By Mathias Kamin
The holiday season is fast approaching here in the North Country and already the shopping centers are bracing for the annual onslaught of shoppers, coupon clippers and die-hard bargain-finders. The Champlain Centres Mall normally opens at 9:30a.m. most Fridays, but this Friday, Black Friday, it will open at 6am. The JC Penny store in the mall will be opening at 4am.
Early hours have become an annual event at many stores around the country in the past few decades. Shoppers form cues that can be up to a ¼ mile long waiting to gain access to the heavily marked down merchandise.
Most shoppers read about the deals and promotions for stores through the paper, but the Champlain Centre mall has been using a different tactic to educate potential consumers of sales at their stores. Stefanie Pert a marketing intern with the mall and senior at Plattsburgh State explains the program.
“We use the PA here in the mall the week before black Friday to announce to window shoppers which sales are happening at which stores on that day.” This way she says, in conjunction with the normal ads in the paper, shoppers can better locate and purchase the goods they are going to buy.
Joan LaPier, the marketing director of the Champlain centre mall expects the mall here in Plattsburgh to be very full on this black Friday. “We draw from a 90 mile radius, and we have a Target store and no other town in Vermont or the North Country has one, so that’s a big pull.”
The Target store in the Champlain centre mall has only been open for a year and a month and has been quite the popular destination for area and international shoppers.
John Jacques, of Montreal, Québec explains his recent shopping trip into the states. “I won’t be coming down here on black Friday, but I will be back down to the Target to do some more holiday shopping.” Jacques was only down here this past Sunday to shop for the day, but he quipped about his return in the next few weeks as a vacation where he will spend the weekend in town taking advantage of the holiday sales.
Many other Canadians come to Plattsburgh to do their shopping and unlike Jacques a good amount will be here on Black Friday. The currency exchange in the Centre mall is the first stop for most of these Canadians.
“We’ll open about three hours earlier than normal on Black Friday” said Sharron Morse, who works as a teller at the exchange.
Her coworker Hollie Davis said that they “expect to exchange tens of thousands of dollars next Friday, that’s many more times than the average amount for a normal Friday.”
“I think with the Canadian dollar being so strong against the dollar that we will see an increase over last year.”, said Davis.
Students and temporary workers also get a boom because of the holiday season. Jeremy Mathsen, a student at PSUC, just started his job as a toy salesman at the Toys For All kiosk in the mall. “People won’t but this stuff all year, so if they’re going to buy it now, I’ll take the job.”
With all these eager shoppers it is easy to imagine that things can get out of control. Tina Martineau who works at the information Kiosk in the mall recounts an unpleasant episode during a Black Friday excursion her and her mother took a few years back.
“I was inside the store standing in the toy section waiting for the worker to remove a tape barrier when a woman jumped over a shopping cart and landed on my shoulder. All I heard was boom boom bang. I guess she was trying to get a cabbage patch doll, well I got my mother and we left. There’s no security in there, and way too many people, so I don’t shop at the Plattsburgh Wal-Mart anymore. I go to the one in Malone.”
Every year stores have been taking more and more precautions to ensure the safety of their patrons, but not without incident. Last year, Jdimytai Damour, a Wal-Mart security guard in Mineola, NY was trampled to death by a stampede of shoppers during last year’s Black Friday. Authorities say Damour was asphyxiated.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
'Differently-abled' in the North Country
By Emmalie Vance
At the age of 17, Chelsea Scheefer went snowboarding in Tupper Lake with some friends. Coming off of a jump, she landed on her neck with the weight of the rest of her body, which was enough to break two vertebras in her back.
“Right away I couldn’t feel my legs,” Scheefer said. “I tried to get up and I couldn’t move. I went to grab my legs and they felt really swollen just like when you get anesthesia at the dentist and your mouth feels huge.”
From that moment on, Scheefer’s life went in a slightly different direction, adding her name to nearly 50 million others in the United States alone who have a disability, according to the 2000 US Census 2000. She said she isn’t disabled, she’s “differently-abled” because she does things that everyone else does, just differently. However, those minor differences require her to enlist the help of assistive technology such as a titanium wheelchair, a lift to help her ascend stairs and hand controls for her car.
Adaptable technology necessary for the disabled to complete everyday tasks sometimes comes with a steeper price tag than an individual can afford. Along with the issue of money, there is also the confusion of where to buy, the application process and the time it takes to get the initial approval, a replacement, or a repair.
In the Plattsburgh area, the North Country Center for Independence (NCCI) is a place to start for disabled people and their families who may have a long list of questions regarding adaptive technology.
“For a person who contacts us telling us about their need, we could give them advice on what would be the proper piece of technology,” said Robert Poulin, systems director at NCCI. “We could then help them find various funding streams if that were something that would be required, but we would not provide funding for purchasing equipment like that.”
NCCI is also available to give suggestions about where to go and help with the application process for funding programs. Medicaid, Medicare, and New York’s Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) are three optional programs.
“We have consultants we hire to do an assessment of the person’s needs and whether or not there is a piece of technology, machinery or science that will help them be able to overcome that barrier to them being employed. We basically take that and try to find a way for them to obtain that material,” said Daniel Roberts, senior counselor with the Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Services at VESID.
With help from programs like VESID, payment for some pieces of equipment may be largely or completely taken care of, depending on the person’s financial status, which is reviewed by a counselor such as Roberts.
Typically, he said, if the applicant is working or has a job offer, that business would take responsibility for payment of the piece of technology the person needs. If they prove they’re not economically stable to do so, VESID would then review the applicant’s financial situation. If they are on public assistance, VESID would pay for everything, if they have a couple thousand dollars, they would be expected to pay that and VESID would pick up the remaining costs.
“Usually it feels a lot easier getting the equipment initially and it feels like it’s a lot more work and requires a lot more patience to get an upgrade. You always need an upgrade,” Poulin said.
Scheefer, who is also one of Poulin’s coworkers at NCCI, knows all about the headaches of getting repairs and replacements for her wheelchair.
“‘Prior authorization’ is the key word,” Scheefer said. “If you’re taking too much medication, [insurances] want prior authorization as to why that is, you need to justify it, and the same thing with medical equipment. It’s craziness.”
For example, Scheefer’s most recent issue was a stuck caster on the front of her wheelchair, which forced her to do wheelies to be able to move around. The paperwork and phone calls to get the replacement caster lasted several months, after which Scheefer’s fiancée ended up buying her a $400 chair online to last her until she got what she needed.
North Country Kids is an “Early Intervention and Preschool agency,” according to their website, www.nckidsinc.com. “We offer the earliest possible intervention and support for infants, toddlers and preschool children (birth to five years of age) who have difficulties in the areas of speech, cognitive, behavior, social emotional or gross and fine motor development.”
Kelly McCauley, a pathologist at North Country Kids, described one of the pieces of equipment they use to develop social skills, called a Dynavox: “It’s like a computer program. If you touch three pictures in a row it will sequence them and repeat the whole sentence. If you push on the button for kitchen, that will open up to a screen that has 10 other buttons. You could push on social things during mealtime where another page would open up to a bunch of fruit if you wanted to request a fruit.”
This piece of technology is usually around $5,000 and a written justification for the family of the child to purchase it is required.
“Basically you get a trial device for a month after a big justification of why the child needs the device,” McCauley said. “After the trial is over, then you have to write another report justifying why the family would need to purchase the device. At $5,000 you really need to justify it as something they really need.”
Transitions such as Scheefer’s from abled to “differently-abled”, at any age, presents one important question: Who can I turn to for help?
“Connect with other people who have disabilities,” said Scheefer. “Go online and visit organizations that support or provide services or do research on the disability that you have. It’s all part of defining who you are and if you deny that you have anything going on with you or if you close yourself off, it’s going to be hard to tell people what you need and to get what you need.”
At the age of 17, Chelsea Scheefer went snowboarding in Tupper Lake with some friends. Coming off of a jump, she landed on her neck with the weight of the rest of her body, which was enough to break two vertebras in her back.
“Right away I couldn’t feel my legs,” Scheefer said. “I tried to get up and I couldn’t move. I went to grab my legs and they felt really swollen just like when you get anesthesia at the dentist and your mouth feels huge.”
From that moment on, Scheefer’s life went in a slightly different direction, adding her name to nearly 50 million others in the United States alone who have a disability, according to the 2000 US Census 2000. She said she isn’t disabled, she’s “differently-abled” because she does things that everyone else does, just differently. However, those minor differences require her to enlist the help of assistive technology such as a titanium wheelchair, a lift to help her ascend stairs and hand controls for her car.
Adaptable technology necessary for the disabled to complete everyday tasks sometimes comes with a steeper price tag than an individual can afford. Along with the issue of money, there is also the confusion of where to buy, the application process and the time it takes to get the initial approval, a replacement, or a repair.
In the Plattsburgh area, the North Country Center for Independence (NCCI) is a place to start for disabled people and their families who may have a long list of questions regarding adaptive technology.
“For a person who contacts us telling us about their need, we could give them advice on what would be the proper piece of technology,” said Robert Poulin, systems director at NCCI. “We could then help them find various funding streams if that were something that would be required, but we would not provide funding for purchasing equipment like that.”
NCCI is also available to give suggestions about where to go and help with the application process for funding programs. Medicaid, Medicare, and New York’s Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) are three optional programs.
“We have consultants we hire to do an assessment of the person’s needs and whether or not there is a piece of technology, machinery or science that will help them be able to overcome that barrier to them being employed. We basically take that and try to find a way for them to obtain that material,” said Daniel Roberts, senior counselor with the Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Services at VESID.
With help from programs like VESID, payment for some pieces of equipment may be largely or completely taken care of, depending on the person’s financial status, which is reviewed by a counselor such as Roberts.
Typically, he said, if the applicant is working or has a job offer, that business would take responsibility for payment of the piece of technology the person needs. If they prove they’re not economically stable to do so, VESID would then review the applicant’s financial situation. If they are on public assistance, VESID would pay for everything, if they have a couple thousand dollars, they would be expected to pay that and VESID would pick up the remaining costs.
“Usually it feels a lot easier getting the equipment initially and it feels like it’s a lot more work and requires a lot more patience to get an upgrade. You always need an upgrade,” Poulin said.
Scheefer, who is also one of Poulin’s coworkers at NCCI, knows all about the headaches of getting repairs and replacements for her wheelchair.
“‘Prior authorization’ is the key word,” Scheefer said. “If you’re taking too much medication, [insurances] want prior authorization as to why that is, you need to justify it, and the same thing with medical equipment. It’s craziness.”
For example, Scheefer’s most recent issue was a stuck caster on the front of her wheelchair, which forced her to do wheelies to be able to move around. The paperwork and phone calls to get the replacement caster lasted several months, after which Scheefer’s fiancée ended up buying her a $400 chair online to last her until she got what she needed.
North Country Kids is an “Early Intervention and Preschool agency,” according to their website, www.nckidsinc.com. “We offer the earliest possible intervention and support for infants, toddlers and preschool children (birth to five years of age) who have difficulties in the areas of speech, cognitive, behavior, social emotional or gross and fine motor development.”
Kelly McCauley, a pathologist at North Country Kids, described one of the pieces of equipment they use to develop social skills, called a Dynavox: “It’s like a computer program. If you touch three pictures in a row it will sequence them and repeat the whole sentence. If you push on the button for kitchen, that will open up to a screen that has 10 other buttons. You could push on social things during mealtime where another page would open up to a bunch of fruit if you wanted to request a fruit.”
This piece of technology is usually around $5,000 and a written justification for the family of the child to purchase it is required.
“Basically you get a trial device for a month after a big justification of why the child needs the device,” McCauley said. “After the trial is over, then you have to write another report justifying why the family would need to purchase the device. At $5,000 you really need to justify it as something they really need.”
Transitions such as Scheefer’s from abled to “differently-abled”, at any age, presents one important question: Who can I turn to for help?
“Connect with other people who have disabilities,” said Scheefer. “Go online and visit organizations that support or provide services or do research on the disability that you have. It’s all part of defining who you are and if you deny that you have anything going on with you or if you close yourself off, it’s going to be hard to tell people what you need and to get what you need.”
Plattsburgh natives relocate due to few jobs
By Amanda Smith
Little incentive from the Town of Plattsburgh has caused its public to leave their native rural area. Due to limited employment opportunities and low pay, much of Plattsburgh’s populace is flocking to urban areas. Although the town’s goals include increasing job openings and attractiveness, many continue to part ways with their hometown. An article featured in Newsweek about rural America’s bleak future as a result of a decline in population for various reasons, also known as the “rural brain drain,” is similar to Plattsburgh’s crisis. The article tells about a small county in Kansas that enticed populations to come back to the area by offering free land to those who could be preapproved by a bank and start building within one year, but such a program cannot exist in Plattsburgh. “There are too few available vacant building lots within the existing city limits to make such an enticement program feasible,” said Jim Bailey, city historian. “I think you'll find that municipal leaders at all local levels are focusing on increasing job opportunities rather than home sites in order to increase populations.” The town continues to come up with beneficial goals to support itself despite a declining population. Phil Von Bargen, Town of Plattsburgh’s Planning Dept. Director, helps to come up with those goals as well as keep tabs on the town’s population trends. The town is made up of nearly 12,000 people, excluding the city, he said. According to the town’s 1999 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the town “took a hit,” as Von Bargen put it, in 1995 due to the closure of the Air Force Base. Since then, the population has been steadily increasing about 3% each year, but that isn’t what the Comprehensive Land Use Plan projected. In 1999, the town predicted that the population would be nearly 13,000 by 2010, a thousand people short of today’s estimate. NYC’s five boroughs haven’t had as much of a problem as a small town like Plattsburgh; NYC has seen a 4.4% increase from 2000 to 2008, according to the US Census Bureau. In addition to having less of a population than expected, jobs in the area have been scarce as well. The closure of the Air Force Base has most likely contributed to this as well, but because the base isn’t zoned for residential living, it has the potential to create jobs. The population will go where there’s more industrialization because there are more jobs available, Von Bargen said. The City of Plattsburgh has no more space to further develop; the Town of Plattsburgh has nearly 70% of its land waiting to be commercially developed. Until the base is more industrialized, will employment increase. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clinton County’s current unemployment rate is 9% which is slightly above the state average of 8.8%. However, Albany County and NYC, including Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York and Richmond counties, are either below or in-between the state average and Clinton County’s unemployment rate, except for Bronx County which has a rate of 13.3%. Dir. of Admissions at SUNY Plattsburgh, Rich Higgins has seen students move away for many reasons, usually in search of better job opportunities. A variety of jobs are offered in urban areas like Albany, making them more enticing than rural areas to students, he said. “If someone wants to come back here, it (the job) has to be relevant to the area,” he said. “If they are encouraged, they’ll come back.” But many aren’t being encouraged. A number of majors that were thought to do well in the area like criminal justice aren’t making enough money and have limited positions available which requires an out of area move and leaves little incentive to stay in rural Plattsburgh.
In her twenty years of working at Clinton County Community College, associate dean of institutional research and planning, Rita Ward-Slater said the school is at an all-time high for full-time students.
“When there are no jobs, people go to school in hopes of something better; you can live on loans,” she said.
Research done by the college shows that only 20% of students pursuing the Associate in Applied Sciences degree graduated in the 2006 Fall semester; the degree was designed to help students begin education for employment in a particular career.
In an e-mail concerning college statistics sent by Ward-Slater, of 118 grads 34% of students found jobs soon after graduating, 26% changed colleges and 4% were unemployed, but there were also a high number of students’ whereabouts unknown. Those students’ whose whereabouts are unknown as well as those who found jobs within 6 months of graduating may very-well have moved away to urban centers. Ward-Slater thinks about 2/3 of grads are staying in area depending on whether or not they find work in the field.
One career option that is making money straight out of community college, is nursing. This profession makes more than most teachers, who spend more money to go to college to get their degree. The only problem with it is the job can be done anywhere meaning it is not exclusive to the Plattsburgh area. So what kinds of jobs can local high school grads acquire in the area and are they able to take them?
“It’s hard to send a kid away to school [in these times,]” Alan Seazelle, Plattsburgh High School counselor said. “More kids are staying in state during the bad economy.”
Seazelle made a point to say that it’s “very seldom” that kids don’t go to college. Newsweek’s brain drain article mentioned that “small towns traditionally put all their efforts behind smart students, pushing them out into four-year universities.” About 65% of students goes to four-year colleges, 25% go to two-year colleges and the rest either go out into the workforce or the military; the drop-out rate is low as well, Seazelle said.
There is incentive within the high schools though. Students with an average of 90 or higher receive free tuition to a community college or SUNY Plattsburgh.
Kristina Moquin, mental health counselor at SUNY Plattsburgh and Plattsburgh High student, was one of the few Plattsburgh natives that decided to stay local. Although she applied to schools outside the state, SUNY Plattsburgh was the best fit financially. Even though she was fortunate enough to find a well-paying job in the area, many of the high school friends she went to college with have moved away.
“Every single one of my friends have moved away to find jobs,” she said.
Other friends she knew from high school that live in the area are now corrections officers, teachers, police or work in the medical field.
