SUNY Plattsburgh’s independent student newspaper since 1997
FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2020
VOLUME 103 - ISSUE 6
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AUDREY LAPINSKI/Cardinal Points
Drag queen Etta Belle walks with a print dress and rainbow boa in Plattsburgh’s fifth annual Pride Parade last Saturday. The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance worked with the Clinton County Health Department and Plattsburgh Police Department in order to hold a parade safely during the pandemic.
Pride Parade celebrates fifth year
BY FERNANDO ALBA Editor in Chief
Pride doesn’t die in a pandemic. If anything, it gets stronger. The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance proved that last Saturday when it held its fifth annual Pride Parade, which it holds every October to celebrate the beginning of LGBTQ+ History Month. So much of this year’s celebration was changed. It wasn’t held at Trinity Park like in previous years. Instead, the parade shifted to a rolling parade, where participants met at the Durkee Street parking lot and fitted their cars with all sorts of pride decorations
before hitting the parade route that ended at the U.S. Oval. Executive Director Kelly Metzgar said that leading up to its fifth parade, the ANCGA felt it had the planning process down pat, and that it would do something different for its fifth celebration, but the COVID-19 pandemic presented all sorts of new obstacles for it to navigate. “I always said for our fifth year that we should do something special,” Metzgar said. “But I never planned on this. This is different.” When in-person events were being canceled en masse back in March, the ANCGA kept the parade tentatively scheduled for October like usual, hoping
that the virus would be under control by the fall. But it wasn’t, so it needed alternatives. Keene, New York, residents held their own rolling parade back in June earlier this year to celebrate Pride Month. ANCGA members were also there and that’s when Metzgar thought the car parade would be a possible alternative. “Why can’t we do this in Plattsburgh?” Metzgar said. “We knew we couldn’t hold a traditional event, so this was the best next idea.” Once plans were in place, it took all of two weeks to get the parade approved by the Clinton County Health Department and the Plattsburgh Police Department, Metzgar said.
“Whatever they told us to do, we did.” Metzgar said. In order to get the parade approved, regulations like social distancing, wearing masks and staying in or by cars once participants reached the Oval as well as following all traffic laws would have to be in place, Metzgar said. It was worth jumping through all the hoops to put together this year’s parade because it underscores the reason the ANCGA was started, Metzgar said. Before the ANCGA, there wasn’t an organized LGBTQ+ organization in the North Country doing events like the Pride Parade in the Adirondacks. Events like the Pride Parade show LGBTQ+
members that there is a welcoming community here for them. That was the case for senior psychology and gender women studies major Antonia Mattiaccio when she first transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh after her freshman year. “It’s been really nice. There has been surprisingly a community here up north, which I wasn’t sure about at first,” Mattiaccio said about the last three Pride Parades. “It’s a place to feel accepted. Often it’s not visible, people of different genders and sexualities, so it’s really important to have a space to be seen.” PRIDE l A2
Students’ money used to pay SA members Budget
projects decline in funds
Student Association fees to pay $15,363 for senators, executive council members’ stipends BY DREW WEMPLE Staff Writer
For the first time since the Student Association was founded at SUNY Plattsburgh, the SA will now be administering stipends to its senators and executive council officers. With the introduction of Student Bill 16 Sept. 17 at the SA senate meeting came the new SA compensation model. The bill will compensate two groups of SA positions, the senators and executive council officers. The nine executive council officers will be paid $826 for the entire
semester, and the 16 senate members will be paid $495.60 for their full semester. This is a reflection of the differing roles these positions fill. “Executive officers have more working hours,” said Erick Yusufu, the SA’s senator for finance. “Everything runs through the executive council members.” The stipend money is coming from the SA budget. Each SA budget is calculated for an entire academic year, both fall and spring semesters, and it comes from the SA fee students pay at the beginning of each semester.
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BY EMMA VALLELUNGA News Editor
SUNY Plattsburgh’s fiscal projections have been declining since last year due to lack of enrollment, spring semester refunds and the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still many unknowns for where, when and how money will circulate through the college.
STATE BUDGET Vice President of Administration and Finance Josee Larochelle gave a presentation on Zoom to faculty Sept. 30.
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News Editor Emma Vallelunga
STIPENDS Continued from page one
Lack of involvement in the SA was the driving force behind this decision. “We convinced our senators on the importance of the deal,” Yusufu said. “We wanted to show that we value our leaders.” The executive council consists of coordinators, Oct. 2 such as president, vice president, treasurer and An individual was observed spitting on the windsecretary, who act as chairpersons for different shield of a patrol car parked outside the University SA boards. The boards are diversity and affairs, fiPolice Station. The investigation is pending. nance, public relations, coordinator of activities, arts, clubs and organizations and academic affairs.
Friday, Oct. 9, 2020
The senators are members of these boards but act as the vice-chairperson. Senators hold three office hours a week, and executive council officers hold five hours. “We are compensating the senate and executive council for their office hours only,” Ahmed said. “We cannot realistically pay ourselves for all the little things that we do.” The budget will fluctuate from time to time, but Ahmed is adamant the stipends will not go anywhere. “It will be up to our treasurers to make budget cuts where necessary,” Ahmed said. “But our stipends are here to stay.” Email DREW WEMPLE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Oct. 4
An individual came into the UP station to report a gathering happening in Wilson Hall. The complainant said a former roommate of theirs, who still knows the combination to their room, was allowing random people inside, who were also not socially distanced. The individual also claimed some of their personal property was now missing from the same room.
Oct. 6 A traffic stop near Adirondack Lane resulted in the discovery of two underaged individuals in possession of alcohol. Student Conduct charges were filed.
A community advocate in Macomb Hall reported the odor of marijuana to UP. A student was identified in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Student Conduct charges were filed. A student reported SUNY COVID-19 policy violations during a class in AuSable Hall. The investigation is pending.
Weekly Cartoon
AUDREY LAPNISKI/Cardinal Points
Drag queen Etta Belle makes a costume change into puffed wig and sequin dress during Plattsburgh’s pride parade last Saturday at the U.S. Oval.
