sabo describes college students as “good individuals that are here to better themselves. They show this through the community service they do and only a small minority of students commits crimes.”
University Police go through an extensive amount of training that teaches them how to keep students safe. Most of the training takes place during the summer months because there are not as many students on campus.
In addition to the University Police Plattsburgh, students may also deal with City Police in Plattsburgh.
Scott Beebie is a Lieutenant for the City Police. He thinks the main difference between University Police and the city police are that the City Police’s primary focus is the enforcement of New York State law and local municipal law.
The top three crimes in the city were different from the crimes being committed on campus. The top three were property crimes, harassment or assault and alcohol offensives related with driving.
Beebie does not believe that crime goes down when the University students go home for summer and winter break because all the young people of Plattsburgh who were away at school come home and the community size is roughly the same.
“During the school year we keep a close watch on Broad, Brinkerhoff, Court, and Couch Street because there is a lot of foot traffic in a small confined area” Beebie says.
The city police shifts are from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. The police cover a lot of things and Beebie says there is no such thing as a typical day.
He says “you cannot predict anything we just respond to the call when it comes in.”
The city police go through rigorous preparation, and they take the mandatory state certified police academy course that lasts for 22 weeks. From this point, officers when they pass the academy, will be on probation for a year and this is the point where you “sink or swim” Beebie says.
Police also go through specialty training as well. Examples are internet fraud and investigating. Beebie feels the Plattsburgh Police are very good at keeping up to date.
Fire Safety is a big concern as well. Lottie is a big advocate of fire safety.
“As a society we do not view fire as that important” he says.
Lottie thinks that most students over look fire safety when they are looking into off campus apartments. The students will not check for fire exits and see if the building has a fire extinguisher.
Dan Pond is a volunteer fire fighter in Somers, NY and is a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Pond says, “Fire safety starts with fire prevention. You have to be proactive rather than reactive to it. It is critical to be aware of the potential risks involved with fire.”
Pond thinks that the off campus houses meet the bare minimum of requirements. “They pass the code but who actually knows if they are safe and will work in an emergency.”
Pond thinks an escape plan is a good thing to have but says it is very difficult to coordinate because everyone’s schedule is different.
Pond believes it is smart to keep clothes away from heaters. He thinks that people should not over use power outlets. He also advises not to use candles in the house.
Jesse Dambrackas won the Vermont volunteer fire fighter of the year award in 2008. He is a freshman at SUNY Plattsburgh. He believes that smoke detectors have to work and should be tested every month.
Dambrackas says, “You rarely see smoke detectors in off campus housing because they are either covered or unplugged because most people smoke in the house.”
Public safety law enforcement does a good job keeping the community safe. Fire safety is a big priority among the police as well.
Local restaurants provide outdoor dining
By Caitlin Fitzpatrick
With the summer approaching some local restaurants have been opening their outdoor dining areas for those who want to enjoy the weather while eating.
The Naked Turtle, a restaurant known for having outdoor dining, has just recently opened its doors again to the public. The restaurant opened for the summer on Thursday, April 29.
The Naked Turtle is located on Lake Champlain and offers casual meals, such as burgers, and more upscale meals, such as pasta and steak, at reasonable prices. The restaurant is also open late on the weekends as a bar for those who want a night out on the town.
Katie Rogers goes to the restaurant for a good meal and also a fun time on the weekends.
“The Turtle is such a good atmosphere because it’s right on the lake,” she said.
Rogers adds that the restaurant is fun on the weekends because of happy hour specials and the bands that they offer on a weekly basis and it also offers a good choice for food.
Olive Ridleys, located in downtown Plattsburgh, is another restaurant that offers outdoor dining to its patrons. The restaurant is open year round and also has a bar that is open late night on weekends as well.
Like the Naked Turtle, Olive Ridleys offers casual and upscale meals at decent prices. For students at SUNY Plattsburgh, it also accepts cardinal cash for food.
The restaurant is known for offering a large stage where it hosts comedians and bands.
Although most of the restaurant and bar is inside, at a common council meeting on Thursday, April 15, the common council approved Olive Ridleys for an outdoor table license in which the restaurant requested that some of their outdoor parking spaces be used for outdoor dining starting on May 11.
Lauren Parthemore, a former waitress at the restaurant, believes that having outdoor dining will increase the number of patrons that come into the restaurant to eat.
