Eastside: October 2011

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 46 No. 1

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

October 2011

Every day is a winding road Jeff Deppa (‘07) bikes cross-country ■ By Danielle Fox (‘13) Eastside Entertainment Editor

“Every day it’s so enriching when you’re on the road that it’s a little bit addictive,” said East graduate Jeff Deppa (‘07).

Deppa spent his summer cycling 3,500 miles across America.

Dubbed the “person who rode his bike down Springdale Road” by many of his former East classmates, Deppa made bicycling an inherent part of his life throughout his high school years. He not only pedaled to school every day, but also founded an informal club, the East Distance Cycling Club, in which members participated in distance cycling races throughout the year.

As Deppa began to view bicycling as a medium of exploration, inklings of taking his hobby to a Photo courtesy of Mike Rosenthal (‘09) and Jeff new extreme inspired him to gear towards another direction: cross country.

Deppa said, “I just wanted to do something really big; something that you could look back on for the rest of Deppa (‘07). your life; something you could use as motivation to do other big projects in life.”

Four years later, after graduating from Rutgers University, Deppa found the opportunity to take the biking trip he had been dreaming about since high school.

“When you bike across the country, you see it in a much different perspective than when you do the trip in a car because you’re going at a slower pace. All your senses are attuned; you can see, hear [and] smell. You’re totally part of the environment you’re going through and with that you just become much more assimilated with the areas you go through,” said Deppa.

See DEPPA, Pg. 3

Students pedal their way to a new tomorrow ■ By Sherin Nassar (‘13) Eastside Humor Editor

While most people at Cherry Hill East prefer to drive to school, attuning themselves to the sounds of car horns, the flow of traffic and the smell of pollution, a select few East students prefer to take in the scenic view of the suburbs on their way to school through a faster and more cost-efficient form of transportation: cycling.

“I have no desire to get my license any time soon, because gas prices, insurance costs and car pay-

Inside This Issue

ments are way too of New Brunsexpensive,” said wick.

Damian Stuchko“I literally Ingrassia (’13), who have seen bikes over three myself get to miles to get to and class five to ten from school. minutes earlier Even past stuthan a bus or dents have been car that was known to flex their stuck in a trafpedaling muscles, fic jam,” Rosenas they cycled to thal said. school during their Another high school days, East graduate, but carried on their S e a n Courtesy of Mike Rosenthal (‘09) McClellan (’10), riding tradition to their colleges and Mike Rosenthal (‘09) rides for charity. used to ride his jobs as well. bike to school high school via bicycle.

Mike Rosenthal (’09) out of necessity, but over Now, he uses it as his ride was known to brave both time developed a passion to Rutgers University to rain and shine to get to for the activity that still avoid traffic in the streets

influences his life today.

“I learned to ride my bike when I was nine, and once that happened, it no longer was a matter of whether or not I wanted to ride to a place [using my bike], but where I could ride my bike. It gave me and still gives me a sense of freedom and, I mean, what is the mpg on a bike? Infinity,” McClellan said (’10).

Using their bikes as transportation, past and present students have learned to take a deeper look at the world around them.

See CYCLING, Pg. 3

Faculty members ease on down the road

Students log their travels with Foursquare

Philadelphia food trucks take meals on the road

Pomegranates take psychedelic to new heights

News/Features, Pg. 2

Entertainment, Pg. 5

Community, Pgs. 10-11

Underground, Pg. 14

NEWS/FEATURES Page 2

EASTSIDE

October 2011

Lab Theater launches new theater careers ■ By Juliet Brooks (‘13) Eastside News/Features Editor

E v e n though students were off from school this s u m m e r, Lily Campbell the Board (‘12) of EducaAlternate Board tion was of Education hard at Representative work conducting meetings.

At the June 14 meeting, the Board discussed the activity fee introduced last year. One major complaint about the fee is that students interested in certain sports have to pay the fee before they attend tryouts. The Board decided not to change this policy. Last year, the district saw a decline in student participation in activities, which may be due to the activity fee.

At the June 28 meeting, Aramark gave a presentation about its success during the 2010-2011 school year. With a grant, Aramark could introduce a salad bar at Malberg, Carusi and West. The company hopes to expand the salad bar to other district schools. Aramark also provided more meals to students during the 2010-2011 school year than during the previous school year.

During every meeting this summer, the Board discussed a new social media policy that will be written this school year.

The policy will state that any internet communication between teachers and parents or students is to be conducted through district-controlled media (the district email address).

This policy ensures regulated communication between teachers and parents or students. There was a Board of Education Policies and Legislation committee meeting regarding the new social media policy open to the public on October 3. The Board hopes that students from all schools will provide their input about this policy before it is finalized.

Finally, the Board of Education saw the end of Superintendent David Campbell’s tenure and introduced the beginning of Dr. Maureen Reusche’s term as superintendent in July. Although this will be Reusche’s first time as a superintendent, she is not new to the Cherry Hill School District. She served as Assistant Superintendent for the district from 2007 to 2011.

Reusche is very enthusiastic about her position and plans on attending as many East events as she can. Reusche stresses that she wants to hear input from students; if you have any concerns or questions, don’t forget to contact the Board of Education representatives.

The fifteen minutes before the first Lab Theater meeting of 2011 could be best described as chaos. Students talked over each other, roamed the aisles of the auditorium and sat in bunches in the seats, waiting for the meeting to start.

To those new to East’s Theater Department, however, the confusion was not off-putting.

“It seems like a lot of fun,” said Lorna Diamond (‘15).

Mr. Charlie Musumeci, the Lab Theater producer, has been helping with the program at East for three years. Lab Theater is an extracurricular activity that was started by Mr. Tom Weaver in the mid1980s for new theater students to use as a workshop and as extra acting practice.

Musumeci said that Lab Theater is an excellent opportunity for young

actors to get parts and to future.

Musumeci said. “Some peobe on stage.

This year, the Lab ple give and some people Lab Theater culminates Theater play was Give and take. It’s all about greed, in a play—usually a series Take by Michael Scanlan. and I [was] excited to do of vignettes—which took According to Musumeci, this show.” place on October 14.

Give and Take is about With its successes in years Weaver and Musumeci greed and avarice. past, Lab Theater promises each directed one vignette, “The play teaches little to train amateur thespians and the remainder of the lessons about greed,” in the art of acting on stage. scenes were directed by older, more stage-savvy East students.

Lab Theater draws younger students into the Theater Department and gives them a taste of stage performance.

“It’s important that [the new students] love this experience because we hope to have them for four years,” Musumeci said.

Just like any East club trying to find new members, one of Lab Theater’s goals is to make sure that there will always be another generation of East students interested in the theater program. Musumeci said that his favorite part of Lab Theater is getting to meet young actors he and Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor Weaver don’t know very well, because they are the Older students talk to Lab Theater cast about acting.

The Wuz: Faculty performs in cyberspace ■ By Juliet Brooks (‘13) Eastside News/Features Editor

“We make fun of adolescents in hallways, in classrooms, in the way they walk around with things in their ears… We spend an awful lot of time making fun of teenagers,” Mr. Tom Weaver, theater director, said before the faculty play, The Wuz. The October 21 play was entirely faculty-produced and included staff from almost every department in the school.

The Wuz, Weaver explained, is the brainchild of Mr. Bob Hulme, assistant principal.

Hulme got the idea from the school he came from, which did a faculty number each year. The play is a takeoff of The Wiz, which is a take-off of The Wizard of Oz. “I was responsible for going from Wiz to Wuz,” Hulme said.

Mr. Pete Gambino, an English teacher at East, wrote the screenplay.

Gambino said that the bulk of the writing took around four months to complete.

The premise of the play was that Dorothy, instead of going to Oz, goes to Cyberspace. Characters ranged from a Lady Gaga-esque character (Spanish teacher Mrs. Lu Foley) to a Regina George from Mean Girls (English teacher Ms. Katie Kelly) type.

“The play was all about self-confidence... Dorothy [Ms. Allison Granite] gets sucked into a material world,” Weaver said.

Before the show, Weaver said that he hopes students at East, while laughing at their teachers’ shenanigans, realized that they are really laughing at themselves.

Gambino said, “It’s really rewarding [having people perform my play].

The most rewarding thing is that [the teachers] have fun with it.”

Even though he is proud of the end result, Gambino ran into some difficulties writing the screenplay.

“Any time you take a story as iconic as the Wizard of Oz, the challenge is making it innovative and new,” Gambino said.

Weaver had to overcome several challenges as well. In addition to

organizing lab theater and preparing for the fall play and fall preview, he had to direct another play—this one—with a cast that had limited time and experience.

“Memorizing lines is going to be a huge challenge,” Weaver said during preparation time. “There will be a lot of paraphrasing in this play.”

Weaver said that the general atmosphere during practices was very light-hearted.

“Most teachers [did] this for the fun of just doing something social,” Weaver said. “[The teachers] learn quickly, and we laugh at our mistakes, so it [was] fun.”

A month before the show, Mr. Bert Figueroa, a guidance counselor playing the Scarecrow equivalent in the play, said, “The thing I’m working on is trying to find time to practice my lines.”

The proceeds from the play will go to the Cherry Hill Education Foundation to help fund various projects. Check out eastside-online.org for video coverage and more information.

Juliet Brooks (‘13)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Faculty members gather in the early evening to practice a group number for the October 21 play.

NEWS/FEATURES October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 3

As advocate, Holiday’s job is no holiday ■ By Rachel Tinkelman (‘13) Eastside Staff

I’m another layer of support here at East,” Holiday said.

She is in fact very different from the guidance counselors. A guidance counselor has a very large number of teenagers to check up on and does not always have the time to get as personal as Holiday can.

“I think the biggest difference between a guidance counselor and myself

is that I can take a whole entire period and spend it with a student. I could take two periods,” said Holiday.

