Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Ball

The Beta Beta Pi Chapter's Ten Year Anniversary Ball

By: Corey Williams -- Oneonta NY.

The Beta Beta Pi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. had a formal ball in which they celebrated being established on the SUNY Oneonta campus for 10 years. The Beta Beta Pi chapter was founded on March 15th 2006 by seven men. The Founder of the chapter was Dr. Jonathan Mathis. The Chapter has had 10 lines in 10 years which is a hard accomplishment in a predominantly White institution. There are currently six brothers on the SUNY Oneonta campus which include bros from the Gamma, Zeta, and Eta line. The ball cost ten dollars to attend and was held in Hunt Union Ball Room on SUCO's campus. It was a full house at the event as alumni brothers and SUCO students filled all of the tables. Food was also provided which included pasta and salad to fill 100 plates.

The Ball included music, and videos showing all of the bros who passed through the chapter. It showed the programs and community service these bros put in when they attended the school. Awards were also given out to brothers that accelerated in certain positive aspect. These awards included most social, most scholarly, and brother of the year. Awards were also given to the best supporting fraternity and sorority to the chapter. There was also a competition on which male and female was best dressed at the event

There is much culture in this fraternity that has contributed to its success. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded on January 9th 1914 at Howard University In Washington D.C. The Fraternity first establish for African Americans which were  being segregated and oppressed. The Fraternity is historically African American which means any one can join it. The Fraternity is apart of the Divine Nine which were the first 5 Fraternities and 4 Sororities ever made for African Americans. These 9 Fraternities and sororities take part in traditions such as stepping, strolling, chants, hand signs, color schemes, and signature types of punches. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. also has a sister sorority within the Divine Nine called Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and is the only ones within the group who are constitutionally bound. The fraternity has four members that are presidents from the counties of Ghana, Nigeria, Libya and American president Bill Clinton. It also has over 200, 000 members and 700 chapters worldwide.

Behind The Eyes of A Poet

By: Daija Russell (Oneonta, NY)

Photo Via - Marissa Grace (PSA PR)

The Poetry Slam Association is a Student Association funded club at SUNY Oneonta. This student club was founded on October 24, 2001 by Alicia Francis, Jamie Manning, Robert Haggerty, George Castle and Robb Thibault. Every Wednesday at 5:00pm the Poetry Slam Association meets in Hunt Union, Union Square. All of the meetings are open to all of the students at SUNY Oneonta. This is a safe space, where students can come and share their personal work. Whether one knows how to write poetry or not, this is a place and time for all poetry lovers. If students just enjoy being around spoken word artist(s) and poet(s) they are welcome, if they want to learn how to write pieces or enhance their writing skills they are welcome as well. Not only is the Poetry Slam Association composed of that, they also host performance workshops and give students tips and tricks on how to improve their stage presence.

Photo Via - Marissa Grace (PSA PR)

Photo Via - Marissa Grace (PSA PR)

 When people attend the poetry slams they have no idea about what goes in to producing such a heartfelt slam. Each artist goes through their own struggles when it comes to performing/reading their own pieces on stage. The art of slam poetry is a full process. First, the individual has to figure out what subject they want to write about. Then, they have to write down the story that they want to tell and think of a creative way on how to present it. Once, the piece is written, the individual has to review the piece for “writing edits”, and then finalize it with “performing edits”. The final step is to practice, practice and practice. No matter how much an individual practices, every performance will be different depending on the audience and how that individual releases their energy on the stage.

Photo Via - Marissa Grace (PSA PR)

The President of the Poetry Slam Association, Stefan Mirvil, describe performing slam poetry to be a, “Mix of wild energy, a lot of anxiety, a lot of fire rushed up, like a lot of fire and pressure building up against you and you just expel it.” If the performer feels this way, can you imagine how the audience is receiving the fire and pressure being expelled? A slam poetry event is a once in a life time opportunity, meaning that every poetry slam is unique in its own way. It’s extremely rare that everyone in attendance will attend every poetry slam with the same poets sharing the same pieces. That is why the Public Relations Coordinator of the Poetry Slam Association said, “Slam poem is a beautiful shared experience with yourself, your fellow poets and the audience.” It is a special moment that cannot recreated nor duplicated, and Marissa said it best.

