Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York
Collegian cayugacollegian@gmail.com
VOL. 67 ISSUE 15 FEBRUARY 16, 2021
CUOMO GIVES OK TO POP-UP PERFORMANCES
CAYUGABRIEFS EXTENDED CLOSING TIMES STATEWIDE Governor Cuomo announced Monday, given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York State, he has signed Executive Order extending closing times for bars, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, billiards halls, as well as other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishments, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide beginning immediately.
THE HOPE IS THAT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WILL RETURN TO LIVES DESPITE COVID
By Michael Perry, editor-in-chief Recently New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in one of his televised New York / State Coronavirus updates, he introduced the launch of NY PopsUp, an initiative to accelerate the revival of culture and The Arts in New York.
This week we conducted 460 COVID19 tests and were notified by SUNY Upstate that none of the pools returned a positive result for COVID-19. An individual from our Fulton Campus population who tested at another location did test positive for COVID-19. The individual was last on-campus Thursday, February 4.They have been placed in isolation and are restricted from accessing campus. Contact tracing is complete. If you are part of our testing population, please schedule your upcoming testing appointments for Auburn or Fulton.. We encourage you to schedule for the entire semester now. — Cathy J. Dotterer, Ed.D. Dean of Students
NY STATE EXPANDS FOOD PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced actions aimed at reducing food insecurity among community college students and others in need. These actions include expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility to up to nearly 75,000 low-income college students enrolled in career or technical education course work and shortening the SNAP application for those on fixed incomes in an effort to encourage greater enrollment among eligible older adults and disabled individuals. The new policy expands SNAP eligibility to low-income college students engaged at least half-time in career and technical education courses. The expanded eligibility will help students avoid food insecurity while advancing their education.
INSIDE: • A WORD FROM THE NEW STUDENT TRUSTEE
• COVERAGE OF THE VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES FAIR • HOW COVID RUINED THE HALF TIME SHOW • MIKE TELLS YOU HOW HE SEES IT
TELL US YOUR NEWS EMAIL THE COLLEGIAN! CAYUGACOLLEGIAN@GMAIL.COM
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA JO GREENFIELD
COVID-19 CAMPUS UPDATE
Members of office staffs gather around retiring senior typist Theresa Rogalski (center) to celebrate Earth Day last April. Back row; left to right: Mary Brooke Oropallo, Lisa Jo Greenfield, and another retiring staff member, Sue Arliss. Front row; left to right: Sue Dungey, Theresa Rogalski, and Cathy Patella.
CAMPUS COMMUNITY SAYS GOODBYE “I have been in denial these past few weeks but it is time for me to announce that Theresa Rogalski, Account Clerk Typist in the Financial Services Office will be retiring at the end of the month,” said CCC Director of Financial Aid Cathleen Patella. Patella says Theresa Rogalski has worked at Cayuga Community College for 22 years, starting in the mail room and then transferring over to financial aid 16 years ago. “Theresa has been a crucial member of our team and will truly be missed. ‘T,’ as she was called by us, embraced many changes that occurred in our area since I arrived at Cayuga,” said Patella. “I could always count on her support.” Patella says Rogalski always remained calm during their most busiest times often answering phones calls from the time she
arrived to the time she left. “We can only imagine the number of students she assisted in completing the federal and state financial aid processes,” said Patella. “Her dedication to Cayuga is demonstrated in her exemplary work ethic and in her role as the Co-President of the ESP Union. Rogalski’s last day will be February 26, 2021. “Please join me in wishing Theresa a Happy Retirement! May she enjoy her grandchildren, camping in our state parks with Ed, and remembering to join us for lunch once all of us can enjoy these special moments with each other again,” said Patella. BE SURE TO TURN TO PAGE TWO FOR MORE WELL WISHES TO THERESA FROM HER COLLEAGUES.