PRIDE Continued from page one But this year had extra motivation to hold the Pride Parade for the ANCGA and Metzgar. “For me, LGBTQ spans across every group. But we know right now, the federal government is targeting the LGBTQ com-
munity, especially the transgender community. This is a way to say, ‘We’re here. This is important,’” Metzgar said. After participants reached the U.S. Oval, Plattbsurgh mayoral candidates Chris Rosenquest (D) and Scott Beebie (R) as well as Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman spoke about the importance of hold-
ing the Pride Parade in Plattsburgh. Afterward, the annual celebration’s traditional drag show was performed. “It’s a great honor that I’m invited to be with you all,” Rosenquest said at the Oval. “Representation in our community matters. The diversity in our community matters. Showing our pride and our diversity goes a long
parking fee. Larochelle said SUNY Plattsburgh was prohibited from reimbursing the meal plan and Continued from page one Student Association funds because those refunds are handled by third While the New York State fiscal parties. In total, the college issued year 2021 budget is projecting a $15 $7.4 million in refunds to students billion deficit, Larochelle said it is for last semester’s term. unclear what this means for SUNY and SUNY Plattsburgh. ENROLLMENT INCREASE “We know that the direct state During fiscal year 2019-2020, support the college received will be SUNY Plattsburgh collected a total reduced. We still don’t know how $3.9 million less in tuition revenue, much or when,” Larochelle said. $1.5 million due to lack of enroll“We don’t know if this reduction ment and $2.4 million due to dewill be temporary or permanent.” lays in tuition payments. A slight The current estimate by SUNY increase in enrollment for summer for all state support is a minimum tuition resulted in $386,000 more reduction of 20%. This decrease revenue, but lower occupancy levcould potentially impact future els in residence halls caused $1.8 TAP and Excelsior funding. SUNY’s million less in room rent revenue. spending constraints implemented However, new student headcount in April of this year, including the numbers from this semester show college’s Hiring and Salary Pro- an increase of $500,000 more in gram, are projected to continue un- tuition revenue if next semester entil further notice. rollments are projected accurately.
FISCAL
ROBERT SANCHEZ/Cardinal Points
Campus COVID-19 Tracker Number of active COVID-19 cases within SUNY Plattsburgh community:
Number of recovered COVID-19 cases within SUNY Plattsburgh community:
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CP Corrections In Issue 4, Cardinal Points reported the Student Association’s stipend figures for its new compensation model as a weekly payment of $826 and $495.60 for executive council members and senators respectively. This payment is actually semesterly, not weekly. If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
CARES ACT & REFUNDS According to Larochelle, SUNY Plattsburgh received $5.26 million in federal government funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to give eligible students financial aid grants for expenses related to the pandemic. Half of that funding, or $2.63 million, was set aside for students as Student Emergency CARES Grants. $2.46 million have been awarded to date, and about $165,000 are left to award students this academic year. The other half of the CARES Act funding was used to reimburse the college for the last semester’s refunds issued to students for housing and other mandatory fees, such as the athletic, recreation and
FINANCIAL IMPACTS There’s good news and bad news when it comes to how SUNY Plattsburgh’s current fiscal year will look. Although the college received 85% of direct state support in July of this year for fiscal year 2019-2020, the college has yet to receive the additional 15%. And even though the CARES Act funding helped offset last semester’s refunds, the college also has yet to receive an estimated $10.5 million in direct state support for fiscal year 2020-2021. If NYS TAP and Excelsior funding is reduced by 20% as projected, and universitywide programs are limited to 25% funding with the addition of COVID-19 expenses and non-budgeted critical needs, the potential mon-
way. It’s what we need in our community to show we are a family. We are blended. We are different. That representation goes a long way to explain who we are here in the North Country.”
Email FERNANDO ALBA
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etary impact to SUNY Plattsburgh would be about $3.3 million less in revenue. NEXT STEPS Although SUNY expenditure restrictions will continue, the college has submitted a six-month “financial plan of action” budget to SUNY for fiscal year 2020-2021 to review and approve by SUNY Business Intelligence. The college assumes it will receive 70% of direct state support for fiscal year 2020-2021 but also assumes it will not receive the additional 15% for fiscal year 2019-2020. Larochelle urged SUNY Plattsburgh faculty to keep in mind that NYS has yet to make a decision on its Higher Education support for this fiscal year, and the state’s budget and cash situation is requiring all state agencies, “to reduce expenses to the greatest extent possible.” “It’s hard to digest where we are, how we’ve done and how we’re going to move forward,” Larochelle said. “We don’t have all the answers, but we’ve worked together for the past three years in creating an environment where we can invest in the needs of this institution and our students. We can work together to strive through this difficult time. We need answers by the Board of Trustees and by the State of New York. What’s been presented to you today is the best information that we can provide with many of these uncertainties. We can’t wait to have final answers to manage our precious resources and meet our students’ needs.” Email EMMA VALLELUNGA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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News Editor Emma Vallelunga
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Friday, Oct. 9, 2020
This year’s Pride Parade was a rolling parade where participants met at the Durkee Street parking lot to decorate their cars with Pride decorations before driving through the parade’s route, which ended at the U.S. Oval. New guidelines were in place in order to get the parade approved. Everyone had to wear maskes, stay socially distant as well as stay by their cars once they reached the Oval.
This Week in Photos: Pride
Photos by Audrey Lapinski The fifth annual Pride Parade was unlike any the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance held before. But its message was the same — Pride is here to stay. Once everyone reached the Oval, Plattsburgh maroyal candidates Chris Rosenquest and Scott Beebie as well Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman spoke in front of the socially distant crowd and spoke about the importance of celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride in Plattsburgh. Afterward, the parade’s traditional drag show was performed.
“Representation in our community matters. The diversity in our community matters. Showing our pride and our diversity goes a long way. It’s what we need in our community to show we are a family. We are blended. We are different. That representation goes a long way to explain who we are here in the North Country,” Rosenquest said to the crowd.
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FERNANDO ALBA/Cardinal Points
SUNY Plattsburgh’s women’s rugby club is not playing or practicing this fall but is still hoping to gain new members and awareness for next semester despite the pandemic.
Women’s rugby waits out COVID-19 BY CHANNING PRINS Staff Writer
SUNY Plattsburgh’s rugby club has been put on the sidelines because of COVID-19 but is still accepting students who want to join and offering as close to a normal experience as possible. Rugby is considered a high-risk sport because of its constant high contact to other players. Due to this, the women’s and men’s rugby club is not allowed to play or practice this semester. “I would say out of all the sports, rugby is the most high-risk sport not because of how close we
are to each other but how close we get to the other team as well,” said Darcy Doelger, vice president of the women’s rugby team. “So just for everyone to be safe, I think the staff from Plattsburgh and the team just have to go about it the right way.” So many teams are being put on the back burner because of COVID-19. A lot of sports are not allowed to practice right now. “Currently the team is not practicing because of all the strict COVID-19 guidelines the school has for high contact sports,” Shannon Tracy, president of the women’s rugby team said. “But hopefully
we will be able to have practices soon that don’t involve tackling and stuff like that.” All college sports are facing the issue of wearing masks while practicing and playing games. “Besides tackling, we do scrums, so we all basically get into each other’s faces as if close enough to kiss comfortably, you would say,” Doelger said. “So we would definitely have to wear masks if the school allows us to play, which wouldn’t be terrible. It would be an adjustment, but I think if it allows us to play again, I think both men’s and women’s rugby would want to do that.”