Parthemore believes that outdoor dining is appealing to some because people enjoy combining the nice weather and atmosphere with food.
Geoffreys Pub and Restaurant, also located downtown on the corner of Peru and Broad streets, offers a casual atmosphere and traditional pub food along with more casual, modern meals.
The meals are also priced reasonably and Geoffreys accepts cardinal cash accommodating students at SUNY Plattsburgh and has happy hour specials every day.
For outdoor dining, the restaurant and pub has a large patio located in the back top level of the restaurant where customers can enjoy both food and the summer weather.
Adriana Sibrizzi, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, says the restaurant appeals to her because of the cardinal cash aspect and also because of the outdoor patio which allows her to soak in the sun while eating her favorite foods.
“I really like how there’s a patio; it definitely gives the restaurant a feel of summer,” she says.
The restaurants patio has been open for a few weeks now, and based on the weather the restaurant will serve its customers outdoors.
The Bistro, also located on Lake Champlain at the Treadwell Bay Marina and Resort, is a restaurant that is only open for the summer and opened its doors to the public on May 1of this past weekend.
For those who enjoy outdoor dining in the summer, there is a patio overlooking the marina.
The restaurant offers casual breakfasts and lunches and more upscale dinners.
Gerilynn Crandall, is a customer that often frequents The Bistro and specifically came to the restaurant for its opening when visiting this past weekend.
Crandall says that the outdoor dining and the view of the water keep her coming back to the restaurant when she’s in the area.
She also adds that The Bistro offers great seafood and fish.
For those who enjoy sailing or own a boat, people who become a member of the Treadwell Bay Marina and Resort get a 10 percent discount on food at The Bistro and also at Geoffreys Pub and Restaurant.
Bistro customers also get free docking at the marina while dining.
With summer approaching diners can be sure that the Plattsburgh area offers many choices for those who want a taste of warm weather with their meals.
With the summer approaching some local restaurants have been opening their outdoor dining areas for those who want to enjoy the weather while eating.
The Naked Turtle, a restaurant known for having outdoor dining, has just recently opened its doors again to the public. The restaurant opened for the summer on Thursday, April 29.
The Naked Turtle is located on Lake Champlain and offers casual meals, such as burgers, and more upscale meals, such as pasta and steak, at reasonable prices. The restaurant is also open late on the weekends as a bar for those who want a night out on the town.
Katie Rogers goes to the restaurant for a good meal and also a fun time on the weekends.
“The Turtle is such a good atmosphere because it’s right on the lake,” she said.
Rogers adds that the restaurant is fun on the weekends because of happy hour specials and the bands that they offer on a weekly basis and it also offers a good choice for food.
Olive Ridleys, located in downtown Plattsburgh, is another restaurant that offers outdoor dining to its patrons. The restaurant is open year round and also has a bar that is open late night on weekends as well.
Like the Naked Turtle, Olive Ridleys offers casual and upscale meals at decent prices. For students at SUNY Plattsburgh, it also accepts cardinal cash for food.
The restaurant is known for offering a large stage where it hosts comedians and bands.
Although most of the restaurant and bar is inside, at a common council meeting on Thursday, April 15, the common council approved Olive Ridleys for an outdoor table license in which the restaurant requested that some of their outdoor parking spaces be used for outdoor dining starting on May 11.
Lauren Parthemore, a former waitress at the restaurant, believes that having outdoor dining will increase the number of patrons that come into the restaurant to eat.
Parthemore believes that outdoor dining is appealing to some because people enjoy combining the nice weather and atmosphere with food.
Geoffreys Pub and Restaurant, also located downtown on the corner of Peru and Broad streets, offers a casual atmosphere and traditional pub food along with more casual, modern meals.
The meals are also priced reasonably and Geoffreys accepts cardinal cash accommodating students at SUNY Plattsburgh and has happy hour specials every day.
For outdoor dining, the restaurant and pub has a large patio located in the back top level of the restaurant where customers can enjoy both food and the summer weather.
Adriana Sibrizzi, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, says the restaurant appeals to her because of the cardinal cash aspect and also because of the outdoor patio which allows her to soak in the sun while eating her favorite foods.
“I really like how there’s a patio; it definitely gives the restaurant a feel of summer,” she says.
The restaurants patio has been open for a few weeks now, and based on the weather the restaurant will serve its customers outdoors.
The Bistro, also located on Lake Champlain at the Treadwell Bay Marina and Resort, is a restaurant that is only open for the summer and opened its doors to the public on May 1of this past weekend.
