a monthly publication for students, faculty, staff and friends Dec. 12, 2012

BINNEKILLVol. XXIX No. 17

By Beth Smith, Teacher EducationTransfer

Carl Gage is a typical HumanServices major, weighing whetherto transfer to another college or togain meaningful employment afterSCCC. But first, he had to take aclass he had been dreading:algebra.

His reasonfor thedreadwasn’t justbecause hehad nottaken mathin yearsand wasn’tsure howhe woulddo; forCarl it wasmuchbiggerthan that.Carl hasbeenlegallyblind since the age of 5 and whilehe’s done fairly well gettingthrough his classes, this oneproved to be the most difficult.“I’m trying to put x’s and y’s andletters together,” Carl said. “It’shard to keep all of those signs inyour head. You have to memorizeso much.”

Carl signed up for algebra taughtby Assistant Professor Don Riggsthis summer. He struggled to keepup with the lessons and do well.Eventually the weight of the classwas too much for him and Carldecided to take it again this fall.But toward the end of his time inthe class this summer, he discovered a learning tool thatchanged everything.

Through the efforts of Riggs andADA Transition ServicesCoordinator Dr. Ellen Wertlieb, thesmart pen entered Carl’s life. Thepen aids in notetaking by simulta-neously recording audio andlinking it to written notes througha special notebook. During hislectures, Riggs uses the pen andspecial paper to write down notes

whichareprojectedonto ascreenbehindhim forthe entireclass. Atthe endof class,he givesCarl thepen andnotebookso thathe cankeeptrack of

the lecture. If Carl didn’t catch aparticular equation, he simply tapsthe notebook paper twice and thepen picks up that part of thelecture and plays it for him. “I would be lost without it,” Carl said.

Carl wants other students to knowabout the benefits of using a smartpen. “I use it because of my eyes,”he said. “People with short-termmemory, hearing problems,attention deficit and other issuescould use it also,” he said.

The library has five smart pens andnotebooks available to be checkedout as easily as books. The onlyrequirement is that you have to beregistered with the ADA TransitionServices Office to use them.

Ice carving is back!Ice carving returnedto the Garde Mangerclass in a big waythis week.

Michael Stamets,Instructor, andMichael Niccoli,Adjunct, taughtstudents how totransform a solidblock of ice into afrosty work of art.

(Left) With chainsaw in hand, TyrellEdge begins the firstpart of his carving.He and his teammatefor the project, TonyWalton, created aharp.

Carl Gage (right) with Don Riggs, AssistantProfessor. The smart pen has made learningalgebra much easier for Carl, who is legally blind.

Smart pen makes huge differencefor visually impaired student

Tom Blau uses anangle grinderwhile HeatherChestnut uses asix-prong chipperas the swan theyare carving beginsto take shape.Their swan(below) was usedas a banquetcenterpiece thatevening.

2 BINNEKILL, Dec. 12, 2012

Faculty, staff DevelopmentDaniel McCrea, Director of TRIO, wrote an article that has beenpublished in Research and Teaching in Developmental Education, theacademic journal published by the New York College Learning SkillsAssociation. It is aimed at developmental studies educators and studentsupport professionals. His article, “Exhausted, Inglorious andVictorious” is in Volume 29, Issue 1, the Fall 2012 edition of thejournal. It’s a review of the work done by Malcolm Gladwell thathighlights the importance of hard work, and the sometimes strangereasons people have problems with it. Dan’s piece also touches on thework of Carol Dweck and how beliefs about intelligence and talent canaffect us for good or ill. Both educators and students may find thearticle informative and useful. It is available on reserve in the library.

Librarians Sarah McFadden and Caitlin Sheldon recently delivered twopresentations, “If You’re Prepared for Zombies, You’re Prepared forAnything” and “Begley Library Trading Card Game of Awesomeness”at the New York Library Association annual conference in Saratoga Springs.