Sports during COVID-19 are having to make many adjustments and changes before being allowed to continue playing. This is mainly because the school wants to make sure they are staying safe while playing sports. “I think that while we are playing in the pandemic, they probably will change some of the rules around but I don’t think that rules of the game will change indefinitely,” Tracy said. “I think they will just make adjustments to the game to make sure it is safer for us to play, but I don’t think these adjustments will stay.” When thinking about a
rugby scrum, they have to be very close. Because of this, there is a new sense of worry or nervousness having to be so close to other people. “It’s something to think about,” Darcy said. “It’s something that proper wearing of the mask would have to be used.” They don’t know what the rest of the year will look like with COVID-19, but they are hopeful to be able to resume playing soon. “I think in the future, I really don’t know if we’ll be playing this year, but if we do, I feel like it’s going to be a lot more strict,” Tracy said. “We are going
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to probably wear masks when we play and get COVID tested regularly.” Even though the women’s rugby team isn’t currently playing or practicing, they still encourage women to join. “I really really want women who come to Plattsburgh to be interested in it and still want to join even if they don’t get the playing experience this year or the semester,” Tracy said. “It’s still a great community to be in. There’s a lot of support and lots of friends.”
Email CHANNING PRINS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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SUNY PLATTSBURGH VOTES
FERNANDO ALBA/Cardinal Points
Elizabeth Mariatu Sesay, a junior social work major and vice president of SUNY Plattsburgh’s National Association of Black Accountants, registers to vote using one of the laptops the Student Association set up for students Thursday outside of Campus Express in the Angell College Center. The SA tabled ahead of today’s registration deadline in New York State for November’s elections. The SA will continue tabling today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. As of Thursday, more than 15 students have registered to vote in this year’s election.
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FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2020
Ginsburg’s seat can’t be filled BY OLIVIA BOUSQUET Staff Writer
No one thought 2020 could get any worse, but then Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Sept. 18 at the age of 87 after complications from cancer. The cultural and feminist icon served on the Supreme Court for 27 years with a blazing confidence dressed in judicial robes. She fought for women’s rights and served as a role model for young women. However, her death should not leave minority groups worrying about potentially losing rights after President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett. Before becoming the second female justice on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg enrolled into Harvard Law in 1956. Her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with testicular cancer soon into her graduate studies, yet she managed to balance taking care of him while excelling in school. During the 1970s, Ginsburg served as the director of the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union and by 1980, she was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. She’s an inspiration to women — that even during a time of oppression, hardwork and dedication will not stop a woman from accomplishing her dreams. In 1996, Ginsburg wrote the majority opinion in the United States v. Virginia case, which overturned the Virginia Military Institutes decision to bar women from enrolling into the school. Throughout her years as Justice, Ginsburg served as a voice for progress in the United States. In 1999, Ginsburg helped give victory to the rights of people with disabilities. States were required to have people with mental disabilities live in community settings, not in institutions. She dissented from the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. case in 2007, which made it more difficult for an employee to sue an em-
HANNAH DOWNS/Cardinal Points
ployer for wage discrimination. The 5-4 vote claimed Ledbetter’s charge for gender discrimination was time-barred, which would have required Ledbetter to file a complaint with 180 days. In 2015, Ginsburg helped legalize same-sex marriage throughout the United States. Ginsburg saw the unjust treatment of people and used her position in the Supreme Court to give minorities and women rights to live equally among those blessed with privilege. But all her monumental progress could be threatened by a conservative Supreme
Court with Barrett taking her place. Barrett has openly expressed her conversative values through her voting records on immigration, discrimination and abortion issues. Barrett spoke several times at the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, a conservative training program for Chrisitan lawyers. The program was established to promote Chrisitan worldviews in every area of law. Her strong religious views are hard to ignore, especially in a country that supposedly values separation of church and state. Controverial topics like abortion and samesex marriage rights could be attacked with
a conservative-leaning court. If rights start being revoked, how far would they be willing to regress? “I don’t think that Ginsburg would, kind of by default on the basis of gender, say that Amy Coney Barrett would kind of be a successor to her legacy in any way,” SUNY Plattsburgh political science professor John McHahon said. “I think that Ginsburg would be more concerned with kind of the substance of Barrett’s academic legal writing.” It’s important for people to step back and understand why Barrett’s potential position in the Supreme Court is terrifying. Supreme Court Justices serve for a lifetime, meaning they do not need to rerun for their position and can serve until they die. If 48-year oldBarrett is elected into the Supreme Court, a change in power to a conservative-leaning Supreme Court can be harmful to minorities and their future in the United States. So, check your privilege. Because watching a government decide the rights you can and cannot have is stressful. It is demeaning, as a human being, to be seen lesser than others for factors outside of your control. Race, sex, class or sexual orientation is not something you choose. But, apparently, it is something you can lose rights over. The General Election, Nov. 3, has more weight than ever. Voters aren’t just voting on a president, but on how the entire government leans in moral values. Before Ginsburg died, her wish was to have her democratic seat filled after the election. She understood the high stakes at hand. Remember the wisdom Ginsburg bestowed when she said: “Justices continue to think and can change. I am ever hopeful that if the court has a blind spot today, its eyes will be open tomorrow.” Email OLIVIA BOUSQUET
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Ellen DeGeneres stuck in media turmoil BY JESSICA JOHNSON Opinions Editor
Amidst public backlash since March, Ellen Degeneres kicked off Season 18 of “The Ellen Degeneres Show” Sept. 19, issuing a live public apology to her fans and former employees who had experienced “racism, fear and intimidation” behind the scenes, and/or were fired by producers, after taking time off for medical leave or bereavement. Degenere apparently had no idea that producers were treating the crew so horribly. “So, I’m a pretty good actress, but I don’t think that I’m that good that I could come out here every day for 17 years and fool you,” she said. “This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be.
