SUUMER 2014
PRICE: FREE
Runway Fashion • Discover Upstate Radio • Wild Mixed Media • Hands-On Photos • Art Journaling A free journal written by young people for young-minded people •
Publisher’s Letter
Radio Dream Mix
H
ave you ever had a dream that mixed itself with reality? A hybrid, where reasoning and perception are still switched on but you are also off on some make believe, concocted adventure dancing delightfully in a dreamland…body, mind and soul! Mine started at a pool. I dive in...“the water is fine.” I tell a bunch of kids and cats. Yes, I think the cats wanted to swim…it’s a dream! Afterwards, I head up to a porch that has a portable radio sitting on the banister. I have been waiting all day to listen to my very first radio interview that had been taped earlier! I nervously turn it on, holding my breath, hoping that I will not sound like a fool. I hate hearing the sound of my own voice, don’t you? The radio show comes on. I can faintly hear the hosts Mark Bolger and Kimberly Kay of Mix 97.7 talking and laughing, but the sound is so weak that I can’t understand the words! That darn radio…I turn the volume all the way up, but the sound is still inaudible. Shaking the radio is not helping either. OMG! My luck! I start desperately playing with the antenna…frantically now because I can hear my interview voice...but it sounds far away… I give up and listen to the bla bla bla meaningless faint sounds … then at one point it fades out. “It’s 6:15 AM! Turn it up!” I sit up in shock…what? I lean over and hear the radio on low. My voice is answering questions. This time I turn the volume up and it works! I have awakened just in time to catch my last few remarks with Mark and Kim...just want to end with a thought a close classmate told me after the loss of a dear friend. “Live now…love whoever you can and make lots of memories.” I missed 90% of the interview, but sometimes the universe says less is more! Sometimes less is more! In this issue we had the pleasure of interviewing upstate radio show DJs, an award winner of the Marist College Silver Needle Fashion Show, and mixed media artist David Goldin. This summer is going to be fun with the Phoenicia artist tour, Phoenicia Festival of the Voice, Sunset Concert Series in Saugerties and looking forward the Woodstock Comedy Festival and Woodstock Film Festival in the early fall. You may be in luck and find a bookmark in your GoodLife magazine for your summer reading! Dont forget to submit! Facebook me!
ON THE COVER: Kayleigh Meyer Photo by Tom Smith: Website heytomsmith.com
Fall issue coming next!
Deadline August 18th. • Organic Farming • Lyme Disease Doctor • Missing Gumby Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine do not reflect those of the publishers, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.
Page 6 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Theatre
Life is a Stage W
By Chris Spaulding, age 17
e’ve all caught ourselves of a man who is now a close friend/ mentor singing in the shower, of mine, Doug Farrell. Under his guidance, jamming out to our favorI began singing all over the area. Ball games, ite songs in the car, or even talent shows, memorial services: you name pretending to be rock stars in elementary it, I did it, and loved every second of it. All I school music class. But most of us would wanted to do was to entertain and captivate never even consider getting up in front of an audience. hundreds of people to do just that. That’s This led me to the ever surprising world exactly what I love to do, however. of theater, where I could be anyone and evIt all started when I first went to go watch eryone I had ever wanted to be while conmy brother sing at the local school talent tinuing to foster my love of performance. show. I knew my brother could sing from all I began taking dance and acting on top the times we sang in the car together, but I of my vocal lessons at the Conservatory. I never knew how well he could sing in front met other students so devoted to their art of so many people. The thing I noticed the and inspiring that I found myself drawn to most from my brother’s performance was them. However, the most inspiring person I that he really looked like he was enjoying met was my dance/acting instructor Randy himself (and was also getting a lot of attenConti. He opened my eyes to the family tion). Being the younger brother who was that the theater brought together, and once always looking to one up my older brother I was a part of it, I never wanted to leave. I in absolutely everything that he did, I told began doing show after show, playing charmy parents that I wanted to try my luck at acter after character, learning life lessons The author relaxes in between shows and rehersals at performing on stage, just as he did. that I don’t believe I would have gotten anySo the next year, I did exactly that. I the New York Conservatory for the Arts. where else. Through the program we called learned a song, went out on stage for the first time, and took second “Troupe” I even traveled the world, performing in places like Disney, place, losing out only to my own brother. Even so, I felt as if I was on the Bahamas, and the Mediterranean. top of the entire world. Between the lights shining down on my face When Randy and Doug reopened the Woodstock Playhouse, they and the thunderous applause of the audience afterward, I was invin- created a place where I could stay in touch with theater for the rest of cible. I had found in the span of two minutes a passion that will last my life. I continue to be part of the family as I involve myself with the for the entirety of my life. Playhouse’s summer stock seasons. What I have learned and continue Realizing my interest in it all, my parents signed me up for voice to learn from my experiences both on and off stage have shaped me lessons at the New York Conservatory for the Arts under the direction into the person I am today.
There is nothing like the feeling of live performance on stage at the Woodstock Playhouse for the summer stock season. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 7
TOC/Sponsors THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS! GOLD Nick Alba Joan Reynolds Marilyn Manning MountainView Studio
TOC/MastheaD CONTENTS Theatre................................................................................ p. 7 Restaurant Review: Eddie’s.............................................. p. 9 Advice: Ask Sushi...................................................... p. 10-11
SILVER
Cathy & Sam Magarelli
Interview: David Goldin.......................................... p. 12-13 Health......................................................................... p. 14-15 Fiction......................................................................... p. 16-17
Stuart Schuenemann Maurice & Phyllis Tischler
Inspiration: Killian Mansfield ...................................... p. 18 Cover Story: Marist Fashion Show........................ p. 20-22 Politics............................................................................... p. 24 The WALL........................................................................ p. 25 Poetry.......................................................................... p. 26-27 Special Feature: Radio Stations & DJ’s .................. p. 28-30
Join our growing list of local Sponsors by donating whatever you can to help support the kids in their creative endeavors! Look for our newsletter and contribute via check or PayPal.
Art: Photography Meghan Heidenberg...................... p. 32 Photo Darkroom............................................................. p. 33 Sports: Ultimate Frisbee................................................ p. 34 Teen Awearness............................................................... p. 35 Ulster Library............................................................ p. 36-37 Memories......................................................................... p. 38
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher..................................... Cathy McNamara Art Director...............................................................Grey Ivor Morris Executive Editor..................................Monique Winum Martindale Senior Copy Editor......................................................... Julie Schmidt Contributing Editor................................................... Nancy Panuccio
SALES
Marketing & Sales Director.......................................Carolyn Handel
DISTRIBUTION: 7,000 COPIES. Throughout the Hudson Valley and NYC, Published by GoodLife Publishing 20 Mountainview Avenue Woodstock, NY 12498 ONLINE VERSION: GoodLifeYouthJournal.com
SUBMISSION INFO: GoodLife accepts work done by young people aged 10 to 20 and pays for accepted work. Deadline: Winter: Nov 9th, Spring: Feb 9th, Summer: May 9th, Fall: Aug 18th • Permission: Need a parental email if you are younger than 16 (giving permission to publish your work & receive payment.) Need address. • Topics Examples: Lifestyle, music, book & movie reviews, sports & fitness, political & environmental. • Writing strategies: Reflecting, Reporting, Explaining, Arguing, Opinion and Humor! Length 200 to 500 words Be CREATIVE and send work that you would be proud to have published. All articles must be appropriate for ages 10 to 100! Work not used is stored for another issue. Send submissions as Word documents to: Goodlifejournal@gmail.com Thanks, Cathy McNamara (Publisher) (845) 332-3353
Open Call for Young Photographer and Webmasters! Volunteer and learn more about publishing. Page 8 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Food RESTURANT REVIEW
Eddie’s Restaurant
By Finn Doering, age 12 http://sharpfinnsoup.wordpress.com/
Y
ou might know Eddie’s face from Sunfrost, Bread Alone or Joshua’s, where he started as a dishwasher. He has been working in various kitchens in Woodstock for many years. He now is the proud owner of his own place in the heart of town, across from Catskill Pizza. He first realized he loved cooking back home in El Salvador when he would make eggs for his dad. He came to the states, learned the language, and 15 years later with much hard work he has created his dream restaurant. At Eddie’s, you will find the menu is half American casual food, offering things like burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and some good vegetarian options, like veggie burgers, portabella sandwiches and tempeh or tofu Ruebens. And the other half is El Salvadorian specialties. He wants everyone to know that he will only serve food that he himself would want to eat...in other words good quality, fresh with flavor and from a very clean kitchen. His personal favorite dish is the Red Snapper El Salvadorian style, which is fish stuffed with peppers, onions, spices and grilled for a smoky flavor. Last night he was at the restaurant until 2 in the morning making tamales! We tried a few things and the place was packed by the time we left. I had the chicken quesadilla. It had grilled chicken on a warm whole wheat tortilla with guac, sour cream, rice and black beans. It was filling and delicious. You could taste the flame-broiled flavor on the chicken. My sis had the black bean burrito: sour cream, guacamole, cheddar, lettuce and a spicy tomato sauce on top. It had layers of fresh delicious ingredients. She devoured it - and she is a picky eater. My parents both had the fish tacos with grilled salmon.. They were on fresh tortillas with mango salsa and a yummy tartar sauce which were homemade. They both loved them. My French fries were crispy and delicious. And all the tortillas are made fresh daily. We washed it down with Mexican cokes and that means real cane sugar and not corn syrup and they taste better. He makes amazing smoothies, too, with every fruit you can imagine. And you can also order ice cream with sprinkles. This place is kid and family friendly, has a nice big porch to sit outside and enjoy the weather and Eddie even did all the stonework, garden and water fountain himself. You can also sit inside, where there is a deli counter, too. Starting soon he will be doing more than just breakfast and lunch and will be having Taco Thursdays Dinner! What’s best about Eddie’s is that it feels good to support someone’s dream and you can see how much heart he has put into it. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 9
Advice
Ask Sushi Fluffy Advice by Griffin Stewart, Brooklyn Age: 15
H
ello, my loyal and wonderful readers and welcome to another “Ask Sushi,” with me, Sushi and my costar, Kibbles the Dog. Kibbles says, “Bonjour, Monsieurs and Mademoiselles.” He was visiting me. He lives in Canada and was going on a cross-country trip when he found the Good Life Youth Journal and saw my column and wanted to be a costar in it. So long story short, Kibbles here, is going to be answering some of your questions for me. We couldn’t find any pictures that caught Kibble’s good side because he couldn’t decide what was his good side, and for good reason. So instead he asked me to describe his features. He says that he is a Lhapso-aspo...wait...he is telling me it’s actually pronounced a Lhaso Apso. But that’s no fun, just to tell you the breed. He’s a gray shaggy dog with a monocle and a small top hat with a rose on the left tucked into the bow. He tells me that his Great Dane heritage shows in his teeth, or shall I say his one tooth that protrudes out of his mouth two inches further than the rest of his teeth. Wait. He tells me it’s only a half an inch. I like to exaggerate sometimes. But enough about Kibbles and me: time for some Sushi questions.