For those who enjoy outdoor dining in the summer, there is a patio overlooking the marina.
The restaurant offers casual breakfasts and lunches and more upscale dinners.
Gerilynn Crandall, is a customer that often frequents The Bistro and specifically came to the restaurant for its opening when visiting this past weekend.
Crandall says that the outdoor dining and the view of the water keep her coming back to the restaurant when she’s in the area.
She also adds that The Bistro offers great seafood and fish.
For those who enjoy sailing or own a boat, people who become a member of the Treadwell Bay Marina and Resort get a 10 percent discount on food at The Bistro and also at Geoffreys Pub and Restaurant.
Bistro customers also get free docking at the marina while dining.
With summer approaching diners can be sure that the Plattsburgh area offers many choices for those who want a taste of warm weather with their meals.
Community churches providing mental support
By Melissa Erny
An increasing number of high school students, young adults and every other age group are committing suicide have been coming into light. It has raised concern among all kinds of groups ranging from people having these suicidal thoughts to parents of children being bullied in high school to coworkers of people who just seem off.
For some people, therapy isn’t enough, so where else can they turn? The answer could be right down the street or around the block, holding Mass every Sunday. It is not the first place thought of when it comes to suicide, but churches are doing their part to help too.
In 2006, suicide was ranked the 11th most common cause of death for all United States citizens and the third most common for young people, according to research done by the American Association of Suicidology. They found that in that year 33,300 people died as a result of suicide. Their study also notes that the number of suicides between 2004 and 2006 has shifted back and forth from slightly decreasing to stable. However, this does not mean that it is still a problem. New York alone had 1,326 in 2006 coming in fifth behind California, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania.
Katherine Dunham, associate professor of the Department of Psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, says it is difficult to identify one common cause that would explain why most people want to commit suicide.
“Contributing factors can include pre-existing mental illness, history of depression and hopelessness, traumatic experiences, substance abuse and many more,” Dunham says.
Suicide hotlines can be called and people can seek professional help from therapists but can connections be made with people in the community as well? For many different problems, people look to their church or find a religion for help. Could suicide be the same thing? Depending on where you go, the answer can be yes.
Maggie Edwards, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, has suffered the effects of suicide and found sanctuary in the church. She was 8 years old when her brother died and last month she lost a friend to suicide. Those who have been the most supportive of her were members of her church. Even though they have assured her that it is a sin to commit suicide, they have been there for her and her family. On April 24, she held SUNY Plattsburgh’s first American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Campus Walk where students and people in the community could attend and walk for the cause. Edwards’ church donated over $1,000 to the cause.
The Church of the Nazarene on 187 Broad St. will be addressing the issue through the youth group they have every Sunday evening, reaching out to children and teenagers in kindergarten through 12th grade. Though an exact date is not set, Associate Pastor Kevin Finley says in the near future the group will be watching a film called “To Save a Life”, which had been specially screened at the Cumberland 12 movie theater to bring suicide awareness to the community.
“We certainly try to stay aware,” Finley says. He also hopes that if people needed to talk about this problem that they would try and get in contact.
Elizabeth SanSoucie, the office manager and pastor’s wife at the Assembly of God, says, “Our pastors would council somebody.” She says that they want people to find “hope in Christ” and that they would be more than willing to talk to someone in this situation. They can be found at 164 Prospect Ave. in Plattsburgh.
Some churches, like the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church at 127 Beekman St., have professional councilors available. However, they have never had anyone come to them with thoughts of suicide. Rev. Marion Moore-Colgan says if someone came forth with this problem, they would first refer and strongly encourage them to call the suicide hotline. The number for the Clinton County Suicide Hotline is 1-866-5PREVENT (1-866-577-3836).
However, there are some churches that will not address the issue. An unnamed representative at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh simply said there are no programs and did not comment on the issue any further.
“Due to the very negative views that most religions put forth about suicide, it is entirely possible however that suicidal individuals may in fact go to great length to hide their feelings from fellow churchgoers, eliminating the possibility of obtaining help or social support from them,” Dunham says. The No. 1 thing that churches can do for these people is to provide social support. She says they need to be sensitive.
“It is possible to make the suicidal person feel worse if the response is not understanding and empathetic toward their feelings,” Dunham says.
