Undercover police conduct raids, make first Social Host arrests

Two Geneseo students—junior Jack Eisenberg and senior Paul Michael—were arrested for Social Host Law violations on Oct. 31. According to a statement released by the Geneseo Police Department, undercover police Officer Dylan DiPasquale—accompanied by “underage youth[s]”––entered parties at 11 Orchard St. and 86 Court St. and were provided beer. These are the first arrests made under the Social Host Law. Kappa Sigma member senior John Otruba characterized the use of undercover officers as “fucked up in principle.”

“Do they think this is the cartel? It’s perplexing to me,” he said. “We need better communication with the town—they need to talk to us and we need to talk to them.”

Village of Geneseo Board of Trustees member Bob Wilcox—who was one of the main advocates for the Social Host Law—said that he thinks the use of undercover police officers is appropriate. “The use of undercover people has been going on for decades and I have no problem whatsoever with it,” he said. “We have bars that won’t let our police come in there.”

Village of Geneseo Police Chief Eric Osganian ’91 agreed with Wilcox, adding that he had been an undercover officer in the past. “I used to do it when I got hired. I went to school here and they put me in at the parties,” he said. “We’re more comfortable liability-wise with an officer. So it’s normal for us to do that.”

Wilcox was one of the main advocates for the bill when it was first passed and chaired the Geneseo Healthy Campus Community Coalition—which was instrumental in the bill’s passing. He emphasized that the law serves as a serious deterrent to underage drinking.

“The Social Host Law is a law which was designed to cut down on underage drinking and drugs without damaging the people for forever because it’s a violation,” he said. “[Violators would get charged with] an open container or something, you might get a $50 fine and kids walk out the door of the court room laughing.”

Otruba noted that while he agrees that there is a need to slow underage drinking, he believes the Social Host Law is the wrong way to go about it.

“I understand that there’s a very serious desire on the part of the town and the Village to curb underage drinking,” he said. “But these police actions over the past couple of weekends and the Social Host law itself, I think they constitute an abrogation of our right to privacy. It’s bigger than just our desire to hold a party; it’s about principle.”

Wilcox said that he thinks the law will “absolutely” slow underage drinking in the long-run. “I think it already has,” he said, adding that the college environment has changed since he was in school.

“I certainly did a lot of underage drinking as a college student and it’s just a reality, but nobody in my college ever died—we’ve had a couple of deaths and it’s gotten out of hand down at The Statesmen,” Wilcox said.

Otruba argued that Village Board members are out of touch with the needs of contemporary students. “One of the Village Trustees—Bob Wilcox—chaired [GHCC]. To be blunt, I wonder how realistic the people on that board were when they drew up the law,” he said. “They personally don’t have a relationship with the school … They don’t know the people that work in Greek affairs. I think they’re positing a solution to a problem that’s very complex and their solution is not comprehensive enough.”

According to Osganian, the police response is largely reflective of spikes in the number of ambulances responding to alcohol poisoning, particularly among underage students. He cited an email from the Geneseo Fire Department reporting 15 emergency medical service calls over Halloween weekend. “Our business is mostly reactionary,” he said. “If there’s more parties coming up this following weekend and we have more ambulance calls, then I guess we’re going to have to address that and go back out.”

Osganian added that he expects the court to be forgiving with sentencing, but emphasized the need to send a message.

“The court here has generally been very lenient with students,” he said. “If we could make the point that, ‘Hey, let’s be reasonable with the parties, be careful what we’re doing,’ that, I think, is goal.”

Eisenberg, Michael and a third student—who may qualify for Youthful Offender status as they are under the age of 19—were arrested for Unlawful Dealing with a Child. This is different from a Social Host Law violation—which both Michael and Eisenberg were also charged with. According to the New York State Penal Code, Unlawful Dealing with a Child involves a person giving or selling alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21. The law also includes similar language regarding controlled substances, marijuana and sexual activity. It is a class A misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of one year.