And if I’ve ever let someone down, if I’ve ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that.” On July 16, Buzzfeed News released a hard-hitting report, containing 10 former employees and one current employee revealing how they experienced constant bullying, racism and favoritism. A former Black employee claimed she was the victim of racist comments from staff members, including a senior-level producer who told her and another Black employee. “Oh, wow, you both have box braids — I hope we don’t get you confused,” according to Cosmopolitan. Another former employee was also fired, after taking a one-month medical leave following a suicide attempt, according to Cosmopolitan. For Degeneres, a woman also known as
“the kind lady,” that’s a pretty harsh consequence, coming from someone under Degeneres who should show compassion and morality for mental illness instead of wickedness and atrocity. “I do believe that she didn’t really know what was going on behind the scenes cause, if you would’ve asked me what was going on in the control room while I was on air,” Senior tv/video production major and “Plattsburgh State Television” executive producer Alexandra Perez said. “I would’ve been like, ‘I have no idea.’” Even though Degeneres couldn’t have been monitoring everything backstage throughout the day, it had to have been reported to her somehow if the conditions were this severe, and either she ignored it or didn’t pay much
attention to it — the running of her show is clearly more important than the workers themselves. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” began an internal investigation July 27, reported by Variety. Degeneres finally defended her actions, in a letter released July 30: “On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect,” Degeneres said. “Alongside Warner Bros., we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues. As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they
knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change, and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.” Continuing to take some hard hits, Buzzfeed released another report the same night, outlining disturbing, alleged sexual misconduct and harassment from other producers. Kevin Leman, executive producer, was accused of soliciting oral sex from a member of staff in 2013 at a work party. For future generations coming into the television industry, this can be daunting to hear. “It makes me feel like now, I have to be extra careful,” Perez said. “It does scare me a little, because I don’t wanna like — not do it, and then I lose my job and my reputation gets tarnished, because I didn’t have sex
with a producer. That makes me kind of uncomfortable, so I’m hoping that that won’t happen; but I also wouldn’t know what I would do if it does happen.” Many of us wouldn’t know what to do, feeling trapped when a career is on the line. It took this long for Degeneres to care? Was she just made aware of this, or have instances like this continually been brushed under the table amid the busy Hollywood industry? From her multiple apologies and explanations, Degeneres clearly seems to feel bad and is pushing for a change. So, that brings the question: is the recent apology sincere?
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Opinions Editor Jess Johnson
Friday, Oct. 9, 2020
Aquarians put up emotional wall BY ABIGAIL AZADIAN Contributor
Aquarians are the waterbearers, but make no mistake — they don’t go with flow, even though they love to think they’re carefree. Aquarius signifies uniqueness, so Aquarians always have an opinion. However, sometimes — or most of the time — their opinions are shallow, because they are always trying to have one for the sake of standing out. Aquarians need Pisces because Pisces have the depth Aquarians crave. Pisces need warmth to feel loved. Aquarians can have all the knowledge in their world, but they aren’t able to emotionally connect to people, which makes their philosophies appear cold. JASON PARENT/Cardinal Points In this sense, Cancers
will be perpetually disappointed trying to care for Aquarians. No amount of warmth or nurturing Cancers give will make an Aquarius open up. An Aquarius wouldn’t be able to provide the vulnerability necessary to have a Scorpio in their life. For Aquarians, coldness is their natural state. Aquarians and Leos are opposite of each other, but they’re more alike than both want to admit. Leos gain popularity by being likeable and people-pleasing, while Aquarians gain popularity by being the weird and quirky person in class who knows all the answers. They want to be known as loners, but still invited to every party. Sagittarians won’t be able to stand Aquarian’s
stoic nature and inability to let loose for once in their lives. Aries, like Cancers, will try to get Aquarians to dance at a party, only to be turned down more times than they can count. An Aquarius wouldn’t mind being around fire signs, if they weren’t always trying to get change them. Being ruled by Saturn, Capricorns and Aquarians are durable and enduring. But, Aquarians are rooted in stagnant idealism, while Capricorns are realistic. Aquarians never see the world as it is, as they project their view of the world on to everyone. This is exactly why they won’t get along with Virgos, too.
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McDormand back with ‘Dick Johnson is Dead’ is far from flatline story of ‘Nomadland’ BY CAMERON KAERCHER Staff Writer
A group of people college students may not be aware of are the current day “nomads.” They are made up of a group of older Americans who cannot rely on social security benefits to survive. So, they reject the standard retirement lifestyle, buy a camper, and travel the country looking for work. Their story was captured by Jessica Bruder and published as a book in 2017, titled “Nomadland.” The Centerpiece of the 58th New York Film Festival is the cinematic adaptation of “Nomadland.” Frances McDormand stars as Fern, a nomad who is dealing with the loss of her husband and the repercussions of the 2008 recession, which economically impacted the town she was living in at the time. She went to college, got a degree, had a reliable job, — which it is safe to say that every student in school is hoping for — but it didn’t work out. The town of Empire, where Fern lived and worked, was based around a gypsum mine. When it went under, it was only a matter of months before the town’s zip code would be eliminated. Fern does what every nomad does: she gets in her camper and finds work. She farms beets, cleans public bathrooms and scans barcodes for an Amazon warehouse. The character of Fern is purely fictional and comes from writer-director Chloé Zhao’s screenplay, but the world around her
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mixes documentary with fiction. The supporting cast of “Nomadland” is made up of actual nomads with Linda May, Bob Wells and Swankie playing themselves. Fern meets them at trailer parks and listens to them tell their stories. They give tours of their personalized vans and show pictures of their children to each other, they listen to seminars on how to dispose of their waste and what bucket to use, and they spend the nights singing songs around the campfire. These intimate, well-observed moments are true to the world Bruder wrote about in her book.
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BY CAMERON KAERCHER Staff Writer
Kirsten Johnson has been an unsung backbone of documentary filmmaking for the past couple of decades. She has served as a cameraperson for award-winning documentaries like “Citizenfour” and “Fahrenheit 9/11,” while also directing her own feature docs. Her 2016 debut feature was a collage, an autobiography and a travelogue all wrapped up under the title “Cameraperson.” Her second feature film increases and emphasizes her incredible talent for telling intimate stories that can reach everyone. HUMAN l A8 Kirsten Johnson lost her mother in 2007
because of Alzheimer’s, and not long after that, her father was starting to show early signs of Alzheimer’s himself. Thus, “Dick Johnson is Dead” started to form. She wanted to see her father as he really was before losing him. While Mr. Johnson is still alive, his daughter tries to cope with losing him through this film. The documentary shows him throughout the day, and Kirsten’s creativity flourishes as she writes and directs scenes in which Dick Johnson “dies.” This documentary/therapy session lets her exercise all of her fears about losing her father. and lets her celebrate him while he is still alive. Kirsten Johnson serves as a co-writer for the film with her long-time editor, Nels Bangerter. These staged moments they have written up are darkly creative. Think of it as a whimsical “Final Destination.” One minor way “Dick Johnson is Dead” is interesting is how it deconstructs filmmaking. As a documentary, it tries to capture Kirsten Johnson making these scenes where her father dies, so it is a making-of feature inside the documentary. As they practice Dick falling down the stairs, his daughter directs him on where his hands should lay. Other beautiful scenes and moments can’t be spoiled on paper, but must be experienced on the screen. As a pure documentary experience, Johnson excels in giving the viewer a flyon-the-wall experience, despite being actively involved in what is going on.