Little incentive from the Town of Plattsburgh has caused its public to leave their native rural area. Due to limited employment opportunities and low pay, much of Plattsburgh’s populace is flocking to urban areas. Although the town’s goals include increasing job openings and attractiveness, many continue to part ways with their hometown. An article featured in Newsweek about rural America’s bleak future as a result of a decline in population for various reasons, also known as the “rural brain drain,” is similar to Plattsburgh’s crisis. The article tells about a small county in Kansas that enticed populations to come back to the area by offering free land to those who could be preapproved by a bank and start building within one year, but such a program cannot exist in Plattsburgh. “There are too few available vacant building lots within the existing city limits to make such an enticement program feasible,” said Jim Bailey, city historian. “I think you'll find that municipal leaders at all local levels are focusing on increasing job opportunities rather than home sites in order to increase populations.” The town continues to come up with beneficial goals to support itself despite a declining population. Phil Von Bargen, Town of Plattsburgh’s Planning Dept. Director, helps to come up with those goals as well as keep tabs on the town’s population trends. The town is made up of nearly 12,000 people, excluding the city, he said. According to the town’s 1999 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the town “took a hit,” as Von Bargen put it, in 1995 due to the closure of the Air Force Base. Since then, the population has been steadily increasing about 3% each year, but that isn’t what the Comprehensive Land Use Plan projected. In 1999, the town predicted that the population would be nearly 13,000 by 2010, a thousand people short of today’s estimate. NYC’s five boroughs haven’t had as much of a problem as a small town like Plattsburgh; NYC has seen a 4.4% increase from 2000 to 2008, according to the US Census Bureau. In addition to having less of a population than expected, jobs in the area have been scarce as well. The closure of the Air Force Base has most likely contributed to this as well, but because the base isn’t zoned for residential living, it has the potential to create jobs. The population will go where there’s more industrialization because there are more jobs available, Von Bargen said. The City of Plattsburgh has no more space to further develop; the Town of Plattsburgh has nearly 70% of its land waiting to be commercially developed. Until the base is more industrialized, will employment increase. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clinton County’s current unemployment rate is 9% which is slightly above the state average of 8.8%. However, Albany County and NYC, including Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York and Richmond counties, are either below or in-between the state average and Clinton County’s unemployment rate, except for Bronx County which has a rate of 13.3%. Dir. of Admissions at SUNY Plattsburgh, Rich Higgins has seen students move away for many reasons, usually in search of better job opportunities. A variety of jobs are offered in urban areas like Albany, making them more enticing than rural areas to students, he said. “If someone wants to come back here, it (the job) has to be relevant to the area,” he said. “If they are encouraged, they’ll come back.” But many aren’t being encouraged. A number of majors that were thought to do well in the area like criminal justice aren’t making enough money and have limited positions available which requires an out of area move and leaves little incentive to stay in rural Plattsburgh.
In her twenty years of working at Clinton County Community College, associate dean of institutional research and planning, Rita Ward-Slater said the school is at an all-time high for full-time students.
“When there are no jobs, people go to school in hopes of something better; you can live on loans,” she said.
Research done by the college shows that only 20% of students pursuing the Associate in Applied Sciences degree graduated in the 2006 Fall semester; the degree was designed to help students begin education for employment in a particular career.
In an e-mail concerning college statistics sent by Ward-Slater, of 118 grads 34% of students found jobs soon after graduating, 26% changed colleges and 4% were unemployed, but there were also a high number of students’ whereabouts unknown. Those students’ whose whereabouts are unknown as well as those who found jobs within 6 months of graduating may very-well have moved away to urban centers. Ward-Slater thinks about 2/3 of grads are staying in area depending on whether or not they find work in the field.
One career option that is making money straight out of community college, is nursing. This profession makes more than most teachers, who spend more money to go to college to get their degree. The only problem with it is the job can be done anywhere meaning it is not exclusive to the Plattsburgh area. So what kinds of jobs can local high school grads acquire in the area and are they able to take them?
“It’s hard to send a kid away to school [in these times,]” Alan Seazelle, Plattsburgh High School counselor said. “More kids are staying in state during the bad economy.”
Seazelle made a point to say that it’s “very seldom” that kids don’t go to college. Newsweek’s brain drain article mentioned that “small towns traditionally put all their efforts behind smart students, pushing them out into four-year universities.” About 65% of students goes to four-year colleges, 25% go to two-year colleges and the rest either go out into the workforce or the military; the drop-out rate is low as well, Seazelle said.
There is incentive within the high schools though. Students with an average of 90 or higher receive free tuition to a community college or SUNY Plattsburgh.
Kristina Moquin, mental health counselor at SUNY Plattsburgh and Plattsburgh High student, was one of the few Plattsburgh natives that decided to stay local. Although she applied to schools outside the state, SUNY Plattsburgh was the best fit financially. Even though she was fortunate enough to find a well-paying job in the area, many of the high school friends she went to college with have moved away.
“Every single one of my friends have moved away to find jobs,” she said.
Other friends she knew from high school that live in the area are now corrections officers, teachers, police or work in the medical field.
Is that food allergy or simply intolerance?
By Aurora O’Geen
As the seasons change, it’s easy to spot a person with seasonal allergy symptoms. The sneezing, congestion, and itchy-eyes are clear signs of the allergies. For people dealing with a food allergy, its not as simple as taking an over the counter drug to ease their symptoms, in fact food allergies can be extremely painful and even fatal. Today, more and more people are reporting food allergies- symptoms which may be mistaken for food intolerance. The symptoms of food allergies in comparison with food intolerance were recently reviewed in an article in MSNBC. Common misconceptions of what a food allergy actually entails may lead to a misdiagnosis if not treated properly.
Food intolerance can lead to nausea, indigestion, skin rashes, and trouble breathing- common misconceptions for an allergy. The key difference however, is that food intolerance, although uncomfortable to deal with, is not seriously dangerous because it does not directly deal with the individual’s immune system.
A food allergy does affect the immune system directly. When a substance is ingested which the individual is allergic to, it triggers the immune system to go into overdrive causing serious reactions which can be fatal. Symptoms of food allergies include swelling of the mouth and airway, hives, dizziness, and fainting are also common. Of course depending on the individual the reaction can differ- a highly sensitive allergy can be triggered by even the smallest amount of food. Similarly, the timing of the reaction can also differ for each individual. A reaction can occur up to two hours after ingesting the food; on the other hand a person could show immediate signs of a reaction after eating. The key to dealing with food allergies seems clear- avoidance. But the problem is that people aren’t always aware of what they’re actually consuming. A person dealing with a food allergy not only needs to be aware of what they’re consuming, but also where the product was made. Cross-contamination is common with food allergies. For example, a person with a severe reaction to peanuts should also pay attention to foods which may be processed in the same location as the nuts. The smallest amount, though accidental, could trigger a severe reaction. Dr. JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig, associate professor of nursing at SUNY Plattsburgh, explains that a food allergy can be serious without even ingesting the food. Fruit used in many hair products such as shampoo could trigger a skin reaction which can be just as serious.
Jake Dumas recalls a classmate who dealt with their food allergy on a daily basis. In elementary school a classmate had a severe allergy to peanuts. “In the beginning of the year our teacher explained the student’s situation and asked all students to understand her request for no peanut products in the classroom, as a way of making it a safe environment for everyone”. The student themselves also had a greater responsibility to pay attention to what they were consuming and make sure their food didn’t come in contact with anyone else.
Today, more and more districts are banning peanut butter to be served by schools in the cafeteria as a precaution. Other schools are providing “peanut free” tables for students with severe reactions. Along with peanuts, the most common food allergies among children are eggs, and milk. Adults are commonly allergic to shellfish. Lauren Kocienski discovered she was allergic to seafood in her late teen years. After ingesting shrimp on a vacation, Kocienski experienced painful indigestion, dizziness, hives, and a difficulty breathing. She was later diagnosed with an allergy to seafood and now makes sure to avoid it at all times. “I was shocked because I’d never had any prior allergies, it was really out of the blue”, says Kocienski. Assistant Professor of Nursing and Nutrition at SUNY Plattsburgh, Jorunn Gran-Henriksen, says that as much as 1/3 of all adults believe they have a food allergy. Of that amount only 1-2% of them have been diagnosed with a true food allergy. The rate for children is between 4-6%. With the growing rates of people dealing with food allergies, thankfully there are plenty of healthy and safe alternatives. Jerimy Blowers, director of health education services at SUNY Plattsburgh, explains one of the benefits of allergy research- “The good news is that the awareness of allergies has created a larger food market (for example, gluten-free products) not widely available even a decade ago”.
Surprisingly, an individual can discover a new food allergy at anytime. They can also outgrow an allergy from childhood to adulthood- for reasons which are still for the most part unknown. When it comes to food allergies there is no cure, but with the proper care and education, it is possible to live a safe and healthy lifestyle.
As the seasons change, it’s easy to spot a person with seasonal allergy symptoms. The sneezing, congestion, and itchy-eyes are clear signs of the allergies. For people dealing with a food allergy, its not as simple as taking an over the counter drug to ease their symptoms, in fact food allergies can be extremely painful and even fatal. Today, more and more people are reporting food allergies- symptoms which may be mistaken for food intolerance. The symptoms of food allergies in comparison with food intolerance were recently reviewed in an article in MSNBC. Common misconceptions of what a food allergy actually entails may lead to a misdiagnosis if not treated properly.
Food intolerance can lead to nausea, indigestion, skin rashes, and trouble breathing- common misconceptions for an allergy. The key difference however, is that food intolerance, although uncomfortable to deal with, is not seriously dangerous because it does not directly deal with the individual’s immune system.
A food allergy does affect the immune system directly. When a substance is ingested which the individual is allergic to, it triggers the immune system to go into overdrive causing serious reactions which can be fatal. Symptoms of food allergies include swelling of the mouth and airway, hives, dizziness, and fainting are also common. Of course depending on the individual the reaction can differ- a highly sensitive allergy can be triggered by even the smallest amount of food. Similarly, the timing of the reaction can also differ for each individual. A reaction can occur up to two hours after ingesting the food; on the other hand a person could show immediate signs of a reaction after eating. The key to dealing with food allergies seems clear- avoidance. But the problem is that people aren’t always aware of what they’re actually consuming. A person dealing with a food allergy not only needs to be aware of what they’re consuming, but also where the product was made. Cross-contamination is common with food allergies. For example, a person with a severe reaction to peanuts should also pay attention to foods which may be processed in the same location as the nuts. The smallest amount, though accidental, could trigger a severe reaction. Dr. JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig, associate professor of nursing at SUNY Plattsburgh, explains that a food allergy can be serious without even ingesting the food. Fruit used in many hair products such as shampoo could trigger a skin reaction which can be just as serious.
Jake Dumas recalls a classmate who dealt with their food allergy on a daily basis. In elementary school a classmate had a severe allergy to peanuts. “In the beginning of the year our teacher explained the student’s situation and asked all students to understand her request for no peanut products in the classroom, as a way of making it a safe environment for everyone”. The student themselves also had a greater responsibility to pay attention to what they were consuming and make sure their food didn’t come in contact with anyone else.
Today, more and more districts are banning peanut butter to be served by schools in the cafeteria as a precaution. Other schools are providing “peanut free” tables for students with severe reactions. Along with peanuts, the most common food allergies among children are eggs, and milk. Adults are commonly allergic to shellfish. Lauren Kocienski discovered she was allergic to seafood in her late teen years. After ingesting shrimp on a vacation, Kocienski experienced painful indigestion, dizziness, hives, and a difficulty breathing. She was later diagnosed with an allergy to seafood and now makes sure to avoid it at all times. “I was shocked because I’d never had any prior allergies, it was really out of the blue”, says Kocienski. Assistant Professor of Nursing and Nutrition at SUNY Plattsburgh, Jorunn Gran-Henriksen, says that as much as 1/3 of all adults believe they have a food allergy. Of that amount only 1-2% of them have been diagnosed with a true food allergy. The rate for children is between 4-6%. With the growing rates of people dealing with food allergies, thankfully there are plenty of healthy and safe alternatives. Jerimy Blowers, director of health education services at SUNY Plattsburgh, explains one of the benefits of allergy research- “The good news is that the awareness of allergies has created a larger food market (for example, gluten-free products) not widely available even a decade ago”.
Surprisingly, an individual can discover a new food allergy at anytime. They can also outgrow an allergy from childhood to adulthood- for reasons which are still for the most part unknown. When it comes to food allergies there is no cure, but with the proper care and education, it is possible to live a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Tourism down worldwide yet up in New York
By Cassandra Morrissey
The Adirondack Park is a natural land mass which sprawls across New York State for over nine thousand miles. The park, which was originally created in 1882 to help guarantee public land will be ‘forever wild’, creates a unique setting in the heart of New York State. The wide variety of recreational activities, beautiful scenery, and natural beauty makes the Adirondacks a natural tourist attraction. Although the recent economy has caused the majority of tourist attractions to suffer, the Adirondack Park is flourishing.
According to the World Tourism Barometer, tourism is down nearly 8 percent this year, forcing regions to cope with less money and jobs. New York has gone against this trend, and seen a nine percent increase in tourism since 2007. Many of the visitors travel to the Adirondack region, looking for a refreshing retreat. Each year, over 10 million people journey to the region spending over $1 billion. They come from all over the world, supporting jobs, contributing millions of dollars in taxes, and influencing land development. According to Global Travel Industry News, the economy is still pushing people to travel, but by different methods. Driving to tourist attractions has become more popular because it’s cheaper and people find it safer.
Michele Powers, Vice President of marketing at the Chamber of Commerce credits this trend to the regions high attraction, primarily due to its ideal location.
“The Adirondacks in particular are doing well with the down economy because we are a drive-in market. People are used to driving to visit, so it hasn’t really changed. People are willing to drive for an affordable stay, which is what they get here,” Powers said.
Another important aspect helping tourism in the Adirondacks is the overall cost of a day trip to the region. When tourists come to the Adirondacks, they looking for an inexpensive getaway from their daily routine; and they often find what they are looking for. Based on Travelocity.com, staying in a hotel in the Adirondacks is nearly half as expensive as in major cities, such as New York or Boston. Nancy Church, chair of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Plattsburgh State, recognizes the trend.
“After 9/11, people thought travel was down, but it wasn’t. Even when the recession hit, people were still travelling. They realized it’s easier and cheaper to stay closer and do a weekend trip or a day trip, instead of going far away,” Church said.
Although cheap getaways are the most popular way to visit, the unique location of the Adirondacks offers visitors multiple choices in recreation. Whether it’s sailing down Lake Champlain on a private boat or visiting Lake Placid, travelers can choose from a number of different types of escapes. Beverly Jackson in particular enjoys the wilderness aspect of the region.
“It’s nice knowing you have your own space, and people aren’t living right on top of you, it’s peaceful,” Jackson said.
Ron Ofner, Executive Director of the Adirondack regional tourism council, also recognizes the Adirondacks attraction to tourist.
“ People like it here because you can be out in the wilderness for an entire day, but still come back at night and go to a great dinner, or stay in a four star hotel. Tourists want that, and the region provides that to people,” Ofner said.
The ability to drive into the region and inexpensive cost boosts the attraction for the Adirondacks, but a main factor drawing people to the region is the overall quality of life. Within miles of each other, people go to work, visit Olympic arenas, hike mountains, or enjoy their families. According to Keith McKeever, Public Information officer for the New York Park Agency, it’s an all encompassing park.
“What’s unique about the park is that it’s a people park. It’s a place where people come to play, live, and work,” McKeever said.
“It’s the mountains, lakes, hiking trails, and the beautiful scenery that entices people to come to our region. People give up jobs to begin life here, it’s just a win-win location,” Powers said.
There are currently over 130 thousand people that live in the Adirondacks year round. The number is expected to increase drastically in the near future. Some people believe it’s because miles of land is undeveloped, people are seeking a return to a less developed, greener lifestyle. This lifestyle may seem to be in reach within the park. While others, think it’s because of the honest, hard working people that live in the Adirondacks. Although, people like Jackson simply believe it’s because of what the region offers.
“I love it here. I can’t imagine a day without looking out my back door and seeing the mountains and smelling the fresh air. It’s truly a beautiful place,” Jackson said.
The Adirondack Park is a natural land mass which sprawls across New York State for over nine thousand miles. The park, which was originally created in 1882 to help guarantee public land will be ‘forever wild’, creates a unique setting in the heart of New York State. The wide variety of recreational activities, beautiful scenery, and natural beauty makes the Adirondacks a natural tourist attraction. Although the recent economy has caused the majority of tourist attractions to suffer, the Adirondack Park is flourishing.
According to the World Tourism Barometer, tourism is down nearly 8 percent this year, forcing regions to cope with less money and jobs. New York has gone against this trend, and seen a nine percent increase in tourism since 2007. Many of the visitors travel to the Adirondack region, looking for a refreshing retreat. Each year, over 10 million people journey to the region spending over $1 billion. They come from all over the world, supporting jobs, contributing millions of dollars in taxes, and influencing land development. According to Global Travel Industry News, the economy is still pushing people to travel, but by different methods. Driving to tourist attractions has become more popular because it’s cheaper and people find it safer.
Michele Powers, Vice President of marketing at the Chamber of Commerce credits this trend to the regions high attraction, primarily due to its ideal location.
“The Adirondacks in particular are doing well with the down economy because we are a drive-in market. People are used to driving to visit, so it hasn’t really changed. People are willing to drive for an affordable stay, which is what they get here,” Powers said.
Another important aspect helping tourism in the Adirondacks is the overall cost of a day trip to the region. When tourists come to the Adirondacks, they looking for an inexpensive getaway from their daily routine; and they often find what they are looking for. Based on Travelocity.com, staying in a hotel in the Adirondacks is nearly half as expensive as in major cities, such as New York or Boston. Nancy Church, chair of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Plattsburgh State, recognizes the trend.
“After 9/11, people thought travel was down, but it wasn’t. Even when the recession hit, people were still travelling. They realized it’s easier and cheaper to stay closer and do a weekend trip or a day trip, instead of going far away,” Church said.
Although cheap getaways are the most popular way to visit, the unique location of the Adirondacks offers visitors multiple choices in recreation. Whether it’s sailing down Lake Champlain on a private boat or visiting Lake Placid, travelers can choose from a number of different types of escapes. Beverly Jackson in particular enjoys the wilderness aspect of the region.
“It’s nice knowing you have your own space, and people aren’t living right on top of you, it’s peaceful,” Jackson said.
Ron Ofner, Executive Director of the Adirondack regional tourism council, also recognizes the Adirondacks attraction to tourist.
“ People like it here because you can be out in the wilderness for an entire day, but still come back at night and go to a great dinner, or stay in a four star hotel. Tourists want that, and the region provides that to people,” Ofner said.