“Be honest, tell your boyfriend. It’s important. That kind of stuff ruins things.” Question 1: Hi Sushi, I’ve been kind of jealous lately. My boyfriend is friends with and talks with the last girl he was seeing. A: Well then, jealousy! One of the seven sins. Something that everybody experiences one time or another. Even me, Sushi, has had jealousy come into his life. Kibbles agrees: it happens to everybody. For instance, I was hanging out in the dog park. It was a hot, sunny day. And as you would imagine I was panting a lot. And I saw this short hair weenie dog and for a second I was totally jealous. But then I realized, that I shouldn’t be jealous of anyone else’s body or looks or Page 10 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Advice
Griffin Stewart
Griff wants to be a sculptor. He also takes acting class at the Atlantic Theater Company and performed in his first Broadway play last year. He’s homeschooled and loves games of all kinds, Anime, and melted cheese. He also makes games with his brother, for instance, “power chess”, where they combined power up moves with UNO cards to add an advanced layer to the game of chess.
fur, for that matter. But, that is only one type of jealousy. The first type of jealousy is when you want to be in someone else’s shoes and the other is when you want somebody not to do what somebody is doing because it makes you feel uncomfortable or spiteful or insecure. Sometimes you have to stay calm and realize things can’t always go your way. And now here’s my Sushi wisdom to you: Be honest, tell your boyfriend. It’s important. That kind of stuff ruins things. And work it out with him. No matter what, stay calm and reasonable. And that’s my Sushi wisdom to you. Excuse me, that’s Kibbles’
and my, Sushi wisdom to you! And now I am going to let Kibbles here take over for a fashion question. After all, he is one of the most fashionable dogs I have ever seen. Questions 2: Summer is coming, any fashion tips or ideas on how to stay cool in the heat? A: Kibbles says, “Well, what a good query. I believe that the best fashion, in these fantastic and interesting times is - wear hats! As we say in French, le chapeau. Go to any haberdashery near you. Hats are the new thing, in case you haven’t heard. Big hats, small hats, wide hats, backwards hats…hats!” Kibbles also adds, “And if you are wondering how do these so called “chapeaux” help you stay cool, WELL! They have rims. And if you are bald, then it makes sure that you won’t get sun burned on your bare skin. And so there you go. And we don’t want any sun in our eyes, now do we? Eyewear! You need it! Personally, I wear shades. I know, strange, mysterious, but I do. And you should, too. And, that’s my Kibble wisdom to you.” Thanks, Kibbles. And now... Question 3: Where do you recommend going for vacation? A; Well, I, Sushi, would recommend Canada! Or maybe, Los Angeles. Lots of beaches there, I hear. And Kibbles here is actually traveling to Los Angeles next. On the way, he said he will send me post cards. I also hear the Glapagloes Islands are pretty awesome. Wait...Kibbles here is telling me that I said it wrong again. I don’t know what the problem is? Well, I guess in some parts of the country it’s pronounced, “Galapagos.” And that’s my Sushi wisdom to you. Thank you all for picking up another installment of “Ask Sushi” with your host, Sushi and guest co-star, Kibbles. Peace out, dogs. And Kibbles says, “Au-revoir, and I shall be on my merry way.” www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 11
David Goldin Interview
By Caleb McNamara
D
avid Goldin is one of the most versatile artists working today. He does magazine illustration, children’s book writing and illustration, design, animation, graphic novels, collage, mixed media, sculpture and the list goes on. The most amazing thing about Goldin as an artist is the seemingly never ending flow of pure creativity he spills into practically every genre of art. From his wildly imaginative story of a two-dimensional paper elephant traveling through the different lands of a Sunday paper, to the playful, lively characters he makes from discarded pieces of wood and thrown out scraps of metal, David Goldin “oozes” creativity. I got the chance to sit down with David and discuss his work. CALEB MCNAMARA: You have such a wild freedom in your style. Have you always had this wild freedom in your work or is that something you developed later in life DAVID GOLDIN: I’ve always done what’s called whimsical illustration and I’ve always leaned towards doing stuff for kids’ books. My passion is doing work that engages kids, stuff that really draws kids in, and even adults too, in a playful spirit.
CM: You do a lot of stuff with mixed media and collage. Have you always experimented with materials from the outside world? DG: Yeah, I’ve done that ever since I can remember. I could always see images in the way ice formed in a window when it’s frozen. I could see people or horses running or something. Or if there was a crack in the wall, I could see something else in it. Then I had a lot of opportunities to travel, and I would discover these little scraps of paper on the ground that looked really cool. I couldn’t read them because they were in a foreign language, and I would collect all these scraps. I’d travel the world collecting these scraps and making collages. Because I was a freelance artist, I could take off for a month or a year, every year and go travel somewhere far away. It was inspiring to travel and collect what was garbage to other people but what I saw as color and shape and texture. CM: How do you decide what materials you want to use in a piece? Page 12 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
DG: It’s funny… sometimes, whatever is within arms’ reach will become a sculpture. It depends where I’m standing, too. I have parts of my studio where I keep found metal objects or wood scraps, so the piece will be made out of those materials. Walking through the woods here, I discovered an ancient garbage pile. Every old farmhouse around here has one, and I discovered these ham cans and turned them into faces. You know, just trying to use what I’ve got to tell a story or get my point across, or even just create a character and give it personality. CM: In The Little Junkyard books, I felt that the way the characters and text are placed throughout the page was very creative. How do you go about deciding your page layouts? Do you just do what comes naturally? DG: I do, but then I always have to mess things around and take it apart and put it back together constantly, and because the pictures are telling one story I don’t want the
words to repeat that. I try to tell a different story with the words and let the visuals tell their own story. In that way, the text is always changing, so I always have to figure out how to be economical with my words so that I don’t overload the image with words. It’s tricky writing for kids. You have to boil it down to its essence and still have something fun to read. CM: Your body of work is so diverse. How do you find the time to balance it all?
Interview
Wild Man of Mixed Media DG: Well, everything moves at different paces. I’ve always got things on the burner, as they say. Some things are really fast moving. I do a lot of work for magazines and newspapers where they need it overnight or the next day, and I love those rush jobs because they’re quick and painful, kind of like pulling a tooth, but you get paid. Then I’ll do book covers, which will take months, and kids’ books…. those take years. Even when I think one project is dead, it resurfaces. I did a series for National Geographic which took something like four years.