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Drug addiction takes over teenage life in ‘Smack’ BY MAHPHARAH KHAN Contributor
Becoming consumed by your lover and heroin is a deadly mix. “Sometimes maybe you need an experience. The experience can be a person or it can be a drug. All that crap — about Gemma leaving me, about Mum and Dad, about leaving home. All that negative stuff. All the pain… It just floated away from me, I just floated away from it… up and away…” Melvin Burgess’ “Smack” follows David, nicknamed Tar, who runs away from his abusive household with his girlfriend, Gemma. Both end up on the streets of 80s Bristol and eventually fall
victim to heroin use. They first adopt an attitude of invincibility toward their drug use — they can stop at any time, according to them. However, they become delusional. Their heroin use hinders any kind of agency they have; they eventually need it to function. Burgess rejects the common criticism and demonization that drug users face. Through Tar, he conveys that drug use is falsely seen as an antidote to someone’s pain — their emotional pain. For Tar, he uses heroin to treat the pain that stems from his relationship with his mother and father, and their abusive home life. It is known that when a
BELLA FRIEDMAN/Cardinal Points
child is surrounded by parents who are alcoholics or drug users, there is a high chance they will become one too. This, added with the emotional and physical abuse Tar endures, hinders him from having normal teenage experiences for the first time. His father beats his mother, claiming she is a drunk and doesn’t clean
up the house like she is “supposed” to. Tar, in turn, cleans the house and goes grocery shopping in order to avoid this. Tar shouldn’t be concerned with this — it is his parent’s responsibility. “It was me he was after, all the time! I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t understand it. He kicked me right round the room,” Tar said.
“Mum was lying next to the table while it was going on. I saw her find a can of lager and take a swig.” Tar’s mother relies on alcohol, just as he relies on heroin to function throughout the day. Tar’s personality also starts to fold in on itself because of his heroin use. Tar loves art and wants to be an artist himself, but his addiction only makes him focus on surviving the day. Tar had interests before — afterwards, he doesn’t. Drug use is often glamorized in the media. This can be seen with how Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s relationship was perceived — lovers who couldn’t handle the weight of the world,
taking drugs in hotel rooms. It’s disgusting that drug use is romanticized because it is painful and trauma-inducing. Surely, Cobain and Love did not view their drug use this way. Cobain used heroin for several years — eventually leading to his suicide. He used heroin to self-medicate his stomach pain, but this did not solve his problems; it escalated them. Drugs can be seen as a solution, as Cobain saw them, but this never ends well. “Smack,” thankfully, does not perpetuate this narrative.
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Opinions Editor Jess Johnson
Friday, Oct, 9, 2020
Editorial
Breonna’s story will not be buried
“If her boyfriend hadn’t fired shots at the officers, she would be alive.” “Just comply with the officers.” If you have uttered these two phrases in your lifetime, you are incredibly callous. Breonna Taylor was an innocent bystander when she was murdered, March 13. The woman was sleeping when officers came into her home that wasn’t even the house the officers were looking for. That operation was completely botched and resulted in two innocent deaths, her and her boyfriend. The dilemma wasn’t far off from a home invasion. Detective Brett Hankinson, who was working the operation at the time, fired into Taylor’s apartment sliding glass door that was covered in blinds, which is a clear violation of Louisville’s county policy pertaining to line of sight. This break-in, yes, an illegal break-in, should have severe ramifications. Her current boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who
had been on the defensive given the nature of Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, quickly grabbed a gun to defend Taylor and himself. Ironically, Taylor had just severed ties with her ex to avoid life-threatening situations. These actions were justified, therefore the officers involved deserve indictment for their murderous actions. If you haven’t read the latest news on the case, a grand jury indicted only Hankinson on three counts of wanton endangerment charges for her neighbors. This event translates into “Breonna Taylor’s life didn’t matter.” The fact she was killed in her own home under false pretenses wasn’t germane. The acrid offense committed by the officers goes scott free. It’s disgusting really. This does not have to be the end of Taylor’s story, however. Keep uttering her name on social media; keep uttering her name during protests; and keep uttering it to anyone who will listen.
INDUSTRY Continued from page six It may be, but that doesn’t make college students any less uncomfortable to get into the television and film industry after graduation. “I’m disappointed, because even if she did know, and that was all fake, you promote positivity and being good to each other and then you let these horrible things happen to people,” Perez said. “You’re taking advantage of people and that’s horrible, because it makes younger generations scared to get into this industry because of
those stigmas around TV and film.” Due to the uncomfortableness of the crew and the allegations, in August, three highlevel producers involved were let go: Ed Glavin, an executive producer, Jonathan Norman, a co-executive producer, and Kevin Leman, the head writer. Good riddance too — they deserve even more consequences, after how they treated the staff and how it will impact workers’ mental and physical well-being for years to come. However, Ellen recognizes her wrongs, and wants to take accountability of not only her employees, but her possible mis-management of them as well. “The truth is, I am that person that you see on TV,” she said during her Season 18, Ep. 1 monologue. “I am also a lot of other
ZODIAC Continued from page seven Virgos and Aquarius will never shut up, but neither sign will actually listen to the other person. Both of them just want to hear their own voices. A Taurus would try to out-opinionate an Aquarius to no avail. An Aquarius spends all their time thinking about the world, but never self- reflects. Aquarius and Libras wouldn’t have fun together, because they wouldn’t be able to agree on what fun is. For Libras, fun is going out, catching up with loved ones, treating themselves to a nice brunch. For Aquarius, fun is contemplating the problems of the world alone in their rooms with a podcast telling them their next opinion. Geminis would be impressed by Aquarians’ abundance of
HUMAN Continued from page seven McDormand’s character and performance justify the film’s existence, rather than just being a documentary. Her adjustment to living this life and coping with her loss is raw, human, and not glamorous in the slightest. She disappears into the character and her cartoonish “you betcha” accent from “Fargo,” feels light years away from this grounded performance. In a discussion with NYFF director Eu-
Continued from page seven She might be helping her kids get ready to go to school, but she is able to shoot scenes in a way that would make old school documentarians jealous. Maybe the family is used to having a cameraperson among them because there is no pretense of performing for the camera. The camera feels unobtrusive, which lets the viewer feel like we are watching real-life play out in front of us. Some documentaries today start to feel so overproduced, and this feels like the exact opposite of that.