Photo Via - Marissa Grace (PSA PR)

The atmosphere during a poetry slam is hard to describe in words. The best advice that I could give you is to attend one for yourself and experience what I did, first hand. Don’t worry, it’s not too late! The next poetry slams will be on Wednesday March 30^th in the CME (Lee Hall), and April 20^th in Union Square of Hunt Union. Come out and see what all of the snaps are all about!

 https://youtu.be/MGfgccNPzMo 

https://youtu.be/owbnx0tdW9M

SUNY Oneonta's Information Technology services

By: Corey Williams--Oneonta NY

 Information Technology Services

SUNY Oneonta has a center called the Information and Technology Services that is located down in basement floor of Milne library. Information and Technology Services deal with the Universities critical data systems and technology. They also handle  email, Banner wireless networking, computer labs, my Oneonta web portal, desktop support, student accounts, web development and much more. We also assist students, faculty and staff with repairing and loaning equipment as well as removing viruses and malware. They provide students with free anti virus as well training with software and programs. They also assist in phone blackboard and internet connection problems.

There is sections within Information Technology Services that are delegated different task. One of these sections is called Tips. Tips educates students and help in programs such as is Microsoft Office:  Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word, and Outlook ,Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 and CS5, Adobe Premier, Adobe Elements,WordPress and much more. There are other sections such as Desktop Support that helps with any computer, laptop, equipment and hardware concerns or needs. Customer support Consultants are another group that deals with students faculty and staff that call in or walk in with a problem. They are also apart of the labs team which are responsible for any printer issues as well as change and replacing toner and paper in all residential and academic buildings on campus.  

 The the sections are separated in the library at three different areas within the basement. There are also two computer labs in the basement of the library within the technology center. The Tech-center Collaborative Computer Lab is where students can work together at the computer stations and interact. The lab has a total of 6 scanning station computers, two video edit stations and  two print kiosks. There are also black and white laser printers and a color laser printer. The Tabin Computer Lab is right beside the Collaborative Computer Lab within the basement and consists of 52 computers 10 of them using iMac the others using Microsoft Windows programming. They also deal with the computer lab located in Hunt Union where many students do work because of the Starbucks across from the lab.

The Information and Technology Services center is open in the fall, spring, and summer. Not only does it have professional staff but student staff as well. The Center gives many students the chance to prove themselves in a complex environment with difficult tasks. The student staff go through training for dealing with issues and solving various problems throughout the semester. There are also professors at the college that hold positions in Information and Technology Services. The center is always busy during the beginning of the fall semester when there are incoming freshman and transfers that need help adjusting to the system. The center continues to make changes in efforts to improve the quality of SUCO campus. The Information and Technology Services center not only deals with the Oneonta but Coopers Town, SUCO alumni, and retired staff. All of these services are of no charge and come with being affiliated with the campus. The center will be waiting in the library for anyone who needs help with answers to fix the problem. 

Jazzman's Looks to Make Students Less Stressed

Jazzman's Looks to Make Students Less Stressed

By: Trevor Mitchel

Milne Library on SUNY Oneonta Campus

Jazzman’s Café has been operating at the Milne Library at the SUNY Oneonta campus for as long as I’ve attended the school and a long time before then.  The main menu item that the students enjoy is a smooth, rich coffee.  Along with their coffee they also offer customers a wide variety of food which includes sandwiches, hot-pressed panini's, fresh soups and garden salads.  And on the few warm days that SUNY Oneonta experiences students enjoy real fruit smoothies from there also.  Jazzman’s serves as the perfect spot for everything from a heathly lunch to a delicious and energizing snack for all of the students studying and working.