THE STUDENT-RUN MEDIA SHOW ABOUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAYUGA IS NOW RECORDING ON MON DAYS AT 4 PM The staff of CAYUGA BYTES is moving the recording time of their media show to Mondays at 4 PM in hopes of encouraging more people to participate. You just need to be a student or staff member of CCC to join in. The ZOOM meeting number is 934 9197 6612. You can sample some past shows on the Cayuga Bytes YouTube channel.
Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “As we approach 2-million New Yorkers vaccinated, we’re bringing back the arts with over 300 arts events across the state. Arts industry workers have been devastated by the pandemic. This initiative will marshal the return of the arts with safe, in-person events, and online shows,” announced Cuomo. The plan is as follows. The events put on by NY PopsUp will be free of charge and staged in all regions of the state. As COVID-19 restrictions make mass gatherings and large, destination-style events impossible, NY PopsUp will meet New York State residents where they are, infusing their daily lives with the joy of live performance. The hundreds of free, pop-up events that constitute NY PopsUp will make stages out of New York’s existing landscapes, including iconic transit stations, parks, subway platforms, museums, skate parks, and street corners.
Some local artists are happy to see this action by the governor. Elizabeth Stuelke, a singer in local band SOLID, says “I think the Pop-up plan is a great step forward. I can’t wait to get together again with friends and see live performance in person.” She also mentioned their band is keeping fresh with distanced rehearsals and they have been reaching out to venues trying to book shows with smaller groups, earlier performances, and the like. On the other hand, some locals are upset that Cuomo is booking all the big names while the little guy struggles. Jim Buffett, a local music agent says “This has nothing to do to help local artists which are the ones that really deserve the help. The ones that he’s putting on these pop-up shows already have money.” COVID-19 has heavily impacted those in the performing arts industry. Many have had to file for unemployment or find a non-artistic career until the pandemic is over and there is a return to normal.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SAYING GOODBYE TO THERESA ROGALSKI The Cayuga Collegian received many well wishes for Theresa on her retirement Theresa has been a great friend and co-worker all these years. We started work at the same time way back when. She has been an instrumental co-president for many years of the ESP Union. She is a competent, knowledgeable, and dependable employee in the Financial Aid office. I will miss her presence on campus. Best wishes Theresa! You have earned an enjoyable long retirement! — Patti Hamberger
OPINIONS
HOW I SEE IT... PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA JO GREENFIELD
FIGHTING THE ANTI-VAXXERS
Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Health professionals are fighting back against anti-vaxxers. According to an article written by Mohana Ravindranath of POLITICO, “Doctors and nurses trying to build confidence in Covid-19 vaccines on social media are mounting coordinated campaigns to combat anti-vaccination forces prevalent on those platforms. At the same time, public health groups are mobilizing a global network of vaccine advocates to come to their aid when they are attacked online by activists, who closely monitor certain hashtags and keywords. The groups use monitoring software to swiftly identify online attacks, then tap their networks to flood social media posts with supportive messages countering vaccine opponents.” It bewilders me that people think they somehow have a better understanding of vaccines than health professionals. It is even more troubling that doctors and nurses have to fight back because these anti-vaccination groups are getting so much attention. In that same article I quoted earlier, Sunny Jha, a Houston anesthesiologist, said that it is turning into a military campaign, in terms of how they treat the opposition (anti-vaccination groups). This has become an internal ongoing war in our country, and it needs to come to an end. It will not end until more people can respect healthcare professionals and trust large companies that make these vaccines. The second part is really hard. How can we trust what is in this vaccine if we do not have faith in the CEO of the company that makes the vaccine? How I see it, it starts with education. Educating people on what the vaccine is and how it works. This is easier said than done, but it can still happen.
CAYUGA CLUBS! FULTON AND AUBURN CLUBS Please share your meeting times, events, and fund-raisers with The Cayuga Collegian We want to publish your news!
