Presenting the SCCC 2012 Softball and Baseball Sports Awards
by Donna FitzpatrickPosted in: Front Page, Sports | Comments (0)
The Sussex County Community College held its 2012 Softball and Baseball Skylander Awards to recognize its players, in the Student Center Theater at 6 pm on Tuesday May 8. The evening started with light refreshments and finished with a heat warming ceremony, especially for those who were graduating this year.
Mr. John Kuntz, Director of the Athletic Department started off the ceremony by welcoming everyone for those who attended this year’s ceremony along with thanking everyone for attending this important event. He stressed about the athletes dedication, not only playing their sport but also for continuing to keep up with their schoolwork, which is important. Mr. Kuntz made a “Special Thank You” to the entire faculty at Sussex County College for what it means to the students here, to play sports and for supporting them.
President Dr. Paul Mazur of the college was unable to attend therefore Mr. Harry Damato, the Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs filled in for him. Mr. Damato discussed about not to remember the teams wins or losses but emphasized the importance of a team and to value the moments of being on one. As he stated, “Remember your teammates, for they are precious.”
This was the first season for both Head Coaches, Stephanie Romano for softball and Rick Roder for baseball. Miss Romano’s softball assistant was Stacy Kerstner. Rick Roder’s baseball assistants were Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte.
Head Coach Stacy Romano started off the awards. She stated in the fall it was insure if there would be a team since they only had five players. During some games due to injuries, the team only was able to play with nine team members. Ramano was honored to work with the team stating they worked hard everyday plus was put in different positions in the field. They finished the season 5-21.
Special Awards were given to the following:
Coaches Award: Jamie Woods – Was very versatile. Led the team in stolen bases plus had 16 hits and 14 RBI’s. Also played great in every position where she was needed.
Most Valuable Player: Jordan Ray – One of the Team Captains plus one of the top players on the team. Played mostly first base. She tied the college record in homeruns, which was 7 and beat the schools batting average – She had a .614 for the season. Jordan Ray is 17 years old.
All GSA Team – Div.III: Jordan Ray
Softball First Team – ALL REGION XIX: Jordan Ray
Softball Third Team – ALL REGION XIX: Abby Stecher
The players of the 2012 Sussex County Skylanders Softball Team were:
- Maggie Davenport – who was an athlete that never played softball before. She had a wonderful attitude and was a great asset, plus brought laughter to the team.
- Kristen Crottell – a person with great athletic ability who never really played softball and was an important asset to the team.
- Suzanne Growchski – assisted with pitching with 38.2 innings and had a record of 3-5. Also played as one of the top outfielders plus was the #2 hitter and had 10 RBI’s.
- Courtney Stillwell – started off as the third baseman but converted to the teams leading pitcher by pitching 17 games. She batted a .302 with 16 hits and 8 RBI’s.
- Abby Stecher – played outfield in high school but moved to the infield to help out the team. Had the second highest batting average on the team with a .391 with 27 hits and 13 RBI’s. Was named to the Region Third Team.
- Sarah Hendershot – was the teams primary catcher playing 22 out of the 26 games played – including the doubleheaders. Was one of the most consistent hitters by batting a .291 by collecting 16 hits and 8 RBI’s.
- Riz Arezon- helped out in tight situations when we needed players. Joined the team with about 2 weeks left of the season. A player that we wish could have been part of the program from the beginning. She was a good defensive player, which helped us out as a short stop.
- Kelly Walsh- was the main player for second base. She finished the season with the third highest batting average at .311, collecting 19 hits and 12 RBI’s.
- Jamie Woods – a player with great speed and athletic ability who helped the team out no matter where she was put to play. Led the team in stolen bases, had 16 hits and 14 RBI’s. Did a great job on the left side of the plate, as the teams only slap hitter.
- Jordan Ray – one of the top players on our team at the age of 17 who is also one of our captains. Played mostly first base. Jordan tied the College’s record for the most homeruns with 7 and beat the schools batting average at .614.
- Mary Hocking – was the only returning player who is a sophomore and a captain. Started every game in the outfield and had 23 hits. The only left-hander on the team. A great player who brought laughter and spunk to the team. She will be greatly missed.
