Volume 89, Issue 2

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NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

Volume 89, Issue II

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Local Community Dedicates New 9/11 Memorial - STORY ON PAGE 7 -

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

• Orlando Shooting Victims Honored on Campus .....Pg 3 • Zephyr Teachout Answers Campaign Questions .......Pg 6 • John Faso Sits Down for Exclusive Interview .............Pg 4 • Toxic Algae Found in Wallkill River Samples ..........Pg 8


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Walking on Paws For a Cure PUPPYUP FOUNDATION VISITS NEW PALTZ

By Amanda Copkov Features Editor | Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu When Luke Robinson’s beloved Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, he did the only thing that made sense: he walked 2,300 miles from Austin, Texas to Boston, Massachusetts. Ironically enough, Robinson, founder of the PuppyUp foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to funding comparative oncology research and raising awareness about canine cancer, was not initially a dog person. “I’ve been a type A person all my life,” he said. “I had them growing up as a kid, but once I moved out of my house I didn’t have time for a puppy dog.” Then one day an ex-girlfriend called up Robinson asking if he wanted one. “I swear I said no, but I ended up with Malcolm anyway,” he said. “He was a Pyrenees, and they’re so damn stubborn. He and I were butting heads all the time.” Robinson called his ex back up telling her to take the dog back. When she

said no, he went so far as to try to give him away, but no takers. After four or five months of having Malcolm, something interesting happened—Robinson and his dog developed a spiritual bond. “He just became my mate,” he said. “And he broke me. He broke my idea of dogs, because before him, I didn’t know people could have a spiritual connection with an animal, and I had it with him.” Four years after Malcolm was diagnosed, Robinson, Malcolm and Murphy, Robinson’s second dog at the time, began their 2,300-mile journey to spread the word about canine cancer. They covered 16 states from the southern tier of the United States back up the east coast. They pitched tents and camped out on the side of the road during the first half of their voyage and had supplies shipped to them almost every 50 miles. But as their adventure became more public, people across state lines were itching to lodge them. Along the way, Robinson and Murphy lost Malcolm to his disease. That’s

when Robinson picked up his other Pyrenees, Hudson. The three walked the rest of the way to Boston and finally arrived there in 2010; Robinson lost Murphy to nasal cancer upon their arrival in Boston, and he picked up another Great Pyrenees, named Indiana, and founded PuppyUp. Now in its fifth full year, PuppyUp has had 160 walks across the United States, all promoting the education of comparative oncology as well as raising awareness of a disease that not only afflicts humans, but man’s best friend as well. The town of New Paltz hosted its third annual PuppyUp walk on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Adair Vineyards. According to Lori Stopskie, organizer of the event, they raised over $9,700. Stopskie, like Robinson, had a beloved lab-mix, Syrah, succumb to cancer in November of 2010. “It still hurts,” Stopskie said. “It’s not fun losing anyone to cancer, losing a pet, losing a loved one.” This year, Stopskie said most of

PuppyUp’s funds are going toward studying osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, which is the No. 1 cancer in both dogs and children. According to Dr. Sue Ettinger, a veterinary cancer specialist who attended New Paltz’s PuppyUp, cancer is the No. 1 killer of dogs. She said every one in three dogs will get cancer in their lifetime, with one out of every two dogs over the age of 10 being afflicted by cancer. The Animal Cancer Foundation also reports that roughly 6 million cancer diagnoses are made in dogs each year, with the most similar cancers in both dogs and humans being non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, head and neck carcinoma, mammary carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma. “[PuppyUp] isn’t just about canine cancer, it’s about human cancer, too,” Stopskie said. “It’s about looking at the links between the two and trying to find better treatments and better cures for both dogs and people.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUPPYUP Robinson camping out with his dogs.

Golden retriever soaking up the sun at PuppyUp in New Paltz.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Robinson spent 826 days on the road with his dogs.


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Campus Honors Victims of Pulse Nightclub Shooting By Kristen Warfield

Editor-in-Chief | Warfielk1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The campus community came together on Old Main Quad Monday night in remembrance of the 49 victims who lost their lives three months ago in a mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida—the deadliest incident of violence against LGBTQIA+ people in U.S. history. The nightclub was a haven for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and served as a key spot for a night of music, dancing and spending time with friends. Pulse held theme performances each night and was hosting Latin night on June 12 when the attack, perpetrated by a sole gunman, took place. Fifty-three people were injured in addition to the 49 killed, making it the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since the events of Sept. 11, 2001. SUNY New Paltz President Donald Christian welcomed those in attendance with an opening address on the ways in which the campus community is affected by this event, despite the 1,500-mile distance between the two places. “This event happened in Florida — it could have happened anywhere,” Christian said. “On our campus, we have to talk honestly about events like this that occur beyond the boundar-

ies of our campus, and recognize their impacts on members of our community and others.” With a robust population of both LGBTQIA+ students and allies on campus among both the student and faculty body, Christian highlighted the importance of continuing to educate the next generation of citizens with the knowledge and tools to contribute to a just and fair society for all people. “I’m proud to see students, faculty and staff from across the college here to honor those who lost their lives in June and to share our grief,” Christian said. “Even as we stay focused on our core educational mission, we must confront these issues, and we must support and guide our students as they, you, navigate the world and advocate for social change during your time here as students. Our collective work must continue to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive and safe campus.” Christian’s address was followed by words from Claire Williams, co-president of New Paltz Pride, who reminded her fellow peers to find solace in the “same places that were under attack” that night: in music, drag, pride and clubs. “Begin to understand your history as a member our community, and never once doubt that your presence here is absolutely crucial,”

she said. “Love fiercely.” Members of various college organizations, such as New Paltz Pride, the Latin American Student Union, the Latin American & Caribbean Studies and the Rivera-House Living Learning Community approached the microphone one by one as they individually read off the 49 victim’s names, each inscribed on long pieces of rainbow-colored ribbon. Between names, both faculty and students stepped up to the microphone to speak, share grief, offer words of encouragement and stand in solidarity against violence and discrimination against people of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations and religions. After the reading of each name, speakers tied the ribbon onto a branch of a tree nearby the vigil on the quad. In the distance, a wreath of rainbow-colored flowers served as a pop of color among the sea of students and faculty dressed in black. Dr. Jessica Pabón, assistant professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality studies at the college, approached the podium with the impassioned offering of an open letter that she had sent to all members of the Rivera House, a living-learning community on campus named after Venezuelan-American transgender activist Sylvia Rae Rivera. She was a devoted social

justice activist and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth of color. “I ask you to please take care of yourselves, please take care of our community, take pride in your continued resilience in the face of a racist, homophobic, classist, xenophobic, misogynistic world that uses toxic masculinity as a weapon to disappear us, to silence our voices,” Pabón said. “To echo the words of a campaign launched by the Queer Activist Organization ‘Act Up’ in the face of the AIDS epidemic: ‘Silence equals death on so many registers. We must and we will act up in resistance.’” At the conclusion of the program, members of the crowd were welcomed to write messages of encouragement and other thoughts brought out by the vigil on white ribbon to further decorate the tree. As the attendees started to leave, students released a large bouquet of rainbow-colored balloons into the sky. Williams stood by, watching the balloons disappear into the sky before exchanging hugs and words of encouragement with her colleagues. “I’m really proud of our turnout,” she said. “I hope that people continue to realize that this is a safe space regardless of identity, and regardless if you’re out or not, and I hope that New Paltz continues being a supportive place that helps to facilitate activism.”

again in 2011 to include all aspects of behavioral health. Some past themes include Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal Valuable! (2015), Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out (2014), Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness (2013), Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It (2012) and Join the Voices for Recovery: Recovery Benefits Everyone (2011). This year, the SUNY New Paltz Athletic Department is taking initiative to raise awareness and promote positive mental and behavioral health. The initiative is called Athletes Together and it was inspired by the University of Michigan’s Athletes Connected. “When you are here as a student, everyone always says that your team becomes your family,” said Athletic Director Stuart Robinson. “As a teammate, you want to be there for your teammate, you want them to feel comfortable, you want them to be successful, you want them to know that somebody cares about them.” The student-athletes involved are tasked first with giving the department a better sense of the prevelant issues within the athletic com-

munity and the rest of the campus community as a whole. From there, educating students on how to handle these issues when they arise and what the right questions are to ask as opposed to asking no questions. “Over the years we’ve seen signs that student-athletes were struggling, not to the point that they couldn’t function, but with certain behaviors that they weren’t always themselves and people feeling frustrated because they didn’t know what to do to help their friends,” Robinson said. “I think that battle between being a friend and encouraging an individual to seek help really began to unnerve some people.” The committee is comprised of about 24 student-athletes and five campus administrators that will be involved on some level, but very well could grow. The program is still in the developing and coordinating stages as they continue to collect information, but hopes to start picking up speed by the end of next week according to Robinson. OASIS and HAVEN are two student support services on campus. They are student staffed and supervised by the Psychological

Counseling Center. They are located on the bottom floor of Deyo Hall and their office hours are from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. every day. Their hotline is also available during these hours at 845-257-4945. OASIS provides confidential crisis intervention in areas such as suicidal ideation, depression, relationship issues, roommate hassles, academic stress and loneliness. Students can also call them for information and referrals on drugs and drug identification, sexual issues and related diseases and campus and community services. Peer volunteers at HAVEN are trained to respond to issues around rape, sexual assault, other unwanted sexual experiences and relationship violence. As far as resources available off campus, Open Arms Area holds Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in four Hudson Valley counties: Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess. NA was founded in 1953 and meetings in Hudson Valley, NY started in the early ‘80s. All meetings are open to anyone seeking freedom from active addiction. Visit openarmsarea.com or call 1-800-498-5224 for more information.

Support in the Month of September By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtelr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors September as National Recovery Month in order to raise awareness and understanding of mental and substance abuse disorders and celebrate those who recover. The observance also reinforces the message that behavioral health is essential to overall health. In its 27th year, the theme for National Recovery Month 2016 is Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery. The theme is meant to highlight the value of family support and invite individuals in recovery and their family members to share personal stories and successes encouraging others. Recovery Month began in 1989 under the name Treatment Works! and was meant to honor the work of substance use treatment professionals in the field. It became National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in 1998, expanding to include celebrating the accomplishment of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Finally, it evolved

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John Faso Sits Down With The Oracle Republican Candidate for the 19th Congressional Seat in New York State talks about issues concerning Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+, higher education, the presidential race, foreign policy, citizens united and his history as a lobbyist.

What issues do you think are the most important facing the Hudson Valley? The largest issue people talk to me about are jobs, the economy and taxes. After that, it’s security; national security, domestic security. Then it’s personal issues, drugs and the heroin addiction issues we’re facing along with opioids, pharmaceuticals, issues of Lyme’s disease, issues such as veterans and medical care for veterans. And then, I’d say seniors are concerned about property taxes. Young people are concerned with jobs. Are they going to have to move to find a job? Upstate New York has had an exodus of about a million people in the past 10 years, so that’s kind of the ‘canary in the coal mine’ if you will. It’s proof positive that people are voting with their feet and for various reasons, but primarily, it’s taxes and a variety of economic reasons. What are your thoughts on Zephyr Teachout billing herself as the ‘grassroots candidate? She has challenged Paul Singer, who is a backer of one of the Super PACs, [New York Wins], backing you, instead of challenging you to a debate. It’s just rank hypocrisy on her part. She’s received large donations from people who are Super PAC backers. So this video and the press release she put out on this is merely political theatre and nothing more. Who did you represent as a lobbyist? The major client I had in the last five years was Autism Speaks. And I wrote a law that was passed in 2011, that enhanced health insurance coverage for children with disabilities. And since that went into effect in 2012, tens of thousands of children have gotten additional healthcare coverage because of the advocacy that I made on behalf of Autism Speaks. It’s one thing to stick that moniker on you, but it’s a little deceptive. I also represented the New York Optometric Association on a scope of practice bill. So you are not backing down from your career as a lobbyist? It’s all public record. It’s there for anyone to see. In fact, Professor Teachout worked as a lobbyist, too. This is the standard rhetoric. You’ll hear in this campaign that I’m a right wing, anti-woman extremist and that I kick little puppies and children. That’s what they say, that’s what they said about [Rep.] Chris Gibson. It’s not true then and it’s not true now.