Continued from page seven One of the saddest scenes in “Smack” happens later in the novel, when Tar visits his friend, Richard. His visit is basically a plea for help: “’I’m just a junkie. I’m just a junkie. I’m just a junkie,’ he said, over and over and over.” Tar breaks down and cries, then collapses on the floor. His friend Richard watches him break down, unable to control his emotions any longer. “He cried and cried, he couldn’t stop. All the strength fell out of him. When she let him go he sank to his knees and then lay down on his side, his face in his hands, and
things. Sometimes I get sad. I get mad. I get anxious. I get frustrated. I get impatient. And I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress.” However, some may feel that going forward, progressive actions speak louder than her words. “I think things are going to change, but I don’t think it’s gonna be as drastic as people want it to change,” Perez said. “For me personally, I like to see actions, more than hear words. I wanna see that you are actually taking the steps to better the surroundings that you’re in.”
28%
72%
Email JESSICA JOHNSON
Pence
Harris
cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
knowledge, but would lose interest the next minute. An Aquarius doesn’t care enough about the people they’re speaking to, or to make the conversation interesting. They only care about the content. It’d be rare to spot two Aquarians together because both understand the other’s need for alone time, which for them is 24/7. Aquarians know they have the ability to captivate the room, but they just don’t prioritize people like they do their ideas. An Aquarius has trouble with relationships because of their tendency to self-isolate. To make matters worse, they never even want to self-reflect, which makes this problem unknown to them. An Aquarius wants to be seen as a mystery, but this makes them an enigma, so don’t bother. Email ABIGAIL AZADIAN cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
gene Hernandez, Chloe Zhao explained that in her search for a composer for the film’s soundtrack, she literally googled “beautiful classical music inspired by nature.” Thankfully, she found Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi who gave her exactly that. The strings spiritually weave throughout the story and soar at the sunsets, creating a gorgeous soundscape. “Nomadland” could function as a great double feature with Kelly Reichert’s “First Cow.” Both films capture the American west as a place of opportunity; while the former is set against the failings of capitalism, the latter shows capitalism first blos-
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soming in America. The economy has failed Fern and every other nomad that drives hundreds of miles for the opportunity to clean bathrooms to survive. “Nomadland” will definitely be part of the awards season this year. It won the top prizes at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. It deserves the Academy’s attention, and it deserves yours as well. Email CAMERON KAERCHER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Dick Johnson’s personality is such a comforting one, that his sweetness easily overcomes the dire circumstances he is in. When he shares a slice of chocolate cake with his grandchildren, you can almost taste the rich frosting through his shining eyes. Dick also visits friends and loved ones from his past, with one scene that would reduce the toughest poker-face out there to a puddle of tears. Kirsten Johnson pushes away the feeling of loss, as she successfully shows us a celebration of her father’s life. “Dick Johnson is Dead” is a moving contradiction. How can a documentary about death make the viewer laugh and smile? Maybe it is really asking us, is death a sad subject?
he cried and he cried and he cried.” People who judge and demonize those who struggle with drug use do not see their suffering. Even if they do not see it or understand it, it does not mean that they should not empathize with them. Drugs aren’t their problem; they’re used to treat their problem. This lack of understanding is still evident in 2020, as a perfect current example is Donald Trump. He attacked Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, for his past drug use during the 2020 presidential debate on Sept. 29th. Trump should have shown compassion, and should not have used it as a dig towards Biden — but Trump is void of empathy; therefore he is incapable of kindness and understanding. “I was appalled at what had happened. But one thing — he was himself again. But it was so sad, because it was being himself that he found so difficult to cope with.”
Taken from 100 participants
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Fernando Alba
Managing Editor Jess Johnson
Opinions Editor Jess Johnson
News Editor Emma Vallelunga
Graphics Editor Nghi To
FUSE Editor Alana Penny
Multimedia Editor Sareem Jabbar
Photo Editor Audrey Lapinski
Web Editor Mataeo Smith Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy Advertising: Maureen Provost Peter Taylor Luka Tsiklauri
Contact CP Editorial Board: 518.564.2174 Advertising: 518.564.3173 Fax: 518.564.6397 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Email CAMERON KAERCHER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
“Smack” shows that drug use is not straight-foward. It is complicated and dangerous — it carries a stigma. These assumptions inflict more harm than one thinks. There are two problems, essentially: one’s struggle with their own life and their drug use. Drugs, and in Tar’s case, heroin, is used to treat his emotional pain. Burgess grants humanity to those who struggle with addiction. He states that they matter too, and to suggest otherwise is cruel and perpetuating harmful notions. Addiction can happen to anyone — they should not be seen as “other.” They need help and compassion, not harsh criticism aided with insults. Addiction is multifaceted, and it only takes one’s empathy to realize that. Email MAHPHARAH KHAN cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Award Winning
Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist
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James Faraci started volunteering in hospitals when he was 16, which inspired him to become a physician. He chose to attend SUNY Plattsburgh because he thought a smaller school would allow him to make his mark. He was already familiar with the Plattsburgh area because he took yearly trips here growing up.
Faraci leads peers, ready for next step BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Staff Writer
James Faraci is a senior majoring in biochemistry and biomedical sciences and minoring in neurobiology and psychology. Faraci is in the process of applying for medical school, which he hopes to attend after graduating to work toward his career goal of becoming a physician. He started volunteering in a hospital at age 16 and soon knew he wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Not only was he already comfortable with the Plattsburgh area because of the yearly trips he took, but he felt SUNY Plattsburgh was a good fit for his chosen career path. “I wanted to really make my mark somewhere and be able to craft my own experience and at a smaller institution, you’re more easily able to do that than if you were to go to a large, prestigious university where you’re kinda just on a conveyor belt,” Faraci said. Faraci quickly became involved on campus. About halfway through his first semester freshman year, his professor Jose de Ondarza, of the biological sciences department, asked him to join his science research team. “As a first semester freshman, I was blown away,” Faraci said. “So that very next semester I started doing it and I haven’t looked back at all. This is now going on two and a half years,” De Ondarza has research labs with a total of about 72 students in microbiology almost every fall. About four to five weeks into the fall semester, he gets to know his students well from seeing them twice a week in lab and in lecture. So he is able to find a few students that stand out because of the interest they show. De Ondarza said Faraci would make an
effort to ask and answer questions in his class and always expressed interest in an energetic way. “Immediately, he was somebody that I said ‘I need to ask him,’” De Ondarza said. The microbiology lab focused on an oxidative stress of an opportunistic pathogen and how it evades the immune system. Faraci worked alongside a few other students as a research team. De Ondarza was able to see them form a bond and have fun doing work because of it. De Ondarza has been able to see Faraci’s passion for science clearly through his “go-getter” personality. De Ondarza shared a story about a time when he came back from teaching an evening lecture and James was sitting outside the lab eager to show Dr. de Ondarza his data from an experiment he ran earlier in the day. Whenever he wanted to show or discuss something to Dr. de Ondarza, he was always bubbling over with energy. He describes it as a barely contained energy. “[This] definitely tells me that this isn’t something that he’s just checking off a list, he’s kinda, taken on ownership,” De Ondarza said. Faraci has taken a few courses with De Ondarza. The medical microbiology course he took with him ended up being one of his favorite courses. Faraci enjoyed being able to see the future of where he wanted his degree to take him. “I really couldn’t put the textbook down, which isn’t something most people can say about their college textbooks,” Faraci said. Faraci also immerses himself in many organizations on campus. He joined the Pre-Med Association and became the treasurer. He turned it into the Pre-Med/ Pre-Health Association once he became the president last semester, so it was more inclusive of all different professions.
