Issue 8

SUNY Plattsburgh’s independent student newspaper since 1997

FRIDAY, April 9, 2021

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VOLUME 104 - ISSUE 8

Librarian proposes increased tech fee

BY ADEEB CHOWDHURY FUSE Associate Editor

a great experience for me,” MiraBella Santana, peer educator intern in the Title IX office, said. “To be able to see people’s stories, not only in our own community, but as well as other campuses is very important. The exhibit is more than just an event or a project.

It sparks conversation and allows people to come together on campus.”

“The Clothesline Project,” is another event that students can participate in. Like the art exhibit, the project aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and spark discourse on campus. Individuals who have experienced sexual assault and family members share their stories through words and pictures painted onto color coded t-shirts. Students can pick up their own shirt to decorate at the Angell College Center.

Proposals for an increased 2021-22 Educational Technology fee as well as the optional Green Fee were presented during the SA meeting March 13.

Dean of Library and Information Technology Services Holly Heller-Ross, presented the proposal for the 2021-22 Educational Technology fee. This is a semester or credit-hour fee contributed to by all students, whether they are on or off campus, full or part-time, and faceto-face or online.

“This fee is essential because it funds campus technology services that directly impact students every single day,” HellerRoss said. “There are so many investments going on behind the scenes.”

Examples of services funded by the Educational Technology fee include Moodle, DUO security, network services, wireless access, computer labs, staff salaries for student services, student employee salaries, anti-virus protection and sometimes public space furniture in the Feinberg Library, among many others.

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The “What Were You Wearing,” exhibit illustrates how individuals who experience sexual assault are often blamed for their wardrobe choices.

College participates in Sexual Assault Awareness month

BY JOHN CHURCH Contributor

This April, SUNY Plattsburgh Title IX and RADIUS is taking the time to honor individuals who have been victim to sexual assault.

Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SUNY Plattsburgh is bringing awareness to campus. Throughout the month, the college will hold events and exhibits such as, “What Were You Wearing,” a nation-wide art installation that illustrates how individuals who experience sexual assault are often blamed for their wardrobe choices.

The instillation made its debut back in 2013, when the University of Arkansas opened an art exhibit that honored individuals who have experienced sexual assault and violence. The project, originally inspired by Mary Simmerling’s

poem, “What I Was Wearing,” aims to shatter the myth that sexual assault can be attributed to the clothing choices that an individual made.

“This is actually the first year that we’re showing the exhibit,” Zyaijah Nadler, violence prevention education & outreach coordinator for Title IX at SUNY Plattsburgh, said. “Last year, I came across the project and I really loved the idea. Sometimes people mean well when they ask the question, ‘What were you wearing?’ But they also don’t realize how harmful that question can be so we need to talk about it so that people are more aware.”

According to Nadler, the university tries to find new conversations and trends that need to be talked about during April and October. SUNY Plattsburgh students can visit the exhibit from April 1 through April 17 in the Deep Quiet Room of Feinberg Library.

“Helping setup the art installation was

Plans for normal fall semester begin

BY JOHANNA WEEKS

Staff Writer

President Alexander Enyedi and provost Anne Herzog announced plans for a full on-campus experience for the fall 2021 semester. The campus community can expect most classes to be in person.

Campus housing, community living and dining services will largely match pre-COVID conditions. This allows for clubs, sports and recreational activities to be held in person. The president assures students that the guidelines will be in accordance with NYS in terms of testing, vaccinations, social distancing and masks.

“We will continue to comply with all federal, state and local public health recommendations throughout this summer and into the fall,” Enyedi stated in an email to the campus community March 23.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s administration had implemented COVID-19 restrictions for the fall 2020 semester. However, this upcoming semester, they have been taking into consideration student voices, plans for other schools and an

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increase in vaccines for setting COVID-19 restrictions.

“We heard clearly from students and student affairs that they felt badly about how isolating the campus felt this year and there wasn’t enough to do,” Herzog said. “Because of the ramped up efforts that President Biden has made to get vaccinations

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out and to vaccinate the U.S as quickly as possible, the progress he has made across the country has started to shift nationally.

If you look at other universities and colleges they are making the same decision to come back [in person].”

The announcement to return to a more normal, in person campus experi-

ence was made due to these considerations in a timely manner.

“Advising and course selection was starting, which influences people’s decisions. We got a lot of feedback from students that they were frustrated by the online course schedule,” according to Herzog.

The administration is

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making its best effort to keep the campus safe while trying to provide a traditional college experience.

“Our goal is to have as much back that’s back to pre-COVID times as is possible, we won’t be able to confirm that with students til summer,” Herzog said.

The administration recognizes that this

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past school year has not been easy. COVID-19 has changed each of us, and it would be inaccurate to call this a return to normal.

What will continue is our commitment to you and to each other,” stated president Enyedi in the email.

In accordance with the administration, the staff also recognizes that the COVID restrictions impacted students, but keeping them safe is the number one priority.

“I think my sentiment might be similar to how everyone else feels, I’m not so concerned about my own personal wellbeing, it’s that I’m concerned about my students’ well-being,” SUNY Plattsburgh adjunct lecturer Thomas Montanaro said. “I would just feel terrible as a teacher to have a student be exposed and then go back home and have a family member or loved one get seriously ill because of something that traced back to my class, that’s one of my biggest fears throughout this pandemic.”

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NEWS

Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith

Friday, April 9, 2021

April 1 The Plattsburgh Fire Department and University Police responded to a fire alarm in Hood Hall originating from marijuana smoke.

A suspected student received a college charge.

COVID-19 Tracker Total number of positive COVID-19 cases over the past 14 days:

Number of active COVID-19 cases:

Number of students and employees in quarantine:

99 37

Photo provided by SUNY Plattsburgh

Pathology program gets re-accredited

BY MIA MORGILLO Contributor

For those who wish to go into clinical work for speech, language and communication disorders, completing a graduate degree at an accredited speech-language pathology program is a necessity.

SUNY Plattsburgh just received such reaccreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and SpeechLanguage Pathology that will be recognized through May 2028.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s twoyear program includes on-campus clinical experience, as well as traditional classroom learning. The program enables students to access an anatomy lab, a voice and speech lab, and many volunteer opportunities. Students gain the necessary skills to propel them into the workforce.

Michael Morgan, one of the well-established communication sciences & disorders professors at SUNY Plattsburgh, discovered speech pathology while

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pursuing a degree in psychology. He realized it perfectly combined the skills he’d already adopted, while adding more specific direction and continued to develop his education in the speech pathology field.

