Spring 2012
Price: Free Photo by Garland Berenzy
Inside:
Interview with Geddy Sveikauskas * Maple Syrup! Fast Food or Not? * Best Hikes in the Area A FREE journal written by young people for young-minded people
Page 2 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Learning the Ropes: Writing 101
by Cathy McNamara, Editor-in-Chief
This last issue we got our first query letter!!! Not having much of a journalistic background, I asked myself, “What is this?” Well, it turns out that freelance writers send this type of letter to publishers of magazines or newspapers to submit an idea they have for a story. In the letter, you are basically supposed to identify yourself, explain the focus and scope of your proposal, and hope that the publication has an interest! Many major magazines receive hundreds of these letters a day. We don’t really require this kind of letter from our submitters, but they certainly can be helpful. It’s nice to get an idea of the subjects that will be covered in our submissions out on the table, so that we don’t wind up with multiple articles on the same topic. So, if you would like to submit an article to our journal, please write us a query letter. With the kind permission of Emma C., we’re reprinting her query letter below so you see how a pro does it: Dear Ms McNamara, My name is Emma Christiantelli and I am a freshman at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. I am a Communications major, with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising, as well as a minor in Spanish. I am interested in writing an article for the Good Life Youth Journal. After researching potential issues, I have decided on two topics, both of which I am passionate about. My first topic deals with the donation of prom dresses to organizations that make it possible for underprivileged girls to attend the expensive high school event. My article will use the current interest in recycling and green living to help raise awareness that clothing can also be recycled. Essentially, my article will be a call to action for teenage girls to share the fairytale experience with those who are financially restricted. My second topic deals with the issue of animal cruelty, specifically the issue of puppy mills. After much research, I am interested in writing an article that will expose the functions of puppy mills, and why their cruelty must be stopped. Although the information I have gathered is extremely sad, it is also very shocking, and in my opinion, must be shared with the general public. My article will be meant to inform the reader and share any possible ways in which they can help stop the brutality that takes place in puppy mills. I anticipate my article to be between three and four paragraphs, as the regulations state. I can also have the article completed before the end of the week. Thank you so much for this opportunity! Sincerely, Emma Christiantelli
TOC/Masthead Contents
News & Views..............................................................................pg. 4-5 Food & Nutrition........................................................................pg. 6-7 Fiction & Poetry Mash-up......................................................pg. 8-13 Advice Columns........................................................................... pg. 10 Performing Arts...................................................................... pg 14-15 The Wall.................................................................................. pg.. 16-17 Adventure................................................................................ pg. 18-19 Commentary................................................................................ pg. 20 Charities........................................................................................ pg. 19 Nature............................................................................................ pg. 21 Books & Movies..................................................................... pg. 22-23 History........................................................................................... pg. 24 Causes............................................................................................. pg.25 Local Sports/Outdoor........................................................... pg. 26-27 Memories................................................................................ pg. 28-29
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief........................................................ Cathy McNamara Art Director...............................................................Grey Ivor Morris Copy Editor...................................................................... Julie Schmidt
Major Sponsors
Stewart Scheunemann Marcus & Terri / Journey Arts Woodstock Tommie Scanlin Sarah Scanlin
Joan Reynolds Sam Magarelli Marilyn Manning Burrill Crohn
Supporting Sponsors
Annette Jaret
Mary McNamara Tashjian
Sales
Cathy....................................................... goodlifejournal@gmail.com
Printing
Maar Printers 49 Oakley Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 454-6860 sales@maarprinting.com
Distribution
Throughout the Hudson Valley GoodLife Youth Journal is published by GoodLife Publishing 20 Mountainview Avenue Woodstock, NY 12498
So, if you are a young adult aged 10-20 and would like to submit an original article or artwork to GoodLife Journal, please send us a query letter if you like along with your submission! Many thanks! Sincerely, e-mail: goodlifejournal@gmail.com www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 3
News & Views
40th Anniversary of Ulster Publishing PowWow with Founder Geddy Sveikauskas
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very morning, you probably drag yourself out of bed, sit down at the kitchen table, and read The Woodstock Times over a cup of coffee. Many people around here start the day this way, but most don’t have the pleasure of knowing the man behind it all-- Geddy Sveikauskas. Sveikauskas, the owner of Ulster Publishing, also runs The Kingston Times, The New Paltz Times, The Saugerties Times, and Almanac. All of these newspapers are lively, entertaining, and enjoyable to read—unlike the typical dry newspaper that makes you start to yawn after the first page. Now, The Woodstock Times’ 40th Anniversary is right around the corner, so it’s time for Sveikauskas to be the subject of his own article. I was fortunate enough to interview Geddy and Brian Hollander, editor of The Woodstock Times, in a humble office in uptown Kingston. With such a successful career, it’s
hard to believe that Sveikauskas started it all as a self-proclaimed “hippie.” He owned a little newspaper in Key West, Florida, for a while before making his way to the Wood-
“Journalism isn’t going anywhere. People still like to tell stories.” stock area. In 1972, the very first issue of The Woodstock Times was printed – and the rest is history. Right from the start, The Woodstock Times has brought its readers comprehen-
By Audrey Malloy, age 16
sive and reliable news (and, of course, a little controversy here and there). Forty years have passed, but the flavor of the paper remains the same. “Even after all this time,” Sveikauskas says, “we’re never finished before the light comes up on Thursday morning.” There is no denying that the world of journalism is experiencing turbulence like never before. Many local newspapers in small towns have died off in the past years. With print journalism slowly fading out of the picture, news is now switching over to the Internet. But Sveikauskas and Hollander agree that they won’t let a change like that stop them from providing the people with their news. “The world is littered with businesses that were once successful and now have become obsolete because they didn’t know how to change,” says Sveikauskas. Unlike many other publishers, he is glad to be able to use technology to beautify his work and make it more accessible. “Journalism isn’t going anywhere. People still like to tell stories […] We just need to continue to convey the information without limiting the medium used.” It’s hard for newspapers to make a profit when readers are able to read newspapers online in the comfort of their own homes instead of going out to buy a paper or paying to have it delivered to them. Many newspapers, including even The New York Times, are now charging for online subscriptions. But Sveikauskas isn’t wasting any time agonizing over the future of The Woodstock Times. “If I die with a paper worth zero cents, I’ll be fine (though I’m not sure how my kids will feel about that),” he says. However, we’re sure that’s something he doesn’t have to worry about. Whether you read the paper in your hands, on the Web, or on your phone, you can rest assured that The Woodstock Times is here to stay.
Photos by Dylan McNamara
Woodstock Times Editor Brian Hollander, Geddy and reporter Audrey Malloy Page 4 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Debt & the College Girl
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If you are like me and never gave a crap about spending money or saving it, now is a good time to kick it into gear.
at such a prestigious school. I ended up twirling round and round, dangling from a rope of stress until I realized that if I went to a city school for 6 months to a year, I’d get some credits in and still have time to apply to another school with a couple extra dollars in my pocket. Yes, believe me, it is a pain in the ass but nothing’s set in stone and I am not willing to try and pay off 128,000 dollars in four years PLUS interest with nothing handed to me from the government. Not only was I and still am stressed about my situation but so is my mom. I know that I’d rather go through this stress now than deal with it in four years, because by then it will build and tumble over on me. If you are like me and never gave a crap about spending money or saving it, now is a good time to kick it into gear. We all have to grow up sometime and it will definitely benefit you to start before you are all settled in at your nice shiny new campus. I feel a lot more confident about living on my own now and not falling into debt. I will put money toward my school loans every week until it becomes a miniscule amount. So, it seems like I have it all planned out for now; take my advice and get started before senioritis really kicks your butt off track because I am starting to drown already.
Photo by Alexa Cappola
hen we young folk think of college, what words come to mind? Obviously, education and the future are the two main roots grasped around our conscious. But let’s be honest with ourselves, shall we? Partying, drinking, clubs, late nights, football games, road trips, but most of all FREEDOM are all clustering up in our heads, swarming those roots we and our parents have planted. Now let’s take three gigantic steps back and focus in on the main picture; because if you thought the SATs knocked you out for good, get ready for round two! How do you plan on paying for college and all the luxuries that come with the experience? Debt is defined as something owed. Woopty-Doo for you if you won’t have this problem but for people like myself, this word started to come up a lot at the dinner table. My mother and I agreed that if I went to a school in her price range she would pay for it. But I wanted the experience and I was willing to sacrifice taking her up on that generous offer for a school where I believe I will get the ultimate college experience (this is a decision you and your parents will definitely have to have a talk over). I ended up choosing Penn State University Park. I will be a full time student living on campus, out of state. Now when I read over that last sentence all I see is dollar signs because this journey really makes you grow into a more mature young adult. Even if you thought that’s what you were before. Once I got hired for my first job I really started to pay attention to my expenses. It didn’t seem worth it anymore to buy a sixty dollar pair of heels whenever I felt like it; or get my hair done once a week. You really become aware of what’s important and what isn’t, your wants vs. your needs. I’m not saying that this epiphany occurs in everyone’s life but for me it definitely had an impact. I started to want to pay for things online because sometimes institutions give out good deals and discounts. For example: my fencing competitions (held by USFA), are either forty dollars at the door or twenty-five dollars online. Being a woman on a budget it seemed clear what the better option was but here comes another big problem. How do we pay for things online? DING, DING, DING, you are correct if you guessed it ladies and gentlemen… a credit card! There are all different types of credit cards, (VISA, American Express, MasterCard, etc.), and there are different factors to consider; two main ones being interest rates and rewards. If you pay your bill on time every month then you don’t build interest, just a good credit score and more rewards over time. But if you run up your card and start to ignore the bills you will begin trying to treading water under a tidal wave of interest, which leaves you washed up on the shore with DEBT printed across your forehead. A credit card can be a marvelous thing if you treat it with care. I’m starting to sound like an old lady, aren’t I? Remember how I told you earlier that I was willing to pay the expenses of Penn State for the experience? Well, after I had time to mull it over for a few months, (after I had already made my decision), I started to panic! Even with my grades, community service, leadership, and extracurricular activities, it still wasn’t enough to land me a scholarship
News & Views
— Alexa Cappola, age 18
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 5
Food & Nutrition
Food For Thought
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(without loads of sweeteners, of course), and a bowl of whole grain cereal with fruit and lowfat milk. Snacks are nice pick-me-ups between meals.