By Managing Editor Jack O’Brien & News Editor Melanie Zerah But it’s unfortunate that this is the kind of ap- speech. And how do they think the publicly-fi- issue of SUNY is really an issue of the state’s proach they take. They try to put you in this nanced system would be designed? It would be investment in higher education and it’s somecaricature box and that’s not correct. My job as designed by incumbents to benefit themselves. thing that I complained about a lot when I was a candidate is to try to correct the record and It’s not that I find the system we have today is in the legislature, was the disinvestment of the have people know what I’ve accomplished and satisfactory, what I find is that the cure they’re system from the capital. The key in terms of I’d be honored to serve if I was elected. proposing is worse than the disease. Now, the keeping tuition reasonable at SUNY is state inOne more question about the campaign one thing I would like to see is more transpar- vestment. The Sanders approach, which is now finance issues. Seth Lipsky had a column in ency in terms of who’s giving donations. For embraced by Hillary Clinton, would involve the New York Post, in which he quoted you example, I don’t support the ability of 501(c) the federal government in a complex scheme to saying that what Teachout really wanted to (4) organizations, who don’t have to disclose incentivize state college systems to hold down do is “give the government more control over their donors. I think those donors should be dis- tuition or make tuition free by large federal inpolitical speech.” Can you explain your quote closed, and that entity should be disclosed, and volvement in state budgetary questions. I don’t think it’s a feasible model, we saw in K-12 and and support of the Citizens United decision in that’s a reform I would support. You would not support the overturning of Common Core. First of all, the federal govern2010? ment is broke, and secondly, having the federal Their solution to this is twofold. One, Citizens United? Exactly. So personal political spending government so directly involved in state level amend the First Amendment to explicitly give the government more power to regulate who can in campaigns has always been legal. The vast finance decisions is not a wise policy. So to reiterate, you’re not advocating for speak. And number two, have a system of pub- majority of the spending that the campaign filicly-financed campaigns that she says would nance so-called reformers are talking about is the abolishment of the Department of Educago down to dogcatcher. So what does it mean spending that is done by wealthy individuals tion? No. I think the federal government should when you amend the First Amendment, to folks that is currently disclosed and was legal before like yourselves, who are going into journalism? Citizens United. So again, their arguments kind assume an appropriate role. Right now, it has I think that should raise some alarm. I also think of defy logic and common sense. Because what overstepped its boundaries. Because we’re in SUNY New Paltz, President James Madison’s handiwork is a lot they’re proposing isn’t going to fix that. The better than Professor Teachout’s. Second, the individual is still going to write a large check which has a prominent LGBTQIA+ comwhole concept of publicly-financed elections, if they want to, to an independent entity and munity, obviously those kinds of issues come experience shows, with New York City as an so there’s a lot of misinformation of that court up and have kind of hampered Republicans example, that the system is easily manipulated decision and what that court decision does. Ba- running for office so we wanted to ask you a by incumbents and it is easily manipulated by sically, it allowed corporations and unions to few questions on those issues that have played unscrupulous people to take advantage of the participate in campaign finance because there out on a national level, specifically about the had been bars prior to that. I think an examina- “bathroom bill” in North Carolina, HB-2. six-to-one match that they have. What changes would you be willing to tion would show, and again I think there should What is your opinion? I think these things are best handled lomake when the Koch [Brothers] say they’re be disclosure to 501(c)(4)s, that the vast macally, without federal or state involvement. I willing to spend up to $1 billion and Hillary jority of spending has been done by wealthy think the problem with the Obama administrapeople and not corporations, number one, it’s [Clinton] raises $123 million in a month? tion’s letter guidance is that they probably did I think one thing we have to understand is been done by unions and wealthy people. Corit without authority under the Administrative why do people want to influence what govern- porations, your General Electric, your Fortune Procedures Act, which has been a challenge ment does? Because government has a major 400 or Fortune 100 company, tell me which that some states have brought against it. role in the economy. They’ve created this long one of those companies are making massive You don’t think states brought it forward and complex tax system, with special privi- expenditures because of Citizens United. Most because they’re opposed to the transgender leges and exemptions for favored groups and corporations shy away in that regard because community in their state? interests, and we’d be better with a simpler they sell to Democrats and Republicans, liberI’m not going to speculate as to what their flatter system, by cleaning out this corporate als and conservatives, to religious believers and motivations are because I don’t know them welfare and making it less required for many agnostics, I mean, they sell to everyone. Most individually, I’m sure some of them are, but I of these business groups and unions from try- corporations are not going to get involved in do think that the key here is that if the federal ing to influence the process. So why do we this. So this spectre that it has unleashed the government is going to get involved in issues have an expensive campaign finance system? tidal wave of massive corporate donations is like this at the local level, it has to do it under Because we have a big, intrusive government unproven by the facts. And akin to my George a clear and legal authority. And what they did that has its nose in every aspect of the private Soros example, that spending was legal before was they didn’t promulgate a rule for which sector economy. That fact I think is ignored and Citizens United. there was a comment period, where interested never acknowledged by the people on the left What are your thoughts on higher educa- parties could submit comments. They issued who come up with these systems and proposals tion? Let’s deal with the public first. I think the Continued on page 5 to have the government control more political

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The New Paltz Oracle a letter of guidance from the Department of Justice to the schools in North Carolina that said ‘we think you might be violating provisions of certain statutes, and we hereby give you an admonishment if you don’t do this, we’re going to take federal money away from you.’ That is the problem from a legal standpoint. The question is whether they have the authority to do that. It’s in the courts now and my sense is that it is probably not going to be upheld because of that. Now, back in the 1990s, I was one of the first Republicans to vote for the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, SONDA, and I don’t support discrimination against anyone. We have marriage equality in New York state, that’s the law and I’m supportive of that, and again, they did it through the legislature, which is always preferable that way, than through courts. Can you expand on when you said it’s a ‘local matter?’ Well I think that these issues, I can just tell you that I’m familiar with some situations that we’ve dealt with in our school district where one day the child comes in and they’re one gender and then the next day they come in or the next school year and the parents say our child is the other gender. It’s a very difficult, sensitive thing for these parents. It’s emotional. It’s very difficult for the child. But you don’t think they should be barred, someone who was born a male but identifies as a female, should they be able to use the female restroom? Yes, and I think that these things can be handled on a local basis, in a discreet, sensitive way and the old expression, ‘not make a federal case out of this.’ These things just work themselves out and the worst thing to do is make this into a big deal. I think maybe they overreacted in North Carolina but maybe it was an overreaction for [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo to call up the SUNY Albany basketball team and bar them from going to North Carolina to play in a university division one basketball tournament. Do you think the U.S. should take in more refugees? It has been a huge point of contention after Paris, Brussels, etc.? I think first of all the tragedy in Syria is— the U.S. bears some role, and Obama’s foreign policy has been a disaster in this area. Not getting a Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq was a tremendous mistake. Do you support the idea of putting ground troops in either Syria or Iraq? We have to first rely upon the Sunni Arab states to bear the brunt of this. We have to make sure that we train and equip people that have our interests and the interest of peace in that region. We also have to make sure that we have good relations with the Kurds. I think the President has been too slow in terms of making sure the Kurds have sufficient military equip-

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ment to defeat ISIS. But as Chris Gibson will tell you, ISIS is really Al-Qaeda in Anbar Province. That’s really who they are. They are the same people that he was fighting in 2006 and 2007 during the surge, and we defeated these guys. That is the tragedy of this: not having a Status of Forces Agreement and the precipitous withdrawal of the U.S. from Iraq has in essence fostered the kind of instability that we are seeing today. The U.S. clearly made a mistake in the Iraq invasion, but once we did it, look at the sum of the mistakes we made. We forced the Iraqi army to be disbanded, that was a colossal mistake, which I thought so at the time. But the ultimate failure, when in 2009 there was a relative security there, relative not in our terms but in Middle Eastern terms, it was secured by an awful lot of American blood and treasure. A lot of our people were seriously injured and are bearing those burdens today. To not then institute and ensure that the gains that we won were secured was a big mistake. I think not getting the Status of Forces Agreement was a very large mistake that they made. Be that as it may, I think that the burden of doing this militarily has to be on the countries in the region, it can’t be the U.S. I think that would not be wise, politically, militarily or diplomatically, but we have to give the other countries the assurance that our word is solid and that we will follow through. I don’t think this ‘leading from behind strategy’ of Obama has been particularly successful. So you do support Donald Trump for president? Well we said that I will support the Republican nominee, I certainly don’t support Hillary Clinton. Do I agree with much of what Donald Trump said? No, but the fact is I don’t agree with much of what Hillary Clinton says. I think there are some severe problems with the way she has handled this whole email thing. Why did she do it? Well the reason was, it is obvious, she wanted to shield herself from scrutiny that she would be exposed to if she were using the State Department server. And now we learn this business about the interactions with the Clinton Foundation, it is very disquieting. You talk about pay-to-play, that’s a pretty significant situation. The thing I hear most from people in this district, and again, my job is to win the 19th Congressional District; it is not to apine on the presidential race, because not everything I say will matter anyway. The thing is that out of 330 million people this is the choice that the two parties have given us. We have never in our lifetimes had two presidential candidates with as high a negative view. It is really unprecedented, I’ve never seen anything like it. You yourself, you have a very good understanding of foreign policy so doesn’t Donald Trump as Commander-in-Chief sound disastrous?

It gives me concern. Whenever I am asked about a specific policy proposal, whatever it is, you know you asked me about Hillary Clinton’s support of the Bernie Sanders college thing, I said I don’t think that is necessarily workable or advisable. And I have said the same thing about many of the things that Mr. Trump has said along the way. I am running on my own record proposals and agenda. Try as folks may to get me to opine on the presidential election, I am running for the 19th congressional seat. Do you support the defunding of Planned Parenthood? I think that this issue has to be looked at by the standpoint that they provide a lot of routine medical service to their patients. I don’t support efforts to single out a particular organization. In NYS for instance none of the allegations of the selling of fetal tissues have been made against anyone. So, if they violated a law they should be sanctioned and penalized, but that doesn’t mean you single out every aspect of this nationwide organization because someone in California did something therefore you should be punished. I don’t support singling out an organization by name and attempting to do what some in Congress are attempting to do. Do you think that employers who provide healthcare should or shouldn’t be responsible for providing birth control? Yes. They objected to two forms of birth control that they said were more akin to abortion, not the 12 others that they were paying for. So the question is, should the government be able to come in with major fine and sanction against an employer in this narrow set of circumstances and say you must do everything that we insist that you do when there are clearly other options that could be afforded by these employees? In the case of Hobby Lobby these options were afforded to routine birth control. I think birth control is now well-established enough in terms of the medical components, and we have enough medical experience and history with it. It should be over-the-counter; it shouldn’t even be a prescription. You get into the narrow question of your First Amendment religious liberty as opposed to the ability of the government to provide and confer benefit through legislation. When that conflicts with religious liberty, then you have to examine the circumstances. The government’s power to force them to do something against their moral belief would financially cripple them, and I think that this issue has been grossly mischaracterized by opponents. We can tolerate people that have different points of view on things like this and we have to be very, very cautious when the majority opinion comes in and says ‘this company must do X, Y, Z, and even if it violates your individual religious beliefs you must do this under threat of penalty and sanction from the government.’ That’s when you re-

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ally have to put close scrutiny on it. And strict scrutiny from a lawyer’s analysis on those kind of things, because we should want to allow religious liberty in our country to flourish and not be concerned when the government attempts to require every religious organization to do everything they say they must do, even when it conflicts with their moral belief. Do you think this should be kept at the state level? I wouldn’t argue that. The federal government enacted a mandate on healthcare and said you have to have certain forms of coverage, and they said that no matter who you are or what your moral belief is you have to follow what we say, and if you don’t follow what we say we are going to sue you and fine you. That’s an enormous power we are giving to the government. Our constitution was formed in part to protect the rights of the minority and we should be very wary of giving away that power to the government and the rights of a majority because the majority opinion may shift from time to time in our country. So uphold religious liberty, understand that we need tolerance of viewpoint and be faithful to the Constitution and respectful of people’s legitimate religious opinion. What is your opinion of the Black Lives Matter movement and race relations in this country? I think race relations in our country are much better today than they were a generation or two ago. The main evidence I bring forth to support that proposition is that 30-40 years ago, three percent of marriages were interracial. Today 15 percent are. This is not evidence of a society that is cleaving itself apart, this is evidence of a society that has a growing acceptance of religious and ethnic and racial diversity. And that is very good. There is no doubt that there have been instances where there are going to be interactions between police and minority communities that are not warranted but there is also no doubt that much of the agenda that is being pursued by Black Lives Matter is troublesome. Particularly I’m troubled by the anti-Semitism that is evidenced in much of what they have put on their platform. Particularly the anti-Israel stuff that is in their platform.

