Rock Out For A Great Cause!

Rock Out For A Great Cause!

A picture collage of Tyler DeMarco

Jason Horn 

February 16, 2016 - Hunt Union Ballroom

(Oneonta, NY) - On Tuesday, February 16, Hunt Union Ballroom hosted the annual Rock to Cure event which paid homage to a child that has passed away from brain cancer at the young age of just ten years old. SUNY Oneonta graduate Ryan DeMarco teamed up with the Music Industry club to raise money for cancer research in honor of his younger brother, Tyler DeMarco. 

Rock to Cure sets out to create a community focused on utilizing the arts, music and other activities to raise and support awareness of cancer research and other causes to students. They had fantastic bands that stole the stage. SUNY Oneonta student Rachael Soluri is involved in a band called Nobody's Babe and was the first act of the night to perform. "It's always good to support a good cause." said Soluri.                                                                   

James Boss, student at SUNY Oneonta and friend of Ryan DeMarco was excited to come to this event. "I'm really looking forward to seeing a lot of money raised for cancer research in honor of Tyler. Tonight should be a great night." 

Kyle Nuel, also a student at SUNY Oneonta said "It's really great to be able to support a cause through music. There's an amazing community feel attached with it.                                               

Rock to Cure turned out to be a massive success while combining a love for music and raising money to help those in need for the future. 

#ACOUSTAPALOOZA

By: Daija Russell - (Oneonta, NY)

On February 19, 2016 the SUNY Oneonta Student Association club, “Pitched Slapped”, hosted their AcoustaPalooza night in the

Photo Via: Daija Russell

Hunt Union Waterfront Room. They had featured artist such as Secret Beaches, Genique, Heeler Heeler, and Cadosia! This was definitely a night to remember.

Not only did they keep your attention with live performances, they had refreshments and a free-standing photo-booth. The sound was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing, and the people were just amazing. If you don’t believe me you should check it out for yourself, #ACOUSTAPALPPZA2016.

The passion for music just filled the air. Their set-up was compared to a college student’s dorm room with LED lights, and saucer/bean bags, and rugs. Pitched Slapped succeeded at creating a welcoming and relaxing environment.

Photo Via: Daija Russell

Photo Via: Daija Russell

 Megan McGuinness, the Pitch Slapped President, shared her happiness with me as she watched her event succeed and put smiles on the college student’s faces as well as the Oneonta community. The room was packed with friends, family members, faculty/administration, and music lovers. This is definitely an event where you should have been there. I could write till I’m blue in the face but the next time this event comes around I suggest you attend, so you can experience it for yourself. Go to #ACOUSTAPALPPZA2016 for more documentaries of this event!

NYC's Finest 'Bodega': Your Go To Bodega

By Rene Lantigua (WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY) --

In New York City, there's a special term of endearment in which we have with our local neighborhood grocery stores. You may know such a location as a mere 'deli', 'convenience store', 'supermarket' or 'mom and pop store'. But in Washington Heights and many other areas in NYC, this location is affectionately known as a "Bodega'.

Below is my trip to the local center of my neighborhood where every kid gets their start.

 

Ever since I could remember the 111 Audubon Food Corp has been on the corner of the Washington Heights block of 171^st Street on Audubon Avenue. If you are from New York City in the predominately uptown area of Manhattan called Washington Heights corner stores referred to as “bodegas” is a business you see on every other neighborhood block.

 

For those of you who are wondering what a bodega is, well it is just another name for a convenience store. A name that roots from Latino culture and the Spanish language. When you visit a bodega you may find many products that are shipped in from places around the country and world.

