Friday, July 15, 2016

Appalachian Service Project Helps Residents Impacted by Floods


An economics and finance student at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, Kyle Pascullo is scheduled to graduate at the end of the year. Concurrent to his studies, Kyle Pascullo has enjoyed working with the Appalachian Service Project, a Christian ministry that has a history of connecting youth with people in need.

The organization focuses its work on families living in poverty in the Appalachian region. Throughout its 47-year history, over 377,000 volunteers have rehabbed or rebuilt more than 17,000 homes in rural central Appalachia.

Following the heavy rains and severe weather that occurred in West Virginia in June of this year, 26 people lost their lives and hundreds of homes and businesses were ruined. A total of 54 counties declared states of emergency, and 200 National Guard members were activated to help in rescue and response efforts.

Amidst the devastation in West Virginia, the Appalachian Service Project mobilized to help the hundreds of victims of the floods. More than 2,700 volunteers with the organization are working to repair homes and instill hope in those impacted by the floods.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Four Essential Items for Every Hike

 

Kyle Pascullo is a student at State University of New York Plattsburgh’s School of Business and Economics. Outside of preparing for his professional future, Kyle Pascullo enjoys several hobbies, including hiking. When planning a hike, a few essentials are extremely important.

1. Water – It is crucial to stay hydrated while hiking. Even on a short, leisurely hike, something unexpected could happen. Taking along enough water for the whole group prevents dehydration and provides a layer of safety in case of emergency.

2. Proper Clothing – Hikers should always wear appropriate clothing for the area and climate. For example, shorts are a poor choice if poison oak is common in the area. A good pair of hiking shoes or boots provides a firm foundation. Weather appropriate attire should provide protection from the elements and insects, without making hikers too hot.

3. First Aid Kit – It may seem drastic to take a first aid kit on a simple hike, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. The American Hiking Society suggests putting together a custom first aid kit, so hikers are familiar with the contents and can include special items like prescription medications.

4. Backpack – A backpack is a great choice for storing water and a first aid kit. Furthermore, it provides space for other worthwhile items, such as snacks, flashlights, and binoculars.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Inducts 7 Into 2015 Class


An undergraduate studying finance at State University of New York College in Plattsburgh, Kyle Pascullo spent time as an intern of procurement at Atlas Air Inc. in Purchase, New York. In his down time, Kyle Pascullo enjoys spending time outside, particularly snowboarding, which he has done since middle school. When younger, he used to snowboard at Catamount Mountain, and recently had a season pass to Whiteface Mountain.

To honor those who have excelled in the skiing and snowboarding areas in the United States, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum honors a class each year. Its more than 400 members reflect the early ski jumpers to today’s snowboarders, and include people such as Picabo Street, Tommy Moe, and Jonny Moseley.

In April 2016, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inducted seven athletes for its 2015 class at its celebratory weekend in Aspen, Colorado. Among the honorees were Genia Fuller Crews, David Ingemie, Henry Kaiser, Chris Klug, Jim Martinson, Bob Salerno, and Edgar Stern. Mr. Stern passed away in 2008, so his son Lessing Stern, accepted the award on his behalf.