By Melissa Erny
A high school student like Kelsey Hageman does it when she hangs out with friends. Alex Cooper says he uses it whenever boredom strikes. In college, Maggie Edwards uses it with her friends to prepare them for a night of partying. Frank Violante even gets on when his lectures hold no interest for him and needs something to do in class.
So what is this new “it” thing that has everyone talking? It’s an internet phenomenon sweeping the nation called Chatroulette and teenagers are hooked.
In order to participate, a person must go to www.chatroulette.com and have a webcam available. The site instantly connects you with a stranger using the site who could be anywhere in the world. This act of connection is commonly called a spin. You may then proceed to talk to this stranger via microphone or an online chat window next to the viewing screens of each camera. If a user is not interested, a pass option is available. This restarts the process of finding someone else. There are no screen names and studies show that pairings are completely random.
Violante, 19, was more than excited to share his experiences. He had nothing but positive things to say. “I met one of my new best friends on there. Me and her talk almost every day.”
However, not everyone has had such a pleasurable experience with the site.
“I’m not really too fond of it because you never know what’s going to come up on it. Some people are really creepy and you don’t know what they’re going to do on camera,” says Serena Timmerman, a 15-year-old high school sophomore. She prefers not to use the site because of this aspect.
Although it is connecting people across the globe more instantly and personally than ever before, many factors play into the program that people should be aware of. Anyone who use the site should be cautious of what could be on the other end and parents of children using it should know what their children are viewing.
Robert J. Moore, the CEO and co-founder of an on-demand database analytic and business intelligence startup called RJMetrics, posted data that his company collected based on 2,883 Chatroulette sessions last month.
Around half of the people researchers connected to on the site were from the United States with France being the second most common. 89% of the time spins result in a male alone. The majority of people using the site, 70% of users, are between the ages of 20 and 30.
One of the most controversial aspects of Chatroulette is the explicit content that can so easily be viewed. RJMetrics also analyzed these aspects of the site.
“Some users, which we have affectionately labeled ‘perverts’, fit into any of these three categories: appear to not be wearing any clothes whatsoever, are displaying explicit nudity, appear to be committing some lewd act,” says Moore. They found a pervert 13% of the time, less than 1% of them being female. This means a person is two times more likely to find a sign – an image a user has put up in place of their camera – requesting female nudity than he or she is to actually find it.
This has concerned parents furious.
Jeanine Mitchell sounded angry and disgusted at the very mention of Chatroulette. “There’s a problem with people flashing naked body parts,” she says. Being the mother of a daughter in college and two children in high school as well as being a speech-language pathologist helping children with autism at Onondaga Cortland Madison County Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, she strongly advises against any use of the site. She has repeatedly told her children not to use it because of the scandalous reputation Chatroulette holds.
Thomas and Bernadette Nihill have varying opinions on their college daughter and high school son using the site. Mr. Nihill knows the risks. He thinks that more research should be done before he lets his children use the site. “You don’t know what you’re gonna get.”
Mrs. Nihill agrees for the most part, but she believes that with more work it could be acceptable. “If it could be under control, I think it could be fine to do.”
For parents hoping for more safety features on Chatroulette, change is coming. Early last month, the 17-year-old founder of Chatroulette in Moscow, Andrey Ternovskiy, made an announcement about the clean up to MSNBC.
He announced that there is now a “Report inappropriate video” link that users can click to make him aware of a pervert’s Internet Protocol address so he can block his or her connection from the site. He comments in the article, “I have also been experimenting with new report system. CR should be clean from bad stuff now.”
People still disagree, however. In the same article, Perry Aftab, the executive director of WiredSafety.org and an attorney specializing in Internet privacy, states his thoughts. “I do not see that Chatroulette is doing what they need to do to protect the user. I recommend people stay away from that site.”
Approve or disapprove the fact remains. Despite skepticism this new technology has grasped teenagers and young adults all around the world and doesn’t look like it is letting go. Nothing can be done to stop it, so the best thing anyone can do is this: educate yourself and know the consequences so you can be aware of what you’re dealing with.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Finding work during tough economic times
By Max Rouzier
Jean LaVerdure, 58, visits OneWorkSource daily to check his email, read current news and write.
LaVerdure is a union electrician out-of-work due to the nature of union work.
“The union work is intermittent,” says LaVerdure. “I’ll have three months of work, then time with unemployment. But I get by.”
LaVerdure has a spouse and maintains his lifestyle in spite of the employment downturn that has nearly 10% of Americans unemployed. He still eats well and pays his bills while his ample free time allow him to hike the high peaks in the area, write creatively and read.
“[Unemployment] if it’s something you’ve never experienced this, it is traumatic, but for people in union work, we’re used to it,” says LaVerdure. “we know how to scramble and handle ourselves.”
This is when Susan Gallagher comes into play. As the community service center manager, she oversees the job-finding opportunities available at the OneWorkSource office. She notices noticing simple trends becoming available for people looking for work.
“Right now there is a strong emphasis on green jobs. Some jobs aren’t considered green at first, but now anything that reduces a carbon footprint- is green,” says Gallagher. “That means occupations like mass transit or windmill production and even some construction.”
Besides construction and mass transit, Clinton County is seeing considerable job gains and in March, 27,600 citizens became newly employed in local education, health, leisure and hospitality services. Unfortunately, the losses are still high and overshadow the recent gains.
These statistics contrast the national and state numbers being reported by the Department of Labor. New York State lost more than 300-thousand jobs over the past two years and the North Country accounts for nearly a third of these numbers with major job losses in manufacturing, information services, government and business services.
According to the Department of Labor the North Country has the highest rate of unemployment outside of New York City at 8.9% (recorded in Nov 2009). In Clinton County, unemployment is a high 10.6% as of February 2010.
The WorkStopSorce staff works hard to engage unemployed citizens with free services to get them prepared for the process of finding the right work and applying to specific jobs. Each month the office hosts workshops on resume-building, computer skills, interviewing skills, ability tests, e-mail usage and a host of other skills to build individual marketability in the new competitive workforce.
Paul Grasso, executive director of the Work Force Investment Board, works alongside Gallagher to ensure local employers uphold state and federal laws and makes sure that the center reaches employment targets.
Grasso stands by the work of the whole team and says, “this location exemplifies the idea of spreading hope for citizens out of work. In a nut shell, that is what OneWorkSource is all about- hope. The counselors here are well-versed to help you out and to give you the right resources to handle unemployment.”
The counselors at OneWorkSorce handle any citizens social, financial and overall well-being because it all comes into play whether someone is newly unemployed or has been out of work for years. The staff devotes all their resources to the public on a first-come, first serve basis, while senior citizens get priority service always.
Although the services available are not only offered to the unemployed; dozens of employed people come by to improve their hiring marketability. These people also get the chance and place their resumes within the database where local employers search regularly for matching profiles they would like to hire.
Peter A. Neenan, Director of the Division of Research and Statistics, says our losses in New York State are leveling off. “However, following previous recessions, it has taken the state about five years, on average, to regain all of the jobs lost during a downturn.”
LaVerdure makes himself at home in the computer lab and in his calm and refreshing manner shares advice with me that he hopes can comfort people struggling. “I started as a college drop-out, got my drivers license at 36 in 1989. Then went back to school for a degree in American history. So I keep reminding myself to count my blessings. Look on the bright side. The weight of the world works itself out.”
Jean LaVerdure, 58, visits OneWorkSource daily to check his email, read current news and write.
LaVerdure is a union electrician out-of-work due to the nature of union work.
“The union work is intermittent,” says LaVerdure. “I’ll have three months of work, then time with unemployment. But I get by.”
LaVerdure has a spouse and maintains his lifestyle in spite of the employment downturn that has nearly 10% of Americans unemployed. He still eats well and pays his bills while his ample free time allow him to hike the high peaks in the area, write creatively and read.
“[Unemployment] if it’s something you’ve never experienced this, it is traumatic, but for people in union work, we’re used to it,” says LaVerdure. “we know how to scramble and handle ourselves.”
This is when Susan Gallagher comes into play. As the community service center manager, she oversees the job-finding opportunities available at the OneWorkSource office. She notices noticing simple trends becoming available for people looking for work.
“Right now there is a strong emphasis on green jobs. Some jobs aren’t considered green at first, but now anything that reduces a carbon footprint- is green,” says Gallagher. “That means occupations like mass transit or windmill production and even some construction.”
Besides construction and mass transit, Clinton County is seeing considerable job gains and in March, 27,600 citizens became newly employed in local education, health, leisure and hospitality services. Unfortunately, the losses are still high and overshadow the recent gains.
These statistics contrast the national and state numbers being reported by the Department of Labor. New York State lost more than 300-thousand jobs over the past two years and the North Country accounts for nearly a third of these numbers with major job losses in manufacturing, information services, government and business services.
According to the Department of Labor the North Country has the highest rate of unemployment outside of New York City at 8.9% (recorded in Nov 2009). In Clinton County, unemployment is a high 10.6% as of February 2010.
The WorkStopSorce staff works hard to engage unemployed citizens with free services to get them prepared for the process of finding the right work and applying to specific jobs. Each month the office hosts workshops on resume-building, computer skills, interviewing skills, ability tests, e-mail usage and a host of other skills to build individual marketability in the new competitive workforce.
Paul Grasso, executive director of the Work Force Investment Board, works alongside Gallagher to ensure local employers uphold state and federal laws and makes sure that the center reaches employment targets.
Grasso stands by the work of the whole team and says, “this location exemplifies the idea of spreading hope for citizens out of work. In a nut shell, that is what OneWorkSource is all about- hope. The counselors here are well-versed to help you out and to give you the right resources to handle unemployment.”
The counselors at OneWorkSorce handle any citizens social, financial and overall well-being because it all comes into play whether someone is newly unemployed or has been out of work for years. The staff devotes all their resources to the public on a first-come, first serve basis, while senior citizens get priority service always.
Although the services available are not only offered to the unemployed; dozens of employed people come by to improve their hiring marketability. These people also get the chance and place their resumes within the database where local employers search regularly for matching profiles they would like to hire.
Peter A. Neenan, Director of the Division of Research and Statistics, says our losses in New York State are leveling off. “However, following previous recessions, it has taken the state about five years, on average, to regain all of the jobs lost during a downturn.”
LaVerdure makes himself at home in the computer lab and in his calm and refreshing manner shares advice with me that he hopes can comfort people struggling. “I started as a college drop-out, got my drivers license at 36 in 1989. Then went back to school for a degree in American history. So I keep reminding myself to count my blessings. Look on the bright side. The weight of the world works itself out.”
Plattsburgh City School Board approves budget
By Ashleigh Livingston
“We have a budget, ladies and gentlemen,” said Plattsburgh board of education President Clayton Morris, to the small crowd gathered at the former Duken Elementary School gym for the board of education meeting on Thursday, April 8. Morris’ statement immediately followed the board’s unanimous acceptance of a $ 37,519,424 budget, which carries a projected tax levy of 2.45 percent and calls for the elimination of 13.25 positions, as well as, both the summer school and GED programs.
While the elimination of over 13 positions is alarming to some, especially when it occurs during a time when unemployment rates are staggering and lack of government funding is forcing many public school systems to cut enrichment programs, the positions being cut within Plattsburgh’s city school district may not directly result in layoffs nor in the loss of programming, James “Jake” Short, superintendent of Plattsburgh city schools says.
