Volume 89 Issue 4 by The New Paltz Oracle

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Volume 89, Issue IV

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ARE WE TRUTH

Thursday, October 6, 2016

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

UNIVERSITY? Renowned Psychologist Addresses Clash of Truth & Social Justice at Universities

- Story on Page 3 -

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

• Local Teen At Forefront of Gender-Neutral Bathrooms.......Pg 4 • Profile of New Provost Lorin Basden Arnold.....Pg 6 • Water Concerns Alleviated in Hoosick Falls.........................Pg 5 • New Paltz Hosts Cardinal Timothy Dolan.........Pg 7

Kristen Warﬁeld EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jack O’Brien

MANAGING EDITOR

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

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Melanie Zerah NEWS EDITOR

Amanda Copkov FEATURES EDITOR

Sam Manzella

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Melissa Kramer SPORTS EDITOR

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Holly Lipka Jeannette LaPointe Matt Nash PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS

Luke Benicase CARTOONIST

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Michael Rosen Jackson Shrout Jess Napp Erica Ascher Briana Bonﬁglio Anthony Orza Rachael Purtell Matt Apuzzo COPY EDITORS

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Jackie Quaranto WEB CHIEF

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Mario Prainito

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

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The New Paltz Oracle is the official student newspaper of SUNY New Paltz. Our circulation is 2,500. The New Paltz Oracle is sponsored by the Student Association and partially funded by the student activity fee. The New Paltz Oracle is located in the Student Union (SU) Room 417. Deadline for all submissions is 5 p.m. on Sundays in The New Paltz Oracle office and by email at oracle@hawkmail. newpaltz.edu. All advertisements must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Fridays, unless otherwise specified by the business manager. Community announcements are published gratuitously, but are subject to restriction due to space limitations.There is no guarantee of publication. Contents of this paper cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. The New Paltz Oracle is published weekly throughout the fall and spring semesters on Thursdays. It is available in all residence halls and academic buildings, in the New Paltz community and online at oracle.newpaltz.edu. For more information, call 845-257-3030. The fax line is 845-257-3031.

Volume 89 Issue IV Index NEWS THE DEEP END

EDITORIAL

STUDENT VOICE

COLUMN

Melissa Kramer

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Date: 9/29/16 Location: Gage Hall Incident: Odor of marijuana reported. Subject denies smoking marijuana. Matter referred to campus judicial board. The Oracle encourages students to refrain from smoking marijuana on campus. SUNY New Paltz University Police Department Emergencies: 845-257-2222

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NYU Professor Talks Trigger Warnings on Campus By Jack O’Brien

Managing Editor | Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

In the midst of a nationwide conversation about social justice on college campuses, SUNY New Paltz hosted a renowned psychologist to discuss his research on the subject. On Thursday, Sept. 29, Dr. Jonathan Haidt delivered a lecture entitled “How Two Incompatible Sacred Values are Driving Conflict and Confusion in American Universities.” Haidt, the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University, was the top choice of the faculty task force, according to Glenn Geher, chair of the psychology department and leader of the free speech task force. Last spring, the task force was assembled by SUNY President Donald P. Christian after a politics and media debate was abruptly cancelled by the Office of Student Activities and Union Services, (OSAUS). The debate was cancelled by OSAUS director Mike Patterson after what Christian referred to as “a robust email dialogue” among faculty over the inclusion of Cliff Kincaid. Kincaid, director of investigative journalism for Accuracy in Media, (AIM), previously claimed that President Barack Obama was born in Kenya and that the LGBTQIA+ community is responsible for global warming. Because of conditions in their contract, the speakers were still paid $7,500 for the sudden cancellation. On Oct. 20, Kincaid and Steve Rendall, senior analyst at FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting), will participate in the rescheduled debate. The contract between SUNY New Paltz and Haidt, which was obtained by The New Paltz Oracle via FOIL request, amounted to $10,000. According to Richard Winters, SUNY New Paltz’s community and government relations associate, Haidt usually has a fee of $30,000 and initially reduced his price to $15,000, before ultimately settling for $10,000. Prior to his lecture, Haidt met with approximately 15 students for a discussion about the climate on campus, specifically about trigger warnings and whether or not they should be included as part of the college experience. Students were selected from various majors in order to include a diversity of opinions regarding Haidt’s article “The Coddling of the American Mind” which was published in The Atlantic in 2015. Haidt regarded the meeting as

a success, commenting that most students wanted to hear more opposing views in the classroom, even if they didn’t agree with them. Later, Haidt’s lecture focused on the difference between the educational goals for universities, dividing them by those who seek truth and those who seek social justice, which he referred to as “Social Justice University” (SJU). Haidt listed seven challenges facing SJU, including telos, motivated reasoning, sacredness, blasphemy, anti-fragility, correlation and schism. “The first wave of change, of political correctness in the 90s, was good for universities,” Haidt said. “It was good to diversify faculty and expand the literary canon for students. However, this second wave, the one of the early 2000s that exploded in 2015, has been one of confusion.” The basis for Haidt’s arguments rested on statistics outlining societal trends and recent developments in academia, which he himself has been studying since the

early 1990s. This includes the fact that professors are now twice as liberal as they were in 1996, and for fellow psychologists during that same period of time, they are more than three times as liberal as they once were. Citing the damage done by the popularization of safe spaces on campuses and “victimhood culture,” Haidt argued that students now walk on eggshells in the classroom, which leads to a loss of critical thinking skills. He stated that professors now fear their own students, particularly those who might protest what they are learning. Citing the incident at Emory University where students said they felt threatened by chalk writings around campus that said “Trump 2016,” he posited that students who view themselves as sacred contribute to the continued polarization of this country. “What was sacred at a university, thirty years ago? Truth,” Haidt said. “What is sacred now? Social justice. The academy, our universities, simply cannot pursue

both truth and social justice.” Concluding his talk, Haidt argued that a schism, similar to the one in the 19th century between universities pursuing truth and divinity schools pursuing Jesus Christ, would be necessary for schools pursuing social justice. He pointed to Brown University’s decision to embrace social justice as a “bedrock to our capacity to fulfill our mission as a university” and their $100 million investment in “inclusivity efforts.” Haidt contrasted their actions with those of the University of Chicago, where their president issued a letter to the incoming class of 2020, stating that the school “does not support so-called ‘trigger warnings.’” Haidt promoted his educational project for campus inclusion of viewpoint diversity, Heterodox Academy. He encouraged students, specifically those in student government, to push for a referendum to explicitly support viewpoint diversity, saying that New Paltz could have the potential to differentiate itself as a university in pursuit of truth.

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA Jonathon Haidt speaking to a packed Lecture Center 100.

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NEWS BRIEFS WORLD

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NPHS Accommodates Transgender Students

PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT TO TAKE EFFECT NOV. 4

The landmark Paris agreement on climate change will enter into force on Nov. 4, after being pushed past a key threshold Wednesday by a coalition of the world’s largest polluters and small island nations threatened by rising seas. President Barack Obama hailed the news as “a turning point for our planet,” and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the agreement’s strong international support a “testament for the urgency of action.” Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech, called it: “A moment of bright hope in the increasingly discouraging landscape of climate science.”

US HELICOPTERS SENT TO HAITI AFTER HURRICANE The commander of U.S. forces in the Caribbean says nine U.S. military helicopters are being sent to Haiti in response to the government’s request for help with damage from Hurricane Matthew. Adm. Kurt Tidd told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that the helicopters are to arrive in Haiti on Thursday, weather permitting, by way of the Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica. SYRIA’S MILITARY TO REDUCE AIRSTRIKES FOR ALEPPO EVACUATIONS Syria’s military command said it would scale back its bombardment of the contested city of Aleppo on Wednesday to allow civilians to evacuate besieged rebel-held neighborhoods. The announcement, broadcast on state TV, followed 16 days of airstrikes and shelling that have killed over 300 civilians and damaged hospitals and water facilities. Satellite images released Wednesday by the U.N. show the scale of the destruction since a U.S.-Russia brokered cease-fire collapsed two weeks ago. UN PEACEKEEPERS FLED, USED TEAR GAS ON SOUTH SUDAN CIVILIANS United Nations peacekeepers abandoned their posts when fighting erupted in South Sudan’s capital in July and then used tear gas on frightened civilians who sought shelter at the center of the U.N. base, a new report says. Compiled from the AP Newswire

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA In June 2016, the New York City Council passed a bill that will require all existing single-stall restrooms to be gender neutral.

By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtellr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

New Paltz High School (NPHS) added two gender neutral bathrooms on each floor in order to accommodate the 20 transgender students enrolled this year. The New Paltz Board of Education approved a policy calling for the addition of these two single-stall facilities back in June, but New Paltz High School junior Aaron Wesdorp was the catalyst. Wesdorp, who is a transgender man, felt uncomfortable using strictly male or female restrooms. The transgender students were permitted to use single-stall faculty bathrooms. Last year, as a sophomore, Wesdorp drafted a petition to express the need for the addition of gender neutral bathrooms in the school. Wesdorp said that the majority of people and classes he approached were supportive and willing to help, especially when he was able to explain to his peers why this change was necessary. “These bathrooms have made the school environment safer and easier on gender nonconforming students that come to school,” he said. After gathering about 110 signatures, Wesdorp presented it to the New Paltz Board of Education in the spring. Wesdorp attended the meeting with the president of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and read what he had prepared when the board members handed the floor to the public to address issues outside of the meeting’s

agenda. “Maria Rice, the superintendent, thought that there already was a gender neutral bathroom and offered to fix the situation ASAP,” Wesdorp said. Wesdorp is a member of NPHS’ GayStraight Alliance, co-advised by Lisa St. John and Joanna Arkans, the club’s media specialist. The club aims to spread awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues throughout the school community. Some of the events they sponsor include No Name Calling Week, Ally Week, Day of Silence and LGBTQIA+ History Month. The club also attends Pride Works conferences and shares what they learn with the rest of the school. According to the Pride Works website, each conference is a “full-day educational experience that promotes a positive message, teaches leadership skills and fosters a sense of community for LGBTQ youth, their allies and the adults in their lives in the lower Hudson Valley.” St. John said she is incredibly proud of Wesdorp’s actions last spring and that he is an amazing force in the club. “He is proactive and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues,” she said. “He raises the level of enthusiasm for projects and he helps get things done.” Fourth-year photography and art education major at SUNY New Paltz Connor Henderson is one of the co-presidents of Pride, a group dedicated to providing support, a safe haven to those who are a part

Thursday, October 6, 2016

of the LGBTQIA+ community. Henderson said that it is rare to hear about this type of action at a high school level and was thrilled to learn about NPHS. “I believe that it is necessary for young people to step up and advocate for change,” he said. “We are the next generation of this country and we need to make the changes we want to see because no one else is going to do it for us.” In May, the Obama administration advised public schools to allow transgender students to use whichever bathroom they identify with in order to promote a “nondiscriminatory school environment.” Additionally, the Title IX civil rights law was updated to address sex discrimination towards those who do not conform sex stereotypes. Schools that do not comply risk the loss of federal funding. According to an article published by The Hudson Valley News Network, two out of the remaining school districts in Ulster County responded to inquiries regarding their accommodations for transgender students. Despite repeated phone calls, the other seven districts, including Kingston and Saugerties, could not be reached. In Onteora schools, transgender students may use faculty restrooms or the one in the nurse’s office, according to Superintendent Bruce Watson. At Highland schools, administrators said they are making adjustments where needed by providing alternative facilities and increased privacy.