The ability to drive into the region and inexpensive cost boosts the attraction for the Adirondacks, but a main factor drawing people to the region is the overall quality of life. Within miles of each other, people go to work, visit Olympic arenas, hike mountains, or enjoy their families. According to Keith McKeever, Public Information officer for the New York Park Agency, it’s an all encompassing park.
“What’s unique about the park is that it’s a people park. It’s a place where people come to play, live, and work,” McKeever said.
“It’s the mountains, lakes, hiking trails, and the beautiful scenery that entices people to come to our region. People give up jobs to begin life here, it’s just a win-win location,” Powers said.
There are currently over 130 thousand people that live in the Adirondacks year round. The number is expected to increase drastically in the near future. Some people believe it’s because miles of land is undeveloped, people are seeking a return to a less developed, greener lifestyle. This lifestyle may seem to be in reach within the park. While others, think it’s because of the honest, hard working people that live in the Adirondacks. Although, people like Jackson simply believe it’s because of what the region offers.
“I love it here. I can’t imagine a day without looking out my back door and seeing the mountains and smelling the fresh air. It’s truly a beautiful place,” Jackson said.
Is fluoride a choice?
By Kevin Stump
“I don’t want the government putting anything into my water, unless its scotch,” said a concerned community resident at the Plattsburgh City Common Council meeting last Thursday in regards to whether or not the city should continue to have fluoride in their water.
The decision to fluoridate public water rests with the city, although it is recommended by the Health Department it is not a government mandate. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. residents who get water from public systems have fluoridated water and it is considered to be a benefit to communities by major health institutions like the Center for Disease Control, Health Department, and the Surgeon General.
According to the Center for Disease Control, community water fluoridation is considered to be one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. In a report issued by the Center for Disease Control, for every $ 1 invested in the fluoridation of water, an average of $ 38 is saved in dental treatment costs per year. However, not everyone believes that fluoride should be a part of the public water, regardless of the claimed benefits.
“Fluoridation is as divisive as abortion, we have been socialized to believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Amy Valentine, City Councilor of Ward V.
Valentine started to research fluoride years ago and made a commitment with her family to decrease their use of it and have been encouraging others to do so ever since. Her resolution to cease the fluoridation of public drinking water in the city was denied Thursday evening at the city of Plattsburgh Common Council meeting in a two to four vote.
One of the points written up in Valentines resolution was questioning the ethics behind public fluoridation. “Because it is considered medication (over the counter drug), we are involuntarily drugging people without their consent. This is not common practice in the medical field,” said Valentine.
“The ethics behind the decision is an interesting concern,” said James Calnon, City Councilor of Ward IV who was one of the four that voted Valentines resolution down.
“I voted against the resolution because I am not an expert and need to trust the EPA, CDC, Health Department, and the last five Surgeon Generals,” said Calnon who said he isn’t qualified to make such a vote that would challenge the experts.
“The research that has been done is not terribly extensive and there is evidence that supports the fluoridation of public water can have harmful affects,” said Richard Robbins, SUNY Plattsburgh Anthropology professor and community resident who opposes the fluoridation of public water.
“I am sure it will come up again. Most other industrial countries in Europe don’t use it, and many communities like Burlington and Long Island have removed it (fluoride) from their public water system,” said Robbins.
Robbins understands that the councilors were not qualified to make the decision of whether or not fluoride should be taken out of the city water supply. “There are already 40 to 50 toxic chemicals in our body, there is not enough testing or research that study what the effect of combining toxic chemicals will have in the long term,” said Robbins
“I am always skeptical to just take the governments word for it,” said Greg Colucci, SUNY Plattsburgh senior and environmental science major. “What about lead being approved by the federal government and then years later it has been determined unsafe. People need to be cautious when it comes to mass injection of chemicals by the government,” said Colucci.
“I have no idea why people are so against it (putting fluoride in the public water system), it boggles my mind that professionals and experts can stand up against this,” said Susan Thew, senior public health sanitarian for Clinton County Health Department. “Fluoride is not a medication, it is a supplement. People are not being involuntarily drugged and it has proven to be effective throughout the country,” Thew said.
“I don’t want the government putting anything into my water, unless its scotch,” said a concerned community resident at the Plattsburgh City Common Council meeting last Thursday in regards to whether or not the city should continue to have fluoride in their water.
The decision to fluoridate public water rests with the city, although it is recommended by the Health Department it is not a government mandate. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. residents who get water from public systems have fluoridated water and it is considered to be a benefit to communities by major health institutions like the Center for Disease Control, Health Department, and the Surgeon General.
According to the Center for Disease Control, community water fluoridation is considered to be one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. In a report issued by the Center for Disease Control, for every $ 1 invested in the fluoridation of water, an average of $ 38 is saved in dental treatment costs per year. However, not everyone believes that fluoride should be a part of the public water, regardless of the claimed benefits.
“Fluoridation is as divisive as abortion, we have been socialized to believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Amy Valentine, City Councilor of Ward V.
Valentine started to research fluoride years ago and made a commitment with her family to decrease their use of it and have been encouraging others to do so ever since. Her resolution to cease the fluoridation of public drinking water in the city was denied Thursday evening at the city of Plattsburgh Common Council meeting in a two to four vote.
One of the points written up in Valentines resolution was questioning the ethics behind public fluoridation. “Because it is considered medication (over the counter drug), we are involuntarily drugging people without their consent. This is not common practice in the medical field,” said Valentine.
“The ethics behind the decision is an interesting concern,” said James Calnon, City Councilor of Ward IV who was one of the four that voted Valentines resolution down.
“I voted against the resolution because I am not an expert and need to trust the EPA, CDC, Health Department, and the last five Surgeon Generals,” said Calnon who said he isn’t qualified to make such a vote that would challenge the experts.
“The research that has been done is not terribly extensive and there is evidence that supports the fluoridation of public water can have harmful affects,” said Richard Robbins, SUNY Plattsburgh Anthropology professor and community resident who opposes the fluoridation of public water.
“I am sure it will come up again. Most other industrial countries in Europe don’t use it, and many communities like Burlington and Long Island have removed it (fluoride) from their public water system,” said Robbins.
Robbins understands that the councilors were not qualified to make the decision of whether or not fluoride should be taken out of the city water supply. “There are already 40 to 50 toxic chemicals in our body, there is not enough testing or research that study what the effect of combining toxic chemicals will have in the long term,” said Robbins
“I am always skeptical to just take the governments word for it,” said Greg Colucci, SUNY Plattsburgh senior and environmental science major. “What about lead being approved by the federal government and then years later it has been determined unsafe. People need to be cautious when it comes to mass injection of chemicals by the government,” said Colucci.
“I have no idea why people are so against it (putting fluoride in the public water system), it boggles my mind that professionals and experts can stand up against this,” said Susan Thew, senior public health sanitarian for Clinton County Health Department. “Fluoride is not a medication, it is a supplement. People are not being involuntarily drugged and it has proven to be effective throughout the country,” Thew said.
New home for Lyon Mountain firefighters
By Zachery Lashway
The building the Lyon Mountain Fire Department has called home for decades will soon be vacant.
The District is responsible for approximately 2000 people and almost 500 homes that reside in Lyon Mountain, Standish, Chazy Lake, the upper Chateaugay Lake and Merrill will be getting a new home.
There are 30 volunteers on the roster at the fire department. There is one paramedic, three tech 600s, one tech 500 and four basic EMTs that make up the Lyon Mountain Fire Department.
The Chief of the Lyon Mountain Fire District, Billy Durnin says, “Things just don’t fit anymore. The equipment is now bigger than ever, you need the space and space is our biggest issue.”
“The wiring in the old building is antiquated, the electric system is disheveled, it burns between 50 to 70 gallons of fuel oil a day during the winter and the overhead doors are too small. It is cheaper to replace it, not repair it,” says, the Lyon Mountain Fire District Chairperson of Commissioners, Bob Weeks.
The new building is a $975 thousand category four steel building that is being built adjacent to the existing building. A category four steel structure is capable of housing people during a natural disaster. A garage made of steel would be a category one or two steel structure. This shows how immense and sturdy the new building is.
“The design of the new building is a box within a box design,” says Weeks.
According to Weeks the new building is much bigger than the old building, more practical and much more efficient.
“The new building has triple-pane windows in the overhead doors, closed cell foam insulation that is made from soybean and recycled soda bottles, a modern alarm system, a phone system with wireless capabilities, a 99 percent propane in-floor efficiency heating system, a self start generator and a dry sprinkler system. Everything is efficient. The new building will cost less to insure than the old building, 30 percent less,” says Weeks.
Durnin says the new building will have offices, privacy, place to shower in case of exposure and a weight room. The present building has one office, hardly any storage space, no shower or a weight room.
The community will benefit from the new building in various ways says Durnin and Weeks.
“Too many to count,” says, Weeks. “The overall cost for the building overtime will be much less than our existing one. It could be a command center in case of a natural disaster, it can sit up to 120 people at a given function and it is built to accommodate new equipment for the next 50 years.”
In addition to all the perks the new building has to offer, Weeks says, it is big enough to accommodate future growth while remaining fuel efficient and it has been built in half the cost of other fire department buildings in the area.
“If it doesn’t work in 50 years, why build it,” says Weeks.
The new building sounds like it is a much needed investment, however, not everyone within the Lyon Mountain Fire District agrees.
According to Weeks in September 2007 the motion to move forward with the project was voted on and passed unanimously five to nothing. In December 2007 people took to the polls, 184 people voted in favor of the new fire house while 102 individuals voted against the new building.
There are some people within the district think a new building was needed but the district went overboard in their budget. Other individuals thought the district should have just repaired the old building. Majority of all the people opposed to the new building think their taxes are going to sky rocket in the future. Individuals were willing to explain why they were against the new building, however, none were willing to give their name.
“People are against it because they lack information, they have been misinformed. But the lack of education is the biggest thing that hurts us,” says Weeks.
Durnin says people are against it because they do not believe it is justified.
“Some people are just negative. They are opposed to be opposed. Some are against it because they don’t know anything about the fire department. They are stagnant, negative, anti no matter what the situation is,” says Durnin. “Actually the cost of the new fire station will only cost the tax payer 40 cents on a $1000.”
On the flip side of things some people within the district are in favor for the new building.
Retired Chief of the Lyon Mountain Fire Department, Frank Woodward is in favor of the new building.
“I am for it. I assume the people in charge knew what they were doing. I think the people that are opposed to it are afraid of their taxes going up. But I do think building a new fire house will save the tax payers in the long run,” says Woodward.
Guy and Lana Facteau are retired, lifelong residents of Lyon Mountain. Both are also in favor of the new fire department building.
“I am for it because it is necessary. This community in particular is made up of 90 percent senior citizens. It’s imperative for them to have an effective service,” says Lana. “Some people don’t like change and that’s their problem, the building could have been fully paid for and they still wouldn’t have wanted it.”
Guy says he looks forward to having a new fire house.
“It’s going to be beneficial to the community in a lot of ways. It is going to be a great place to gather for community events, and town meetings.”
Both Weeks and Durnin says once the new building is completed and everything is moved from the old building into the new building there will be a public auction on anything that is worth money from the old building. The money generated from the auction will be used to tear the old building down.
“The demolition will be self supporting,” says Durnin.
According to Weeks the new building is expected to be completed in mid February.
“Communities evolve around schools, legions and fire departments so hopefully in the future the new Lyon Mountain Fire District building will generate community comrade and spirit,” says Durnin.
The building the Lyon Mountain Fire Department has called home for decades will soon be vacant.
The District is responsible for approximately 2000 people and almost 500 homes that reside in Lyon Mountain, Standish, Chazy Lake, the upper Chateaugay Lake and Merrill will be getting a new home.
There are 30 volunteers on the roster at the fire department. There is one paramedic, three tech 600s, one tech 500 and four basic EMTs that make up the Lyon Mountain Fire Department.
The Chief of the Lyon Mountain Fire District, Billy Durnin says, “Things just don’t fit anymore. The equipment is now bigger than ever, you need the space and space is our biggest issue.”
“The wiring in the old building is antiquated, the electric system is disheveled, it burns between 50 to 70 gallons of fuel oil a day during the winter and the overhead doors are too small. It is cheaper to replace it, not repair it,” says, the Lyon Mountain Fire District Chairperson of Commissioners, Bob Weeks.
The new building is a $975 thousand category four steel building that is being built adjacent to the existing building. A category four steel structure is capable of housing people during a natural disaster. A garage made of steel would be a category one or two steel structure. This shows how immense and sturdy the new building is.
“The design of the new building is a box within a box design,” says Weeks.
According to Weeks the new building is much bigger than the old building, more practical and much more efficient.
“The new building has triple-pane windows in the overhead doors, closed cell foam insulation that is made from soybean and recycled soda bottles, a modern alarm system, a phone system with wireless capabilities, a 99 percent propane in-floor efficiency heating system, a self start generator and a dry sprinkler system. Everything is efficient. The new building will cost less to insure than the old building, 30 percent less,” says Weeks.
Durnin says the new building will have offices, privacy, place to shower in case of exposure and a weight room. The present building has one office, hardly any storage space, no shower or a weight room.
The community will benefit from the new building in various ways says Durnin and Weeks.
“Too many to count,” says, Weeks. “The overall cost for the building overtime will be much less than our existing one. It could be a command center in case of a natural disaster, it can sit up to 120 people at a given function and it is built to accommodate new equipment for the next 50 years.”
In addition to all the perks the new building has to offer, Weeks says, it is big enough to accommodate future growth while remaining fuel efficient and it has been built in half the cost of other fire department buildings in the area.
“If it doesn’t work in 50 years, why build it,” says Weeks.
The new building sounds like it is a much needed investment, however, not everyone within the Lyon Mountain Fire District agrees.
According to Weeks in September 2007 the motion to move forward with the project was voted on and passed unanimously five to nothing. In December 2007 people took to the polls, 184 people voted in favor of the new fire house while 102 individuals voted against the new building.
There are some people within the district think a new building was needed but the district went overboard in their budget. Other individuals thought the district should have just repaired the old building. Majority of all the people opposed to the new building think their taxes are going to sky rocket in the future. Individuals were willing to explain why they were against the new building, however, none were willing to give their name.
“People are against it because they lack information, they have been misinformed. But the lack of education is the biggest thing that hurts us,” says Weeks.
Durnin says people are against it because they do not believe it is justified.
“Some people are just negative. They are opposed to be opposed. Some are against it because they don’t know anything about the fire department. They are stagnant, negative, anti no matter what the situation is,” says Durnin. “Actually the cost of the new fire station will only cost the tax payer 40 cents on a $1000.”
On the flip side of things some people within the district are in favor for the new building.
Retired Chief of the Lyon Mountain Fire Department, Frank Woodward is in favor of the new building.
“I am for it. I assume the people in charge knew what they were doing. I think the people that are opposed to it are afraid of their taxes going up. But I do think building a new fire house will save the tax payers in the long run,” says Woodward.
Guy and Lana Facteau are retired, lifelong residents of Lyon Mountain. Both are also in favor of the new fire department building.
“I am for it because it is necessary. This community in particular is made up of 90 percent senior citizens. It’s imperative for them to have an effective service,” says Lana. “Some people don’t like change and that’s their problem, the building could have been fully paid for and they still wouldn’t have wanted it.”
Guy says he looks forward to having a new fire house.
“It’s going to be beneficial to the community in a lot of ways. It is going to be a great place to gather for community events, and town meetings.”
Both Weeks and Durnin says once the new building is completed and everything is moved from the old building into the new building there will be a public auction on anything that is worth money from the old building. The money generated from the auction will be used to tear the old building down.
“The demolition will be self supporting,” says Durnin.
According to Weeks the new building is expected to be completed in mid February.
“Communities evolve around schools, legions and fire departments so hopefully in the future the new Lyon Mountain Fire District building will generate community comrade and spirit,” says Durnin.
Kids improve life satisfaction for married couples
By Jon Hochschartner
Bearing children boosts happiness among married couples, but not for those who haven't tied the knot, acording to a recent study by Dr. Luis Angeles from the University of Glasgow. His research, which was originally published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, has since garned much international publicity.
Locally, those in the North Country seemed to agree with his findings.
Alison Riley-Clark is a registered nurse and health teacher, as well as a married mother of three. She said having children improved her life satisfaction.
"I don’t know if it’s a biological drive or a psychosocial drive, but most people, after they get married, that I know, think about when they’re going to have children," she said.
When children are young, much of the joy of parenting comes from simply watching your kids develop, Riley-Clark said.
"It’s amazing to watch what happens with a baby from birth to age 1, and then you watch them develop a personality their own preferences their own interests, and you feel that you play a significant role in being a positive influence in their life," she said. "It's balanced by the recognition that you could also be a negative influence and that’s the stress of parenting."
As kids grow older, Riley-Clark said one of the biggest benefits of parenting comes from the unconditionally loving bond that forms between parent and child.
"The other part of it is that it’s a lot of fun to have a family and do activities together," she said. "It's a built in social group."
Jeff Earl, a married father of two, said having children boosted his life satisfaction, despite the immense challenges it presented.
"All of a sudden, I’m responsible for someone else who has no survival skills other than a heartbeat, respiration and a learning curve," Earl said. "It makes everything more real. It made me learn more about myself. I was forced to learn things about myself that I probably wouldn’t have learned any other way."
He said he didn't think it was possible to explain the bond formed between a parent and child at the moment of birth to someone who had not experienced it.
"It’s amazingly intense and it just flat out changes you," Earl said. "I love watching my kids grow up, and I love being with them. It’s not a negative thing; it’s just such an all encompassing thing."
Libby Doan, a married mother of two, said having children boosted her life satisfaction and brought new meaning to her life.
"For me, it brought a new dimension and an experience I'd never had before," Doan said. "It's been incredibly purposeful. When making decisions about someone else's life, it made me examine and really develop what I believe--like a value system. Because it's like you're always being watched. I like feeling responsible or playing a part in helping children have a good life experience."