“The vast majority of those [eliminations] are being done through attrition, people retiring that we are not replacing,” he says. “We’re not exactly clear on how we’re going to shuffle everybody around, but basically 13.25 positions are being pulled out, and the principals can already see within the master schedule how we can consolidate and not lose any programs for students.”
Two of the districts teachers may be “recycled” into teaching assistants, Short says, which would be a reduction in pay for those individuals; however, it would allow them to remain employed by the district.
Although the budget preserves all of the district’s enrichment programs, including the Odyssey program and the orchestra, both the summer school and district-run GED programs are being eliminated, at least for now.
Since no students graduated during summer school last year and, only one or two students did the year before, Short says he is not concerned about the program’s elimination hindering students from graduating in the short term; however, he thinks the long term effects could be problematic.
“The effect is more a problem, in my opinion, if the cut remains for two and three years out. If we make it a one year hiatus, the effect is fairly minimal.”
As for the GED program, Short says about 64 percent of students who participated in the program passed the GED exam, which he does not consider to be a high success rate. This and the fact that cutting the program could save the district about $30,000 made the program easier to eliminate, he says.
Former students seeking a GED in PLattsburgh may be able to acquire one through BOCES or CV-TEC; although, the BOCES GED program availability is based on enrollment numbers and is sometimes not offered, and the CV-TEC GED program is intended for adult learners.
Cathy Snow, program manager of the CV-TEC adult literacy and GED programs says, “Under our current funding, CV-TEC is only allowed to provide GED services for students under the age of 19 who meet the following requirements: they have been officially dropped out of school for one year or their 9th grade class has graduated. The majority of students who are 18 do not meet these qualifications.”
Snow calls the loss of the district-run GED program “unfortunate,” and says that she is not certain at this time weather CV-TEC will be able to accommodate individuals displaced by the program’s elimination. She says CV-TEC administrative meetings are planned to discuss the matter.
Short says that city school students have been warned about the elimination of both the summer school and GED programs and have been advised to “buckle down” on their school work because alternatives are not as available.
“There is a part of [making alternatives less available] that I kind of like because I think when you make people rise to the occasion, the majority will, but we’re not so closed minded to think that there’s [not] going to be a few students that it just is completely unrealistic to expect that [from], and we want to at least have a back door or a way to try and help them if we can,” he says.
Though the board of education approved the school budget for next year, which is up slightly from this year’s budget of $37,484,438, local tax payers will have the final say in whether the budget is accepted when they vote on it in May.
If the budget is passed, the board will then have the responsibility of setting the tax levy in July, which is projected at 2.45 percent. This would mean a median tax increase of $72.27 before STAR exemptions, according to data from the city assessor’s office; however, Short says that the projected levy is really a worst case scenario and will depend on the amount of state aid the district receives.
“There’s a pretty strong feeling right now that we’ll receive a little bit more state aid. Some of the reduction that has been reported to us will probably be restored, not all of it, but maybe half, and if half of it is, the board will very likely go back and look at reducing the tax levy,” he says.
Local tax payer and former board of education member, Dale Dowdle, says that he feels the tax levy is a minimal increase, and he plans to vote in favor of the budget; although, he says he is disappointed about decreased enrollment at the high school, and he plans to submit his concerns to the board in a written comment card, which is made available to voters at the polls.
Fred Wachtmeister, a current member of the board of education says that although some people have addressed the board with tax concerns, the majority of tax payers seem supportive of raising taxes in order to preserve enrichment programs.
“How that translates into votes,” he says “is anybody’s guess.”
While the city’s school budget vote has traditionally suffered from low voter turnout (about 400 to 500 voters, says Wachtmeister), Short thinks maybe this year will bring out more voters than usual who are in favor of keeping special programming and who generally take it for granted that the budget always passes.
“We have a budget, ladies and gentlemen,” said Plattsburgh board of education President Clayton Morris, to the small crowd gathered at the former Duken Elementary School gym for the board of education meeting on Thursday, April 8. Morris’ statement immediately followed the board’s unanimous acceptance of a $ 37,519,424 budget, which carries a projected tax levy of 2.45 percent and calls for the elimination of 13.25 positions, as well as, both the summer school and GED programs.
While the elimination of over 13 positions is alarming to some, especially when it occurs during a time when unemployment rates are staggering and lack of government funding is forcing many public school systems to cut enrichment programs, the positions being cut within Plattsburgh’s city school district may not directly result in layoffs nor in the loss of programming, James “Jake” Short, superintendent of Plattsburgh city schools says.
“The vast majority of those [eliminations] are being done through attrition, people retiring that we are not replacing,” he says. “We’re not exactly clear on how we’re going to shuffle everybody around, but basically 13.25 positions are being pulled out, and the principals can already see within the master schedule how we can consolidate and not lose any programs for students.”
Two of the districts teachers may be “recycled” into teaching assistants, Short says, which would be a reduction in pay for those individuals; however, it would allow them to remain employed by the district.
Although the budget preserves all of the district’s enrichment programs, including the Odyssey program and the orchestra, both the summer school and district-run GED programs are being eliminated, at least for now.
Since no students graduated during summer school last year and, only one or two students did the year before, Short says he is not concerned about the program’s elimination hindering students from graduating in the short term; however, he thinks the long term effects could be problematic.
“The effect is more a problem, in my opinion, if the cut remains for two and three years out. If we make it a one year hiatus, the effect is fairly minimal.”
As for the GED program, Short says about 64 percent of students who participated in the program passed the GED exam, which he does not consider to be a high success rate. This and the fact that cutting the program could save the district about $30,000 made the program easier to eliminate, he says.
Former students seeking a GED in PLattsburgh may be able to acquire one through BOCES or CV-TEC; although, the BOCES GED program availability is based on enrollment numbers and is sometimes not offered, and the CV-TEC GED program is intended for adult learners.
Cathy Snow, program manager of the CV-TEC adult literacy and GED programs says, “Under our current funding, CV-TEC is only allowed to provide GED services for students under the age of 19 who meet the following requirements: they have been officially dropped out of school for one year or their 9th grade class has graduated. The majority of students who are 18 do not meet these qualifications.”
Snow calls the loss of the district-run GED program “unfortunate,” and says that she is not certain at this time weather CV-TEC will be able to accommodate individuals displaced by the program’s elimination. She says CV-TEC administrative meetings are planned to discuss the matter.
Short says that city school students have been warned about the elimination of both the summer school and GED programs and have been advised to “buckle down” on their school work because alternatives are not as available.
“There is a part of [making alternatives less available] that I kind of like because I think when you make people rise to the occasion, the majority will, but we’re not so closed minded to think that there’s [not] going to be a few students that it just is completely unrealistic to expect that [from], and we want to at least have a back door or a way to try and help them if we can,” he says.
Though the board of education approved the school budget for next year, which is up slightly from this year’s budget of $37,484,438, local tax payers will have the final say in whether the budget is accepted when they vote on it in May.
If the budget is passed, the board will then have the responsibility of setting the tax levy in July, which is projected at 2.45 percent. This would mean a median tax increase of $72.27 before STAR exemptions, according to data from the city assessor’s office; however, Short says that the projected levy is really a worst case scenario and will depend on the amount of state aid the district receives.
“There’s a pretty strong feeling right now that we’ll receive a little bit more state aid. Some of the reduction that has been reported to us will probably be restored, not all of it, but maybe half, and if half of it is, the board will very likely go back and look at reducing the tax levy,” he says.
Local tax payer and former board of education member, Dale Dowdle, says that he feels the tax levy is a minimal increase, and he plans to vote in favor of the budget; although, he says he is disappointed about decreased enrollment at the high school, and he plans to submit his concerns to the board in a written comment card, which is made available to voters at the polls.
Fred Wachtmeister, a current member of the board of education says that although some people have addressed the board with tax concerns, the majority of tax payers seem supportive of raising taxes in order to preserve enrichment programs.
“How that translates into votes,” he says “is anybody’s guess.”
While the city’s school budget vote has traditionally suffered from low voter turnout (about 400 to 500 voters, says Wachtmeister), Short thinks maybe this year will bring out more voters than usual who are in favor of keeping special programming and who generally take it for granted that the budget always passes.
Civil War Reenactment held weekend of May 14
By Amanda Sivan Kaufman
In an effort to preserve the Union, the regiments will be gathering to set up camps and defend the nation. The Civil War is returning to Plattsburgh; the army trained and ready to fight off the enemy and keep the United States as one nation. This army is one of many in the local Plattsburgh area made up of volunteers, some students and CEOs on the average day.
This army is Plattsburgh’s reenactment regiment.
May 14 will bring the 3rd annual Civil War reenactment, hosted by the Clinton County Historical Association where it will take place in land adjacent to the Battle of Plattsburgh Association at the air base.
“It was kind of my dream to get a Civil War reenactment happening in the local Plattsburgh area,” Matt Hewson, a member of several reenactment groups and founder of this particular event, said.
He originally brought the idea up while working as an Eagle Scout with the Clinton County Historical Association and it was well received, he said. The goal isn’t to portray a specific battle, but to bring people an idea of what the Civil War might have entailed in its fights he said.
With four to five canons, a large number for an event this size, and the 11th N.Y. Artillery sponsoring the event, reenactment members believe it will be another successful year.
Commander of the 11th N.Y. Artillery Scot Wilson said as “a living historian” it is his and the groups job to bring history to people hwo would not normally be able to visit famous battlegrounds, such as Gettysburg.
“I personally do living history for one major purpose and that … we don’t glorify war,” he said. “What we do is preserve memory of those who fought during the American Civil War. Most important is that we became the United States as a direct result of that conflict. “
He and Hewson have known each for years. Hewson, a Plattsburgh state sophomore, is a self-proclaimed history buff and Wilson is a father of five and CEO for a company. The difference in age and experiences matters little for these people who are united for a common love of history. They work together under the national organization The United States Volunteers, which organizes all civil war reenactors, Hewson said.
The Civil War reenactment usually draws in high numbers of people, Hewson said, and will be followed by another event hosted by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association a week later about the military timeline featuring historic talks and firing demonstrations.
Daniel Flora is one of the dedicated members who will travel all the way from Illinois in order to be a part in the Civil War reenactment in May. He made friends with Hewson during other reenactments in the area and enjoys the Civil War one in particular.
“Having an event that he’s hosting is fun and it’s a good excuse to go out in that direction,” Flora said. “It’s worth making the trip.”
Born in Canada with parents in the U.S. Embessy, Flora has travelled to many places before settling in Illinois. He said these events are all very similar so depending on what his role is it is not complicated to practice for. He plays the role of a corporal in some groups and when working alongside Hewson he is a lower ranking captain.
Flora said that joining a reenactment group is a fun thing for people of all ages to do and recommends people to join.
Other historical events taking place will be the War of 1812 College on the weekend of April 30 and a reenactment in Oswego on the weekend of May 8, both sponsored by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association.
In an effort to preserve the Union, the regiments will be gathering to set up camps and defend the nation. The Civil War is returning to Plattsburgh; the army trained and ready to fight off the enemy and keep the United States as one nation. This army is one of many in the local Plattsburgh area made up of volunteers, some students and CEOs on the average day.
