SCHOOL SCENE A look at activities at Sullivan County Community College
A Special Supplement to the Sullivan County Democrat
SECTION S • APRIL 24, 2018 CALLICOON, NY
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SUNY SULLIVAN
Ellen Memorial Health Care & Rehabilitation Center
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
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At Ellen Memorial, our highest priority is to provide individualized
resident-centered care. Our 128 bed family-owned, one-story facility is located in Honesdale, less than one mile from the local hospital. Ellen Memorial has been serving the community since 1976 and has been dedicated to providing our residents with a home-like atmosphere. We are seeking high school students for entry level positions as well as student volunteers.
We specialize in providing both short-term and long term care focused in the following areas: • Skilled Nursing Care • Rehabilitation Services • Alzheimer’s/Dementia Memory Care • Hospice Care • Respite Stays
Announcing
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Honesdale High School senior, Hannah Burlein is an active volunteer who provides pet therapy to the residents with her rabbit.
23 Ellen Memorial Lane, Honesdale, Pennsylvania
ellenmemorialhcc.com
email: frontdesk@ellenmemorial.com
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(570) 253-5690
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State of the college STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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he state of the college is strong,� said Jay Quaintance, President of SUNY Sullivan. “But that’s not to say it can’t be stronger. My goal is to make sure we get there. It’s been my pleasure to be here. I love Sullivan County.� Quaintance, a New Mexico native, is finishing up his first official year as the president of SUNY Sullivan. Quaintance worked in Albany for 20 years in the SUNY system and also at the Governor’s office in the education department. Before that he had teaching stints in Schenectady and New Mexico as an English professor. “The reason I chose to come here - I thought it was a great school and Sul-
livan County was an interesting place to live,� Quaintance said. “The two together made it a really attractive job and it has proven to be true. I think we are going to see great things in the college.� For a time the enrollment at the college was in decline, which brought down revenue for the school. “We have worked hard to turn that around,� Quaintance said. “We increased our recruiting efforts and made sure we are marketing in a very strategic way and getting the word out about what a great school this is.� One thing that’s sure to draw more SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance
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School Scene ‘A Look at Activities inside SUNY Sullivan’ Published by
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(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 April 24, 2018 • Vol. CXXVII, No. 90
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Fred W. Stabbert III Joseph Abraham and Matt Shortall Margaret Bruetsch, Kathy Daley, Rich Klein, Richard Ross, Patricio Robayo, Jeanne Sager, Autumn Schanil, Ed Townsend, Mike Vreeland Liz Tucker Barbara Matos Lainie Yennie Lillian Ferber Susan Panella Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger Michelle Reynolds Margaret Bruetsch Janet Will Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin, Claire Humbert, Peter Melnick, Jessica Roda Linda Davis, Kohloa Zaitsha, Billy Smith, Phil Grisafe
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athletic students is the move from Division III to Division II in basketball. “This will attract more students since we now offer scholarships. Because of our winning track record in basketball, we have students who want to come here and play.” Quaintance wants to continue to build on what has worked for the college in the past. “Sullivan County is really interesting, we are the only college in the county. I want to make sure we are playing our game as well as we can and to make sure the college is providing all the services that the community relies on colleges for.” The college is a place where students can be introduced to higher academic life and from there decide whether to continue on to a four-year college or straight into the workforce. “We are the point of contact for people and leading the way to move the county forward in every way,” Quaintance added. By partnering with the community and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, Sullivan Renaissance and Sullivan County 180; the goal is to help make the county more of an attractive
‘Just from hearng their stories and seeing what they went through and how coming to Sullivan really changed their life - it showed what a college experience can do for young people.’ Jay Quaintance President | place to live in every way. “We want this to be a place that people can take pride in,” Quaintance said. One of those ways is by being a model for substantiality with their farm program, along with the building being geothermally heated and cooled along with the nine acres of solar panels. The solar panel generates about 76 percent of the electricity that is used at the college. Along with strong recycling and composting initiatives to compliment the farm program, “This is really the future and the college is leading the way.” Looking forward, the college is interested in partnering with BOCES to have some classes that will be held on their campus. This will allow BOCES students to get a taste of the college life. Equally important is Startup New
York, which is connecting local businesses with the college. “A very high end ice cream facility will be built on the campus along with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant,” Quaintance added. “The water can be reused at the plant and, when it is released back into the source, it will be clean and drinkable so as not to affect the water system of Fallsburg. Plus, students will also receive a lesson first hand on the process.” Some of Quaintance’s favorite memories have been watching students graduate. “It’s a time when the students and faculty celebrate their achievements over the years. I think that's a highlight of the year.” Another favorite memory that Quaintance has had is the induction of a group of past students who won the
1994 basketball national championship in their division. “Just from hearing their stories and seeing what they went through and how coming to Sullivan really changed their life - it really showed what a college experience can do for young people.” As a community college, SUNY Sullivan students have access to faculty that are at the level of any four-year colleges and that will give the kind of individual attention to students that you might not find at a four-year college, according to Quaintance. Another program that benefits the students in Sullivan County is geared towards high school students. Any student who finishes in the top 10 percent of their class is able to go to SUNY Sullivan for free. “That has been a really successful program for us and for the students,” Quaintance said. “When I got to the college, we lost a lot of staff with downsizing,” Quaintance said. “We can’t shrink anymore, we need to grow and to find a way to make everything more cost effective to our current staff and retirees.” “The workforce for the county is growing, but we have to make sure that our students are ready.”