Article lengths on the Congressional race were based upon the amount of time granted to our reporters by the candidate. The extended version of John Faso’s interview with The Oracle can be found online at oracle.newpaltz.edu


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NEWS BRIEFS WORLD

SPLIT CYPRUS’ RIVAL LEADERS TO MEET UN CHIEF ON PEACE TALKS

The rival leaders of ethnically split Cyprus said Wednesday they would meet with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon later this month to take stock of ongoing reunification talks and ask him to step up his personal involvement in the months ahead. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, a Greek Cypriot, and the breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, said that much progress has been achieved in 16 months of talks, but key differences remain.

IN LONG AND BLOODY SYRIA WAR, THIS TRUCE MAY BE DIFFERENT

Five years of failed efforts to quell the fighting in Syria have persuaded many observers that the war, inconclusive and catastrophic on a historic scale, may not be resolvable. A truce earlier this year took effect, soon started to fray, then vanished. But some things are different this week as a cease-fire brokered by the United States and Russia took effect. DOCTOR: HUNGER-STRIKING EXGITMO PRISONER \SLIPS INTO COMA A former Guantanamo prisoner on a hunger strike slipped into a coma Wednesday, said a doctor in Uruguay, where the exdetainee was taken in as a refugee nearly two years ago but has been demanding to move elsewhere to reunite with his family. Abu Wa’el Dhiab was unconscious and extremely dehydrated when paramedics arrived at the apartment where he is staying in Montevideo, said Dr. Julia Galzerano of the Medical Union of Uruguay, who was treating the former prisoner from Syria. ISRAEL DENIES ITS AIRCRAFT HARMED AFTER RAID IN SYRIA The Israeli military struck artillery positions in Syria on Tuesday after a projectile from that country’s civil war hit the Israelicontrolled part of the Golan Heights, but denied a Syrian claim that Syrian forces shot down two Israeli aircrafts. The incident was the fifth case since last week in which fighting in Syria has spilled over into Israel, and the first since a U.S.-Russia brokered truce went into effect at sunset on Monday to try and end the civil war, now in its sixth year. Israel has largely remained on the sidelines of the fighting, but has carried out reprisals on Syrian positions when errant fire previously landed in Israel. Compiled from the AP Newswire

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Zephyr Teachout Speaks With The Oracle Democratic Candidate for the 19th Congressional Seat in New York State talks issues concerning Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+, campaign finance and plans for more affordable higher educatiom. By Managing Editor Jack O’Brien & News Editor Melanie Zerah What are your thoughts on student debt? It’s time to recognize the depth of the problem: the younger generations of this country are walking around with debt. Seventy-one percent are graduating with debt. One of the things that is especially painful is that only 60 percent of planned four-year degrees are finishing with a degree. So they ultimately are ending up with debt but no degree, and tuition is increasing faster than inflation. In 1979, the average tuition at a public college was $2,100. Having debt totally changes the experience of graduation because it narrows opportunities to invest in one’s future, whether that be buying a home or starting a business, then choosing the right career path. I support proposals for debt-free college, really focusing in public colleges. What are your ideas for making that happen? Families with income under $125,000 a year should not be paying tuition at public colleges, or at least paying a very minimal amount. There may be a requirement of minimal payment to be at college for those families, but nothing that would lead to debt. A second part of the plan is to support the bill to refinance students who have loans. This bill has been really blocked by billionaires who don’t like this kind of stuff. Another thing that is incredibly important to recognize is that we must stop and prevent the abuse of for-profit colleges. For example, backers of for-profit colleges use the as opportunities to extract taxpayer dollars than opportunities to teach students. Twenty-five percent of all federal financial aid dollars are going to for-profit colleges that are set up to extract federal dollars. One of my ideas is putting limits on Pell grants and making sure that there is full accounting of transparency and limits on federal financial support going to for-profit colleges that publicly and clearly show that they have less focus on education and more on profit. The bottom line is there is a fundamental fight between a handful of big banks who have hired a lot of lobbyists and for-profit colleges hired lobbyists that are pushing for policies that allow them to basically use government efforts to support college students as ways to make a profit. This is an abuse of key

federal funding. I believe that we are at a moment where you can’t go anywhere without hearing people talking about student debt. Not only is this a barrier for students, but a burden for people in college and their families. It is a burden for young Americans coming out of college. They can’t take the next step in investing in a home or starting a business, and it is holding back the entire economy. In the last few years there has definitely been a growing awareness, and even the national campaign has shown that growing awareness, because so many current and former students have spoken up. Students of New Paltz have done an excellent job of speaking up against excessive debt. I have been proud of having been part of the growing national awareness. What is important to recognize is that this isn’t a partisan issue, this is about our future as a country. On the other hand we see Republican big donor-backed candidates who are voting to limit access to income-based repayment programs. Trump University, for example, became a for-profit fraudulent scheme preying on people seeking a real education. There is legitimate anger and frustration and this is a fight we can win. It is not a partisan win. Instate public school tuition should be free or minimal for families with income lower than $125,000. Where will the money come from for this? There are real cost questions, I think that right now supporting our public universities is essential to our economy. What needs to happen is closing the loopholes that allow the highest income taxpayers to not pay taxes. Everyone can come together to find and support students, to not hold back the economy. What are your thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement? Some of the most exciting and important things are happening on the ground where community members and police officers are meeting with each other to work issues out. Those efforts are extremely important. There has been a real public discussion of the problem, but solutions lie at police and community members talking to each other and recognizing the important and difficult work police officers are doing everyday. What is your stance on LGBTQIA+ issues?

Thursday, September 15, 2016

On this topic you can see the real difference between myself and John Faso. He said he would veto same sex marriage bill in 2006. Equality questions are absolutely fundamental in my opinion, my support for marriage equality goes back to my early 20s, and Faso has a history having a negative position on gay marriage. We differ with other socially conservative positions he’s taken. John Faso said Roe v. Wade was a black mark on democracy. I have a lifetime history of standing up for people who have been discriminated against. What are your thoughts on some Republicans trying to move towards the defunding of Planned Parenthood? I have used Planned Parenthood for basic health check-ups and services as many young women do, the bulk of what the do is provide extremely essential services. I stand with Planned Parenthood. This is a real difference with John Faso and myself. Access to reproductive health care is extremely important. In speaking about the Texas Supreme Court decision concerning access to reproductive health care, John Faso said it doesn’t make a difference to people in this district. He endorsed Donald Trump who said that women who get abortions deserved to be punished, so you don’t get more of a difference than between myself and John Faso on these social issues. What is your response to Faso framing you as a hypocrite for attending a fundraiser with the son of billionaire George Soros? I have spent my entire life fighting against the system of big money. John Faso says money is speech. I tried to get him to take Super PACs out of his campaign, he said no. John Faso has billionaires backing him. He has shown time and time again as a lobbyist and as a candidate that big money as it is right now is fine for him. I have shown my entire life that the campaign finance system needs to be changed.

Article lengths on the Congressional race were based upon the amount of time granted to our reporters by the candidate.


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NEWS

New Paltz Remembers The Fallen

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NEWS BRIEFS NATIONAL

NATIONAL ANTHEM PROTESTS TRICKLING DOWN TO HIGH SCHOOL

Colin Kaepernick’s protest against social injustice is being heard loud and clear by young athletes across the country and a host of high school football players have emulated the San Francisco quarterback in recent weeks by kneeling during the national anthem before their own games. In football-crazy states such as New Jersey, Alabama and Massachusetts, some players have faced suspension and others have reported harassment or even threats over their stance.

WYOMING MAN SHOOTS 3 AT SENIOR CITIZEN COMPLEX, KILLS SELF

PHOTO BY JACK O’BRIEN

Observers reflect on the memorial’s American flag exhibit, the stripes of which carry the names of 9/11 victims.

By Jack O’Brien

Managing Editor | Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Shadowed by a tall fire engine crane and accompanied by a dedicated police squad, the New Paltz community came together for the opening of its 9/11 Memorial. On Sunday, Sept. 11, a year after its groundbreaking, former New Paltz Republican Committee Chairman Butch Dener led the hourlong ceremony commemorating those were who lost. The opening of the memorial is the pinnacle of a project that Dener began in 2002 with his friend Carmine Liberta, a Korean War veteran who was an active presence in New Paltz. “I have a bet going, the over-under on how many tears I’ll have today,” Dener said. “I would say bet high.” Village Mayor Tim Rogers and Town Supervisor Neil Bettez began the ceremony by leading the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by a rendition of the National Anthem performed by the New Paltz High School band. Dener detailed the long process of how the memorial came to be, from the initial design concepts, procurement of display items, hosting fundraisers and the actual construction of the site. “This was a community project, no gov-

ernment money was used,” Dener said. “I couldn’t have done this alone, there are so many people to thank. A community depends on so many parts and this one answered the call.” Dener applauded Main Course Caterers for assisting with a fundraiser at Mohonk Mountain House, as well as Rick Alfandre for being the lead architect on the project. Dener also thanked Craig Shankles and KC Fabrications, who were responsible for the ‘vandalproof’ benches on site. Additionally, State Senator John Bonacic provided the memorial with a flag from the 10th anniversary that listed the names of all those who perished. Dener introduced Rabbi Zoe Bzak, of Temple Israel of Catskill, who led an interfaith prayer in Hebrew which asked God to “wrap his arms around those who have died, to provide them protection and safety.” Bzak then performed the popular hymnal, “I’ve Got Peace Like a River.” The ceremony included a short, passionate speech by Kevin Zraly, a local resident who was the former manager at “Windows on the World,” the acclaimed restaurant on top of the North Tower. Zraly lost 79 friends and coworkers on 9/11, and said that after many difficult years of remembering that day, the opening of the memorial was “therapeutic” for him.

