By Chelsey Moore

OSWEGO, NY– The College Community Orchestra and dancers from both SUNY Oswego and the community will come together this Sunday, December 3, for a Winter fine arts performance.

The College Community Orchestra and dancers from the community will be performing Tchaikovsky’s ‘Sleeping Beauty Waltz.’ The dancers range from ages 4 to 21 years old. The Orchestra will also play other popular and classical selections.

SUNY Oswego Music Professor and Orchestral Director Dr. Juan F. La Manna said they wanted to give the “talented dancers both in the college and in the community” a chance to perform. 

The “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” will be performed in Tyler Hall’s Waterman Theater at 3PM this Sunday, December 3. Admission is free. For more information, contact the SUNY Oswego Music Department by email at music@oswego.edu or by phone at 315-312-2130.

By Micah Pasinski

OSWEGO, N.Y.– The Oswego Opera Theatre presented a special performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan comedic opera, “The Mikado” on November 11th and 12th. The Mikado was the ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations written between the famous musical duo, Arthur Sullivan and W.S Gilbert. It has remained incredibly popular to this day since it’s 1885 opening in London with many professional theatre companies still performing it.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic opera is a British piece set in Japan. This was done because the creators thought Japan was a far enough place away from their homeland of Britain to give them the freedom to satirize Victorian British politics and institutions of the time, by disguising them as Japanese.

The Oswego Opera Theatre took inspiration from the play’s original satirical nature and used the production as a way in which to poke fun at a lot of what has been dominating our political news lately. They even went so far as to having jokes pertaining to the Trump-Russia Scandal and a character in the show who was strikingly similar in appearance to 2016 Democratic Party Presidential Nominee, Hillary Clinton.

SUNY Oswego Orchestral and Artistic Director, and Conductor of “The Mikado” Dr. Juan Francisco La Manna said that the political aspect is all a part of what makes the show still relevant and enjoyable for audiences to see today.

“The great thing is that it can translate into today’s politics and world very well, so we took probably ninety percent of the substance of the script and adapted it so it would become really relevant,” said La Manna.

“The Mikado” is known as one of the most played musical theatre pieces in history. It was even estimated that before the end of 1885, its premiere year, 150 companies were already producing the opera.

By Briana Watson

OSWEGO, NY – Phi Lambda Phi held their fourth annual bachelor auction in Marano Campus Center to raise funds for breast cancer on Friday November 10th. The sorority is required to throw at least one big fundraising event and the sorority said they thought that an auction would be a fun and exciting way to get people involved.

Event organizer Emily Fernandez said that the idea behind the auction started with one alumna back in 2015.

“She decided that she would start an auction to donate all the money to breast cancer. I don’t why she did it but I know if I were to organize us and start it from scratch I would chose breast cancer also because it’s such a prevalent issue in women today,” Fernandez said.

The sorority garnered brothers from other fraternities to participate in the auction which they will receive community service in return. Additionally, the sorority had a raffle at the auction to give away prizes to their audience.

The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

For more information about Phi Lambda Phi’s upcoming events go to their Twitter @PhiLamb59.

By Renee Dunn

OSWEGO, N.Y.– Low temperatures are continuing to sweep the area, putting an end to the mild Fall.

All of Western New York and parts of Central New York were under flood watches and warnings this past week. Flash freezes in Jefferson and Oswego County are a growing concern as snow shows up in the forecast along with dropping temperatures.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said “a flash freeze is possible, meaning wet road surfaces may quickly turn to black ice,” and potential for snow and ice may result in dangerous travel conditions.

Accuweather.com had issued a Wind Advisory along the Lake Ontario shoreline this past week, and now warns that progressively colder air will unleash rounds of lake-effect snow from the Upper Midwest to the interior Northeast next week. Travel could be difficult for students leaving the Oswego campus to go home for Thanksgiving.

For more information on weather outlooks for Central New York, visit https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/oswego-ny/13126/weather-warnings/334659.

By Zachary Floiro

OSWEGO, N.Y.–  Snow, ice and the freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on drivers throughout the winter months.

Oswego student Ian Padgett said he was a victim of a winter-related car accident last year and that it was a lack of traction from his car’s worn out tires got him into trouble.

