Ron Tonelli will take on one of the toughest tasks any member of the Fredonia Central School District will face after this school year ends He will be filling the shoes of Darrin Paschke Brad Zilliox said upon Paschke’s retirement resignation “I’m not sure anybody is more Fredonia than Darrin Paschke.” and a parent of current Fredonia students certainly seems to have checked every box in hoping to replace someone so irreplaceable A ringing endorsement from Paschke himself probably didn’t hurt Tonelli will soon be stepping into the vacancy created by Paschke’s retirement Tonelli will be the new High School Principal at Fredonia “I honestly can’t think of a better person for the job and I mean that from my heart,” Paschke said of his successor and former colleague Tonelli is going to do great things for our district and I’m looking forward to seeing what great things come.” left the district in 2021 to become Middle/High School Principal at Cassadaga Valley He now returns to Fredonia as High School Principal Tonelli called the appointment “bittersweet” because of the time and effort he put into his role at Cassadaga Valley but the chance to build relationships at his home district – where his children go to school — was “really special” to him you’re going to bring a lot to our district,” Paschke said to Tonelli Always a strong advocate for both his colleagues and students it was fitting that the hiring process for Paschke’s replacement involved student input alongside administration and faculty collaboration “The idea is always to select the best candidate that would be the best fit for us here in Fredonia,” said Fredonia Superintendent Dr We’re excited to have him coming onboard We look forward to him joining us July 1.” Tonelli was approved at the latest Board of Education meeting on a traditional four-year probationary appointment He is professionally certified as a School District Leader and in English Grades 7-12 His salary for the 2025-2026 school year will be $120,000 “I appreciate everybody giving me their vote of confidence and making me feel welcome already,” Tonelli said The next meeting of the Fredonia Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday including a public hearing regarding the 2025-2026 school budget Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of New York | https://www.observertoday.com | PO Box 391 FREDONIA — Sophia Utegg threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more as Fredonia shut out Health Sciences 30-0 in nonleague girls flag football Saturday at the Orange Bowl Utegg completed 3 of 7 passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing 12 times for 52 yards and two scores Natalia DiPalma had 15 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown; Juliana Snyder ran three times for 42 yards; and Elizabeth Morris caught two passes for 37 yards with both going for touchdowns Mikaela Sciarrino led the way for the Hillbillies (6-1 1-0 Division 4) with 10 flag pulls and a pass defended Brianna Whitfield had five flag pulls and a pass defended while Gracia Domenico also had five flag pulls and a sack; DiPalma and Megan Ivory each had an interception; and Bryleigh Wicks also had a sack Health Sciences fell to 0-6 overall and 0-3 in Division 3 Marcia McIntyre completed 14 of 22 passes for 117 yards and three touchdowns but Jamestown lost to Orchard Park 44-20 in Division 1 play Sunday at Strider Field Kaylee Leeper caught two of McIntyre’s touchdown passes and also ran for 21 yards “We struggled in the first half on both sides of the ball and couldn’t overcome a very rough start,” Jamestown head coach Steve Propheter said “We stalled offensively with too many mistakes Kayamara Strudwick and Gracie Melquist had six flag pulls apiece for the Red & Green (1-3 Leeper and Payton Gibbs each had five flag pulls The Quakers improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the league In Jamestown’s first ever modified game Kiarelis Brito scored two touchdowns and Lilly Barone scored the other touchdown SALAMANCA — Fredonia scored four runs in the fourth inning and five more in the fifth to turn a one-run lead into .. | https://www.post-journal.com | PO Box 3386 Not Fred Fest had a fairly quiet first night on Friday With an increased police presence due to stabbings shootings and a fire during the event last year in the village there were no major scanner reports from the evening or early Saturday New York State Police did have a sobriety checkpoint set up during the evening on Central Avenue near the university “Not Fred Fest” is an unofficial spring party among SUNY Fredonia students and their associates that happens the first weekend of every May an on-campus music festival canceled in 2015 over concerns about misbehavior Students simply moved the partying off campus Photos are from Canadaway and White streets from Friday evening SHERIDAN – A Forestville resident has been hospitalized following a serious accident involving a recreational .. SINCLAIRVILLE — Austin Duliba scored 16 points and Luke McKnatt added 10 as Fredonia beat Cassadaga Valley 52-28 .. NORTH COLLINS — Madison Ford went 3 for 4 with a double photo by Hayden Greene) and Gretchen Geitter Two stellar alumni will offer their wisdom to graduates as the keynote speakers at SUNY Fredonia’s Commencement on May 17 Harrington is Associate Vice President for Arts Belonging and Community at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta in Counseling/Educational Psychology from the State University of Buffalo in Educational Psychology from Georgia State University Harrington is charged with spearheading the growth and development of this new division and has intentionally led with a focus on creating a vibrant culture of belonging and community for all Georgia Tech students Harrington has served in various leadership roles within higher education Her career trajectory led her to her current focus on belonging and community Renowned for her student-centered approach she is highly regarded for her ability to solve complex challenges with creativity and care Harrington is deeply passionate about fostering inclusive environments where every individual feels valued Harrington has received numerous awards in recognition of her leadership including the University System of Georgia Chancellor’s Gold Service Excellence Leadership Award for outstanding performance and commitment to customer service She is the 2018 recipient of the Butts –Whiting Award which recognizes and honors outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the college union and student activities of the Association of College Union International (ACUI) The Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization also honored Harrington with the staff award at their annual Leaders & Legend Gala 2024 Harrington has a deep commitment to supporting children in foster care She serves as chair of the board of Georgia CASA and is a board member of the Fredonia College Foundation Harrington now resides just west of Atlanta She is also a proud member of the Douglas Carroll Paulding Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Geitter spent 30 years with the Buffalo Bills organization until her retirement from the team in 2024 most recently as Vice President of Community Relations and President of the Buffalo Bills Foundation She was named Vice President of Community Relations in 2008 and President of the foundation in 2015 and was the very first recipient of the Robert E established through the Fredonia College Foundation and awarded to a student who shows excellence in the classroom and contributes significantly to student life and has pursued advanced education and training.Geitter’s distinguished career with the Buffalo Bills began in 1994 when she joined the team as a Suite Sales Associate She quickly advanced to Special Events Manager from 1995 to 1998 overseeing the development of the Buffalo Bills Experience pregame event she was promoted to Manager of Marketing Coordination followed by roles as Assistant Director of Community Programs in 2000 Geitter played a pivotal role in the creation she played a crucial role in launching the Bills HeartBEAT program and training in collaboration with the American Heart Association Geitter has been recognized for her work with the Buffalo Bills and her community leadership including the Alden High School Distinguished Alumni Award the Big Brothers Big Sisters Service Award the Buffalo Public School Board of Education Award of Excellence and recognition by Buffalo Business First as part of their 40 Under 40 the Buffalo Alliance for Education Pathfinders Award which was presented to her personally by Mr Geitter has been an active member of numerous non-profit boards and advisory committees including the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors.  Contact Us | 716-673-3111 © 2025 State University of New York at Fredonia - 280 Central Avenue - Fredonia Talented Music and Musical Theatre majors will be featured in “Commencement-Eve Pops 2025: The Sound of Music.” A beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical will be presented as the 2025 Commencement-eve pops event at SUNY at Fredonia Rockefeller Arts Center presents “Commencement-eve Pops 2025: The Sound of Music” at 7:30 p.m May 16 in King Concert Hall on the Fredonia campus Tickets are available online 24/7 Wednesday or Friday by phone at (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours The concert features the 41-piece Western New York Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Glen Cortese and some of Fredonia’s most talented Music and Musical Theatre majors Rockefeller Arts Center Director Jefferson Westwood is the producer With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II “The Sound of Music” was the final collaboration by the famed duo It has been called a “heartwarming story” and follows Maria a spirited young governess who brings laughter and love into the lives of the von Trapp family With popular songs include “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and “Edelweiss,” it is a journey of courage “The Sound of Music” features a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and it was suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp The original production opened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Nov The 1998 production won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical The Commencement-eve concert event offers the chance to rediscover why “The Sound of Music” continues to capture hearts all over the world “The Sound of Music” is a DFT Communications Pops Series event sponsored by The Observer and The Post-Journal as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season at Rockefeller Arts Center It is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.  Fredonia State Men's Track and Field delivered a strong showing at the 2025 SUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by SUNY Cortland finishing sixth overall with 58 team points in a tightly contested field Host Cortland claimed the championship with 246.5 points our team stayed focused and produced some very strong performances throughout the weekend" "We had several personal best performances and this young team continued to battle for every point possible Leading the way for the Devils was junior Cameron Sample who captured a gold medal in the long jump soaring 7.23 meters to outdistance the field Sample also contributed to the men's 4x100 meter relay team He was joined by freshmen Camieron Collins sophomore Aiden VanAmburg and senior Nick Marsowicz as the Devils clocked in at 3:19.96 seconds for second place Other medalists for Fredonia State included: who earned bronze in the 5,000 meters with a time of 15:43.91 several Devils delivered strong finishes which include: Senior Sembel Koshi took sixth in the 400m dash (4:10.30) while sophomore Blake Hageman and junior Alastair Sweeney tied for fifth place in the pole vault with a vault of 3.65m Freshmen Edward Jourden earned a seventh place finish in the 800m run with a time of 2:06.40 and freshmen Lucas Peterson-Volz placed 11th in the 3000 steeplechase with a time of 10:37.61.  Freshmen Calie Hudson (photo by Riley Olson) The Fredonia State Women's Track and Field team delivered several standout performances at the 2025 SUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by SUNY Cortland The host school Cortland won with 238 points our team stayed focused and produced some very strong performances throughout the weekend," noted Head Coach Tom Wilson Cara Pellechia was the star for the Devils capturing the gold medal in the pole vault after clearing an impressive 3.65 meters Her teammate Skylar French joined her on the podium earning the bronze medal with a vault of 3.05 meters Other Fredonia State athletes that had notable performances included: Freshmen Calie Hudson finished fourth in the 3000m steeple chase with a time of 12:05.99 freshmen Brayton Tripi placed fourth with a jump of 1.47m Freshmen Allison Bartoszek placed sixth in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 17.54 Freshmen Hazel Bache secured a eighth place finish in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:14.26 Tripi  and Junior Amilcar Centeno finished fourth with a time of 51.04 "I am very proud of this team and the outdoor season we are having."  "I am very excited for the future of our Blue Devil Track and Field programs."  