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BRIEFS Safe Water Restored in Hoosick Falls NEWS NATIONAL Presidential Race 2016

SPECIAL

Currently in the Polls for The General Election Democratic Hilary Clinton 48.1%

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR Hoosick Falls, NY. Found contaminates include dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride and perfluorooctanoic acid.

By Matt Apuzzo

Copy Editor | Apuzzom2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Many residents of Hoosick Falls were relieved to hear that their water was declared safe on March 30, 2016. After a contamination scare began in August 2014, which intensified when the Environmental Protection Agency warned against using the water, most assumed that this ended the town’s difficulties. Hoosick Falls remained in the public spotlight as recently as last September, when efforts to assign blame for the situation created an impasse between three government agencies at the state and federal levels. “The State Department of Health, as well as the Department of Environmental Conservation, are the ones primarily responsible in this case. The EPA also has a role,” said Scott Minkoff, an assistant professor in SUNY New Paltz’s political science department. In early September, local newspapers and news stations reported that the contaminated areas in Hoosick Falls were proposed by the EPA to be reclassified as a “Superfund” site. “Superfund sites usually get additional

federal resources aimed at hazardous waste cleanup,” explained Minkoff. Government investigators agree that the source of the contamination was a plant owned by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. Specific contaminants found in the town’s groundwater include dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA; the latter two are carcinogens and all three are hazardous to human life in some form. Yet the town’s representatives insist that the problem was worsened by government negligence, and that Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics isn’t solely responsible. “It took over a year for state officials to respond and tell the community not to drink the water. The state acted only after the EPA made a similar recommendation,” said Minkoff. “The state is, in part, blaming the EPA for not being clearer about what its guidelines are.” In a crisis that lasted 19 months, required the coordination of water deliveries and containment procedures and contaminated the municipal water of an entire village, liability could prove to be highly damaging.

“The back and forth this time seems to be really focused on whether [the] State acted quickly enough and whether its delay was due to a slow response from the EPA,” he added. “I don’t have enough information to say who should or should not take responsibility, [but] I would say the shoving match between the state and the federal government does not look good.” Government branches and jurisdictions play a role where involved politicians place their loyalties. According to Minkoff, the mayor of Hoosick Falls supports the Department of Health because they are both a part of the state’s Executive Branch. Meanwhile, federal representatives and senators have gotten involved by asking national agencies, such as the Center for Disease Control, to intervene in the situation. In the struggle to hold government accountable for negligence, Minkoff said that one offender has been relatively ignored. “Very little attention has been placed on the plant itself and its responsibility in this matter. However, if there are lawsuits down the line they could be seeking damages from Saint-Gobain,” he said.

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Republican Donald Trump 44.2%

CLINTON: PENCE ‘BOBBED AND WEAVED’ ON TRUMP Hillary Clinton says Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence “bobbed and weaved” when he was asked to defend GOP nominee Donald Trump in Tuesday night’s debate. Clinton says at a Washington fundraiser that Pence was trying to get out of the way of defending his running mate because defending Trump “is an impossible task.” Pence stood up for Trump’s leadership qualities but let some of Kaine’s criticisms of Trump’s remarks on Mexicans and women stand. FOR CLINTON, ELECTION LIKELY TO BE WON OR LOST IN OCTOBER Each night, Hillary Clinton’s data experts head to a conference room on the 11th floor of her Brooklyn headquarters, to start counting votes. The sessions in the “early voter boiler room,” as it’s been dubbed by campaign aides, stretch into the early hours of the morning. The team pores over turnout patterns in states where advance voting is already underway, projects how many votes Clinton and Republican Donald Trump have already received, and updates crucial targeting lists of the voters she still needs. PENCE’S ‘MEXICAN THING’ REMARK DRAWS RIDICULE FROM LATINOS Latino scholars and activists are criticizing Republican Mike Pence for referring to “that Mexican thing,” at the vice presidential debate as he tried to brush aside criticism of Donald Trump’s comments about Mexican immigrants. They said Pence’s remark was dehumanizing and tinged with sexual innuendo. Compiled from the AP Newswire

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New Provost Settles Into New Paltz

By Sam Manzella

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

Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, the newlyappointed provost of SUNY New Paltz, sits across from me in an armchair in her eighthfloor office in Haggerty Administration Building. A three-time Purdue University graduate and self-proclaimed lover of learning, Arnold is an experienced academic and a strikingly intellectual person. She chooses her words with care, sharing her excitement about her new position at SUNY New Paltz. Arnold served as the dean of the College of Communication and Creative Arts at Rowan University, a small private college, for seven and a half years. “It just felt like it was time for me to move on,” Arnold said. “I was ready for a new challenge.” Arnold assumed her post as provost of SUNY New Paltz during the summer of 2016. Her new job entails being a liaison between the deans of the college’s academic departments and co-curricular areas and the higher-ups in the college’s administration. “I see myself as simultaneously having

oversight and being the voice of those units to the [administrative] cabinet, and then in the other direction,” she said. “I’m sort of in the middle of this flow of communication.” Arnold’s role in SUNY New Paltz’s administration is something she finds interesting as an interpersonal and organizational communications scholar. At Purdue, Arnold studied communications and personal relations up to the doctoral level, and much of her academic writing and research focused on a “neglected” area of interpersonal communications research: mothering and motherhood. As a mother of six, Arnold found it fascinating that much of the communications research about motherhood and mothering was conducted in terms of how the choices a mother makes affect her children. Arnold took her academic research in a different direction, investigating “the experience of mothering, how we culturally talk about what being a mother looks like and who gets to count as a mother.” “Nobody was really researching mothers as people,” Arnold said. “It was all about, ‘what are they doing wrong, and how

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does that hurt their kids?’ But now, the field is starting to grow.” A vegan of 12 years, a certified yoga instructor and a certified nutrition counselor, Arnold never stopped learning, and she has no plans to quit anytime soon. She’s even taken up learning Mandarin, which she admits has taken a back seat since she came to SUNY New Paltz. Arnold’s transition has been a learning process in and of itself, she said, but it’s one she’s excited to begin. “I’m a believer in lifelong learning,” she said. As the fall 2016 semester unfolds, Arnold is excited to meet and interact with students on campus. During her interview process, Arnold saw how enthusiastic students were about being a part of the campus community, she said. The provost hopes to carry that excitement with her as she settles into her new position. “When I came up here for my interview, it just felt so familiar in all the good ways,” she said. “Everyone was so warm. And I loved the students that I met.” Of course, the change of scenery doesn’t hurt, either. The new position

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPALTZ.EDU

brought Arnold and her family from New Jersey, where Rowan University is located and Arnold’s in-laws live, to New York’s Hudson Valley, SUNY New Paltz’s sprawling, mountainous backdrop. Arnold sums it up best: “You can’t get much better than this,” she said with a smile, gesturing outside the windows of her corner office to an expansive view of the Shawangunk Mountains.

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Cardinal Dolan Discusses Catholic Faith on Campus By Jack O’Brien

Managing Editor | Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

For the second time this year, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, visited New Paltz to address the local Catholic contingency. “Young, Merciful and Over-Joyed! An Evening with Cardinal Dolan” was held on Wednesday, Oct. 5 in the MultiPurpose Room of the Student Union Building. Dolan was introduced by both SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian and Bishop Dominick Lagonegro of Newburgh. The audience included SUNY New Paltz’s Catholic Campus Ministry, along with youth groups from Vassar College, Rockland County Community College and Mount St. Mary’s. Dolan’s previous visit came on June 4 for the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Joseph’s Church. The evening began with a recitation of the Christian hymnal “All Creatures of Our God and King” and proceeded into a short prayer session. From there, Dolan began to speak about coming to the Hudson Valley to be in the presence of young Catholics. “I was offered to go to the Mets game tonight,” Dolan said with a laugh. “But I chose to be here with you all and I’m very happy to be here. And God willing, there will be more baseball in the future.” On the day after the feast of St. Francis, Dolan spoke on two specific themes, mercy and joy, focusing on how they relate to a person’s relationship with others and God. Dolan emphasized that “God’s mercy lasts forever” as he praised the closing months of the Year of Mercy, proclaimed by Pope Francis on Dec. 8, 2015. “Pope Francis wrote a book, a bestseller in Italy, entitled ‘The Name of God is Mercy,’” Dolan said. “Once you strip back the caricature that has been made of Cardinal Timothy Dolan greets Catholic youth with a smile at SUNY New Paltz. our wonderful Pope Francis, you realize said allowed Elijah to “extend God’s merthat he is constantly talking about asking redemption of Peter. cy to others.” “None of us have sins so great that we God for mercy.” Afterwards, Dolan answered select can’t be forgiven,” Dolan said. “We can’t Dolan cited “presumption” and “dequestions from the audience, including do anything to merit God’s mercy, we can spair” as the primary issues leading peowhether or not he had ever been shaken in only pray for God’s mercy.” ple to surrender to sin. He said that peohis faith and what his favorite moment of Throughout his speech, Dolan interple could find inspiration in Jesus Christ his faith journey was. Responding to the wove stories of Catholics enduring perand Pope Francis, who both identified as latter, Dolan spoke about when his niece, sonal struggle, including when he met a sinners. In doing so, they admitted their faults and plead for God’s mercy, a lesson suicide hotline worker named Elijah, who Shannon, was diagnosed with bone canthat Dolan stated is applicable to people was one of their most successful employ- cer. Dolan at the time was living in Rome, of faith. He also tied this in when recol- ees. Dolan later discovered that this was across the street from a children’s hospilecting the death of Judas Iscariot and the due to his past self-harm, which Dolan tal named Bambino Gesù Hospital, which

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PHOTO BY JACK O’BRIEN

translates to “Baby Jesus Hospital.” He said that he was depressed and surrounded by the screams of children and their mothers and even saw a father carrying out a small casket “the size of two shoeboxes.” As he shut his window to quiet the noise, Dolan recalled John 6:68, a Bible verse that has remained with him since. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

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Perfect in pinstripes Story on page 2B

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROSEN

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Perfect Game Turns 60 DON LARSEN’S LEGACY LIVES ON LOCALLY

By Michael Rosen Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu There is an old saying that on any given day, any given man can achieve perfection. This Saturday, Oct. 8 will mark the 60th anniversary of arguably the greatest example of this phrase. It was during Game 5 of the 1956 World Series that Don Larsen, a man who lost 21 games just two years prior, did the unthinkable. He threw a perfect game in the World Series for the New York Yankees against their archrival, the Brooklyn Dodgers. A perfect game is exactly what it sounds like, not a single batter reaches base. No hits, no walks and no errors; first base goes completely untouched. There have been just 23 perfect games in the almost 150 years since Major League Baseball came into existence. Larsen’s is the only one that was thrown on baseball’s biggest stage. Among those in the stands that day include Joe Torre, a Hall of Fame manager who would lead the Yankees to four World Series titles 40 years after this game took place. He, of course, was not alone at the ballpark that day. New Paltz Village Trustee Tom Rocco grew up so close to Yankee Stadium that he could hear the roar of the crowd from his home. He was not there that day, but his wife Ellen Rocco was. Rocco grew up as a Yankees fan in Albany, New York. One reason for her fandom was a friendly rivalry she shared with one of her cousins, who was a Dodgers fan. “My cousin Kenny and I spent a lot of time together,” Rocco said. “He was always the one leading the way. I would listen to him, and then

get into trouble. To have something up on him was big and the better the Yankees did, the more I had over him.” Rocco’s father, Murry Spritzer, had two tickets to the game and was originally going to bring a friend, but he was unable to make it. So Spritzer brought a delighted 12-year-old El-

len instead. “I remember my dad picking me up from school and saying ‘come on, we’re going to the ballgame!’” Rocco said. At that time the Yankees and Dodgers were tied at 2-2 in the series, and the last perfect to be thrown was by Charlie Robertson in 1922.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROSEN The original program from the 1956 World Series, courtesy of Ellen Rocco.