 

Now what is it about the 111 Audubon Food Corp that makes it different from the other bodegas around its neighborhood. This is what one of their frequent customer had to say “This bodega is like a home. I have 30 years coming here. They treat you like their own family. There’s nothing inconvenient here, we take care of them and they take care of us. Everyone feels good. Not only that, we are also from the same country, Dominican Republic.” - Vitalino Jimenez

 

Some would say it is the sense of family and community that makes the bodega stand out from the others. While some say it’s the availability and proximity that makes it a good bodega. “It is a great experience, I’ve been coming here ever since I moved back from Dominican Republic. I get everything I need from the store. I don’t need to go to the store to get anything else, I just come up the block. They have what I need, it is definitely a good experience.” - Jason Lantigua

 

Not only are the customers at the 111 Audubon Food Corp happy but also their employees. This is what George Taveras had to say about his experience working in the bodega. “What I like most about my job is the companionship. They are my bosses yet they treat their employees like brothers. This is obviously a family. All the years I’ve been spent here we have familiarized ourselves with the people in the community. Even you, I’ve known you since you were small.”

 

If you happen to be in the Washington Heights area one day make sure you stop at this bodega. They don’t have the “111” on their title for any reason. This most of been their way of emphasizing that they are number 1, and it seems like they aren’t lying about it either.

 

111 Audubon Food Corp (c) 2016
 photo by Rene Lantigua



Inside of Audubon Food Corp (c) 2016
 photo by Rene Lantigua

 

The Student Association Activities Council Has Done It Again!

By- Daija Russell (Oneonta, NY)

Photo Via- Daija Russell

The Student Association Activities Council of SUNY Oneonta has done it again! Hosted another successful event that is! On February 15, 2016 the Activities Council was able to book Rajiv Surendra aka "Kevin G" from the movie "Mean Girls". It was definitely a site to see as the Hunt Union Ballroom filled up with exciting fans. Not only did Rajiv Surendra come and present a lecture, he also hosted an question and answer segment, and gave exceptional life changing advice to the college students at SUNY Oneonta.

The Student Association Activities Council works hard to bring extraordinary events to campus for the students, and this was one of them. All of the long days, at conferences, in the office, making phone calls, and negotiating contracts has finally paid off. When asked, how do you feel after such a successful event, they simply replied "proud".

Photo Via- Daija Russell

Photo Via- Daija Russell

During this great lecture Rajiv Surendra, took pictures and signed posters as memorabilia for his fans. The students of SUNY Oneonta said that this event was, "Great, exciting, amazing, interesting and life changing.

Not only did Rajiv Surendra do an excellent job this night, he also gave the crowd what they wanted by reciting the rap, for the famous "Mean Girls" movie. The crowd stayed slightly quiet during the beginning and then roared the famous lines of, "Oh Kevin G." (which can be viewed in the short clips below.

With that being said the Student Association Activities Council has done it again and will continue to work hard in order to please the student body!

FROM SUIT & TIES RIGHT UP TO THE COURTSIDE

By Daija Russell - (Oneonta, NY)

 For the first time in history on February 2, 2016, the Student Association Senate President, Kai Malik, made a drastic adjustment to the upcoming meeting. The President canceled the meeting and reserved spots at the historical “Battle of the Red Dragons” event, so that the entire Student Association could finally cheer on their team and show off their school pride.

Photo Via- Oneonta.edu

Every Tuesday night at 6:30pm, several students make the sacrifice to sit in the Waterfront room in Hunt Union, for hours at a time to make a difference on campus. It has been brought the Student Association’s attention that the athletic department does not feel supported by them, due to the lack of their physical presence. But that all changed on Tuesday February 9, 2016. After handling business of course, every member went from their suit and ties and then right up to the court-side!

Photo Via- Daija Russell

Photo Via- The Student Association

It is in true fashion that the Student Association works hard and plays hard as well. Now some outsiders looking in may say, “It’s just like the Student Association Senate to always reserve a spot and get special treatment”. What SUNY Oneonta students fail to realize is that their Student Association makes daily sacrifices so that every student could have a better experience during their time here. Even though they canceled their meeting on Tuesday, thus increasing next week’s agenda, it was all worth it.

The students were able to see their support as well as the athletes. This day will definitely be a memorable one and hopefully it will become a Student Association Tradition. Now that the game is over is back into suit and ties… until next time.  

