Senator Schumer announced yesterday that the U.S. department of Health and Human Services will be allocating over $326 million to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Many New York residents rely on this service to pay their heating bills during the winter.

Schumer and Gillibrand pushed to have the highest level of funding possible given to this program. Schumer says that this decision will force fewer people to decide between food and heat this winter. The senators say that October marks the beginning of the heating season.

HEAP helps hundreds of thousands of seniors and low income families, according to Schumer.

Originally Written By: Krystal Cole

by Owen Marchand, WTOP10-TV

The November Town Hall meeting with President Stanley in the Campus Center’s auditorium attracted a group of students who were eager to ask SUNY Oswego’s president questions on different topics.

These monthly meetings are a great way for students to address any concerns or questions around campus with both President Stanley and fellow faculty members who attend the meetings.

Freshman Ethan Magram, Senator of the Student Association talked about how different campuses have insight on different demographics such as student involvement and asked, “how can we collect better data on students to figure out how they like things on campus, living here, and how they feel about activities such as clubs, etc.” Stanley and other faculty members chimed in by stating how last school year a committee was created to see what students think about. Jerald Woolfolk, Vice President of student affairs and enrollment, mentioned how auxiliary services and residential life do surveys.

Another student brought up the revival of the campus common hour and this was heavily talked about as it took a large point of interest. The common hour is an hour across campus where there are no classes or essentially any activities held. SUNY Oswego used to participate in the common hour, but it was later ended, brought back, and again taken away. The campus held the common hour between 12:45 and 1:00 however, it was voted to be suspended due to conflicts according to President Stanley. Many students and faculty appeared to be interested in bringing it back, however one graduate student at the meeting mentioned remembering how due to the common hour being during lunch time it made the lines at each dining hall very long.

One student simply wanted to thank President Stanley on her email sent regarding the recent presidential election as it brought out many mixed emotions among the Oswego community. President Stanley stated “No matter what happens, we stand together.” She was also amazed at the speak out regarding “The strength, depth of solidarity, humor, and hope for the future.”

One of the last questions for President Stanley was, “I chose this school because I have seen so many advances in the facilities, resident halls, Shineman, etc. How do you and the rest of administration see the future of this?” Stanley talked about how the school’s core values are how the student learns, and having a 24 environment on a campus where students live is also important. This is why many renovations have been made and there are still more to come. She also mentioned how important upkeep is.

The November Town Hall meeting was another success as each student who attended was able to get their questions and concerns addressed and get clarification on anything they were wondering.

by Michael Allchin

Oswego, NY- Angela Russel is a senior music major from Richmond, Massachusetts. She has been very active with Oswego State’s music department by performing in choirs, musicals and acapella.

When she first came to Oswego State, she was passionate about broadcasting and journalism. She eventually switched her major to music because she knew her direction of passion had changed. She specifically had an interest in opera.

“I wasn’t really that great of a singer at first,” Russel said. “I didn’t really know all the technique and all the body you put into it and over the years I’ve learned so much that I just took all the repertoire that I’ve really worked on and shown how much I’ve grown since I started that song all the way up till now”.

On Apr. 8, Russel had her senior concert, where she performed many songs that showcased her opera skills. Russel was also collaborated with Vocal Effect, Oswego State’s acapella club where she is an active member of.

Aside from family and friends, Russel’s biggest supporters were Oswego State music professors Nancy James and Mihoko Tsutsumi. Both professors helped Russel improve her vocal skills and have not only transformed her into a better musician, but also the person she wants to be.

Russel plans to attend a graduate program where she will be able to continue her dream of becoming an opera singer.