“I went to the memorial in New York City until 2004, then I couldn’t anymore; it was too sad,” Zraly said. “It’s been a long day, I’ve been up since 8 a.m., when I went to the top of Mohonk. I go there every year and stay until noon. But now, with this memorial, I have another place to go to.” Following Zraly was Congressman Chris Gibson, who presented Dener with an American flag that flew above the U.S. Capitol. Gibson, a veteran who served in the Iraq War as a colonel, spoke with pride about America’s resilience, saying that “courage is revealed by adversity.” “This is the American soul on display,” Gibson said. “It’s important to have ceremonies like this, to make sure we always commemorate those we lost and never forget them.” John Faso, the Republican nominee to replace Gibson in Congress, was also in attendance, as were Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack and New Paltz Deputy Town Supervisor Dan Torres. The ceremony concluded with stereos playing the 1976 version of “America the Beautiful” as performed by Ray Charles.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

A 77-year-old man living at a senior citizen apartment complex shot three people at the complex Wednesday, killing one of them, and then killed himself nearby as officers closed in on him, police said. One victim was shot inside the Heritage Court Apartments in Cheyenne and two people were shot outside, said Dan Long, spokesman for the Cheyenne Police Department BIGGEST STREET-GANG TRIAL IN RECENT CHICAGO HISTORY BEGINS

Six purported leaders of Chicago’s powerful Hobos street gang went on trial Wednesday in a case that could provide a rare look inside the kind of criminal activity fueling gun violence in the nation’s thirdlargest city. A prosecutor displayed photos of killing scenes and held up assault rifles during opening statements, telling jurors the defendants murdered, maimed and tortured their way into controlling lucrative drug markets on Chicago’s South Side. CAR PLOWS INTO POLICE, SENDING OFFICERS FLYING , SCRAMBLING

Three Phoenix police officers, including a rookie on his first night on patrol, were on a routine patrol in front of a convenience store when they became the target of an unimaginable attack. A red sedan barreled toward the officers across the parking lot, slamming into two of them and smashing into the front of the store. An officer who managed to evade the crash ran up to the car and pulled the driver out. A struggle ensued. The rookie officer, still reeling from a head injury after getting hit by the car, deployed a stun gun to disable the man so he could be arrested. Compiled from the AP Newswire


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News

The New Paltz Oracle

Wallkill River Algae Bloom Poses Threat to Community By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtelr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The Wallkill River has turned bright green due to a toxic algae bloom. Samples were taken from the river by Riverkeeper and Wallkill River Watershed Alliance over the past several weeks and analysis through a Department of Energy Conservation (DEC) screening program has revealed toxins up to 25 times greater than the DEC’s “High Toxin” threshold. In a statement released jointly by leaders of the two organizations on Aug. 25, the public was advised that, “The algae bloom was visible from bank to bank in the vicinity of New Paltz,” including Sojourner Truth Park and at the Carmine Liberta (Route 299) Bridge reconstruction site. It has been visible as far upstream as Gardiner and as far downstream as Rifton. Other public-access locations within this section include the Village of New Paltz boat launch on Springtown Road, the Wallkill River Valley Rail Trail bridge crossing, the DEC boat launch in Town of Rosendale, Perrine’s Bridge Park in Town of Esopus and several informal access sites used by anglers. The algae are part of the genus Microcystis, which causes illness primarily when ingested. It is one of three genera of freshwater cyanobacteria that are being tracked widely as sources of harmful algae blooms. Illness can range from skin irritation to serious neurological damage, although that is rare in humans. According to Riverkeeper Jennifer Epstein, people are advised to steer clear of the river and wash themselves and their equip-

ment as quickly as possible should they come into contact with the algae. “DEC cautions that people should avoid water that appears green, regardless of whether potentially toxic species have been identified, or toxins have been confirmed,” she said. In areas with powerboats, the toxins can become aerosolized and be inhaled, but the primary danger is to humans and other mammals who swim in the water. For example, dogs tend to lick their fur as they dry and some have been killed due to these toxins. According to biologist and Wallkill River Watershed Alliance volunteer Jillian Decker, there are three factors that cause algal blooms such as the one in Wallkill. “I like to call it the perfect storm,” she said. The algae is not invasive, its growth is encouraged by changes in the river. Those changes include high water temperatures, slow or stagnant water and excess nutrients. According to biologist and Wallkill River Watershed Alliance volunteer John Gotto, the primary nutrients in excess are nitrogen and phosphorus and there are many sources from which these can come. “Up and down the river there are probably hundreds of sources of excess nutrients, from everybody who fertilizes their lawn to municipalities who have inadequate sewage treatment facilities that periodically overflown,” he said. The Alliance plans to advocate for better riparian buffers to screen out these excess nutrients. The green color caused by the algae should be fading soon, but unfortunately

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

View of the Wallkill River off the Rail Trail in New Paltz.

that does not mean the end of the problems with this bloom. As the algae die off and begin to decompose, the process consumes oxygen vital to the wildlife in the river. “It’s possible that we will see fish kill as a result of oxygen depletion,” said Epstein. “Short of die-offs, the low oxygen conditions could be stressful for aquatic organisms.” Members of Riverkeeper and Wallkill River Watershed Alliance encourage community members to become more aware of the environment and take individual steps to prevent climate change, the likely cause of the river’s rising temperatures.

“We have a long-term goal of helping that river be restored to its natural health,” Gotto said. “We would like to see it as a desirable recreational resource, something that people are drawn to, not something people are afraid of.” Anybody who is interested in working toward this goal is welcome to volunteer with either organization. Director of Wallkill River Watershed Alliance Jason West encourages anyone who wants to get involved to contact his organization at wallkillalliance@gmail.com or to visit their website wallkillalliance.org or their Facebook page.

to produce the rankings. According to the survey, New Paltz scored 88 out of a possible 99 points on the publication’s “Admissions Selectivity” category, a reflection of its competitive admission standards. In survey responses to the Princeton Review, New Paltz students noted aspects such as campus diversity, helpful faculty and staff and a broad array of majors to explore as some key points to their college experience. Additionally, they described campus life to offer “a lot of organizations, events and opportunities to take advantage of,” with staff who “really care about students’ experiences and

well-being.” SUNY New Paltz is nationally ranked among the nation’s top public colleges by a variety of publications. In 2016, the college received various distinctions: U.S. News and World Report declared New Paltz No. 4 among all public regional universities in the North region; The Business Journals placed New Paltz among America’s top 75 public colleges and universities; Forbes magazine named New Paltz on the ninth installment of its list of the best colleges and universities in the nation; and Kiplinger’s named New Paltz on its “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” list.

New Paltz Ranked on Princeton Review Best College List

By Kristen Warfield

Editor-in-Chief | Warfielk1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

SUNY New Paltz has once again been named to Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges: Region by Region” list. New Paltz is one of 13 SUNY schools to make the list for 2017. Also ranked in the “Best Northeastern Colleges” division alongside New Paltz are Fredonia, Geneseo, Cortland and Oswego, to name a few. “The annual Princeton Review rankings of the best colleges in the country are a point of pride for SUNY as well as each of the colleges and universities recognized for the outstanding work they

do on behalf of our students, faculty and staff,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “The rankings are also a signal to our students that SUNY is dedicated to providing them with a highly valuable degree, which will serve them well long after graduation. Congratulations to SUNY New Paltz on this much-deserved recognition.” To come up with their rankings, the publication surveyed 143,000 college students at over 100 campuses throughout the country. Students reviewed their school in terms like cost, academic rigor, career services, environmental friendliness, quality of campus life and more

Thursday, September 15, 2016


THE GUNK Thursday, September 15, 2016

Doggos & puppers Story on page 2B

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUPPYUP


2B

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FEATURES

Walking on Paws For a Cure PUPPYUP FOUNDATION VISITS NEW PALTZ

By Amanda Copkov Features Editor | Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu When Luke Robinson’s beloved Great Pyrenees, Malcolm, was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, he did the only thing that made sense: he walked 2,300 miles from Austin, Texas to Boston, Massachusetts. Ironically enough, Robinson, founder of the PuppyUp foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to funding comparative oncology research and raising awareness about canine cancer, was not initially a dog person. “I’ve been a type A person all my life,” he said. “I had them growing up as a kid, but once I moved out of my house I didn’t have time for a puppy dog.” Then one day an ex-girlfriend called up Robinson asking if he wanted one. “I swear I said no, but I ended up with Malcolm anyway,” he said. “He was a Pyrenees, and they’re so damn stubborn. He and I were butting heads all the time.” Robinson called his ex back up telling her to take the dog back. When she

said no, he went so far as to try to give him away, but no takers. After four or five months of having Malcolm, something interesting happened—Robinson and his dog developed a spiritual bond. “He just became my mate,” he said. “And he broke me. He broke my idea of dogs, because before him, I didn’t know people could have a spiritual connection with an animal, and I had it with him.” Four years after Malcolm was diagnosed, Robinson, Malcolm and Murphy, Robinson’s second dog at the time, began their 2,300-mile journey to spread the word about canine cancer. They covered 16 states from the southern tier of the United States back up the east coast. They pitched tents and camped out on the side of the road during the first half of their voyage and had supplies shipped to them almost every 50 miles. But as their adventure became more public, people across state lines were itching to lodge them. Along the way, Robinson and Murphy lost Malcolm to his disease. That’s

when Robinson picked up his other Pyrenees, Hudson. The three walked the rest of the way to Boston and finally arrived there in 2010; Robinson lost Murphy to nasal cancer upon their arrival in Boston, and he picked up another Great Pyrenees, named Indiana, and founded PuppyUp. Now in its fifth full year, PuppyUp has had 160 walks across the United States, all promoting the education of comparative oncology as well as raising awareness of a disease that not only afflicts humans, but man’s best friend as well. The town of New Paltz hosted its third annual PuppyUp walk on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Adair Vineyards. According to Lori Stopskie, organizer of the event, they raised over $9,700. Stopskie, like Robinson, had a beloved lab-mix, Syrah, succumb to cancer in November of 2010. “It still hurts,” Stopskie said. “It’s not fun losing anyone to cancer, losing a pet, losing a loved one.” This year, Stopskie said most of

PuppyUp’s funds are going toward studying osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, which is the No. 1 cancer in both dogs and children. According to Dr. Sue Ettinger, a veterinary cancer specialist who attended New Paltz’s PuppyUp, cancer is the No. 1 killer of dogs. She said every one in three dogs will get cancer in their lifetime, with one out of every two dogs over the age of 10 being afflicted by cancer. The Animal Cancer Foundation also reports that roughly 6 million cancer diagnoses are made in dogs each year, with the most similar cancers in both dogs and humans being non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, head and neck carcinoma, mammary carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma. “[PuppyUp] isn’t just about canine cancer, it’s about human cancer, too,” Stopskie said. “It’s about looking at the links between the two and trying to find better treatments and better cures for both dogs and people.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUPPYUP Robinson camping out with his dogs.

Golden retriever soaking up the sun at PuppyUp in New Paltz.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Robinson spent 826 days on the road with his dogs.


The New Paltz Oracle

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Features

Bringing Design to the Capital NEW PALTZ GRAPHIC DESIGN DEBUTS IN D.C.

By Briana Bonfiglio Copy Editor | Bonfiglb1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Four graphic design students immersed themselves into the professional design world this past summer–the first students to represent SUNY New Paltz as design interns. Fourth-years Megan LaCognata, Dulcia Halliday, Kelly McInerney and third-year Victoria Falco interned at the Smithsonian Institute Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. from May 18 to July 12. All four participants are graphic design majors. Last semester, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s art director, Josué Castilleja, visited the students’ Visible Systems class. Along with giving the class feedback on their latest project, he told them about the summer’s opportunity. Not long after, the four aspiring designers started working with Castilleja in his office. “As soon as I was awarded the internship, I took it,” LaCognata said. “I knew it would be an awesome opportunity to work alongside a designer while living and adapting to a completely new place.” During their time in the nation’s capital, these students flexed their writing, photography and graphic design skills to promote this year’s festival, which focused on Basque country, a region spanning borders across northern Spain, southwestern France and which encompasses the Pyrenees Mountains. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual two-week event that showcases cultural heritage at the National Mall. This event covered two weekends: June 29 to July 4 and July 7 to July 10. A collection of artists, dancers, musicians, storytellers and food were presented by Basque Country and Sounds of California, this year’s visitors to the festival. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s goal is to “strengthen and preserve traditions by presenting them at the National Mall.” The design team’s job was to represent the featured cultures by displaying their work throughout the mall. This was an enriching experience that taught about the design world and allowed them to ex-

plore a new city, participants said. “It was an incredible opportunity to be able to work at the Smithsonian and to get really professional experience in another city,” Falco said. The interns designed invitationals for the festival’s opening ceremony, tent IDs for the activity tents, small signs and meal tickets for the staff and participants. They also contributed concept ideas for next year’s festival, which will highlight Cuba and Circus Arts. Without a doubt, participants cited this as great technical experience in the computer programs they have used in classes. However, the valuable lessons were more focused on the inner-workings of functioning in an office setting. This included communication among coworkers and the general public, meeting strict deadlines and representing the festival accurately. “For each design I completed for the festival, there were four people that it had to be signed off by,” LaCognata said. “And always revisions that had to be made.” She added that the responsibility to represent the festival accurately to the public fell on the designers, so proper communication with those outside the Smithsonian Center was crucial. Falco agreed that the pressure of deadlines and the overall office setting opened her eyes to what it’s really like to work in an art department. This taught her the importance of having good energy in the workforce. “Sometimes days felt like they would drag or we would get hit with so many requests, problems and edits that it was important to maintain a good attitude in the design office to have things still run smoothly,” she said. LaCognata said that she has gained a lot of experience from participating in this event, from technicalities in InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator, to “learning about being a designer in the real world.” “There is so much more to being a designer that you just won’t experience in the classroom,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPALTZ.EDU Student designers posing with Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Art Director Josué Castilleja this summer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Photo from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2015; shows the mask from “La Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen,” a fiesta in honor of “a Mamacha Carmen” held every July in Paucartambo, Peru since the 17th century. Caption courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Thursday, September 15, 2016


Features

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Humans of New Paltz

Captioning by Amanda Copkov Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

“I always wanted to be a mom, probably since I was in my late teens. I just knew. My son is amazing, he’s the best thing in the world. I love being a mother, I feel like I was destined to be his mom. It’s unexplainable, it’s something that you can’t explain until you’re in those shoes, and people say the love you have for your child is unexplainable. It’s just everyday they’re growing and they’re moving and you’re looking at them like, ‘Oh my God, I created this person.’ And you see little things that you do and you see little things that their father does in them, and ya know, it’s wild. It’s a wild ride. To be a good parent I think you just take it one day at a time. You do what’s right in your gut but it’s okay to take advice, it’s OK to listen, but every child is different, in every, every aspect. And what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. It’s trial and error, really, when it comes to raising a child. You might try things one night if he’s not sleeping and you might try something else the next night that someone else suggested, and it works, or you could take the suggestion and it was the worst thing that you could have done, so you really don’t know.”