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Larsen needed just 97 pitches to throw his masterpiece, striking out seven batters in the process. He faced a Dodgers lineup that featured four future Hall of Famers in Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and Pee Wee Reese. As exciting of a game as it was, Rocco does not recall all of it in full detail. But there are two distinct memories she has of the afternoon. “One guy sitting in back of us fell asleep,” she said. “There was a guy sitting next to him who was ranting and said ‘I can’t believe it! He gets drunk, falls asleep and misses the end of the game!’ “Then after the game my father and I walked on the grand concourse to get autographs. Elston Howard was there and had his kid on his shoulders. I asked him for his autograph and one of the security guards asked me to leave him alone, but Howard happily gave me his signature.” Howard was a catcher on the Yankees for 13 years. He won the 1963 American League MVP award and was the first African American player to wear the Yankee pinstripes. Although Rocco is not as nearly as big of a baseball fan as she once was, this was one memory she won’t ever forget. “It is certainly one of my strongest childhood memories,” Rocco said. “I’m happy to throw it into conversation and say ‘oh by the way, I was at Don Larsen’s perfect game.’” It was the only World Series game that Rocco has ever attended, and it just so happened to be one of the most legendary games in baseball history. A man who finished his career with a record of just 81-91 did something that no player ever did, and no player has done since.

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Historic Huguenot Street Harvests History COMMUNITY MEMBERS JOIN TO CELEBRATE FALL FUNDRAISER

By Amanda Copkov Features Editor | Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) is officially getting into their autumn groove, and fundraising to top it all off. On the evening of Oct. 1, HHS held its inaugural Fall Harvest Celebration. With hopes to continue this new tradition annually or bi-annually, this hearty celebration hosted a cocktail hour in front of the Dubois Fort visitor center followed by a farm-to-table dinner catered by Harvest Real Food, the “leader in the local sustainable food movement for over 20 years,” according to their website, and located in Stone Ridge, New York. Kaitlin Gallucci, communications manager of HHS, said that the purpose of this new fundraising event was to show community members what their donations have supported over the past several years. During the cocktail hour, the Jean Hasbrouck and Deyo Houses were open for tours so donors and supporters who don’t have the opportunity to come often could see the new changes that were made. “They can see how their support helped make this come to life,” Gallucci said.

She said that the proceeds of the Fall Harvest Celebration not only go toward necessary renovations that the historic houses need, but toward their education programs as well. Currently, HHS is paying particular attention to the upkeep of the Jean Hasbrouck House, which needs a roof replacement. The Lefevre/1799 House, Gallucci said, is also in need of renovations regarding its foundation. “While we are the stewards of these houses and take care of them, just going through summers and winters every year does damage to them no matter what,” she said. Thanks to their donors, HHS has reached 90 percent of their goal toward the new Jean Hasbrouck House roof. So far, they’ve raised a little over $36,000 toward their $40,000 goal. Gallucci and the rest of HHS have expectations to start that renovation this upcoming spring. Gallucci said that the amount of school programming HHS has done has increased dramatically over the past several years. Some of these donations go toward creating reproductions of quill pens and objects for making candles and crimping linen.

“These items are generally on display in the houses because they were things that the settlers used everyday, but students can’t touch them because they’re original,” Gallucci said. “We have reproductions in what we call our Hands-On History room, where students can actually touch them, play with them, use them and see what they’re like.” HHS also used this evening to recognize their new exhibit, Marking The Occasion, which features Dutch silver spoons from the collection of George Way and Jonathan Z. Friedman. “Maybe spoons don’t sound that exciting, but honestly these look like works of art,” Gallucci said. “They’re much more symbolic than utilitarian, so depending on what carving is on the spoon determines what it means, why a person made it or why a person received it. It tells you a lot about some of those Dutch customs that really influenced the development of the Hudson Valley, and it’s right here in the Dubois Fort Center.” The Dutch spoon exhibition runs from Oct. 1 until Dec. 18. Because of the close ties HHS has with the

Dutch consulate, the Honorable Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dolph Hogewoning, attended the dinner. He spoke briefly about the Dutch connection with the Hudson Valley, as they were the first non-native colonists in this region, as well as how HHS helps to preserve Dutch artifacts and architecture. Elisabeth Hines, a resident of High Falls, attended the celebration in order to support and learn more about HHS. “It’s all about supporting the community that you live in and preserving the history,” Hines said. “This is an idealistic spot in the Hudson Valley so it’s important to preserve it.”

PHOTO BY AUDREY BRAND Authentic Dutch silver spoons showcased in the Dubois Fort Center.

Extending the Blessing

FAMILIES AND PETS GATHER FOR BLESSING CEREMONY

By Brandon Doerrer Contributing Writer | Doerrerb1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Churchgoers and their pets gathered at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Main Street in New Paltz this past weekend as part of its annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony. Like many years past, dogs, cats and birds came together on Sunday, Oct. 2 to be blessed in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. The blessings were preceded by worship, where out of 40 attendees, three brought their pets. Rev. Robin L. James, who is also the director and chaplain for the Episcopal Campus Ministry at New Paltz, said that out of the three years she has been a part of St. Andrew’s, this number is fairly standard. However, just because pets were not present did not mean they were excluded. “We recognize that it can be very stressful for our pets to bring them to an unfamiliar setting, so this year we named our absent pets and said a prayer of blessing over them too,” James said.

Following worship, pets and owners convened on the front lawn of St. Andrew’s where they were met by an additional seven owners and their furry companions. Rev. James spoke to each owner and pet who wished to participate in the Episcopal and Catholic tradition individually, giving them her blessings. St. Francis, a 13th century monastic and patron of animals, is recognized throughout the Episcopal Church, according to James. He is known throughout the Church for his love of all creations, with an emphasis being placed on nature and animals. The tradition of blessing animals is practiced every year on the closest Sunday to Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis. “Creation, of course, extends not just to the planet and people walking on it, but also to the many animals that we call our pets,” James said. Pets are not the only animals who can be blessed, however. James also spoke of circus animals such as elephants being led down the aisle and blessed in larger

churches like the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. Residents from New Paltz and beyond travelled to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, whether they belonged to the church or not. The notion that creation encompasses animals was reflected by Pine Bush resident Joanne McMahon, who came to St. Andrew’s to get her dog Tgan blessed upon her pastor’s recommendation. The scope of creation continued to expand at the blessing, as James also shared her experiences blessing church buildings, homes and even cars. “I am grateful for all that God has given me through God’s creation, so I bless animals and cars and houses,” she said. The Blessing of the Animals continues to be a valued tradition for churchgoers and the clergy alike. “I am always pleased to observe St. Francis Day and the Blessings of the Animals annually,” James said.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

People brought pets of all sorts to be blessed on Sunday: cats, dogs and even birds.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON DOERRER

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The New Paltz Oracle

Your Orbital October Fortune Horoscopes by Eric Francis Coppolino ARIES (3/21 - 4/19) – Nothing is predictable, nor do you want it to be – especially relationships. Leave yourself room for adventure and for surprises, and set this tone with friends and partners. All the good that’s entering your life is doing so through spontaneity. So practice that as yoga. Change up your schedule any way you can. Take different routes to and from places. Meet people you might ordinarily pass by, and hear their story. All of this will feed into your current extravaganza of self-discovery, though one other thing is certain: there’s opportunity in the air, and to get access you must assert yourself.

CANCER (6/22 - 7/23) – This is potentially a brilliant time for you professionally. Yet you will need to be courageous in everything you do, every time you do something. Bring out some true element of spark, light or genius with each task. Ask yourself what’s the best, most inventive way to do whatever you’re doing. Burst through boredom with the vengeance it deserves. Remember that in any authentic career, exceedingly little follows the ‘established’ ways of doing things. You must break some rules in order to do things better or to succeed in innovative ways. Be smooth, persistent and as naughty as you please.

LIBRA (9/23 - 10/22) – Those born under your sign often avoid controversy and confrontation. Yet you might consider the value they have. You will thrive on a little friction and polarity. That does not mean hostility or any form of negative vibes. Rather, you need the kind of contact that allows you to assert who you are in a sportsman-like way. You can trust saying what’s not included in the script, and say things you were not planning to say, and listen to what others say that pushes your buttons a little. From this, you’ll get ideas you never would have dreamed of otherwise.

TAURUS (4/20 - 5/20) – You’re getting to know yourself through another person. The beautiful thing is that you seem to be discovering what you already knew, which is called confirmation. You might be concerned that you’re losing yourself in someone else. You may have moments when you fear that you’re overpowered by someone’s will. I suggest that you cast off those concerns and let this scenario play out, because it’s heading somewhere interesting and you are getting ready to open up wings you didn’t even know you had. You can afford to be bold and courageous. There’s nothing to avoid; dive into your feelings.

LEO (7/24 - 8/23) – You must make a special effort to say what you mean and mean what you say. This is less about absolute truth and more about sincerity. Your words count for more than you know right now, so don’t waste them on gossip, on trivia or on negativity. Rather, use words and ideas like the valuable resources they are, and remember that for you honor counts. So too does presentation. Being well-spoken, presenting the written word with care and respect, and keeping things beautiful will be surprisingly helpful in whatever you’re doing or creating.

SCORPIO (10/23 11/22) – This has been an unusual year for you: many self-discoveries, many necessary changes, and discovering something about your deep personal strength. That seems to be rooted in what you want. Yet now, it’s coming from what you want to say. You actually have ideas and, more than that, you have the capacity to change your mind. And this you are seeing the beauty of. Simply put, the actual strength of the mind is its ability to adapt. For you this has gone from being a struggle to a blessing. A discovery that’s on the horizon will help you take your life to a new level.

VIRGO (8/24 - 9/22) – You may be inclined to focus on money; and if you do, you will get results. Yet you need to think bigger than that, in considering what resources you have available. There’s way too much emphasis placed on monetary value, and way too little on what people often have in abundance: creativity, passion, a sense of mission and the love of beauty. All of your talents count. All of your personal gifts count. And you bring to every situation something that transcends them all, which is that distinctive, beautiful personal quality only you have and only you can offer.

SAGITTARIUS (11/23 - 12/20) – There is more to life than what you believe. What you have personally verified, and what has stood the test of time, are more important teachers. One gift of this phase of your life is the discovery of your authentic values. That means priorities, or core principles. They’re your rudder that goes deep into the water, or a foundation reaching into the earth. Yet from time to time, even those change and evolve in surprising ways; and that is what seems to be happening. Cooperate fully with this process. You are tapping into deep knowledge extending way beyond the usual scope.

GEMINI (5/21 - 6/21) – You’re experiencing a creative burst like you’ve rarely ever felt. Celebrate, explore, and give yourself some extra freedom to find out what you want to do. You have more potential than you think. It’s a matter of focus, and that is coming. You might feel you have to give up some things to focus on one or two priorities. Let this happen organically. Remember, you’re not really giving anything up. You will take every talent, passion and idea with you, and these will combine into new forms, new projects and new gigs. Have faith in this process, and in yourself.