“The pandemic made the site visit difficult,” Morgan said about pursuing the reaccreditation, with the program’s site visit being one of the first to undergo the CAA’s accreditation virtually.

Because of the pandemic, the program’s evaluation was pushed to September 2020 after being originally scheduled for March. Due to this delay, the faculty had to update all of their data to fit the new date.

“When our re-accreditation visit was postponed to six months later, not only did we have to prepare for a virtual visit, we also had to prepare additional six months of paperwork on our virtual re-accreditation file,” Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Dr. Sharimila Ambrose said.

While reaccreditation does not change the con-

Continued from page one

Number of COVID-19 tests by the Student Health Center since

40,693

Aug. 15, 2020:

Heller-Ross proposed an $11.30 annual fee increase, from the current amount of $425.00 to $436.30 for the 2021-22 year, if the proposal is eventually approved by the SA. This constitutes an increase of 2.6%.

At its current amount, SUNY Plattsburgh ranks fifth lowest among SUNY Comprehensive Colleges in terms of the Educational Technology fee. The proposed amount of $436 will still be near the average of $431. Currently, SUNY Purchase requires the highest fee at $533, and SUNY Buffalo State the lowest at $364.

Heller-Ross pointed out that the fee increase is necessitated by rising technology and library database costs as well as new initiatives being planned for the next year.

“We acquired many more loaner laptops and Chromebooks than originally planned,” Heller-Ross said during the presentation. “We are building back lab and classroom, networking and server replacement reserve accounts.”

New projects for 2021-22 include “campus computers, continued security and authentication improvements, upgraded technology in classrooms, the continuation of Cardinal Star in the Ed Tech budget, and the addition of an e-forms project to help with anytime anywhere submission of campus forms such as

tinued practices of the program, it allows the program a time to evaluate their development and receive suggestions for improvement from ASHA. Morgan said that ASHA suggested SUNY Plattsburgh have “clearer documentation about the total number of credits for someone taking teacher certification track versus licensure only track, more measurable objectives in our strategic plan and some wording on our website.”

According to Ambrose, students of the program have “taken part in specific campus-related activities that promote community awareness, advocacy and/or fundraising in specific areas related to speech-language pathology,” such as the Autism Awareness Walk, The Alzhiemers’ Walk and the Aphasia Choir.

On campus in Sibley Hall, students practice their skills in the speech and hearing clinic, and provide inpatient and outpatient speech-language pathology services for Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. The clinic

is open to students, faculty and community members.

In the future, Ambrose hopes the program will be a “catalyst of change in the community we serve, both to the student community and the larger Plattsburgh community.” She emphasizes growth, change and continual self-reflection.

According to Morgan, the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association stated the need for speech-language is expected to increase 25% by the year 2029, which shows a large demand for speech-language pathologists and other career opportunities in the field.

“The [Communication Sciences and Disorders] faculty are proud to be part of a profession that makes significant, positive differences in the lives of others and are proud of being part of a department that has just proven that we meet national standards for the field,” Morgan said.

Email MIA MORGILLO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

course adjustment,” as per the presentation.

Certain measures were also taken to control costs. No increases were allocated for travel or supplies, and no funding was set aside for faculty innovation projects. All available SUNY and state contracts were used for software pricing reductions, and computers were recycled whenever possible.

SA Vice President Jennifer Stanton also delivered a presentation on the Green Fee, prepared by herself and Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Lauren Eastwood.

This is an optional $3 fee that students can select to pay each semester and is used to support grants offered by the Campus Committee for Environmental Responsibility. “[The CCER] currently has folks from maintenance and operations, faculty who teach courses related to environmental issues, students who are active on campus, folks in positions that understand finances and more,” Stanton said.

The Green Fee is used to fund a grant made available to finance projects to enact and encourage eco-friendly initiatives on campus, the proposals for which are submitted by students. Previous projects funded by the CCER include bike fixing and car charging stations on campus, funding for compost coalition workers and supplies for the campus garden.

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speculates the percentage of students suffering from depression has really increased, so the social interaction will help reduce the anxiety of students.

In terms of campus life, Montanaro is looking forContinued from page one ward to returning to pre-COVID-19 times.

“I know there’s a lot of skepticism,” he said. “But Montanaro explained that the academic success when I got vaccinated I was excited to return to noras well as the mental and physical health of the stu- malcy in a sense of pre-COVID. The university has been dents is important to him. diligent when it comes to the transparency of cases.”

Montanaro has seen a small amount of students thrive with distance learning, but has also witnessed even more struggle. It’s much easier to miss class Email JOHANNA WEEKS when it’s on zoom and attending class is a big part cp@cardinalpointsonline.com of academic success according to Montanaro. He

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CP Corrections In Issue 7, the article “Bjelko competes for track and volleyball,” the quote that begins with “We are among a few of the oldest throwers still on the team” was accredited to Kaitlyn Bjelko despite being said by Bliss Rhodes.

If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith

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Friday, April 9, 2021

This Week in Photos: Creatures Photos By Audrey Lapinski

Above: Mackenzie Mills and Madison Townes pose with their dog and tiger stuffed animals.

Above: Damaris Gonzaga inspects a fuzzy sloth.

Above: Erin Sacks puts stuffing into a new jaguar creature.

To the left: Riley Duffy and Kelci Henn smile behind their masks with their new furry friends made at the Create-a-Creature event.

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Friday, April 9, 2021

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SUNY Plattsburgh men’s ice hockey forward Joseph Kile eagerly awaits his next hockey game, set for November 2021, after a year-long hiatus given the pandemic.

Kile reminisces on ice hockey games

BY JONAS WARD Staff Writer

Joseph Kile, a public relations major at SUNY Plattsburgh and member of the men’s hockey team, has felt frustration and dismay toward this hockey season due to the pandemic. He is itching to play a true game.

“It has been over a year since we have played a game,” Kile said. “We didn’t touch the ice once in the first semester.

The second semester we got to skate for a few months and that was nice. It has been a huge adjustment and very frustrating. It will be another seven months before our next game.”

Kile believes there are a few set factors that help make a team successful.

He believes these factors are also true for the coaches and staff when it comes to success.

“I personally think communication is the most important aspect,” Kile said.

“That goes from us on the team all the way up to our coaching staff. If we all have open forms of communication, it makes a lot of things easier both on and off the ice. When a team is able to openly communicate and hold each other accountable, we can all pull the rope in the same direction toward a common goal. It can be very powerful.”

Kile tries to set standards for the rest of the team when they practice. He believes that hard work and dedication can go a long way, especially when it comes to his hockey team.