Photo Via- The Student Association

Music Industry Club Rocks to Cure for Tyler

Music Industry Club Rocks to Cure 

by Zach Vaccaro-- (Oneonta, NY)

Concert goers flock to the stage in the Hunt Union ballroom

Tuesday, at the Hunt Union Ballroom, Oneonta students came together for a great cause. In an amazing effort to raise money for The Tyler DeMarco Foundation, the Music Industry Club and Rock to Cure put on a great show sure to be remembered by those who attended. The doors opened at 7 and the crowd rushed in to see some great bands rocking out in Tylers honor.

Watermedown, Chase Huglin , and Oneonta's own Nobody's Babe, rocked out with the schools Accapella group Pitchslapped. However, the real reason everyone was there was to raise money for the foundation. Ryan DeMarco, older brother of Tyler, and former SUNY Oneonta Student was present for this years benefit.  Ryan says he started the foundation after his brother passed away in February of 2010. Ryan has been raising money with a group of volunteers, donating over $100,000 dollars to children's Cancer research at St. Judes as well as the Private Room Project at Albany Medical Center.  

Henry Flores a SUNY Oneonta student who said he had a great time rocking out for "a wonderful cause" alongside many other Oneonta students at Hunt Union.  Also present at the event was SUNY Oneontas Charlie Clemons who thought the "crowd was having a great time" and the bands were "on point!".  

Ryan Demarco (left) alongside fellow volunteers 

Art Gallery at Suny Oneonta by Edwin Jimenez 

The Martin-Mullen Art Gallery

The independent spirit event will be going on in the fine arts building in the SUNY Oneonta campus. The gallery will be open until March 18th. The independent spirit show painting with many different shapes, sizes, and different " popping " colors.

Ian Austin the creator of " a flurry of face masks ", made a artwork with demons masks. It was the only art work in the gallery that grabbed everyone's attention, I interview Nahomy Reyes, and asked her about the Ian Austin artwork. She responds by saying " the art work could be frightening, it really grabbed my attention once I walked in"

Everyone should try to attend the independence spirit, the gallery would be open for the public till March 18th, 2016. Come support your local artists.

A Rock To Cure And Mic Benefit Show

Kali Herbstman -- Oneonta, NY

On Tuesday February 16th, many people from different organizations gathered to see A Rock to Cure and Mic Benefit Show.  Tickets were sold for $2 at the door, although donations were accepted as well.  All the donations that were received went straight to the Tyler Demarco Foundation. The money is directly used to fund Cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to cure Medulloplastoma, which is the disease that took Tyler Demarcos life at such a young age. 

© Tylerdemarcofoundation.com

I was able to interview many people walking into the show to see what they had to say about the event going on.  Danielle Razukiewicz explained, "I have a friend in pitch slapped and i'm really exited to see what they have to offer. its my first time here this semester, and i'm really excited!"

Danielle Razukiewicz (left), Mackenzie Biggers (right) © Kali Herbstman

"My name is Sarah Metzler and i just went into the event for a little while, until you asked to interview me, and i actually think the event is really great because its a bunch of organizations that came together to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research and i like the fact that the person that started the foundation for his brother came back as an alumni to make sure that all of these organizations came together and were able to work together to raise money. Im really happy with the turnout!" After speaking with Sarah I realized that the founder of this organization was actually at the event.  He was kind enough to speak with us and tell us about his journey of making this foundation as great as it is today.

Zeke Kubinski (Left), Sarah Meltzer (Right) © Kali Herbstman

Right before I left the event, I was able to speak with Zeke Kubinski and see what his insight was about the event. "Its going really great. i'm having a great time, i'm liking a lot of the bands performing, and it looks like it will be a great night!"

Hearing all of the positive things that people had to say about this event really made the night even more enjoyable.  The bands were awesome, and its safe to say that everyone had a great time supporting an amazing foundation.