The New Paltz Oracle

Moving Forward

AUTHOR SPEAKS ABOUT LEAVING HASIDIC COMMUNITY

By Erica Ascher

choice,” Deen said. ald Sorin chose this semesFollowing his marriage, ter’s theme and guest speakers Imagine making a choice Deen made friends with a based on the memoirs he read. that would never allow you to gentleman from Monsey, New His goal was to find people see your family ever again. York, whom he named Chezky who left the Hasidic commuShulem Deen, award-win- in his memoir, who introduced nity and wrote about it. ning author of his memoir him to secular ways. “Deen has given us an in“All Who Go Do Not Return,” Libraries fascinated Deen; side look at a commu nity that spoke about his experience seated in a little orange kids is hermetically sealed,” Sorin of choosing to leave the Ha- chair he found reading en- said. “Only insiders can tell sidic Jewish community with- c y c l o p e d i a s us what goes on and [Deen] out understanding the conse- and books on left that world quences—losing contact with religion eye and decided to all five of his children. talk about it.” opening. The Resnick Lecture SeDeen ulDiscoverries commenced its theme of ing libraries timately left the fall semester, “Jews and and books on the Hasidic Modern Memoir,” in the Lec- the c o m m unity secular ture Center on Sept. 7. because of world influWhen asked, Deen de- enced Deen’s the lack of scribes Hasidism as a world decision free will he to that “gives you meaning, life, leave the Hahad. He was purpose, and community with- sidic commuonce stuck in out having to question it.” a world where nity. Prior to leaving, Deen the choice was When the had faced situations where he always made time came should have had a choice, but for you. because of the community in to officially For a long which he was born, that was leave his wife time, Deen’s argued with not the case. children were Deen was associated with him that his the most imwere the Skverer Hasidic move- “ways portant things ment, located in the Village of p s y c h o l o g i in his life, but New Square in Ramapo, New cally harming he hasn’t seen his children” York. them in a long One of the practices in the and he would time. Hasidic community is at the not be alSince leavage of 18 a matchmaker will lowed to have ing, Deen has eventually come to your par- contact with only seen his ents with a marriage proposal. them. five children “There Deen had lost his father at in passing. He Photo courtesy of Graywolf Press. the age of 14 and his mother were people was not invitin my commuwas not part of his life after ed to his two that as she was still grieving nity who were insistent that I daughters’ weddings or his the loss of her husband. As do not have a relationship with sons’ bar mitzvahs. However, a result, two family friends my children,” Deen said. “The Deen knows that one day his reason is because I was once children will reach out to him stood in as Deen’s guardians. He had never met the girl a member of the Hasidic com- and he hopes to be there when or knew anything about her munity and I chose to leave. In they do. “Choices are things we before they got married, and their ideology, they believe it would be harmful for my chil- have to do, we have to think that made Deen anxious. about in our lives,” Deen said. “This was the first time I dren to see me.” Organizer of the lecture “I’m living a life I want to live; had to make a serious choice, but I couldn’t make the and emeritus professor Ger- I’m happy I made this choice.” Thursday, September 15, 2016 Copy Editor | Aschere1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu


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Features

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Farm Fresh Food FAMILY OF NEW PALTZ LOOKS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

By Briana Bonfiglio Copy Editor | Bonfiglb1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Family of New Paltz is adopting a new way to store their food that local farmers have used for years. The county-based food pantry, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Local Economies Project, provides food and other emergency services to those in need and will install its first Cool Bot refrigeration unit within the next two months. Town representatives behind the project said it is not a matter of not having enough food or enough people to feed, but about changing the infrastructure and system for getting the food out. According to Family of New Paltz’s Executive Director Michael Berg, this is part of a county-wide effort to “store produce more adequately until they can be distributed.” The project will build five walkin coolers throughout the area which the overseeing organization, Family of Woodstock, services. New Paltz’s refrigeration system will distribute produce to the southeast portion of Ulster County. It will also provide storage for Phillie’s Bridge Farm’s up and running Cool Bot unit. five neighboring food pantries, includBerg agreed, saying, “a lot of peoing St. Joseph’s Church, the United ple are joining in this effort to make Methodist Church and Family Outreach. sure people in our county are fed,” notBerg explained that these local food ing that many local farmers donate to pantries are open for a limited time each the food pantry. week. Currently, much of the food goes Not only do local farmers provide bad before it can be distributed. produce, they are also responsible for “With this source, we will put food the system that will cool the eight-byaway in proper storage and give to peoten-foot unit. About 10 years ago, New ple as they need it,” he said. The food storage unit will have Paltz farmer Ron Kholsa, founder of shelving and a lock-and-key system to Huguenot Street Farm, invented a coolwhich six participating food pantries ing mechanism that has changed farmwill have access to for five days a week. ing in the area. His invention, the Cool Construction of the unit will begin Bot, helps farmers store food for longer the second week of September at the and cheaper. It is a temperature control New Paltz recycling center on Clearwa- device that “fakes out” air conditioners ter Road. Laura Petit, recycling coordi- to continuously cool the unit, keeping it nator for Town of New Paltz, said that at constant refrigerator temperature. While many refrigeration units can the project has been in the making for cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, about two years now. installing a Cool Bot inside a small, air“I’m really excited about this collaboration,” she said. “There are so conditioned building costs as little as many of us working in the same direc- $600 to $800. For this reason, many lotion.” cal farms have used the Cool Bot since

PHOTO BY BRIANA BONFIGLIO

it hit markets in 2006. “I don’t know how I’d function without it,” said Heather Wodehouse, who works at Phillies Bridge Farm in New Paltz. Phillies Bridge has had their refrigeration unit and Cool Bot for four years. It is an important asset for farmers like Wodehouse who pick vegetables for Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). Phillies Bridge CSA allows local families to pick up their prepaid fruits and vegetables every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the season, which lasts from June to mid-November. Without a reliable cooling system, the produce goes bad in between pick-up days, making it more difficult to distribute food in a timely manner. Wodehouse said she makes use of the Cool Bot-powered fridge unit frequently throughout her workday. Instead of leaving produce out in the sun waiting to be picked up, she said she

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brings the food out of the unit as customers arrive, noting that warm fruits lose nutrients. Petit also mentioned that health and nutrition is a main priority of Family of New Paltz’s mission which the Cool Bot will help achieve. Last year, the organization distributed 63,000 pounds of food, 10,000 of which were frozen to be distributed throughout the winter. “In the winter months, people don’t eat very well, especially if they don’t have enough money,” Petit said. “This will provide good, nutritional foods to families and improve our fresh produce.” In addition to making foods healthier, she noted that 30 to 40 percent of total waste can be traced back to food waste. By keeping food fresh longer, they hope to reduce this waste. Family of New Paltz’s unit is expected to be complete by mid-October.


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Features

The New Paltz Oracle

Highlighting a Painful Past

PROJECT FOCUSES ON HUGUENOT STREET SLAVE HOUSE By Brandon Doerrer

Staff Writer | Doerrerb1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Preservation was a key concept this past weekend for Historic Huguenot Street. On Saturday, Sept. 10, a reception was held for Joseph McGill and Terry James of the Slave Dwelling Project. As part of the project, McGill and James spent a night in a cellar kitchen on Huguenot Street in an attempt to bring attention to the conditions slaves lived in during the early stages of New Paltz’s settlement. They were also joined by six SUNY New Paltz students from the Black Studies department as well as descendants of both Huguenot Street slaves and New Paltz founders. McGill spoke of what it was like to spend the night with both groups of descendants. “To have both groups represented last night in that space was one of those rare opportunities I thought went well,” he said. McGill met James as a fellow Civil War reenactor and started the Slave Dwelling Project on May 9, 2010. The goal of the project is to bring attention to slave dwellings with the hopes of preserving them. “It’s all about making sure these spaces are preserved, interpreted, maintained and sustained so that they can tell the stories of the enslaved ancestors,” McGill said. He spoke about the imbalance of these stories prior to the Civil War being told: an imbalance he called a “void in preservation.” He also talked about how an emphasis is placed on architecturally significant or “ante-

bellum” buildings, despite the fact that these buildings were constructed by enslaved people. This thought is reflected by Historic Huguenot Street. “Many people and historic sites prefer to deny or avoid the topic of slavery, but we feel it’s important to confront this reality,” communications and marketing manager Kaitlin Gallucci said. McGill has stayed in over 100 slave dwellings throughout 17 states, five of which are northern. This was an important note for McGill, who spoke about the misconceptions that slavery was largely a southern problem. Gallucci also discussed how important it was to demythologize slavery in the north. “Contrary to popular belief that slavery was practiced exclusively in the south, northern states were also dependent on enslaved African labor,” she said. “In fact, slavery was not legally abolished in New York State until 1827.” James has stayed in over 40 slave dwellings himself, most of which he has donned slave shackles for. When asked what differentiated New Paltz from all the other dwellings at which they’ve stayed, McGill responded by claiming that Huguenot Street is “already ahead of the curve” in that it acknowledges its history of owning slaves. He explained that while many support this acknowledgement, it also tends to draw ire, but that this should not deter any person from denying the past.

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Slave dwellings in South Carolina.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DOERRER Community members at the reception for McGill and James of the Slave Dwelling Project.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrating A Legacy

DORSKY HOSTS SHOW TO ACCOMPANY BRADLEY WALKER TOMLIN EXHIBITION By Jess Napp

Copy Editor | Nappj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

During the past four decades, a retrospective exhibition on abstract expressionist and resident of the Woodstock art colony Bradley Walker Tomlin has remained unseen, until now. The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art recently debuted four new fall exhibitions two weeks ago, including “Bradley Walker Tomlin: A Retrospective.” Former Dorsky curator of exhibitions and programs Daniel Belasco curated the exhibition. On Sunday, Sept. 11, the museum hosted a panel discussion to commemorate the exhibition’s opening. Panelists included: art historian and critic Svetlana Alpers, curator Belasco and professor of art history at Bard College, Tom Wolf. According to a Dorsky gallery guide written by Belasco, the exhibit is arranged chronologically, spanning from Tomlin’s early achievements as an illustrator to ornamental still life paintings, “Cubist-Surrealist compositions,” and finally large-scale abstract expressionist pieces. Belasco quotes the artist as saying, “One can believe in paintings, as one can believe in miracles for paintings, like miracles, possess an inner logic which is inescapable.” Janis Benincasa, program manager at the Dorsky, said the

museum always attempts to have panels coincide with each of their major exhibitions. Benincasa believes that these discussions bring the exhibitions to another level beyond the astounding visuals and texts through a group of experts. “It’s just a way of giving a fuller visual of the artist and the art,” Benincasa said. On Sunday, each panelist brought a different take on Tomlin. The afternoon began with an introduction from Neil C. Trager Gallery Director Sarah J. Pasti. Executive Director of the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum Janice La Motta moderated the conversation, which ranged from Tomlin’s personal life to his evolution as an artist. Belasco spoke first and presented a slideshow to a small group of attendees ranging in age. He examined Tomlin’s journey through photographs of Tomlin and pivotal pieces. The audience learned that Tomlin, his wife and artist Frank Marsden London lived together. However, historical evidence suggests that his romantic partnership remained with London. Audience members discovered that his painting, “Tension by Moonlight,” which featured white streaky brush strokes on a black canvas, led him to his artistic niche. After Belasco, Wolf took the

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER NOSTRI-IMAGO

floor and talked about Tomlin’s life in Woodstock where a hub of groundbreaking artists gathered. Tomlin started going there during the summer months of his 20s. Then Alpers passionately expressed her love of underappreciated Tomlin and the Dorsky’s exhibition. “I am a painter person and I think Tomlin is just a great painter,” Alpers said. Following Alpers, La Motta welcomed questions from the audience. The crowd pondered why Tomlin wasn’t as successful, to which the experts responded. During Tomlin’s day the crème de la crème of patrons collected his work. However, he had no legacy,

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collectors or family to pass it onto over time. Tomlin also destroyed a lot of his art during his 30s, gained notoriety in his 40s and then died at age 54. Belasco emphasized the importance of this event for students. Tomlin proves that someone can have multiple careers over the course of their lifetime and finally find their voice at age 40. Third-year double major in art history and English Carter Kranick attended the event for class. As an employee of the Dorsky they found the program insightful. “I really enjoyed seeing them speak,” they said. “I could listen to Svetlana all day. She is so passionate about it!”