CM: The Newspaper Elephant is about a two-dimensional paper elephant’s escape from his newspaper article after he is cut out of the page by a girl. Where do you find the inspiration for such wild plots? DG: It took a while to write that one because first I developed the style. First it was an elephant cut out of newspaper and it was like a bell went off, I really liked this idea, but then I was trying to figure out the purpose of it. Now that it’s cut out, what’s it going to do? That’s when I started just going crazy with ideas. I got a note from Eric Carle, the author of The Hungry Caterpillar, a famous children’s book, and he told me to boil the story down to its essence. So I decided the elephant shouldn’t leave the newspaper at all. I decided to make it a Sunday paper because those are fat and people still read those. A lot of kids don’t really think of newspapers as something that you read. They think it’s just something you lay out when you’re doing artwork or when you’re carving a pumpkin. So I really wanted to describe what a newspaper is to kids. I decided the elephant should travel through each section of the newspaper, because that way it could describe what each section does. That way I could create a world for him using what each section has already. Once you give the elephant its own world to live in, you can start to add a little curriculum on what each section is, and then you get to add fun in. That’s the nice part about it. CM: A lot of professional illustrators will do pen and ink or watercolor and just stick to that their entire career, but you really explore everything. Have you always been like that, trying out every way you can to express yourself? DG: I like to try new things. I’m doing a job right now about fast food, so I’m trying to make characters out of these things and I’m manipulating these characters to make them happy or sad, giving them expressions. The first time I did something like that was years ago for Time Magazine. I was using a can of cheese whiz, so I had to photograph it and scan it, just trying to get the dimensions of it and the curve of it. It’s really just about coming up with a crazy idea and just following through with it. The story was about a politician, so I showed him flying around on cheese whiz because he was kind of a cheesy guy, and it was pretty funny. CM: What would you say has been the most rewarding endeavor for you? DG: Hmm, good question... I prefer doing personal work or writing my own stories and illustrating them. I’ve
illustrated other people’s works and it’s fun, I love it, but it’s always more fun when it’s my own work. I guess what’s most rewarding is when I have a gallery show. When you work in the magazine world, you get paid pretty well for a drawing and you get to keep it. When you work in the gallery world, you get 50 percent of whatever it’s priced at and you don’t get to keep it. All your heart and soul have gone into this thing and someone’s walking away with it, and you only get half of what it was sold for. You don’t get much, unless you’re a big name. When a piece sells and I get to meet the person who buys it, I say to myself, “Wow, they used their hard-earned money to buy that, and they really like it.” That’s amazing, it’s such a good feeling to know that a person, rather than a corporation, actually spent the money they worked for because they saw value in your art. It’s a really good feeling. CM: Is there any new news you want to get out there? DG: Well, I’m going to be working on some new books, and I’ll be trying all sorts of venues throughout social media to try and get them out there. I’m working on a graphic novel. It’s tough presenting a graphic novel to a publisher, you don’t always know if it’s going to pay off, so I’m thinking of releasing some of it chapter by chapter online. That way, I’ll have an audience and feedback, and I’ll be able to adjust it accordingly. CM: That sounds great. I look forward to reading it. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 13
Health
Juicing for Health
By Fiona Maria, age 19
① The Antioxidant Powerhouse Smoothie 1 cup of frozen blueberries 1 frozen banana 1 bag of green tea 1 teaspoon of chia seeds 1 cup of coconut milk
Combine ingredients and sprinkle the contents of the green tea bag in, add your milk preference and blend well for a nice, smooth consistency. This makes a perfect breakfast smoothie to start your day.
② The Mean Green Smoothie
1 handful of kale 1 handful of spinach 1 small handful of frozen pineapple 1 small handful of frozen mango 1 tablespoon of maca powder 1 - 1 1/2 cups of almond milk
Combine ingredients and blend well. Or, if you want to make it extra mean, substitute the pineapple and mango for green chard. Yum!
③ The Post-Workout Protein Smoothie
1 frozen banana 1 small handful of frozen strawberries (about 4-5 does the trick) 1 tablespoon of raw cacao 4 tablespoons of almond or peanut butter 1 scoop of ice 4 dates 1 cup of almond milk Combine ingredients, and blend well.
It’s your creation; there are no guidelines to doing what feels right and what feels best for you! Take these recipes and play with them: decide if you want to add something or leave something out. Do your thing and make it personal. Your body will thank you! Page 14 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Photo by Chloe Rovitz
M
aking smoothies at home is a fun and easy way to provide your body with the essential nutrients that will keep you on the right path towards good health. Nourishing for the body (and soul!), all you need is a blender, fruits and/or vegetables, and a liquid base. Almond milk and coconut milk are my favorite because they are both delicious and have amazing health benefits. You can easily turn a simple smoothie into a gourmet smoothie that will leave you feeling vibrant and glowing with pride from your homemade deliciousness. These are three of my favorite smoothies to make at home. It’s also simple and efficient to use your hands as a measuring tool!
Live Tobacco Free
Health
By Cassandra Hastie, age 17
S
moking cigarettes is a dangerous activity. Thankfully it is becoming less glamorized and less prevalent in New York State. Currently, there are numerous campaigns in New York in place to end the sale of tobacco in pharmacies, and to decrease the amount of marketing stores do for tobacco. While campaigns like these have been going on for years, they are more important than ever! It is our generation’s job to get the word out and save lives while we can. Children are easily influenced, which is why it is not surprising that 9 out of 10 smokers start smoking before the age of 18 (BeTobaccoFree. gov). This statistic, combined with the fact that about one fifth of high school students smoke, shows the importance of eliminating children’s exposure to tobacco at a young age. Tobacco is extremely dangerous and children do not realize it. They see all of the fancy advertisements and different colored packages, and do not truly understand what they are looking at. They are not aware of the fact that more than 16 million people already have at least one disease from smoking or that smokers usually die about 13 or 14 years earlier than nonsmokers (BeTobaccoFree.gov). These facts emphasize the importance of organizations and campaigns such as Tobaccofreenys.org and “We’ve Seen Enough.” Tobaccofreenys.org runs a variety of campaigns. They have run outdoor tobacco use campaigns, tobacco-free pharmacy campaigns, reduction of store marketing campaigns, and smoke-free housing campaigns. This organization allows citizens to help make a difference. When there is an active campaign, citizens can fill out a form on Tobaccofreenys.org saying that they support the campaign. “We’ve Seen Enough” is a statewide campaign that deals with similar issues. This campaign works to get youth to protest tobacco marketing and to raise awareness of marketing’s effects on teen smoking. By making YouTube videos, collecting petition signatures, visiting legislators, and interacting with the media, this campaign is able to positively influence the youth of New York State. Although things such as writing letters or signing petitions may seem minuscule, a little effort can go a long way. It is time to teach our youth that smoking cigarettes is not healthy. Children are overexposed to tobacco advertising and tobacco products. Fortunately, through education and campaigns, we can limit this exposure and create a healthier environment for children. We, as a generation, have the ability to make a significant and necessary change. Make a difference: http://realitycheckofny.com Reality Check of New York, is a statewide teen-led movement against the tobacco industry and their deceptive marketing practices that often appeal to youth. In March they have Kick Buts Day! http://www.seenenoughtobacco.org Activities include creating YouTube videos, participating in media events, visiting legislators, soliciting statements of support, collecting petition signatures and writing letters. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 15
Fiction
Hum
I
By Kalo Talley, age 15
Photo by Kyra Lynn Helgers
lay there with my head on the soft green moss, its thick fragrance surrounding my head. A golden afternoon sunlight sprinkled between the tall pines and sparkled on the little pond next to me, warming my hands and face. The tiny waterfall drummed an innocent rhythm into her tiny pond. My thoughts began to wander. My awareness began to dwindle and my eyes began to shut. The soft drumming from my little waterfall began to wane, as if she were walking further and further away from me. Then it became a deep rhythm. Then, a faint song. Then, nothing. Suddenly, sounds became alive again. They were no longer the sounds of the tiny waterfall though. The songs of cardinals drifted into my ears along with a beautiful tune, a tender, warm hum. I opened my eyes. Golden light swept into me. I could see nothing, just golden light. Then I saw outlines of shapes moving about me. Then the shapes began to form into a few. Then one. I focused on that one shape. The golden light surrounding me began to clear up, until I could see her. She was there, right in front of me, in the kitchen, the creator of this beautiful hum. She was wearing a white apron decorated with red roses. She was moving around, as if she were in the process of making something. She noticed me and turned toward me. Her eyes met mine. Her face creased as she made a smile. Her lips slowly parted as if she were going to say something to me. Deciding not to, they slowly closed, and the smile disappeared from her glowing face. She turned away from me pulling on red oven gloves. As she opened the oven the heavy smell of sweet cinnamon apple pie spilled out into the spring air, illuminating my world. She took out the golden brown apple pie. She stood up, turned toward me, held the pie out in front of her chest, and smiled. She smiled a sweet smile, a smile that could be seen from the stars. Joy in her green eyes. Her golden skin dazzled in the sunlight. Her lips opened again. She was going to tell me after all. Her voice was just about to leave her lips. Suddenly the windows burst into pieces, showering glass. Red hot flames swept through the room, knocking me back. When I opened my eyes I saw her, lying on the ground facing me, lips still parted, about to tell me. I woke up sucking in breath a mile a minute, my heart pounding in my ears, trying to escape. The world had become a pitch black night. Everything was dark, except for the tiny waterfall and her pond, sparkling in the bit of moonlight, still humming her song.