Holiday gets students tutoring, supplies and anything else they might need. She takes kids on college tours and helps them with applications and essay writing by setting a plan for them. She helps students to organize and prioritize so they

know what they need to get done. If a student comes in needing a book from the library, she runs over and gets it for him or her.

Holiday is always ready to help. Whether or not East students know her, she is familiar with them.

She takes care of East students when they need her by doing whatever it takes to get students exactly what they need.

The bell rings. A student walks into the student advocacy office. He has a problem. Mrs. Yanell Holiday sits at her desk, ready to solve his problem, no matter how big or small.

This student is angry; he’s yelling. Not because of her, not because anything really terrible has happened.

He’s just upset. Holiday listens patiently and calmly, and when the student is done venting, she sends him in the right direction.

This is a frequent occurrence in Holiday’s office.

All day long, she receives an influx of students who need her help. She describes herself as a sympathetic ear who listens to students’ troubles.

Holiday said that she typically helps students get organized.

She helps with getting tutors, doing homework and picking colleges.

Despite the great help she is to a part of the student body, not many people have heard of student advocacy.

Kevin Yoo (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor “I’m not a guid- Mrs. Yanell Holiday (left) converses with three students: (from left to right) Asena Dogukan ance counselor, but (‘14), Jessica Rivera (‘12) and Nichelle Sullivan (‘12).

Cycling students Continued from Pg. 1 Rosenthal biked his way across the finish line for charity rides to raise awareness about various causes.

Riding from Woodcrest to Ocean City, doing twenty laps or sixty miles, or even biking against other people or a clock, the whole experience has simply created a closer bond between him and his bike.

“You do not have to do 100-mile bike races, just bike with your friends,” Rosenthal said.

Though McClellan has never biked in a race, he wishes to bike the country with a friend for a cause.

“Though I care about raising awareness about a charity, I really want to do this because it’s an excuse to ride my bike and do what I love. If I get the chance to ride cross country and go to a state I have never been to with my best friend, I’d love that. There would be nothing wrong with that,” McClellan said.

He added, “Whenever you’re in a car, you are always the passenger, never taking anything in.

You are literally passive, but on a bike, [you’re] in control.”

Deppa crosses country to learn life lessons Continued from Pg. 1 Deppa and his friend, Amy Ehlrich (‘06), spent a mere 1,400 dollars throughout the course of their journey by keeping food and biking fares as their main expenses.

Instead of taking the conventional but costly route of catching a good night’s sleep at a motel or campground, they either spent the night in a stranger’s home or camped out in the wilderness.

“To me at the beginning of the trip it was scary realizing that you’re going to be interacting with strangers. [We] depended on strangers every day, for food, water, directions, shelter [and] moral support. [But] until you leave the comfort of your home, and go out into the world and out of your comfort zone, you’re not going to have the opportunity for those lessons where you are dependent [on others],” said Deppa.

Having to rely on strangers— from the country’s most

Courtesy of Jeff Deppa

Deppa poses with his bike.

comfortable corporation owners to its most eccentric vagabonds—Deppa was affected by each unique individual that crossed his path.

He said, “I think we conversed with somewhere between five to seven hundred people. Each one of them has a story to tell and you can learn something from every one… Now I feel like I have a full spectrum of lifestyles to put together in learning how I want to live my life.”

Deppa met the people who inspired him the most the first night and second to last night of the journey—one couple from a town in the Red Wood Mountains of California, and the second from a town in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania. Both couples helped Deppa further his understanding of life’s meaning. The man from Pennsylvania, Thomas Mallis, said to him, “If it’s worth doing, you do it right now.”

“What he meant by that is that there really isn’t a lot of time to waste in life when you have an idea. When you want to go with something, you should try to go at it right then and there and not try to put things off for years at a time or make excuses,” said Deppa.

Since completing his monumental adventure, ironically, Deppa’s greatest epiphany was the profundity of making a difference in others’ lives through acts of kindness.

“I just realized how big the world is, how much is going on and that we all want to make change, but sometimes it has to be on a person-to-person basis. That small change is just as important as big change.”

After cycling cross-country Deppa has learned that shifting gears is just one part of living in the moment; the other is appreciating all there is to learn from each person and experience one encounters down the road.

Class presidents answer: How will you try to make your class events the best of the 2011-2012 school year?

With a lot of crea t i v i t y.

With a year under our belts, we now have Ross Peterzell m o r e knowledge (‘14) and a better understanding of what’s going on when it comes to events like our Cotillion and the Spirit Week festivities. As long as everyone is involved, we should have no problem making our class events stand out.

As I write this, the vice presidents and I are collaborating on difAmy Myers ferent ideas for not only (‘13) fundraisers, but for class trips, Junior Prom and apparel. Ideally, we will hold a minimum of three fundraisers this year in order to increase our class’s revenue to make up for the lack of fundraising freshman and sophomore year. If our trip to “Fright Fest” proves to be successful, we will be able to also raise funds for our class, which will feed into the Junior Prom budget.

It all comes down to this: it’s senior year and we just want to have fun.

S p i r i t Max Cohen Week, senior (‘12) trip, prom... they will all be amazing. In fact, don’t be surprised if we throw in some surprise little events for the class here and there for one purpose: fun.

School president answers: How will you try to make your school events the best schoolwide events of all-time?

In prior years, my s e n i o r friends and I have disc u s s e d hosting a dance party Adam on the roof Rosenthal of the (‘12) school.

Imagine a DJ on the roof overlooking a courtyard filled with dancing students. It would be pretty amazing. However, due to the fact that such an event is highly unlikely, we’ll have to work with what is actually possible. We’re putting a lot more into this year’s events, and adding a few new events to this year’s schedule.

NEWS/FEATURES Page 4

EASTSIDE

October 2011

East students’ melodies melt away the summer days ■ By Sherin Nassar (‘13) Eastside Humor Editor

When one hears that four upperclassmen spent their summer volunteering at a hospital, two words come to mind: college résumé. But when the said group spent this time at the hospital behind instruments strumming the soulful beats of the likes of Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker, a new beat comes to mind: that of jazz.

Four out of the eight members of the Cherry Hill East Jazz Standards Band melted away their summer days at the Cooper Hospital in Camden, and though the songs were not always lively, the experience sure was.

While volunteering at the hospital the previous year, Hannah Germaine (‘13), the Jazz Standards’ bassist, quickly learned that she could lend her services in more ways than one, particularly through her musical talents.

This past summer, Germaine sought out three other people to fit the key components of a jazz quartet, including a pianist, trombonist and alto saxophonist to accompany her on the bass. She found willing musicians in Kieran O’Donnell (‘13), Joe Incollingo (‘13) and Leo Kopp (‘12). The quartet went on to play at the hospital on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. for a month, amounting to plenty of performance time.

“We started out on the sixth floor playing for

Courtesy of Hannah Germaine

Kieran O’Donnell (‘13), Hannah Germaine (‘13), Leo Kopp (‘12) and Joe Incollingo (‘13) play music together. patients who were listening from their beds, and families would come out of their rooms to listen to our quiet jazz, because the staff didn’t want anything that was too loud or raucous like,” Incollingo said.

“We tried to play nice and relaxing music to allow the patients to forget their troubles.”

But the music, though quiet and soothing, usually clashed with sleeping patients’ routines, so the

quartet requested to be moved into the lobby.

“Since we couldn’t play loud music because people were sleeping on the sixth floor, the lobby was better because it was big and spacious,” Germaine said.

The quartet appreciated the entire experience but es-

Art by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ Eastside Art Director

We asked...

Favorite kitchen utensil?

Rachelle Mrs. Casey Paige Mrs. Sattin Aningalan Smith (‘13) (‘12)

Kitchenaid mixer

Spatula

Electric fry pan

The best A girl Halloween dressed as costume a purple I’ve ever iPod seen:

Vending machine

A unicorn

Chinese food

If someone gave me a toy snake ___, I would be mad.

dead flowers

a dirty look

a kick

If I could write a textbook, it would be about ___.

recipes

being happy

History

Spoon

inspirational advice

pecially enjoyed the accolades.

“It felt nice to do, even if we had no interest or experience with medicine, since it allowed us to help

out with what we were needed for,” Incollingo said.

This new quartet knows how to strike a chord in the hearts of people in need.

ENTERTAINMENT October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 5

Students check in with the Foursquare application ■ By Lindsey DuBoff (‘12)

loyal customer.

“As of right now I am the mayor of my dentist’s office, two of my friends’ Want to unlock your houses, my aunt’s house, world while watching your my own house, Pizzicato, friends do the same? a nail salon and Springdale Foursquare, a website Exxon,” Owen said. and application on smart Even if one is not the phones or through text mayor, many places message on regular still give specials to phones, allows you to Foursquare users. do just that. Rather Gentek and Owen both than trying to compete said they have received with the current social discounts from using media sites such as Foursquare or free food Facebook and Twitter, just by checking in freFoursquare allows peoquently. ple to connect their On Foursquare, the accounts with these user can also create a sites to see where their list of favorite places friends are hanging to help friends find out. out where to go, or simThe idea of Fourply create a to-do list of square is for the user to places the user wishes check in wherever he or to visit in the future. she goes. Foursquare Although Facebook has a list of thousands has a new “check in” of locations based on option, Foursquare GPS technology, which allows the user to do anyone can check into. much more through If the place is not listchecking in.

With ed, anyone can create Facebook, one can simhis or her own location, ply say where he or she such as one’s home or a is and whom he or she is private place not listed with, but with Fouron a GPS. When checksquare, the user can ing into each location, earn actual rewards by Foursquare allows the Art by Hannah Luk (‘12)/ Eastside Staff. Photos by Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor checking into a certain user to leave tips about place consistently. that specific location. Foursquare allows East students to become mayors of locations.

So, instead of simply By looking at tips from times, anyone who uses Tweeting where you plan like Philadelphia and New places. friends, the user can find Foursquare can become the on going, check in on York, tips are pretty “[Badges] are something suggestions about things to mayor of a certain place, Foursquare and earn some helpful,” said Jasmine cool about the game. It’s do or things to avoid nearwhich can lead to many pretty awesome rewards.