Many of the employees at Jazzman’s are also students so they know how hard working the students at SUNY Oneonta are and how much they can help by selling coffee and food to them.  They also know that being kind and friendly to them can make someone’s day so much better.

“I know many of the students that come in can be stressed about school or something else so I always try to make their day better even if it’s just for the couple seconds while they are ordering or waiting for their food or drinks” said Kelsey Schneider who is one of the many student employees at working at Jazzman’s. “I know many of the students who are ordering are coming from the library or on their way there so it makes me happy to try to help them feel a little less stressed also.”

Jazzman's Cafe and Bakery

Jazzman’s also is a great place to hang out before class or in between classes when you have a break.  There are plenty of chairs and very comfortable couches that are great for just hanging out and talking to friends or even to get a little work done. “We try to encourage people to hang out in here and love see everyone hanging out with their friends here.  It’s also nice to see students trying to get work done in here, though sometimes in might not be the best place as it does get a little crowded in here at times. But we really try to make everyone feel comfortable while they are in here” said Steve Matteson who is a Manager at both Jazzman’s Café and at Mills Marketplace on campus.

“I come here every day between my classes just to hang out.  I usually meet up with a couple of friends here and just talk and grab a bite to eat while waiting for our next class to start” said Celine Laiacona, a SUNY Oneonta student.

Jazzmans Café really has the full package as it serves as a great place for students to relax, study, and grab some food or drinks at any time during the day. The employees really try to make everyone’s day better when they are in there and try to make students and everyone else as comfortable as possible.

Jazzman's Employees Helping Hard Working Students Get Through Their Day

Ryan Thorbjornsen - Oneonta, NY.

Jazzman’s Café & Bakery has been helping students make it through their strenuous work weeks for a long time now. It is located in the library on the SUNY Oneonta campus, making smooth, rich, coffee and artfully baked goods easily accessible for hard-working students. Jazzman's offers a wide menu that you'll find at no other specialty coffee house. You can find bakery classics alongside the latest in eclectic, casual far, freshly prepared on site and affordably priced for kids in college.

Jazzman's also offers the latest in sandwiches, hot-pressed panini's, fresh soups and garden salads. Plus it has a full array of cool blended coffee drinks, real fruit smoothies, and calming Republic of Tea beverages. Jazzman's is the perfect spot for students to get a hearty lunch or a re-energizing snack.

The employees working at Jazzman’s certainly understand the grind that students go through to get through the week, because they are students themselves. That is why they try to stay in high spirits and maintain a great attitude throughout their shifts.

“Being a student, I understand that some weeks can be really tough. Sometimes just one person helping you out or being nice can make your day. That’s what I try to accomplish when I’m working. Sometimes a kid just needs a laugh or to have a nice conversation to help him or her get through the day,” Kelsey Schneider, a SUNY Oneonta student and employee said.

The location of Jazzman’s definitely doesn’t hurt. It is located in the library so students that are working don’t have to go far to take a little break. They can step away from reality and step right into Jazzman’s. Whether they need a little pick-me-up with a delicious coffee or refuel with baked goods and fresh sandwiches, Jazzman’s has it covered.

“We’ve got everything a student could need. If they’re tired I can make them a nice coffee and if they’re hungry, we got all sorts of sandwiches and snacks they can get,” Becky Schmidtt, a SUNY Oneonta student and employee said.

“It’s nice how we’re in the library. Students that are studying don’t even need to leave to get a little snack or just escape from the stress. I know that I’m constantly stressing the amount of work I have to do some days, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to help some people out,” Schmidtt added.

Jazzman’s isn’t just a spot where you take your food and drinks and be on your way. There are confortable couches and chairs where students can simply relax for a little while and forget about all the work. Students can meet with friends, sit and chat, and enjoy what Jazzman’s has to offer together.

Then when their study break is complete, they can open up the doors and conveniently be right back in the library.