Faraci and the other board members also made an effort to make the club inclusive of all different backgrounds. “We tried to cater it more to different backgrounds as well, and I think that has really grown me as a person, grown me as a leader and also grown our club. We are now up to about 20, 25 people per meeting,” Faraci said. This is a drastic change from when Faraci first joined the association and was among about only five people in each meeting. Dr. Donald Slish, who is the faculty adviser of the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Association, said that Faraci does a really great job as club president and comes to him with great ideas. Slish has also been Faraci’s adviser since he came to SUNY Plattsburgh. He has been working with Faraci to set him up to go to med school once he graduates. Faraci has also taken numerous classes with Slish. Faraci jokes that he had a “semester of Slish” because he took nine credits all in one semester with him. Slish, who describes Faraci as affable, positive, empathetic and engaged, said that he did very well in every class of his that he took. Another involvement of Faraci’s has been being a part of the Honors Council, which focuses on making many decisions about courses, undergraduate theses and the commencement speech. He became an Honors Peer Mentor, which Director Dr. Tracie Church Guzzio jumpstarted. Through this role, James was able to assist students as Guzzio had with him. He helped first year students become accustomed to Plattsburgh. He has five mentees he connects with on a regular basis. Faraci connects with other students through his position as a head community advocate in Kent Hall. At first, he found
this to be a challenging endeavor because he was previously a CA in an all freshmen building, so he had to change the way he did things to tailor the needs of the all upperclassmen in Kent Hall. Most of these upperclassmen don’t need as much involvement from their CA, so the activities had to dwell more on how to transition to the world outside of college. While in college, Faraci has discovered a mentality he maintains in order to tackle everything on his busy schedule. He makes sure to give his full self to one thing at a time. “You have to be completely somewhere. You can’t just try to be everywhere at once,” he said. Facari admits he has a tough time saying no to new opportunities. He likes so many different things and strives to experience everything he can, but it became a challenge to manage it all. Faraci was on the NCAA Division III cross country indoor and outdoor track and field teams but had to let it go last semester because of competing interests. Although he lost this competitive aspect of running, he was still able to build it into his daily routine by going for a run every day. Reflecting back on himself as a freshman, he says he was very introverted and didn’t know himself very well, but now he is as extroverted as people come. “I like to say that’s not something that’s changed in me, but I’ve just been put in an environment where I can really be my true self,” Faraci said. “Plattsburgh taught me who I was, and that’s something I am forever grateful for.”
Email NATALIE ST. DENIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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FUSE Editor Alana Penny
Friday, Oct. 9, 2020
Student Art Spotlight Meghan Howard Studio art major with concentration in photography
“I am a senior here at Plattsburgh, I’m a studio art major with a concentration in photography. I most often photograph abstract subjects and work with high contrast images. When I graduate, I plan on
“ Abstract photograph of design work by Brian Menia.”
pursuing a career in teaching art, as well as working as a freelance photographer.”
“ Light hitting the rocky shore of lake champlain.”
“ Abstract desaturated leaves.”
“Self portrait, using projection.”
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FUSE Editor Alana Penny
GREEK Continued from page twelve
During COVID-19, it also seems that money is a constant issue for most people, and the fraternities and sororities are trying their best to stay afloat. SwickDuttine said there is funding from the state to help run programing and development for all fraternities and sororities as a part of SUNY Plattsburgh. However, the office has not been authorized to spend any money this year, so it is trying to figure out how to do things creatively, or they have to eliminate some things all together. Colton Langtry, a senior in the communication sciences and disorders program, and the president of Theta Gamma, said five of their members did not come back up to campus this year. Because of this, there is more than $1,000 the fraternity is not going to make, and contributions that will not be made. However, money is not the only problem. Not having the five other members can affect their sense of brotherhood. Ariana Milich, a sophomore and a childhood education major with a concentration in math, is a member of Alpha Phi. She said because Alpha Phi was not able to hold some events at the end of last semester due to it being cut short, they were able to receive some funding back from the organization. Within each fraternity and sorority, members must pay dues every semester to the governance councils or the Inner Fraternity Council and the Inner Sorority Association. However, both of those councils have decided to reduce the cost of the dues to half price for this semester. The fraternities and sororities themselves are holding most of their meetings via zoom, but some in person events are being held. However, any in person event has to be preapproved, and a faculty or staff adviser must be present throughout the duration of the event. Some of the SUNY Plattsburgh Greek life organizations held recruitment events in person, but they had to be on campus. Milich said Alpha Phi has held three in person rush events, and they were divided into four groups. They also had a virtual rush event through zoom, and went into breakout rooms to make the event more personalized, so it would have been in person. The off campus rental houses of the fraternities and sororities are still in use, with some of the members staying there. Swick-Duttine said they are leaving the decision on how to regulate visitors to the houses up to the students. She explained that some of the fraternities and sororities are taking this very seriously, and others may have a more lenient approach to ensuring safety. Langtry and the rest of Theta Gamma have set up a regulation process when visitors come to the house. There is a table near the front of the house with hand
sanitizer and masks. Additionally, all guests have to let them know they will be coming, sanitize their hands once they arrive, wear a mask, and sign in on their sign-in sheet to help with contact tracing. They set up rules so there can only be eight guests at a time total and only four can be in each room. The members of Theta Gamma were extremely motivated. One of their alumni lost both of their parents to COVID-19, and that instilled a zero tolerance policy within their fraternity. Langtry said that it hit them hard, and really showed them the true importance of taking the necessary precautions. He said he wanted Theta Gamma to be the ones to set the standard. Swick-Duttine also said she has had conversations with all of the fraternities and sororities that having a large gathering will draw negative attention to them, and that of course it is better to just not do that in general anyway during this time. The Inner Fraternity Council, along with the Inner Sorority Association, have prohibited events with alcohol this semester. Swick-Duttine stated this includes some of the traditional mixers, and invites only events that the organizations typically hold during the semester. Greek life at SUNY Plattsburgh usually holds brotherhood and sisterhood types of events with each other, but because of the large numbers in some of the fraternities and sororities, that is just not possible. However, they have found ways to divide the members into smaller groups and do events together that way. Some of the larger sororities typically have bid day or acceptance day celebrations, which the national organizations have said are not allowed. The sororities instead had to come up with other alternatives to celebrating their new members, and make them feel welcome. For example, Milich said their bid day was a virtual event, but after the event, they were approved to take pictures with the new members in their acceptance day shirts. In regards to safety of each of the members in the fraternity, sorority, or other students at SUNY Plattsburgh, Swick-Duttine said besides one incident there has not been any concerns of safety. She explained that there was going to be some hiccups here and there, but they are trying their best to do things better day by day. “We have not gotten any other complaints, or any other reports of problems, Swick Duttine said. “So for the most part, the organizations are compiling, and are doing their best to make sure that they’re being safe.” So far this semester, the fraternities and sororities have done a combined total of 2,300 hours of volunteer work at SUNY Plattsburgh and within the community. They have helped with the pool testing for COVID-19 every week and the registration for it, the flu-clinic, handing out masks on campus and there have been groups almost every weekend doing the adopt-a-highway program. “There is a fraternity that is coaching youth’s soccer at the YMCA, and there is a sorority volunteering at a local church’s thrift shop,” Swick-Duttine said.