“I try to lead by example whenever

AWARENESS Continued from page one Student’s shirts will be strung up in the Angell College Center in front of the Campus Express store throughout April.

“COVID has definitely changed things this year,” Nadler said. “Some events we’ve had this year had smaller turn outs compared to past years, but we still want to hold these events for the students. Even though things are harder with COVID, it’s still incredibly important to have the events open so that students talk about sexual assault more.”

SUNY Plattsburgh students can be a part of the change in many different ways. Students can apply

I can,” Kile said. “I like to do the right things, be a good person, and have a great work ethic. I think leading is very powerful and it is something I have always done and will continue to do. Yet, at the same time I am still only a sophomore and look forward to improving my leadership skills as I become an upperclassman next year. “ On the team we have many leaders, we have some great captains but he thinks people can still be great leaders without a letter on their jersey.

Jake Sutton met Kile in eighth grade.

They grew up together playing sports and enjoying summer activities. They are now on the men’s hockey team.

“Joey’s personality is very outgoing and always wants to go do any activity,” Sutton said. “He can make friends with

for an internship at the Title IX office, intervene in a situation where someone may be in trouble and students can attend events, so the conversation can continue to grow.

Students can also get involved with the Student Conduct Board, which allows them to get more involved within the campus community. There is also the Student Association that students can join to help make the SUNY Plattsburgh campus as inclusive and safe as possible.

“These events help to paint a picture for people who don’t recognize that sexual assault and violence is happening around them, more often than not,” Santana said. “We want students to know that they can come to us for anything. If they need resources, information or just support, we’re always here for them.”

The college is offering other events for students to participate in during April. Some of these events include a roundtable on violence prevention, a virtual

just about anybody and just likes to have fun whether it’s playing basketball or going to fish. He is a very funny dude, and a good hockey player as well. He likes to keep it loose and fun. But, he knows how to focus and be serious as well.”

Stephen Moffat, the coach for the men’s hockey team, believes Kile has a great passion for the team.

“He is a smart player, he has a high hockey IQ,” Moffat said. “He has a nose for the net and a lethal shot. Joe gained confidence as the year went on really played well for us coming down the stretch. I see Joe’s role growing each year as he develops.”

Email JONAS WARD cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

symposium, “Writing Grief, Writing Growth: Authors Speak on Creativity During Difficult Times,” featuring authors discussing their work and a panel discussion on writing about grief and loss, as well as others.

“Change happens in numbers, we can’t do this alone,” Nadler said. “There are 4,000 students and 1,000 employees on campus. We need to create a domino effect. We need people talking about this type of violence. I can’t tell you how many people are just now finding out about these events and resources available to them. To me, that’s powerful. Sometimes things can be right in your face and you don’t even notice. If these things aren’t brought to your attention by your peers, then you won’t know about it.”

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Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith

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Friday, April 9, 2021

New programming advocate position for next fall

BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Opinions Associate Editor

Campus Housing and Community Living is welcoming a new position to residential life. A Programming Advocate has the role of creating programs for students, which is something Community Advocates currently have to tackle on top of their other responsibilities.

“We created this position because we wanted a role dedicated just for programming purposes,” Thomas Landon, Wilson Hall community director who created the PA position, said.

The CA position has many obligations to juggle, between being on-duty in the first floor office of residence halls, being in charge of programming and other behind the scenes work. By introducing the new PA position, more attention can be focused on programs.

“What the PA role would be bringing is they would be revamping the weekly bingo and trivia that Campus Housing and Community Living host every week, then they would be gearing more campuswide programs as well as programs geared just for our first-year students,” Landon said.

PAs get all the same benefits as CAs. This includes a free single dorm room

and a stipend meal-plan both semesters. The stipend increases by $100 as students return to the position each year.

Assistant Director of Community Living Jim Sherman explained that before COVID-19, CAs would drive students to the local movie theater, Cumberland 12 Cinemas, to watch a newly released movie. In hopes of bringing this event back, PAs are required to have a driver’s license.

Another requirement for the position includes a GPA of at least 2.75. There are other skills that aren’t absolutely necessary, but are recommended like previous experience with programming or leadership. Skills like public speaking, organization, planning and creativity are also teachable, but helpful to have from the start and will make for a more enticing candidate.

Junior math major Alicia Fisher is applying for the new PA position and believes she has good leadership experience from high school that would help her in this position.

“I was in a program in high school where I helped the freshman become more accustomed to high school life,” Fisher said. “I feel like it’s almost the same thing as being a PA on campus because you’re trying to help the

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freshman adjust to college life and help them make immediate friends with the people in their dorms and just other people in their grade.”

Fisher mentioned when she was freshman on campus there were not a lot of activities students wanted to attend. She is eager to provide residents with opportunities to attend programs they are interested in.

“I think they’re mostly looking for people that can adapt to the students that they’re given,” Fisher said.

“So not just putting out what they want to put out, but putting out what freshman or anybody that lives in the dorm want to see happen,” Fisher said.

Sherman emphasized the importance of community on campus because it allows students to make friends faster. Additional-

ly, Community Living likes to give students the opportunity to interact with the Plattsburgh region by offering activities like seeing a movie in town.

“I’m really excited because I think having programming be a sole focus for this position; I can see a lot of possibilities. I can see the level of creativity.

I’m excited just to get to know the future Programming Advocates and re-

ally help encourage them and guide them with creating awesome events,” Landon said.

Students on and off campus received an email regarding the PA position and the link to apply. Four students will be selected as SUNY Plattsburgh’s new Programming Advocates.

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If you have story tips or information, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Warm weather impacts campus life

BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Associate Opinions Editor

After a long and winter at SUNY Plattsburgh, days are finally starting to get warmer.

The first few warm days of the year sent almost every student on campus outside, making the college feel lively again. This was a gratifying change from the vacant sidewalks during the winter that keep everyone cooped up inside their dorms.

Being able to get outside has positively affected the mental health of students campus wide.

“It’s definitely helped it a lot because during the winter I was just stuck inside doing homework,” Freshman accounting major Alicia Durgan said. “But at least now I can go outside and do homework or even go outside and exercise. So it’s been a lot better.”

Some students, like freshman adolescent education major Sam Marsh, enjoy the cold weather, but still take advantage of the benefits when it does get warmer. Marsh makes an effort to get outside when he can. Instead of taking the school shuttle into town, he would rather walk.

“I definitely do feel better on days when it’s warmer and sunnier. But I also really like the cold weather, I mean that’s why I came up here. I really enjoy cold weather,” Marsh said.

