Vol. 127, No. 15 Alfred, Allegany County, New York State, U.S.A. 14802 Thursday, April 12, 2012 Inside
Jonathan H. Perkins ...Pg.2
‘Riding Big Red’ ...Pg.3 Hind legs of a mule? ...Pg.4 Nana feeds the multitudes ...Pg.5 AU to stage ‘Way of the World’....Pg.6 Buckwalter gets award ...Pg.10 Saxons split with Fisher ...Pg.15 Vecchio named AU AD ...Pg.16
AU HABITAT Spring Break
“Rehab” Project partici- pants take a break from their work in Tinkertown to catch up on local news.
Front from left are Edid- iong Udoyen, Jonathan Ugalde, Sarah Davis, Mike Strauss, Dave Snyder and, back from left, Walner Ed- mond, Jamie Lain and Brian Pierce. Also partici- pating were Mariah Evans, Jack Failla, Jennifer Kirsch, Michael Morrissey, David Nevol, and David Odle.
Sun in Tinkertown
T he “A pretty darn good newspaper serving Alfred since 1883” A lfred S un
Of the Community. By the Community. For the Community.
Official Newspaper of Town and Village of Alfred and Alfred-Almond Central School District $1
APALACHIN--Mark Payne, assistant professor, Building Trades, led a group of heavy equipment operations students during their spring break to engage in stream remediation. Standing alone is Christopher Addison, Hamburg; front from left are: Angel Cavanaugh, Whitesville; Cody Madigan, Bath; Kevin Nicoletti, Cochecton; Wayne Carroll, Jr., Bath; Michael Kashdin, Buffalo; and Mark Payne, associate professor, heavy equipment operations, Building Trades Department.
ASC students spend Spring Break ‘on the job’
AU Habitat helps rehab smoke-damaged home
By JONATHAN HILSHER ASC Civic Engagement Director
APALACHIN—Project-based learning is a cornerstone of the Alfred State culture. When stu- dents tackle real-world problems, they learn how to think, not what to think. They can also engage in meaningful civic engagement de- veloping solutions to ongoing community challenges.
A recent example took place in Apalachin from March 11-16.
Mark Payne, assistant professor, Heavy Equipment Operations, led a group of eight students dur- ing their spring break to engage in stream remediation. The team utilized heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and an articulated truck to redirect the Apalachin Creek stream bed and create a berm that will better control any future flooding.
The group invested long hours each day to ensure the work would be completed by the end of the week. Thankfully, all ben- efited by having Culinary Arts in- structor, Brian Decker, prepare excellent meals on site to keep up the energy level and enthusiasm!
This trip was the fourth relief team Professor Payne has organ- ized with the Heavy Equipment Club to assist this region of New York after the historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropi- cal Storm Lee in 2011. The first team served in the Schoharie area
to clear debris. The second team worked with the Owego- Apalachin school district to reha- bilitate a drainage system to mitigate future flooding. The third team began the work on the Apalachin Creek as well as reha- bilitated a local cemetery at the request of Senator Tom Libous’
office. This fourth team sought to move beyond cleanup to provide a solution at Apalachin Creek that would mitigate and redirect fu- ture floods from having such a devastating impact in the future.
This project was made possible not only through the initiative, expertise, and service of this team, but also through the collab- oration and support of corporate, non-profit, and local/state gov- ernment agency partners. Right down the road, Binghamton Uni- versity again was a valuable part- ner by providing housing and parking options to the group throughout the week.
Monroe Tractor donated the trucking of a bulldozer, excava- tor, wheel loader and an articu- lated dump truck to this project.
And, LeChase Construction LLC working with ZMK Construction donated another bulldozer to the cause. Exaktime also donated time tracking software to allow the students to log and manage their time on the project.
Finally, the team worked very closely with Tioga Soil County and Water and the Upper Susque-
hanna River Coalition to identify the need for stream remediation and develop a clear plan to fix this ongoing community chal- lenge.
Students have taken on leader- ship roles gaining valuable expe- rience in logistical organization, project planning, collaboration, and real world experience on
heavy equipment. Local residents have expressed their appreciation that their property and lives are now safer through the efforts of this team.
And, all stakeholders appreci- ate the value of coming together to develop solutions to local chal- lenges. The expectation is that fu- ture efforts will continue to
leverage these strong partner- ships to create solutions in com- munities that continue to recover from the flood damage.
You can see a video that in- cludes interviews and footage by visiting the following feature by Twin Tiers CW 2 or Fox 40 WICZ.
By MARIAH EVANS Alfred University student TINKERTOWN--Philanthropy is typ- ically associated with donating lots of money to a good cause. I think we will all agree that this definition is a bit unre- alistic as college students living in the Al- fred community. However, just because you don’t have massive amounts of money to donate doesn’t mean that you can’t be a philanthropist. Philanthropy can also be defined as donating your time, talent and treasure for the good of human- ity. I believe that this type of philanthropy can be achieved by anyone, especially all of the talented people here in Alfred.
Alfred University’s Habitat for Hu- manity is a club that offers students an opportunity to engage in philanthropy by donating their time, and their efforts to help others. This past spring break, mem- bers of AU Habitat were housed at Camp Harley Sutton in Alfred Station and spent the week helping a local family begin to rebuild their home 15 months after it suf- fered much smoke damage in a house fire.
Coral Link, the owner of the home, is
a mother of four grown children and grandmother of two. She worked for many years at the NYS College of Ce- ramics at Alfred University. Her family has lived in their Tinkertown home since the early 1980s.
Due to a malfunction of the floor fur- nace, a fire occurred in November 2010 while Link was out of the home. Fortu- nately, the house had new vinyl siding and replacement windows which served to seal the house, thus suffocating the fire, preventing more damage. And, a passing Alfred Station volunteer firefighter smelled the smoke and, after going house to house, discovered the fire in time to save the house.
Led by AU Habitat Advisor Dave Sny- der and our student body president, Brian Pierce, students spent four and a half days clearing out family belongings and rip- ping out paneling, lathe and plaster from the old smoke-damaged home. Each stu- dent wore a gas mask and long sleeves to protect their lungs and skin from the clouds of dust and airborne particles of mold and potential asbestos.
The team worked alongside Link’s two
daughters who grew up in the house.
Both were extremely grateful for Habi- tat’s help. One said, “I don’t know where we would be without your help. Actually, I know exactly where we would be and I’m so glad to have you students here helping us.”
The team filled nearly three 30-yard dumpsters full of debris. By the end of the fourth day, they had cleared and gutted seven rooms, an attic, and a staircase.
They also repaired the floor where the furnace had been. Although they were covered in dust and exhausted at the end of each day, the team had fun-filled evenings of basketball, foosball, bowling, wrestling, dinner at the Collegiate, a trip to the Maple Tree Inn and a Friday evening spent at Splash Lagoon.