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Pixabay

Thursday, October 6, 2016

CAPRICORN (12/22 - 1/20) – This month, you have the power to make any change you want. I don’t use the word ‘power’ lightly, but there really is no other. By change, I mean on a structural level: a deep rearranging of your mentality. It’s as if a force beyond normal desire or intention is working through you. It’s an evolutionary impulse combined with true need that’s moving you to make a decision you might never have predicted. You can trust this process, because it’s entirely natural and coming from within you. Though it might not have made sense a year ago, it makes perfect sense now. AQUARIUS (1/21 - 2/19) – One of your great strengths is your ability to work with others, and this is gleaming out of your solar chart right now. You’ve had to go it alone for a while, or perhaps with less cooperation or resources than are ideal. Yet now your wisdom and leadership are becoming obvious to the people around you. You are stepping into your authority and embracing the knowledge you possess. You have one other gift, which is the ability to be undaunted by fear. That is the true essence of your leadership ability. And it’s rare to find. PISCES (2/20 - 3/20) – Life is about an exchange. Trees absorb what humans exhale, and turn it into wood. Dogs and people have followed one another around for tens of thousands of years, to great mutual benefit. Cats protect our food supplies by eating the vermin that threaten our health. Your existence is now the very model of this quality, which is called symbiosis. Your relationships have the potential to be mutually profitable, more so than ever. Offer yourself fully to them, and accept and embrace the gifts that the people around you are offering. This is a rare moment that will nourish you for many years.

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Campus Dining Diversifies

NEW DINING OPTIONS ON CAMPUS OPEN AND EXPAND By Erica Ascher Copy Editor | Aschere1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Campus has been looking fruitful with the new dining options added this year. New cafés, such as Element 93 in Wooster, Starbucks at Parker Theater and recently-expanded Nester’s in the Student Union, provide students with more options than just Hasbrouck. Ryan Goodwin, general manager of on-site service solutions for Sodexo, said the campus wanted to develop a menu that represented what the students wanted – local beef, cage-free locally grown eggs and healthier options. Element 93 is known for serving food made on the premises, such as their salad dressings. Goodwin explained the thought behind the café was to mimic what is being served in town. Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) decided to make food from scratch and “have good food that makes students happy every day.” “This concept is not done anywhere else in the country,” Goodwin said. “We wanted to give students another option to stay on campus, have a good meal and not have to walk all the way to town to

spend their own money.” Some of the new cafés added vegan and gluten-free options to campus. The recently opened Starbucks at Parker Theater serves gluten-free snacks such as tortilla and vegan kale chips. Although there have been new additions, there were also some closings. Students have expressed their disappointment regarding the closing of Oscar’s, which has been compromised with the expansion of Nester’s. Oscar’s was a late night option in Hasbrouck that sold fan favorites, such as ice cream, coffee, fries, sandwiches, paninis, pasta, Crazy Bowlz and cheesesteaks; pasta options have also been completely moved to Pomodoro’s as a result of the Nester’s expansion. CAS found that moving Crazy Bowlz to Nester’s has made the station much busier than when it was in Oscar’s. It gets crowded so quickly that Goodwin has to ﬁgure out how to get people in and out faster. “Students love Crazy Bowlz almost to the point where we have to ﬁx how they serve the customer,” Goodwin said. “Their Latin food options represent the restaurant they have in Kingston.” Maddy del Caño, a second-

year French and public relations major, is pleased with the new dining options. Her favorite café is Element 93, where she goes almost every day for breakfast. “I love Element 93 for their salads and egg sandwiches, but I’m disappointed Oscar’s isn’t open anymore because I live in Crispell and it was in very close proximity,” she said. As an avid coffee consumer, she is also excited about Starbucks opening at Parker Theater. On the contrary, Joe Abel, a fourth-year computer engineering major, is not a coffee drinker and does not believe it’s necessary to have a second Starbucks on campus. “People on campus are only excited for Starbucks opening in Parker because of fall and their pumpkin spice lattes,” Abel said. Abel would like to see Starbucks in the Student Union turned into something else, such as a Greek food option, while del Caño would like the campus to bring back Café Spice, a café that served Indian food. Goodwin and CAS are constantly working to make campus food even better. He said their next step is to open a bakery where Oscar’s used to be.

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SK E D Y COP KOFF: COO

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats! By Amanda Copkov Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

One of the members of The Oracle shares their culinary chops with you. Bon appetit!

Hey there, readers. I’ve got a tasty fall treat for you that’ll satisfy your seasonal pumpkin craving, and even allow you to feel a little healthy at the same time: pumpkin pie overnight oats! Your taste buds will be thanking you later. First, you’ll need: 1/4 cup plain (nonfat) Greek yogurt (or vanilla ﬂavored, it’s up to you; appealing to all the vegans out there: you can even look for soy yogurt!) 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/4 cup pumpkin purée One tablespoon pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup steel cut oats (Quaker Oats or BetterOats OldFashioned Oats are high on the favorite oats list) Two teaspoons chia seeds 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger Now that you have all your ingredients: in a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, almond milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla and maple syrup until blended to sweet, creamy perfection. Next, stir in the oats, chia seeds and spices. Pour the mixture into your favorite Mason jar (am I appealing to your aesthetic yet?) or alternative glass and/ or plastic container. Finally, place the container in the fridge for four hours or overnight. When you’re ready to eat your pumpkin pie oats, whether it’s ﬁrst thing when you wake up, after your daily workout or for a quick and easy dessert, you can top ‘em with whatever you’d like: toasted pecans or walnuts, whipped cream or Cool-Whip (the latter is my preference, if you’re feeling a ‘lil healthier), or maybe even some craisins and/or dark or milk chocolate chips, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.

PHOTOS BY MATT NASH New cafés Element 93 and Starbucks at Parker Theater ﬁnally open for business on campus.

And voilà! Eat up and indulge. Happy autumn! Thursday, October 6, 2016

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Pioneering “Ban the Box”

NEW PALTZ MAKES HISTORIC CHANGE TO SUNY SYSTEM

By Briana Bonfiglio Copy Editor | Bonfiglb1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu As of Fall 2017, applicants to all SUNY schools are no longer required to check a box stating if they have committed a felony. This SUNY-wide policy passed thanks to SUNY New Paltz’s own “ban the box” initiative, which sociology professor Dr. Alexandra Cox started nearly two years ago. According to representatives from the Student Association (SA) and Students Against Mass Incarceration (SAMI), joining this initiative meant fighting to make higher education accessible to all. These two organizations worked handin-hand with a SUNY-wide “Ban the Box” committee organized by Cox through the general council. The SUNY Board of Trustees officially passed the bill on Sept. 14. “We’re the largest state university system in the country, so it not only has an impact in the state, but nationwide, for us to make this decision,” Cox said. Cox began the initiative because as a professor, she wants to educate all students who seek higher education, and as a sociologist, she has seen the taxing effects of convicted felons trying to seek it. She was sitting down with a client one day, when she realized how difficult the application process was for him. “The question had a very serious, chilling effect on people,” she said. “I’ve seen this first-hand. They give up because they have to produce materials that were either expensive or burdensome to get. It set people off-track in the path to their lives.” Cox brought the issue to SAMI and began the committee to work toward banning the box in fall 2015. Together they conducted research in order to draft a policy that they would present to SUNY-SA and the Board of Trustees. In Spring 2015, SUNY New Paltz SA became involved. According to SA president Yaranny Reynoso, SA’s role was to take the

PHOTO BY JEANNETTE LAPOINTE According to Cox, the Common App still includes “the box,” and SUNY’s decision could impact a change in the application nationwide.

information given to them by SAMI and the

of production,” Cox said.

This means that convicted felons will not

“ban the box” committee and present it to

Representatives of SAMI agreed, stating,

receive a background check until after they are

SUNY-SA. This involved a lot of convincing,

“We have done our research on recidivism rates

accepted to a SUNY school, and only if they are

she said.

and the link to education to be able to prove that

applying for on-campus housing, internships

access to higher education does in fact decrease

and/or student activities. According to Cox,

recidivism rates.”

details of this process are still being sorted out.

A major criticism of the initiative, one that several campus presidents still hold according to Cox, is that it would hinder campus safety

Last spring, the bill passed through Senate,

Cox said this decision is huge for her client.

by allowing convicted felons, who may have

which is composed of two delegates from each

“He applies as you would have applied,”

committed violent crimes, to be present on

of the 64 SUNY campuses. It then moved to the

she said. “There’s no question-asking. He’s

campus. Research, however, shows that

Board of Trustees, who passed it just weeks ago.

evaluated just as everyone is.”

recidivism rates –– the rate at which convicted

The policy will go into effect for the 2018-2019

felons commit another crime after being released

application.

–– are extremely low for those receiving higher education. “Engaging in education is a huge factor for people to stop a life of offending and start one

She continued: “He wants to start his own business and build the skills and capacity to do

According to vice president for Enrollment

this. It’s a great opportunity for him, and I would

Management, L. David Eaton, “the question will

rather see him attached to the school community

still need to be asked prior to engaging in certain

rather than the community of people he used to

programs and services offered to students.”

offend with.”

Thursday, October 6, 2016

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Churchill’s “Mad Forest” THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT PUTS ON PHENOMENAL FALL SHOW By Jess Napp

Copy Editor | Nappj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

“People aren’t evil and people aren’t good. They live how they can one day at a time. They come out of dust, they go back to dust, dusty feet, no wings, and whose fault is that?” – Caryl Churchill This semester, the SUNY New Paltz department of theatre arts put on the timely and politically charged show, “Mad Forest: A Play from Romania” by British playwright Caryl Churchill. The production directed by assistant professor Catherine Doherty showcased a rotating cast of 14 actors sometimes playing up to six characters. She enacted the concept of a Greek chorus in which the actors, not involved in certain scenes, sat around the stage and witnessed the action among the commoners. In the playbill, the director described 1989 as “a seismic year for revolution.” She referenced the uprisings at Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Romanian Revolution, the setting of “Mad Forest.” The play enlightens 21st-century Americans unaware of Nicolae Ceausescu’s brutal dictatorship and the Hungarian pastor who sparked a rebellion by speaking out against him. “It was very timely for us to be able to do the show and for me personally and professionally to explore the play in this election season,” Doherty said. According to Doherty’s director’s note, only a couple of months following the fall of Ceausescu, Churchill, director Mark Wing Davey and 10 of his acting students from the United Kingdom traveled to Ro-

PHOTO FROM COMMONS.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

SUNY New Paltz’s Parker Theatre pictured on the lefthand side.

mania to examine a nation in the aftermath of revolution. Together they created this production based on their communication with Romanian citizens. “For us to have an opportunity where students are working on a project that was generated by students working on a project was very exciting,” Doherty said, regarding the diverse, all-student cast and crew for the Mainstage production. Doherty said a significant number of students auditioned for “Mad Forest” alongside the spring musical, “Oklahoma.” The mixture featured students singing songs from the golden age and others reciting contemporary dramatic monologues. Doherty admitted that when casting,

the director is not necessarily searching for specifics, but rather someone who can identify with the material. Roughly 30 students were called back. They participated in improvisation exercises to test their physical acting abilities. Doherty said that a lot of the scenes in the play are action driven, sans dialogue. A striking moment in the show depicts the disheveled actors slumping in line for meat after hours of waiting until one of them quietly utters, “Down with Ceausescu.” In the callbacks they explored how standing in line for hours would look. The Romanian setting also has a surreal element to it with a dog played by a human and the mystical appearances of an angel and a vam-

Thursday, October 6, 2016

pire. All the while, a mural of the brutal dictator and his wife loomed in the background. Fourth-year English major Monique Tranchina attended the show’s second performance on Friday, Sept. 30. The nonlinear storytelling approach kept her alert enough to follow the multiple stories within the play. “I was shocked by such a big event in world history, the Romanian Revolution, which I wasn’t aware of,” Tranchina said. “The play helped me to understand historical events with a fictionalized storyline, much like ‘Les Miserables.’” “Mad Forest” will continue to entertain and inform theatergoers in Parker Theatre from Oct. 13 through Oct. 16.