But he did allude to the fact that a lot of people have seasonal depression. This is usually diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it affects 0.5 to 3% of the population, according to Medlineplus.org.

The warmer weather can greatly

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impact their mental health.

Students who have in-person classes could be considered the lucky ones as the warmer weather approaches. But these same students may have been unlucky during the colder months trekking through the snow.

“I unfortunately don’t have any in-person classes, so I don’t get to go outside as much as I would like to. But that just means I have to maximize whatever opportunities I have to go outside and I think I’ve been

doing OK so far,” Marsh said.

Other students are struggling to find the time to get outside because they are bogged down with work from their classes. Freshman early childhood and special education major Jillian Beauchamp is among these students.

Beauchamp feels as though not having any days off is preventing her from being able to get outside.

“The only time I have off is maybe the weekends, but still I’m doing schoolwork in an overwhelming amount,” Beauchamp said.

Furthermore, she said her time to get outside is when she walks between classes or walking to work. But she wishes she had more time for outdoor self-care, like sitting by the river and enjoying the view or exercising.

“Getting outside is just really beneficial because it helps you unwind. Not being able to, because of time restraints and not having any time to do so, is really negative because all you’re doing is working,” Beauchamp said.

Taking in the warmer weath-

er should not go overlooked.

Everyone enjoys getting outside once the weather starts to warm up. Students especially, rely on nice weather now more than ever during this seemingly endless pandemic.

“I think everyone can benefit from the outdoors in the same way. It’s a literal breath of fresh air,” Marsh said.

Email NATALIE ST. DENIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Education majors adapt to adversity

BY ALEXA DUMAS Opinions Editor

The field of education has faced many challenges in the past years, due to a teacher shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic has not helped with this issue. Not only are students heavily affected, but so are professors. While students have to adapt to the new environment of online learning, educators have to learn and create a new way of teaching.

The challenges presented during the pandemic have led to concerns regarding the future of the profession. COVID has affected the number of students entering teaching programs, but the number of students pursuing education also has declined dramatically in previous years.

Since 2010, there has been a decline in teacher preparation programs nationwide by one-third, according to the Center for American Progress, and New York’s programs have seen a decline of approximately 10,000 students. As of 2017, New York faces a teacher shortage and will need 180,000 new teachers to fill the positions that teachers are expected to retire within the next decade. These numbers are striking, and the pandemic is not helping.

The school of education at SUNY Plattsburgh is a popular major on campus.

With a multitude of specializations within the childhood and special education and adolescent education programs, students entering the profession aspire to work with children and

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form connections.

“As long as I can remember when I was in elementary school, I just always wanted to be a teacher,” Sophomore Childhood and Special Education major Delaney Boulrice said.

“I thought their job was really cool. I love helping people and kids are fun.”

Due to the pandemic, some students were wary of entering the program.

Department Chair of Childhood Education programs

Yong Yu answered concerns from prospective students about entering the program at this time. But, the program has not seen a decline in enrollment.

“Last year we were a little concerned because of COVID we thought the number probably would drop, but it didn’t,” Yu said. “We’ll see what is going to happen this year.

I think there are students who are interested and they are willing to join

education, but the impact probably will be reflected in terms of whether they want to start this year.”

SUNY Plattsburgh’s childhood education program allows students multiple opportunities to gain experience in the field firsthand. During the pandemic, students have adapted to virtual learning and work with students oneon-one during Cardinal Classroom. This new program was created in the fall

2020 semester and it allows students to empathize with educators currently teaching during the pandemic.

“Once I started Cardinal Classroom, that’s when I really started kind of actually teaching and getting an understanding of how students were learning and just seeing the students,” said Junior Childhood and Special Education major Elizabeth Martin. “I have a student that I’m tutoring in math, seeing him almost have like

the light bulb go off when he understands something is just the best feeling.”

Students currently in the education program do have concerns about the possibility of virtual learning since they have experienced first-hand the various modes of learning.

Some find the possibility of being online as an advantage if a student is sick or the school has a snow day.

“It’s hard because everybody learns differently,” Boulrice said. “As an educator, I would try to do both.

If there are kids who learn better online and they’re out sick, I can send them a video. It’s more or less like a personal decision.”

While the presence of online learning is at the forefront, it is time that accessible education is reevaluated. With the presence of technology, educators should adapt and use it to their advantage, instead of pushing it to the side. Technology should be embraced, and this time is the best place to start.

“I think the opportunity of this pandemic has really started us to think and push us to know that every one of us has potential,” Yu said. “It’s probably high time for higher education to embrace some of the technology. I do believe regardless of what level, K-12 or higher education, I think teachers will be more willing and comfortable and confident to integrate technology into their classrooms because students grew up with this technology. I think things are going to change.”

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CARDINAL VOICE

Friday, April 9, 2021

Cleary’s legacy lives on in novels

BY CARLY NEWTON Staff Writer

The accomplished and successful children’s book author Beverly Cleary passed away at 104 years old this past March. Cleary was best known for her books about Ramona Quimby, a young girl who had childhood experiences that young readers could often relate to. Cleary leaves behind a career and legacy that will stand the test of time.

Cleary’s career as an author began in 1950 when she published her first book, “Henry Huggins.” In the following years, Cleary wrote many books including “Beezus and Ramona,” “The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” and “Dear Mr. Henshaw.” Cleary’s popularity stemmed from how well she was able to write from the perspective of a child.

In a Today Show interview in 2016, Cleary said

the books that were written when she was a child weren’t relatable.

“So many books in those days, back in the 1920s, had been published in England and the children had nannies and pony carts,” Cleary said in the interview.

Cleary also revealed that when she was a school librarian, a little boy had come up to her and asked her sternly, “Where are the books about kids like us?” These unrelatable experiences caused Cleary to take the matter into her own hands and write books that children of all ages could relate to and enjoy.

Kathryn Alton, childhood education program leader at SUNY Plattsburgh, had been one of those children who enjoyed Cleary’s books all throughout her childhood.

“I grew up with Beverly Cleary’s books and her writing had a signifi-

cant impact on me as a young reader. I loved so many of her stories and I have wonderful memories of reading them with my mom at bedtime each night,” Alton said. “Because so much of her writing was series-based, I felt like I was really able to grow with the books and [they] kept me excited to jump into the next adventure. Ramona, Henry and Ralph S. Mouse weren’t just characters in a book to me, they were a part of my childhood.”

Alton believes that Cleary’s previous job helped influence and inspire her writing when she became an author later on.