Head Coach Rick Roder prior to giving out the baseball awards first thanked everyone for being here for this special occasion. Then gave special recognition to John Kuntz, the Athletic Director plus his staff, Justin Christian and Tracy Smith, the student workers, Mike Rath, the Athletic Trainer, his interns, plus all the other coaches from the other programs. He stated, “It was the first year in a while that I felt the coaches tried to help each other and look out for the greater good, not just their program.” Special Thanks were given to his Coaching Staff Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte for their time, integrity, honesty and dedication. Roder felt in order to have a successful program it was important to encourage certain “family type” values including loyalty, dedication, honesty, sincerity and love. This was attempted by parental/family involvement, having the annual Family Day and the need for a Team Mom. Mrs. Donna Berger was recognized for being the Team Mother for the last two years and was given a bouquet of flowers before the awards were given out.
Special Awards were given to the following:
Coaches Award: Eddie Colon – He had 16 runs scored and 10 RBI’s with a batting average of .260. He threw out 36% of the runners attempting to steal. However it was his willingness to improve, how he taught the younger guys with his words and actions that made him a leader and contributed ways to team’s success.
Most Valuable Player: Kyle Tomkins- After limited action as a freshman he worked hard during the off-season to improve – getting faster and stronger. He carried the team on several occasions, ranked 2nd all time with 39 double plays, led the team in .376 batting average, led the team with 50 hits, ranked 2nd on the team with 25 runs scored, tied the lead in extra base hits with 10, recorded over 150 putouts/assists, earned All Region 2nd team honors as an infielder.
Baseball Second Team-ALL REGION: KYLE TOMKINS
Team Mother: Donna Berger – Team Mother for 2 years
Head Coach Rick Roder said, “Baseball is filled with peaks and valleys, ups and downs, failure and success.” We had our lows but we need to remember the high points like beating our rival County College of Morris in our stadium, plus put up 6 runs in the last inning to beat the number 2 team in our Region, Mercer County. We didn’t make the playoffs but we all learned lessons in baseball and in life by overcoming obstacle after obstacle and still found ways to compete with the best.
Rick Roder plus his Assistants, Ramadan Mehmedi and Ken Witte then proceeded to give out the awards to the following players of the 2012 Sussex County Skylanders Baseball Team:
- Andres Flores – consistent on and off the field early in the year. Had multiple hits off of a top pitcher. We expect him to compete for the 2nd base position next season.
- Kendall Cundiff – does a great job in running the bases and is shard to stop. We expect him to compete for a starting spot in the outfield next year.
- Robert Flynn – this guy used a new style this year to find success. He is ready to give it his all whenever called upon and is a great teammate – we expect him to expand his role next year.
- Alex Villon – he showed how good he could be in a big relief appearance. We expect him to work hard during the off-season and fight for the starting rotation next year.
- Sal Pagan – another teammate who proved himself on a few occasions. Had a complete game win, plus struck out 7 batters when we played Middlesex. Another player we expect to move into rotation next year.
- Miguel Aviles – a player that runs well and hits with power. Batting average was just below .300 and had 19 RBI’s. We expect next year he will be a stat “monster”.
- Daniel La Valley – came from home state, Massachusetts with a quality arm and one of the top pitchers. He had a great freshman year. Record 4-2. Lowest WHIP on the staff at 1.33.
- Tyler Grabkowski – he gave it all every day and took advantage of opportunities. Raised his batting average 75 points in the last 20 days of the season. Has a work ethic that coach’s wish every player had.
- Brandon Torres – this player has been moved all around in various positions, which sometimes affect them negatively, but not him. Turned out to be one of the top 3 defensive players plus the best 3rd baseman I’ve seen in 10 years. He eats, sleeps and dreams baseball. It’s a pleasure to coach a kid with a great attitude according to Roder.
- Mark Feci – he had a batting average of almost .250 while being thrown into the lineup as a freshman. Made 30 hits including a game with two triples near the end of the season.
- Jose Toribio – last of our 1st year guys who has a baseball addiction. With 61 innings – 5th all time for the season, 46Ks is 8th all time for a season, 2.51 Era is 11th all time and he’ll be back next season to lead the pitching staff.