They can be carried in book bags to be eaten during school. Making healthy snacks is pretty easy, and allows for creativity. Some examples of portable, healthy snacks are whole-grain pita or raw vegetables with hummus (which comes in delicious flavors like pepper and garlic), home-made trail mix (wholegrain cereal with nuts, dried cranberries, and a wide variety of other options), and black bean dip with whole-grain crackers. It is also vital to understand what food packaging is telling you. “All natural” does not automatically mean “healthy”. Things like all natural drinks and granola bars can still be loaded with sugar and calories. Foods that claim to be “low-fat” may be just that, but the sugar level might be increased to get more people to like it. As a teenager, it is important to remember to get 60 minutes (or more) of daily exercise. Students who have a physical education class during school can get some of that 60 minutes out of the way before they even get home from school. After-school sports can also be a fun way to get exercise regularly. Living a healthy lifestyle as a teenager doesn’t have to be difficult. If you follow the advice above, it can be both easy and fun.
“For many teens, dining on fast food is the path of least resistance.”
Illustration by Jesse Ditkoff
uring those awkward teenage years, eating healthily may be the last thing on your mind, especially if you didn’t grow up in a household that did so. For many teens, dining on fast food is the path of least resistance. But even for busy teenagers, healthy eating is certainly not an impossible task. So, how do you eat healthy? An important rule would be to not skip breakfast. Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it is so easily overlooked. Skipping breakfast not only makes it very difficult to stay awake until the final bell rings, but it also slows the metabolism and deprives the body of the nutrients it needs to function properly. Since teenagers need more calcium than they will at any other stage of life, and also because they are delicious and healthy, milk, yogurt, cheese, and calcium-added orange juice should be included in your breakfast. Other ideas include a whole grain bagel with peanut butter, a hard-boiled egg with fruit, a smoothie
By Shannon-Marie Meyers, age 18
Kale Salad By Rebecca Schackne
Page 6 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Working in batches, cut kale crosswise into very thin slices. Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well. Toss kale and ricotta salata in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat well, then season with salt and pepper.
Photo by Rebecca Schackne
3/4 to 1 pound lacinato kale (also called Tuscan kale) or tender regular kale, stems and center ribs discarded 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 ounces coarsely grated ricotta salata (1 cup)
Food & Nutrition
Hudson Valley Restaurants Reviews
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tuce wrap with lettuce, pork, rice, and a Vietnamese sauce, and their peanut noodles: cold noodles in a peanut sauce, sprinkled with scallions. If you’re looking for a quick café lunch, you should seriously consider Bread Alone’s two locations, in Woodstock at 22 Mill Hill Rd and in Boiceville at 3962 Route 28. Their freshly baked bagels and rolls and their delicately crafted pastries make my mouth water just talking Yum-Yum number 52. about them. Bread Alone’s soup menu changes every squash taco with rice. Santa Fe has attentive day. Some of my favorites are the rich but not annoying servers, who I got to know beef-barley soup, the creamy corn after visiting the restaurant a couple of times. chowder, and the thick lentil soup. So, next time you’re faced with the decision These are served in a basket along- on where to eat out, try these places and be side a tasty roll. Bread Alone also prepared for a delicious treat for your taste has sandwiches, paninis, salads, and buds! quiche, and it is a great place to hang out. Mexican food has been my longtime favorite cuisine , and my favorite place to get it is Santa Fe in Tivoli, 52 Broadway, Tivoli. Santa Fe serves Southwestern and Mexican style food. To start I would recommend the guacamole-- it is the best guacamole I’ve ever had (aside from my dad’s). Then you can move on to a succulent chicken quesadilla, served with salsa, sour cream, salad, rice, and beans, or a butternut
Yum Yum is famous for its noodle bowls, which are a combo noodles, broth, and your choice of meat or tofu. style Asian cuisine. Yum Yum is famous for its noodle bowls, which are a combo of your choice of noodles, your choice of broth, and your choice of meat or tofu. The dish is served in a large bowl and topped with sauteed vegetables, nori, mushrooms, and a hard-boiled egg. Yum Yum also has a wealth of fabulous entrees, including the pork sandwich, which is a large bun filled with spicy pork, pickles, lettuce, and a spicy mayonnaise-like sauce. I also recommend their # 52, a make-your-own let-
Photo by Dylan McNamra
ver since I was very little, I have loved eating at restaurants. Almost every night I would say “Mom, can we eat out tonight?” More often than not my mother would say, “No, Dad’s making dinner”, but when she said yes, I would instantly be filled with joy. However, enchanting and delicious as restaurants are, eating out can be a tricky and risky business. So, let me offer you my tips on going out to dinner in the Hudson Valley. I’ll start with my personal favorite: Yum Yum Noodle Bar in Woodstock (4 Rock City Road, Woodstock). They offer a street-food
By: Leo Lasdun, Age:12, Woodstock, NY
Photos by Dylan McNamrara
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 7
Fiction
Elemental Magic (Part 3) Our story thus far... The narrator, Adam, has met a boy named Zach who, in the nick of time, rescued Adam off his dragon, Luna, who was falling asleep. Zach took Adam on his broomstick to Arcantile, where Zach was hoping to find lodging. Just as Zach has settled in, a bell rings in the hallway...
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hat’s Assembly. It’s this meeting they have to tell us about things that are going to happen tomorrow. Why they don’t just tell us in the morning, I have no idea,” I explained to Zach, who was looking rather perplexed about all this shuttling back and forth. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it sooner or later,” Sasha chimed in, “but the people are a whole other story.” She is right; some weirdoes end up in Arcantile because they have “magical potential.” Half of them end up about as magical as a sponge. Unfortunately, some of the most annoying ones--for example, those twins Scorpius and Drago--have plenty of real magical power. I learned that the hard way. On my first day in Dueling, I was paired up with Scorpius, the brighter of the twins. If it had been Drago, he would have tried half of the charm and said, “No! I can’t do it. Agh! I can’t do it!” and on and on and on. Scorpius, on the other hand, knew how to disable and disarm only too well. On the first try, he did disarm me. I tried to return the favor, but his wand barely flopped out of his hand. “You are doing badly, Bobert…for a beginner.” (Those two tend to christen people with different names, like Bob, Robert, Eugene, Jim or any combination of the above.) Then he disabled me quickly and I ended up with a face full of mud. “I’m so sorry, Bobert,” Scorpius
By Helen Schauffler, Age 11
mocked me. I ignored him, wiped off my face, and told Drago that he might do better with his brother, since twins are supposed to be linked. I was hoping that maybe Drago’s cluelessness might rub off on Scorpius. So far, this hasn’t happened. My roommates and I stood in the corner of the hall marked “Elementals”, waiting for Assembly to start. Then a jeering voice whispered in my ear, “Bobert, there’s trouble for you ahead! We have dueling class tomorrow, and you won’t be there!” I ignored this comment, assuming it was a trick to get me distracted before he treated me to another mud bath. “Hello, everybody,” announced the headmaster. “This is a reminder that the following lessons will be canceled this week…” ..Maybe that’s what Scorpius meant, that nobody will be at dueling! “…Advanced Summoning and
Non-Magical Studies.” Don’t worry,” I whispered, “Elementals are only allowed to take required courses. Even those are only if the castle is attacked. Stick with one of us, and you’ll be fine.” Arcantile is very careful about what they do with Elementals; apparently we are “potentially deadly.” We can’t take anything other than Potions, Dueling, and Defense. We have to live in certain areas of the castle, and when there are assemblies or meals, we are confined to a corner. It makes a lot more sense if you think of it as racial discrimination. Don’t ask me why they do it. Early the next day, as I was headed to Defense and Zach was heading across the hall to Potions with James, a palm message came through: “All Elementals to the Administrator’s Office. We don’t care if you have an exam.” I was brushing this off as something that they would announce at tonight’s assembly when I was interrupted again: “We mean it.” Fine, I thought to myself as I turned around. When I entered the room, apparently late, the Administrator told me to sit down. “As you know, a dangerous man, whom we shall call V, is operating in this area.” Probably watchmen shifts, I thought. “…This dangerous man is an Elemental. Therefore, we must reconsider our decision to harbor this dangerous race in Arcantile.” “Since when does he have a right to say that?” a girl next to me whispered. “Never. He is an eighth, I’ve heard,” I whispered back. They’re probably going to ban all messages into the castle, I thought. The Administrator continued. “We have come to the decision that all Elementals have 24 hours to leave the area… or be arrested.” TO BE CONTINUED
“We have come to the decision that all Elementals have 24 hours to leave the area… or be arrested.”