The Social Host Law reads, “No person having control of any residence shall allow an open house party to take place at said residence if such person knows or has reason to know that any alcoholic beverage or illegal drug is being unlawfully possessed, served to or consumed by a minor at said residence.” It continues to stipulate that, “Such person must take reasonable corrective action to ensure that the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by any minor on such premises is prohibited.”

Alcohol & Other Drug Program Coordinator Sarah Covell said in a phone interview that the Social Host Law is not making criminals out of innocent students. “It’s not intended to create criminals out of anybody,” she said. “It’s not going to go on anybody’s permanent record. It’s not going to prevent anybody from getting into grad school, law school or med school. It’s not going to have a long-term effect.”

Wilcox agreed with Covell, calling Social Host Law violations “exactly the same thing [as a parking ticket].”

“It is neither a misdemeanor or a felony. It’s a violation,” he said. “I don’t, frankly, see any reason to mug shot somebody for a violation.”

Kappa Sigma member senior Matt Liriano emphasized his disappointment regarding details of the Social Host Law. “I shouldn’t be responsible for somebody else coming over super drunk to my house,” he said. “The problem with the Social Host Law is that you’re just going to accuse the people providing alcohol, but what if the people were already drinking before they showed up? How do you gauge that?”

“It’s frustrating that in a college town, the Village doesn’t want to have an honest discussion about underage drinking,” Otruba added. “If you can’t have an honest discussion about it, all you’re doing is further complicating it and making it more dangerous. You’re putting more kids at risk … as opposed to establishing practices and policies that have reasonable limits and are reasonable in general and not so Draconian.”

News editor Justine Talbot and managing editor Megan Tomaszewski contributed reporting to this article.

AGO haunted house fundraiser provides Halloween thrill

The eighth annual Haunted House fundraiser on Wednesday Oct. 28 was a big night for the Alpha Kappa Phi sorority. They raised a record $1,300—more than double the amount raised at their 2014 event. The money was donated to the Bivona Child Advocacy Center.

“This event was a massive success,” AGO junior Molly Caccia said. “I think it was our scariest yet.”

The haunted house took place in AGO’s sorority house at 26 Wadsworth Street. The sisters used the 19th century house’s “character” to add to the many themes of the night. Furthermore, the stormy weather contributed to the spooky aura.

The AGO members made each of the 11 rooms in the house different, each having its own frightening story. “[There were a] variety of creepy scenarios to make sure [that even] the most fearless of people got a good scare—and maybe even a laugh,” Caccia said.

“The decorations were great,” freshman Brandy Root said.  “You could tell they put a lot of effort into it and also that they were having fun with it.”

The haunted house demonstrated that through the AGO members’ hard work, they were able to reach out and to help the community. They brought people together, spread awareness and raised money for children in need. The sorority donates the funds raised every year to the Bivona Child Advocacy center, which aids to children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. Caccia explained that AGO members enjoy working with this charity organization through mentoring and fundraising—small acts of kindness that can really make a difference in a child’s life.

“We got to directly affect the lives of children in need and see the outcome of our donation,” Caccia said. “It's really rewarding to be able to touch people's lives by taking a few hours out of our days.”

The haunted house also served as a festive event to help get students into the Halloween spirit of the colloquially termed “Halloweekend.” Caccia emphasized, however, that the event is much more than just a means to celebrate the holiday.

“It's an opportunity to donate to a great cause and maybe even save a life,” she said.

Invasion of Privacy: Golf enthusiast combines passion, self-improvement

Senior Matt Klein’s time at Geneseo hasn’t exactly been conventional. The 21-year-old went golfing with professionals at the PGA Pro-Am Golf Challenge in Gainesville, Virginia on July 27. Klein is also affected by autism, a mental condition characterized by difficulties in communication.

“I went to a scramble and I was partnered with Sangmoon Bae,” Klein said. This was no small feat. The South Korean is 23rd in the FedExCup Playoff standings and is ranked in the top 100 professional golfers worldwide.

Klein’s team finished third in the scramble. Klein, a military veteran and two other junior amateurs’ performances determined the team’s score.