Mike Tholen, a married father of two, seemed to agree.
"It improves your life satisfaction immensely," he said. "With your children, very quickly, all of a sudden you can’t imagine life without them. There are challenges to being a parent, but the things you get back are better because you go through those challenging times."
Bearing children boosts happiness among married couples, but not for those who haven't tied the knot, acording to a recent study by Dr. Luis Angeles from the University of Glasgow. His research, which was originally published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, has since garned much international publicity.
Locally, those in the North Country seemed to agree with his findings.
Alison Riley-Clark is a registered nurse and health teacher, as well as a married mother of three. She said having children improved her life satisfaction.
"I don’t know if it’s a biological drive or a psychosocial drive, but most people, after they get married, that I know, think about when they’re going to have children," she said.
When children are young, much of the joy of parenting comes from simply watching your kids develop, Riley-Clark said.
"It’s amazing to watch what happens with a baby from birth to age 1, and then you watch them develop a personality their own preferences their own interests, and you feel that you play a significant role in being a positive influence in their life," she said. "It's balanced by the recognition that you could also be a negative influence and that’s the stress of parenting."
As kids grow older, Riley-Clark said one of the biggest benefits of parenting comes from the unconditionally loving bond that forms between parent and child.
"The other part of it is that it’s a lot of fun to have a family and do activities together," she said. "It's a built in social group."
Jeff Earl, a married father of two, said having children boosted his life satisfaction, despite the immense challenges it presented.
"All of a sudden, I’m responsible for someone else who has no survival skills other than a heartbeat, respiration and a learning curve," Earl said. "It makes everything more real. It made me learn more about myself. I was forced to learn things about myself that I probably wouldn’t have learned any other way."
He said he didn't think it was possible to explain the bond formed between a parent and child at the moment of birth to someone who had not experienced it.
"It’s amazingly intense and it just flat out changes you," Earl said. "I love watching my kids grow up, and I love being with them. It’s not a negative thing; it’s just such an all encompassing thing."
Libby Doan, a married mother of two, said having children boosted her life satisfaction and brought new meaning to her life.
"For me, it brought a new dimension and an experience I'd never had before," Doan said. "It's been incredibly purposeful. When making decisions about someone else's life, it made me examine and really develop what I believe--like a value system. Because it's like you're always being watched. I like feeling responsible or playing a part in helping children have a good life experience."
Mike Tholen, a married father of two, seemed to agree.
"It improves your life satisfaction immensely," he said. "With your children, very quickly, all of a sudden you can’t imagine life without them. There are challenges to being a parent, but the things you get back are better because you go through those challenging times."
New hate crimes bill stirs controversy
By Patricia Fifield
President Barack Obama signed a bill on Oct. 28 that extended federal hate crimes to protect those that are discriminated against because of gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This bill, entitled the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the honor of the two hate crime victims, is hearing cheers and jeers from religious leaders.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) is one religion that supports the new hate crimes bill and also has an accepting stance on gay marriage. President of the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh, Jo Ellen Miano, said that their faith is built upon a set of principles. “We affirm and promote the inherent dignity and worth of every person. We affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations. We affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all,” she said. The principles of the UU Fellowship are embedded with equality for everyone, which would suggest they support those of different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Chair of the Social Action Committee, Michelle Ouellette, said that as a whole, the Unitarian Universalist church has a history of supporting civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Ouellette said the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) celebrated the passage of the hate crimes bill signed by President Obama. Reverend William Sinkford, president of the UUA said, " ... I assure you that Unitarian Universalists will continue to advocate for full rights for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people. We stand on the side of love."
“In fact, more than a decade ago, in 1996, our denomination voted to advocate for marriage equity for same-sex couples,” said Ouellette. Currently the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh is working with the social action committee to gain the status of a “Welcoming congregation.” To achieve this the church must provide religious education that incorporates LGBT life issues, welcome LGBT into the congregation, and establish contact with local LGBT groups and offer support for their cause. Ouellette said that they will be voting on the progression of these steps, but the support is great. “…My guess is that it will not be long before we gain full Welcoming Congregation status,” she said.
Although the UUA fully supports the new hate crimes bill including protection for LGBT, some religions do not. The Catholic Church usually tends to lean toward the side against homosexuality. When the hate crimes bill was passed, some feared that religious speech against homosexuality could be prosecuted as a hate crime. After several attempts to contact local Catholic churches the calls were never returned. “It doesn’t surprise me,” said Jamey Henricks of Plattsburgh, “they’re probably embarrassed to say what they really think,” he said. Henricks, a proud Gay and a humble Catholic, believes the Catholic Church does not want to admit their hatred for LGBT. “In my experience, most of the conservative ones really hate us,” he continued, “So I don’t see why they would support the hate crimes bill.”
Previous hate crimes laws allowed the Justice Department to prosecute crime motivated only by race, color, national origin, and religion. According to the FBI, there were 1,460 hate crime offenses based on sexual orientation in 2007, which is up from 1,415 in 2006.
President Barack Obama signed a bill on Oct. 28 that extended federal hate crimes to protect those that are discriminated against because of gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This bill, entitled the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the honor of the two hate crime victims, is hearing cheers and jeers from religious leaders.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) is one religion that supports the new hate crimes bill and also has an accepting stance on gay marriage. President of the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh, Jo Ellen Miano, said that their faith is built upon a set of principles. “We affirm and promote the inherent dignity and worth of every person. We affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations. We affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all,” she said. The principles of the UU Fellowship are embedded with equality for everyone, which would suggest they support those of different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Chair of the Social Action Committee, Michelle Ouellette, said that as a whole, the Unitarian Universalist church has a history of supporting civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Ouellette said the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) celebrated the passage of the hate crimes bill signed by President Obama. Reverend William Sinkford, president of the UUA said, " ... I assure you that Unitarian Universalists will continue to advocate for full rights for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people. We stand on the side of love."
“In fact, more than a decade ago, in 1996, our denomination voted to advocate for marriage equity for same-sex couples,” said Ouellette. Currently the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh is working with the social action committee to gain the status of a “Welcoming congregation.” To achieve this the church must provide religious education that incorporates LGBT life issues, welcome LGBT into the congregation, and establish contact with local LGBT groups and offer support for their cause. Ouellette said that they will be voting on the progression of these steps, but the support is great. “…My guess is that it will not be long before we gain full Welcoming Congregation status,” she said.
Although the UUA fully supports the new hate crimes bill including protection for LGBT, some religions do not. The Catholic Church usually tends to lean toward the side against homosexuality. When the hate crimes bill was passed, some feared that religious speech against homosexuality could be prosecuted as a hate crime. After several attempts to contact local Catholic churches the calls were never returned. “It doesn’t surprise me,” said Jamey Henricks of Plattsburgh, “they’re probably embarrassed to say what they really think,” he said. Henricks, a proud Gay and a humble Catholic, believes the Catholic Church does not want to admit their hatred for LGBT. “In my experience, most of the conservative ones really hate us,” he continued, “So I don’t see why they would support the hate crimes bill.”
Previous hate crimes laws allowed the Justice Department to prosecute crime motivated only by race, color, national origin, and religion. According to the FBI, there were 1,460 hate crime offenses based on sexual orientation in 2007, which is up from 1,415 in 2006.
2-year colleges ease financial burden, enrollment up
By Renee Cumm
As the Universities in New York State raise the cost of tuition, students will prefer to attend 2-year colleges to get a cheaper start on their college degree. The enrollment rates in 2-year colleges have been increasing partly due to the tough economic times according to, local neighboring colleges.
“Family financial considerations are important”, president of Plattsburgh State University, Dr. John Ettling said, regarding college applicants. PSU maintains their enrollment on a fixed percentage by admitting less than half of the students who have completed an application according to, Ettling.
He said PSU still encourages community college transfer students and receive most of their transfers from Clinton Community College.
Students who transfer are more prepared and they “Have got the adolescent angst out of their system,” Ettling said.
Students can benefit from attending a 2- year college by saving money, and they can attend college while living at home with their parents, “Because of the national recession a college close to home costs less and students can still work,” Ettling said.
The cost of tuition at North Country Community College is $1,000 less than PSU and any student that lives within a 30 to 50 mile radius could commute from home, which is a common convenience for local students, according to vice president of student services, Ed Trathen.
President Obama signed a stimulus package into law last February. He appointed $787 billion to increase the federal support for job training programs at community colleges. The aide would help people who have been laid off or can’t find work. They can receive funds to attend 2-year colleges and receive work re-training and job placement. In an effort to reduce the rate of unemployment could cause the already increasing rate of enrollment at community colleges to escalate. Obama has planned for 5 million more 2-year graduates by 2020 according to, Inside Higher Ed news.
“There has been a stagnant economy in the North Country and the jobs that are available require an associate’s degree,” Trathen said.
For North Country Community College the enrollment was up about 12 percent this year according to, Trathen.
“Historically they (enrollment percentages) have always gone up during tough economic times,” Traven said.
A large amount of unemployed workers were coming from St. Lawrence County after the closing of the General Motors plant in Messina. He said many of those workers are eligible for the stimulus money according to, Trathen.
NCCC currently receives $2675 dollars for every full-time student, and that budget could be reduced in Gov. David Patterson’s effort to close the current state budget gap according to, Trathen.
Clinton community College has also had a 10 percent increase in their student enrollment. “Community colleges are in a growth mode across the state,” vice president of student services, Stephen St. Onge said. “People have less money and get a better value when they go to a community college”.
Community colleges such as, NCCC and CCC normally encourage student population growth, and they work together with their local One Work Source to support people who are unemployed to receive funds to attend the job re-training programs.
“Community colleges are engines for local economic growth,” St. Onge Said.
Mary Dupree is an employment counselor at One Work Source. She said there are many people in Clinton County that are on unemployment, and the state of NY really encourages those people to receive the work training. The stimulus money is only funding programs for high job demands according to, Dupree.
“There has been a decrease in a lot of manufacturing jobs,” Mary Dupree said. “Many businesses can’t stay a-float and they have to scale back or close down”.
One Work Source regularly receives federal funds for workers but over the past few years they have been receiving less money and the government’s stimulus money has been a “big boost” according to, employment and training counselor, Kelly Smart.
Around 225 people in Clinton County have received the extra funds, and the stimulus money for training has been “exhausted,” Smart said.
When people heard about the money they started pouring in to receive help. “You wouldn’t believe how many companies whose work goes over seas and they are closing because of it,” Smart said.
Although many workers have received funds, it hasn’t currently affected the local community colleges. “I didn’t affect us this year,” Trathen said.
Traven said NCCC has never exceeded their limit of 10,000 students in the past and most community colleges have always been able to handle any capacity that they have been given according to, Trathen.
“Community colleges are considered the last opportunity because of their open admission, and we don’t want to deny students, because there is no other place for them to go,” he said.
As the Universities in New York State raise the cost of tuition, students will prefer to attend 2-year colleges to get a cheaper start on their college degree. The enrollment rates in 2-year colleges have been increasing partly due to the tough economic times according to, local neighboring colleges.
“Family financial considerations are important”, president of Plattsburgh State University, Dr. John Ettling said, regarding college applicants. PSU maintains their enrollment on a fixed percentage by admitting less than half of the students who have completed an application according to, Ettling.
He said PSU still encourages community college transfer students and receive most of their transfers from Clinton Community College.
Students who transfer are more prepared and they “Have got the adolescent angst out of their system,” Ettling said.
Students can benefit from attending a 2- year college by saving money, and they can attend college while living at home with their parents, “Because of the national recession a college close to home costs less and students can still work,” Ettling said.
The cost of tuition at North Country Community College is $1,000 less than PSU and any student that lives within a 30 to 50 mile radius could commute from home, which is a common convenience for local students, according to vice president of student services, Ed Trathen.
President Obama signed a stimulus package into law last February. He appointed $787 billion to increase the federal support for job training programs at community colleges. The aide would help people who have been laid off or can’t find work. They can receive funds to attend 2-year colleges and receive work re-training and job placement. In an effort to reduce the rate of unemployment could cause the already increasing rate of enrollment at community colleges to escalate. Obama has planned for 5 million more 2-year graduates by 2020 according to, Inside Higher Ed news.
“There has been a stagnant economy in the North Country and the jobs that are available require an associate’s degree,” Trathen said.
For North Country Community College the enrollment was up about 12 percent this year according to, Trathen.
“Historically they (enrollment percentages) have always gone up during tough economic times,” Traven said.
A large amount of unemployed workers were coming from St. Lawrence County after the closing of the General Motors plant in Messina. He said many of those workers are eligible for the stimulus money according to, Trathen.
NCCC currently receives $2675 dollars for every full-time student, and that budget could be reduced in Gov. David Patterson’s effort to close the current state budget gap according to, Trathen.
Clinton community College has also had a 10 percent increase in their student enrollment. “Community colleges are in a growth mode across the state,” vice president of student services, Stephen St. Onge said. “People have less money and get a better value when they go to a community college”.
Community colleges such as, NCCC and CCC normally encourage student population growth, and they work together with their local One Work Source to support people who are unemployed to receive funds to attend the job re-training programs.
“Community colleges are engines for local economic growth,” St. Onge Said.
Mary Dupree is an employment counselor at One Work Source. She said there are many people in Clinton County that are on unemployment, and the state of NY really encourages those people to receive the work training. The stimulus money is only funding programs for high job demands according to, Dupree.
“There has been a decrease in a lot of manufacturing jobs,” Mary Dupree said. “Many businesses can’t stay a-float and they have to scale back or close down”.
One Work Source regularly receives federal funds for workers but over the past few years they have been receiving less money and the government’s stimulus money has been a “big boost” according to, employment and training counselor, Kelly Smart.
Around 225 people in Clinton County have received the extra funds, and the stimulus money for training has been “exhausted,” Smart said.
When people heard about the money they started pouring in to receive help. “You wouldn’t believe how many companies whose work goes over seas and they are closing because of it,” Smart said.
Although many workers have received funds, it hasn’t currently affected the local community colleges. “I didn’t affect us this year,” Trathen said.
Traven said NCCC has never exceeded their limit of 10,000 students in the past and most community colleges have always been able to handle any capacity that they have been given according to, Trathen.
“Community colleges are considered the last opportunity because of their open admission, and we don’t want to deny students, because there is no other place for them to go,” he said.
Staying fit through winter
By Leah Reid Breyette
From freezing temperatures, gray skies, and snow on every surface, winter is thought by many college students to be the dreariest time of year. Because of this, students may find it much harder to get the right amount of physical activity they need each day in the winter. “During the other seasons, especially summer, I’m always outside playing some sort of sport,” says college student Jon Hoffis. “I don’t feel like I’m actually exercising, just having fun. During the winter, all I want to do is curl up in my warm bed and watch TV all day.” Such is true for many students, which is why, according to the 24-Hour Fitness Organization, they tend to gain weight in the winter- for a variety of reasons.
“It isn’t unusual for college students to gain up to five pounds during the winter season,” says Liz Wentworth, a high school health teacher. “There are a lot of reasons why this happens. Weather is a big part of it- people don’t want to go outside when it’s 24 degrees out. Winter season also means the holidays, which usually end up being six weeks of eating junk food, especially after being away at school for a few months and wanting to enjoy home-cooked food.” Whatever the reason, it is important for students to remember that physical activity is the key to not only avoiding weight gain, but also keeping energy levels and overall well-being intact- which is most at risk in the winter time.
The amount of physical activity needed per day is not as large of a number as some people think. Retired physical education teacher Len Schlacter says the recommended amount is at least twenty minutes per day. “You don’t have to work out like a professional athlete to see healthy results. In the winter, it might be harder to go jogging outdoors, but there are plenty of activities both inside and outside that you can participate in, like skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, indoor tennis, and of course regular gyms.” Schlacter says he was once a victim of the winter weight gain, too. “For three years during college, I would come home and sit around the house all day, watching TV and eating nonstop. I hated cold weather, so I just stayed inside all the time. I started growing- and it wasn’t upwards. I finally decided join my brothers for a game of hockey one day, and that’s what my break turned into after that. I know how much of a pain it can be, but once you get up and start moving, you have fun.”
The issue of winter weight gain is not a foreign one to students- it just depends on how much action they are willing to take in order to prevent it. Plattsburgh State junior Teri Deyo always makes sure she gets enough physical activity, especially during the winter. “I usually work out on my elliptical or do lunges and lift free weights.” On the other hand, some students choose to have fun while they can and not worry about gaining weight. “I’m only twenty years old- I’ll worry about weight gain when I’m older,” says Brian Harrington, a sophomore. “Right now, I can eat whatever I want and not get fat. I’m definitely going to pig out over break- I’ll go snowboarding once in awhile, but that’s about all the activity I’ll be getting.”
Although gaining weight during the winter is a common obstacle for many students, it is not one that cannot be easily overcome. According to the 24-Hour Fitness Organization, the key is to eat in moderation and keeping your heart rate up at least twenty minutes a day, three times a week- a small price to pay for long-term health benefits.
From freezing temperatures, gray skies, and snow on every surface, winter is thought by many college students to be the dreariest time of year. Because of this, students may find it much harder to get the right amount of physical activity they need each day in the winter. “During the other seasons, especially summer, I’m always outside playing some sort of sport,” says college student Jon Hoffis. “I don’t feel like I’m actually exercising, just having fun. During the winter, all I want to do is curl up in my warm bed and watch TV all day.” Such is true for many students, which is why, according to the 24-Hour Fitness Organization, they tend to gain weight in the winter- for a variety of reasons.
“It isn’t unusual for college students to gain up to five pounds during the winter season,” says Liz Wentworth, a high school health teacher. “There are a lot of reasons why this happens. Weather is a big part of it- people don’t want to go outside when it’s 24 degrees out. Winter season also means the holidays, which usually end up being six weeks of eating junk food, especially after being away at school for a few months and wanting to enjoy home-cooked food.” Whatever the reason, it is important for students to remember that physical activity is the key to not only avoiding weight gain, but also keeping energy levels and overall well-being intact- which is most at risk in the winter time.