Sandra Gonzalez, Associate for Continuing Education, began her two-year term as President of the National Alliance of ConcurrentEnrollment Partnerships (NACEP) during the organization’s nationalconference in Seattle, Wash., in October. NACEP accredits concurrentenrollment programs at postsecondary institutions across the country,based on 15 standards of excellence. Sandy manages the College in theHigh School program at SCCC. She is also active in New YorkConcurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NYCEP), which is comprised ofSUNY two-year institutions offering concurrent enrollment programs.

Dr. William Meckley, Dean of the School of Music, participated in theWorkshop for Experienced Evaluators at the annual conference of theNational Association of School of Music in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 16 and 17. The invitation-only workshop is designed to provideadvanced training for team leaders who carry out accreditation site visitsfor the association.

LeadershipAwardCongratulations to MichaelMastrella recipient of theDecember Recognize EverydayLeadership Award presented byStudent Affairs. Michael waschosen because of the apprecia-tion he received from a studentfor always being willing to assiststudents and making sure theyare set up for success.

Save the Date

Monday, Feb. 7, 2013

Schenectady’s Colonial Festival Dinner at the Glen Sanders, fundraiser for the Community

Archaeology Program

Featuring Michael Roets, NYS Historic SitesArchaeologist, speaking on archaeology at Fort Hunter

as revealed by Hurricanes Irene and Lee

Networking with international vendorsThe Hospitality Club took a trip to the (IHMRS)International Hotel/Motel/Restaurant Show held at theJacob Javits Center on Sunday, Nov. 11. This showbrings together over 700 vendors from all over theworld, showcasing the products/services they offer thehospitality industry. Students were able to network withthe vendors and learn about new trends and technologyin the industry. Pictured (l. to r.): Wilhelmina “Rose” Johnson, Rebecca Wolf, Kenette Webster, Kevin Moshier, andIngrid C. O’Connell, Professor Co-Advisor. Photo taken by John O’Connell, Co-Advisor.

BINNEKILL Publication ScheduleFall 2012

This is the last issue of the BINNEKILL for the Fall 2012 semester.

The next BINNEKILL will be published in January 2013.

Deadline is Monday, January 7, 2013.

Please e-mail submissions tomeaneyhl@sunysccc.edu.

1750s map of Fort Hunter and the Mohawk Village

3BINNEKILL, Dec. 12, 2012

Student TrusteeCornerby Thomas D. Bambury,Student Trustee

Hello andhappyholidayseveryone!For those ofyou I havenot yet met, I am Thomas D.Bambury and I’m

very proud to serve as your Student Trustee.

My position serves as the directliaison between the student body andBoard of Trustees. I’m in my finalyear at SCCC with a double major inChemical Dependency Counselingand Human Services. I have alsobeen busy this semester with manyactivities related to your StudentGovernment Association (SGA).

I am Chairman of SGA’sSustainability Committee and serveon SGA’s Executive Board. I’mactive in many clubs and committees.I’ll be bringing this column to you ona regular basis next semester,discussing many facets of our experi-ences as students and my perspectiveas Student Trustee.

Being the Student representative onthe Board of Trustees is definitely avery active position, but as the voiceof the students I am proud toadvocate for the very diverse needsthat we share. I couldn’t be moreexcited about how this semester hasbeen progressing and I applaud themany accomplishments of ourstudent body.

I plan to have more to feature in myfuture columns, but until then, I wantto wish all my best as you prepareyour final assignments and get readyfor finals week. I hope all of yourefforts will result in all the successyou were hoping for. Please do notforget to register for the springsemester. Enjoy your break. Peace.

by Rocco Verrigni, Professor, School ofHotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism/Slow Food Club Advisor

Brussels sprouts area cultivar of thesame species thatincludes cabbage,collard greens,broccoli, kale, andkohlrabi; they arecruciferous (theybelong to theBrassicaceaefamily; old nameCruciferae). They

contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitaminC, folic acid and dietary fiber. The Brusselssprout has long been popular in Brussels,Belgium, and may have originated there.