Gentek (‘12), a Foursquare like a little reward, and you by. rewards from that specific Check it out, and then user. want to keep checking in to Besides reading tips business just for being a check in!

The more a user checks get the most badges out of from friends, the user can Eastside Entertainment Editor

also follow a page, such as the History Channel or Starbucks, to read expert tips about exciting places to go to in specific cities.

“A lot of suburban locations don’t have tips, but when I go to larger cities

in on Foursquare, the more he or she will get out of it.

For example, the user can receive badges based on where and when the user checks in as well as how often he or she checks into different

We asked...

all your Foursquare buddies,” said Michelle Owen (‘12), another East Foursquare user.

Although the user is not actually given the key to the city, by checking in a certain number of

Movie

Madi Schwartz (‘12)

TV Show

“Criminal Minds”

The Social Network Jason Greenblatt (‘13)

Saving Private Ryan

Sarah Evenosky (‘14)

Friday, November 18th

GrownUps

Liza Kates (icekates@comcast.net) Aiden Sutkin (‘15)

Book

Talladega Nights

Night by Elie Wiesel

“Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Song

Technology

“Thunder Road” by Macbook Bruce Springsteen

Scar “Stairway Tissue by to Heaven” Anthony

by Led Kiedis Zepplin

“Switched The Count “Party at Birth” of Monte Rock Cristo by Alexander Anthem” Dumas by LMFAO

Harry “Night“Sports- Potter by mare” by center” JK Avenged Rowling Sevenfold

iPhone

Cell Phone

iPod

ENTERTAINMENT Page 6

EASTSIDE

October 2011

Herschel Gaer now strumming a killer beat ■ By Danielle Fox (‘13) Eastside Entertainment Editor

recounting, “I think everyone walked out when we were playing [because we were] like a crazy metal band.” But he said, “I’m impressed that they actually accepted us, though, because to even get accepted to the [competi-

opportunity as a punk rock band.

Gaer said, “It was probably the worst possible time to be doing what we were doing. We were completely irrelevant. But, years later, [the members] of ‘N Sync are dear friends of mine, and so I tip the hat

After scoring a multi-milliondollar record deal, opening for The Killers at Madison Square Garden and playing the roles of bass player and best friend for Brandon Flowers, Herschel Gaer (’89) can easily be deemed not only one of East’s most prolific alumni, but also a natural talent in the music industry.

“Music is such a beautiful thing and it’s amazing to be able to make music, to make money playing music. That being said, you never know when it’s going to happen,” said Gaer.

Not meeting a golden fate until later in his career, Gaer spent his high school days jamming in bands with the neighborhood kids and finding a haven in East’s eccentric after-school club, The Three M Club—music, meaning and metaphor.

“It was all the intellectual nerds Courtesy of Herschel Gaer (‘89) who [were] into music just hanging out listening to music and talking Herschel Gaer (‘89) performs at Madison Square Garden. about what the lyrics meant. It to thee.” gave validation to kids who were tion] at that point was like a presSeveral years later, Gaer saw his into music,” Gaer said. tigious honor.” best friends’ fortuitous need for a Led by Mr. Matt Carr, an East But it was not until the 1997 lead guitarist as the window of English teacher, the club acted as a “crazy label height” when Gaer opportunity. As the band, The Red source of inspiration for virtuosos locked his fingers around a masRomance, opened for the Killers like Gaer. sive, multi-million-dollar record during the 2006 to 2007 tour, the “To know that there is an infordeal. Though dubbing the deal as a members also became one of the mal place where you can go to serendipitous snag, Gaer and his first unsigned acts to perform at share [this hobby] with other peoband, The Interpreters, soon Madison Square Garden three ple, to wrestle with ideas, to figure watched their raw talent pick up a times. out who you are, was really great. lot of hype with their record Back in the USSA. Having already seen The Killers I’m glad [the club] gave people the Gaer said, “We were kind of the perform, Gaer was pleasantly suropportunity to do that sharing,” critics’ drawings: we were a boy’s prised with the rendezvous as he said Carr. band; we got four stars in Rolling joined the group on tour.

During his senior year, Gaer saw Stone; MTV loved us.”

“They were such nice guys we his first stroke of success, as his However, as the late ‘90s shifted just [connected],” Gaer said. “[The first band, Nocturnal Sphere, landtowards pop groups like ‘N Sync, experience] kind of turned into ed a spot in East’s Battle of the The Interpreters did not find much the job I have now with Brandon Bands competition. Gaer laughed,

[Flowers].”

During the after-party of The Killers’ next tour, Flowers, the lead vocalist of The Killers and close friend of Gaer, offered Gaer the ideal proposition: Flowers asked, “Hey, I’m thinking about making a solo record, would you be interested in playing with me?”

Gaer responded, “Okay. Sure, man, that’s a nice offer.”

Within the first few minutes of landing in Las Vegas, Gaer not only encountered the widely acclaimed producer, and his hero, Daniel Lanois, but found himself strumming his bass alongside his best friends, Flowers and Darren Beckett, a veteran of The Interpreters and the drummer for Flowers’ band, with whom he has played ever since.

Currently working as the guitarist for his own band, Monogamy, and Flowers’ band, Gaer records around the clock. Regarding his new project with Flowers’ band, Gaer said, “I’m not sure what we’re going to do with [the record]. We’re kind of just trying to keep it very low key, but people are hearing about it and so it’s kind of getting a buzz. We [had] wanted to do it just for ourselves, but it’s cool people are intrigued by it.”

Even after all of his success, Gaer maintains a humble demeanor, expressing both his gratitude for his past accomplishments and respect for his fellow musicians.

“I’ve been very fortunate. There are so many musicians that don’t get a chance or get it very briefly.

It’s one of those things where [you should] always have a Plan B,” Gaer said.

While fame may be a fickle friend, Gaer is proof that some luck and a lot of ingenuity yields a talented musician worth tuning into.

Courtesy of Herschel Gaer (‘89). Guitar pick watermark by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/Eastside Art Director

From left to right: Gaer live in London with Brandon Flowers; Gaer; Gaer with Flowers backstage at the Oxegen Festival Ireland; Gaer performs in Zurich, Switzerland with Flowers.

Fighting Gravity looks to light up the stage with illuminating act ■ By Joe Incollingo (‘13)

ff

Eastside Staff

Since the show first aired in June of 2006, “America’s Got Talent” has brought out more than its share of bizarre stage acts.

Having placed third in the show’s fifth season, Virginia Tech’s black light illusion group Fighting Gravity proved to be not only one of the most unique of the show’s acts, but one of the most successful as well.

The group, composed of thirteen members of Virginia Tech’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, drew many comparisons to existing acts like Blue Man Group during its time on the popular NBC reality show in 2010. The act

uses black lights and other lighting effects to produce various illusions on an otherwise darkened stage.

According to Fighting Gravity’s website, the group aspires to hear its name mentioned in the same breath as established acts such as Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil and Stomp.

However, Fighting Gravity boasts that none of the group’s thirteen members, each an engineering or business major drawing inspiration from YouTube videos, possessed any performance experience prior to forming the act.

Such inexperience proved in no way to hinder the group’s post-AGT endeavors. Following the

show’s finals, the group embarked on a 25-city national tour along with the rest of the top ten acts of season five.

The popularity of F i g h t i n g Gravity

spread q u i c k l y.

In 2011, C h r i s Sardone (‘11) used the act in the Mr. East competition, much to the excitement of the audience.

“I didn’t

even notice the backlights or the people in black. The effect was so well done,” said Ajay Nadig (’13).

In addition to p e r forming at various corporate events in cities like Los Angeles, Fighting Gravity also performed at the Children at Heart for the Gala C h a b a d ’ s Children of Chernobyl organization in November of 2010.

Finally, on New Year’s Day of 2011,

the members of Fighting Gravity returned to television to perform with platinum-selling electro-hop ensemble Far East Movement for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Despite performing for a charity event at their native Virginia Tech last February, the group has mostly settled down in order to plan for a stronger and more elaborate stage show within the next year.

For those who revere the group’s innovative illusions, expect much more bizarreness when Fighting Gravity resurfaces.

Photo illustration by Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor

OPINIONS October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 7

Military recruiters at East: the internal war PRO CON ■ By Abe Dera (‘13) For Eastside

The United States’ Armed Forces are arguably the best in the world. No other country can compare to the power and the size of our nation’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. For those enlisted, the military can become an exciting journey and career for the rest of their lives.

The military offers the opportunity to fly, become a technician and even become the infamous foot solider. The United States Military offers career choices for anyone interested in this field.

Not to mention, the Army trains one with educational material that he or she cannot receive from a college education alone.

One will learn even more than a typical college student would if he or she chooses to combine the training of the Armed Services with the education received from the classroom environment.

The training a soldier receives will carry him or her for the rest of his or her life.

In addition to becoming a soldier, there are some incredible benefits that may be received, such as possible military housing, cheaper items on base and the ability for the Army to pay for a percentage of their children’s college education.

How will people know what the military has to offer unless there are recruitment opportunities?

These opportunities include everything from talking to recruiters in person to visiting a branch’s website and learning more information online.

All people have their own particular reasons for whether or not to enlist into the military, so why prevent these career options from entering

Cherry Hill East?

It is merely a matter of having the option to enrich one’s future a step at a time.

By joining the military, one is not only protecting his or her country, but also ensuring an amount of extended education as well as receiving employment for his or her dedicated time. Is it utterly necessary to hold back those interested in joining? If anything, it will only become more of a disadvantage to those who will eventually become soldiers because the practicing and familiarity will be instructed at an o l d e r age.

T h e guarantee t h a t education will be purs u e d along with the f a c t t h a t a n y family will be p r o vided f o r o n l y proves w h y ending the milit a r y recruitment in the cafeteria would cause more harm than good.