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Wishing tthe he students of County great SSullivan ullivan Count y gr eat success!
Students are enjoying the new outdoor recreation courts when class is not in session.
Outdoor recreation courts reclaimed from nature BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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home of 89 89 Mill Street, Street, Liberty Liberty NY Y 12754 12754
WWW.POPCORNERS.COM WWW.POPC ORNERS.C OM 53902
he concept for new outdoor recreation courts started last spring with an anonymous donation from a local benefactor. “One of things that I faced when I became the dean of students was to figure out why were students dropping out,” said Dean of Student Development Services and Director of Athletics Chris DePew. One thing that came up is that there is nothing here to do. So we wanted to fix that.” The school did not have many outdoor sports complexes for students to be able to get outside and stay active. The current outdoor courts were built upon the old basketball and tennis courts which nature had slowly but surely reclaimed. “There were trees growing and the place was a mess,” said DePew.
“Some students took it upon themselves to try to clean up when they noticed that there use to be something there.” Soon after DePew looked again at the aging sports courts and was able to bring in a design team to try and create something new. “What they created was an absolutely fantastic place,” DePew said. “There are two college regulated basketball courts side by side and a regulation sand volleyball court with meadow areas. We have future plans to build a fire pit and an area for a pavilion not only to be used for staff and students but potentially people from the community.” The pavilion will include bathrooms and a barbecue area. Guests will be able to hold events under the roof of the pavillion, shielding them from rain.
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Located behind the dorms, students are able to enjoy the outdoors and scenery that the Catskills have to offer.
college holds, like their basketball and volleyball programs which will give campers a chance to enjoy summer in the Catskills. DePew said the college is looking to one day build a soccer field with a wrap around track that will not only bring soccer to the school, but will also enhance the track program that already has strong indoor facilities. “We want to become the center for athletics throughout the county,” DePew added. “We want to be the hub for the county, and we have the right determination to get there.”
With the new sand volley ball court, students and in the future, residents, can practice their spiking.
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“The kids have really taken to it and are already maintaining it well,” DePew added. “We are really excited about it and we hope it continues for years to come.” The new outdoor recreation courts are called “The Courts of Sullivan.” “This is something we are super proud of and this is an awesome amenity for our students,” DePew said. “I know Jay brings a lot to the table, and I’m glad to be a part of his team and to be able to share ideas.” The courts will also be put into use by the summer camps that the
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Headed by Bradley Diuguid, Nicolas Lopez and department head Dr. Paul Reifenheiser, the new Theatre Arts program at SUNY Sullivan is sure to put a spotlight on the rising school.
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Inquire about the TSTT program and benefits. Call or email to schedule a meeting with the TSTT team & consider partnership opportunities at your school!
Hard Worker, Dedicated, and Positive Attitude?