Page 16 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Fiction
I Am The New Gods
O
by Jack Warren, age 16 ur summer camp was different. At Wayfinder, arts and crafts fell under the blade of foam swords. We ran through fields and forests, but we ran through them as heroes and monsters, playing the best-crafted game of pretend around. Counselors and staff would switch between epitome-of-cool hipsters to noble knights and horrifying creatures. Our hearts beat as fast as any bright-eyed camper kid’s, but with the added adrenaline of casting spells and saving the world. Like I said, different. On some days, I was half spider, half human. I ground together the roots of the Earth and the blood of fairies. I was small. We wandered in the woods in those days, the sun on summer leaves casting us as verdant travelers from a distant land. A Tigerwoman led us, rebelling against the mad man of science who created us. She was 15, maybe 16, but to us she stood taller than the stomping giants, grazing the clouds with her ethafoam claws But those days were over. I had died. As I lay on the ground, blood pouring from the sword The author revisits his Wayfinder experience. slice on my arachnid abdomen, I looked up into the eyes of a God. He was invincible, a being from another realm come to kill the Spiderboy and the Tigerwoman and all the rest. But we had found a way to stop him. Gold chains drawn from the planet’s heart would bind him, make him tangible. Then our tiny spells and swords and the Tigerwoman’s claws and my knife could bring him down. But there I was lain, my comrades gone and my eyes met with those of the enemy. He would heal my wounds, bring me back from the toolshed that was our heaven and I would be Spiderboy again. All I needed to do was reveal to him the location of the blessed chains. I loved Spiderboy. I loved running from bad guys and stirring potions. Holding back human boy tears, I stared up at him with my three pairs of eyes and said, “Never.” Although soon after I would become a kamikaze spearman bound to his weapon and a fate of about 5 minutes, something of Spiderboy scuttled out of that world with me. I come back every year now, running through magical lands as elves and wizards and thieves and healers, become people named Spike and Magua and Cricket and a dozen others. My world would expand and their habitants would tower over me as I soared from daycamps into overnights, facing the brand new battles of teenagerdom. I still return to my old stomping grounds every year. I walk the woods Spiderboy walked. Every year I’m a little taller than my fellow adventurers. The Tigerwoman is still around, but the God is long gone. I, now 15 or 16, gaze down upon those little warriors and craftsman and sprites and I give them choices. In their choices Spiderboys and Spidergirls and heroes of all kind are born. And they live on. Such is the duty of the Gods. Such is my duty. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 17
Politics
State Senate By Alexa Cappola, age 20
S
ixty three seats, three clashing party lines, hundreds of staff members, thousands of activists waiting to be heard, and millions of New York constituents serve as players in the rough game of politics. Housing a speedy and demanding Assembly, a graceful and intellectual Senate, and a governor who is not only the most powerful governor in the nation but has a strong shot at being the future President; New York is one of the most prestigious states in the U.S. With grace and poise, legislation such as Gay Marriage, Common Core Standards, and the Dream Act is passed through the senate chamber weekly. I have had the opportunity to not only enjoy an embedded view of this political engine, but VIP access through the New York State Senate Internship in Albany, New York. The New York State Senate Internship is open to all junior standing college students throughout New York State. The application is simple, consisting of a writing sample, a policy analysis, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation. Out of all the applicants in New York State only 30 students are chosen. The perks of this internship include receipt of a $4,500 stipend, 15 academic credits, and the opportunity to present your own legislation on the Senate Floor for a Mock Legislative Session (MLS). For graduating seniors, this internship provides one with skyrocketing chances to start a career in the legislature, being that more than two thirds of the Session Assistants (interns) are asked to stay on. It is not only an astounding resume builder, but one of the best experiences anyone who is interested in government or politics will ever have in their academic career. The legislative session doesn’t last long (January-June), but when it’s hot it burns. You often witness red-eyed all nighters, piles of stained coffee cups in a mixture of snow white legislation, swooping messengers, and thousands of advocates jumping through a ring of fire. But within the months of July through December, the Albany region freezes over and all you can hear are tumble weeds sweeping down the halls until the new legislative session kicks off with budget negotiations, deals, and heavy political concerns in early February. During this time, being a New York State Senate intern has many beneficial
Page 18 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Internship aspects. You become the new shiny toy that offices will either utilize constantly or become a disinterested functionary. My experience fell into the middle ground, everyone was interested to a point but from time to time I became a fly on the wall and I began to like it that way. I was given very simple daily office tasks such as filing, constituent letter writing, answering phone calls, mail, writing e-mails, and request outs. I was also invited to most of the Senator’s events and meetings, which helped me grasp a better understanding of the business aspect of politics. Working for the majority or minority is a factor that could help or hurt you down the road. Some offices will request people but most are placed by the program coordinators. I was requested by a specific office due to networking I had obtained in Brooklyn, where I often work during the summer. Currently there are not two but three active parties within the Senate, the Republicans (majority), the Democrats (minority), and the Independent Democratic Party. The Independent Democratic Party (IDC) was established in 2012 and consists of five Democratic Senators who share the majority seat with the Republicans. Recently, the IDC has grown and may continue to grow. This is
“You often witness red-eyed all nighters, piles of stained coffee cups in a mixture of snow white legislation” a fascinating collaboration to witness if you study politics. I had the chance to witness the pull and push of both parties and watch their ties crumble and rebuild through each decision that was made within the 2014 budget season. I worked for a Republican Senator who oversees a New York City district, where I lived in at one point in time, so I was up to date with many local concerns and issues. The semester that I participated was also part of an election year, which keeps you on your toes. I am not only a political science, but also a communications major, so they began to let me assist in writing the Senators’ speeches. The absolute best part of the New York State Internship Program was participating in the Mock Legislative Session (MLS). MLS is where all 30 interns get to play Senator for a day where they present and vote on legislation that they wrote through weeks of editing and negotiations. Some of the bills that were presented got picked up by real Senators but some were just fun to present. I chose the highly controversial topic of the elimination of teacher tenure, with intention to spark an elaborate and intelligent debate on the floor in the Senate Chamber. By the time the internship had ended, I came to the conclusion that the State Legislature was not where I want to pursue my career, but I would not trade my Senate experience for the world. I had the opportunity to meet many intellectual peers from various schools, brilliant public officials, and top of the line lobbyists. The internship also brought me closer to my community and gave me valuable insight of what was happening in my home state. Whether one has a positive or negative experience, one will leave with lifelong knowledge and skills that they gained from the New York State Senate Internship. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 19
Cover Story
T
he 28th annual Silver Needle Runway and Awards show took place at Marist College on May 9th. The Marist runway show is an extravagant event that displays the beautiful creations CAof Marist’s talented fashion majors. The fashion program is one of the most highly regarded fields at Marist college and the college makes sure their fashion students get the get the most experience they can out of the program before venturing out into the fashion world. Not only does Marist put on a fantastic runway show for their students, but in addition they hire some of the top runway models and professional fashion photographers to highlight their students inspiring creations for their publication The Look Book. I got a chance to sit down with the extremely talented Kelsey Ullrich, whose collection was featured on the cover of the Look Book and won the Best Collection award for the Silver Needle Show.
Fashion by visual art that you can appreciate because you can live your life in it. CM: How much research goes into each collection? KELSEA: A lot of initial research goes in because you need to understand what you’re trying to say with each new collection. So when I started doing my research, I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the city, and I looked at tribal Eskimo art a lot, and I thought about what influences their lifestyles and stuff like that. But a lot of research also goes into the garment construction because even though we’re students and we learn a lot from our professors, there’s only so much they can teach us individually. For example, I really like tailoring for the inside construction of clothes, so we learn draping and pattern making from our teachers, but I always have to do a lot of specific research to figure out how to construct my individual clothes. One way I did this was I took apart some vintage garments like an old jacket and looked at how the inside of that was constructed. I took inspiration from that to come up with my own way of making my jacket. Also, some places, like the FIT museum, have a lot of really good exhibits where you can look at archives of clothes from designers. You can’t really look at the inside, but you can always appreciate the outside construction.
Fan Reviews Taken from TicketMaster “The fashions were spectacular! The students do an amazing job on their collections.” “The Marist College Silver Needle Fashion Show was just fabulous The student fashions were innovative and fun. The entire production was exceptional.” Page 20 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
KELSEA: For me, I love drawing, and I love developing, but when the clothes really start to come to life is the most exciting part. I never stop changing and working on things. A lot of people will draw something
Photos by Arthur Eisenberg Photography
CALEB MCNAMARA: Have you always known you wanted a career in fashion? KELSEA ULLRICH: Well, I started learning classical ballet when I was really little and I practiced that all through CM: So I heard you won best collection. What high school. I was really involved in art Kelsea’s Thin Ice collection: Brittle. Urbane. Stark white was the inspiration for the award winning and I spent my summers at FIT. That’s and blizzard grey. collection? where I really learned that I love fashion and that’s what I wanted my main focus to be on. Also, when I was growing up, my grandmother used to have me sit on her lap while she KELSEA: My senior colused her sewing machine. She’d be pressing down on the foot pedal lection was inspired by the and I didn’t know I wasn’t sewing, I thought I was. She really intro- Inuit Eskimo tribes, so I duced me to sewing in that aspect, and then the rest of it was just me started working on that last spring. In around May, we learning how to show myself through art. got our assignments and then I spent all summer CM: How do you find inspiration for your collections? KELSEA: Each collection that you take on comes with a new inspira- long doing that initial retion, but it’s always me as a designer and a person. I really like design- search. During the year is ing for the modern woman who wants to feel classy, sophisticated, and when I started working on confident all the time. My senior collection was inspired by the Inuit the actual garments. tribe, but in general, I really use the sheets and the silhouettes and the textiles that I feel connected to. Obviously, fashion is always inspired CM: What’s your favorite aspect of fashion?
Cover Story
Awards
Some of the inspiration for Kelsey’s creations came from the Inuit people’s clothing and artwork.