If the military recruitment ends, so should the plethora of clubs pursuing a future career because this is an option – the way these students want to spend their lives. It isn’t fair to hinder that.

■ By Matt Lichtenstadter (‘12)

Eastside Opinions Editor

Although combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, the military still needs new recruits. A supposed breeding ground for new recruits is in high schools across the country. But, as opposed to other groups of potential recruits, high school students are still minors, and therefore, they can be told any type of statement to possibly fend off qualms they have with joining the military.

Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ Eastside Art Director

Te e n a g e r s can be told they will be deployed to Hawaii in order to catch their interest. Want help to afford a college education? The military will give it to you.

Want “competitive retirement benefits and pensions,” or a good salary? The military will give you that too.

But do they tell you about the pain of possibly watching your friend die in

the field of battle? Not so fast.

Military recruiting in high schools is now almost a glorified commercial, offering up only the possible perks and disregarding the many sad realities of joining the military. A recruiter may offer a prospect the possibility of being deployed down the street from his family, yet in reality the soldier could be deployed halfway around the world.

A recruiter may talk about pensions and benefits, but he will not talk about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He may talk about how the military provides for your college education, but fails to mention that there is a limit towards how much they spend on it. It is not even that the benefits are not what they are cracked up to be, it is that the negative effects of joining the military are not even dwelt on.

Recruiters are given nearly unfettered access to students in schools to essentially spread glittering generalities that are used just to get these kids to sign up.

Collections of empty statements should not get anyone to make a choice this life-changing.

For example, a real estate agent can tell you all of the positives about a house, but if the house is unsafe or unsanitary to live in, no one would buy it.

Although the United States has an incredible military, it appears that they do not care how the soldiers enlist in the service, as long as the people are standing at attention. Regardless of the benefits, military life should not be pressed upon Cherry Hill East. It seems the recruiters will do anything and everything to get these students to enlist, even if it means covering up the troubling realities of joining the military.

Mailed schedules get schooled by newcomer ■ By Rachel Tinkelman (‘13) Eastside Staff

Held off until the last second to delay the slew of complaints that will follow, the students’ new schedules are finally ready to be sent out by mid-August. They are printed, enveloped, stamped and addressed to their proper

places.

The post office takes charge of the schedules next, delivering them around the different neighborhoods of Cherry Hill. Some students get their schedules earlier, while other get theirs much later. While not all students are necessarily excited for school, the arrival of schedules is seen as a chance to see what friends are in which classes and to gossip about “good” and “bad” teachers.

So when a student gets his or her schedule later than his or her friends, and is immediately texted by each of them asking which period they have

English, or if they have ever heard of Mrs. So-and-so, they are understandably frustrated.

“You have to deal with the angst of wanting to see your schedule when all your friends are talking about it,” said Danielle LeVine (’12).

Like many of her fellow students, LeVine was away when the schedules were sent out, and consequently had to put up with people asking her about her classes.

“I was working at sleep-away camp all summer,” she said, “so I wasn’t at home to get my schedule.

It’s good to see your schedule as soon as possible, in case you need to make a change.”

There is an easy solution to this frustration, a solution more convenient for all. Use the tool that does everything else: Progressbook.

Progressbook already shows students their daily homework, grades and notes that teachers post for their students; it already provides students with a list of information on their classes during the school year; and so it should be no trouble at all to make this available during the summer as well.

“I think that would have been better,” said Biren Patel (’13), “because during the school year, [our schedules are] already up there. That would have saved paper.”

Progressbook already eliminated the necessity to send home report cards and, for many students, homework planners. There is no logical reason as to why schedules cannot be posted online instead of sent out to each student.

This ultimately will save paper and time.

OPINIONS Page 8

EASTSIDE

October 201

A whale’s tale: fighting for survival ■ By Amy Myers (‘13) Eastside Opinions Editor

Traced back to 6000 B.C.E., whaling has been a key factor in the world’s naval hunting division.

However, the detrimental effects of the hunting have brought many different species to near extinction.

Currently, 11 species of whales are on the Endangered Species List and seven of the 13 great whale species are still vulnerable to extinction regardless of the decades of protection placed upon them. Who would have thought that the world still partakes i n

these barbaric practices?

Luckily, the United States has tried to improve the survival conditions of these species. In the United States, the only continuing whalers are tribes in Alaska that have been practicing this trade for generations and are managed by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), which reports to the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The United States follows a moratorium issued by the International Whaling Commission ( I W C ) , which

opposed the sanctuary and six abstained. The opposing country is Japan, which is notoriously known for excessive and brutal whale hunting.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in this established sanctuary, there are over a thousand whales killed each

Kevin Liao (‘12)/ Eastside Staff

is a temporary prohibition of whaling that is still in effect.

In 1994, the IWC voted to create the 11,800,000square-mile Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary of which the United States and 22 other countries voted in favor; one country

year on those grounds.

Many of the Japanese whales killed, Japan says, are used for scientific research.

In 2002, the WWF acted against the Japanese reason behind the whale hunting by writing a letter in Japanese and English that was signed by internation-

ally renowned scientists and publishing it in the New York Times. Each scientist believed that “Japan’s whale ‘research’ program fails to meet minimum standards for credible science.”

Currently, there is opposition to the Japanese whale hunting. On the A n i m a l Planet network on television, the nonprofit group The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society handles the Japanese whalers directly, as seen on the show “Whale Wars.” With a fleet of their own, they

defend the hunted whales on three different ships.

Each is designed to prevent the whales from future harm and inhumane abuse.

Why are the world’s largest mammals falling victim to pure human insensitivity? As a result, the future of these whale populations will now depend on whether or not the whaling industry con-

tinues to hunt these endangered species. But will the industry hinder its commerce to save these endangered species?

If whaling isn’t stopped soon enough, any hopes for recovery will be lost and the whales will ultimately become extinct.

Fin Facts • The population of the Blue whale decreased by 90% since whaling began.

• Between the mid 1960s and 1990, approximately 360,000 Blue whales were slaughtered.

• Minke whales are still hunted for “scientific” reasons by Japan. However, a large portion of the meat is served in expensive restaurants.

• The Western North Pacific population of the Gray whale was largely destroyed by whaling and the population remaining is around 100 whales.

Visit www.eastside-online.org for more stories, photos, comics, videos, radio shows and more!

OPINIONS October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 9

The Arab spring makes way for fall The leaves are changing colors and the weather is becoming cooler, signaling that fall has arrived. Across the Arab world, the transition into fall has been beckoned by the uprisings of the Arab spring ending–or continuing. Egypt and Tunisia are attempting to transition from decades of repression into democracy, while many countries around the Middle East are continuing with resistance. In Libya, the civil war is all but over and the transition process will be a trying one. Countries such as Syria, Bahrain and Jordan are still experiencing ongoing uprisings. Hopefully no more blood will be shed and freedom and liberty will prevail in the Middle East.

Syria’s uprising is most difficult to predict Tunisia has the same setbacks as Egypt: slow democ■ By Eric Kessler (‘12) because of the dictator in charge, Bashar Al-Assad, ratization, high unemployment and little to no economic Eastside Opinions Editor the lack of international involvement or pressure growth. Tunisia also has to deal with many powerful and the number of people taking to the streets to Islamic parties which could take up to 20 percent of the protest. Thousands of people have continued to votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Unlike protest Assad’s rule even though at least 2,600 peoEgypt, Tunisia does not have such a powerful military ple have been killed by government forces. The presence in the government, but maintains an intimate protests seem to be getting stronger as the revolueconomic tie with Italy. Once the Tunisian government tion continues, despite the number of deaths. If the applies new economic rules, the economy should improve. current Syrian regime falls, Iran would lose its influMany Italian companies have stayed in Tunisia and conence in the Arab world, which would benefit the U.S. tinued operating there through the revolution. When the and Europe; however, the U.S. and the European tourists and companies return, Tunisia can reduce unemUnion have done little to aid the demonstrators. ployment and endorse a successful economy, hopefully Without international, or at least Arab, support and leading to a healthy democracy. noting the crazed actions of Assad (including tank and helicopter firings upon unarmed protesters), the revolt will most likely be put down ruthlessly, with more than 10,000 people murdered. Even if Assad continues his crimes against humanity, the international community may not get involved because, as Assad warns, “it’s either me or regional chaos.”

The change has begun, but the promises of liberty and freedom have not yet arrived. In Egypt, the wheels of democracy have started to turn, but have not yet taken to the local level.

Many new political parties have been created, some Islamic, and the upcoming elections could be free and impartial. Before the elections can take place, a new constitution needs to be enacted. Hopefully, the constitution will change the Egyptian government into one similar to that of Turkey, in that it will provide the military with a strong but limited role in the government to offset the participation of the Islamic parties.

A different story has emerged in Bahrain. Since emergency law was lifted on June 1, communication through Twitter has spawned hundreds of rallies. The differences between Bahrain and the other uprisings are that Bahrain is a much smaller country, it is fairly westernized (women can wear short skirts), it is ruled by a Sunni king and it is the location of the United States Fifth Fleet. Bahrain has a majority of Shiites and they are only asking to be treated as first-class citizens with Parliament possessing more power. It is a reforming of the government that the people are asking for, but sadly, many in the ruling Sunni minority fear the Shiites and refuse to transfer any power. The uprising could turn into a civil war and destroy one of the more promising and tolerant Arab nations. The longer the ruling Sunnis keep their tight grip on power, the higher the chance for a bloody civil war.

Starving for attention ■ By Alexcia Mazahreh (‘12)

“Africa? Famine? They’re always in famine, aren’t they?” The answer to that question is, despite popular belief, no. No, Africa is not always in a famine, but as of July 20, 2011, the United Nations declared southern regions of Somalia to be in a famine which has since spread to regions in Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea, as a result of the most brutal drought in sixty years. The ceaseless “problems” of Africa have escalated greatly, and due to a lacking in our general media, this is, unfortunately, the first many are hearing of this news.