- Ian Campbell – first sophomore who really understands what it means to play within yourself. He really improved over the last two years here through hard work. Only 11 BBs on the year, only 1 wild pitch and his record was 4-1 with a save. He has a good heart and a clear head.
- John Paragallo – he always listened, learned, worked hard and was ready when called upon. Got his first win college win this year, he had a 3.18 ERA and a 1.5 WHIP.
- Alfredo Baez – another player who has come a long way on and off the field. Goes to school, works part time and performed well on the mound. Had 4 wins with a heavy workload of 49 innings, 2.57 ERA and ranks 12th all time for the season.
- Rueben Vaquiro – missed most of the year due to an injury of a torn hamstring. Still had almost 10 RBI’s after coming back, playing hurt to help out his team. He came back late this year to have a 4 RBI including the game winner while we were fighting to make the play-offs. Always played the game with a fighting spirit and the heart of a lion.
- Brandon Berger – another core member of the team who is blessed with a ton of ability including a real strong-arm and he has not yet reached his potential. He hit 50 points higher then his freshman year, batting a .310. He had 6 doubles, 3 triples, and a homerun as a lead off batter. Tied the team with 10 extra base hits, tied the team with 12 SB’s, finished 2nd on the team with a .436 OBP plus his 36 runs ranks him 6th all time for the season. Another good player that will be missed.
- Jeff Hillbert – another player with an impressive work ethic. Handles duties as a student, a player while running his own landscaping business. Had an the most impressive ½ of the season Coach Roder has ever seen – hitting over .400 with 8 extra base hits. Led the team with 27 RBI’s and 2nd on the team with a .346 batting average and played a great Centerfield.
- Frank Green – one of the most impressive careers in history of our program. While a freshman he hit a .430 and shattered our doubles record with 21. He was an All Region First Team member as a freshman. Came back this season after a broken wrist and had 95 hits with a .375 batting average, 27 doubles and 6 homeruns. He leaves here as one of the best hitters to ever play here at SCCC and has grown into a grown into a solid young man who balances school, baseball while working to help pay his way. Roder feels he will do great things in his life and he will miss arguing with him.
- Kyle Tomkins – saw limited action as a freshman and worked hard during the off season to improve himself getting bigger, faster and stronger. He got off to a quick start and never looked back carrying the team on several occasions. He anchored the infield unit that ranks 2nd all time with 39 double plays and recorded over 150 putouts/assists. Led the team with an average of .376, tied for the lead in SB at 12, tied for the lead in extra base hits with 10, led the team with 50 hits, and 2nd on the team with 25 runs scored. He earned All Region 2nd Team Honors as an Infielder and the 2012 Most Valuable Player Award. He will be missed and hard to be replaced, according to Head Coach Rick Roder.
- Eddie Colon – he hit a .260 with a .372 OBP, including scoring 16 runs and 10 RBI’s. He was a wiz behind the plate and threw out 36% of the runners attempting to steal. He had a willingness to improve and a knack to for finding a way to contribute to the team’s success that were his most impressive accomplishments. He was a leader and taught the younger freshman with his words and actions. Head Coach Rick Roder said it is an honor to give Eddie Colon, the 2012 Coaches Award.
John Kuntz then thanked his staff along with the various other coaches that gave each other support and who were unselfish because of coaching other sports. The coaches here are now acting as a family here at SCCC, which is great to see them do that on their own.
For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sussexnj/sets/
Donna Fitzpatrick @ May 13, 2012
Skylanders Dropped Last Games to Brookdale But Still Had A Ceremony
by Donna FitzpatrickPosted in: Front Page, Sports | Comments (0)
The Sussex County Skylanders lost there last two games on Thursday against Brookdale Jersey Blues, 1-11 in game one and 1 – 16 in game two on April 26, at home however they still held a celebration. Both games ended after five innings due to the Mercy Rule. In between breaks of the two games the Sussex County Skylanders had a ceremony for senior Captain Mary Hocking.
In game one Jamie Woods was able to get a triple and Suzanne Grochowski was able to knock her in for the only run of the game. The final score was SCCC Skylanders 1 and Brookdale Jersey Blues 11.