The amount of physical activity needed per day is not as large of a number as some people think. Retired physical education teacher Len Schlacter says the recommended amount is at least twenty minutes per day. “You don’t have to work out like a professional athlete to see healthy results. In the winter, it might be harder to go jogging outdoors, but there are plenty of activities both inside and outside that you can participate in, like skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, indoor tennis, and of course regular gyms.” Schlacter says he was once a victim of the winter weight gain, too. “For three years during college, I would come home and sit around the house all day, watching TV and eating nonstop. I hated cold weather, so I just stayed inside all the time. I started growing- and it wasn’t upwards. I finally decided join my brothers for a game of hockey one day, and that’s what my break turned into after that. I know how much of a pain it can be, but once you get up and start moving, you have fun.”
The issue of winter weight gain is not a foreign one to students- it just depends on how much action they are willing to take in order to prevent it. Plattsburgh State junior Teri Deyo always makes sure she gets enough physical activity, especially during the winter. “I usually work out on my elliptical or do lunges and lift free weights.” On the other hand, some students choose to have fun while they can and not worry about gaining weight. “I’m only twenty years old- I’ll worry about weight gain when I’m older,” says Brian Harrington, a sophomore. “Right now, I can eat whatever I want and not get fat. I’m definitely going to pig out over break- I’ll go snowboarding once in awhile, but that’s about all the activity I’ll be getting.”
Although gaining weight during the winter is a common obstacle for many students, it is not one that cannot be easily overcome. According to the 24-Hour Fitness Organization, the key is to eat in moderation and keeping your heart rate up at least twenty minutes a day, three times a week- a small price to pay for long-term health benefits.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Vaccines possibly linked to autism
By Patricia Fifield
In the wake of the H1N1 vaccine, the dangers and risks of vaccinations is becoming a hot topic, although it has always been a topic of interest with parents. Vaccinations are unofficially linked to Autism and often blamed as the cause of the disorder that affects one in 150 children in the United States.
Autism Spectrum disorders (ASDs) consists of three different types: Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental disorder. All three disorders affect the mind, development and behavior on all different levels from mild to extreme. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ASDs begin before the age of three and last throughout a person’s life.”
Some believe that the mercury, also called thimerosal, in vaccines has a direct connection to causing ASDs. Mercury is blamed for affecting the nervous systems that could lead to the neurological disorders like Autism. Pregnant women are warned to stay away from food or medicine that contains mercury because it could be harmful to the fetus, so it is only natural that some parents would think it could be dangerous to their young children.
Generation Rescue is a non-profit organization founded by actress Jenny McCarthy after her son was diagnosed with autism. This group strongly believes that vaccines are the reason their children are now suffering from this complicated disease. “We believe in the awareness and recovery of the disease (autism) is crucial for every parent to understand,” said a representative of the group Alicia Banks. Banks said they believe parents should delay their children’s vaccine schedule to about 18-24 months instead of starting at birth or eliminating them entirely.
Erin MacMullen, a special education teacher in Albany said that she has seen autism first-hand and has chosen to delay her 1-year-old daughter’s vaccines. “I think the amount of mercury in the vaccines is too much for a small baby to handle,” she explained, “I’d rather wait until she’s older to vaccinate her when she can probably handle the level of mercury better.” MacMullen also has a 26-month-old son who was vaccinated according to the CDC’s schedule and has no symptoms of autism.
The American Board of Pediatrics believes that vaccines do not cause autism and there have been no scientific connections between the two. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Martha Passino of Plattsburgh Pediatrics said there is not enough mercury in the vaccines to actually harm the child. Pediatricians strongly suggest children receive their vaccines and follow the CDC schedule.
Parents are faced with the difficult decision on whether to vaccinate their little bundle of joy. There are eight vaccines that children receive within the first years of their life and as with everything in life, there is always a risk involved. “If I don’t get him vaccinated what if he gets sick?” asked new mother Shelly Laidman. Her 4-month-old son has already received two rounds of three vaccinations in his short life along with a Hepatitis B shot the day he was born. Laidman said she knows about the belief of vaccines causing autism, but believes the risk of it happening is less than the chance of her son getting a disease that could have been prevented. “I’d never forgive myself if he ended up with something ridiculous like Polio or something,” she said.
There are some risks attributed to vaccines, but the ones listed by the CDC are mild. Redness, swelling, mild fever, and tenderness are listed as the most common problems after a vaccination along with fussiness and poor appetite. The handout given to parents who vaccinate their children includes a “serious problems” list that includes seizures, comas and permanent brain damage, but says it has only been reported rarely.
The controversy between vaccines and Austin will continue until more research has been done. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in our country so it is difficult to ignore the possible explanations of this statistic.
In the wake of the H1N1 vaccine, the dangers and risks of vaccinations is becoming a hot topic, although it has always been a topic of interest with parents. Vaccinations are unofficially linked to Autism and often blamed as the cause of the disorder that affects one in 150 children in the United States.
Autism Spectrum disorders (ASDs) consists of three different types: Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental disorder. All three disorders affect the mind, development and behavior on all different levels from mild to extreme. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ASDs begin before the age of three and last throughout a person’s life.”
Some believe that the mercury, also called thimerosal, in vaccines has a direct connection to causing ASDs. Mercury is blamed for affecting the nervous systems that could lead to the neurological disorders like Autism. Pregnant women are warned to stay away from food or medicine that contains mercury because it could be harmful to the fetus, so it is only natural that some parents would think it could be dangerous to their young children.
Generation Rescue is a non-profit organization founded by actress Jenny McCarthy after her son was diagnosed with autism. This group strongly believes that vaccines are the reason their children are now suffering from this complicated disease. “We believe in the awareness and recovery of the disease (autism) is crucial for every parent to understand,” said a representative of the group Alicia Banks. Banks said they believe parents should delay their children’s vaccine schedule to about 18-24 months instead of starting at birth or eliminating them entirely.
Erin MacMullen, a special education teacher in Albany said that she has seen autism first-hand and has chosen to delay her 1-year-old daughter’s vaccines. “I think the amount of mercury in the vaccines is too much for a small baby to handle,” she explained, “I’d rather wait until she’s older to vaccinate her when she can probably handle the level of mercury better.” MacMullen also has a 26-month-old son who was vaccinated according to the CDC’s schedule and has no symptoms of autism.
The American Board of Pediatrics believes that vaccines do not cause autism and there have been no scientific connections between the two. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Martha Passino of Plattsburgh Pediatrics said there is not enough mercury in the vaccines to actually harm the child. Pediatricians strongly suggest children receive their vaccines and follow the CDC schedule.
Parents are faced with the difficult decision on whether to vaccinate their little bundle of joy. There are eight vaccines that children receive within the first years of their life and as with everything in life, there is always a risk involved. “If I don’t get him vaccinated what if he gets sick?” asked new mother Shelly Laidman. Her 4-month-old son has already received two rounds of three vaccinations in his short life along with a Hepatitis B shot the day he was born. Laidman said she knows about the belief of vaccines causing autism, but believes the risk of it happening is less than the chance of her son getting a disease that could have been prevented. “I’d never forgive myself if he ended up with something ridiculous like Polio or something,” she said.
There are some risks attributed to vaccines, but the ones listed by the CDC are mild. Redness, swelling, mild fever, and tenderness are listed as the most common problems after a vaccination along with fussiness and poor appetite. The handout given to parents who vaccinate their children includes a “serious problems” list that includes seizures, comas and permanent brain damage, but says it has only been reported rarely.
The controversy between vaccines and Austin will continue until more research has been done. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in our country so it is difficult to ignore the possible explanations of this statistic.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Considerations while applying to college
By Kevin Stump
The flutter of excitement, the anxiety of not knowing, the confidence in your maturity, the stress of completing the application, and the relief of getting the acceptance letter and room assignment. Remember how it felt to apply to college?
Students are still applying and enrolling in colleges, however, because of the global, national, and state economy, colleges are being more selective and more competitive.
“As you increase your applicant pool, you start not accepting students you would normally accept, meaning we can require more and choose from a larger group of students” said Richard Higgins, Director of SUNY Plattsburgh Admissions office.
SUNY Plattsburgh admitted 1,074 new students this fall semester. The school went over its target rate of 975 students. Overloading the incoming class does put a burden on teachers, class sizes, residence halls, and other facilities and resources. However, the overload of students can help to off set the 4 million dollar deficit the SUNY Plattsburgh has.
Although the economy is currently not a positive aspect of college and life in general students are still applying to public and private colleges. “Students are considering finances, now more than ever, but are just finding creative ways to get colleges to notice their uniqueness and potential contributions to their institution” said June Pernice, Plattsburgh High School counselor. “Our students always look at SUNY as an option,” said Pernice
“I relied on the fact that I am an Eagle Scout to get into college,” said SUNY Plattsburgh freshman Mathew Amidon.
Although Amidon is currently happy at SUNY Plattsburgh, he would have gone to Hobart and Williams Smith College if he had the money to do so. However, one of the reasons why Amidon choose SUNY Plattsburgh was because of the Education and Geography programs offered. Still, the biggest factor for him and his family was money. Hobart and Williams Smith College offered him a decent scholarship, but still wasn’t as affordable as SUNY.
“He doesn’t have any idea the cost of education today,” said Henry Dodd who was referring to his grandson, Nick Dodd. Dodd also said that the economy is going to be the biggest factor in his grandson’s education.
“The economy might play a role in the choice of where I go” said Plattsburgh High school senior Kenney McCarty who is thinking about studying at SUNY Plattsburgh and Paul Smiths.
Although many feel that the economy is going to play a role in the choices made by prospective students, people are still going to college. “I haven’t noticed hardly any change of the number of students applying to colleges,” said Plattsburgh High School senior English teacher Chris Beaudin.
“However, students who would normally go to private schools are going to public schools, while students who would normally go to public schools are now going to community colleges, again the biggest factor for many is money,” said Beaudin. Money is making people more cautious about where they go and for how long. “Students need to go into college and have a focused path to graduation, its too expensive to stay an extra year,” said Beaudin.
Public schools are at an advantage when it comes to selecting quality students, but are students at the advantage when it comes to selecting colleges? “For colleges to admit a strong academic freshman class, they are to naturally become more selective,” said Pernice.
The flutter of excitement, the anxiety of not knowing, the confidence in your maturity, the stress of completing the application, and the relief of getting the acceptance letter and room assignment. Remember how it felt to apply to college?
Students are still applying and enrolling in colleges, however, because of the global, national, and state economy, colleges are being more selective and more competitive.
“As you increase your applicant pool, you start not accepting students you would normally accept, meaning we can require more and choose from a larger group of students” said Richard Higgins, Director of SUNY Plattsburgh Admissions office.
SUNY Plattsburgh admitted 1,074 new students this fall semester. The school went over its target rate of 975 students. Overloading the incoming class does put a burden on teachers, class sizes, residence halls, and other facilities and resources. However, the overload of students can help to off set the 4 million dollar deficit the SUNY Plattsburgh has.
Although the economy is currently not a positive aspect of college and life in general students are still applying to public and private colleges. “Students are considering finances, now more than ever, but are just finding creative ways to get colleges to notice their uniqueness and potential contributions to their institution” said June Pernice, Plattsburgh High School counselor. “Our students always look at SUNY as an option,” said Pernice
“I relied on the fact that I am an Eagle Scout to get into college,” said SUNY Plattsburgh freshman Mathew Amidon.
Although Amidon is currently happy at SUNY Plattsburgh, he would have gone to Hobart and Williams Smith College if he had the money to do so. However, one of the reasons why Amidon choose SUNY Plattsburgh was because of the Education and Geography programs offered. Still, the biggest factor for him and his family was money. Hobart and Williams Smith College offered him a decent scholarship, but still wasn’t as affordable as SUNY.
“He doesn’t have any idea the cost of education today,” said Henry Dodd who was referring to his grandson, Nick Dodd. Dodd also said that the economy is going to be the biggest factor in his grandson’s education.
“The economy might play a role in the choice of where I go” said Plattsburgh High school senior Kenney McCarty who is thinking about studying at SUNY Plattsburgh and Paul Smiths.
Although many feel that the economy is going to play a role in the choices made by prospective students, people are still going to college. “I haven’t noticed hardly any change of the number of students applying to colleges,” said Plattsburgh High School senior English teacher Chris Beaudin.
“However, students who would normally go to private schools are going to public schools, while students who would normally go to public schools are now going to community colleges, again the biggest factor for many is money,” said Beaudin. Money is making people more cautious about where they go and for how long. “Students need to go into college and have a focused path to graduation, its too expensive to stay an extra year,” said Beaudin.
Public schools are at an advantage when it comes to selecting quality students, but are students at the advantage when it comes to selecting colleges? “For colleges to admit a strong academic freshman class, they are to naturally become more selective,” said Pernice.
Local climate change forecast difficult to predict
By Emmalie Vance
Everyone wants answers to the questions surrounding climate change: Is it real? What are the signs? How fast is the earth’s climate changing and how does it affect me? Scientists are working towards solid answers to these questions but at the moment, seeing into the future of our planet is not as easy as it sounds.
University Professor of Environmental Systems Engineering and Director of the Center for Environmental Systems Engineering at Syracuse University, Dr. Charles Driscoll, has recently taken an interest in climate change in Adirondack State Park. A presentation he gave in mid-Oct. displayed the findings of three climate change models in a Power Point presentation. The three models included one the most sensitive to carbon dioxide (Hadley), the one least sensitive (PCM) and a model that falls somewhere in the middle (GFDL). Each of these three scientific models also displayed two different scenarios: one in which there are low CO2 concentrations and one in which these levels are high. Between these three models and their two extreme scenarios, they predicted a rise in average temperature and precipitation beginning around the years 2020 and 2030.
According to Driscoll, the carbon dioxide levels used by each of these models “are estimates to bracket what we think the increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide will be in about 100 years. We don’t really know; they’re based on social and economic predictions.”
Dr. Ken Adams, SUNY distinguished teaching professor of environmental science, believes that the publicity of these findings have the potential to falsely advertise. The models that are used generally produce the results of global climate change or the results of a very large area such as North America. Climate, which includes temperature, precipitation, wind, etc., is different around the world because of changes in elevation, latitude, longitude and a number of other factors. If the models predict a five-degree increase in temperature in the next 20 years, that is only a global average and should not be assumed true for a small region such as the Adirondacks.
“I think people often overestimate the capabilities of models to predict very specific and local conditions,” Adams said. “It turns into a misuse of science.”
Adirondack Council Legislative Director Scott Lorey is involved in numerous programs whose goals are to help slow the effects of global climate change and global warming. One of the programs buys tons of carbon form local power plant auctions for the purpose of taking it off the market and safely retiring it so it will never be added to the atmosphere.
“Climate change is definitely one of the top three issues in the Adirondacks,” Lorey said. “We’re very fearful that over the next 50-80 years that if things don’t start turning around, we’re going to see more invasive species, more pollutants and so forth. We’re trying to prevent catastrophic things before they happen.”
New York Department of Environmental Conservation Region 5 Director Elizabeth (Betsy) Lowe said, “In general, the one thing that’s kind of interesting about climate change is that even if you don’t completely believe what the scientists say, the measures related to energy efficiency, clean energy and that sort of thing are all good for the environment and good for the economy, too. It’s one of those topics that have benefits all the way around.”
Everyone wants answers to the questions surrounding climate change: Is it real? What are the signs? How fast is the earth’s climate changing and how does it affect me? Scientists are working towards solid answers to these questions but at the moment, seeing into the future of our planet is not as easy as it sounds.
University Professor of Environmental Systems Engineering and Director of the Center for Environmental Systems Engineering at Syracuse University, Dr. Charles Driscoll, has recently taken an interest in climate change in Adirondack State Park. A presentation he gave in mid-Oct. displayed the findings of three climate change models in a Power Point presentation. The three models included one the most sensitive to carbon dioxide (Hadley), the one least sensitive (PCM) and a model that falls somewhere in the middle (GFDL). Each of these three scientific models also displayed two different scenarios: one in which there are low CO2 concentrations and one in which these levels are high. Between these three models and their two extreme scenarios, they predicted a rise in average temperature and precipitation beginning around the years 2020 and 2030.
According to Driscoll, the carbon dioxide levels used by each of these models “are estimates to bracket what we think the increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide will be in about 100 years. We don’t really know; they’re based on social and economic predictions.”
Dr. Ken Adams, SUNY distinguished teaching professor of environmental science, believes that the publicity of these findings have the potential to falsely advertise. The models that are used generally produce the results of global climate change or the results of a very large area such as North America. Climate, which includes temperature, precipitation, wind, etc., is different around the world because of changes in elevation, latitude, longitude and a number of other factors. If the models predict a five-degree increase in temperature in the next 20 years, that is only a global average and should not be assumed true for a small region such as the Adirondacks.
“I think people often overestimate the capabilities of models to predict very specific and local conditions,” Adams said. “It turns into a misuse of science.”
Adirondack Council Legislative Director Scott Lorey is involved in numerous programs whose goals are to help slow the effects of global climate change and global warming. One of the programs buys tons of carbon form local power plant auctions for the purpose of taking it off the market and safely retiring it so it will never be added to the atmosphere.
“Climate change is definitely one of the top three issues in the Adirondacks,” Lorey said. “We’re very fearful that over the next 50-80 years that if things don’t start turning around, we’re going to see more invasive species, more pollutants and so forth. We’re trying to prevent catastrophic things before they happen.”
New York Department of Environmental Conservation Region 5 Director Elizabeth (Betsy) Lowe said, “In general, the one thing that’s kind of interesting about climate change is that even if you don’t completely believe what the scientists say, the measures related to energy efficiency, clean energy and that sort of thing are all good for the environment and good for the economy, too. It’s one of those topics that have benefits all the way around.”