Theresa Rogalski with her CCC colleague and son, Josh Rogalski on Halloween. Mom, Being able to work with you these past 13 years has been such an honor. Being able to learn from you and work with you in a professional setting has both motivated me and inspired me. Your dedication to the betterment and success of our students has always given me something to aspire to, and it provides direction and enthusiasm to this day. Being able to work with your parent is a privilege so few have in this world, and I want you to know I never took it for granted. You have been a wonderful colleague, mentor, and person. Most of all I am thankful you are my Mother. Congratulations and your retirement, and this next exciting phase of your life. — Your son and coworker, Josh
HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Send your qualified submission to cayugacollegian@gmail.com. Your submission must include the writer’s full name, college year, area of study, phone number, and hometown. All submissions must have an email domain of ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ to be published.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA JO GREENFIELD
Countless students over the years have talked to me about your kindness to them and the ways in which you made them feel welcome at the college. Many of them said that it was such a big difference from the way they had been treated at other colleges. You will definitely be missed! Enjoy your retirement! — Steve Keeler What a beautiful tribute to a LOVELY lady! Miss T, you will be SO missed! — Meg Osborne Congratulations Theresa!! Many many wonderful years ahead! — Maureen Erickson We’re going to miss you! (Yikes, you really are leaving, I guess!) You deserve a wonderful retirement, I wish you all the best. — Ginny Kent Congrats! It’s been a good long ride since back when you were just an innocent Tel-com student to what you have become. Enjoy your time and the great memories of your successful career! — Bob Frame
I started with Theresa in financial aid as their student worker. She has been an amazing co-worker and friend. I will miss her so much! — Caitlin Cooper
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING... SUE ARLISS’ RETIREMENT:
Sue, you will be missed so much here! I will miss our talks and laughs! Thank you for all you’ve done to help me and I hope you enjoy retirement to the fullest. You deserve it! Thank you, Terry Quill
Theresa Rogalski with ‘Dinosaur’ Bridget Proulx and Lisa Jo Greenfield. Thank you for all you do to help our students. Good example, today helping with student employment opportunities. Thank you for your contributions with Financial Aid, Hiring Student Workers, and just in general being a major influence on students coming to Cayuga. The personal touch you add to all that need help, Students, Faculty, and Staff included. You made a major impact on student affairs. Steve Keeler stated it best your welcoming and kindness to all will be missed greatly. My students have high praise for what you do for them. With you “It is all about the Students.” Thank you and good luck in a well-deserved retirement. Enjoy your next phase in life! — John C. Theresa, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and guidance since I started at CCC! Your knowledge and personal attention has resounded not only with me but all the staff, faculty, and students you’ve interacted with. You will surely be missed. You deserve a wonderful retirement and I hope you enjoy every minute of it! — Terry Quill Congratulations to Theresa (“The T” as I often called her)! “T” I wish you a long, rich, happy retirement. I will never forget and will be always grateful that at time when the little Empire State College office at CCC was in sad and dire crisis because our office administrator unexpectedly died, you, Theresa, unbidden, offered your good services and got us through a dark, difficult time. And that was only the beginning of my learning about your generous, multi-talented character. All good wishes to you ... — Lee Herman
Anonymous letters and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published. For verification purposes, submissions must also include the writer’s home address. The staff of The Cayuga Collegian reserves the right NOT TO PUBLISH without an explanation.
Email: cayugacollegian@gmail.com
The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers. Submissions must be from a ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ email domain. Contact us at cayugacollegian@gmail.com. Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves. All letters may be edited for content or length. We reserve the right NOT to PUBLISH.
Michael Perry Joshua Hart Patrick Mahunik Caleb Rodan MaryJo Solazzo
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER
Mary G. Merritt FACULTY ADVISOR We are looking for more staff members!
PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 16, 2021
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CAYUGACOLLEGIAN
SPORTS THE IMPACT OF COVID CHANGED THE SUPERBOWL HALFTIME SHOW By Patrick Mahunik, Jr., staff writer Ever since the pandemic of COVID-19 happened, society has been trying to get back to some sense of normalcy. Since the pandemic first hit, we have gotten closer as time goes on with nonessential businesses reopening, restaurants allowing indoor and outdoor eating, and being able to leave the house again. So it was quite a surprise to see the NFL start their season and finish their regular season and playoffs on time with only a few delays due to COVID. This led to the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay hap-
Patrick Mahunik Jr. STAFF WRITER pening as planned as well; and with that comes the Super Bowl Halftime Show this year performed by The Weeknd. The performance received mixed reviews, but the one thing that goes unnoticed is how the pandemic made a truly unique halftime show from a technological standpoint. “I enjoyed The Weeknd’s halftime show. I thought it was fun and energetic,” said CCC Media Production professor Steve Keeler. “Besides the energy he brought to his performance he also made sure that this performance was unique by wearing a jacket covered in rubies causing it to weigh 40 pounds, having a metallic-gold room behind the stage where he sung into a camera with dancers wearing mask dancing around him, but the most creative thing about his performance was the use and placement of the stage. He had the stage up on the walkway underneath the Jumbotron to the left of the Buccaneers’ infamous pirate ship located in the stadium.” Keeler says they also had stands on the stage for background performers to perform socially distant from each other that would move apart to create a walkway in between the stands.
“I thought using the actual stands was a unique way to present the halftime show. Since there were very few fans in the stands, this was the first time any performers had the opportunity to do that,” said Keeler. He says it’s true all past halftime performances had their stage on the field due to how big the crowds are usually at a normal Super Bowl. However, there are some issues with that, the main one being they usually perform to the side that the camera is on so about half the stadium can barely see what’s going on. Keeler says The Weeknd’s placement of the stage for his performance actually helped fix this issue by having it up on the walkway allowed both sides of the stadium to view the performance without anything in the way even when he went on the field with the dancers to dance around the field to “Blinding Lights.” The dancers were wearing bandages on their faces as well as white face masks while they danced around the field which helped fans in the crowd figure out where The Weeknd was on the field. “However, while it was a probably the most technologically advanced halftime show it didn’t help bring in viewers,” as Keeler explains. “The Super Bowl itself had lower ratings this year compared to other years. Probably because Tampa Bay and Kansas City are relatively small cities and don’t generate a lot of fan interest like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. I do think not having any guest artist probably hurt viewership for the halftime show. It is difficult to generate a lot of interest in a Super Bowl Halftime Show when there’s only one artist performing.” Keeler feels that the lack of a guest artist in the performance, the small market for the two teams in the game, as well as those two small market teams being hated by many teams in their individual conferences, prevented many people from even seeing The Weeknd’s performance. “While yes it his performance got mixed reviews the creativity he brought to the performance led to probably the most creative and technologically advanced Super Bowl Halftime performance of all time and that’s something that shouldn’t be ignored when talking about his halftime show,” Keeler said.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: HOW THE PROFESSIONALS SEE IT By Josh Hart, staff writer When the COVID-19 Pandemic forced most CCC courses to switch to a fully remote learning format, a large majority of students and even staff were skeptical as to whether or not they would be able to succeed in a virtual environment. Cayuga Community College has a rich history in courses offered exclusively on-line, which also includes interactive video classes. TELCOM Division Chair Steve Keeler stated that CCC for years has been one of the top leading colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system’s development of online learning for students in and out of New York state. “We’re always looking for ways to make classes more accessible for a broad range of student needs,” says Career Services Coordinator Meg Osborne. “The pandemic forced us to go fully virtual at a much faster pace than we might have otherwise. But now that we know that we can do this, it’s now another tool for reaching students.” However, despite the college’s ongoing success in online programming, Keeler, Osborne, and Student Government Advisor Norman Lee, also say there are some ups and downs to being fully virtual. Lee says online courses are beneficial to students who may not have any easy way to access campus, or may have family members to take care of, or may have one or two part-time jobs. But Keeler acknowledges that what
works well for one group of students, doesn’t always work well for another. “The effects, (from our new format), have been mixed,” says Keeler. “Some students like the convenience of a Virtual Environment, while others may not have the technology to succeed.” Additionally, Theater/Lighting Professor Robert Frame says a large portion of students don’t enjoy a virtual environment and would rather be taught in the classroom. Frame also feels that faculty who normally teach hands-on learning face an equal amount of difficulty. “My background is theatre,” Frame says. “I need personal interaction.” Osborne says she feels the same way that Frame does. “I like being able to “read the room” to informally assess how students are doing” says Osborne. “I find that much harder to do virtually - especially if students have disengaged their video!” “As a community college we need to address the needs of our students and provide them the teaching style that will allow them to learn and succeed,” says Frame. “Virtual learning is still, in many instances, a poor substitute for in-person learning,” says Keeler. “However, time/ place-bound students need alternatives to attend college. So virtual learning will continue and the college will continually work to improve it.”