“I love coming here. I’m always here working in the library and it’s nice to have a place where I can grab a quick coffee. The best part is, I don’t even have to leave. I can just take a 10 second walk to Jazzman’s and avoid the weather that we all know Oneonta can bring us. And the people who work here are great. They are always happy and smiling, and can even help change a bad mood on some days” Rachel Mangus, a SUNY Oneonta student said.

The employees at Jazzman’s take pride in the work and know who they’re dealing with. Students have the ability to understand and sympathize with other students. That is what people like Schneider and Schmidtt are able to do and with their help, the students at Oneonta can make it through their day just a little easier. 

A Closer Look Into Chef Donna Bond's MyKitchen Career

Casey Riordan- Oneonta, N.Y.

Many Oneonta students have grabbed a bite to eat at MyKitchen located on the top floor in Mills, little do they know about the workers who work hard to keep things run smoothly.

Entrance to MyKitchen Located in Mills

 Someone who really stood out to me was Chef Donna Bond. No matter when I go there she constantly has a smile on her face and is willing to talk to anyone about anything. Chef Donna started working at SUNY Oneonta in 2007. She then made her way to work at MyKitchen 5 years ago and loved every second of it. Chef Donna started cooking at the age of sixteen and self taught herself everything she knows. She is known in MyKitchen for always making sure there is fresh cookies in the oven to satisfy students with the warmth of a cookie straight out of the oven.

Chef Donna showing off her baking skills

One thing that really stood out to me after interviewing Chef Donna was her love towards the students. She stated, " I love doing what I do and I love you kids, it makes my job so much more worth it." Hearing that made me very grateful to have staff members who care about the students and knowing that we make her day put a smile on my face.

Chef Donna can even be called a hero to some including the student's life she saved earlier in her career. She said that a student was choking on a meatball and she had to perform the heimlich. So now she says, "That is why I always cut my meatballs in half!"

Come on in to MyKitchen and make yourself something delicious to eat and get to know the staff members! Chef Donna is always willing to have a conversation and will guarantee put a smile on your face.

View from entrance of MyKitchen

Out with the Old In with the New

Samantha Butcher - ONEONTA, NY

A recent ownership change brings new challenges and successes to Roma Restaurant and Pizzeria in Sidney, NY. After being open for nearly eight years as Roma, in the last five months a new owner has taken over.  Sal Barresi's new position has not come easy but the results are constantly improving. 

Outside Roma Restaurant, Sidney

Barresi grew up on Long Island and began working as a dish washer for his uncles at a young age. After working in the business, over time he was able to work his way up.  One of his uncle's is a partner in the chain of Roma and Nina's restaurants in upstate, NY.  After opportunities arose at these establishments, Baressi took advantage and decided to move. 

Five months ago, the previous Sidney Roma owner was faced with the decision of retirement which ultimately led to Barresi being offered the job.  However, joining a business as a new boss can come with difficulties. 

"The hardest part is just trying to fix the wrongs that were done by the previous owner and just trying to become friends with everybody and get to know your employees," said Baressi on some of the biggest challenges he has faced so far. 

Cashier & Pizza counter inside Roma

The new owner has found working with a new, already established staff has been one of the toughest parts.  He is working on trying to better relationships with his entire staff. Fixing and improving on parts of the business has become a big priority.

After a short time, the staff and owner began working well together and the feeling of the overall work environment has improved. 

"I like my job now, I look forward to going to work.  I make real money now because things are much better," said Alexa Yoder, waitress at Roma.  

Yoder, along with many other employees, agrees that since Barresi has taken over many positive changes have been made. It has brought back the enjoyment of going to work and being a part of the "family" that has come to be.

As owner, Barresi is tasked with many things to keep the business running.  Among these are making sure orders are going out right, ordering supplies and food, taking care of all the banking and much more. He has plans of improvements for the restaurant, not only with the food and production, but appearance as well. He would like to make changes to the interior with new paint, possible carpeting and updating tables.