Currently twelve million people in East Africa alone face a hunger crisis, with 750,000 projected to starve to death if they do not receive aid. Since the famine has been declared in July, this number has risen by 66 percent.

Given the little media coverage and equally scarce humanitarian aid reaching Somalia, Western governments can be held more than partially accountable for this spike in mortality rates. With the focus of mainstream papers on the global economy and political scandals, pleas for help from aid organizations have gone to deaf ears and a turned cheek.

The ongoing civil war in Somalia has only aggravated matters in the areas plagued by drought. Terrorists and rebels within the country do not permit complete access to refugee camps to aid organizations, making it crucial for world leaders to strategize together with Non-Governmental Organizations to help navigate around local obstacles and save as many lives as possible. If officials are not paying attention to these matters, why would the media or the public? How many people have to die before this famine lands the cover of a newspaper? Apparently only the horrific projected number of 800,000 is sufficient enough to beg an attention with Western media.

Currently, the U.N. reports that 640,000 children are acutely malnourished and many of those may not live to see two more weeks. This is unacceptable and our media, which is supposed to keep us informed, chose to ignore this crises, brushing it off as more “Africa problems.”

Every day is literally a matter of life and death for the starving in East Africa. Children are especially vulnerable, with a spike in under-five-year-old deaths due to malnourishment in Kenya. In a recent visit to a Kenyan refugee camp, Jill Biden, Vice President Biden’s wife, saw what is now being referred to as “the triangle of death” in the Horn of Africa. Following her visit, Biden urged the public to help. The wife of a high-ranking U.S. official will draw a glance to the crisis, but the hundreds of thousands of malnourished won’t? The lack of care and proper attention received is inadequate and speaks volumes of how our media and we, as Americans, prioritize. We can blame the media all we want, but the fact is, they print what we want to read. Take that as you will.

It is only of late that U.S. officials voiced recognition of the inadequacies of our aid and media coverage. The parents of deceased four-year-olds will appreciate the concern. It may be too late for some, but not for all if people take action. Time is of the essence and you can help too; text “FOOD” to 864233 (UNICEF) to donate $10 from the United States or simply spread awareness so not another child sheds dry tears amidst this drought.

For Eastside

Art by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 10

EASTSIDE

October 2011

COMMUNITY

October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 11

Food truck art by Joel Greenspan Road and he (‘13)/ Easts adline by D ide Art Direc iana Li (‘12) Photos by A tor /Eastside A lana Kopel rt Director son (‘12) an Eastside Com d Rebecca munity Edi Ohnona (‘1 tors 2)/ Layout by Alana Kop elson (‘12 and Rebec ) ca Ohnon a (‘12)/ Eastside C ommunity Editors; Gabrielle Kains (‘12 )/ Eastside Managing Editor

e ’s d i sts to a E d ide G u y Fo o ill s Ph ruck T

■ By Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) Eastside Community Editor

In the City of Brotherly Love, the culinary experience is just as established as the history, the nightlife and the shopping. Beside the authentic steakhouses, Stephen Starr restaurants and various dessert specialty shops, the streets of Philadelphia buzz with good old food trucks. Whether residents need a quick bite to eat on the way to work, or tourists desire a savory treat, a local food truck is always around the next corner, pleased to satisfy any craving.

With a recent growth in the number and reputation of food trucks, there is now a truck for just about every kind of food. The city’s food trucks have become just as diverse as the city itself, with the business expanding into the sale of cupcakes, natural frozen yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, specialty burgers and made-to-order crepes. Now with Twitter and Facebook, anyone can follow his or her favorite truck with frequent updates on its location. The Eastside Community editors took a tour around Philadelphia to get a deeper look into the most popular food trucks in the area.

The busiest da y for food truc ks is Monday.

Little Baby’s Ice Cream ■ By Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) Eastside Community Editor

their multimedia tricycle. Unlike other food trucks, Little Baby’s Ice Cream is constantly on the move, updating its Twitter with every turn.

The truck generally hangs around neighborhood festivals, concerts, farmers’ markets, art festivals, private parties and other community events in Philadelphia.

Currently, the truck even sells pints of its ice cream in Green Aisle Grocery, a grocery store in East Passyunk, Philadelphia.

For those tourists or Philadelphians willing to try an old treat with a recent twist, the exotic flavors of Little Baby’s Ice Cream are worth a taste.

’s T J ’s

In Philadelphia, a parking permit for a food truc k is only $150 .

r e n r Co

Busz Burgers

■ By Alana Kopelson (‘12)

72% of food truc ks accept cash only.

Eastside Community Editor

Burger fanatics will go crazy for Busz Burgers, located on 13th Street, which features 13 specialty burgers. Their Texas Hold’em burger, made with cheddar cheese, bacon, barbeque sauce, lettuce and pickled jalapenos, serves to be the most popular dish on the extensive menu.

Grilling their beef on an open wood flame to seal the flavor, Busz Burgers also serves several other creative dishes including the Balsamic Jam burger, the Mocking burger and the Omega III burger. At Busz Burgers, vegetarians also get the chance to experience great taste with the Portabello Mushroom burger. The owner of the truck, Juno Park, believes that their food truck stands out from the several other food trucks located in that area because they feature a more extensive and “cool” menu that can reach out not only to Temple students, but also to anyone else in Philly who is looking for a good burger.

Because of all the success that Busz Burgers has received in the past two years, Park has decided to extend his business to another food truck. Busz Cheese, which will officially open in March 2011, will serve mainly grilled cheese, along with salads and more small dishes that feature cheese.

■ By Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) Eastside Community Editor

For those searching for a healthy snack through the multitude of steak, burger and ice cream food trucks, the menu at TJ’s Corner will surely please. Owner Kevin Doan proudly assembles the menu of wholesome foods every morning with his goal of providing a nutritious meal or snack to each of his customers.

For the past three years, Temple University students have been enjoying the selection of 23 fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies. The smoothies contain no added sugar or artificial flavoring, unlike most food trucks that put syrups in their drinks. TJ’s Corner, named after Doan’s son, TJ, serves breakfast all day. It sells a variety of protein shakes starting at $4 for students trying to build muscle, and energy shakes, starting at $5, for students who were up late studying, as well as nine different wraps.

In addition to the smoothies, students can try fresh vegetable or fruit juices (a small is $4, and a large is $5). The most expensive item on the menu is now $6, which is very reasonable for the quality of food it sells.

Doan used to sell his smoothies in New York City, but is now happy that he has transferred his craze into the Philadelphia area.

Th

For open-minded Philadelphians, a new ice cream truck provides a sweet, yet unconventional, treat.

The new company all started when Pete Angevine of Philadelphia discovered his love of making ice cream for himself.

Little Baby’s Ice Cream hand dips their homemade ice cream, creating innovative flavors that customers won’t see anywhere else. Their rotating menu includes Earl Gray Sriracha, Coffee Toffee, Blueberry Ginger, Balsamic Banana and Cardamom Caramel. The truck also produces non-dairy flavors, and even vegan flavors, which they craft in small batches in

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the U.N., street food is eaten by almost 2.5 billion people per da y.

e

e i r e p e r C ■ By Alana Kopelson (‘12)

Eastside Community Editor

If you walked down 13th Street a few years ago, you would experience a boring, unlively street in Temple Town. Now, if you walk down 13th Street, there is no doubt that you will be lured in by the sweet-smelling crepes made by The Creperie food truck. The Creperie’s owner, Bill Zacharatos, established the truck in 2003, hoping to give Temple University students a good place to come and enjoy delectable crepes that are both sweet and savory.

At first, Zacharatos did not have as much success with the food truck as he planned, but in the past few years The Creperie has become one of North Philly’s premier food trucks. It has become so popular that there are always lines of people throughout 13th Street just waiting to order a delicious crepe. The Creperie features all kinds of crepes, in order to please any taste buds, savory or sweet. Along with the original dessert crepes, the truck makes specialty crepes such as Mediterranean crepes, Granola crepes, S’more’s crepes and South Western crepes. They also serve Greek crepes and Gyros. Although there is usually a long line to order and receive your crepe, customers believe it is definitely well worth the wait.

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EDITORIAL Page 12

EASTSIDE

October 2011

Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.

Better bike safety can help sustainability According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, more than half of all trips in the United States are three miles or less and ninety percent of these are done via automobile. In the township of Cherry Hill, the story is no different. As residents of a town transected by congested interstate highways and characterized by sprawling neighborhoods and distanced commercial centers, many Cherry Hill community members use their automobiles as their primary source of transportation. Although the transition would be challenging, the community must begin to look beyond their automobiles towards more sustainable means of transportation.

Because of the lack of proper bike lanes and routes within the community, many students remain indifferent to the economic, environmental and physical benefits of riding to school. Springdale Road, Cropwell Road and Kresson Road serve as main routes to East, yet they lack the proper provisions to ensure bikers the safest trip possible.

The Department of Community Development has been working hard to establish a safer and more encouraging cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The Way To Go Team, a Sustainable Cherry Hill transportation taskforce, served as a catalyst to connect the Department of Transportation with the Bike and Pedestrian Masterplan.

Using this plan, the township has identified which areas community members need to reach without a car but currently cannot do so safe-

ly. The Department has allowed community members to suggest needy routes online and collaborated with representatives from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, local business owners and authorities from Camden County and the local school systems. They have also hired a professional engineering company to analyze Cherry Hill’s bike and automobile collision data in order to identify the most high-risk roadways. By gathering all of this research, the township hopes to receive the necessary subsidies from the municipal aid, which the federal government offers annually in competitive funding. The department plans to provide a safe route for bikers to cross town without encountering any busy roads that are unfit for bike lanes.

Safe Routes to School, a subsidiary program within the Bike and Pedestrian Plan, would lay out safer pathways for students in nearby neighborhoods to help them avoid the chaos of the morning commute. If it is visually clear that biking to work or school is safe, then there could be a positive increase in the amount of cycling commuters.

