Volume 88, Issue 19

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

Volume 88, Issue XIX

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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SIGNED, SEALED

HELP WANTED Volunteer Firefighters Sought Throughout New York State

STORY ON PAGE 4 PHOTO COURTESY OF RECRUITNY

CAUGHT ON CAMERA Kingston Police Department Will Soon Introduce Body Cameras for Officers

STORY ON PAGE 3 PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

DELIVERED

Tattoo Artists Inspire Change to Strict Ink Regulations - STORY ON PAGE 5 -

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

• Upcoming Statewide Event to Recruit Firefighters .....Pg 4 • Newburgh Increases Video Surveillance in City .......Pg 6 • State Law Revised After Tattoo Industry Pressure .............Pg 5 • Senate Discusses Dining Options and Elections .......Pg 7

Kristen Warfield EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nate Sheidlower

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

MANAGING EDITOR _________________

Melanie Zerah NEWS EDITOR

Jack O’Brien FEATURES EDITOR

Sam Manzella

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Melissa Kramer SPORTS EDITOR

_________________

Holly Lipka David Khorassani PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS

Stefanie Diers CARTOONIST

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Michael Rosen Jonathan Perry Jess Napp Monique Tranchina Anthony Orza Rachael Purtell Kintura Williams COPY EDITORS

_________________

Jackie Quaranto WEB CHIEF

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Cam Collichio BUSINESS MANAGER _________________

Marisa Losciale

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER _________________

STAFF Sage Higgins, Matthew D’Onofrio, Nick Tantillo, Otto Kratky, Jake Berkowitz, Erica Ascher, Briana Bonfiglio, Jackson Shrout, Liam Baker

FEATURES

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About The New Paltz Oracle

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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 88 Issue 19 Index NEWS THE DEEP END EDITORIAL COLUMN

Jack O’Brien Melissa Kramer

SPORTS

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FOLLOW THE ORACLE

Date: 03/31/2016 Location: College Hall Incident: Larceny reported when a bike was stolen from the bike rack.

Date: 03/31/2016 Location: Ridgeview Hall Incident: Subject found their bike and requested UPD come and remove the lock.

SUNY New Paltz University Police Department Emergencies: 845-257-2222

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Five-Day Forecast Thursday, April 7 Rain High: 57 Low: 37

Friday, April 8

Partly Cloudy High: 48 Low: 28

Saturday, April 9 Cloudy High: 45 Low: 24

Sunday, April 10 Partly Cloudy High: 47 Low: 31

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Disclaimer: This is only a partial listing. For all incidents, please visit the University Police Department.

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Kingston PD to Acquire Body Cameras

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWS10

By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtellr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Kingston Police Department (KPD) will begin to implement body cameras as standard equipment for officers in the undercover unit. The cameras purchased under the pilot program will be issued to the department’s five member Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

The SIU focuses on proactive policing involving activities such as undercover drug and gun buys, prostitution stings and hunting down fugitives. They also maintain a wide network of confidential informants.

According to Police Chief Egidio Tinti, the decision to implement the body cameras was based on two factors; the Patrol Division already had dashboardmounted cameras and it will help the department’s focus on community-oriented policing and improving community relations.

According to Tinti, many Kingston residents have begun to lose trust in the police department, as with many other areas in the country.

“Community-based policing depends largely on the interaction between officers and civilians while they’re out there doing the job,” Tinti said. “This is a tool we can use to develop that trust.”

SIU commander Detective Sgt. Brian Robertson developed the protocol for the body cameras. The goal was to bal-

ance between providing visual records of the SIU’s interactions and protecting the identities of informants, undercovers and the unit’s operational secrets.

Officers are to record field interviews, arrests and other interactions with a potential for conflict. Discussions with informants and victim interviews will remain off-camera. Officers also have the discretion to turn off the cameras in situations in which civilians do not wish to be recorded.

Since the department is used to working with audio and recording technology, there was little resistance from the officers. This technology includes bodyworn mics and mini cameras. The officers have also used advanced cameras from afar with night-vision and heat-sensing capabilities.

In addition to helping gather evidence to be used during prosecution of criminals, it is also hoped that the cameras will protect officers against false accusations of malfeasance or brutality and, in the event this brutality does take place, provide the necessary evidence to hold officers accountable.

“My unit looks forward to it to protect themselves against false allegations made against my detectives in the past,” Robertson said. “We would gladly like to record that and make sure no false allegations are made against my officers.”

The camera system, the watchguard

HD Vista, integrates well with the department’s existing system. The units are to be purchased with $30,000 in cost savings resulting from a new contract with Ulster County SPCA to take over animal control duties previously held by the police department.

Two additional cameras will be used on officers on “directed patrols” under a state program that funds proactive policing efforts. The body cameras will eventually be phased into the Kingston Police Department’s Patrol Division.

Although the SUNY New Paltz University Police Department does not currently own or use body cameras, it is an option they are exploring according to University Police Chief David Dugatkin.

“Right now we’re waiting for a little more direction from our commissioner’s office up in Albany, that oversees all the university police departments, on whether or not we’re going to pursue this,” Dugatkin said.

According to Dugatkin, some of the technical and logistical issues with implementing body cameras with UPD officers include the cost and saving all the recorded footage.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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Campus Grieves Student Passing

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

By Jack O’Brien

Features Editor | Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

SUNY New Paltz students are in a state of sadness and denial after the passing of a well-regarded colleague.

On Sunday, April 3, second-year biology major Thomas O’Rourke was found unresponsive in his dorm room after University Police, (UPD), responded to a 911 call. He was later pronounced dead and although UPD have ruled out foul play, the cause of death has yet to be determined.

SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian sent out a campus-wide email at 6 p.m. announcing O’Rourke’s passing.

“The death of a student is one of the most difficult issues a campus community can deal with, and this is a time to come together to support all who are affected by this loss, including the student’s friends and family,” Christian said. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Thomas O’Rourke’s family and to the students, faculty and staff on campus who knew him.”

O’Rourke was well known to many students and staff of the college. He was heavily involved in academics and extracurricular activities on campus, specifically with the Italian Club where he formerly served as club secretary.

The Counseling Center staff encourages any student seeking help, in personal feelings of loss or otherwise, to contact their office at 845-257-2920. For professors and staff who wish to speak with someone, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available at 845-257-2886.

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RecruitNY Seeks Volunteer Firefighters in New York

POLITICIANS, CELEBS IN SPOTLIGHT OVER OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS

The fallout from a massive leak of records on offshore accounts dragged a growing number of leaders and celebrities into the spotlight Wednesday, with a Bollywood actor, a race car driver and Ukraine’s president among those denying they evaded taxes. The reports center on millions of documents detailing how the rich and powerful use shell companies in low-tax states like Panama or the Cayman Islands, sometimes giving them fanciful names like “Goldfinger” or “SkyFall.” \

EGYPT THREATENS TO SHUT DOWN CENTER DOCUMENTING TORTURE For more than two decades, a team of psychiatrists in downtown Cairo have provided a unique service in Egypt: Therapy for people who say they are victims of torture. Now authorities are trying to shut down the Nadeem Center, housed in an apartment building off a street full of auto parts dealers and mechanics. Twice in the past three months, most recently on Wednesday, police have stormed in with closure orders.

So far, the center has managed to ward them off while its lawyers protest.

KERRY BREAKS RECORD FOR MILES TRAVELED BY SECRETARY OF STATE John Kerry is now the most traveled secretary of state in U.S. history, breaking the record as he arrived in the Middle East kingdom of Bahrain on Wednesday.

The trip pushed Kerry past 1.06 million miles as America’s top diplomat, narrowly beating Condoleezza Rice by about 1,000 miles. Rice, who was secretary of state under President George W. Bush, held the previous mark with 1.059 million miles.

WHO: DIABETES RISES FOURFOLD OVER LAST QUARTER-CENTURY Excessive weight, obesity, aging and population growth drove a nearly four-fold increase in worldwide cases of diabetes over the last quarter-century, affecting 422 million people in 2014, the World Health Organization reported Wednesday. In a new report on diabetes, the U.N. health agency called for stepped-up measures to reduce risk factors for diabetes and improve treatment and care that has ballooned in recent years alongside an increase in obesity rates.

Compiled from the AP Newswire

PHOTO COURTESY OF RECRUITNY

By Monique Tranchina

Copy Editor | Tranchim1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

RecruitNY and the fireman’s association are having their annual recruitment event April 23 and 24. Over 500 departments within New York State have some type of recruitment process over the course of a year, which will hopefully continue to bring in volunteers.

John D’Alessandro of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York, (FASNY), helps organize and plan recruitment events for departments within the state. He emphasizes the importance of recruitment events, since community members benefit in multiple ways.

“We always find other people in the local community who don’t know much about the fire department,” D’Alessandro said. “We do this to recruit new members ... and to continue to build and strengthen the bond between the local fire department and the community it serves.”

D’Alessandro also said that these events are vital to maintaining a decent workforce within the fire departments. The number of volunteer firefighters has dropped over the last few decades, and the drop in helping hands makes a difference, since the scope and complexity of issues that fireman deal with has also increased since then.

According to D’Alessandro, there were 120,000 volunteer firefighters in the early 1990’s, about 80,000 - 85,000 during the early 2000’s, and a period of growth within the past few years.

“We’ve sort of managed the hemorrhaging, but we are nowhere near where we need to be,” D’Alessandro said.

This significant drop in firemen can affect

the work they are able to perform. Perhaps the steady increase in work demands brought this decline. Volunteer firefighters receive the same training as paid firefighters, minus the paycheck.

They also respond from their daily lives, instead of having some 24 hour shifts. Having this title means having a second full-time job with no pay, but fulfillment in the process of helping and saving others in extremely dangerous situations whenever those times arise.

“Thirty to 60 years ago, we would respond to less calls, and calls tended to be simpler. Now we respond to natural disasters, hazardous materials events, etc,” D’Alessandro said.

D’Alessandro urges all those interested to attend the event(s), since anyone with a willingness to help are considered.

“We take all kinds of people, all education levels, all sizes, all backgrounds... There are dozens of jobs in the fire department, from structural (putting fire out), to staying outside buildings (fire police). Some fire departments run in emergency medical services; fire departments still need repairs, office work. If you are interested in helping the community, we have a spot for you,” D’Alessandro said.

David Babcock, Assistant Chief of New Paltz Fire Department, says much of the same towards having a recruitment event for NY firefighters.

“We’ve been having a steady decrease in firefighters due to increased demand in working, compared to past ways of life. FDSNY creates a state initiative to help create awareness.” Babcock said.

Babcock shares enthusiasm for the local efforts. He adds that these events bring in much-

Thursday, April 7, 2016

needed labor. So far, they have had a steady stream of incoming volunteers, but could always use more since the trend seems to be in decline.

“We’ve been lucky enough to bring in one per month,” Babcock said. “Maybe two per year, a couple of others per month. Depends on desire to sign up.”

Babcock adds that a preference among some college aged firefighters is they can volunteer in New Paltz while they live in another city, so they are not solely committed to one department.

D’Alessandro further stresses that anyone can volunteer depending on how they choose to help, no matter what social or economic background they come from.