Local Artist Show Their Great Talent at the Independent Spirit

By Amir Smith-Oneonta, NY

By: Christine Heller

SUNY Oneonta campus is hosting the Independent Spirit in the fine arts building. The gallery consists local artist who contributed to this gallery with their great work. The are gallery had many different pieces from paintings, pictures, sculptures, masks, films, oil paintings and more. This is a picture of a mural of refugees and captures suffering and the pain they feel.

By: Allison Hill-Edgar

Some pieces were abstract and very creative while others were clear and very detailed to the point where some drawings looked like they were taken by a camera. This picture is great because it is abstract but we can still see what the artist tried to capture. The artist said "I just try to capture the beauty and essence of the body, and I explore the body through art" and we can see that here. The artist uses women and men body parts to show us that everyone is beautiful no matter the body parts.

By: Lisbeth Firmin

This was my favorite piece in the museum, it was something that I could relate to growing up in the city and having to take the train. The artist captured something one of many things that happens everyday in New York City. It was detailed to understand what was going on but vague enough to not be able to see faces and signs. I interviewed a visitor named Michael Howard observing this picture and asked his thoughts on the picture and he said, "This is an interesting picture because it is very clear but at the same time abstract in a way, we see how the city life is captured because of the train while it is in the station but we cannot actually see a clear sign or face" it was interesting to hear what someone from the outside had to say.

This gallery showed us a great amount of diversity of styles and to making art, and had artist that participated that have been painting for many years and others who have just begun. After asking a student that works in the museum about the success of the museum here is what he said,"The turnout has been great, opening night it was a full house and even during the day we get a lot of people stopping by to observe" The gallery will be open until March 18, 2016 and it is open for any one to come by and visit.

SUNY Oneonta Welcomes Rajiv Surendra

ONEONTA, NY—Adia Watts

"I'm not very good at introductions," was how the audience in Hunt Union Ballroom was introduced to the speaker of the evening. 

Photo courtesy of SUNY Oneonta

Rajiv Surendra—also known as mathlete Kevin Gnapoor in Mean Girls—has been very busy since his debut in 2004. 

On Monday, the actor spoke to students at SUNY Oneonta about what he's been doing since the cult classic, as well as the best ways to chase dreams, reach goals, and find oneself. 

Surendra began with a story about how he pursued the role of Piscine Patel, the main character of Life of Pi. Being an Indian-Canadian man, he had been searching for roles he could relate to that were not the stereotypical roles most Indian people are subject to. These roles included characters like terrorists, employees of overseas call centers, and "nerdy math kids."

After reading the book, Surendra felt that he could relate to Piscine because of the similarities between them. He noted that they both grew up near a zoo, went to the University of Toronto, and had family from South India. Following this realization, Surendra immersed himself fully into obtaining this role, saying he wanted to "become Pi."

The audience followed Surendra on his wild journey as he spoke about dropping out of college to move to Pondicherry, India, where Life of Pi is set. He contacted the principle of the school that Pi attended in the book and attended classes there everyday.

While at the school, he befriended some Indian boys whom he studied in order to learn "what it meant to be Indian." Surendra watched the way they walked, spoke English, ate, and even how they sat in their classrooms when the weather was too hot. 

"Like any adventure," Surendra said, "you don't really know what your destination is."

Photo courtesy of Adia Watts

Following his long journey—which included tracking down survivors of being adrift in the ocean, a major part of the Life of Pi— Surendra was devastated to learn that the part he prepared for six years had been given to someone else, someone who wasn't even an actor. 

This news propelled him to run away to Munich, Germany and take a job as an au pair, or a foreign nanny. Surendra said that he had spent six years becoming Pi, so he used his time in Munich to "become me."

A sentiment that lots of college students have also struggled with, Surendra said he created this speech especially with young adults in mind. 

Photo courtesy of degrassi.wikia.com

"I felt like more than any other age group ... college kids would benefit from it the most because I embarked on this journey when I was in college. And it's a time of life when kids are trying to still figure out what they want to do with their life and when they finish college, they're kind of faced with the big open door of 'What now?'" 