Photo by Dylan McNamara
Page 8 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Fiction
A Lesson on the Heart
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“...you should smile more often. Your smile’s beautiful,” he said, ing politely. She turned away from him and started to scribble something onto her paper, unaware that the teen beside her still hadn’t turned his gaze away from her. Still wanting to converse with her and possibly learn more, he brought up something else. “Do you have someone that you love or admire? Like a boyfriend or a peer?” He wasn’t being a stalker. He just wanted to actually talk to her since she didn’t talk often. He wanted to know why she was always the way she was. “Nope, no boyfriends, or anyone I really admire either. I’m not that open,” She said. Okay, maybe she was lying. She actually did admire someone, or some people. She admired Trix the Rabbit, a third year student, her best friend, and unbeknownst to him, she admired the guy she was currently talking to. She didn’t have a crush on him or anything like that. She just thought he was kind of hot, and looked up to him for being able to speak his mind and make friends. Who was she kidding, though? Practically everyone admired him! He had the looks (aside from his slight scowl), the grades, and a good personality. “Ah, that makes this essay a little harder to write for you, doesn’t it? Here, I’ll tell you what I’m gonna write about. I’m writing about my mom. She died in a car accident a long time ago and I’m going to talk about the grief in my family’s hearts after that happened. See, you have to focus on the emotions.” He said, playing with his pen before looking back at her.
Photo by Nick Barthel
oday, we’re going to be doing something totally different and completely out of the ordinary. “We are going to learn about the human heart,” said the Literature teacher. All the students cheered gladly because they wouldn’t have to do a regular day’s amount of work. The heart, after all, had already been taught to them in living environment. Oh, wait, this wasn’t science class. “We will start with a short five- to eighthundred word essay on what you brats think of the human heart. Write whatever you feel; all opinions are accepted. I would advise that you reference a person you know, maybe a family member or a celebrity. It’s your choice. Also, remember, elaborate your thoughts, include emotions that can be felt, and show, not tell. And don’t be grandiloquent with me,” said the teacher. She groaned silently…an essay? On the human heart? She was the probably the worst person to ask –other than that creepy kid across the room that her friend liked to talk to. What could she write? She never really saw the heart as anything other than an organ in the body that pumped blood. Well, she knew that the “metaphorical” heart that her teacher was referring to could be broken and had an unlimited amount of space. Other than that, though, she didn’t know what to write. She wasn’t filled with love and goodness like her friend was, so she definitely couldn’t find an answer looking at herself. She didn’t have any family members she could love, and she didn’t have anyone who loved her back, so this whole “heart” thing was a difficult case. “Ugh… what can I write about?” she mumbled silently, unconsciously running a hand through her hair. “Well, do you have any family members who have had their heart broken?” asked the person who sat to her left. She turned and noticed that he was sitting right there. He was insanely popular with the girls, and he was friends with practically everyone –excluding her, since she had never talked to him before. She had to admit, though, he was probably the only guy she had respect for, other than her one guy friend, but he didn’t count. “No… I, uh, don’t have a family.” He widened his eyes at her and just stared, but quickly collected himself before looking at her with a hint of sympathy. “Oh, I guess that’s not an option then, right? Uh, sorry for bringing it up, then.” “Nah, it’s okay, you didn’t know. Thanks for trying, though,” she whispered to him, smil-
By Mimi Ngo, age 14
“Uh… that’s sad, about your mom,” she replied, glancing at her hands. She didn’t even have to say “I’m sorry” for him to get the picture. It was all written in her eyes. “Um, thanks for the advice, anyways. So, I have to think about emotions of the heart?” He nodded, “Yeah, think about the emotions we can feel and put it into an essay. The easiest thing to do is to focus each paragraph on one emotion. Whether it be love, hate, regret….stuff like that. You get what I mean?” She nodded back at him, understanding, “Yeah, thanks for the help.” She smiled sincerely at him. “No problem… and you should smile more often. Your smile’s beautiful,” he said, smiling back at her before turning back to his paper. He had never talked to her before now, but he had always known she was lonely. His chat with her just now proved his thoughts to be correct. She didn’t have anyone to love her, but she had plenty of people to love, she just didn’t realize it. Somehow, that drew him towards her more. She had this weird atmosphere around her that seemed to draw him to her. Maybe if she didn’t know how to love, he could teach her. “Uh, thanks…,”she said, blushing slightly. She turned away quickly and looked down at her paper. Did he really just say I had a beautiful smile? Talk about cheesy, but that’s some corny crap right there, she thought, but it was kind of nice, I guess. No one ever compliments me, let alone a guy. www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 9
Advice
Ask Sushi
Fluffy Advice by Griffin Stewart, Brooklyn age: 11
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Q: I have a ten-year-old daughter who is beginning to follow some music groups and singers. I listened to some songs and was not happy with the tunes or the lyrics. What should I do? I can’t take the music away from her; all her friends listen to it too. A: That exact thing happens to me almost every day. Let me explain. …. For instance, the other day I found an old carrot top in a bin with a lot of tissues. I felt as though I scored, and I wanted to show everyone else what I found. When I took it to the couch, they didn’t like it. They took it away from me, and told me it was disgusting and wrong. I was sad. I felt bitter. I just wanted to sleep. I had lost something of mine. Here is my Sushi wisdom. My first question is: is this music really so bad that you have to Page 10 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Q: I just moved to a different state and started at my new school a week ago. I haven’t met anybody and the new school is a big change. A: Sounds like what just happened to me. So, I think this is going to be a question I can answer well. I just moved to a new house and I feel like a jack rabbit in the polar ice caps. There are the new place, the new people, and in your case the new school. Let’s start with the place. I don’t know what it’s like where you moved from, but where I was, it was very quiet and small and had some nice smells. Now, I live in a very loud, big, and very interesting place with lots of different smells. The people in my old place had ponytails and colorful shirts and were very chillaxed. Now, I have bustling streets with workmen and business people with ties, yellow hard hats and suits. As for the last one, I don’t go to school, but
I think school is probably one of the most stressful things in the world--not just for you but for everyone. The only thing that’s worse is being chased by a cat. Every day you have to get in on time, which means waking up early, getting on the bus, eating your lunch, then going home. Within that time frame there is a lot going on. For one thing, half of all that time is using your brain trying to soak up and understand what they are teaching, which in each school is a little different. The rest of the time is either eating your lunch or going to the schoolyard--the friend-making part. First off, you should watch and see what people are doing. Try to find the people who aren’t bullies so that you know you don’t get into a group of people that you don’t want to be in, because that happens a lot, and it’s not very fun. After you’ve found the people you want to make friends with, go up and ask if they want to play-- for instance tag, tug of war or ball. Well, maybe you wouldn’t want someone throwing a ball at you, but you get the idea. Then just have fun. Stuff will start to happen. This is the almighty Sushi wisdom: Be yourself. I know I say this a lot, but it really is a big one. Don’t try to be someone you’re not to fit in with a group, because you won’t be happy in it. If you find the right group, they’ll like you as you are, and then you’ll be golden. Also, have a good time, be happy, and stop worrying. Things will be OK. And that’s the end of my sushi column for today. Peace out, home dogs/cats. Photo by Ashley Ford
alutations, Readers! It’s me, Sushi, with another snazzy and entertaining Ask Sushi. I have a couple of questions to answer, but first the good news. We’ve moved to a new place. There are a lot of tall buildings, and everything’s a lot louder … and we have some new pack members. First of all, my new partner in crime… Milan. She’s a chihuahua with a hot personality. Then there’s Chrissy. She’s Milan’s mother. And Sun…I’d take up the whole page if I were to explain her, but to sum her up in one or two words—she’s fun and exciting. That leaves us with Jason. Jason has one of the biggest parts of the house. But what really scares me the most in this house is LUNA! She is this vicious cat that tries to scratch me to a bloody pulp. Yes, I know…gruesome. ….Oh! And there’s dad! Dez! Derek! Whichever name you choose, he is in my eyes the real alpha male. If you go into his territory, it would be wise not to upset him. On to the questions.
take it away? If it is, then I understand. But don’t just take the music away and leave your daughter wondering why. Kids are curious. Explain to her why you disapprove of it. Tell her that you don’t like either the lyrics or what they are trying to say. She may not even understand what the lyrics mean. She’s probably listening to the music because her friends are too, and she wants to be cool around them. So, tell her that she shouldn’t say what’s in the song, do what’s in the song, or be like what’s in the song around adults or kids. If you do this, then you probably don’t even have to take the music away from her.