Prior to the start of the project, the group “bonded” when they visited the Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammond- sport, attended a brunch at the Alfred Sta- tion SDB Church and visited the Corning Museum of Glass.
AU Habitat is thankful for the oppor- tunity to help a community member with her home. Snyder said the group’s tradi-
tional Spring Break trip to DeLand, Florida, where the group has built 19 houses the past 15 years was cancelled as the Habitat for Humanity affiliate there is not building this year. In addition, the group was facing increased transportation costs to go to Florida.
“We had no place to go and no way to get there,” Snyder said.
“I am grateful to the Link family for al- lowing our students to have a meaningful Spring Break experience,” he added, “It was hard work but it’s fun when you’re working with friends.”
AU Habitat also wishes to thank those in the community who provided meals, housing and other assistance for the group, including the Allegheny Associa- tion of SDB Churches’ Camp Harley Sut- ton trustees, Collegiate Restaurant, Donna Rogers, Jeanne Hyland, Penny Gardner, the Harry Lain Family, Mark Lewis and Mae Bottoms.
AU Habitat for Humanity meets at 8 p.m. Sundays in the organizational suite on the ground floor of Powell Campus Center; everyone is welcome and encour- aged to participate!
2 THE ALFRED SUN, Thursday, April 12, 2012
OBITUARIES
ALFRED
Weather for the Week
April 2-April 8 April Hi Lo Precip. Snow
2 50 23 0
3 58 22 0
4 56 24 0
5 35 20 0
6 45 20 0
7 52 20 0
8 50 24 0
By JOHN BUCKWALTER Alfred Area Weather Recorder
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From left, Alfred Lion Rob Riber, Joseph Sempolinski - Rep.
Tom Reed's District Manager, Alfred Lions Club President Bill Emrick, Scio Lions Club President Peter Bryant.
JONATHAN H. PERKINS Member of The Patriot Guard
HORNELL–Jonathan H.
Perkins, 51, passed away unex- pectedly Sunday (April 8, 2012) upon arrival at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.
Mr. Perkins was born on Jan.
15, 1961 in York, Maine to William H. and Eleanor B.
(Erway) Perkins. He was a 1979 graduate of Iroquois Central School in Elma. He served in the United States Army from 1979 to 1983 as an Intercept Warfare Systems Repairman.. On Jan. 7, 1984, he married Kelly A.
Boushey, in East Grand Forks, MN, who survives.
Jon worked as an Information Technology Manager and later a Business Systems Manager for Alstom Power in Hornell from 1995 to the present.
In addition to his wife, Jon is survived by his mother, Eleanor E. Perkins of Coudersport, PA.;
two daughters, Jessica (Sunil) Rao of Hornell and Nicole (Jason) West of Albany; a son William Perkins, a college stu- dent in Heidelberg, Germany;
two brothers, his twin Jeffrey (Leanne) Perkins of Bliss, and James Perkins of Perry City; one sister, Jennifer (Michael) Hinck- ley of Delevan; a grandson, Kas- mir Rao; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jon was predeceased by his fa- ther, William H. Perkins, an in- fant brother, William H. Perkins and an infant grandson, Noah Rao.
Jon treasured spending time with his family. He was a loving
husband, amazing father and playful Papa. He enjoyed out- door activities including canoe- ing, hiking and camping. Jon was a supporter of the U.S. Mil- itary as an active member of the United Service Organization and the veterans’ motorcycle escort, The Patriot Guard.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today (Thurs- day, April 12) at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 13 at Hillside Baptist Church in Hornell with Pastor Craig A. Brittingham, of- ficiating. Burial with full mili- tary honors will follow in Bath National Cemetery. Online con- dolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Jon’s name may be made to Pa- triot Guard Riders of New York, 6399 Lake Ave., Williamson, NY 14589.
BELMONT—Two of the three candidates who are com- peting at the Democratic Pri- mary Race for US Congressman to be held June 26 for the gen- eral election in November against presumed candidate Tom Reed, met in Belmont Thursday, April 5.
Leslie Danks Burke is a lawyer and involved with sev- eral job creation programs in Ithaca. Nate Shinagawa is the elected Vice chair of the Tomp- kins County Legislature and he is also been employed as a direc- tor at the at the Guthrie Health Clinic. He holds a master’s de- gree in health administration from Cornell. He is fourth gen- eration Japanese American , his grandfather served as a US Ma- rine in Korea and Vietnam.
The two candidates met Bar- bara Hetzel of Wellsville, chair of the Allegany County Democ- rats and some of the Allegany Democratic Committee at the American Legion in Belmont.
The third candidate is Melissa Dobson and she was scheduled to meet Barbara Hetzel at the Texas Hot on Friday, April 6.
A Republican Presidential Pri- mary Election will be held from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 in Allegany County. The of- fice to be voted on is The Re- publican Presidential Candidate of the United States.
ALFRED—The Alfred Unit of Empire State College on Wednesday, April 18 will host a local graduation celebration for students who have completed their degrees.
Graduates, together with their families and friends, will gather for the celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18 at the Alfred Unit Office in the Alumni House on the Alfred State Col-
By BRAD BOWDEN Of the Alfred Lions Club ALFRED--The Scio Lions Club joined the Alfred Club at their March 22 dinner meeting.
Following dinner, Alfred Lion Rob Riber described the Yellow Dot Triad Program administered through the Allegany County Office for the Aging in conjunc- tion with the County Sheriff and NY State Police.
He explained that the program is designed to provide emer- gency responders with on-site medical and other pertinent in- formation about unresponsive victims at vehicular accidents. A distinctive decal on the driver’s side rear window would indicate that there is a list of medical and other personal information in the glove compartment for both the responders as well personnel at the destination health care facil- ity.He also distributed Yellow Dot Decals and a sheet with the types of information that might be useful to include in the med- ical and personal record: names, addresses, and phone numbers of the vehicle owner/s and pic- ture/s for identification, names, addresses, and phone numbers of physician(s) and emergency contacts, and updated medica- tions and other significant health conditions such as allergies, and medical implants.
Anyone in Allegany County with additional questions can call Rob Riber (607-587-8262) or Kim Toot, Director of the County Office for the Aging (585-268-9390).
The evening’s guest speaker Joseph Sempolinski, District Manager for Congressman Tom
MAP shows the borders of the new New York Congressional District 23.
Reed, initially explained that the New York Congressional map is typically redrawn every 10 years after each census and that New York lost 2 of its 29 seats be- cause of a population decline.
The current 29th district will become a newly created 23rd district for this fall’s election.
The new district will continue to include Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Chemung, Schyler, Yates and part of Ontario County, adds Chautauqua, Tompkins and part of Tioga, but eliminates Monroe.