Peak growing season: Although readilyavailable virtually year-round, the peakseason for Brusselssprouts is fromSeptember tomid-February.

Health benefits:Like othercruciferousvegetables,Brussels sproutsare full of phytonu-trients (natural plantcompounds), which may help protect againstcancer. They’re also a good source of:

• Vitamins A and C, which help fight againstsuch ailments as heart disease, cancer, andcataracts (one half cup of sprouts providesmore than 80% of the recommended dailyamount of vitamin C)

• Potassium, which helps lower bloodpressure and maybe even cholesterol

• Folate, which is necessary for normaltissue growth and may protect againstcancer, heart disease, and birth defects

• Iron, necessary for maintaining red bloodcell count

• Fiber, which aids in digestion and helpslower cholesterol

Recipe

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 1/8-inch slices pancetta, chopped (see note 1)

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

cup fresh bread crumbs (see note 2)

1 lb. Brussels sprouts, fresh

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (good quality)

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Note 1: bacon can be substituted or omittedfor vegetarian versionNote 2: day old or older bread is best; processin food processor to make fine crumbs.

Method:

1. Clean Brussels sprouts; strip dried outerleaves, trim stem and cut an X in the

bottom of the stem.

2. Blanch the sprouts in plenty ofsalted boiling water until just forktender. Shock in ice water. Drain. Cuteach sprout lengthwise into halves or

thirds depending on size. Reserve.

3. Heat oil in skillet; add pancetta andsauté until crisp. Add the garlic and sautéuntil just golden.

4. Move mixture to sides of pan; add thebread crumbs and parmesan cheese andsauté until golden brown.

5. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts and cookuntil tender and heated through.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste,drizzle with olive oil and enjoy.

Recipe Origin - Although my grandmotherand mother were great home cooks, I can’tattribute this recipe to either of them. Norcan I attribute it to a particular holidaytradition. With that said, I can attribute mygreat passion for food, cooking, and sharingthe fruits (in this case, vegetables) of mylabor to both my grandmother and mymother. To them I dedicate all my holidayactivities and celebrations.

I was looking for a different way to preparewhat has become my favorite fall/wintervegetable, the maligned Brussels sprout. Asa result, I have converted many a Brusselssprouts avoider into a true fan of thesmallest member of the cruciferous family.

Not your grandmother’s Brussels Sprouts

4 BINNEKILL, Dec. 12, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Taylor Auditorium. Free.

Monday, December 17, 2012Trustees meeting, 5:30 p.m., Lally-Mohawk Room

Monday, December 17-Friday, December 22, 2012Finals Week

Tuesday, December 25, 2012College closed - Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 26, 2012Final Grades Due

Friday, December 28, 2012Late Start Classes end

Tuesday, January 1, 2013College closed - New Year’s Day

Saturday, January 12, 2013Women’s basketball vs. HVCC, 1 p.m., Away

Men’s basketball vs. HVCC, 3 p.m., Away

Monday, January 14, 2013Women’s basketball vs. Davis College, 5 p.m., Away

Men’s basketball vs. Davis College, 7 p.m., Away

Monday, January 14 - Friday, January 18, 2013Faculty Institute Week

Wednesday, January 16, 2013Bowling vs. CGCC, 3 p.m., Away

Women’s basketball vs. ACC, 5 p.m., Away

Men’s basketball vs. ACC, 7 p.m., Away

Sunday, January 20, 2013Women’s basketball vs. SUNY Delhi, 1 p.m., Home

Men’s basketball vs. SUNY Delhi, 3 p.m., Home

Monday, January 21, 2013College closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 22, 2013Classes Begin

Women’s basketball vs. Word of Life, 5 p.m., Home

Men’s basketball vs. FMCC, 7 p.m., Home

Tuesday, January 22 - Monday, January 28, 2013Late Registration/Add

Calendar of Events

Kenneth Kemble,BusinessAdministration,Men’s BasketballTeam

I’ll be working out,preparing for biggames that are comingup, and getting readyfor my next semester.