“Cleary worked as a children’s librarian prior to becoming an author herself, and you could really see her understanding of what children want to read in the way she wrote,” Alton said.

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‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ battles on HBO

BY CAMERON KAERCHER Contributor

The creation of Godzilla is rooted in history. While the original film depicted man in a rubber monster costume stomping on miniature cities is funny to look at, there is a darker history to the monster that not everyone may know.

Godzilla is a symbol of the nuclear atrocities that Japan faced near the end of World War II. Released nine years after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 1954’s “Godzilla” is a confrontation and processing of the nation’s grief. The film is powerful due to the historical symbolism, which has significantly waned in the subsequent films about the nuclear powered kaiju.

A more American, larger than life monster is King Kong, an enormous gorilla-like ape. He was introduced in 1933’s “King Kong,” iconically scaling the Empire State Building to avoid the US military that was hunting him down. His evolutionary proximity to the human race allows for some characterization and he is usually provided a female character to humanize him.

ZOE NGUYEN /Cardinal Points The latest cinematic monster mash

puts Godzilla up against King Kong in the aptly titled, “Godzilla vs. Kong.”

The story finds a reason to pit these two titans against each other as a montage during the opening credits explains to the viewer that they are biologically opposed.

It is bred into Godzilla and King Kong’s genetics to attack one another when they are in proximity to each other. Due to Godzilla’s tendency to level cites when enraged, as seen in 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” the humans want to avoid this battle, and they embark on a mission to return King Kong to his homeland and avoid Godzilla at all costs.

In most films about larger than life monsters, any non-monster characters are aggressively paint-by-numbers, but there are some acceptable humans here.

Kaylee Hottle and Rebeca Hall play environmentalists who have developed a Koko-esque connection with Kong through sign language. Brian Tyree Henry plays against type as an on-edge conspiracy theorist who believes that the organization working with transporting King Kong has sinister intentions.

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Remembering Eddie Van Halen

BY HALES PASSINO Staff Writer

The death of Eddie Van Halen was a sad day in the rock and roll world.

After a long, severe battle with various health issues in his latter years, including late-stage throat and lung cancer, the guitar-god passed away from a stroke this past October at the age of 65.

The American rock band Van Halen began in 1974 with members including the guitarist Eddie, drummer and brother Alex Van Halen, lead singer David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. The band was revered for their energetic live performances and glam-metalmeets-hard-rock style.

Some of their best known songs include “Jump” as well as their cover of The Kinks hit “You Really Got Me.” The thunderous solo

NGHI TO /Cardinal Points

known as “Eruption” also They were legendary. established Van Halen as They were badasses. a prodigy of electric guitar Various landmarks in and became a staple for Pasadena, C.A., where Van many Van Halen shows.

Halen grew up, were memo-

rialized in his tribute so fans could pay their respects. He was best remembered as an innovator in the art of guitar playing. Though he did not

invent it, Eddie popularized the “tapping” technique on his beast known as the “Frankenstrat.”

“I was about five the first

time I listened to ‘Panama,’” Junior Communications major Tyler Light said. His father introduced him to the band’s music at an early age. Light also enjoyed Van Halen’s work and overall upbeat vibe on the song “Summer Nights” from the 5150 album.

“It’s hard to pick a favorite Van Halen song,” SUNY Plattsburgh music graduate Zach Young said. “But it has to be David Lee Roth singing.”

Young plays guitar and even covered the 1984 hit “Hot For Teacher” for the college guitar ensemble one semester. He also dabbles in bass and drums.

“The intro, by itself, with the guitar alone has some high points and then it gets low,” Light said. “The way he plays it is just so flexible, groovy and colorful.”

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CARDINAL VOICE

Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas

Friday, April 9, 2021

Editorial

Cardinal Points’ Responsibility Every Friday, Cardinal Points hits the newsstand for the SUNY Plattsburgh community to read. Each week, articles about various topics can be seen in our main three sections; news, opinions and FUSE. Cardinal Points’ goal is to provide accurate information for all students, regardless of the section or story.

Journalism is an important pillar to democracy. Without journalists, there would be no check and balance system keeping readers informed and keeping the institution accountable. As journalists, we must reach below the surface, observe and account for all angles/facts we are given to

report to the community about important issues. Cardinal Points reporters take on new assignments each week and uphold journalistic integrity by reporting facts with multiple relevant sources. We conduct face-to-face interviews to get authentic responses and reactions while reporting on a story to ensure that we, as a team, are transparent.

We do not take reporting on sensitive issues lightly. Cardinal Points may occasionally use graphic language only to fully report the present issue in full context. Stories about tragedy and violence may be unavoidable at times because it’s the readers right to remain ap-

EDUCATION Continued from page six Students currently enrolled in the education program are also learning to adapt to using technology. Students like Martin, who are closer to graduating, feel more comfortable and prepared to enter the workforce with the possibility of teaching virtually.

“I feel like I’ve really learned how to teach during a pandemic, which is re-

AUTHOR Continued from page seven “The struggles and conflicts that the characters in her books dealt with were not these grand battles, they were everyday problems that most kids face.”

Elaine Ostry, associate professor of English at SUNY Plattsburgh, also has great admiration for Cleary and even teaches the books in her classes. Ostry said that Cleary had a talent for being able to accurately depict experiences

prised of current events in their community; therefore, journalists frown upon lessening the severity of a stories’ topic.

We contact sources from all angles of a story to alleviate all biases and produce a concrete report of the event. We try to persevere through times when important sources refuse to speak with us. Despite this, we continue to work through this and get a story out by showing our readers that we were declined by sources.

Change must start with uncomfortable conversations.

Cardinal Points’ mission is to report these issues to the student body, so change can happen on campus.

ally good because this is something that our professors have never had to do,” Martin said. “They’ve never had to teach through a pandemic. So I feel like I’m learning how to teach through a pandemic from someone who was just thrown into it.”

Becoming an educator is not an easy task, especially due to COVID. Prospective students who are considering joining the education field should be willing to stand up to the challenge, even if virtual learning is still needed.

“I definitely would encourage people to join because it’s worth it in the end,”

from a child’s point of view.

“There’s so much energy and humor in her writing and also sensitivity,” Ostry said.

“She really understands what it’s like to be a young child.”

Ostry mentioned an example in Cleary’s Ramona Quimby series that accurately represented what it’s like to have misunderstandings as a young child.