By Caleb McNamara, age 22
and then that’s exactly what they make. I always want to change things and keep working on them and keep making them the best they can be. So I love seeing it come to life, and I love looking back at the initial drawing and seeing where my inspiration came from and then seeing the end product and how much it grew and developed. CM: So what was it about the Inuit tribes’ clothing style that really spoke to you? KELSEA: Well, because they’re a cold weather tribe, they can’t really express themselves as much as we can. With their clothing they’re constricted based on the weather. So I was really inspired by the way they would layer all their different clothing, especially the women. They would wear these oversized parkas layered with a dress underneath and maybe a pair of pants, and the overall outfit was similar to how we dress, but the way they put it together is a lot different. They also have really interesting textiles that are all handmade, and I was really inspired by that, which is where I got a lot of my quilting designs from. CM: What are your favorite materials to work with? KELSEA: Since I like to tailor garments and play with the structure, I worked a lot with leather and neoprene this year. Neoprene is a new textile in fashion. It’s actually an active fabric that’s used for scuba, but it’s recently been used in a lot more high-end and couture clothes. I love the way both those fabrics form to the body while also providing the garment with a lot of structure without having to do too much work on the inside. CM: So the big Marist fashion show just happened. What was it like seeing your garments being worn on the runway? KELSEA: It was magical, it was so amazing, especially because I’ve been involved in the show every year since I started out as a freshman. The program helps you grow as a designer. In freshman year you just make one shirt and that’s really exciting, but you don’t really understand what designing and creating is really like until you start to grow and develop. And then sophomore year you get to make a full look, and junior year you get to make two looks, and that’s when it really starts to come to life. But this year, it was especially amazing to see my stuff because it was my whole group up there, everything I had worked so hard for all college long. We had our photo shoots throughout the past few months, and those were really exciting because you got to see detailed shots and really great examples of your work. But the runway is the most exciting because hundreds of people get to see it all at once. CM: How has the Marist fashion program been for you? KELSEA: Yeah, I love Marist. It’s a great fashion program. We’re really lucky because we get to experience a lot more than what the city students are provided with, because we get to experience going to college and getting a liberal arts degree along with everything related to fashion. Marist allowed me to be a double major in both design and merchandising, so I was able to really learn everything
about the industry during my four years. And the teachers really care about us. They work so closely with us, and the program is so closely knit. There was only 16 seniors in the program this year, and I felt like individually we each got to connect with a different teacher at different points within our four years. CM: So what are your plans for the future? KELSEA: Well, right now, I want to continue working on everything I have for my portfolio, so I’ll have my drawing portfolio ready and my senior LIT book ready. I just want to make sure that I have all the best materials to represent myself as a designer. Ultimately I’m looking for a position as an assistant designer at a high end luxury brand, but I just want to make sure I’m ready to represent myself in the best way possible.
CM: Do you have any advice for any aspiring young fashion designers out there? KELSEA: I guess just to never give up on something, because if you love it and you really care about it, you can do great things and love every part of it. But it really challenges you to keep going and keep pushing through, especially when times start to get tough and you either get stuck designing something or you’re in a rut and you can’t figure out something, or you feel like you don’t have enough information to make something you want. You just have to tell yourself that all the information is right there for you. You just have to find it and figure out what you need to do to make it happen, because a lot of what we do is self-taught. So you really need to train yourself to focus and do as much as you want to do, and it’s hard, but worth it in the end. The Marist fashion program helps to produce some of the most talented creative minds aspiring to enter into the fashion world today. Kelsey’s beautiful and innovative collections are a perfect example of this. Kelsey’s Inuit and Vanderbilt lines are a testament to what a driven individual who Kelsea accepts the award loves what he or she does can accomplish in the for Best in Show. 2014 fashion program at Marist www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 21
Byrdcliffe Fashion Shoot
Fashion
1
4
Page 22 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
2
3
5
6
Fashion ① DIG
89 Partition St, Saugerties (845) 246-3833 digtheshop.com Model: Skyler Dress: Jodi B. Wise Shoes: Aerosoles
② CHANGES
19 Tinker St, Woodstock (845) 679-4750 changes for men.com Model: Barry Shirt: Hugo Boss Blazer: John Vartvatos Tie: Hugo Boss Slacks: John Varvatos
③ SEW WOODSTOCK
15 Rock City Rd, Woodstock (845) 684-5564 sewwoodstock.com Model: Candida Outfit: High-waisted palazzo pants in a drapey vintage fabric paired with this season’s hottest trend, the crop top! Made here in a beautiful light weight linen Sandals: Ariat, North Star (courtesy of Pegasus Shoes)
④ LILY’S
24 Tinker St, Woodstock (845) 679-6470 tinylily15@gmail.com Model: Alana Dress: Floral gown by Elana Kattan Earrings: Sacred Threads
⑤ BIRCHTREE & ILLUMINATED BABY
6 Tannery Brook Rd, Woodstock (845) 679-7585 birchtreewoodstock.com • 62 Tinker St, Woodstock (845) 684-7024 illuminatedbaby.com Models: Jessica & Pearl Blouse: Flax Hat: Callaman Resort Shoes: Dansko (courtesy of Pegasus Shoes) Pearl’s Linen Dress: Illuminated Baby - Empress Arts
⑥ WOODSTOCK DESIGN
9 Tinker St, Woodstock (845) 679-8776 shopwoodstockdesign.com Model: Abbe Dress: Karina Shoes: Bearpaw
My View of Woodstock Design
By Starla Bolle, age 9
Woodstock Design has very stylish modern clothing. I suggest it for anyone 12-90 years old. My grandma owns it, and shes very fashion forward, as is my mother from DIG. But you are not reading this to learn about DIG, are you? You are here to learn about Woodstock Design. If it’s winter they will have stuff like winter coats, and if it’s fall they have sweaters! They have stylish tank tops and nice comfy flip flops in summer. In Spring they have regular t-shirts and cardigans. Not only do they carry stylish clothing and comfy shoes, they also carry reading glasses and jewelry and purses. So, they have clothes, shoes and accessories. Yay!!! taped on to the mirror right near the cash register are pictures of me and my other family members. All the salesgirls there are very nice. My favorite thing about going to Woodstock Design is getting the very nice cozy vibe. It makes you feel happy and ready to shop till you drop!!! www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 23
Inspiration
The Power of Youth: “Luau for Life”
I
By Jazmin Kay, age 16
remember tracking the inspiring story of Killian Mansfield. I remember sampling tracks from his album, reading the New York Times article and admiring Killian for his courage, his talent, his strength. Though I never knew him, the glowing testimonials I hear from people whenever he is mentioned is a true testament to the character and goodness of Killian. Though Killian lost his 5 year battle to synovial sarcoma- a form of cancer back in 2009 at age sixteen - he continues his legacy: inspiring and helping others through the foundation he himself founded, the Killian Mansfield Foundation. The Killian Mansfield Foundation helps to empower children with cancer and other serious illnesses through integrative health care therapies such as acupuncture, massage and aromatherapy, while also giving children the ownership to be active participants in their own wellness. What speaks strongly to me as a sixteen-year-old myself, is this vision of youth power. Killian took his vision and made it a reality to help other kids. It is so easy to simply become resigned, yet even in the hardest of circumstances, Killian pursued his goal to help others – and it is still going strong today. On Sunday, May 18th 2014, this vision of youth power was continued as the Woodstock Day School Student Council threw its annual “Luau for Life.” This year the event raised money for the Killian Mansfield Foundation, as well as a local cancer patient and close community member. The event was a Hawaiian-style outdoor event. Festivities included two performances from student bands: Serendipity - a piano and voice duo composed of Woodstock Day School junior Sabrina Mason and Onteora High School junior Eliza Siegel and the Upper School Vocal Ensemble at Woodstock Day School. There was luau music and food, fireside S’mores, and ukulele demos and lessons led by Barbara and Phil Mansfield (the parents of Killian, and two of the loveliest people you will meet.) A beautiful uke was donated by the Woodstock Music Shop and was raffled off. Taking place on the great lawn on the Woodstock Day School campus, the event was filled with supporters of all ages and different parts of the community. There were kids and teens playing games on the backfield, young
faces covered in butterfly face paint, and parents coming over and playing a ukulele at the Killian Mansfield Foundation booth. The event certainly catered to anyone who came to support! As secretary of the Woodstock Day School Student Council I was amazed at the immense amount of caring and encouragement displayed at the event. The WDS Student Council is comprised of a representative from each upper school Grade level (7-12th grade) and a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. As a uniquely small school, the members of Student Council wanted to throw a fun event , but that also had a broader, bigger impact beyond just our immediate surroundings. Because I was so impressed by what I had heard about the Killian Mansfield Foundation, and sensed an amazing opportunity, at one of our meetings I suggested turning our usual luau event into a benefit supporting KMF, and from there it instantly clicked. It made so much sense - both of our organizations have different purposes, yet our motivations are similar in the fact that they both focus on helping kids become empowered - or as Barbara put it, “Kids empowering kids to empower kids equals meta-awesome!” I contacted the Mansfields and together with the student council we all worked together for this common purpose. Overall the event raised over $800. Raising the money and watching this collective power of youth thrive was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever been a part of and I could not have imagined a more worthy cause and group of individuals to have shared this event with. As Killian proved to us, every child can make a difference in helping others. We hope for this event to grow as we look towards next year’s annual “Luau for Life.” Please check out the important and ongoing work of the Killian Mansfield Foundation at http://www.killianmansfield. org/ and feel free to reach out about getting involved with next year’s event by contacting us through Facebook at Woodstock Day School Student Council, https://www.facebook.com/wdsstudentcouncil.