“I hit my brakes and my wheels locked up; I just kept sliding,” said Padgett, “I messed up my passenger door and shattered the window. I had to get a brand new door.”

A&P Automotive manager Mike Silliman said having a set of winter tires on a car is essential to maintaining traction on icy conditions and avoiding accidents.

“The things you gotta think about with tires, it’s not just taking off. It’s your breaking and your cornering, that’s where the accidents happen,” Silliman said.

Salting roads can prevent ice buildup but can provoke fast-spreading rust throughout a car’s body and frame. Silliman said he recommends a thorough, weekly wash to keep a car free from salt, and ultimately free from dangerous rust. 

Silliman said he also recommends packing a small survival kit in the car, in case of mechanical issues stranding a car and its owner.

Essential items in a winter car kit can include the following.

• jumper cables
• a warm blanket
• change of clothes
• shovel
• a flashlight

For more information on winter tires, go to https://www.apautomotiveny.com/.

By Walker Snowden

OSWEGO, N.Y.– For the cross country team this past weekend was one of the most important of the entire season. The team’s championship meet was held in Houghton NY.
Oswego Women’s Cross country team member Morgan Bronner said that she has enjoyed her last season with her teammates.

“The goal is to be the best I can be at the end of the season. Overall I think this has been a good season with a bunch of girls I really loved, It was enjoyable,” Bronner said.

Oswego Men’s Cross country team member Colin Greenseich finished 15th overall and earned a qualification spot to nationals. Greenseich no stranger to winning.

“I’d say my team favorite part was when we came in 3rd at SUNYAC. The was really big, huge for us. We didn’t do as well at regionals but coming in 3rd at SUNYACs was a really big deal. I was very happy about that. And at regionals, coming in 15th
and making it to nationals this week is really exciting,” Greenseich said.

For more information on the cross country team, visit http://oswegolakers.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=377.

By Chelsey Moore

Oswego, NY- A new plan is in motion to help make the state of New York more energy efficient. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced early Tuesday that twelve million dollars will be used to enhance energy efficiency in industrial and multi-family buildings. This plan coincides with the real time energy management initiative launched last year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Real Time Energy Management Initiative was first launched last year with the goal of improving efficiency in commercial buildings, including office buildings, hotels, universities, hospitals and retail stores. This energy management system continuously monitors the energy use of different buildings through sensors meters and other equipment. These systems can pinpoint a building’s operational inefficiencies and help to identify conservation measures and help justify capital improvements.

This initiative is crucial to the success of Governor Cuomo’s plan to enhance the state’s overall energy efficiency because about 60-percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York come from buildings.

According to Governor Como, the state will continue to invest in “state-of-the-art clean energy solutions to create a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

For more information, go to http://www.ny.gov/.

By Fan Shi

OSWEGO, N.Y.– SUNY Oswego Public Justice Professor Jaclyn Schildkraut, recognized expert on the topic of mass shootings, gave the presentation “We Need To Talk About School Safety” on Nov 7.

“There is not a full law that we can necessary to use to stop it, but what we can do is to guard ourselves and protect our community safer,” Schildkraut said.

Some people have different views on how to guard themselves during this situation.

“I know a couple of my friends back home were shot and killed because of gun violence. Even when I go out, I still carry a pocket knife with me,” Rebecca Velez said.

Student Gianna Perri believes guns can protect her safety. There is still someone like Meghan Harrington who has a mixed opinion on guns.

“I understand why people would like to have guns. I understand people feel safer. But I don’t feel super comfortable around guns,” Schildkraut said, “There are numbers of things that has to be considered when determining whether to allow for concealed carrying in certain places. For instance, if the law enforcement comes in and citizens are engaged with the shooter, law enforcement will not goanna know who the shooter really is.”

Not all license types allow unrestricted concealed carrying. The license must specify whether it is issued to carry on the person or possess on the premises. Not all of these laws apply to the New York city. In New York City, all firearms need to be registered and there is stricter limitation to carry firearms.

For more information on gun laws, visit https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/.