SUNY Fredonia students engage with special needs students from three local school districts The inaugural Special Olympics Competition at SUNY Fredonia was an overwhelming success engaging special needs students ifrom local schools president of the Special Olympics Club that conducted the April 27 event at Steele Hall fieldhouse and the nearby turf athletic field She’s also a member of the Blue Devil women’s soccer team About 30 special needs students from Dunkirk high schools visited six stations that offered different activities or games There was also kite-making and a Zumba dance party highlighted by music furnished by disk jockey Alon Haimovitz Our purpose is to create an inclusive environment for everyone; we want to develop friendship physical fitness and [for everyone] to gain confidence through participation in sports and community activities.” – Hannah Retzer faculty and University Police officers volunteered throughout the four-hour event They staffed the various stations and guided special needs students between the stations Instruction by SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Michael Jabot included actually making and coloring kites and Members of the School of Music’s Music Therapy Club lead interactive singing that included songs such as “There She Goes,” by the La’s and others focused on interests expressed by individual special needs students Little shakers handed out served as musical instruments All students joined together to sing at the event’s finale University Police gave information on bicycle safety and demonstrated safe-riding practices using bikes brought by the officers especially for a kick-off,” agreed Zach Zentz the club’s vice president and first-year student majoring in Criminal Justice from Dunkirk These schools now know we’re established and are looking forward to more events in the future that we will put on for them.” “Our purpose is to create an inclusive environment for everyone; we want to develop friendship physical fitness and [for everyone] to gain confidence through participation in sports and community activities,” explained Ms a sophomore Early Childhood/Childhood Education major from Getzville “We want to also create memories that will last a lifetime,” she added A ringing endorsement from a Dunkirk High School student leaves no doubt “One student took the microphone and told me that he was going to remember this Sunday forever Zentz’s sophomore year at Dunkirk High School where he helped pioneer a Unified Sports program to bring together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team volleyball and basketball were among sports the program hosted He’s also a member of the Blue Devil baseball team These schools now know we’re established and are looking forward to more events in the future that we will put on for them.” – Zach Zentz Zentz’s Unified Sports advisers – Dunkirk teachers Jill Domenico and Megan Iairvey of Fredonia High School – urged him to continue the Unified Sports concept at SUNY Fredonia formed the Special Olympics Club last fall Expanding programs is on the club’s agenda for 2024-2025 and beyond “Our first event for high school-age students gave us a feel for things but we want to open it up to all age groups next year,” Retzer said That could potentially include special needs students in elementary grades as well and the special needs population after they’ve left high school. Another idea is to attract student-athletes at SUNY Fredonia to conduct clinics in their respective sport for special needs students Another idea is to attract student-athletes at SUNY Fredonia to conduct clinics in their respective sport for special needs students lack [access to] an institution to help them or a place for them to go have fun some place for these people to have a good time and interact with people.” Rebecca Cuthbert has been named a book award finalist and will receive a second undergraduate degree at SUNY Fredonia The adjunct lecturer’s hybrid collection “Self-Made Monsters,” published by Alien Buddha Press in October 2024 is a finalist for the 2025 Best Story Collection Imadjinn Award She will attend the awards ceremony at the Imaginarium Convention in July in Louisville "I Won't Call It a Monster," was nominated for the Pushcart Prize “In Memory of Exoskeletons,” won the Imadjinn Award for Best Poetry Collection “Six O’clock House & Other Strange Tales,” was published in January by Watertower Hill Publishing The 16-story collection of literary horror and dark magical realism has been favorably reviewed by esteemed outlets such as Cemetery Dance The Horror Zine's Jonathan Chapman compares Cuthbert to a young Stephen King and writes "Cuthbert is as flexible in her styles as a virtuoso Each story reads very differently from the last feminine rage against the haunting hazards presented by the modern world and the men who chose to be predators and abusers It’s a thought-provoking collection that is a must read in this day and age accomplished with that ease and smooth delivery one expects from a writer with so many credits,” Mr has two titles slated for publication with different presses and for different audiences.  “High Up on Witch Mountain,” a spooky children's book illustrated by SUNY Fredonia alum Dakota Marquardt will be out in September from AEA Press and Malediction A collection of ghost stories for adult readers “The Hauntings Back Home” will be published in October by Undertaker Books “The Hauntings Back Home” is dedicated to the Anderson-Lee Library in Silver Creek and is a homage to the many happy days Cuthbert spent there looking for ghost story collections among the stacks.  Anderson-Lee Library) will be announced late this summer in the Observer and on Cuthbert's website and social media pages Cuthbert will graduate May 17 from SUNY Fredonia with a B.S She began teaching at Fredonia in the fall of 2012 decided to make use of the UUP tuition waiver to earn a bonus four-year degree one class at a time.  as she uses the knowledge from her course work to enhance her professional undertakings in the writing and publishing world She thanks her instructors from the Department of Communication who have provided her with so much help and guidance throughout that experience For more information about Cuthbert and her publications and activities, visit  good things come in threes: first place in Sigma XI poster competition and two nuclear science internships The junior Chemistry major from Saratoga  Springs won first place for his poster presentation at the recent Sigma XI Undergraduate Research Conference held at Penn State Behrend “Catalytic hydrogenation of Benzaldehyde using Rhodium Catalysts,” looked into determining the reaction mechanism and improving the overall efficiency of molecular rhodium catalysts in the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde as a model substrate Oppenneer compiled this research last summer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state Oppenneer has presented this research at several conferences including the American Chemical Society Spring 2025 Conference in San Diego The Sigma XI conference provides an opportunity for students to present their research and creative accomplishment results in a public setting and many utilize the event to practice their presentations before presenting them in a national or international setting.  was part of a SUNY Fredonia trio that won second place in poster competition at the Sigma XI conference He also gave an oral presentation of the project Oppenneer is believed to be the first SUNY Fredonia student accepted to internships for the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Summer School through the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Science Summer School at Michigan State University The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Summer School is a prestigious six-week program for undergraduates One of just 24 students accepted to the program Oppenneer has been assigned to the school’s west coast site at San Jose State University The comprehensive program consists of lectures on the fundamentals of nuclear science Laboratory exercises include state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology used in basic and applied nuclear science and radiochemistry research and development Major themes of the program include environmental radiochemistry Students will meet lecturers primarily from research universities Department of Energy national laboratories and the government to the Nuclear Science Summer School at Michigan State University is a week-long program hosted by the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams It includes a series of lecturers and activities that cover nuclear science and astrophysics Current research topics and open questions in nuclear science are also explored Like the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Summer School the Nuclear Science Summer School is limited to 24 students There is no cost for undergraduates to attend and travel expenses are covered and lodging support is provided Oppenneer joined Associate Professor Allan Jay Cardenas’ research group during the spring semester of his first year at SUNY Fredonia he's supported me through my research and helped me gain valuable lab skills He's pushed me to present my research at countless conferences,” Oppenneer said who plans to attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D wants to pursue research into the abnormalities in nuclear structure as nuclei have exotic neutron-proton ratios “All of my poster and oral presentations have and are preparing me to be able to professionally present and share my research as well as providing invaluable opportunities to make connections with other researchers,” Oppenneer said which Oppenneer refers to as his “magnum opus” at SUNY Fredonia are directly positioned within the aspects of research he wants to pursue in graduate school He plans to forge connections with professors who are a part of both programs and possibly shadow some of them or their current graduate students “These opportunities will hopefully set in stone my top graduate schools and if I can create strong connections maybe help my chances of getting accepted into their Ph.D Taylor Kelly and David Sudbrink (center in each photo) with SUNY Chancellor John B and SUNY Fredonia Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Stenger Two remarkable SUNY Fredonia students in the schools of Music and Business have received SUNY’s highest honor for outstanding achievement a dual major in Public Accountancy and Finance were among 193 students throughout SUNY receiving the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE) Award recipients recognized at an April 29 ceremony in Albany demonstrate the integration of SUNY excellence within areas such as academics and our students have worked tirelessly to not only excel in their academic studies but also stepped up as community leaders,” said SUNY Chancellor John B “Congratulations to this year’s CASE awardees who’ve distinguished themselves amongst their peers through their work ethic determination and commitment to their fields of study,” Chancellor King said Kelly has immersed herself in all things musical – both on campus and elsewhere – that positioned her well for a successful student teaching experience in the Hamburg Central School District in the spring semester She has also served as a music teacher at the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo and an ensemble director within the New Horizons Band of Western New York formed in the School of Music Leadership experience has been gained in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) where Kelly is currently serving as its collegiate president She is first SUNY Fredonia student to hold this position Kelly has directed initiatives that connect college members across the state with professional development and networking opportunities.  “My role has allowed me to influence decisions that impact state music education and policy fostering a stronger connection between future and current educators,” Kelly said Kelly was president of the SUNY Fredonia chapter of the National Association for Music Education [NAfME) and the events coordinator of SUNY Fredonia’s chapter of the New York State Band Directors Association Kelly has performed with School of Music ensembles that include the Quintessential Winds Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra and Fredonia Concert Band flute and oboe at an early age.   Performing at prestigious events such as the NYSSMA Winter Conference and NAfME Eastern Division Conference and with GRAMMY-nominated artist/composer Valerie Coleman during her Sorel residency has reinforced Kelly’s belief in the transformative power of music through collaboration and inspired her to incorporate chamber music as a cornerstone of her own classroom curriculum Kelly is the recipient of four scholarships and is enrolled in Fredonia’s Honors Program Sudbrink has achieved stellar success in the classroom and is the recipient of seven academic awards for scholastic and/or extracurricular activities Sudbrink has completed internships with two prominent accounting firms which offered him a full-time position that he has accepted is nationally ranked in the Top 50 accounting firms Both internships took place in the  Buffalo Sudbrink served as a volunteer tax preparer in the School of Business’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program Fredonia’s VITA location generated over $200,000 in tax returns for the community free of charge,” according to Sudbrink Sudbrink has served multiple years as vice president and program chair of the campus Accounting Society His outstanding academic performance along with on-ice contributions as a member of the SUNY Fredonia hockey team lead to Sudbrink being named a four-time American Hockey Coaches Association All-American Scholar Sudbrink provided leadership on the rink as a team captain for two consecutive years directing his teammates to be the best both as students and as athletes Working together with the team’s other captains and coaches in the fall of 2023 the Blue Devils achieved the highest combined GPA and was eclipsed the following spring by the team Sudbrink participated in and coordinated many campus and community events with the hockey team that included Pink the Rink DFT Community Day/Skate with the Blue Devils a scrap metal drive to benefit the Lakeshore Humane Society a Community Easter Egg Hunt and in providing Christmas presents for underprivileged children Sudbrink has been a member of Beta Gamma Sigma since Spring 2022 and began serving as its vice president of finance in 2023 He has served on the Judicial Board since the fall of 2021 Many in Fredonia cast a jaundiced eye toward the SUNY Fredonia campus especially this time of year with “Fred Fest” approaching Judging by two recent pieces from the campus newspaper One of the Fredonia Leader articles was a lengthy exploration of the Fred Fest controversy It included a survey suggesting students were lukewarm about plans for a campus-sponsored event to replace the “Not Fred Fest” off-campus partying in place since 2015 The news article also included Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson threatening to call in the National Guard for this May’s events — a statement which got played up in the headline for the article and on the cover of the Leader The second article was an opinion piece by Leader Managing Editor Dan Quagliana bashing the village of Fredonia for its numerous recent boil-water orders Quagliana suggested that both current Fredonia officials and the “Save Our Reservoir” group partially composed of former village officials were at fault for the village’s water problems describes “a rising tension… between community members wanting to protect their property and Fredonia students wanting to celebrate the end of their school year” since the on-campus Miller is editor-in-chief and Jacobson is news editor of the Leader They evidently did an online poll of students in February about Fred Fest When asked about attending a school-sanctioned event on the weekend of Fred Fest Around 54% said “maybe,” everyone else said “no.” The on-campus event was a suggestion of Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson who also started a Fred Fest reaction committee of local first responders the suggestion came too late