After game one was over, a small award ceremony was held for Captain Mary Hocking who is the only senior on the team. Hocking who usually plays left field, was also the only returning player on the team. Head Coach Stephanie Romano and her Assistant, Stacy Kerstner presented Miss Hocking with a bouquet of beautiful flowers and a framed team photo signed by everyone as a remembrance gift. Photos were then taken of Mary and her family as well as the team.
At the end of the first inning of game two, SCCC was winning 1-0 with Jamie Woods scoring the run. Brookdale came back in the second inning, bringing in two runs leaving the score SCCC 1 and Brookadale 2.
In the third, Brookdale scored four runs before SCCC was able to get the first out by a pop up fly. With the score now 6-1, the second out came by stopping another run at home plate. With a man on first the next batter hit a double which brought in another run making it 7-1. The next batter hit a home run over the fence which now made it 9-1. Then it was 10-1. With bases loaded and two outs, Skylanders pitcher Courney Stillwell was able to strike out the batter for the third out. The Jersey Blues were able to score eight runs in the third inning, some because of errors. The Skylanders were unable to score in the third.
During the forth inning, Brookdale first batter was out from a pop up fly ball. They then scored a run before getting the second out by Stillwell striking out the next batter. However, another run scored making it now Brookdale 12, SCCC 1. Bases were loaded with two outs when Courtney Stillwell came through again by striking out the batter for the third and final out in the forth.
In the top of the fifth, Brookdale was able to score four more runs. At the bottom of the fifth SCCC Courney Stillwell cracked out a double but was unable to score. Final score SCCC 1 and Brookdale 16.
The Sussex County Skylanders would like to give a “Special Thank You” to Bill McNair for announcing all their home games for the season.
Records: SCCC Skylanders 5-21 Brookdale Jersey Blues 45-5
Donna Fitzpatrick @ May 5, 2012
Comdey Show Set for May 19 in Newton
by staffPosted in: Community News, Music and Arts | Comments (0)
By Jim Giannaros
The Newton Theatre will be hosting the “Big Apple Comedy Club V” to showcase some of New York’s best professional comedy acts on May 19 starting at 8 p.m.
The show will make you laugh with raw and eccentric routines, the same acts used in comedy clubs in New York City. The performers in the show are not amateurs; every one has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC and/or HBO.
Featured in this show are comedians Tom Cotter, Michele Balan, Moody McCarthy and Jessica Kirson.
“I am very excited to go to the show, being a big fan of comedy it was awesome to hear that there was a New York show happening just minutes from the school,” said Corey Rosta, a student at SCCC.
Prices for the show are $25 for orchestra and $20 for balcony. There are no age restrictions to the show, but bring your ID just in case.
staff @ May 4, 2012
Horseburger May Be in Supermarkets Soon
by staffPosted in: Front Page, News | Comments (0)
By Madisyn Jackman
Imagine you’re at the supermarket looking at the different cuts of meat. All the usual types are there: beef from cows, pork from pigs and cuts of lamb. Each piece of meat is packaged with a label depicting the image of the animal that supplied the meat. You then notice a cut of meat with a label showing you that it comes from a horse.
The U.S. Congress recently lifted a five-year ban on the consumption of horse meat, and this product could soon end up in markets across the nation. Not only has horse meat become more accessible, but it has also sparked some controversy.
There are several reasons to support lifting the ban. One reason is that the USDA encourages people to eat horse meat; it is low in fat, high in protein and has twice the iron of beef and most other meats. It also has a high concentration of omega 3 and fatty acids. According to some, horse meat is both tender and sweet, and tastes like a combination of beef and venison.
One of supporters for lifting the ban, PETA, believes that ending the ban will cut down on animal cruelty by eliminating the need to ship the animals overseas for slaughter. During shipping, they can be forced to endure inhumane conditions. PETA believes that with U.S. regulations, the manner in which a horse is slaughtered will be more humane.
On the other hand, there are also several reasons to oppose lifting the ban. One reason is that although horse meat has its nutritional benefits, it also has its drawbacks. Contamination from everyday products used in horse care can cause concern.
“Bute,” or phenulbutazone, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis in horses, can be harmful to people. If ingested, it can cause seizures, ulcers, aplastic anemia and severe organ damage. Not only is this drug a cause for concern, but products like fly spray hoof oil and de-worming agents could be considered harmful if ingested.