“Depending on talent, local department, we have different classes of membership: active firefighters, social/auxiliary members. Being an individual, you have to determine where you fit in. People won’t know if they don’t talk to men and women serving the community,” D’Alessandro said.

Babcock mentions to schedule an appointment to talk to a fire department worker and watch how members interact and respond to key issues in their environment. Therefore, people can determine from their observations how they would like to contribute, and to get a feel for the workforce.

Attending the recruitment event may be just as informative. Babcock says there will be chances to put on gear and talk to firemen regarding their experience. Food and refreshments will be served, and a live band will add to the entertainment at 25 Plattekill Ave. on April 23.

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Tattoo Artist Petition Leads to Revision of Strict Ink Law

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ANCHORWOMAN’S OUSTER EXPOSES RISKS FOR WHITES TALKING RACE

After losing her job as a TV anchor over her Facebook post about a deadly mass shooting in a black neighborhood near Pittsburgh, Wendy Bell was frustrated that those who were offended by what she said had missed her point. A white mother of five sons who had covered the city for nearly 20 years, Bell felt devastated by the shooting and by the fact some people deemed her attempt to put her anguish into words tone-deaf.

WISCONSIN: GOP OUTLIER OR SIGNS OF TROUBLE FOR TRUMP?

Bridget Punsalang tattoos a client.

By Kristen Warfield

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

A state law that would change the type of ink tattoo artists use has been overturned following statewide pressure on lawmakers from the tattoo community.

Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill amending a tattoo ink policy from a law passed in August of 2015. The law called for the use of sealed, pre-filled packs of ink rather than using single-use, disposable cups to pour the ink into from a bottle. Disagreement with the law’s wording, which would have outlawed the use of bulk bottled inks, brought nearly 50,000 electronic signatures to an online petition.

“The way the law was worded meant we could no longer fill tattoo caps with just enough ink to work on the client, which has been an accepted practice in the industry for a long time,” said Bridget Punsalang, the Saratoga Springsbased tattoo artist who started the petition.

Upon reading the original legislation, Punsalang noticed the wording in the law would cause major changes to how she and other artists in the state would need to stock their ink supplies. She does primarily color work for her clients, so having to replace her supply with sealed, pre-filled packs would have meant throwing out nearly 100

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER FERGUSON

shades of bulk ink. Aside from the cost of replacement, the only inks on the market that would have fit the requirement are of lesser quality and variety, she said.

As support on the petition grew, artists across the state spread the word, met with their local lawmakers and eventually with the original sponsors of the bill to show the measure needed revisiting.

Their efforts were recognized by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), which stalled the planned December implementation of the policy as lawmakers worked on alternative language for the law. The turnaround in Albany was fast; in under seven months the bill was sent back for revision and signed into law on March 11 by Cuomo.

“I’m really proud so many people in the industry were able to notice this problem, come together and ultimately do something about it,” Punsalang said. “We just can’t lay down and watch laws that don’t make sense come into effect. This proves lawmakers do want to work with us and care about what we think.”

The original justification behind requiring sealed, pre-filled ink packs was to further prevent the “spread of disease through reusable materials,” the law read. Tattoo artists argued that the measure was unnecessary, as there were already

existing industry standards and precautions in place to protect themselves and their clients.

“The key to preventing cross-contamination is not nit-picking the supplies we use, but to ensure artists are blood-borne pathogen trained and know proper handling procedures,” Punsalang said.

Federally, tattoo artists are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to complete a yearly course on how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infected blood and other bodily fluids in the workplace.

Additionally, the NYSDOH is now working on alternatives to further the safe handling of ink and supplies without the use of pre-filled ink packs.

Though he could not comment on any specific regulations in the works, NYSDOH spokesman Steve Flamisch said the department will be in open dialogue with the public concerning any preliminary changes.

“The New York State Department of Health is drafting body art regulations to standardize practices and prevent the transmission of Hepatitis C, HIV and other blood-borne illnesses,” NYSDOH spokesman Steve Flamisch said. “The public will have the opportunity to comment on the new regulations before they are enacted.”

Thursday, April 7, 2016

In the end, maybe the “Cheeseheads” just weren’t angry enough for Donald Trump. Wisconsin Republicans were less incensed than GOP primary voters in most states where Trump had previously triumphed, according to exit polls from the state’s presidential primary Tuesday.

Almost six out of 10 primary voters also expressed concern or even fear about the bombastic billionaire occupying the Oval Office. The question going forward: Are Wisconsin Republicans outliers or has Cruz consolidated support in a winnowed field and exposed Trump weaknesses that will carry over into upcoming contests concentrated in the northeast?

CLINTON HITS SANDERS ON GUN CONTROL, SHARPENS ATTACKS

Armed with a blistering tabloid cover, Hillary Clinton is pitting Bernie Sanders against the parents of children murdered in Sandy Hook, part of an effort to punch her way into the critical New York primary.

The inflammatory rhetoric underscores the importance of the New York contest on April 19 to her campaign and the mounting frustration of Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, with the lingering primary battle.

CRUZ OUTMANEUVERING TRUMP IN HAND-TO-HAND GOP DELEGATE FIGHT

While the focus of the Republican presidential campaign shifts eastward to the New York primary, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is pivoting west, where he is quietly trying to chip away at Donald Trump’s lead in the race for convention delegates.

Compiled from the AP Newswire

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City Council Adds to Newburgh’s Visual Surviellance System

By Rachael Purtell

Copy Editor | Purtelr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Newburgh’s City Councilman Torrance Harvey recently pushed for three new surveillance cameras to be installed in high-crime areas throughout the city.

The cameras were previously purchased through grant funding and the estimated cost to have them installed by Long Island A+ Technology and Security Solutions was approximately $43,000.

According to Harvey, implementation of the installation process was relatively simple given that the city already had the resources and the company to install them preselected by the state.

“It was just a matter of allocating the resources from that settled grant, technology companies and technologies to install them,” Harvey said.

Due to security reasons, the exact location of the new and existing cameras could not be revealed.

“They are being implemented strategically in areas defined as hot spots; areas where crime is most often done through-

out the city,” Harvey said.

The process involved looking at the infrastructure of the system already in place. Most of the older cameras are analog and the new cameras are digitized and have higher resolution. According to Harvey, Newburgh will be looking to purchase and replace older cameras with more of these higher technologies going forward.

As warmer weather persists, it is statistically shown that there is a rise in violent crime. Last summer, Newburgh (nationally ranked in the top five for violent crime) had a number of unsolved murders and Harvey believes that the new cameras will be helpful in providing full descriptions of perpetrators and footage of the crimes being committed.

“There’s a catch phrase among young people, ‘snitches get stitches’ and it’s the culture in Newburgh, like it is in many other urban settings,” Harvey said.

“When you talk to the police department, they don’t have a lot of leads, they don’t have a lot of people giving testimonies or

statements. People are afraid to come forward.”

Harvey hopes that with the additional security of these new cameras, people will be encouraged to come forward.

Security cameras on the SUNY New Paltz campus were also switched from analog to digital a few years ago, according to University Police Chief David Dugatkin. Instead of footage being stored on VHS tapes, it can now be recorded onto a hard drive to hold years of footage.

The system is composed of several hundred cameras around campus linked to a server that provides UPD with access to a live feed and recorded footage.

There are also cameras on the newer of the 59 24/7 blue light phones throughout campus. These phones will dial University Police with the press of a single button and also allow for on-campus dialing.

According to Dugatkin, the system is fortunately not difficult to maintain.

“They’re all pretty solid state electronics and our telecommunications department on campus is responsible for

maintaining the bluelights and the cameras and they do an outstanding job of doing so,” Dugatkin said.

A recent example of this system being put to use involves the breaking of gates on pedestrian walkways around campus.

“It seems as if there’s been a need to damage those and the cameras that are on those gates allow us to, rather quickly, identify exactly who did it,” Dugatkin said.

The cameras are also helpful in monitoring large crowds whether or not officers are also on the scene. According to Dugatkin, the system’s main function is to provide a feeling of security for pedestrians.

“It makes the pedestrians feel safer.

We’re not acting as big brother, we’re not there to follow them and look at what they’re doing,” Dugatkin said. “We’re there mostly to use it after the fact if something occurs, but to also monitor things live for certain events so we’re there on the more proactive side.”

LIU HUDSON IN ORANGE COUNTY

Start work on your graduate degree this summer or fall at one of LIU Hudson’s three locations in Orange County.

LITERACY EDUCATION AT THE WASHINGTONVILLE TEACHER CENTER · M.S. Ed. Literacy (B-6) or M.S. Ed. Literacy (B-12) · Advanced Certificate in Literacy (Birth-Grade 6) · Advanced Certificate in Literacy (Grades 5-12 ) INFORMATION MEETING: APRIL 14, 2016 4:15 P.M.

Washingtonville Teacher Center, 1314 Route 208, Washingtonville, NY 10992 To RSVP contact Mary T. Kunzmann, 845-497-4065 or email mkunzmann@ws.k12.ny.us or Elaine Geller, 845-450-5407 or email elaineb.geller@liu.edu These programs are intended for those holding certification and are offered at a 50% tuition reduction

COUNSELING PROGRAMS AT THE ARMY EDUCATION CENTER AT WEST POINT · M.S. Mental Health Counseling · M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy · MSED School Counseling · Advanced Certificate Mental Health Counseling · Advanced Certificate School Counseling Contact Mary Beth Leggett, Program Coordinator for more information and to schedule a personal visit and tour call 845-446-3818 or email Marybeth.leggett@liu.edu

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL · MSED in School Building Leadership · Advanced Certificate in School District Leadership These two programs require certification and are offered at a 50% tuition reduction

Contact Jeffrey McDowell, Recruitment Manager, Director of Operations at 845-450-5414 or Jeffrey.mcdowell@liu.edu for dates and times of information meetings in Middletown in May and June.

For Information about the 50+ masters and advance certificate programs in Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Therapy, Public Administration, Health Administration, Business Administration and Pharmaceutics offered at LIU Hudson’s Campuses in Rockland and Westchester go to: www.liu.edu/hudson

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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Your Student Senate Brief

By Jess Napp

Copy Editor | Nappj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The 61st Student Senate hosted their 10th weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 6 to talk about dining options on campus with a Q&A session with Sodexo General Manager Ryan Goodwin, the opening of Wooster, Senate elections and reviewed the Senate’s constitution.

The meeting started with the Q&A session between Goodwin and the Senate. The general manager spoke about the renovated Wooster building, that will hopefully be opening Oct. 1, 2016. He said that the building hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Goodwin mentioned that the building will include a café and some departments such as psychology and communications. Therefore, providing the option for students

to grab a bite to eat and then meet with their advisor.

Goodwin proceeded to discuss the closing down of Jazzman’s Café in the fall to eliminate foot traffic and the cluster of cafes on campus.

He also shared that Hasbrouck dining hall might open an hour earlier next semester, but if the trial period doesn’t work out then the hours will go back to normal.

After Goodwin, the Senate discussed their budget, followed by upcoming Senate elections. Senate Chair Paul Brown said that elections are April 26 through 28 on mynewpaltz. edu and candidacy forms are due today 7 p.m. Senate chair elections are set for April 27, but Senate passed a motion to begin nominations this

meeting and close them by April 20.