to plan anything on campus for this year though Ferguson hopes something can be put together for 2026 “Some respondents (to the poll) mentioned that there are other priorities that are more important,” Miller and Jacobson wrote ‘the (village) has its priorities so wrong,’ while another responded with ‘Why are you so intent on fixing this when you can’t even make our water safe to drink Ferguson is quoted in the second half of the article He said Fred Fest used to be “a nice event” but got marred by recent violence and vandalism “We’re not here to destroy it and end it,” he said of FredFest “We’re willing to work with the college to control it.” he made clear that the village will not tolerate its continuation without some help from the campus community “We either come to a solution where we [work together] with the college and the students and the student body [to figure out] how we can put on two days worth of activities on and off the campus,” Ferguson said I put an eight o’clock curfew on the village and bring in the National Guard … Hopefully we don’t ever have to get to that point.” “Ferguson would like to see FredFest back on campus with food trucks local or regional music and activities for students He mentioned the thought of a beer truck for those who are of legal drinking age He would limit it to two tickets per student He also thought about the idea of checking on students on their way in and out to ensure that they are OK.” Quagliana’s article discussed the last boil water order of Feb 8 and noted it was the fifth for the village in two years “If this was the only time this has happened “But five times in the last two years is completely unheard of — not to mention bewildering.” Quagliana then wrote that he is from Amherst and that town has never had a boil water order and “every single person that I’ve talked to on campus who doesn’t live in the area has never had to boil their water.” The Leader editor goes into the recent history of Fredonia’s water debate — the December 2023 Board of Trustees vote to shut down the treatment plant and get water from Dunkirk “Save our Reservoir’s” successful lawsuit to stop that course of action and subsequent events including trustees’ vote last December to approve a State Environmental Quality Review of the water system Quagliana called Save Our Reservoir members Kara Christina and Athanasia Landis “part of the reason that Fredonia’s water problem wasn’t fixed when they were in office and they continue to be part of the problem now.” Christina is a former village trustee and Landis is a former mayor Quagliana then went on to belittle a statement by Trustee Nicole Siracuse at a February board meeting deriding social media critics She suggested that people who think they can do better should run for a trustee’s seat this year “While derogatory comments such as ‘brain dead’ are completely unnecessary the board clearly doesn’t like people complaining about their toxic water so they ask residents to run for office to fix the problem themselves,” Quagliana wrote “Just like the Save Our Reservoir group the current village board of trustees is apparently made up of people who won’t lift a finger to go out of their way to help the people they’re supposed to be serving.” Quagliana stated that he is a senior and “there’s a very real chance I might not have gone to college here” had he known about the village’s water problems before enrolling “And I sure as hell wouldn’t ever choose to live here because of it.” sit down and figure out how to fix this.” After criticism over an inflated number in this year’s budget Fredonia Fire Chief Joshua Myers offered a .. Representing SUNY Fredonia at the SUNY Student Assembly spring conference were (from left): Morgan Martin Seven SUNY Fredonia students joined more than 350 students throughout SUNY at the SUNY Student Assembly spring conference The system-wide assembly represents all 1.4 million students enrolled in SUNY and oversees all 64 student governments students were able to speak with Chancellor John B during a panel as well as hear his initiatives for students.  president of SUNY Fredonia’s Student Association (SA) and a senior Biology major from Fredonia defeated the current incumbent secretary in a April 26 election Votes are based on the voting delegates of schools The number of voting delegates is assigned in a ratio of one for every 4,000 students SUNY Fredonia only has one voting delegate out of a total of 114 throughout the system the SGA president on each campus is the voting delegate if there are more the president can choose who represents the school.  SUNY Fredonia had one resolution with co-sponsorship from SUNY Geneseo President Orquidia Geraldino and Monroe Community College President Angelo Romero The resolution was in support of Diversity LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom in the SUNY system The purpose of the resolution is to reaffirm the SUNY Student Assembly’s commitment to protecting Diversity providing access to gender-affirming care and reproductive healthcare across the SUNY system and calling on the SUNY Board of Trustees to advocate fiercely for these rights in light of recent political attacks at the federal level This resolution passed the Student Assembly with the SUNY Fredonia campus voting in support. Two Fredonia members – Cassidy Pierce (current chief justice of the SA) a senior Communication: Public Relations student  and Jordan Stephens (current chair of Sustainability and next SA president) a junior Business Administration major from Silver Springs NY – were looking forward to running for SUNYSA representative positions to represent the University Center however elections were postponed and will be happening over Zoom due to time constraints. The secretary position as well as these representative positions will be key in advocating for local issues as well as issues throughout the entirety of New York state.  All seven SUNY Fredonia Student Association members attending the conference addressed representatives of all 64 campuses and shared their concerns on multiple occasions throughout the conference.  They included: Melisa Bonilla (chair of Diversity Relations and president of Latinos Unidos) Jordan Stephens (chair of Sustainability and next SGA president) Hayley Mercer (speaker of the General Assembly) SUNY Fredonia students also managed to form a strong connection with Jamestown Community College SGA and look forward to working with them more directly State University of New York at Fredonia English minor Sivan Adler recently edited and published a Holocaust memoir by her grandmother “Who Will Take Care of the Cat?” at a campus book launch on Tuesday from 11 a.m The date coincides with the 80th anniversary of Sivan’s grandfather forces from the Ebensee concentration camp in Austria one day before Germany’s official surrender in World War II Adler will be interviewed about the editing process of the book A reception in Adler’s honor will immediately follow the event – In recognition of the importance of mental health for individuals of all ages The Dunkirk Marauders and the Fredonia Hillbillies met in a Unified basketball game on Tuesday at Dods Hall on the campus of SUNY Fredonia Fredonia’s Luke McKnatt (22) shoots a shot during the first half of Tuesday’s Unified basketball game against Dunkirk at SUNY Fredonia There was a winner and a loser: Fredonia won 48-35 But none of that tells the story of why Tuesday night mattered A Unified sports contest hosted by SUNY Fredonia set the stage for memories that will live forever “It really is an event that the whole community looks forward to every year I don’t think it gets any better as a coach,” said Dunkirk head coach Josh Case The same contest a year ago — the season opening contest for both Dunkirk and Fredonia – gave a platform for Mekiah Sedlacek and Case to hug each other after Sedlacek hit a 3-pointer but it wasn’t the score that lasted in the minds and hearts of those who were there that day Tuesday’s iteration of the friendliest of rivalries provided several moments of significance that will resonate the same way Dunkirk’s Benjamin Smith (43) celebrates after making a shot in a Unified basketball game against Fredonia on Tuesday at Dods Hall on the campus of SUNY Fredonia a simple moment between teammates showed what the true love of the game is all about After a shot by Austin Duliba bounced around the rim and in he put his hands on his head in reaction to the ball falling through the net As his arms remained raised and his hands pressed to his head two of his teammates – Lydia LaBarr and Emily Schwertfeger – reached out to pat him on the back “It’s always really exciting because we want them to shine That’s what Unified sports is all about to let the athletes shine,” LaBarr said There’s more moments that are really celebrated … Any team at any level should have that we really need to celebrate each other’s victories it was a newcomer’s first highlight as an athlete in the maroon and white that inspired a cheer that will echo forever Nearly seven minutes into the second quarter Benjamin Smith established himself in the offensive zone on the end of the court furthest from his team’s bench As he released a shot and watched it fall through the net he immediately raised both of his arms high in the air Smith’s smile remained as he walked back toward his bench to play defense As Smith approached his bench and the fans sitting behind it Case said how special the moment was for Smith because he is not only new to Dunkirk “He was just living his best life,” Case said “That’s what it’s all about Those are the memories that get ingrained forever.” Dunkirk got off to a strong start on Tuesday Dunkirk scored six of the first eight points in the contest including a pair of buckets from Franyel Amparo The Marauders added a 3-pointer from Norberto Rodriguez with close to three minutes left in the opening frame Fredonia closed the gap with a buzzer-beater from LaBarr to pull within a point after the opening frame As a partner to her teammates with different strengths LaBarr passed the ball to others throughout the contest but after collecting a loose ball near the free-throw line with just two seconds left she put up a shot of her own and registered her own name on the score sheet it’s really fun to be a part of something like this,” LaBarr said the Fredonia Blue Devils hockey team stepped onto the floor The hockey team was one of the many college sports teams that filled the stands on Tuesday in support of the Unified athletes and partners from the community four members of the hockey program – including head coach Jeff Meredith – were pied in the face to make good on a fundraising promise and it was every bit as close as the first Dunkirk extended its lead to five points several times throughout the first half “I like that we have players looking to pass the ball I thought we did a better job in the second half of actually running our offense we just weren’t doing it in the first half,” Zirkle said “… It just takes a while.” the teams traded places from where they were at the beginning of the period Fredonia grabbed its first lead of the contest in the final two minutes of the half “I think we just got tuckered out there at the end but the kids never gave up.” The teams then paused for a gym-wide dance party at halftime with representatives from sports across the university joining the Unified athletes and partners on the floor to dance together it’s so awesome that they do this for us They make it such a cool event that you want to do this every year,” Case said The first 12 points of the final frame were shared equally but Fredonia closed on an 8-2 run to end the game with a 13-point win to try to win,” Zirkle said of the dilemma she faces as a Unified sports coach “It’s not your primary goal – your primary goal is teaching sportsmanship and character and teamwork The focal point of Zirkle’s teaching process with her team early this year is perseverance Tuesday’s contest gave her the perfect result – a victory at the end but the ability to witness her team persevere through an early deficit with Austin Duliba and Julian Ocasio sharing the title of the team’s top scorer with 14 points apiece The two teams meet again later this season on Monday But more important than the final score were the moments that will last for weeks Both sides had plenty of those moments on Tuesday Kathy Hochul may have been a bit premature popping open champagne bottles when it comes to a final state .. Chautauqua County Judge David Foley is contemplating whether or not a second-degree murder charge should remain .. held a protest march in opposition to program cuts and demanding fair funding from SUNY A philosophy professor locked in a lawsuit for nearly two years with SUNY Fredonia over his controversial podcast remarks has been told he will lose his job when the university abolishes its Philosophy Department Stephen Kershnar was removed from his job by SUNY Fredonia officials in February 2022 in response to controversial comments he made about pedophilia on a podcast was banned from campus three years ago following his podcast comments about whether adult-child sex is always wrong although he has continued to be paid as he conducts research according to a retrenchment letter he received from the university president he is suing The letter noted that neither a philosophy major nor minor will be offered by the university much longer “As part of SUNY Fredonia’s Roadmap to Financial Sustainability the university conducted a thorough review of academic programs to ensure our offerings are best aligned with student interest and drive long-term institutional sustainability,” the university said in comment to The Buffalo News the university declined to comment on Kershnar’s federal lawsuit and layoff lawyers for Stephen Kershnar pressed a federal court judge for a preliminary injunction to bar the university from keeping him off campus and prohibiting contact with the campus community They said the university has violated his First Amendment rights Kershnar’s attorney believes the layoff has more to do with the lawsuit than the university’s budget cuts “SUNY Fredonia is using these layoffs as a pretext to continue targeting Kershnar,” said attorney Adam B Steinbaugh of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression a nonprofit group that seeks to protect freedom of speech on college campuses The professor’s comments about pedophilia on a podcast on Jan led to a social media firestorm and vile emails directed at him Days later, Stephen H. Kolison Jr., the university’s president, called Kershnar’s podcast comments “absolutely abhorrent” and reassigned him to duties that did not require contact with students or being on campus Kershnar, who began teaching philosophy courses at Fredonia in 1998, filed a lawsuit against Kolison and another administrator in June 2023 in U.S. District