In response to a question about what it will take to im- prove interparty cooperation in Washington, he expressed the opinion that freshman members of Congress aren’t the problem because they don’t come in with a lot of ‘baggage’ and suggested that it would improve if discus- sion among all members of con- gress focused on ‘policy conflict
of ideas’ rather than ‘political conflict of ideas.’
On the issue of term length for Representatives, he agreed that the pattern of ‘one year to learn, one year to get re-elected’ was probably too short. When asked how accurate information in the public media is in comparison to what actually goes on in DC, he commented that ‘conflict sells papers’!
He noted that it was signifi- cant that Tom Reed, as a fresh- man congressman, was appointed to the important Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing committee of the House of Representatives that has jurisdiction over all taxation, tariffs and other revenue-raising measures such as Social Secu- rity, Unemployment Benefits, Medicare and others. He also re- lated that shortly after being elected Congressman Reed was asked to vote on a tax bill while it was still being worked on and no one had had a chance to read it. That practice has changed and now requires a three day delay after a bill is completed and all amendments must be voted on in open session.
He further said that Rep. Reed did not support “earmarks” (aka
“porkbarrel” spending ), is ded- icated to his work, and seriously listens to his District Manager’s advice and feedback from his constituents, and concluded with a grin, ‘and yes, he does sign my check’!
Congressman’s district manager
addresses Alfred, Scio Lions clubs
lege campus.
Graduates being honored are:
Lori Howell, AS with a concen- tration in People and Their Be- havior; Sarah Mandolang, BS in Peace Studies; Judith Rose, BS in Adolescents and Their Needs;
Jared Sherwin, BS in Small Business Management; and Susan Zinck, AS in Human Services.
The Alfred Unit's local gradu-
ation celebration is held in addi- tion to the formal graduation ceremony which will be held this year on Sunday, June 10 at the Genesee Valley Center in Rochester. The Alfred Unit of Empire State College is a part of the Genesee Valley Center (GVC). Other GVC Units are lo- cated in Batavia, Canandaigua, and Corning/Elmira.
Empire State College grads to gather
Democratic hopefuls visit Allegany County
Republican Primary
THE ALFRED SUN, Thursday, April 12, 2012 3
Another nice surprise in the mail when we came home was a note from Evelyn and Jennifer Lobdell. It contained a recipe for Strawnana Nut Bread which a friend had made for the reception after Leon’s memorial service.
I love making banana bread, it’s so easy, but I never would have thought to add strawberries to it. This sounds like a winner!
Strawnana Nut Bread 3 c. flour 4 eggs, beaten
2 c. sugar 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries, 1 tsp. baking soda thawed
1½ tsp. cinnamon 1 c. mashed, ripe banana
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 c. oil
½ tsp. salt 1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans Combine and mix well dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix all wet ingredients. And beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir into dry in- gredients only mixing until blended, then fold in nuts. Grease 2 (9x5) loaf pans. Pour in batter and bake for 1 hour. Start testing for doneness with toothpick abound 50 minutes.
Freezes well wrapped tightly with plastic, then foil. (You may reserve one tablespoon of the strawberry juice to blend into softened cream cheese or butter as an optional spread. Add some powdered sugar, if you like.
Strawberries in Banana Bread a winner
Just a busy (bee) day in Texas. Note that they are almost as inter- ested in the Diet Coke as in the regular.
KENNETH C. BELLOWS
THE CALL SHEET
Village Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service CALL COUNT: March 2012
Fire 18 calls Ambulance 31 calls
ALFRED—Driving Big Red is one reason why many volun- teer at the fire department.
It was certainly one of the rea- sons why Kenneth C. Bellows volunteered for AE Crandall Hook and Ladder Company.
“It's interesting work," Bel- lows said. "You get to help peo- ple in their darkest hour. But I would be remiss if I did not mention the adrenaline rush. It's there. But in no other job is there such a sense of altruism...you are there for one purpose: to make a bad situation better.”
Currently an Alfred Univer- sity senior as well as a local community resident, Bellows has been fascinated by fire trucks since toddlerhood.
“When I was in pre-school and in kindergarten, my mother used to take me to say goodnight to the fire truck” before going to bed, he said.
And the love affair with these trucks continued through the school age years. In high school, Bellows joined the Alfred Sta-
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ALFRED STATION--The April meeting of Baker's Bridge Association is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 16. All those interested in the topic or the history of the area are invited to join us at the Meeting House at 5971 Hamil- ton Hill Road in Alfred Station.
Our speaker is Ronald Putnam who will speak on “Grandma's Secret Economy: The Backyard Poultry Industry.”
Mr. Putnam's presentation will discuss the unique and col- lectible poultry equipment used by the backyard poultry industry of yesteryears. Chicken feeders, waterers, egg carriers, egg scales, and much more will be displayed; and the role of each in the early poultry industry will be discussed.
For more information on BBA please refer to www.bakers- bridge.org.
BOLIVAR--The first regular 2012 meeting for Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR will be held Thursday, April 19 at the Bolivar Country Club. Please gather at 12:30 p.m. so that we may be served lunch promptly at 1 p.m. The menu is: minestone soup plus either a salad or club sandwich. The salad comes with meat choices of chicken, shrimp or beef. Beverages and dessert are also included for the cost of
$15, which includes gratuity.
The program for this month will be presented by Kathryn Ross, from the Wellsville Daily Reporter.She will be discussing
Putnam to talk on backyard poultry of yesteryears
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tion junior fire department.
A fellow school mate on the bus challenged Bellows to join the junior fire fighters with the immortal words, “If you don't join the junior firefighters, I'll beat the **** out of you. I showed up the next practice, and it was great.”
When Bellows turned 18, he joined the AE Crandall H&L Co because it also has an ambulance service.
Bellows is trained as an inter-
Kenneth Bellows could see ‘Riding Big Red’ all day
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mediate level emergency med- ical technician and an interior firefighter, having successfully passed EMT basic & intermedi- ate as well as Firefighter I & II.
He has also been trained to han- dle hazardous materials in an emergency and what to do in pre- and post-detonation inci- dents.
An AU senior, Bellows is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in history and is a member of the Reserved Of- ficer Training Corps. He is obli- gated to serve in the armed forces and whether he continues in emergency services depends on whether he is posted abroad.
He has asked for a posting in ei- ther Germany or Korea.
After leaving the armed forces, “I might look for a career [as a firefighter]. I could see rid- ing Big Red all day.”
"Events Honoring Medal of Honor Conferee Jason Dun- ham," including the launching of the ship named for him. This meeting is NOT our annual meeting (that's in May). Host- esses for this month are Peg Strittmather and Marlee Schmitt.