Another important topic of discussion during the meeting was the Activities Fee Referendum and whether or not to pass the referendum as is. A significant debate became whether or not to include the cost of the fee in the general vote statement to students of whether or not to keep the continued student activities fee.

The fee is currently $105 per semester for full-time students but that varies for students depending on their credit hours and whether or not they are taking summer classes. Therefore, some senators wanted to be transparent about the cost of the fee and what it goes towards, such as clubs. Ultimately, the referendum passed without specific numbers. Instead it reads

The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce warmly invites you to the

4TH ANNUAL

as continued student activities fee and listed a contact person as V.P. of finance for further student questions.

The meeting ended with a review of the Senate’s constitution, specifically the election guidelines. After a lot of conversation amongst the senators it was decided that students running for senate chair need to have served on Senate in the past, but not necessarily currently. Most of the senators value the importance of having a senate chair that has already been on Senate.

On Wednesday, April 13, the Student Senate will vote on the Student Association budget in SUB 62/63 at 6:30 p.m. They encourage students to come in to voice concerns or ask questions.

FREE

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BUSINESS SHOWCASE Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 1pm-4:30pm SUNY New Paltz — Student Union — Multipurpose Room HUDSON VALLEY VENDOR BOOTHS NETWORKING AND MORE!

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NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

OPINION

STUDENT VOICE

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“Your opinion loud and clear!”

The decision to cancel the debate between Cliff Kincaid and Jeff Cohen set for Wednesday, March 30, was abrupt, and I have come across opinions from both sides as to whether it should have happened or not. I personally believe the debate should have occurred, and want to address some of the opposing views I came across.

1. Our campus community shouldn’t be showcasing “hate speech.”

I do agree with this statement, however, in the case of Wednesday’s cancelled debate, this would not have been the case. A debate and a speech fall under different categories for a reason. Instead of listening to Cliff Kincaid banter on about anti-gay, Obama is a communist-type of ideas and us being unable to speak up and question whether his “facts” are accurate or not, we will have a well-trained Jeff Cohen providing backlash to his “hate speech,” and poke holes in his ideologies with a means of discrediting them. A debate is not an endorsement, in fact, it can very well become the opposite, which would be an opportunity to expose his radical be-

liefs as having little to no backing.

2. We shouldn’t have an extremist come to represent the Republican Party as a whole.

I can understand that extreme beliefs aren’t representative of the Republican Party as a whole, and I see why this would get people, particularly Republicans, upset.

However, the fact remains that Trump is running for president, and could possibly represent not only Republicans, but also the nation as a whole. Trump is known for his extreme, radical, and incendiary speech given in his rallies. This is the reason why I believe that having Kincaid come as a representative would have been justifiable, because he and Trump, although not carbon copies in their beliefs, do incite similar hatred towards minority groups in speeches they give.

3. Who is Jeff Cohen?

Although a quick Google search might land you with Chunk from The Goonies, I can assure you that you’ve got the wrong Jeff Cohen. Cohen is a media critic and lecturer, and is also responsible for starting the group, FAIR

in 1986, which stands for Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting. Cohen would have been more than equipped to take on Kincaid in a one on one debate. I think Cohen was a great choice to debate against Kincaid and the debate would’ve been very thought provoking.

SUNY New Paltz is a loving and open-minded community.

However, a look to the comment section of the Times Herald-Record article, “After Cancelling Debate, SUNY New Paltz Looks to Reschedule Event,” shows that Kincaid has labeled it to be a “… hostile and hate-filled climate on a university campus.” Kincaid bases this off the vagueness of President Christian’s comments of “tone and tenor,” and “hateful speech,” to him about why the debate was cancelled. I understand the brevity that Kincaid is referring to in regards of the cancellation. On Wednesday morning, Mike Patterson sent out an email addressing the campus community but left out the student body.

The email stated no reason other than that, “…At this time, we believe the focus of the program,

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Thursday, April 7, 2016

which was a timely debate regarding media and politics, has been lost, and the intended purpose for our community would likely not be achieved.”

It is clear that a mistake has been made. The cancellation of Wednesday’s debate has put SUNY New Paltz in a bad light. We are being labeled as oppressors of free speech, even the creators of a hate-filled and hostile environment. But we have also been given the opportunity to move forward.

The motive behind rescheduling the debate should be clear: that the SUNY New Paltz community is none of these things.

James McCarthy Fourth-year, Communications

n02695143@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

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

THE GUNK

Thursday, April 7th, 2016

super pitches Story on page 8B

PHOTO BY DAVID KHORASSANI

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FEATURES

Racism and the Recession NEW SCHOOL PROFESSOR ADDRESSES RACIAL INEQUALITY

By Jack O’Brien

Features Editor | Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

While many claim this country is in a post-racial period, the economics of modern American wealth would beg to differ.

On Thursday, March 31, Darrick Hamilton, Ph.D., an associate professor of economics and urban policy at the New School, held a lecture entitled, “Rhetoric vs. Reality: Neoliberal Thought and the Racial Wealth Gap.” Speaking before a crowded Lecture Center, Hamilton analyzed the effects of institutional racism and how the Great Recession affected minority communities. Cruz Bueno, Ph.D., a visiting professor to the Black Studies Department, provided additional commentary. The lecture was sponsored by the economics department and co-sponsored by the political science and international relations, geography and Black Studies Departments.

The lecture centered on how the widening income inequality gap has been felt even more so by minorities than whites.

Hamilton, the president-elect of the National Economic Club, spoke about how the correlation between wealth and satisfaction can be used to evaluate the economic status of minority communities.

“What better economic indicator than wealth?” Hamilton asked. “Wealth provides security, agency and choice in life.

It provides human capabilities with economic development.”

According to Hamilton, the top .1 percent of wealth earners own almost 23 percent of the wealth in America, which he claimed was not a new phenomenon.

Hamilton praised Sen. Bernie Sanders for raising the issue of income inequality in the presidential election cycle.

“The wealth gap is even more pronounced by race,” Hamilton said.

Blacks and Latinos make six cents and seven cents, respectively, compared

to every dollar made by their white counterparts. Hamilton also provided statistical evidence that black college graduates still make less than whites who don’t graduate high school.

Hamilton admonished the legacy of efforts to address poverty in the African American community by focusing policy on the black family structure rather than on institutional racism. From Hamilton’s perspective, such suggestions seek to put blame on blacks for their plight rather than on the factors that entrap them in poverty. Between high incarceration and unemployment rates, coupled with predatory payday loans that act as a debt trap, Hamilton argued that African Americans are faced with a narrow path to prosperity.

“The rhetoric says that we’re postracial and that blacks have to ‘get over

it,’” Hamilton said. “But that mindset has hurt black advancement. The wealth position of many communities of color still remains unclear.”

Hamilton was even critical of President Barack Obama stating that he perpetuated an unfair expectation of African Americans and did not fully grasp the Black Lives Matter movement. Hamilton said that at worst, Obama misunderstands the Black Lives Matter movement or “is trying to co-opt it.”

Hamilton was equally as critical of Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, saying it ignores the issues faced by African American women. Both Oprah Winfrey and Obama were highlighted as society’s exceptions to the rule, serving as powerful African American figures in finance and politics. Hamilton suggested that the emphasis should be on encour-

Thursday, April 7, 2016

PHOTO BY DAVID KHORASSANI

aging education and equal opportunity for young African Americans to achieve those levels of authority.

To conclude his lecture, Hamilton suggested a stratification economic method entitled, “Baby Bond Program.”

The measure, termed “Social Security for life,” would cost $80 billion and account for two percent of current federal expenditures. The goal of such a program would be to “break the link between race, inheritance and economic advantage,” basing the race neutral reparations on the family wealth at birth.

“We overexaggerate the value of education,” Hamilton said. “But the racial gap is structural, not behavioral. Stratification acknowledges the conscious role of discrimination and goes beyond the individual, analyzing inter-group disparities.”

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A Cultural Conformist

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IRAQ WAR VETERAN SPEAKS ON WAR CULTURE

By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu It wasn’t long after serving in the U.S. Army that Col. Joseph Davidson found himself overwhelmed by complete culture shock in Iraq.

The New Paltz alum discussed the understanding of customs, economic systems and living conditions of another country a soldier must have while monitoring it.

Davidson is a Cavalry officer who has served in a variety of command and staff positions in combat brigades throughout 49 of 50 states in America and overseas, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq for a total of 40 months.

When Davidson returned to Iraq in 2006, he remembered Army units spread across the nation helping different areas with money from emergency relief programs.

Soldiers proceeded to use some of the program money to build medical clinics in small countries. Generators were used to power these clinics and Davidson received an unexpected visit when one of the clinic generators failed.

“One day at the operating base, a tribal leader came and said how we needed to give them a new generator,” Davidson said. “It turned out that in their culture, if you give a gift, you are also the warrantor. There was no oil put in the generator for three months because they have been putting in fuel the entire time.”

Iraq was once a country with thriving academics and a strong middle class until the United States put sanctions on them in the early ‘90s. When Davidson came back after 2004, he noticed how the United States unintentionally destroyed Iraq.

The Colonel met with the Iraqi government in 2005 to deliver a budget proposal to rebuild the nation. Iraq reportedly had no background in govern-

ment and their budget was “whatever Baghdad sent to them,” in the form of physical cash, according to cnbc.com.

The interpreter did not understand Davidson’s explanation of the budget and the meeting between Davidson and government officials had to be put on hold until the cultural boundaries were cleared.

“It was as if everything was force fed to them,” Davidson said. “The best thing about being a soldier is the ‘cross-section’ that existed. I met some kids and some of them had the greatest ideas and understood Iraq lifestyles because they grew up on farms.”

Other notable experiences Davidson shared included his fellow soldiers asking about fast food restaurants like McDonalds. The restaurants and fa-

miliar territories that exist in the United States were not in Iraq, which was a culture shock.

Regions in Iraq were also different from the United States since the Kurds and Arabs had more restricted approaches to how women are raised.

In the Kurdish culture, there are female doctors, lawyers and politicians that dress similarly to Americans. However, Arab women have to either be from the right family or need permission to be educated.

“It was important to respect their culture,” Davidson said. “You couldn’t talk to random students and women because it is culturally insensitive.

Women could potentially tell their families just because a cultural boundary was crossed.”

Thursday, April 7, 2016

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER EDDIECOYOTE

After his presentation, Davidson briefly discussed how the control of Iraq could have been approached if America was not under-resourced on the ground.

The increasingly large amount of technology that exists now may have played a different role back in 2003 when there was not a lot of resources available to the soldiers.

With his experiences in Iraq, Davidson notes that it is important not to underestimate the diversity that exists outside of the United States.

“We could have been better,” Davidson said. “However, the army is a learning organization since you’re always learning and there are so many layers of complexity we don’t understand; we’re naive.”

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Amateur Adult Artistry DRAWING TO DESTRESS IS A DRAW

Hereʻs a Tip, Make Some Dip!

By Rachael Purtell Purtellr1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

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

Many college students miss home-cooked meals, but I do not have this problem. Because everyone in my household runs on a very busy schedule, we do not have a lot of time to sit down for a meal together. Additionally, my mother has tried some recipes that everyone but her seems to deeply regret. Yeah, she’s made some mistakes – but one thing my mother does know how to do is party, especially when it comes to food.