This army is Plattsburgh’s reenactment regiment.
May 14 will bring the 3rd annual Civil War reenactment, hosted by the Clinton County Historical Association where it will take place in land adjacent to the Battle of Plattsburgh Association at the air base.
“It was kind of my dream to get a Civil War reenactment happening in the local Plattsburgh area,” Matt Hewson, a member of several reenactment groups and founder of this particular event, said.
He originally brought the idea up while working as an Eagle Scout with the Clinton County Historical Association and it was well received, he said. The goal isn’t to portray a specific battle, but to bring people an idea of what the Civil War might have entailed in its fights he said.
With four to five canons, a large number for an event this size, and the 11th N.Y. Artillery sponsoring the event, reenactment members believe it will be another successful year.
Commander of the 11th N.Y. Artillery Scot Wilson said as “a living historian” it is his and the groups job to bring history to people hwo would not normally be able to visit famous battlegrounds, such as Gettysburg.
“I personally do living history for one major purpose and that … we don’t glorify war,” he said. “What we do is preserve memory of those who fought during the American Civil War. Most important is that we became the United States as a direct result of that conflict. “
He and Hewson have known each for years. Hewson, a Plattsburgh state sophomore, is a self-proclaimed history buff and Wilson is a father of five and CEO for a company. The difference in age and experiences matters little for these people who are united for a common love of history. They work together under the national organization The United States Volunteers, which organizes all civil war reenactors, Hewson said.
The Civil War reenactment usually draws in high numbers of people, Hewson said, and will be followed by another event hosted by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association a week later about the military timeline featuring historic talks and firing demonstrations.
Daniel Flora is one of the dedicated members who will travel all the way from Illinois in order to be a part in the Civil War reenactment in May. He made friends with Hewson during other reenactments in the area and enjoys the Civil War one in particular.
“Having an event that he’s hosting is fun and it’s a good excuse to go out in that direction,” Flora said. “It’s worth making the trip.”
Born in Canada with parents in the U.S. Embessy, Flora has travelled to many places before settling in Illinois. He said these events are all very similar so depending on what his role is it is not complicated to practice for. He plays the role of a corporal in some groups and when working alongside Hewson he is a lower ranking captain.
Flora said that joining a reenactment group is a fun thing for people of all ages to do and recommends people to join.
Other historical events taking place will be the War of 1812 College on the weekend of April 30 and a reenactment in Oswego on the weekend of May 8, both sponsored by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association.
Shedding winter pounds this spring
By Bryan Foti
Springtime in the North Country is the best time of the year because it is not cold anymore! When spring time hits you can find people out and about in the community. Some people are out to enjoy the company of others. Some, however, feel it is a time to start getting in shape so they can look and feel good about themselves.
Patti Warner who is a trainer at the Plattsburgh YMCA says that after the New Year and when spring begins is when you see the most people coming to the gym trying to get back into shape.
“It is a great thing that people are coming in and trying to get in good shape.” Warner says.
However when people first start they may work out too hard.
“People get out and the first thing they see is people running. So they think they should start running, however they don’t realize that the runners have been running all year long. So when they go for a run they over exert themselves.” Warner says.
She suggests that people trying to get back into shape should start slow and easy. They should start at a comfortable intensity level that they can complete. She then suggests that people should set goals by asking the question “what do I want to achieve?” Weather its being able to walk and breathe easy on vacation or getting a six pack in the abdomen region.
Warner says “Goals are great because it shows that you are dedicated and willing to take the steps necessary to achieve what you want.”
Matthew Salvatore is the head of the Plattsburgh State Fitness Center has more to add on goals.
He says, “Written work out plans are a great way for people to start. You make a personal contract with yourself and the plan is visible so you can keep track of the progress you are making and benchmarking where you are.”
Salvatore also agrees with Waner about people starting out too quickly. He thinks people should start out moderately and go up in increments that make it progressive for the person doing the exercise.
He says “The initial conditioning phase is very important for people starting out. If they go too quickly they will have set backs like injuries or just getting frustrated thinking they can’t do it.”
Salvatore feels the right way for people to do this is to warm up properly, stretch. If people want to lift weights, he suggests to start out at a weight that they can repeat several times that will not make the person too sore. Jogging or walking short distances is another good way to start. He thinks that rest periods are very important in the beginning because the body is not used to going through all the rigorous activity that people are putting it through.
Some people think that working out can be very time consuming and that the only way to get into tip top shape is to be in the gym for three or four hours a day.
That is not true Salvatore says “you can get done two exercises of aerobic activity, weight lifting which fulfills your anaerobic activity, a stretch and a cool down period in 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.”
Injuries and setbacks can be a big concern to people when they first start trying to get back into shape. So how can you prevent injuries?
Jason Patcher is the head athletic trainer for Plattsburgh State. There are numerous ways to prevent injuries.
“To avoid injury warm up properly, get a good stretch, don’t over train, and hydrate really well. Water is the best. Make sure you cool down and make sure your posture is very good because if it is not it can lead to unnecessary injuries like tendinitis.”
Patcher agrees with the trainers that people starting to get back into shape sometimes overdo it and this can lead to muscle pulls or injuries that could have easily been prevented.
“The best way for them to start off is to write down goals and come up with a plan with a trainer that helps them achieve them” Patcher says.
People who smoke that want to get back into shape are in already in a tough spot.
Patcher says “smoking gives poor benefits it clogs arteries, you lose breathe quicker which makes you have to rest to regain your breathe therefore you are resting to breathe. Also smoking can hinder your nutritional intake.”
Exercise and fitness is a great way to start getting back in shape but what most people don’t realize is that there is another step involved in getting into a healthy body. That step is nutrition and eating right.
Jenna Jones a nutritionist for Cornell Cooperative Extension thinks that nutrition goes hand and hand with exercise. She notices the same problem that people have with eating as they do when they first start to exercise.
“People tend to go out and make drastic changes in their eating habits; I am a firm believer in making one small change at a time” Jones says.
She gives an example if a person normally drinks two sodas during the day. They should cut down to one when they first start trying to have correct nutrition. Jones says that most people need to consume more fruits and vegetables in their diet; the main reason is that fruits and vegetables contain fiber.
“Fiber makes the person feel fuller and will help lower cholesterol and it will regulate your bowel movements.”
Jones suggests that people visit the website mypyramid.gov because it gives good nutritional tips on what to eat depending on your age. She thinks it also has some good menu choices on it.
People who have diabetes can back into shape too. Jones thinks that there is not much of a difference between a diabetic person and a regular person trying to eat correctly.
“Personally I feel if everyone followed a diabetic diet everyone would be in better shape because you have to consume less sugar and have smaller portions.” She then goes on to say “diabetics think they can’t have sugars; they can but they can’t have a ton of them.”
Jones has an opinion dietary supplements that can help lower your cholesterol.
“I’m not against them, but you can’t just take a pill and think you will be ok. You have to be active as well. People are naïve when it comes to medicine. If you take a pill and continue to practice a poor lifestyle, you will see no results. It is like a team effort you have to do it together.”
Susannah LeVon is a nutrition expert at Plattsburgh State and before that worked many years at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. LeVon agrees with what Jones says.
“Proper nutrition is very important no matter how old you are” LeVon says. She then goes on to say “people are missing fruits and vegetables from their diet and they should consume at least five to nine servings a day.”
Whole grains are important for proper nutrition LeVon says. Examples of whole grains are wheat, oats, brown rice, barley and popcorn.
“I have a saying; make half your grains whole. People should look for them on the labels of boxes; for example, not all wheat bread is made from whole wheat.
LaVon thinks people starting out should focus on what they should be eating more of rather then what they should be cutting back on. She feels that people should hydrate properly with water and try to stay away from sugary drinks. Finally feels that people starting out should go slow and take it one step at a time because it is a step by step process.
Warner says “fitness and nutrition go hand and hand. You have to do both in order to achieve that goal that you want.”
Springtime in the North Country is the best time of the year because it is not cold anymore! When spring time hits you can find people out and about in the community. Some people are out to enjoy the company of others. Some, however, feel it is a time to start getting in shape so they can look and feel good about themselves.
Patti Warner who is a trainer at the Plattsburgh YMCA says that after the New Year and when spring begins is when you see the most people coming to the gym trying to get back into shape.
“It is a great thing that people are coming in and trying to get in good shape.” Warner says.
However when people first start they may work out too hard.
“People get out and the first thing they see is people running. So they think they should start running, however they don’t realize that the runners have been running all year long. So when they go for a run they over exert themselves.” Warner says.
She suggests that people trying to get back into shape should start slow and easy. They should start at a comfortable intensity level that they can complete. She then suggests that people should set goals by asking the question “what do I want to achieve?” Weather its being able to walk and breathe easy on vacation or getting a six pack in the abdomen region.
Warner says “Goals are great because it shows that you are dedicated and willing to take the steps necessary to achieve what you want.”
Matthew Salvatore is the head of the Plattsburgh State Fitness Center has more to add on goals.
He says, “Written work out plans are a great way for people to start. You make a personal contract with yourself and the plan is visible so you can keep track of the progress you are making and benchmarking where you are.”
Salvatore also agrees with Waner about people starting out too quickly. He thinks people should start out moderately and go up in increments that make it progressive for the person doing the exercise.
He says “The initial conditioning phase is very important for people starting out. If they go too quickly they will have set backs like injuries or just getting frustrated thinking they can’t do it.”
Salvatore feels the right way for people to do this is to warm up properly, stretch. If people want to lift weights, he suggests to start out at a weight that they can repeat several times that will not make the person too sore. Jogging or walking short distances is another good way to start. He thinks that rest periods are very important in the beginning because the body is not used to going through all the rigorous activity that people are putting it through.
Some people think that working out can be very time consuming and that the only way to get into tip top shape is to be in the gym for three or four hours a day.
That is not true Salvatore says “you can get done two exercises of aerobic activity, weight lifting which fulfills your anaerobic activity, a stretch and a cool down period in 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.”
Injuries and setbacks can be a big concern to people when they first start trying to get back into shape. So how can you prevent injuries?
Jason Patcher is the head athletic trainer for Plattsburgh State. There are numerous ways to prevent injuries.
“To avoid injury warm up properly, get a good stretch, don’t over train, and hydrate really well. Water is the best. Make sure you cool down and make sure your posture is very good because if it is not it can lead to unnecessary injuries like tendinitis.”
Patcher agrees with the trainers that people starting to get back into shape sometimes overdo it and this can lead to muscle pulls or injuries that could have easily been prevented.
“The best way for them to start off is to write down goals and come up with a plan with a trainer that helps them achieve them” Patcher says.
People who smoke that want to get back into shape are in already in a tough spot.
Patcher says “smoking gives poor benefits it clogs arteries, you lose breathe quicker which makes you have to rest to regain your breathe therefore you are resting to breathe. Also smoking can hinder your nutritional intake.”
Exercise and fitness is a great way to start getting back in shape but what most people don’t realize is that there is another step involved in getting into a healthy body. That step is nutrition and eating right.
Jenna Jones a nutritionist for Cornell Cooperative Extension thinks that nutrition goes hand and hand with exercise. She notices the same problem that people have with eating as they do when they first start to exercise.