Family, friends and clergy who they interact with at Mass can help them by convincing them to seek trained, professional help. She says that a person’s social connections are only a “frontline” that can help the person to do what is right for them. She suggests doing this by giving them phone numbers or finding them agencies to visit in as positive a way as possible. Even if they resist, do not dismiss, ignore or criticize their feelings. She says that if they reject the idea and feel help won’t work, it is just a part of the suicidal mindset that makes them pessimistic. The best thing anyone can do to help is try to find them a professional.
An increasing number of high school students, young adults and every other age group are committing suicide have been coming into light. It has raised concern among all kinds of groups ranging from people having these suicidal thoughts to parents of children being bullied in high school to coworkers of people who just seem off.
For some people, therapy isn’t enough, so where else can they turn? The answer could be right down the street or around the block, holding Mass every Sunday. It is not the first place thought of when it comes to suicide, but churches are doing their part to help too.
In 2006, suicide was ranked the 11th most common cause of death for all United States citizens and the third most common for young people, according to research done by the American Association of Suicidology. They found that in that year 33,300 people died as a result of suicide. Their study also notes that the number of suicides between 2004 and 2006 has shifted back and forth from slightly decreasing to stable. However, this does not mean that it is still a problem. New York alone had 1,326 in 2006 coming in fifth behind California, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania.
Katherine Dunham, associate professor of the Department of Psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, says it is difficult to identify one common cause that would explain why most people want to commit suicide.
“Contributing factors can include pre-existing mental illness, history of depression and hopelessness, traumatic experiences, substance abuse and many more,” Dunham says.
Suicide hotlines can be called and people can seek professional help from therapists but can connections be made with people in the community as well? For many different problems, people look to their church or find a religion for help. Could suicide be the same thing? Depending on where you go, the answer can be yes.
Maggie Edwards, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, has suffered the effects of suicide and found sanctuary in the church. She was 8 years old when her brother died and last month she lost a friend to suicide. Those who have been the most supportive of her were members of her church. Even though they have assured her that it is a sin to commit suicide, they have been there for her and her family. On April 24, she held SUNY Plattsburgh’s first American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Campus Walk where students and people in the community could attend and walk for the cause. Edwards’ church donated over $1,000 to the cause.
The Church of the Nazarene on 187 Broad St. will be addressing the issue through the youth group they have every Sunday evening, reaching out to children and teenagers in kindergarten through 12th grade. Though an exact date is not set, Associate Pastor Kevin Finley says in the near future the group will be watching a film called “To Save a Life”, which had been specially screened at the Cumberland 12 movie theater to bring suicide awareness to the community.
“We certainly try to stay aware,” Finley says. He also hopes that if people needed to talk about this problem that they would try and get in contact.
Elizabeth SanSoucie, the office manager and pastor’s wife at the Assembly of God, says, “Our pastors would council somebody.” She says that they want people to find “hope in Christ” and that they would be more than willing to talk to someone in this situation. They can be found at 164 Prospect Ave. in Plattsburgh.
Some churches, like the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church at 127 Beekman St., have professional councilors available. However, they have never had anyone come to them with thoughts of suicide. Rev. Marion Moore-Colgan says if someone came forth with this problem, they would first refer and strongly encourage them to call the suicide hotline. The number for the Clinton County Suicide Hotline is 1-866-5PREVENT (1-866-577-3836).
However, there are some churches that will not address the issue. An unnamed representative at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh simply said there are no programs and did not comment on the issue any further.
“Due to the very negative views that most religions put forth about suicide, it is entirely possible however that suicidal individuals may in fact go to great length to hide their feelings from fellow churchgoers, eliminating the possibility of obtaining help or social support from them,” Dunham says. The No. 1 thing that churches can do for these people is to provide social support. She says they need to be sensitive.
“It is possible to make the suicidal person feel worse if the response is not understanding and empathetic toward their feelings,” Dunham says.
Family, friends and clergy who they interact with at Mass can help them by convincing them to seek trained, professional help. She says that a person’s social connections are only a “frontline” that can help the person to do what is right for them. She suggests doing this by giving them phone numbers or finding them agencies to visit in as positive a way as possible. Even if they resist, do not dismiss, ignore or criticize their feelings. She says that if they reject the idea and feel help won’t work, it is just a part of the suicidal mindset that makes them pessimistic. The best thing anyone can do to help is try to find them a professional.