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Arts & Entertainment

The New Paltz Oracle

Spoons in Local History

HISTORIC HUGUENOT STREET HOSTS MEMORABLE EXHIBITION By Meg Tohill

Contributing Writer | Tohillm1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Historic Huguenot Street, a national historic landmark located in SUNY New Paltz’s backyard, transcends the concept of “knowing your roots” with the introduction of its new exhibit, “Dutch Silver Spoons.” Upon entering the exhibit, visitors can breathe easy knowing that the staff at the visitor center provides a wealth of information, and their attention to detail leaves nothing to the imagination. Accurately representing the symbolic importance of these cultural artifacts is of the highest priority to the accommodating employees. As visitors are led through the charming visitor center, an air of surrealism permeates the atmosphere. Suddenly, while walking through the low archways, the clock rolls back to the 1600s, when the Huguenots first made their mark on this town, and the problems of today no longer exist. The glass cases are pristine; the spoons are artfully arranged to highlight the intricate and ornate design of each utensil and the tape recording being played on a loop intensifies the idea that these were once not history, but a part of life. According to officials at Historic Huguenot Street, the spoons, during their time of creation, were an outlet for artistic expression and given as tokens. To commemorate birthdays, marriages and even death and divorce, the spoons were designed specifically to represent the importance of the event. The creativity behind the spoons cannot be accredited to the Huguenots though, but the settlers who were there before them and “showed them the ropes:” the Dutch. Courtney Russo, guest experience coordinator at Historic Huguenot Street, said that while the “entire landmark is a testament to how New Paltz is truly just one large melting pot of cultures, the exhibit focuses on the influence the Dutch had on the early Huguenots.” Fleeing from religious persecution

PHOTO BY AUDREY BRAND

approximately 300 years ago, the Huguenots took a leap of faith and traveled across seas from die Pfalz, Germany to Wiltwijck, otherwise known as Kingston, New York. A new opportunity for freedom, the Huguenots found refuge in the New World where they were greeted by the Dutch settlers who had voyaged before them. With their new life, the Huguenots embraced the melding of cultures: their own culture with the cultures of the Esopus (the Native American tribe that had inhabited the area), the African slaves and more specifically, the culture of the Dutch settlers. Interacting with the Dutch not only led to intermarriages and crossed bloodlines, but the adoption of the

Dutch culture. This included anything from religious practices to the architecture that can still be seen standing today at the landmark to the spoons themselves. With as little as one walk around the room, first-year psychology major Rebecca Walsh said that “the exhibit was charming” and inspired her to “look up the history of the town.” “I took every pamphlet the center offered regarding the spoons,” she said with excitement. Though focused on the Dutch silver spoons specifically, the staff placed other spoons around the room for comparison. This included spoons from the time of the Huguenots’ voyage over from Europe: English spoons, Ger-

Thursday, October 6, 2016

mans spoons and French spoons. This small detail illuminated the uniqueness of these cultural artifacts and put in perspective how delicate and precious these spoons had been to their creators. First-year theater arts major Brittany Hernandez said that the exhibit was breathtaking. “It’s amazing how these people took care to even create beauty in something as simple as a spoon,” she said. Locals and guests alike can view these historic spoons at the Historic Huguenot Street visitor center from Oct. 1 through Dec. 18. Guests can send questions to Russo via email at Courtney@huguenotstreet.org.

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Arts & Entertainment

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A Jazzy Night at Studley

By Jackson Shrout

Copy Editor | Shroutj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the music department held a faculty jazz showcase in Studley Theatre. The showcase featured a mix of standards and original pieces written by the professors. “We all brought in our own tunes that we picked from a repertoire that we enjoyed playing,” said upright bassist John Menegon. The show opened with the slow, moody “Infant Eyes,” originally written by saxophonist Wayne Shorter in the mid-1960s about the birth of his infant daughter Miyako. “Brazilian Coffee,” an original piece by pianist Larry Ham, was second on the program; it’s not quite a bossa nova piece, despite what the title may suggest, but Ham’s piano was imbued with the spirit of the South American jazz variant nonetheless. Following that was “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You,” written by Victor Young with lyrics by Bing Crosby and Ned Washington. Original lyrics were also contributed by professor/vocalist Teri Roiger in the form of “vocalese,” a style of jazz singing in which instrumental solos serve as a melodic frame for vocals. In “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You,” Roiger sings in the stead of Young’s saxophone solo. Roiger continued to sing on the next tune, “The Nearness of You” — written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Ned Washington — which she described as “near and dear” to her. “I’ve been singing this song for a very long time,” she explained. “There’s just something about the way it’s written and the lyrics, how everything works together; it makes me feel very emotional. This one just strikes a chord in my heart. It creates a lot of visual stuff for me, and I think about … people.” “Pull It Together” was the second

PHOTO BY JEANNETTE LAPOINTE

original piece of the night, written by trumpeter Rebecca Coupe Franks. The triumphant, slightly bittersweet piece came to Franks, she explained, while she was “a little frustrated” with gridlock traffic. Percussionist Jeff Siegel’s original “Ballad of the Innocent,” from his upcoming South African-inspired album, was a slow and somber tribute to victims of violence across the globe. The atmosphere of the show livened up with the band’s jazz fusioninspired cover of Eddie Harris’s piece “Freedom Jazz Dance.” The 1965 standard’s sense of momentum was preserved in this rein-

terpretation, but the blues and funk influence in the guitar playing gave the piece a decidedly more modern aesthetic. Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” allowed further reinterpretation on the band’s part. “We’ve all played the piece before, but we took a slightly different approach to it,” Menegon said. “There was a lot more interaction between each musician. We could enhance certain elements, specifically rhythmically. Basically, we could paint our own picture.” The show closed out with a rendition of “Straight, No Chaser” by leg-

Thursday, October 6, 2016

endary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. It served as an explosive, all-inclusive finale that saw every instrument, including the melodica (brought out only for the final tune), had its moment to shine. The tune also utilized one of jazz’s oldest vocal traditions in the form of scat singing, said to have been invented during the 1910s or 1920s. Tradition was key here, as the music selection reflected decades of change across the jazz landscape. Between the solid original works and the reinterpreted classics, the faculty showed a keen understanding of jazz history as well as the boldness to view it through alternative lenses.

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Arts & Entertainment

The New Paltz Oracle

MY TOP 10: MALE TELEVISION CHARACTERS By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtellr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Yup, I’m gonna talk about guys, I know … Shocker! I don’t watch a lot of TV, but what makes me LOVE a television show is when I fall in love with the characters. Truthfully, this was originally going to be a list of both female and male characters, but out of fear of forgetting someone near and dear to my heart, it has been split by gender. 10. Crazy Steve/Spencer Shay Let’s throw it back to Jerry Trainor’s roles in “Drake and Josh” and “iCarly.” Obviously “Drake and Josh” is a beloved favorite of many, but I can’t really say I ever particularly identified with either of the main characters. However, there’s a lot of Crazy Steve inside of me. Yes, behind this calm, level-headed façade is actually a mentallyunhinged man one wrong look away from screaming at you or throwing something into a wall. I can’t talk about Jerry Trainor without mentioning his role as Spencer Shay in “iCarly.” Frankly, he is the show’s only redeeming quality. One of my most relatable moments is when Spencer is repairing his butter sculpture of himself and he says, “Don’t worry, Toasty. Soon you’ll be back and ‘butter’ than ever,” pauses in revulsion and says, “Thank God no one heard that.” Yeah, I’m definitely grateful that I am my only audience when I talk to myself. I feel you Spence. 9. Frank Underwood Honestly Frank, I hate you. You are absolutely merciless and cold to the core. I really hemmed and hawed about putting “House of Cards” character Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey on this list. Like I said, I hate him, but he’s such a compelling character that I couldn’t not write about him. Frank Underwood is one of the most menacing protagonists that I have ever observed, and the moments in which he addresses the viewer directly are downright chilling. I have enjoyed Spacey in other roles, but I commend him for his performance on this Netflix original series. 8. Steven Hyde Another epic throwback, “That ‘70s Show” is something I can watch over and over again. I will always aspire to be chill as Steven Hyde, played by Danny Masterson, but I will refer you to character number 10 as to why that is in the realm of impossibility. 7. Squidward Squidward is my spirit animal. Voiced

by Rodger Bumpass, he is an animated representation of Wrath, one of the seven deadly sins that I am definitely guilty of. My favorite part of my favorite episode is in “Band Geeks” when Squidward is warming up all the different sections and the percussionists’ sticks fly at him and pin him against the wall and he says, “Too bad that didn’t kill me.” 6. Coach I was very upset when Coach, played by Damon Wayans Jr., left “New Girl.” Both times. My favorite thing about Coach is when he yells at people for crying. He really is being sympathetic and he truly believes that he can “coach” you out of being sad. Coach is the friend that’s always there to give you the kick in the ass you need. 5. Ross Geller “Friends” was inevitably going to appear somewhere on this list and although Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer, is not the funniest guy on the show, there is just something so pathetically loveable about him. Plus, he ends up with the hottest girl on the show so there’s hope for everyone. He’s also a huge nerd, I am a huge nerd. His friends once asked him if he would rather give up sex or dinosaurs, and if you replaced dinosaurs with journalism, I would echo his silent reply. 4. Mark Sloan Sorry Derek Shepherd, but I am definitely Team McSteamy. “Grey’s Anatomy” character Mark Sloan, played by Eric Dane, is immaculate. He is primed to perfection. He is sexy, charismatic and pretty much everything that would immediately capture my attention in a man. I love his personality too, and his character is subtly complex. When we first meet Mark, he hides behind a façade of his only interest being sex, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. I’m still mourning his death on the show after the plane crash and I don’t know if I’ll ever be over it. 3. Aaron Hotchner “Criminal Minds” is hands-down my favorite show on television, and Aaron Hotchner, played by Thomas Gibson, has made me cry on multiple occasions. He is absurdly mentally strong, but he also shows this incredible vulnerability whenever his wife or his son is onscreen. Hotch’s loyalty is also unparalleled, there is no character or person I have met that will put himself between his team and a bullet like he does. 2. Adam Braverman

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Adam Braverman, played by Peter Krause, is a pillar of morality. The producers of “Parenthood” and “Criminal Minds” should have a contest to see which one can make me cry more. This show is incredibly moving and I could write a novel about each of their characters, but it is almost as if Adam is without flaws. Despite his flawlessness, there is something so human about him that you forget you’ve probably never been mad at him throughout the course of the show. As a father, brother and son, Adam is simply unmatched. 1. Derek Morgan I tried to avoid talking about more than one character from any one show, but making

Thursday, October 6, 2016

an exception for “Criminal Minds” feels justified, especially for Shemar Moore’s character Derek Morgan. He is the total package, with looks, athleticism, intelligence and a tireless work ethic. This character hits home very much for me, and it felt like a divorce when he left the show this past season, even given the understandable circumstances. Derek Morgan had incredibly traumatic experiences as an adolescent and claims they had everything to do with making him who he is today. He an inspiring example of selfefficacy and the power of human will, and I will always look to him to remind me that scars show us where we’ve been, but they do not dictate where we’re going.