“There is already a cultural shift happening to become more sustainable and get out the vehicle a little more,” said Natalie Barney, one of the key community planners, “but what needs to happen is a behavioral shift among the people of Cherry Hill to realize that it’s okay to bike.”

It is of paramount importance that the entire municipal govern-

ment gives its support to this project. Although it may seem like there are more pressing issues at hand within the community—rising taxes, decreases in state aid and contract negotiations—the plan’s benefits would extend beyond simply providing an opportunity for commuters to get more fresh air. A more widely recognized and available system of cycling-based transportation in Cherry Hill will make the process of getting around the town without a car much simpler.

This shift in behavior will lead to a better sense of community and increase the desirability of the area, raising property value and giving Cherry Hill the reputation of a sustainable and user-friendly area.

According to a study by Macalester College, adjacency to a preserved open space, like the Kresson bike trails, could increase residential home value by up to twenty percent.

To step into a new era of sustainability, we as a community need to start thinking about and acting on long-term solutions. With a more bike-friendly environment, the community will begin to see steady improvements in health, safety and environmental stability. With the United States suffering under constant economic strain, we owe it to ourselves to find a solution. Instead of sitting idly in the passenger seat of a car, take control and ride your bike—the shift will not only change your perspective, but will also help to shatter the cycle of closed-mindedness and environmental carelessness.

Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext. 2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509

Eastside Online http://www.eastside-online.org

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COMICS October 2011

EASTSIDE

Lost Dog by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 13

Suspect by Christine Hwang (‘12)/ For Eastside

Fruit Ninja by Diana Li (‘12)/ Eastside Art Director

Want to draw comics for Eastside?

Contact Joel and Diana at comics@eastside-online.org

UNDERGROUND Page 14

EASTSIDE

October 2011

band above above AAband

Up-and-coming indie band, the Pomegranates, discuss touring, inspiration and what Pitchfork is missing

■ By Mia Holley (‘12)

\

Eastside Photo Editor

One of the music scene’s juiciest secrets is ready to burst: Cincinnati, Ohio four-piece, the Pomegranates, are sure to get you moving with their psychedelic, upbeat take on indie pop music.

Started by drummer Jacob Merritt and vocalistguitarist-keyboardist Isaac Karns, the former duo expanded shortly after their first practice, adding a third member, Joey Cook, as a singer and multiinstrumentalist. Nearly five years ago, the band released its first EP, Two Eyes, within four months of being together.

“We decided to get together and try and write

some music and see how it felt... Here we are almost five years later,” Cook said.

Today, the band is stronger than ever with a released single, EP, three full-length albums and a collaboration with musician Caleb Groh. Also added to the mix, instrumentalist Curt Kiser came to join the band shortly after the release of the band’s latest album, One of Us. Over their half-decade together, the members of the Pomegranates have made music that has grown a substantial amount since their first album Everything Is Alive.

Their newly refined sound with psychedelic and indie rock elements makes the Pomegranates

truly stand out among scores of like-minded indie pop artists.

“I think we just have a better idea of what we’re trying to accomplish these days,” said Merritt.

Much of what they are trying to accomplish, it seems, is getting the word out. Touring around 120 days a year at venues all across the United States in cities like New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC, it is now clear that the Pomegranates are a force to be reckoned with. “[We love] seeing the United States and meeting lots of wonderful people and making great friends,” Merritt said. “[Touring has] been a highlight we can value beyond the life of

the band.”

The Pomegranates are at an all-time high in their career. Mentioned in highend publications like The New York Times, Filter and Spin, they seem to be getting closer and closer to breaking through to a much wider audience.

Despite recent acclaim, the band does not seem fazed by its omission from indie tastemaker site, Pitchfork.

“If Pitchfork likes us, they like us,” said Merritt.

Although still pretty underexposed in their status as a band, and with no help from the lack of attention from Pitchfork, the band members still hold their heads high in hopes that they will make it big.

Under new management, with a fourth full-

length album to release— possibly under a new and bigger label—the Pomegranates are still working hard to break out of the unknown.

“If ‘underground’ is a euphemism for ‘not very popular,’ it could be the songs,” said Merritt.

“Maybe we just haven’t written songs that a large group of music listeners have really been able to connect with.”

Gradually climbing up the music success ladder, and anticipating the release of an album which Merritt said to be the best thing the Pomegranates have done as a band so far, it is no surprise that they are said to be the next big thing in the indie music industry.

All Photos by Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor

The Pomegranates take to the skies to play a rooftop show in Philly this August.

UNDERGROUND October 2011

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Page 15

Father, Son, Holy Smokes!

Girls’ new album is a gorgeous reflection on life in a cult, vomit and a mother’s love ■ By Nick Mitchell (‘13) Eastside Staff

■ By Rachel Tinkleman (‘13) Eastside Staff

In the early days of film, many filmmakers experimented artistically and technologically in the new medium, the popularity of which was growing rapidly as plot lines developed.

Some took the artistic side of motion pictures to a whole new level, especially the filmmakers in the German Expressionist movement, who basically said, “forget realism; we’re doing things differently.”

This movement was headed by a movie with incredibly striking visual imagery: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Because it is told from the point of view of a madman, the set is almost entirely painted using contrasting colors, abstract shapes and crooked lines.

Many buildings are out of proportion, too small and misshapen to seem real.

The filmstrip itself is tinted different colors, for the most part yellow and blue, to create the impression of day or night. The makeup used is creepy, and the men are likely to have more on than the women, especially Cesare, the tool the insane Dr. Caligari uses to commit several murders.

This is one of those rare films that is, if for nothing else, remarkable for the way it looks.

There are several continuity errors and the acting is, at best, mediocre, yet this movie is considered by many to be a classic.

It was one of the first horror films ever made, shown in theaters in 1920, so, though it definitely has a creepy quality, it is understandable that the horror relies on the plot twist and the scenery rather than special effects; certainly it is no Saw III or Final Destination.

The strange and distorted art makes the viewer feel that something is wrong, acting as f o r e shadow to the f i n a l s c e n e , which, to put it simply, is totally awesome.

Courtesy of imdb.com

Girls rule! A band from the great city of San Francisco. A band whose album Father, Son, Holy Ghost utilizes clashing musical influences and seemingly creates something entirely unique out of them. A band that enters ears and fills heads with ideas conveyed by lead singer Christopher Owens. Along with bassist Chet “JR” White, this duo designs a plethora of eclectic tunes that satisfy.

To really understand the music made by Girls, it might be helpful to educate yourself on the background of lead singer-songwriter Owens. He was raised in a religious cult called “The Children of God.” They forced Chris’s mom to prostitute herself as a “fundraiser” and indirectly killed Chris’s baby brother because they did not believe in medical treatment.

Owens was not allowed to listen to music when he was young and, for the most part, was kept isolated from the world until he ran away at age 16. He then was taken in by a millionaire named Stanley Marsh. Sometime after this, he formed a band called Girls and released an album called Album, which received much critical acclaim. This sad but triumphant story influences Owens’ own songwriting as he attempts to conquer his widely recognized addiction to heavy

opiates.

The opening, and probably catchiest, song, “Honey Bunny,” provides listeners with a breezy tune that describes Owens’ experience with the opposite sex and the comfort of his

mother: “They don’t like my boney body/ They don’t like my dirty hair/ Or the stuff that I say/ Or the stuff that I’m on.”

This naivete about girls appears throughout Father, Son, Holy Ghost.

Owens sings with Elliott Smith-type vocals that can sound hopeful yet foreboding, complementing both the light and heavy tracks. The musical transitions are abundant, especially considering that the album can change from a song like “Honey Bunny” to a heavy metal song like “Die.” Arguably the best track on Father, Son, Holy Ghost is “Vomit,” which introduces itself with a slow guitar rhythm eventually vomiting into a

furious guitar onslaught. All of this ends with a series of gospel chants, a riveting organ in the background and a repeating chorus of “Come into my

e Art astsid ctor Dire

heart.”

The chorus and church organ, which most likely allude to Owens’ religious past, appear on several songs. The band’s most insightful song, “Forgiveness,” works more like a poetry reading than a pop song, but retains a powerful message: ”No one’s gonna find any answers/ If we’re just trying to hide/ From the things we know inside/ Are the truth.”

Granted, this duo does borrow heavily from bands of the ‘60s, but its nuance makes it all the better, and in the end, who cares? Girls have created something unique and fresh. The album is personal, eclectic and creative. The lead singer’s story, as sad as it is, adds more depth to Father, Son, Holy Ghost, a great follow-up to their first album. Album Rating 9/10 E (‘12)/ a Li Dian

Out of the Vault: Twin Peaks ■ By Hannah Feinberg (‘12) Eastside Underground Editor

No show has ever quite paralleled “Twin Peaks,” not only for its cameos from jazzofilic dwarves and stoic giants, sentient logs and secretive coconuts, shocking twists and melodramatic turns, but also for its groundbreaking creation of arthouse for the TV set.

The invention of filmmaker David Lynch, director of such surreal-cumsuburban classics as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet, “Twin Peaks’” twoseason run in 1990-91 examined the treachery, deceit and double lives led in the small Washington town of Twin Peaks.

The show follows FBI agent Dale Cooper (a freshfaced Kyle MacLachlan, pre-”Sex and the City” and “Portlandia”), investigating the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer, whose corpse washes ashore wrapped in plastic.

From his debut in shirt and stockings hanging upside down and tape recording his musings on JFK, Cooper proved himself a rarity amongst the day’s Doogie Howsers and Roseannes.

Cooper’s non-traditional investigations (he famously calls on Tibetan spiritualism and dream analysis for guidance) reveal a seedy underbelly to the small town that appears as wholesome as the cherry pie, doughnuts and coffee he consumes with relish.

Cooper, with the help of Sherriff Harry S. Truman

and adorably goofy Deputy Andy, exposes one of television’s greatest, if premature, revelations – Laura Palmer’s killer – while introducing the eclectic bunch who called Twin Peaks home.