Court in Buffalo He asked the court to declare that the Fredonia administrators violated his First Amendment rights by removing him from the classroom and barring him from campus Defending themselves against his lawsuit, Fredonia officials said they feared his return could cause potential campus disruption and they cited threat assessments by the former police chief at SUNY Fredonia warning of an “unacceptable risk of violence.” Kershnar’s lawsuit said the administration encouraged “a social media heckler’s veto allowing momentary public and political reactions to dictate who may teach at a public university.” “SUNY Fredonia’s leaders smeared him and let neo-Nazis dictate who is allowed to speak at a public university,” Steinbaugh told The Buffalo News “They have fought tooth and nail to censor him running up attorneys’ fees while facing budgetary issues.” Kershnar said: “Imagine that an adult male wants to have sex with a 12-year-old girl very widely held view is that there’s something deeply wrong about this and it’s wrong independent of being criminalized It’s not obvious to me that it is in fact wrong.” social media posts and video clips generated negative media coverage for SUNY Fredonia with articles and broadcasts from Fox News online conservative media outlets and local TV news stations Stephen Kershnar's comments about pedophilia on a podcast on Jan and he was barred from campus until further notice District Judge Lawrence Vilardo pressed the two sides to negotiate At a court hearing last year, a lawyer for the state told Vilardo that the university would focus on “dollars and cents walkaway money” in settlement discussions with Kershnar’s lawyers The layoff will not affect Kershnar’s civil lawsuit The university continues to pay Kershnar, who was paid $108,424 in 2024, according to the government transparency website SeeThroughNY.net. “Kershnar’s damages go well beyond a paycheck,” said Steinbaugh who noted that his layoff would not take place immediately “There are still classes he can teach before that happens,” he said “SUNY Fredonia is instead spending additional money to hire other people to teach those classes while it pays Kershnar to conduct research Continuing this legal fight over three years later will only add to the university’s legal costs and Kershnar’s damages.” Fredonia was highlighted in a recent SUNY report as one of the system’s campuses required to enact strategies to improve their financial health and ensure long-term sustainability Fredonia went through a 40% decline in enrollment over 10 years leading up to 2023 and the campus’ fall 2024 enrollment increased by 7% for first-time undergraduate students 13 programs and nine minors with low enrollment were eliminated or sunset to address the school’s $10 million deficit “They’re making sure their programs align with student demands which is critical,” SUNY Chancellor John B “Fredonia is headed in the right direction.” Among the eliminated minors was philosophy seven Fredonia students declared a minor in philosophy Steinbaugh is not accepting Kershnar’s retrenchment notice as a simple budget cut Last year, retrenchment notices were sent to a sculpture professor and a photography professor One was also sent to an art history professor who opted to retire told The Buffalo News that he was the only one Fredonia laid off this academic year “Out of all the jobs at risk due to restructuring Patrick Lakamp can be reached at plakamp@buffnews.com Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox Email notifications are only sent once a day A SUNY Fredonia professor barred from campus and teaching since his comments last year about whether adult-child sex is always wrong A Fredonia State College associate professor who claimed he was denied advancement because he criticized campus policies has ended up with his… A Fredonia State College instructor said he is being denied a promotion for speaking out against campus policies in the media Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account We're dedicated to creating a digital environment where all members of our community can access online resources and experiences that welcome and accommodate every learner a part of the State University of New York system is dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all its students In line with legal guidelines and regulations SUNY Fredonia will ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational programs As a public institution, SUNY Fredonia is bound by various laws and regulations aimed at promoting accessibility and eliminating discrimination on the basis of disability. These include federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as state laws and university policies The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life SUNY Fredonia is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in university programs and activities Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that institutions receiving federal financial assistance cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities This includes providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring accessibility in all aspects of campus life SUNY Fredonia has implemented various initiatives and programs to ensure compliance with accessibility laws and regulations: SUNY Fredonia is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible campus environment in accordance with legal guidelines and regulations By proactively addressing barriers to accessibility and providing support services to individuals with disabilities the university strives to ensure equal opportunities for all members of its community Through continued efforts and collaboration SUNY Fredonia aims to uphold its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity enriching the educational experience for everyone A Cabell’s-listed journal has published Associate Professor Lisa M Walters’ sabbatical research on assessing supply chain sustainability initiatives "Development and Application of a Sustainability Evaluation Tool for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)" presents a practical framework for assessing supply chain sustainability initiatives within SMEs – a sector critical to economic resilience yet often overlooked in structured sustainability evaluation efforts originally presented at the Western Business Management Conference in New York City in Spring 2024 now appears in the Journal of Business Management & Change (JBMC) Travel to Fredonia You can experience Fredonia firsthand through our comprehensive campus visits You'll have the chance to sample our dining options and immerse yourself in the campus atmosphere Register for a day visit If you are unable to make one of our scheduled daily visits you may schedule a virtual information session for: US Students International Students The cast of the Fredonia Performing Arts Company production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” A musical featuring some of Stephen Sondheim’s best-known songs will be the next offering from Fredonia’s Performing Arts Company PAC will present three performances of “Company” in the Alice E Bartlett Theatre of Rockefeller Arts Center The plot of “Company” centers on confirmed bachelor Bobby who contemplates his unmarried state on the eve of his 35th birthday Bobby’s friends explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse The original 1970 production earned a record-setting 14 Tony Award nominations of which it won six including Best Musical It was lauded for being one of the first musicals to deal with contemporary dating said “Company” takes place in New York City “The pace of the show matches the quickness the city brings,” Stanton said “The show will be performed in the Bartlett Theatre entering the homes and memories of the characters The show ties in humor with serious themes while accompanied by beautiful music written by Stephen Sondheim.” the musical includes “Being Alive,” “Getting Married Today,” and “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Stanton said “Company” is about love and the many forms it takes in different scenarios “Love is a driving force of social interaction; love is something that motivates feelings “I hope audiences can walk away with a new perception of how love can vary in their lives I hope audiences will take in and think about the effect love has had on them and how love has brought them to where they are today.” More than 30 Fredonia students are involved in this PAC production is Fredonia’s second largest student organization In addition to productions like “Company,” PAC produces original student work and offers workshops and master classes The organization’s goal is to provide opportunities to all students looking to pursue their interests in theater N.Y – The Chautauqua County Health Department in conjunction with the Village of Fredonia has lifted the boil water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers including any customers outside the Village boundaries.  Water leaving the treatment plant has been adequately treated since late Wednesday night Two consecutive day’s sample results indicate the water throughout the distribution system is safe for drinking All plumbing lines that have not been used regularly since the boil water went into effect should be flushed before water from that line is consumed.  This includes ice makers and refrigerator water dispensers If you did not receive regular updates and alerts regarding the boil water order we encourage you to sign up for the NY Alert system at https://alert.ny.gov/sign-ny-alert-0 If you have questions about how municipal water systems operate and are regulated visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/ residents should call the Village of Fredonia at (716) 679-2307 and Chautauqua County Health Department permitted facilities can call the Health Department directly at (716) 753-4481 Press releases issued by Chautauqua County will be posted on the County website at https://chqgov.com/news Milestones in Chautauqua County’s Public Health Dr. Robert Berke: Longest Standing Chautauqua County Health Commissioner Chautauqua County Health Department Turns 60 Chautauqua County Celebrates 100 Years of Public Health Health Dept. Announces Upcoming Animal Rabies Immunization Clinics UPDATE: Boil Water Order Lifted For Fredonia Village Water Customers Mobile Health Clinic at Fredonia Presbyterian Church Chautauqua County Board of Health Meeting Mobile Health Clinic at Jamestown Salvation Army Food Express Mobile Health Clinic at Brocton Food Pantry Mobile Health Clinic at Fredonia Presbyterian Church Mobile Health Clinic at Jamestown Salvation Army Food Express      How can I view the County Executive's Monday Morning Memo? How do I look for Civil Service Employment Opportunities? How do I find Property Tax Information? How do I find out about the County's Privacy Practices? Employee Access Site Map Documents Center Accessibility Copyright Notices Website built in Western New York by Orbtist LLC The cast of the Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” includes (from left) Harlequinn Selegean as Malvolio Aidan Heaney as Olivia and Amelia Elmen as Viola One of William Shakespeare’s most beloved works will be the next offering in the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series The Department of Theatre and Dance will present six performances of “Twelfth Night” from March 28 to April 5 in the Robert W Wednesday or Friday by phone at (716) 673-3501 or in person from 9 a.m at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center Directing is SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Paul W and more than 60 students are involved in the production ‘Twelfth Night’ is a masterful blend of comedy and romance,” Professor Mockovak said “There some deeply human themes of love (both romantic and unrequited) The director said Shakespeare’s “brilliant wordplay and imagery” that creates comedy with depth has made “Twelfth Night” an enduring work the play centers on shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian who find themselves entangled in a web of romantic intrigue Through witty dialogue and vibrant characters “Our characters are memorable within a wide variety of types - strong intelligent resourceful characters next to those full of lively mischief and the tragic downfall of a comedic anti-hero,” Mockovak said “We have a fantastic cast of 16 with understudies.” The Mainstage production will include several songs in the text with original music by Dr who is a professor of Composition and head of the Department of Theatre and Dance “We have interpolated two of Shakespeare's sonnets to amplify some of the themes and set them to music as well,” Mockovak said The director said the student designers and crews have helped create “a beautiful and elegant set utilizing levels and projections to support our imagining of Illyria - where the play takes place.” Helping to pull everything together is an “amazing stage management team.” Mockovak said the plan is to create a memorable experience for audiences “Our goal is to provide entertainment with this production,” he said “If the themes resonate more with others that is great But let’s escape to Illyria and enjoy the story.” “Twelfth Night” is presented as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season the SUNY Fredonia community will unite for 24 hours to support our students and the programs that make Fredonia extraordinary donations unlock exciting challenges and matching gifts - maximizing your impact new this year - donors have a chance to receive an exclusive pair of Fredonia-branded socks!  Sign up to be an advocate today to spread the word about the Day of Giving Signing up as an advocate allows you to share Day of Giving info on social media pages and set up a personal donation page if you’d like to help fundraise for Fredonia Be sure to watch Fredonia's social media pages for updates.   