“People tend to go out and make drastic changes in their eating habits; I am a firm believer in making one small change at a time” Jones says.
She gives an example if a person normally drinks two sodas during the day. They should cut down to one when they first start trying to have correct nutrition. Jones says that most people need to consume more fruits and vegetables in their diet; the main reason is that fruits and vegetables contain fiber.
“Fiber makes the person feel fuller and will help lower cholesterol and it will regulate your bowel movements.”
Jones suggests that people visit the website mypyramid.gov because it gives good nutritional tips on what to eat depending on your age. She thinks it also has some good menu choices on it.
People who have diabetes can back into shape too. Jones thinks that there is not much of a difference between a diabetic person and a regular person trying to eat correctly.
“Personally I feel if everyone followed a diabetic diet everyone would be in better shape because you have to consume less sugar and have smaller portions.” She then goes on to say “diabetics think they can’t have sugars; they can but they can’t have a ton of them.”
Jones has an opinion dietary supplements that can help lower your cholesterol.
“I’m not against them, but you can’t just take a pill and think you will be ok. You have to be active as well. People are naïve when it comes to medicine. If you take a pill and continue to practice a poor lifestyle, you will see no results. It is like a team effort you have to do it together.”
Susannah LeVon is a nutrition expert at Plattsburgh State and before that worked many years at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. LeVon agrees with what Jones says.
“Proper nutrition is very important no matter how old you are” LeVon says. She then goes on to say “people are missing fruits and vegetables from their diet and they should consume at least five to nine servings a day.”
Whole grains are important for proper nutrition LeVon says. Examples of whole grains are wheat, oats, brown rice, barley and popcorn.
“I have a saying; make half your grains whole. People should look for them on the labels of boxes; for example, not all wheat bread is made from whole wheat.
LaVon thinks people starting out should focus on what they should be eating more of rather then what they should be cutting back on. She feels that people should hydrate properly with water and try to stay away from sugary drinks. Finally feels that people starting out should go slow and take it one step at a time because it is a step by step process.
Warner says “fitness and nutrition go hand and hand. You have to do both in order to achieve that goal that you want.”
Meeting allows march in streets of Plattsburgh
By Caitlin Fitzpatrick
At a Plattsburgh Common Council meeting this past Thursday, April 15, a “Take Back the Night” event, taking place on April 30, was discussed and voted on.
The event, hosted by SUNY Plattsburgh’s Center for Women’s Concerns, is a march on the streets of Plattsburgh to inform the community about sexual assault and violence.
Meghan Trim, representing the Center for Women’s Concerns, addressed the council to tell it about the march and the importance of having the event.
“Take Back the Night” lasts an entire week and encompasses several different events, including speakers and entertainment, that builds up to the march on Friday.
The march begins at 6 p.m. in the Warren Ballrooms at the Angell College Center on the campus, and lasts until 9:30 p.m.
The event taking place at night is symbolic because the night is usually seen as dangerous to women, Trim said.
“It’s a good way to gather people and show support to those who are victims,” Trim said.
She also said that she hopes the march will spark conversation and inform people about sexual assault.
The more people who get involved in the community the more it will help the problem go away, she added.
Colleen Chera, a college student at SUNY Plattsburgh, plans on attending several of the events during the week of “Take Back the Night.”
She said she is excited about going to some of the events because it’s an important topic that needs to be spoken about.
“The march is good way for those in the community to get involved and spread the word that domestic violence and sexual assault are problems that need to go away,” she said.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and one in six women have experienced an attempted or completed rape.
As the Common Council voted on the matter, Councilor Jackson noted that he had asked the city police department if they were fine with event taking place on the streets of Plattsburgh and they had responded that they approved of the event.
Councilor Rabideau also asked Trim if the event was open to the public and she responded that it was open to everyone in the community to attend.
The Common Council voted and approved the event with every member of the council voting in the affirmative.
Along with the march, some other events taking place during the week of “Take Back the Night” include a forum on violence in other cultures and a discussion panel on domestic violence.
Trim said she hopes that all the events will help work towards ending the silence of sexual assault and violence and that the march is a “10 on the importance scale.”
“It is one of the most important events we do year round,” Trim said.
At a Plattsburgh Common Council meeting this past Thursday, April 15, a “Take Back the Night” event, taking place on April 30, was discussed and voted on.
The event, hosted by SUNY Plattsburgh’s Center for Women’s Concerns, is a march on the streets of Plattsburgh to inform the community about sexual assault and violence.
Meghan Trim, representing the Center for Women’s Concerns, addressed the council to tell it about the march and the importance of having the event.
“Take Back the Night” lasts an entire week and encompasses several different events, including speakers and entertainment, that builds up to the march on Friday.
The march begins at 6 p.m. in the Warren Ballrooms at the Angell College Center on the campus, and lasts until 9:30 p.m.
The event taking place at night is symbolic because the night is usually seen as dangerous to women, Trim said.
“It’s a good way to gather people and show support to those who are victims,” Trim said.
She also said that she hopes the march will spark conversation and inform people about sexual assault.
The more people who get involved in the community the more it will help the problem go away, she added.
Colleen Chera, a college student at SUNY Plattsburgh, plans on attending several of the events during the week of “Take Back the Night.”
She said she is excited about going to some of the events because it’s an important topic that needs to be spoken about.
“The march is good way for those in the community to get involved and spread the word that domestic violence and sexual assault are problems that need to go away,” she said.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and one in six women have experienced an attempted or completed rape.
As the Common Council voted on the matter, Councilor Jackson noted that he had asked the city police department if they were fine with event taking place on the streets of Plattsburgh and they had responded that they approved of the event.
Councilor Rabideau also asked Trim if the event was open to the public and she responded that it was open to everyone in the community to attend.
The Common Council voted and approved the event with every member of the council voting in the affirmative.
Along with the march, some other events taking place during the week of “Take Back the Night” include a forum on violence in other cultures and a discussion panel on domestic violence.
Trim said she hopes that all the events will help work towards ending the silence of sexual assault and violence and that the march is a “10 on the importance scale.”
“It is one of the most important events we do year round,” Trim said.
Council says yes to 'Take Back Night' march
By Amanda DeLosh
In Plattsburgh Thursday evening, the city hall opened its doors to the public for its weekly common council meeting. It was short and to the point with the exception of just one peer address to the council. It seemed to touch the heart of council member Amy Valentine.
SUNY Plattsburgh student Meghan Trim took to the podium in a very silent room. She asked the present member of the council to take in to consideration the walk against violence with the event, “Taking Back the Night.” She asked permission for community member to walk in the streets to fight against victims of violence.
Council members took a few seconds to process their own thoughts and then the roll was called.
The meeting continued with problems and city events being discussed, such as property taxes, where council member Jim Canlon said, “We prefer not to take someone’s property from them.” He went on to say he wants the issue resolved. Other issues discussed where seemingly not as important as the Take Back the Night march.
The room was quiet as the Common Council members took roll call in accordance to the request of the march. As each name passed a yes or no was given. One could see Trim as she sat straight up leg bouncing up and down as the nerves took it place. After roll was complete with a unanimous yes, Trim let out a small squeal of excitement followed by a, “Yes!” The council members all began to laugh and the public soon followed.
The irony of having such a serious subject with Take Back the Night was soon filled with more excitement, sort of giving a peaceful overlay to an event that will bring the community together for just one night.
The meeting continued and issues were resolved from the previous Thursday’s meeting. New business was discussed and other business included events such as the first half marathon in Plattsburgh this past weekend, where council member Chris Jackson said, “A lot of people are excited about it.”
After the new and old business discussion concluded, council member Valentine brought up the Take Back the Night event. “I think it’s a great thing you guys are doing,” she said.
In Plattsburgh Thursday evening, the city hall opened its doors to the public for its weekly common council meeting. It was short and to the point with the exception of just one peer address to the council. It seemed to touch the heart of council member Amy Valentine.
SUNY Plattsburgh student Meghan Trim took to the podium in a very silent room. She asked the present member of the council to take in to consideration the walk against violence with the event, “Taking Back the Night.” She asked permission for community member to walk in the streets to fight against victims of violence.
Council members took a few seconds to process their own thoughts and then the roll was called.
The meeting continued with problems and city events being discussed, such as property taxes, where council member Jim Canlon said, “We prefer not to take someone’s property from them.” He went on to say he wants the issue resolved. Other issues discussed where seemingly not as important as the Take Back the Night march.
The room was quiet as the Common Council members took roll call in accordance to the request of the march. As each name passed a yes or no was given. One could see Trim as she sat straight up leg bouncing up and down as the nerves took it place. After roll was complete with a unanimous yes, Trim let out a small squeal of excitement followed by a, “Yes!” The council members all began to laugh and the public soon followed.
The irony of having such a serious subject with Take Back the Night was soon filled with more excitement, sort of giving a peaceful overlay to an event that will bring the community together for just one night.
The meeting continued and issues were resolved from the previous Thursday’s meeting. New business was discussed and other business included events such as the first half marathon in Plattsburgh this past weekend, where council member Chris Jackson said, “A lot of people are excited about it.”
After the new and old business discussion concluded, council member Valentine brought up the Take Back the Night event. “I think it’s a great thing you guys are doing,” she said.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Getting the most out of students, teachers
By Max Rouzier
Children of today are being exposed to the world at earlier ages and growing up fast. Meanwhile adults want to be, look and act younger. If this trend continues children may pass their parents in mental age.
All this could become a probable future as school districts nationwide burden elementary students with more homework at younger ages.
Kindergartners are the new victims of homework that most students dread at any age. Here in the Plattsburgh City School District young developing minds are able to grow and act their age with little fear of homework.
“Children learn best through play,” says Kristine Lutters, Momot Elementary Child Advocate.
For nearly 25 years, Lutters has pushed for effective school curricula in the Plattsburgh City School District that are influential to the whole development of students at any age.
“Play is important for healthy social skills, self-awareness, cognitive development and how well kids retain what they learn,” Lutters says.
The Plattsburgh City School District wants to reach the federal mandates of the former Bush Administration’s No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, and newer initiatives of the Obama Administration’s Race to the Top program. Toward that goal, the school district is allowed to implement its own protocols to fulfill federally established assessment standards.
Lutters researches and practices methods of engaging students through play instead of lecture-based curricula, which many school districts are adopting nationwide.
Her system of curriculum development goes against other districts that feel they have to teach through lectures and give homework regularly for students to be prepared for state assessments.
“I advocate for broad-based, contextualized teaching for students,” Lutters says.
Her system is micromanaged and begins with shared experiences among a diverse group of students who see the world in different ways because of their socioeconomic status.
She tours a pre-kindergarten class, funded by the state, at Momot Elementary, the children sit around their teacher as she reads about dinosaurs. These students are learning about archaeology and paleontology and their classroom setting immerses them in the experience. They have several learning stations-- one is a sand box filled with “archaeological digs” (toy dinosaurs, bones and artifacts) and another is a campsite with a fort complete with canopy, dining utensils, notebooks and everything necessary to be comfortable as they discover a foreign prehistoric world. Lutters calls this, “building an authentic context through play,” where children learn together and at the same pace.