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Arts & Entertainment

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Raising the Roost LOCAL ART GALLERY SPOTLIGHTS MULTIMEDIA ARTIST By Sam Manzella

A&E Editor | Manzells1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

I ascend the stairs behind an open door on Main Street with a bit of hesitation: the entrance doesn’t look like much, and the orange sign hanging above the open door leaves me with few expectations. I emerge into a vast, airy studio loft converted into a hip modern art gallery. The cool air from buzzing overhead fans is a welcome break from the summer heat, and my sensory experience is made all the more wonderful by the diverse collection of art lining the gallery walls. New York City-based artist Michael Stewart was a featured summer artist at Roost Studios, an art cooperative and gallery on Main Street in downtown New Paltz, New York. Roost Studios regularly highlights artists from their cooperative in a spacious, chic rotating gallery adjoined to a gift and fine art shop. A practicing member of Roost Studios’ collective, Stewart works in a variety of mediums; his summer 2016 solo exhibition and mini-retrospective featured ceramic pieces and abstract multimedia collages. The exhibition ran from Thursday, Aug. 18 through Tuesday, Sept. 13. Roost Studios’ open gallery — accented by chic hardwood floors, high ceilings and exposed brick walls — is thoughtfully laid out. Stewart’s collages of watercolor on paper stood out against

the gallery’s stark, white walls, allowing his use of bold colors to shine. The artist works with vibrant hues of blue, orange and green in a way that falls just short of gaudiness. For better or worse, some of his larger collages are the kind of works one would find in the home of a Brooklyn-dwelling hipster. Still, Stewart’s work has a decidedly modern feel to it, incorporating elements of Picassoesque cubism and mid 20th-century abstract expressionism. The real highlight of Stewart’s summer exhibition, though, was his collection of ceramic masks. Finished with a variety of brilliant glazes, the ceramic visages are uniquely expressive. Stewart’s ceramics channel dramatic theatre masks of antiquity. The artist carves wrinkles, crevices and smile lines into the faces with expertise, animating the masks to the point of tasteful caricature. Seven of the masks on display were part of Stewart’s “Seven Deadly Sins” series, which shined in its own right. The facial expressions Stewart chose to portray each deadly sin did not always align with my expectations. The artist toys with an overdone concept, ensuring his ceramic series does not fall prey to tired clichés. Art lovers can stop by Roost Studios at 69 Main St. in New Paltz or visit their website at roostcoop.com for updates on upcoming exhibitions and events. Thursday, September 15, 2016

PHOTO BY SAM MANZELLA

PHOTO BY SAM MANZELLA


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9B

Nick Cave’s “Skeleton Tree”

By Jackson Shrout

Copy Editor | Shroutj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Musicians often do what they do in order to survive. Some of the best music on the planet springs from the worst tragedies, and for Nick Cave, cold tragedy is something he has written about for his entire career. His art has always been macabre and gloomy, but nothing he has written thus far compares to how lived-in the tragedy underlying “Skeleton Tree” feels. In July 2015, Cave’s 15-year-old son Arthur fell to his death from atop a 60-foot cliff in England. The event is never directly referenced on “Skeleton Tree,” most of which was recorded prior to the loss of his son, but Arthur’s ghost haunts every melody, every note and every deeply spoken word across this album’s short, but heavily felt, 39 minutes. As cryptic as Cave wants to be in his lyrics — and he undoubtedly is — his pain is immediately accessible in his vocal performance. In “Girl in Amber,” Cave’s voice quivers and quakes through lines like, “You kneel, lace up his shoes, your little blue-eyed boy.” Cave himself is encapsulated in an amber of his own, an extreme agony that keeps him frozen in time, unable to move forward. “I Need You” seems to have Cave on the verge of tears; he references his 2010 car accident, in which he and his twin sons (one of whom was Arthur) slammed

into a traffic camera, and discusses the guilt he felt over being unable to protect his own children. Cave does not dwell on misery, however. The final two tracks of “Skeleton Tree” provide a muchneeded emotional catharsis to finish off the experience. “Distant Sky” features gorgeous vocals from Danish soprano Else Torp. “Let us go now, my darling companion / Set out for distant skies / See the sun, see it rising / See it rising, rising in your eyes,” she sings. Her heavenly voice is in stark contrast to the pained vocals Cave delivers on the rest of the album. It’s an oddly uplifting track, and it’s followed by the eponymous “Skeleton Tree,” a song that sees Cave on the sea shore, calling out to his son and understanding that “nothing is for free.” The last line of the song, and by extension the album, is “And it’s all right now.” “Skeleton Tree” is a masterpiece and simultaneously one of the most difficult things I’ve ever listened to. It exists not just as a haunting and beautiful album, but as the nuanced and emotionally detailed story of a grieving father trying to process that which can never be fully processed. There is no “getting over” the death of a child. The best we can do is try to stay afloat, paddling and paddling until we find shore. For Cave, “Skeleton Tree” is his life raft.

PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA.COMMONS.ORG

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Arts & Entertainment

The New Paltz Oracle

My Top 10: Tunes of the Moment COME JAM WITH SAM!

By Melissa Kramer

Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

For this week’s Top 10, Sports Editor and bonafide music fanatic Melissa Kramer shares her top tunes of the moment. 1. “Giant Tortoise,” Pond I have been rocking out to this song every day for a good while now. Better yet, I will get to hear it live in a little over a month. The punch of the bass and explosive Led Zeppelin sound throughout this track are something else. 2. “They Dated Steadily,” Mink Mussel Creek Mink Mussel Creek is another hidden gem of Australian bands, which made their name known right before Tame Impala earned fame. This song is an epic, but my favorite part is the first two minutes. With the guitar riffs and Robert Plant-sounding voice of lead singer Nick Allbrook (Pond) and Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) on drums, the first track off their album, “Mink Mussel Manticore,” is sure to blow your mind. 3. “Free,” Tomorrows Tulips The blend of the lead-up of the guitar and bass is one of my favorite intros of any song. There is just something about Alex Knost’s voice that makes everything more relaxing. 4. “Runway, Houses, City, Clouds,” Tame Impala Kevin Parker’s musical genius is demonstrated in an incredible way during this seven-minute saga of a song. When the guitar riff kicks in during the final section, I feel like I am floating on an airplane. In fact, I feel that way throughout the entirety of this tune. This song off of Parker’s first album “Innerspeaker” is perfect to

listen to with headphones when traveling. 5. “Everything You’ve Come To Expect,” The Last Shadow Puppets The vocal harmonies between Alex Turner and Miles Kane go together like strawberries and cream. I listen to this song multiple times a day and still get chills every time. 6. “Commentators,” City and Colour I have recently started listening to City and Colour, and this song is definitely a stand-out favorite of mine so far. The acoustic guitar and folk sound instantly bring cheer and joy from the very start. 7. “I Follow You,” Melody’s Echo Chamber French musician Melody Prochet’s first track off her self-titled album is beautiful. I love everything about Melody’s vocals and the guitar solo during the outro. 8. “My Mind Is Ramblin,’” The Black Keys This Junior Kimbrough cover off my favorite Keys album “Chulahoma” is the perfect blend of calm and relaxing. In the best way possible, while on Trailways bus rides, I can put this song on, zone out into another world and even fall asleep. 9. “Ode to Viceroy,” Mac DeMarco The guitar solo outro at the end of the song just blows me away. What more can I say? 10. “Elafonissi Blue,” GUM The effects and the chorus are what get me while listening to this song. I love the echo and space effect of Jay “GUM” Watson’s vocals. This tune has such a disco vibe, making it feel special.

UPCOMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS Peter Sheehan, “Recent Works” Sept. 13 - Oct. 10 Opening Reception on Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. Roost Studios, 69 Main St., New Paltz, New York Lecture with artist David Maisel Friday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. SUNY New Paltz, SUB 62/63, New Paltz, New York Open and free to the public Gallery Talk: “CAMPSITE” at the Dorsky Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz, New York Open and free to the public “BLOCK,” a Jazz Opera/Musical Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Julien J. Studley Theatre, SUNY New Paltz $3 admission for SUNY students, $8 general admission “Mad Forest: A Play from Romania” Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. Oct. 13-15 at 8 p.m., Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. Parker Theatre, SUNY New Paltz $10 admission for SUNY students, $18 general admission Vocal Chamber Jazz, Singer and Concert Choir Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Julien J. Studley Theatre, SUNY New Paltz $3 admission for SUNY students, $8 general admission “Art Collides” at the Dorsky Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz, New York Open and free to the public

Thursday, September 15, 2016


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Arts & Entertainment

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Tom Hanks Saves Eastwood’s “Sully”

By Jake Berkowitz

Staff Writer | Berkowij3@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

From “Flags of Our Fathers” to the polarizing “American Sniper,” Clint Eastwood has cemented himself as a capable director, fascinated with the subject of legacy and American heroism. “Sully,” Eastwood’s latest film, continues to explore those themes, albeit in a less nuanced and wholly satisfying fashion. Flash back to Jan. 15, 2009. A still-youthful Barack Obama was about to be inagurated, and the housing bubble had just popped; the country was in bad shape. Then US Airways Flight 1549 happened. What should have been the most infamous event of the year turned into the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger turned into the hero America wanted. “Sully” is the story of that flight, and the emotional challenges Sully (Tom Hanks) faced during the immediate aftermath. If the film itself is about valor in experience and quiet, everyday professionalism, then, when the movie is at its best, the same can be said for the filmmaking. At a spry 86, Eastwood is still able to suffuse the visually impressive disaster sequences with a visceral tension that captivates and reverberates within our collective memories (the Sept. 11 weekend release was no coincidence). And even though we know all the

passengers survived the unprecedented accident, there’s still a sense that, perhaps this time, not everyone will be so lucky. The largely unheralded Aaron Eckhart solidly provides some much needed comedic relief as First Officer Jeff Skiles — the film’s only fully realized, noneponymous character — and Tom Hanks does as Tom Hanks is often wont to do: play likable characters unpretentiously and with aplomb. With nearly four decades of acting experience, Tom Hanks is perhaps the definition of the consummate professional within the mainstream acting world, and his performance here is further proof of that fact; I would not be surprised if he, once again, was a serious favorite for Oscar considerations. I would, however, be surprised if the film was a serious favorite for Best Picture considerations, considering the filmmaking cannot seem to consistently echo “Sully’s” themes. The script is the film’s major detractor, as an Eastwood picture is once again saddled with a ridiculous and unnecessary framing device (I’m looking at you, “Letters from Iwo Jima”). Nearly every scene that doesn’t take place on the day of the crash feels hokey, and the dialogue too often feels downright amateur. Laura Linney is reduced to the generic biopic wife archetype, nagging Sully about

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financial troubles, and we never get to see her act opposite Hanks. All we are left with is a handful of mawkish phone conversations. With a sparse, 96-minute runtime, it almost feels like there wasn’t enough story to tell, so author Todd Komarnicki was forced to formulate a flashback-fueled narrative structure that simply did not work. Upon finishing “Sully,” I couldn’t help but think that I had

Thursday, September 15, 2016

seen 2016’s “The Goodbye Girl.” Sure, “Sully” will get its Oscar nominations, and it might even win some, but 40 years down the line it will be little more than a film that, once every five years, parents tell their kids to watch. However, I can wholeheartedly recommend this film for fans of the “Tom Hanks becomes embroiled in an aeronautical disaster” genre. Just know that it’s only the third best film of that ilk.