Charity
A Sad Truth
By Emma Christiantelli, age 18
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s it actually possible to resist those wide, droopy, please-love-me puppydog eyes that innocently gaze out the store window? A puppy’s eyes are often so hypnotic that we can’t help but to fall instantly in love with them. Most of these puppies, however, are using these eyes that we adore so much to mask their horrifying pasts. As pet store customers, we are fooled by the puppy-dog eyes, for many of these canines have experienced horrors beyond our imagination. These too-cute-for-words puppies were undoubtedly bred in a puppy mill. To those who are not fully informed on the topic, a puppy mill may seem like nothing more than a factory that spews out lively little dogs, right into the arms of loving families. In reality, however, puppy mills are large-scale dog breeding facilities that operate under substandard breeding and living conditions. Hundreds of thousands of dogs suffer under the cruelty of puppy mills in our nation. However, puppy mills are nothing new. In fact, these horrible facilities have existed for decades, and dogs of all breeds have experienced the terrors. The continuous expansion of puppy mills is unfortunately due in part to our absentminded support. Puppy mills prey on the unwitting customers at commercial pet shops. When we buy a puppy from a local pet store, whether we know of it or not, we have financially supported a puppy mill. A life for a puppy in a puppy mill is far from a happy home. Locked in cages just big enough to fit them, stacked from the floor to the ceiling, the puppy is not able to even turn its body around inside the cage. Unfed, sick-
Photo by Laney Eccleston
How can you resist those eyes?
ly, and drenched in the feces of the puppies above, these puppies never see life outside of their cage. Left without heat or air-conditioning, they freeze in the winter months and overheat in the summer months. These dogs receive little to no veterinary care, toys and beds are unheard of, and taunting is common. The puppies are bred continuously and, after their fertility wanes, are commonly killed, abandoned, or sneakily sold to another mill. Worst of all, as a result of all the breeding and inbreeding, many of the puppies end up with severe health and even behavioral
problems. The healthy puppies are shipped to commercial pet stores and their parents are left behind in wire crates and deathly conditions. Many of the dogs left behind in the mill never see even the slightest hope for human companionship. Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Puppy mills are undoubtedly one of the many low-points of our society. The fact that these mills are allowed to function at the cost of these poor dogs’ lives is completely unacceptable. It is time for the state and federal governments to enforce the laws to protect the dogs and see that these mills are shut down as soon as possible. Reputable breeders do exist in our nation, none of which ever have hundreds of dogs at a time. These breeders care for the dogs themselves, rather than the number on the paycheck. The dogs that are trapped in puppy mills are victims of nothing other than human greed. The heartless people that run the breeding mills are in it for self-profit and nothing else. And to think that we consider dogs to be “man’s best friend.”
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 11
Fiction & Poetry Mashup
Destruction of Wonderland
By Beth Uptegrove, age 17
Looking through a looking glass Falling into a trance Like Alice in Wonderland I wake up in a colorful place Where dreams are hid away Surfacing when least expected A marble statue stands in a garden Golden flies buzz around A faint scent of lilac tendrils Tugging at my senses Pulling me farther in Breezes play with my raven curls I open my eyes, deceived I am not Alice, I never was But still so vividly I see A purple cat cat with gleaming, scheming eyes Looking at me dutifully He smiles then laughs, and points at me I see a rabbit run by, somethings wrong It’s not white, it’s black as ash Illustration by Hannah Corwin, age 16
He carries not a watch but a hammer The flowers are all gone, in their place sits dirt, and rocks, dead as can be No merry laughter enchants my ear as it did once, the table stands empty No unsolvable riddle meets my ear as it once did Why is a raven like a writing desk? Out with the old and in with the new Where has the Mad Hatter gone? He stands over a red field No more rosy cheeks, no bright eyes Dull and gray, no life, no joy left In his lonely soul, what has it come to The world, my world, has ruined my dreams This is not my dream, I am no longer Alice This worlds not mine, it has slowly been destroyed It has become like my world Filled with death and war It is no more, I am no more But a mere fairytale There is no looking glass for me There is nothing to come back to Both worlds are now equal Page 12 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
This is the Room by Eliza Siegel, age 15 This is the room where gold glass hangs in sparkling decagons Reflecting off the chilly, somnolent air This is the room where hummingbirds float in flocks, twittering and dancing Where white roses slowly seep crimson This is the room that holds the planets inside a patchwork quilt Sewn by stars This is the room where shining copper kettles steep lilac tea for the sweet-smelling bees, come at noon This is the room that holds the secrets of the forest How the leaves crunch, flutter, and the fallen branches crack precisely underfoot
This is the room where evergreen symphonies are composed, ending with the sweet note of sap that drips from the clef Where rules are not rules, just guidelines This is the room where filtered almond light is collected in spare jam jars and stored away This is the room that seeks solace in unexpected places, chasing shadows into solitary caves of sunshine This is the room that believes in far too many songs and never has time to eat or rest Where silver ceramic sails are kept in the darkest of corners And this is the room that you will find locked away in your mind Waiting to be found
Fiction & Poetry Mashup
A Lunar Winter The moon is bold and faces much envy, it cries, yearning to be sucked back from the cluttered abyss, and empty the hands that hold it. The crystal covered face is icy, dripping ethereal rosin. Constellations of minuscule moons fly to the pulse of throbbing hearts in awkward formation. Unforgiving in sequences of disarrayed motions, Photo by Ashley Ford, age 17
caressing only absence of air. The material essence of those moons, shattered, in the scarce wind. — Kennah Robertson, age 14
Black Holes and Stardust by Maya Fischer, age 16 born from stardust-she engraves her-name in the milky way-through judgment clouded by-black holes and-meteors-my last encounter with-her was eonsago when she fell-from the starlight my-shadows cast under-moonlit gardens of-solid silver serpents-and born under the-repression flecked-with creation and-constellations. she told me-once-of the fairytales-planets would tell her-and the lies my-parents told me seem-suddenly-indisputable-but I can’t seem to get-the shape of your hand imprints-off of my-outdated starguides-and telescopes-it still haunts me at night-the feeling-that you aren’t only-my favorite starmap-but my only nightguide. centered on the-planetary rotation-of the stars-and elements-they are composed of-in a non-linear pattern-that cannot be traced-back to our lost-solar systemin the haze-of a red giant-and its carbon-and nitrogen-star stuff-star dust.
Photo by Nina Merritt, age 17
the blinding light-which lasted hours-before the sky-swallowed up the dust-particles of the universe-have been making me-think about the-lack of breath-and life-and time-in black holes-and on the other side-of the sun. how is time-measured if no one-is there to measure it-how does the universeknow when it’s time-to start over-or-because of this lack-of clocks-and consciousness-is it in a constant-state of starting over? meteors-and comets-and shooting stars-and exploding giants-never werearen’t-and never will be-what if-in all our star particles-and sunbeams-burning our flesh slowly-what if we-are a mistake-and we were born to die-so we can finally-be reborn as stars? www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 13
Performing Arts
“A Day In The Life of a Dancer”
“I yank on my ballet slippers, tie back my hair, and run into the dance studio.”
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Photography by Hannah Corwin
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s I walk into NYCA (New York Conservatory for the Arts), I walk past people huddled around tables, listening to music, singing, dancing, laughing and making jokes. They are fellow NYCA students, all of them completely different and unique. I look at the clock: 2:10; I’m late for ballet class! I grab my dance bag, which has been re-stitched and repaired in many places, because I’ve been using it for the past six years. I yank on my ballet slippers, tie back my hair, and run into the dance studio. Class is just beginning. Dance is an awesome way to express yourself. Not only that, but it’s had an enormous influence on our culture, as well as many other cultures around the world. People use dancing for traditional rituals, story telling, and theater. There are tons of different types of dances out there - TONS. As for me, I›m currently taking tap and ballet classes, but I would LOVE to learn salsa dancing or hip-hop dancing. There are lots of advantages to dance. When I asked fellow NYCA students to name some advantages, I got the following replies:
“It makes you hot.” (Yeah, my big sister said that.) Another person said: “It encourages you to make healthy decisions, because when you’re taking care of your body, it makes you want to be healthy in other ways, like with what you eat.” It’s also a great way to get rid of stress, as well as an awesome form of free expression. If you’re a dedicated dance student, however, it can take up a lot of free time (which isn’t a problem if you’re doing what you love). I asked another fellow NYCA student about her weekly dance schedule, and she replied: “On Wednesdays, I have tap class for one hour, and then I have jazz class for one hour (back to back), then on Thursday I have a more advanced class (tap for an hour, jazz for an hour -back to back). Then, on Saturday, I have advanced ballet from 2:00 to 3:00.” I asked how many dance classes total she has per week - five. Whether you’re a dedicated dance student or a potential rockstar dancing to LMFAO›s “Party Rock Anthem” in your room, I suggest that you continue to do what you love. If dancing is your passion, go for it. To quote Plato, “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” — Hannah Corwin, age: 16
Performing Arts
Garland Berenzy Film Productions
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hen you picture the typical techie nerd, a guy like Garland Berenzy isn’t what most people think of. Standing well over 6 foot with cutting-edge hair and a boyish smile, it’s hard to believe that Berenzy knows more high-tech filming terms than he does modeling agencies’ numbers. However, at only 16, Berenzy shoots, produces and edits short films, all under the working title of Garlandberenzyfilms. Although Berenzy loves to skateboard and hang out with his friends like most teenage boys, there’s more going on behind cameras that requires time, money and talent. At this age, many teens are just beginning to discover what they enjoy doing. But for Berenzy, it’s clear that film is his one true love. His interest began back in 2007, when him and his friend were just messing around with an iMac computer, making little movies here and there. Berenzy found he had quite a penchant for film, and started working on projects himself. Just five years have passed, and Berenzy has made a name for himself already. He seizes all opportunities around him, and often incorporates his friends in his work. At any given time, Berenzy could have about seven clients’ videos he’s working on, from his friends in school to musicians in New York City. Berenzy finds that he’s sur-
rounded by great mentors, but he claims his biggest teacher has been Google. The money is sporadic, he confesses, but it’s his love for film that keeps him going. “The best you can do is to just do with what you have.” He started his movies with just school equipment, but because he takes it so seriously, he has even made a hefty investment on a high-quality camera to make his work that much better. Berenzy also improves his work by making short personal videos just to experiment with effects and different styles. Though he loves trying new things out, Berenzy isn’t afraid to admit that he finds himself attracted to cliché film ideas time and time again. “They’re cliché for a reason – they’re good.” While Berenzy knows the world of film isn’t an easy one, he isn’t discouraged. “It’s a really competitive business, but film is something I truly enjoy.” Before he goes off to college, he wants to have some experience under his belt, and it’s safe to say he’s on the right
by Audrey Malloy, age 16
track. Berenzy’s young age occasionally poses a problem for him, because people are less willing to invest their money in a 16-yearold’s work. However, Berenzy charges much less than other competitors, and he’s reliable. “I’m only 16. Getting attention isn’t something I’m too focused on.” Berenzy does film not because he’s in it for the money or fame, but because he takes pleasure in it. “I love the whole process – writing, coming up with ideas, shooting, postproduction, the release, and the satisfaction that comes afterward.” This is only just the beginning of an entire world of filming for him. Perhaps what keeps Berenzy so fresh and talented is his laid-back attitude on what may come. When asked what advice he could could give to other aspiring filmmakers, Berenzy said with a grin, “At this time I don’t have much advice to give, but if anyone has any for me, it’s more than welcome.” For more information, you can contact him at garland. berenzy@gmail.com.