The best of the best without a doubt is her chicken wing dip.

Here is what you will need: Two bricks of cream cheese Two cans of chicken breast ¾ cups of Frank’s Hot Sauce (I like to add a little extra when I’m feelin’ feisty) 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese Squirt of ranch dressing Step One: Soften the two bricks of cream cheese by popping them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Please take the tin foil package off first… You’re in college.

Step Two: Drain the two cans of chicken breast. I usually do this by opening the can and tipping the can upside down over a sink or garbage can while pressing the removed lid against the contents of the can to effectively drain the excess content.

Step Three: Chop up the chicken breast by breaking apart the chunks of chicken with your fingers. Depending on who you are, this step is either disgusting or incredibly fun… I’m still on the fence.

Step Four: Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend together. If you broke the chicken apart correctly and weren’t a baby about how gross it was, it should look like a smooth, orange paste.

Step Five: Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. This time may change depending on the depth of your pan, but honestly, it’s never a bad thing to be a little rough around the edges… ;) Step Six: Enjoy… It’s pretty fire.

By Mercedes Ortiz Staff Writer | Ortizm3@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Nothing suits 30-year-old Matthew Ryan Limmerick more after a long hard day of work than to sit, relax and color. His Harry Potter and “Game of Thrones” adult coloring books are therapeutic and allow him to take a breath and block everything else out.

Limmerick started using adult coloring books when they emerged out of the United Kingdom as anxiety treatment. His therapist advised coloring would relieve his anxiety and depression.

“My therapist recommended that I start coloring to destress and so I’ve been using them since then,” Limmerick said.

Limmerick wears many hats.

On top of being a full time college student taking on 20 credits, he works as a costume designer at SUNY New Paltz, a freelance designer, as well as a freelance book designer. He uses coloring books as a form of escape from

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER STARSAPART

his many demanding duties.

“I can set my work aside, go back to play with colors, play with schemes, texture, and things,” Limmerick said. “And I use that in the work I am doing.”

Dark colors like purples, blues, burgundy, gray and black are often found to fill Limmerick’s books.

“A lot of times I end up going with these dark palettes,” Limmerick said. “I don’t know. It’s where my mind sits.”

Second-year creative writing major Mackenzie Lofrese said color schemes depend on how she feels when she sits down to color.

“Sometimes I’ll do just cold colors,” Lofrese said. “I’ll do blues and greens, but I’m a big fan of orange. So sometimes I’ll do whole sections of orange with different amounts of whites in it.”

Second-year elementary education major, Christina Payne mentioned she uses greens and

Thursday, April 7, 2016

blues for her maritime coloring books and pinks and purples for the floral ones.

Barbara Moschitta, a certified dietician and nutritionist, believes the students’ color choices depend on where they are mentally.

“I’m not well-versed in the ‘goth crowd’ where they tend to do dark colors and lighter, more effervescent personalities resonate in pastels,” Moschitta said.

“So I think it’s a matter of taste and where they are in life.”

Moschitta suggests people shouldn’t depend solely on adult coloring books to relieve their stress and to use different forms of art.

“It doesn’t have to be a coloring book,” Moschitta said. “It can be just releasing yourself with color or a medium that feels right for you. It may not be paint.

It might be working with fabric or it might be working with a different medium-like sculpture.”

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On the Search For Spirituality COMPLEXITY OF UNIVERSE EXPLAINS SIMPLE SPIRITUALITY

By Jonathan Perry Copy Editor | Perryj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

We live in a society that has regarded spirituality as a lifestyle practiced through religious means, where religion is the forefront of spiritual practice.

However, according to Eric Steinhart, a philosophy professor from William Paterson University, there are other alternatives for spiritual practice.

“I’m looking for alternatives to traditional religions, alternatives that are consistent with science and that can be emotionally and personally satisfying,” Steinhart said.

Steinhart said that there is a way for someone to have spirituality about them while maintaining a scientific point of view. This practice is called “Spiritual Naturalism,” which intends to keep spirituality consistent with accepted sciences.

Steinhart gave a lecture featuring the philosophy of Spiritual Naturalism in the Lecture Center on Tuesday, April 5. He said that the core philosophy of spirituality involves participating in spiritual practices that engage people with a natural force.

This natural force stems from the complex biological evolution exhibited from lesser organisms like bacteria to grow into larger organisms such as humans. According to Steinhart, this complexity drives systems to become more complex.

“It pushes them from lower complexities to higher complexities,” Steinhart said. “It increases order and it decreases entropy. And since spirit is often thought of as a life force, it drives this complexity upwards.”

Steinhart said that the organisms that increase their complexity also increase their entropy or disorder. If a system has multiple ways it can evolve, then it will strive toward the path that increases entropy the most rapidly. The way entropy is maximized is by maximizing local order production, which gives rise to the force that is pushed by the entropy production theory that acts everywhere in nature.

“Our universe also started in a

low entropy state with atoms and molecules,” Steinhart said. “The processes in our universe maximized entropy to create stars and suns, maximizing selforder production.”

Steinhart referred to the Axiological Argument, which states that everything surpasses itself in some possible way. All systems have the power to selfsurpass, and look for values that give them true means of self-surpassing. By this argument, there exists a power of self-surpassing which is common to all things.

This basic power in our universe drives us to become more complex.

This force has come to be referred to as spirit. Steinhart said that if spirit is a power that is always trying to increase a system’s complexity, then maybe certain practices that increase someone’s

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER NICKOLAI KASHIRIN

complexity are considered spiritual practices.

This leads into the notion of spiritual practice, which raises the body to more spiritually-valuable states. According to Steinhart, some of these practices include organic, holistic, subtle and ecstatic therapies. Some types of practices include mediation, yoga and dancing.

“The goal of spiritual naturalism is to allow someone to constantly improve themselves to function at optimally high levels on a regular basis,” Steinhart said.

“Taking medicine for depression, practicing acupuncture for stress or taking Tylenol for headaches are considered spiritual practices.”

Mark Gorelik, a second-year undeclared student at SUNY New Paltz, posed a question to Steinhart about what implications spiritual naturalism

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will have on the change in religions in the world. Steinhart said that in a time of 10 – 20 years, he believes Political Christianity will be slowly pushed out of the world and become extinct.

“I’m not a prophet, I don’t know how it will turn out,” Steinhart said.

“It will be fascinating though, because more and more people are abandoning religion for other practices.”

People are turning away from religion because there are other forces that can be explained. Spirit, as a logical fundamental power, brings things into the universe naturally and leads us to scientifically study the finds of practices or activities that help us to flourish the most. Constantly improving oneself to live more harmoniously with themselves and the world is what spiritual naturalism is about.

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The Tracking of the Trees ARBOR HEALTH AFFECTED BY WARM WINTER SEASON

By Monique Tranchina Copy Editor | Tranchim1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu 2016 came with big surprises in weather: an unusually warm winter, with a few sporadic and mild snow days that altered the season’s frigid reputation. An absence of negative degree temperatures also affected trees in some unlikely ways. Professor Eric Keeling, assistant professor of biology, has conducted extensive research on the trees on campus and elsewhere to determine how seasonal factors influence tree health.

According to Keeling, students who participated in independent studies and those who have been a part of Keeling’s Biology courses have taken part in research since 2013.

“In 2014, students in my Plant Ecophysiology course initiated observations on a set of campus trees, and one student made daily observations for all the trees for March-April,” Keeling said. “In 2015, in my Plant Ecophysiology course, the entire class was involved in creating a daily record of observations of those same trees, and we added temperature data-loggers and physiological measurements, such as photosynthesis rates, to the overall effort.”

Over the past two years, however, temperature variations brought different results.

“2014 and 2015 were cold winters and springs, while 2016 has been unusually warm. So, by the end of this season, we will have a really nice comparison between cold and warm years for the same set of trees. Already, we have documented

flowering in several of our trees about a month earlier this spring than we did in 2014 and 2015,” states Keeling.

Results include mixed results of how early trees flowered. Some tree species were affected by the temperature, while others may be less sensitive to drops or rises in temperature change and other environmental factors still undetermined by scientists.

“There is still a lot that scientists don’t know about what controls the timing of flowering or leaf emergence in trees,” Keeling said. “For example, some species, such as red maple, appear to be very sensitive to temperature and will flower and leaf-out early during a warm spring... red maple flowered almost exactly one month earlier this spring than it did last year.”

“Other trees, such as American beech, are less sensitive to temperature and appear to be triggered primarily by day-length. These species may flower and leaf out at the same time every year regardless of how warm it or cold it is. In order to predict how plants will respond to a warmer climate, scientists need a better understanding of these basic physiological responses,” Keeling said The studies also conclude what may be intuitive to most who have experienced the warmer winter months.

And regardless of major, Keeling adds this is an important lesson for all students to learn. Biology students profit from performing lab work related to their field, and non-biology majors can benefit from practicing other types of learning, such as being out in nature and viewing details that may otherwise remain undiscovered.

PHOTO BY DAVID KHORASSANI

“It is a valuable activity on many levels,” Keeling said. “It is a hands-on, data-collection activity that relates to the theme of the course - global change. It also allows students to appreciate some of the local biodiversity of our area. And perhaps most importantly, it teaches the

just as easy to stop every day for a few minutes, preferably at the same tree, to really get the whole story. And that story is different for different species and for different trees within a species,” Keeling said Every once in a while, stop to smell

benefits of slowing down and making close observations of nature.”

“It is easy to miss most of it, but

the roses, or better yet, stop to observe the trees year round during their life changes, from bare branch to budding beginnings.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT oracle.newpaltz.edu

Shedding Some Lyght

DORSKY HOSTS TALK WITH CURATOR AND LOCAL ARTIST

By Jess Napp

Copy Editor | Nappj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Imagine standing in an art gallery surrounded by various pieces while listening to the artist himself speak about his work, his inspiration and his life.

On Saturday, April 2, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art hosted a midday Gallery Talk featuring artist Andrew Lyght and guest curator Tumelo Mosaka. The conversation concentrated on Lyght’s first big exhibition, “Full Circle,” which will remain in the museum until April 10.

According to Dorsky curator Daniel Belasco, the museum consistently attempts to organize at least one event along with each exhibition. Belasco said that whenever possible, the Dorsky welcomes artists to speak about their art.

Lyght speaks to attendees about his art.

“We always try to invite living artists,” Belasco said. exposing Lyght’s creations to a broader childhood. Growing up poor, Lyght’s Saturday’s event began with an in- audience. mother taught him to look at the glass troduction from Neil C. Trager Director According to the guest curator, the half full instead of half empty. He diSara J. Pasti followed by Belasco, who two spent around two to three hours vulged into the reasons why art means introduced Mosaka and then Lyght. Af- discussing the native Guyanese art- something for him. ter multiple expressions of gratitude, ist’s craft. Mosaka described Lyght as a “Art is not a career for me, it’s a Mosaka provided some context for likeable person because of his willing- life,” Lyght said. how he came to curate this show.