Side entrance to Roma

"So far everything is going great we still got a little ways to go to get it back to where it's been but I think it's gonna be a good climb for everybody, especially all my employees," said Baressi about the overall progress of the business and how things have been going.

While joining a business is not easy at first, Baressi continues to lead his staff and work together with them to achieve all that he would like to. With already made changes and future plans to continue progress, he is confidant that the restaurant is going to be the best it can. 

Matteson Hall SUNY Oneonta

Shanna Smith---Oneonta, NY

Matteson Hall, SUNY Oneonta

On campus there are many on campus jobs. Where students can work, make some extra cash, but also be willing to help others. A Resident Advisor or RA is the perfect job for someone that is passionate about helping their peers and being highly involved with campus life. When selecting the person that I wanted to interview for this article I went straight to RA Dan. Dan is kind, helpful, and always there to extend a hand when there may be a sticky situation. One time there was a GIANT bug in my room and Dan was there at midnight trying to kill it! Now that is someone that really cares. Dan has said that he "really enjoys his job", and that he is so glad that he got accepted into being a RA.

What some of you might not know is that being selected into being a RA is not easy. Dan and his fellow co workers had to go to many training sessions and other time consuming interest meetings. There are a lot of steps that need to be completed before actually getting the job. Also I personally know many people that went through training, and all the interest meetings, and forms, and then did not get the position. Or they got wait listed. There are many college students that want this job for the wrong reasons to name a few, free room and board, to live in a single, and to have some type of higher power for from your peers. You should want the job if you are like Dan, someone that cares.

With this job comes many hard situations. We are in college, and with that comes crazy college kids. Dan has to basically make sure that the building when he is on duty is safe and the people in it are safe.

With this job also what they have to do is sit in the lobby of the hall and make sure that people are supposed to be in the building. They help people with their mail, and even plan events in the common lounge.

I look forward to updating everyone with more information on RA Dan in my next story! Until then look into if being a RA is for you!

The Life of an RA

Nick O'Connor-- Oneonta, New York

There are multiple Residential Advisers here at SUNY Oneonta. In Matteson Hall one specific advisor comes to mind. Shelby Cleveland is a 20 year old education major here at Oneonta. This RA has made an impact on almost every one of her residents lives. Shelby came to Matteson as an RA in only her second semester as a student and has been one ever since for the past five semesters. "I wanted to get involved on campus and challenge my leadership abilities. I wanted to help people and make an impact on my residents lives" said Shelby. She has loved every moment of her almost three years here. "My favorite part about being an RAis getting close to residents, becoming friends and getting involved in their lives naturally. I also like being there for them and I love when residents need me for things, it makes me feel important."

Residential Advisers have a huge impact on their residents. Shelby deals with all types of problems throughout the hall, however not everything that happens is necessarily a problem. "I speak to residents about academic, social, and personal issues. I hold programs in which residents can learn new information from. We ultimately want to build a community throughout the halls."

RA Shelby's time here at Oneonta is almost up. As mentioned earlier she is in the education program and is about to begin her time as a student teacher, caring for another set of people, no longer her residents, all though I'm sure she still will care for her students. She has multiple ideas for what to do after her graduation, which is coming up fast as she will graduate after the fall semester of 2016. "I want to go to grad school in probably reading or immediately apply for a teaching job, we'll see what happens." With all the experience she has in all different types of fields and being an RA, it should definitely help her out in the long run.

Problems definitely occur while she was on the job. She has had to diffuse some situations in her time being an RA such as dealing with typical alcohol incidents as well as incidents involving drugs. Every situation is different, however she has found ways to help out all of her residents and if she could not help then she would get somebody to help her out. Whether that person is in the health center or academic advisement. "You learn to be empathetic with residents."

Unfortunately, this will be RA Shelby's last semester here with us in Matteson. In any hall actually because she is looking to pursue her career in teaching and get a student teaching job which will take up most of her free time. She is going to miss being an RA but is excited to take the next step in her life and pursue her goal. "I'm going to miss seeing my favorite people every day, from my residents to my staff, Matteson is my home." Everyone here in Matteson knows she will be great at whatever she decides to do next.