NCLB and Race to the Top place pressures on administrators and teachers to reach standards and maintain them at the risk of losing federal funding. That pressure becomes more testing and lecturing in schools even at the elementary level. That pressure trickles down to children and parents who are now dealing with homework, sleepless nights and family conflict because of it.
Sara Bennett, an education reform activist and concerned parent living in Brooklyn, N.Y., that began her steps toward improving the American education system with her own children. Her first son was in first grade when he started coming home regularly with a significant amount of homework. She immediately discussed the issue with the teacher and resolved the matter. The teacher gave less assignments, but Bennett had similar conversation again with other teachers in consecutive years.
“Most of the time teachers wouldn’t know parents cared about homework or how long it took, and when I told them, then they reduce the homework,” Bennett says. “A lot of times, they [teachers] forget or do not know what it’s like to deal with a child coming home with homework, especially when these teachers are younger and don’t have their own children.”
Events like these motivated Bennett to learn more about the current state of homework in America. She researched the topic further and eventually wrote, The Case Against Homework: How homework Is Hurting Our Children and What we Can Do About It. Her conclusion is most homework is “busy-work” that does not engage students of any age to think critically about an idea or the world.
At Keeseville Elementary students are tested every 10 days, and some students are tested weekly. This is part of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment, playfully titled, Dibles, which measures the literacy skills of students.
Heather Brault teaches at Keeseville elementary. She used to be a full-time teacher and has since become an academic intervention services (AIS) math teacher. Brault works with students individually to better handle their academic needs.
Stephanie Petro, a teacher at Peru Intermediate School, says, “Our goal as teachers is to challenge students at their particular rate of learning.”
“Basically, state assessments identify students I need to work with,” Brault says. “I try to reinforce concepts through games and activities, but sometimes there are time constraints.”
Educators cite standard assessment as a problem for children students nationwide, not because it creates pressure for them to learn material, rather assessments tend to be limited in their measurements.
I am not opposed to standardized assessment, but I think for the millions of students they give them too, it is a narrow way to assess critical thinking and enthusiasm for learning,” Lutters says. “To only have a skill-based assessment is too narrow.”
Bennett says, “Every kid is creative, interesting and loves to learn. And homework ruins that.”
For Margaret Felty, Momot Elementary speech therapist, homework is not on the agenda either.
“My teaching style is well-backed through research,” Felty says. “I teach through unstructured lessons, creative art projects, I read to them and we have discussions together for listening.”
Petro, has a son in kindergarten at Peru Intermediate School, appreciates this learning style and technique.
“My child recently learned about Antarctica, and had an exercise to plan an imaginary trip to Antarctica by packing a suitcase with things necessary for a trip like that,” says Petro. “I think he learned a lot and retained more because it was more fun.”
Some teachers send homework home to ensure parents spend time with their children and be aware of the current lessons taking place in the classroom.
Lori Walters-Kramers, a parent, says, “Every so often he [her son in kindergarten] brings home assignments from a workbook or a vocabulary list. She [the teacher] doesn’t ask for proof of completion, but she makes it clear that she encourages shared time for the parent(s) and child.”
Children of today are being exposed to the world at earlier ages and growing up fast. Meanwhile adults want to be, look and act younger. If this trend continues children may pass their parents in mental age.
All this could become a probable future as school districts nationwide burden elementary students with more homework at younger ages.
Kindergartners are the new victims of homework that most students dread at any age. Here in the Plattsburgh City School District young developing minds are able to grow and act their age with little fear of homework.
“Children learn best through play,” says Kristine Lutters, Momot Elementary Child Advocate.
For nearly 25 years, Lutters has pushed for effective school curricula in the Plattsburgh City School District that are influential to the whole development of students at any age.
“Play is important for healthy social skills, self-awareness, cognitive development and how well kids retain what they learn,” Lutters says.
The Plattsburgh City School District wants to reach the federal mandates of the former Bush Administration’s No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, and newer initiatives of the Obama Administration’s Race to the Top program. Toward that goal, the school district is allowed to implement its own protocols to fulfill federally established assessment standards.
Lutters researches and practices methods of engaging students through play instead of lecture-based curricula, which many school districts are adopting nationwide.
Her system of curriculum development goes against other districts that feel they have to teach through lectures and give homework regularly for students to be prepared for state assessments.
“I advocate for broad-based, contextualized teaching for students,” Lutters says.
Her system is micromanaged and begins with shared experiences among a diverse group of students who see the world in different ways because of their socioeconomic status.
She tours a pre-kindergarten class, funded by the state, at Momot Elementary, the children sit around their teacher as she reads about dinosaurs. These students are learning about archaeology and paleontology and their classroom setting immerses them in the experience. They have several learning stations-- one is a sand box filled with “archaeological digs” (toy dinosaurs, bones and artifacts) and another is a campsite with a fort complete with canopy, dining utensils, notebooks and everything necessary to be comfortable as they discover a foreign prehistoric world. Lutters calls this, “building an authentic context through play,” where children learn together and at the same pace.
NCLB and Race to the Top place pressures on administrators and teachers to reach standards and maintain them at the risk of losing federal funding. That pressure becomes more testing and lecturing in schools even at the elementary level. That pressure trickles down to children and parents who are now dealing with homework, sleepless nights and family conflict because of it.
Sara Bennett, an education reform activist and concerned parent living in Brooklyn, N.Y., that began her steps toward improving the American education system with her own children. Her first son was in first grade when he started coming home regularly with a significant amount of homework. She immediately discussed the issue with the teacher and resolved the matter. The teacher gave less assignments, but Bennett had similar conversation again with other teachers in consecutive years.
“Most of the time teachers wouldn’t know parents cared about homework or how long it took, and when I told them, then they reduce the homework,” Bennett says. “A lot of times, they [teachers] forget or do not know what it’s like to deal with a child coming home with homework, especially when these teachers are younger and don’t have their own children.”
Events like these motivated Bennett to learn more about the current state of homework in America. She researched the topic further and eventually wrote, The Case Against Homework: How homework Is Hurting Our Children and What we Can Do About It. Her conclusion is most homework is “busy-work” that does not engage students of any age to think critically about an idea or the world.
At Keeseville Elementary students are tested every 10 days, and some students are tested weekly. This is part of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment, playfully titled, Dibles, which measures the literacy skills of students.
Heather Brault teaches at Keeseville elementary. She used to be a full-time teacher and has since become an academic intervention services (AIS) math teacher. Brault works with students individually to better handle their academic needs.
Stephanie Petro, a teacher at Peru Intermediate School, says, “Our goal as teachers is to challenge students at their particular rate of learning.”
“Basically, state assessments identify students I need to work with,” Brault says. “I try to reinforce concepts through games and activities, but sometimes there are time constraints.”
Educators cite standard assessment as a problem for children students nationwide, not because it creates pressure for them to learn material, rather assessments tend to be limited in their measurements.
I am not opposed to standardized assessment, but I think for the millions of students they give them too, it is a narrow way to assess critical thinking and enthusiasm for learning,” Lutters says. “To only have a skill-based assessment is too narrow.”
Bennett says, “Every kid is creative, interesting and loves to learn. And homework ruins that.”
For Margaret Felty, Momot Elementary speech therapist, homework is not on the agenda either.
“My teaching style is well-backed through research,” Felty says. “I teach through unstructured lessons, creative art projects, I read to them and we have discussions together for listening.”
Petro, has a son in kindergarten at Peru Intermediate School, appreciates this learning style and technique.
“My child recently learned about Antarctica, and had an exercise to plan an imaginary trip to Antarctica by packing a suitcase with things necessary for a trip like that,” says Petro. “I think he learned a lot and retained more because it was more fun.”
Some teachers send homework home to ensure parents spend time with their children and be aware of the current lessons taking place in the classroom.
Lori Walters-Kramers, a parent, says, “Every so often he [her son in kindergarten] brings home assignments from a workbook or a vocabulary list. She [the teacher] doesn’t ask for proof of completion, but she makes it clear that she encourages shared time for the parent(s) and child.”
Eating out doesn’t have to mean letting out pants
By Ashleigh Livingston
If you’ve ever tried to diet, you likely know something about passing – passing on dessert, passing on a mid-day snack and maybe even passing on a meal at your favorite restaurant. After all, it’s easy when you’re counting calories to develop a fear of any food that you did not prepare yourself. It may seem safer to stay home and ingest only items with suitable nutrition facts printed on their packaging. The recent health care legislation has made it easier to make informed meal choices at fast food restaurants by demanding that many chains post calorie counts next to each item on their menu; however, restaurants with less than 20 outlets are exempt from this law. Still, it’s possible to enjoy a meal at a locally owned restaurant while still sticking with your diet, especially if you keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, control your condiments. Add-ons such as mayonnaise, butter, sour cream and salad dressing harbor a lot of calories from fat, says Jourunn Gran-Henriksen, certified dietician-nutritionist and assistant professor of nursing and nutrition at Plattsburgh State University.
“It doesn’t take very many bites [of these items] before you’ve eaten a lot of calories,” she says.
The good news is that just because you’re dieting doesn’t mean you are obligated to pass on these condiments all together, leaving your food dry and bland. Instead, Gran-Henriksen recommends asking for them on the side. That way you can put them on yourself and be in control of how much you are using.
Secondly, be familiar with menu terminology. Anything fried adds calories, Gran-Henriksen says, but there are different ways to fry foods, and some are worse than others. For example, Gran-Henriksen explains that sautéed is usually a better choice than pan fried, but pan fried is still better than deep-fried. If you’re looking to cut the most calories from your meal, however, Gran-Henriksen recommends sticking with foods that are baked or roasted because these cooking methods do not require oil, which is high in fat and calories.
Thirdly, just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Gran-Henriksen explains that portions at restaurants are often much larger than the portions you would normally eat at home, so consuming everything on your plate may mean over eating.
“Make the decision, ‘I’m not going to have anymore,’ and then put your utensils down,” she says. “You can always bring home a doggie bag, [but] if you eat too much, you can’t bring anything home.”
If you know you will have trouble mustering up the will power to stop eating before your plate is empty, Gran-Henriksen recommends ordering an appetizer in place of an entrée since appetizers are generally smaller portions.
Lastly, ask questions. Gran-Henriksen points out that your waiter or waitress can be a good resource for finding out how food is prepared and may be able to guide you in making a healthy meal choice.
While these tips present a general guide to eating healthy while eating out, different restaurants present different menu options, and it may not always be clear which options are best for your waistline. Ethnic foods, for example, use a wide variety of ingredients that may taste good but may also leave you wondering what exactly it is you ate.
The good news is that you don’t have to pass on all of Plattsburgh’s ethnic restaurants just because you’re dieting. Once again, you just have to keep a few things in mind.
If you’re craving Italian food, you may end up at Arnie’s Restaurant on Margaret Street, where believe it or not, there are plenty of options for the calorie conscious.
One of the restaurant’s owners, Glenn Pavone, explains that the chicken cacciatore is a healthy Italian inspired dish because it is made with boneless, skinless chicken breast and the restaurant’s homemade marinara sauce, which contains no saturated fat.
The restaurant also has a great option for controlling portion size, according to Pavone. “We offer half portions of spaghetti for people that don’t want to overdo it on pasta,” he says.