With his characteristic play on opposites, Lynch populates Twin Peaks with everything and its reverse: natural beauty and industrial sludge, the absurd and the deathly serious, metaphysical with the mundane, the good and BOB, the supernatural embodiment of all evil.

Even Cooper’s boy-next-

door appeal belies a distressing otherworldliness (a singularly MacLachlan peculiarity that made him a fitting Lynch protégée).

“Twin Peaks” also has Lynch’s telltale smooth jazz, often non-sequiter dialogue, the mundane with the surreal and absurdist humor (watch for appearances by Lynch as the hilariously hard-of-hearing agent Gordon Cole).

Even more in Lynch form, “Twin Peaks” received the adulation of a cultish few and confusion from many unprepared for so much eccentricity after

China Cop. After the show’s shocking final scenes, 1992’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, a full-length prequel and commercial failure, gave fans a second look at their favorite townsfolk.

Even now that TV has come so far that even sitcoms can have their share of flashbacks, flash-forwards, dream sequences and alternate realities, no show has ever been so artfully produced, delightfully original and gleefully weird as the small-town wonder that was “Twin Peaks.”

Photo Illustration by Hannah Feinberg (‘12)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Nineties’ TV show “Twin Peaks” was notable for its stylish, surrealist reinterpretation of the classic detective show.

HUMOR Page 16

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October 2011

Yoink! Stealing food for dummies ■ By Bryan Sheehan (‘13) Eastside Humor Editor

Like the food made in the cooking class but hate doing the work? Then World of Eating Foods is for you! In this class, students will learn how to effectively mooch food off of their peers that have signed up for World of Foods. Students learn many techniques, including advanced begging, where hungry students hold on to the legs of people carrying steaming-hot brown bags full of cookies and are dragged around while crying, “Please, please, please!”

A more aggressive tactic taught in World of Eating is the “grab and run,” in which students are taught to go into a dead-sprint at the beginning of the hallway, and reach out to snatch food right out of the hands of the cooks, and continue to sprint as they yell, “It’s mine now!” The only problem the instructors of World of Eating Foods have is that the cooking teacher, Mrs. Deb Pilba, always chases them out of the room with huge knives while screaming.

Period 1: Intro to Period 2:

(Intros) 2

World

■ By Dylan Fingerman (‘13)

Period 3:

Eastside Staff

Pi (π) Period 4: Wait

Th e

Period 5:

y flavors n a o m■ By Gilana Levavi (‘14) Eastside Editorial Assistant

fπ

In an effort to broaden the learning spectrum at East, a highly specialized board of studiers has created a class called Introduction to Introductions to compel students into more hip-hoppity and new-fangled subjects. A brief list of some of the topics for this class follows: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership teaches authoritative students how to take charge of any group of people while outdoors. This topic is best suited for those who plan on having an unforeseen mishap while outdoors. Important note: do not confuse this class with an indoor leadership topic, as the two are unrelated.

For Introduction to Laziness, the teachers have yet to release information about this course...

Introduction to Friendship is a class that most people find themselves entering in one of two ways: either being referred by their friends due to their behavior, or having a desperate need to finally find a "friend." Because of the latter of the two reasons, the teachers of “Introductions” have repeatedly pointed out that making friends is not a requirement for this class.

The board that created this Introduction to Introductions class has repeatedly explained that it does not want to rush students into such broad subjects, and in an effort to slow down the rush of learning, it will first go over the idea of introducing itself, including a brief historic overview and a background on the philosophy of introductions.

This list is not a complete overview of the class. The teachers of Introduction to Introductions meant this list to be an introduction to the class itself.

In Pi, students explore the properties and values of the irrational number pi. As an introduction to the concept of irrational numbers, the course begins by showing students what infinity feels like through a hands (and mouth)-on activity.

This activity consists of attempting to consume an infinite number of pies, each of which represents one digit of the irrational number. At the Accelerated level, students must consume their pies at an accelerated velocity. At the Honors level, students are also required to memorize one digit of pi before consuming each pie. At the AP level, students are challenged to further explore the concept of irrationality by eating their pies in an irrational way. Once students have completed the task of consuming an infinite number of pies, they move on to exploring other properties of pi, such as how it is used to find the circumference of a circle. At the AP level, students will also study literature that addresses pi, such as the novel Life of Pi.

LunPeriod 6: AmeriPeriod 7: SwaggaPeriod 8: Pig

“Waiting” is the new working out ■ By Dylan Fingerman (‘13) Eastside Staff

Physical Education teachers have finally given into pressure from the AntiWeight Room group and created a more relaxing counterpart: Wait Room. Wait Room involves little physical activity, consisting of only standing practices, in a line, for 44 minutes. Teachers stress the importance of patience in Wait Room and say they are willing to wait for students who excel at their class.

Many students enrolled in Weight Room are annoyed with the addition of Wait Room, since one activity involves students waiting to use the equipment in the weight room. One student enrolled in Weight Room, Erick Eriksson ('12) said, "Man, as long as I am lifting, I don't want people who just stand there."

Many students who have done the weight room activity in Wait Room have said they do not bother those who are working. Arnold Horeshack ('12), a veteran of Wait Room, said, "I am fine with waiting by the machines while [the others] work, and if needed I can go to another machine."

"Wait Room is not an easy A for those who take it," said Mr. Lou Boreman, one of the teachers of Wait Room, who also noted that many people would have to wait for long periods of time in order to get an ‘A.’ One of this class’s biggest tests will be a trip to Six Flags in order to see which students can wait the longest. Students in the class say they are waiting anxiously for this final exam.

HUMOR October 2011

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n l a i S a ’ s r i o t a P u i f ica n C l a

8:10---8:54 Introductions

L

of Eating Class 10:34---11:18 Room 11:22---12:06 ch 12:10---12:54

Latin 1H

Eastside Humor Editor

ass #Sw l C a ag ■ By Bryan Sheehan (‘13)

Eastside Humor Editor

g

1:46---2:30

Sw

cana nomics 101

■ By Sherin Nassar (‘13)

Instituted by popular demand, Americana will now be joining the ranks of Latin, Spanish, German and French as a new language class at Cherry Hill High School East. Inspired by the likes of Sarah Palin and The Jersey Shore’s influence on the English language, Americana will teach students how to “smush” two different words together to form new words, similar to Palin’s infamous smushing of the words “repudiate” and “refute” to create “refudiate.” The class will also assist students in making unnecessarily long acronyms for words and learning where to place accents over “smushed” words.

“Students will be learspired from this class. Combining words together is the greatest pandmayhem hitting the nation, so it’s only expicilated that people learn this language of smushing… smushing words that is,” said Mrs. Saram Sarlywin, the newly hired Americana teacher at East.

Sarlywin said that the class would be provided with alphabet blocks for students to practice “smushing” new words together, while also playing games like Scrabble with “smushed” words and even translating Harry Potter into the language of Americana.

“I can picture it now. Ron Weasley saying to Hermione, ‘Hey, Wizgirl. OMG (Oh my Gryffindor). Voldemort doesn’t have a nose,” Sarlywin said.

The class will be offered during the 2012-2013 school year with seats expected to fill up quickly, since seventy-five percent of the population is expected to speak the language fluently in the year 2052.

9:46---10:30

12:58---1:42

s

8:58---9:42

s

g n a

Popularized by rappers Soulja Boy and Lil B, the concept of “swag” is now going to be featured at East with the addition of Swag 101, or “Swag Class” for short. In Swag Class, students learn how to efficiently turn their swag on, have mad swag all day and how to yell the word “swag” randomly during rap songs.

“You know, man, you just gotta turn your swag to 100, 100 trillion, know I’m sayin? The kids just gotta be swaggin’ like Reggie Miller.

SWAG!” said Professor Carl McDonald, who teaches the class.

McDonald said that swag not only includes fresh style, but also perfecting the art of using social media. He said that a focus for the class will be how to put the word “#Swag” at the end of all social media posts, even though the hash-tag (#) only works on Twitter.

McDonald also explained that using the word “swag” many times in a song makes the song and the person performing it “legendary.”

In the class, students will also learn how to get “totally swagged out,” and how to effectively protect someone from “jacking your swag.”

tinLay (Pig L A y at a in P g ) I ■ By Gilana Levavi (‘14)

Eastside Editorial Assistant

Pig Latin introduces the student to the rare and beautiful language known as IgPay AtlinLay. East is excited to welcome IgPay AtlinLay instructor Mr. Eachertey to the faculty. Eachertey, a native Pig Latin speaker, will speak exclusively in IgPay AtinLay so as to expose students to as much of the language as possible. The course will begin by introducing students to common vocabulary words, and will then progress to speaking and writing in full sentences and paragraphs. By the end of the year, students will be able to have everyday conversations in IgPay AtinLay and will read a work of literature written in the language.

They will also learn to sing classic IgPay AtlinLay songs, ArtayPay in the USAA. IgPay AtlinLay is a great course for students who aspire to take Latin, but are not quite ready and would like to prepare by taking a course with “latin” in its name. IgPay AtlinLay is an easy language to learn and serves as a lifelong skill, as it allows the scholar to speak without others understanding.

Sarah Palin, wait room, men and quote bubbles by Diana Li (‘12)/ Eastside Art Director Swag man by Ni Zheng (‘12)/ Eastside Staff Pig, nerd boy and scroll by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ Eastside Art Director

SPECIAL Page 18

EASTSIDE

October 2011

Photos and layout by Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Find out about stories as soon as they are posted and get news-flash updates about all things Cherry Hill East... Follow Eastside on Twitter

at twitter.com/eastsideonline!