Surendra wants college students to realize that life may take many different paths, but "eventually it will all come together."

Rajiv Surendra Brings A Smile To Everyone's Face!

By Shanna Smith (Oneonta, NY)

This Monday SUNY Oneonta was given a special treat! Rajiv Surendra or as some like to call "Kevin G" hosted a event at the Charles W. Hunt College Union.Now for those of you that do not know who this "Kevin G" is, he was a character played in the American classic "Mean Girls". Everyone who has watched this movie before knows his famous rap. But this rap was not the only topic that he spoke about in this event,  he is way more than just a funny character.

Above is a picture taken from the movie "Mean Girls", and to the right is a picture of Rajiv Surendra speaking at a event. A lot of people that went to this event said that they only came because this guy was in "Mean Girls", but what some folks also said was that after the event was complete they were glad they went for him as a person. Rajiv Surendra not only brought smiles to everyone's face left the audience feeling like nothing is impossible.

After the event was over I got to speak with Erin Chase. Erin had a lot to say about this event. Not only was she extremely happy she attended the event, but she felt a sense of motivation to do good in her own world. Erin said " I was so sad to hear that after Rajiv Surendra tried so hard to get that role for the movie "Life Of Pi", he ended up getting a rejection email...but what I loved about it was that he never gave up his dream". I agree with Erin, he might not have gotten the role but he gained knowledge. Knowledge by traveling the world, meeting new people,  and now being a motivational speaker. Rajiv Surendra not only just came to Oneonta to speak to our students, he goes all over the United States to colleges. He wants to spread his message around to people that might need a bit of uplifting!

Hartwick Overnight Program

By Michaela Davies- ONEONTA NY

This week the annual Hartwick overnight program is in session as up to 26 Hartwick hopefuls flock to the college on the hill, with hopes of obtaining a real life college experience.

The program includes 3 dining experiences in the food hall, the opportunity to sit in on a class of their choice depending on what interests them, a seminar with all H.O.P students and a stay over night with a Hartwick student. Geneen Botton, director of the program said “[This program] is designed for the students to get a greater understanding of how college operates and hopefully give them an enjoyable experience here at Hartwick.” Along with Botton, there are also a number of students involved in the piecing together of the program most of which happen to be athletes and Residential advisors. 

Kirsty Walker Nursing Student ready to host
Photo By Michaela Davies (c) 2016

Liam Brown RA of Leitzell Hall and H.O.P assistant
Photo By Michaela Davies (c) 2016

H.O.P has been running for over 20 years now and has proven to be extremely successful.  A senior host Marc Summy actually participated in the program before he committed to Hartwick almost 4 years ago and still claims it to be “beneficial to prospective students”.  

As the high school students eagerly gather in Yager Hall this weekend, there will be just as many nervous parents gathering around to wish them luck. A complementary afternoon tea is provided for the parents with tea and coffee and snacks courtesy of ARAMARK commons.

Yager Building. Meeting place for H.O.P Students
Photo by Michaela Davies (c) 2016

“We are expecting the weekend to run smoothly and ultimately gain future Hartwick student” Botton said.

This program welcomes college hopefuls from all over. Application forms are found on the Hartwick website at http://www2.hartwick.edu/hopregistration whilst Hartwick’s admissions are happy to answer any question and help with any additional information on: 888-HARTWICK (888-427-8942) or 607-431-4150.

An Exclusive Look Inside a Terps Spring Show Practice

By Brittany Rohrssen -- (Oneonta, NY)

Every semester, over 30+ choreographers audition their dances to be apart of the Terpsichorean Dance Company's sold out show. On average, only 16-17 dances are selected to be apart of the semester's show. I got a chance to talk to two of the choreographers that were lucky enough to be chosen for the upcoming 2016 spring show. Amber Talbot, grad student, and Matt O'Sullivan, senior, have taken an interesting approach on the typical jazz dance and have turned it into an exciting, creepy routine focusing on everyone's "worst nightmare." Amber described the dance to me by saying, "it starts out with Brittany (me) as our scared child who wakes up in the middle of the night to see her dolls coming alive, which starts the creepy sequence of the dance."