When it comes to choosing a sauce for your pasta, Gran-Henriksen recommends sticking with tomato based sauces such as marinara, plain sauce or meat sauce. She says to avoid anything with cream or butter, such as alfredo sauce, as these will be higher in calories.
Though Gran-Henriksen says that pizza is tough to make healthy due to the cheese, she recommends cutting calories by requesting less cheese on your pizza, which Arnie Pavone, co-owner of Arnie’s Restaurant, says he welcomes guests to do. Arnie adds that the restaurant uses half-skim mozzarella on all of its pizzas, eliminating extra fat and calories.
Like pizza, Mexican food is also hard to make healthy because of the cheese that is generally added to most dishes, but there are still some options for dieters, according to Glenn LaBarre, manager of The Smoked Pepper on Bridge Street.
For one, Labarre says that guests may opt for balsamic portabella mushrooms in their burritos or salads, rather than meat; though, The Smoked Pepper does use boneless, skinless chicken breast, which Gran-Henriksen says is not a bad choice. Shrimp is also a healthy choice for a burrito or salad filler; however, Gran-Henriksen warns to stay away from beef and pork.
While sour cream and guacamole are some of those calorie packed condiments that are best used sparingly or not at all, Labarre says that the Smoked Pepper’s guajillo sauce, which is made of tomatoes and peppers, is great for adding a, “load of flavor” to dishes without adding a load of calories.
Once again, guests are welcomed to request less cheese on any of the dishes, and LaBarre says that baked chicken can be substituted for sautéed or pan-fried chicken on salads.
For dieters craving a taste of India, Karma Indian Cuisine on Cornelia Street can accommodate.
“Nobody could be more calorie analytical than I am right now, but believe it or not, I eat at my restaurant three times a day,” says Karma’s manager, Barinder Kaur, who is watching her calorie intake in preparation for her wedding in three months.
One of Kaur’s favorite dishes is the restaurant’s chicken curry, which she says can also be made with vegetables or lamb. She explains that the sauce is made of onions and spices, and has no dairy in it.
“It’s absolutely delicious because what happens is spices add on a flavor… India has over 200 spices, [and they] don’t have many calories what so ever; it’s just flavor,” she says.
Indian cuisine also has an abundance of breads associated with it, and Kaur recommends tandoori roti because it is made with whole wheat.
While the Atkins diet craze may have scared you away from carbs, Gran-Henriksen says there are actually some good nutrients in bread, and as long as you don’t overdo it, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little bread with your meal.
In fact, it seems moderation is a key to maintaining a healthy diet. While it’s important to be careful about the foods you put in your mouth, you also don’t want to take all the fun out of eating.
“If you go out to eat a lot, I think you have to be much more careful,” Gran-Henriksen says. “ If you go out, and it’s just a once in a while thing, and you’re treating yourself, enjoy it.”
If you’ve ever tried to diet, you likely know something about passing – passing on dessert, passing on a mid-day snack and maybe even passing on a meal at your favorite restaurant. After all, it’s easy when you’re counting calories to develop a fear of any food that you did not prepare yourself. It may seem safer to stay home and ingest only items with suitable nutrition facts printed on their packaging. The recent health care legislation has made it easier to make informed meal choices at fast food restaurants by demanding that many chains post calorie counts next to each item on their menu; however, restaurants with less than 20 outlets are exempt from this law. Still, it’s possible to enjoy a meal at a locally owned restaurant while still sticking with your diet, especially if you keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, control your condiments. Add-ons such as mayonnaise, butter, sour cream and salad dressing harbor a lot of calories from fat, says Jourunn Gran-Henriksen, certified dietician-nutritionist and assistant professor of nursing and nutrition at Plattsburgh State University.
“It doesn’t take very many bites [of these items] before you’ve eaten a lot of calories,” she says.
The good news is that just because you’re dieting doesn’t mean you are obligated to pass on these condiments all together, leaving your food dry and bland. Instead, Gran-Henriksen recommends asking for them on the side. That way you can put them on yourself and be in control of how much you are using.
Secondly, be familiar with menu terminology. Anything fried adds calories, Gran-Henriksen says, but there are different ways to fry foods, and some are worse than others. For example, Gran-Henriksen explains that sautéed is usually a better choice than pan fried, but pan fried is still better than deep-fried. If you’re looking to cut the most calories from your meal, however, Gran-Henriksen recommends sticking with foods that are baked or roasted because these cooking methods do not require oil, which is high in fat and calories.
Thirdly, just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Gran-Henriksen explains that portions at restaurants are often much larger than the portions you would normally eat at home, so consuming everything on your plate may mean over eating.
“Make the decision, ‘I’m not going to have anymore,’ and then put your utensils down,” she says. “You can always bring home a doggie bag, [but] if you eat too much, you can’t bring anything home.”
If you know you will have trouble mustering up the will power to stop eating before your plate is empty, Gran-Henriksen recommends ordering an appetizer in place of an entrée since appetizers are generally smaller portions.
Lastly, ask questions. Gran-Henriksen points out that your waiter or waitress can be a good resource for finding out how food is prepared and may be able to guide you in making a healthy meal choice.
While these tips present a general guide to eating healthy while eating out, different restaurants present different menu options, and it may not always be clear which options are best for your waistline. Ethnic foods, for example, use a wide variety of ingredients that may taste good but may also leave you wondering what exactly it is you ate.
The good news is that you don’t have to pass on all of Plattsburgh’s ethnic restaurants just because you’re dieting. Once again, you just have to keep a few things in mind.
If you’re craving Italian food, you may end up at Arnie’s Restaurant on Margaret Street, where believe it or not, there are plenty of options for the calorie conscious.
One of the restaurant’s owners, Glenn Pavone, explains that the chicken cacciatore is a healthy Italian inspired dish because it is made with boneless, skinless chicken breast and the restaurant’s homemade marinara sauce, which contains no saturated fat.
The restaurant also has a great option for controlling portion size, according to Pavone. “We offer half portions of spaghetti for people that don’t want to overdo it on pasta,” he says.
When it comes to choosing a sauce for your pasta, Gran-Henriksen recommends sticking with tomato based sauces such as marinara, plain sauce or meat sauce. She says to avoid anything with cream or butter, such as alfredo sauce, as these will be higher in calories.
Though Gran-Henriksen says that pizza is tough to make healthy due to the cheese, she recommends cutting calories by requesting less cheese on your pizza, which Arnie Pavone, co-owner of Arnie’s Restaurant, says he welcomes guests to do. Arnie adds that the restaurant uses half-skim mozzarella on all of its pizzas, eliminating extra fat and calories.
Like pizza, Mexican food is also hard to make healthy because of the cheese that is generally added to most dishes, but there are still some options for dieters, according to Glenn LaBarre, manager of The Smoked Pepper on Bridge Street.
For one, Labarre says that guests may opt for balsamic portabella mushrooms in their burritos or salads, rather than meat; though, The Smoked Pepper does use boneless, skinless chicken breast, which Gran-Henriksen says is not a bad choice. Shrimp is also a healthy choice for a burrito or salad filler; however, Gran-Henriksen warns to stay away from beef and pork.
While sour cream and guacamole are some of those calorie packed condiments that are best used sparingly or not at all, Labarre says that the Smoked Pepper’s guajillo sauce, which is made of tomatoes and peppers, is great for adding a, “load of flavor” to dishes without adding a load of calories.
Once again, guests are welcomed to request less cheese on any of the dishes, and LaBarre says that baked chicken can be substituted for sautéed or pan-fried chicken on salads.
For dieters craving a taste of India, Karma Indian Cuisine on Cornelia Street can accommodate.
“Nobody could be more calorie analytical than I am right now, but believe it or not, I eat at my restaurant three times a day,” says Karma’s manager, Barinder Kaur, who is watching her calorie intake in preparation for her wedding in three months.
One of Kaur’s favorite dishes is the restaurant’s chicken curry, which she says can also be made with vegetables or lamb. She explains that the sauce is made of onions and spices, and has no dairy in it.
“It’s absolutely delicious because what happens is spices add on a flavor… India has over 200 spices, [and they] don’t have many calories what so ever; it’s just flavor,” she says.
Indian cuisine also has an abundance of breads associated with it, and Kaur recommends tandoori roti because it is made with whole wheat.
While the Atkins diet craze may have scared you away from carbs, Gran-Henriksen says there are actually some good nutrients in bread, and as long as you don’t overdo it, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little bread with your meal.
In fact, it seems moderation is a key to maintaining a healthy diet. While it’s important to be careful about the foods you put in your mouth, you also don’t want to take all the fun out of eating.
“If you go out to eat a lot, I think you have to be much more careful,” Gran-Henriksen says. “ If you go out, and it’s just a once in a while thing, and you’re treating yourself, enjoy it.”
Exercise methods help families get fit together
By Amanda Sivan Kaufman
With distractions like high definition 3D movies, mounds of work piling up on the desk, and that ever-growing, ever-neglected to-do list to try and tackle, many people today simply cannot imagine time to set aside for exercise and do not have money to afford a gym in the current economy. But that is OK, according to Plattsburgh State Director of Health Education Services Jerimy Blowers.
In order teach families how to become healthy together, small steps that can be accomplished in everyday tasks must first be made Blowers said.
“Parents lead by example,” he said. Without the guidance of parents, a long-term “lifestyle change” cannot be made within a family.
While Blowers recommends walking children to parks instead of driving them, kicking a soccer ball around, and interacting with them, some people do not have time to pause and do this.
There is more than one approach to getting fit and simply adding in an activity that a person enjoys is a step toward keeping the body in shape, he said, even if getting healthy is through a non traditional means—video games.
“A lot of kids at a young age are not very health oriented,” Marcus Hanson, a Plattsburgh GameStop employee, said. He regularly sees parents coming into the video game store to purchase health geared video games from Nintendo, such as Wii Fit he said. The company also produces a line of sports video games, weight loss and cooking coach video games, and began integrating walking through its hit line of Pokemon video games on the DS handheld system, through a pedometer accessory called the Pokewalker that allows a play to carry a Pokemon character with them on walks.
“[The Pokewalker] encourages people to move,” Hanson said, noting that the pedometer gives a point system known as watts to players for getting special characters and items in the game. 20 steps equal one watt, which is the same amount of steps required to burn a single calorie.
Blowers said that walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise and can be one of the most helpful and easiest to apply in everyday life, even if it means parking a little “farther from Wal-mart than what you normally would.”
Emily Richard recently bought the Pokemon games that feature the Pokewalker and thinks it is good for children to be encouraged to exercise in such a way. Other games, such as Wii Fit, she said seems to be aimed at older people who are better at video games than outdoor exercise.
“I don’t want to call my mom lazy, but [she doesn’t go outside] and she plays Dance Dance Revolution and everything,” Richards said.
Within Clinton County, steps have been made to help the community have more access to healthy activities that can bring families together.
The Eat Well Play Hard offered by the Clinton County Health Department award grants to seven different agencies, totaling $15,500. The awards were given to Peru Intermediate School, Beekmantown School District, and the City of Plattsburgh among other areas. The funding focuses on enhancing nutrition or physical activity within the community, a press release this past March stated. The funding will go toward things such as adding a vegetarian diet in cafeterias and expanding the Disc Golf course in Cadyville to a full 18-hole course.