Klein graduated from York Central School with a Regents diploma and earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. He was accepted to Geneseo under the Learn Independence, Vocational, and Educational Skills—LIVES—Program. Klein qualifies for the LIVES program because of his autism spectrum disorder.

“The LIVES Program is a four year, post-secondary program designed for students with moderate to severe intellectual or other developmental disabilities to give students the opportunity to experience college at a college-like setting,” LIVES Program project coordinator Elizabeth Hall said. “[The students] audit college classes, they do work internships on campus similar to a work-study student.” Faculty members and volunteer students run the program and work with the students for a few hours every day.

“He [Klein] is an amazing young man who has grown and developed,” Hall said. “His confidence is out there, he will help anybody that’s out, he’s a fantastic mentor to our new students and he’s a great friend to the students.”

For Klein, golf has been a way to help ease the stresses associated with his disorder. “At first, I used to pace a lot when I was a kid, but after I got the golf club in my hand, I paced less,” he said. “I’ve been addicted to golf ever since.”

Klein’s practice routine rivals that of any avid golfer: he plays 18 holes at least once a week to prepare for local and state Special Olympics golf events throughout the year.

Klein has been a golf fan ever since he was young. His favorite golfer is Arnold Palmer because “he won several tournaments” and he was able to attend the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York.

Golf is not the only passion that Klein has, however. He is a self-described “metalhead” and loves interacting with students while he works at the Corner Pocket—a job he has had for the past year.

“His desire was to work there for a second year,” Hall said. “He wanted to stay there because he liked the students that he was talking with and meeting with and it gave him the opportunity to practice those social skills—and that was his desire and his goal.”

In the classroom, Klein is a history enthusiast. He has audited several history and interdepartmental courses, including The Underground Railroad—one of his favorites. “He had a fantastic professor [associate professor of history Justin Behrend],” Hall said. “He did a great job [on his papers].”

As for his post-graduation plans, Klein is keeping his options open. “I would like to someday work as a greenskeeper at a golf course. Or a historian,” Klein said. “I’m always open to various opportunities.”

As a member of the Geneseo community, Klein is indispensible. His value to the LIVES program cannot be overstated and his positive attitude toward everyone he meets adds to all that makes Geneseo a great place to be.

Wadsworth Library rich with history

Known to many as “Geneseo’s hidden treasure,” Wadsworth Library—built in 1867—stands today as one of the town’s most prominent features. In 1977, the public library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of its greatest accolades to date. The building—which is a two-minute walk from the iconic fountain on Center Street—welcomes patrons from both the town and the campus. Senior clerk and long-time employee Cindy Costa noted how the library plays an active role in the Geneseo community through programs such as Summer Reading, Friends of Wadsworth Library and their volunteer base, which consists of over 60 individuals.

According to Costa, the Wadsworth Library was built with the support of the Wadsworth family as part of an initiative to “settle the land.” Architect C.N. Otis of Buffalo designed the beautiful Italian-style building alongside the Geneseo School and various churches. A second-floor gallery was added to the building in 1883. After careful consideration, a new wing was added to the building in 1996, which now stands as the children’s wing next to the circulation desk.

The library’s valuable artifacts and artwork sets it apart from most. One of the more impressive relics is a calendar clock from 1862. The clock displays the time, day of the week and year behind the circulation desk. At the library’s entrance stands a statue—given to them in 1869 –bearing the words “Theseus Slaying the Centaur Bianor.” It’s an original bronze by renowned French artist Antoine-Louis Barye. The statue is one of three castings of “Theseus Slaying the Centaur,” with its two counter-parts at the Louvre in Paris and at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.

Landscape paintings and framed letters—including two letters written by George Washington—add culture to the library walls, creating a unique and engaging environment for patrons of the library.

Among the quintessential works of art, the library’s vast array of public programs offers patrons and guests alike an opportunity to explore the library. The Friends of Wadsworth Library aids in the implementation of programs such as Summer Reading, Book Delivery, Adopt-A-Shelf and more. Open to the public, programs like these help the library foster an active relationship with the Geneseo community through volunteers and participants.