The One and Only, Jimmy T's!

KRYSTAL HERBSTMAN-- ONEONTA, NY

Jimmy T's Logo. (c) Google Images 

Jimmy T’s Cocktail lounge is one of the most legendary hangouts in Oneonta. Loved by the community as well as the college students, Jimmy T’s never fails to bring out the genuine happiness of all of the people who enter. The dedicated and fun couple Jimmy and Anna, always devote their time and energy into owning a place that people are sure to find their nights excitement at. Not only do they offer an unforgettable bar experience, but they are also a tasty restaurant.

Owner and Bartender, Anna. (c) Google Images

Before Jimmy T’s was the notorious cocktail lounge, it was called the Aquarium which Jimmy and Anna share amazing memories of a piranha being the iconic decoration behind the bar. Jimmy reminisces about the memorable nights where people would bring in fishbowls that were purchased in the early parts of the semester. Jimmy offered a deal where people would have the choice to have a goldfish swim in their drink, and then they would publicly devour the goldfish for their friends and fellow colleagues to watch. Also, the Aquarium would offer challenges where friends could team up to compete against other friend groups to acquire victories that would last a lifetime.

Furthermore, Jimmy and Anna are also the caring and reliable landlords of the Ruffino’s Apartments that are located above the bar. I am personally very excited to get to experience living in these beautiful apartments in the upcoming year, with an amazing and convenient location while being fortunate enough to live somewhere that I know is safe and well kept. Jimmy and Anna prioritize their tenants and always make sure that everything is exactly the way the students need it to be, while living in a crazy college town.

Ruffino's Pizzeria and Restaurant. (c) Google Images

Jimmy’s brother owns the pizza place next door to the bar, called Ruffino’s Pizza place. Jimmy mentions how it is an amazing experience to share an infamous location with his family, and that it is also really fun to be running two well known places together.

Bartender, Glen Carey. (c) March 2016

I am lucky to also be close friends with one of the bartenders at Jimmy T’s, Glen Carey, who experiences nothing short of a respectful and committed relationship with Jimmy and Anna. Glen notes that his shifts are always a good time, which is a lucky aspect to have as a college job. Every weekend I always expect to hear “everyone come through to Jimmy’s, it is going to be a good time!” from Glen, and to say this is true- is an understatement. Glen mentions how it is usually an annoyance to work while trying to fufill the college expereince at the same time, but working at Jimmy T's makes this combination easy. 

Although Jimmy and Anna are constantly working several jobs- they enjoy giving college students an amazing experience that they will never forget. We only experience college once, and I know that Jimmy T’s will be a place that I will never forget. Thank you, Jimmy and Anna for being two of the most exciting and dedicated people I know. 

THE BEST JOB ON CAMPUS by Joel Bruno

The best job on campus, period. That's what a lot of students of Suny Oneonta believe when asked about working for Intramurals program which is ran by Tom DiMeo. Tom has been in charge of intramurals since the 1980's.  After having an interview with the boss himself, I asked him what makes this job so desirable? He simply answered by saying, "its the workers who make it desirable.. Most of the workers have a passion for sports, maybe even all of them do."

 The workers make the job desirable because of their passion of sports. I asked fellow oneonta student and intramural work Aaron Quast to describe the "passion" his boss was talking about. He responded by saying, "Its fun and we have great chemistry so that adds on to it.. and sports brings people together so I have had the chance to make a lot of new friends, as a worker and teammate."

The Intramural program at Suny Oneonta has a variety of sports. From sports in the fall that include five on five basketball, football, softball, volleyball, soccer, and wally-ball. The majority of the sports have a men's and women's league and also a co-rec league. There also two divisions, an A division and B division. A is usually for students who want to compete at the highest level while the B division is for students who are looking to just have fun and not really take the sport too serious. 