“When Ramona comes to kindergarten and her teacher tells her to ‘sit here for the present,’ and she thinks she’s going to get a gift, but she’s actually being told to sit there for a little while. It’s just so cute how many misunderstandings with

Cardinal Points is more than willing to take in criticism, and do the best we can to accommodate our readers and our fellow students. We want the student body to feel heard and respected. This is an element that is essential in our reporting.

Cardinal Points takes the responsibility of informing faculty, staff and students of community news to keep everyone up to date. We work to uphold the freedom of the press by continually putting out new issues weekly.

Cardinal Points gives SUNY Plattsburgh students an unfiltered voice. Change starts with holding our institution accountable.

Martin said. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, go for it. COVID is going to restrict all careers, essentially, so if that’s the only thing that would be holding someone back then just go for it.”

While the pandemic may drive prospective teachers away, the students at SUNY Plattsburgh are up for the challenge. Without their dedication to the program, the future of education would be bleak.

Email ALEXA DUMAS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

language there are,” Ostry said.

Cleary’s books have continued to be popular among young children today, despite being written several decades ago. Ostry isn’t surprised by this because of one reason.

“Childhood never really changes,” Ostry said.

“The technology may have changed, but the feelings of childhood don’t change. The anxieties don’t change, family dynamics don’t change and younger sisters will always irritate older sisters.”

Ostry believes that Cleary’s legacy will continue long after she’s gone and the effect she

had on generations of youth will live on as well.

Cleary’s impact on children can not be stressed enough.

Her ability to accurately represent the way a child thinks has made many children feel seen and understood over the years.

Physically, Cleary is no longer with us, but her impact will continue to live in the many hearts she has touched with the lovable characters and stories she created.

Rest in peace Beverly.

Email CARLY NEWTON cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

punches between the giant monkey and the laser beam shooting sea monster connect with a great sense of weight. They are truly enjoyable, it is just a shame that they have to be experienced on such a small screen.

Continued from page seven While “Godzilla vs. Kong” is playing in the theaters that are open across the country, for example Plattsburgh’s Cumberland The cast is then rounded out with Alexander Skarsgård, who 12 Cinemas, the pandemic has swayed the majority of audiencplays a geologist with the key to saving King Kong, and Millie es away from the theaters at this time. It would be great to see Bobby Brown, who plays a teenager who teams up with Henry’s larger than life action like Godzilla fighting Kong on a big screen theorist to uncover the truth. again, but the film is also readily available on HBO MAX. Why This isn’t a character driven film in the slightest, but the ac- go out into the scary world masked up and sitting in a sparsely tors’ performances justify their own presence in this film. attended room when one can stay in the comfort of their home However, the actual fights between the monsters do justify the and watch the same movie? film’s entire existence. While they do not reach the Vietnam-inThere may be a light at the end of the tunnel as theaters are fluenced peaks of 2017’s “Kong Skull Island,” they are head and reopening again across the country, but right now convenience shoulders above the migraine inducing messy action setpieces beats out experience. “Godzilla vs. Kong’’ is fine enough to of “Godzilla: King of Monsters.” watch at home.

Director Adam Wingard has a great sense of scale when diEmail CAMERON KAERCHER recting the action despite coming from a background of smallcp@cardinalpointsonline.com er scale horror films like “You’re Next” and “The Guest.” The

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VAN HALEN Continued from page seven

Van Halen’s range is inevitably magnetic and pulls listeners in from the get-go on tunes like this one.

Light has watched various Van Halen concerts online before and describes Van Halen’s chill demeanor as one of the aspects that caught his eye.

“He would just grab his guitar, sit on the end of the stage and just play all relaxed,” Light said. “A lot of people don’t understand how much energy that takes

and how much motivation is required to pull something off like that.”

It’s certainly not easy to get on stage and play a three hour show with little to no breaks.

“Eddie Van Halen completely changed the way people played guitar,” Young said.

His influence can be heard all throughout the rock and metal scene of the 1980s. “His use of guitar pedals and effects was just so different,” Young said. “He basically made it sound like a UFO at times.”

A solid example of this is the song “1984” from the 1984 album.

Young also recalled the day Van Halen passed away.

“It was devastating when he died,” he said. “I was at work when I found out and just felt like s---.”

He blared Van Halen music for days after. Light reacted similarly.

Needless to say, Van Halen was a legend with a lasting impact on other fellow guitar players to follow in his footsteps.

“When thinking of greatest guitar players of all time, I mean, if Eddie Van Halen doesn’t come to your head, then I don’t know what to say,” Light said.

Email HALES PASSINO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM

Taken from 100 participants

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Jess Johnson

Managing Editor Alana Penny

Co-News Editor Olivia Bousquet

Co-News Editor Mataeo Smith

Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas

FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Graphics Editor Nghi To

Photo Editor Audrey Lapinski

Multimedia Editor Sareem Jabbar

Associate Opinions Editor Natalie St. Denis

Associate Graphics Editor Sareem Jabbar

Associate FUSE Editor Adeeb Chowdhury

Public Relations Chair Heaven Longo

Web Editor Jason Smith

Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy Advertising: Maureen Provost

Contact CP: Editorial Board: 518.564.2174 Advertising: 518.564.3173 Fax: 518.564.6397 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Award Winning

Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist

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FUSE

FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Friday, April 9, 2021

Jarrett finds new perspective amidst COVID

BY RYAN EVANS Contributor

Out of all the faculty members working within the Myers Fine Arts building, few have been blocked off musically in the way that professor Gabe Jarrett has. Jarrett, a jazz drummer and an adjunct faculty member, primarily gives drum lessons to students, speaks about how his lifestyle and perspective have changed due to COVID-19.

“I’ve managed to have work every semester,” Jarrett said. “But sometimes it’s two full days and sometimes it’s hardly anything.”

The inconsistencies that come with being an adjunct professor make working each year a gamble. Jarrett is also a drum instructor at the University of Vermont, St. Michael’s College, and Northern Vermont University.

“These jobs come and go depending on if there are drum students on campus,” Jarrett said. “It was working great until the pandemic,” he said, “but a lot of things have changed.”

At the start of the pandemic, Jarrett had to shift all of the lessons he had been teaching to Zoom. He said it works, but not as well. The latency that comes with broadcasting audio and video is not significant for speaking, but is problematic for musical precision.

“You can’t really play together with somebody,” Jarrett said. “They’re not going to hear sound at the same moment you’re playing, which takes a lot out of how you teach music.”

“Teaching is about half of what I do

and performing on the drums is the other half,” Jarrett said.

Due to Covid restrictions he hasn’t really performed in about a year. The problem with his instrument is that it is used primarily in groups.

“It’s not like I could start giving Facebook concerts like some other people did,” Jarrett said, “That’s not really how the drums work.”

The pace of activity in Jarrett’s life before COVID was fast. The life of teaching and gigging are different from one another.

“The gigs may have kept me out till 1 or 2 a.m.,” Jarrett said. “Then I would need to teach the next morning. It could be hectic.”

For the past year, Jarrett has been a respite from that hectic lifestyle.

“There has been a space in my life that has not been there for about 20 years,” he said. With all of this extra time, Jarrett has spent his time practicing the drums and exercising. He has been reading more and watching a lot more movies which normally he would not have the time for.

“For a few months it was nice,” Jarrett said, “but I’m ready to see people again.”

“I used to love seeing the world happen in front of me,” Jarrett said. “Even if I wasn’t a part of it.” The lack of socializing due to COVID regulations is disappointing, but necessary to keep people safe.

This whole experience has transformed Jarrett’s perspective on life and has helped him better respond to problems.

“I think I’m gonna worry less about things in the future,” Jarrett said. “Doing what I do there are not a lot of things that are guaranteed. Like I might have a semester where I do really well financially and have gigs and everything’s cool, then all of

Photo provided by Gabe Jarrett

Before the pandemic Gabe Jarrett had a packed schedule with playing gigs and teaching at several schools in Vermont and SUNY Plattsburgh. The past year he has had more free time than he has had in 20 years.

the sudden I’ll have a more difficult one.” rying he could do, the problems of life The anxiety of what is to come has will eventually figure themselves out. been lowered significantly because COVID was one of the worst things that could Email RYAN EVANS have happened to him. For Jarrett, COVcp@cardinalpointsonline.com ID taught him that despite all of the wor-

SAREEM JABBAR/Cardinal Points

Pandemic challenges studio lessons

BY BACH DO Contributor

Arts are hands-on disciplines.

The nature of the disciplines requires interaction and direct communication between the faculties and students to yield the best results. Hence, studio lessons have been essential for the arts. However, due to COVID and safety protocols, the studios in Myers Fine Arts building are facing some challenges that they have never before.

“The biggest challenge is obviously not being able to meet face to face,” professor Pamela Lavin, who gives vocal lessons said.

“Due to the technological advantages, specifically when giving lessons via Zoom, the voice quality was horrible, the connection was bad and there were lags. In order words, there was no communication in real-time.”

Ferruccio Busoni, a famous mu-

sician, once said, “Music is the art of sounds in the movement of time.” For musicians, the concept of “real time” or “musical time” is extremely important.

The performer and the accompanist need to communicate with each other and make sure the sounds produced are on time, so that the music is as artistic and beautiful as possible. It could be argued that sounds that are not in time create the worst music. That is exactly what Lavin and her students face when they are having studio lessons through Zoom.

“It was impossible to accompany my student,” she said. Lavin hopes that the students will get vaccinated soon, so teaching can go back to the traditional ways. Even when faculties and students are allowed to have lessons in studios with masks on, the quality of teaching still lies between having lessons on Zoom and doing it the traditional way.

“I am a visual teacher,” she said.

“I’m always watching the mouths, teeth, and jaws of the students to adjust their techniques. With the masks on, it’s hard to detect where the tension is and I cannot immediately help them.”

“The greatest challenge I have been facing is continuing faceto-face studio times,Norman Taber, graphic designer and illustrator said. “I have always been teaching studios face-toface ever since last semester. Instead of the normal way, I broke the class into two sections. Studio time is extremely important for the students and ensuring that quality is difficult for me because I have to teach the same things to groups of students.”

Taber has been very committed to face-to-face studio lessons because graphic design, like every other arts discipline, is very hands-on. Ensuring students face-to-face studio lessons is one

challenge, but coping with the safety protocols is another.

“Normally my studio is very interactive,” Taber said. “We would have regular feedback between the students and me. But the masks quiet the students down a bit and the class becomes harder.

Not only do I have to do more teachings, but I also have to pull more speeches out of them.”

Setting up the studios to make sure students are socially distancing, while ensuring the quality of the studio lesson, is definitely a challenge for faculties.

“The greatest challenge is definitely to set up the studios to get it fit for teaching,” Erika Guay, Professor giving stage costume studio lessons said. “Usually, you don’t have to think about the setup. But now not only do I have to find a new room with windows, ventilation and equipment, I also have to think of a way to set up the sewing machines.”

Similar to Taber, Guay has been dividing her class into sections to ensure safety, but that also means that she has to teach the same thing multiple times.

“You teach the same thing more often. On top of that, I need to make extra sure that the environment is safe. I researched how long COVID sits on fabric, the answer is three days. You also need to make sure students are not sharing tools anymore, but I think they are doing a good job at that.” Guay chuckled.

The faculties are taking extra steps to ensure students are safe and receiving the best qualities in their studio lessons. This requires a lot of effort and time, but brings great joy in the end as the faculties see their students thrive.

CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM

Email BACH DO

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

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Friday, April 9, 2021

Student Art Spotlight

Rickell Larose Senior art major concentrating in graphic design and sculpture

Hi everyone, my name is Rickell Larose and I am a senior here at SUNY Plattsburgh. I am concentrating in graphic design and sculpture. I want my art to represent connections, whether that influence is derived from a feeling, a structure, or a retrieved memory.

Working in both two and three-dimensional mediums has shown me how elegant simplicity can be and how careful thought can create something beautiful. I am excited to see what the future holds and I hope you enjoy seeing my work!

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FUSE

FUSE Editor Alana Penny

FILM

Friday, April 9, 2021

Continued from page twelve “Finding opportunity and leadership was something that the Film Club right off the bat offered me,” Kachejian said.

The Film Club is always looking for more engagement from students.

“Film Club is meant for people who are looking for a hobby, for curiosity on a possible passion or interest, or something fun to go to when the stress of academics gets too much,” Kachejian said. For this club, all students have to do is be a SUNY Plattsburgh student — major or year doesn’t matter. Members of the club really enjoy the community the Film Club has built. For example, Edward Baillargeon, a sophomore majoring in TV/video production who is a general member of the club’s togetherness.

“What I enjoy the most about film club is the sense of community we’ve built between us being in similar majors, and how talking about movies have brought us together,” Baillargeon said. “I enjoy the discussion and analysis part of talking about what we’ve watched recently, the latest movies, any news from the week, and whatever is the major discussion of the week.”

Like many of the other clubs on campus, the Film Club has been negatively impacted by COVID. The virus has affected the regular flow of the club because now the Film Club can no longer meet in person for meetings and events. Although lucky to at least be able to have meetings through Zoom, taking away the in-person feel of the club has slowed down productivity. On top of this, the decrease in the budget has also affected productivity.