“You often witness red-eyed all nighters, piles of stained coffee cups in a mixture of snow white legislation”
Photo by Phil Mansfield
Page 24 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
THE WALL
Health illustration * art * manga * photo * comics * journals
By Monty Stewart
The Art Journal of Kaitlana Viglielmo, age 16
I started keeping this journal about two years ago, I just jot anything down in it. Poems, pictures, quotes, sayings, you name it. I sometimes let friends write or draw in it, the big flower with blue trim around it was drawn by my friend Sabrina Mason. I’m always writing it, I write what I think or about what’s going on, things like that. All in all, it’s a book of 190 pages of anything and everything. I thinks it’s a good thing to keep a journal, they can be helpful, especially when you think much more than you say. Try keeping a journal. You don’t know what you’re missing!
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 25
Poetry
Shadows
By Josh Bastacky , age 17 I’ve seen my shadow in a thousand photographs, listened to a thousand lies and laughs, welded the pieces of shattered humanity, been conscious and been alone as I looked up the tallest tree.
To Reach the Unreachable By Jayla Kai Smith, age 10
A wish An illusion An unreachable dream Of mankind “The Girl Who Could Fly” Was a book’s title A fantasy the writer Imagined But this is real This leap in my heart This urge to dance To rise Like song To the unreachable sky To press the boundaries Of common sense To reach the unreachable To act only from that joyful place The best “me”
Photo by Kyra Lynn Helgers
The real “me” That is how I will fly I will let my soul shine A golden glow around me And love the world with all my heart Yes, That is how I will fly
I’ve seen the sunset through a thousand eyes, held my own hand through a thousand sighs.
Poetry
Another Summer
By Orion Barouch can you feel it? can you tell, the tell tale signs of sun shine are stretching through the blinds. luminescent lights wind and corresponds with the land of my mind. so push back the blinds, de-glove your hands, remove your hat. let the warm sharpened rays slap happy against your back, soaking up heat like my t-shirt is black. the sky is a painter, and the suns the artists eye. i can feel sweet flying sounds in the air as i lye, in a pool of caustic soda. teaching troubled youth like my administrators yoda, but in the real world we don’t have wars with the stars, all though if trouble came from mars then we’d claim the stars were our in the first place, this place is a disgrace, and we only get so much help with the problems that we face. face your fears, dealing with different issues every year. the job cant be done unless the objectives made clear. and don’t get busy playing with smokey water and warm beer. cheers. so if we’re lucky reawakening wont be here for a few light years.
On the Bay
By Courtney Van Leuvan, age 18
The dock outstretched farther than his hand. His wedding ring lost in the waves. He cries for the losses of his brothers and sister. But most substantially his wife. She just couldn’t fight The fire that overcame their marriage. He wanted to live between the waves. Dive from the dock holding the soul of his sister. Feeling the reassuring warmth of his wife,
In response to being asked who I am: By Josh Bastacky, age 17
Taking away the chilling shake of his hand.
I am a man who looks up at the stars through the eye of a boy and sees that there is more than himself. I lick the sap from the inside of the bark with an eye for meaning and a tongue for tone.
Not for freedom, but for a severed marriage.
There’s always more to the story, but I’m caught in the daze of a morning glory. I pick from the path, I don’t often look back, but forward’s so far I stick to what’s in sight
If no one else would, he would fight.
He never realized what it meant to have a happy marriage, Never thought it was something worth the fight. She grabbed his hand, His harmlessly beautiful wife.
come and leave the door ajar
They’d drift over the waves
think I’m here for the night
Reminiscing, loving, searching for his long – lost sister.
Photo by Ann Compton
Photo by Dylan McNamara
but I know all I crave is the light.
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 27
I
On-Air Chemistry
By Scarlet Disko, age 17
SCARLET DISKO: What in your life has prepared you for this job? And what made you want to be a radio DJ? MARK BOLGER: Life in general prepares you Mark Bolger, Kimberly Kay and radio intern Clay Soileau. They have a lot of laughs and interesting for this job as you are constantly trying to figure interviews. GoodLife is so grateful to have had our very first radio interview with them. out how to translate it into radio. Often you create comes with the chemistry and personalities of the different radio show stories out of your real life to share on air in order to form connections hosts. to audience members and to add a personal flair to the show. KIMBERLY KAY: What I like about this job is that the audience SD: How did you and Mark meet and develop “on air” chemistry? doesn’t see you, and you can be humorous and relaxed. There is no Was there a casting process? pressure to stay thin and pretty as there is with acting/modeling. Of KK: The interviewing/casting process was very nerve wracking, since course, there are other pressures, such as keeping your ratings up, I was being watched and judged on my voice and how I performed onwhich can be just as stressful. air. Once we started working together, we quickly developed a strong chemistry on and off air. For instance, Mark went to my wedding and SD: What makes your station different from others? Do you decide the we’ve just developed into best friends/brother and sister. music that is played? MB: The music we play is pre-set using top 40 popular music. Radio SD: What does the summer season mean for the radio industry? stations tend to use the same playlist. However, variety among stations MB: As the summer schedule sets in, we tend to get fewer listeners
My Son, the Intern
Mark: Hi this is Mix 97.7 Radio… how are you this morning? Clay’s Mom: I’m fine. Mark : Just calling to let you know we have your son Clay here in the studio. He’s on the radio with us now… Mom: Oh boy. Mark : I just wanted to let you know so you could listen to him. Mom: Ok. Kim: Are you very proud of your son? He’s adorable! Mom: He is adorable, but he has his moments. Mark: He has his moments, yes. We’re getting the idea that he still has his moments. Were starting to pick up on that.
Page 28 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Kim: Does he help out at home much? Mom: Hahahahah. Mark: You better start doing the right thing Clay! He’s sitting here at the radio station. I walk out in the lobby and asks “Do you have anything for me to do?” Well you know, I tell him why don’t you say that to your mom? Mom: Exactly. Kim: Exactly. Clay: I’m trying to impress my mom. Mark: Mother’s Day is coming up. What do you do? You just like, lay around the house all day? Mom: He’s very good at that. Kim: At least you raised him well, in
Radio Interview with Clay’s Mom public he’s representing you well. Mom: Yeah he does do that. He’s pretty good in private too. Mark: You’re awfully nice to say that. We know you’re lying but that’s ok. Kim: Do you know he has a girlfriend right? Mom: Yes. Kim: Do you like her? Mom: I like her sometimes more than him Mark: Clay’s mom Christy, thanks for talking to us. I appreciate it. you have a great Mother’s Day! Mom: Ok, you too, Mark. I was going to say, but you are not a mother.
Photo by Dylan McNamara
recently had the opportunity to have a phone chat with the two radio DJ personalities, Kimberly Kay and Mark Bolger of Mix 97.7 WCZX, Poughkeepsie, NY. The two work together as morning show hosts in the Poughkeepsie area. Kimberly Kay has been a part of the radio industry since 1999, and had previously been an aspiring actress. While she is originally from Connecticut, she eventually found herself at home in Poughkeepsie after much moving around. Mark Bolger, on the other hand, grew up in Poughkeepsie and connected to the industry. He did radio part-time all through high school and continued working full time after graduating in 1981. For these two DJs, working for a radio station provides hours of laughs, good conversation, and many interesting people that make each and every day a new experience.
Radio because fewer people are having to wake up as early, and they aren’t having to make that drive to school or work. KK: It is harder with a smaller audience and can lead to lower energy levels for us on the air. We make an extra push and it’s still fun, because you can throw in those great hot summer jokes or do some kind of summer countdown. SD: What’s your favorite part of being a radio DJ? MB: Just getting to create a show and make something for people to enjoy. I love the unpredictability of my job, as you never know what to expect when working at a radio station. KK: I also love the unpredictability of it all as well as hearing that people are actually listening. Going out into the community and hearing someone tell me about a moment that I made them laugh can be the most rewarding thing.