Costa added that the library has become a wonderful place over the last 30 years.

“People come in here because they want knowledge, help, questions answered,” she said. “It’s rewarding to send them out the door with the things they come in for.”

Seminar reinvents sexual education, stresses fun and health

Anyone who attended the “I Love Female Orgasm” seminar on Friday Sept. 11 now definitely knows the importance of socks in the bedroom. This comical yet informational presentation was all about having fun, being respectful, addressing misconceptions, staying safe and healthy and getting informed. Sex Discussed Here! program co-founders and co-authors of I Love Female Orgasm: An Extraordinary Orgasm Guide Dorian Solot and Marshall Miller have been bringing the Female Orgasm seminars to Geneseo for eight years now. They stressed that by bringing this seminar to campus, they are promoting sex education for all individuals. Solot and Miller emphasized that this conversation should not be heteronormative or cis-gender exclusive. “It doesn’t matter what kind of vegetable you’ve got between your legs,” Solot said.

The presentation went further than an average health class normally would. Solot and Miller encouraged students to question why they are shown diagrams of fallopian tubes, for example, but never shown any diagrams of the female anatomy such as the clitoris. It also incorporated aspects of sex that are not typically taught. The focus was on how to have fun with the new information—all while staying safe.

Clips from beloved pop-culture movies like When Harry Met Sally and various sneaky jokes that were hidden throughout the material helped to keep this potentially uncomfortable topic light and humorous. The seminar was filled to the maximum capacity, packed with a very diverse group. Regardless of sexuality or gender, Solot and Miller created an environment in which all were welcome to explore their curiosities.

“Each orgasm is unique, like a snowflake,” Solot and Miller said. “So don’t compare yours to others.” People have different sexual preferences and everyone is structurally differently, so comparing one’s sexual favorites or anatomy to others may actually be more limiting than beneficial.

“I Love Female Orgasm” also emphasized that it’s OK to ask one’s partner if they want to mix it up in the bedroom. Who knows, maybe you or your partner will find something new that you like. Explore, enjoy the moment, clear the mind and have a good time.

In addition, preparation is also key to a peak sexual experience. Foreplay is important, especially if it takes one a bit longer to climax—which is usually the case for women. Furthermore, one shouldn’t neglect their partner’s needs and communication is very important.

Sex—particularly sexual pleasure—is considered a taboo topic in modern-day American society, but this doesn’t mean that it isn’t important to educate young people on the topic. In fact, it is one of the most important and relevant issues in people’s lives—especially for college students. “During your time in college, it’s really important to take advantage of the resources that are available to you,” Miller said.

“I Love Female Orgasm” definitely provided a great source of both education and humor for all students who attended.

Kelly’s fire displaces Geneseo students

Kelly’s Saloon on Main Street caught fire during the afternoon of July 29. According to the Democrat & Chronicle, firefighters from Avon, Mount Morris and Livonia all helped douse the flames. Still, the fire destroyed the historic bar and the apartments above it. Philosophy major junior Cam Horvath and physics major senior Zach Hallenbeck were living in the apartments at the time of the fire.

“I started going to the kitchen and I heard some crackling,” Hallenbeck said. “I looked out the backdoor window and saw the back porch … was on fire.”

“I was at my friend’s house because it was 95 degrees that day and he had air conditioning,” Horvath said. “The first text I got was like, ‘Haha, our back porch is on fire.’”

The fire also damaged adjacent businesses to Kelly’s. Honeygirl Gourmet and Touch of Grayce are currently closed because of fire damage. Many people, including Hallenbeck and Horvath, didn’t realize the severity of the fire until after it was extinguished.

“I didn’t think it was going to be a big deal,” Hallenbeck said. “I thought it was going to get put out pretty quickly. So I didn’t grab anything … it just got worse and spread more.”