Regular outdoor exercise is important to students such as Devin Brassard and Sean Bigdeli in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Bigdeli said that exercise should be part of a lifestyle, agreeing with Blowers’ statement, and that a mix of activities is best. Adding things like video games can be good, he said, but also dangerous because video games are “based more on assumption than on reality” and that may not have a good outcome on mental health.
“I’ve played [Wii Fit] but I wouldn’t call it enjoyable,” Brassard said, “it’s a whole lot of weird little mini games. As a gamer, a game of mini games isn’t much of a game. I know it’s healthy but you have to make sure you enjoy something if you want to keep doing it.”
If he ever has children he said he would stick to a more traditional means of getting them exercise and having them play outside.
“I would be like my mom and tell my kids to go play out in traffic,” Brassard said. “You’d stay in shape trying not to get killed.”
With distractions like high definition 3D movies, mounds of work piling up on the desk, and that ever-growing, ever-neglected to-do list to try and tackle, many people today simply cannot imagine time to set aside for exercise and do not have money to afford a gym in the current economy. But that is OK, according to Plattsburgh State Director of Health Education Services Jerimy Blowers.
In order teach families how to become healthy together, small steps that can be accomplished in everyday tasks must first be made Blowers said.
“Parents lead by example,” he said. Without the guidance of parents, a long-term “lifestyle change” cannot be made within a family.
While Blowers recommends walking children to parks instead of driving them, kicking a soccer ball around, and interacting with them, some people do not have time to pause and do this.
There is more than one approach to getting fit and simply adding in an activity that a person enjoys is a step toward keeping the body in shape, he said, even if getting healthy is through a non traditional means—video games.
“A lot of kids at a young age are not very health oriented,” Marcus Hanson, a Plattsburgh GameStop employee, said. He regularly sees parents coming into the video game store to purchase health geared video games from Nintendo, such as Wii Fit he said. The company also produces a line of sports video games, weight loss and cooking coach video games, and began integrating walking through its hit line of Pokemon video games on the DS handheld system, through a pedometer accessory called the Pokewalker that allows a play to carry a Pokemon character with them on walks.
“[The Pokewalker] encourages people to move,” Hanson said, noting that the pedometer gives a point system known as watts to players for getting special characters and items in the game. 20 steps equal one watt, which is the same amount of steps required to burn a single calorie.
Blowers said that walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise and can be one of the most helpful and easiest to apply in everyday life, even if it means parking a little “farther from Wal-mart than what you normally would.”
Emily Richard recently bought the Pokemon games that feature the Pokewalker and thinks it is good for children to be encouraged to exercise in such a way. Other games, such as Wii Fit, she said seems to be aimed at older people who are better at video games than outdoor exercise.
“I don’t want to call my mom lazy, but [she doesn’t go outside] and she plays Dance Dance Revolution and everything,” Richards said.
Within Clinton County, steps have been made to help the community have more access to healthy activities that can bring families together.
The Eat Well Play Hard offered by the Clinton County Health Department award grants to seven different agencies, totaling $15,500. The awards were given to Peru Intermediate School, Beekmantown School District, and the City of Plattsburgh among other areas. The funding focuses on enhancing nutrition or physical activity within the community, a press release this past March stated. The funding will go toward things such as adding a vegetarian diet in cafeterias and expanding the Disc Golf course in Cadyville to a full 18-hole course.
Regular outdoor exercise is important to students such as Devin Brassard and Sean Bigdeli in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Bigdeli said that exercise should be part of a lifestyle, agreeing with Blowers’ statement, and that a mix of activities is best. Adding things like video games can be good, he said, but also dangerous because video games are “based more on assumption than on reality” and that may not have a good outcome on mental health.
“I’ve played [Wii Fit] but I wouldn’t call it enjoyable,” Brassard said, “it’s a whole lot of weird little mini games. As a gamer, a game of mini games isn’t much of a game. I know it’s healthy but you have to make sure you enjoy something if you want to keep doing it.”
If he ever has children he said he would stick to a more traditional means of getting them exercise and having them play outside.
“I would be like my mom and tell my kids to go play out in traffic,” Brassard said. “You’d stay in shape trying not to get killed.”
Will 2010 be the Hornets' year?
By Bryan Foti
While the Plattsburgh City School District Administrative staff and the Board of Education are creating a budget that will likely see teacher cuts, tax raises and possible sports cuts, the Plattsburgh High School Baseball team is on the field preparing for their upcoming season.
The Plattsburg Hornets return seven players from a team last year that made it to the Section VII Class B Championship game before losing to Beekmantown 5 to 3. The team will be anchored around senior player Joe Kirkpatrick. In his junior season, Kirkpatrick had a great year posting a .380 batting average. His 23 RBI’s (Runs Batted In) lead the Hornet team. Pitching is strength for Kirkpatrick as well, last year he started 5 games for the Hornets and won all of them. He had a team leading 1.44 ERA (Earned Run Average). He had 33 strike outs as well.
Plattsburgh Head Coach Jim Manchester has high expectations for Kirkpatrick. “He is going to be an asset at the plate for us this year.” Manchester will have a number of solid players to choose from. Brendan Cortright will provide good pitching experience according to Manchester. Last year Cortright made four appearances as a pitcher. He posted a 1.66 ERA and had a 2-0 record.
Kevin Neiderer will do the catching duties for Plattsburgh this year. In 2009, Neiderer had a good year offensively batting .300. Manchester also said Neiderer will play the outfield along with John Zayas. Brett Gilman will play short-stop and hold down the middle of the infield.
With all of this talent the Hornets have high hopes going into the 2010 season. “We have kind of been the glass slipper of the league the past two seasons coming in 2nd place. This year we have a goal to win our league and represent Section VII in the States,” says Manchester.
The old cliché in baseball is that pitching and defense win games. The Hornets know this and they are practicing defense a lot. On the field the Hornets were doing a drill on rundowns and how to get an out. The team seemed to be executing the drill well but sometimes there were mistakes. “There is always going to be teaching involved, they are kids. We can live with physical mistakes but the mental ones are the ones we have to cut back on.”
Plattsburgh should be able to get off to a quick start in the season because they will have already had some game experience when they open play on April 19 and play Peru High School. On April 12 through April 16 the Hornets will be down in Mingo Bay, SC to play in a baseball tournament. Plattsburgh will be playing three games in a Round Robin Tournament. There is a lot that went into making it possible for the baseball team to go down to South Carolina. Plattsburgh Athletic Director Clifford "Joe" Staves says, “Coach Manchester made a proposal to the Athletic Office and the Superintendent with very specific conditions outlining the fact that the trip would be at no cost to the School District/Taxpayers. This proposal was presented for Board of Education for approval, and has been done so each year.” Manchester’s plan included a lot of fund raising. The Hornets did a bottle drive that raised 303 dollars. They also raised another 500 dollars from McSweeney's fundraiser and another 200 dollars was donated from Nuway/Plattsburgh City Taxi. They have a total balance of 906 dollars to spend on food. The trip did not get many complaints from parents or form the community even though the district is struggling financially. The players are very excited for the upcoming season. In practice they seemed much focused on their goal at task. Mitch Kilkeary who is a junior on the team is very excited about the opportunity to travel down to South Carolina. “It is going to be a real good time and should give us a lot of momentum heading into the season.” Team Chemistry should be able to help the Hornets this year. They return seven seniors and have a very talented junior class. Cortright says, “we have solid team chemistry, we are all friends, and have played together for a very long time. We are all little league compadres.” The players all have one thing on their mind this year and that is to win a championship and get to states. Joe Tolosky is a junior pitcher and outfielder he says, “We are expecting to win our division and we are going to try to make a splash at states if we get there.” The Hornets have a good shot to get back to a Section VII championship game. The Hornets are well coached and have a solid group of players on the team this year. Gilman says “I feel we have a good shot to make it far this year and we have a chance to do some special things this upcoming season.” The Hornets open the Section VII season against Peru and will start their journey that will hopefully lead them to a state playoff game.
While the Plattsburgh City School District Administrative staff and the Board of Education are creating a budget that will likely see teacher cuts, tax raises and possible sports cuts, the Plattsburgh High School Baseball team is on the field preparing for their upcoming season.
The Plattsburg Hornets return seven players from a team last year that made it to the Section VII Class B Championship game before losing to Beekmantown 5 to 3. The team will be anchored around senior player Joe Kirkpatrick. In his junior season, Kirkpatrick had a great year posting a .380 batting average. His 23 RBI’s (Runs Batted In) lead the Hornet team. Pitching is strength for Kirkpatrick as well, last year he started 5 games for the Hornets and won all of them. He had a team leading 1.44 ERA (Earned Run Average). He had 33 strike outs as well.
Plattsburgh Head Coach Jim Manchester has high expectations for Kirkpatrick. “He is going to be an asset at the plate for us this year.” Manchester will have a number of solid players to choose from. Brendan Cortright will provide good pitching experience according to Manchester. Last year Cortright made four appearances as a pitcher. He posted a 1.66 ERA and had a 2-0 record.
Kevin Neiderer will do the catching duties for Plattsburgh this year. In 2009, Neiderer had a good year offensively batting .300. Manchester also said Neiderer will play the outfield along with John Zayas. Brett Gilman will play short-stop and hold down the middle of the infield.
With all of this talent the Hornets have high hopes going into the 2010 season. “We have kind of been the glass slipper of the league the past two seasons coming in 2nd place. This year we have a goal to win our league and represent Section VII in the States,” says Manchester.
The old cliché in baseball is that pitching and defense win games. The Hornets know this and they are practicing defense a lot. On the field the Hornets were doing a drill on rundowns and how to get an out. The team seemed to be executing the drill well but sometimes there were mistakes. “There is always going to be teaching involved, they are kids. We can live with physical mistakes but the mental ones are the ones we have to cut back on.”
Plattsburgh should be able to get off to a quick start in the season because they will have already had some game experience when they open play on April 19 and play Peru High School. On April 12 through April 16 the Hornets will be down in Mingo Bay, SC to play in a baseball tournament. Plattsburgh will be playing three games in a Round Robin Tournament. There is a lot that went into making it possible for the baseball team to go down to South Carolina. Plattsburgh Athletic Director Clifford "Joe" Staves says, “Coach Manchester made a proposal to the Athletic Office and the Superintendent with very specific conditions outlining the fact that the trip would be at no cost to the School District/Taxpayers. This proposal was presented for Board of Education for approval, and has been done so each year.” Manchester’s plan included a lot of fund raising. The Hornets did a bottle drive that raised 303 dollars. They also raised another 500 dollars from McSweeney's fundraiser and another 200 dollars was donated from Nuway/Plattsburgh City Taxi. They have a total balance of 906 dollars to spend on food. The trip did not get many complaints from parents or form the community even though the district is struggling financially. The players are very excited for the upcoming season. In practice they seemed much focused on their goal at task. Mitch Kilkeary who is a junior on the team is very excited about the opportunity to travel down to South Carolina. “It is going to be a real good time and should give us a lot of momentum heading into the season.” Team Chemistry should be able to help the Hornets this year. They return seven seniors and have a very talented junior class. Cortright says, “we have solid team chemistry, we are all friends, and have played together for a very long time. We are all little league compadres.” The players all have one thing on their mind this year and that is to win a championship and get to states. Joe Tolosky is a junior pitcher and outfielder he says, “We are expecting to win our division and we are going to try to make a splash at states if we get there.” The Hornets have a good shot to get back to a Section VII championship game. The Hornets are well coached and have a solid group of players on the team this year. Gilman says “I feel we have a good shot to make it far this year and we have a chance to do some special things this upcoming season.” The Hornets open the Section VII season against Peru and will start their journey that will hopefully lead them to a state playoff game.