I went around campus asking Suny Oneonta Students what appeals to them of playing intramurals and also wanting to work for the program as well, I can say I got alot of good responses. I asked former player of the men's basketball team Tyler Major of the difference in playing intramurals to when he was on the team. He said "playing five on five for intramurals was fun, I was surprised of the competition and how serious people take it, and also surprised of the talent of kids who weren't even on the team." I then asked Freshman Christian Dale who applied to work for intamurals this past fall semester but got denied, on why he wanted the job so badly. He replied, " The workers don't really have to do anything but play sports or ref the sports, or even sometimes they just keep scores and get to watch games of whatever sport." That doesn't sound to bad Christian.

Suny Oneonta students will do anything for this job. I asked Tom how many applications he gets a semester, he replied, " I get about 100 to 200 a semester." That's only for students who know about the job. He went on to tell me that he has gotten bribed before by some students to get hired. 

In all This Is The Best Job On Campus. 

Take a Step Back in Time at The Underground Attic

by Brittany Rohrssen, Oneonta NY

Entrance to the store

Oneonta has quite a few thrift stores in town including Shakedown Street, and the Salvation Army among other clothing stores like McLaughlin’s and Maxwell’s, but none of these stores are quite as original as The Underground Attic. Located on Main Street, above Root's Brewing Company, this quaint vintage thrift store is a little known gem of Oneonta. The store is owned and operated by SUNY Oneonta alumni Elizabeth Raphaelson. Elizabeth opened the store in January of 2014. She started selling vintage pieces of clothing and other nik naks on the popular webstore, Etsy in 2010 and originally bought the loft space in Oneonta as a storage unit for her merchandise. Shortly after renting out the space she decided to begin selling her items out of the loft as well as on Etsy. With a few coats of paint and some seriously beautiful décor, The Underground Attic was born.

Owner, Elizabeth Raphaelson, graduated from Oneonta in 2014 as a fashion major but she spent her first two years of college studying music at Potsdam. After graduating college, she began collecting vintage clothes from all over the world. She’s traveled all across the country and has acquired pieces from as early as the late 1890’s. I spoke to two employees in the store, Spencer Sherry, 21, and Melissa Darling, 19. They both commented on how amazing Elizabeth was to work with. Sherry said, “shes 23 so its like hanging out with a friend. She's very happy and generous and carefree.” Sherry and Raphaelson actually had been friends since high school and he is responsible for helping her open the store and has worked their alongside her ever since.

Some of the clothes on display.

Display set

This store is unlike the other thrift shops in town because Elizabeth offers her customers clothing and items that cannot be found anywhere else. In the store, it’s not uncommon to find items like 1920’s flapper dress, old military uniforms, old fur coats, civil war clothing, more hats than you can count, purses, and jewelry. The cost of these beautiful pieces range anywhere from $10-$500. Sherry comments, “its vintage, more of a boutique and its historical and Elizabeth knows the history behind every item.”

I got a chance to speak to Spencer and Melissa individually and I asked them what their favorite part about working in the store was. Both had a hard time picking just one aspect of the laid back job that they enjoyed the most. Melissa came to the conclusion, “my favorite part of working here is the atmosphere, its so relaxed.” Spencer said something along the same lines by saying, “such cool people come into the store, they have such distinct, interesting personalities. There’s a certain couple that always comes and brings old fashion magazines to discuss the clothing in the magazine with Elizabeth.” The store is not yet well-known but they have a lot of repeat customers that now know the employees and Elizabeth on a first-name basis. Melissa and Spencer both showed me their favorite pieces in the store. Melissa’s was a slinky, black cocktail dress lined with faux fur at the top from the 1960’s and Spencer’s favorite is a large, red, beautifully embroidered opera coat from 1900.

1900 Opera Coat

1960's cocktail dress

Walking into this store is truly like taking a step back in time. Elizabeth has done an amazing job of turning a bland loft into a beautifully decorated vintage shop unlike any other. Be sure to stop by and take a look at the amazing pieces she's carefully selected.