Recession seen to blame for more homelessness
By Amanda Smith
The economy may be showing signs of recovery, but the homeless are struggling like never before. According to the Clinton County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) records, 2009 has seen the highest number of people seeking assistance in recent years. In 2007, an average of 111 people sought financial assistance and other services from DSS and increased by only three people in 2008, while that number jumped to 138 people in 2009.
“This year has been an increase in everything, eviction especially,” said Debbie Francis, Clinton Co. Department of Social Services Supervisor.
In Plattsburgh, housing has been hard to find, particularly for those in dire need of it. Considering the recession, the public assistance offered to persons looking for help is tremendously limited. Public assistance provides each individual with about $360 while a decent Plattsburgh apartment is about $750, she said.
“You simply cannot live in Plattsburgh for that amount,” Francis said.
In addition to the shortcomings of the already low amount of public assistance, money can also be deducted from that sum if the person obtains a job or receives money elsewhere.
“Getting a job is the number one thing, but it’s hard because these people may not have the skills (to get a job that pays enough)…It’s a vicious cycle,” Francis said.
This cycle has become a new trend in our nation that many are having to deal with, most of who are completely inexperienced to such a situation. Sally Soucia, Director of Community Outreach Program for Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Co. (JCEO), said she’s sure this is due to the economy.
“We’re seeing more people that were laid off or can’t pay their rent. We’ve also seen more people who have never used our food pantry,” she said.
JCEO works closely with other agencies like Family Promise to ensure that every resource is available. Family Promise helps low-income and homeless families to become financially independent and maintain that independence by offering support services.
Family Promise works with twelve local congregations that serve as host sites for the homeless to stay. The organization prepares dinners and sets time aside for help with homework and fun activities for the kids, but only three families are allowed to use these services at a time to guarantee privacy.
“We also make sure they keep up with their payments,” said Maureen Bradish, Director of Family Promise in Clinton Co.
However, certain criteria can sometimes limit the amount of help a homeless or low-income family receives because each state and organization has different rules, said Bradish. Many times, the problem can be the availability of room as well.
Families go through an interview process before being placed in a host site to ensure following of rules and regulations. A few stipulations of being admitted into Family Promise is that one cannot have a current alcohol or drug problem, anyone with a mental illness or anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse. The organization has a separate program for those with domestic violence problems. Another key rule is that there cannot be just one individual because Family Promise only helps family units; pregnant women are considered a family unit.
Family Promise receives different kinds of aid. Funds from DSS and the state come to them in the form of a grant such as Temporary Assistance Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant. United Way, FEMA and formerly from Assembly woman Betty Little and Senator Janet Dupree contribute money.
“This year we were denied funding (from Little and Dupree) because there isn’t enough state aid,” Bradish said.
In 2007, Little and Dupree contributed $10,000 each. Although fundraising and donations can amount to nearly $20,000, losing funds puts a big dent into what Family Promise can do to help the homeless situation in Plattsburgh.
When Family Promise is unable to temporarily house the homeless, the commissioner of Social Services makes sure that they are put up in motels which are usually grungy, Bradish said. Due to a sharp increase in taxes in the city of Plattsburgh, many can’t afford their rent anymore she said. Plattsburgh Housing Authority sometimes finds homes for Family Promise’s clients, but the waiting list is too long to wait for.
“It’s not an option for my families,” Bradish said. “Finding safe, affordable housing is a hardship in Plattsburgh,”
There is an obvious increase in the number of homes going up for sale, said Donna Trombley, who used to donate money to Family Promise.
“Just on my street you can see it,” she said. “We are in a bad predicament and times are getting even harder.”
“(Overcoming homelessness) depends on someone’s situation and their personality,” said Dr. Carol Shuttleworth, Plattsburgh State’s Senior Counselor of Psychological Services. “Some may become dependent on social services while others may be too embarrassed to even receive help. It also depends upon the support someone has,” she said.
Cornell Cooperative Extension makes parenting, budgeting and after school programs available to the public. There are eight educators that provide programs in Jefferson Co. whereas Clinton Co. only has one, said Stephanie Graf, Youth and Family Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Jefferson Co.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is small in Clinton Co. so program services are limited,” she said.
Graf also mentioned that Social Services may even have some unreported cases of homelessness.
“The homeless situation is different in NYC than it is in the North Country,” she said.
Bradish, Family Promise’s Director, also commented, “Plattsburgh isn’t in your face. If people aren’t sleeping in the street, no one sees it,” she said.
The economy may be showing signs of recovery, but the homeless are struggling like never before. According to the Clinton County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) records, 2009 has seen the highest number of people seeking assistance in recent years. In 2007, an average of 111 people sought financial assistance and other services from DSS and increased by only three people in 2008, while that number jumped to 138 people in 2009.
“This year has been an increase in everything, eviction especially,” said Debbie Francis, Clinton Co. Department of Social Services Supervisor.
In Plattsburgh, housing has been hard to find, particularly for those in dire need of it. Considering the recession, the public assistance offered to persons looking for help is tremendously limited. Public assistance provides each individual with about $360 while a decent Plattsburgh apartment is about $750, she said.
“You simply cannot live in Plattsburgh for that amount,” Francis said.
In addition to the shortcomings of the already low amount of public assistance, money can also be deducted from that sum if the person obtains a job or receives money elsewhere.
“Getting a job is the number one thing, but it’s hard because these people may not have the skills (to get a job that pays enough)…It’s a vicious cycle,” Francis said.
This cycle has become a new trend in our nation that many are having to deal with, most of who are completely inexperienced to such a situation. Sally Soucia, Director of Community Outreach Program for Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Co. (JCEO), said she’s sure this is due to the economy.
“We’re seeing more people that were laid off or can’t pay their rent. We’ve also seen more people who have never used our food pantry,” she said.
JCEO works closely with other agencies like Family Promise to ensure that every resource is available. Family Promise helps low-income and homeless families to become financially independent and maintain that independence by offering support services.
Family Promise works with twelve local congregations that serve as host sites for the homeless to stay. The organization prepares dinners and sets time aside for help with homework and fun activities for the kids, but only three families are allowed to use these services at a time to guarantee privacy.
“We also make sure they keep up with their payments,” said Maureen Bradish, Director of Family Promise in Clinton Co.
However, certain criteria can sometimes limit the amount of help a homeless or low-income family receives because each state and organization has different rules, said Bradish. Many times, the problem can be the availability of room as well.
Families go through an interview process before being placed in a host site to ensure following of rules and regulations. A few stipulations of being admitted into Family Promise is that one cannot have a current alcohol or drug problem, anyone with a mental illness or anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse. The organization has a separate program for those with domestic violence problems. Another key rule is that there cannot be just one individual because Family Promise only helps family units; pregnant women are considered a family unit.
Family Promise receives different kinds of aid. Funds from DSS and the state come to them in the form of a grant such as Temporary Assistance Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant. United Way, FEMA and formerly from Assembly woman Betty Little and Senator Janet Dupree contribute money.
“This year we were denied funding (from Little and Dupree) because there isn’t enough state aid,” Bradish said.
In 2007, Little and Dupree contributed $10,000 each. Although fundraising and donations can amount to nearly $20,000, losing funds puts a big dent into what Family Promise can do to help the homeless situation in Plattsburgh.
When Family Promise is unable to temporarily house the homeless, the commissioner of Social Services makes sure that they are put up in motels which are usually grungy, Bradish said. Due to a sharp increase in taxes in the city of Plattsburgh, many can’t afford their rent anymore she said. Plattsburgh Housing Authority sometimes finds homes for Family Promise’s clients, but the waiting list is too long to wait for.
“It’s not an option for my families,” Bradish said. “Finding safe, affordable housing is a hardship in Plattsburgh,”
There is an obvious increase in the number of homes going up for sale, said Donna Trombley, who used to donate money to Family Promise.
“Just on my street you can see it,” she said. “We are in a bad predicament and times are getting even harder.”
“(Overcoming homelessness) depends on someone’s situation and their personality,” said Dr. Carol Shuttleworth, Plattsburgh State’s Senior Counselor of Psychological Services. “Some may become dependent on social services while others may be too embarrassed to even receive help. It also depends upon the support someone has,” she said.
Cornell Cooperative Extension makes parenting, budgeting and after school programs available to the public. There are eight educators that provide programs in Jefferson Co. whereas Clinton Co. only has one, said Stephanie Graf, Youth and Family Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Jefferson Co.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is small in Clinton Co. so program services are limited,” she said.
Graf also mentioned that Social Services may even have some unreported cases of homelessness.
“The homeless situation is different in NYC than it is in the North Country,” she said.
Bradish, Family Promise’s Director, also commented, “Plattsburgh isn’t in your face. If people aren’t sleeping in the street, no one sees it,” she said.
Local schools seek neutrality on Halloween
By Renee Cumm
Witches, vampires and monsters of all kinds roam the streets once every year. Halloween is conventionally, a night that a large amount of people look forward to and participate in. The elementary school parades, parties and trick-or-treat traditions are not new customs to upstate New York. These traditions have been around for years. Where they have originated and what they stand for is argued among various religions. Some religious groups disagree with certain festivities related to Halloween and will refuse to participate in them. Local schools try to maintain some balance as they schedule events around Oct. 31.
Director of the Long Island Council of Churches, Reverend Tom Goodhue, does not object to celebrating Halloween instead he promotes the idea that teachers should be more involved in learning about many faiths. That could mean inviting someone outside of the school to come into the school and discuss such issues with the faculty and students.
“You have to acknowledge the religious history when celebrating holidays,” said Goodhue.
Oak Elementary School of Plattsburgh will be hosting a Halloween parade on Oct. 30, at 1:30 a.m. An event that may be harmless to most students could be offensive to some. There are very few students who do not participate in such Halloween festivities and for those that do not there isn’t much hype from their parents.
“We do not have any policies on Halloween…decisions we make about the school are not focused on any one religion,” Superintendant of Plattsburgh Schools, James Short said.
When asked about Halloween festivities within the school Short said, “It’s unbelievable the amount of pressure we get from parents who want it…to the families who don’t want to participate, we do offer places for those kids to go,” Short said.
Those students who do not participate are usually dismissed from classes for the day. Usually the issue is related to religion and the parents are not inclined to allow their child to be a part of certain festivities that may go against their religious background.
“Halloween has become associated with some non-Christian traditions that are Wiccan or Pagan in nature,” Goodhue said. Paganism is considered to Goodhue as a modern form of Druid culture.
Druids can be traced back 2,000 years. They originated from Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France. Druids would celebrate their new year on Nov. 1. They believed that on the night of Oct. 31, the living and the dead were more connected. They believed that spirits helped their priests to make predictions about the future and they would often wear costumes to celebrate. The American tradition of trick-or-treating could date back to early parades that were held in England. The poor were given “soul cakes” as long as they prayed for their dead relative according to, www.history.com.
This early form of customary practice among the Druids launched the creation of some modern Pagan traditional festivities. Some of these festivities have been proven to be controversial among Christians.
For most Christians, Halloween marks the eve of All Saints Day which would fall on Nov.1. It is believed to have derived from middle ages and it is custom to join in a festival to honor all of the saints who have died, according to www.stpaulskingsville.org/allsaints.htm .
Ellen Cronk has been a Christian all of her life. She never objected to anything that her children would wear for costumes and she has decorated her house with ghost, ghouls and goblin ornaments that were made by her father.
“I have no problem participating in Halloween traditions,” Cronk said.
Reverend Goodhue also currently participates in some Halloween festivities. His main concern is with schools that allow students to participate in festivities that contain them and with people who do not attempt to understand other religions. He believes that most objective Christians whom object to such festivities see them to be a form of Paganism rituals representing the opposite of Christianity.
Goodhue is a protestant. He said that some of the Halloween traditions that have developed over time are extremely secular and certain Christian religious elements have been lost or distorted.
“It gets mixed up with trick-or-treating and orgies of candy eating,” Goodhue said.
It is traditional for Charles Harageones to place a Jack O’ Lantern on his front porch to, “rid off evil spirits,” he said.
Harageones has been a Pagan for eight years. For him Halloween is a fun day to celebrate. He will dress in a costume and he will, “dance, sing, feast and be merry”.
Harageones said his goal as a Pagan is to do his part in remaining harmonious with nature and human culture. He wants to help others to understand nature and tries to stay away from any negative energy.
“I’m going to have fun and honor the cycles of nature,” Harageones said.People should do what they feel helps them out as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else,” he went on to say.
Reverend Goodhue said that people should get to their neighbors religiously and school districts should establish some general policies about religious freedom.
“We go out of our way and our curriculum…we acknowledge diversity when our parents express certain wishes to be honored”, superintendant of Beekmantown Schools, Scott Amo said.
Amo said that permissions slips are sent home with students before events take place. They must be signed in order for a child to participate.
“It’s not just Halloween as an anti-religious position it’s the scariness,” said Amo.
Some parents have shown concern over the gory costumes and violent nature that has evolved around Halloween. Beekmantown Schools have set limitations as to what students can wear. They encourage students to dress in story book characters or something of that nature. He said that some parents don’t understand such limitation because some traditions are commonplace for them. To find a way to accommodate all of the students the teachers and the principle get together and discuss to what extent they will get involved in certain festivities.
“We must show a balance and sensitivity,” said Amo
Anyone who objects to Halloween whether it is to maintain the separation of religious practices or they don’t agree with certain festivities can choose to something less conventional.
Goodhue said that Christians who do not want to associate themselves with certain festivities will do alternative things such as haunted hay rides or they will dress their children in harvest related costumes.
“You have to be sensitive to religious beliefs…parents may not want their child to participate in certain festivities,” Goodhue said.
The Plattsburgh Church of Christ will be hosting a fall festival, according to preacher, Doug Kashorek. There will be a costume contest, food and painting. He said that children are encouraged to wear festive costumes and that excludes anything gory that signifies death. Also, a quadriplegic painter, Jack Stone, will be demonstrating how he paints his art with his mouth and he will allow children to attempt to do the same.
Although there are alternatives for dissimilar parents to enjoy the night, the number of those parents has not increased according to superintendant, Amo, but more parents are developing an interest or involvement on the issue.
“More and more families are growing conscious and asking questions," Amo said.
Witches, vampires and monsters of all kinds roam the streets once every year. Halloween is conventionally, a night that a large amount of people look forward to and participate in. The elementary school parades, parties and trick-or-treat traditions are not new customs to upstate New York. These traditions have been around for years. Where they have originated and what they stand for is argued among various religions. Some religious groups disagree with certain festivities related to Halloween and will refuse to participate in them. Local schools try to maintain some balance as they schedule events around Oct. 31.
Director of the Long Island Council of Churches, Reverend Tom Goodhue, does not object to celebrating Halloween instead he promotes the idea that teachers should be more involved in learning about many faiths. That could mean inviting someone outside of the school to come into the school and discuss such issues with the faculty and students.
“You have to acknowledge the religious history when celebrating holidays,” said Goodhue.
Oak Elementary School of Plattsburgh will be hosting a Halloween parade on Oct. 30, at 1:30 a.m. An event that may be harmless to most students could be offensive to some. There are very few students who do not participate in such Halloween festivities and for those that do not there isn’t much hype from their parents.
“We do not have any policies on Halloween…decisions we make about the school are not focused on any one religion,” Superintendant of Plattsburgh Schools, James Short said.
When asked about Halloween festivities within the school Short said, “It’s unbelievable the amount of pressure we get from parents who want it…to the families who don’t want to participate, we do offer places for those kids to go,” Short said.
Those students who do not participate are usually dismissed from classes for the day. Usually the issue is related to religion and the parents are not inclined to allow their child to be a part of certain festivities that may go against their religious background.
“Halloween has become associated with some non-Christian traditions that are Wiccan or Pagan in nature,” Goodhue said. Paganism is considered to Goodhue as a modern form of Druid culture.
Druids can be traced back 2,000 years. They originated from Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France. Druids would celebrate their new year on Nov. 1. They believed that on the night of Oct. 31, the living and the dead were more connected. They believed that spirits helped their priests to make predictions about the future and they would often wear costumes to celebrate. The American tradition of trick-or-treating could date back to early parades that were held in England. The poor were given “soul cakes” as long as they prayed for their dead relative according to, www.history.com.
This early form of customary practice among the Druids launched the creation of some modern Pagan traditional festivities. Some of these festivities have been proven to be controversial among Christians.
For most Christians, Halloween marks the eve of All Saints Day which would fall on Nov.1. It is believed to have derived from middle ages and it is custom to join in a festival to honor all of the saints who have died, according to www.stpaulskingsville.org/allsaints.htm .
Ellen Cronk has been a Christian all of her life. She never objected to anything that her children would wear for costumes and she has decorated her house with ghost, ghouls and goblin ornaments that were made by her father.
“I have no problem participating in Halloween traditions,” Cronk said.
Reverend Goodhue also currently participates in some Halloween festivities. His main concern is with schools that allow students to participate in festivities that contain them and with people who do not attempt to understand other religions. He believes that most objective Christians whom object to such festivities see them to be a form of Paganism rituals representing the opposite of Christianity.
Goodhue is a protestant. He said that some of the Halloween traditions that have developed over time are extremely secular and certain Christian religious elements have been lost or distorted.
“It gets mixed up with trick-or-treating and orgies of candy eating,” Goodhue said.
It is traditional for Charles Harageones to place a Jack O’ Lantern on his front porch to, “rid off evil spirits,” he said.
Harageones has been a Pagan for eight years. For him Halloween is a fun day to celebrate. He will dress in a costume and he will, “dance, sing, feast and be merry”.
Harageones said his goal as a Pagan is to do his part in remaining harmonious with nature and human culture. He wants to help others to understand nature and tries to stay away from any negative energy.
“I’m going to have fun and honor the cycles of nature,” Harageones said.People should do what they feel helps them out as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else,” he went on to say.
Reverend Goodhue said that people should get to their neighbors religiously and school districts should establish some general policies about religious freedom.