CAYUGA HOSTS 2021 ACTIVITIES FAIR By Josh Hart, staff writer CCC Student Government Organization (SGO) Advisor Norman Lee says that college club involvement is the second top component of an overall community college experience. So naturally, every spring semester, usually right around the middle of February, the SGO hosts an annual showcase where clubs give new students a chance to find out about the clubs the college offers and to become more involved. In an attempt to keep a popular tradition alive in times of COVID, the SGO held their Semi-annual Student Club and Activities Fair live on ZOOM. The recent February 10th meeting had been promoted several times in the student newspaper, The Collegian, and other places in the weeks leading up to the event. A total of 18 participants showed up to the meeting. A few students and a bunch of staff members were there to represent the clubs. Among some of the notable guests were Collegian Faculty Advisor Mary Merritt, English Professor and Anime Club Faculty Advisor Greg Sevik, and New Student Trustee Alaina Bates, TELCOM Professors Steve Keeler, Doug Brill, and Jeffery Szczesniak were also present to represent the Radio and Television (RAT) Guild, Cayuga Records, and the College Radio Station (WDWN) respectively. This year, the event was notably different from past club fairs. In previous years, students and staff from each club would get together and set up tables usually in the main hallways, or the cafe area, and then other students, most of whom were usually just getting out of class at that hour, would then get to visit with the existing club participants, and learn about the clubs in person. On top of that, there would often be a free lunch.
This year, with the SGO Club Fair being virtual, each club that participated had one person, usually the faculty advisor, come in and represent their club, and inform
Joshua D. Hart STAFF WRITER the participants on what their club does, and how students can become involved, if interested. One of the most notable highlights from the meeting was when Bates briefly described how she plans to help students in times of COVID. In her speech, Bates expressed awareness of some of the common issues students face in a COVID environment, particularly those who may feel a lack of motivation due to not being able to receive encouragement from other students. In addition to urging students to get involved in clubs, some of the staff even got to spread the word on upcoming events they will be hosting. Lee, who hosts a lot of other student programming, announced the upcoming Diversity Series, which is scheduled to air virtually on ZOOM every Wednesday at 11:00 AM, starting on 2/17, and ending on 3/10. Merritt announced during the meeting that highlights from the SGO Virtual Activities Fair will be featured in an upcoming episode of The Collegian’s new web series CAYUGA BYTES.
AN UPDATE FROM THE STUDENT TRUSTEE
Alaina Bates STUDENT TRUSTEE
SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 67 YEARS!
The Student Government Organization (SGO) is pleased to welcome a new secretary, Dylan Webber. Dylan is majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in medical technology and medical biotechnology. This spring Cayuga Community College and SUNY Morrisville are sponsoring a Diversity Series. Topics ranging from anti-racism, inclusion, and women’s rights will be covered. Attend all of the sessions and receive a Diversity certificate and an entry into a $250 raffle. Contact LeeN@cayuga-cc.edu for more information.