Another reason for not lifting the ban is that many people develop emotional attachments to horses. Horses exhibit human-like traits such intelligence and sociablity. They are somewhat capable of taking care of themselves, and yet they are able to include people in their herd mentality.
Horses are also very useful creatures, from working the farm to being used in therapy. Horses play a significant role in everyday life, as well as having a certain bond with people.
Given all their attributes, it seems that horses are an unlikely candidate for slaughter. Horses have played a major role in human society from prehistory to modern times. They have served in battle and have entertained us in sports and television, as well as providing us with the ability to just enjoy caring for and loving them.
staff @ May 4, 2012
NJ Ballet Brings Latin Beat to SCCC
by staffPosted in: Campus Events, Music and Arts | Comments (0)
By Nadia Womble
Purely with motion, the dancers were able to convey the rhythmic idiosyncrasies of the rainforest when SCCC’s Performing Arts Center welcomed the New Jersey Ballet Company to their 4th year at the college on March 31.
This year’s performance, titled Latin Beat II, focused on the cultural and musical aspects of Latin countries and continents. Clear representation of Mexican, African, Cuban and Brazilian influence made its way to the stage during their Saturday night performance.
In Act I, the curtain draws to reveal the dancers in classical Spanish attire. While the men dressed as bull fighters lifted and twirled the ballerinas donned in pastel-colored dresses, the audience provided a solid ovation for each perfectly executed string of movements.
Progression through the first act took viewers from the streets of Spain into the heart of the Amazon.
Choreographer Humberto Teixeira described his inspiration for the segment as “a power created from the blend of three races — blacks, Indians and whites. The music there is like full-bodied wine, spiced with the sharp, sweet scent of cracked fruit…and the dancers become one with the music, writing a new language.”
Teixeira’s choreography had the troupe expressing a spiritual experience.
Once the dancers advanced into the second act, viewers could see how the simplification of their new costumes allowed the audience to focus more intently on the intricacy of their dance moves.
This part, “Hotel Huasteca,” was inspired by the music of Jesus Echevarria. His instrumentals, along with projections of paintings by the glorified Gabriela Rosado Rivera, were featured.
The final act gave viewers a more rustic perspective of Latin culture. It was set in the fields of Cuba, where choreographer Pedro Ruiz chose both music and movements that “harken back to Africa and Spain in exotic poetic and romantic ways. Guajira honors the women who work the land, and is also a tribute to all who labor in the Cuban countryside.”
staff @ May 4, 2012
Cancer Charity Started by Young Victim from Hamburg
by staffPosted in: Community News | Comments (0)
By Dieter Unrath
When Nathan Shatsoff was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2009 at the age of 22, he was the youngest case that the doctors had ever seen.
Colon cancer usually affects those older than age 50. Nathan passed away in 2011, but not before founding one of the best new cancer organizations around.
“I’m living proof that cancer does not discriminate; it affects young and old. We donate our time and money to find a cure. A world without cancer is our goal. We will not stop until this happens,” Nathan said before he died.
Relentless Against Cancer, based in Hamburg, is a federally registered, nonprofit organization.
“Our goal is to raise funds in support of cancer research for the development of treatments that will ultimately eradicate all cancers,” said Becky Shatsoff, Nathan’s sister and director of marketing.“We hope that our efforts will lead to the elimination of cancer, and eliminate a reason for us to exist as an organization.”
Some of the specific things they help include: improving cancer treatment methods, developing new treatments, developing new testing techniques and improving the quality of life for all cancer patients.
Since Nate’s passing, his family has continued to run the organization.
“It’s definitely been difficult to go on without him, but we also take comfort in knowing that we are working on his dream,” said Becky. “We hope that our continued efforts are making Nate proud.”
Relentless has been organizing various community events to help benefit the cause since their founding. They most recently had their third “Bowling for the Battle” at Sparta Lanes, which raised more than $6,000. They’ve also sponsored booths at various Relay for Life events as well as the NJ State Fair.
The newest event to be announced is a bike rally and family day on September 29th. The event will be held at the Hamburg Fireman’s Pavilion and will feature games, arts and crafts and food, all kicked off by a motorcycle ride. Relentless will again have a booth set up at the Sussex County Farm and Horseshow in August.