“We go out of our way and our curriculum…we acknowledge diversity when our parents express certain wishes to be honored”, superintendant of Beekmantown Schools, Scott Amo said.
Amo said that permissions slips are sent home with students before events take place. They must be signed in order for a child to participate.
“It’s not just Halloween as an anti-religious position it’s the scariness,” said Amo.
Some parents have shown concern over the gory costumes and violent nature that has evolved around Halloween. Beekmantown Schools have set limitations as to what students can wear. They encourage students to dress in story book characters or something of that nature. He said that some parents don’t understand such limitation because some traditions are commonplace for them. To find a way to accommodate all of the students the teachers and the principle get together and discuss to what extent they will get involved in certain festivities.
“We must show a balance and sensitivity,” said Amo
Anyone who objects to Halloween whether it is to maintain the separation of religious practices or they don’t agree with certain festivities can choose to something less conventional.
Goodhue said that Christians who do not want to associate themselves with certain festivities will do alternative things such as haunted hay rides or they will dress their children in harvest related costumes.
“You have to be sensitive to religious beliefs…parents may not want their child to participate in certain festivities,” Goodhue said.
The Plattsburgh Church of Christ will be hosting a fall festival, according to preacher, Doug Kashorek. There will be a costume contest, food and painting. He said that children are encouraged to wear festive costumes and that excludes anything gory that signifies death. Also, a quadriplegic painter, Jack Stone, will be demonstrating how he paints his art with his mouth and he will allow children to attempt to do the same.
Although there are alternatives for dissimilar parents to enjoy the night, the number of those parents has not increased according to superintendant, Amo, but more parents are developing an interest or involvement on the issue.
“More and more families are growing conscious and asking questions," Amo said.
Book review raises awareness of going green
By Aurora O’Geen
The New York Times recently focused their book review on author Colin Beavan’s new book entitled “No Impact Man”. A quick description of the book reads, “The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process.” Beaven and his family attempted to live “no impact” for most of 2007. The article presented the idea to research what is being taught about “going green” and conservation in Plattsburgh.
James Munger, 6th grade teacher at Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, points out that although going green and information on global warming are not “formally taught”, teachers do try to incorporate the topics as often as possible. Stafford Middle School includes grades 6th through 8th and offers students the opportunity to be a part of their after school recycling club. Efforts of the club are directed toward recycling paper within the school.
Amy Sholtis, biology teacher at Plattsburgh High School is an avid believer in going green. This year, her efforts are focused towards recycling within the school. Believing that it takes a greater awareness to spread the word, Sholtis started the school year by showing a small presentation to the faculty on recycling; motivating them to show the presentation to their own students. Sholtis says, “The support from the school to ‘go green’ has been amazing” - support coming from not only the students, but faculty as well. She notes that although she has seen progress in the school within the past few years there is still much work to be done. Students and faculty are slowly switching to reusable containers, recycling bins have now been placed on the school sports fields, and reusable shopping bags are becoming popular- small steps that add up to big changes.
Students attending Plattsburgh high school are expected to follow three so called “guidelines”- be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Sholtis would like to add one to the mix and it is of course, to be green. Noting that small efforts lead to big changes, Sholtis believes the more support the school gets to “go green” the greater the changes will be. So far, efforts include grant money for solar roof panels, a garden, and even a living roof.
It seems students at Plattsburgh State are also influenced to “go green”. The campus offers numerous clubs and organizations for students looking to get involved and learn more about our impact on the environment. Over the years the campus has made notable progress in attempts to move towards reusable containers, providing recycling containers across campus, and offering students a great deal of information regarding conservation. Transfer student Emily Gardiner came to Plattsburgh from SUNY Potsdam during her sophomore year. Being new to the campus, Gardiner says the recycling efforts on campus were “easily recognized” – nothing the recycling bins available within dorms, dining halls, and class buildings.
Efforts on campus also include information through classes. Megan Barnes enrolled in SUNY during the spring 2009 semester. An accounting major, it seemed unlikely that any environmental influences would be incorporated into her class schedule. To fulfill a general education requirement, Barnes opted to take an environmental studies class offered on campus. She says the class “opened her eyes” to the idea of recycling and how important conservation is to preserving our future.
Of course schools aren’t the only place where children are influenced- family life plays a big part as well. Heidi Lebrun is parent to three young girls who attend Bailey Avenue and Oak Street elementary schools in Plattsburgh NY. When asked of her family’s interest in going green Heidi explains her children have surprisingly learned a great deal about recycling and conservation through cartoons as well as in school. Turning the lights off, conserving water, recycling- installing such ideas into a child’s mind at a young age will no doubt influence their behavior in the future. The more information we provide, the easier a “greener” life becomes.
Going green doesn’t necessarily always mean attempting to live “impact free” for an entire year like Beavan, but small acts add up. It seems clear Plattsburgh’s community efforts, whether they are through schools, or at home, seem to be influencing our youth. Misconceptions of going green may be common, but you don’t have to be an environmentalist to make a difference in our world- awareness is essential for change and community efforts are clearly adding up.
The New York Times recently focused their book review on author Colin Beavan’s new book entitled “No Impact Man”. A quick description of the book reads, “The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process.” Beaven and his family attempted to live “no impact” for most of 2007. The article presented the idea to research what is being taught about “going green” and conservation in Plattsburgh.
James Munger, 6th grade teacher at Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, points out that although going green and information on global warming are not “formally taught”, teachers do try to incorporate the topics as often as possible. Stafford Middle School includes grades 6th through 8th and offers students the opportunity to be a part of their after school recycling club. Efforts of the club are directed toward recycling paper within the school.
Amy Sholtis, biology teacher at Plattsburgh High School is an avid believer in going green. This year, her efforts are focused towards recycling within the school. Believing that it takes a greater awareness to spread the word, Sholtis started the school year by showing a small presentation to the faculty on recycling; motivating them to show the presentation to their own students. Sholtis says, “The support from the school to ‘go green’ has been amazing” - support coming from not only the students, but faculty as well. She notes that although she has seen progress in the school within the past few years there is still much work to be done. Students and faculty are slowly switching to reusable containers, recycling bins have now been placed on the school sports fields, and reusable shopping bags are becoming popular- small steps that add up to big changes.
Students attending Plattsburgh high school are expected to follow three so called “guidelines”- be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Sholtis would like to add one to the mix and it is of course, to be green. Noting that small efforts lead to big changes, Sholtis believes the more support the school gets to “go green” the greater the changes will be. So far, efforts include grant money for solar roof panels, a garden, and even a living roof.
It seems students at Plattsburgh State are also influenced to “go green”. The campus offers numerous clubs and organizations for students looking to get involved and learn more about our impact on the environment. Over the years the campus has made notable progress in attempts to move towards reusable containers, providing recycling containers across campus, and offering students a great deal of information regarding conservation. Transfer student Emily Gardiner came to Plattsburgh from SUNY Potsdam during her sophomore year. Being new to the campus, Gardiner says the recycling efforts on campus were “easily recognized” – nothing the recycling bins available within dorms, dining halls, and class buildings.
Efforts on campus also include information through classes. Megan Barnes enrolled in SUNY during the spring 2009 semester. An accounting major, it seemed unlikely that any environmental influences would be incorporated into her class schedule. To fulfill a general education requirement, Barnes opted to take an environmental studies class offered on campus. She says the class “opened her eyes” to the idea of recycling and how important conservation is to preserving our future.
Of course schools aren’t the only place where children are influenced- family life plays a big part as well. Heidi Lebrun is parent to three young girls who attend Bailey Avenue and Oak Street elementary schools in Plattsburgh NY. When asked of her family’s interest in going green Heidi explains her children have surprisingly learned a great deal about recycling and conservation through cartoons as well as in school. Turning the lights off, conserving water, recycling- installing such ideas into a child’s mind at a young age will no doubt influence their behavior in the future. The more information we provide, the easier a “greener” life becomes.
Going green doesn’t necessarily always mean attempting to live “impact free” for an entire year like Beavan, but small acts add up. It seems clear Plattsburgh’s community efforts, whether they are through schools, or at home, seem to be influencing our youth. Misconceptions of going green may be common, but you don’t have to be an environmentalist to make a difference in our world- awareness is essential for change and community efforts are clearly adding up.
The skinny on size acceptance
By Cassandra Morrissey
Chad Parkhurst is a 27 year old male. He was born and raised in Ilion N.Y., and currently works as an accountant for New York Life. He enjoys watching movies and playing with his dog Duke. Although Parkhurst says he’s the happiest and healthiest he’s felt entire life, he has a BMI of 31.6.
“I get to eat what I want, and I finally feel comfortable in my body. So what if statistics claim I’m obese. I’m happy in my body,” said Parkhurst.
Accepting your body image is a difficult concept thousands of people struggle with. Whether it’s thinking you’re overweight or too skinny, the majority of the American population is unsatisfied with their body. According to the Social Issues and Research Centre, 80 percent of females over the age of 18 are unhappy with their physical appearance. One movement that is trying to combat this rising issue is the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
NAAFA is a national non- profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on body size. Their goal is for society to accept people of every size and shape with dignity and equality. Janet Severe is the co-chair of the Rocky Mountain NAAFA organization. Although the majority of individuals joined NAAFA to gain support from others; social networking is the driving force to belong to the organization.
“We talk about discrimination, stereotyping, and problems we’ve encountered. We are able to share experiences and connect with each other. If there is a group of us together, it makes me less scared to go out and do different things,” said Severe.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over two- third of adult Americas are overweight and half of those qualify as obese. Although, there is still discrimination based upon someone’s size. Whether it’s at work or the grocery store, obese individuals continue to find themselves criticized for their body image.
“Weight discrimination is one of the last discriminations people feel is okay in our society, and it’s not,” said Severe.
Although not everyone is satisfied with NAAFA’s message. Karleen Lowell, 26, is currently 5 feet 5 and 230 pounds. She has been battling weight her entire life, and believes support for exercising it more helpful then encouragement based on her current appearance.
“Sometimes it helps if someone is straight forward with me about my appearance. I want someone to tell me what I should and shouldn’t eat. Not someone saying its okay how I look and its okay I’m overweight. I’m unhappy with how I look, and I want to change that,” said Lowell.
One outlet some people are finding help with eating habits is through a food coach. Donna James is the director and principal consultant of the Food Coach in NYC. As a certified clinical nutritionist, she deals with obesity or eating disorders on a daily basis. One of the main factors she includes when talking to people is the importance of overall health.
“We want people to feel positive about being overweight. However, along with that, you want to factor in a positive attitude with food and exercise,” said James.
According to James, she discusses overall body health and appreciation with people of all sizes. An extremely thin individual might be receiving as much discrimination for their body shape as an obese person, and it’s still going unnoticed.
“We don’t strive to make people feel conscious of what they look like; the ultimate aim is for them to walk out with a positive view of their body and health,” said James.
Another outlet many people find support is through detailed programs aimed at fighting relationships with food. Ilene Leshinski is a licensed clinical social worker who began a program called Body Sense. The program is a 12 week session aimed at battling issues with weight management and finding our own natural weight.
“We have to be comfortable with our body and not buy into the concept that thinness is the only image of beauty, because it’s not,” said Leshinski.
Moderation and overall health are factors Leshinski includes when discussing health with individuals.
“ We’re basically trying to tell people that everyone was not meant to be thin and we can eat what we want in moderation, however, we still need to be healthy and take the best care of ourselves that we can,” said Leshinski.
Parkhurst and Lowell have different opinions about their body image; they both find support from their friends, nutritional outlets and organizations. Although Parkhurst has found satisfaction and happiness with his body, he still hopes people begin accepting people for who they are, rather then how they look.
“I’m going to be the same person I am now or if I weigh 50 pounds less. I just wish people would realize that. Size discrimination is unfair and believe me, it hurts. I just wish people would realize that.”
Chad Parkhurst is a 27 year old male. He was born and raised in Ilion N.Y., and currently works as an accountant for New York Life. He enjoys watching movies and playing with his dog Duke. Although Parkhurst says he’s the happiest and healthiest he’s felt entire life, he has a BMI of 31.6.
“I get to eat what I want, and I finally feel comfortable in my body. So what if statistics claim I’m obese. I’m happy in my body,” said Parkhurst.
Accepting your body image is a difficult concept thousands of people struggle with. Whether it’s thinking you’re overweight or too skinny, the majority of the American population is unsatisfied with their body. According to the Social Issues and Research Centre, 80 percent of females over the age of 18 are unhappy with their physical appearance. One movement that is trying to combat this rising issue is the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
NAAFA is a national non- profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on body size. Their goal is for society to accept people of every size and shape with dignity and equality. Janet Severe is the co-chair of the Rocky Mountain NAAFA organization. Although the majority of individuals joined NAAFA to gain support from others; social networking is the driving force to belong to the organization.
“We talk about discrimination, stereotyping, and problems we’ve encountered. We are able to share experiences and connect with each other. If there is a group of us together, it makes me less scared to go out and do different things,” said Severe.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over two- third of adult Americas are overweight and half of those qualify as obese. Although, there is still discrimination based upon someone’s size. Whether it’s at work or the grocery store, obese individuals continue to find themselves criticized for their body image.
“Weight discrimination is one of the last discriminations people feel is okay in our society, and it’s not,” said Severe.
Although not everyone is satisfied with NAAFA’s message. Karleen Lowell, 26, is currently 5 feet 5 and 230 pounds. She has been battling weight her entire life, and believes support for exercising it more helpful then encouragement based on her current appearance.
“Sometimes it helps if someone is straight forward with me about my appearance. I want someone to tell me what I should and shouldn’t eat. Not someone saying its okay how I look and its okay I’m overweight. I’m unhappy with how I look, and I want to change that,” said Lowell.
One outlet some people are finding help with eating habits is through a food coach. Donna James is the director and principal consultant of the Food Coach in NYC. As a certified clinical nutritionist, she deals with obesity or eating disorders on a daily basis. One of the main factors she includes when talking to people is the importance of overall health.
“We want people to feel positive about being overweight. However, along with that, you want to factor in a positive attitude with food and exercise,” said James.
According to James, she discusses overall body health and appreciation with people of all sizes. An extremely thin individual might be receiving as much discrimination for their body shape as an obese person, and it’s still going unnoticed.
“We don’t strive to make people feel conscious of what they look like; the ultimate aim is for them to walk out with a positive view of their body and health,” said James.
Another outlet many people find support is through detailed programs aimed at fighting relationships with food. Ilene Leshinski is a licensed clinical social worker who began a program called Body Sense. The program is a 12 week session aimed at battling issues with weight management and finding our own natural weight.
“We have to be comfortable with our body and not buy into the concept that thinness is the only image of beauty, because it’s not,” said Leshinski.
Moderation and overall health are factors Leshinski includes when discussing health with individuals.
“ We’re basically trying to tell people that everyone was not meant to be thin and we can eat what we want in moderation, however, we still need to be healthy and take the best care of ourselves that we can,” said Leshinski.
Parkhurst and Lowell have different opinions about their body image; they both find support from their friends, nutritional outlets and organizations. Although Parkhurst has found satisfaction and happiness with his body, he still hopes people begin accepting people for who they are, rather then how they look.
“I’m going to be the same person I am now or if I weigh 50 pounds less. I just wish people would realize that. Size discrimination is unfair and believe me, it hurts. I just wish people would realize that.”
City holds public meeting over Saranac River trail
By Mathias Kamin
Grace Bechard’s grandfather used to own the small strip of land across the street from her home at 126 Pine St; a piece of land only about eight feet wide in some places that bit by bit tumbles straight into the Saranac River each year with the coming of the spring thaw. The city of Plattsburgh now owns this land, and is planning on shoring up the embankment with a retaining wall that will be supporting a newly unveiled river trail.
The first of many public meetings was held two weeks ago showcasing the proposed multi-use trail that will run along the Saranac river in Plattsburgh. The trail which will be paved and open to pedestrians and bicyclists should be completed by November of 2010.
The trail will run along the length of the river from the end of George Angel Drive behind Plattsburgh high school through the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and will end at the Saranac Street Bridge.
The trail’s current course is set to pass through the Pine Street neighborhood, and certain residents expressed wariness of the proposed trail. “It’s a waste of money; there are other things the money should be spent on especially in this economy,” said Randy Brown of 140 Pine St.
Pine street residents were generally supportive of the trail, but on the condition that it was an open debate and that city official would listen to their concerns. “We’re not against it. I don’t mind the expenditure, as long as they use it right, respectfully,” said Todd Bechard.
Around the bend in the river, neighbor of the Bechard’s and Brown’s, Bill Trim of 84 Pine St, “It doesn’t bother me, but I know some of my neighbors might be upset.”
The 1 million dollars in funding for the proposed trail will come from the New York State Department of Transportation’s Multi Modal 2 Program. This program sets aside money for projects that encourage alternate forms of transportation. A majority of the path would be 10ft wide allowing for easy two way traffic on the path.
Although the city signed an agreement with Barton & Logidice, PC of Albany in Sept 2008, the proposed trail is still in the planning stages and its current design is not final. Thomas C. Baird P.E. the managing engineer for the project said “modifications to the design can happen anytime. It is the city’s project they call the shots.” Baird said that his company will be working under a consensus with the city of Plattsburgh, PSUC, the River Trail Committee and the Public.
River Trail Committee meetings are to be held once a month at city hall said the city’s engineer, Kevin Farrington P.E. “The committee is a grassroots citizen group, with pretty much everybody represented. You got reps from inside the city, outside the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the Health Department, SUNY Plattsburgh. The meetings are open to the public and they are encouraged to express themselves. A big part of the committee is to build consensus”.
Barton & Loguidice were chosen by the city out of a pool of qualified firms to do the work. Barton & Loguidice are currently working in Lloyd, New York, an hour and a half south of Albany, on a similar project to the one in Plattsburgh, in which is an old railroad track is being turned into a public use trail.
The next meeting of the Trail Committee is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30pm in the Plattsburgh City Hall’s community room. The public is encouraged by the city to attend and voice their concerns.