By Jacob Vanderbroek

OSWEGO, N.Y. – Students and faculty on SUNY Oswego’s campus took time to talk to Veterans in honor of Veterans Day over a bite to eat. There were a wide-variety of foods to choose from including pasta salad and wraps. Soft beverages and water were also served. The purpose of this luncheon was so that members on campus had the chance to show their appreciation.

Dean’s Office for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Adrienne McCormick who works in said the luncheon was an important event for the campus.

“It’s very important to learn the sacrifices that people have made for our country. So i’m at the luncheon to show my support to those who served,” McCormick said.

To find out about the activities that Suny Oswego did to honor the veterans this past weekend go to oswego.edu/news.

By William Corsi

OSWEGO, N.Y.– SyFy and fantasy fanatics at SUNY Oswego have a unique outlet to make friends on campus. Once a month, the Story Teller’s Guild rents out four rooms in the Marano Campus Center in order to hang out and play games together. If that sounds like a typical Saturday between friends it’s because at the heart of the Story Teller’s Guild, there’s a community of people who enjoy spending time together.

Vice President Tiffany Baez said the Story Tellers Guild is close knit group of people like a family. Baez said that although not everyone might be interested in the club because it is what she calls ‘nerdy’, the members of the club really enjoy it.

Story Tellers’ Guild Member Jessica Miller said the Story Tellers Guild was the first club she joined on campus.

“Most of my friends on campus are in the club. It gives me stuff to do so I don’t sit in my dorm all night which is fantastic,” Miller said. Miller said she wrote a game for the club this past week which she said is something she never thought she’d do.
For more information on the Story Tellers’ Guild visit http://www.oswego.edu/orgs/stg/index.html.

By Stephanie Helzer

OSWEGO, N.Y.– Finding a way home for Thanksgiving Break can be stressful for students without a means of transportation. SUNY Oswego offers a few ways for students to travel home during long breaks.

The college offers three ways for students to travel home for breaks; shuttle bus, college express bus, and zip cars.

The Greyhound and Trailways shuttle buses travel from the Regional Transportation Center (RTC) and Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport. The College Express is a bus shuttle service from SUNY Oswego to downstate, including stops in New York City, New Jersey, Rockland and Orange Counties, Queens and Long Island. The prices for the College Express service varies between one way, round trip, walk on and reservations.

If you would like to buy a ticket, you can visit Lesley Wallace in the Compass to make your reservation, and she will handle your payments and any other information a student may have.
SUNY Oswego offers Zipcars for students who do not wish to ride a bus, train, or plane. Zipcars are a rental car service where members of the service can reserve a car for as little as 1 hour or as long as 7 days. The prices vary, depending on the car and hour long you wish to borrow the car, but gas and insurance are included. Student memberships are $15.

To purchase tickets for the Greyhound shuttle, go to the Compass located at 145 Marano Campus Center. Tickets are being sold for $10 one way or $20 round trip; both are cash only. To sign up for zipcar, visit http://www.zipcar.com/oswego/.

For more information on each of these services, visit SUNY Oswego’s transportation website.

By Michael Allchin

OSWEGO, N.Y.– The Association of Black Psychologists specializes in different programs around campus. One program they run is Humans of Oz.

Based off the idea of Humans of New York, Humans of Oz gathers stories from students around campus. Students can share their personal stories or obstacles they have faced to help people in the community and themselves.

Secretary of Black Psychologists Kimberly Brown said that she enjoys listening to these stories because the answers that people give have a great impact on the people who visit their page.

Brown said she interviewed SUNY Oswego Student Asha Bey and said that Bey did not even realize that what she had spoken about had impacted Brown.

If you would like to share your story through Humans of Oz, or to check out stories from others, you can visit the their Tumblr page at http://humansofoz.tumblr.com/.

by Briana Watson

OSWEGO, NY – On Wednesday October 25th, the College Republicans Club at SUNY Oswego put up a 8-foot beach ball in front of Penfield Library to promote free speech. The beach ball was used as a medium to encourage students to write anything they wanted whether they were political views or their Instagrams.

President of the College Republicans Club Tyler Toomey said that using the beach ball as a medium for free speech is an event that is being held on other campuses along the east coast.  

“It’s a pretty big event through some nonprofit organizations nationwide so we got in contact with them and they actually drove the ball from D.C down to us last night,” Toomey said.