He reflected on the nightmare of ness to talk about his art and his easy“When I got the invitation, I didn’t going nature. school and adolescence. The other kids even know where the Dorsky Museum “I knew from that first encounter often beat him up due to his shy diswas,” Mosaka admitted. that he wouldn’t be too much trouble position and stutter. Then his principle Since then, he has become very fa- when it comes to understanding his informed him about an art competition miliar with the regional museum and work,” Mosaka said. and the young artist’s world changed.

Lyght. Mosaka said that the chance After Mosaka spoke, Lyght took He discovered a niche for himself. to work with an artist under the radar over and discussed who he is as an He followed the dream of createxcited him. Lyght’s wealth of work artist, his journey from Guyana to the ing around the world from Guyana to remained mostly unseen by New York Dorsky Museum and every step in be- Canada, then the United States and City, and Mosaka had the privilege of tween. He shared information about his Europe. Lyght’s inspirations range

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PHOTO BY DAVID KHORASSANI

from his childhood to the world around him. Three large colorful installations, “Flight Kites,” hover over the gallery floor reminiscent of the young observer’s time flying kites in Guyana.

“I’m interested in breaking new grounds and not what’s popular,” Lyght said. “I’m not interested in making a painting to hang in someone’s home.”

Brooklyn resident Stella Bronwasser attended the event and found Lyght’s work and life story inspiring.

Bronwasser noted the beauty of his work and the significance of Lyght’s ability to transform everyday occurrences into art.

“It’s always nice to discover something new,” Bronwasser said.

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Arts & Entertainment

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Pitch-Perfect Nostalgia

A CAPPELLA GROUP HOSTS “AMANDA SHOW”-THEMED CONCERT

By Sam Manzella

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

What do collegiate a cappella and “The Amanda Show” have in common? Here’s a hint: both took center stage at The Sexy Pitches’ a cappella invitational last weekend.

New Paltz’s resident all-female a cappella team invited other a cappella groups from New Paltz, SUNY Purchase and SUNY Fredonia to share the stage at Studley Theatre on Saturday, April 2. The theme of the evening was a major source of nostalgia for college-age guests: “The Amanda Show,” a children’s comedy program from the late ‘90s and early 2000s starring comedienne Amanda Bynes.

The event opened with a prerecorded comedy sketch starring the ladies of The Sexy Pitches. The sketch depicted the group selecting the “Amanda Show” revival theme for the event and, perhaps most hilariously, Byne’s number one fan emerging from an “Amanda Show”-induced stupor to meet the comedienne herself. Channeling popular recurring skits from the show, the Pitches had the audience roaring with laughter.

The Pitches opened the show with a fun set of two songs: “Lady Marmalade” by Patti LaBelle and “Settle Down” by Kimbra. The group then gave the floor to Absolut A Cappella, a co-ed New Paltz a cappella team, who performed a three-song set of “Parachute” by Cheryl Cole, “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics and “Sanctuary” by Alex Clare. Absolut’s performance of “Sanctuary” was the standout of

the evening, with the group’s arrangement capturing the heart of the song.

Next up was Some Like It Hot, an a cappella group from SUNY Fredonia. The group performed Selena Gomez’s “Same Old Love,” Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” and a mashup of Bill Wither’s “Lean On Me” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” The Pitches then took the stage once more, performing an original arrangement of “Blackbird” by The Beatles.

New Paltz’s Male Call, an allmale a cappella group, performed next. The boys began their set with an intro song that borrowed lyrics and melodies from “The Nightman Cometh,” a cult favorite from AMC’s “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” and soon transitioned into Cake’s “Short Skirt, Long Jacket.” Male Call performed two

the evening, the group wanted to feature some new songs alongside hits they knew the audience would enjoy.

In regards to the night’s unforgettable theme, Frometa said the decision was almost unanimous.

The group pitched ideas for a nostalgic ‘90s TV show theme, and after one member suggested “The Amanda Show,” the team went bonkers.

The Pitches only rehearsed four hours per week, so the week leading up to the event was crunch time, Frometa said. The group needed an extra rehearsal before the event, so they gathered in the common room of a suite that six PHOTO BY DAVID KHORASSANI Pitches call home. more songs: “Coney Island” by “We ran through the entire Good Old War and “Pusher Love set list in a circle in the common Girl” by Justin Timberlake. room,” Frometa said. “We sounded Choral Pleasure from SUNY unbelievable! We were amazed by Purchase was next in the lineup. the sound quality and impressed The group performed a fabulous by how much of our hard work set, including The Black Eyed paid off.”

Peas’ “Let’s Get It Started,” R Frometa was incredibly proud Kelly’s “Ignition” and a mashup of of The Sexy Pitches’ work toward five or six Taylor Swift hits. making the invitational a success.

The Pitches then closed the She commended third-year music show with a set of “Retrograde” therapy major and fellow Sexy

by James Blake, “Feeling Good” Pitch Theresa Orr, who arranged

by Nina Simone and “Bills, Bills, the group’s complicated perforBills” by Destiny’s Child. Club mance of “Feeling Good.” Fromepresident Gabby Frometa, a third- ta also extended her thanks to the year double major in digital media current ladies of The Sexy Pitches production and jazz voice perfor- and club alumni, many of whom mance, invited Pitches alumni to came out to support the group on join the group onstage for the Des- Saturday. tiny’s Child hit.

A cappella enthusiasts can folAccording to Frometa, the low the Pitches on Instagram (@ Pitches voted on their setlists for thesexypitches) and like their page the performance. As the hosts of on Facebook.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

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9B

Students Take the Spotlight

MUSIC DEPARTMENT HOSTS STUDENT JAZZ ENSEMBLES

By Matthew D’Onofrio

Contributing Writer | Donofrim1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Jazz students at SUNY New Paltz performed three separate ensemble concerts on Monday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 5 at Studley Theatre, presented by the college’s music department.

On Monday, two ensembles performed similar in arrangement and instrumentals yet each with a musical style of their own.

The first performance, Ensemble II, saw students on tenor saxophone, trumpet, guitar, piano, bass and drums. Some moments of the performance were awkward, but the ensemble came together when different musicians responded to each other’s energy.

The group performed six songs, each chock full of solos and, well, jazz of course. Some selections included “Theme for Ernie” by Fred Lacey, a slow, melodious tune, and “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise” by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II, a dance club song. Both songs were refreshing among a lineup of similarsounding jazz tunes. Each song was played with heart, and some even included conservational improvisation. The group finished strong with the upbeat tune “Hot’n Tot” by John Scofield, which felt straight out of the film “Ocean’s Eleven.”

“I was a nervous wreck as usual,” said third-year undeclared student Salvador Santa-

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR USER ELIZABETH D’ORCY

na, the drummer. “But we ended up having a good time playing some good music.”

The next and last performance of the night was Ensemble I, comprised of jazz students on tenor saxophone, trumpet, guitar, acoustic and electric piano, bass, drums and percussion.

This group was like a boy band, with each musician building off of each other’s suave melodies.

Aside from technical difficulties, this performance was also entertaining.

The group played five songs, featuring a handful of solos and interesting percussion, like bongos, shaker and cowbell that contributed unique sounds.

This ensemble played more upbeat tunes in contrast to the slower, more “big band” songs

by Ensemble II. The ensemble performed “The Cost of Living” beautifully, playing up the smooth melody and talented, concentrated solos. As a finale, the ensemble exploded with “Tutu” by Marcus Miller, high-

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lighting trumpet versus saxophone and guitar battles that were quite rock n’ roll.

“I think we came together in the end … let’s leave it at that,” said bass player and third-year jazz performance major Nick Telesca.

Ensemble III performed the following day.

Adjunct jazz professor Jeff Siegel had only positive feedback about his students. Siegel, who teaches jazz drums, coached all three ensembles. To select performers, he auditioned all of the students at the start of the semester and broke them into groups as he saw fit. The groups rehearsed twice a week, once with their coach and once on their own. Siegel was proud of the progress his students made.

“I’ve been blessed with great kids,” he said.

Siegel said he chose most of the songs performed by the ensembles. However, the groups took the music into their own hands, Siegel said.

“They evolved the music into their own playing,” he said. “It’s a team effort, so one weak link causes the whole to fall apart, but they all did their homework.”

Although the jazz ensembles ended this week, music lovers can catch a few more concerts at Studley Theatre before the semester ends. The Department of Music will host the American Masters Choral Concert on Tuesday, April 12 at 8 p.m.

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Arts & Entertainment

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Top Music of the Moment

SHROUT SELECTS STANDOUT RELEASES OF THE NEW YEAR

By Jackson Shrout

moving on to a different plane of existence.

Given the quality of this art rock project, it’s hard to argue with his metaphor.

“Emily’s D+Evolution,” Esperanza Spalding (March 4, Esperanza Spalding Productions, LLC) What makes the fifth album by multiinstrumentalist Esperanza Spalding so engaging is the sheer breadth of her influences.

Bossa nova, neo-soul, R&B, alternative rock, funk and riot grrrl-style punk (mainly in the Sleater-Kinney guitar riffs) all come together to form something both lush and confident, and Spalding’s smooth voice should place her squarely in contention to provide the title theme for the next James Bond film.

“Malibu,” Anderson Paak (Jan. 15, Steel Wool) The year 2015 saw the release of Dr. Dre’s third, long-awaited studio album “Compton,” and unfortunately, while perfectly functional, the album failed to come close to its predecessors, as well as justify nearly a

Staff Writer | Shroutj1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

So far, 2016 has already given us the much-anticipated debut solo album from Zayn Malik, the first Rihanna album since 2012 and the follow-up to Grammy winner “The Heist” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

None of them were good, but at least five others were.

“Blackstar,” David Bowie (Jan. 8, Columbia Records) According to co-producer Tony Visconti, “Blackstar” was always meant to be David Bowie’s “parting gift” to his fans (Bowie died of liver cancer two days after the album’s release). As swan songs go, it’s as self-aware as an album can be. Like Warren Zevon’s own final release, Blackstar offers hints of its artist’s passing, but — unlike “The Wind,” which offered very literal interpretations of death — Blackstar explores death through allegory and strange lyrical imagery, with Bowie often likening himself to a prophet or a god

decade and a half of radio silence. However, if anything positive came out of it, Anderson Paak would be that very thing. After rising to prominence with an impressive six features on “Compton,” Paak’s Malibu was his breakout album. Gorgeously vibrant production swells under Paak’s voice: delicate, raspy, and often reminiscent of Chance the Rapper — and, in some of the more energetic tracks (“Come Down” in particular), Paak’s vocals breach James Brown territory.

“Untitled Unmastered,” Kendrick Lamar (March 4, Aftermath Entertainment) “Untitled Unmastered” doesn’t aspire to anything higher than the compilation of various leftover tracks that are — as the album’s name implies — both untitled and unmastered. Still, it undoubtedly proves one thing: Kendrick Lamar’s trash is better than a lot of rappers’ treasures. A sizable portion of the tracks echo the jazz/funk fusion that served as the backbone for 2015’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” (presumably, these tracks were cut), and

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Lamar fans will recognize two of the tracks as having been performed on “The Colbert Report” and “The Late Show.” Perhaps even more than “To Pimp a Butterfly,” “Untitled Unmastered” declares Lamar’s kingship over modern hip-hop, because it shows that even his less-confident material holds immense value.