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Arts & Entertainment

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Bon Iver’s “22, A Million”

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FIVE YEARS LATER, JUSTIN VERNON IS NOW IN DIGITAL By Jackson Shrout

Copy Editor | Shroutj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Bon Iver founder Justin Vernon learned a lot in the band’s five-year absence. Gone from his repertoire are the ambient folk melodies of Midwestern nostalgia, in their stead an airy synthetic folktronica soundscape peppered with a myriad of vocal distortions. After half a decade away from the band, Vernon has uprooted Bon Iver’s aesthetic from its Wisconsin earthiness, and “22, A Million” is no weaker because of it. It must be made clear, however, that despite Vernon’s deliberate reframing of what folk music “should” sound like, it would be slightly misleading to slap the label of “experimental” on the entirety of this album. Tracks like “33 ‘GOD’” and “10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄” recall the prototypical song structures of the last Bon Iver project: quaint rising action supplanted by a post-rock explosion

of brass and woodwind instruments. In cases like this, Vernon’s experimentation only goes as far as what fills the musical template; the template itself, excellent as it is, remains untouched. At its best, “22, A Million” finds new ways to use Bon Iver’s past elements of value in this new electronic context. “21 M♢♢N WATER” creates a thick cloud of chaotic ambience, only to smash through it with a glitchy saxophone showcase at the end. Vernon’s autotuned crooning on the acapella “715 - CRΣΣKS” evokes the kind of vocal stylings most commonly associated with Kanye West’s recent projects — that Vernon would pick up influence from West is no surprise given Vernon’s guest presence on three of West’s albums this decade. “____45_____” feeds some sort of horn or wood instrument (the specific kind is unclear) into the same Kanye West autotune filter to produce robotic

harmonica. The other major influence at play here is James Blake, whose recent album “The Colour in Anything” featured Vernon as a guest vocalist in its back half. Jagged vocal loops serving as the backbone of “22 (OVER S∞∞N)” bring to mind the James Blake track “Points,” in which Blake’s lamentation that “It’s sad that you’re no longer her” becomes its own song’s instrumental pavement. Whereas Blake, however, was always comfortable lurking in ice-cold artifice, Vernon imbues even his synthetic material with flesh-and-blood warmth and humanity. That warmth and humanity are ultimately what make “22, A Million” so quintessentially Bon Iver, even as Vernon trades in acoustic instruments for synthesizers. This is to Vernon what “Highway 61 Revisited” was to Bob Dylan — an album-wide career recalibration marked

by a drastic change in equipment — and just as Dylan never lost his sprawling sense of Americana, so too does Vernon retain the contemplative Midwestern soul of his music. What is, perhaps, most comforting about “22, A Million” is not how fresh it sounds after a five-year absence, but rather how familiar it truly feels in spite of its new genre influences. “These will just be places to me now,” sings Vernon in “33 ‘GOD’”; his focus on relationships has shifted from locations to people, but the manner in which he explores this new subject of interpersonal relationships is just as enigmatic and beautiful. The relationships we forge in life are no less thematically relevant to American folk than the memories we tie to locations. Ultimately, what Vernon has crafted with “22, A Million” is an exquisite American folk record; he just happened to use synthesizers to do it.

“Crisis in Six Scenes”

WOODY ALLEN’S NEW SERIES IS BARELY A SERIES By Jake Berkowitz

Staff Writer | Berkowij3@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Don’t let anyone fool you; Amazon’s newest comedic mini-series “Crisis in Six Scenes” is a movie. It’s written and directed by one man (Woody Allen), it spans just over two hours in runtime and it has all the typical beats of a feature length film. It is the second Woody Allen film of 2016 in all but name. And it is very bad. Sidney and Kay Munsinger (Woody Allen and Elaine May) are an elderly, well-off couple living in suburbia in the 1960s. They’ve agreed to let Alan (John Magaro), a young, anxious financial manager, live with them until his wedding day, which is coming up soon. Everyone’s life is moving according to plan, until Lennie (Miley Cyrus), a gorgeous political activist, takes up residence in the Munsinger household. Before you disregard my criti-

cisms of this film as the mere ramblings of a Woody Allen hater, know that I’m actually a really big fan of his works, especially his comedies (which is how “Crisis” is being billed). The plain fact of the matter is that very few parts of “Crisis” work comedically, or even dramatically. Jokes often fall flat, either due to poor deliveries or a general dearth of wit. Allen himself, while never a stellar actor, has been reduced to an inarticulate, blabbering lump of his former self, and Oscar winner Elaine May is often guilty of those same failings. Scenes drag on, ceaselessly, seemingly with nothing to say and nowhere to go. The entire enterprise often feels unrehearsed, with only the vaguest idea of what it’s trying to achieve, like the most awkward improv. This is simply speculation, but I’d be willing to wager that “Crisis” was originally little more than a re-

jected Allen script from the ‘80s, brought back to life and stretched well beyond its limits per Amazon’s requests. Allen has gone on record saying that his decision to make this series was a “catastrophic mistake.” I don’t think the 80-year old man was ever truly committed to this project, and it shows. What we’re left with is a sloppy, poorly-paced slog that ranks near the bottom of Allen’s celebrated filmography. The enterprise, however, isn’t entirely bereft of moments for diehard Allen fans to enjoy. There are a handful of jokes that elicited chuckles out of me, mainly spoken by characters who aren’t named Munsinger. Lewis Black and Nina Arianda have standout cameos, and Miley Cyrus has surprisingly good chemistry with John Magaro. One of the few standout scenes in the entire project features just the two of them, and it’s almost

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charming. The other standout moments don’t appear until the last of the six episodes (Black Panthers crashing a book club comprised exclusively of old Jewish women is objectively funny), but I can’t argue that the first 100 or so minutes are worth suffering through in order to get to it. Watching “Crisis in Six Scenes” is like watching the death of your beloved childhood pet happen before your eyes. It seems like just yesterday that Allen was fine. “Café Society” was a lovely film that showed he was still capable of creating light, charming projects. But age has caught up quickly. Things don’t work like they used to, and what was once relatable neurosis has decayed into uncomfortable babbling. There are hopeful, albeit brief moments of what once was, but we all know that the inevitable is coming. Unfortunately, it might be sooner rather than later.

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Editorial

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Considerate Consumption

Cartoon by Luke Benicase This past Saturday, Oct. 1 was World Vegetarian Day, an annual celebration of the founding of the United Kingdom’s Vegetarian Society in 1977. Vegetarianism has become popular in the media, with celebrity vegetarians and vegans and “cruelty-free” communities gaining traction in mainstream publications and on the Internet. In the spirit of World Vegetarian Day, we at The New Paltz Oracle would like to encourage our readers to think critically about the products they purchase and consume. We recognize that not everyone has the resources or means to be a vegetarian or vegan. For students at SUNY New Paltz who live on campus, access to cooking supplies or fresh ingredients for self-made meals can be few and far between. Likewise, we acknowledge that no diet or lifestyle is perfect, and that vegans and vegetarians should consider the environmental impact of the foods they choose to consume as well. There are, however, steps that anyone can take to be a conscious consumer. Today, most people are aware of the cruel treatment animals receive on behalf of the livestock and dairy industries, but few are aware

of the devastating impact these industries have on the environment. According to a 2013 study from Australian and Austrian researchers, global meat production accounts for some 40 percent of the world’s total land use and 18 percent of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the meat produced goes to Western countries, where people are able to afford beef and poultry products, and where the demand is shockingly high — the same study reported that Americans eat 250 pounds of meat per year on average. Pescetarians, who eat fish and dairy products but abstain from consuming meat and poultry, may believe they are doing better for the planet than omnivores. Sadly, the commercial fishing industry is plagued with sustainability issues as well. A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association detailed predicaments of overfishing, which has drained natural fish populations in certain areas of the world’s oceans, and coral reef devastation, which results from the massive-scale nets used to catch fish in the commercial fishing process. What about dairy? Many people know

about the sad fates that female cows face at the expense of the Western world’s addiction to cow milk. But even dairy alternatives like almond milk have their pitfalls. A 2015 article from The Guardian detailed the massive amounts of water used to supply America’s love of almond milk; according to the article, it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow one almond and more than 100 liters of water to produce 100 milliliters of almond milk. This predicament is compounded by the fact that most of America’s almond milk is produced in the state of California, which is in the midst of a record-breaking drought. Opting for “Meatless Mondays,” or avoiding meat products for a certain timeframe each week, can be significant factor in reducing the environmental impact of your dinner plate. According to the Environmental Working Group, if everyone in the United States cut meat and dairy out of their diet just one day a week, “it would be like not driving 91 billion miles – or taking 7.6 million cars off the road.” For those who can afford it, communitysupported agriculture (CSA) serves as an alternative to traditional grocery shopping; con-

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sumers are able to rent a small plot of land on a CSA farm and keep any fruits and vegetables grown on their plot. Produce obtained via “farm shares” is organic, and the locality of the farm ultimately produces a smaller carbon footprint when it comes to transportation. At SUNY New Paltz, students can reach out to the Students for Sustainable Agriculture for advice on being a kinder, more conscious consumer to both our planet and the creatures who inhabit it. Additionally, campus nutritionist Emily Ferencik is available for consultations with anyone aiming to healthfully change their eating habits. For more information, email Ferencik at Ferencike@newpaltz.edu or check out the Students for Sustainable Agriculture’s Facebook page. 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.

OPINION

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MELISSA KRAMER Sports Editor

Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Imagine being in the same room as not just your favorite musical artists, but idols. You listen to them every day. That is all that is playing in your headphones 24/7. They take you to another place. Suddenly, you’re in the same 100-person maximum capacity space as them. They are just having a nice night off. It does not feel real. They can’t possibly be right in front of you. On Monday, June 13, I had no idea what was to come when I woke up that morning. Little did I know I would be meeting not just one, but multiple worldwide known artists in the alternative/indie rock sector, including one of my favorite bands, Tame Impala. After work that night, I took the subway a few stops downtown to The Roxy Hotel. When I walked in, I was guided to The Django, the musical space where I would be seeing Jay “Gum” Watson, the synth player for Tame Impala play a solo show. I was the first one there, 30 minutes before doors opened. The marquee sign promoting the show outside the club door was being tended to by an employee. Five minutes later, I see Jay walking down the staircase. I walked over and introduced myself and told him a funny story about the last Open Mic Night I played. Backstory: I was playing “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala on violin over the backing instrumental track. When I play, I do look up into the audience, but not in all directions. I am in my own zone. Little did I know, there was a couple at the front table passionately making out during my performance. I was made aware of this from multiple sources afterwards and still to this day think that’s amazing. My main catchphrase of the evening was, “I’m really sorry to be that person, I know you get this all the time, but can I please get a picture with you?” Jay obliged and also signed my notebook afterwards. My night was made right there. I had met another member of one of my favorite bands, Tame Impala. Jay then went inside to soundcheck. When I attend concerts, I never expect