SPORTS October 2011

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Page 19

Wideouts’ athletic talents are widespread ■ By Jake Fischer (‘12)

majority of sports at the high school Eastside Sports Editor level, an athlete must be efficient The Cherry Hill East in skill areas football team is off to one such as footwork, of the program’s hottest speed and agilstarts of its history. The ity—things every 2011 version of this Coucoach likes to gars club has higher hopes see. for this season’s outcome “You can coach than those of years past, speed a little bit and it may be due to its and every coach abundance of talented loves working wide receivers. with a player’s The team boasts a natural ability,” strong receiving corps of Coen said. six upperclassmen, highIt is also lighted by four seniors who important to also play another sport— keep in mind how and it isn’t a coincidence big of a time comthat they have found sucmitment playing cess on the football field. only one sport Cousins Kurt Taylor can be. For cer(‘12) and Rob Taylor (‘12) tain sports, athare both running routes for letes participate the Cougars this season in off-season and are also starters for leagues and comEast’s baseball team. mit to off-season Similarly, Taj Frazier workout regi(‘12) and Colin Roualet mens as well. So, (‘12) are catching passes multiplying that on the football field and by two is quite a plan to start for the handful. school’s lacrosse team in If the 2011 the spring. The team’s football team coach, Mr. Tom Coen, is Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor reaches its well aware of his players’ From left: Kurt Taylor (‘12), Taj Frazier (‘12), Rob Taylor (‘12) and Colin Roualet (‘12). untapped potenmulti-sport success. tial, then their “The multi-sport athPlaying multiple sports However, many players When single-sport athseasoned coach may be lete is something we’re is something that can and reap the benefits from letes attempt to stay in able to appreciate his beginning to see less of,” will take a toll on a young staying active. shape through offseason receivers’ natural ability said Coen. “Once a studentstudent-athlete’s body and “It’s not hard, but you workouts at their local as he watches them play athlete becomes proficient Coen recognizes that some just have to stay focused on gyms, parks or recreational baseball and lacrosse durin skills, they usually athletes are inclined to the sport depending on leagues, multi-sport athing the spring while a decide to focus on one drop the physical game of what season it is,” said letes participate in a differchampionship banner sport. We’re lucky to have football for a less intense Kurt Taylor. “It definitely ent seasonal sport and conhangs proudly by the footmaintained the guys we and safer sport such as gives you an advantage to tinue to stay active. In fact, ball field. have.” track and field. stay in shape.” to be successful at the

Preseason extension ■ By Emmy Silverman (‘13) Eastside Sports Editor

Email your answer to alan@tutoringclubch.com by 11/15/2011.

Please include your name, mailing address and phone number. Entry information will only be used for prize fulfillment contact. This month’s winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Starbucks and other assorted Tutoring Club goodies. Winner will be selected randomly from entries with the correct answer and contacted via email by December 1, 2011.

Winner must come to Tutoring Club by December 15, 2011 to receive prize.

As the summer came to an end, the fall sport student-athletes began racing out to their nearest Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and going for a jog or two around their neighborhoods. All this preparation was to prepare for another year of fall sports, but this year the preparation came sooner than it has in past years.

The fall sports teams began their preseason a week earlier this year, which gave the teams more time to prepare for the upcoming season.

A l though t h i s new fall s p o r t s schedule has cut the players’ summers a week short, the players did not seem to mind as they thought about the future of their teams.

The field hockey team spent the first week of its season doing lots of conditioning, something it was not able to do in years past because it had to work on its skills to prepare for the fast-approaching scrimmages.

Soccer players also noticed the

difference.

“I feel like we perfected our skills more,” said Melissa Minkoff (’14), a soccer player.

Not only did the teams have more time to get into shape, but they also had more time to work on their skills.

“I’d say we are looking more sharp and more crisp than last y e a r, ” s a i d Jonni Cassano (’13), a football player.

None of the players seem to be complaining about the week of summer they missed. This year they are able to run a little farther, pass a little harder and even smile a little more because they were ready for their upcoming season – more ready than they have ever been.

“We all realized we aren’t the biggest team, we aren’t the strongest team, but we for sure will be the most in-shape team,” said Cassano.

So far, the extra time has certainly paid off for most Cougar teams this fall.

Art by Kevin Liao (‘12)/ Eastside Staff

SPORTS October 2011

EASTSIDE

Page 20

“Big Red” Elfman strikes again ■ By Emmy Silverman (‘13)

tude also allows her to motivate her teammates to strive to As spectators walk become better past the tennis courts players as well. at Cherry Hill High “She is always School East, Amanda making the team Elfman (‘13) catches better and motitheir glance – not just vating us to do for her tiny stature or work,” said the fiery color of her Nikita Shukla hair, but for her bevy of (‘13), teammate. tennis skills that teamElfman’s commates and fans alike petitive side rave about. shines through Elfman began her during matches. tennis career when she Elfman goes into was only in elementary each match with school, but her true the same goal: love for tennis came trying her very about at the end of midbest, never givdle school. It would ing up until the have been hard for final point is Elfman not to fall in earned. Elfman love with tennis bedoes not let the cause of the great affecballs pass her tion her whole family without a fight. has for the sport.

Kevin Yoo (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor “Amanda is “I played varsity ten- Amanda Elfman (‘13) prepares to return her opponent’s shot. always persisting nis and our whole famiand doing her the hardest workers and “I love playing tennis at ly plays tennis,” said best. Even if she is down one of the most determined East because we are Justin Elfman (‘10), brothshe can come back and win players on the team,” said always playing as a team er of Amanda. the game,” said Shukla. team captain Jamie and for the team,” said Elfman’s years of pracElfman claims she is Silverberg (‘12).

Elfman. tice and hard work have no all-star, but actions Even though Elfman Not only does Elfman not gone unnoticed. Her speak louder than words has played varsity third challenge herself to continteammates recognize her and on the tennis court singles last year and this ue to become a better tentrue love and devotion to she is gleaming with talyear, she realizes that tennis player, but her competthe sport and the team. ent. nis is a team sport. itive, hard-working atti“She is definitely one of Eastside Sports Editor

Iannarelli: working harder than the rest to compete at his best ■ By Max Cohen (‘12) Eastside Editor-In-Chief

Sometimes, the most valuable athlete on a team is the best player.

Sometimes, he is the hardest worker. On the Cherry Hill East boys’ cross country team, the most valuable player is both the best runner and the hardest worker.

“I race almost every day even if it’s an easy day [the team alternates between easy and hard days in practice]. I make sure nobody runs ahead of me or shows me up or tries to outwork me,” said boys’ cross country star and captain Zach Iannarelli (‘12).

This attitude of never easing up when he runs has proved fruitful for Iannarelli. His relentless work ethic gave way to a promising junior season after he became the team’s top runner during summer training. As a junior, Iannarelli shined most when it counted by recording his top time of 16:44 in the South Jersey Sectional at Delsea High

School. Iannarelli aims to make the legendary Meet of Champions this season, both as a team and as an individual runner.

Despite his current success in the sport, Iannarelli began running merely to train for his first love: baseball. Iannarelli has played baseball since age six and has only been running since eighth grade.

“By sophomore year, I realized I had something going for me, so I started dedicating more time to it,” said Iannarelli.

This dedication has been noticed by everyone surrounding the program.

It is well known that nobody will outwork or outrun Iannarelli, even in practice.

“Everybody tries to compete once the gun goes off in the race, but Zach competes in practice and that’s how he contributes to the team,” said Coach Mr. Matt Cieslik.

For nine months a year, Iannarelli focuses on running his hardest day in and day out.

During the other

months, Iannarelli can be found on the baseball diamond playing for East.

“I almost think the three-month break during baseball season helps me,” said Iannarelli.

This break allows him to be rejuvenated to run his hardest the second summer begins. It also allows him to be all about cross country heading into the season, instead of being worn out from running year-round like many others in the sport.

“He keeps us competitive. Usually when we talk, it’s about running and what we can do to improve,” said teammate, friend and running partner DJ Rodriguez (‘12).

Don’t expect Iannarelli’s intensity and competitive spirit to come to a halt after his senior season. He already has an offer to run at the collegiate level at Monmouth and has received interest from Rutgers and Rhode Island.

One can only hope that his future teammates will be ready to run every day in practice, even on the easy days.

Photo by Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor Art by Diania Li (‘12)/ Eastside Art Director

Sportsline logo art by Diana Li (‘12)/ Eastside Art Director and Kristiana Rivera (‘12)/ Eastside Staff

■ By Jake Fischer (‘12) Eastside Sports Editor

For many East students, playing a school sport is the highlight of their high school experiences. But now, since the installation of the recent overall New Jersey and specific Cherry Hill Public Schools’ budget, an unsettling $75 after-school activity fee hangs over each East student-athlete’s head and is casting an ominous shadow on the school Athletic Department’s entire future. The department is changing, and the changes, which may not be for the better, are negatively affecting student-athletes. Aren’t sports supposed to be a beneficial and recreational opportunity for students and not a way for the district to help even out its losses from the budget cuts?

During the 2010-2011 school year, the district spent approximately $1,561,004 on its athletic program. For this school year, the district’s funds for athletics have dropped to $1,527,957. For those of you reading at your desk in the middle of class, that’s a decrease of $33,047. Overall, the district funding for the athletic program is only a miniscule total of 0.91% of its overall budget. So, the district is paying more attention to putting brand new hand sanitizer bottles in each bathroom instead of paying for each bus to take a sports team to an away game. Talk about an unjust society!

The fact of the matter is, high school sports provide students with numerous opportunities for a healthy stress outlet, socializing and increase in friendship and, most importantly, chances of receiving college recruitment and earning college scholarships.

By putting an expensive activity fee on sports, the district is creating a negative atmosphere around an environment that is strictly positive. Sports allow students to enter a competitive setting that will only bring out the best of one’s ability and character that can’t be matched off the field or court. The fee is only the beginning of changes that are beginning to take place for East athletics. And, if the negative changes to the school’s athletic program continue, then the district is infringing on the experiences students can have and the memories they can make.

The district shouldn’t mess around with one of its greatest after-school activities. It is messing with students’ opportunities.