Teens volunteer for summer through local churches
By Amanda DeLosh
As Americans we are known to help one another out in times of need. The faith, morals and values that one has usually puts into perspective on how we will live our lives.
Teens today, who attend church, usually participate in volunteering activities because their church will offer such things. There are many opportunities for teens around the Plattsburgh area with local churches to get involved this summer and help out around the community.
“I remember going to church school and they would tell us about programs going on and how we should help, “ Jessica LeClair says, who has moved away from the area about 9 years ago. She used to be from Massena, and soon moved to Vermont and went to a Catholic school where they were taught to always help out your community.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers many programs for people who are in the giving mood.
“Mission is an important part of the United Methodist Church. There are many ways to get involved and contribute your time and spiritual gifts. Whether it’s in the church community, local community, or world community, everyone has the potential to affect positive change in the lives of others, and to enrich and be enriched by the interweaving of our journeys,” says the churches mission.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers a family program that provides shelter and meals for families who are in need. These families help other families find housing and employment while they are in a safe spot.
Another relief effort that this church offers is once called, UMCOR. It is a not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization that is involved in 80 different countries. The mission of this group is to help those suffering dude to natural causes, or by war and natural conflict. Plattsburgh’s United Methodist Church lends a hand by sending health kits, school kits, and flood buckets.
“I think having these opportunities to help out is great, “ LeClair says.
For a more community based volunteer program this church presents an Interfaith Food Shelter, which according to the church, “was established to meet the needs of people in our community.”
It provides community awareness of the problem, which is all around, and for those who are more fortunate, may not see.
Another way to volunteer time is with the soup ministry through the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church. Here, they prepare and deliver soup to people in need and people are always welcomes by the church to help with this program.
Helping others in times of need can be both rewarding and heart felt. This summer there is an opportunity at the Strawberry Festival that is held each June, along with the Autumn Festival, which is held in September, to provide fellowship and is a time where people can come together to help the church’s mission. All of these proceeds will go towards the church’s mission in the end.
Summer brings heat, smiles, a time of family togetherness for some and a time of working and helping for others. Teens this summer looking for something extra to do can contact their local churches and find out what they offer for volunteer programs.
“When you think of summer you think of fun, but there are other people around who are not so fortunate, so really it’s a rewarding feeling,” LeClair says.
As Americans we are known to help one another out in times of need. The faith, morals and values that one has usually puts into perspective on how we will live our lives.
Teens today, who attend church, usually participate in volunteering activities because their church will offer such things. There are many opportunities for teens around the Plattsburgh area with local churches to get involved this summer and help out around the community.
“I remember going to church school and they would tell us about programs going on and how we should help, “ Jessica LeClair says, who has moved away from the area about 9 years ago. She used to be from Massena, and soon moved to Vermont and went to a Catholic school where they were taught to always help out your community.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers many programs for people who are in the giving mood.
“Mission is an important part of the United Methodist Church. There are many ways to get involved and contribute your time and spiritual gifts. Whether it’s in the church community, local community, or world community, everyone has the potential to affect positive change in the lives of others, and to enrich and be enriched by the interweaving of our journeys,” says the churches mission.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers a family program that provides shelter and meals for families who are in need. These families help other families find housing and employment while they are in a safe spot.
Another relief effort that this church offers is once called, UMCOR. It is a not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization that is involved in 80 different countries. The mission of this group is to help those suffering dude to natural causes, or by war and natural conflict. Plattsburgh’s United Methodist Church lends a hand by sending health kits, school kits, and flood buckets.
“I think having these opportunities to help out is great, “ LeClair says.
For a more community based volunteer program this church presents an Interfaith Food Shelter, which according to the church, “was established to meet the needs of people in our community.”
It provides community awareness of the problem, which is all around, and for those who are more fortunate, may not see.
Another way to volunteer time is with the soup ministry through the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church. Here, they prepare and deliver soup to people in need and people are always welcomes by the church to help with this program.
Helping others in times of need can be both rewarding and heart felt. This summer there is an opportunity at the Strawberry Festival that is held each June, along with the Autumn Festival, which is held in September, to provide fellowship and is a time where people can come together to help the church’s mission. All of these proceeds will go towards the church’s mission in the end.
Summer brings heat, smiles, a time of family togetherness for some and a time of working and helping for others. Teens this summer looking for something extra to do can contact their local churches and find out what they offer for volunteer programs.
“When you think of summer you think of fun, but there are other people around who are not so fortunate, so really it’s a rewarding feeling,” LeClair says.