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Locked in Heaven anything… ever. Even when things are flatout guaranteed with a ribbon, I am never convinced with anything in life, no matter what. While I was waiting for doors to open, I spotted someone awfully familiar making their way down the staircase. I froze in my tracks, because it was Dom Simper, the synth/guitar player for Tame Impala. I introduced myself, shook his hand and got a picture and autograph. Dom was a very sweet and soft-spoken guy. What an insane night already, I thought. I’ve accomplished meeting half of the members of Tame Impala I had yet to meet someday in less than an hour. (I had met Cam Avery, the bassist back in April). Doors opened and I took a seat by the tiny stage and grabbed some water. I sat back down and just enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. I just could not believe I was in the same room as most of Tame Impala just enjoying the evening. It was baffling to me how they could just be hanging out at such a small venue, without being bombarded by fans. Yes, obviously there were a few pictures taken with some, more with others. But still. They expected a few moments like that. I was observing the club from my chair and spotted someone in the back-room bar that looked strangely familiar to Mac DeMarco. I thought to myself that all of this excitement must be making me delirious and making me see things. Then I said to myself, “all of this happened tonight already. Take a chance and go over there, why the hell not?” So, that’s exactly what I did. We both made eye contact and I hesitantly asked, “are you Mac?” And believe it or not, it was Mac DeMarco. I don’t know how this came up, but I told him I love hockey and I’m a sports journalist. Mac said, “I don’t follow hockey, but I’m from Canada. Do you know Connor McDavid? I heard people absolutely love him.” I told him I was just listening to his music while writing a story at work a few hours before. It was the greatest 10 minute conversation about journalism and just a casual conversation with not a worldwide famous musical artist, but

a person. Mac was as down-to-Earth as you could possibly get. I got a picture and autograph and we headed to the stage area because the show was starting. I came to the consensus that the night was “Disney World.” When you are five, the excitement of being at Disney World and seeing characters sporadically out of nowhere is something you cannot bear. You are on top of the world, meeting your heroes. That is exactly what the night was like, and somehow it was not even close to being over yet. The surprises kept on coming. I was in the front row enjoying Lord Fascinator’s set when I feel a tap on my shoulder. It was Cerise, a huge Tame Impala fan who I met at Cam Avery’s solo show back in April. We greeted each other previously before Lord Fascinator’s set began. She whispered, “Dude, Kevin is back by the back-room bar. Go meet him before everybody else notices.” I maneuvered my way out of the crowd immediately and into the back-room bar area. I see one of my biggest idols, Kevin Parker, the mind behind, lead singer, guitar player and musical genius of Tame Impala. “No way,” I thought. He was in conversation with someone so I stood aside. A few seconds later he turned around and looked at me. I mustered up the courage to introduce myself. I told him something I wanted to tell him if I ever had the chance. My voice choked up instantly as I said “Your music and hard work means the world to me. No matter what, I can listen to your music and automatically be genuinely happy, no matter what is going on or how I am feeling. You have gotten me through so much and continue to do so and that means the world to me. I can’t possibly thank you enough.” He was touched. “Awww, that’s so sweet, come here,” he said as he hugged me. That hug was one of the greatest moments I’ve ever had. It was purely emotional and let me know how much he appreciated what I said to him. It gave me comfort. Anything was possible at that point. Anything was possible after I met Jay before doors even opened. I told myself to just go with the

Thursday, October 6, 2016

flow, something that seemed impossible when you had just met (and gotten photos with) your favorite musicians and idols. I went to the front row for Jay’s set. To see someone from such a huge band play solo and you’re right on top of the stage area basically is surreal. A few minutes into the set, I looked to my left and saw Kevin, standing in the same half-circle row a few feet away from me. To my right at about the same distance was Mac DeMarco. Both were enjoying the show and supporting their friend. Kevin occasionally shouted remarks at Jay, just like a fan would at a concert to support their favorite band. Mac DeMarco handed Jay a shot of tequila. They were just being fans in a crowd of ordinary people. It was incredible to watch that. About 90 other people and myself, Kevin Parker and Mac DeMarco were just dancing along to the music. Musicians, who are usually in the spotlight on the stage, were just spectators for this night. To see people enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives, no matter how famous or how ordinary was a touching sight to see and be apart of. This is the way life should be always. No pain, no fear, no worries, no darkness, just pure bliss. The entire night, I could not believe that these people, who when you watch them online just don’t seem real…were. You idolize them and are convinced they just can’t be right in front of you. Those who have bands as their idols know the feeling well. But they are people…actual, genuine people. They just want to forget about the world and struggles of life, even for a little while, just like you. I never wanted to leave that dimly light, tiny room where any miracle could happen. Being in that room took away all of the bad… it brought pure happiness. Because that… that was heaven.

Melissa is a fourth-year journalism major who loves music almost as much as she loves memes.

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SPORTS

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SUNYAC

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA Hawks’ ﬁrst-year Jessica Reich has a 4-2 record in singles play this season.

By Michael Rosen

Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The women’s tennis team will compete in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament this upcoming weekend. Their first match will be in the quarterfinals against SUNY Oswego (No. 4 West) on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in Binghamton, New York. New Paltz last faced Oswego during the 2014 season opener on Aug. 30, when the Hawks swept the Lakers 9-0. If New Paltz makes it past the Lakers, they will play the winner of the SUNY Fredonia-SUNY Plattsburgh match the following day. The Hawks defeated SUNY Plattsburgh earlier this season 9-0 on Sept. 16, and last played Fredonia in last year’s quarterfinal round, and won 5-0. The Hawks were originally scheduled to face The College at Brockport on Saturday, Oct. 1 in their fall regular

season ﬁnale, but the game was cancelled due to inclement weather. “They’re not the strongest of teams, but it could have been an opportunity to play some aggressive doubles,” Hawks head coach Rob Bruley said. “They do have one of the best players in Div. III playing for them, a German girl that has come over for a two month exchange program and she is really lighting it up. I would have liked Olivia [Ammirati], my number one, to have played her just for the experience of it. Unfortunately this sport is so determined by the weather. Two drops of rain and you’re done.” Preparation for the tournament was then shifted to the team’s practices, where Bruley noted one area that the team has been focusing on. “In light of our latest match against Geneseo that went to 5-4, we’re really focusing a lot on the doubles situation,” Bruley said. “I think we can get more out of our doubles teams, in fact I know we can. I want to try and get at least two points, but I see no reason

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why we can’t sweep all three doubles points.” The Hawks have made it to the final round of the tournament every year since the 2002 season. New Paltz last won the tournament in 2010, and have lost to SUNY Geneseo in the finals every year since then. It is very likely that the two teams will meet again in the finals this year. “It has been a long battle between the two programs for basically the last 14 years,” Bruley said. “It seemingly has always been the two of us in the finals. We’re going to rise to the occasion and I’d like to think that it’s our time, I’m tired of coming in second.” The Hawks lost a very close match to Geneseo 5-4 earlier this season on Sept. 23. “Any time you win or lose a 5-4 match, it could have gone either way,” Bruley said. “But it’s going to be tight, it really is. I think it will go down to the wire, as did our previous match. I just hope that we can come out on the winning side.”

Thursday, October 6, 2016

SUNYAC Tournament Schedule • (No. 1 East) New Paltz Vs. (No. 4 West) Suny oswego (QuarterFINALS), Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at binghamton Tennis Center

If the Hawks Win They Will Play: The winner of (No. 3 East) SUNY Plattsburgh Vs. (No. 2 West) SUNY Fredonia in the semifinals on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Noon at binghamton Tennis Center The finals will be held on Monday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at Binghamton Tennis Center

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Sports

The New Paltz Oracle

SUNY Alumna Represents in Rio, Meets Obama By Melissa Kramer

Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

SUNY alumna Jill Walsh has fallen down and continued to get back up, regardless of any obstacles that come her way. After winning two silver medals in the cycling road women’s time trial and road race (T1-T2) during her first Paralympics last month in Rio, Walsh made a visit to the White House last week. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” the 53-year-old Syracuse resident said. “You have to go through these different areas and then you can see the room where you’re going to walk through, and there was President Obama, Michelle and [Vice President] Joe Biden. I almost lost my breath before I walked into the room. I said to myself ‘I can’t believe I’m going to meet the President of the United States.’” Walsh shared in a hug with Michelle Obama, and received another from Biden, after informing him about their connection to Syracuse. “It was pretty amazing,” Walsh said. But the road to Rio did not come easy for the retired New York state trooper. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2010, Walsh, an avid runner and triathlete, including a finish in the 2012 Ironman, took a different route to keeping her competitive spirit alive, and began cycling. “I’ve always been active my whole life, I wouldn’t know how to not be active,” Walsh said. “It wasn’t even an issue really if I was going to continue doing something, it just was a matter of ‘ok, how am I going to continue doing it?” But in 2013, Walsh experienced hardship. On a charity ride from San Francisco to San Diego for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Walsh’s balance started becoming more affected by the progressive disease. Throughout the ride, Walsh stopped frequently and hit the ground repeatedly. That would be her last major ride on a two-wheeled bike. While on the trail, Walsh spotted Steven Peace, a 2012 U.S Paralympic cyclist, riding a three-wheeler. Compared to a regular bike, she learned a road trike has the rear wheel removed

and a conversion axle in place to provide stability — which addressed her balance issues and brought a new desire to continue cycling. “I would have never considered it had I not seen it,” Walsh said. “If someone would have said, ‘do you want to ride an adult tricycle?’ I would have said “no way.”” Walsh suffers from bilateral foot drop, the inability to bring her foot up and down or have ankle control. At the bottom portion of her feet, she wears customized braces. For those with disabilities and injuries, athletic gear is not covered by health insurance, she said. After a month of dejection and battling the effects of MS, Walsh took a chance, sending an email inquiry to Peace about the newly-spotted bike. Peace negotiated to only loan Walsh the bike if she raced it. The mother of three obliged, competing with the vehicle that would change her life, winning the U.S. Para-Cycling National Championship in Madison, Wisconsin in 2014. As a result of her impressive times in Madison, Walsh proved she was fast enough to be competitive internationally and was selected for the U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Team. At the 2014 UCI Para-Cycling World Championships in Greenville, South Carolina she earned a silver medal in the road race and a bronze in the time trial. Last summer was a whirlwind for Walsh, who traveled around the world riding for Team USA. This year, she was chosen for the U.S. Paralympics Team. Accompanying her to Rio were family members including her husband, Greg, daughter, Julia, sister, and niece, Alee Desiderio, a SUNY New Paltz alumna (‘15). Through her time in the SUNY system, Walsh attended SUNY Institute of Technology ‘84 (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute), and SUNY Binghamton ’85 for graduate school. At the Paralympics, Walsh took part in the Opening Ceremonies, an event that greatly struck the reigning Para-Cycling Road World Champion. “I didn’t know how much it was going to affect me until I was walking in

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL WALSH SUNY alumna Jill Walsh races at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio last month.

with Team USA and the whole stadium was completely full,” Walsh said. “I don’t even have words to describe that feeling walking in with Team USA into the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. I’ll remember that my whole life.” On the world’s biggest stage, Walsh told herself that racing is nothing more than what she normally does. “I tried to make it not too big so it didn’t overwhelm me, because I kind of get very nervous, and so I tried to tell myself ‘you’ve done this before, you’ve done all the work, all you have to do is get to that start line and do what you know how to do,’” she said. Walsh did just that as she competed in the T2 Paralympic cycling classification for athletes with balance issues who race on three wheels. She completed the time trial, and with a T1 rider still to finish the 15-kilometer course and a factor-system in play, Walsh watched with

Thursday, October 6, 2016

anticipation, awaiting the standings to display on the scoreboard. Her opponent reached the finish line, the factor was calculated, and soon after discovered she secured the silver medal. “It was pretty amazing to be standing on the podium with a Team USA uniform on,” Walsh said. “I can’t even describe how that feels.” As an athlete who did not compete in a Paralympic event until 2014, Walsh has overcome the odds on the path to becoming a Paralympic medalist. And she advises those in difficult situations to continue to reach for their goals, despite any roadblocks that occur. “Just be willing to take a chance,” Walsh said. “I was willing to take a chance, and I was willing to take a chance to go to nationals. Just be willing to try something, and if it stops working, find a different way, if that’s what you want to do.”