“Varmints,” Anna Meredith (March 4, Moshi Moshi Records) Sparkly and glitzy, the electronic instrumentals on Anna Meredith bare shades of both synthpop and dream pop, with the sporadic vocal tracks evoking Ariel Pink’s monotonic delivery. Meredith — a graduate of the Royal College of Music — is smart about giving her songs a proper pace and progression while avoiding the pitfall of repetition into which lesser art pop acts fall. “Varmints” works because it feels as composed and musically interesting as anything Meredith would have produced with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

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8B v

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The Deep End

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THIS WEEK IN

THE DEEP END

R E B E C C A

S P O D I C K

Major: Drawing and Painting, Visual Art Education Year: Fourth Inspriation: Tracy Emin, Laura Owens, Shaker Women

“A lot of what I deal with is women’s sexuality and making it a relatable celebration of their bodies. I am also interested in surface creations and I make my own substraits including onion skins and gelatin and bringing it into an installation settings. I love playing with what’s gross and beautiful and having a inbetween... I like craft materials like knitworks and embroidery and I bring those into digital processing, simulating the reality of the object. I’m full for people touching my working and getting into it”

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Spodic Captioning by David Khorassani

The New Paltz Oracle

Editorial

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9

E scaping T rump ’ s T rap

Since last June, the national news media has been hijacked by a manipulative wannabe. In full consciousness, Donald Trump has used outlandish and offensive behavior to steal the spotlight from other candidates, which today amounts to stealing their votes.

In attempts to recapture relevance, other candidates themselves have lashed out through personal attacks and immature behavior in multiple nationally-televised debates. These acts are appalling in their own right and have contributed to the mockery that has become this election, but Trump’s frequent display of childish bigotry has belittled our media and embarrassed our country.

We at The New Paltz Oracle encourage our readers to look very closely at Donald Trump’s track record. There is no need to condemn him for his actions, because they speak for themselves.

Since his first discriminatory comment against Mexican immigrants, we have seen nothing that indicates he has any place running for the highest office in the nation.

Additionally, Trump’s comments toward women and reproductive rights are just as much of a demonstration that he is not who America needs in its Oval Office. To claim that women seeking abortions should be subject to “some kind of punishment” if the procedure is banned in the United States creates an uncomfortable sentiment around a health issue from which many women have died – with and without regulations.

However, despite this and the expressed opinions of many experts that the media are feeding Trump’s support, news organizations continue to walk right into his trap. On March 15, The New York Times reported in its blog ‘The Upshot’ that while Trump has bought $10 million worth of advertising space/time, he has “earned” $1.9 billion in free coverage. This comes from commentary, footage of

CARTOON BY STEFANIE DIERS

campaign events and news output that all revolves around Trump. To put it in comparison, the candidate with the next most “earned” coverage was Hillary Clinton; she’s “earned” $746 million of free publicity.

This is outrageous and clearly helps Trump gain supporters and inadvertently spreads his messages of hate.

And on top of that, Trump has repeatedly attacked journalists for simply doing their jobs. Journalists have no reason to be under attack, physically or legally, for asking the important questions.

On many occasions, specific journalists have become the unsuspecting subjects of national news stories due to unfortunate interactions with Trump and his campaign. Throughout Trump’s campaign, Fox News’ Megyn Kelly has been subject to many hateful

remarks that have labeled her a personal enemy of the presidential hopeful.

In another instance, New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski became the center of media coverage after Trump mocked the reporter’s physical disability at a South Carolina rally. Just last month, reporter Michelle Fields was physically assaulted

by Trump’s campaign manager while covering a press conference at Trump National Golf Club in Florida, again turning the story’s focus on another journalist just trying to report.

Trump has developed a nasty track record of hatred toward the media, and has in turn shown that he can not maturely respond to criticism or critical questions concerning his behavior.

With the April 19 primary rapidly approaching, New York Republicans become the next line of defense. The

Thursday, April 7, 2016

beauty of democracy is that the people can recognize a threat like Trump and prevent it from infecting our nation.

Voters will have plenty of time over the next two weeks to fully analyze the candidates before them, for better or worse, and we only hope they choose based off of who has the best vision for this country.

Editorials represent the views of the majority of the editorial board. Columns, op-eds and letters, excluding editorials, are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The New Paltz Oracle, its staff members, the campus and university or the Town or Village of New Paltz.

10 oracle.newpaltz.edu

MELISSA KRAMER Sports Editor

Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The past couple of weeks have been a very new and odd time for me.

I have been searching for a summer internship and it has felt like a life or death situation.

Chasing your dream can be mostly overwhelming. It seems that everything relies on locking up a job. Even when you have one, there is always something to overthink.

I am always looking ahead to know things are guaranteed and a signed deal, no matter what it is. This way, nothing can collapse.

I will know there will always be something upcoming. I have been basing everything off of putting myself in the best possible position for after graduation next spring. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the way of the world. Not knowing is perfectly alright.

Being an interviewee has taught me to be myself, no matter what. There are reasons why you are being asked for the position.

Trying to perfectly and precisely craft answers is not what is going to get you the gig.

The secret to impressing people is to be the

JACK O’BRIEN Features Editor

Obrienj2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

I pray that none of you have to ever write a brief on the passing of a good friend.

I had to do it this week and I never want to do it again.

My week was awful before it even began. Even days after the fact, Tom O’Rourke’s passing on Sunday does not get any easier to understand. My mind quarrels with the questions that don’t have an immediate answer and probably never will.

Why is he gone? What kind of cruel fate made this nightmare into a reality? How can someone so young, so talented and likable be gone just like that?

These past few days have been so bizarre that the unseasonable April snow almost seems appropriate. With the world bustling along while I remain on the outside of

OPINION

COLUMN

The New Paltz Oracle

Opening Up Can Help way you are. Whatever situation it is, knowing that you were yourself is the most gratifying feeling.

I have also learned that you cannot be focused on something you have no control over. This affects all aspects of your life like a domino effect.

If only the world worked where if you want something enough and are qualified then it happens. That is not the way the world works. There is always going to be someone else who comes along. That is why acquiring the dream is a rare feat.

Knowing that your only chance at the dream could be shut down now, at only age 21 seems pretty dark. Along with other unknown factors, I have felt pretty down. This happens to me occasionally and has for a long time and when it comes, I have tried to sidestep it and know it is returning before it does. But this usually can’t happen. I have learned to accept that this just happens and sometimes I can’t help it. When there is no reason to feel down and apparently “every-

thing you need surrounds you”, sometimes it is physically impossible to realize the anecdote is right in front of you.

Sometimes trying to blow the little black cloud away just does not work. More than anything, especially for someone like me, it is the worst feeling to not know a reason why it has returned. Any aspect of not feeling 100 percent right, especially in college, can affect everything from classes and homework to your overall outlook on life. It feels like a never-ending cycle. But despite the dark, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

It is perfectly alright to talk about what is going on in your life, no matter how irrelevant you think it is. In this society, it seems taboo to talk about how you feel. It’s most definitely not a weakness to do so. There is no way to tell just by looking at someone.

Something that helps is when you know you have a support system. This is a main way to get through anything, whether you have an answer for it or not. Friends will be

there no matter what, despite anything that is going on. If someone trusts you enough to talk, listen. Realize it took a lot of courage for them to open up. If anyone makes you feel otherwise, think twice.

As hard as it may seem, there is always something to look forward to, no matter how small. Despite how difficult things are, taking some time to do something you know you enjoy is the best cure. I am all about getting work done at all hours of the day to be distracted, but I’ve realized, the only way to be as productive as possible is to be as happy as you can. This is just one person sharing and revealing their personal experience with mental health, but I can only hope perspective on mental health can change very, very soon.

Melissa is third-year journalism major who loves and lives for Russo’s sandwiches and will be there when the Islanders finally win the Cup, eventually.

For Tom O’Rourke

this bubble, it feels like I’m trapped outside of a snow globe.

Since Tom’s passing, it’s been days of staving off tears and emotional tantrums spurred by the unexpected. I’ve spent my time on Facebook, looking at posts from his friends in New Paltz and Long Island. I’ve observed the crucial role this lanky kid with empathetic eyes played in all of our lives, the happiness he curated on our behalf because he was just that kind of guy.

No judgment, no hostility, just an embraceable presence. No one ever spoke a bad word about Tom because there were simply none to say. He was welcome in any room he stepped in, just as he’ll surely be welcome at the pearly gates.

With Tom, I remember an amiable feel-

ing that he delivered consistently. There was never a time where he wasn’t ready to inject his lackadaisical character into conversation.

In the classroom, at Italian Club, at Happy Hour, Tom was there to provide comic relief and comfort to anyone who was in need of it.

On New Year’s Eve, my friends and I descended on East Northport and rang in 2016 at his home. Those hours spent together that night, with all of us there, felt like the burgeoning period of a great new era. It was a night of drinks, of celebration, of unity.

These past few days have been the exact opposite of those glory days, a reminder of the importance of one life on so many others. If there’s a lesson to take out of this tragedy, it’s that everything in life requires your repeated love. Take time to call your loved

Thursday, April 7, 2016

ones and tell them how much they mean to you, it’ll be well worth it.

Tom, I hope that people forever remember you as the wonderful, goofy person we all treasured in our lives. I hope that you remain the sassiest goddamn Long Island mom on the planet. Above all, I hope that you find the peace you so especially deserve.

As Bob Dylan once wrote, “May you build a ladder to the stars / And climb on every rung / May you stay forever young.”

Jack is a third-year journalism major who finds comfort in the presence of friends, the music of Frank Sinatra and otters.

The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

SPORTS

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11

The New Paltz Oracle

CONFERENCE

KINGS

PHOTO BY HOLLY LIPKA

Hawks’ third-year middle blocker C.J. Borfitz lays down a spike.

By Melissa Kramer

Sports Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The No. 1 ranked men’s volleyball team concluded their regular season with a win over No. 2 Springfield College and remain unbeaten against Div. III teams.

New Paltz recorded and extended their historic winning streak to 27 games with a 3-2 win against Springfield College (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11) on April 2.

Hawks head coach Radu Petrus said the team performed well on the road under a hostile crowd over 800.

“We played well and never dropped our mentality, he said. “If they went ahead, we recovered. In a five-set away match, that is huge. I am happy in the way we won in five sets under pressure and how the team handled that situation.”

In the opening set, the Pride went up 5-3. However, after committing three errors, the Hawks took advantage by taking a 6-5 lead. The teams continued to trade points throughout the set as the Pride cut the score to 24-23, but third-year middle blocker and opposite Jake Roessler floored the kill to give New Paltz the set win.

The following set saw Springfield go up 12-3. New Paltz eventually cut the deficit to 20-16 after recording four straight points.

After a brief timeout by the Pride, Spring-

field pushed a 5-1 run to earn the win for a 1-all match.

Even though Springfield held a 4-2 advantage in the start of the third frame, Roessler floored back-to-back kills to tie the score.

After trading several points, the Hawks grabbed a 15-13 lead, but the Pride battled back to even the score. The teams again went back-and-forth until New Paltz capitalized on several Springfield errors to push ahead, 23-20. Second-year outside hitter Anthony Bonilla capped off the win for the Hawks, flooring back-to-back kills.