Talon McLaughlin,Music

I might do somemore studentobservations - goingto schools andobserving the musicteachers and howthey handle theclassrooms. I mightobserve at my oldelementary school -Montessori MagnetSchool of Albany.And I’ll bepracticing, practicing,practicing of course.

Joseph Windle,Hotel andRestaurantManagement

I’m going to playwith my puppy andvisit high schoolfriends and hang outwith them whilethey’re in town.

Livija Wells,Nutrition

I’m going to see thetree at RockefellerCenter and spendtimes with my friendsand family.

What’s going on during break?

5

Campus Resources (hours through December 21)

Academic AdvisementElston 222/ext. 1277Monday 8:30 am-7 pmTuesday, Wed. 8:30 am-4:30 pmThursday 8:30 am-7 pmFriday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Academic Computing LabElston 529, 530/ext. 1213Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-10 pm Friday 8:30 am-4 pmSaturday 9 am-3:30 pm

Accounting/CIS Tutor LabElston 330/ext. 1041Check lab for hours.

ADA Transition ServicesElston 222/ext. 1345Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

AdmissionsStockade 120/ext. 1166Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

AthleticsElston 222/ext. 1356Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Begley Library/ext. 1239Monday-Thursday 8 am – 9: pmFriday 8 am – 4:30 pmSaturday 10 am – 2 pm Closed Sundays

Business Office, StudentElston 219/ext. 1346, 1347Monday 8:30 am-7 pmTuesday, Wed. 8:30 am-4:15 pmThursday 8:30 am-7 pmFriday 8:30 am-4:15 pm

Career and EmploymentServicesElston 222/ext. 1365Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

The College StoreElston 109/ext. 1332Monday-Wednesday 8 am-6 pm Thursday 8 am-4 pmFriday 8 am-2 pm

The Commons Elston/ext. 1330Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-8 pmFriday 7:30 am-2 pm

Counseling (Career, Transfer and Personal)Elston 222/ext. 1365Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

College Central NetworkSCCC’s career management systemwww.sunysccc.edu/ces

Financial AidElston 221/ext. 1352Monday 8:30 am-7 pmTuesday, Wed. 8:30 am-4:30 pmThursday 8:30 am-7 pmFriday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Gateway MontessoriGateway 124/ext. 1455/1295Monday-Friday 9 am-11:30 am(Call for program information.)

Language LabElston 520/ext. 1373See lab for hours.

Learning CenterWriting LabElston 523/ext. 1246Monday-Thursday 8 am-7 pmFriday 8 am-4 pmSaturday 10 am-3 pm

Math Lab Elston 518/ext. 1435Monday-Thursday 8 am-7 pmFriday 8 am-4 pmSaturday 10 am-3 pm

Multicultural/EducationalOpportunity ProgramsElston 222/ext. 1279Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Registrar’s OfficeElston 212/215381-1348, 381-1349/ext. 1148Monday 8:30 am-7 pmTuesday, Wed. 8:30 am-4:30 pmThursday 8:30 am-7 pmFriday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Student Affairs, VicePresidentElston 222/ext. 1344Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Student GovernmentElston 220/ext. 1388By appointment or walk-in

Testing CenterElston 427/ext.1293TestingCenter@sunysccc.eduMonday-Thursday 8:30 am to 8 pmFriday 8:30 am-3 pmSaturday 10 am-2 pm

TRIO Student SupportServices Elston 328/ext. 1465Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tutor ServicesElston 328-C/ext. 1461Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Veterans AffairsElston 223/ext. 1284Open daily. See office for hours.

Workforce DevelopmentStockade 120/ext. 1315Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

YWCA Children’s CenterGateway Bldg./ext. 1375 or 1389Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5:30 pm(Evening hours available dependingon enrollment.)

BINNEKILL, Dec. 12, 2012