Student Shelby Stewart took the opportunity to express her political views.

“I wrote that I support Trump…because a lot of people wrote a lot of liberal things and I feel like there’s not very many Republicans on campus,” Stewart said.

Stewart said she hopes that by having the beach ball present that it will inspire unity on campus.

“I think if anything it’s going to unite everybody because they see that the College Republicans aren’t just saying, ‘You can’t write anything on it if it’s not Republican’. So I think hopefully, it just going to unite campus and show that people can get along,” Stewart said.

For more information on the College Republicans Club visit the Oswego College Republicans facebook page or their Laker Life page.

By Renee Dunn

OSWEGO, N.Y– Autumn is considered by some people as one of the most beautiful times of the year because of leaves changing, and the peak of Fall is here in Oswego. Strong leaf colors are being expected for several sections of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego counties this week.

According to I Love NY.com, the Thousand Islands-Seaway region of New York, which includes Oswego County, will experience 80 to nearly 100 percent leaf color change this week. This means that oak, maple, and sweetgum trees will be bright shades of red, yellow and orange while fewer areas of muted green, orange and purple remain.

For the students of SUNY Oswego, this color change of foliage brings about many opportunities to explore all of the beauty the campus has to offer. SUNY Oswego’s outdoor club takes trips in the fall to view the leaves changing colors, which peak at different times around the state.

“The adirondacks start first so we got a jump start a few weeks ago in the adirondacks to see the peak. Now it’s in the central New York region, [so we] kind of just drift with the leaves to chase the peak colors for the best hikes for our club members,” Meteorology student and co-president of SUNY Oswego’s Outdoor’s club Zach Butler said.

Rice Creek Field Station also offers opportunities to watch the change in seasons. Rice Creek has trails that are open during daylight hours that can be used for viewing the changing of the leaves in the fall. Student’s can also educate themselves on the ecosystem of Rice Creek at the field station’s wildlife exhibit.

Other areas of New York, such as Long island, are still in their midpoint of color change and are expected to reach their peak later in the month.
For more information and to view a map of peak fall foliage, visit https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/.

By Fan Shi

OSWEGO, NY– SUNY Oswego’s career services held a graduate school fair and career fair to help students prepare for their December graduation and some international students were searching for a promising future.

International student Zhixing Zhai said that he is nervous for graduation and hopes to find an opportunity that will allow him to stay in the United States.

“You can see a lot of opportunities and chances here because there are so many universities. But you are not sure which one you are going to get in eventually. And this process made me very stressful,” Zhai said.

Other international students said they are struggling to find jobs. South Korean Senior Soyoung Moon said she finds it is difficult to accomplish a perfect resume.

“The resume structure between our country and the United States is very different.” Soyoung said.

SUNY Oswego career services offers help to students trying to put together a resume. They have a resource room where someone works with students in resume writing, guiding them towards internships and doing the same with job opportunities. Some of their other services include taking professional photos for LinkedIn profiles and helping students plan their future.

SUNY Oswego director of Career Service Gary Morris said they are improving their services for international students.

“We have some staff members who are kind of specialize to the systems we can give advantage to the international students. We try to stay a breath of the changing landscape of visa. We explore different products and software online like going global that details information that literally hundreds of countries out there to help our professional staff and our students staff better understand and be sense to the culture differences in different countries,” Morris said.

For more information on SUNY Oswego’s Career Services, visit https://www.oswego.edu/career-services/.

High school students from near and far traveled to Oswego on Saturday, October 28th, to visit SUNY Oswego’s Open House. The open house was hosted by the office of admissions.

The Open House gave students and families an opportunity to talk with faculty and explore the campus buildings including academic buildings, residence halls, and dining halls. Just over a hundred tables were set up in the Marano Campus Center. Students and parents had the chance to talk to representatives from financial aid, career services, athletics, international education, and experience-based education.

“The people are very friendly and i felt very welcomed here. the campus is very modern and beautiful so it was easy to find my way around,” High School Senior Allison Smith said.

To schedule a visit register at www.oswego.edu/visit or for more information about when future open houses will be visit oswego.edu/events.