More than 30 students will perform in “Fredonia Dance Ensemble 2025.” Works by three Dance alumni will be among the highlights of this season’s Fredonia Dance Ensemble concert “Fredonia Dance Ensemble 2025” will be presented as part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series at SUNY Fredonia Tickets are available online More than 30 students will perform in the program of contemporary concert dance that includes works by Fredonia alumni Abigail Donegan and Briana Kelly; guest artist Jenna Del Monte Zavrel; and a restaging of José Limón’s 1964 masterwork Donegan is the founder of the Buffalo-based Donegan Dance Exploration a contemporary concert dance company and she has presented various work across Western and Central New York Fuller is a current master’s candidate in Biology at Fredonia from which he earned degrees in Exercise Science and Dance in 2023 Kelly is a multidisciplinary artist and dance educator who holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Fredonia and an M.FA in Choreography and Performance from SUNY Brockport and a freelance photographer (BriBlairKell Photography) Zarvel is an educator and artist specializing in concert dance Her dances and films have been shown across the United States She is a professor at the State University at Buffalo "Seasons," is made possible by a grant from the Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities through the Fredonia College Foundation Limón (1908-1972) was one of the 20th century’s “most important and influential dance makers he spent his entire career pioneering a new art form and fighting for the recognition and establishment of the American Modern Dance.” In the 1940s he founded the Limón Dance Company and in 1968 he created the José Limón Foundation to carry on his work “Fredonia Dance Ensemble 2025” is directed by Sam Kenney Dance Program coordinator and recruitment coordinator for the Department of Theatre and Dance It is presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season.  A chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) has officially launched at SUNY Fredonia Eligible students have received an invitation to the chapter which may have generated questions about what the NSLS is the process of becoming a member and the benefits of membership The NSLS is the largest and only accredited leadership honor society in the nation with more than 800 chapters and over 2 million members especially those who are balancing full course loads with additional commitments and responsibilities The NSLS aims to teach students skills that will last a lifetime in-demand skill sets that hiring managers specifically look for Students who join NSLS will navigate the Foundations of Leadership program which takes approximately 10 hours or less to complete at the student’s own pace students will get to experience Speaker Broadcasts which bring high-profile leaders exclusively to members including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W NSLS members become part of a community of fellow leaders across the nation where they’ll network and make lifelong connections On top of the skills they learn and connections they make NSLS membership provides access to over $400,000 in scholarship opportunities each year along with many partner discounts to help them save even more they become inducted members and gain access to even more benefits including personalized letters of recommendation additional scholarships and opportunities for advanced leadership education allowing them to earn credits as they learn to lead To find out more about the invitation process and get answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit here  Students can also reach out to Department of Sociocultural and Justice Sciences Assistant Professor Josal Diebold College-bound students wanting to become teachers can earn academic credit through a partnership SUNY Fredonia formed with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES The New Visions in Education program is an academically rigorous program that provides an opportunity for qualified students to gain hands-on experience while simultaneously earning high school and college credit The program will also prepare students to take the NYS Teacher Assistant Certification exam and earn the credits required for advanced levels of the Teaching Assistant Certificate “This is a great opportunity for students to have a college experience before they graduate from high school,” said College of Education “Students will take their classes on the SUNY Fredonia campus in our classrooms and have access to all the resources of the campus computer labs and joining clubs with our college students.” students can earn up to 18 credit hours that can be applied to an undergraduate degree at SUNY Fredonia or other school at no cost to them The program provides a thorough exploration of the education profession giving students insight into the roles of teachers students will observe day-to-day operations and develop skills in classroom management lesson planning and data-driven instruction teachers and related professionals in diverse classrooms settings Instruction on the history and philosophy of education gaining a broad understanding of the profession’s impact on society are also included Students who are accepted into the program attend classes on the campus on Monday and classes in their home district or BOCES each morning and serve as volunteers in a classroom in their district on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons “With the shortages of certified teachers in our region we decided a new Visions in Education program would be an excellent opportunity for our students in our component districts who are interested in pursuing a career in education,” said Leo Fial CTE and Program Innovation at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES “Our goal for the New Visions program in education is to provide students the opportunity to take college level courses that are credit bearing on the SUNY Fredonia campus while completing their senior year at their home school district,” Mr Interested students should apply during their junior year and go through an application process that includes an online submission two letters of recommendation and an interview Accepted students will be required to complete the SUNY Fredonia application to enter the program Successful completion of the New Visions program with a cumulative high school average of 85 guarantees a student’s acceptance into SUNY Fredonia’s College of Education there’s never been a better time to become a teacher because you’re needed and wanted and the work you’re willing to do is so significant,” Dr For more information, contact Alycia Lacki, LoGuidice Education Center counselor, at (716) 672-4372, extension 2001, or email alacki@e2ccb.org NY – Chautauqua County celebrated the grand opening of its newest Dining Out Program site at Fredonia First Methodist Church on Friday This milestone marks the first program specific location in the county offering older adults a welcoming space to enjoy hot healthy meals and meaningful social connections twice weekly Grand opening festivities featured information tables and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community members. Lunch was served at noon with participants enjoying a celebratory meal followed by cake and social activities “This program embodies our mission to create connections and reduce isolation among older adults,” said Dana Corwin “The Fredonia First Methodist Church is the perfect partner to help us expand this important initiative Their commitment to service and creating a community around the table is inspiring.” The Dining Out Program is part of the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Program and malnutrition; enhance socialization; and promote the health and wellness of older adults With the addition of Fredonia First Methodist Church over 800 seniors across Chautauqua County now have access to this initiative which served over 22,000 meals countywide last year who was instrumental in bringing the program to Fredonia shared her enthusiasm: “As a former restaurant owner and cook I’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together Hosting the Dining Out Program at Fredonia First Methodist Church allows us to serve our community in a deeply meaningful way.” the Fredonia location will offer various social activities before lunch and evidence-based wellness programs like “Moving for Better Balance.” Special series from the Office for Aging Services such as SNAP-Ed Nutrition and Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) “The Dining Out Program is an invaluable asset to our county,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M “This initiative not only addresses nutritional needs but also fosters the connections and camaraderie that are vital to our residents’ well-being I’m thrilled to see Fredonia First Methodist Church join this effort.” The Fredonia location is open every Wednesday and Friday Interested participants aged 60 or older must complete a nutrition risk screening assessment through the Office for Aging Services participants are encouraged to contribute $5.00 per meal to support the program community members can contact the Office for Aging Services at 716-753-4582 Those interested in volunteering at the Fredonia site can reach out to Pastor Annette Puleff at 716-679-1513 The success of this event underscores the collaborative efforts between the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services and the Administration on Community Living As the county continues to prioritize the health and wellness of its older residents plans are already underway to expand the Dining Out Program to additional locations in the coming year Consumer Directed Personal Care Program: Help with Registration The Older Americans Act: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Your Services Local Roots: A SNAP-Ed and Office for Aging Services Partnership Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Launches 2025 Spring Health Initiative to Support Community Wellness Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Proudly Launches Inaugural CHQAging Expo & Conference CHQAging Expo & Conference Kickoff Email the Office Directory returns to the stage this month with a large-scale showcase “The Time of Our Lives” will be presented from April 24 to 26 in the James and Marcia Merrins Dance Theatre of Rockefeller Arts Center said more than 65 students will be involved in the production “Dance is a powerful art form that can create and foster beautiful friendships and relationships.” - Riley Stanton everyone involved is a student here at SUNY Fredonia,” she said “There are a total of 18 pieces in this showcase It is one of the biggest productions we have had yet There is a little bit of everything within the show Stanton said “The Time of Our Lives” is a “clear example of who Orchesis is and what we do.” “We are a family united with the love for dance,” she explained “Every person involved in this showcase has poured their hearts into it and I believe you can feel the love within every aspect of it.” Stanton hopes audiences will feel like they are part of the Orchesis family “Dance is a powerful art form that can create and foster beautiful friendships and relationships,” she said Orchesis is a student-run dance company that puts on major concerts year which are choreographed and performed by Fredonia students master classes and charity events throughout the school year.  Contractors begin preliminary groundwork of the upgraded track and field stadium SUNY Fredonia’s long dormant track and field stadium is bustling with contractors laying the groundwork for a greatly anticipated upgrade Crews from general contractor Lake Shore Paving of Jamestown began the second phase of the almost $12 million project in early March with removal of the existing running track as well as the grass field and top soil in the infield within the oval track that’s parallel to the Ring Road parking lot The first phase of a comprehensive athletic complex upgrade replacement of the synthetic turf of the adjacent University Stadium field The existing synthetic turf there was in extremely poor condition and nearing the end of its lifespan according to Director of Facilities Planning Markus Kessler Testing performed in 2021 indicated that g-max levels on the field were elevated The g-max test measures the maximum acceleration experienced during an impact indicating the surface’s ability to absorb force during an athlete’s fall the fibers were deteriorated to the point where no additional infill could be placed within the fiber matrix to improve g-max levels and the sub-base had also deteriorated so the field needed to be replaced,” Kessler said Today’s synthetic turf fields are far more advanced made with technology that utilizes polymer fibers that are more resistant to wear while the use of heavyweight infill contributes to the durability and playability of the turf surface Major components of the track and field project include an eight-lane all-weather running track aluminum bleacher seating to accommodate 500 spectators as well as updated and expanded restrooms and a new larger storage facility The infield of the overhauled track and field stadium will be striped for soccer The full site has to be graded to accommodate installation of underground conduit that includes utility lines as well as a drainage network to collect and disperse rain water from the synthetic turf and field event areas landscaping and fencing will be placed around the entire complex Restroom facilities will be renovated and updated so the number of fixtures will be aligned with bleacher seating capacity and as well as numbers of athletes An upgraded track and field stadium will represent a milestone for the campus and is expected to draw more attention to athletic programs The stadium that will serve one of the largest athletic programs on campus represents an upgrade of an aging track and field facility that was part of the university’s 1970s master development plan and the scoreboard was designed for soccer and not for posting individual track meet results There haven’t been any bleachers there for at least 20 years SUNY Fredonia can boast to having two new synthetic athletic turf fields along with a grass playing surface in University Stadium An all-weather track and field facility will enable the university to host three athletic events simultaneously while also offering greater flexibility to schedule team practices A new transformer to service both the entire track and field complex as well as the nearby University Townhouses originally submitted an alternate add bid item was able to be included in the final project after the SUNY Construction Fund agreed to cover its cost Stadium lighting was originally planned to be funded through a Facilities Planning capital project account The construction budget for both phases of the $11.8 million project actually came in about $1 million under budget That includes $1.3 million for design work by phZ Architects of Camillus Appel Osborne Landscape Architecture of Buffalo a firm that specializes in track and field work in athletic complexes it was already an exciting weekend as the hockey team went 2-0 with wins over Plattsburgh and Potsdam things got even more exciting once word started to spread of NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley being in attendance for the games even confused when I walked into Steele Hall and saw Barkley He joined the Fredonia hockey alumni at both games over the weekend for the team's annual Alumni Weekend a member of the hockey team from 1991-1995 The two made a connection while working together in the past The 1992-93 NBA most valuable player enjoyed a night in Fredonia after the game he got on the microphone and gave his