theinnersmile.deviantart.com
Movie review by Rachel Reimer, age 15
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 15
the wall
illustration * art *
Robot illustrations by Quentin A. Champ-Doran, age 15
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Illustrationby Lindsay Gail
Illustrations by Caleb McNamara, age 20
manga * photo * comics * digital * lifestyle * Satire
Fairy illustrations by Laurel Del Tufo, age 14
Illustration by Lindsay Gail
Illustration by Gabe Martindale, age 11
Illustration by Theresa Giardina, age 12
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 17
Adventure
Africa
Taken in Conkary Guinea Photos by Evan Shornstein of the Paper Planets
(Top) Our last day in Guinea drumming with all of our wonderful teachers! (Left) An island off the coast where we went to swim because the water on the coast of Conakry is too polluted with garbage.
(Left) This is Muhammad, a cute 3 year old who lived in one of the two houses in our walled in compound. He spent most of his time running around naked! (Right) This is 10,000 Guinean Francs, slightly more than 1 US dollar.
New Website:
ArtBuyYouth.com
A new website for art by youth for sale (under construction). 80% of purchase price will go to the artist and 20% to GoodLife Youth Journal. Purchase can be made through emailing GoodLifejournal@Gmail.com
Jennifer Lynn Morse Summer’s Mist in Kingston, 10 by 8 inches $175 Yogi, 19 by 24 inches (framed) $150
Cooper Lake Spirit Photograph, 8 by 10 inches $175
Jacci Fishburne Yogi III, 19 by 24 inches (framed) $150
Yogi II, 24 by 19 inches (framed) $150 Page 18 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Veiled and Unveiled, 8 by 10 inches $175
Adventure
France and Iceland
Photos by Rio Morales
(Right) Taking it all in - Reykjavik, Iceland.
(Left) Scraping the plate - Paris, France.
(Right) Carried by the wind - Île de Batz, France.
Gas Mask, 10 by 8 inches $50 Amanda Syvertsen External Bloom 16 by 20 inches $200
Rachel Lennox Princess Mononoke, 16 by 20 inches $150
Rachel Reimer Cyclops, 8 by 10 inches $50 www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 19
Commentary
A Chance for a Fairytale
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recycling, most of the organizations state that a prom or formal dance is an important milestone in a girl’s life that should not be missed due to financial restrictions. The organizations are using the current interest in recycling and green living to help raise awareness that clothing can also be recycled. There are
DonateMyDress.org is the first national campaign designed not only to encourage girls to donate their old prom dresses, but also to make it extremely easy to find the closest and most convenient organization to donate to. This website has an elaborate list of organizations that is growing longer every day and makes donating a dress almost too simple. Each organization dedicates itself to providing underprivileged girls with a chance that they wouldn’t have otherwise. In effect, they all play Fairy Godmother in so many young women’s Cinderella stories. The donation of prom dresses is becoming more popular in high schools and even colleges! If you are considering donating one or more of your prom dresses and accessories to one of these organizations, please visit DonateMyDress.org, or even look in your local paper for an organization that is nearby. Many programs are available for simply dropping off the gown and items. Mailing the dress or accessories is an option as well, especially if the organization is out of state. Before donating the dress, however, be sure to check the organization’s guidelines. Occasionally, there are specific requests of the organizations that your dress may or may not apply to. Also, be sure to briefly examine the dresses to ensure that they are in good condition. Finally, if possible, donate the dress or dresses well in advance of the prom. Some organizations establish a cut-off date for donations. Too many young women are missing out on such a special night because of the inability to pay. Let’s change that! By simply donating a dress that is no longer used, another young woman can have her fairytale experience. If you’ve already had the chance to be Cinderella, it’s time to be the Fairy Godmother. Donate a dress today! Illustration by Mimi Ngo, age 14
P
rom Night is a momentous experience, and it is safe to say that almost every young woman wishes to look like Cinderella on this special night. For this transformation, a girl typically needs the perfect dress, jewelry, shoes, purse, flowers for her date…the works! However, in the real world, fairy godmothers do not suddenly appear to provide these items, and as most girls know before they even begin to shop for this special night, the cost of these items can add up in the blink of an eye. Sadly, many young women are unable to afford the signature formal wear, thus, not able to attend the event. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations across the nation where disadvantaged girls can acquire free, stunning prom gowns for the big night. Donating a prom dress to one of these organizations provides the opportunity to give a young woman all the excitement of this unforgettable experience that is too often taken for granted. Posing the question, “How many teenage girls actually wear their prom gowns more than once?” reveals interestingly similar responses. Speaking from firsthand experience, it is in fact very difficult to find or attend another event that the dress would even be appropriate to wear for. This means, therefore, that there are thousands upon thousands of prom dresses hanging in closets across the United States, awaiting the unlikely day that they will be worn again. The money and time spent on the Prom is too much to leave that gorgeous gown and accessories to collect dust for years to come. This is the primary concern of all the prom dress organizations that have been created over the years. In addition to the benefits of
by Emma Christiantelli, age 18
countless programs and organizations across the United States that are accepting prom gowns and accessories from anyone willing to donate. Some of the well-known organizations include “The Princess Project,” “Operation Prom Dress,” “Becca’s Closet,” and “The Fairy Godmother Project.” These, however, are only four of hundreds of organizations.