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Men’s Soccer Builds From the Back

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Emi Lewis SPORT: Tennis YEAR: Third MAJOR: Psychology HOMETOWN: New York, NY

H OW DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING TENNIS? I started to play tennis because my father encouraged me at age six to watch a documentary about the Williams sisters. After watching the ﬁlm, I immediately wanted to start playing the sport. OUTSIDE OF TENNIS, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO? PHOTOS BY HOLLY LIPKA Hawks’ fourth-year forward Pablo Renedo has played in nine games this season.

By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza

Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The New Paltz men’s soccer team dropped two State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) games this past weekend against The College at Brockport and SUNY Geneseo. During the loss against the Geneseo Knights, the Hawks gave up more than one goal in that game for the first time in their 12 games this season. “[The losses] were tough,” Hawks head coach Kyle Clancy said. “Any team we play in the SUNYAC is going to be a good battle so we didn’t play up to our expectations. Both games we had a good second half but we came out a little flat in the first half each time.” On Friday, Sept. 30, the Hawks suffered a 1-0 loss to The College at Brockport, in which the Golden Eagles scored the lone goal in the 22nd minute despite being outshot 10-7 by New Paltz. The following day, the Hawks gave up a goal to Geneseo in the 40th minute when Knights’ firstyear forward Bryan Wager tapped in a goal off a

Hawks’ fourth-year forward Tucker Stern owns two points in 12 games played in 2016.

feed from fourth-year forward Ethan Gunty. Geneseo extended their lead 17 minutes later after the Hawks scored a costly own goal to make the lead 2-0. The Hawks were able to answer with a goal in the 65th minute from thirdyear midﬁelder Ben Zilka, but couldn’t manage to ﬁnd the equalizer. The Hawks are currently tied with last year’s team in the amount of one-goal allowed games with 11. With six games remaining on the schedule, surpassing that statistic is still possible. Clancy gave insight on his team’s defensive dominance up to this point in the season. “We spent all season working on it,” Clancy said. “We spend a lot of time working on the defensive shape. I’m an intense person in practice so I make sure that [the players] know my demands and bring the intensity every single day because the effort that I ask for in practice carries on into the games.” Clancy said that he is working with the assistant coaches in implementing a new playing regime for players, noting that back-to-back conference games sometimes take a toll on players.

The coaches are currently tracking the playing time for each player in order to determine lineups for busy road trips or on weekends with consecutive conference matchups. Clancy said this helps create a fresh lineup and also shows who is the player on the bench with the “freshest legs.” “As long as we’re getting contributions from players in a positive way, guys are gonna have a chance to make an impact,” Clancy said. “We are trying to delve a bit more and get deeper into the team and this weekend it was different players that were able to be the catalyst for the team in the second half.” The Hawks will ﬁnish the week with conference matchups against SUNY Potsdam on Friday, Oct. 7 and SUNY Plattsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 8. “The mindset and the mental part of the game is huge,” Clancy said. “For us, we still struggle in the way we approach games, view teams and the way we view ourselves to those teams. I think those are all big pieces we’re going to have to be better at. Overall I’ve been pleased with their attempts and efforts into what we’re trying to teach.”

Do You Want To Write Sports For The Oracle? Send us an email at Oracle@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Thursday, October 6, 2016

Other than tennis, things I like to do include reading, math puzzles, running, volunteering at events when I can and writing poetry...not too open on sharing pieces though.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODELS? My biggest role models are my father, my siblings and a couple of inspirational people I met in the medical ﬁeld that mentored to me.

ARE YOU A FAN OF ANY PROFESSIONAL TEAMS? Other than professional tennis, I don’t really watch any other sports...lame, I know.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS? Not really. I do believe in luck, both good and bad, but I also believe that hard work pays off.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY? My favorite sports memory would have to be placing in nationals with my hometown team in 2013. We fought hard against teams from across the country. We even took on the No. 1 seed head-to-head in a tiebreaker.

DO YOU WANT TO BE ...

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK? Contact Michael Rosen at

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Women’s Soccer Holds Their Heads High By Melissa Kramer

Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Despite dropping two conference matches over the weekend, the women’s soccer team is working hard until the final whistle blows. The Hawks began a four-game homestand, their longest of the season, last weekend. They are in the midst of playing all State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) opponents for the rest of the schedule. With the Hawks in the middle of a four-game losing streak, head coach Colleen Bruley said the season has been frustrating all around with a one-win record. “They’re giving every ounce of themselves and playing with heart,” Bruley said. “It just hasn’t worked out. That’s all we can continue to do, and I know that that’s what they will continue to do.” After taking an early lead, the Hawks were unable to stifle the comeback of The College at Brockport, as they fell 2-1 on Friday, Sept. 30 on South Turf Field. Hawks fourth-year midfielder Skye Kaler broke open the scoring in the third minute off a feed from first-year midfielder Mikayla Pugliese. This was Kaler’s first goal of the season. Right before halftime, Golden Eagles fourth-year midfielder Kaitlyn Neidermeier netted the equalizer in the 42nd minute. Later in the game, Brockport fourth-year midfielder Christina Leonardo would tally the game-winner in the

67th minute, off an assist from fellow fourth-year midfielder Stefanie Drago. First-year goalkeeper Angela Ratka registered six saves between the pipes for the Hawks. The following day the Hawks were shutout 4-0 by SUNY Geneseo. Geneseo would score off a corner in the 19th minute, and then again six minutes later. During the second half, the rest of the Knights’ goals would come two minutes apart in the 58th and 60th minutes. Ratka made her 10th start in goal, playing the full 90 minutes. “The last 17 seconds of the game, there were girls just sprinting and diving on the field, it was 4-0 and we didn’t really give up at all,” Hawks fourth-year captain Sloane Lipshie said. “It was actually moving.” The Hawks (1-10-2 overall, 0-4-0 SUNYAC) will host SUNY Potsdam (73-1 overall, 0-2-1 SUNYAC) on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m, and then take on SUNY Plattsburgh (8-4 overall, 3-0 SUNYAC) on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. Bruley said the Hawks are taking a game-by-game approach at the moment as they near the remainder of the season. “It’s one game at a time and one practice at a time,” Bruley said. “We just want to get a win, we’ve won one game, and that’s just not good enough. They’re not putting their heads down yet, I won’t let them do that. It’s just taking everything day-by-day, and just trying to get a little bit better.”

Field Hockey Splits Pair

By Michael Rosen | Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu The field hockey team split their two nonconference matches from this past week. On Saturday, Oct. 1 the Hawks fell to No. 9 University of Rochester 2-1. This was the Hawks’ fourth-straight loss to the Yellowjackets dating back to 2013. Fourthyear forward Kayla McKeveny gave New Paltz the lead with her 37th career goal in the 21st minute, but the Hawks lost the match.

Then on Wednesday, Oct. 5 the Hawks defeated Stevens Institute of Technology 5-3. Hawks third-year forward Justine O’Reilly led the offense with two goals and an assist. Gangewere made seven saves in the win to bump her season total to 86, which ranks second in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). New Paltz will next face No. 3 Middlebury College on the road on Sunday, Oct. 9.

The New Paltz Oracle

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

Hawks’ fourth-year midfielder Skye Kaler netted her first goal of the season against The College at Brockport.

Upcoming games • Friday, Oct. 7 vs. SUNY Potsdam at South turf field, 3 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. SUNY Plattsburgh AT South turf field, 1 p.m. (Senior Day)

Women’s Volleyball Drops Nonconference Match By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza | Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu The women’s volleyball team lost their matchup against Williams College 3-1 (24-26, 13-25, 25-18, 18-25) on Tuesday, Oct. 4. During the match, Hawks thirdyear setter Maddie Zwickl delivered 31 assists to notch the 3,000th assist of her career. She is the fifth player in program history to reach the 3,000 assist plateau and now stands fourth all-time in assists. Other notable performances in-

Thursday, October 6, 2016

clude fourth-year outside hitter Anna Paulik producing 12 kills and 17 digs for a double-double and fourth-year outside hitter Morgan Roessler delivering 11 kills, seven blocks and two aces. The Hawks look to rebound this weekend and extend their conference dominance with matchups against SUNY Geneseo, The College at Brockport and SUNY Plattsburgh during SUNYAC Pool Play at New Paltz.

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Orange And

Blues

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The defending National League Champion New York Mets will not defend their title in 2016. The Mets’ season came to an end on Wednesday, Oct. 5 as they lost to the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in the National League Wild Card Game. Madison Bumgarner threw a shutout against the Mets, while Noah Syndergaard matched him as best as he could with seven scoreless innings. In the ninth inning, Connor Gillaspie hit a three-run home run to lead the Giants to victory. Although the season ended in very disappointing fashion, there are some things to be thankful for. This looked like it was going to be a very disappointing season very early on. The Mets lost player after player to injury, as they do every year, but it really stung them this season. Going into 2016, every-

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Mets’ Season Ends on Heartbreaker one was talking about the Mets’ starting pitching. The starting rotation was going to boast Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and later in the season, Zack Wheeler. This was going to be something historic, with ﬁve young aces making up the rotation. Well, Harvey had an awful season and then got hurt. Wheeler never returned from injury, while deGrom and Matz ended their seasons on the disabled list. Syndergaard was the only one that survived, and yet the Mets made it to the playoffs. In fact, it was just a month and a half ago on Aug. 19 that the Mets were two games under .500 and 5.5 games out of a playoff spot. They went 27-13 after that day, the best record in baseball, and passed four teams to claim the ﬁrst wild card spot. The team went on an amazing run with a depleted lineup and battered

starting rotation to make the playoffs, and that is something to be proud of and can act as a confidence boost to bring the team back to the postseason in 2017. But there are quite a few questions surrounding the 2017 Mets, the biggest of which is whether or not Yoenis Cespedes will stay with the team. He can opt out of his contract which still has two years remaining on it. The Mets would not have made it as far as they did without Cespedes, both this season and last. All the Mets and their fans can do is hope he decides to stay. Even if he does decide to stay, there are still numerous questions with the Mets’ outfield. The team has Michael Conforto, Juan Lagares, Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson to fill three outfield spots. Cespedes can return, and the team may also want to give Brandon Nimmo

Thursday, October 6, 2016

some playing time. That is a very crowded outﬁeld, and one or two of them may get traded this offseason to make some space. There are also, of course, questions with the health of the starting rotation. After nearly everyone went down this year, the Mets may have to prepare for similar health issues in 2017. Plus, even if everyone comes back healthy, what do you then do with Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman? Both pitched very well down the stretch. It’s unfortunate that the Mets have to starting thinking about next season this early, but it could have been earlier if not for a very exciting run. This was a successful season when you consider all the injuries the team had. We’ll just have to see how General Manager Sandy Alderson answers all these questions to get the team even further next season.

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MAIN AND LOWER PHOTOS BY HOLLY LIPKA

SUNY Alumna Medals In Paralympics PAGE 12

TOP SEED

Men’s Soccer Dominates Defensively PAGE 13

UPPER PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL WALSH

WHAT’S INSIDE

TENNIS TO FACE SUNY OSWEGO IN SUNYAC TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS : PAGE 11