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Theatre arts program inspires dreams; lifelong friendships
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he Theatre arts are alive and well at SUNY Sullivan with a new theatre arts program that was just approved. The new program is headed by Jessica Barkl and is supported by instructors Bradley Diuguid and Nicolas Lopez along with department head Dr. Paul Reifenheiser. This team wants to bring the best out of the students who are interested in all aspects of theatre from acting, set design, stage management, lights, costume and more. “I wasn’t really thinking about theatre but I was encouraged by a friend. Once I went to get the part and went to rehearsal, I said, ‘Hey this is fun’. Then the day of the show came and once I went on stage, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” said student Malik Jones. Every year a theme is chosen and plays are then voted on by the students and the community. “We have been getting progressively bigger and bigger audiences and we challenge ourselves,” Bakl said. “In creating a new program, it’s not only about giving the students an opportunity but getting an audience to show them the job we do. And the job is to serve the people of this community.” “Its always come back to the stories for me, the stories that need to be told,” Bakl said. “We give the students the chance to try a classic, a contemporary and musical types of plays. So the students get a little bit of everything in the season.” “My favorite part of this program is that we get to know the students well,” said Reifenheiser. Along with adjunct instructors, the students will be able to attend classes that serve the program such as voice and diction class, theatre history class, physical theatre class and more. All the classes are made to fit together so the students are able to get a well rounded program of theatre arts. “We get all walks of life come in to our shows and want to introduce
‘I wasn’t really thinking about theatre but I was encouraged by a friend. Once I went to get the part and went to rehearsal, I said, ‘Hey this is fun’. Malik Jones SUNY Sullivan Student |
things that they might not have access to,” Bakl said. “We don't only have students perform in the plays but we have the instructors also act along with the students and this is a great experience for the students.” Moreover, Payton Powell, who is a student in the major, said, “At first I was on the edge about coming to SUNY Sullivan and I was surprised the classes were very intense. This is one of the best things that could've happened to me, I love it.” In the same light, Peter Reardon, who came to the school originally for graphics and photography, ended up auditioning for plays and eventually changed majors. “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I also found an amazing group of people,” he said. The program familiarizes students with a range of dramatic literature along with its historical contexts and its culture underpinnings, along with its social and communicative value, through course work that is related to theatrical productions. “We [produce] at least three annual campus stage productions, which gives members of the community [a chance] to see what the program is doing plus gives an opportunity for the students to practice and learn their craft in this new program for SUNY Sullivan. It is something the whole community can benefit from,” said Bakl.
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STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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Catskill Hospitality Institute
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY PATRICIO ROBAYO
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ullivan County has a rich history of tourism. The new casino has revived hopes that the county will once again become a destination for those far and wide. SUNY Sullivan wants to be the training ground for those future workers by offering a strong program – the Catskill Hospitality Institute. The hospitality and tourism management program offers extensive training in this ever-growing industry. The classes cover many different areas of the industry, such as business, tourism and hospitality servic-
Michael Bel, Director of the Culinary Arts Program along with students Cheyenne Gibson and Reyna Rivera.
es that will be able to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in the corporate world. “We attract students from throughout the tri-state area,” said the Director of Culinary Arts Program Michael Bel who has worked for the college for 13 years. “There is a lot of change coming into the community and it will be a good opportunity for our students.” Along with the culinary arts, students prepare for entry-level work in the culinary field. Courses offered have an emphasis in the theory, practice and hands-on work in the culinary arts. “Hopefully we will be the hub for the SUNY colleges in the hospitality area,” added Bel. “We want to implant a stronger hospitality management program here, for hotels, clubs, casinos and a number of other jobs like food and beverage services. There's a lot of opportunity now in our area for students to get a job and have it be a respectful career here in Sullivan County.” Students work with professionals in several kitchens and bakeries and put into use all that they learn in the Grossinger Dining Room, where they are able to control all aspects of dining – from hosting and waiting to bartending and cooking. “Ever since I was a kid, I always loved cooking and in high school I took some cooking classes,” said Culinary Arts student Armine “Amy” Mkryan, who is also a former BOCES student and a big fan of the Food Network. “This is like working at a restaurant. It’s very fast paced, but I
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learn a lot. I’m not only learning cooking but also a lot of baking techniques.” Students also take hospitality purchasing, cost control and human resource training in order to get a full knowledge of the field that will help
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them prepare to go out into the workforce or to continue onto a four-year degree. “The overall accomplishment of our students. To see where they came from and to see them grow and use the skills is great,” Bel said.
Above: The culinary grows all their own herbs and are put into use daily in all meals that cooked for class and events. Right: Culinary Arts student Armine “Amy” Mkryan feels the fast pace of the kitchen challenging but rewarding.
Sullivan BOCES
Growing Through Grief
W Where Futures Begin & Drreams are Ac hieved!
Ca areer Build Building ing
August 24, 25 & 26, 2018
C College Prep
Camp is held at the YMCA of Sullivan County in Rock Hill A FREE day-camp full of healing activities for children ages 5 to 17 grieving the death of a loved one that has occurred within the last two years. Through play, art, music, and activities, it is a safe place of acceptance, understanding and grief education.
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For more info call Bereavement Director Kim Warner 845-561-6111 x 117 Deadline Aug. 10, 2018
Preparing students of all ages for their role in thhe global economy. Like & follow us at Sullivan County BOCES
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(845) 295-4000|scboces 295 4000|scboces.org org
Camp Chrysalis is a partnership between The YMCA of Sullivan County HOSPICE of Orange and Sullivan Counties
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‘Celebrating 126 Yeears of Community Journalism’ Journalism
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Generals basketball going D-II BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM
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n late 2017, SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance made an annoucement that would change the landscape of SUNY Sullivan’s highly successful basketball program. Beginning this fall, the SUNY Sullivan men’s and women’s basketball teams will be moving up to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Division II. “We feel this is the perfect time for SUNY Sullivan to make this move, which in essence increases the competitive level of play,” Chris DePew, SUNY Sullivan Director of Athletics and Dean of Student Development Services said. “SUNY Sullivan’s move to NJCAA D-II has already made an impact on our campus. With the announcement of the move last fall, the campus is eagerly preparing for the impact of increasing our athletic program and taking it into an entire new level of commitment. In September of 2018, we expect to have over 150 student/athletes here at SUNY Sullivan, our highest number of athletes ever.” The move to Division II athletics now allows the college to provide athletic scholarships to qualified students - something that is not an option in Division III sports. It will also allow the college to serve dozens more students via their athletic programs because they will now field both junior varsity and varsity teams
for our Division II sports.” Division II colleges may offer athletic scholarships for tuition, books, fees, and up to $250 in courserequired supplies. SUNY Sullivan will begin offering scholarships during the 2017-18 recruiting season, which is currently underway. Overall, it’s expected that the move to Division II sports will add up to 60 additional full-time athletes to the College’s rosters with the addition of junior varsity teams: 30 additional students to compete in men’s and women’s basketball, and up to 30 for baseball. The Generals already compete at the Division II level in baseball. The remainder of the college’s sports programs will remain at the Division III level. “The addition of DII Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and the new commitment to DII Baseball, will let us offer athletic scholarships to the best and brightest student/athletes from across the country and beyond,” DePew said. “We will be able to keep those quality scholarship level student/athletes that have left the tristate area for California, Texas and Florida home and bring them to SUNY Sullivan.” “The addition of JV programs in all three of those sports will increase opportunities for all of our current and future students and should attract several local students to stay
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SUNY Sullivan Director of Athletics and Dean of Student Development Services Chris DePew, right, and the school mascot General Dunker. At left is the new Sullivan Generals logo!
close to home for their first two years of college. It is a fantastic time to be at SUNY Sullivan and our students will see the amazing benefit of increased out of the classroom opportunities. The SUNY Sullivan Athletic program is already one of the most respected Junior College Athletic programs in the country, and we are ready to take it to another level. The school recently unveiled a new athletics website, sullivangenerals.com, so fans can get the most updated information about the teams. All home basketball games are played at the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, which has developed into a historic venue filled with banners representing all the success the school has
achieved on the hardwood. The SUNY Sullivan Generals men’s basketball team has won the D-III national championship a record four times and the women’s basketball team has won numerous regional championships and competed multiple times in the national championship throughout the last five years. “Our beautiful Fieldhouse is already starting to prepare for the influx of athletes and new students in the fall by creating a study lab and new locker rooms for our teams,” DePew said. “We have opened our brand new outdoor athletic complex, as well as increased offerings within our fieldhouse so that every student will have a positive experience. It is an exciting time at SUNY Sullivan. We look forward to great things!”
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Our O drivers go abo b yond a ve and be when it com mes to w thhe safety of o our p ssengers. pa
TR AN NSPORTIN NG THE MO M ST PRECIOUS CARGO O Each year, Rolling V drivers are responsible for o the safe transpor tation of more than 7,00 00 school children. Please remember to drive carrefully – it could be your child on a bus nearrby!
To learn moore about our commitmeent to providing safe trannsportation for the h child ildren in i our communit ity, viisit it rollin lli gv.com/par / ent e t-portall
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