One does not need to be part of the organization to be involved.
“We are always looking for volunteers at our events, and a great way to get info on this is to subscribe to our newsletter,” Becky said. “Our first newsletter will be coming out in May and we’ll have a few volunteer opportunities listed. There is no dollar amount or volunteer time too little. We are all doing our part in this fight as best as we can.”
The charity has logo apparel available on their website, along with a donation link. For more information on the organization, events or to donate, please visit relentlessagainstcancer.org or facebook.com/relentlessagainstcancer
staff @ May 4, 2012
Show for Fly Fishermen Was Informative and Fun
by staffPosted in: Community News | Comments (0)
By Allie Shubert
If you have a passion for fly tying and casting, Fly Fishing Day in Succasunna, presented by Ramsey Outdoor in March, was the place to be.
They may be a small chain with only three locations in Paramus, Ramsey and Succasunna, but for more than 50 years Ramsay Outdoor has staged numerous outdoor related events for their customers. Fly Fishing Day took place on Saturday, March 10. The event consisted of a series of seminars starting at 10 a.m.
The vendors and organizations were some of the biggest names in the fly fishing industry.
Nick Cambra, 15, discovered the organization “Kids on the Fly” two years ago through a previous Ramsey event. He immediately became hooked and now serves as a junior mentor who teaches the younger generation how to tie the perfect fly. He passed his interest onto his good friend Ryan Snarski, 14, who joined the organization last month.
Kids on the Fly was formed to teach people of all ages to tie flies and fly cast. The supplies are donated from companies who want children to pass along their knowledge on the sport of fishing.
“It is great because it’s a lot of money to restore supplies so it’s easier when donated,” Cambra said, “It is an organization I want to stay a part of for a long time.”
Wearing dark glasses, and a black and white bandana, puffing on an electronic cigarette and covered from head to toe in tattoos, sat Mike McAuliffe.
For the past nine years, he has been a certified guide and fly-tying instructor. At 10, McAuliffe learned the art of fly-fishing, which he has made into a full-time job. About five years ago, McAuliffe founded Rise Form Studios. He was the first in the industry to share a series of fly-fishing technique videos featured on iTunes and YouTube.
“I want people to be aware that this is not the Mike McAuliffe show,” said McAuliffe. “I feature famous people in the industry as well.”
The job did not start out of nowhere.
“At first, I was a college art professor,” said McAuliffe. “I was taking on clients for fly fishing on the side, but after my father passed away and the dust settled, I got involved more.”
Along with the podcast, McAuliffe instructs a six-week course through the Regal Vice Fly Tying School, presented annually by Ramsey Outdoor. He took a break from instructing and presented a seminar titled “Twelve Months of Fly Fishing in New Jersey.”
The seminar told guests what trout are eating each month of the year, their primary food source and specific fly tying techniques.
Chuck Hoppe, from Lincoln Park, sat along with a crowd of guests on fold out chairs to view every seminar. Every April to October, whether in the quiet waters of the Catskills or Pequest, Hoppe prefers getting in the stream in order to catch fish. Fishing does not always come easy, and Hoppe thanks his favorite rod, manufactured by Sage, for helping him with his greatest captures.
“It feels good on my hand and it is light,” says Hoppe. “I caught a 26 and a half inch rainbow trout in Pequest with it.”
“Each (seminar) had something different to offer, different techniques and fly patterns for NY, NJ, and PA” — his favorite destinations.
“I always figure I can learn something new even after fishing for 50 years,” said Hoppe.
Kevin Campbell, event organizer for Fly Fishing Day, has been an active fly fisherman for more than years.
“It promotes fly fishing and brings in customers in the winter when business slows down,” said Campbell. “It’s informative and a good opportunity to compare stories, flies and streams before we head out for the fishing season.”
Other seminars were presented by Paul Healy of Jim Thorpe Fishing Co and Ken Tutalo of The Baxter House.
staff @ May 4, 2012
Teen Arts Fest: “Program Affects So Many”
by staffPosted in: Campus Events | Comments (0)
By Brittni Landers
Back in the 1970s, when Stella Trikouros first became the program coordinator, the Sussex County Teen Arts Festival was held at the Great Gorge bar.