During the fourth set, the score remained close early on but Springfield recorded four unanswered points to charge ahead, 9-6. The Pride continued to hold a three-point lead over the Hawks, but Bonilla and Roessler contributed a kill each to cut the score to 12-11. Springfield refused to give up its lead as the Pride pushed a 6-2 burst for an 18-13 margin. The Hawks stayed close behind, trimming the deficit to 24-23, but after a service error committed by third-year opposite Joe Norman, Springfield earned its second set win and forced the match into a deciding set.

The Hawks took a 6-0 advantage early in the final frame. They would fall victim to Springfield, as they Pride pounced on Hawks errors to create a close 7-6 score. Both teams

briefly traded points until fourth-year middle blocker Christopher Husmann and Norman floored a kill each to give the Hawks a twopoint lead to make it 11-8. The Pride fought hard to equalize but would only cut the score to 14-11 before Norman floored the matchwinning kill, handing the Hawks their 27th straight win.

Individually, Roessler tallied 14 kills for the Hawks’ offense, while Husmann chipped in 10 kills and three service aces. Fourth-year co-captain Christian Smith dished out 49 assists and added four blocks (one solo, three assists). Defensively, fourth-year co-captain Kevin Nardone provided a team-high nine digs, while Smith contributed six digs.

Smith said the Hawks did a good job of staying together as a unit and not becoming overwhelmed by the Springfield crowd.

“It showed that we can get the job done without playing too well,” he said. “We felt we didn’t have our best match but we still found a way to win. It ultimately showed our resilience.”

The Hawks finished the regular season with a 28-2 overall record and earned the No. 1 seed in the 2016 United Volleyball Conference Tournament with an 8-0 league mark.

They will host the entire six-team tournament and will face either No. 4 seed Nazareth College or No. 5 seed Massachusetts

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Institute of Technology in the semifinals on Saturday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m. in the Hawk Center.

Petrus said experience has been a crucial factor in the team’s success this season.

“We come back and recover,” he said.

“The older players have a lot of experience.

We went two years in a row to the NCAA Championship. We lost in the semifinals last year. There was pressure. Each year after we lost we came back with more experience.

This year we will do a better job. I feel that.

It is not good to predict these things.”

It was announced on Tuesday, April 5 that the Hawks received 255 points and 17 first-place votes to remain in the No. 1 spot in the recent edition of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Men’s Coaches Top-15 Poll.

Husmann said the regular season-ending victory was extremely satisfying and confidence-building going into the playoffs.

“Having a bye-round is very helpful because it gives us time to scout and it takes what would be a huge toll off of our bodies,” he said. “Hosting the UVC Tournament is huge. Outside of our family members there have been no bigger nor better supporters than our very own New Paltz men’s soccer team and being able to play in front of them more only helps us.”

12 oracle.newpaltz.edu

SPORTS

Baseball Drops Three-Game Series to SUNY Oswego

By Anthony Mitthauer-Orza

Copy Editor | Mitthaua1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The baseball team dropped their recent three -game series against No. 13 SUNY Oswego.

Despite the loss, Hawks head coach Matt Righter believes that the team can get back to their winning ways after fixing a few minor mistakes.

“We lost because we did not get smaller jobs done throughout the game, not because they are better than us,” Righter said. “If we took care of a few of those little details, we would have won the series.”

The Hawks played the series against the Lakers on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2, with a doubleheader being played on the first day.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Oswego started off strong by driving in four runs in the first inning. A three-run home run from third-year third baseman Eric Hamilton and an RBI single from third-year second baseman Zach Kollar capped off the inning.

The Hawks seemed to cut it close in the top of the fourth after fourth-year co-captain Andrew DiNardo hit a two-run home run to left field and third-year co-captain Taylor Anderson capitalized on an error to run home to cut the deficit to 4-3.

The Hawks were unable to come back as the Lakers scored five unanswered runs to win the game 9-3.

Coming off a tough loss in the first game of the doubleheader, the Hawks seemed to have trouble getting started in the second game.

Oswego scored three runs in the second to go up 3-0 until New Paltz jumped on the scoreboard after second-year centerfielder Jake Williams took advantage of a groundball double play to narrow the score to 3-1.

Despite Oswego extending its lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the third, third-year first baseman Anthony Diana hit a two-run home run to trim the deficit to 4-3 in the top of the fourth before second-year designated hitter Chris Moran hit a single up the middle in the top of the seventh to bring home second-year right fielder Nick DePietro to tie the game.

Although the Hawks had a strong effort, Oswego sealed the win in the bottom of the seventh when fourth-year designated hitter Matt Capobianco hit an RBI double for a walk-off hit.

Fourth-year co-captain Brett Wisner said that despite the losses on the first day, it does not change his belief in the team’s potential.

“I definitely think that this is the best team I’ve been a part of as a Hawk,” Wisner said. “We are a very cohesive unit and work together very well.”

The Hawks started off strong in the final game the following day. Despite going down 2-0 in the beginning of the game, New Paltz was able to quickly tie the game after Anderson drove home Williams and Moran on an RBI single.

The following inning featured a solo go-ahead home run by Hawks second-year catcher Tyler Laco and a run scored on an error to put the Hawks up 4-2.

The Hawks could not hold on in the eighth inning as the Lakers loaded the bases only to see Golden Eagles third-year outfielder Wes Randall rip a gamewinning three-run triple to push Oswego ahead 5-4.

Righter reported that conference matchups are the most beneficial games because of the challenges they raise.

“I believe that the SUNYAC is the toughest conference in the country,” Righter said. “Cortland is second and Oswego is ninth in the Div. III baseball top 25. Brockport is also receiving votes. It won’t be long before New Paltz reaches that top 25 mark, but to get there we will first have to prove to everyone that we belong by beating both teams in and out of our conference. To me, every game is an opportunity to show Div. III baseball that New Paltz is a team to take seriously. It won’t be long, but we still have work to do.”

New Paltz was scheduled to host New York University on Tuesday, April 5 and Lehman College on Wednesday, April 6. However, both games were postponed indefinitely due to poor field conditions.

New Paltz and Fredonia will next play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 12 p.m., followed by a noon single game on Sunday, April 10, where Wisner looks for the team to be ready for this important conference matchup.

“My expectations are that we will be extremely focused and ready to go,” Wisner said. “This is a huge series for us and as long as everyone gets their job done, we’ll be fine.”

Lacrosse Looks to Rebound from Conference Loss

By Michael Rosen

Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The women’s lacrosse team started State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play with a 20-3 road loss to SUNY Geneseo on Saturday, April 2.

The Knights held the advantage in shots (39-10), draw controls (15-9) and ground balls (12-5). New Paltz got on the board first, as thirdyear co-captain Melissa Wagner netted a goal just over three minutes into the game, thanks to an assist by fellow third-year co-captain Nicole Gottschalk.

However, that proved to be the only New Paltz goal of the first half, as the score stood at 12-1 at halftime.

Second-year attacker Caitlyn Morris scored the other two goals for New Paltz, and first-year midfielder Rachael Purtell also contributed with

two ground balls and five draw controls. Wagner chipped in with a caused turnover. Third-year goalkeeper Colleen Roemer made 11 stops in the loss.

For Geneseo, second-year midfielder Erin Cregan and fourth-year attacker Erin Down led the way with five and four goals, respectively, while first-year midfielder Carly Cullen distributed two assists.

Despite the loss, Wagner said that the team has to have more confidence in their abilities in order to achieve future success.

“Something we took away from the loss against Geneseo is that we need to be more confident in our skills and talent,” she said. “We are a young team in a competitive conference and we need to trust and believe that what we have will allow us to achieve our goals.”

The Hawks were originally scheduled to

play SUNY Oswego on Tuesday, April 5. Due to poor field conditions, the game has been moved back to Thursday, April 28.

With a record an overall record of 3-6 and 0-1 conference tally, New Paltz’s next game will be against Buffalo State on Friday, April 8. New Paltz will only face SUNYAC opponents for the remainder of the season.

Hawks third-year co-captain Nicole Petrullo expects the team to bounce back from the loss against Geneseo by working harder in order to be more successful for the rest of the season.

“To bounce back we need to strive to be the best that I know we can be,” she said. “We are certainly going to be working harder at practice and be watching more film out of practice. Taking what we learned from our first game and improving on things is how we are going to make our team better and become a more successful team.”

Thursday, April 7, 2016

The New Paltz Oracle

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:

Nicki Gottschalk SPORT: Lacrosse YEAR: Third MAJOR: Communication Disorders HOMETOWN: Glastonbury, Connecticut

H OW DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING LACROSSE? I started playing lacrosse when I was in fifth grade because I wanted to try something new. I was already playing soccer and I thought it would be fun. My older brother was playing lacrosse at the time as well, so I knew it was something I wanted to do after watching him.

OUTSIDE OF LACROSSE WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?

I love being outside and being active. I like hiking when the weather is nice and just playing other sports in general. Also I’m a big fan of taking naps. I can fall asleep almost anywhere.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODELS? One of my biggest role models is my older brother. He is very good at everything he does and has had a lot of success in his life. I look up to him and I hope that I will be successful as him.

ARE YOU A FAN OF ANY TEAMS? I’m not a huge fan of any specific professional sports teams, but I do enjoy going to watch any team play because I love the atmosphere. If I had to pick a favorite professional team though, it would be the New York Yankees.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS? I wear my hair the same way for every game and I have a pair of game socks for both home and away games.

Another superstition I have that I’ve never told anyone is that during a game if I stretch one of my legs then I have to stretch the other one even if it’s not tight. Or if I stretch both of my legs at the same time then I have to do it a second time or else I won’t play well. I don’t know how that started but it’s always in the back of my mind.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY? Playing travel soccer growing up and traveling to other states for tournaments.

I would always have a great time with the other girls on my team whether it be playing in the games, going to dinner, or just hanging out in the hotels. I’ve always loved being part of a team.

DO YOU WANT TO BE ...

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK? Contact Michael Rosen at

Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

Home Isles Advantage Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

In the NHL, nothing is guaranteed.

Everything is earned.

The Islanders have clinched a playoff berth after they defeating the leagueleading Washington Capitals 4-3 in an overtime win on April 5.

Defenseman Thomas Hickey has been a clutch force, netting the gamewinning goal. With the goal, the Islanders are headed to the playoffs for a second straight season and third time in the last four years.

The win was a complete team effort.

Rookie goaltender Christopher Gibson earned the win in his first NHL start.

They currently stand in fifth place in the Eastern Conference out of eight possible spots.

This was a great and relieving thing to see. Especially because they earned the spot themselves, rather than waiting around to see if another team would lose.

During recent weeks, there have been many factors affecting the team’s play.

The loss of Travis Hamonic is a huge blow to the Isles blueline during their playoff push. He is sidelined for at least the remainder of the regular season and possibly into the playoffs. Last year, Hamonic sat out last year’s playoffs with a torn MCL. “Hammer” brings a physical presence to the defensive core that will be hard to replace.

All season, the Islanders have had one of the top goaltending tiers in the league.