Stand Theater renovations and rebirth continue
By Katherine Clark
Imagine a theater with imported silk wall coverings, box seat niches, exotic wood walls, Italian marble floors, a 96 light chandelier hanging gracefully from an ornamented ceiling, and aluminum detail from a time when aluminum was more precious than silver.
Now stop imagining and take a trip down to the Brinkerhoff Street where the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts is restoring the Strand Theater to its former glory.
The Strand Theater has been through a series of changes through different times and different owners. It has been divided, gutted. It has been turned into office spaces and multiple movie theaters. Now the Strand is undergoing renovations to be restored to the same grandeur patrons witnessed as they walked in through the American walnut doors on December 24, 1942.
The opening of the Strand Theater marked Plattsburgh as an epicenter of entertainment. The Strand was only one of a few theaters of its kind that had ever been erected in any Northern New York City.
From its first films “Hot Water,” with Harold Lloyd to a 1996 Phish concert, the Strand has stood as an icon of its own for the performers that have gotten to perform there.
In 2004 the NCCCA purchased the theater and has been working to restore the theater to be a performing arts center and to be historically accurate to 1924 standards.
Primarily run by the dedication of volunteers, the restoration has been made possible through funds and time donated to the reconstruction.
“Volunteer labor has made it happen,” said Leigh Mundy, president of the board of trustees for the Strand Theater.
Major work has been done by professionals such as grant administrators, Brother’s Contractors, architect Fred Keil, and Jonathan Ortloff who has been restoring an original 1924 Wurlitzer organ piece by piece to sit in the orchestra pit in the Strand.
“It’s coming together little by little but we’re getting there,” said Keil. “It’s more of a research project than anything.”
Keil has been working to reconstruct the interior and exterior of the Strand to be “Historical in a way, modern in safety.” Working with the original designs and bringing it up to 2010 building codes.
“Originally there was a half wall in the back of the theater, so if there weren’t enough seats people could watch from the back, but we had to put a full wall up where the half wall was to meet building codes,” said Keil.
Taking away modern feel for things as simple as an emergency exit sign, Keil said the goal is for modern safety features to not interfere with the 1924 atmosphere by camouflaging features such as fire sprinklers and bringing in hand made stained glass exit signs made by a local artist, Susan Daul.
The theater house could not be a theater house without the 1924 Wurlitzer organ being restored by Jonathan Ortloff, organist and organ builder, has been volunteering his time and experience to restoring a donated 1924 Wurlitzer organ for the past three years.
“One thing that makes ours (Wurlitzer) so special is that only 2,500 of these organs were made between 1910 and 1930, there’s a lot out there but a lot have been erratically altered, there are only 10 that haven’t been altered in anyway. Our organ is a living, working, musical piece of history,” said Ortloff. “In that way the organ is much more rare than the theater is.”
To gain historical recognition, the simplest task of picking a wall color is not so simple, the exact colors for the walls and ceilings that must be approved by historical society.
“All colors have to be analyzed by each level down to the wood and then approved by historical agency,” said Keil.
Mundy said that the colors approved in 2008 by the historical society must be re-analyzed; the approved colors must be reapproved before painting can start.
“It’s slow and rewarding, once it’s done it will make Plattsburgh a more wonderful place, and give people a reason to stay in the area. We have businesses bringing in highly educated employees, we have an amazing hospital, amazing education, beautiful lake and what the Strand will do is open up the cultural corridor to Plattsburgh,” said Mundy.
The NCCCA has received the money it needs to finish the facade and Marquette with money from a 2006 grant.
There many things left to be completed for the building to be finished; a new roof must be installed, and a heating system must be put it. Regardless, Keil said that the theater could be finished within a year if all of the funds were available.
“Federal money is fast, state is slow,” said Mundy. Mundy said that the Strand has been approved for grants from 2008 that are just recently coming in.
“We need to match whatever money we’re approved of before we can receive grant money.”
The Strand Theater restoration project is run primarily with the help of volunteers, grants, and donations. Mundy said she works every day as a volunteer to make this project happen.
The Strand received 768 Spick-and-span handsome new chairs from American Bodiform, in 1948. “The most comfortable and increases ones pleasure at the theater,” according to an article from the Press Republican from, 1948.
Today about 212 seats have been purchased by private contributors to have the seats reupholstered and restored. Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Strand Theater can contact the NCCCA and can specify where that donation will be attributed.