Nature
Tapping Maple Trees
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very year, when the weather is right, my family taps our maple trees. We have twenty trees that we tap. We have been doing it for eight or so years now and every year, my brother and I try to be the first to taste the sap when it drips out of the tree. My whole family loves tapping maple trees, and we especially love the finished product! Tapping trees is a family tradition, and I have many fond memories of tree tapping. I will always remember coming home from school in the spring and smelling the sweet, mouth watering scent of maple syrup cooking. When I was in kindergarten, several times my mom brought in pancakes and syrup for the class, and told them how to tap trees. When my brother was seven, his Cub Scout troop came over to tap trees at our house, and learn how it was done. There is a specific way to tap trees. We tap trees when the weather is warm enough for the sap to run, usually in spring. This year, though, since we have been having such a warm winter, we are tapping them in the winter. To tap a maple tree, we drill a hole in the tree, as far a way as possible from the previous year’s holes. Next, we can hammer in the tap and hook the bucket to it. Then,
after it is full, we boil the sap over a stove. We have an outside stove that my dad built for this purpose. We strain the sap, and boil it until all the water is boiled out, leaving only maple syrup. When the syrup is finished, there are many things we can do with it. Whenever we have guests over, we have pancakes and our homemade maple syrup for breakfast. My family often gives it as presents because who doesn’t love maple syrup? Of course, we eat it ourselves too. We eat it on pancakes (my dad is a master pancake chef), ice cream, yogurt, and even mix it into milk. It is also very handy to use as a substitute for sugar in any recipe. Sometimes, when we boil it to much, it hardens, and there are little maple candies at the bottom of the pan. They are so good! My family loves tapping trees and making syrup. The syrup is delicious and fun to give away, and it really is satisfying to collect all the sap out of the buckets, though I am not sure why. I hope that tapping maple trees is a tradition that will be passed down and enjoyed by future generations of my family. — Story & Illustrations by Agnes Anderson, age 12
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 21
Books & Movies
Anger Issues
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by Arianna White
hen you look at Koren Zailckas, author of the popular memoir Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood and its sequel Fury: True Tales of a Good Girl Gone Ballistic, it’s hard to imagine that all the things she’s written are true. Her sweet face and innocent demeanor contradict
Zailckas showed us all how being really pissed can sometimes be a gift in disguise. the tumultuous life she’s described in these two books. You’d never guess that she had a problem with alcohol, a problem with anger, and numerous problems with her family. At a recent reading of Fury, which took place in Oriole 9 just this past February, Zailckas showed us all how being really pissed can sometimes be a gift in disguise. Koren was just barely out of her alcoholriddled high school and college days when she wrote her first book Smashed, which
she called a “party girl memoir.” During the process of writing it, which was not very long as she completed her first draft in roughly four months, Koren came to realize that her family life played a key role in forming her desire to go out on the weekends and get wasted. “I wasn’t ready to admit that, not even just to anyone who read it [Smashed], but to myself and my family,” Zailckas said. “The four years that it took me to write this book [Fury] made me see that that did have a lot to do with it. I grew up with the idea that emotions were unacceptable, especially anger, so of course, drinking became a way to self-medicate and push those emotions down.” Whereas her first book was written after Koren got sober and had time to process and reflect a little bit, Fury was mainly written in real time, recounting events as she was living them. Working through the emotional baggage she had been carrying since childhood was a bonus, but going through her “Five Stages of Grief ” when dealing with her fam-
ily was her biggest relief. “The issue I personally solved was like a grieving process. I had to accept that I had some family issues and some childhood baggage, and I needed to try to go through KublerRoss’s Five Stages: I felt really pissed off about them, felt really sad about them, but I ultimately had to accept that my family wasn’t going to see my point of view, that my family wasn’t always going to be empathetic or be the kind of people you could come to with feelings and have them want to listen and understand.” Koren Zailckas took the experience of writing Smashed and Fury and turned it into a life lesson. Sitting with Koren and hearing about how expressing her anger and being honest with her family opened a new avenue for communication was really refreshing. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to even mention harbored anger or resentments that you may have, but once you’ve opened that door, opportunities to fix things will fall into your lap. It takes time and patience and a lot of hard work, but as Koren Zailckas has shown us in her books, working through it in a healthy way can only help.
Hello! My name is Chloe Brovitz, and I am now in my senior year at the Woodstock Day School. I’m writing to you because I work on the crisis hotline phone service at Family, where I get calls dealing with issues such as depression, loneliness, domestic abuse, child abuse, housing difficulties and (though I’ve never received one of these) suicide. There is a special phone line devoted to teenagers, where teens can call to talk specifically to another teenager. However, in my 4 months at Family I’ve never gotten a teen line call. Recently, the program directors have been working on reaching out to teens and making Family’s services known. One way this is being implemented is by creating a system in which teens can send a text message from their phones, and then have that text be transferred to an email that will be read and responded to by a teenager at Family. We’re also hoping to use social networking sites to reach out to local youths.
Thank you! Chloe Page 22 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
Photo by Chloe Brovitz, age 17
However we need help! If anyone 16 or above is interested in taking part in this exciting project (either with working in the hotline, or just helping get the word out there), please email Sue Carroll at scarroll@familyofwoodstockinc.org.
Books
Olive Free Library Embraces Technology
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example, the Intro to Beekeeping seminars are being held on April 28th and May 5th. These classes discuss honey bees, the equipment used in beekeeping, and how to keep your own bees successfully. All of these community-oriented events help the library to create the “town square” atmosphere that the librarians there strive for. Because of the spacious building the library is located in, other educational activities also take place there. For example, in the basement of the building there is a local history museum. They are currently working on historical archives to go along with all the historic artifacts. This is a great place to go to learn about the extensive history of where we live today. There is also a large community room located in the same building as the library. Here, local concerts are often held. The library sponsors trail mix concerts once a month, showcasing world class musicians. Currently, the room houses an art show, displaying the work of a seven-year-old girl named Marley Quick. Overall, the features that the Olive Free Library has to offer are too valuable to go unnoticed. The librarians there work hard to make sure it is holding the most community-oriented activities possible, for all ages. The library can be found on Rt 28-A in West Shokan. Visit its website at olivefreelibrary. org to learn more about what the library has to offer, or go visit and speak to the friendly librarians whose main goal is to help you. As Ruthanne did say, her favorite part of her job is meeting new people. Photo by Rachel Castellano, age 17
f asked what the center of Woodstock is, most would very quickly answer, “The Green”. Although it may not be the geographical center of the town, it is around there where most people congregate in Woodstock. Where is the center of Olive? Unknown to most, the geographic center of Olive is the library. The Olive Free Library hosts a variety of programs for all ages, making it a community center with a lot of potential. This is important in a town that is so widely dispersed. To keep up with the rise of technology, the library offers downloadable books. To ensure that the people buying those books can use them correctly, the library offers classes so that those interested can try out the library’s nooks and kindles. Although librarian Ruthanne Muller says that there is a certain pleasure in printed material, she admits that technology “opens up a whole new world.” The library has eight up-to-date comput- The library. Check it out! ers, and is currently trying to increase its technology inventory. “This,” ers are set up to help them retrieve factual inRuthanne says, “is the library’s strongest at- formation very easily. Not only are there endtribute.” less amounts of popular young adult books The Olive Free Library hosts a large vari- (“The Hunger Games” has recently become ety of activities--more than most people are the most popular), there are also CDs and aware of. These activities cater to all ages. For DVDs to take out. Students also utilize the kids as young as preschoolers, there is story library to do community service, such as orhour every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Along with ganizing the shelves and cleaning. For adults, story hour, the library holds craft and yoga the library offers a book club. The most recent classes. Every month, the library also hosts a book was “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” movie night, showing current, popular mov- by Muriel Barbery. Although this is a great ies. The most recent movie shown was The feature of the library, the library also holds Muppets. For students, the library’s comput- community activities unrelated to books. For
by Rachel Castellano
Library Calendar Phoenicia Library: Sats: Story time11:00-12:00 Come and hear a story, and maybe do a craft, do a dance, or have a snack! Visit the new Teen Room too! call 845-688-7811/ or visit on the web Olive Library: Tues: Story Hour 10:00-11:00 Call for other activities for children, teens, and adults! 845-657-2482/ or visit on the web
Woodstock Library: Tues: Pre-school story time 4:00, Wed’s. Toddler story time 10:30 Call Lesley Sawhill 845-679-7149/ visit on the web
Kingston Library: Tues Toddler Story hour, 3:00-5:00, 2nd Sat of mo. Origami 10:30-11:30 w/Anita Barbour. Call 3310507 x7 Stephanie Morgan/or Web
West Hurley Library: Mons: Pre-school story hour 10:30, Weds: Knitting Group 6:00-830, 4th Mon. of every month Movie Call 845-657-2482/ or visit on web
Poughkeepsie Library: Big Read: Teen Art Contest based on “The Maltese Falcon”. Submit matted artwork by May 29! Youthevents@poklib.org www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 23
History
My Hero
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By Rowan C. Ferris, age 16
By Sherret Spaulding Chase, age 93 April 9, 2012
non-violent resistance known as civil disobedience. Gandhi believed that if there was violence, nobody won. After gaining independence for India, Gandhi tried to make peace between the two religious factions there: the Hindus and the Muslims. Gandhi tried to make the people understand that there was no Hindus or Muslims, only Indians--only
thought this was wrong. He became a prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. King followed both the teachings of Jesus Christ and Mohandas Gandhi, using civil disobedience and peaceful protest to win equality for the African Americans. In 1963, Mr. King delivered his famous “I have a Dream” speech. The speech spoke out against racial segregation and racial discrimination. Sadly, shortly after his speech Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed at his hotel. Once again another hero died for what he believed in: Peace, Freedom, and Equality. After learning all this, I came to a realization. A real hero was not what you saw in the movies, some lone warrior in the middle of a battlefield. There is no hero in war or violence, only victims. A real hero does not use weapons--he uses words. A real hero goes into conflict to make peace. A real hero does what’s right, no matter what the consequences are. A real hero believes in the unbiased truth. And a real hero will risk his or her life for an idea. People aren’t born heroes. I think that an individual person does not become a hero on his or her own; an idea creates a hero. It’s not who you are, it’s what you do. I believe that every person has the potential to be a true hero. Whenever a person is willing to show kindness and compassion and expect nothing in return, that person will become a hero…to somebody. Photo by Nahela Jade Reina
hen I was young, I used to go to my grandmother’s house. My grandmother was alive and kicking during the 1920S—so she was old. She was also very old-fashioned, and she was religious. However, when I was a child I was not exposed to any kind of religion, so I used to walk around her house wondering what all of the big letter “T’s” hanging on the walls were for. I finally asked my grandmother and was told they were called “crosses”. “O.K.,” I said, “But who’s the little guy sitting on it?” “Well, that’s Jesus Christ, of course,” she said. “He’s on the cross because he was crucified there, you know, so he could die for our sins.” “So why’d they kill him?” was my next question, “Was he bad? Did he fight?” “No, no” she said, “He was completely peaceful. He helped people…..In fact, to him, everyone was equal, no matter where they were from or what religion they believed in. It was because he helped everyone, not just the Jews, that they killed him.” Jesus was not the only good person who tried to help others, and was punished for it. At school I soon began to learn how history seemed to repeat itself. For example, Mohandas K. Gandhi worked to free the Indian people from the injustice of an oppressive British government. Gandhi fought for freedom, not with violence, but a strategy of peaceful,
humans. But he was shot down by a Hindu radical. Ironically, this radical shared Gandhi’s religion. So once again, a good man tries to make peace, and what happens? He gets killed because of it. Our next example comes from the 1950s, a time when African Americans were widely discriminated against in the United States by Caucasians who believed they were superior because of their skin color. An African American preacher named Martin Luther King, Jr.