thanks to the Fredonia people for a warm welcome He closed his speech by announcing that he was going to play five songs and while those songs were on Barkley is very vocal about his love for hockey and was treated to two great games by the Blue Devils This marks the first win against the Cardinals since February 2020 Plattsburgh has also been a hockey powerhouse in the SUNYAC being in both of the past two conference championships Freshman Riley See opened up scoring in the first period making it 1-0 Fredonia native Luke Morris then scored an empty net goal with under 20 seconds to go Charles-Anthony Barbeau finished with a 32-save shutout Fredonia made it back-to-back with a 2-0 win over Potsdam Morris made it two straight games with a goal as he opened the scoring in the second period Gavin Bloder then scored 13-seconds later making it a 2-0 game in the blink of an eye Charles-Anthony Barbeau had another 32-save shutout in the win for the Blue Devils aligns with the national celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day Activities will take place in the Steele Hall fieldhouse on the Fredonia State campus The campus is proud to partner with the United Way of Chautauqua County with support from the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Western New York Girls in Sports was established in 2006 by Mary Wilson to encourage sports and fitness participation among adolescent girls while fostering personal growth through athletics the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County has provided opportunities for girls across the region to explore sports and connect with inspiring female role models the collaboration between the Fredonia State Blue Devils and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County continues to expand access to sports for girls aged 9 to 12 in Chautauqua County Around 120 students in that age range are signed up to participate in the event The event relies on the support of community participants and volunteers are made up of Blue Devil student-athletes who will help guide participants through various sports activities In addition to the events taking place in the fieldhouse the Fredonia Blue Devils also have a busy day hosting SUNYAC opponents New Paltz for a women’s basketball game at 2 p.m and Cortland for a men’s ice hockey game at 5 p.m The Blue Devils invite the community to come to campus for the intercollegiate games as a way to join in the day of empowerment The 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day will be celebrated nationally on Feb According to the Women’s Sports Foundation “National Girls and Women in Sports Day recognizes student-athletes and lawmakers committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and women.” To learn more about United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, and Western New York Girls in Sports, click here To learn more about United Way of Northern Chautauqua County, click here.  For up-to-date schedules, scores, and news for all Blue Devil athletic teams, click here A work inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” will be the next offering in the Mainstage Series The Department of Theatre and Dance presents five performances of “Alicia’s Lens” from March 6 to 9 in the Alice E Bartlett Theatre of Rockefeller Arts Center on the Fredonia campus as part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series Tickets are available online 24/7 “Alicia’s Lens” follows the journey of a determined photographer striving to complete a photo series for an upcoming exhibition in a prestigious gallery Delving into an underground world inspired by Carroll’s novels and Jorge Millas’ “Escenas inéditas de Alicia en el país de las maravillas” (“Unpublished Scenes from Alice in Wonderland”) Alicia encounters iconic characters such as the Mad Hatter blending contemporary realism with Carroll's fantastical universe “‘Alicia’s Lens’ is the result of a dedicated team of student playwrights lead by Fletcher Dickmann who have worked collaboratively to create a compelling layered narrative,” said Director Nestor Bravo Goldsmith “The script seamlessly weaves humor and drama blending contemporary dialogue with Wonderland’s surreal logic Through rich character development and sharp storytelling it offers both emotional depth and moments of playfulness making Alicia’s journey engaging and thought-provoking.” Dickmann describes the play as “an absolute melting pot of inspirations.” it is a tribute to and reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’” he said “The original novel remains beloved to this day due to Carroll’s incredible use of language through repetition ‘Alicia’s Lens’ aims to marry that same rich playful use of text with more serious themes and the modern struggles affecting young artists.” The playwright added that “Alicia’s Lens” takes inspiration from the monomyth structure as well as classical allegories and fables especially Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince.” “We wear a lot of our inspirations on our sleeve in this script and many quotations and allusions within the text should prove familiar to audiences,” Dickmann said described the Mainstage production as having a unique visual approach “The show blends contemporary realism with surreal imagery mirroring Alicia’s perspective as a photographer navigating a dreamlike Wonderland,” he said “The minimalist stage allows for dynamic scenes and imaginative use of space.” Goldsmith said the play features a thoughtfully crafted script The director explained the production combines “realistic acting techniques with elements of physical theatre and mask work seamlessly weaving comedy and drama to create a rich and engaging storytelling experience.”More than 30 students are involved in bringing “Alicia’s Lens” to the stage and a team of seven designers and technicians working with additional collaborators who build props and costumes and additional support crew members “We hope our audiences connect with Alicia’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to process her father’s loss,” Goldsmith said we want them to be entertained and to appreciate the whimsical iconic characters from the novels that Alicia encounters as she navigates her journey.” “Alicia’s Lens” is presented as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season at SUNY Fredonia the production will be taken on tour for performances at local high schools and youth organizations in Brocton A brand-new spring tradition is coming to SUNY Fredonia the university will host the first-ever Big Blue Bash The event is open to both the campus and greater Dunkirk-Fredonia communities and promises a packed schedule of music The idea for the Big Blue Bash grew out of the overwhelmingly positive response to last spring’s solar eclipse festivities Organizers hope the new event will continue building those connections “We are always looking for ways to bridge the campus and the community,” said Fredonia senior Olivia Spolar A major part of the celebration is Fredchella a student-run music and arts festival that will take place in the Steele Hall fieldhouse throughout the event Organized by the campus Music Industry Club Fredchella will showcase live performances by student bands and alumni musicians from 1 to 9 p.m.  “We held Fredchella as a two-day event last year and it was a great event,” said Fredonia senior Jazmine Torres “When there was talk of doing some kind of big spring event on campus again this year it seemed natural to include Fredchella as part of it.” In addition to live music student artists and vendors will sell prints while members of the Animation and Illustration Club will offer live caricatures Sound and lighting for the performances will be provided by Fredonia’s student-run Sound Services Fredonia junior Charlotte Smith designed the event’s eye-catching logo adding a personal touch to the branding of the new tradition Another major component of the Big Blue Bash is Relay for Life a longstanding campus tradition hosted by the American Cancer Society student group the fundraiser brings together campus and community members in support of cancer patients and survivors The indoor track at Steele Hall will remain open during the event so attendees can participate in the walk while enjoying the festivities Special ceremonies and selected musical tributes performed by artists performing as part of Fredchella will be held throughout the day “We appreciate the participation from not only the campus but people from the surrounding area who join us each year,” said Spolar “Some community members will stay and visit and take in the entire event Participants can register individually or as a team through the Relay for Life registration form Attendees can grab a bite at one of several food trucks set up in Lot 11 (between the Natatorium and Rockefeller Arts Center) For those looking to let off a little steam the event will also feature a Car Smash fundraiser from 2 to 8 p.m. where attendees can take a swing at a junked car with a sledgehammer (for a donation) donated by Mom & Pops Recycling in Cassadaga has been drained of all fluids and hazardous materials and will be situated in the parking lot behind Steele Hall There will also be a community dog walk Saturday from 11:30 a.m The walk will begin at the FRED sign outside the Williams Center and will proceed down Ring Road and back organized by Public Relations students in COMM 422 will raise money for the Lakeshore Humane Society.  Volunteers are needed throughout the day to help with event logistics and community members are encouraged to sign up in advance to lend a hand and be part of the exciting new tradition.  The Fredonia Hockey Team will host this year's "Pink the Rink" game on Friday the Blue Devils will take on Oswego in an exciting NCAA Division III contest The Cranston Marche dining center is kicking off the excitement with a tailgate-themed dinner menu served 4 to 7:30 p.m Tickets for this year's Pink the Rink are $7 for adults and $2 for Fredonia State students with I.D It will be the sixteenth year for the "Pink the Rink" game which has raised in total over $120,000 for the American Cancer Society The Blue Devils will don pink jerseys and socks for the event and once again game-worn jerseys were sold before the game The 2025 edition will again feature every name that has been on the back of a jersey since 2008 The generous tribute to a loved one will be seen by all in attendance at the game Instead of the player having their name on the back of the jersey there will be names of the donors’ loved ones on the back of the jersey Over 20 jerseys have been purchased for this year’s game.Members of the campus and local community are urged to attend to support the effort  resident director of Eisenhower Hall a senior majoring in Adolescence Education: Social Studies and History SUNY Fredonia students have taken to thrifting – picking up gently used items – at the new Thrift Room located near the loading dock at Eisenhower Hall has offered an eclectic inventory of clothes assorted shoes and room décor items that students can pick up at no cost It’s no surprise to Director of Residence Life Kathy Forster the Thrift Room has steadily drawn students since opening “Thrifting is popular with our student-age group and the idea of reusing and recycling and sustainability efforts are certainly popular,” Ms She was certain that providing for the basic needs of students would be well received All items are free for students who are welcome to browse and take what they need We will continue to improve and provide for the basic needs of our campus.” - Kathy Forster a junior Animation and Illustration major from Herkimer a junior Adolescence Education: Earth Science major from Pennsylvania – did the groundwork to launch the Thrift Room They gathered and processed donated items during summer months or the fall term.  who brings nearly three years of retail experience to the Thrift Room “I told Kathy that I would love to help her and she said I could make it my own project,” Crandall recalled She enjoys sorting through donations and arranging stock “It’s very methodical,” she said of the way merchandise is displayed “I also like to see everyone coming; they seem to enjoy being here,” Crandall said Forster was happy to appoint Crandall to operate the store A plan to open one central thrift store on campus was initiated in the Spring 2024 semester by residence hall directors resident assistants and students living in residence halls some residence halls have set up individual areas where items donated by students could be made available to other students in need of them “This was becoming popular in more than just a few halls,” Forster recalled “In an effort to keep the idea of providing basic needs more sustainable it was decided to consolidate these areas to one hall and in one lounge.” Donated items began to be collected and assembled on move-out day at the end of the Spring 2024 semester A campus-wide call and inquiry to the Village of Fredonia seeking donations were also made “and we were delighted with the overwhelming response.” board games and assorted school and office supplies such as pens and pencils Recycling bags and grocery totes are also popular a student was complimented on a pair of pants she happened to be wearing ‘I got them at the thrift store,’ which was really “All items are free for students who are welcome to browse and take what they need We will continue to improve and provide for the basic needs of our campus,” Forster said an event where students exchange their clothes with other clothes Donations can be made when the Thrift Room is open while a general solicitation for donated items will be made near the end of the semester FREDONIA – The State University of New York New Paltz closed out its series against Fredonia Monday splitting a doubleheader after taking Game 1 The day was highlighted by senior Anthony Pericolosi who became the first Hawk in at least the last 80 years to hit for the cycle as he started his afternoon going 4-for-4 with his first at-bats resulting in a double homer and single to carry the Hawks offensively He finished the game going 4-for-5 with three runs and three RBI While the offense was stymied from a historic performance at the plate by Pericolosi Michael Weed was quietly having one of his best outings of the season on the mound as he allowed just two hits through six innings and one walk with seven strikeouts while improving his record to 5-1 on the year Johnny McHugh came in to close out the last three innings and allowed two hits no earned runs while striking out three to earn his first save the year SUNY New Paltz was the first to get on the board as Dillon Ristano scored Pericolosi on a sacrifice fly following Pericolosi’s lead-off double Michael Ascanio added on in the third with a solo shot with Wallace Kirkpatrick creating a 3-0 lead by inning’s