The Bolivar Golf Club is lo- cated just off Route 417, on Halls Crossing Road. Coming from the east/Wellsville, you will pass through Bolivar and make a right into the Club. If you are coming from Olean way, if you've gotten to Bolivar, you've gone too far!
If you have been collecting
ink cartridges, soup labels, pa- perback books or other items over the winter, please bring them to this meeting. Also, if you are interested in attending the Spring Workshop in Batavia, please let me know so that we might share rides.
Local DAR chapter to meet April 19 in Bolivar
4 THE ALfRED SUN, Thursday, April 12, 2012
Official Newspaper of the Village of Alfred, the Town of Alfred and the Alfred-Almond Central School District.
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David L. Snyder, Editor & Publisher
The Alfred Sun is published weekly except for two weeks during the summer by Twin Creek Publishing, Box 811, Alfred, NY 14802.
Second Class Postage paid at Alfred Station, NY 14803.
Member, New York Press Association Member, Alfred Business Association
Contributors:
Betsy Brooks, Lana Meissner, Elaine Hardman, Graham Marks, Tammy Kokot, Doug Lorow, Matt Mueller, Linda Lewandowski, Leo
Nealon, Donna Ryan, Amanda Snyder, Ben Howard, Ellen Shultz, Sherry Volk, Mary Lu Wells, Linda Staiger, Alfred State College,Al-
fred University, Alfred-Almond Central School and many more.
How to Subscribe or Renew Your Subscription:
$30 a year in Allegany County, $33 outside.
To Order, send a check with mailing address to:
Alfred Sun Subscription, Box 811, Alfred, NY 14802.
for advertising rates, call 607-587-8110, fax request to 607- 587-8113 or e-mail: alfredsun.news@gmail.com
T he A lfred S un
Of the Community. By the Community. For the Community.
“A pretty darn good newspaper serving Alfred since 1883”
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
Alfred Sun, Box 811, Alfred, NY 14802
Age Is a Matter of the Mind:
If Your Mind Is Gone, Your Age Don’t Matter
“You’re only as old as ‘as old as you feel’” – And that’s s’posed to make it all right?
Well, I only feel old when I stand, sit, or kneel – And only at morn, noon, or night.
So that means I must be about 84…
But that’s okay: 80’s the new 50.
So like I was sayin’: I’m ’bout 54 – Gee, but this new math is nifty!
—Anon Age Mouse
NEW YORK STATE BUDGET IMPACT
This past week the New York State Association of Counties (“NYSAC”) released its 2012-13 State Budget Impact Summary.
This is important to every county because our budget is driven by various State mandated programs. That summary is 51 pages long, including charts and tables. The major categories of that summary are as follows:
Medicaid.The big news is that the State will gradually take over the “cost growth” burden from county governments. Instead of the current 3% annual increase, the 2013 increase will be limited to 2% and the 2014 increase will be limited to 1%. In 2015 and later years counties Medicaid payments will be capped. That will save counties just over $1 billion over the next 5 years. For 2012 there is no Medicaid mandate relief. Also, there was no serious discussion about the State taking over our current share of Medicaid. Over the next 5 years counties in NYS will pay almost $38 billion for Medi- caid that no other counties in America must pay.
Pension Reform. Governor Cuomo had proposed some radical changes in the State Pension System, including creation of a new
“Tier 6” for newly hired State and municipal employees. Tier 6 that will save the State and municipalities an estimated $80 billion over the next 30 years. However, it doesn’t begin until mid-2013, and will then only apply to new employees. New employees will pay up to 6% for their entire working career. Tier 3 and 4 enrollees currently pay only 3% of their wages for the first 10 years of their career. Cur- rent Tier 5 enrollees pay only 3%, but do so for their entire working career. None of the changes can be made retroactive because of pro- hibitions contained in the State Constitution. That means that county contributions towards employee pensions will continue to skyrocket for the foreseeable future. Another proposal to create a “defined con- tribution” pension plan was rejected by the Legislature. There was no significant mandate relief related to pensions.
Special Education Pre-School and Early Intervention Health Services Reforms.The original budget proposal called for significant reforms to the “Pre-K” and EI programs, including split- ting cost increases equally between the State, school districts and counties. The Legislature rejected all proposed Pre-K reforms. The Legislature also rejected proposed EI reforms that would require health insurance policies to cover services for EI enrolled children.
The only change involved creation of a statewide fiscal agent to manage contracts and billing. It appears the State Legislature is more responsive to lobbyists for the insurance industry and Pre-K and EI contractors than it is to the needs of taxpayers. There was no man- date relief here.
Human Services.The budget approved a 10% increase in the Public Assistance Grant raising the typical grant to $770 per month.
The new Budget eliminated State funding for child support enforce- ment administration to local governments. Counties will supposedly be allowed to keep certain child support funds actually collected.
Certain cost of living adjustments (“COLAs”) were eliminated from foster care, adoption and other programs. State revenues from tele- phone surcharges will be $193 million. The State seized almost $80 million for the General Fund and $25 million for the State Police.
About $89 million will come to local governments for actual serv- ices.
Miscellaneous Changes. The State Budget included funding proposals related to agricultural programs, casinos and the State Lot- tery program. The Budget increased state funding for community college students from $2,122 per year to $2,272 per student. Eco- nomic Development initiatives totaling $220 million were author- ized. The Budget also included funding for environmental and energy initiatives, including $16.2 million for NYSERDA to develop a State Energy Plan. The Budget approved about $1.2 billion in Transportation funding. Allegany County will benefit from two proj- ects totaling $3.811 million. State Route 305 (Cuba to Belfast) and I-86 (Friendship to Cuba) will be resurfaced.
No big surprise. There is no significant help or relief for Alle- gany County in the 2012-13 State Budget.
Loud concert, silent disco
Gov’t censorship?
Debate is necessary
Show me some proof
T
heA
lfredS
unwelcomes submission of news articles, photos,
and letters to the editor.
Weekly Deadline:
12 noon Monday for Thursday publication E-mail news, ads, letters
address changes to:
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To the Editor:
Alfred University and Alfred State are excited to be planning an outdoor concert for Friday, April 20th .
This concert will take place in the Carnegie Hall parking lot (right across from Panda Chi- nese / Alex’s) and will feature the band O.A.R. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and last until approximately 11 p.m.
The students are working with the village board to acquire an exemption to the village noise ordinance for the evening. Both colleges appreciate the residents’
understanding as we do realize the inconvenience caused.
We are especially pleased NOT to ask for your forgiveness for an outdoor concert on Satur- day, April 21 even though the students plan to rock out from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the morning.
AU’s activities board will pres- ent a SILENT DISCO which features a live DJ, spinning in- fectious and thumping dance beats, through a headphone
sound system. That’s right! The music can only be heard by those dancing - through head- phones. This program was con- tracted intentionally, by students, to avoid causing a late- night inconvenience for nearby residents.