A NAVAJO BLANKET
When my father, Clement Edwards Chase, was a student of civil engineering at Cornell University, he spent summers in Colorado and Wyoming working on construction of wooden-trestle railroad bridges and on irrigation projects. That was over 100 years ago. On weekends, he would take a pack mule up into the high mountain valleys to camp and fish for trout. One day, when he returned to camp, he found that his blanket, an Armyissue blanket of a style used in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s, was gone. In its place was a used Navajo blanket, welldesigned and woven, of white, red, and black wool.
Page 24 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
An historic tale from the 1890s, handed down from father to son
We have that blanket today - a “chief ’s” blanket we are told, and considered quite unusual. Why the switch? It made no sense. It made no sense - until just a few years ago, when we had the blanket appraised by an expert in New Mexico. There was a good reason for the switch, the appraiser said; it is likely that my father’s old Army blanket, which we, through the years, had thought was dull khaki, was instead of the Civil War-type, a fine quality blanket woven of red wool, a color of wool scarce among the Navajo; and, for the Indian’s wife, it was a source of fine red wool that she would unravel and have enough for weaving four or five “chief ’s” blankets.
Causes
Fracking Too Close to Home
T
one watt of that because much, if not all the energy will be sold overseas. As far as new jobs being created goes, all the high paying positions are filled by trained professionals already employed by the companies, and even trucking and maintenance jobs created would be short term (as wells generally run
certainly not a lost cause; your “no fracking way” bumper sticker is not going to waste. The solution lies in banning fracking on a town-wide level. A municipal ban would prevent people from leasing or selling their land to gas companies and thereby eliminate the possibility of temptation. Throughout New York State several towns have already enacted this legislation and as you’d imagine, some major lawsuits have been filed, claiming this is unconstitutional. It is of the utmost importance that these bans are allowed to stand and that as many towns as possible follow suit. The flow of the water shed is not fully understood and ground water contamination anywhere in the region may affect our drinking water and streams. Reservoirs that provide New York City with 90% of its water are currently practically unfiltered. If they are poisoned, billions of dollars will be needed to purify them. Even if you personally don’t plan on selling your land, you most likely don’t own the mineral rights to it, which means there’s nothing stopping Halliburton from buying your neighbor’s land and drilling horizontally right under your Fisher-Price swingset. Luckily for us, the Woodstock town board has already drafted a 23-page bill that will keep us safe from every aspect of the fracking industry. It will of course put a ban on fracking and even speculation within the municipality of Woodstock and also prevent heavy truck use on our roads, so we won’t even be a pit-stop for the bad guys. Hopefully our neighboring towns will create similar policies and work together to preserve the Hudson Valley. If this legislation is passed , it will be a big step towards protecting our beautiful land and clear water for generations to come. Photo by Garland Berenzy
o those of us nestled amidst the bucolic Catskill Mountains, the threat of falling prey to the evils of the oil industry has never seemed especially impending. Buzz words like “offshore drilling” and “tar sands” pop up from time to time in our gmail inboxes, accompanied by a grotesque jpeg of some exotic bird drenched in glistening black oil. We hurriedly shut the window before carrying out our duty as upstanding liberal citizens and clicking forward--hopefully someone else will take the cause to heart. It’s not really affecting us anyway. However, with the recent discovery of the vast Marcellus shale deposit under New York State, the issue strikes closer to home; quite literally, in our backyards. With half the world’s oil and natural gas deposits depleted, the discovery comes at a particularly crucial time. We’ve been carrying out our lives atop billions of dollars of energy--energy that to release would mean destroying our way of life. Since the Marcellus shale lies so far beneath the ground (about 9,000 feet), the only way to extract the gas is through hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.” While the gas industry likes to claim this is a harmless process that’s been around since the 1800’s, the way it is being used today bears little resemblance to the harmless practice of the past. Hundreds of years ago, fracking was used to break rock vertically about 100 feet down to construct water wells. Today, fracking works by injecting millions of gallons of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground under enormous pressure. The shale is fractured and pockets of natural gas are released, along with about half of the water (the other half remains underground, slowly infiltrating the watershed). There are hundreds of chemicals in this solution, many of which the companies deem “trade secrets” and refuse to divulge to the public. Of the 201 we do know, 90% are toxic. There’s no safe way to dispose of the waste water that comes out of the ground either, so most of it sits around indefinitely in big plastic containers near the drilling sites where some of it evaporates and some leaks right back into the ground. To operate one well, 3-9 million gallons of water are needed per month. So for all that risk, you’d think the payoff must be huge. Well, most estimates state that enough gas could be obtained to provide power to the United States for about two years. And in reality, we probably won’t see
By Violet Lasdun
dry fairly quickly) leaving behind ruined landscapes, poisoned water, and no jobs. All these are indisputable facts; just Google fracking and you will discover a plethora of websites dedicated to enlightening and informing you on the scores of detrimental effects associated with the industry. But even armed with this knowledge the lure of easy money can be enticing. When you’ve been a farmer for 65 years, working long hours and just managing to scrape by, it’s next to impossible to refuse a fat check from a friendly suit who just wants to lease your land. And when they come along with their drills and offer you even more money to tear out your prize tomatoes and turn your verdant pastures into toxic sludge, you accept because now your son can go to college, because now you can visit your baby grand-daughter in Hawaii. When your tap water becomes so contaminated that it is literally flammable, you pack up and move to a seaside condo in Florida. For all these reasons, leaving it up to individuals to keep frackers out is simply not realistic. However, it’s
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 25
Local Sports
Woodstock Little League Testimonials Schedule of Events
• April 22- Opening day Rick Volz, BBQ, open to all community 12 noon. • May 5th- Tommy John appearance • May 17th: Special Event – see website • June 16th: Bus trip to Yogi Berra and minor league game and fireworks.
See our website for all information www.oswmvll.com
Kevin Christofara, president of Mountain Valley Little League.
Miles’ words: “Well to start off, I play pitcher, shortstop and 2nd base for the Woodstock Little League. My favorite position is pitcher. This past summer, legendary- Hall of Fame pitcher, Rollie Fingers came to Woodstock to present an award to me for my pitching. It was a huge honor. I have made some good friends over the years who I spend time with on and off the field. My favorite moment in the league would have to be opening day last year. I hit 2 home runs, 1 grand slam and 1 solo. I will remember that forever because it was my first home run in the majors – especially because it was the day before my 11th birthday. Being a part of a team and working really hard will help you a lot life.”
Miles Eberhard / age 11 – Woodstock Little League Page 26 • www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com
“Being a part of a team and working really hard will help you a lot life.”
M
y name is Daniel Meisler and I started playing baseball in Tball on one of the Woodstock Little League Teams. From Tball, I moved up to the minors and my favorite position is first base. I like first base because my coaches taught me the skills i needed to be good and have fun with that position. A lot of key plays are made at first base so it feels good to support your team and make the catch and tag a player out. I play baseball with a lot of my friends and it’s fun to be on the same team with them Daniel / age 11 – Woodstock Little League or play against them. This year I move up to the majors and I’m excited because it’s kid pitch! Our coaches are going to teach us how to pitch and give us the skills we need to be confident when we step up to the plate and try to knock the ball out of the park! I know that may take awhile...but I’ll have fun trying!!!! — Daniel and Jeanine
Outdoor
Catskill Hiking Adventures
S
pring is here! Abundant sunshine means it’s time we get outside. We’re lucky to live in one of the best areas to experience everything spring has to offer (even though every season in the Catskills is great). Here are some of the best outdoor and easy to get to spots in the area. OVERLOOK - Woodstock, Medium Hike Anyone from Woodstock has most likely been up to Overlook. Those who haven’t have to do it. The first time I hiked up Overlook, I rode on my brother’s back. If I could make it up at the age of 5, you can do it now. Nothing beats the view from the top, but the hike up is unique as well. The mysterious cement foundation of the old Overlook Mountain House still stands about three-quarters of the way up. The ruins make for great exploring. From the center of town, drive up Rock City Rd. It turns into Meads Mountain Rd. Continue on until the trailhead/parking lot. The 3-mile uphill hike is on an access road, so what lacks in terrain it makes up for in length.