Grace Bechard’s grandfather used to own the small strip of land across the street from her home at 126 Pine St; a piece of land only about eight feet wide in some places that bit by bit tumbles straight into the Saranac River each year with the coming of the spring thaw. The city of Plattsburgh now owns this land, and is planning on shoring up the embankment with a retaining wall that will be supporting a newly unveiled river trail.
The first of many public meetings was held two weeks ago showcasing the proposed multi-use trail that will run along the Saranac river in Plattsburgh. The trail which will be paved and open to pedestrians and bicyclists should be completed by November of 2010.
The trail will run along the length of the river from the end of George Angel Drive behind Plattsburgh high school through the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and will end at the Saranac Street Bridge.
The trail’s current course is set to pass through the Pine Street neighborhood, and certain residents expressed wariness of the proposed trail. “It’s a waste of money; there are other things the money should be spent on especially in this economy,” said Randy Brown of 140 Pine St.
Pine street residents were generally supportive of the trail, but on the condition that it was an open debate and that city official would listen to their concerns. “We’re not against it. I don’t mind the expenditure, as long as they use it right, respectfully,” said Todd Bechard.
Around the bend in the river, neighbor of the Bechard’s and Brown’s, Bill Trim of 84 Pine St, “It doesn’t bother me, but I know some of my neighbors might be upset.”
The 1 million dollars in funding for the proposed trail will come from the New York State Department of Transportation’s Multi Modal 2 Program. This program sets aside money for projects that encourage alternate forms of transportation. A majority of the path would be 10ft wide allowing for easy two way traffic on the path.
Although the city signed an agreement with Barton & Logidice, PC of Albany in Sept 2008, the proposed trail is still in the planning stages and its current design is not final. Thomas C. Baird P.E. the managing engineer for the project said “modifications to the design can happen anytime. It is the city’s project they call the shots.” Baird said that his company will be working under a consensus with the city of Plattsburgh, PSUC, the River Trail Committee and the Public.
River Trail Committee meetings are to be held once a month at city hall said the city’s engineer, Kevin Farrington P.E. “The committee is a grassroots citizen group, with pretty much everybody represented. You got reps from inside the city, outside the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the Health Department, SUNY Plattsburgh. The meetings are open to the public and they are encouraged to express themselves. A big part of the committee is to build consensus”.
Barton & Loguidice were chosen by the city out of a pool of qualified firms to do the work. Barton & Loguidice are currently working in Lloyd, New York, an hour and a half south of Albany, on a similar project to the one in Plattsburgh, in which is an old railroad track is being turned into a public use trail.
The next meeting of the Trail Committee is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30pm in the Plattsburgh City Hall’s community room. The public is encouraged by the city to attend and voice their concerns.
How to help prevent computer virus infection
By Leah Reid Breyette
Viruses are a nightmare come true for any computer user. They can turn any decently-working computer into a useless piece of garbage in a matter of minutes, destroying hard drives and wiping out valuable files. People who use computers, whether for work or leisure, should know how to protect themselves from receiving these nasty bugs, and what to do if they find any suspicious-looking software on their computers.
Viruses are most often found in spam e-mails, which are sent randomly to different accounts. When the user opens the e-mail, the virus will be triggered to begin attacking the computer’s hard drive. One sure method of stopping this virus in its tracks is commonly recommended by computer technicians. “If you think you have opened an e-mail that may be downloading something to your computer, hit the power button to shut the computer down immediately. It is not recommended to do this often, but doing this can prevent the virus from damaging your computer,” says Lisa Loveday, owner of Champlain Valley Computer Services.
However, sometimes these e-mails can be masked so well that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a legitimate e-mail and a virus. “The best thing to do if you are unsure is to contact a technician or someone familiar with the workings of a computer,” says William Morgan, owner of North Country Technology. “If you are getting suspicious e-mails, alerts, or warnings, you should not use the computer until it is fixed.”
If a virus does escape onto the computer, all hope is not lost. Most systems are salvageable, but it takes a lot of work to get them back to normal. “In some cases, we have to reinstall the computer software to redo the entire operating system,” says Judi Latt, owner of Judi’s Computer Support. “We also put a trial version of an antivirus program on there for the customers with instructions on how to update it.”
Antivirus programs are crucial in preventing viruses from making their way onto computers. The most common programs available are Norton, McAffee, and AVG, all of which cost a small annual fee. “I had a major virus on my computer last year, and AVG really worked for me,” said Scott Breyette, who uses the Internet daily. “It cleared the virus right out of the system, and it’s done a good job protecting my computer against other viruses.” There is good news for students and faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh who wish to install antivirus protection on their computers. “We offer a free antivirus program called SOPHOS, which is available for all students and faculty here to download,” says Robert Diman, Help Desk Technician with the school’s Computer Care Services.
While it is important to protect computers against viruses so they are not permanently damaged, there is an even larger reason why taking precautions against these viruses is crucial. “Ultimately, these viruses are cases of identity theft,” says Latt.
Most of the time they need to get offt the Internet-unplug it, never put your credit card number in, ultimately it’s identity theft. JUDI
Viruses are a nightmare come true for any computer user. They can turn any decently-working computer into a useless piece of garbage in a matter of minutes, destroying hard drives and wiping out valuable files. People who use computers, whether for work or leisure, should know how to protect themselves from receiving these nasty bugs, and what to do if they find any suspicious-looking software on their computers.
Viruses are most often found in spam e-mails, which are sent randomly to different accounts. When the user opens the e-mail, the virus will be triggered to begin attacking the computer’s hard drive. One sure method of stopping this virus in its tracks is commonly recommended by computer technicians. “If you think you have opened an e-mail that may be downloading something to your computer, hit the power button to shut the computer down immediately. It is not recommended to do this often, but doing this can prevent the virus from damaging your computer,” says Lisa Loveday, owner of Champlain Valley Computer Services.
However, sometimes these e-mails can be masked so well that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a legitimate e-mail and a virus. “The best thing to do if you are unsure is to contact a technician or someone familiar with the workings of a computer,” says William Morgan, owner of North Country Technology. “If you are getting suspicious e-mails, alerts, or warnings, you should not use the computer until it is fixed.”
If a virus does escape onto the computer, all hope is not lost. Most systems are salvageable, but it takes a lot of work to get them back to normal. “In some cases, we have to reinstall the computer software to redo the entire operating system,” says Judi Latt, owner of Judi’s Computer Support. “We also put a trial version of an antivirus program on there for the customers with instructions on how to update it.”
Antivirus programs are crucial in preventing viruses from making their way onto computers. The most common programs available are Norton, McAffee, and AVG, all of which cost a small annual fee. “I had a major virus on my computer last year, and AVG really worked for me,” said Scott Breyette, who uses the Internet daily. “It cleared the virus right out of the system, and it’s done a good job protecting my computer against other viruses.” There is good news for students and faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh who wish to install antivirus protection on their computers. “We offer a free antivirus program called SOPHOS, which is available for all students and faculty here to download,” says Robert Diman, Help Desk Technician with the school’s Computer Care Services.
While it is important to protect computers against viruses so they are not permanently damaged, there is an even larger reason why taking precautions against these viruses is crucial. “Ultimately, these viruses are cases of identity theft,” says Latt.
Most of the time they need to get offt the Internet-unplug it, never put your credit card number in, ultimately it’s identity theft. JUDI
Seeing pink during cancer awareness month
By Zachery Lashway
The pink ribbon is the national icon of breast cancer awareness. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, therefore, during the month of October it is not a surprise pink ribbons and the color pink are found on many products and articles of clothing to express support for men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
From convenient stores to department stores the pink ribbon can be found on bread bags and milk cartons, saline solution and tubes of toothpaste and even shirts, socks and book bags have the emblem embodied on the material.
Aside from the pink ribbon emblems found on many products in the North Country, the Foundation of the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital hosts the annual Girls Night Out event along with other cancer awareness programs.
“The Girls Night Out event is held in Glenn Giltz Auditorium at Plattsburgh State University. This was our eleventh year hosting the event. The event starts off with an educational component then followed with an inspirational speaker,” said Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ellie Collins.
Collins also said the program originally was aimed at only breast cancer, however, as the program became more popular discussions on colon cancer, smoking and like this year’s discussion on nutrition evolved.
A huge hit of the Girls Night Out event is the Boobie Sister’s. The Boobie Sister’s are a group of breast cancer survivors that sing and make fun of conditions related to the disease said Collins.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors many breast cancer awareness programs in the North Country as well. Among those programs are the Look Good…Feel Better program, the Reach to Recovery for Women program, the Man to Man program and the most celebrated program of all, the Relay for Life.
According to the American Cancer Society the Look Good…Feel Better program gives women cancer patient’s beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Community Executive, Joan Sterling said, “Women who participate in this program get a free wig, a makeup kit valued at $250.00 and tips on how to look good and feel better. Women who cannot participate at the time the program is offered can have the supplies mailed to them and can arrange an appointment with a local cosmetologists. It really is a great program.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, men who have breast cancer can receive a self-help brochure that gives information on how to look good and feel better during the time they receive treatment. The brochure provides men with information on how to deal with the treatment’s side effects and how they change the way they look, as well as steps to help men with their daily skin and hair care routines.
Sterling said the Reach to Recovery for Women program connects women cancer survivor’s with women that have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
“It is a great opportunity for women to connect to talk and share their experiences about cancer. There’s also a program called Man to Man that is just for men to connect with other men and talk about their cancer experiences, conditions, struggles and life with cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society the Relay for Life is an event that allows people all over the world to celebrate the lives of people who have cancer, remember loved ones that we lost to cancer and fight back against cancer.
Sterling said, “Relay for Life is not only a fundraiser but it raises awareness as well.”
As for detecting the disease Radiologists, Dr. Jeffrey Buran of CVPH Medical Center said there are many different ways to detect breast cancer.
“There are different ways to view it, and there are different ways to find it,” he said. “In mammography it appears as an irregular asymmetric density, using ultrasound the cancerous tissue is darker ill-defined and in MR it appears as an asymmetric mass.”
According to Buran from last October to this October 89 women and one man a year at the most have been diagnosed with breast cancer from the Women’s Imaging Center.
“Ninety-five percent of them are curable,” he said.
Curable or not, it is never easy to tell a patient they have cancer.
“I try to make it as positive as I can. The cancers we usually find are small so I really stress that part, but it still is never easy,” Buran said.
Mary Snide a mammographer at CVPH’s Women’s Imaging Center said they screen more patients in the month of October because it is breast cancer awareness month.
“There’s so many reminders out there – something pink, there are ads all over, so for women who forgot to get screened there’s reminders all over,” said, Snide.
The month of October has a higher diagnosis rate of breast cancer than other months.
“It’s a statistical thing, statistically if you screen more patients you will get more cancers,” said Snide.
In 2009 the American Cancer Society estimates 1,479,350 new cancers will be diagnosed in the United States, including 101,550 in New York. Of those, 562,340 people will die from cancer nationwide and 34,190 people in New York will die.
According to the American Cancer Society eight individuals each week will be diagnosed with cancer in Clinton County and three individuals will die each week. Four cancer sites represent 52.2 percent of all new cancer cases and 48.7 percent of all new cancer deaths in Clinton County. This is estimate is based on average annual cases and deaths from the 2002-2006 New York State Department of Health’s State Cancer registry.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung and bronchus cancers account for 17 percent of all cancer cases and 30 percent of all cancer deaths. This shows how important the need for tobacco use prevention is. Prostate cancer accounts for 12.1 percent of all cancer cases and 4.3 percent of all cancer deaths. Female breast cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 5.3 percent of all cancer deaths and colorectal cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 9 percent of all cancer deaths.
All percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths in Clinton County supersede percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths than any other county in New York.
Barb LaDuke knows firsthand about cancer statistics. LaDuke is a breast cancer survivor and recalls when her doctor told her ‘you have cancer’.
“Cancer is a very scary word. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing… it makes you think more about relationships and that tomorrow is not promised to anyone,” LaDuke said.
John Kowalowski a colon cancer and lymphoma survivor said he was a little scared when he was diagnosed.
“It scares you at first, I was right in the fog but it didn’t bother me too much, I took it as another step in life. But you do have to be positive about it, take it one day at a time. I just trusted in the Lord…Having cancer gave me a better attitude on life, I appreciated everyday more.” Kowalowski said.
LaDuke said men and women with the disease should be vigilant.
“You have to be your own advocate,” said LaDuke.
Agreeing with LaDuke was the advice Sterling gave.
“Be your own advocate, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t make yourself crazy checking every website under the sun. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding cancer call 1-800-227-2345 this is the American Cancer Society’s number and lines are open 24 hours day seven days a week.”
The pink ribbon is the national icon of breast cancer awareness. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, therefore, during the month of October it is not a surprise pink ribbons and the color pink are found on many products and articles of clothing to express support for men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
From convenient stores to department stores the pink ribbon can be found on bread bags and milk cartons, saline solution and tubes of toothpaste and even shirts, socks and book bags have the emblem embodied on the material.
Aside from the pink ribbon emblems found on many products in the North Country, the Foundation of the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital hosts the annual Girls Night Out event along with other cancer awareness programs.
“The Girls Night Out event is held in Glenn Giltz Auditorium at Plattsburgh State University. This was our eleventh year hosting the event. The event starts off with an educational component then followed with an inspirational speaker,” said Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ellie Collins.
Collins also said the program originally was aimed at only breast cancer, however, as the program became more popular discussions on colon cancer, smoking and like this year’s discussion on nutrition evolved.
A huge hit of the Girls Night Out event is the Boobie Sister’s. The Boobie Sister’s are a group of breast cancer survivors that sing and make fun of conditions related to the disease said Collins.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors many breast cancer awareness programs in the North Country as well. Among those programs are the Look Good…Feel Better program, the Reach to Recovery for Women program, the Man to Man program and the most celebrated program of all, the Relay for Life.
According to the American Cancer Society the Look Good…Feel Better program gives women cancer patient’s beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Community Executive, Joan Sterling said, “Women who participate in this program get a free wig, a makeup kit valued at $250.00 and tips on how to look good and feel better. Women who cannot participate at the time the program is offered can have the supplies mailed to them and can arrange an appointment with a local cosmetologists. It really is a great program.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, men who have breast cancer can receive a self-help brochure that gives information on how to look good and feel better during the time they receive treatment. The brochure provides men with information on how to deal with the treatment’s side effects and how they change the way they look, as well as steps to help men with their daily skin and hair care routines.
Sterling said the Reach to Recovery for Women program connects women cancer survivor’s with women that have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
“It is a great opportunity for women to connect to talk and share their experiences about cancer. There’s also a program called Man to Man that is just for men to connect with other men and talk about their cancer experiences, conditions, struggles and life with cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society the Relay for Life is an event that allows people all over the world to celebrate the lives of people who have cancer, remember loved ones that we lost to cancer and fight back against cancer.
Sterling said, “Relay for Life is not only a fundraiser but it raises awareness as well.”
As for detecting the disease Radiologists, Dr. Jeffrey Buran of CVPH Medical Center said there are many different ways to detect breast cancer.
“There are different ways to view it, and there are different ways to find it,” he said. “In mammography it appears as an irregular asymmetric density, using ultrasound the cancerous tissue is darker ill-defined and in MR it appears as an asymmetric mass.”
According to Buran from last October to this October 89 women and one man a year at the most have been diagnosed with breast cancer from the Women’s Imaging Center.
“Ninety-five percent of them are curable,” he said.
Curable or not, it is never easy to tell a patient they have cancer.
“I try to make it as positive as I can. The cancers we usually find are small so I really stress that part, but it still is never easy,” Buran said.
Mary Snide a mammographer at CVPH’s Women’s Imaging Center said they screen more patients in the month of October because it is breast cancer awareness month.
“There’s so many reminders out there – something pink, there are ads all over, so for women who forgot to get screened there’s reminders all over,” said, Snide.
The month of October has a higher diagnosis rate of breast cancer than other months.
“It’s a statistical thing, statistically if you screen more patients you will get more cancers,” said Snide.
In 2009 the American Cancer Society estimates 1,479,350 new cancers will be diagnosed in the United States, including 101,550 in New York. Of those, 562,340 people will die from cancer nationwide and 34,190 people in New York will die.
According to the American Cancer Society eight individuals each week will be diagnosed with cancer in Clinton County and three individuals will die each week. Four cancer sites represent 52.2 percent of all new cancer cases and 48.7 percent of all new cancer deaths in Clinton County. This is estimate is based on average annual cases and deaths from the 2002-2006 New York State Department of Health’s State Cancer registry.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung and bronchus cancers account for 17 percent of all cancer cases and 30 percent of all cancer deaths. This shows how important the need for tobacco use prevention is. Prostate cancer accounts for 12.1 percent of all cancer cases and 4.3 percent of all cancer deaths. Female breast cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 5.3 percent of all cancer deaths and colorectal cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 9 percent of all cancer deaths.
All percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths in Clinton County supersede percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths than any other county in New York.
Barb LaDuke knows firsthand about cancer statistics. LaDuke is a breast cancer survivor and recalls when her doctor told her ‘you have cancer’.
“Cancer is a very scary word. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing… it makes you think more about relationships and that tomorrow is not promised to anyone,” LaDuke said.
John Kowalowski a colon cancer and lymphoma survivor said he was a little scared when he was diagnosed.
“It scares you at first, I was right in the fog but it didn’t bother me too much, I took it as another step in life. But you do have to be positive about it, take it one day at a time. I just trusted in the Lord…Having cancer gave me a better attitude on life, I appreciated everyday more.” Kowalowski said.
LaDuke said men and women with the disease should be vigilant.
“You have to be your own advocate,” said LaDuke.
Agreeing with LaDuke was the advice Sterling gave.
“Be your own advocate, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t make yourself crazy checking every website under the sun. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding cancer call 1-800-227-2345 this is the American Cancer Society’s number and lines are open 24 hours day seven days a week.”
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