Both events, along with a host of daytime events, are intended to provide substance-free enter- tainment for the college stu- dents, alumni, parents, and community. We appreciate your support as we make every effort to make Hot Dog Day safe and enjoyable for all.
Respectfully, Dan Napolitano Director of Student Activities Alfred University
To the Editor,
Please accept this letter and my subscription renewal (a year and a half before it is due). This is in direct and public support for your choice to publish all opinions; regardless of how I may feel about them, or the hometown of the author.
I have always appreciated the opportunity to read and consider the viewpoints of others, and I was very disappointed to read the April 5, 2012 letter by the Hon. Virginia Rasmussen. In re- sponse to the question she posed, the village Board of Trustees should not remove its
designation of the Alfred Sunas their official newspaper because that would smack of govern- mental censorship. I really hope the village trustees would not be party to such an action.
Benjamin Link Alfred Station
To the Editor:
I admire Ms. Rasmussen for her service and commitment to the Village, but found her com- ments concerning the "Don't Be Like California" letter discon- certing, to say the least. I respect her right to disagree with the opinion of the writer, but there is something much more important happening here.
That a village board member might consider withdrawing the designation of an "official news- paper" because it published a let- ter from a non-resident that is contrary to her political views, is shocking.
The Alfred Sun is a sole pro- prietorship and draws sub- scribers from across the country because of associations with Al- fred that go far beyond residence here. It is a "community" news- paper because it focuses prima- rily on local news and events, not because it promotes any phi- losophy.
Unlike many larger, main- stream newspapers, the Sundoes not censor either news or opin- ions, and to impose an "editorial board" on a privately owned business would be "silly and dangerous nonsense." The
"guideline" is already in place, and is clear and simple. It's called 'Freedom of Speech.'
Although it is as incompre- hensible as the Health-Care Bill, Ms. Rasmussen may wish to study the consequences of Arti- cle X (PowerNY), that report- edly is based upon the tenets of Agenda 21. Some believe that the central governing body cre- ated will take precedence over local municipalities, effectively abolishing 'Home Rule.' Califor- nia has widely adopted Agenda 21, so maybe Mr. Titus knows something we don't, but should.
There are always two sides to an argument, and both have the right to publish their thoughts.
The debate is not only necessary, but is what creates true represen- tation of a community…even Alfred.
Kathy Snyder Alfred Station
To the Editor:
I have heard and read a lot from Mr. Graham Marks in his
“Wait A Minute” article, and all I see or hear are a lot of lies and a lot of hearsay.
Let’s see some proof on what you say. So far it is all hearsay. I want to see proof.
Show me proof, concrete proof; show me God forsaking proof. I don’t think you can do
it. Karl L. Grantier
Submitted by CRAIG BRAACK Allegany County Historian
The Allegany County Democrat, 12-5-1883, p-3, Alfred, be- ginning of Alfred Sun(above).
Allegany County Democrat, 12-19-1883, p-3, Alfred Sunliked by Wellsville editor (below).
Clippings from Allegany County Democrat
Moonlighter
Restaurant Guide...8 Entertainment...8-9 Movie listings...9 Classified Ads...11 Years Ago...12
Alfred Sun’s Second Section--Entertainment, Classified Advertising, Etc., Etc.
Week of April 12-April 18, 2012 ALFRED SUN, PO Box 811, 764 Route 244, Alfred, NY 14802 607-587-8110
‘Like a mom’ to Alfred students, Nana cooks up healthy dishes
By HARUMI MAEDA Japanese exchange student ALFRED—Although Nanako
“Nana” Yatani, owner of Al- fred’s Nana’s Japanese Café, may appear petite and shy, she credits her assertive nature and entrepreneurial spirit for making it in the restaurant business.
“If I were passive and indeci- sive like many Japanese women, my restaurant wouldn’t have been a success,” Nana said, while cleaning her restaurant’s kitchen.
Nana was born and raised in Osaka, one of Japan’s 47 dis- tricts. Osaka is known as Japan’s
“kitchen” due to its unique culi- nary traditions. She graduated from Kyoto’s Ritsumeikan Uni- versity, which has an exchange program with Alfred University.
Nana, who has lived in Amer- ica for 30 years, came to Alfred from Long Island with her hus- band, Choichiro Yatani, an Al- fred State College psychology and sociology professor. The couple has two grown sons, Sohra and Wii.
Nana started her restaurant in 1997 to showcase her pottery.
But when her authentic Japanese cuisine took off, she began stressing the food side of her business.
While at first glance Nana might appear too meek to run a restaurant, those who know her say she is just the opposite:
She’s a hands-on, active boss who motivates her employees to put their customers first.
One such employee, Will Henry, an AU graduate, couldn’t agree more.
“She’s a good boss,” Henry said. “While she’s understand- ing [with employees], she makes sure we do work,” he said, smil- ing.Nana says being a tomboy since birth has helped her be I know the current hue and cry is “less government in our lives.”
So is the new phosphorus law just another example? (See story below). I hate bureaucracy as much as the next BUT let’s look at why somethimes we do need big brother looking over our shoulder.
Back in the early 1800s when white settlers first moved into Al- legany County, there was LOTS of land and FEW people. All farms had “dumps” on their land. Most of the garbage was reasonably safe and quickly biodegraded: wood, cotton, leather, metal. Food scraps fed the chickens.
We all know what’s happened to our world since then. We now live on a very crowded planet and what we do as individuals affect our neighbors, near AND far.
Hence the further restrictions on the use of phosphorus. Please read the following article! This does not mean you will have a less beautiful lawn. Knowing what, and when to apply lawn fertilizer will save you money and be better for said lawn and our ground water and streams and fish and....the list goes on.
Some say environmentalists only care about some rare species of this or that. That is true, no doubt. I care about ME. What is good for the earth, in the end, is good for us too. Look around the world.
It is filled with countries that did not take care of their environment.
Would you want to live there? Not me!
So I am glad there are agencies, some private, some the gov- ernment, who are watching out for us and trying to keep our envi- ronment safe.
Great Lawns, Great Water
Well-managed lawns - lawns that are mowed and fertilized properly - are pleasing to look at, increase property values, and pro- vide wonderful places to play. Great lawns also provide substantial environmental benefits such as reduced soil erosion, increased water infiltration, and decreased stormwater runoff. Other “green” benefits include carbon capturing and cooling of the local environment.
The NYS Dishwater Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law, which addresses the amount of phosphorus being put into the environment, went into affect in August of 2010. Its Fertilizer Provisions went into effect January 1, 2012. The Fertilizer Provisions for lawns in- clude:
• Use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers on lawns is restricted.