Plattekill Falls. The steep valley (technically a clove) is home to some of the oldest growth in the Catskills, and the ancient trees and booming falls make for a very majestic landscape. Make sure you bring a camera! It’s not suggested to hike here in anything but dry sunshine. With rain, the valley floods and the steep trail become slippery, but at any other time, this is one of the most rewarding walks in the area. I love the old pine trees along the path and the atmosphere their orange beds of needles create as you venture through the woods. Descending into the clove is a truly incredible experience. It’s one of the only places in the Catskills completely preserved and untouched by loggers, farmers, and quarries. COMEAU PROPERTY Woodstock, Easy Hike Park at or walk to the Comeau Property (Soccer Fields) in the middle of Woodstock. Before turning into the parking lot, there is a little trail that begins along the field in front of the town offices and curves around the Shakespeare stage. It’ll take you down a little hill and guide you along an upper part of the millstream. A lot of people frequent this convenient path, but there are still so many who don’t know about it. I accidentally found it while wandering around the Property. The walk is very peaceful and the riverside has lots of great spots for picnicking. This walk is great because it’s so accessible by foot from town but feels very isolated. The path is very well maintained and provides an easy escape from our busy lives. JONES QUARRY - West Hurley, Medium Hike Drive to the end of winding Jones Quarry Rd. off of Maverick Rd. to find an old stonecutter’s path that leads upwards to an aged quarry-turned-pond. This area was once a
Photo by Rio Morales
PLATTE CLOVE - Tannersville, Easy Hike West Saugerties Rd. heading West, becomes Platte Clove Rd. The drive itself is incredible. Go on to the top of the climb, and where it levels out you will see a small parking lot on the left with a red cabin. This is the trailhead. Follow the path and you will quickly descend to the bottom of the spectacular 70’
By Rio Morales
The water tower at the top of Overlook
hub of the local bluestone quarrying industry, but today provides intrigue for hikers exploring the area. It’s unfair to call this a “hike,” as it’s more of a walk, but I give it a medium because you have to work a little through the woods to get there. The quarry itself is very calm. Peer in and find fish and tadpoles (you wonder how they got there). Someone brought up a bench that’s become a great reading, writing, napping, or thinking spot. Explore the area a little more to find surprisingly wonderful views of the Hudson Valley and enormous piles of rock left behind when quarry-operations stopped. There are a few other abandoned quarry-ponds on the ridge if you can find them. Head up on a sunny day and take a nap before heading back down.
Fiction
Rose’s Secret, Part 1
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Photo by Chloe Brovitz
R
ose was running through the woods at top speed. It was mid fall, a slight chill in the air as winter was fast approaching. The leaves had already changed colors and the fallen ones had not been disturbed until Rose flew over them. The sun was setting as Rose’s long shadow spanned the forest to her left. Her flaming hair flowed behind her
By Theresa Morreale, age 15
as she gained remarkable speed. As she ran she pulled a necklace out from under her shirt. It was just a string with a little figure of a fairy on its end. The fairy was unremarkable except for the flaming bright red hair that was astonishingly like Rose’s. Rose closed her eyes as she muttered something under her breath. The air simmered as she disappeared in mid stride. The preteen opened her eyes and found herself to be the fairy that was at the end of her necklace. No, instead of the fairy, hung the figure of Rose. Rosemary (her name in fairy form) flew up to the trees to a small dwelling that could only a fairy could fit in. Inside the dwelling sat a circle of
both male and female fairies. They all looked up as she entered. A fairy in a black dress with matching hair and butterfly wings stood up. “You’re late.”
“Her flaming hair flowed behind her as she gained remarkable speed” “I know, I’m sorry.” “You are the only human who can turn into a fairy; I think you would take it a little more seriously. Any way, it’s official. The fairies are at war.” Rose gasped. As the only human fairy, see is supposed to be able to keep peace between the humans and fairies. This is her fault. She has to fix it. This is Rose’s story and this is her secret.
In memory of Wojtek Grabowski
By Shane Tart
Wojtek on his beloved motorcycle
Your Smile, your smell Your wonderful laughs of joy Your walk, your voice Tears from when you were a boy Your friends you have cherished Will all send you love With prayers that shall be answered From your spirit up above Your look will not change For you’re always in our hearts Your family misses you most They love you now and loved you from the start Feelings are deep Our tears are over-flowing When you set sail on that ship We knew beautiful angels were calling Shining like light Looking big and bright There you will rest in our minds Like a star up in the night.
Memories
Graduates Be Proud
A
memory is something that wouldn’t get a reputation for being “soft.” will be burned in your con- But in my mind, I knew I had done it. I scious mind for a long time, had finally given my family and friends if not a lifetime. Not many a reason to be proud of me. things stick out as memories in my After receiving my diploma, I walked mind, but managing to graduate after away from that school with a better unmy four-year journey through high derstanding that hard work may actuschool is one of them. I will not soon ally pay off. I got into college, and even forget the day I graduated high school, though it was a community college, I because on that day I celebrated an still knew I was on the right track in life. achievement above all others in my I knew I had a job here on Earth and that life. job was to take every day as it came and I wouldn’t say that I was a bad stu- try to make a difference. Even if I never dent, but while I was in high school, did make a difference, I hoped to leave things like essays and homework as- one footstep on this earth that another signments never seemed to interest me. person can follow. I always tried to put off learning. I did Even though graduating high school a few assignments, and didn’t really get is a common experience for people of involved beyond that. For four years I my age, I feel like it helped to point me walked through the halls of Onteora in the right direction in life. It opened High School with other things on my my eyes, and showed me that I couldn’t mind. Every day I would be tortured put off things like I used to do. It made with the 8 A.M.-to-3 P.M. schedule of me realize that I am not the only person classes. Math, English, History; nothing in the world and that other people may interested me more than getting out of actually be relying on me. I don’t know that place. whether my life is going to turn out good On the eve of my graduation ceremo- or bad, but with my high school diplony on June 24th, 2009, I couldn’t sleep ma, I know that I have arrived, and I am because I kept asking myself, “Is this re- going to stay here for a while. ally happening?” “Did I really make it Tom Alba, this far?” I never thought the day would 21 September 2009 come where I would walk across the stage in my high school’s gym, and take that diploma in hand. I walked proudly, clad in my school’s color, red. The fit of the gown was not comfortable, the little annoying hat drove me nuts all night, and the heat of the gym was starting to get to me, but I sat there, proud as could be. Yet I tried not to show it. I hid my emotions, so I Jeff Heinitz, Kelsey Grabowski and Tom Alba
Wojtek Foundation Scholarship Sunday, May 27, 2012 • 2:00pm until 10:00pm
Grant Avery Park A day of celebrating and sharing memories of Wojteks life with music, games and great food. Any donation you could make to help this day a success would be greatly appreciated. Contact us Patty Heinitz 845-679-4175, Lisa M.Fisher 914-388-2775. Thank you!
Guidelines
NOT IC E :
GoodLife Front Cover Contest! Theme: Summer Fun or Free for All! Submitters must be age 10 to 20 ONLY. Please make sure the cover shot works well being a vertical and has an open space of sky or color for the GoodLife Logo to fit in! MUST BE HIGH RESOLUTION!!!! Please send file along with parental permission to goodlifejournal@gmail.com by the DEADLINE DATE: JULY 9th. Title the file Summer Front Cover Contest. Advertising opportunity: Get an Advertiser that you personnaly know to place an ad in the GoodLife and get a 15% commission. Must be ages 16 to 20. Please have them send in PDF or Jpeg to goodlifejournal@gmail.com. A Rate Sheet is available on the Web site. 5000 copies of each issue are distributed. Thank you
845.684.5223
www.goodlifeyouthjournal.com • Page 31
This journal is dedicated to the memory of our friend Tom AlbaPage 32
Illustration by Rachel Reimer, theinnersmile.deviantart.com, age 15
SUBMISSION INFO: This journal accepts work done by young people aged 10 to 20 . Deadline: Payment is sent closer to deadline to make sure your work gets in for that issue. Winter: Jan 9th, Spring: April 9th, Summer: July 9th, Fall: Oct 9th. Where: Your work should be 3 paragraphs ½ to ¾ page no longer!! Send to Goodlifejournal@gmail.com and we will get back to you. If you do not get a return email after 3 days resend as we have goofed up! • Permission: We need an email from you & your parents (if you are younger than 18) giving permission to publish your work & receive payment. • Name credit and info: How would you like to see your name be credited? Example: first name only, full name or nickname? What is your age and your mailing info • Topics: We like to see what you find exciting, interesting, emotionally moving or important. What Topics do you think people of all ages should be informed about? • Writing strategies: Reflecting, Reporting, Explaining, Arguing and Humor to engage a reader, and explore ideas, fiction or non-fiction. GoodLife would love to do features on: Book & movie reviews, fashion & design articles, sports & fitness, health & food, environmental causes, music & bands, art & photography, adventure & travel, self-discovery & advice and any new start up business by young people. You can write about a once in a lifetime experience you’ve encountered or a childhood story worth sharing! Be CREATIVE and send work that you would be proud to have published -All articles must be appropriate for ages 10 to 100! It’s a wrap! My best to you always, Cathy McNamara 332-3353 GoodLife Journal Woodstock, NY