Strong goaltending has carried the Isles through much of the season and is now slumping. Ever since Jaroslav Halak went down with an injury, the spotlight has been placed on Thomas Greiss. Greiss has felt the pressure of being number one. The German-born goalie has been very sporadic in his last five games. He lost four straight games on a recent stretch allowing two goals against the Dallas Stars, three against the Philadelphia Flyers and six against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In his most recent trio of games, he recorded wins against the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets, teams who sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

He also earned a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Once standing within the top-10 in the league with the lowest goals-

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13

Isles Clinch a Playoff Berth

Isles’ defenseman Thomas Hickey focuses.

against average, has led to being booted out of that elite class.

Greiss’ backup, J.F. Berube showed some signs of reliability until late.

In arguably the most do-or-die game of the season in their own building on April 2, the Islanders were shutout 5-0 by rival Pittsburgh Penguins, with head coach Jack Capuano choosing to go with Berube between the pipes. Berube allowed a couple of routine goals during the most crucial game for the team.

This included a first-period shorthanded goal allowed as a result of a miscommunication between defenseman Nick Leddy and Berube as the Penguins were on the penalty kill. The powerplay could not string anything together.

Compared to the Islanders, the Penguins seemed like a Stanley Cup contender. The Islanders just could not find a way to execute. Yes, the Isles won the previous three-straight games, but they need to find a way to defeat teams above them in the

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA.ORG

Eastern Conference standings.

It was nice to see some emotion shown from the blue and orange throughout the game. Matt Martin sparked the team and crowd with a fight against Penguins’ defenseman Ian Cole. Martin, a member of the fourth-line has been a sparkplug along with Casey Cizikas and the clutch Cal Clutterbuck. To the Islanders, they are not a “fourth-line” but an energy line and just as important as the three lines above them.

In the third period, Cizikas was shown looking defeated and frustrated about the team’s play. Clutterbuck has been a pleasant surprise with his scoring touch in significant situations.

Clutterbuck has 15 goals, including five game-winners this season. Cizikas has a career-high 27 points and continues to play a major role on the penalty kill.

Martin, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, leads the NHL with 362 hits.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

If the Islanders are going to secure a playoff spot, they need to compete with the more elite teams in the Eastern Conference. This is the most important time of the year to give it everything and more. Playoff-caliber teams cannot just fall flat the way the Isles did in that game.

The loss to the Penguins cannot alter the team’s mindset and goal in mind. Bad losses happen and can also ignite a team to come out even stronger the next few games as well as the rest of the regular season into the playoffs. This was certainly a turning point.

One thing that a successful playoff team cannot do is come alive only in the third period. Trailing going into the final period is not a way to play or even feel safe in this league. Especially with the most elite participating in the playoffs, those opponents are going to find ways to capitalize on mistakes. Coming back after trailing in the postseason is a very difficult feat. Hopefully the team can finish the season healthy. Another area they need to improve on is finding a way to get past the first round. They have lost every first-round series dating back to 1993.

Ever since the loss against the Penguins, the Isles have rebounded with a vengeance, defeating the Lightning and Capitals and proving they are indeed a playoff-caliber team.

The remainder of the regular season has the Islanders playing two out of three tough games to close it out. With their next game coming against the cross-town rival New York Rangers, the Islanders will have to pick up the win to increase their playoff seed ranking. They have had success against the Rangers this season and will need to overcome adversity to earn two points on visiting ice. The other is against the high-flying Flyers, who have shown the league they are hungry for the playoffs. With two games remaining in the season, the Flyers hold the second Wild Card spot. We do not yet know who they will be facing in the first round, but the Isles will have to give it everything they have and want it more than anyone else to advance past the first round this year.

The postseason officially begins on April 13.

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The 2016 MLB season began this past Sunday, April 3. We may be a few games into the season, but it is never too late to make predictions.

It is very difficult to predict how an entire season will unfold, especially a baseball season.

There is a lot of parity in MLB, and every season there are teams with high expectations that disappoint, and teams that no one expects to be good that prove everyone wrong.

But it is still very fun to try and predict where teams will finish come the end of the season, so without further ado, here are my predictions for the still very young 2016 MLB season.

NL East: New York Mets I know, big shocker that the Mets fan picked the Mets to finish in first. But you can’t deny how good the defending National League Champions look for this season. A starting rotation of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Bartolo Colon, who is holding Zack Wheeler’s spot until he returns in July, is going to win you a lot of games. The bullpen isn’t perfect, but a back of the pen featuring Antonio Bastardo, Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia can be very solid. The return of Yoenis Cespedes really makes the difference offensively. The Mets are not going to lead baseball in runs scored, but the offense is more than capable of scoring enough runs for the excellent starting pitching.

The Washington Nationals will compete all season long for the division. The Nats arguably have as good of a rotation as the Mets, and having reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper in your lineup doesn’t hurt. The team is very talented, but the organization has yet to pull it all together and live up to expectations the past few years. If this is the year the Nationals finally get their act together, they could very easily prove me wrong. The Miami Marlins are better than last year, but are not as good as either the Mets or Nationals. The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are in full rebuilding mode, and will finish at the bottom of the division.

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals Yes I know, the Chicago Cubs had a monster offseason after making it all the way to the National League Championship Series and everybody is picking the Cubs to win their first World Series since 1908. But amidst all of that, everybody seems to have written off the Cardinals. The team that won a major league-leading 100 games last year despite numerous injuries. The team that has made the postseason the past five years. The team that will have Adam Wainwright back for a full season. This team knows how to win, and I’m not quite ready to say that they will be dethroned

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Michael’s 2016 MLB Predictions this season.

Now the Cubs. I know they had some excellent rookie performances last year, but do you expect each and every one of those players to avoid a sophomore slump? Jake Arrieta won the Cy Young Award last season, do you really expect him to have a repeat performance? They signed John Lackey, are you positive he’s going to post a 2.77 ERA again at age 37? They also signed Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward, two very good players, but can you count on them to carry the team if things go wrong? Also, can you name me one move the Cubs made this offseason to improve their bullpen? Every year there is a team that everyone is getting rings fitted for early in the season, and they disappoint. But I do think the Cubs will still take a Wild Card spot.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team that I’m not picking to make the playoffs, and I feel like they’re going to make me look dumb come October. Like the Cardinals, everyone is forgetting about them because of the Cubs. Their bullpen is excellent, their starting rotation is led by Gerrit Cole and the offense is anchored by Andrew McCutchen. They are a very fun, talented team.

If they squeeze into the playoffs, I won’t be shocked. I just think the Cardinals organization is too good and the Cubs are too talented. The Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers are both disasters and may very well combine for 200 losses.

NL West: San Francisco Giants No, not just because it’s an even year. The Giants added Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija to a starting rotation that is already led by Madison Bumgarner and is expecting Matt Cain to come back and contribute. The Giants have had one of the strongest bullpens in baseball the past few years, and while their offense is not spectacular, they are able to get the job done. There is a good chance they’ll pick up a bat at some point.

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rough offseason, and after losing Zack Greinke it looks like their three year run as division champs may very well end this season. I think it will, but I also think the Dodgers will still make the playoffs and face the Cubs in the Wild Card game. I know they have some injuries, but they still have the best pitcher in baseball in Clayton Kershaw and new additions Kenta Maeda and Scott Kazmir can both have very solid seasons. The offense still has some fire power to it, and while their bullpen is far from perfect, having Kenley Jansen as your closer doesn’t hurt. I know a lot of people think the Diamondbacks will make a run after signing Greinke and acquiring Shelby Miller. I think they’ll be better than last year, but not better than

the Giants or Dodgers. The San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies are both complete messes.

AL East: Boston Red Sox The Red Sox pitching last year was a disaster. To fix this, the team brought in ace starting pitcher David Price and star closer Craig Kimbrel. I also don’t expect their additions from last year, both pitchers and hitters, to struggle as much this year. It’s not like the guys they brought in last year have always been bad players, I just think they all had a tough first season in Boston and are now capable of turning it around. The Red Sox also saw quite a few of their young guys help the offense last year, and I think they can only get better this year. That’s why I think the Red Sox will shock a few people and bring David Ortiz home one more division crown.

I know the Toronto Blue Jays are the popular pick in the division, and I still think they’re going to take a Wild Card spot. They just have so much offensive fire power. The New York Yankees are a strange team. I could see them winning or losing 90 games. They got very lucky last year that many of their older guys in the lineup stayed healthy, and I don’t see them being that fortunate this year.

Their bullpen is phenomenal and their starting pitching has the potential to be very good. If they pick up a few bats or everyone somehow stays healthy again, they can be very good. The Bronx Bombers need a lot of things to go their way, and I just don’t see it happening. The Tampa Bay Rays have some young talent and some very strong pitching, but I don’t think they have the offense to keep up with Boston and Toronto. I think the Baltimore Orioles are going to take a step back this season and finish at the bottom of the division.

AL Central: Kansas City Royals The defending champions enter this season with a weaker roster than the one they had last October, but I still think they will win this division. The Royals lost Cueto and Zobrist this offseason to the Giants and Cubs, respectively. To replace them, Kansas City signed Ian Kenndey and will have Omar Infante return at second base.

There’s no questioning that’s a downgrade, but neither are terrible players. The rest of their offensive core remains, as does their insanely good bullpen.

However I don’t think the Royals are going to run away with the division, in fact I think it’s going to be very close. The Cleveland Indians have an excess of young, talented pitchers in both their starting rotation and their bullpen. But they have a very weak offense. If the Indians manage to improve their lineup, they could prove me wrong and sneak into the playoffs. The Detroit

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Tigers are another strange team. On paper, they don’t look so bad. But a lot of things would have to go right for them to make a run, and I don’t see things clicking for them. The Minnesota Twins have some very good young offensive players, but their pitching is just not good. The Chicago White Sox do have some nice pieces, but I think they are still loaded with guys who have underperformed in recent years.

AL West: Houston Astros The Astros are a very scary team. After being terrible for years and building up their farm system, the Astros shocked everyone and made the playoffs last year. I think they’re going to be even better this year. Their young offense can only get better and their bullpen is still very good. I don’t expect Dallas Keuchel to win the Cy Young Award again, and there’s no denying Houston could use another starting pitcher. But with an excess of resources, I think they’ll make a trade for a starting pitcher somewhere down the line.

The other team in the state, the Texas Rangers, has a similar problem. They have a very good offense and bullpen, but outside of Cole Hamels, their starting rotation is very shaky. But again like the Astros, the Rangers have quite a few resources and I also think they’ll pick up a starting pitcher down the line, so I see them taking the other Wild Card spot. Outside of Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have some issues. I think they enter 2016 with a weaker roster than last year, when they missed the playoffs. They failed to make a big move this offseason that they desperately had to do. The Oakland Athletics are always an interesting team that can surprise everyone, but I don’t see them doing it this year.

I think the Mariners are really going to have a rough year, despite another stellar season by Felix Hernandez.

Now I know how insane it is to predict how the playoffs will unfold, but no predictions are complete without picking the team to win it all.

I’m going to say that the Blue Jays will defeat the Giants in the World Series. I know I don’t have them winning the division, but in a short playoff series I think Toronto’s offense is lethal and their starting pitching, while not spectacular, is good enough to push them to victory. Not to mention they are very likely to pick up another starter along the way. That organization knows that this is their last year to win a title with their current team, as many of their stars will become free agents after the season. I think they will do everything they can do to make that happen. Sorry, Cubs.

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