Importance of religious acceptance
By Caitlin Fitzpatrick
The passage of the hate-crime law in October of 2009, proved a victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community. The law makes it a federal crime to assault an individual based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity, according to CNN.
However, many continue to wonder if the law will really help end crime and discrimination against those who identify as LGBT.
Bishop John Selders, an ordained minister and bishop in the United Church of Christ and a member of the religion council of the Religion & Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign, says he believes that the new hate-crime law will help to a degree on the federal level but he is not sure that it will work as a deterrent for those who commit the acts.
Discrimination against a gay teenager by his church in Connecticut last year has highlighted the fact that some LGBT youths are not accepted or provided help by their faith groups. The teen was put through a gay “exorcism” by his church elders, which was broadcast on YouTube.
According to ReligionLink.com, youths and young people are the most vulnerable in the LGBT community.
Marina Capote, a young adult in the LGBT community, thinks that the new hate-crime law is definitely a major step in the right direction because crimes against those who identify as LGBT are now recognized as actual crimes and are finally taken seriously.
However, Capote says that she has shut the door on religion because she feels as though she will not be accepted and she is more open-minded than most religions.
“God doesn’t judge,” adds Samantha Wood, also a young member of the LGBT community. Wood also adds the idea of how homosexuality was not recognized at the time when the Bible was written.
“If you have a true understanding of faith, you would know that it’s not wrong,” she says, referring to homosexuality.
Selders says in his experience he has found that most LGBT youths have not been comfortable going to their religious faith for help and guidance because many faith traditions have a history of violence when it comes to homosexuality.
Selders also says that when there has been work done by religious faiths to allow for the emergence of those in the LGBT community it has not been focused specifically on youths.
However, although religious communities have not been doing enough to help LGBT youths they are beginning to, Selders says.
He also says that some segments of religious communities are part of the effort when it comes to accepting the new hate-crime law.
Michael Correa, member of the Greek Ally Project at SUNY Plattsburgh and a former teacher’s assistant for the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh, works to educate those on campus in Greek life about such diversity issues as homophobia.
The project provides an outlet for young adults in Greek life who may be confused about their own sexuality or for those who are LGBT in the Greek community who need a place to turn and express themselves.
“The Greek Ally Project’s main goal is to make sure that Greek organizations on campus are educated about diverse issues, including homophobia and homosexuality, so that everyone feels accepted,” Correa says.
Correa says that he believes that it is important for young members of the LGBT community to feel as though they can turn to anyone they trust, especially their religious community, when they need help.
Capote agrees, adding that those in the LGBT community who come from a religious background consider acceptance by their religious faiths important because they do not want to be rejected by those who they look up to and respect.
“Religion teaches acceptance, so it only makes sense that when a member of their faith comes to them for help or guidance they provide it no matter his or her sexual orientation,” Correa says.
The passage of the hate-crime law in October of 2009, proved a victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community. The law makes it a federal crime to assault an individual based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity, according to CNN.
However, many continue to wonder if the law will really help end crime and discrimination against those who identify as LGBT.
Bishop John Selders, an ordained minister and bishop in the United Church of Christ and a member of the religion council of the Religion & Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign, says he believes that the new hate-crime law will help to a degree on the federal level but he is not sure that it will work as a deterrent for those who commit the acts.
Discrimination against a gay teenager by his church in Connecticut last year has highlighted the fact that some LGBT youths are not accepted or provided help by their faith groups. The teen was put through a gay “exorcism” by his church elders, which was broadcast on YouTube.
According to ReligionLink.com, youths and young people are the most vulnerable in the LGBT community.
Marina Capote, a young adult in the LGBT community, thinks that the new hate-crime law is definitely a major step in the right direction because crimes against those who identify as LGBT are now recognized as actual crimes and are finally taken seriously.
However, Capote says that she has shut the door on religion because she feels as though she will not be accepted and she is more open-minded than most religions.
“God doesn’t judge,” adds Samantha Wood, also a young member of the LGBT community. Wood also adds the idea of how homosexuality was not recognized at the time when the Bible was written.
“If you have a true understanding of faith, you would know that it’s not wrong,” she says, referring to homosexuality.
Selders says in his experience he has found that most LGBT youths have not been comfortable going to their religious faith for help and guidance because many faith traditions have a history of violence when it comes to homosexuality.
Selders also says that when there has been work done by religious faiths to allow for the emergence of those in the LGBT community it has not been focused specifically on youths.
However, although religious communities have not been doing enough to help LGBT youths they are beginning to, Selders says.
He also says that some segments of religious communities are part of the effort when it comes to accepting the new hate-crime law.
Michael Correa, member of the Greek Ally Project at SUNY Plattsburgh and a former teacher’s assistant for the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh, works to educate those on campus in Greek life about such diversity issues as homophobia.
The project provides an outlet for young adults in Greek life who may be confused about their own sexuality or for those who are LGBT in the Greek community who need a place to turn and express themselves.
“The Greek Ally Project’s main goal is to make sure that Greek organizations on campus are educated about diverse issues, including homophobia and homosexuality, so that everyone feels accepted,” Correa says.
Correa says that he believes that it is important for young members of the LGBT community to feel as though they can turn to anyone they trust, especially their religious community, when they need help.
Capote agrees, adding that those in the LGBT community who come from a religious background consider acceptance by their religious faiths important because they do not want to be rejected by those who they look up to and respect.
“Religion teaches acceptance, so it only makes sense that when a member of their faith comes to them for help or guidance they provide it no matter his or her sexual orientation,” Correa says.
Hunger, the almighty monster
By Amanda Delosh
After a long day of work or school we come home and escape the world we love to hate; our jobs and homework. That couch, bag of chocolates with a complimentary side of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, looks really good when you’re favorite TV show is on.
Influences can come in many different forms. There may be peer influences, distractions from the environment you live in, or an everyday life issue. Hunger is one of the many aspects of our life that is influences from these certain pressures. What triggers hunger are things that we do on a daily basis according to some experts.
The question is, do people realize they tend to eat more when they are relaxing in front of the TV? “As soon as I sit down I feel like I should be doing something,” says Audrey Shippee, of Rochester, NY, a St. John Fisher College student.” She continues saying, “That something usually is eating.”
TV is not the only thing keeping us from the reality we indulge upon. Peer influences come in many different ways. Not only is it by peer pressure, but by what we eat. When a group of friends go out to eat dinner, do friends tend choosing to eat the same? According to the article called hunger triggers, in Allure magazine this is true. The sharing behavior is what this is called. People eat and do what their friends are doing.
According to this article a study found friends who go in bigger groups would get more food. Many people do not realize they do this. This is where the problem lies, without the knowledge. “My friends tend to order what other people order and not what they want because of what other people will think,” says Shippee. “Like if one orders a ‘huge juicy burger,’ and everyone else is ordering salads.”
As with peer influence for both men and women a like, another one for women is dating. Does a girl ever notice the type of good one eats when on a date with a potentially new prospect? Probably not, the nerves will take over and a women’s need to impress, so eating a less amount, will occur. Unlike Shippee she mentions, “I never really had that problem with my boyfriend when we started dating.” Shippee just happens to be one of the lucky ones who can overcome this “fear,” when they begin dating. “If anything he makes me eat more,” she says with a laugh.
Giving into a fear is much like giving into a temptation. We are always tempted to eat that one little chocolate morsel that would melt in your mouth. People think this is bad when dieting, correct? According to the article this is wrong. Satisfying a craving in a healthy way is a positive thing.
Whether there are social, or physical distractions going on, hunger will somehow sneak its way into your life. “It depends on what I’m distracted by,” says Shippee. “If it’s a relationship issue I don’t want to eat anything, or anything that makes me nervous or worried.” She continues saying, “But when I’m doing homework I always want to eat.” Why she says is because she’s bored.
Other social distractions could include people talking about food, or saying they are hungry. A person could have just eaten something and are completely full, but that instant conversation of something delicious will make someone want to eat more. “I want to eat food all the time,” says Shippee. “If you’re talking about food that just makes me want to eat more of it.” Distractions, instincts, peers, and other influences will be consistent hunger triggers. The hunger monster will terrorize lives, but will also make people happy on the days when stress and relief need to become best friends.
After a long day of work or school we come home and escape the world we love to hate; our jobs and homework. That couch, bag of chocolates with a complimentary side of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, looks really good when you’re favorite TV show is on.
Influences can come in many different forms. There may be peer influences, distractions from the environment you live in, or an everyday life issue. Hunger is one of the many aspects of our life that is influences from these certain pressures. What triggers hunger are things that we do on a daily basis according to some experts.
The question is, do people realize they tend to eat more when they are relaxing in front of the TV? “As soon as I sit down I feel like I should be doing something,” says Audrey Shippee, of Rochester, NY, a St. John Fisher College student.” She continues saying, “That something usually is eating.”
TV is not the only thing keeping us from the reality we indulge upon. Peer influences come in many different ways. Not only is it by peer pressure, but by what we eat. When a group of friends go out to eat dinner, do friends tend choosing to eat the same? According to the article called hunger triggers, in Allure magazine this is true. The sharing behavior is what this is called. People eat and do what their friends are doing.
According to this article a study found friends who go in bigger groups would get more food. Many people do not realize they do this. This is where the problem lies, without the knowledge. “My friends tend to order what other people order and not what they want because of what other people will think,” says Shippee. “Like if one orders a ‘huge juicy burger,’ and everyone else is ordering salads.”
As with peer influence for both men and women a like, another one for women is dating. Does a girl ever notice the type of good one eats when on a date with a potentially new prospect? Probably not, the nerves will take over and a women’s need to impress, so eating a less amount, will occur. Unlike Shippee she mentions, “I never really had that problem with my boyfriend when we started dating.” Shippee just happens to be one of the lucky ones who can overcome this “fear,” when they begin dating. “If anything he makes me eat more,” she says with a laugh.
Giving into a fear is much like giving into a temptation. We are always tempted to eat that one little chocolate morsel that would melt in your mouth. People think this is bad when dieting, correct? According to the article this is wrong. Satisfying a craving in a healthy way is a positive thing.
Whether there are social, or physical distractions going on, hunger will somehow sneak its way into your life. “It depends on what I’m distracted by,” says Shippee. “If it’s a relationship issue I don’t want to eat anything, or anything that makes me nervous or worried.” She continues saying, “But when I’m doing homework I always want to eat.” Why she says is because she’s bored.
Other social distractions could include people talking about food, or saying they are hungry. A person could have just eaten something and are completely full, but that instant conversation of something delicious will make someone want to eat more. “I want to eat food all the time,” says Shippee. “If you’re talking about food that just makes me want to eat more of it.” Distractions, instincts, peers, and other influences will be consistent hunger triggers. The hunger monster will terrorize lives, but will also make people happy on the days when stress and relief need to become best friends.
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