Fertilizer labels have three bold numbers. The middle number is the percentage of phosphorus in the product. A product labeled “22-0- 15” contains 22% Nitrogen, 0% Phosphorus, and 15% Potassium.
Phosphorus-free formulations of lawn fertilizers are already avail- able and are competitively priced. Use of products with 0.67 or lower in the middle (phosphorus) isn’t restricted; products with a number higher than 0.67 may be used only if a new lawn is being established or if a soil test indicates that it is necessary. (Please con- tact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for information on getting your soil tested.)
• Application of any fertilizer on lawns is prohibited between December 1st and April 1st. This makes sense as only grass that is actively growing and taking up water and nutrients from the soil will benefit from the application of a fertilizer.
• Application of any fertilizer on lawns within 20 feet of a water body is restricted.
• Retailers must display phosphorus-containing fertilizers sep- arately from phosphorus-free fertilizers. They must also post signs notifying customers of the terms of the law.
Why should we care? Phosphorus can be carried to ponds, rivers, lakes, and streams from lawn areas by stormwater runoff.
These waters then become impaired. Currently, over 70 water bodies in New York State are impaired due to phosphorus, including por- tions of Lake Champlain. “Impaired” means that use of that water boyd for drinking and/or recreation such as fishing is negatively af- fected by a pollutant (phosphorus).
Why should we target lawn fertilizers? It is financially and en- vironmentally sound to use phosphorus-free products on our home lawns. Most soils in New York State already contain enough phos- phorus to promote the growth of healthy lawns. Cultural practices like proper mowing can maintain dense, healthy lawns. Mosting at 3” encourages deep root systems that can access more water and nu- trients. Lawns kept at lower heights may require more fertilization to maintain the same level of quality! Leaving the clippings on the lawn will return nutrients to the soil. In fact, clippings can return 1.5 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year to your lawn! Older, established lawns need less fertilizer applied per year in general because they have a significant amount of nitrogen store din the turf (roots and shoots). Make sure that any nutrient-rich grass clippings from the mower are directed away from impervious sur- faces such as driveways and sidewalks which may allow them to reach storm drains and eventually into waterways. And, make sure that any fertilizer that is applied is swept up from non-target (lawn) areas after application.
Please refer to the DEC website: www.dec.ny.gov/chemi- cal/298.html for more information.
Nana and her employees, whom she calls the “Dream Team,” from left, Will Henry, Erin Hall, Gabbie Wynschenk and Nana. (Photo by Harumi Maeda)
NANAKO “NANA” YATANI successful in the restaurant busi- ness. After all, she’s not afraid of messing up her clothes or kitchen while she’s cooking, and she’s a clear, decisive decision maker.
Although she tends to be a pri- vate person, she is public about her mission to get students to eat vegetables and stay healthy.
For example, she recently added to her menu an Osaka del- icacy, Okonomiyaki, Japanese pancakes containing a variety of vegetables.
Also, most of her ingredients are organic.
“All of my ingredients are homemade except for my ketchup,” she said. “When stu- dents are away from their fami- lies it’s harder for them to eat healthy food. I want them to eat vegetables and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m like their Alfred mom,” she said, smiling.
Dana Kang, a first-year Ko- rean student in the School of Art and Design, couldn’t appreciate Nana’s attitude more. That’s why she goes to Nana’s almost every day, she says.
“Nana always smiles and treats me really nicely, which makes me happy,” she said. “I can keep being healthy because of Nana’s food, which also helps me focus on my studies.”
Although many of Nana’s cus- tomers have asked her to open for dinner, Nana says she won’t be able to due to her need for private time. She has many hob-
bies, such as gardening, travel- ing, attending classic concerts, reading books and watching movies. (There is little surprise her favorite movie is Babette's Feast, a 1987 Danish film in which a French female chef makes people happy with her food.) She also has three dogs and two cats, which she enjoys spending time with.
“I like saving time for my- self,” Nana said, with an impish smile.
Nana says her entrepreneurial spirit not only led her to Amer- ica, but it will keep her here. She said she’ll never move back to Japan because America’s “can- do” spirit conflicts with her more traditional upbringing and homeland. She added that she was too assertive as a woman to ever really fit into Japanese so- ciety and, due to still-existing, rigid gender roles, it would be extremely difficult for her, as a married woman, to be taken se- riously in Japan as a restaurant owner.
“I like America because everything depends on me,” she said. “America allows me to do whatever I want to…If I were in Japan, I could not have started my restaurant. And even if I started it, my business would not have been successful.”
Nana’s customers couldn’t be happier that she’s living the American dream. One such cus- tomer, Zack Allen, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, says Nana’s success has made his time at Alfred both healthier and happier.
“Thank God for Nana,” Allen said. “If it wasn’t for Nana, I would be eating hamburgers everyday and be 20 pounds heavier. I would also be feeling more tired and depressed. We’re so lucky that Nana takes such good care of us.”
6 THE ALFRED SUN, Thursday, April 12, 2012
ALFRED UNIVERSITY CHAMBER SINGERS THE STEAM OF RIVALS
It has happened to me every four years since Republican Wendell Lewis Willkie ran against Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940. I become mesmerized by the contests between candidates for the Presidency of the United States. How to break the spell cast by matters over which I have no control, and tend to my own neglected business?
Well, this past week I began seeking psychological relief by switching my interest from today’s Republican aspirants. Instead, I have been giving it to those with similar ambitions as that party was being formed in the 1860’s.
At Alfred University’s Herrick Memorial Library I picked up an 8 disc CD abridged version of Team of Rivals; The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. Some of the discs occasionally suffered from a case of stuttering. However, everything intelligible was engrossing.
Consequently, I returned to the Library to check out a printed, unabridged version of the 2005 book. It was written by Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Presidential historian, and a Pulitzer Prize winner. Before I began to read the volume, I leafed through several pages. Immedi- ately I prized what I had in hand for three reasons.
First of all, the book has many black and white photographs in it, which the CD version lacks. Next, I could count on it to build up my muscle strength whenever I hefted its 916 pages, which weigh a few pounds. And finally, I felt immediate gratitude to friends who had put it into my hands.
According to the Herrick Memorial Library bookplate it was
“Given in Memory of Adam Vincent Condrate by Dr. and Mrs.
Robana.” Some years ago the Robanas, other members of the Con- drate family, additional interested Alfredians, and I, met on a regular basis. Sharing an interest in global affairs, our Great Discussion group was one of many sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. As none of us were vying for the Presidency, our different points of view took on the value of being educational rather than confrontational.
The book, Team of Rivals, relates the ways in which Lincoln en- gaged with four of the other aspirants for the high office, both before and after he was elected. Rather than remaining competitors suffering from sour grapes over their loss of the candidacy, they became his team members.