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“That’s one thing that they’ve found that they can do in small groups, and still fulfill the mission of their organization.” Langtry says that each member has raised about $240 per person toward philanthropy, each member has at least 10 hours of community service so far, and is still going strong. He also said he expects to finish number one for community service and philanthropy to get Chapter of Excellence. He said they started off by handing out masks at the beginning of the semester, they then did the adopt-a-highway program. Some of the members also helped with COVID-19 testing, donated blood, and picked up trash and raked leaves with University Police. They have also raised $630 so far for the red cross disaster relief. Milich explained that Alpha Phi is trying to do as much volunteer work as possible around campus, and the community. They are also in the process of planning to volunteer for the adopt a highway program and many other programs for later this semester. She said Alpha Phi has weekly chapter meetings that help them to connect, catch up with the rest of the members, talk about volunteer work or anything else they might need to discuss. She said making time to see her pledge class and the weekly meetings has helped to make the semester better. Specifically, seeing her pledge class reminds her she is never alone, has friends that will always have her back and will be there for her. “I think we’ve all been positive about it, and we’re all definitely here for each other,” Milich said. “Some girls didn’t come back this semester, but we reach out to them and are here to help.” Langtry said he actually enjoyed this semester in the fraternity more than any other. They have done more community service than normal, and on the Facebook Plattsburgh fraternity and sorority page, they are posting constantly to keep alumni updated. He feels being in Theta Gamma has been much more rewarding this semester. “I would say in hindsight, yeah, I think the adjustment has been pretty smooth, especially when you look at us in comparison to what you see happening on a lot of other campuses,” Swick-Duttine said. She also explained that a lot of preparation had to happen over the summer to prepare the students in Greek life for all the changes they would be faced with. Within the preparation, they hired a recruitment consulting company to work with all of the organizations. They each got to have a consultation with an expert to learn how they were going to do their recruitment virtually. From the beginning of the semester to now, SwickDuttine believes that the fraternities and sororities have taken the new COVID-19 changes seriously. She already had high expectations for them and feels they are exceeding them, saying that many of them have become role models for other students. Email NICKIE HAYES cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM
BY ABIGAIL AZADIAN
ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
March 21 - April 19
June 21 - July 22
September 23 - October 22
You’ll have trouble with communication and having patience was never your strength. Be careful with how you speak to others around you because you don’t want to accidentally break ties. Relationships are worth more than your ego.
The end of this week will have you drained and feeling pulled in too many directions. It’s okay to give yourself a break and nurture yourself like you do for others.
This week, you might feel like your lovers are enemies and enemies are lovers. There’s someone who is out of your view, but they have been keeping their eyes on you. Keep focus on yourself and the rest will fall into place.
TAURUS
LEO
April 20 - May 20
July 23 - August 22
You might feel like your patience is being tested this week because it is. You’ve been undergoing a lot of change and internal growth, but still feel like something or someone is holding you back.
This week will bring fortune, however, you may not appreciate them right away. They could be in terms of gifts or acts of service. Remember that just because people don’t love you in the way you would prefer doesn’t mean they don’t love you.
GEMINI
SCORPIO
October 23 - November 21
Now is a good time to express yourself and talk about things that have been going on. You have previously taken your time to go through and through issues, and now is the time to speak up.
CAPRICORN
December 22 - January 19
Once again, you’ll feel tested by the universe and you’ll be driven to your wits’ ends with the struggles you face.
AQUARIUS
January 20 - February 18
Frustration is a key term for you this week. There’s a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes that is unknown to you at this time. Have more trust that whatever you’re working on will manifest.
May 21 - June 20
This week will bring paranoia so be mindful of your fears. Don’t slip into a rabbit hole worrying about every hypothetical case. Focus on the present and you might find some peace. Cancer: The end of this week will have you drained and feeling pulled in too many directions. It’s okay to give yourself a break and nurture yourself like you do for others.
VIRGO
August 23 - September 22
You’ll soften up a bit this week and want to connect more than typical. Now would be a good time to let people into your life. Your tendency to act like a hermit, gets in the way of maintaining relationships.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 - December 21
Your thoughts might feel out of reach or struck with confusion. It’s okay to not have the answers right now. You might experience vivid dreams lately.
PISCES
February 19 - March 20
Now is a good time to write your thoughts about the world. You typically get flustered or overwhelmed, but you need to find an outlet for your philosophies. Don’t overthink it, just let it come naturally.
Student art spotlight, A10
Greek life focuses on community service, takes COVID-19 precautions BY NICKIE HAYES Staff Writer
COVID-19 has left nothing unchanged on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, and that includes Greek life. Fraternities and sororities have had to go through massive changes to their normal semester itinerary, and have successfully done so, according to Allison Swick-Duttine, the director of fraternity and sorority life at SUNY Plattsburgh. In trying to navigate through the changes due to COVID-19, the first place to start was observing the campus protocols. Swick-Duttine said the Greek life office is closed, and most of the meetings held are through zoom. The office staff had to be cut down to only three student staff members,the rest are volunteers. In addition to the office being closed, the lounge provided in the office as a gathering place for fraternities and sororities, is now suspended from use, Swick-Duttine said.
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Sareem Jabbar/Cardinal Points