Post Classifieds
Sandy brings weather study
By Colleen Young
On November 7, 2012
National Geography Awareness Week is taking place worldwide starting Sunday and lasting
through Nov. 17, and to celebrate, the Department of Geography and Planning and Center for
Health and Social Research are supporting various events on the Buffalo State College campus.
GAW is an awareness program focused on highlighting the importance of geo-literacy and geo-
education. The theme of GAW this year is "Declare Your Interdependence!"
The theme explores the idea that we are all connected to the rest of the world through the
decisions we make on a daily basis, including what foods we eat and the things we buy,
according to education.nationalgeographic.com.
Buffalo State will attempt combine the college's theme of "Year of the City" with the GAW
theme during the week by focusing on city issues.
GAW will also allow the department to look more closely at weather and how it affects us in the
wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Lecturer Aaron Mentkowski, who also serves as a meteorologist on Buffalo's ABC news
affiliate, WKBW, said that Sandy was a Category One hurricane that that hit heavily-populated
areas of coastal communities.
Mentkowski said education is vital when preparing for storms.
"Extreme weather events are now brought to our attention," Mentkowski said. "Weather's not
going to stop. We need to be prepared."
In reference to the damage and distress that Sandy caused, Mentkowski said people need to ask
themselves what they could do to be ready next time.
In the wake of Sandy, Professor of Geography and Planning Stephen Vermette said people have
talked for years about high waters in New York City, and now it actually became a reality.
He said that one of the topics to be covered during GAW is adaptation. He said that NYC
should've adapted and had higher sea walls to prevent the water from rising.
Similarly, he said that we now have a greater awareness of the warning of extreme weather
because it's being communicated to the general public through the media.
The Buffalo State campus is getting a program from the National Weather Service called "Storm
Ready," which will prepare students for weather emergencies.
Vermette said the program should be ready by Fall 2013 and will keep the public posted with
warnings, making campus safer and preparing everyone for more storms like Sandy.
Conversations about climate issues specific to cities will take place throughout GAW to educate
students about preparation and safety.
There will also be a photo contest pertaining to the Year of the City theme.
Associate Professor Camille A. Holmgren, also of the geography and planning department, said
photographs can be of anything related to any city, from park scenes to downtown settings. Both
students and staff can get involved and submit photographs.
Mentkowski gave advice for contestants who are choosing to take photographs right here in the
city.
"Use your imagination and check out the beauty of Buffalo," he said.
Digital submissions should be sent to geographyphotocontest@gmail.com. Those submitting
photographs to the contest are asked to provide a title that conveys how the photograph relates to
cities. Photographs have to be submitted by the photographer who took them.
There will be three photographs chosen by faculty of the geography and planning department to
receive prizes.
"The faculty evaluate the photos with respect to the theme," Associate Professor Wende Mix
said. "All faculty have an opportunity to vote."
Prizes for first, second and third place winners will be given at the Eat Local Lunch and
Conversation.
Colleen Young can be reached by email at young.record@live.com.
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