Matt and Amber teaching their dancers.

The audition process for a dance to make it into the show involves a strict, time consuming two weeks of dancers auditioning for choreographers pieces and then once dancers have been selected, the dances audition for E-board.

Matt and Amber have until the end of April to bring their ideas to life and teach their dancers. At the end of April, the entire company goes through "hell week," which consists of rehearsing the show from beginning to end twice a day, Thursday through the following Wednesday until the show opens on April 28, at 8pm in Goodrich Theater.


If you're interested in seeing Matt and Amber's completed dance, along with 15 other amazing dances the dates of this semesters show are April 28th-30th. Tickets go on sale to the public a week before the show.

Art Gallery at Suny Oneonta By: Joel Bruno

Oneonta has opened up its Art Gallery to the public with some nice art work being submitted for showcase. Many artist who weren't limited to just being Oneonta students were allowed to put their artwork in the gallery. The artworks that were submitted were from artist around the upstate area. I interviewed local fan Tom Dimeo on how he feels about the art gallery when it opens up year to year. He responded by saying "it always looks great.. wonderful pieces of art that I just can't figure out how they do it.. incredible work." 

Ian Austin - Face Mask

Ian Austin made a flurry of face masks that stood out. The masked seemed to be the skulls of dead demons or animals out of this world. It was safe to say that his artwork stood out a little more than others. I Interviewed fellow Oneonta student Aaron Quest on his thoughts about Ian Austin's face masks. He responds by saying "they scare the crap out of me." I guess with all this artwork there is going to be some that frighten people. 

Some art made lasting impressions with the audience. Fellow Oneonta student Rouge Campbell made this fine piece of art. I asked her what was her meaning behind this art piece as she says, "I wanted people not see color anymore, but I still wanted them to see the black and white shades of the human body... its more of a message for young kids growing up to see everyone equal." Thats a strong message if you ask me.

Rouge Campbell - Shades of The Body 

The atmosphere was very mellow throughout the showcase. Even bronx resident Randy Porter got a chance to view the art gallery as he was visiting one his friends who attends Suny Oneonta. I asked Mr. Porter how he feels about the art gallery, as he responds by saying, " I really like it, the mask really stand out to me." 

Rene Hernandez - Manchef

You got it here first with Joel Bruno and thanks to all the local artist out there for their artwork. Joel Bruno logging Out! 

Secret Beaches Takeover the Black Oak: Alex Kaufman

Secret Beaches Takeover the Black Oak (Oneonta, NY)

Alex Kaufman

Last night at 10:30 Secret Beaches performed along with several other groups at the Black Oak.  Frontman and singer, Justin Babbino, had played numerous gigs in his life and he was far from nervous with this one.  His raw charisma allows him to maintain his audacity and to keep the crowd on their feet.  

Greg Chieco, Beaches' drummer, is an expert at keeping time and being an innovator with fills and rolls.  Slade, bassist and rapper, gives the band a creativity that separates them from other groups.  Slade is a master at the walking bass and building a strong and heavy rhythm section with Chieco.  Brian Gipson, the band's guitarist, is no amateur.  Gipson knows how to perfect solos within his own style and show the crowd some cool licks.  

Secret Beaches played for approximately forty-five minutes.  Their set consisted of mostly originals, including a popular track, "Son of a Beach."  Beaches sound can best be described as a taste of Punk, Alternative Rock, and a Jam Band.  As per routine, frontman, Babs dedicated "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley to an audience member (Paul Benjamin).  

The band certainly has a bright future ahead of them due to their musical talent and experience.  If you didn't make this show, there will be definitely be another one in a few weeks!