Imagine a theater with imported silk wall coverings, box seat niches, exotic wood walls, Italian marble floors, a 96 light chandelier hanging gracefully from an ornamented ceiling, and aluminum detail from a time when aluminum was more precious than silver.
Now stop imagining and take a trip down to the Brinkerhoff Street where the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts is restoring the Strand Theater to its former glory.
The Strand Theater has been through a series of changes through different times and different owners. It has been divided, gutted. It has been turned into office spaces and multiple movie theaters. Now the Strand is undergoing renovations to be restored to the same grandeur patrons witnessed as they walked in through the American walnut doors on December 24, 1942.
The opening of the Strand Theater marked Plattsburgh as an epicenter of entertainment. The Strand was only one of a few theaters of its kind that had ever been erected in any Northern New York City.
From its first films “Hot Water,” with Harold Lloyd to a 1996 Phish concert, the Strand has stood as an icon of its own for the performers that have gotten to perform there.
In 2004 the NCCCA purchased the theater and has been working to restore the theater to be a performing arts center and to be historically accurate to 1924 standards.
Primarily run by the dedication of volunteers, the restoration has been made possible through funds and time donated to the reconstruction.
“Volunteer labor has made it happen,” said Leigh Mundy, president of the board of trustees for the Strand Theater.
Major work has been done by professionals such as grant administrators, Brother’s Contractors, architect Fred Keil, and Jonathan Ortloff who has been restoring an original 1924 Wurlitzer organ piece by piece to sit in the orchestra pit in the Strand.
“It’s coming together little by little but we’re getting there,” said Keil. “It’s more of a research project than anything.”
Keil has been working to reconstruct the interior and exterior of the Strand to be “Historical in a way, modern in safety.” Working with the original designs and bringing it up to 2010 building codes.
“Originally there was a half wall in the back of the theater, so if there weren’t enough seats people could watch from the back, but we had to put a full wall up where the half wall was to meet building codes,” said Keil.
Taking away modern feel for things as simple as an emergency exit sign, Keil said the goal is for modern safety features to not interfere with the 1924 atmosphere by camouflaging features such as fire sprinklers and bringing in hand made stained glass exit signs made by a local artist, Susan Daul.
The theater house could not be a theater house without the 1924 Wurlitzer organ being restored by Jonathan Ortloff, organist and organ builder, has been volunteering his time and experience to restoring a donated 1924 Wurlitzer organ for the past three years.
“One thing that makes ours (Wurlitzer) so special is that only 2,500 of these organs were made between 1910 and 1930, there’s a lot out there but a lot have been erratically altered, there are only 10 that haven’t been altered in anyway. Our organ is a living, working, musical piece of history,” said Ortloff. “In that way the organ is much more rare than the theater is.”
To gain historical recognition, the simplest task of picking a wall color is not so simple, the exact colors for the walls and ceilings that must be approved by historical society.
“All colors have to be analyzed by each level down to the wood and then approved by historical agency,” said Keil.
Mundy said that the colors approved in 2008 by the historical society must be re-analyzed; the approved colors must be reapproved before painting can start.
“It’s slow and rewarding, once it’s done it will make Plattsburgh a more wonderful place, and give people a reason to stay in the area. We have businesses bringing in highly educated employees, we have an amazing hospital, amazing education, beautiful lake and what the Strand will do is open up the cultural corridor to Plattsburgh,” said Mundy.
The NCCCA has received the money it needs to finish the facade and Marquette with money from a 2006 grant.
There many things left to be completed for the building to be finished; a new roof must be installed, and a heating system must be put it. Regardless, Keil said that the theater could be finished within a year if all of the funds were available.
“Federal money is fast, state is slow,” said Mundy. Mundy said that the Strand has been approved for grants from 2008 that are just recently coming in.
“We need to match whatever money we’re approved of before we can receive grant money.”
The Strand Theater restoration project is run primarily with the help of volunteers, grants, and donations. Mundy said she works every day as a volunteer to make this project happen.
The Strand received 768 Spick-and-span handsome new chairs from American Bodiform, in 1948. “The most comfortable and increases ones pleasure at the theater,” according to an article from the Press Republican from, 1948.
Today about 212 seats have been purchased by private contributors to have the seats reupholstered and restored. Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Strand Theater can contact the NCCCA and can specify where that donation will be attributed.
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