end after scoring on a wild pitch Pericolosi then opened up the game in the fourth smashing a three-run shot to score Matt Sarni and Ryan Muskopft An error allowed the Blue Devils to take advantage in the sixth getting their first run across but the Hawks answered in the seventh as Joe Richetti smacked an RBI base hit to score Ristano as he brought home Tommy Kreider on an RBI single in the eighth to help SUNY New Paltz to the eventual Kirkpatrick followed Pericolosi offensively while Richetti finished 2-fr-4 with a stolen base The Hawks couldn’t match the offensive out-put in game two Pericolosi again helped his team get started scoring Richetti and McHugh who both walked stranding Pericolosi at third with two consecutive outs in the ensuing at-bats It started the inning with a lead off home run before a two-out double scored another The rally continued as their next batter struck an RBI single to give the hosts at 3-2 lead which it never relinquished the rest of the way The Blue Devils added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to go up 5-2 before SUNY New Paltz answered with two in the sixth as he ripped a two-out triple to score McHugh who reached on a walk Ascanio kept the rally alive as his base hit brought Pericolosi home but the Hawks couldn’t take advantage of the bases loaded to tie the score as a flyout by Kirkpatrick ended the inning stranding all three runners with the score staying at 5-4 in favor of Fredonia SUNY New Paltz had an opportunity to tie the game in the eighth as the Blue Devils gifted the Hawks two free base runners as Matt Sarni got on base following an error before Pericolosi pushed him into scoring position with a walk Ascanio and Ristano were sat down in order to preserve the 5-4 lead for the Blue Devils The hosts then added two more for good measure in the bottom half and closed out the ninth with a double play Pericolosi once again provided most of the offense while Ascanio had a home run and a stolen base as he earned the start and tossed 3.1 innings four earned runs and one walk with three strikeouts Scenes from “Bang Bang Fish Tank,” an animated short film by Nathaniel Dennis An exhibition featuring works by 27 graduating students opens May 2 in Fredonia’s Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery “(Un)Limited Space,” the spring senior show and graphic design by graduating seniors from the Department of Visual Arts and New Media The exhibition begins with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m The Marion Art Gallery is on the main level of Rockefeller Arts Center on the Fredonia Campus at 280 Central Ave Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; and by appointment The title “(Un)Limited Space” references the idea that the students’ creativity and their futures hold unlimited possibilities while the exhibition space is limited for this large group of artists The artists and a description of their work follows •    Lillian Baer (Sculpture major from Jamestown NY) cuts intricate “zentangle” patterns into steel barrels based this drawing style learned from her grandmother.•    Matthew Beattie’s (Animation and Illustration major from Albany NY) seven-minute animatic titled “The Microwave” follows three suburban boys on summer vacation who go into a not-so-fairy- tale-like forest in search of adventure and a stolen microwave; there they encounter weird magical creatures.•    Cheryl Caballero’s (Animation and Illustration major from Haverstraw titled “Social Solitude,” is about a young adult who is feeling lonely and left behind neglecting to take care of herself and ignoring her problems.•    In her design project titled “The Honorary Farmer,” Kathryn Carnevale (Graphic Design major from Buffalo NY) examines organic farming as a more sustainable solution to the costs and consequences of the American conventional agricultural system. •    “Bang Bang Fish Tank” is an animated short film by Nathaniel Dennis (Animation and Illustration major from Delhi NY) which follows the surreal odyssey of a nameless punk with a living goldfish in his stomach.•    Drew DiPirro (Graphic Design major from Buffalo NY) conveys the awareness and impact of false memories and how easily they can be implemented through the brain with original designs on six posters. •    Brigid Flynn’s (Graphic Design major from Hamlin titled “Robot Escape Game,” is a study of language themed around robots with different conversational abilities working together to try and escape a factory.•    In her zine titled “Aeflus,” Adeliz Gottinger (Animation and Illustration and Graphic Design major from Fredonia NY) tells a fantasy story about a continent in which magic strengthens the flora and allows it to alter inanimate objects as well as heal people.•    Kat Haltiner (Animation and Illustration major from Westfield NY) addresses the ongoing issue of plastic waste by repurposing recycled and discarded plastic packaging into functional handmade items by crocheting “plastic yarn” into reusable products.•    In her photography series “Denim Forest,” Katherine Hanley (Photography major from Rochester to contrast the human-made denim and untouched nature and consider humanity’s relationship with the natural world.  •    In her “Accessible Design Style Guide,” Lilian Holman (Graphic Design major from Rendon Texas) demonstrates her mastery of typography and the iterative design process.•    With five gouache paintings Brittany Howe (Animation and Illustration major from Elmira NY) explores fantastical spaces and mysterious characters in this visual narrative.•    Cameron Kerr-Smith’s (Animation and Illustration major from Patchogue NY) book for children is a digital collage of drawings and watercolors about the complex relationship between siblings.•    Using fluid organic forms that gradually dissolve into the digital realm by transitioning into pixels Nastya Korsh (Graphic Design major from West Seneca NY) invites the viewer to reconsider machines as forms that can be both structured and fluid much like many aspects of the natural world.•    Amari McNair (Photography major from Batavia NY) explores color and the human experience in romanticized photographs that depict the pain and wonders of the world around her. •    Michael Morales’ (Animation and Illustration major from Freeport NY) animatic “Stellar Turbulence” tells the story of four travelers aboard a spacecraft who face impending doom at the mercy of an oncoming asteroid belt; their captain must come up with a solution to bring them to safety.•    In six charcoal drawings Emily Neiswonger (Film and Video and Animation and Illustration major from North Tonawanda NY) illustrates quotes by prominent philosophers religious figures and historical figures about birth and rebirth.•    Evelyn Osborne’s (Animation and Illustration major from Liverpool NY) two-dimensional animated film “Departure” follows a young business woman preparing for the most important job opportunity of her life only to be met with a lost child within the train station.•    “The Sugar Hatchet” by Kadence Osborne (Animation and Illustration major from Liverpool NY) is a two-dimensional animated comedy revolving around the struggle two young sisters face when a claw machine will not give them their well-earned stuffed animal.•    Drew Paluch’s (Photography major from Adams Center NY) product photography series features everyday objects that we use but may take for granted. •    With her fitness brand titled “Mind and Motion,” Isabella Rizzo (Graphic Design and Animation and Illustration major from Williamsville spread awareness about the benefits of serotonin and raise funds for mental health initiatives.•    In “Piper’s Pantry,” Jay Rosenberg (Graphic Design and Animation and Illustration major from North Bellmore NY) uses a supermarket setting and a store mascot named Piper to explore accessibility through design and illustration. •    Julian Santos’ (Animation and Illustration major from Tonawanda NY) fantasy illustrations focus on endangered animals.•    Jocelyn Seib’s (Animation and Illustration major from Newfane titled “Bookmarked,” is a heartwarming story which follows a young woman as she reminisces on helping an old man as well as on crafting a bookmark from the flower that he gifted to her.•    With her photographs Rebecca Torncello (Photography major from Scotia NY) focuses on story telling through sports; rather than the typical action shots she concentrates on showing the emotion of players and behind-the-scenes activities.•    In “James 4:12,” Nathan Van Volkinburg (Animation and Illustration NY) creates three stained glass windows out of Kozo paper to address themes of religion and the hypocrisy that some Christian followers have regarding their beliefs about sin.•    Isabella Weber (Animation and Illustration major from Hicksville NY) creates a branding campaign for a hypothetical tea which features a different endangered bird on each box and poster “(Un)Limited Space” is supported by the Fredonia College Foundation’s Cathy and Jesse Marion Endowment Fund, and Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center. For more information contact gallery director Barbara Räcker at (716) 673-4897 or by email at Barbara.racker@fredonia.edu Jennifer Higdon is returning for the second part of her 2024-2025 residency with the School of Music As the third Claudette Sorel Visiting Artist at SUNY Fredonia Higdon will attend several open rehearsals as well as public concerts by Fredonia ensembles that will feature her musical works during the residency from March 5 to March 8 She will also join a composition master class as well as successful residencies by renowned composers Chen Yi (2022-2023) and Valerie Coleman (2023-2024) that preceded it are made possible thanks to a gift from The Sorel Organization Higdon’s itinerary includes attending a performance by the Fredonia Wind Ensemble under the direction of Senior Lecturer Donna Dolson Higdon will also be in the audience when the Fredonia Concert Band under the direction of Adjunct Lecturer Carrie Pawelski performs Higdon’s “Road Stories,” also in King Fredonia’s student performers will be showcased in a chamber setting with a recital of chamber music composed by Higdon in the Juliet J Higdon will also work with student performers in a series of open chamber workshops held in Rosch Recital Hall on Thursday Three residency events open to the public will be held on Saturday Higdon will work with School of Music composition students in Mason Hall Room 1080 at 9:30 a.m The Student Opera Theatre Association will present scenes from Higdon’s GRAMMY-nominated opera “Cold Mountain” at 2 p.m as part of its Opera Scenes production at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center (Tickets for Opera Scenes are $5 for students a Fredonia College Symphony concert that includes Higdon’s orchestral work “Blue Cathedral” – one of the most often performed works by a living composer in the last 25 years – will be held in King Concert Hall on Saturday “Blue Cathedral” has been performed more than 1,000 times who makes her living exclusively through commissions and publishing from chamber to orchestral to wind ensemble Higdon has received commissions from The Philadelphia Orchestra as well groups that include the Tokyo String Quartet Eighth Blackbird and the President’s Own United States Marine Band She has also written works for renowned artists such as baritone Thomas Hampson and mezzo Sasha Cooke; pianists Yuja Wang and Gary Graffman; and violinists Joshua Bell “Cold Mountain,” was commissioned by Santa Fe Opera North Carolina Opera and Minnesota Opera and was awarded the prestigious International Opera Award for Best World Premiere in 2016 Upcoming premieres for the 2024-2025 season include a new opera for Pittsburgh Opera a chamber work for the Icarus Quartet and an orchestral work for the Chicago Youth Symphony Higdon received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her Violin Concerto and is also a three-time GRAMMY-winner Her music has been hailed by Fanfare Magazine as having “the distinction of being at once complex sophisticated but readily accessible emotionally.” The Times of London cited it as “… traditionally rooted yet imbued with integrity and freshness.” Higdon has recorded more than 90 CDs Higdon was recently inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Philosophical Society More information about Higdon is available here a student organization at Fredonia will raise funds for charity with a concert event a part of the student-run Media Music Collective will present a free charity benefit concert titled “Let Music Ring!” on Tuesday located in Mason Hall on the Fredonia campus The Media Music Collective is a Student Association organization While the concert is free, Tickets are required and will be available at the door. They are also available in advance online 24/7 at or in person on Monday A basket raffle will precede the concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with all of the proceeds going to Dunkirk/Fredonia organizations including the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation the Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County and the Fredonia School of Music’s own Che Dixon and community outreach has always been a mission of the Media Music Collective,” said Executive Director Alexandria Schuck “Giving back to the community is the least we can do.” Organizers say the concert will feature an “exciting mix” of holiday-themed music The Herald Angels Sing,’ and the pas de deux from ‘The Nutcracker,’ and we also have newer works like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ so there is a wide variety,” said Aidan Carney music and arts director for the Media Music Collective Carney said the program will conclude with Joseph M Martin’s “The Awakening,” which he describes as “a deeply inspirational piece to help our audience leave in the holiday spirit.” Carney further noted that “Let Music Ring!” is intended to “bring folks together through music to support our community and we believe that’s an incredibly special mission.” “The team has worked diligently to support the Fredonia-Dunkirk community and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” he said “People haven’t seen this group before and I’m hoping that the audience is able to feel the excitement and energy from this new group,” she said “They have done an incredible job in rehearsals and I'm so excited for this ensemble to really kick off and that the audience can leave appreciating their hard work.” Schuck said those interested in supporting the Media Music Collective’s mission to support the greater Fredonia-Dunkirk community through music can donate to the Support Media Music Fund at the Fredonia College Foundation. Questions regarding the Media Music Collective may be directed to Schuck via email.  