Their names were William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edwin M. Stanton, and Edward Bates. To present day western New Yorkers with an interest in local history, Seward may be the best known of the four. His hometown was Auburn in the Finger Lakes Region. On the same night that John Wilkes Booth’s assassinated Lincoln, a co-con- spirator’s attempt to kill Seward resulted in his injury but not his death.
The word “civil” has several meanings, some of them contradic- tory. It can refer to courtesy and courtliness in the behavior of people toward each other. Or, it can refer to a war between the citizens who make up one nation. There are also instances during a war when a white flag can be raised to temporarily halt the battle.
As an animal lover my favorite scene in the currently popular movie “War Horse” depicted just such a civil action. A waving white flag caused the opposing armies to stop their manslaughter momen- tarily. Each side then contributed either soldiers or implements to res- cue a horse enwrapped with barbed wire. Of course, the wire’s presence was only meant to deter, or contribute to, the killing of hu- mans.
Alas, it does not matter whether I am tending to business or en- gaging in leisure occupations. The Republican Presidential candidacy race keeps going on. I am now trying to view it in new ways to keep from being bored. For instance, it is a theatrical performance, and we are only up to Act Two, with one or two more to go. After all, even President Nixon’s “I’m not a crook” character grew to be ripe enough for grand opera.
I do hope that some playwright sees it that way too, and turns part of the drama into a stage production. In view of all the hot air the can- didates are issuing forth, I suggest that it should be entitled, “The Steam of Rivals.”
For now, I shall let the 1940 Presidency loser, attorney Wendell Willkie, have the last words. He is memorialized in a wall-mounted quote in The American Adventure in the World Showcase pavilion of Walt Disney World's Epcot. He said, “Our way of living together in America is a strong but delicate fabric. It is made up of many threads.
It has been woven over many centuries by the patience and sacrifice of countless liberty-loving men and women.”
ALFRED—Alfred Univer- sity’s Division of Performing Arts will present its spring the- atrical production, “The Way of the World” by William Con- greve, at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 21 in the new Miller Theater.
Admission is $5 for the gen- eral public, $3 for non-Alfred University students and senior citizens, and $1 for Alfred Uni- versity students. Tickets can be reserved by emailing per- forms@alfred.edu or calling 607-871-2828.
Set during the late Restoration era, this witty comedy directed by Becky Prophet, AU professor of theater, features a cast of wealthy, conniving characters scheming to get ahead of one an- other and struggling for power and status.
“The Way of the World” stars include sophomore Dana Harris
ALFRED—Alfred Univer- sity’s Chorus and Chambers Singers, the Alfred Volunteer Choir Company, and organist Laurel Buckwalter will fill the sanctuary of the Alfred Seventh Day Baptist Church with lulla- bies and night songs on Sunday, April 15 beginning at 3 p.m.
“Pipedreams,” music for choir and organ, will provide a dreamy and soothing explo- ration of various genres of music. Musical selections in- clude “Sleep” and “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre; “We Beheld Once Again the Stars”
by Z. Randall Stroope; several Disney moments, including Cin- derella’s famous melody “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes;” and a rousing Gospel piece.
Buckwalter, the University carillonneur and music techni- cian, will play two movements from the Gothic Suite by Boell- mann.
“Because of the tight and un- usual harmonies in some of the
pieces, this has been a challeng- ing program to work on, but I am confident that the singers will rise to the occasion,” said Alfred University choral direc- tor, Luanne Crosby, professor of voice.
Crosby earned a bachelor’s of music degree and a master’s of music in music education from State University of New York at Fredonia. Crosby has sung pro- fessionally with the Cleveland Opera, the Aspen Opera The- ater, and the Chautauqua Sym-
phony Orchestra. She taught public school music for 10 years before joining the Alfred Uni- versity faculty.
A graduate of Houghton Col- lege with a major in music, Buckwalter earned a master of science degree in education from Alfred University. In addition to her carillon and music specialist duties, Buckwalter is often the piano accompanist for recitalists and choral groups on campus and throughout the area.
Choral groups to present ‘Pipedreams’
of Alpine as Lady Wishfort;
freshman Michael Whitney of Wailku, Hawaii as Witwoud;
junior Nathan Abel of Ellicott City, Md. playing Mirabell; jun- ior Kate Truini of Roxbury, Conn. playing Millamant; soph- omore Jamal Welcome of Brooklyn as Sir Wilful Wit- woud; freshman Bellisant Coro- can-Mathe of Kendall playing Mrs. Fainall; senior Emily Buss of Minoa as Mincing; freshman Aubrey Fry of Greenwood play- ing Marwood; freshman Andrew Hazer of Brooklyn playing Fainall; freshman Audrey Lobue as Farewell; freshman Owens Shephard of Rochester as Well- fare; senior Joseph Edizel of Al- fred Station playing Waitwell and Sir Rowland; freshman Cory Essington of Hollywood, Md. as Petulant; and sophomore Lydia Prabucki of Buffalo as Peg.
Scenery design is under the director of Zach Hamm, techni- cal director, Performing Arts.
Marketa Fantova, associate pro- fessor of theater design, and Deb MacCrea, costume shop man- ager and lead tailor/seamstress, designed the costumes and light- ing.Prophet holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from AU and a master of arts degree and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She has spent nearly three decades working in theater as an actor, director, and teacher in Alfred, Massachusetts, Michi- gan, Wisconsin, and Atlanta. She is active in the Kennedy Cen- ter/American College Theatre Festival and Association for Theatre in Higher Education, through which she has created an intensive directing institute for students, presents workshops and papers and directs new plays at conferences.
AU to stage ‘Way of the World’
THE ALFRED SUN, Thursday, April 12, 2012 7
A Conversation With Fred Sinclair In Three Parts Part #2 : Radioactivity Last week’s column was the first part of an extended inter- view with Fred Sinclair, Alle- gany County legislator and Manager of the Soil and Water conservation district for the county for 35 years. To read our previous conversation or to read or share any of my previous columns you can go to Wait A Minute New York at: www.wait- aminuteny.blogspot.com
Previously, Fred talked at length about the geology of aquifers and the threat that hy- drofracking poses to our water resources. This week he com- ments on the dangers inherent from the Marcellus Shale itself.
FS: The Marcellus Shale is ra- dioactive – it carries radium 226, and other “daughter” radionu- clides that are degraded rem- nants from the uranium that was in the earth. They are present at levels 25 times natural back- ground, so if officials say, “this is no different than the brick in your house or the stone in your garden”that is not true.