FEBRUARY 16, 2021 PAGE THREE
CAYUGA
WELLNESS
SERVICES
Christina Bentley, MS Wellness & Intervention Counselor
Dr. Jerimy Blowers Wellness & Intervention Counselor
GET YOUR SLEEP!
—submitted by Christina Bentley, Wellness Counselor, Fulton Campus
One thing you should make sure you do during these tough times, is to make sure you are getting good sleep! Sounds simple, but it’s actually very important. Sleep helps keep our body’s immune system strong so that we can fight off infections and sickness. Sleep is also a good stress reliever. We tend to feel less stressed
when we get good, quality sleep. When we go to sleep, this gives our bodies time to recharge. Our brains are more focused, we feel refreshed and ready to start a new day. So, go ahead and make sure you are getting some zzz’s! A good 7-8 hours should do the trick! To reach out to one of the Wellness Counselors, contact Christina in Fulton at cbentle2@cayuga-cc.edu or Dr. Jerimy Blowers in Auburn at jblowers1@cayuga-cc.edu.
‘FANTASTIC PARTNERSHIP’ HELPS CAYUGA OTA STUDENTS, OSWEGO YMCA RESPITE PROGRAM Students in Cayuga Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program this semester are finding creative ways to complete their fieldwork and make a difference in the Oswego community. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing delays in students’ fieldwork from the spring of 2020, some Cayuga OTA students have spent the Fall 2020 semester working with the Oswego YMCA Friends for Life Respite Program. The program provides recreational opportunities for Oswego County residents with developmental disabilities who reside at home with their families. The OTA students’ work with the program has been invaluable, said Respite Program Director Darci Michalski. “OTA students have such a different approach. Our program encourages participants to work on new routines for home, activities and daily living to build independence. That’s what OTA does for people. It teaches them to be independent, and helps them build those skills,” she said. “If I’m trying to have participants live their lives to the fullest, the OTA students are the ones who can help them put those skills in place.” Working with the Respite Program has provided OTA students with on-the-job experience, whether it was conducting activities, creating new methods to help participants or building their communication skills. While the students’ work is designed to build physical ability and independence, it also incorporates participants’ interests to ensure the activities are enjoyable. Cayuga students Hailey Giocondo and Morgan Iauco were scheduled to complete their fieldwork in the spring of 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled their placements. Instead they spent the first part of the Fall 2020 semester conducting fieldwork at the Respite Program, saying the experience
was eye-opening in the lessons they learned, the relationships they built with participants and the challenges they overcame. “Most of the programs were small group services, which was a lot of fun to be involved in. Trying to meet each individual’s needs within a group session, especially if each individual’s needs and goals are different, can be a real challenge,” said Giocondo. “We got the hang of it pretty quickly as we got to know each individual within the Respite Program.” With the Respite Program this fall, Giocondo and Iauco guided participants through a series of events and activities, including the New York State Occupational Therapy Association’s Walk, Run, Roll Virtual 5K for Occupational Therapy. As part of the 5K, Giocondo and Iauco led program participants on walks in the YMCA gym and outside as a way to build awareness of occupational therapy. Iauco said the Respite Program, which helps youths and adults, was a great opportunity to enhance her communication skills, something that will be invaluable as she moves forward in a career in occupational therapy. It also gave her a chance to incorporate each participant’s goals into the activity. “It’s just a matter of how you phrase words and use non-verbal communication to help participants better understand. It’s also really important to acknowledge the participant’s interests and what they want to do during the program,” said Iauco. “I’m so happy I had the opportunity to work with the adults and better learn how to provide therapy and include their meaningful occupations into the program.” The OTA students’ work is integral to the Respite Program, said Michalski, who is eager for future Cayuga students to continue working with the program.
SOMETHING FUNNY
SHARE YOUR FUNNY MEMES WITH US: CAYUGACOLLEGIAN@GMAIL.COM Filbert...
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE