Fall'16 issue 12

THE

Hudsonian

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

STUDENT SPECIAL STUDENT S E EDITION N AT E S E N AT E

SEE PAGES 4 - 7

Student possessing knife arrested in Malta

Lenehan makes Valley history

By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer

By: Josh McCart Staff Writer

An arrest was made after a student brought weapons onto the Hudson Valley extension campus, TEC-SMART, in Malta.

“One of the Physical Plant staff overheard something about a weapon being discussed in the bathroom. As a result of that discussion, he reported it to our people, and we were eventually able to identify the student in question,” said Fred Alberti, director of Public Safety at Hudson Valley.

Senior center Kevin Lenehan is having a standout basketball season as the Vikings look to keep up their winning trend.

The business administration student broke the Hudson Valley single-game scoring record after dropping 44 points in a 116 to 101 victory over Schenectady County Community College.

“That actually feels pretty good. I remember last year, I only had 34 points, and I didn’t even

NEWS

Story on page: ARREST

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SPORTS

Story on page: LENEHAN

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December 7, 2016

NEWS

This Week’s Events

Wed 7

Instant Admission Day 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 223 Holiday Silent Auction 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Siek Campus Center, First Floor Sacred Movements 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Siek Campus Center, room 220 (Interfaith Prayer Room)

Mindfulness Thurs Guided Meditation Practice am – 10:30 am 8 10:00 Siek Campus Center, Suite 270

Fri 9

Holiday Banquet 6:30 p.m.

Siek Campus Center, second floor 36th Annual Meritorious Service Awards and Pinning Ceremony 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center, Auditorium and Meeting Rooms

Mon 12

FROM PAGE ONE

ARREST The student, who the college has refused to identify as of Dec. 2, was found to be in possession of two sets of bronze knuckles and a knife.

“My understanding was that he was cooperative and unaware of New York State’s laws surrounding weapons on school grounds. The student was charged with what is called a Class A Misdemeanor for possession of a weapon,” said Dennis Kennedy, the director of communications and marketing.

“The student was from Tennessee originally. I don’t know when he came to New York. He had a different understanding of what’s allowable; in other states, it’s lawful to carry weapons and keep them with you. In New York, it’s not,” Kennedy continued.

Hudson Valley also has full time Public Safety office presence at the Malta extension. Additional officers responded from the college’s main campus in Troy, as well as from the local law enforcement agency. The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Department made the arrest.

“It’s important to note that there was no clear or present dan-

ger, but it is still illegal to have weapons on the school grounds.

The student did not threaten anyone or intend to threaten anyone,” Kennedy said.

The student was a part of a program offered to high school students that allows them to study college credit-bearing course work at the facility during the morning and then return to their high schools to study there for the afternoon.

Students and parents of Hudson Valley and Ballston Spa schools were immediately made aware of the situation.

“Any knowledge of weapons on campus, or reports of potential weapons on campus, are investigated with the utmost seriousness,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy continued, “This is also a good reminder for all of our students and our campus community that it’s not legal to have weapons on campus or school grounds, even if it is an extension center off the main campus.”

Armed Forces club collecting Toys for Tots donations By: Rebecca Jordan Editor-in-Chief Armed Forces Club is calling for new, unwrapped toy donations to benefit the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.

Robert “Bar” Porter is leading the effort this year. Porter served in the Marine Corps from 1986 to 2007. “[I] returned to NY, and I wanted to do something to help the local community, [so] I picked the program because of its connection with the Corps,” Porter said in an email interview.

When Porter began his first semester at Hudson Valley this fall, he took over the Toys for Tots program from Sgt. Ben Colin.

There are four donation locations: in the Armed Forces Room on the top floor of the Library, dental hygiene department (Fitzgibbons, room 155), Veterans Peer Mentors (room 223, Campus Center) and the Wellness Center (Campus Center, room 270). Toy collection ends Dec. 16.

According to Porter, the Armed Forces club has increased its donations every year, collecting over 250 toys for last Christmas.

He said, “With the economy still recovering and employers leaving NY, the need for toys has increased.”

Toys for Tots was created in 1947 in Los Angeles, California and has expanded to an international organization.

The Capital District chapter collects new, unwrapped toys to give to needy children. Last year, the organization distributed over 117,000 toys.

Porter will also be volunteering on the Toys for Tots Train that will help distribute toys across half of New York.

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December 7, 2016

NEWS

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Senator fundraising to purchase microwaves By: Joe Pignatelli Staff Writer Student Senator Raghunath Rathore is raising money to purchase microwaves in response to student complaints.

“Mazzone is a great food café provider, but it’s very expensive

for our students to eat there, so I’ve been told by my supporters that getting a microwave in the Campus Center and Brahan Hall would be very effective,” said Rathore.

The college recently removed the microwaves that were previously located on the upper and

lower levels of the Campus Center because they were broken. At a recent meeting with the college’s Student Senate, Rathore advocated for new microwaves to be purchased for placement in the Campus Center.

He said, “Students can’t purchase a hot meal from Mazzone

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

everyday, and that’s their only option currently, so having a microwave gives Hudson Valley students another option of getting themselves a hot meal without paying such a high price for food.”

Some students would be more likely to bring food from home if microwaves were easily accessible. Sophomore Cara Bryant said, “Yes, I could bring food from home if I knew I could heat it up.”

Microwave problem is very important to Rathore. He said, “I have never purchased food from Mazzone, but I know how expensive it is, and I just want to extend the benefit that I have to the rest of the students. I have a microwave here that I can utilize, and I feel like Hudson Valley students deserve the same right.”

Rathore is currently working on a solution to the problem with the Student Senate as well as faculty, but he is running into many problems with the microwaves due to fire hazards and insurance reasons.

Rathore spoke with the Senate and said that the campus has a microwave located in the Brahan Hall, but explained to them how

the microwave is “older than majority of the students that come to the campus.” He then proposed to the Senate to purchase a new microwave that is “easy to clean, maintain and can put casserole through.”

“Students need to know how important it is for us to get a microwave and satisfy the students who bring food from home who can’t always afford Mazzone’s food,” Rathore said. “It is very crucial that we have an option we need another option rather than just a café the students need another option besides buying from Mazzone.”

Rathore plans to do a fundraiser bake sale in order to raise $161 on Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center. Student Senate funds and the fundraiser are both contributing to the microwave purchases.

Rathore said, “I would like to see the best for the Hudson Valley students because I really believe our students deserve the best.”

Student Senator Raghunath Rathore is advocating strong for more microwaves to be added around campus.

Senate calling for food pantry donations By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer Hudson Valley’s food pantry stocks up for the holiday season to provide less fortunate students with means to celebrate.

“Providing students with basic fundamental essentials, such as food, is something that we consider to be very important as we assist our students while they are here pursuing their degrees,” said the Director of Student Life, Louis Coplin.

According to Coplin, the food pantry was founded roughly 10 years ago by the former Center for Careers and Employment director, who, as he interviewed students for jobs, found that a lot of them were struggling to pay bills or feed their children.

“He decided to start collecting non-perishables from his immediate colleagues in his office, and he said this should be campus-wide,” Coplin said.

Assistant Director of Student Life, Alfredo Balarin did not comment.

The Student Senate will

spend up to $2,220 on food to stock the pantry; however, at this time of year, there may not be a need to tap into that budget.

“I was actually speaking to some of the department heads about it; they say there is somewhat of a competition to see what department can donate the most food,” said Daniel Kusky, Student Senate treasurer.

Katelyn Desormeaux, a dental hygiene major, volunteered to stay late at the college and count the food that her department collected.

“I participated in my class to donate canned goods back to the community that we are all so involved in. We are kind of competing to see what department can collect the most canned goods.

It’s really a good feeling,” said Desormeaux.

The competition ended on Thanksgiving, and the food gathered during that month won’t last until the end of the academic year.

Students can sign up at the Student Activities desk to be contacted when the pantry’s food runs low to participate in a food drive.

The food pantry is open to all students at Hudson Valley.

Students can go to the Student Activities desk with their student ID and simply ask for food; no in-

formation about a student’s economic status needs to be given.

Students can take up to two bags of food a month.

Kusky said, “If you feel like it

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is something that you need or will help you out, whether it will help significantly or just taking a bit of the stress off, then it is something you should utilize.”

PHOTO BY DYLAN HAUGEN | HUDSONIAN

Hudson Valleys food pantry in the Student Activities Office.

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NEWS

December 7, 2016

What is Student Senate?

By: Setodzi Avoke Staff Writer Most publicly acting from open senatorial meetings and participating in campus events, students may have a hard time connecting many Student Senate actions to their effect on campus.

To the uninitiated, the motions, formulae and procedure of a governing body can seem strange and archaic. The degree of disengagement with the mechanics and impact of political processes develops this perception too, as those governed by it find themselves distracted by the necessities and pleasures of living lives, rather than managing those of others.

“I would guess that [the Student Senate] helps organize events and things of that nature,” said physical education major, Brad Vanier.

Though Vanier was unsure, the general idea of a Student Senate body are intuitive and his guess at event organization targets a major aspect of our Student Senate’s responsibilities and focuses.

Major events and ongoing activities on campus including the Viking Cup Challenge, Pumpkin Palooza, over 50 active clubs and Welcome Week activities are all budgeted and organized by the Student Senate body.

Campus sporting expansions, the Dr. Frank J. Morgan Clock Tower, textbook provision to the library, and the flagpole are some of the other tangible markings the Student Senate has left to the campus.

Subsidized student bus passes would have been impossible to achieve without the combined efforts of Hudson Valley’s Environmental Sustainability Committee,

Faculty Student Association, and the Student Senate working together with a shared interest in providing students with a green, parking, and wallet friendly option to reach campus.

The Student Senate consists of senators and an executive board, positions including President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The President sets agenda items and officiates meetings. The agenda is developed through discussion between E-board members. The Treasurer oversees budgeting

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and signatures checks. The Secretary records minutes at the meeting and the Vice-President oversees events and planning as chair member of the programming board.

The method by which policy may be changed and issues addressed is the Student Senate meeting, where senators and executive position holders convene to address that meeting’s agenda. In order for a meeting to be made official, a quorum consisting of half the senate plus one, or a super-majority, must be present. The president conducts a roll call, moving ahead to the agenda if quorum is met.

The agenda is constructed by conferral between E-board members, senatorial propositions, and public request. The agenda may include a votable measure which requires a senate member to make a motion to vote on it and that it be seconded by another member. The topic is debated, then the proceeding yeas, nays, and abstains determine whether the motion passes or fails.

Between the board of trustees, the FSA and the student body, the Student Senate aims to ease the linkage of all therein. Although they ultimately work toward the same goal of service to the campus community, being students themselves allows the Student Senate to approach the matter in a way higher administration may not be able to by communicating concerns and participating in policy decisions with people whose responsibilities separate them from the same degree of student interaction.

December 7, 2016

NEWS

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Student Senate’s Annual Budget Nearly Gone By: Shelby Collins Copy Editor

Student Senate helps pay the bill for club expenses and student activities.

The Student Senate has an annual budget of $123,000 to contribute towards funding clubs, day-trips, banquets, and on-campus entertainment. Expenses are determined annually, and the club budget proposals are reviewed at the end of every academic year.

An amount of $1,400 is allotted for the creation of new clubs.

During the academic year, clubs are able to transfer money within their previously allocated budget.

Clubs are encouraged to fundraise. According to a sample

constitution proposed by the student activities office, “…All funds from fundraising activities over to the Student Senate so they can be deposited in the account of that club, which is held by the Student Senate. For a multi-day fundraising event, cash must be deposited in the Student Activities office on a daily basis. At the conclusion of a fundraising event, all funds must be deposited in the Student Activities office together with a reconciliation that proves the accuracy of the funds generated within one business day.”

Clubs are able to carry over their unused budget into the following academic year.

“The point is not to have rollover into the next academic year,” said Louis Coplin, Director of Student Life.

That money must then be accounted for in the following year’s budget proposal.

According to the Student Senate Constitution, “A club may request a maximum increase in its budget of 9% from the previous year. An increase must be requested simultaneously with the proposed budget during the annual budget process. The amount must be warranted, and such an increase can be obtained only through a majority vote of the entire Student Senate.”

“New clubs must wait a full year before requesting an increase. All requests for increases will be made at the discretion of the Student Senate. A line item can be changed without increasing the total club budget allocation by filing a budget change

request form and having it approved by the Director of Student Life (or designee). These changes shall be limited to one per semester,” according to the Student Senate Constitution.

Clubs are also able to fill out special funds request forms for additional funding for special events. The event must be positive for the club and benefit student life or the campus. Special funds requests are processed by the Student Senate.

Events on campus are funded by the Student Senate. $13,000 was allotted for Fall Fest, but only a fraction of the money was used.

Other causes, such as the Food Pantry, are also supported by the Senate budget.

Hudson Valley Community College perks are also partial-

ly funded by the Student Senate.

Discounted movie tickets are available on Tuesdays at the Student Activities Office, which have an annual budget of $119,000. The day-trips are partially funded by the Student Senate, and partially funded by ticket sales. The senate also helps fund end-of-the-year banquets, one of which is being hosted on campus and catered by Mazzone this year.

The Student Senate also funds trips to conferences for students to gain experience in their fields of interest. They allocated $25,000 for conferences this academic year.

The Senate budget is composed of the student activities fee charged every semester. The fee has increased in recent years due to the drop in enrollment.

PHOTO BY ISAAC KAUTZ | HUDSONIAN

Pumpkin Palooza (above) and the Wellness Fair (below) were both sponsored ny Student Senate.

PHOTO BY VINNY CROCE | HUDSONIAN

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December 7, 2016

NEWS Steven Pelletier Vice President

“I’ve become more outgoing [as a result of joining Senate]. Next year, I am going on an exchange to Argentina, so I will get to be a U.S. ambassador. I’m extremely excited about that; it’s an opportunity that I’ve always kind of wanted to do, but was hesitant to do just because, you know, going to a new country by yourself and having to meet all new people, learn a different language and a different culture [is hard].” “[I joined Senate because] last year my brother was the treasurer, and I kind of just jumped in with his group of friends and everyone. What really sparked my interest, though, was when I volunteered during Welcome Week. I kind of have an obsession with cotton candy, and I got to make it. I also got to meet so many different people, and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Hudson Valley was such a different environment than I was used to, and it was something that I had always wanted.”

“I think my biggest accomplishment as a senator was when we did the community service project last year. Back when my sister and I served on the Senate together, what we did is we led a program to St. Catherine’s, which is a wayward children’s facility. We went there, and we remodeled one of the residential rooms.

It was completely fundraised by bake sales and student activities. My family and I donated all the paint and supplies we could, and we made the difference in the life of a child. That was all partially thanks to the Student Senate and the volunteers we received from that.”

“I try to meet as many people as I can and get as much information as I can, as well as their stances and viewpoints on things. That way, it helps me to think about different angles when I make decisions. I think my biggest regret is that I can’t always make that time to meet all of these people, and I won’t understand their stories because there’s not enough time.”

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

Emma Dillon President

Raghunath Rathore Senior Senator

“I think that going around campus and letting students know what’s happening on campus is really important to me, just because it gives every single student the same opportunity because they actually know what’s going on. A lot of students don’t know what’s available to them and they don’t understand why they need to care.”

“Well, I almost got arrested a week ago. It was actually for possession of drugs. Just kidding. If I were to be arrested I would probably be blowing something up.

Or prostitution, male prostitution, that’s what it would be for. I’d be like hey, look at my vivado. Come do… okay going to say anything else.”

“I joined the Student Senate because I wanted to do more for my school. I really felt the student senate gave me the opportunity and the chance to do more and bring my ideas fruition.”

“I used to love to play chess, and in chess, you have a lot of different maneuvers where you could make different choices.So in chess, what you learn is to look at all of the aspects and to decide which one fits the best. I think my thought process when making important decisions is more like that; when you are strategizing and trying to find the best outcome.”

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

Jad El Khoury Senior Class President

Branden McDonough Senior Senator

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

“As a senator, I like to do a step-by-step process when making big decisions. I like to analyze the situation first and provide myself with background knowledge on the subject so that I can make an educated decision on what we should move forward with.”

“My agenda a a senator is to make sure that every voice is heard throughout the college, as it is a diverse college, and be able to branch out and to make sure that everyone’s special needs are met.”

Luke Dupauis Senior Senator “My biggest accomplishment is being able to represent large groups of people that don’t have a voice on their own, giving a collective, accurate representation of the people who I serve.”

“My agenda a a senator is to debate on important conflicts and issues, be involved in volunteering around campus and better the lives of the students.”

Alyssa Rowe Senior Senator

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Jacob Papas Senior Senator PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

“This is my third year here. I’ve never had time to do it because I wanted to be able to attend every meeting to be there for the decision-making. This year I decided to join, especially because Emma was the only female at the time, and I really thought that our campus could use more of a female perspective.”

“If I were arrested for something it would be for stealing puppies because I love puppies.”

“I realized Student Senate was a great opportunity to look good for other colleges while at the same time learning how student government works because I’ve never been a part of that before.”

“Not being well-spoken enough is my biggest regret.”

December 7, 2016

NEWS

7 Manik Elahi Secretary

“I’ve been here for a while, and Hudson Valley has done quite a bit for me. It took over a year for me to realize all of the resources, activities, events and things we could take out of our time spent here. It took me so long to find that and I wanted to join Student Senate in order to bring those to other students quicker than it to me to find them.”

“As treasurer, I hope to, in conjunction with other treasurers throughout the SUNY system, come up with treasurer methods [to leave for the treasurer’s that succeed us], I suppose. But on a Hudson Valley, by the end of the year, I hope that we are able to hold all of our events and keep them with budget and that they all run successfully.”

“My biggest accomplishment is not on paper.

It was more of what I experienced. You know, going through tough decisions, going through times when people weren’t very fond of the decisions we made and when they were fond of the decisions that we made.”

“To my fellow board members, to the people that we serve; don’t be afraid to bring up things that you find important because that is our job, that is what we got elected to do, and we feel it would be an injustice to us if we don’t follow through with what the population of the college wants.”

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

Daniel Kusky Treasurer

Thomas Nevins Freshman Senator

“I plan on taking this experience with me for the rest of my life. I think being a part of Senate gives you a lot of life skills, so obviously I’m going to take those with me for the rest of my life and use them.”

“When making decisions, I kind of reflect on what the freshmen here want. Instead of thinking about what I want and what is best for me, I really think about what they want and what is best for them.”

“I joined Senate in order to give back to the community, to meet people and to help around the campus to make the campus better.”

“As a senator, I would just like to see what people want to do to make the college better, do what I think would make the college better, whatever that is, and support things that the Senate sponsors.”

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

Nathaniel Savasta Freshman Class President

Brendan Caluneo Freshman Senator PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

“It’s fuling to be able to affect change for the better for campus life, as well as to have a say and to get experience. You know, I go over different issues as well as make sure that the minority groups on campus, whether it be a small club or individuals, who really don’t have a say, to represent them to the best of my ability.”

“This is my first experience on an actual governing body prior to this. I ran for appointment twice for my high school’s board of education, which I lost. However, I am planning on running again this coming May.”

Bilal Arshad Senior Senator PHOTO BY ZOE DENO | HUDSONIAN

“I wanted to be more involved in student government and make decisions to improve our life on campus, [so I joined the Student Senate].”

“The Student Senate will give me experience around a professional environment and being a part of a team.”

Interviews by: Zoe Deno

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December 7, 2016

CREATIVE

8 By: Zoe Deno Staff Writer Hudson Valley’s Marvin Library is home to books that have been challenged and even banned in other libraries.

The following response was brought on by Fatima Mernissi’s ‘The Veil and the Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation of Women’s Rights in Islam.’ Engineering student Daniel Kusky said, “What’s the problem with us having that in our library?” Students at Hudson Valley were exposed to a few of the controversial book titles.

“If you don’t like it, then just don’t pick it up... This could be interesting to someone. It may entirely contradict your religion, because a feminist view on Islam does not sound like something they would be very happy about,” said Kusky.

Despite having many controversial books, the Marvin Library does not have a copy of Adolf Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf.’ The book is available for request.

Digital media student Logan Hicks said, “I don’t know if [‘Mein Kampf ’] is necessary to have in

Controversial books elicit mixed responses among students

the library, but you could look at other books for other information. What would you need to know from that book?”

“I think that’s totally fine. We don’t house plenty of books. Personally, I would love to read that book,” said Kusky. Kusky said that he was only interested in gaining knowledge on the topic. “‘Mein Kampf ’ is just the ramblings of Hitler talking about how great he thinks he is,” said biological science student Jane Ytterberg.

Ytterberg continued, “I think that ‘Mein Kampf ’ highlights the fact that people ban books on reputation without ever reading them themselves. The fear of books or certain ideologies is ridiculously high.”

After seeing ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian’

by Sherman Alexie, Sydney Scott,

a digital media major, said that she feels that libraries should respect people. Sydney believes that a book should be banned if a majority of people think that a book is inappropriate.

Ytterberg had a different opinion. “Banning books should be banned. It should not be okay to edit history or opinions. We need controversy, otherwise we only have one opinion, and that is what it will eventually boil down to.”

Ytterberg said, “People are allowed to complain as much as they want, but that doesn’t mean that they have the authority to limit everyone’s access to these books. After all, who died and made them mom?”

Student Senate Vice President and criminal justice student Steven Pelletier said, “Personally, I do not think that any book should

ever really be banned. I think that is freedom of academia that you should be able to house whatever you see fit.”

“It’s the artistic freedom of the writer, and not only that, but it is an account of the time period of when it was written. Just because it is not appropriate does not mean it needs to be removed entirely,” said Pelletier.

Pelletier continued, “I think we should put a disclaimer [in the front of a potentially controversial book].” That disclaimer could explain the historical and social context of a given book.

Brenda Hazard has been the director of Hudson Valley’s Marvin Library for eight years, and in that time period, no one has complained to her about any of the

books the library holds.

Hazard said, “Academic colleges are committed to intellectual freedom in this country. In the concept of inquiry and confidentiality, [we collect] a broad diversity of opinions, and our collection reflects that.” Hazard is in support of the intellectual freedom of literacy in order to educate and influence students.

Hazard said, “Sometimes, those so-called ‘outdated books’ are classics in their field, even if now we might consider them to be controversial. We keep them because they are an important part of scholarly record. They look at how thinking has changed in a particular discipline or an area of thought or theory.”

Reading seen as invaluable or wasteful?

By: Tea’ Claus Staff Writer Are students still reading for fun, or are they only reading the bare minimum for their classes?

Reading in today’s age is difficult for college students because of their many responsibilities. Liber al arts students Alyssa Galipeau said, “If I don’t have a lot of homework, then yes, I will [read].”

Psychology student Gabrielle Corrodore said, “When I get the chance to read, I do.”

Many students find it hard to set aside time to indulge in leisurely reading. This is mostly broug ht on by a heavy stream of homework and work respo nsibilities.

Psychology student Denise Rhodes said, “I don’t have the time, or I’m not able to find a good book . If it bores me, I put it to the side.” Rhodes has set aside the time to read, but she is usually faced with the same challenge when finding a book worthy of reading.

Liberal arts students Aubrey Brimmer said, “There’s just so much to do with my classes and papers to write and tests to study for. School is takin g up too much time, so I’m not able to read in durin g classes anymore.”

Brimmer previously read for her own pleasure, but the increased college workload has forced her to focus her time on schoolwork. Many students agree that the decline in reading has been brought on by the increased usage of technology and social medi a.

Galipeau said, “[The decline in reading among students] is because of all of the cellphones and elec-

tronics that are so advanced.”

Rhodes said, “It’s because of TV and social meng dia. It takes up more of [students’] time than readi does.”

In addition to what Galipeau and Rhodes said, enBrimmer also agrees. Brimmer said, “This is happ . ology techn ing because of the advancements in our and uter, comp When I was younger, we didn’t have a now we didn’t even have cable TV, so I read a ton. But d secon in days kids are getting iPhones for their birth grade.”

The advancements made in technology provide so ease of access to multiple facets of entertainment, is there really any value to reading now?

There is an assortment of students who have said, agreed on the importance of reading. Galipeau “I think there is value in reading.”

Rhodes said, “There is value because you definitely gain more knowledge, and you can experience n.” more from reading a book than watching a scree n to prove been Brimmer said, “Yes, reading has have rs reade make people more creative, and avid ent. better vocabularies, and they’re even more eloqu up end ing People who grew up reading J.K. Rowl . more much so being more politically-involved and le peop that e Reading does have value, and it’s a sham aren’t reading anymore.”

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December 7, 2016

OPINION

9

Movie Review: Bad Santa 2 is Valley social scene hinders first-year Full of Bad Comedy experience

By: Hunter Wallace Staff Writer Bad Santa 2 is devoid of substance, offering little more than pretty colors and a lot of snow.

The idea of releasing a comedic film set during the holiday season is nothing new. In fact, many of the films within this genre have turned into classics treasured by families every year; just look at A Christmas Story and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Unfortunately, the latest addition to the ever-growing list of holiday films is not one to cherish.

Bad Santa 2 is directed by Mark Waters, the same individual who directed Freaky Friday and Mean Girls, so the concept of bad behavior is a given in this film.

The plot revolves around Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton), a depressed alcoholic who attempts to end his life right as the movie begins.

As he starts to hang from the ceiling, the child-like Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) enters the apartment and informs Willie that a package full of cash and a note has arrived, which prompts an immediate departure from his dingy apartment.

Soke meets up with former criminal partner Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox) at a local diner, where he proposes that the two forget their past disputes and plan a new heist: steal millions of dollars from an undisclosed organization in Chicago, Illinois. Without two seconds to consider, Soke agrees, and the two head to the Midwestern United States.

Upon discovering that the organization is actually a charity, “Giving City Foundation,” The duo enter the building, where they encounter the third and final member of their heist crew,

By: Julio Rodriguez Creative Editor

OPINION

SCREENSHOT TAKEN FROM “BAD SANTA 2”

Billy Bob Thorton plays an alcoholic santa in this sequel to the 2003 film.

Sunny Soke, (Kathy Bates) Willie’s ungrateful, vengeful mother.

With all their differences aside, the three scope out the charity and decide what job each of them will have. Willie is assigned to crack the safe, Marcus is chosen to survey and disarm the security alarm system and Sunny is the driver to the getaway vehicle.

Unsurprisingly, nothing goes as planned and the crew experiences multiple difficulties in the attempt to pull off their heist.

In terms of performances, it could be said that the actors do an adequate job. Billy Bob Thornton’s performance is as somber and as dry as his humor, and Tony Cox’s attempts at humor are decent at best.

Kathy Bates does display that “experienced mother” type of humor in the film, but that is just not enough to divert attention away from the explicit and all-too racist jokes that are presented throughout the film.

Generally, a movie is not notable when the best-remembered quote is “This guy’s a pedophiliac, and he’s after your kids!” While the actor’s performances and

the type of humor implemented throughout the film may not be up to par, it seems as though the audience receives an early Christmas present when it comes to the technological aspects of the film.

It only makes sense that a movie set during the Christmas season is accompanied by a soundtrack of which sticks strictly to Christmas music, including classics such as “Frosty the Snowman”, “Silent Night” and “Santa Claus is Back in Town.”

So, is Bad Santa 2 worth the time and money? Well, it really depends on one’s sensitivity to adult language and imagery, brownbag humor and the image of Billy Bob Thornton’s consistently angry face. If these factors don’t apply, then by all means, feel free to see this movie.

Bad Santa 2 is given the rating of 6/10, losing points for poor attempts at humor and being redeemed for having quality lighting, resolution and a purely ‘Christmas’ soundtrack.

Bad Santa 2 is rated R, and the run time is one hour and 32 minutes.

Since I started at community college, one thing has been brutally clear; a majority of people are not willing to make new friends.

I had preconceived notions that I would develop connections right off the bat with random peers and end up developing endearing connections that would last a lifetime. Obviously, TV and movies have ruined my grasp on reality.

The cliques and overall social setting on campus make it clear that many students at Hudson Valley are perpetually stuck in their high school lives.

College is a time to make connections and to break out of that awkward teen phase of life. I noticed quickly that a majority of the younger students on campus stick with their peers from high school. High school is a time of exceptional growth, but we all graduate for a pretty clear reason: to move onto the next phase of life away from high school.

Personal growth can be advanced or limited by the social interactions made at college. Staying close with friends from high school makes it nearly impossible for outsiders to make new relationships, and it’s even comical to think that people would want to repeat high school with the same faces everyday.

Hudson Valley is home to a non-traditional crowd of college students who are less likely to spark up conversation.

There are hoards of people who come to campus, go to their classes and drive home with little to no social interaction with others. This strategy is likely to yield a less fulfilling college experience. It appears that students are looking to gain an associates, not an well-rounded college experience, which is true of many two-year institutions.

Students have the right to come to campus and go to their classes, but that can make things monotonous. Many of the students at Hudson Valley are juggling work, school and other obligations, which can make finding time to socialize difficult. The social aspect of community college is probably put on the back burner for these students.

At four-year universities, students are pushed to make connections because everyone usually lives on campus. Hudson Valley is a commuter school, and the thought of walking up to a stranger to start a conversation is excruciatingly awkward.

Those who are struggling to make friends shouldn’t worry too much. No one should have to feel lonely on a campus of 10,000 plus students. There are likely other people on campus who are also looking to make some friends.

There is one pivotal strategy to implement which can make these potential friends a reality.

Those looking to make friends can join a club. Not all students have the pleasure of interacting with their peers from high school, and joining a club can open up an opportunity to make more friends on campus.

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December 7, 2016

SPORTS

10

Which is your favorite NFL team?

By: Josh McCart Staff Writer

With the NFL season approaching its final weeks, students expressed their love for their favorite teams.

New York-based professional teams dominated the list of the students’ favorites, which include the New York Jets, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. The Bills play in Orchard Park, NY, while the Jets and Giants share Metlife

Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. “I like the Buffalo Bills only because I was born in Rochester, NY,” said freshman Ryan Heniges.

The Bills now have a record of 4-5, however, running back LeSean McCoy, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor are having a great season. McCoy has six rushing touchdowns, while Taylor has 10 passing touchdowns.

Senior Ken Marbot II said, “The New York Giants are my favorite team because growing up in New York, I’ve always rooted for the ‘Men in Blue’.” Both Heni-

ges and Marbot II chose their teams because of their local roots to them.

The Giants are the only New York team in the NFL with a record over 500. They are second in the NFC East with six wins and three losses. The Giants are led by the quarterback-wide receiver combination of Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. Noah LaBarge said he backs the Jets because, “I’ve just always liked them.” Also agreeing with LaBarge is business administration major Riley Bacon who said,

“I like the Jets because when I was younger, my dad’s friend told me to like them, and I just did.”

Veteran running back Matt Forte is leading the Jets with 732 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns, but the Jets have been struggling with their offensive leadership. This season has used three quarterbacks including Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and, most recently, Baylor University standout Bryce Petty.

Some students support non-local teams like the Philadelphia Eagles. Freshman Jayde

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Tutunjian said, “[I like the] Eagles because my family has always liked them, especially my dad and brother.”

Freshman Wyatt Cushman said, “[I support the] Eagles because when I was a kid, I was watching a game, and I liked the design on their helmets, so I stuck with them.”

The Eagles are have a record of five wins and four losses this season. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is having a great year for the Eagles in his campaign.

December 7, 2016

SPORTS

11

Hall of fame open for nominations By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame in the McDonough Sports Complex are being accepted until Jan. 31.

“It will have been 10 years since the last class of inductees, and there are many individuals that deserve recognition for their contributions,” said Justin Hoyt, Hudson Valley’s Athletic Director.

Members of Hudson Valley can submit nominations for former athletes, coaches, teams, an associate member or administrator who have contributed to the Valley through intercollegiate athletics in an exceptional capacity. Those interested can find the nomination form online.

Starting in 1979 and pausing in 2007, individuals such as coach Rudy Wurtemberger, student Russell Hilton, and the 1992-93 women’s basketball team are some of the inductees.

As of now, there are a total of 58 teams and individuals that

have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Wurtemberger, a 1979 inductee, coached at Hudson Valley from 1963-70. During that time he guided the baseball, soccer and golf to the Regional III championships, the soccer and golf teams more than once.

Hilton, a 1995 inductee and 1985 graduate, earned All-American honors in 1984 and 1985 for lacrosse, was named the NJCAA Player of the Year in 1985, was awarded the 1985 Eugene Devine Award, set records and received other honors.

The 1992-93 women’s basketball team, a 2003 inductee, won NJCAA Division II national title, finished the season 25-2 and won the Mountain Valley Conference and Region III titles.

The introduction into the Hall of Fame ceremony will be taking place along with Homecoming 2017, which will be announced at a later date.

FROM PAGE ONE

LENEHAN think I could get 44 points. This game it didn’t even feel like I had 44; I thought I only had, like, 20,” said Lenehan.

Lenehan’s success on the court started when he was in second grade playing Catholic Youth Organization Basketball. He continued playing until he transitioned to high school basketball while attending Duanesburg High School. Lenehan played three seasons on the varsity team at Duanesburg.

After high school, Lenehan decided to continue his basketball

career at Hudson Valley. “At first, I was looking at [Hudson Valley] because of the cost, and then I talked to the coach, and they seemed like a pretty good fit for me because it was close by,” said Lenehan.

The team currently has an overall record of five wins and four losses, with a conference record of two wins and one loss as of Dec. 2. They look to keep winning under the leadership of Lenehan. “[The season] started off a little rough, but we’re on a fourgame winning streak now, and

we’re picking it up and doing pretty good,” said Lenehan.

Lenehan’s second season for Hudson Valley has been a memorable one. “The NJCAA named Lenehan as one of the Athletes of the Week for Region III after his record-setting, 44-point performance against Schenectady County Community College.

Lenehan, who had 20 rebounds and seven blocks, as well as a 17-point and seven-rebound game against SUNY Adirondack, helped the Vikings earn two wins,” says Lenehan.

“I was surprised to win it.

It was really nice,” said Lenehan about being named athlete of the week.

Through eight games, Lenehan is averaging a double-double with 17.8 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 blocks per game and a field goal percentage of 52.3 percent. Lenehan is leading the Vikings in all four of these categories.

“Next year, I would like to go to at least a Division II school, but if I could do a Division I, that would be cool. I’d have to have a

good season for that. I wouldn’t mind going out of state,” said Lenehan.

One Division II school that Lenehan is considering is the College of Saint Rose. Lenehan looks to continue his success on the court as #23, and keep working towards being a complete, well-rounded player with the hopes of leading the Vikings to a conference.

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