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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has publicly degraded minority groups verbally and through discriminatory action, is now attempting to make amends with the very demographics he disparages. Trump is trying to do this without apologizing or even acknowledging that his disrespectful remarks were ever made in the first place. While he now understands the importance of securing the minority vote, he still fails to practice the respect and honesty necessary to earn it. As exemplified in President Obama’s consecutive victories, the minority vote has made an unmistakable impact in past elections. His presidency was made possible only through the immense support he gained from multiple minority groups, and future candidates may depend on them to the same extent. Will anyone trust Trump if he is only now realizing the importance of the minority voter and making efforts to win them over? We at The New Paltz Oracle would like to remind his supporters that racism and bigotry cannot be forgiven by a few token gestures of civility. Trump remains an extremely discriminatory figure who does not concern himself with the well-being of minority America. On Sept. 1, Trump visited the Great Faith Ministries International, a church in Detroit, in an attempt to appeal to its largely black congregation. After receiving a prayer shawl for the duration of the service from the church’s pastor, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Trump told The New York Times, “I feel better already.” Later that day, he praised the churchgoers for their religious values, declared interest in charter schools for the first time and promised to create jobs in minority neighborhoods— all without acknowledging his racist remarks or their repercussions. At an Alabama campaign rally in November 2015, Trump supporters physically beat a black man protesting against Trump while yelling “black lives matter”. The next day, Trump neglected to condemn the actions taken by his supporters, and added, “maybe [the protester] should have been roughed up… It was absolutely disgusting what he was doing.” Trump’s opinions on LGBTQIA+ rights ranged from indifference to mild support for some time before the race. After announcing his candidacy, however, he declared support only for traditional marriage. During a January 2016 Fox News interview, when Chris Wallace asked Trump whether he would appoint justices to

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overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, Trump replied, “I would strongly consider that, yes.” This evidence suggests that Trump has adopted these opinions for the sake of building a platform attractive to his religious, conservative audience. His stances on LGBTQIA+ rights, while certainly unfair, carry none of the vitriol and venom he has reserved for Muslims and Mexicans, but the fact remains that Trump’s candidacy carries a toxic platform perpetuated by his supporters. At a campaign event held in the wake of the Pulse shootings in Orlando, Trump offered his solution to hate-crimes against the demographic by proposing stricter immigration laws against Muslims. On the surface, his comment appeared to be in defense of the LGBTQIA+ community, but their name was only invoked to further condemn Muslims seeking to live in the United States. Trump claimed that all Muslims who immigrate to America uphold the support for laws calling for violence against women and death penalty for the LGBTQIA+ community. “Screen out any who have hostile attitudes

toward our country or its principles or who believe that Sharia law should supplant American law. Those who do not believe in our Constitution, or who support bigotry and hatred, will not be admitted for immigration to our country,” Trump said. Through this proposal, Trump displays even more ignorance by assuming all potential immigrants of the Muslim faith subscribe to violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. The few promises that he backs up with certainty and precision – namely, “extreme vetting” for Muslims and the border wall for Mexico – border on the fantastical in terms of practicality. They also make up almost all of the memetic appeal of Trump’s platform; perhaps they were the only promises he deemed necessary to back up with specificity. Let us not forget that Trump himself said that women who get abortions should be subject to “some form of punishment,” at a campaign event in Appleton, Wisconsin back in March. Looking beyond his expression of toxic views that have alienated Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike, even casual ob-

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servers of this election have noticed the characteristic vagueness that Trump’s rhetoric relies on. Despite the fact that Trump himself has been careful to avoid promises, his supporters have filled in the blanks easily enough. His rallies have achieved infamy for the intolerance and violence which can only reflect what his platform for presidency really depends on. A Trump presidency is an ignorant, bigoted and racist presidency and must be avoided at all costs if there is hope for social harmony in this country. Editorials represent the views of the majority of the editorial board. Columns, op-eds and letters, excluding editorials, are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The New Paltz Oracle, its staff members, the campus and university or the Town or Village of New Paltz.


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I had never felt so disappointed and angry with myself for letting weight gain get the best of me. The freshman 15 was real when I left my first year of college weighing 130 pounds and calorie counting as if my life depended on it. Consuming alcohol, pizza and ice cream almost every weekend was most likely the culprit. I had developed a sickness to calculate every crumble of food I swallowed and would not allow myself to eat more than 1,200 calories a day. It was bad. Sophomore year rolled around and I continued with my unhealthy habits. I went to the gym every day to do at least an hour of cardio and nothing else. I would attend zumba and cardio hip-hop classes twice a week, expecting that it was enough to help me lose 15 pounds.

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Put Aside Skinny, Stay Positive It wasn’t. At one point, I saw the scale slowly decreasing. By November 2015, I lost five pounds. I held up my shirt and praised myself while looking in the mirror. I told myself, ‘You have to work harder. You have to get skinnier.’ My friends noticed this and immediately expressed their concerns. They told me I should eat more than crackers and half a can of tuna fish for dinner every night. They recommended I give myself a rest day from the gym, but I couldn’t. I had set myself a goal that I wanted to achieve. The summer going into my junior year, my father introduced me to the health benefits of weight lifting. I researched what would happen to my body and it didn’t sound too scary. Areas of my body I wanted smaller could

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Being a victim of sexual assault is not something I’d ever consider myself. You hear about it all the time on the news, but you never think it could happen to you. I had this mentality until I woke up one morning to find that a stranger had broken in and was touching my body. In times like these, you aren’t completely sure of how to react, as you have no idea what the true intentions of the person hovering over you are. I was fortunate to have not been alone, and he was chased out quickly. Others have not been so lucky. One of the biggest things I can advocate for is speaking out against sexual assault. Statistics of people being assaulted while attending college are alarmingly

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get tighter – it was exactly what I wanted! I felt very intimidated walking into the weight lifting section of the Wellness and Recreation center and I didn’t even know where to start. I whipped out my phone and searched lifting routines on Pinterest. I sat down on a bench as far away from everyone as I could get and began my transformation. Since then, I started taking progress pictures and I’ve been smiling at the results. Most importantly, I stopped staring at the number on the scale (yes, it’s cliché) and started looking in the mirror. I learned to discipline myself; I eat healthy 80 percent of the time and enjoy myself the other 20 percent. Shoulders and back has become

Student

my favorite days of my week. I can see traps forming and my biceps having little bits of definition. I will be honest, I still calorie count every now and then. My friends will catch me and tell me to stop and enjoy myself, but I haven’t been able to get over that habit. I stare at pictures of girls with perfect hourglass bodies, wondering why I don’t look like that. However, I’ve accepted my body for what it is and will always reward it for being put through tough workouts with some chocolate. Erica Ascher is a fourth-year journalism major and music minor. She’s an ice cream enthusiast and her flute is named Nyx. Follow her on social media @ericaascherrrrr

voice

“Your opinion loud and clear!”

high, and this doesn’t even include all of the cases that go unreported. We all know New Paltz as a cute, laid-back town, and aside from the drunk crowds on weekends or Tuesdays, we all feel that there’s nothing to worry about. However, assault can happen anywhere, and just because we feel safe where we are doesn’t mean we should let our guards down. Locking your windows and doors at night will only help you and I cannot emphasize that enough. If your windows/doors don’t lock, contact your building administrators immediately. Unfortunately, if someone is determined enough, they will find a way to get to you. Another reason why many counts of sexual assault go unnoticed is because of

“victim blaming.” It is never the victim’s fault for being assaulted. I don’t care what they are wearing, how much they drank, if their door was unlocked, etc., they were not asking for it. If you think they were asking for it, you are perpetuating rape culture and I STRONGLY suggest putting yourself in the perspective of someone who has been affected, because I can tell you right now, this isn’t a choice. A few seconds of pleasure for one person is a lifetime of trauma and fear for another. Remember that. I implore anyone who has been affected by sexual assault to please not be afraid to reach out to the police, counselors, friends/family or whomever, as you never know if you might be helping

Thursday, September 15, 2016

someone else. To all of those out there who have kept quiet and have been struggling with recovering from an assault, please remember that you are not alone. We must refuse to be a statistic. Anonymous SUNY New Paltz

The views expressed in op-eds are solely those of the student who wrote and submitted it. They do not necessarily reflect those of The New Paltz Oracle, its staff members, the campus and university or the Town or Village of New Paltz.


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SPORTS

SPORTS

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The New Paltz Oracle

CROWNED

PHOTO BY R.J. ROSA

The Hawks 2016 Championship team hold up their NCAA Div. III Championship rings during the ceremonial event.

By Michael Rosen

Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

It was on a Sunday afternoon back in April when the men’s volleyball team won the first national title in SUNY New Paltz history. On Saturday, Sept. 10 the players that made it possible received the rings they worked to earn five months earlier. Every member of last year’s team, with the exceptions of Andy Fishman and Joe Norman were present for the ceremony. This included co-captains Christian Smith and Kevin Nardone, as well as Christopher Husmann and Chris Lilley, who were all seniors on last year’s team. “It’s always great seeing all the guys that graduated,” third-year middle blocker Steven Woessner said. “Most of them live on Long Island and even in my hometown of Massapequa, so I thankfully get to see them a lot.” The ceremony began with President Donald Christian making a speech about the team and how much the title means to the school. He explained that he watched them at all of their home games, and joked that he did not see them lose very often.

The Hawks went 33-2 last season and did not lose against any Div. III opponent. Their only two losses came against the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and the University of Turabo during the team’s trip to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in January. In addition to their rings, the Hawks also received an NCAA jacket, a United Volleyball Conference (UVC) jacket and a Bluetooth headset. The rings were handed out by President Christian. “2016 was a great journey,” Hawks head coach Radu Petrus said. “It is something that no one can ever take away from us. It was a great honor to receive the ring from President Christian and be a part of this great program. I hope to leave a legacy behind for the future generation.” Petrus plans on keeping his ring on display in his office. Woessner does not plan on sporting his ring too frequently either. “I don’t plan on wearing the ring too much to be honest,” he said. “I also haven’t really touched the shirt or the hat that the NCAA gave us after winning. When I have free time next summer I want to make some sort of display with all of those things included.”