Note: Listen to the concert through this link When the School of Music presents the annual Fredonia Holiday Choral Concert “The holidays are a time we can come together and reconnect with those special memories from the past,” noted Dr “The power of music is that it helps us reconnect with those feelings.” It is the fourth year the holiday choral concert has been presented and is free and open to the public the event will be recorded for broadcast on local PBS station WNED Check the station’s listings for the dates and times The concert will also be shared with PBS North America and PBS+ Presented in conjunction with the School of Music’s Sound Recording Technology program, the concert will be live streamed and posted to the School of Music YouTube channel The concert will feature the Chamber Choir and the College Choir under the direction of Dr Huff and the Camerata under the direction of Brent Weber There will also be select student vocal soloists 12 works will be performed during the concert “This music is from our common heritage,” Huff said The repertoire will include traditional favorites “Away in a Manger,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and “O Come Huff said the concert will also include newer works such as “Lo how a rose e’er blooming,” arranged by English composer and conductor Dr The piece will feature School of Music faculty member Dr Student soloists will include Hannah Rich of Webster The Fredonia Holiday Choral Concert is made possible in part by the Kay Hardesty Logan Foundation of Arlington with funding administered through the Fredonia College Foundation “The Kay Hardesty Logan Foundation has been so supportive of us,” Huff noted uplifting experience awaits students at the SUNY Fredonia edition of the nationwide Fresh Check Day The campus Counseling Center is hosting the mental health promotion It will include peer-centered interactive booths a festive social atmosphere and exciting giveaways Fresh Check Day draws upon student groups and university staff to develop and execute interactive booths that provide mental health and resource information in a fun and exciting way Advocacy and Wellness Services) coordinator at the Counseling Center Not only will we have interactive booths with fun and informed activities/games DJ and photo booth for additional entertainment.” - Sonia Ortiz compassionate and enriching environment for all students and members of the campus community “We are inviting attendees to stop at each booth and engage with the activity Counseling Center staff will also be present so this is a great opportunity to get to know our staff and ask questions,” Ms The interactive booths convey a comprehensive approach to preventing suicide that addresses specific mental health issues stigma reduction and positive coping and life skills Students from a variety of clubs will staff the booths Therapy dogs will also join Fresh Check Day “Not only will we have interactive booths with fun and informed activities/games DJ and photo booth for additional entertainment,” Ortiz added  Prizes and Fredonia swag will also be given away to everyone visiting an interactive booth Creating an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in a dialogue about mental health and helping to build a bridge between students and mental health resources available on campus in the community and nation-wide are goals of Fresh Check Day Elle Woods (Alina Wiley) and her faithful companion Bruiser (Pepper Sanchez) are ready to take on Harvard Law School in the Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance production of “Legally Blonde.” The adjectives come fast and furious when Dr Jessica Hillman-McCord of the Department of Theatre and Dance describes the upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” “Legally Blonde” opens the 2024-25 Walter Gloor Mainstage Series with six performances from Oct there is a message of female empowerment,” Hillman-McCord said “There are a lot of great female presenting roles It was written prior to the ‘Me Too Movement,’ yet it rings true in its story of a woman fighting to be respected for being uniquely herself.” the musical follows heroine Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law School The stage version is described as “an upbeat celebration of self-discovery and female empowerment” and had a successful Broadway run in 2007 You have a lot of set changes and a lot of costume changes,” Hillman-McCord said “To do something on this scale is a great learning experience for the students.” More than 100 students are involved in the production including a cast of more than 30 and a live band under the direction of Dr who is head of Composition and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance “It’s big in every sense of the word,” Hillman-McCord said the choreography backstage is as complex as it is onstage with all the set and costume changes.” it was the students who pushed for the chance to do “Legally Blonde.” “The students really wanted to do this show,” she said “They grew up with the musical and loved it.” Design team meetings for the production began last March and Fredonia alumnus Donnie Woodard (’22 Theatrical Production and Design) has returned to serve as scenic designer Casting took place during the first week of the semester in August which is nice because we have so many exceptional student performers in the department,” Hillman-McCord said The director hopes audiences will leave feeling “truly entertained” and in a great mood with a sense of empowerment She also hopes they will be impressed by the scale and professionalism of the work done by all areas of the Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance Vice President for Finance and Administration Wayne P Lynch has been appointed Vice President for Finance and Administration at SUNY Fredonia He officially joined the administrative staff on Feb Offices within the Division of Finance and Administration include Accounting Lynch served most recently as Vice President of Administration and Vice President of Operations at Niagara County Community College (NCCC) in Sanborn Lynch brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in financial management Lynch held roles at Catholic Health Systems including Director of Operations and Director of Support Services at Mt He also served Kaleida Health – Millard Fillmore Suburban and DeGraff Memorial hospitals as Manager of Plant Operations and Project Manager-Facilities Planning in Mechanical Process Piping and Industrial Design as well as an A.A.S in Math and Science Liberal Arts from NCCC a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from SUNY Buffalo State University from the State University at Buffalo.   The Fredonia State men's track and field team posted impressive results at the Robert J with several personal records and season-best marks reached Jordan Lockett sprinted to a personal best of 7.07 seconds Quillan Shimp also notched a personal best with a time of 7.54 seconds Stephen Hallberg (4:43) and Colin Cassidy (4:48) each recorded season-best times in the mile event Lucas Lawrie set a new school freshman record with a time of 1:06.91 ranking 10th all-time in Fredonia State history for the 500m dash Nick Marsowicz (50.96) and Nathan Carlson (52.61) both recorded season-best marks in the 400m Edward Jourden hit a personal best of 1:59.70 placing ninth overall in the 800m run while Kevin Moser ran a season-best 9:26.62 Fredonia State has one more meet at Nazareth University next week before the SUNYAC championships Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here The SUNY Fredonia Wind Ensemble will present its final concert of the year on Saturday will feature the “American Overture” by Ralph Jenkins “Promise of the Living” by Aaron Copland arranged by Kenneth Singleton “Symphonies of Wind Instruments” by Igor Stravinsky and “Hymn for the Innocent” by Julie Giroux The concert will close with the epic “Winds of Nagual” by Michael Colgrass The Colgrass work is based on the writings of Carlos Castaneda who wrote the first three books of his series while a graduate student at the University of California The student music performing group recently received international recognition by the British Broadcasting Corporation a feat rarely accomplished by a collegiate Wind Ensemble The free concert is also offered on livestream via the School of Music website.  The State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia seeks a creative accomplished and entrepreneurial leader for its Michael C two-gallery complex that has been serving Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania for over 50 years Situated halfway between Buffalo NY and Erie PA a 99-seat 3,000 square foot dance theatre/studio with retractable seats The building is home to the Department of Theatre and Dance (260 majors) and the Department of Visual Arts and New Media (230 majors) and contains numerous departmental studios Fredonia’s School of Music (520 majors) is housed in the adjacent Mason Hall which has two additional recital halls managed by the School of Music over 150 events are presented annually by the center and 22 academic departments student groups and community organizations Academic department usage accounts for the majority of annual events As an administrative unit within the Division of University Advancement RAC is the primary campus presenter of visiting artists and ensembles Established guest artist programming consists of a family series (2-3 visiting companies per year) a K-6 on-school-time series (3-4 companies per year with multiple performances) and the center’s flagship pops series (3-4 events annually including a center-produced commencement-eve concert that serves as a showcase for students from Fredonia’s vocal These include the country’s premiere military bands RAC provides a robust spectrum of supporting services to all users of the facility centralized mailing and marketing/ticketing/fundraising database publishing of playbills for major ticketed events distributing a portion of donated income from the center’s “Friends of RAC” annual fund to arts departments and assistance with securing corporate sponsorships.  Positions reporting to Executive Director include full-time Technical Director/Operations Manager a full-time Administrative Assistant (shared with the ticket office) and a half-time Front-of-House Coordinator a full-time Public Relations Assistant from the campus Department of Marketing and Communications is assigned to service the marketing and publications needs of the center.  Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the administration The duties involve a combination of leadership NY; and Karissa Spicola (right) a senior from North Collins review information about the new MBA in Accounting with Drs A new online MBA in Accounting at SUNY Fredonia will prepare students and working professionals for a more rigorous CPA exam Accounting faculty in the School of Business faculty developed the new graduate-level program in response to what Assistant Professor Mark Nickerson described as the “new CPA evolution” advanced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) “They have expanded the depth of knowledge that students need to come into the profession,” Dr The new CPA exam to debut in the fall of 2025 will cover specific subject areas that are not part of SUNY Fredonia’s existing Accounting or Public Accountancy programs “It became evident to me that one of the best ways forward would be to introduce this change via an MBA program namely because of the need to cover more topics at a higher level so students are [better] prepared for the CPA exam,” Nickerson explained An MBA in Accounting can yield greater earning potential and prospective employers also assign increasing value to the degree SUNY Fredonia graduates with accounting degrees who seek an MBA represent a prime market for the new program said School of Business Dean Kaustav Misra The MBA in Accounting curriculum consists of 12 courses totaling 36 credit hours All course instruction will be asynchronous to accommodate working professionals the flexibility of doing coursework on one’s own time For more information on the MBA program and to register for a virtual open house, click here such as Information Technology Auditing and Personal Financial Advisory Services while the remaining five are business-related courses Accounting faculty who are CPAs developed the curriculum utilizing the blueprint created by the AICPA and NASBA and also collaborated with Business Administration faculty “The role of the CPA has evolved from a tax preparer and auditor to a trusted adviser who makes data-driven decisions,” said Professor Linda Hall who piloted development of the curriculum with Nickerson “In order to meet the new requirements and prepare students for the new rigors of the exam we felt these courses were necessary,” Nickerson said “The fact that SUNY allows us to have this program is a testament to its uniqueness,” Hall added SUNY Fredonia has long had a strong undergraduate accounting program but many graduates went on to seek master’s degrees at other schools who began researching different accounting programs nearly five years ago our current students have the flexibility to pursue their CPA designation through the MBA option,” said Mr interim chair of the Department of Business The new CPA exam consists of three mandatory core subject areas: auditing financial accounting reporting and regulation plus a fourth component selected from among business analysis and reporting Interest in the new program has already shown to be strong among alumni as well as current students “I’ve had a lot of good conversations with students who graduated two who are interested in ‘coming back’ – but not [physically] coming back – for the MBA program,” Nickerson remarked “Some [alumni] already have the CPA license but are interested in coming to get the MBA degree which is highly valued by employers,” he added The degree will also be an attractive option for current students in the four-year accounting program that leads to a B.S degree.Interest in the program in the regional accounting community is also strong “I went to a number of external stakeholders and spoke to partners and principals of 10 CPA firms in Western New York and what they indicated was in line with my thoughts that they would be happy to hire students after they complete their four-year degree and then work part-time while finishing up the MBA online,” Nickerson explained Nickerson and Hall began developing SUNY Fredonia’s first MBA in Accounting degree in 2021.  Those involved in the collaborative effort leading to the new degree include Mindzak Director of Curriculum and Special Programs Jennifer Hildebrand and Online Learning Coordinator Lisa Melohusky “This program marks a significant milestone for our institution and I am confident it will serve as a springboard for the development of additional MBA programs in the future,” Mindzak said