GM: So how is this a prob- lem?FS: Radon, which is the gas that comes off from Radium is water soluble.So as this methane gas, with radon in it, is released from the shale and is coming up through water resources and aquifers, the radon can actually go into solution and that is a se- rious thing because if radon gets into your water and then you drink it, it goes into the cellular level of your body. It’s not the same as breathing it and it’s not the same as alpha particles hit- ting your clothes and bouncing off, which is the argument they like to use about radon, “ oh, they just bounce off your blue jeans and that’s it.” If Radon is in your water it is the worst, be- cause it then bio-accumulates and sits there emitting alpha par- ticles inside of you that directly affect your cells.
GM: So are you saying that something that was contained deep within the earth can start to migrate because drilling, fracking and pressure disturbs it and creates pathways for it to migrate?
FS: Yes. The natural pressures down a mile deep are huge – like in the ocean – so anything in a gaseous state is going to want to get to an area of lower pressure.
That’s just the way it works. It is going to find those pathways and as I have said, to think we have everything all sealed off is naïve.
GM: So if radium is present in the Marcellus Shale is ra- dium present in the gas from the Marcellus shale?
FS: Potentially, yes. This is an exposure danger that needs to be assessed, researched, and taken very seriously.
GM: I understand that the Hyland Landfill in Angelica is accepting drill tailings from the fracking in Pennsylvania.
FS: It is true. Thousands of tons. This is an extension of the same issue because the tailings and cuttings come from the Mar- cellus Shale drilling. Some are just ground up bedrock, but it is the tailings and cuttings from what we call the “black shale,”
the Marcellus layer, this is a nasty deposit from roughly 350 million years ago. Another issue is that the tailings–they are kind of like a soup, dry out, so there is dust associated with it, and when it is transported this is alsoa problem.
GM: Are the tailings being monitored?
FS: Allegedly. But there is a lot of conjecture about the abil- ity of these monitors to pick up the daughter radionuclides. They think everything is fine, but I be- lieve if you took a radon test up there you might find there is a lot of radon coming off the site.
GM: You described radon’s water soluability – what about the danger from the landfill that takes these tailings? What about the leachate from the landfill itself?
FS: That is exactly the point. I made this point emphatically in the Energy Committee, that we needed to warn the Wellsville treatment plant because all of the leachate from Hyland goes to Wellsville, where it then gets treated and discharged into the Genesee River. What is the qual- ity of the water that they are put- ting in the river? That’s the bottom line that we should
know. It’s not routinely required to test their emissions.We don’t know what the long term, cumu- lative effects are of the radioac- tivity associated with the landfill, the leachate, the air, sewage treatment plants and the accumulation in the equipment.
Studies of this kind of low-level radioactivity haven’t been done.
No one has tested radioactivity and leachate long term, or done cumulative projections. We pre- tend to know what we are doing.
Something that we do know about are the heavy metals in the leachate from the landfill.
GM: Where do the heavy metals come from?
FS: The Marcellus was an an- cient sea bed, extremely salty.
There is a lot of salt and bro- mides that come up with the tail- ings and cuttings and when they are introduced to the landfill they alter the chemistry and it changes the rate of composting.
GM: Just like my garden compost when I put some salty material in it.
FS: Correct. And this caustic liquid from the tailings and cut- tings migrates down through the landfill and causes the materials already in the landfill to release heavy metals. This moisture is a different animal than rainwater.
It changes the chemistry of the landfill. I alerted the Board of Health and Wellsville stopped taking the leachate for a short time, but the leachate backs up and it’s a lot of revenue for Wellsville.
GM: Wellsville can handle this material?
FS: They think they can. They are treating it for bacteria and running it through their settling beds. The environment of these beds can absorb a lot of the heavy metals.
GM: Are there other ways in which radioactivity from the Marcellus can impact us?
FS: Another significant issue is that when you run radioactive material through your pipes it accumulates on the little joints and seams and as it accumulates these things become more and more radioactive. The corners of the sludge pits that don’t get cleaned out all the way – over time, and the pipes that bring the gas up out of the ground. They become radioactive. So the question is, what are you going to do with these pipes and trans- mission lines? Is radon gas being delivered to people who don’t have their stoves vented? Is radon actually going to be in- creased in the homes of people who are using Marcellus gas? So here we are 20 years later with the threat of radioactivity again in Allegany County and a major threat to the environment. Thou- sands of tons of this material have been put into Angelica. It’s scary. Themes in history do in- deed repeat themselves, and it is here, now, already.
Next week: Part #3: Quality of life.
WELLSVILLE--The Alle- gany Arts Association will again sponsor a Poetry "Slam" (Con- test) during National Poetry Month. The Monday Club Room at David A. Howe Library will be abuzz at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19 with writers of poetry, free verse, song lyrics, haiku or other poetic offerings.
Prizes of $50 for First, $25 for Second and $15 for Third place will be awarded. Winners are de- termined by the audience mem- bers who get one ballot for each
$2 admission. Runners-up will receive non-cash prizes.
Special guests Adam Gayhart and Ellen Kumbiyil will read
ALFRED–Dr. Doug Pierson, assistant professor in the Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department at Alfred State, will lead the April New Horizons Forum with an update on the impact that Alfred State students have had on recovery efforts of the Haiti Health Min- istries from the devastation of the January 2010 earthquake.
Alfred State students will be traveling to Haiti again in May 2012 for the third year in a row. Work continues on the rebuilding of med- ical facilities for Haiti Health Ministries. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, in Room 215 of the School of Engineering Technology Building at 7 p.m. The forum is open to the public.
In addition, a more general presentation of the role of civic en- gagement in higher education will be discussed. Alfred State is proud to have many students engaged in communities throughout New York State and beyond, using their education and skills to eval- uate and address a broad range of issues that impact life in the com- munity.
Finally, a student panel comprised of students who have traveled with Alfred State to Haiti over the past few years will share how Haiti and the experience of working in a different culture has im- pacted them.
The New Horizons Forum, sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences, showcases current scholarly, creative, and public service work by faculty, students, professional staff, and invited guests. It is guided by a campus-wide team of advisers whose goal is to enrich the intellectual life of the institution. Follow the Forum at http//al- fredstate.edu/life-on-campus/new-horizons-forum.
JOANNE ALLEN and KIMBERLY ENGL at 2010 Slam.
A Conversation with
Fred Sinclair
(2nd of 3 parts)
their poetry and have books for sale.
All wordsmiths are invited.
Each writer/poet may read three selections of her/his own recent work. No critics will be present, just other lovers of language.
Poets are not required to sign up in advance, but the AAA would appreciate calls (or ques- tions) to organizer Joanne Allen, 585-593-5705 if you plan to at- tend. Refreshments will follow the awarding of prizes. The event is open to the public. Your
$2 admission gives you a vote for those you believe to be the best poets. Visitors and family and friends are most welcome.
Allegany Arts Association sponsors ‘Poetry Slam’
HAITI REVISITED:
New Horizons Forum April 23
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