It was a “total riot,” she said, as students were performing with a bar as their backdrop.
SCCC hosted the 2012 Teen Arts Festival during spring break in March. Hundreds of students voyaged around campus, visiting workshops, participating in activities, watching demonstrations and performances and admiring artwork of all kinds.
Professionals came from all over the tri-state area to participate and teach workshops. This year, five artists came from New York City.
New Jersey is the only state with a Teen Arts Festival, and each county usually hosts its’ own production . Due to some recent budget cuts, not all counties could afford the fest this year.
Sussex receives funding from the Arts and Heritage Council, the Aeroflex Foundation, as well as local businesses and benefactors.
Trikouros says it’s necessary to have a staff willing to start in September, and then work 13-hour days during crunch time in March.
Trikouros’ first year with the program was 1976. She became the coordinator three years later.
“It’s a time killer, but I love it, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it,” she says. “It’s amazing, the ripple, the program affects so many people in the county and then more,” Trikouros said.
Teen Arts workshops included: poetry, hip hop dance, song writing, miming, magic, improvisation, tile making, jewelry making, mask making, game art graphics, clay works, floral arrangements, and landscape drawing.
The live performances included: creative writing, poetry, dance, piano, theatre, vocal, keyboard and video.
More than 600 works of art and performances were on display.
staff @ May 4, 2012
Teen Arts Fest at SCCC Features High School Students’ Talents
by staffPosted in: Campus Events | Comments (0)
By Tim Plumb
SCCC’s B building, normally a place to see a few students sitting, studying or reading, instead teemed with excited teens. They were enjoying the art of art at the annual Teen Arts Fest, held in March during spring break.
One teen was overheard saying, “I never knew that kids my age could draw like this!”
Teen Arts Fest is a day where Sussex County high school students can explore the treasures of the world of art, both display and performing arts. Kids get inspired to expand their comfort zone and participate in activities that would otherwise be foreign to them.
The festival had something for everyone. Many works of art, from painting and crafts to musical instruments and sculpture or carvings of both wood and ice were on display.
Selected students showed off their best pieces and talents, and they were able to try other areas of fine art.
Demonstrations included magic and card tricks, miming, yoga and reptiles.
Another teen said, “the best part about a day like today is actually not being out of school but getting to see all the cool artwork that people have to share.”
The main hallway in D building was filled with drawings and paintings by students.
Musical groups that performed in the theatre included vocal ensembles, wind ensembles, jazz bands, soloists and combinations.
The Newton High School jazz band performed and did very well, according to their director, Stephen O’Toole. He enjoyed seeing the turnout of kids this year and hearing the talent of the other artists in his field.
“Teen arts (festivals) are a great way to see the different bands in the county that are in the same age range. Kids in Newton can hear what bands from Hopatcong or Sparta play like,” O’Toole said.
“I myself have even been inspired by the other bands’ performances enough to purchase different (music) charts for my kids just because these kids made (the charts) sound so good.”
O’Toole always jokes with his students by saying “go play in traffic!”
At teen arts fest this year they were running around– but not in traffic – in the galleries and halls on campus.
staff @ May 4, 2012
Herpetologists’ Reptiles and Amphibians Visit SCCC Hallways
by staffPosted in: Campus Events | Comments (0)
By Brittni Landers
Snakes slithered and other critters crawled around the SCCC campus in early February, creating a lot of hustle and bustle in the main hallway leading to the cafeteria.
“Herps Alive!” is an educational program that brings a variety of reptiles and amphibians to different locations, allowing the public to see these creatures up close — and to touch them if they want.
Herpetologist Keith Gisser tours the U.S. with a van full of his pets, allowing students a hands-on experience. Gisser has been in the field of herpetology for thirty-five years. At 16, he was working in a pet store, where he did his first herpetology show, he said.
His interest in reptiles and amphibians has always been there.
“It’s been ever since I got my first toad at age nine,” he said.
Gisser is from Cleveland, but now he spends most of his time traveling and sharing his passion.
He never gets lonely, since all of his reptiles and amphibians, about two dozen of them, ride along with him. Most of the critters are his, but a few belong to his daughter. It costs him about $1000 monthly to feed his family full of creatures, he said.
staff @ May 4, 2012