The 2016 New Paltz Hawks Men’s Volleyball Team #1 Yorman Escobar #2 Anthony Bonilla #3 Christian Smith #4 Matt Goldberg #5 Steve Gassert #6 Jake Roessler #7 Kevin Nardone #9 Andy Fishman #10 Steven Woessner

#11 #13 #14 #15 #16 #18 #20 #23 #24

Christopher Husmann Nick Denoncourt Ben Cohen Mitchell Kennedy Ryan Cole C.J. Borfitz Nick Smith Chris Lilley Joe Norman

Head Coach: Radu Petrus (10th year) Assistant Coach: Tony Bonilla (5th year, 17th overall) Captains: Kevin Nardone, Christian Smith

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Sports

Tennis Serves up Early Season Success By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza

Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The women’s tennis team is off to a 3-0 start after kicking off the season with a win at home against Rutgers University and two conference wins. The Hawks have won 17 out of 18 singles matchups so far this season, while staying undefeated in doubles play. Hawks head coach Rob Bruley says this year’s team is competitive and the amount of competition has contributed to the team’s overall success. “This year we’re a close, tight-knit team,” he said. “They’re experienced student athletes, our top-end is extremely tight and there’s a lot of team unity this year. We also have a lot of new players and as much as six people going for one spot, so there’s tremendous competition in the program so far this year.” This year’s team brings in five firstyear players and only has two fourth-year players graduating after this season. All of the first years have already started off well, as they have only lost one singles match in the three matchups so far. The Hawks experienced their only singles loss against SUNY Cortland, but still beat the Red Dragons 8-1 on Sept. 9. The following day, the Hawks shut out SUNY Oneonta 9-0 after losing to them last year in a close 23.5-21.5 overall game. This year’s annual Catskill Cup contest featured a close matchup between

Hawks third-year Brittany Grandville and Oneonta’s first-year Jackie Guidice. Grandville defeated Guidice 7-6 and 7-5 in two sets, which kept her undefeated on the season. The Hawks sit atop the SUNYAC East Division standings at 3-0 while they are 2-0 in conference play. Although the Hawks went 3-0 in conference play last year, Bruley kept his players mentally prepared heading into the first conference matchups. “I was telling the team that ‘the girls on the other side are as nervous as you are’,” he said. “We played extraordinarily well since there was a lot riding for our group and a lot of teams are coming out for us.” New Paltz will play their final SUNYAC matchup against SUNY Plattsburgh on Friday, Sept. 16 and will face Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, Sept. 17 before heading to Vassar College for the Vassar Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 18. The Hawks will return home as they face SUNY Geneseo on Friday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. on the North Tennis Courts. Bruley believes the team will be prepared heading into the busy weekend. “We prep the players before preseason by telling them what’s going to happen and how quickly things happen, so they get used to it,” Bruley said. “Most of these athletes come from competitive programs, so they’re used to this kind of environment.”

Field Hockey Picks up Win

By Michael Rosen | Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu The field hockey team improved their record to 3-1 after defeating Union (N.Y.) College 5-3 on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Fourth-year forward Erin Landy notched her first two goals of the season, while third-year forward Justine O’Reilly scored her team-leading fourth goal. Fourthyear forward Kayla McKeveny tallied a goal and two assists. Firstyears forwards Sophia Urruita and Kaitlyn Gunter each tallied an as-

sist and second-year forward Serena Capsello also scored a goal. Third-year goalkeeper Megan Gangewere registered four saves, bumping her season total to 45. That ranks first in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). The Hawks will next host their home opener and start up SUNYAC play against Morrisville State at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at the North Turf Field.

The New Paltz Oracle

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

Hawks’ fourth-year co-captain Carol Tyson is undefeated and has not lost a set in three individual matches.

Cross Country Faces Ranked Opponents

By Melissa Kramer | Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Both cross country teams experienced firsts during the Ron Stonitsch Invitational hosted by Vassar on Saturday, Sept. 10. The Hawks faced No. 1 Williams College and No. 9 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The men’s team placed eighth out of 14 participating squads in their first 6K of the season. The Hawks totaled 197 points and averaged 20:33.45 on the course. Individually, fourth-

Thursday, September 15, 2016

year Galo Vasquez led the team with a 21st-place finish out of 238 runners, crossing the line in 19:58.7. On the women’s side, the team averaged 20:00.45 in their first 5K of the season. First-year Sherri Metcalfe placed seventh of 197 runners, leading the way with a time of 19:15.8. The Hawks will next participate in the Rowan Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11:45 a.m.


The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

Women’s Volleyball Splits Home Tournament

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13

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:

Paige Gladstone SPORT: Field Hockey YEAR: Second MAJOR: Marketing HOMETOWN: Melville, New York

H OW DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING FIELD HOCKEY? I actually started playing lacrosse first and then when I was going into sixth grade my parents thought I should play another sport in the fall season. My dad thought I should try field hockey because he thought it would be a lot like lacrosse.

OUTSIDE OF FIELD HOCKEY WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO? When I’m not playing field hockey I like to spend my free time relaxing and hanging out with friends. It might sound kind of lame, but I also love playing board games or cards.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODELS?

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

Hawks’ fourth-year outside hitter Anna Paulik took over 15th place in program history in the digs category after the match against Stevens (1,013).

By Michael Rosen

Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Over the weekend, the women’s volleyball team hosted the Hawks Invitational, win-

ning two of the four matches they played. “I think this weekend went pretty well,” Hawks fourth-year outside hitter Morgan Roessler said. “Of course no one wants to come out of a tournament weekend being 2-2, making our overall record 3-5, but we showed what we are capable of on Saturday against Stockton.” On the first day of competition, the Hawks defeated The Sage Colleges 3-1 (25-14, 25-27, 25-20, 25-13) and lost to Clarkson University 3-0 (21-25, 24-26, 18-25). The second day saw New Paltz defeat Stockton University 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22). The Ospreys were 6-0 before the match until the Hawks earned their first three-set win of the season. “After an ugly loss to Clarkson I thought we bounced back and came in Saturday morning with something to prove against Stockton,” Hawks head coach Matt Giufre said. “I think that might have been the best match we played this year, and hopefully we can string more matches like that together.” Fourth-year outside hitter Anna Paulik was also very impressed with her team’s performance. “Being able to hold Stockton to a 3-0 win was pretty impressive to me,” she said. “They

have a great team but we came out on fire and didn’t lose that spark for three straight sets.” The team then lost to New York University 3-1 (25-27, 21-25, 25-16, 13-25). Despite the loss, the Hawks fought very hard in the first two sets of the match. New Paltz had a chance to win the first set as they led 2524, but a kill, an attack error and a service ace led to a 1-0 lead for the Violets. The second set saw the two teams tied at 19-all, but NYU finished on a 6-2 run to capture the set. Both of these sets were very close and either one of them could have gone in favor of New Paltz. “It seems like we’re playing well, and then we mentally make a mistake in positioning or covering a responsibility,” Giufre said. “So we give up an easy point and then put pressure on ourselves to fix it and then we give up a couple more. Then it kind of snowballs late in the game, so we have to do a better job of staying mentally focused on what our responsibility is.” Paulik earned her 1,000th career dig against NYU, as she collected 13 in the match, putting her at 1,002 career digs, which is ranked 16th in program history. Paulik understands that there are still some things the team has to work on. “Overall I think our team had some high moments and low points during the weekend,” she said. “There is a ton of talent on our team but it was evident that there is still work to be done.” On Wednesday, Sept. 14 the Hawks fell 3-0 (27-29, 14-25, 16-25) against Stevens Institute

of Technology. The Hawks (3-6) will next compete in the Roadrunner Invitational from Friday, Sept. 16 to Saturday, Sept. 17. This will be the final tune-up before the team starts State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play. “Looking at some results this year, SUNYAC play is going to be tough,” Giufre said. “A lot of teams are pretty equal and pretty evenly matched, including us. That’s what it is going to boil down to, who can make a couple of plays at the end of the game.” Giufre added that he expects more consistency from his team this weekend, and hopes that they will continue to be consistent once conference play starts up. The key for New Paltz is to hold onto the

leads that they are very capable of acquiring. Whether it be in individual sets or in matches in general, the Hawks can have a successful season so long as they can finish what they started. “We need to work on finishing games,” Roessler said. “There have been plenty of times last weekend when we played in Chicago where we were up by three or four points late in the match around 21 or 22, and the other team would come back to win that game. We just need to stop teams from going on runs and finish the game quicker when we are winning.”

Thursday, September 15, 2016

My biggest role models are definitely my parents. They inspire me to do my best and work hard and they call me out when I can do better.

ARE YOU A FAN OF ANY PROFESSIONAL TEAMS? I am a proud New York Giants and New York Rangers fan.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS? I‘m not as superstitious as I used to be, but I do have a couple of songs that I have to listen to before a game to get me pumped up.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY? My favorite sports memory was when our entire team rushed onto the field after beating Cortland in the SUNYAC Tournament for the fourth year in a row.

DO YOU WANT TO BE ...

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK? Contact Michael Rosen at

Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu


Sports

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The New Paltz Oracle

Women’s Soccer Prepares for Conference Play By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza

Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The women’s soccer team went 0-2-1 after participating in the Mount Saint Mary Tournament over the weekend and going up against Union (N.Y.) College on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Hawks head coach Colleen Bruley says the group has been working hard over the past few weeks, but needs to starts scoring more. “We need to score goals,” Bruley said. “We’re learning every day and we’ve been working a lot on trying to create goal scoring opportunities. We scored a couple over the weekend, but we know we can score more.” The Hawks showed signs of improvement over the weekend after storming back from a 2-0 deficit to finish in a 2-2 tie against Elmira College on Saturday. After the Eagles scored two goals in a seven-minute span in the first half, the Hawks responded with a goal from third-year forward Danielle Grossi in the 57th minute and the equalizer goal from third-year forward Gabriella Cabello. The game-tying goal came off an assist from third-

year goalkeeper Katelyn Cordero after Cabello got a hold of a loose ball and dribbled it past the defense for a goal. The Hawks look to rebound over the next couple of games as they expect first-year forward Danielle Michelini to return to the lineup from an ankle injury. Bruley also reported that second-year defender Raven Blake has been out of the lineup with a sprained MCL and her return timetable is “day-to-day.” On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Hawks lost a 1-0 matchup due to a goal in the 89th minute by Dutchwomen first-year forward Linsey Giles. After the matchup against Union (N.Y.) College, New Paltz moves to 1-5-1 on the season The Hawks will go up against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Friday, Sept. 16 and will face Manhattanville College the following day before they begin State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play the following week.

PHOTOS BY HOLLY LIPKA

Thursday, September 15, 2016


SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

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15

Men’s Soccer Stays Undefeated By Melissa Kramer

Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

After five games played, the Hawks are undefeated. Over the weekend, the Hawks faced two nonconference teams in the Vassar Tournament, which featured a 5-0 shutout against Elms College and a 1-1 tie against William Paterson University. Five different goal scorers found the back of the net for the Hawks throughout the tournament. “I’m really liking the amount of different guys that can step up and put a ball away,” Hawks head coach Kyle Clancy said. “We’ll take contributions from anybody at this point, no matter the year, no matter the position.” On Saturday, multiple shots on goal and chances accounted for five goals as the Hawks shutout Elms College. Fourth-year midfielder Charlie

Versen opened the Hawks scoring with a converted penalty kick in the 10th minute. Fourth-year forward Tucker Stern put home a pass from third-year defender Matt Carr four minutes later. Fourth-year midfielder Sam Spring notched his first career multiplegoal game, tallying a rebound goal in the 31st minute and later netting the Hawks’ fifth and final goal of the match on a free kick in the 59th minute. Additionally, first-year midfielder and defender Coltan Goodwine headed home a corner kick from second-year midfielder Manny Flory to register his first career goal during the 52nd minute. The following day, Hawks’ thirdyear midfielder Ben Zilka tipped-in a pass from third-year midfielder Aleco Podias in the 27th minute to tally the first goal of his collegeiate career. Additionally, Zilka led the team in shots with four. Panthers’ first-year midfielder and

back Keysean Brant-Sharp would score the equalizer in the 66th minute. In five games played, the Hawks have only allowed two goals. Clancy said he was pleased with the team’s continued progress on the defensive side of the ball. Individually, the Hawks still have some work to do with one-on-one defense, he said. Clancy added that starting the season with a zero in the loss column could lead to overconfidence as a team both on and off the pitch. Before Sunday’s game against William Paterson, Clancy said the team had a talk regarding staying focused and keeping composure. “I think that’s my only worry,” Clancy said. “But I want them to be confident heading into games, and I think that starting off the season so well definitely helps.” On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Hawks finished with a 0-0 tie against Vassar

College in a nonconference game. As a team, the Hawks recorded 13 shots. Hawks third-year goalkeeper John Guzzo made five saves in the scoreless match. The Brewers nearly netted a goal in the 42nd minute with a penalty kick that hit the post. The Hawks (3-0-3) will play their home opener against Bard College on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m on South Turf Field.

Upcoming Matches • TUESDAy, Sept. 20 vs. Bard college at South Turf Field, 4 p.m. • Friday, Sept. 23 Vs. SUNY Oswego at South Turf Field (SUNYAC), 3 p.m. • Saturday, Sept. 24 vs SUNY Cortland at South Turf Field (SUNYAC), 1 p.m.

Do You Want To Write Sports For The Oracle? Send us an email at Oracle@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu for more information!

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