“There is something personal about hearing the news in general and public opinions from a local DJ.” SD: What kind of experience do you think your intern, Clay gets from working with you? MB: It gives him an opportunity to see if he fits in and what he likes about working at the station. KK: We keep our interns very busy. They help out a lot and eventually are able to create their own show. SD: What types of things does he do for the station? KK: He does things as simple as getting coffee or as helpful as changing mics out. One time, as part of a concert promotion, we had him dress up in a prom gown and sent him out into the community. Our audience members were then supposed to find Clay the intern and say a magic word do get Lady Antebellum tickets. SD: How do you envision the future of radio? Where do you see it going? MB: I think it’ll become a lot more internet based and turn into more of a podcast form. Segments will be shorter and more convenient for people to listen to. Also, listening on-demand is becoming an expectation. KK: I agree, but I believe that some form of radio will always be around. SD: What are your views on local vs. satellite radio? MB: Satellite radio is always good for those who have hours and hours of radio listening time on long car rides and anywhere out of signal range. It’s convenient, as you can hear what you want to hear and avoid commercials. However, local radio is good for those shorter 30 minute trips and it usually includes fun humorous things specific to the area that can brighten your day. KK: I think local radio will always be around. There are some things that you don’t experience through satellite radio that you do get to enjoy through local radio. Things such as hearing that your school is closed due to snow or the latest local trends. There is something personal about hearing the news in general and public opinions from a local DJ. Catch Kim Kay and Mark Bolger Monday-Friday from 5 AM-10 AM on Mix 97.7 WCZX! www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 29
A Taste of Musical Gumbo
S
usan Shaw is the host of “Saturday Gumbo”, a weekly radio show inspired by the music of New Orleans. I sat down with her to talk about her work, life, and the role radio plays in our communities today. Susan has a deep connection to the music of New Orleans, the place her mother is from, and radio has always played an important part in her life. In her youth, she used to sing along compulsively with the radio, and later on, she would spend her nights listening while everyone else was asleep, “feeling as though the DJs were talking right to me,” she says. And, really, they were. Eventually, Susan would begin her own conversations with strangers as the host of her first radio show on KASM in Oakland, California. Then she earned master’s degrees in social work and sociology while soaking up the lively music scene in New York City. From there, she moved to upstate New York, where she currently lives and works. Susan began “Saturday Gumbo” knowing that she wanted to share primarily New Orleans music with her listeners. “There was no other idea. I knew that was it.” The shows air on WKZE 98.1 in Red Hook, a private station featuring local ads, and WIOX Community Radio at 91.3 FM in Roxbury, a public station. Being live, the shows give Susan control over what to play in the moment. This is a wonderful contrast to the often-heard pre-playlisted radio of today. She sees this freedom as a reflection of
the humanity behind these two stations. “Radio is an accessible, opento-everyone medium for sharing and interacting with your local community and beyond,” she says. “These two stations keep that openness alive with the freedom they give their show hosts to work live.” Now working in a more rural area, Susan sees the radio as a “connecting force, since people spend a lot of time in the car on long stretches of open road,” she says. “This is the perfect opportunity to listen to the radio and connect with others in your community who may share the same interests and passions. [It’s] an accessible way to get people together.” Susan also sees it as a great educational tool. In her case particularly, through sharing the music of New Orleans, she can help clear up the misconceptions that so many people (possibly unknowingly) hold. Radio can also be used as an educational tool for young people. It can introduce them to the world of technology. “If someone really enjoys listening to music, they may want to learn more about things like sound systems or how radio works,” Susan says. “They can learn more about it at a radio station or through a local initiative, like the Greater Roxbury Learning Initiative Corporation (GRLIC) or something similar.” To learn more about WKZE or to hear it live, visit http://981kze. com/ or tune in to 98.1 FM in the Red Hook area. To learn more about WIOX or to hear it live, visit http://wioxradio.org or tune in to 91.3 FM in the Roxbury area.
“These two stations keep that openness alive with the freedom they give their show hosts to work live.”
Susan Shaw, host of “Saturday Gumbo” on station WKZE. Page 30 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
By Shannon Meyers, age 20 Photos by Dylan McNamara
Radio
Station To Station
“Great Classics, Great New Rock” Greg Gattine of WDST Radio Woodstock 100.1 FM radiowoodstock.com
“The New Rock Alternative” Brandy & Deuce of WRRV Radio 92.7 and 96.9 FM WRRV.com
“The House of Rock & Roll” Boris of WPDH Radio Poughkeepsie 101.5 FM WPDH.com www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 31
Art
The Art of Meghan Heidenberg, age 17
M
y motive for taking pictures is to capture a moment in time. As soon as the shutter clicks shut, the image is either burned into the film or stored on a SD card, it cannot really change.The idea that a memory can be forever suspended in time and space is fascinating to me and is one of the factors that drew me to photography. In the dynamic world we live in photographs remain the same.
2014 Ackerman Award Winner WAAM Opening June 14 from 4:30- 6pm Runs from June 14 - July 13 info@woodstockart.org
Page 32 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Photography
Let Me Focus…
T
hose are words you will hear me saying often if you happen to be near me and my friends at any given time at Onteora High School. “Wait, just let me focus...almost done, I just need to adjust the lighting…oh, wait! Sorry, I didn’t charge the shutter! Let me just pull the thingy…sorry…okay! Thanks, guys!” For a very forgetful and often unfocused person such as me, film photography is an activity that requires many hours of patient practice and development (if you’ll excuse the pun) to master. After nearly a full school year of
instruction by Onteora’s photography teacher, Mr. Schuenneman, I am finally confident in my photography skills. In addition to being a fully equipped studio art room, Onteora’s photo class is equipped with a printing room, two light-tight film loading closets, and a tank where multiple students can develop their film simultaneously. In the introductory class we work with 400mm film cameras and standard black-and-white film, though now I am working with my teacher’s (completely manual) 90’s Pearl River camera with larger and more hi-def negatives (my absolute favorite camera ever) and experimenting with different papers and materials! Film photography is far more demanding than digital photography because instead of just pressing the shutter and having your camera figure out all of the settings for you, real film cameras require you to focus on your subject, choose the correct light settings, and adjust the shutter speed all by hand, with only your knowledge of cameras and past experience to aid you. Most modern 400mm film cameras (like the ones we use in class) have an electrical light meter that will tell you when your settings are too high or too low. Real film photography is a perpetual learning process that requires skill. The end result is rarely less than fantastic. In the introductory class here at Onteora we load our own film, take our own photographs, unload our film to be developed, develop with chemicals that we measure out by hand, and then (after much trial and error and test strips) watch in awe as our own black and white photos appear on the photo paper. Many students will agree that we don’t have enough time to print our photos (about 42 minutes each day); a process that has many steps and is highly time-consuming. For every school quarter we have several projects – for example, we have had to shoot portraits in a studio setting with diverse lighting, print “advertisements” with words (via transparency paper), and color photos by hand. Because film photos are merely the reflection of light onto light-sensitive materials, there are so many incredible things that you can do with a 400mm camera without any digital manipulation. You can even overlap images and make “ghosts” on the actual negatives by taking photos on top of each other. During the course of this class I have been amazed ceaselessly by this amazing, tangible magic. It’s no wonder that the first moving pictures were mistaken for magic. I would recommend photography class to any person who wants to witness and learn something fantastic, who has a lot of patience, and who is willing to learn (a LOT). Sadly, the digital age is quickly replacing
Story and photos by Sophie Corwin, age 18 the old methods of creating art. Now it’s up to our schools to prevent these arts and skills from dying out. Onteora has an amazing film program, so I was shocked to find out that many schools are losing their art and music courses because the common core completely excludes art in any form. The common core is a terrifying concept that should be fought against at all costs. Not only is school far too stressful already, especially on the younger students, but every educator knows that art – passion – love – music – expression – are the driving forces behind mankind.
The fact that legislators would consider removing this mandatorily important aspect of our humanity from this generation’s education is awful in itself. Thank goodness OCS is doing the right thing! At least to me, Photography class – and every art class I have taken here – have proved to be the best and most valuable classes I have ever taken. Long live the arts! (Mr. Schuenneman and the author pictured above)
An Interesting Artist
D
By Alex Meisler, age 13
ave Channon is an artist and sculptor who is organizing the Phoenicia/Shandaken Studio Tour on July 18-20. Judith Singer and Mona Jacobs also help make the tour happen. Dave mostly makes paintings of invasive species of bugs with highways, and/or fracking pads in the background that cause pollution and damage the earth. He also had many sculptures of birds and a mermaid made out of scrap metal, old tools, doorknobs and other found objects. I enjoyed spend- The artist and the author in front of one of ing time with Dave Channon’s mermaids. at his studio and getting a tour of his home (a 100 year old farmhouse). He is a cool person that cares about the environment and I like his work. It was exciting to make my own sculpture! Dave says: “Come up to the Phoenicia/Shandaken Studio Tour and see all kinds of artists’ work from primordial to postmodern.” Visit www.ShandakenArt.com to find out more. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 33
Sports
Ultimate Frisbee
By Gabe Martindale, age 13
D
id you know that there is more to frisbee than just playing catch? There is actually an official sport called Ultimate Frisbee, or just Ultimate. It was started in 1968 by a couple of teens at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ. They named the game this because one of the founders claimed it was “the ultimate sport experience.” Ultimate Frisbee is somewhat like football because you have to get the frisbee, also called a disc, to the opposite endzone. It is played with two teams of 7 players on a large field. The end zones are where goals are scored.
How the game is played:
The two teams flip a coin to see which team is receiving first, or is the offense. Both teams line up in the end zones they are defending. A player on the defending team pulls, or throws, the disc. The receiving team can either catch or retrieve the pull. They start passing right away to their teammates. Players can only take two steps when they catch the disc otherwise it’s traveling. The reason they have to pass right away is because they can only hold the disc for 10 seconds. One of the players from the other team is “stalling” them which is counting out loud saying STALL ONE, STALL TWO, etc. If the defending team does count to 10 the possession goes to the other team. If the defensive team knocks the disc down while its in the air it also changes possession. A goal is when a player on your team catches the disc in the end zone. A goal is only one point. The game is usually played to 15. When a team gets a point they get to The author makes a catch. pull the disc. This game is self-officiated, which means their are no referees. If a foul is called, possession of the disc changes. If a travel is called, you start from where you left off in the stall. This game is all about the “Spirit of the Game”, or SOTG, because it’s all about the sportsmanship. The game really emphasizes respect for the other players. I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee for two years and I have enjoyed it so much. I play Ultimate Frisbee for my school team. I also sometimes play pickup games on Sundays at the Comeau field with a variety of ages. Page 34 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Phoo by Monique Martindale
Jonah Martindale goes airborne on the field. He is the authors brother!