One good thing is coming from the pandemic. The Film club has begun working on producing their own COVID documentary. Kachejian revealed that the documentary will have a darker spin on things. Other than that, the club continues to carry out meetings to the best of their ability and remain up to date with what is going on in the world of film at every meeting.

“It’s been my passion to make sure that no matter what happens next at this school, that our little club, the Film Club, is a place where everyone feels like they can belong, and where everyone can do something or talk about something that fuels their passion for film.”

Email CHRISTYN PETTWAY cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

WARNING: CARDINAL POINTS NEWS IS FLAMMABLE

Weekly Tarot Reading

NGHI TO/Cardinal Points

BY RIVER ASHE Staff Writer

This week’s reading comes from the Kuan Yin Oracle deck by Alana Fairchild. This Easternthemed deck is full of stunning art by Zeng Hao, depicting multiple interpretations of the divine feminine and objects representing her. The cards themselves are gentle and aim to inspire feelings of hope and self-love.

All card meanings have been interpreted from the guidebook sold with the cards.

Aquarius (Jan. 20—Feb. 18) pulled Dance of the Butterfly Queen. You have been alone and struggling, and this week you are encouraged to reach out and seek help. Compassion from others will be a breath of fresh air and a welcome change, so don’t worry about whether you look “weak.” “Surrender false notions that allowing others to assist you is dependency,” the guidebook said.

Pisces (Feb. 19—March 20) drew Sisters of the Sun Rising. Collaboration of some kind is in the cards for you this week, and the anxiety that your voice will not be heard. Trust your instincts and speak up for yourself; do not let your intellect be hidden. “You don’t need to compromise. You need to honor your boundaries and the boundaries of others,” the booklet advised.

Aries (March 21—April 19) pulled Call of the Dancing Crane. You are stuck in a habit or pattern that has become troublesome or worn out, and are being called to change it.

This card says that habits are only as strong as you believe them to be, and breaking free is both possible and admissible; “You are allowed to change them!” Fairchild wrote.

Taurus (April 20—May 20) drew Mother Fierce.

You have been making a lot of progress on your journey of spiritual growth, and some people may feel threatened by that. Don’t

worry— they are on their own journeys, and you are too. “The healing for you is in how you choose to shine and not be diminished by the healing process of another,” the guidebook said.

Gemini (May 21—June 20) pulled The Tao. You have been or will be faced with a problem that seems impossible to solve or a situation that seems impossible to get out of. Instead of trying to force your way around it, be patient and let the answer come freely with time.

“The Tao flows through all situations and presents natural solutions, no matter how unsolvable those situations may appear to be,” the author noted.

Cancer (June 21—July 22) drew Sweeping Sister Willow. This week, you will need to practice the art of forgiveness. Regardless of what happened, holding onto negativity will only drag you down. This does not mean that you must forget the event or the lesson it taught you. “This

oracle indicates that you are in the process of forgiving others, and that you also need to remember to forgive yourself for being human and needing to learn and grow,” the guidebook stated.

Leo (July 23—Aug. 22) pulled Orchid Priestess of Destiny. You are at the point in your personal journey when thinking critically and thinking for yourself are key to becoming who you need to be. “That means it is time to unplug from mass consciousness at a deeper level than ever before to really let go of the beliefs and thought forms that do not serve your highest destiny, no matter how unchallengeable they may seem to be at first,” Fairchild said.

Virgo (Aug. 23—Sept. 22) drew Reveal the Peacock Beauty. You will feel a strong urge to create something this week, or receive inspiration to work on something already in progress. Embrace this feeling with open arms and create according to what your heart desires. “There is a

stirring within you to create greater beauty in your life, to honor the creative ability you have to express such sublime feelings that reside within you,” the guidebook said.

Libra (Sept. 23—Oct. 22) pulled Immortal Treasures. You are a wonderful person determined to heal and help those around you, but you have been neglecting your own physical and emotional needs. This card is asking you to take time for yourself and breathe. “An empty cup cannot fill another,” Fairchild stated.

Scorpio (Oct. 23—Nov. 21) drew The Dance Unveiling.

There are things happening in your life this week that may seem too good to be true, or become muddled.

Be careful not to jump into something until you know the long-term situation.

“Don’t rush to set things in motion, to form a structure or even to make things concrete until you have had a chance to be clearer about the situation or process,” the author advised.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22— Dec. 21) pulled Many Hands of the Goddess. You are working on a lot all at once and are beginning to burn out. Take a step back, take a breath, and allow yourself to relax. “In the rest, you will replenish, gain new perspective and return to your creative work more productive,” the guidebook wrote.

Capricorn (Dec. 22—Jan. 19) drew Nectar of the Lotus. You have been so focused on helping other people that you have forgotten to keep tabs on your mental and emotional energy. This card calls for you to put limits on the energy you give to others to make sure you have enough for yourself.

“They could be a sign that our mind and emotional life could use some help shifting from scarcity consciousness into a consciousness of abundance,” Fairchild wrote.

Email RIVER ASHE

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Student art spotlight, A10

Film Club celebrates, criticizes, produces films

BY CHRISTYN PETTWAY Staff Writer

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Film club is open to all students interested in talking about all things film. According to the club’s president, Cole Kachejian, a sophomore double majoring in psychology and TV/video production, the Film Club is a community of students who come together to talk about everything surrounding film from film criticism to the actual production elements of the film industry. The club meets every Friday at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom to discuss film and/or work on film production.

Each Film Club role helps the production of the club. The club has four main roles. Kachejian, the president, takes on the club’s administrative responsibilities like event paperwork, organizing club events and coming up with discussion topics and project ideas for meetings. The vice president, Cameron Kaecher, assists the president in leading club discussions during meetings as well as coordinating any events the president requests. The club treasurer, Jorge Martinez, keeps track of the club’s budget, keeping up with event funding and purchasing merchandise needed for the Film Club. The club PR representative, Hailee Olsen, primarily focuses on the club’s social media page @plattsfilmclub on Instagram, creating flyers using graphic design and promoting club events.

Before Cole Kachejian became president, he came into the club looking for a place to disconnect, relax and meet new people to relate to and share his passion with.

During his second semester in the Film Club, Kachejian was unanimously nominated as president, replacing former president Blake Lewis after they graduated. Before becoming President, Kachejian was the first PR representative of the Film Club.

FILM, l A11

NGHI TO/Cardinal Points