Despite the irreparable damage, everyone around the fire has to move forward. Building owner Steve Burnett said in a Democrat & Chronicle interview that he intends to rebuild the structure.

For Horvath, moving forward started immediately. “That’s one of those shitty things that happens,” he said. “There’s nothing you can really do but start over and just go for it.”

Several GoFundMe pages were made by Geneseo students to help rebuild Kelly’s and to help Hallenbeck and Horvath replace their possessions. The school also let the two stay in the Saratoga Townhouses for a few nights. Horvath said the response was “completely unexpected and amazing.”

“We’d like to say thank you to everyone,” Hallenbeck said. “A lot of people reached out saying, ‘Oh, I have these things, do you want them?’ … Which was really nice.”

The process of rebuilding Kelly’s has not started. The windows are still boarded up. According to Hallenbeck and Horvath, an investigation into the cause of the fire may have delayed the process.

Although initial reports indicated that an electrical short circuit started the fire, Hallenbeck believes that an “investigator’s opinion conflicted with that and that’s why they still haven’t told us anything really about it or let us back in or demolished it.”

Although the future may be unclear for Burnett and others affected by the fire, Hallenbeck and Horvath remain positive. The two said that there are lessons to be learned from the incident.

“Get renter’s insurance,” Hallenbeck said. “That’s the moral of the story.”

College Stadium opens with back-to-back wins

After five years of construction, Geneseo’s new athletic stadium is completed. The stadium, opened on Sept. 1 with the women’s soccer team beating Alfred University 7-0, followed by the men’s soccer team topping the University of Rochester 1-0 in front of 1,500 people. According to athletic director Mike Mooney, seeing the completed stadium is a great feeling years in the making.

“It’s a fantastic feeling because over the years we’ve had such disappointments with delays … it was just kind of frustrating up until this point,” Mooney said. “Then when it all came together and we had that first night on Tuesday [Sept. 1] … I was absolutely amazed.”

The stadium is a colossal improvement by any account. The men’s and women’s soccer teams used to play their games on the grass field adjacent to the Saratoga townhouses. The field didn’t have the basic infrastructure needed to support more than a few dozen fans. According to junior midfielder Emily Green, the new stadium simply makes Geneseo look better.

“We were always a good team, but sometimes with our grass field we just didn’t look as good as we could have,” she said. “It’s really great to feel like we got rewarded for working so hard.”

Having a new stadium is an exciting thing for the athletes. Playing under the lights and in front of fans is invigorating and could lead to a higher level of play from student-athletes.

“It’s definitely exciting; even coming out for our warm up, the music was blasting and it gets us pumped up,” Green said.

Besides being aesthetically pleasing, the new turf field is beneficial to all varsity teams.

“It will have other benefits down the line,” Mooney said. “The intramural director is going to have ‘playoff week’ where they’re going to play all of their playoff games over in the stadium.”

Green has the unique honor of having scored the first ever goal in the new stadium. She said that it was a team effort, although she hadn’t thought about it too much.

“It was pretty cool, but it’s everybody’s goal,” she said. “I just tapped it in.”

The new stadium should also benefit the athletic department by way of recruiting. For years now, high school athletes were told that a new stadium was on its way to campus. Now, the finished product adds to the total package that is Geneseo.

“It’s definitely something to show off and it’s definitely something that’s going to draw more fans to our games, which is great,” Green said. “It’ll definitely help recruiting, but it’s all a big package and now it’s part of the package. We’ve got the NCAAs and we’ve got the new stadium so I think it’s really helping us.”

As a whole, the Geneseo athletic department has had a facelift in the past few months. Besides the new stadium, the locker rooms in Schrader Hall were renovated for a variety of different varsity teams. Although he’s happy with the progress, Mooney said that there is still room to grow.

““Long range, the hope is that maybe at some point [Mary Jemison Dining Hall] would be the workout center for campus,” Mooney said. “It’s right next to the College Union, it’s in the center of campus, people could come from all different directions instead of it being the last thing down the hill and make it a focal point for the campus.”