Teen Awareness
Dating: Good or Bad?
A
By Mikey Shultis, age 18 bout 72 percent of eighth and ninth graders are “dating.” Kids today are told that being single is only for the unwanted and uncool, so they are all scrambling to grab someone’s hand so that they can change their Facebook relationship statuses to “It’s complicated.” These relationships have many positive effects. These kids are at a time in their lives where high self-esteem is a rare commodity, and having someone that is willing to hold your hand in public is a very large self-esteem booster. The kids provide one another with the confidence that they often lack, and they also have someone they feel comfortable confiding in about the various issues that plague kids today. The “relationships” also provide kids with access to new groups of friends that they didn’t have before. By testing the waters of the dating world, kids also gain experience. The fear of interacting with the opposite gender loses some of its edge, and kids learn how to feel comfortable in more social situations. Through the trials of their relationships, they will come out with an idea of what they want in a prospective partner when they get older, so they can form more meaningful connections as adults. Communication is an integral part of any successful relationship, and these kids learn how to do just that in their teen dating years. They can apply this to future relationships, both romantic and non-romantic. On the flip side, these relationships may also have negative effects. Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year, and one quarter of high school girls have been victims of abuse. More often than not, this abuse goes unreported because the victims feel like they did something wrong, and the very same pressures that caused all of these teens to get together forces them to stay together. Teens do not want to feel alone, so they will stay in the relationship, no matter how bad it is. Only 33 percent of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse, which says a lot about the insecurity and priorities of teens. So, dating can be the best or worst thing that happens to a teen. Is it really worth it? Unfortunately, it isn’t up to us to decide: kids have been, and always will be, kids, and they’ll do what they want. Thank you Grace Smith House for providing the Teen Relationship Quiz below. You are never alone http://www.gracesmithhouse. org Grace Smith House Say no to Domestic Violence 24 Hr Hotline 1-845-471-3033 Poughkeepsie. Family of Woodstock: familyofwoodstockinc.org JustConnect: Teen Hotline and Outreach program. (845) 331-5565 or 679-5999. *Check out domestic violence expert, Family of Woodstock director Michael Berg”. Presented by Woodstock Comedy Festival on Vimeo. at http://vimeo.com/70383457
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 35
Books
The Town of Ulster By Tamara Tramelli, age 18
Tamara surrounded by books in the Ulster Library.
E
very adventure starts in a library. That is what I grew up believing. Since I was 5 years old I have practically lived life in the Town of Ulster Public Library. Whether I was bringing home movies, or sitting in a corner with a good book, I lived and breathed the library. The people and books at the library
Library Gardiner Library: 133 Farmers Turnpike Tue: 9:30-1045 & Wed: 1:30-2:30 Story, Th: 5-6 Group Guitar Th: 5-7 Teen Tech Tutors Th: 7-8:30 Knitters 845-255-1255 or gardnerlibrary.org Kingston Library: 55 Franklin St. Mon: 4-5 Bookmaking club Tues: , 10:30 Toddler Story hour Wed: 10:30 Story Hour Thur: 3:30-5 Teen Art Club Call 845-331-0507 x7 or kingstonlibrary.org New Paltz Elting Memorial Library: 93 Main St. : Mon 6:30 pm Chess. Wed 4:00 Knitting kids Fri 6:30-7:30 Movies call 845-255-5030 or eltinglibrary.org Olive Free Library: 4033 Rt 28 Shokan Mon: 5-6 4-H Girls,Tues: 10-11 Story Hour. Activities for children, teens call 845-657-2482 or olivefreelibrary.org Phoenicia Library: 9 Ava Maria dr. Mon 3-5 Homework help, Sat: 10:30-12:00 Event programs, Sat 1-2:30 Art hour. call 845-6887811/ or phonecialibrary.org Poughkeepsie Library: 504 Haight Av.Teen Room Open: Mon/Tue2-6, W/Th 2-8 Fri/ Sat 2-5. Reading Buddy Program. 845-4549308 or poklib.org Rosendale Library: 264 Main st Wed evening events 7:00. sept 14 Freedom Gardner Horticulture, Oct 17 The American Crow, Nov 14 Climate Change Page 36 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Library in My Life have inspired me in how I look at life. I read almost nonstop. Every book I have been interested in has come from the library first. I won’t buy a book unless I have already read it from my local library. Now as young woman, I still beg my father to take me to my beloved library every week. It is still one of my favorite ways to spend time with my dad. I walk among the shelves, touching covers, and enjoying memories and new stories. I have watched staff members come and go with the years. Even on days when the books do not have my attention, the wonderful staff at Town of Ulster Public Library captivates my attention with their great conversations and interesting stories. When I walk in the front doors I am greeted warmly by the library clerks like John Moody and others. They always brighten my day. Many times they will “The people and offer suggestions on new books to read or events happening in the library that books at the I might like to attend. Many employees library have in- at the library have watched me grow up, spired me in how and have been like aunts and uncles to me. Even the newer members of the staff I look at life.” have become dear friends. Each person who has worked at this beautiful library has touched my life in many ways, and the fantastic stories in the books I read have influenced who I am today. It is my hope that every child in Ulster County can have the same opportunity to learn and grow in this friendly, comfortable environment that I had so much influence in my own growing up. The library here has helped mold my dreams and personality. I love my local library.
Calendar at Mohonk. 845-658-9013 or rosendalelibrary.org Saugerties Library: 91 Washington Ave. Mon: 6:30-7:30 Lego Club, Tue & Wed 3:30-4:30 Teen Club (video & crafts). call 845-246-4317 Ann Van Damm Stone Ridge Library: 3700 Main st. Sat: 10-12 Knitters, Film Fridays call 845-687-7023 or stoneridgelibrary.org West Hurley Library: 42 Clover st. Mon: Pre-school story hour 10:30, Weds: Knitting Group 6:00-830, Movie every 4th Monday Call 845-679-6405 or westhurleylibrary.org Woodstock Library: Tue: 4:00 Early Readers Story time Wed: 10:30 story time w/ Plumflower Thur: 4:00 Lilliput Players Sat: 10:30 Family special guest storytellers & performers. Call Lesley Sawhill 845-679-2213 or email: Woodstock.org Town of Ulster Public Library: 860 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, Phone: 845-338-7881, Fax: 845-338-7884, director@ townofulsterlibrary.org Thank you to the Director Tracy Priest and special thank you to John Moody Library Clerk for asking Tamara Tramelli to write for the GoodLife Library section! www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 37
Memories
Thomas 4-H Tales:
T
By Jennifer Holz
homas used to spend a lot of time at Thomas and Nicholas were the very first genthe farm and I guess we all got pretty eration of 4-H in Woodland Valley. The four of dirty. One summer day, we went into us, Thomas, Nicholas, Josh and I came up with town. Thomas, Joshua and I. Josh was the idea. Thomas and Nicholas designed the a raggedy kid, unkempt hair, oversized t-shirts, logo. I remember when we ironed the logos onto and torn jeans: a real farm boy. Thomas was not the t-shirts. Somebody left the iron on the kitchmuch better; at least, not when he was at the en table and we had this big burn mark there. farm. I clearly remember picking hay off the The boys used to come up to the farm all the boys. We’d been cleaning out the barn that day, time. Nick and Tom had a whole flock of baby we had our workboots on, and I suppose we had ducks in the living room. Josh had sheep and a certain air...you get the idea. chickens, so we were always talking farms and At any rate, we parked by Kirk’s Market and a trading advice. The kids were always a mess, convertible Mercedes Benz skidded up on the and always hauling around a lamb or chicken or curb to park right behind us and three somewhat duck. It was a golden age. And it lasted quite a tipsy, well-heeled young ladies stumbled out. “Ooh while. look, locals!!” they cooed, and one of them said —February 26, 2011 Memorial Speech by Jen Holz something about real farmers or something like that, and then pulled out her video camera and Please join the The Wojtek Foundation started filming us. Then another asked us if we on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ knew where Woodstock was because “We’re just Tom Alba and his brother Nick groups/145889492203745/ a little lost!” I started to open my mouth to deliver a lecture to these disrespectWojtek, you had a big impact on my life and the day you left hurt not ful little snippets, but Thomas set a restraining hand on my arm and just me but a lot of people. But before you left you gave me something flashed that grin of his, “Jen,” he said, “I got this.” Then he smiled and that no one can ever take away: you have me a passion, and a love. gave the ladies their directions. “Sure,” he smiled, “you’re going the Every time I ride I think of the days we spent riding in my backyard right way.” the sand pit the tracks and to ride the bike you used to have makes it I suppose I could have stopped him because the direction they were even better. Miss you Holmes and thank you! heading was wrong. I didn’t. —Michael Bergenn
This journal is dedicated to the memory of Tom Alba and friends
Page 38 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 39